1979
"You stupid buggers! Are you fucking daft?!?" Sean screamed as the referee called a time out. After long, agonizing minutes, the referee held up one hand to signal a penalty against the Blades. "Ya fuckin' idiot! Me own mum could call better than that!" His face was crimson, and his voice was hoarse from yelling.
The Blades called a time out and hundreds of fans headed to the concession stand for more beer and pretzels. Sean, determined not to miss a second, sat stubbornly in his seat, ignoring the peanut and candy trays that passed in front of him. He was focused intently on watching the coaches and referees fight it out on the field.
Then something touched the back of his head softly. The hair on the nape of his neck stood on end. The din of the crown seemed to fade away, and Sean was surprised to feel chill bumps on his arms. He looked around, for what, he did not exactly know. His eyes met only with the usual football scene; rabid fans, styrofoam fingers, beer and candy. Nothing special. And by the time his eyes traveled to the top of the stands, the whistle blew for the game to resume, and he quickly turned back to watch the action, his momentary distraction already forgotten.
***
Viggo simply did not understand what the big deal about European football was. It was boring, loud, and crowded. He'd much rather have been home writing in his journal, taking photographs, painting, or just musing about life. But, his girlfriend of the moment, Hope, was a cheerleader for the Blades, and she always got a little touchy when he didn't show up for the games. So, he'd hid his notebook in his jacket, and tried to look interested. When he saw her focused on the games, he quickly began jotting down notes and sketches.
When the referee stopped the game to review a play, Viggo hastily forced the notebook back into his jacket. A single page accidentally tore off, and a lone gust of wind carried it to the front bleachers, where it was drifting into a spectator's head.
Viggo quickly lost track of the paper, and focused on Hope, who was smiling and waving from the sidelines.
***
That night, Sean dreamed that he was lost, and desperately trying to find his way home. Everywhere he looked, there was nothing but darkness. He was breathing hard and close to panic. Suddenly, bright blue eyes shone from the darkness. As Sean lurched toward them, they slowly moved away, always just out of reach.
When he was startled awake by the scream that escaped his lips, he was sweating, breathless, and longing for another glimpse at those startling blue eyes.
He padded to the bathroom to get a drink of water, then lay down and drifted back to sleep.
***
Across town, Viggo was packing his suitcase. He'd flown in to spend a little time with Hope, to relax and have a good time. She, however, had told him she needed to spend time with her friends, to console the team after their devastating loss. Viggo kissed her gently on the cheek, and said good-bye. He was on the next plane back to America two hours later - an unexpected expense he could scarcely afford on his salary as a starving artist.
As he lay on the plane, trying to catch a few hours sleep, he dreamed he was in a dark cave. The only illumination he could see was the sparkle of thousands of emeralds that lay deep within the stone walls. When he woke up, he grabbed his sketchpad and started drawing. He could never get the color just right though, and when he stepped off the plane, the sketchpad was full, and he had a pounding headache. He headed off to buy more colored pencils.
1986
"Please...honey. Let's just go watch the movie, then we'll come home and relax."
"Not tonight, babe, I've got to finish these canvases before the show this weekend." Viggo was trying not to lose his temper but Brenda was really getting to him. She'd whined all week about wanting to see "Carvaggio". While Viggo thought it would be interesting, especially since it was about an artist he admired, he simply didn't have the time.
"But...sweetie..."
"Fine. To hell with my show. Fine. We'll go." Viggo went to change shirts and met Brenda at the door. "Well, let's go, or we'll be late."
"Thank you baby." She stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. Viggo smiled and kissed her back, trying to suppress a sigh of frustration. They headed out the door and made the short drive to the theater.
Just as they walked up to the ticket window, the theater manager hung up a sign * "Carvaggio * SOLD OUT". The heavens picked that moment to open up, and the pair was soaked in rainwater in a matter of seconds. Brenda quickly ran for cover under the awning, rolling her eyes as Viggo simply stood there, looking up, letting the water wash over him in rivulets. God, Viggo loved the rain. He could be so strange sometimes.
Viggo sighed, knowing Brenda would be pissed for the rest of the evening. He gently steered her to a nearby restaurant and ordered dinner.
***
Nigel Terry, Sean's costar in Carvaggio, steered his friend up to the balcony to avoid the crowds.
"See, I told you it'd be sold out!" Nigel smiled. "And if the movie is a hit, we'll stay and meet the fans. If they don't like it, we'll just make a hasty exit."
Sean smiled, settled back in his chair, and promptly dropped his popcorn. Sighing, he rose and headed back downstairs to the concession stand to get more. Luckily, no one noticed him and he was able to observe the crowd unnoticed.
A loud crack of thunder caused him to jump and look toward the glass doors. He noticed dimly that the manager was holding a "Sold out" sign in his hand as he quickly walked toward the ticket booth.
A large crowd had gathered under the awning to avoid the rain. He noticed one man, however, who seemed to enjoy the downpour. The man held up his arms and looked toward the sky. Even though Sean couldn't see the man's face, he felt sure there was a content smile that shone up toward the heavens. Sean couldn't help but smile himself, the scene was so unusual - no, not unusual -.poetic.
***
That night, Viggo dreamed again of green eyes. When he went to his easel and began to paint, he could see them clearly in his mind, yet couldn't seem to capture the gleam he'd witnessed in his dreams. Frustrated, he kicked the easel off the porch, and returned to bed, snuggling close to his girlfriend.
***
Sean dreamed he was on a ship, in the deepest blue ocean, sailing gently. Never had he seen such a calming, blue surface. The sunlight danced and sparkled everywhere he looked. Outside, the storm raged on, but in his dream, there was not a cloud in the sky, and as he stared into the calm waters, he felt as if he were sailing home. But when he looked around, he could see no land, no place to anchor. He drifted aimlessly at sea until he awoke to the irritating sound of the alarm clock.
1988
Exene encouraged Viggo to try out for the small part in 'Stormy Monday'. He was just between projects, and had several weeks free until he was scheduled to film 'Prison'.
Exene was pregnant with their first child, though, and Viggo hesitated to leave. He went as far as buying his plane ticket and making arrangements to meet with the casting director before his conscience got the best of him. He couldn't leave Exene alone just now. Maybe later, after the baby. After all, it was a very small role, anyway. He cancelled his flight arrangements and settled in to paint.
***
Sean sat in the casting director's office, discussing the casting for the role of Councilor Perry. The casting director, Samuel, and Sean had hit it off as great friends immediately and often discussed the cast and crew of 'Stormy Monday' over beer. The part of the councilor wasn't a large one, but Sean had nothing better to do until later that day, and was interested in watching other actors vie for the role.
Sean leaned back in his chair and sat quietly as the auditions began. He had to cover his mouth several times to conceal the grin that sought him out after the particularly bad ones.
A secretary walked in and handed Samuel his messages. He looked through them, then reached down to his clipboard and marked a name off the list. Sean smiled invitingly at the secretary before she left, causing her to run into the wall.
"Got a cancellation, mate?" Sean turned his attention back to Samuel.
"Yeah. Some guy with a strange name. Oh well."
Sean felt the hair on his arms stand up and a shiver ran through his body. /What the bloody hell is that? / He ran his hands up and down his arms, trying to dispel the chill.
Samuel didn't notice, and was already calling in the next audition. Sean shook his head and turned his attention back to the scene in front of him.
***
That night, Sean dreamed of sapphires. Sapphires everywhere he turned. He smiled. They were so beautiful. He wanted to gather them to himself and treasure them forever. Never had he seen such a lovely color, and his heart ached to touch them. He reached out his hand and, suddenly, they all disappeared.
When he awoke this time, his heart ached at the loss of something so precious, so beautiful. He turned over in his empty bed, wishing he could hold Melanie, but she was far away, back home, and he was alone. He lay awake for several hours thinking of the brilliant blue gems before finally drifting back into a restless slumber.
***
Viggo sighed as he looked at a very pregnant Exene in bed next to him. He should be ecstatic - he was finally being recognized as a talented artist, he had a few movie roles under his belt, and he was about to become a father. But something was missing. He couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was, but it was something huge, something that he knew he needed before he could find true contentment.
His mind latched onto the green eyes that had haunted his dreams for years. Still able to see them clearly, he had nevertheless been unable to capture their brilliance on canvas. He smiled at the familiar memory, and went to sleep.
1991
Sean was trying to stay focused. 'Clarissa' was almost finished, and Sean couldn't help but marvel over the crew's reaction to his character, Robert Lovelace. Not the most honorable of men, yet somehow, Sean made him sympathetic - almost likeable. Not many actors could have pulled that off, considering his actions, but Sean had a flair for portraying angst and vulnerability simultaneously.
"Hey, Bean! Wanna go grab a beer and see a movie?" His co-stars had gathered around him.
"Whatcha goin' to see?"
"Dunno. Indian Runner, I think. Something like that. Supposed to be good."
Sean debated for moment. He was tired, and had the beginnings of a slight headache. "Nah, mate. You go ahead. I think I'll just crash tonight. Got me a headache."
"Oh, come on, Bean. A little visit to the pub, and you'll be right as rain. I hear they'll have the football game on behind the counter."
The tv in Sean's rented apartment was snowy, and, even though his beloved Blades weren't playing, Sean had never been one to miss out on a football opportunity. "Well, in that case...what time?"
"How 'bout now? We'll catch the late show."
"Yer on, mates." Sean smiled, his headache already forgotten. "Who's in this movie anyway?" Sean opened the door and headed out to the parking lot, his friends following close behind.
Sean was unlocking the door as one of the directors mentioned a few names, but, at that moment a plane flew overhead, and the director's words were lost. 'Doesn't matter anyway,' Sean thought.
***
Viggo was sitting home with his three-year-old, Henry. He was teaching the boy all about finger painting, and having a ball. Both had paint splattered all over their faces and clothes, and Viggo vaguely thought that Exene would kill them both when she saw the kitchen. He briefly considered cleaning up, but when Henry happened to mix two colors together to form a perfect emerald green, Viggo's attention was sharply brought back to the project at hand. Carefully, he dabbed some of the mixture onto the tip of his index finger and stared at it. 'This is it. My emerald eyes,' he thought wistfully. He left Henry to his own devices for moment while he searched for a blank piece of paper and a piece of charcoal. Swiftly, he sketched out two eyes and long, dark lashes. He couldn't see the nose, or forehead, or, worse, even the smile, in his mind, but when he added the paint to his creation, he smiled contentedly.
Henry babbled on while Viggo stared at the picture and Viggo wondered where the owner of these eyes was. Then, he guiltily thought of Exene, and his son, and forced himself back to the present. He did, however, place the picture up on the counter, away from Henry's paint-splattered hands, and finished his painting instructions.
***
The pub was crowded and the football game went in to overtime. When the crew got ready to leave for the theater, Sean found himself longing to watch the end. After a quick debate, he decided to stay, and encouraged his friends to watch the movie without him. After a fair bit of grumbling, they conceded and left.
Sean sat alone at the bar, and a shiver ran down his spine. The shiver was now a familiar omen of the dream-filled night to come. 'Great. No sleep for me tonight. I'll have that fucking dream again,' he thought. The dreams had plagued his sleep for years now, always at odd times, and he always awoke feeling alone and empty, no matter who lay on the bed next to him, longing for cerulean eyes. Resolutely, he ordered another beer, and prepared to face a long night.
***
1997
Sean felt sad knowing that he was now filming his last 'Sharpe' movie. He had developed the character over several years, and felt like he'd be losing a close friend. And he wondered what was in store for him next.
He picked up the phone to call his daughters.
"Dad! I'm going into the military!" Lorna was speaking quickly, enthusiasm making her voice loud and high.
"Yer old dad inspired you to fight for yer country, eh?" Sean smiled.
"No. I just watched this movie called GI Jane, and this woman was sooooooo cool in it! She was so tough, and she kicked these guys' arses!"
"Watch your mouth, young lady." Sean tried to suppress a laugh. "There'll be no arses kicked until you're at least 18!"
"But daaaaad....."
Sean let his daughter hear the smile in his voice. "Put yer sister on the phone, love, I've gotta get back to work."
With a pout and dramatic sigh, Lorna handed the phone to her sister. Sean made a mental note to see the movie that had so entranced his daughter.
***
Viggo had churned out movies, poems, paintings, even cd's. He felt like a nervous bundle of energy - always searching, never finding. He'd had ten fairly good years with Exene, and he completely adored his son, but something was missing. After an amicable divorce, he'd almost given up on finding this elusive missing element. If only he could figure out what it was. In the meantime, he'd just continue funneling his energies into his work. Who needed more than 3 hours sleep per night anyway?
2000
Sean had thought Stuart was nice enough, but a little young and innocent for the role of Aragorn. He had arrived on the set a little later than the rest of the actors, and felt a vague sense of disappointment when he and Stuart had failed to find a chemistry with each other.
Now, Sean was the only one who had time to travel to the airport to pick up the new cast member. Fran had given him a sign that said simply "Viggo" and had told him that he'd recognize the man when he saw him. "He looks - well, he looks like Aragorn," she said with a fond smile. "The Aragorn. Trust me, Sean. You'll just know."
So Sean sat at the airport holding his sign, and waiting to spot a man he didn't know. After waiting for 45 minutes, he finally went to the airport bookstore and purchased a paperback book to help pass the time.
He read for half an hour, then went to the ticket desk to check on the flight. He left his "VIGGO" sign on the seat in the terminal.
"Yes, the plane landed on time. But you know I can't give you information on the passenger list." The blonde desk clerk smiled up at Sean apologetically.
Sean turned on his mega-watt smile and allowed his eyes to sparkle. "But, love, I'm meeting *the king*. Surely you wouldn't want him running around this big ol' airport all alone, would you?"
The blonde's voice dropped lower. "The king? As in...?" Her voice trailed off, not sure of any royal names except Prince William's. And he wasn't a king, yet, was he?
"THE king, love. He's traveling under an assumed name - code name VIGGO. Very discreet, isn't it?" Sean did his best to look like a covert agent.
The ticket girl smiled and pecked at her keyboard. "Yes. He was on the flight," she whispered, eyes searching for anyone who might be taking an unusual interest in their conversation. "They landed an hour ago. Good luck. God save the..king?"
Sean smiled and winked. "Thanks, love. I'll see to it that he knows of your assistance. He'll be grateful indeed." He headed back to the terminal waiting room, only then remembering his sign. It was nowhere to be found. Grumbling, he walked over to every male form in the room, asking if he was Viggo. He was met with strange stares and the shaking of many heads.
His good humor slowly leaving him, he began stomping out of the room, and set his sights on the next section of chairs down the hall. He was greeted with the sight of 8 men and 3 women, the majority of who stood at the windows, watching the planes land and take off.
One man, however, stood apart, staring fixedly at a painting on the wall. Sean could see only his profile, but knew this man had to be Aragorn. Rugged good looks, lithe, muscular body, and, from this angle, a solid look of determination and rapture on his face.
"Are you Viggo?" Sean growled, angry that this man had been here the entire time, not even bothering to try and find him. A normal person would have asked around, or held up a sign announcing his name. But, judging from the intent stare that never wavered from the picture, Sean thought that this man was going to be far from normal.
"Um. Yeah. Nice to meet you." Viggo's eyes never left the painting. They were fixed on one tiny spot of green in the top right corner. 'There it is again. My emeralds,' he thought, sighing.
Sean rolled his eyes and mumbled.
Finally, Viggo pulled his eyes from the picture. "What? Sorry, I didn't hear you."
Sean had bent over to retrieve a few pieces of Viggo's luggage. "I SAID do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for you?" With this, he glared up at Viggo. When Viggo turned around quickly to respond, emerald eyes met with sapphire ones, and both men felt their heart stop beating. Neither could speak for a few moments, both seeming to have lost their breath in the sight of each other.
"Yeah," Viggo said softly, his eyes never breaking contact with Sean's. "I know exactly how long you've been waiting. Just as long as I have."
Sean nodded. "Yeah. Let's go home."
Summary: They've waited so long to find each other.
Rated: PG-13
Categories: Actor RPS Pairing: Sean/Viggo
Warnings: NoneChallenges:
Series: NoneChapters: 1 Completed: Yes
Word count: 3417 Read: 847
Published: 29 Jul 2009 Updated: 29 Jul 2009