rugbytackle | Fic: "Living With An Artist" PG (1/1) [SB/VM]

alexabond.livejournal.com posting in

My Christmas gift to whoever reads this; happy holidays! *hugs*

Living With An Artist
By Alexa Bond 13/12/2004

Disclaimer: This never happened unless I have psychic powers and can change the past, present and future. Any likeness to real characters is all in your mind, nothing more. This is fiction, made up, never happened, not real…. you want that in other languages as well? *LOL*

I intend no infringement, this is a piece of amateur fan fiction, and I make no money off it.

Only the original idea contained within this work is the property of the author. Please do not copy this story to any website or archive without permission of the author.

Timeline: Set after the filming of LOTR.

Universe: LOTR RPS

Romance: Sean B/Viggo

Summary: Sean gives a loving and humorous look at what it is like to live with an artist.

Archiving: List archive and Green Opals [http://greenopals.50megs.com/ ] may take it; others please ask.

Feedback: Yes, please. If you want me to continue writing that is *G*. My e-mail address is alexabond2000@yahoo.com

Rating: PG

Warnings: RPS, fluff, humour.

Series: None.

Author’s notes: It’s supposed to be fun and sweet…I hope I succeeded at least somewhat.

Thanks so much to Anorien King for great and fast beta! *hugs and kisses*

* * *

A noise threatened to awaken Sean from his sleep but he fought it. He thought he had won the battle when the noise came again, louder, more persistent. He groaned and turned around in bed, his right hand instinctively searching his partner’s side of the bed. Empty and cold. He sighed and turned on his stomach when he heard the noise again, eyeing the clock on the bedside table as he did so: 05:35 AM it said and he almost winced in pain as he saw it and noticed it was still dark outside the bedroom window.

“Vig, what are ye doin’ now?” Sean mumbled sleepily, his voice between irritation and affection. It was Saturday for fuck’s sake! Couldn’t Viggo be brilliantly inspired on a workday or something? Another noise came and now Sean could identify the noise as music, which was a word he used lightly in regard to Viggo’s New Age taste…loud music.

“Wonderful,” he mumbled. He knew he’d get no more sleep but he had been up late the night before trying to work on Viggo’s taxes for him, which naturally were a mess and which, also naturally, Viggo didn’t concern himself with… the mess or the close due date.

He had hoped for just a little more sleep, like say… more than the 4 hours he had gotten now; was that really too much to ask? Of course their lovemaking, when they had gone to bed the night before, hadn’t exactly helped on his sleep cycle either but that kind of sleep depravation he didn’t mind.

Finally, a few minutes before six, Sean gave up pretending to sleep and went to the bathroom. At 06:30 he had showered, shaved and dressed in a pair of fresh jeans and a sweater. He went to the kitchen and made tea, starting the coffee machine for Viggo at the same time. The kitchen looked tidy, so obviously Viggo hadn’t been there.

When the coffee was done he took a cup and went in search of his missing lover. He finally found him in the living room and not in the artist’s room which was the room in which he had all his painting equipment. However it was in the artist’s room the radio had been blasting loud enough to wake the dead.

“How long have ye been up?” Sean asked from the doorway to the living room, enjoying the view of Viggo dressed only in boxers while putting various colours on an already multi-coloured canvas. He had obviously gone straight from bed and then started painting; something Sean had learned he did from time to time. Other times it had been photographs, sometimes of him and other times it was writing. Whatever gave him inspiration he would simply act on, oblivious to how it might look to others. Sean couldn’t imagine leaving bed without going through his whole morning ritual of showering and dressing. He had gone from being annoyed when Viggo didn’t do likewise, to accepting, to actually liking that about him.

“Hmm?” Viggo seemed lost in his own thoughts as he turned towards him. He smiled widely as he saw him leaning against the doorframe. “I had hoped I didn’t wake you.”

“Ye didn’t. Ye’re music did,” Sean said an easy smile as he went to Viggo and kissed him, keeping his hands to himself so not to spill the coffee or get paint on him. Viggo reached for him to draw him closer, a paintbrush still in one hand, forgetting he had paint all over but Sean easily sidestepped him.

“I have the radio on?” Viggo asked in confusion as he saw why Sean had stepped away and listened for the sound.

”I turned it off,” Sean said as he handed Viggo the coffee in his free hand, knowing that Viggo would often leave lamps, TVs, radios, PCs and any other electrical appliances turned on after use, forgetting to shut them off. Sean, who had grown up in a family where money was something to be saved, had learned never to do so and now it was second nature to him to make sure not to waste energy. He had included Viggo in this rule as well, accepting that it was a rule he’d have to enforce himself, for Viggo had a tendency to forget house rules, no matter how many times Sean tried to make lists.

When they had first started living with each other, switching between each other’s houses, Sean had made neat house rule lists, thinking if it were written neatly down Viggo would remember. However Viggo had simply forgotten where he put Sean’s lists. When Viggo, after an argument between them about the rules, had made a great effect to remember, writing a few chosen words down on his hand, the result had been interesting to say the least. Viggo hadn’t been able to read what he had written on his skin and the result hadn’t been what Sean had imagined since Viggo’s strange logic had supplied him with whatever he had been unable to read. However the episode had made Sean smile, knowing Viggo really had tried and loved him enough to do so. Since then Sean had simply enforced his own house rules, making a wide path around the ‘Viggo zone’ when doing so.

“Oh” Viggo replied about the music as if he had forgotten he had turned it on, which he probably had. He took the coffee from Sean and took a sip before he placed it on the living room table. As he did so, his eyes caught his painting and he seemed to remember the paintbrush he held in one hand. He continued to paint, seemingly forgetting Sean was in the room.

“I assume askin’ ye why ye’re painting out there and not in the artist’s room where it doesn’t matter that ye get paint all over the place is a stupid question?” Sean asked as he crossed his arms over his chest. Already there were stains on the carpet. The nice carpet he had just recently bought for Viggo’s living room. After being lovers for 4 years, starting when they had filmed Rings, he really should know better than to expect any object to stay in the same place for long. But it was in his nature to try anyway.

“Hmm?” Viggo spared him a brief look and a smile. ”Yes,” he simply said and Sean shook his head, smiling fondly.

“Well, ye seem busy so I’ll go…do somethin’,” Sean said and Viggo nodded absently.

“Sure, love…” he agreed, obviously not knowing what he was agreeing to.

Sean shook his head as he walked to the door. There, he turned and looked back at Viggo. “Oh, and remember we have a few people coming tomorrow for an early Christmas get together. Quite a few of our old Rings cast members currently filming in the States will drop by,” Sean reminded him. He had already told him this at least twenty times, however he knew that he’ll have to remind him at least as many times still. Tomorrow when Sean reminds Viggo to get dressed and ready for guests, he’ll probably ask why …and wonder why in the world this was reason enough for him to have to take the painting out of the living room and whatever else he would have managed to move about since Sean’s last house check-up.

“Uhmm,” Viggo nodded again and waved a hand at him, his eyes still focused on his painting.

“Ye didn’t hear a word I said,” Sean mumbled under his breath with an overbearing tone he also used with his daughters when they did something strange but cute as he left the room, letting Viggo work.

* * *

After Sean had left Viggo to his inspiration, he had gone to the kitchen, drunk his tea and ate toast while reading a British newspaper he had subscribed to from Viggo’s address. After that he had gotten some chores done; cleaning, laundry and the like. It wasn’t that Viggo didn’t want to do these everyday things; he simply got so caught up in his own mind and inspiration that he forgot. Sean liked to do these things himself instead of having strangers go through his life; something which was even more important now that he and Viggo lived together. If they had a cleaning company go through one of their houses it would only be a matter of weeks before their relationship was front page news and they had both decided to keep the relationship private.

After that Sean worked a bit more on Viggo’s taxes but the man did his taxes as illogically as he wrote grocery lists and everything else. Around 4 PM he had left to do some shopping but Viggo had been so caught up in his work that he had barely acknowledged his farewell.

Sean had gone to the bank, bought a new plant because Viggo had managed to kill the last one Sean had given him for his artist’s room, probably because he had forgotten the poor thing needed water and Sean vowed to try and help keep this little beauty alive. After that he went shopping for dinner that evening and preparing for the dinner for their guests tomorrow. As he went through the aisles he tried his best to read Viggo’s shopping list:

“That green fruit (or is it a vegetable?) with those spots that shapes like clouds…suit, Tuesday 17th…Milk, unless Sean has already bought it…or don’t want it or…beer (Danish or British)…Call Karl about that thing…eggs, white…maybe those brown ones? Which ones are the ones that have been going outside, having a good life?…Haircut…ringe til Charles(1),” Sean had read out loud from the list, frowning. The last few things were Danish, followed by some Spanish notes. The first, he couldn’t read from the few Danish words Viggo had taught him, from the latter he could recognize a few words but not enough to make any sense of it. On the other hand what was written in English wasn’t much help either. Sean had no idea what Viggo meant when he talked about the green fruit/vegetable thingie and was happy that it was Viggo’s turn to do the shopping next week…providing he remembered; otherwise unless he was in another artist mood Sean would have him go shopping with him so he could explain the strange logic of his note to him. And suit? What suit? Had Viggo had a suit cleaned? Tuesday? Which Tuesday? Sean had reminded himself to drive by their cleaners to look.

His thoughts had then gone to the next day. It would be great indeed to see several of their old friends. Mindful of what everyone liked, Sean bought various things for the next day, including some ingredients for Orlando’s obligatory vegetarian dish. However since there was no way he was eating rabbit food, he made sure to buy something for a good steak dinner as well. He knew he’d have to listen to Orli’s protests about the poor cow or whatever meat he would put on the table but that was better then eating the green stuff Orli loved so much…and he always made sure to buy meat from animals which had led a good life, something both he and Viggo were very cautious about. For the nth time since Sean had fallen in love with Viggo, despite his artistic moods, which had taken some time getting used to, Sean was eternally grateful that Viggo was not a vegetarian. In fact Viggo would eat just about anything prepared for him.

After his shopping trip, he had gone by the cleaners only to be told the suit should have been picked up 3 weeks ago but since it was Viggo’s they had saved it, knowing he was always late (or early) picking his stuff up, though they had said that when Sean turned his own or Viggo’s suits in for cleaning Sean did remember to pick them up on time, making the couple who owned the store believe Viggo might actually own a calendar after all.

After having bought some early Christmas gifts for his girls as well as one for Henry, Sean had headed home. Viggo had spoken of a particular video game and a special player for it that he wanted to get Henry. However, as always he had gotten distracted and hadn’t gotten around to buying it for him yet so Sean had decided to buy it now that he was in the shop anyway. Henry, who for the weekend was at his mother’s, was used to this, and would get his father to give him the money so he could buy the things himself, more than happy with that arrangement as Viggo in his distraction often ended up giving him far more money than he asked for.

Sean had just finished preparing dinner and had called Viggo, who was still caught up in his painting. He had to almost drag Viggo away from it and to the kitchen and had found he was still dressed in his boxers and various paint spots, apparently having been too caught up in his work to change. Good thing they always had the heat up high for this very reason.

“It’s still not quite right, y’know,” Viggo said as he began to eat, frowning slightly.

“Hmm,” Sean just said, knowing the out of the blue comment was about the painting. The picture looked beautiful to him but then he was probably biased. Who was he kidding? He was very biased. “So, did you get done what ye wished on it?” he asked instead as they ate.

“Not all of it,” Viggo admitted, hungrily digging into his food and Sean scowled himself for not making sure Viggo got breakfast and lunch. He had given him 2 more cups of coffee but had been caught up in various errands and chores and had forgotten that Viggo in artist mood was also a Viggo who forgot literally everything else, including his own body’s needs.

“So…have a title yet?” Sean asked with a smile, pouring some red wine for each of them. The nicely kept kitchen, his own ordered state of dress, and the nice food and ordered table seemed out of place with Viggo’s tousled hair and state of undress.

Viggo looked right at him with such love in his eyes that Sean was reminded why he loved him, why he put up with Viggo’s strange behaviour. “I was thinking of calling it Morning Glory.”

Sean blinked, surprised and then blushed at Viggo’s intense and warm look. “That’s…nice,” he finally said, knowing how lame that sounded but it was the best thing he could think of.

Viggo reached out a hand across the table, taking hold of Sean’s and their eyes met. “I know it hasn’t always been easy living with me,” Viggo said seriously.

“Ye sometimes live with me,” Sean said huskily, referring to his home in London and was surprised at how loaded the moment had become; intense and intimate.

“Not many can live with me for long…not counting Henry of course but that’s different,” Viggo went on, his voice and eyes still on Sean, intense and serious. “I know I don’t always say it or show it. I know it might seem like I’m taking you and all you do for granted but I don’t. Sometimes…” he made a hand gesture with his free hand as he searched for the right words.

Sean nodded. “Sometimes ye just forget. It’s okay,” he interrupted gently.

“The picture is for you, Sean, inspired by you,” Viggo said intensively, trying to say more than just what the words did.

Sean beamed and blushed. No one had ever done that before. “Are ye sure? I mean…thanks.” God, how stupid a thing to say and so inadequate. Sean scowled himself but Viggo just smiled warmly at him, seemingly knowing that he meant more than what he said.

“I love you,” Viggo said simply, lovingly, his eyes and tone warm. ”I want you to stay with me forever.”

Sean smiled warmly, touched. “I love ye too, you draft bugger. Ye know that.”

Viggo smiled as he leaned over the table and they shared a loving and heartfelt kiss. “Forever,” he said solemnly, like saying a treasured oath.

Sean nodded. “Forever,” he promised.

The warm moment broke as Sean looked down and began to eat, keeping his other hand in Viggo’s across the table. Viggo started eating the same way, their hands staying connected and the connection made the atmosphere seem warm and loving.

“What made you fall in love with me?” Viggo asked suddenly, with the kind of out of the blue question Sean had come to expect from him at the oddest times of the day…and night.

“There are many reasons,” Sean replied, a bit cautiously, afraid this was some kind of ‘how much do you love me’ test that some of his ex-wives had played where they’d get upset if his reply wasn’t what they wished to hear. However Viggo just looked genuinely curious and his eyes indicated he was awaiting more words from Sean. “I like yer passion for yer art, yer love for history, yer love for reading, yer intelligence…I like yer gentleness, yer caring and compassion, yer consideration, yer freedom to just do whatever ye want to without a care for what others may think…And obviously I love yer body,” Sean said with a seductive wink and Viggo smiled. “It’s a lot of things. Hell, I even like yer odd questions and strange habits,” he said with a warm smile as he saw Viggo was still looking expectantly at him.

Viggo was silent for a few seconds before he said softly, “You let me be me, you don’t try to change me or restrain me…yet still you keep me grounded, make me remember there is a real world but you give me as much room as possible to play in my own imagination. That kind of love, of caring…says all there is to say about you.”

Sean had to break Viggo’s stare at his warm words, fighting the colour rising in his cheeks. As he lifted his eyes again he fought to regain his composure. “Ye aren’t ill or somethin’ since ye’re making us have this talk, are ye?” Sean asked humorously but with a hint of fear in his voice.

Viggo smiled as he shook his head and Sean drew a relieved breath he hadn’t known he had been holding. “No.” He paused before he went on, thoughtful, “It must be lonely here…” Sean gave him a questionably look and Viggo elaborated, “when I’m painting or writing or whatever else I’m doing and become lost to this world…and you.”

Was it lonely? Yes. Sitting in the kitchen alone or sleeping in the bed alone; just alone. But it also gave him the opportunity to do various things for himself; reading, taking long walks, watching football on the telly….

Sean smiled at his lover. “Yeah, it is,” he admitted and Viggo’s shoulders fell in defeat and sadness. “But, “ he said softly, “ye’re doing what ye want, what ye feel ye have to do and I’ll never deny ye that.” Viggo’s look of love and gratitude was so great, Sean had to break the serious moment, “Besides…the sex afterwards when ye’ve completed some artistic project is always amazin’!”

Viggo laughed, letting Sean lift the serious and almost tense atmosphere. “Speaking of sex…” he said with a smile as he rose, having finished his meal. Sean looked at him with a smile but decided to play dumb.

“I’ve yet to finish me wine,” he said teasingly.

“Screw the wine!” Viggo said rudely as he pulled Sean to his feet who just barely managed to put the glass on the table so he didn’t drop it to the floor. He was pulled into a strong embrace and they kissed while Viggo fought to lead them to the bedroom, shedding clothes as they went.

“We have to clean this up; we have guests tomorrow,” Sean mumbled, half-dazed from Viggo’s attacks on his body.

“We do?” Viggo mumbled, surprised as if hearing the news of guests for the first time. ”Well, fuck that,” Viggo said simply and Sean laughed against his mouth.

“Would rather fuck ye,” Sean whispered softly. He wanted to recreate the connection between them; just wanted to be as close to Viggo as he could possibly get.

“Then do so,” Viggo said simply with a smile and soon neither of them had time for more words.

Afterwards, when Sean lay inside Viggo’s warm embrace, he smiled to himself. Yeah, so it wasn’t always easy living with an artist and sometimes he wanted to knock Viggo upside the head. How much thought was needed to know you don’t put paintbrushes, unwashed paintbrushes no less, in the kitchen drawers? But it was all a part of who Viggo was and Sean loved the whole package; also the slightly odd parts…and he was proud to say he was living with an artist.

With those thoughts Sean laid his arms over Viggo’s, enjoying the feeling of Viggo’s arms around his chest, of being loved and cherished, safe and right where he wanted to be.

The End

Translations to the Danish:

(1) Phone Charles

Current Mood: sore
Current Music: Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town