[identity profile] rocketbalm.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] rugbytackle
Title: The Sharing of Dreams
Author: Rocketbalm
Pairing: SB/VM
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Viggo shows Sean a different way of looking at himself. Sean questions what he sees.
Authors Note: In this AU, Sean and Viggo meet before filming LOTR, and marriages, divorces and births are a bit out of sequence to accommodate the story.
Content/warnings: none
Spoilers: None.
Disclaimer: A work of my modestly twisted mind -- complete fiction. Never happened. Don’t know these people, sadly all in my imagination.



Chapter 3 – Stripped Bare

It was an amazing day. Sean couldn’t remember a time that he’d been so carefree. Viggo and Henry had made him feel welcome and at ease. Henry was a good mix of comical imp with more than a dash of earnestness and maturity.. He reminded Sean of Molly, serious with a quirky sense of humour. His eyes, so much like his dads, could read Sean like a book. Sensing when he was uncomfortable or unsure. Drawing him out when he was thinking too much and getting him to give himself over and just enjoy the day. Henry was very much an “old soul”. With a smile Sean thought back to the conversation they had that afternoon, sitting on the beach eating ice-cream.

“Sean, how come you have that on your shoulder?” Henry asked pointing to the Sean’s beloved tattoo.

“100% Blade? They’re my footie team. Football, you know soc-cer” He tried to pronounce it with an American accent and failed miserably, which made Henry giggle.

“You must like them an awful lot to put them on your shoulder.” He ran a slightly pudgy finger over the tattoo.

“Like them, I *love* the Blades and this way,” pointing to the tattoo, “when I’m away from England there still with me.”

“Like the tattoo Dad has of Mum, his and my initials, that way we’re always with him”

“That’s right kind of like that.” Sean smiled as he ruffled Henry’s hair.

“Yeah but we’re family, it’s not like I’d get my skateboard tattooed on me.” He said with a giggle ducking under Sean’s hand.

“Good thing, I think you’ll probably grow out of skateboards –- round about the same time you discover the lasses.” He added with an exaggerated wink making Henry groan and roll his eyes.

“See the Blades,” pointing at the ink on his shoulder, “are like family to me too. I won’t grow out of loving the them” He grinned. “It’s supposed to be forever no matter what. When I got my tattoo, I knew it would be there for ever. I would love the Blades no matter what, even if they never get back to the Premier League.”

“You must love them a lot if you can overlook THAT” Henry said seriously.

“That’s just it-- love isn’t perfect.” Sean said more to himself than to Henry.

“What do you mean Sean?” prompted Henry, nudging Sean out of his own thoughts.

“Well, let’s see” pondered Sean. “It’s like your Dad,” glancing over at Viggo. “He’s not perfect,” making Henry giggle again “but you still love him, and always will.” Sean paused lost again in his thoughts.

“Friends are like that too” Henry added

“That’s right, kind of like your mates” Sean began, “When you have good friend, someone you trust completely. You know that they are not always perfect, and sometimes you argue or get mad at each other. Sometimes things are not always fair or equal, but you trust that when you really need them, they’ll be there for you and you’ll be there for them.”

“Like you and dad?” Henry asked

Sean hesitated before making up his mind “Yup, like me and your dad. Though I think if we were keeping score your Dad’s ahead at least 2, nil”. Sean’s accent was thick with emotion as he buried his feet in the sand and avoided looking at Viggo.

“I’m not keeping score, Sean. And you’re doing just fine.” At the sound of Viggo’s voice Sean looked up and saw that he meant it.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Sean took another sip of beer and looked out into Viggo’s garden. The three of them had come back here after dinner, stopping on the way to check Sean out of his hotel. It was his last night in town and he wanted to spend it in the comfort of this place, this family. After dinner, Henry had gone upstairs to watch TV in bed and Sean and Viggo had made their way out to the yard. Sean leaned against the rail of the deck sipping his beer and was content to just listen to the scratch of Viggo’s pencil in his sketchbook, as the scent of the orange grove wafted on the warm evening breeze. Usually Sean felt the need to fill such silence with a joke or a story, but somehow, here he felt safe and for the first time he could remember, the need to fill the silence left him. After a long while, curiosity got the better of him and he went and stood behind Viggo to see what he was sketching.

“Mind?” he asked softly looking over Viggo’s shoulder.

“Hmm mmm?” Said Viggo looking up

“Mind if I look?” Sean asked again shyly.

“Not at all. Come. Sit.” Viggo patted the spot next to him. Sean lowered himself gently, not wanting to intrude too much on Viggo’s space.

“That’s today!” Sean smiled as he recognized the beach that they had been to.

“uh, huh” replied Viggo, as he continued to sketch.

Sean watched quietly for a few more minutes as Viggo brought the memory of the afternoon to life.

“What inspires you?” Sean began “How do you know what you’re going to draw... what you’re going to paint?”

“Depends” Viggo said cautiously. “Depends on the mood. Depends on the day.” He paused and looked into the distance. “It has to mean something though. Whether it’s a memory, or an emotion, even a dream -- it has have importance, to have touched me in some way.”

Sean looked down at his beer. He felt warm, flushed. He wanted to ask; the need to know burned deep inside him. Finally, after a long struggle he blurted out his question,

“Did you ever… you know, do anything, um with those sketches you did of me in London…” Sean asked self-consciously and held his breath not knowing which answer scared him more.

Viggo’s eyes flickered with a blue flame of emotion as he stared at Sean a long time. Almost as if he was deciding the fate of the world. In a way he was. The world of their friendship would be altered, which ever way he answered.

Finally, so softly Sean could barely hear him he breathed “yes”.

Sean blinked. His heart raced. Yes! Yes, Viggo had painted him. Yes, he meant something. Something, to this gentle man who opened his home to him and whom he felt honoured to call a friend. Somehow that meant so much, it seemed so important. Sean flushed again not knowing where to look, finally settling on a spot way out across the yard.

“Can I,” he faltered “can I see?” His accent growing thick with emotion.

Again Viggo’s blue eyes rested intently on Sean for a long time and he finally answered

“You already have”. He placed a hand on Sean’s arm “wait here”. With a squeeze.

Viggo got up and moved to the house and returned with a black artists portfolio. Inside he flipped through photos of his work until he stopped and removed one, handing it to Sean.

It was the picture. The one which made Sean feel safe and comfortable.

“This isn’t me.” Looking confused, “It’s a jumble of colour. Unless of course it’s my shirt after Molly and Lorna have been finger painting. Where’s my nose, you could have put that in, it’s big enough god knows.” Sean’s chuckle was low and warm.

“Ahhh but it is you Sean, you just have to know where to look,” Viggo smiled “I couldn’t paint just *you*, the way you are Sean. I tried that, and couldn’t get it right. There’s only one you. God knows you’re bigger than life, there’s no way I could paint that, nose or no nose”

“So what is it then? You said you painted me, where am I?” Sean looked intently at the photo in front of him, trying to find himself.

Viggo sighed and started talking, growing more and more animated as he explained to Sean about feeling and emotion and how that was what the painting was about. He explained the colour and the composition. Pointing out things that he had seen in Sean that Sean had forgotten about himself. Goodness, humour, innocence, anger, sadness, hurt and always the hope. When Viggo was done Sean felt naked; completely and utterly naked. Stripped bare, barely recognizing himself in his own skin. Sean shook his head in awe.

“How do you do that?” he asked more to himself than Viggo. “Somehow you strip me bare and don’t allow me anywhere to hide, yet you make me feel safe. Like it’s okay to be me. More than okay, wonderful even”. Sean looked at Viggo amazed. “After all the rotten things I’ve done, things I’ve told you I’ve done, things you’ve caught me doing – you can still see this?” Pointing at the photo. “…How?”

Viggo held Sean’s gaze, sensing that the younger man needed to see in his eyes that he meant what he was about to say.

“Because Sean. You *are* wonderful.” He started, “Those ‘things’ you’ve done, they’re just things. They aren’t everything you are. Who you are is reflected in your eyes, when you talk about your girls or your garden. Even when you talk about your divorces” Sean looked away and Viggo cupped his chin gently and turned him back “yes even then. The hurt and guilt in your eyes, shows how much you feel. How much you hurt and regret. And even then, there’s hope -- hope of things yet to come. You’ll know when you find it Sean. You’ll feel it. It’s out there, just waiting for you.” Sean looked at him in disbelief. “It is” Viggo said “trust me”.

They sat like that for a while, looking at the photo that Sean still held in his hand. “You know,” Sean started “I think I feel better”.

“Good” said Viggo with a smile. “Let’s have another beer and you can tell me what I’m doing wrong with my garden” Sean looked startled. “I’ve seen you mentally planting and moving things in your minds eye since we’ve been out here.” Chuckled Viggo

“Wow, I really am transparent, aren’t I?” Sean said with a grin.

“Only if you know where to look” answered Viggo opening the beer.

Though the conversation became more casual as Sean explained what he would do with the yard and then drifted to sports, music and then art and back again, the warmth of the moment they had share still radiated. Reluctantly, they realized that it was late and they both needed sleep. Sean for his flight the next day and Viggo because 9 year old boys don’t know the meaning of sleep in. They picked up glasses and bottles in companionable silence and carried them into the kitchen. Sean watched as Viggo put things in the sink, leaving them to soak. Viggo felt the eyes hot on his back and turned to face Sean.

“What?”

“Nothing” said Sean, realizing he had been lost in thought.

Curious, Viggo asked again “What Sean? Tell me.”

Sean wouldn’t look at him; instead he leaned against the counter and crossed his arms firmly across his chest like protective armor.

“Viggo,” he began slowly, his voice low and strained. “I know you’ve been married, and you have Henry, uh, but,” he faltered and gulped a breath, “Are you gay?”

Viggo snapped his head up, I didn’t expect that….

After a pause he asked gently “Would it matter, Sean, if I was?”

Weighing his answer carefully, Sean looked down at his shoes and shuffled uncomfortably. “No, No I guess it wouldn’t,” he replied slightly uncertain.

Viggo spoke, matching the low tone that Sean had used “Well that’s good, because” he gave it a lengthy pause noticing Sean swallow hard “I’m not” with a hint of a smile in his voice, eyes dancing with mischief, knowing he had made Sean squirm.

Sean turned and slugged him on the arm

“Wanker”

Viggo slugged him back “Homophobe”

Sean laughed rubbing his arm and protesting “I’m not, I just need to know in case you ask you me to pose nude or something – wouldn’t be fair for a gay bloke to see the mighty Bean and know he couldn’t have him”.

Viggo snorted and ruffled Sean’s blond hair, “And they call me crazy…” as they made their way laughing and jesting down the hall towards their rooms.

-=-=-=-=-=-=--=

Sean woke up reluctantly, he was leaving today. He could hear Viggo and Henry joking in the kitchen and felt a pang that he wouldn’t be able to stay. With a heavy heart he made his way to the shower when a whisper of a thought stirred. He paused and tried to capture it. There it was. An answer. Not *the* answer but an answer none the less. He turned back to his room and grabbed his phone. After his call he moved into the shower more content than he had been in along time.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

After Sean had left, the house seemed quieter. Viggo puttered around the house tidying things and staring off into space a lot. Henry settled down on the couch with a new book. As Viggo wandered his way past ‘Sean’s” room he paused to remember their time together. The day at the beach with Henry. The ease of their friendship. The bits and pieces of their lives that they shared with one another. As he stood sorting through the memories, he saw it. A sitting there, on the corner of the bed. Viggo’s stomach fluttered as he realized what it was. There he remained, frozen to the spot, not wanting to rush moment. When his feet finally moved him toward the bed, he carefully picked up the note and settled himself against the pillows that still smelled of Sean.

-------------------------------------
Vig,

I don’t know what to say, not usually good with words, less they’re written for me. But I wanted you to know how much this time has meant to me. You’re friendship, no you mean more to me than you can ever know and I thank you for that (see I’m not a homophobe). I wanted to leave you with a smart arse comment but for once I have none.

Take care mate.

Sean.

PS I called the gallery and bought the painting, they’re having it shipped. That way I’ll always know, no matter where I am, that it will be there when I get home, reminding me that someone sees me as I am and still thinks I’m worthwhile. S
-------------------------------------

Viggo folded the note and closed his eyes. He would have given Sean the painting if he had asked, knowing instinctively that Sean would never have asked. He breathed in deeply, taking in the scent of Sean from the pillows and a feeling flashed through him, making him wonder if he had, in fact, not been entirely truthful with himself or Sean the night before. He didn’t know exactly what that meant but he knew that he wasn’t quite ready to explore it further either.


TBC

Hello

Date: 2005-09-11 06:26 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] faramirgirl.livejournal.com
"Because Sean. You *are* wonderful.” He started, “Those ‘things’ you’ve done, they’re just things. They aren’t everything you are. Who you are is reflected in your eyes, when you talk about your girls or your garden. Even when you talk about your divorces” Sean looked away and Viggo cupped his chin gently and turned him back “yes even then. The hurt and guilt in your eyes, shows how much you feel. How much you hurt and regret. And even then, there’s hope -- hope of things yet to come. You’ll know when you find it Sean. You’ll feel it. It’s out there, just waiting for you.” Sean looked at him in disbelief. “It is” Viggo said “trust me”.

I love this part. I have always believe that you can read any one by just looking into there eyes. Now I am not as good as Viggo is doing it.

What a wonderful chapter. Filled of love and friendship and respect. I am waiting on the next chapter.

Date: 2005-09-11 10:50 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] eenoogje.livejournal.com
I love how they slowly get closer. Sean is opening up to Viggo, without feeling embarrassed later. Viggo makes him feel safe. I wonder about Viggo though, will he feel comfortable to open up to Sean too.

Date: 2005-09-11 03:11 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] clocks.livejournal.com
Ooooh I'm liking how this story is shaping up! Can't wait to see more. *rubs hands in glee*

Date: 2005-09-11 04:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sveta-111.livejournal.com
*“This isn’t me.” Looking confused, “It’s a jumble of colour. Unless of course it’s my shirt after Molly and Lorna have been finger painting. Where’s my nose, you could have put that in, it’s big enough god knows.” Sean’s chuckle was low and warm.*
(giggle)
I love your story!
Thanks

Date: 2005-09-12 04:35 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] liars-dance.livejournal.com
I am so enjoying this! I love their warmth and honesty and uncertainty -and the humour that I'm guessing disguises something much deeper...

wouldn’t be fair for a gay bloke to see the mighty Bean and know he couldn’t have him. - lovely.

Looking forward to more!!

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