Title: Caravaggio´s Painting / Temptation in the Desert Author: klatschmohn and Ashlyn K. Toliver E-Mail: KTR525@yahoo.com Rating: NC-17 Characters: Sean B./Viggo M., Orlando B. Warning: BDSM, Violence Disclaimer: All fiction! Summary: Orlando attacks the other flank Chapter Three – Temptation in the Desert Things just couldn’t have gotten any worse than to find out that, of all the male actors in the bloody world the director had to choose from, Sean bloody Bean had been cast in the role of Odysseus. So here I was, stranded on the tiny, boring island of Malta with the man I hated most in the world and somehow I had to stay out of his sight. Of course, that wasn’t in his plans at all. He was one of the very last people I wanted to see. My pride had taken a direct hit and I blamed him for it. No one had ever rejected me the way Viggo did that night, and it hurt like hell. Anyone I seduced, I got, simple as that. The morning after that disastrous night I woke up next to some dark-haired young man I had somehow managed to pick up at some pub where I had gone to drink myself into forgetfulness. After he’d left, with a kiss and a promise from me that we’d see each other again (and I had no intention of ever seeing him period) that failure continued to eat at my self-respect as I tried to forget. And now the cause for my shame, my pain – that handsome cocky Brit - was here to remind me every day of what I couldn’t have, though I deserved it more than he did. The more I relived that night in my mind, the more resolved I became. I would have my Viggo in the end, no doubt. If I couldn’t get at him directly, there was another way. There was only one way to turn my humiliation into triumph… I had to seduce Sean. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It seemed that Viggo didn’t tell Sean anything about that afternoon at his place, for Sean was really nice to me during our time in Malta. Maybe he felt a kinship with me because of what we had shared in New Zealand. Maybe he was so sure of Viggo that he didn’t see me as a rival anymore. Well, no matter. Whatever Sean’s reasons were, they were going to make things easier. We were sitting side by side on the set in full costume, me as the Trojan playboy Paris, and him as the wily Odysseus, making catty comments about Brad Pitt, who seemed to be taking his role as Achilles far too seriously. “He wouldn’t be so arrogant if the writers actually stuck to the story,” Sean said with a half-smile. “Why not,” I asked him. I know, I should have read Homer’s Iliad in school, and perhaps I did and had just forgotten. Sean’s look of innocence was a warning. “In the Iliad, Odysseus exposed Achilles who was dressed as a girl living on the island of Lesbos by placing a sword amongst some feminine accouterments.” I laughed at that as Sean continued. “The rest of the women went all giggly over the other things, but Achilles, true to his warrior’s heart, went right for the sword.” “Oh, and I could just imagine how Brad Pitt’s female fans would react to their sex god dressed as some sweet little transvestite.” Sean shrugged. “Probably the same way they reacted to him almost kissing Tom Cruise in ´Interview With the Vampire´…they just lusted after him even more.” Looking at him, I could tell he was glad of the camaraderie between us. “Sean,” and I looked into his eyes. “I’m really glad we’re getting along now. Always thought you hated me.” He nodded. “Sorry, mate. It wasn’t your fault… but let’s not dwell on the past, okay?” I agreed eagerly, as if I was really glad that we were friends. “Okay. And I think we should celebrate our newly found friendship by hitting practically every pub on this miserable island tonight. Just you and me…” “Sure Orli, sounds like fun. But if there’s a footie match on, you just might have to pry me loose from the stool.” That’s right, Sean Bean, the insane Sheffield United fan. So insane that he had 100% Blades tattooed onto his arm. Maybe we wouldn’t hit every pub; even one would serve my needs. It couldn’t hurt if Sean got a little bit drunk. Not too drunk… just enough to loosen the tongue… And hopefully some other limbs. I continued laying the foundation of his seduction. “Man, you and Viggo have been together for so long now. I really admire you guys. Don’t know whether I could deal with that.” Sean looked at me quizzically. “What about you and Kate?” I rubbed my fingers through my hair, matted as it was from having worn a helmet. “Off and on…sometimes more off than on, if you know what I mean. She’s insanely jealous – calls me three or four times a day, wondering whom I’m with, where I am…I’m just thankful that I don’t share Viggo’s opinion on faithfulness…” I saw the frown appear on Sean’s face but pretended not to notice it. Nothing unusual there, since people always said I talked a mile a minute. “Viggo and I talked a lot in New Zealand when you went back to London, you know? He told me he wanted an open relationship, thought that jealousy was bullshit. What did he say – oh yes, ‘if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with’, that sort of hippie-style philosophy.” I shrugged as if it’s not that important as I gazed quickly to see what effect my words were having on him. It amazed me how little it took to make the cool and aloof Sean Bean into a nervous little boy who knows his hand didn’t belong in the apple tarts. He was shifting in his chair, licking his dry lips. I waited, knowing what he was going to ask. Sean was silent, lowering his lashes, and then looked up again, searching my eyes. “Orli…did you…I mean…did he?” And I could tell he felt ashamed and angry at himself for asking such a question. I twist the knife in a little deeper. “You mean, did Viggo fuck me?” “Yes. Did he?” Sean asked, reluctantly. Oh, the temptation to lie was so damn hard to resist. Perhaps Sean wouldn’t have believed me if I said yes, but at least he would have started having doubts about Viggo’s faithfulness again. That was all I needed. On the other hand, knowing Sean like I did, he’d jump on the next plane back to the States and confront Viggo, and Viggo would deny it. But, who would Sean believe? Especially knowing how much Viggo believed in an open relationship. But – Viggo would never forgive me if he figured out that I had lied and I didn’t want to risk that. There was no sense in burning my bridges if I didn’t have to. “No, Sean.” I replied quietly, almost hesitant. “Nothing happened between us.” Not for lack of trying, I wanted to say. But the look I gave him was priceless, and I saw that Sean didn’t believe me. Too rich! Here I was, telling the absolute truth and Sean thought I was lying, because I gave my answer with so much caution and hesitation! I couldn’t have planned this any better. Sean looked lost and helpless. “Nothing ever happened between us…Not even the night he drew me naked.” “He’s drawn you naked.” Less of a question and more of a statement. His voice was toneless, dry. I gasped as if I had revealed some dark secret. “He didn’t tell you? It was to have been something for Kate, that’s all.” “No…he didn’t mention it.” I’m playing complete innocent to the hilt. “It wasn’t a big deal. I asked him to sketch me, thinking Kate would love something really personal from me. You know, I didn’t think there would be an issue because you and he are together so I knew nothing would happen…” But Sean didn’t seem to be listening anymore. He stared without focusing, his hands were shaking. I leaned down and took his strong, deft hand in mine. “I’m so sorry Sean, but you have to believe me…nothing happened that night…” I began to caress the fingers slowly, massaging them. “I won’t lie to you that at one point in time, I was in love with Viggo. Or at least, I thought I was. I know now that I was just infatuated – you know, the older experienced man sort of thing?” I felt the tension inside of Sean ease with my ministrations and I continued by aural assault. “When you and he got together, I realized that maybe I wasn’t the one for him. After all, you two have a lot more in common than…I’m just a kid really…” I saw him smile at that. “You’re not just a kid, Orli. I don’t think you’ve ever been that.” My heart almost leapt out of my chest with that smile. Sean had a devastating smile, one that was warm and hot at the same time. It was both boyish and seductive and I didn’t want to be affected by it. He was the means to an end, my way of getting back at Viggo and my way of getting Viggo. “You know Sean, people like Viggo don’t always understand what it means to be jealous. They think it’s a stupid emotion, never seeing the pain that causes it…” “Meaning what?” “Meaning that perhaps you should turn the tables…flirt a little and watch the effect on his attitude…” Sean shook his head. “It wouldn’t work. He’s not the jealous sort. He says he’s sure of our relationship, sure of me. Hell, I’m probably wrong for doubting him…” I rolled my eyes as if Sean was completely daft. “Of course he’s not jealous. You’ve never given him one single reason to be so. He doesn’t think you have it in you to find someone who could ever be viewed as a rival for your affections…” My hands slowly moved upwards, gently stroking his bronzed forearm, lightly tickling near the elbow. I saw his eyes lower, obviously affected by my touch. “So, you think I should fuck someone else just to show him what jealousy feels like?” Sean asked dryly. “Don’t you think that would be a little unfair to the other person, for them to just be a way to make a point?” I gazed at him thoughtfully, my eyes wide and soft. The look might have been lost on Viggo, but I made damn sure it would not be on Sean. “Hypothetically, you wouldn’t sleep with just anyone, right? You’d want someone who doesn’t have any emotional ties to you or Viggo.” Sean chuckled softly, “That takes you off the list then, doesn’t it?” Me and my big mouth, having realized too late what I’d said. “As tempting as it may sound, Orli, I seriously doubt it would work.” I feel him slowly begin to retreat. “What happens if he decides to react differently than I’d planned?” “He really couldn’t say or do much, considering that he prides himself on not being jealous.” Sean sighed, shaking his head. “It’s not that important to me anyway. I love him too much to risk losing him. Besides, a good bluff might work even better.” I did my best to keep the scorn out of my laughter. “Nothing against your acting talent, Sean, but I don’t think you can fool Viggo. He’s rather perceptive in case you haven’t noticed.” But I realized that I’ve already lost him here, so I needed to do my best to salvage the situation. Besides, there would be more opportunities... I’d have another go, just needed some patience – but at least I had shaken Sean’s belief in Viggo again… I clapped Sean on the shoulder, grinning. “You know, I’m really happy that you feel comfortable talking to me about you and Viggo. I love you guys and just want you both to be happy. If anything, I know what you’re going through…” Oh yes, I knew far better than he ever would. Knew what it felt like to want someone so deeply that seeing them with someone else cut like a knife. Sean ran a friendly hand through my hair, ruffling it. “You and Kate are young. You’ll work it out, I’m sure.” It took everything I had not to hit him then. I hated him, hated his sincerity, and hated the fact that I wanted him too… ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ During a lull in the shooting schedule, Sean and I drove to the beach. As was my usual habit, I got the idea to have a picnic with him and forced the older man out of his hotel room. In spite of his mock protests, and the fact that the Blades were having the crap kicked out of them by the French team, it hadn’t been too difficult to bundle him into my tiny rental car, along with towels, sunscreen (I do burn if I’m not careful), and two bottles of wine I’d brought along, gifts from a rather friendly bartender. We walked across the Golden Bay and over a dune to the next bay, talking about the movie, our various aches and pains, and our co-stars. In those moments, it was hard for me to remember that Sean was prey, not friend. He teased me, but he’d progressed far beyond most people and didn’t talk down to me because of my age. He also listened to me, as I told him about my feelings for Kate and how I felt neither of us was ready for anything serious. By the time we reached the quiet bay, it was early afternoon, but still afternoon. I forgot to mention where I brought him - it’s the gay beach of Malta. That little bit of information had been freely disclosed by a young man I’d met at the dance club last night, and I made a point of telling him that I’d be there…with a friend… So we swam a bit, racing out as far as we could then racing back. Sean’s a very strong swimmer and by the time I reached shore I was almost out of breath. Then I saw something that practically took my breath away. It’s true what they say about Speedos. On some men they’re a fashion disaster, but they were tailor made for Sean’s magnificent body. The way his legs and hips tapered towards that almost indecent wisp of black spandex – I could see the outline of his cock through the shiny wet material. Thankfully he didn’t notice my hungry stare, just laughed and said, “Next time I’ll give you a head start, elfboy.” The rest of the afternoon was spent resting and talking some more. With his eyes closed, I took my time exploring Sean’s body with my eyes and liking everything I saw. In spite of it, seducing him would be a pleasure, and perhaps after Viggo and I were together for awhile, I could convince him to bring Sean into the relationship for a bit of fun. I didn’t even want to imagine what it would be like to have both of those virile men having their way with me… As the day winded down, the beach slowly grew more crowded, and mostly male. “Is it me, or have we accidentally discovered the gay beach?” Sean asked with amusement in his voice. I pretended to scan the crowd looking for anything remotely feminine, then replied with a chuckle, “I think you’re right. Oh well, as long as they think we’re a couple, we shouldn’t have too many problems…” I spotted the young man – Andreas was his name – I’d met last night and he waved, walking over to us, his eyes wide as he gazed at Sean like he’d rather I went away. “Hey,” he greeted us in his lilting English, eyes still fixed on Sean’s body. “We’re going to have a fire later on and Alexion brought ale…come by and join us if you like.” I looked over at Sean, who somehow didn’t notice that Andreas was practically undressing him with his eyes, and if given the smallest encouragement would do a lot more that that. “Sounds like fun,” I answered and Sean just nodded. Sean put a pair of drawstring linen pants on instead of his swim trunks, giving me and Andreas a quick but rather nice view of his muscular buttocks. My own swim trunks had dried, so I just put my jeans on. On our way over to the impromptu gathering, Andreas clasped Sean’s shoulder. “Hot little lover you’ve got there,” he said, winking at me as he did so. “He’s not…,” Sean was about to say when I drove my elbow into his side. The look of shock was almost comical, but as soon as Andreas was out of earshot I whispered, “It might be better we pretend we’re a couple – that is unless you don’t mind being propositioned all night…” Sean shrugged and laughed, “Okay, I’m going to allow you the honor of guarding my virtue.” The rest of the evening was spent in raucous company, drinking and telling stories. A few of the young men were like us, foreigners either on business or pleasure. Several instantly recognized Sean and immediately started to come on to him in a very big way. Instead of being offended or stand-offish, Sean actually accepted their blatant flirtations with an evenhanded grace that surprised me. Maybe Viggo truly had better be careful for what we wished for. Andreas and I meanwhile went to fetch more ale, which they’d kept near the water to stay cool. I noticed that Andreas couldn’t seem to keep his hands off of me, and had I not had prior plans, such attentions would have been more than welcome. Now, they were just a distraction. “…Come on, Orlando,” Andreas breathed into my ear, his fingers lightly caressing my bare chest, “I don’t think your lover would mind…” “I don’t know,” I said as I ducked his attempt to steal a kiss, “Sean can be pretty jealous. He’s just behaving right now…” But Andreas wasn’t swayed though he backed off a little, “Okay, but if you ever need a more – intimate – taste of Malta, you know where to look for me,” and with a careless swat on my backside, he walked down to the shoreline. Sean noticed my look of discomfort and reached for my hand. “Everything all right, Orli? I saw you leave with our host…” “Everything’s fine, just another bloke who can’t seem to keep his hands to himself.” Sean’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “And here I thought you’d have to guard my virtue. Seems I may have to guard yours. Should I land him a facer then?” “That won’t work, though it might be something to see,” I joked. “No, they’ll keep trying to seduce me as long as they think we’re not a couple. Maybe if you kissed me, everyone will get the point.” And I slowly encircled Sean’s neck with my arms, pulling him to me, but he hesitated, eyes unsure and I feigned hurt. “Come on, Beanie. Just a little snog between friends…How bad can that be?” I pulled Sean to me again, this time with a little more force and I felt him give way...why shouldn’t he, it was just a little snog between friends… Right…and you’ve never kissed or been kissed by Sean Bean before. It burns, and in a good way. It was like the time I snuck a bit of my dad’s one-hundred year-old whisky, the way it went down my throat like liquid fire. I kissed Sean with the selfish need to make him forget everything but my lips on his own and the playing tongue that entered his mouth with gentle pushes. Somehow his taste intoxicated me in return. It was different from Viggo – more powerful, less restrained, and I could feel him holding back. I wanted to feel everything he had. I pulled Sean on top of me, until we lay supine on the blanket. My hands were everywhere and Sean was panting into my mouth. The taste of salt, ale and sweat flavored our kiss. “Sean…” I breathed against his lips, “I had no idea how it would feel to kiss you…” And I really hadn’t, but I wanted more. We rolled around on the blanket, our erections pressed against each other through our clothes. Finally Sean was on top of me, my slender body caught between his muscled legs, and his searching tongue dancing inside my mouth. Oh yes, Sean…that’s it… If we had been alone, I would have had Sean right where I wanted him, never giving him a chance to regain his self-control, never giving him a chance to think about Viggo. Unfortunately there was an audience and they were loving every moment. They spurred us on with shouts of lewd encouragement, laughing and clapping their hands. Personally, I’d fuck Sean right here in front of them, give them a show they’d never forget, but Sean was brought down to earth and slowly withdrew from me, suddenly sober. Now for my next act… “Oh god, Orli…I’m sorry…I didn’t mean for it to get so out of hand…” Sean swallowed nervously, embarrassment and guilt so clear on his face. I lowered my head in apology. “No Sean, I’m at fault. It was just meant to be a lark, that’s all. I feel like I’ve gone and done something horrible…” Sean patted me on the back, raised my head up with gentle hands. “It’s ok, Orli, no harm done…Just the heat of the moment, I think…” “But I shouldn’t have…should have stopped before it went too far…but god, it was just so magnificent to kiss you…and I shouldn’t feel that way because you and Viggo…” I looked up at him with alarm. “You won’t tell him about this…it was just a mistake…” Sean smiled wryly. “Wouldn’t matter if I did tell him. Viggo’s not the jealous type, remember?” Not yet, I thought to myself. Sean rose from the blanket. “Look, I’ll head back to the hotel. What about you?” “I’m going to stay a little longer...the night’s still young.” And by the time the night was over, I became more than a little acquainted with Andreas and his friend Alexion… And though both men satisfied the temporary ache left by Sean and Viggo, nothing would fill the void until Viggo was mine.