Decision – The Price of Fame Title: Decision - The Price of Fame Author: klatschmohn (rotpunkt) & Ashlyn K. Toliver (thevixenne) E-Mail: KTR525@yahoo.com Rating: R to NC-17 Characters: Sean B./Viggo M./OFC’s Warnings: Kinky sex in chapter 4 Disclaimer: This is a work of FICTION, created by two slashy women who simply adore Sean and Viggo and love playing with them (We wish!). Notes: This is the first collaboration for the both of us and we had a lot of fun, though we live on opposite ends of the world. Isn’t the Internet wonderful? Thanks Anne for inviting me to play. Thanks to Ashlyn: I dreamed and she made the dream come true! Summary: The price of fame is high…is Sean willing to pay it? Fame, it’s not your brain, it’s just the flame That burns your change, to keep you insane – sane Fame – David Bowie ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter Two Sean looked at the dashboard clock of his BMW. Twelve-thirty. The meeting with Trevor had been for eleven. He’d have to pull off his best role yet – appearing contrite at his tardiness when the truth of the matter was he wanted to be back at home being practically devoured by Viggo. Even more so because he wouldn´t see Viggo for three weeks, having to leave to Great Britain in the afternoon, after the meeting with Trevor. And when he would return, Viggo wouldn´t be at home for some days. As he turned onto Pacific Coast Highway, his thoughts turned salacious as he reminisced the past hour spent in his lover’s explosive arms. Outside of being extremely athletic, Viggo Mortensen probably possessed the most talented and the most wicked mouth imaginable. It had taken almost superhuman willpower to extricate himself from the seductive charms of his lover. Sean had taken another shower – quickly this time – and dressed as hastily as possible, all the while doing his best to ignore the sight of a still naked Viggo with only a sheet covering his lower body that did nothing to disguise the thick erection tenting the Egyptian cotton. Taking his cell phone from his pocket, he speed-dialled Trevor’s number only to be greeted with his agent’s voice-mail. “Trev, it’s Sean. Sorry to be running a little late, but I’m on my way.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Trevor thought he could practically smell Mortensen all over Sean as the actor made his way into his offices, located on the top floors of the Century Plaza Towers, the windows wide and affording him and his small staff a breathtaking view of Beverly Hills, Bel Aire and even Santa Monica (on clear days), nor did his eyes miss the blossoming rose on the side of Sean’s throat. “A little late,” Trevor sneered, mocking Sean’s earlier message. “I would say almost two hours is more than a little late. I certainly hope that whatever it was that caused you to be a little late was worth it because your little escapade may have cost you a shot at Ridley Scott’s upcoming film.” And from the snide inflections in Trevor’s pointed tone, he knew exactly what that something had been. Sean’s good mood quickly began to evaporate and he tensed. “I said I was sorry. These things happen.” “Would one of those things happen to bear the name of Viggo Peter Mortensen,” his agent asked sweetly poisonous. “My private life isn’t anyone’s business, Trevor. I thought you understood that.” It was hard to remain calm in the face of Sean Bean’s simmering wrath, but Trevor was used to dealing with temperamental actors. He had some of the biggest names in Britain under his belt, and everyone knew he was the best. He knew the right people and those right people knew the right roles and he’d scored big when Bean had been tapped for the role of Boromir in Fellowship. And his record wasn’t about to be sidetracked because a certain man smitten with his former co-star refused to listen to reason. “And I thought you understood that my job is to see you working as often as possible with the best directors and scripts possible. And I can’t really do that if you don’t prioritize.” Sean’s green eyes glittered dangerously as he looked angrily at the other man. “You know, you’ve been holding that whole Kingdom of Heaven thing over my head for the past year or so, and in case you forgot to take a good look at Daily Variety, everyone else knows by now that Irons has been tapped. I was a mere consideration, and truth is, I’m a just little tired running around swinging a sword and wearing armour. I’d like to do something completely different once in awhile.” Round one – Sean Bean. But the battle was far from over. “And what the hell was that little scene last night about,” Trevor continued as if he’d not spoken at all. “It’s a damn good thing that I can be as good an actor as you or it would be all over the tabloids by now.” Sean looked far from apologetic now. “And that’s why I pay you what I do, Trev. Or have you forgotten that fact in trying to lecture me like some schoolboy?” Trevor sucked in a deep breath, refusing to be baited. “Listen Sean, you know how I feel about Mortensen and it’s not personal. But when his ego starts interfering with your career, than I have to say something.” “He asked me to apologize to you.” Trevor dismissed it. “Pardon my prurient curiosity as someone who prefers breasts to bollocks, but I just have to know if the sex between you two is so incredible that you’re willing to flush your entire career down the loo? I mean, is he hung like an effing horse or something?” “Trevor…” and he heard the unmistakable ice frosting Sean’s tone in warning. “Look, I don’t give a damn what you do, or for that matter, whom. However, your public – and they’re the ones who can make you or break you – do care. It’s one thing to have been divorced three times, name anyone in this town who hasn’t been divorced even once. However, being gay is something else entirely, and well, I need not remind you that Americans aren’t quite as tolerant as European audiences are. Do you honestly imagine that Ian McKellen or Stephen Fry would be as successful as they are now if they were Americans?” Point taken – score one for the agent. Sensing at least partial victory, Trevor continued reasonably, “I’m hardly asking you to give up Mortensen – that’s your own business. What I am asking is that you think about your career a little more and ways to make a name for yourself. Sure, it was okay for you to have gotten the role of Odysseus in Troy, but who’s to say you couldn’t have played Achilles as well or even better than Pitt?” “And you somehow think I wasn’t offered the role because no one wanted a questionably gay man playing a role, which, if you knew anything about The Iliad, would have made far more sense because according to the legend, Achilles was at least bisexual. After all, Patroclus was more than just a friend.” Trevor rolled his eyes. “I hardly failed classical Greek literature, Sean, and I’m not saying that you didn’t get the role because somebody thinks you’re gay. What I am saying is that it could happen. You could get stuck playing minor roles, and certainly not any that call for you romancing the beautiful heroine, all because of what some people might perceive as your relationship with Mortensen. Like I said, Americans are rather odd that way. If you’re a straight man, they could care less how many women you sleep with – the more the merrier as it were. If they find out you’re queer, you suddenly become box office poison.” Sean sighed in resignation. There had to be a serious flaw in Trevor’s logic, but he was too tired to think of any at the moment. Still, he was more than familiar with Hollywood’s seemingly arbitrary rules of conduct, and if Trevor thought those rules could somehow be brought to bear against him, perhaps what Trevor suggested might help things. It would certainly keep the press from speculating too much on his private life, even Viggo would agree on that. “Okay, just what or whom did you have in mind?” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She was too young. Then again he should have expected that from Trevor, playing that whole May/December bit to the hilt. Still she would have been more suited to someone around Orlando’s age, or even Christian’s. Incredulously, Sean shook his head. “She looks like she could be my daughter.” He could not deny her beauty – the long dark hair, fashionably pale skin with coal dark eyes – he could still appreciate that. She was slender, without that look of unhealthy thinness that seemed so de rigueur in certain circles. Dressed in the height of expensive casual, there was an air of sophistication that belied her youth. But for all her beauty and style, she simply wasn’t Viggo. The eyes did not mesmerize him, the lips did not beckon him for kisses. She was too perfect – no lines from life marring her features, no dimple to wreck havoc on the angular planes of her face. She seemed fragile somehow, as if the merest touch would bruise her translucent skin. Then again why worry about that, since the idea was to convince the public that something was going on – not for anything to actually happen. Diana Harlow was beautiful, poised and talented and he didn’t want her at all. Trevor read those same thoughts in Sean’s face. Pulling him out of Diana’s earshot he whispered, “Just pretend to be fascinated by her, Sean. That’s all the public and the movie people want, a pretty girl on your arm. Hell, I even fancy her myself, if you take my meaning.” A retort was poised on Sean’s lips but he silenced it. Looking surreptitiously over his shoulder, he asked, “How old is she anyway?” “Twenty-five.” Sean groaned. “Talk about robbing the fookin’ cradle.” Sean’s working-class accent was quite prominent, as it usually was when his emotions ran high. “For fuck’s sake Trevor, what on earth are we supposed to talk about, The Spice Girls? She probably thinks Sir Paul McCartney is a member of Parliament or something.” Trevor quickly became exasperated. “Unfortunately old chap Dame Judi Dench was unavailable,” he retorted sarcastically. “Having a young thing like our Diana on your arm is guaranteed to keep you in the public eye. Having Mortensen attached to you constantly is to have everyone assume you’re a poof, and that won’t help your career at all. Besides, she’s an actress, you two can talk about your days at RADA.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ He’s actually better looking in person, Diana thought to herself, feigning an interest in the Modigliani that adorned Trevor’s wall. The blonde hair was longer than she remembered, but no film nor photograph could do justice to those incredible green eyes. The shade of green glass, they were in stark contrast to the lightness of his lashes and brows. His lips were full, giving him a rakish yet charming look. The kind of man who could fit in anywhere – be it with royalty or with raucous football fans. She’d seen enough of Sean Bean’s movies to realize that he’d forgotten more about the craft of acting than she’d ever learn and she definitely respected that. Still, couldn’t Trevor have set her up with someone a little closer in age – like Orlando – and according to the gossip he and Kate were splitsville. She sighed – oh hell, it was a job and she would be paid well for it, though she couldn’t quite figure out why a good-looking man like Sean Bean even needed help in that area. Of course there were rumors that he was queer – that he was heavily involved with his former co-star from Lord of the Rings. Then again, in this business, who wasn’t gay these days? At least all she had to do was make it look as if she and Sean were involved – if Trevor wanted or was hoping for more than that, he’d have to find someone with a lot less scruples. Schooling her features into a mask of innocent politeness, Diana crashed the old boys’ party with a jaunty wave of her hand. “Well, aren’t you going to formally introduce us? It´s about time, she added, because if I got you right, Trev, we´re going out on a party tonight” (which is the prologue-party) Sean didn´t feel quite comfortable with the prospective, because he hadn´t talked to Viggo yet, not wanting to explain the Diana-issue via phone. But he could do nothing about that right now; he would talk to Viggo as soon as possible when Viggo returned next day… Sean didn´t know that Viggo wanted to surprise him… that he would meet Viggo that evening at the party, but wake up alone the other day… ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ”...This is the fabulously in style Misty Grey for Celebrity Watch. Sean Bean, the ruggedly handsome actor who played Boromir in the highly successful Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Rings, has been spotted around town at the trendiest eateries with hot young starlet Diana Harlow, who played opposite Stuart Townsend in the small budget film, ‘An Alien Heat’. Sources close to the pair say that they’re just good friends...“ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sean did a final check of himself in the mirror. "You really don’t have a problem with all this?“ Sean didn’t know what to expect, though a part of him wanted Viggo to get angry and tell Trevor to go to hell. “Should I?” “I haven’t seen you in almost three weeks, Trev keeps me and Diana out practically every night, and while she’s obviously got the energy for it, I don’t.” “I know, and believe me, I do miss you. But remember that we promised not to limit each other. As much as I hate to cede anything to your agent, Trev may be right on this one. The more you’re seen with Diana, the less likely the press is to snoop further. Besides, call it penance for me behaving badly at the last party.“ Sean sighed, ambivalent towards Viggo’s assessment of the situation but unwilling to take it further. "I don't know what time I'll be home." Viggo kissed Sean lightly on the lips. "Have a good time.” He winked. “Better you than me." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ”...Nick and Jessica? So yesterday. Brad and Angelina? So out…Sean and Diana? So very in! Who? This is your fabulously in style reporter Misty Grey with all the hot news on today’s Celebrity Watch. And today’s news is indeed sizzling…Sean Bean, that hunky green-eyed Brit who made us all wish we’d paid more attention to Greek literature with his toga-clad portrayal of Odysseus in ‘Troy’, has been quite co-zy with the beautiful Diana Harlow, who starred opposite Stuart Townsend in the small budget film, ‘An Alien Heat’, and whom rumor has it, is being considered for a role in Kenneth Branaugh’s latest project. Ms. Harlow denies any romantic relationship with the 40-something Bean, but sources say the two have become ve-ry close within the past three months. Could it be that Bean, thrice-divorced, is looking to tread the matrimonial waters again, this time with a woman nearly half his age…Misty Grey will keep you posted on all the scandalous details...” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was the second party where Viggo met Sean when he was supposed to be with Diana. He had seriously considered not going at all, but had agreed to the invitation earlier and there was no reason to avoid Sean in public completely, especially now. Maybe, though he was loathe to admit it, maybe it was easier to bear the situation when he was at least near to Sean. Though he wasn’t really jealous he knew that being alone the whole evening and waiting could do bad things to a man’s imagination, though deep inside he knew how Sean felt about their relationship. Still it wouldn’t have surprised Viggo if Trevor planned to have Sean and Diana photographed naked in bed for good measure. Now he leant over the banister of the terrace, staring into the darkness of the garden as if to figure out the flowers and blossoms he knew had to be there somewhere, the music and laughter and voices of the party only a faint soundtrack behind him. “You love him, don’t you?” He didn’t hear her emerge silently from the shadows, a clove cigarette in hand, reminding him of Audrey Hepburn from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. “You seem a lot older than your years, Diana,” Viggo replied offhandedly. “My grandmother tells me that I’ve got the mind of a seventy-year old salon doyenne.” He laughed, which was her intent. “Not to mention the way you both just light up when you see each other. I seldom see that kind of reaction from straight couples, especially in this town.” She exhaled smoothly, while dangling the lit cigarette from dainty fingertips. “I do.” Two words, powerful enough to shimmer in the cool air of the autumn night, hover then dissipate. “I love him enough not to take away what he loves.” “Bugger that! And here I thought us women had that sacrifice-complex going on. Come on, this is Hollywood – everyone in this town is or either knows someone who’s gay or bi or whatever. And to be perfectly frank, neither of you two are what anyone who matters consider ‘A-list’, in spite of the LOTR trilogy. Which, from the way I see it, means that your private life isn’t of anyone’s general interest.” Viggo grinned, disarmed by her openness but pleased that his initial assessment of Diana Harlow had been correct. Soon they were deep in conversation, feeling almost as if they were old friends and nearly forgetting their situation, until Diana softly reminded them both that she had to look for Sean. “Could you just imagine the gossip, that Viggo Mortensen stole the girlfriend of his best friend and former co-star?” She kissed his cheek and walked away, leaving the warm and spicy scent of cloves behind her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After talking with Diana, Viggo felt a lot better than he had in a long time. Perhaps the situation wasn’t quite so unsalvageable after all. Sean still loved him that he knew without a doubt. Maybe the whole Diana thing would take the pressure off of them and people wouldn’t be so intent on prying into their private lives. All three of them could become friends, who knows? He smiled to himself as he made to return to the party when he heard the threatening voice from behind him… “Stay away from him Mortensen.” He turned around slowly, arrogantly, as if Trevor were a hindrance to whatever thoughts he’d been having. Face to face, Viggo stared at him with cool disdain. “Stay away from Sean if you care about his career,” Trevor repeated with even more warning in his tone. “Actually, I think it’s your career we’re talking about, right? Sean’s just a convenient means to an end.” Trevor never thought it was possible to know someone even more intense than Sean Bean, but Viggo Mortensen was downright scary. His blue eyes were disconcerting at best and his body language was that of a hunter. The same powerful energy he’d brought to such diverse roles as a displaced Vietnam vet to the leader of the race of Men were brought to bear upon him and Trevor wished for a split second he’d kept his mouth shut. Still it was his job to protect his investments and he’d be damned if he allowed anyone to get in the way of that. Two, he thought to himself smugly, could play the intimidation game. “Listen, Mortensen,” Trevor growled as convincingly as he could, aware the blue eyes hadn’t wavered an inch. “We both know that one lucky break doesn’t make a career, and I’ve got connections in this town. I can do a hell of a lot more for Sean than you could.” Viggo’s smile was as cold as ice. “I don’t know about all that, Trev. You can’t possibly imagine all the things I can do for Sean.” His eyes glittered dangerously. “Or to him.” “Your sex life is of no interest to me Mortensen,” Trevor snapped, “Though I have to wonder what the bloody hell Sean sees in you. The only thing I care about is his success, which is a damn sight more than I can say for you.” “Actually, Trevor, I was just thinking along those same lines when you so rudely interrupted me,” Viggo replied with feigned sweetness. “I was actually thinking that having Sean date Diana was a good idea. Give the public something to focus on, that way if I should be affectionate towards him, say at a premiere or something, people won’t freak out and assume the worst.” It was more of a concession than Trevor had hoped. “Are you sure?” Viggo snorted. “Why would I lie to an insignificant little worm like you, Trev? Besides, I happen to like Diana Harlow quite a bit. She’s a lot smarter than you give her credit for, and unlike most of those young starlets you have under your belt – and perhaps elsewhere – she’s actually very talented.” “And you want what in return for this bit of generosity,” Trevor asked sarcastically. “After all, everything has a price in this town.” “What I want,” Viggo pondered thoughtfully, as if giving serious consideration of the matter. “What I want is for you and your ilk to stay the fuck out of Sean’s private life. And I want you to make sure that nothing interferes with his career, since you claim to value it so highly. I’ll do my part and behave, but if anything, even the smallest rumor gets out, you’d better make sure you quash it at the source.” “I can do that, to a point Mortensen. But we both know that it really all depends on you holding up your end of the deal.” “I never give my word lightly,” Viggo said grimly. “That might be, but can you guarantee that you won’t fly into a jealous rage if, perhaps, Sean and Diana are caught in a ‘private’ moment?” “I see…you’re going to manufacture that story now. Go ahead, knock yourself out. We both know, “ and Viggo used that same phrase against him, “We both know where Sean will really be spending his nights.” “Maybe I’ll just keep him working enough to where he might not have any time for you at all.” Trevor retorted venomously. “As they say, out of sight, out of mind.” “You can’t get rid of me that easily, Trevor.” “What about that little conversation out on the terrace with Diana?” “Private.” Viggo’s curt answer should have been the end of the conversation, but Trevor was determined to get in the last word. “Goddammit Mortensen, you are sorely trying my patience.” “If you had tried my patience as much as you claim I’m trying yours, you wouldn’t be standing right now. Now you listen,” and Viggo brought his face so close to the other man’s Trevor saw flashes of white lightning in the blue eyes and he shuddered. “Sean loves acting and I wouldn’t dare take that from him. But what I think you’re trying to do is take him away from me period, and I really don’t know why. You’re his agent, nothing else. Remember that.” Trevor backed away a step, eyes wide. It had been years since anyone had spoken to him with such disdain. “And one more thing – Just in case you somehow forgot, I’m an actor. I also have an agent, and she would be more than willing to take Sean on as a client without hesitation. You’re not the only game in this town, Martyn and it’s time that you stopped acting as if you were.” With that, Viggo spun on his heel, eager to get as far away from Trevor as possible, leaving Trevor Martyn completely punch-drunk as if the tall man had knocked him flat. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “As they say, out of sight, out of mind…” Trevor’s voiced mocked Viggo, echoed in his ears louder than noise of the crowd inside. And as if he needed further illustration, he couldn’t find Sean amongst the sea of elegantly dressed bodies. When he finally saw him, holding court with Diana as they posed for interviews, he gave a sigh of both relief and rage.