December 31 (New Years Eve Night)

The New Years Eve party was in full swing. Amy and Erin were locked off in the upstairs VIP rooms of studio 54, though both spent most of their time out on the balcony, dancing, drinking and overlooking the crowds below. The entire upstairs was lavish, as one could only expect a VIP party to be. The couches were black leather, littered all along the upper deck. The lighting was strobe, but every corner had a tall standing candelabra, gleaming with multi colored candles. The ambiance was intense and dramatic. The music, blaring…the alcohol, never ending. The guest list included an entire array of Rock and Roll Royalty, invited by Stephen Tyler, Livs father.

“Lovely, lovely ladies. What pleasure does mine eyes see!” Came a familiar voice, drawing upon both Amy and Erin on the balcony overlooking the main club.

“Viggo!!” Amy exclaimed, nearly dropping the drink she held to embrace him.

Viggo returned her embrace, kissing her softly on the cheek. “How are you! You look fabulous! How were the holidays?”

Erin smiled, drawing up alongside Amy. Viggo instantly took her into the folds of his arms. They hugged softly as Viggo drew his face into an incredible smile. He lifted a suspicious looking glass from a waitress moving along the VIP rooms with a filled tray. “Layered Heaven and Hell shots.” The woman responded. Amy and Erin accepted them as well.

Viggo eyed the shot suspiciously. “Well, here is to our health and happiness for the next year.” He raised his glass as did Amy and Erin. In an instant, the layered shot was washed down, and to their surprise, it was smooth and strong.

“So, what’s been going on in Upstate NY?” Viggo leaned against the railing.

“Heh, work and more work. Oh, and the daily battle with the snow. That is pretty much it. Oh, you know its Amys birthday, today?.” Erin laughed. Goddamn, it feels so good to see Liv and Viggo. It makes me feel like I am somehow closer to Orlando..like it wasn’t a dream. How many nights have I laid awake, staring at the walls and wondering if this was all a dream. I wonder where he is on this New Years Eve..I wonder what he is doing.

Viggo bolted upright, scooping Amy up into his arms. He began to laugh and sing his own version of “Happy Birthday.” To Amys surprise, many of the people standing close to them joined in. She blushed instantly and covered her face, smacking Viggo in the arm, rife with embarrassment. Erin laughed hard at her best friends embarrassment. Her words joined along with the song. In a moment, it ended, with a round of applause and many raised glasses. Amy started to find her face returning to its normal color.

“Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday? I would have brought you a better gift. But you will both get your Christmas presents later. Meanwhile, where is Billy?” Viggo quirked a brow with a secret smile. He knew very well where Billy was. He was charged with playing the decoy and Liv, the front man to the scheme.

Amy glanced down at her cellphone. “He said he was going to call me between 8 and 9, but the cellphone reception in this room keeps fading in and out. I don’t even think he remembers if it is my birthday.” Amy shrugged. “I do miss him though. Have you heard much from him, Viggo?”

“Billy calls me every couple of days or so. And he cant stop talking about you.” Viggo smiled, his blue eyes made brighter in the flashing lights of Studio 54.

Erin shifted, slightly, looking around. She accepted another layered shot and looked to Viggo. “Where is Liv, haven’t seen her in a while.”

Viggo took Erins hand, softly as if to prevent her from searching for Liv. “She is with her Dad, playing host. She should be along shortly.”

A gentleman came to stand near the balcony, on the side of Viggo. He lit a cigarette and exposed the fullness of his face to the trio. Erin nearly hit the floor. “Oh my god, your Joe Perry!”

Joe looked up beneath long, dark brown curls. “You must be Erin. Stephen told me to come looking for you by the balcony, said you wanted to meet me.” He smiled and extended his hand. “Good to meet you.”

Amys eyes went wide. “Oh shit, this is an honor. You know, Erin is one of your biggest fans.” Her voice was shrill with excitement.

“So I have heard. Liv and Stephen have told me all about you. So, I had to come and say hello.” Joe raised a brow as Erin was frozen in place, non responsive and completely in awe.

Amy snapped her fingers in front of Erin. “Girl, snap out of it.”

Viggo laughed, looking into the crowd. His smile growing as his eyes connected with Liv, across the distance. A tall, beautiful woman with long, mahogany curls came up along their way, lighting a cigarette and surveying the group beside her. Viggo nodded his head softly, lifting his glass to her, winking his eye, devilishly.

Erin finally came to her senses, downing her layered shot. “I am so sorry. I just…wow. I am speechless, really. I am such a huge fan that I just..wow. What do you say when one of your idols is standing in front of you?”

Joe laughed, crushing his cigarette in one of the many receptacles lining the upstairs. “I am the one who should say, wow. If only I weren’t happily married.” He smiled, his compliment nearly knocking Erin on the floor. Her face flushed instantly. “But, you will have to excuse me, that gorgeous woman over there, my wife, is looking at me with deadly eyes. It was great to meet you, Erin.” Joe embraced her softly and Erin stood in complete stillness, barely breathing.

Amy laughed, shaking Erin softly. “Breath, woman. Breath!”

Erin snapped to life, suddenly. “Oh my god that was Joe Perry!! And I sounded like an idiot!!” Erin laughed, drawing her forehead onto Amys shoulder as her best friend chuckled.

“I think that is the first time you have EVER been speechless in your life.” Amy pat her on the shoulder, casting her gaze to the woman who was standing by the balcony, studying them. She looks really…familiar. Have I met this woman before? Why the hell is she staring at us?

Amy turned, looking to Viggo. She tilted her head to indicate the woman. “Friend of yours?”

“You could say that.” Viggo smiled, clearing his throat.

Samantha took a sip of her drink, regarding Erin and Amy. I feel as though I already know them, even if they don’t know me. So, this is the Erin that my little brother cant stop speaking about? Not his type. Too real to be his type. Nothing glitzy or glam about her, she’s too down to earth. But she has heart, I can see that..how she leans on her friend for support..nice laugh too. Makes me smile to hear her laugh. She just might be the one to put that unruly brat in his place, at last.

“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Amy asked, looking back to the woman.

Erin turned, glancing toward Samantha for a moment and turned away. “She looks at us like she knows us?”

Viggo tried to disguise his thoughts, quickly. “Well, it is a small world, after all. Who can tell?”

Liv strolled over, nodding to Viggo as she embraced Samantha. “Honey, its so good to see you! I will be right with you, I promise, alright?” She released Sam and turned to Amy and Erin. “So, are you guys having fun?”

“I met Joe Perry!” Erin laughed, her face alight with smiles. “I made a fool of myself, but I met him!”

Liv turned to Amy. “You know I didn’t forget it was your birthday, right? I just wanted to wait to give you a present. What time is it?”

Amy looked down at her cellphone. Unable to see the time in the wildly flickering lights, she lifted it from her belt clip. “Its 9:10.” She responded and nearly jumped out of her skin when it began to vibrate in her hand. The caller ID displayed and she smiled. “Its Billy!”

Amy hit the talk button and lifted the phone to her ear. She cupped her other hand over her free ear to drown out some of the noise. “Hello? Billy?”

“Hello Love! Happy Auld Lang Syn, darlin’” Billy responded.

“I cant really hear you, I am at a party I was telling you about. You have to speak up. Wait, hang on..let me try to get toward the bar, it’s a little less noisy over there.” Amy was on the move, watching her steps as she kept her head low to hear him.

“Order a drink for me while yer there lass. I got ya a birthday present…” Billy said on the other end.

Liv leaned back against the railing between Viggo and Sam, watching Amy. “Erin, have you met my friend Samantha?” Liv smiled, though her eyes did not leave Amy. She had made it only a few paces, trying desperately to hear Billy on the phone without losing reception.

Erin held her hand out to Sam, speaking over the blaring music. “Good to meet you.” “

The pleasure is mine, truly.” Sam responded, her accent familiar and charmingly British.

“What did you say about a birthday present? I am losing reception…Billy?” Amy shouted into the phone.

“Look up, love. I’m right here.” Billy smiled, drawing his phone away from his ear. Amy looked up from the floor, her hand slowly withdrawing from her ear. She shivered and grasped him deep into the wealth of her arms. “Oh my god, you’re here! I cant believe it, your really here!”

“Aye, lass. As if I would be missin’ yer birthday!” Billy held her close, kissing her passionately.

Erin shouted, seeing Billy standing before Amy. A smile drew over her face and a feeling of excitement coursed through her blood. In an instant, she turned, looking to Viggo and Liv..a guilty expression plastered across their features. “Why didn’t you tell me!!”

“As if you would have kept it secret!” Liv laughed. Viggo was watching Erin with soft eyes. Erin could not read the meaning behind his expression.

Amy slowly slid apart from Billy, touching his face as if to ensure he was real and not some delusion of the liquor. She screamed, seeing Dom following behind…and Lij with Shannon!

Erin looked to Viggo and Liv. “You guys are the best, you know that right?” She hugged them both and ran off to welcome Billy, Lij, Shannon and Dom.

Billy ran interference, scooping Erin up and kissing her softly on the cheek. “Darlin’, look at ya! Radiant in this shiny leather stuff. How have ya been?”

“Oh shit, its good to see you Billy. You just made Amy the happiest woman in the world!” Erin laughed, looking to Amy. Her best friend was still shaking.

Lij was cutting in, excited to see Erin as Amy went from him to Shannon, then Dom to greet him. “Erin, your looking wonderful. Row! How have you been, hon?” Lij embraced her softly.

“Oh god, this is awesome, its so fucking cool to see you all again!” Erin laughed. She released Lij and found herself face to face with Dom. She welcomed him and felt her heart ready to explode. The fellowship reunited. This is one hell of a new years eve!

Viggo and Liv looked to Sam. Their smiles, fading. “Where is OB?”

Sam shook her head softly. “He is here, he came in. I don’t know where he is. If he screws this up, I swear!”

Amy was beside herself. She clung to Billy, holding him as though she were afraid he was made only of mist. She smiled, looking to Erin…and suddenly felt her heart sink. Orlando isn’t here. The fellowship is broken. And so is Erins heart, though she isn’t showing it.

Orlando walked the confines of the long hallway before the VIP entrance. He inhaled his cigarette sharply, pacing like a caged tiger. His thoughts were a whirl of doubt and anticipation. So much for quitting these by midnight. Orlando snickered to himself and found himself foundering through his own thoughts.

What are you doing here, man. You have come all of this way for one night. This is your chance, don’t pussy out of this. Erin is inside, by now Billy and Amy have found each other. Why should I not be happy as the two of them are? Orlando cast his eyes to the floor, wrestling with his mind and heart. Bloody hell, what is wrong with me?

Orlando ran his shaking fingertips through his mane of crisp mahogany tendrils. Crushing is cigarette, he gathered his courage. Holding his head high, Orlando stepped into the VIP entrance. Letting his eyes adjust, he searched out his query.

There she is beneath a maelstrom of flashing lights. Look at her…just look at her. She is Exquisite. Hesitation makes a fool question what the heart already knows. Get a move on, time is the enemy. There will be no redemption for letting doubt filter in like a thief in the night.

Orlando cleared his thoughts, taking a drink from the passing waitress and her tray. Downing the shot of liquid courage quickly, he stood at the bar, waiting for the right moment to make himself known. For Glory, wrath or ruin and wherever it may lead.

“There he is!” Liv exclaimed, elbowing Viggo in the side, her finger pointing to Orlandos’ candlelit face at the bar. He was mere paces from Erin, though she did not seem to see him.

Viggo rubbed his side, giving Liv a dejected look before following her fingertip to indicate Orlando. “What is he waiting for?” Viggo scowled.

“We have to do something, come on Viggo, think. Be the tactician here.” Liv bit the edge of her lip, looking anxiously to him.

“We cant do anything, Liv. We cant interfere with this. I think OB has had his fill of our advice, point and counterpoint.” Viggo gave his prognosis even as Sam began to make her way through the crowd to Doms side. Sam looked back at the two with a mischievous fire in her eyes, so much like her brothers.

Sam walked into the close knit circle of the fellowship of friends. “Dom, you have to introduce me to Billys girl.” She smiled.

Dom obliged, pushing Lij out of the way with a friendly shove. Lij responded by whipping a cocktail quiche at him, landing him in the ear. War ensued, leaving Sam alone to approach Billy, Amy and Erin as the two chased one another all over the VIP upstairs area.

Sam smiled and Billy grabbed her into a hug. “I love this wench, I do. A handful and a half with deadly punches to match.” Billy released her and smiled to Amy. “Amy, my darlin’…I have to meet you up with a dear lass. Amy, this is Samantha Bloom. Sam, Amy.”

Erin heard the name and whirled her eyes to the angular, feminine face of Samantha. His sister, I should have seen it in the eyes. That is why she looked so damn familiar! Oh shit…Orlandos’ sister…

Amy looked to Erin before accepting Samanthas’ outstretched hand. Her eyes were confused and questioning. “Your Orlandos sister. Great to meet you. Billy has said such wonderful things about you.”

Sam smiled. “As Billy has said of you, love. Good to know you.” She turned to Erin. “And you must be Erin? Orli has said wonderful things about you, as well. Now that I see you, I cant help but think how right he was to break up with Jemma.” Her words were coolly placed and perfectly presented. Erins face read like an open book. Her eyes were wide, her lips slightly agape. Orlando had not told Erin, which was long evident to Sam, who knew her brother better than even he would prefer to admit. It was about time the cat was let out of the proverbial bag.

“Orlando never told me about that.” Erin looked from Sam to Billy and Amy. The guilt was written all over their faces.

“I didn’t suspect he did. It wasn’t as tough a decision as you might have thought. I am thinking of getting some air and smoke a fag, maybe chat up some girl talk. Feel like stepping out of doors with me, Erin?” Sam smiled a similar crookedly charming smile to, so like her younger brother.

“Yeah, that would be great.” Erin smoothed the PVC ball gown, leaning into her pocketbook to pull out her pack.

“Give me a moment, I will meet you outside. Must find Dom and let him know.” Sam nodded and took off along the crowd.

“You both knew about this, didn’t you?” Erin gave them both a chastising look. “Why didn’t you tell me he and his fiancée broke up?”

“You needed some time to get your head clear. I didn’t want to give you false hope, yanno? Besides, where the hell is he anyway? He should be here. He should be with you. Its no wonder you and Sean are on the phone all night, damn near every night. You were better off falling for him anyway.” Amy set her chin firm as Erin sighed.

“Maybe that was fate all along. Who knows? Well, maybe I can get some info from Sam. She seems willing enough. Let me head outside. I promise to fill you in when I get back.” Erin gave a half hearted smile and headed out of the VIP room.

Billy looked to Amy, his hand gently cradled along the back of her neck. “Orlando is here, love. Why he hasn’t made himself known is the question.”

Orlando watched Erin walking out of the VIP entrance, away from Sam, heading for the outside. Her pack of cigarettes were in hand, her eyes were cast toward the floor, seemingly lost in thought. Taking another sip of his drink, he cleared his throat, wondering if she was coming back.

“Why are you being a chicken shit? Eh?” Sam stepped in beside Orlando at the bar. “The girl is here, this is what you wanted, isn’t it?”

“Sam, you shouldn’t try to interfere. I have already had enough advice to last a lifetime. Some of it, not so good.” Orlando snickered, looking at the candle light playing in shadows along the bar top.

“You have to face that, either way. You are a stubborn and obstinate one, Orli. But I respect your not wanting advice, so, I will back away and let you sulk.” Sam turned and paused with a dark smile. “Erin is outside waiting for me to have a cigarette. I am not going. Now is your chance.” With that, Sam walked to the opposite direction, aiming to find Dom and the rest of the group within the VIP section of the club.

Orlando half cocked an arrogant smile, watching his sister leave. She is good. Sam definitely has the balls to seize every situation. If I falter now, it may prove the last chance. If there is a chance…He snickered to himself and rose from the bar, setting out to find Erin.

Erin shivered as she inhaled her cigarette. One arm was braced about her opposite shoulder, attempting futilely to chase away the chill of New Years Eve night. Leaning back against the entrance to Studio 54, Erin let Sams words play across her thoughts, attempting to find some comfort in the newly acquired knowledge. He broke it off with her. I cant believe he did that..after everything that seemed to happen around us. Us..what a concept, what a word. There is no US, that would indicate a union of some kind…and that is not likely. It would be like the joining of Minis Morgul and Osgiliath. An unlikely pairing. Still, I wonder where he is and why he did what he did…

Erin flicked her ash, wondering where Sam was and what was taking so long.

“Erin.” The word..her name, caused a shiver colder than the most feral Siberian wind, to rush up her spine. Her eyes closed instantly, her heart racing. So sweet an accent, like cold silk slithering against hot, bare flesh.

“Orlando.” Erin responded, biting her lip, her body quivering as her lips formed such an exquisite name. He is here…dear god, Erin. Look up, look at him. Make sure it is him. It cant be him…why would he be here… Her thoughts flashed, in doubt, within the length of a breath.

Erin inhaled sharply, feeling the soft pads of his fingertips gently lifting her chin, her eyes still tightly closed. “Why wont you open your eyes, love?” His voice felt far away, like a clarion call somewhere heralding her from the safety and comfort of sleep. “I cant.” I’m scared I am finally losing my mind. Erin felt her lower lip trembling. I am afraid you are nothing more than an image I have conjured out from the abyss and if I open my eyes, you wont really be there.

Orlando smiled softly, shivering in her presence, despite the chill of winters icy grip all about him. He seemed to read her mind. “I promise if you open your eyes, I will really be here. I don’t give promises easily, love. Promises are too intense to re-neg.” To look upon you now is to look upon the face of all my fears and all my desires. To stand before you makes me feel humble and small, for when you see me..you really see me..not the persona or the image on the silver screen. Its all coming back to me now…

Daring to believe his words, Erin blinked her eyes and gazed upward. Her gaze connected with the dark brown, sable gaze of Orlando Bloom. The moment lasted an eternity, through battered icy exhalations. “You really are here.” Erin smiled, blinking to clear her mind of the fear of shattered illusions that plagued her.

Orlando smiled softly, his eyes shimmering in the cold halogen glare of the street lights. A stark clarity unfolding itself in the dead of a New York City night. “You should never doubt a given word, love.” He took a soft, audible breath and continued, “I’ve missed you.” His fingertips remained planted beneath her chin.

Erin felt her doubts fade away with the glint of his dark, warm eyes. “I’ve missed you too, Orlando. I don’t know how else to say it, but I am really glad you are here.”

“I am here for you, Erin. And I could not be happier to see you.” Orlando tilted his head softly, his lips descending from above her like a subtle prayer. Erin felt her breath catch against her throat as the first spark of his velvet tongue parted her lips so softly. Erin could taste his unspoken fear of potential rejection as his lips trembled, seeking refuge against her own.

Erin gave herself to the taste of Orlando, his kiss so splendid with unearthly familiarity. Each caress of his velvet soft tongue spoke a silent promise to which she answered with her own delicate maneuverings.

Orlando nestled his body closer to Erin, pressing her exquisite form against the outer wall of the club. Slowly, Erin found her fingertips caressing along his neck, losing herself in the feelings churning through her heart. If this is a dream, let me never wake…please…please…

Amy bit the edge of her already chewed down fingernails. Anxiously glancing to the door amidst the dizzying array of strobe and colored lights, she waited with bated breath.

“Calm down, lass. I’ll be promisin’ ya that Orli is makin’ it right. If Sam says he went, then sure enough he has gone to her.” Billy comforted Amy, his arm draped around her delicate shoulders.

“I am just worried. I mean what if she runs again? Or what if he just screws it all up or never finds her outside or something? You know, this is killing me!” Amy raised her voice above the blaring music.

“It wouldn’t be unlike my darling brother to fucker off a bit. But then again, he had a look of determination in those eyes. For whatever end, we can only hope. Try not to worry, love. Really.” Sam sipped her drink.

“That is easier said than believed, Sam. Trust me, I don’t think Orli has filled you in on this entire episode of this soap opera, the Young and the Restless. Believe me when I say it hasn’t been a pretty picture.” Liv sighed softly, leaning back along the banister.

“That might be right, but Lij has filled me in a bit here and there. I know some bad things happened to her and I don’t just mean meeting up with Orli. Not that he isnt a tragedy in and of himself.” Sam nodded her head in grave understanding.

“Men, cant live without them…cant shoot them.” Dom smiled, trying to lighten the heavy feeling as anticipation for Erin and Orlando grew within the group.

“Says who?” Liv narrowed her eyes to a bare slit, elbowing Viggo who stood as silent sentry beside her. "Hey, you didnt yell at me. Viggo..are you alright?"

Viggo had barely said a word since Samantha joined the group and informed them that she had urged her brother out of the door. The very thought that the action required coaxing left an uneasy void in his stomach. Ever watchful, Viggo found himself in the cross armed likeness of one of the kings of the old pictured in the Argonath. Snapping to his senses, Viggo turned, his body slackening his still stance. “Huh? Did I miss something?”

Amy shook her head, biting the side of her nail once more. Still nothing. What the hell is going on out there? Come on already!

Billy tapped Amy softly. “Lass, take a peek out on the dance floor. Do ya see Lij? Looks like the lad is havin’ a seizure, poor bastard. Someone needs to save that lass, Shannon from that macabre little dance of his, eh?”

Amy laughed despite herself before glancing at her watch. If they arent in here in ten more minutes, I swear to god I am going out there.

Shivering, Orlando slowly withdrew his kiss. His eyes refused to open, lingering in the bliss of reuniting. The words he longed to say to Erin were so close to tumbling from his lips, like wine overflowing from a golden wrought chalice. Not yet, man. This isn’t the time. This isn’t the place. Wait for it, the moment will make itself known…

Slowly, Orlando studied Erin beneath the halogen glare of the caustic street lamps. So Beautiful… With quivering fingertips, he slid a wisp of her wind blown hair from her cheek. I quake like a school boy in her presence, as if all I have ever known about women fly from my mind at lightning speed.

“What are you thinking?” Erin bit her lower lip as she found herself mesmerized with Orlandos dark sable eyes.

“Just how wonderful it is to be here with you.” He could feel his smile grow wide enough to crackle his cold flesh in the dark, chilled night.

“Did you really come all of this way for me?” Erin felt her face flush at the sound of her own words.

“I did. I would have crossed every ocean of the world to be here tonight. I am just glad that you have not turned me away.” Orlando felt his heart slipping down to his sleeve, baring his intimate thoughts to her dark eyes. Gently, Orlando slipped his hand into the welcoming grasp of Erins.

“As if I would ever rebuke you? What have you done to ever deserve that from me?” Erin tilted her head to the side, watching the wind comb through his dark unruly tendrils of mahogany hair.

Orlando sighed softly. What have I done to deserve it? I ran away from you over and over again until it was all you could do to not run from me. When you finally did…I know what that animal did to you…I know what was awaiting you when you went home that night. Even after I knew, I did not come to you though you are none the wiser to what I know. But either way I have wronged you…either way I have failed you. I was too selfish to let myself understand until it was almost too late. Now, I wonder if it is too late.

“Orlando? Why aren’t you answering me?” Erin watched as a shadow over came his gorgeous angular features. Quirking her brow she watched as he regained his smile, cloaking the concern he had shown only a moment before.

“I was lost in thought for a moment. I couldn’t help but admire you. I guess you could say that I am just swept away by your presence, love.” Orlando forced his focus to shift, driving the thoughts from his clouded mind.

“I am not sure if I believe you or not?” Erin narrowed her eyes slightly. “Is there something I need to know?”

“Well, besides the fact that I had Liv reserve that room in both of our names, I think everything is pretty much out in the open. Hope you wont mind that?” Orlando raised her hand, bound within his own, to his lips.

Erin felt her face flush instantly. “You really are a scoundrel, you realize. And mind me to tell a thing or two to Liv after I hug the shit out of her.”

“I think we should present ourselves before the court of public opinion. Though I will have you know that every person in that fellowship, with the exception of Amy, knew Billy and I were coming. But I think this is something they have been eagerly awaiting.” Orlando winked a deep sable eye with a charming smile.

“Oh? And why is that, I wonder?” Erin returned the charming smile, her stomach fluttering with the launch of a thousand butterflies. Orlando drew her hand tighter into the confines of his own.

“Because I…” Orlando paused, holding her eyes with his commandingly beautiful gaze. Say it, damn you.! “Bloody hell. Well the long and short of it goes something like this…”

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