Title: "Reassurance" Author: Brenda Pairing: Harry Sinclair/Orlando Bloom Rating: PG Summary: Wherein Harry's amused and patient. Orlando...not so much. Part Eight of the Changes Series Disclaimer: Vampires still don't exist. And Orlando still isn't Harry's pet. Notes: For Lreissner102 and Prettypattisue, who both requested this pairing for this scene challenge. "My mind is in a state of confusion But I can't deny the way I feel" -- Depeche Mode "And you're not any better, you know," Orlando continued, warming up to full rant (not that he'd admit it, if asked, because he really wasn't a ranting type of person, honest) as he slammed the keys on the table and crossed the library to the bar. "Constantly encouraging them. Huh. All three of you in a bloody conspiracy, more like." "Don't blame me for your lack of humor," Harry replied, strolling into the room, pushing a couple of books back in place before settling in his favorite chair. Worn leather creaked as candlelight cast dancing shadows along the walls, and muted strains of Mozart played softly in the background. Under other circumstances, it would have been the perfect, relaxed setting. Orlando, however, refused to be swayed by the beauty of it. "I have a wonderful sense of humor, thank you," he bit out, and slammed the bottle of whiskey on the counter in emphasis. Liquid spilled over the edge of his glass onto his fingertips. "Not right now, you don't." "Don't start." Orlando started pacing in quick, agitated steps, nimbly avoiding the precariously balanced stacks on the floor. "You always take their side. I mean, I know it's Karl and it's just how you two are and I can't compete with that and don't want to try, not really, but I mean, I had you before Dave and I just don't see why – -- oof!" With a hard yank, Harry pulled Orlando onto his lap, liquid trickling onto Orlando's hand. "You're wasting it," Orlando griped, trying to wiggle free. "It's mine to waste," Harry replied. "Sit still before I make you." Orlando reluctantly obeyed, still grumbling. "Bloody vampire, think just 'cause you're older and stronger..." "Yes, I do," Harry said with a grin. "And since I'll always be older and stronger, you may want to get used to it." Orlando glanced into glittering amaretto eyes and frowned. "Not bloody fair." "Life's often not." One of Harry's arms wrapped around Orlando's waist, and he neatly plucked the tumbler from Orlando's hand, ignoring his protest. Harry drained it in one long swallow and set the glass on the table next to them. "Now, suppose you tell me what's really bothering you." Orlando tried for another glare -- bloody thieving bastard -- and sighed when Harry just calmly stared back at him. He hated it when Harry did that. "I don't belong here," he mumbled. "Pardon?" "You heard me." "Who's been feeding you that line of bullshit?" "No one," Orlando shrugged, then gave in and snuggled against Harry's chest, toying with the buttons of his shirt. "S'true, though. Three of you are all..." he made a vague waving motion "...and I'm not. Especially you and Karl." "Thought you were over this." "Apparently not." "And you feel this way because Karl and Dave teased you earlier?" Harry asked, and started massaging Orlando's scalp. Orlando all but melted under the gentle ministrations. "Yes," he murmured, then sighed again. "No. I don't know." "Then why don't you start with what you do know," Harry suggested, low voice wrapping around Orlando like a warm blanket. "You know we love you, yes?" "Yeah, but --" "No buts. And that we'd do anything for you?" "Yeah..." It came out as a soft groan when Harry's fingers found a knot on the base of Orlando's neck, loosening it with gentle pressure. "And that we love having you in our lives?" "Yeah." Orlando's lashes fluttered as he lifted his eyes to meet Harry's. "But I don't get why. I'm not...cultured, like Karl or brash like Dave or smart like you. I'm just...me." "Precisely," Harry smiled, and brushed his lips across Orlando's. "Doesn't make sense." "Love rarely does," Harry said, with another smile and another soft kiss. "You think I'd have ever chosen Karl if the choice had been mine?" "You'd be lost without him." All anyone had to do was look at the way they were around each other -- centuries of devotion and love and something stronger, a bond that defied time. Even Orlando knew what they had was rare and precious. "And we'd be lost without you." Orlando could see the truth in Harry's eyes. "I'm sorry." He wrapped his arms around Harry's neck, nuzzled soft skin. "I'm an idiot." Orlando could feel Harry's smile. "Sometimes." "Not supposed to agree with me." "Then don't say foolish things." Orlando lifted his head and leaned up, lips ghosting over Harry's. "I do love you, you know." "I know. And I love you, little one. For all that you are." In the end, Orlando supposed it really didn't matter why. He had them, and they all had each other, and it was more than enough. Onto Companion main Changes page If you enjoyed this fic, please leave feedback here. Thanks!