DreamInColour © 2004
Hope was sitting on a bench watching two children play fetch with a golden retriever. She had just walked around the park and had sat down to take in the view. It was amazing how a city like New York could look so gorgeous, even in winter it rivalled LA every time.
“Guess who?” Hands covered her eyes.
She laughed and reached to pull them down, “Your secretary gave you the message?”
Orlando laughed and sat down beside her, “Yeah but he comes at a high price so I had to fire him.”
“Too bad, he sounded sexy.”
“Flirted with you did he?”
“Shamelessly.”
“It seems you bring that out in a guy, even one as old as him.”
“Hey, he may be older but if I could snag me a man that looks that good over forty I’d be damn lucky.”
“Well I think he’s single I could hook you up if you’d like.”
Hope eyed him for a second then smiled and stood up, “No need, I can hook myself up fine on my own.” She extended her hand, “Could I interest you in a walk?”
He took her hand and stood, “But of course.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and they headed down the park’s path.
“Do I have a best friend anymore?” Allie asked the ceiling, or at least this is what it looked like, in reality she was asking Dom who had just returned from his interviews. She had accompanied him to the warehouse where the cast was being interviewed and had basically spent the time in a sequestered area watching TV on a rather comfortable loveseat.
He lifted her head and place it in his lap as he joined her, “I couldn’t tell you. I’d forgotten that any other woman existed besides you.”
She chuckled, “Oh you Casanova you, considered me swept off my feet.”
“Oh I do believe I had you off your feet quite consistently last night.”
“You did indeed.” She said then sat up and turned around so her feet where in his lap. “Now you should give them a rub, cause they’re beginning to feel neglected.”
“Speaking of neglected.” Billy walked into the room, “I’m Billy you’re best mate until this stunner stole you from me.” He extended his hand to Dom.
“Billy…hmm…I seem to remember having a mate named Billy. Good to meet ya, sorry but this one is still better looking.” He shook Billy’s hand quickly then returned to massaging Allie’s feet.
“I agree she is definitely a looker, which makes me wonder how she ended up with you.”
Allie smiled at Billy, “It was a strategic move to get closer to you my Scottish love.”
Billy grinned and pulled her up off the couch and into his arms, “That’s more like it.”
“Hey now.” Dom complained and stood to grab at Allie.
“I’m sorry baby, it’s the accent I am powerless underneath it.” Allie pretended to swoon as she leaned on Billy.
“Damint.” Dom snapped his fingers in mock defeat, “Bested by the fuckin’ accent again.”
“When will you ever learn that you can’t compete with a Scottish brogue?” Billy grinned.
“Of course when it comes to being underneath…” Dom started then leaned into Allie’s ear and whispered something to her.
“Damn.” Allie laughed and turned to wrap her arms around Dom’s neck, “I’d almost forgotten about that.”
“Need a reminder?”
“Most definitely.”
“Now that’s my cue to leave. You can have the lass Dom, but might I suggest waiting until there are less cameras?” Billy pointed in the direction of where Viggo was being interviewed.
“My room?” Allie asked reaching for her purse.
“I’ll race ya.” Dom laughed before the two took off.
“Fuckin’ disgusting that’s what that is.” Elijah muttered as the two almost ran him down.
“Aww young love is just gorgeous to watch.” Billy purred dramatically as he leaned on Elijah’s shoulder.
“You feeling lonely too?”
“Like a bloody hobbit in Mordor.”
“Nice segway.”
“Thank you, have you had luncheon yet Frodo?”
“Not yet Pippin…” Elijah said with a laugh, “Lead the way.”
“Do not disturb.” Hope read the sign hanging on the handle of her room. “Honestly I’m starting to wonder if I’m going to get to sleep in my room at all this trip.”
“Well come on and hang out in mine until they are…ehm…done.” Orlando laughed.
She shrugged, “Might as well.”
“You know I think it is highly rude what Allie and Dom are doing to you.” He said as they entered his room.
“Me too.” Hope agreed, “But frankly I’m still scared of running into a naked version of Dom and once in a lifetime is enough for me thanks.”
“Well how about we ensure that he’s dressed, but disrupted?”
“You have a mischievous glint in your eye Mr. Bloom. Whatever do you have up your sleeve?”
“That is elementary my dear Miss. Waters, a long overdue prank.”
“A prank? I’m intrigued and in need of a good laugh.” Hope grinned, “Fill me in.”
“Well first we have to go downstairs to the hotel shop and grab some supplies then we go a floor above us and…” Orlando told her his plan. She was laughing hysterically by the end of it.
Liv answered her door with a slight frown, “Can I help you two?”
“Your room is right above Allie and Hope’s.” Orlando said stepping past her with Hope in tow.
“Your point being?”
“Allie and Dom seem to have taken it over and we’re bored.” Hope explained.
Liv laughed, “Well count me in. Roy left today so I’m just as bored, what’s the plan?”
The phone continued to ring until Allie couldn’t handle it anymore, “What!” She hollered into it breathlessly.
“You may need to look over your balcony miss.” The voice sounded muffled.
“What?” She sat up much to Dom’s disdain. At that moment there was a knock on the balcony window created by some rope and a broom handle. “Who is this?” She asked, but the person had hung up.
“Who was that?” Dom asked staring at the balcony door, “And did we leave someone out there and not know it?”
Allie grabbed the dress shirt he had worn to his interviews and pulled it on, “No we didn’t.” She exclaimed as the knocking continued.
The broom handle was pulled up just as she opened the curtains and stared out the window at nothing. “Weird. You heard that didn’t you?”
Dom had pulled on his boxers and joined her, “Yeah, I don’t see anything.”
She opened the door cautiously and peered outside, “I can’t see anything either.”
“Maybe it went over the side or something.” Dom stepped onto the balcony and peered down.
“Do you see anything?” Allie asked, joining him.
“No…” He started as something smacked the back of his head.
“Huh?” Allie felt the splash from Dom as something equally as wet hit her head.
“Shit!” The both stood up.
“That was a water balloon!” Dom exclaimed.
“Thank you Captain Obvious.” Allie muttered as she wiped the water off of her face. “Are you sure?”
“Damn sure.” Dom said leaning over again and looking up at the balcony above him. He didn’t have time to move as a blue balloon smacked his face.
Allie peered over another side, “I hear laughter.” She looked up straining to see who it was as a pink balloon smacked her face. “Damnit.” She sputtered.
“You’re all wet Allie.” He laughed.
“You aren’t exactly dry Dom.” She grinned, “Is that the shower calling me?”
“You hear it too?” Dom wrapped an arm around her waist. “Far be it for me to ignore a shower call.”
“Good on ya mate.”
Orlando, Hope and Liv stood in front of the room, “You think they’re in the shower yet?” Hope asked.
Liv tried one of the keys she had charmed out of the guy at the front desk and smiled after peering her head in, “I can hear it going hurry up you two I’ll open Dom’s room while you work.”
Silently Orlando and Hope emptied the room of every stitch of clothing. They chuckled silently and ducked out just as the sound of the shower stopped.
Liv was standing in Dom’s room with the door open, “Looks like this bed hasn’t been slept in.”
“That’s cause it hasn’t been.” Hope laughed, “Now we can deposit Allie and Dom’s clothes.” She dropped what she had been carrying.
“Yeah and we’ll take yours to my room and wait till they leave.” Orlando said dropping some of his contents.
Liv giggled, “This is much more fun than watching something on Pay Per View. I’ll meet you there after.” She said with a wink and a tap on the camera she had around her neck.
The remaining two stepped out of the room as a screech could be heard across the hall. “Quickly!” Orlando hissed, “Get in my room!”
His door shut just as the door in front of the scream opened a crack. “No one’s out there.”
“It’s one of the lads I’d bet my life on it.” Dom growled, “Okay the note said our clothes are in my room let’s make a break for it.”
“Why do hotel towels have to be so fuckin’ small?” Allie grumbled as she adjusted the towel in a vain attempt to cover her ‘assets’.”
“Now.” Dom whispered before they bolted into the hallway. There was a flash seconds after they entered his room. “What the?” He sputtered.
“Liv!” Allie was incredulous.
The woman grinned, “We decided it was time you two stopped kicking Hope out of her room.” She opened the door, “They gave you your own room for a reason Dom. Enjoy it.” She was out of the room and into Orlando’s open door before the two could react.
The three pranksters could hardly contain their laughter. “Mission accomplished.” Hope high fived Orlando and Liv, “I’ve got my room back.” She grabbed her key as well as Allie’s. “It’ll be nice to have my own place you know once they clean it.”
“Aww Elijah will be upset.” Orlando laughed as he hoisted one of her bags over his shoulder.
“He’ll get over it.” Hope smiled. “Thanks for your help Liv.” She said after they had returned her belongings to her now empty room.
“No troubles, it was a gas girl. You’re a blast.”
“Thanks.” Hope smiled.
“I never expected it from my best friend.” Allie muttered from where she had watched the three through the peephole.
“Pay back is a bitch.” Dom rubbed his hands together.
Dom brought in Billy and Elijah into his prank, which meant that many tricks were done over that following week. A truce was reached the night before everyone was supposed to leave. On that night Dom and Allie were out on a last date, Billy and Elijah had gone to try out a club that had been recommended to them, while Orlando and Liv were doing a last minute interview at MTV. All of this left Hope by herself for dinner, or at least so she thought.
She was leafing through the room service menu when there was a knock on the door. “Now who could that be?” She opened the door and smiled, “Well if it isn’t the king himself.”
“At your service.” Viggo bowed with a smile, “I hear you are eating dinner alone is this true?”
She stepped aside allowing him to enter her room, “You hear correctly I have yet again been shafted for a hobbit.”
“I figured as much, that is why I’ve come to rescue you from the confines of boredom.”
“No kidding?” Hope laughed, “What do you have in mind?”
“We’ll start with dinner and go from there. What do you think?”
She contemplated for a matter of a few seconds then reached for her purse, “I’m game.” She took his arm and smiled up at him, “You owe me a wooing anyway.”
He laughed and opened the door, “And I plan to do my best wooing so consider this a warning.”
“I look forward.” Hope grinned. “I’ve never been wooed by a king before.”
“You’ll never be the same again.”
“Promise?”
“Oh that’s a guarantee.” He kissed her hand for affect.
“Well then bring it on.”
Orlando and Liv returned to the hotel at about 2am. They had promised to be at an MTV party after their on air appearance. “I think I need some time in my room to regain my hearing.” Liv leaned against the elevator wall and closed her eyes, “Could you try and be less attractive next time? Or at least bring me some ear plugs?” She sighed dramatically.
Orlando laughed, “I’m very sorry Livvy Loo, it was heartless of me. I’ll work on being ugly.”
“Thanks you’re a peach.” She grinned as the door opened on his floor, “I guess I’ll see you in London tomorrow. I don’t plan to get up until it is absolutely necessary.”
He kissed her cheek before leaving the elevator, “Have a good rest.”
She nodded with a wave as the doors shut. Orlando was about to go into his own room when a thought dawned on him. He was sure that Hope had said something about remaining in her room that night. It might be a good idea to see what she had been up to and say a final goodbye. His flight left early and he didn’t anticipate seeing her again before then.
Hope was engrossed in the movie she had decided to order after Viggo had dropped her off. They had spent a good three hours just talking at the bar after dinner until he had to leave. His flight was scheduled that night and he had to make tracks so he could make it for the final boarding.
Upon her arrival back in her room Hope had decided to purchase a movie and watch that till she fell asleep. She decided on ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Ever since she’d found out Orlando was in it she’d wanted to see his performance.
“They’ve taken Elizabeth!” His voice exclaimed on screen.
Hope was on her stomach lying on her bed in an effort to get closer to the TV. He really was damn good looking, like strikingly gorgeous. She was engrossed in staring at his profile, as another guy said, “Do not think you are the only man here who cares for Elizabeth.”
“This cannot be the same man I’ve been hanging out with all week.” She muttered to herself as Will Turner ran down the prison stairs ready to release Jack Sparrow.
As the two characters conversed she distinctly thought she heard a knock on her door. “Damnit Allie not now.” She grumbled making her way to the door. In an effort not to miss a minute of his screen time she continued to stare at the TV as she opened the door.
“Hullo Hope.” Said the voice that was simultaneously saying, ‘Hurry someone will have heard that’, on the screen.
She turned slowly and stared at him then promptly shut the door. “Holy shit this is bad, I’m hallucinating him now.” She said to herself.
Orlando stared at the closed door in bewilderment the knocked again. “Hope?” He called out.
She opened the door again slowly and tipped her head to the side and stared at him. As if in slow motion she reached out and pinched him, “Shit you’re real.” She whispered.
“Of course I’m real.” He looked at her funny, “Have you been drinking?”
“No I…damnit this isn’t happening.” She said to herself, “Calm yourself down girl, and maintain your restraint.”
“You need restraint?” He asked. Why was she looking at him like that?
“He’s just a figment of your over active imagination. Different from TV.” She was still talking to herself. She stepped forward and ran her hands down his arms and chest; she put a hand to his face and stopped. “Damnit.” She breathed out again then shut the door firmly.
“What the hell?” Orlando was beyond confused at this point not to mention extremely turned on by how she had touched him. He leaned against the door in an effort to get her attention. Instead he could hear her talking to herself on the other side.
“…kept your restraint this long Hope no need to jump him now. But damnit he’s so fucking hot, just once come on can’t I just kiss him once?”
“Yes you can!” Orlando called at the closed door.
Like she hadn’t even heard him she continued her discussion with herself, “No! You decided you were just going to be friends. He’s a famous actor you don’t want to get involved with that. But those lips, sweet merciful heavens and man what I wouldn’t give to run my hands…”
There was a mumble and he couldn’t make out what she had said after that. “What about your hands? What do you want to do with your hands?” He yelled in frustration.
“What the fuck Orli? Why are you yelling at people’s doors?” Elijah asked as he stepped out of the elevator on his way back to his room.
“It’s Hope.”
“I know that’s Hope’s room. It’s also 2 in the morning, don’t you think you should let the girl sleep?”
“But…” Orlando muttered as he struggled against Elijah who was pushing him towards his own room.
“Remember you guys are just friends. Don’t try to ruin it now.” Elijah scolded.
“I know but you should have heard her.” Orlando protested yet he took his key out and opened his door.
“You need to sleep mate.” Elijah laughed in a perfect British accent.
“Yeah but.”
“But nothing…good night.” Elijah shut the door firmly, “He’s a funny drunk.” He chuckled to himself as he entered his own room.
After his door shut Hope’s door swung open, “Orli I…” She stopped and stared at the empty hallway. With a dramatic sigh she shut the door again, “It’s just as well, its fate telling me that friends is better.” She sighed again as she sat on the bed. Will and Jack were just in the process of ‘commandeering’ a ship. “I’ll just drool over him in privacy. She resumed her position on the bed, “Damnit, why didn’t I notice him before?”