Another day, another press conference. Orlando had just returned from the last one for their stay in Japan and exhaustion soaked into his body. He flopped heavily onto the bed, contemplating a nap before dinner. The fans were lovely, but he would never get used to their screams of adoration. There was only one person whose adoration he desired.

As if telepathy truly existed, his cell phone rang. He fished it out of his jacket pocket and flipped it open without checking the caller ID.

"I saw you today," the voice said huskily into Orlando's ear through the receiver before he could utter a greeting.

Recognizing the caller immediately, Orlando returned teasingly, "Did you now?" knowing his lover had indeed been watching remotely.

An appreciative affirmation noise wafted over the lines. "You looked wonderful. It's nice to see you so happy." Orlando blushed, despite himself. He never tired of hearing the voice of his heart's desire, especially when it was complimentary.

"This is a wonderful time in my life, you know. Why wouldn't I be happy? I've got a kick-ass movie coming out next month, great friends, and a dashing Spanish lover. What more could a bloke ask for?" he asked nonchalantly.

A chuckle traveled over the line. "A Spanish Lover? Who is this man? Someone I know?"

"Yes, I'm afraid you know him very well. We're extremely close. He's outstanding in bed, and he's a real romantic. Sends me flowers…" Orlando let his words trail off into oblivion.

"Ahhh, a romantic…," the caller sighed dramatically, causing Orlando to grin. "So, did you like the roses?"

"They're lovely. And I did what you told me to do…"

"Yes, I saw that," the caller whispered tenderly, embracing Orlando in a verbal hug. Orlando shivered as the voice caressed his soul. He looked to the table at the bundle of white roses he'd been handed by the Japanese girl prior to leaving the press conference. A flicker of yearning passed through his core.

Noise in the background of the call brought Orlando back to focus. "They're calling me back to the set, love," the caller stated regretfully. A mist began to form in Orlando's field of vision, but he blinked it back.

"Okay," he sighed, not wanting the conversation to end. "Call me when you get another chance."

"You know I will," the voice soothed. "And Orli… don't forget: Smell the roses and think of me."

"Always, my love." Orlando closed the phone and stood, walking over to the table. He gently lifted a single rose from the bundle and raised it to his lips, caressing the petals as if in a chaste kiss and inhaling the subtle fragrance it possessed. "Be safe, my love," he whispered, placing the rose back with its brethren and walking to the window. As he gazed out at the Japan skyline a feeling of warmth and security blanketed him, and he knew, no matter how many miles existed between them, Viggo was always with him.

FINIS