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Date Posted: 17:01:56 05/03/02 Fri
Author: Repost Fairy
Author Host/IP: 64.193.19.25
Subject: Chapter 20 - Part 1
In reply to: KGilbert 's message, "Dreams in the Dark - Chapter 20 and forthcoming" on 17:00:21 05/03/02 Fri

Extra warning: There's a bit of suggestiveness here. Be warned. :)

*****************

Dreams in the Dark (20/?)
by Katherine Gilbert

Up to now, he thought, the day had been going rather well. He had taken care of the Jones problem--at least for the time being--had reminded Wolfe that there were many reasons he had to be grateful to him, and had even aided Michael in his obvious quest to stay close to his, rather lovely, co-star. Yes--everything had been quite perfect until the last few minutes; he sighed imperceptibly, the truth standing, pleading before him. But, then, love was always far more difficult to manage than business.

Helmut looked into the rather desperate eyes before him again, listening to his long-time lover's plea. "B-but it's b-been w-weeks since we . . ."

The tall man sighed, stopping the actor's words, making it easier for him. "I know." His mind turned. Poor Martin--his stutter was one of Hollywood's best-kept secrets, thanks to the man's many acting skills, as well the aid of his twin; his heart felt a slight twinge. Still, when they were alone together--and his partner was upset--it was often hard for him to get a word out easily. He tried to calm him, hating to see him so hurt. "But we need to be safe. Too many weekends alone together, and we'll see another rash of 'confirmed bachelor' stories about you." And everyone who was anyone knew *exactly* what that meant.

There was no easy way around this situation, of course--but Helmut was used to that. His body language was calm, as he looked away, smiling at someone passing by--trying to look as though this were just another, casual conversation; he hated that they needed to have it in public, right out here beside the stage door, but it was safer that way--kept at least a few tongues from wagging. He tried for a little humor. "Poor Mick's already been schtupping enough starlets in your stead to barely give him a night off. If we ask him to pick up the pace any more, he'll find it difficult to walk."

It was a nice try, but this plea wasn't the most convincing for that man's twin; Martin's look went more sullen, his tone petulant. "Not like he m-minds."

Really. Helmut sighed, looking back to his long-term, and very secret, partner. They both knew very well that Mick did indeed mind, that he actually had his eye on Wolfe's secretary, Monique; the two had been together for some time. It was obvious that the man would have far preferred to be able to marry and raise children with her than be stuck carrying out an eternal charade solely to protect his brother; he held back his next sigh. Still, when Martin was in a bad mood, he didn't tend to be very grateful--and his mood at the moment was bordering on putrid. He tried to refocus him, leaning closer, looking back to him at last. "I've got plans in the works for this next weekend. We should be able to get at least one other couple to come stay with us." The "house party," after all, was always a good disguise.

It wasn't enough, though. Martin let out a tired sigh, hating these games. "It's not s-soon enough."

How true. His partner's eyes were tender, understanding too well. "I know."

There was little else to be said. They were caught in this look for many moments, both of their minds turning--knowing the truth. They had been together far too long to still be playing these games.

This fact had settled deep within them--but they also understood the reality they faced. They had met back when Helmut had taken up a share in Wolfe's studios, had been in bed within a matter of hours--the speed and strength of the attachment surprising them both; it had been quite wonderful. Still, ever since then, they had been playing a game of hide and seek--the two of them hiding their feelings in public, trying to keep their relationship quiet from a media which was seeking a juicy Hollywood story, one which would, incidentally, destroy them both. While there were a few couples like them who actually managed to live relatively openly, they were incredibly rare--and definitely never allowed on the screen. Given some of the bad blood Wolfe, and some of the other behind-the-scenes people, at Premier had fostered, too--intentionally or not--the scrutiny they were under was intensified; holding a potential witch-hunt at bay was always a primary concern. If Martin wanted to stay in pictures, and Helmut in his favored position in New York banking, they had to be quiet. There was just no other way to keep the morality police to themselves.

These truths were evident to them both--no matter how much they might hate them. Still, they were broken from their gaze by a passer-by whose eyes lingered intently on the banker; she licked her, very red, lips. "Hel-mut." She moved closer to him, as he turned away from his lover, as though he had forgotten him entirely, forcing a smile; the woman's pout went on. "It's been *so* long." She was practically leaning against him now. "Why haven't you called me lately?"

Oh--lovely. Helmut sighed imperceptibly. This was not what he needed now--especially with poor Martin watching; it opened up far too many wounds. They had already discussed the possibility of a show marriage for one of them so many times that it had practically broken them down--no matter how helpful it might publicly be; his heart fell a little. This really wasn't the sort of reminder either of them needed of the precautions he had already been forced to take.

This made no difference in his reaction, however; he was too well-practiced for that. The taller man smiled, seeming utterly charmed--taking her hand to kiss it. "Karen." His eyes sparkled lasciviously. "So very good to see you again."

Mm. This made the woman nearly purr; she moved even closer, her gaze flirtatious. "And that call?"

The smile remained on the man's lips, even if the revulsion within him was growing stronger; he kissed her hand again, eyes bright. "There's only so much of you my heart is up to for one visit, my sweet. Your charms can wear a man down far too easily." It was certainly true--but not at all in the way he had said it.

Fortunately, she seemed to misunderstand this. She purred again, stroking over his chest; she was now actively batting her lashes. "How much longer will you be here this time?" Her hand was moving down.

Christ. He could have sworn she was about to unzip his pants, when she suddenly seemed to notice his companion. Her eyes clearly stated, "what the hell are you still doing here?" when Helmut finally saw his way out; he gazed over her head. "I'm afraid it looks like you're wanted." She peered back, obviously reluctantly, to see Angie waiting for her costume. His eyes grew serious--like the powerful figure he was. "You shouldn't keep the departments waiting, you know. It costs money." That was one of the very few concepts this woman fully understood.

This seemed to work, bringing her back--fortunately. Still, there was a last small purr, when she looked back to him. "You *will* call before you go, won't you?"

Only if he was truly damned. He kissed her hand once more--thanking God he was almost rid of her. "Of course." He watched her slink off with relief.

This emotion, however, was not wholly reflected in his partner. Martin's eyes were burning, as Helmut looked back to him; the blonde man only sighed, his gaze a little disgusted, as he answered--voice very quiet. "If you honestly want the job of bedding that creature, feel free." He shuddered. "It would save me the trouble of being deloused afterward."

Hm. The actor couldn't necessarily disagree with this assessment. The thought of being physically close to any woman repulsed him--especially that one; never needing to be was one of the many joys of being a character actor, rather than a leading man. He looked down, bringing his partner back to their real conversation. "And next w-weekend?"

The pair, however, never got a chance to carry the discussion any further. Helmut had caught a flash of blindingly blonde hair, had looked up to see the woman Michael had been bargaining for earlier in the day; his eyes widened slightly. Good God, she was tall. Thank God that didn't show on the screen. Even with a leading man like Michael, there was only so far such things could be pushed.

He shook the random thoughts from his head a moment later, though, his mind turning. Yes, this was his chance--and, besides, she was far too much within earshot to continue. He looked back at Martin brightly, clapping him on the shoulder, moving away. "Next weekend!" His eyes said more to him for a scant second, before he followed the object of his newly-raised curiosity--knowing he should be thankful. He was in luck again today; she was with Walter. He smiled. Now, he might be able to forward a few more of his plans . . .

The man he was watching caught his eye, returning Helmut's nod of recognition. The banker smiled, as he moved toward them. "Good to see you again." The director grunted slightly, while the newcomer looked toward the woman who had so raised his curiosity; a smile graced his lips. "And are you going to introduce me to your lovely companion?"

Great. He didn't need this. The older man forced a smile, but had to keep himself from holding the girl away from the newcomer--his mental response sour. Like he didn't already know. "This is Nikit--uh, Kitty Ward." It was very hard to remember the change.

The banker, however, wasn't focused on the slip, his mind elsewhere. Yes. He took the woman's hand, kissing it softly--eyes alight. "Charmed."

Huh. Nikita smiled at him, but was subtly looking between this man and her director. There was a tension there she didn't understand--and she still had no idea who this man was; she looked at him again. He was sort of attractive, though. "Hi."

Mm. He returned her hand, still smiling, and waited for an introduction. He gave the man who had that job a prompting look a moment later, and Walter grumblingly muttered, "Nikita, this is Helmut Volker."

O-kay. The name meant nothing to her--but that didn't mean she couldn't be polite. "Pleased to meet you," she smiled.

Great. It hadn't been enough. The older man realized he had to go on--even if he didn't want to. There were too many rumors about Volker--and he hadn't determined yet which ones were real. Despite the fact that he sometimes seemed to be on the right side, he obviously had a lot to hide; his mind shifted. Besides, the sort of oily charm he used with women made the director cringe--reminded him *way* too much of himself, as a younger man; he repressed the thought, moving on with his list of objections. He had never trusted men with too much money, either; they had a definite tendency to just take what they wanted--never bothering to ask. Still, he was caught. "Volker is one of the studio's backers," he said softly. It was probably an understatement of his real importance, but it would have to do.

Huh. Nikita still just blinked. What the heck did that mean? She looked up to him, bemused, as Walter was called away, and gave a very small sigh at being left alone with the mysterious newcomer--even if they were very much in the open. She had no idea what to think of this man yet at all.

Ah. Helmut saw the truth. She had no idea who he was; he smiled. How very charming--and intriguing. He had never imagined that Michael would fall for such an innocent. It went against all his prior experience with him--but it did make everything so much more interesting. Mm.

He smiled further, then, enjoying this--explaining a little. "I'm a banker in New York. I'm an," he searched for the right words, "old friend of Mister Wolfe's."

Ah. Now she got it--well, at least a little; her mind turned. Still, she had trouble imagining that this man and Wolfe would have even two words to say to each other; they just seemed nothing alike. Odd, that. But she supposed money made strange bedfellows, too.

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  • Chapter 20 - Part 2 -- Repost Fairy, 17:03:13 05/03/02 Fri
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