Title: Here With Me 1/?
Author: Anorien and Sairalinde
Type: RPS
Pairing: Craig/David
Rating: Explicit Sex
Beta: Ourselves
Warning: Abuse described in later chapters not between the main pairing.
Disclaimer: This never happened. This was written in fun that's all.
Feedback: Yes please send to sairalinde @ hornofgondor.com
or thechroniclesofosgiliath @ yahoo.com
Archiving: OEAM, Mirrormere, The Chronicles of Osgiliath, Saira's Library, CxD Archive, other's ask.
Summary: A.U. Two University Professors try to overcome their pasts and find love and healing.

// Indicates thoughts.

Chapter 1

Professor Craig Parker had taken it as long as he could stand it. He was at his first faculty meeting and things were not going well. Not well at all. The Chancellor had shot down every word the soft-spoken professor on the other side of the room had to say. It had gone too far with his last cutting remark, and Craig had stood up suddenly. He'd raised his hand to point out that the professor had made a valid point, only to have the Chancellor smile benignly at him and dismiss him with a nod, then turn his attention back to his target. Finally, after what seemed like hours, but was, in all actuality, only minutes, the meeting was concluded.

David pushed the heavy wooden doors open ahead of the rest of the staff trying to keep it together until he was alone. He couldn't believe his father had said that in front of the entire fucking staff and to add to his embarrassment, one of the new professors stood up for him in front of everyone! Not even getting a look at the man who had stood up to defend him, he had simply turned on his heel and clutched his books and lesson plans closer to his chest, heading out of the room as quickly as he could.

Craig stood up and watched as the professor had stormed out the door. He'd been so far away, Craig hadn't been able to clearly see his face in the large room, and his head was down now as he exited through the large double doors. Without a second thought, he followed the other man, for some reason feeling that he needed to make sure he was all right.

David turned the corner of the hall and finally made it to a small alcove that he seemed to find himself in more often than not after any meetings with his father. He sat down heavily pulling his knees up to his chest and rested his head against them. He had tried transferring to another University, but every time he even seemed close his father would do something to screw it up for him. He didn't like what David had majored in during his academic career and hated what he now taught but he didn't want him working anywhere else. He took a deep breath, trying to keep the tears at bay but knew he wouldn't be able to.

Moments later, Craig stopped abruptly as he saw the professor turn a corner, surprised that no one else seemed to notice or care. He furrowed his brow as he saw the man sitting in the floor, knees draws up to his chest, seeming to be trying to keep the world at bay.

Craig approached him quietly and slid down the wall to sit next to him, careful not to touch the other man, in case he really did want to be alone.

"Hey," he said softly. "I didn't mean to make things worse in there. Are you ok?"

David startled when he realized someone had sat down next to him. He looked over at the other man through tear-blurred eyes and shook his head. It was the other professor who had defended him, at least he wasn't laughing at him.

"You...you didn't make things worse," David began and then sighed, "I'm okay, really. Happens all the time. I just wish...wish he wouldn't do it like that. In front of everyone, makes me feel like a fool. I don't even think Father realizes he does it half the time." David rubbed at his eyes with the heels of his hands and sighed again.

Craig felt his heart stop as he looked into shining blue eyes, still wet with tears. Before he knew what he was doing, he reached out to gently brush a stray tear from the other man's cheek with the back of his fingers. // My God. This is the most gorgeous man I've ever seen. He's ……he's perfect. // Realizing that his hand was still resting on the professor's face, he shook his head and let his arm drop to his side. // Get it together Parker. He's upset. He needs a friend. Not…..not someone who wants nothing more than to hold him and protect him, and……Fuck. Just say something. Anything….// "I'm sorry, I….Wait…*THAT* was your father?" Craig asked, unable to keep the surprise from his voice. "I'm sorry…I didn't realize. He was….well. If it makes you feel any better, I thought you made some valid points in there. He was out of line with his comments."

David looked at the other man slightly shocked by the fact he reached out and gently wiped a tear away. Watching the other man's deep blue eyes he wanted so much to believe in the compassion that seemed to be shining in them. //You've been fooled before by a handsome face, but never anyone with eyes like that. // "Yeah, that was my father...and thanks for trying to stand up for me but it's ok really, you'd think I'd be used to it by now," David said softly his gaze dropping to the floor. Now that the other man had done his duty of a Good Samaritan and come to check on him he'd leave again and David would be alone. Probably just go back to his office and curl up on the couch until his next class.

Craig was finding it hard to breathe as this beautiful man before him looked back down dejectedly. // This is it. *This* is why I got offered this job, this is why I'm here - *HE'S* why I'm here, I just know it. Please, God, don't let him be taken. Let me be the one who makes him smile. Please, give me that chance. // Craig looked down, surprised to see that his hand was resting on the other man's arm. //Well, hell, how did *that* happen?// He found he had no desire to remove his hand, but was suddenly afraid that those perfect blue eyes would look up again and see what he was thinking. Deciding to leave it for a moment longer, he squeezed his fingers gently, waiting for the other man's gaze to meet his again. "Listen, do you want to be alone, or…..or can I maybe buy you a cup of coffee or something? I mean, I can leave if you like, but….I'd really like to hang around. Unless you need to go home to........someone."

Finding himself enjoying the feel of the other man's hand on his arm more than he should David felt himself blush slightly. Looking back up at the other man David smiled, "I...no I think I'd rather not be alone for once. I'd like that, and no I don't have anyone to go home to. Not anymore anyway," David said softly trailing off. "My name is David Wenham by the way."

As their eyes met again, Craig felt himself unable to look away. His mouth was suddenly dry and his hands felt sweaty - all in all, *NOT* a very attractive package, he decided. // Way to make a first impression, Parker. // As the other man's words washed over him, Craig felt a shiver run from his head down to his toes. <I >David. David with the bluest, most beautiful eyes I've ever seen, and a smile so amazing that it makes my heart stop. David. And he doesn't have anyone to go home to. God, how I wish I could change that. I guess this is what they mean by love at first sight. And I never thought it existed.// Clearing his throat, Craig tried to gather his thoughts and say something at least halfway intelligent. "I'm Craig. Craig Parker. I'm new here, so I don't know my way around. If you don't have a preference, could we…..maybe………go off campus? It's a little…oppressive here, I think."

Smiling David offered his hand to Craig and nearly jumped at the warmth that seemed to radiate up his arm from their connection, "Nice to meet you Craig, figured since I'd never seen you around before that you were new that or you never made it to staff meetings. There are a few professors who just don't bother. I wouldn't but I'd hear about it later," he grinned slightly. "There's a coffee shop across the road from the commons, I go there a lot - you might like it. Small and quiet," David said softly trying to push his father's cutting words from his mind and focus on this beautiful man beside him.

Craig would have sworn he'd touched a live wire with his bare hand as he shook David's. Electricity seemed to run up from his fingers to spread out over his entire body, and he saw stars behind his eyelids when he blinked. Taking a deep breath, he smiled, holding David's hand a few seconds longer than necessary. "Yeah," he murmured as he let go. "I….um…." // Oh, for CHRISTSAKES! Get it together, Parker! // "Small and quiet sounds good. Lead the way."

Regretting the loss of Craig's touch, David pushed himself up from the floor and reached out for Craig's hand again, a perfect excuse to touch this exquisite man again. "Thank you for...well for trying to stand up for me back there, and well and for this." David released Craig's hand once he was standing before him and looked down at the floor nervously biting his bottom lip. "I...I don't have many friends sorry if I seem a little awkward."

Craig wanted nothing more than to grab David's hand again, if only for a moment. Shoving his hands firmly into the pockets of his jeans to keep himself out of trouble, he smiled softly. "You don't seem awkward at all, David," he said. "I don't have that many friends either myself. But…..well, this sounds stupid, because we don't even know each other, but….I'd like to call you my friend, and I'd be honored if you called me yours."

David smiled shyly, "I'd like that," he said softly. // Though you'll change your mind soon enough.// "Most of the other professors steer clear of me lately, after what happened. Sure you'll hear the rumors if you haven't already. Just thrills my father," he said looking down at the floor already regretting that he would one day lose this man's friendship. He'll hear the rumors and be like everyone else, not care what the truth is, just believe them. Even his own father believed them and he knew they weren't true.

"Rumors?" Craig asked in a low voice, feeling his heart break as David looked down yet again. "I have no patience with rumors. Never listen to them, never repeat them, never believe them." God, how he wanted to wrap his arms around this incredible man and protect him from this...whatever *this* was. He had no idea what the rumor was about, and he didn't care. He knew it would never change how he already felt about David. Whether it made sense or not, he felt a connection with him. And it was more than friendship….way more than friendship. "If you want to talk about it, David, I'll be glad to listen. But don't feel you have to. I promise you there is nothing that will make *me* steer clear of you. I already…….um…..I already told you. We're friends. And friends just don't *do* that."

David swallowed hard and looked away nodding, "Guess I've just never had a real friend then," he murmured softly, mostly to himself. He'd probably regret this later, but he wanted to believe in Craig. Something about the dark haired man just made him want to believe he'd never hurt him. David took a deep breath and looked back at the incredibly handsome man in front of him, he tried to smile, "Well let's go get that coffee shall we? What class do you teach?" David asked settling on something safe and pedestrian.

Craig fell into step beside David as they walked down the long hall out into the sunlight. "Well, you've got a real friend now," he said softly, before answering David's question, not even sure if David meant for him to hear his earlier comment. As Craig watched his new friend smile, he couldn't help but notice the sadness in his eyes. He vowed then and there to always be there for this beautiful man, to always be his friend. He wanted more - so very, very much more, but didn't think he'd have the nerve to say that out loud. At least, not for a very long time. He tried to focus on David's words, pushing his thoughts aside. "I teach anatomy. Over in the pre-med wing."

Laughing softly David shook his head, "Different as night and day. I teach liberal arts...poetry and creative writing. Part of why my father is so hard on me, he thinks that what I chose is frivolous. He'll love you though, pre-med," he said as they made their way from the building and down the steps leading toward the commons. "His doctorate was in mathematics so I'm a huge disappointment to him." He hadn't meant to say all that really, it just slipped out before he could stop the words from tumbling from his lips. He blushed brightly, "I'm sorry, I don't normally run off at the mouth like that."

"Liberal arts?" Craig asked, adding to his admiration of this handsome man beside him. "I find that fascinating. I love poetry, though I haven't had much time to read as much as I'd like." Tilting his head, he looked over at David, hiding a small smile at seeing his blush. "David…..I may be out of line here, but I frankly think that if your father finds you a disappointment, then his priorities are way off. And I don't mind - I think when you find a friend you really connect with, it's easier to talk, and you say things you normally wouldn't. Like I said - I'm happy to listen. I'd be honored, actually, and I'll do my damndest to help in any way I can."

Turning toward Craig, David smiled brightly, for what felt like the first time in ages he'd had a true smile on his face. "Thank you. So you love poetry? I guess we have something in common then," he said as they waited to cross the street to the small cafe. "So you are completely new here, huh?"

Craig felt his heart stop as David turned to smile at him. //My God. I've never seen eyes like those. I've never seen a more perfect smile. I don't ever want to see him without that smile. // "I do love poetry. I'd love to talk with you about it when you have time. I mean…if you want. And, yes, I am completely new. I just arrived in town three days ago. I'm still trying to find an apartment, but haven't had any luck yet. Every place I check is too" // expensive // "full. I'm staying at a hotel and living out of my car mostly, until I find just the right thing. I thought I'd have time to get everything moved in to a new place before I started work, actually, but it just hasn't worked out. I even missed the whole orientation thing. So, if you …….well, if you have time, maybe you could…..show me around sometime or something?"

"I'd love to, practically grew up here so I know the campus and the town like the back of my hand," David said still smiling. Something about Craig just made him feel *happy*, he prayed that he'd always know that feeling.

Once inside the cafe they sat at a small table in the corner. "If you need help finding a place to live I'd be glad to help...that is if you'd like that? Actually, God this is going to sound really forward since we just met but I do have an extra room. You could stay with me until you find a place, I just hate the thought of you living out of your car and staying in a hotel." David felt himself blushing. He had no idea why he'd asked someone he barely knew to come stay with him but he wanted to help Craig. He wanted to try and do this friends thing right for a change and he knew part of it was that he was very attracted to Craig, but he'd never act on that.

Craig looked up quickly, trying to gauge whether or not David was sincere. He had about two hundred dollars to his name, and even the cheap hotel he was holed up at would eat away at that in only a few more days. // God, to be in the same house as David. Just to be around him - that's all I can hope for, for now. I mean, really, how many people believe in love at first sight? He'd think I was fucking nuts if I told him how I felt. Question is, can I stand to be around him and not touch him? On the other hand, can I possibly pass up this chance to be around him? // "Really?" he asked, praying that David was serious. // God, what if he somehow knows how broke I am? If he thinks I'm taking advantage? // "I…..well, I wasn't hinting at that, but….I'd be glad to rent that extra room from you. The hotel I'm at is less than……nice. It's all I could….."// afford //"find on short notice."

David nodded smiling, "You don't have to rent it, Craig. My house is far too big for just me anyway, was an inheritance from my Grandfather. I don't think you were hinting at it at all...I just...well I'd like to help. I've never lived anywhere but this town but I can imagine how hard it is to move to a new place. I keep mostly to just a few rooms in the house so you'd hardly know we were sharing the same space if you aren't comfortable with that," David said hoping that Craig did say yes. The house was big enough they wouldn't be stepping on each other or invading each other's privacy, and David was lonely. Just knowing someone else was there besides the dog would be so nice. Thinking of D'Artagnan he looked back at Craig. "You aren't allergic to dogs are you?

"Dogs?" Craig looked up, grinning. "I love dogs! Yet *another* thing we have in common. I….God, David. I can't believe how much we're alike. It's like we were fated to be toge…..friends, you know?" Feeling his face flush, Craig turned his head and looked out the window. "Anyway. I would love to take you up on the offer. I won't get in the way, I promise. But you *have* to let me pay some kind of rent, or I can't do it. I would never take advantage." His fingers picked nervously at the tablecloth. "I'm quiet, I don't go out much, and I'm usually pretty neat. It'll be like I'm not even there, I promise. I'll try to find something and get out of your hair soon though. I don't want to be a bother, honestly."

David smiled brightly, "Yeah, I have a dog, a Border Collie, otherwise I'd be pretty lonely in that big old house. His name is D'Artagnan," he grinned, "And I don't think you'd be taking advantage - I asked you remember? But if you feel you have to pay rent that's fine, pay half the grocery bill and water bill and I'll be happy with that. Really the house is mine free and clear so I'd feel funny taking money from you so is that agreeable?" David hoped it was.

Craig let out a silent sigh of relief. He really didn't want to take advantage, but he simply couldn't pass up the chance to spend time with David. Craig was willing to do *anything* to be around him - anything at all. Craig was, without a doubt, hopelessly, irrevocably, and completely in love with this gorgeous man, and every second he could be around him would make Craig's life Heaven.

"Deal. I'd feel better if you let me do that." Craig looked down, trying not to let his excitement show. "I um…..I mostly just spend my evenings reading. I'll stay in my bedroom, so don't think I'll be hogging the remote control or anything." He laughed softly, looking up at David as the waitress brought their coffee. "And if you ever need me to leave, for ANY reason, just say the word, and there'll be no hard feelings, ok?"

David sat back waiting for the waitress to finish serving them and both men said their thanks to her. Leaning forward slightly David smiled. "You don't have to stay upstairs in your room, the house really is huge, way too big for me but I haven't had the heart to sell it," David said softly. "Really, and I have a library, I spend a lot of time there myself you are welcome to join me there. Two people can read without disturbing each other. As far as a remote goes...I'm not even sure when the last time I watched television was," he laughed. "Normally I go home, walk the dog or play with him for a while, fix dinner, feed the pooch and we curl up on the couch and I read. Pretty boring stuff." David ignored his mention of asking Craig to leave; he doubted he'd ever ask him to.

"A library?" Craig asked, his eyes getting even wider. // God, could this man *be* any more perfect? // "I don't watch television much either. Never have. Just give me a book any day, maybe some music, and I'm happy for days. I even forget to eat sometimes. And, I'm a hell of a cook. Maybe I can help out with the dinner preparations too, as part of my rent? Then we can just go curl up in the library and read for the evening." Craig shook his head, realizing what he'd just said. "I mean……I mean, you can curl up with D'Artagnan, and I'll……curl up somewhere else. And stay out of your way, and……" He looked down, wishing the floor would open up and swallow him whole. "Ah, hell, David. I'm sorry. I just meant……."

David looked at Craig shocked, had he just said what he thought he did? "I...um. I..." David stammered unable to voice what he really wanted to say. What he really wanted to say was yes he'd love to curl up with Craig. He had never been this attracted to anyone in his life. Craig was gorgeous, smart, friendly, they had so much in common, and he *seemed* to like David too.

"Don't...um don't be sorry. I'm sure you didn't mean it *that* way, and...well um..." David wanted to say that if he did mean it that way he would love it...would love // him //. The notion hit David and he looked out the window for a moment knowing he was blushing furiously. It would be so easy to fall in love with Craig, that wall he had so carefully constructed was quickly crumbling for a man he hardly knew. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure you didn't mean it that way like I said, was just… a… um, a mistake. I make them all the time."

Craig closed his eyes, imagining himself curled up with David, feeling warm and secure and protective and…happy. His arms almost ached as he turned his head and opened his eyes to watch as David looked out the window. // Damn. Now you've done it, Parker. He's not even interested. Bloody hell. That's *EXACTLY* how I meant it David. //

"I…..I mean……I admit it. I'm a cuddler," Craig laughed, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Though with me living out of a hotel room for the past few days, I bet even your dog wouldn't want to cuddle with me. But, if you ever get cold, you know where to look." Shaking his head, Craig wondered what the hell was going on. He wasn't normally this much of a screw-up. But, then again, he'd never been in love before either, so that must have had something to do with it. As his hands began to pick at the table cloth again, he wondered if there was a chance in hell he could ever be lucky enough to get this gorgeous, perfect man to care for him as more than a friend. He doubted it, but he was sure as hell going to try.

David turned back to Craig as he had begun to speak and could tell he was embarrassed. Listening to his words and his body language David was shocked to realize Craig *had* meant it. The realization made him happier than he had been in what seemed years.

"A cuddler?" he grinned and then paused for a moment. Unable to help himself, David reached across the table and settled his hand on top of Craig's that was nervously picking at the tablecloth. Once again just the feeling of warmth of Craig's skin under his hand made him feel *something* some intangible thing that no matter how many words or languages a person knew they could never describe.

"Craig? I'm...I'm going to admit that having you in my home is not going to be easy for me. I like you...a lot. If this is going to be difficult on you we can...well, I can just help you apartment hunt. I'd like you to live with me, but I don't want you to be uncomfortable. I'm enough of a skeptic not to believe in love at first sight and just enough of a romantic to dream of it. I've never been....this at ease, this attracted to anyone in my life and it scares the shit out of me." David admitted, finally breaking eye contact and looking down at the table again. He couldn't believe he'd said all that, his heart was pounding in his ears and he was sure he'd just made a fool of himself.

Craig would have sworn his heart had stopped beating at David's words. // God. Did he just say that, or am I just wanting it so badly, I'm hearing things? // He stared at David's hand as it rested on his own and lifted his other hand to cover it. They sat there silently for a moment while Craig gathered his thoughts, terrified that he would say something wrong.

"David," he said softly, reveling in the heat of David's touch on his skin. "I….I didn't believe in love at first sight either, for a long time. But I think it *does* exist. Pretty damn sure of it, in fact. And honestly…..David, I feel like I've known you for years. I think….I think you're gorgeous and sexy and…..since the moment we met, it's been an effort for me to keep my hands off you. I feel like I can talk to you and laugh with you and…..just feeling your hand in mine right now is driving me insane. I'm scared too. But maybe…..maybe we can help each other out with all this. These feelings are completely new to me. I've never felt this way before, and I'm terrified I'm going to fuck it up, and you deserve better than that. It's your house, you set the limits, you tell me what you want, and I'll be happy. I'll be happy just being around you, and I'll play by whatever rules you want."

David felt himself flush as Craig's words washed over him. // 'He thinks *I'm* sexy?' // he mentally squeaked. "I...I like you as I said but...I'm not...not ready for this. Whatever *this* is, and I want to be around you, I've never found anyone I can talk to this way. I want us to be friends, and I want you to stay with me. I'm terribly lonely in that big house, and if nothing comes of these feelings we are both having I'll just be thrilled to be your friend. I would like more...one day, but I've been hurt before and I don't think I'm ready to let my heart rule my head this time. Does that make sense?"

Craig's fingers wrapped around David's, afraid that he was going to pull away. "David. I understand," he said softly. "I'm not asking for more than you can give. If friendship is all you can do, I'll take it, and be thankful. I will never push you for more. I'd like to stay with you, but I'm not asking you for anything more. If you find someone else you want more than me, I'll understand. Like I said, you make the rules. I just had to tell you how I felt."

David felt his stomach flip when Craig's fingers tangled with his own. "I'm not saying never, Craig...just well there is a lot about me you don't know, that might change how you feel right now. We can start as friends, and move forward from there. If things progress from there I think I'd like that a lot but right now we don't know each other well enough...this attraction might fade with time and if we jumped into something now I'm not sure my heart could survive being broken again," David said seriously.

David wanted Craig, he wanted to open his heart but his mind was screaming that it would be a huge mistake...that just like everyone else Craig would hurt him. Would leave him or cheat on him or...or he didn't even want to think about that right now but he wasn't sure he could handle that with Craig. He already refused to believe he could be like *him*. For now friendship was the only thing he could offer. "I'm just glad we got it out in the open so we aren't tripping over each other," he grinned. "We know we are attracted to each other...and we can just move slowly, see where it goes."

Craig smiled, his embarrassment finally receding a bit. He loosened his grip on David's hand, giving him the freedom to pull away if he wanted. "Simple attraction does fade away in time, " he agreed, glad he'd not told David everything about how he felt. "It takes more than attraction to make things last. I know that."

When David made no immediate effort to pull away, Craig let his thumb rub small circles of the back of his hand. "I'm glad we got it out in the open too. I'm sorry you've been hurt. Believe me when I say I have no fucking idea what I'm doing. I don't want to mess anything up, and I don't want to hurt you and I already could throttle whoever hurt you before. Just know that I'm not like that person, and promise me you'll not confuse me with him, ok?"

Feeling little tingles running up from his hand and seeming to spread throughout him from Craig's gentle touch David nodded. "I won't confuse you with them, but you will hear about it on campus. I don't want you to think what you will hear is what really happened. Honestly I don't think you would, but I didn't think my father would believe it either and he did," he said sadly. "I just don't want you to think I'm some sort of desperate fool after you hear the rumors. I just want you to know that I asked you to stay with me because you needed a place, I like you, enjoy your company, yes I am attracted to you, and I'm tired of being alone." He wasn't sure if he could tell Craig what had happened or not, would Craig believe him or would he be like everyone else and believe otherwise? Diana and mother never believed it, but they seemed to be the only ones.

"David," Craig said, seeing how badly hurt David had been from the look in his eyes, and feeling his heart break into a million pieces, "I honestly don't listen to rumors. I don't think you're a desperate fool, and nothing will *ever* make me think that. If you want to tell me what happened, you can. I'll listen, and I'll believe you." He squeezed David's hand tightly. "No matter what you say, or don't say, what I think about you is not going to change. We're friends and if I'm shallow enough to let a stupid rumor change how I feel, then I'm not much of a man. Please don't think that I'm like that. Give me a chance…..a chance to at least be your friend."

Trying to swallow past the lump in his throat David nodded slowly. "Thank you," he managed then paused for a moment. "I have just had to deal with this since last year around this time and I just feel like nothing I say to deny it helps. At least Diana and mother don't believe it and many of my students don't. My students were more supportive than any of the other professors. That is another thing that my father hates as well as some of the other professors I think. That I have so many students who want to take my classes. Each semester admissions has to turn students away from my classes, so I can't be as bad as people say, right? I know that much, just hurts when the rumors get back to me. This one just...God it's awful. I can't believe anyone thought I'd do that," David said softly.

Craig studied David's face silently for a moment before sitting up straight and leaning closer. "David, whatever it is, I'm sorry. I'm sorry the whole rumor started, I'm sorry it hurt you, I'm sorry anyone believes it. Rumors hurt, they suck, they're awful, and that's why I hate them. Nothing good ever comes of them. I want you to know that if you tell me, that's the ONLY way I'll hear it. I refuse to talk about you behind your back."

Unable to help himself, Craig took his hand from on top of David's and gently turned his face until their gazes met. "I'm so sorry you've had to deal with this by yourself," he whispered. "The rumor, this idiot who hurt you, your father. I'm so sorry, David. But you're not alone anymore. You have me now to help you. If nothing else, you have a friend for the rest of your life."

David smiled sadly. // You have no idea what Richard did to me. No one does.// "I am so glad you followed me today. I can't believe we just met a few hours ago. Seems I've known you so much longer than that," he said softly. Deciding he wanted to be the one to tell Craig the rumor rather than letting him hear it from someone else, David took a deep breath willing himself to have the courage to say the words that hurt him so much. The rumor was horrible, but it wasn't as bad as the real truth. David didn't want to lie to Craig, but he had no choice. He needed him to know the rumor wasn't true, but he couldn't possibly tell someone he just met the real truth. He took a deep breath and avoided looking into Craig's eyes as he began to tell him the "truth".

"I have never really talked about this with anyone but the last connotation of the rumor is that I'm this overly romantic poet who is so lovesick that when his lover cheated on him instead of dealing with it, and just breaking up with him, which is what I actually did, they say that I made an overly dramatic scene and took off in my car. That I tried to kill myself by driving my car into a tree," David said sadly, watching Craig's eyes for any sign of revulsion. Relieved when he didn't see any, he continued.

"Now let's see the short version of the truth. I fell in love, and *thought* the other person loved me. I found out too late all he wanted was my money," David said laughing sadly, "He had been cheating on me all throughout our two year relationship but I always turned my back to it. Just tried to not let it bother me until I walked in on him fucking one of my grad students. I just…I couldn't take it anymore. We argued, I found out then that he never really loved me though he said he did. I realized then he was just using me, and I let him. I got upset and took off in my car just to get away and clear my head...a drunk driver ran me off the road and I wrapped my car around a tree. Was not my fault at all, the other driver was arrested, but the rumor is that I tried to kill myself over him."

Craig closed his eyes and found himself scooting his chair next to David's. His entire body hurt as he listened to David's words and before Craig knew what was happening, he released the warm hand resting in his and wrapped his arms around David, heedless of their surroundings. "I'm so sorry," he whispered, forcing himself to let go after only a moment and sit back down, afraid that he would embarrass his friend. "I know that had to hurt like hell. And the rumors had to have compounded the pain. You didn't do anything wrong, anything at all, and no one has the right to make you feel like this. I wish……God, I wish I could make this all better for you. I wish I knew what to do or say."

When Craig wrapped his arms around David he felt as if all the pain of the last year just simply lifted away. Just his touch, just his caring had made everything seem all right. He regretted not being able to tell Craig the real truth. What had really happened that day, but only one other person in the world knew what had happened. Why he'd been in the hospital for so long. David tried to hide his guilt by looking down. He couldn't look Craig in the eye when he sat down, there was no way he could lie to this perfect man's face. When Craig pulled away David reached out and tangled his fingers with Craig's again, unwilling to let him go. "I...I can't tell you how much it means to me to be able to talk to someone who isn't related to me about this. Someone who doesn't look at me as some spoiled rich kid that even if the rumor weren't true somehow got what he deserved. Thank you for being my friend," he said softly trying not to let his emotions get the better of him.

Craig's fingers wound automatically around David's as their contact was re-established. He'd never known a simple touch could make his entire world turn upside down in just a few seconds. Wanting nothing more than to hold this beautiful man in his arms and make all the pain go away, Craig took a deep breath and squeezed David's hand. "It's me who should be thanking you, David," he whispered, looking deep into the shining blue eyes next to him. "Thank you for letting me be your friend. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me what happened, and for not telling me to mind my own damn business in the lecture hall and when I came to find you. If I can ever, ever help you, in any way, promise you'll let me know? If you need anything, to talk, to touch someone, to just not be *alone*, promise me you'll let me know, no matter when or where or why, ok?"

David smiled and nodded at Craig, "I will, all of those things," he said softly looking down at their joined hands and then back up to Craig's beautiful eyes. "Well...I don't want to, but I have a class to teach this afternoon. If I don't get back soon it just gives father more reasons to yell at me. Walk with me back to my classroom?" David asked hopefully, still not wanting to release Craig's hand.

Squeezing David's hand gently, Craig stood up, unwilling to release it for even a moment. He reached down into his pocket and fished out a few dollar bills and dropped them on the table as he smiled at David. "I would like nothing better than to walk you back," he said softly. "I've still got some lesson plans to work up, so I'll head down to the library while you have your class. Maybe........um....maybe after you finish....you can meet me there or something? I mean...if you want to?"

David smiled and felt a tingle run up his arm from the connection with Craig again. He decided that he was really going to enjoy having this beautiful man part of his life. He hardly knew him that was true but a part of him felt as if he'd known him forever.

"I'd love to meet you there. Besides I still need to give you directions to my place so we can get your things moved in," he grinned. Diana was going to think he'd lost his mind. This was something she would do - not him, invite a perfect stranger to live with him not two hours after first meeting them.

The two men walked together from the cafe still hand in hand and David knew word would get back to his father before he even set foot in his classroom...and honestly he couldn't give a damn.

Continue to Chapter 2