Title: Here With Me 10/?
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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

David pulled on his shirt and was just fastening the last button when the phone rang. When he picked it up it was his publisher telling him that he needed to do a poetry reading and book signing.

"Hang on Marty, I need a pen and paper," he said walking across the hallway to the bedroom Craig had used when he first moved in. David had a larger desk put in there and they had rearranged the bedroom furnishings so that Craig had a decent office to work in. Walking over to the desk he picked up a pen and jotted down the name of the bookstore and the date and time as Marty relayed it.

"Thanks, Marty. Talk to you later then," he said ending the call and looking around the room. It seemed awfully stuffy in the room so he crossed to the window, and not thinking about how windy it had been earlier that morning he opened it. Before he remembered the wind, the curtains billowed forward and several stacks of papers blew off Craig's desk, and the pencil holder fell over scattering various writing implements on the floor and across the desk.

"Oh shit," David yelped pushing the window back down a bit and trying to gather everything up. Trying to remember exactly the way everything was before he sat down in the floor gathering the pencils and pens and put them back in the cup and then set to work trying to restack the papers exactly as he remembered them.

He was concentrating so hard on his task that he didn't hear the door open.

"Hello, love," Craig said as he walked through the door to the room that had originally been his bedroom. "Thought I'd see if you were ready to…" He stopped when he saw his lover frantically picking up the papers scattered on the floor and trying to stack them back on the desk. "Wind get the best of you?" he chuckled, seeing the partially open window as he crossed the room to help David pick up the few papers left on the dark carpet.

David looked up startled, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he murmured softly still trying to gather the papers. As Craig approached his mind was already on autopilot and caught in the memory of the last time he'd done something like this, and the result. As Craig neared, he flinched and scooted closer to the desk fully intending to scramble around it if he needed. Glancing at the desk he spotted the open closet door and decided that he was trapped. "I'm really sorry...so sorry," he continued to murmur keeping his head bowed as he worked to gather the papers, unable to look up, knowing the minute he did that he would regret it.

Craig froze, his mouth dropping open as David flinched at his approach. Watching the man he loved draw into himself, head bowed and mumbling soft apologizes even as he continued to gather the papers, and felt his heart clench. He wanted nothing more in the world than to go wrap his arms around his lover, but struggled to stay still, terrified of scaring him. "Sweetheart?" he whispered softly. "What is it? What are you sorry for?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to really...It was stuffy so I opened the window...it was stupid I know. Should have remembered the wind. I'll get them all back exactly the way they were before, I promise. I promise. Don't be mad," David rambled softly, keeping his head down and gathering the last of the pages into a neat stack, careful not to wrinkle any of the pages.

"Mad?" Craig repeated in a soft voice. "Why would I be mad? It's just a bunch of papers. It doesn't matter." He started to move forward, and stopped himself at the last moment. "Baby? Please look at me?" he asked quietly, careful to keep his hands to his sides. "Please?"

Reluctantly David looked up at Craig, not even trying to hide the fear in his eyes and pulled the papers up from the carpet and clutched them to his chest as if to protect him. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize the wind was so strong, I've got everything back in order...I'll...I'll go through them and make sure though," he said softly as he scooted back toward the desk a little more waiting...waiting for what always happened with Richard when he did things like this. When he had accidentally knocked papers off Richard's desk that time he had to wear sunglasses for a week.

"It's just a bunch of papers," Craig whispered. "It doesn't matter." He swallowed the lump in his throat, the reason for David's terrified gaze and passive stance all too clear. //DAMN you Richard! You fucking son-of-a-bitch! // He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, careful to keep the anger from his face. When he opened them again, and studied his lover for a moment. "I swear, love. I'm not mad at you. Not at all." It took every ounce of will power he possessed to stay still. "It's just a bunch of papers," he repeated softly.

David stared up at Craig for long moments realization finally registering in his mind that this was NOT Richard, this was Craig. The man he loved, and the most gentle person he'd ever been with in his life. Swallowing and trying to push his fear away, he nodded slowly. "Just papers," he said softly, holding the papers out to Craig, still a little uneasy.

"Please, love," Craig said softly, reaching out one hand toward his lover as he saw recognition fill in David's eyes. Gently taking the papers, he let them fall to the desk unnoticed. He offered his hand again, wanting David to be the first to move, still afraid of seeing him flinch away. "Take my hand?"

Slowly David reached out, still slightly afraid after three years of living in fear every time he did something "stupid". As his hand was clasped in Craig's, he slowly raised up from his knees and finally stood looking down at the floor. "I'm sorry," he whispered again. "I...my...I...um," he paused and looked at Craig, still unable to figure out exactly what he wanted to say, what he *could* say. He'd never told anyone before...and wasn't sure he could tell Craig.

"It's ok, sweetheart," Craig said, threading his fingers through David's. "I shouldn't have burst in and startled you like that." He gently tugged on his lover's hand, urging him forward. "Let me hold you?" he asked softly.

David nodded slowly and sank into Craig's open arms burying his face against his neck, immediately feeling safe and clinging to Craig as if he were his only lifeline. "I...I...sh...shouldn't have opened the w...window," he murmured softly, stammering the way he always did when scared or nervous.

Craig's hands rubbed soothing circles over David's back as he closed his eyes and pressed soft kisses to his lover's temple. "Sweetheart," he said softly. "It doesn't matter. It wasn't your fault. You didn't do anything wrong." Tightening his arms around David, Craig took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Did Ri….did someone hurt you, love? When an accident like this happened?"

David nodded against Craig's neck slowly. Unable to voice the words, he just held tighter to Craig and nodded.

Craig gritted his teeth and swallowed the bile that rose in his throat. Completely at a loss as to what to do or say, he simply held his lover close and pressed soft kisses to his neck. After a long minute he rested his lips just above David's ear. "Who hurt you?" he asked softly "Who did this to you?"

David felt tears prickling at his eyes and his chest ached from the sob he was holding back. As Craig whispered softly to him, he buried his face closer to his neck and murmured, "Ri...Richard."

Grinding his teeth together, Craig nodded. He hadn't thought it possible to hate anyone as much as he hated this prick, Richard, right now. "I'm so sorry, love," he whispered keeping his voice low and even. "I'm so sorry he hurt you and ever made that fear come into your beautiful blue eyes. You deserve so much better than that. I'd give anything if I could make it so that never happened."

David just held tight to Craig no longer fighting his tears. "I'm sorry," he sniffled trying to stop himself but couldn't. "I...I don't know why I...I don't think you'd hurt me like that...I just...I don't...I don't know what happened," he said softly and clearing his throat still trying to stop the hot tears that were streaming down his face onto Craig's neck.

Craig felt tears gather in his own eyes, dropping down his cheek to mingle with David's. "I will *never ever* hurt you, love," he said softly. "I'd sooner cut off my own arm than cause you one moment's pain. I know my just saying the words won't help, but please try to believe me." He reached down and gently tilted David's face up until their eyes met. "God, I love and respect you too much to even *think* about hurting you."

David nodded as Craig looked at him, "I love you too," he said softly. "I just...I don't think you would do that, really...just," David said looking down. "After three years I...it's like my mind just went on auto pilot. I was back *there* that day when I'd knocked everything off his desk. I don't even remember how it happened, but I remember what happened afterwards," he said softly, unable to meet Craig's eyes ashamed.

Craig used the pad of his thumb to brush away David's tears, pulling him close again as he tried to soothe away his lover's painful memories. His mind touched on all the little things he'd noticed since moving in with David - the way David carefully lined up every jar and box in the kitchen cabinets, kept everything meticulous himself despite having a housekeeper, apologizing over little things that Craig had never even noticed. "It's ok, love," he said softly. "I understand how you'd feel that way. You've not known me for very long - it's understandable. Do you……..do you want to tell me what happened? I'm here if you want to talk, and I…..I get the feeling that wasn't the only time?"

David shook his head, "No...it wasn't," he said softly pulling away and walking over to the window for a moment, pushing it the rest of the way down. "Like I said I don't remember how it happened that day. I...I was at his house, and the next thing I remember I was in the floor trying to pick up everything off his desk. He walked in and..." David paused looking at Craig for a moment unsure how to go on. He wiped the back of his hand across his face trying to wipe the tears away. "He...he asked what happened, and I said I was sorry and he said 'I didn't ask for a fucking apology I asked what happened', and things just deteriorated from there...I...I remember being slapped...really not the worst he ever did, but I was right next to the desk and...and the force slammed my head against the side of it. It...it knocked me unconscious. I woke up a little while later and he was sitting in a chair...watching me. Told me to get out, so I did. I didn't even look in the mirror till I got home...I had to wear sunglasses that entire week, and I called off work claiming I had the flu," David explained wiping tears away.

Craig thought his legs would fall out from under him as he reached for the edge of the desk to steady himself. "Dear God, David," he said under his breath. "He….he knocked you unconscious? I……….damn. I don't know what to say. How could he hurt you like that? I…………..damn." Taking a deep breath, he ran a hand over his eyes, trying desperately to push the image of David hurting and unconscious from his mind. "Does….does anyone know about this?"

David shook his head, watching Craig's reaction and feeling worse. Assuming that he blamed him for bringing it on himself. "No, you...you are the first person I've ever told," he said, wrapping his arms around himself and looking at the floor. "I...I was afraid to tell anyone before, and then after we broke up I didn't see a point in it. Figured it would just make things worse...like I was just trying to make him look bad or something," David said softly.

Looking up, Craig watched as David curled into himself. He crossed over to stand behind his lover, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him close. "I would never, ever hurt *you*," he said softly. "Not for anything. But…." He paused, not exactly sure how to put what he felt into words. "But I want to tear him limb from limb for laying a finger on you. I'm not a violent man, but the thoughts of someone hurting you…It just kills me." Resting his chin on David's shoulder, he pulled him closer. "You were so brave to finally cut him lose," he whispered. "You deserve so much better. And I'm so sorry you had to deal with this alone. If I'd been here, I'd have…….well, I think I'd have *known* somehow. I'd have felt it, even if you and I weren't together. I'd have…..just felt it and I'd have been here for you, if only as your friend."

"You're here now," David said softly placing his hands over Craig's. "I wasn't brave, I was fed up...he did try to get me to take him back while I was in the hospital after the...the car accident. I almost did, and probably would have if my Aunt hadn't thrown him out of my hospital room...so no. I'm not brave," he said sadly.

"Hey," Craig said softly, tightening his arms and burying his face in David's neck. "Don't tell me the man I love isn't brave. He's the bravest person I've ever met." Placing a soft kiss at the base of his lover's neck, he continued. "David, you dealt with so much all by yourself. And you *didn't* take him back. That's what matters. You're free of him, and you're safe and you are so, so very loved."

David smiled sadly and took a deep breath. "I'll take your word for it then," he whispered. "I guess I didn't realize how much it still affects me...everything he did. I shouldn't have stayed. I know that...I know and I did anyway and I don't even understand why."

Craig pulled away and gently turned David around in his arms. Taking both of his lover's hands in his own, he brought each one to his lips then leaned in to place a soft kiss on David's lips. "Sometimes it feels safer to be with someone - anyone - than to be alone," Craig said, in a low voice.

"I guess...but...I've honestly never felt as safe as when I'm with you. I'm so sorry I acted the way I did earlier. I do know better...I know you won't hurt me," he said softly. He still felt terrible for reacting that way, Craig had never even raised his voice to David. He had gotten upset with his father...but he had every right to get upset. That was completely different to the way Richard would behave, the way he would just snap and lash out. Sometimes David didn't even know why, there wasn't always a reason, at least not a logical one.

"Don't apologize, love," Craig said softly. "You've been through so much. I know it's not easy to let go of that." He pulled his lover closer and tenderly kissed his forehead. Smiling as he felt David relax in his arms, Craig trailed his tongue across the seam of David's lips, just enough to tickle. "If I get mad, the worst I'll ever do is tickle you," he said softly. Leaning down, he nipped gently at his lover's neck, trying to bring back the smile that he already missed. "Or nibble on your ear. That's me at my worst."

David smiled as Craig teased him. "I love you so much," he whispered. "You have no idea how much you've changed my life for the better." David wrapped his arms around his lover and rested his head against his shoulder, trying to push all of the bad memories away and focus on the present, on the perfect gentle, sweet man who was right there holding him so tenderly in his arms.

"I love you too, sweetheart," Craig said softly. "You have made my life complete, and perfect, and I swear nothing and no one will ever hurt you again." He sensed his lover trying desperately to push his past away. "I'll help you forget," he said softly, leaning back to trail his fingers over the beloved face. "Don't try to do it alone, please. Talk to me when you get scared or worried or angry. I'll be here, I promise."

"I will...just...remind me sometimes. I'm not really used to anyone caring about what I think besides my mother and my Aunt...and well...there are some things I just can't talk to them about," David grinned slightly, trying his best to move forward again. Richard had ruined almost four years of his life, he didn't want him to continue to do so. Taking a deep breath he tangled his fingers with Craig's. "So...what was it you came in here to ask me in the first place? Before I turned into a basket case that is?" David asked.

"I'll remind you as many times as you need me to," Craig smiled. Squeezing his lover's fingers, he used his free hand to wipe away the last traces of David's tears. "I came in here to ask you if you were ready to go downstairs and watch a movie with me. Had you rather go out for a while? Think you're up for dinner and a movie or something? And maybe I could feel you up in the theater like the horny teenager I seem to turn into every time I get within 10 yards of you?" Craig grinned crookedly, trying his best to get David to laugh again.

David laughed softly, so very glad that Craig was in his life, "That sounds good...um lemme wash my face and we can go?" David asked knowing his eyes were probably fairly red. "You pick the movie? And...I can pick the restaurant? Unless you already had something in mind?"

"Sounds perfect," Craig smiled, thrilled that David actually offered to chose where they ate, remembering that he said he never got to chose before. "I'm happy wherever we eat, as long as I'm with you. You've just got to promise to sit next to me in the restaurant this time. No more sitting across the table? Sound like a good deal to you?" He waggled his eyebrows at David and grinned wickedly. "And…hey….maybe I can even grope you a time or two under the table if you pick a place that's dark enough?" he asked hopefully. "Just a little grope?"

David laughed softly, "Hmmm, I'll have to give that some thought then...dark restaurant...hmmm," he grinned and took a deep breath. "So I'll meet you downstairs?"

Smiling at his lover, Craig leaned down to place a soft kiss of the full lips. "I'll be waiting," he whispered softly. "And, I'll miss you till you get downstairs, and I love you. Always remember that, my sweet David. I. Love. You."

"I love you too, see you downstairs in a few minutes," David said softly watching as Craig left the room and then crossed to the bathroom to wash his face. Looking in the mirror he took a deep breath and leaned against the counter. // I really fucked that all up didn't I? Despite everything he said he probably thinks I'm some sort of headcase. I can't believe he wants to stay, after knowing all that. Unless he's just waiting for a more opportune time to leave? He's too nice to just up and leave after that...but he will. I've already fucked up and it wasn't even completely my fault. Why'd I ever stay with Richard? // Sighing deeply, he turned on the water and washed his face trying to push away everything that had happened...trying to focus on what Craig said and did and not the thoughts that kept running through his mind. Drying his face, he looked in the mirror, "Well you don't look totally pathetic now," he said to himself as he switched off the light and headed downstairs.

Craig walked slowly downstairs, his forehead creased, finally letting his anger at Richard show as he gripped the handrail lining the stairs. He knew he'd never forget the look on David's face as he'd cringed on the floor, or the look in his eyes when he'd looked up - a look of pure terror. // I've never wanted to hurt anyone as much as I want to hurt that fucking bastard. God, my sweet David. I love you so much, I can hardly think straight. I will never let you be hurt like that again - ever. I swear. // Walking into the kitchen, he poured a glass of water, praying that David did truly love him enough to let him stay by his side forever. Leaning back to rest against the counter, he held the glass to his head and closed his eyes. // Forever, David. Please let me stay with you forever. //

As David walked down the stairs he heard water running in the kitchen. //How do I ask him? I really don't feel like going out now…especially after THAT. What if he wants to go out so it will be in a public place? So he can break up with me? Even if that isn't the case, he did ask to go out. Richard…hell it always comes back to *him *. He hated changing plans at the last minute. // Taking a deep breath he sighed and walked toward the kitchen. // May as well just go along. I'm too damn tired to even think about it anymore. // Wishing he'd grabbed some aspirin while he was in the bathroom David forced a smile onto his face as he walked into the kitchen. "Thought I heard you in here."

Craig smiled as he heard David enter the kitchen. Setting his glass on the counter, he walked over to place a soft kiss on his lover's cheek. He pulled back and looked at the dark circles under the blue eyes that stared back at him, still red and slightly swollen. // Maybe going out wasn't such a good idea after all.// Leaning back against the counter, he put his hands on David's waist and gently urged him to come closer. "Are you ok, love? You look tired. Gorgeous, as usual, but a little tired."

"I'm...I'm fine," David said softly stepping closer to Craig. "You picked a movie yet?" he asked trying to seem enthusiastic. Craig didn't *seem* like he was ready to break up with him so David relaxed a little bit, though not entirely. Looking down for a moment he took a deep breath. "I...uh, will a diner be ok? Not really up to a nice restaurant," he asked nervously.

"You know," Craig said quietly, seeing that David's heart didn't seem to be into going out, "I can always show you off tomorrow night. Or the next." Running his hands down his lover's arms, he entwined their fingers. "We can stay here if you like. I can whip something up for dinner, and we can just curl up and relax on the couch."

David looked up, knowing that he was unable to hide the gratitude in his eyes, "Really?" he asked softly. "I would rather just stay home if you really don't mind. But if you want to go I'm fine with it really...I mean I'll be fine. Just...just well you don't have to change your mind on my account...really," he said softly, almost apologetically.

Craig lifted one hand to trail gently down his lover's cheek. "Sweetheart," he said softly. "Remember - this relationship is fifty/fifty? We don't do anything we *both* don't want to do, right? And do you think I'd really let the opportunity to snuggle with the man I love pass me by?" He leaned in to place a soft kiss on David's lips, his heart hurting at the look in his lover's eyes and the soft, almost pleading tone in his voice. "I *do* love you, you know. I think I may not have mentioned that fact in the past 5 minutes."

David smiled softly, "I love you too...and I'm sorry I'm not completely used to the fifty/fifty thing. I would rather stay home...can I help with dinner or something?" he said starting to relax a little more. This was Craig. All of this uncertainty was a product of what had happened earlier, he knew that, he just needed to get his brain to catch up with what his heart knew. He loved Craig and he knew he cared, and was more gentle with him than anyone ever had been. He could always feel Craig cared, he just needed to learn to not assume Craig was going to react like Richard. Taking a deep breath, he shook his head, "I'm sorry that I am being so...awkward today," he said softly.

"You're not being awkward, love," Craig smiled. He wrapped his arms around David's waist and buried his face in his neck, wishing that he could take every bit of doubt and uncertainty from the beloved blue eyes. "How about you let me take care of dinner? You just sit here and keep me company?"

"Are you sure?" David asked wrapping his arms around Craig just enjoying the feel of his arms around him. "I *can* help...but if you rather I just keep you company I can do that too," he said smiling - this time a real smile though still not as bright as normal. He took a deep breath and just held onto Craig not quite ready to let him go. After long moments he loosened his hold and stepped back a bit. "I guess I have to let you go to cook huh?" he grinned.

"Sweetheart?" Craig said softly, pushing himself from the counter to get closer again. He was already familiar enough with the smile he loved to notice that *this* was not it. "I *do* just want your company. I'll fix us something to eat in no time at all. But……please tell me what's wrong? Did I say something wrong upstairs? Did I……..do something?"

"No...no, Craig it isn't you...definitely me. God, you had no idea you fell in with such a headcase huh? I...I didn't realize how much I'd really been affected by my past relationships. I...I keep wondering when I'm going to fuck things up bad enough that you'll leave," he admitted looking down biting his bottom lip. // I probably shouldn't have said that. //

Craig shook his head and leaned back against the counter, pulling his lover with him. Placing one hand on each side of David's face, he gently lifted it until their eyes met. "I. Love. You." He said softly, his thumbs gently caressing the soft skin of David's cheeks. "And I'm *not* leaving. Can't you *see* how much I love you when you look into my eyes?"

Gazing into Craig's eyes, David could *see* something there that was more than just fondness. "Yes...I guess I'm just not used to looking for it. You are the first person I have been involved with I think who really has loved me," David said softly. "I guess I just need to have a little more time to get used to the concept that someone as incredible as you loves me." He turned slightly and kissed the palm of Craig's hand. "I hope you can see how much I love you, and why I'm so afraid to lose you."

"You'll have all the time you need, love," Craig whispered. "I'm not going anywhere. You couldn't lose me if you tried." Leaning in to press his lips to his lover's, he tried to put everything he felt into the kiss, closing his eyes and wishing he never had to let go. After a long moment, he rested his forehead against David's. He was finding that love was so……..wonderful, amazing, intoxicating…………..and downright terrifying. // Be patient with me, love. Please, just be patient and tell me if I fuck up.//

Losing himself in Craig's kiss, David found himself regretting the need for air. "Thank you," he said softly never meaning the two words more than he did that moment. "So...what am I going to watch you cook?" he asked, trying to get back to the way they normally acted together. Before he had his little 'episode' over the desk.

"You chose," Craig said with a smile. "I can do spaghetti, pizza, hamburgers…..anything you want, my love." His own eyes shone as he saw the familiar light coming back into David's. "Anything at all."

"Hmm, pizza sounds good actually, are you sure you don't need any help? I feel lazy just watching," he said smiling. He still wasn't used to having someone take care of him.

Craig grinned. "Let's see…..perfect, gorgeous, sexy, smart, amazing, sweet, incredible…..no, I'm pretty damn sure lazy isn't on the list of words that apply to you." He pulled away reluctantly and gave David a final tender kiss. "One pizza, coming up. Then, if you want, we can just curl up on the couch all night, eat our pizza, watch cheesy movies, and just be happy together. That work for you?"

David laughed softly blushing at all the words Craig had used to describe him, "Yeah, I think that works for me, so I guess I'll sit at the bar and watch? Want me to get us some drinks at least?" David asked stepping back from Craig. // I *have* to try and trust my heart more. Craig isn't going to hurt me like the others...I just know he isn't. //

"You're not used to letting someone take care of you, are you?" Craig asked, emptying the glass of water he'd sat aside and refilling it with tea. He pushed the glass across the countertop toward his lover. "You don't even have to talk if you don't want to. Just sit there, relax, and let me look at you."

David smiled and settled down on the barstool. "No...I'm not used to it," he admitted pulling the glass toward himself. "Thanks, love," he said softly. "Oh...I nearly forgot," David said suddenly, "the reason I was in your office in the first place!" He laughed shaking his head. "My publisher called and I needed a pen," he explained.

"Your publisher?" Craig said, dragging out the ingredients for a pizza and setting them on the bar. Already, he felt the warmth of David's laughter wash over him, happy beyond words to see his mood lighten. "Good news, I hope?"

"Yeah...yeah, um a book signing and poetry reading. The book is actually doing fairly well it seems," he said, dragging a slip of paper from his pocket that he'd forgotten about until that moment. "It's about four hours drive away in Mayfield next weekend," he said, looking down at the note.

Craig grinned, unaccountably proud of his lover, even though Craig himself had had nothing to do with his success. He started to imagine David standing before a group of people, knowing that he would be unable to keep from telling everyone that *that* was his boyfriend up there on stage before he realized that David hadn't actually asked him to go. Maybe David wanted to be away from him for a while? "Sounds wonderful, love," he said a little too brightly. "I know you'll be a hit. I have no doubt that you'll be bombarded by thousands of adoring fans."

"Thousands? At a poetry reading? Oh love, you've never been to one huh?" he laughed remembering his last one. "Would you like to come with me? It's next Saturday...we could...well there is a lovely Inn up in Mayfield close to the bookstore that is hosting it. I've stayed there before when I did a reading there a year or so ago. It is such a pretty drive up there too...that is if you don't have plans already?" he said, trying not to run away with himself.

Craig's shoulders sagged in relief. "I would *love* to go with you," he grinned. "My only plans are to be with you for as long as possible. A nice weekend at an Inn….sounds perfect. I just……..well," he looked down, blushing, "I just hope you don't mind if I tell everyone I see that you're mine…..that you're my boyfriend?"

David smiled, enchanted by Craig's blush. "Can't see how they won't figure it out, I won't be letting go of your hand or letting you out of my sight for very long," he said, grinning, feeling so much better than he had earlier. "I think you will love it, especially this time of year. Maybe after classes Friday we can drive up and spend the night and then I can do the reading and book signing, then we'd have plenty of time to just relax and enjoy ourselves. That Inn if I remember right said they had fireplaces in every room," he grinned.

"I can't wait," Craig laughed, unable to keep the smile from his face. "I won't be letting go of your hand either. You know….I've never really just held anyone's hand before. Never cared about whether or not people knew who I was with. It's…….amazing how you make me see things in such a different light." Shoving the pizza in the oven, he walked over to stand behind his lover, leaning over to rest his chin on the smooth fabric that covered David's shoulder. "And, just so you know,….a fireplace? Well, fireplaces are like a cuddle whore's favorite place in the world when they're with the one they love…"

David laughed softly and leaned his head against Craig's, "Well, I'll make sure they were right about that fireplace in every room then, wouldn't want to disappoint. Sounds promising," he grinned. "And...I've never had anyone who wanted to hold my hand in public before...it's really nice to be able to do that," he said softly. Turning slightly he kissed Craig on the cheek and smiled. "You have changed so many things for me...all for the better."

Craig kissed a long trail down his lover's neck, licking and nipping gently as he went. // No one has ever held his hand in public? How could they not want the world to know that they were lucky enough to have someone like David care for them? Idiots….all of them idiots…. // He walked slowly around the chair, sliding his hand down David's arm until their fingers were entwined. "Glad you think I've changed your life for the better," he grinned, gently pulling his lover to his feet. "But you've not tasted my pizza yet. You might just change your mind after that." He walked backward toward the living room, unable to tear his eyes away from the man he loved. "Course, I *could* just curl up here on the couch with you and see what I could do about distracting you…might not even *need* the pizza after that…"

Gasping softly as Craig's lips moved along his neck David smiled. // I still can't believe this is real sometimes.// As Craig teased him and lead him to the other room he smiled wider. "Everything you've made so far was perfect. You, are perfect," David said smiling as Craig pulled him along. No one had ever made him feel this good, this happy, this...loved. How he had doubted it earlier he had no idea.

Craig slid down on the couch and pulled David down to lie on top of him. "Not perfect," he said softly, wrapping his arms around his lover's waist as he gazed up into the glittering blue eyes. "Just in love. Totally, utterly, and completely in love."

"Is that so?" David asked grinning down at his love. "Well...you are perfect to me. I love you, and it still amazes me that you love me," he whispered leaning down to kiss his lover deeply, his tongue slipping past soft lips to slip and tangle with his love's. Losing all sense of time and space, he simply lost himself in Craig's kiss. // I will do whatever I have to do to make sure I don't screw this up. It would kill me if I lost you.// At that thought he kissed Craig more passionately until he was forced to pull away to drag in a ragged breath, already feeling his body react to the perfect firm body under his. "How long is that pizza supposed to cook?" David asked grinning.

Craig's eyes fluttered shut as David kissed him, and he had to think a moment before he could register his words. "Pizza?" he murmured against smiling lips. "What pizza? We can always order in if it burns. I'd much rather have you than pizza any day." His hands trailed under his lover's shirt, desperate to touch the smooth skin beneath. He sighed happily and leaned back to look into beloved blue eyes. "I love your smile, you know. And your kisses. And your eyes. And these delicious lips. And….."

David laughed softly, "I love your smile too, do you know that when you smile your eyes sparkle?" David asked, staring down at his lover. "I've never met anyone whose eyes sparkle quite like yours," he said softly as he leaned forward to offer a playful kiss. "And your lips...you have the sweetest kisses I've ever known," he whispered against them before kissing them again. "I love you...all of you. The way your forehead furrows just a bit when you are concentrating on something, and the way you bounce your pencil against the desk when you are working," he said smiling. "Everything, you are my everything, my entire world. You have given me so much just by being a part of my life." Leaning forward again he kissed Craig deeply before pulling away to nibble at his bottom lip.

Craig blushed, and hid his face in David's neck, unable to keep the smile from his face. He simply held him tightly and closed his eyes, feeling like everything he'd ever wanted in the world was right here, right now. "You are my everything too, David," he whispered softly. "I wish I could tell you how much I love you, how I can't even think about a life without you." He pulled back and placed one hand on each side of his lover's face, staring up into the blue eyes. "I adore you, David," he said softly. "Completely adore you, and everything about you."

Smiling David leaned forward and kissed Craig deeply again feeling as if they were the only two people on the planet. Shifting slightly he gasped into his lover's mouth as their arousals pressed against each other through soft fabric. Drawing away from the perfect lips below his, David trailed his fingers down Craig's cheek. "I adore you too...I don't know what I would without you in my life...until a few weeks ago I had no idea how empty my life was," he whispered shifting his hips forward again and biting his bottom lip. "I want you. Make love to me?" he asked softly.

"Yes, love," Craig murmured against soft lips leaning up and reversing their positions so that he lay on top of his lover. His tongue slid gently into David's mouth, softly tasting and exploring, as he slowly unbuttoned the white shirt that kept him from feeling the intoxicating touch of his lover's skin. Wrapping his arms around the muscled torso, he supported David's body as he pushed the shirt down over smooth shoulders, his lips trailing soft kisses over the warm skin of his neck and chest, marking, licking, and soothing a slow trail down to his navel. Deftly unbuttoning David's jeans, Craig pulled them down slowly, placing soft kisses over his stomach and hips as each inch of skin was exposed, until the jeans were discarded in a forgotten heap in the floor.

David laughed softly as Craig reversed their position but the sound was lost in a deep kiss. Losing himself in Craig's touch, he closed his eyes and simply *felt* loved by each gentle touch. Soon he realized he was completely undressed and Craig still had all of his clothes on. He grinned up at him. "Oh this won't do," he whispered as his fingers worked at the buttons of his lover's dark blue shirt seeking the feel of Craig's warm skin against his own. Once the shirt was opened and pushed off his lover's shoulders David leaned up and sucked at the juncture of his Craig's neck and shoulder as his hands trailed down to his waist tugging at the fastenings until they were open and he wrapped his fingers around the warm hard shaft.

Craig moaned softly as David touched him, his hips automatically shifting forward to thrust into the warm grip. His own hand slid down to wrap around David's arousal and he simply lost himself for a moment, kissing and touching and just loving the man who had stolen his heart. Finally pulling away to drag in a broken breath, Craig moved down to quickly take David's arousal into his mouth, running his tongue over the swollen tip, desperate to taste the thick drops that had gathered there. He blindly reached behind him for the lube on the end table and slicked up his fingers as he bent his head forward, stopping only when he felt David's arousal touch the back of his throat. He swallowed hard, letting the muscles in his throat gently massage his lover as he slowly and carefully slid one slick finger deep inside him.

As Craig moved down his body and took his cock into the warm cavern of his mouth David moaned, unable to keep his hips from thrusting forward, then when Craig swallowed around him he moaned deeper. "Oh God, Craig," he said tipping his head back into the soft couch. No one had ever made him feel this way, feel this good, Craig was the only person who had ever made him feel loved and desired this way. "Please," he murmured not even sure what he wanted other than just Craig. Always and only Craig.

Craig's lips traveled up his lover's thick shaft, and back down again, loving the moans his movements elicited. He gently added another finger, scissoring and twisting, until he felt the small guardian muscle relax. His fingers moved smoothly in and out of his lover's body in time with his mouth for long minutes until he pulled away, breathless. "Come for me like this first, love?" he asked softly, curling his fingers to rub across the small bundle of nerves nestled deep within his lover.

David's fingers scrambled against the couch trying to grasp anything he could as Craig spoke. Crying out as the warm mouth sunk around him again and swallowed. David felt his muscles tighten in his stomach and radiate throughout him as he felt his release spill forth inside his lover's mouth. "Oh God!" he moaned his fingers threading through soft hair as Craig's mouth continued to milk him. Closing his eyes as his body shivered, he tried to relax and regain his breath again.

Craig swallowed his lover's release and gently licked him clean. His own cock was so hard it was almost painful as he covered it with a generous amount of lube and slowly pulled his fingers away from David's body. Positioning himself to enter the tight opening between his lover's legs, Craig leaned up to stare into blue eyes for a moment, making sure David was ready and relaxed. "Ready, love?" he asked softly, resting his body weight on one arm as his other hand gently caressed his lover's face.

"Yes," David whispered shakily still trying to recover from his release. This was something he'd never done...never had anyone finish him first that way and then...His thoughts trailed away as Craig pressed forward, his thick cock sliding inside him slowly. As the length was buried inside him fully David felt his lover pause and looked up into gorgeous eyes. "I love you," he whispered softly.

"I love you too," Craig whispered, staring into his lover's eyes. "More than you'll ever know." He paused for as long as his body would allow, simply reveling in the feel of being inside the exquisite body beneath him. When he could stand it no longer, he pulled back until he was almost free of the warm passage, then slid slowly forward again, his gaze never wavering. He made love gently and carefully to the man he loved, praying that David could feel how truly treasured and adored he was. Letting his free hand travel over the beloved body, he gently stroked the already re-awakening cock trapped between their bodies, coaxing it back to fullness. "You are so beautiful," he said softly.

David felt his face flush as Craig complimented him, "You are the beautiful one," he said softly the words trailing into a soft gasp as Craig's thumb rubbed over the head of his already hard cock. Slightly amazed David stared up at Craig; never had he became that hard that fast on the heels of an orgasm. Rocking his hips back to meet each slow deep thrust David wrapped his arms around Craig pulling him down for a soft deep kiss.

Moaning into the kiss, Craig's arousal, tongue and hand all made love to David in perfect unison, stroking, sliding, and thrusting gently into warmth and over smooth skin. The minutes slipped by, unnoticed, as neither man was in any hurry to have this moment end. Finally, Craig's body took over, and he shifted, the tip of his cock brushing across his lover's prostate, still sensitive from his last release. His thrusts became deeper and he felt their bodies slide against each other, each movement faster and deeper than the last. "God, love," he whispered softly, pulling away to catch his breath. His hand tightened on his lover's arousal and he leaned back down for another soul wrenching kiss.

As their slow pace increased, David moaned, his hands tightening where they had slipped to Craig's hips. Feeling himself already spiraling toward the edge he wrapped his legs around Craig, pulling him in deeper and deeper as his muscles clenched around the thick shaft driving into him. "Oh God!" he cried out feeling himself just on the brink of release, then with a shift of his hips his lover's hard cock brushed his prostate and his muscles clenched tightly around the shaft as he felt his release spill over his love's hand. Murmuring 'I love you,' over and over he tried to catch his breath, his body shuddering and tightening over and over around the hard length still driving inside him.

As the warmth of his lover's release spilled over his fingers, Craig closed his eyes and cried out softly, his orgasm all the more powerful as David's soft murmurs flowed over him. He lost all control and gave a final, deep thrust, his own release spilling deep inside the tight channel milking his arousal. After a long moment, he gently lowered himself, every muscle in his body trembling, to lay his head on David's shoulder. "I love you, sweetheart," he said in a shaking voice, tilting his head to press his lips to the warm skin of his lover's neck.

Wrapping his arms around Craig and holding him close as his body trembled with his lover's, David took a deep breath. "I love you too...God how I love you," he whispered trailing his hand up to card through sweat damp hair. "I could lay here forever like this I think," he whispered snuggling closer to his lover's warm body.

Craig smiled and held on to David tightly, closing his eyes. "Me too," he whispered softly, feeling himself ready to drift off. He slowly shifted down, gently pulling his softening cock from his lover's body. Reaching over to the table for a towel, he shifted to the side and cleaned David, then himself, before snuggling back into the warmth of welcoming arms. "We could just stay here for the rest of the day and maybe…" he paused, lifting his head and sniffing. "...um…..sweetheart….do you smell something burning?"

David sighed softly as Craig cleaned him gently and kissed his forehead as he snuggled back into his embrace. Just as Craig asked if he smelled anything burning realization dawned on him. "Pizza!" David said quickly, laughing at the look on Craig's face.

Starting to roll off the couch and run to the kitchen, Craig paused, looking into David's eyes with a grin. "You know….," he said, chuckling, "judging from the smell of it, it's already beyond rescue, and I'm bloody comfortable. Just how hungry are you?"

David laughed, "Not terribly hungry really...wouldn't want to start a fire though...but we can take our time?" As he said that the smoke detector in the hall went off and David began to laugh harder as D'Artagnan began to bark at it. "Ok...maybe not," he said still laughing but neither of them moving.

Craig groaned and wished he had *something* to throw at the fire alarm. "But…………this feels SOOO good," he grumbled nestling closer to his lover. "Think D'Artagnan can take care of that for us?" He looked up at David hopefully. "He *is* so well trained…"

David began to laugh at the image of a dog wearing oven mits that popped into his mind. "Ummm...I don't think any of the oven mits will fit him!"

Craig giggled and leaned up to kiss David's chin. "Damn," he grumbled. "Need to add doggie-sized oven mits to the list…." Resting his forehead against his lover's cheek he closed his eyes and smiled. "You stay here, and I'll take care of it, ok? Just relax and let me wait on you?"

"You sure?" he asked seriously running his hands through Craig's hair. "I don't mind helping, but if my staying out of the way is more helpful...then I'll wait right here for you, just like this, my arms waiting for your return," he whispered softly.

Craig leaned back to look into his lover's eyes. "You're never in the way, love," he said softly. "I'd love to have you with me, but you look so comfortable. And I love doing things for you. I'll just run in there, turn the oven off, and pretend the whole pizza thing never happened, then come snuggle back up to you. How's that?"

"Sounds good to me, love," David whispered. "Hurry back," he said softly as Craig rolled off of him and stood beside the couch for a moment. David rolled onto his side and propped his head on his hand watching Craig, still amazed this perfect, beautiful man loved him.

Craig reached down to softly run his fingers over David's cheek as he leaned over to press his lips against his lover's. "God, I hate even going to another room when you're not in it," he whispered. Taking a deep breath, he brushed back the soft hair from David's forehead. "Be right back," he smiled, placing a final kiss to the soft lips. With a remorseful sigh, he stood and walked back toward the kitchen, already regretting the loss of his lover's embrace.

David smiled and watched Craig walk out of the room thoroughly enjoying the view. Laying back on the couch he looked up at the ceiling still smiling. "Thank you," he whispered upwards and waited patiently for his lover's return.

TBC