Title: Here With Me 12/?
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 glanced up at the classroom of students whose heads were down all of them concentrating on answering test questions. Looking at the stack of essays from his morning class and decided to grade a few. Looking on his desk he didn't see a pen so he opened the desk drawer and paused as the first thing he saw was a beautiful red rose laying atop a beige piece of parchment paper with words written in calligraphy. He smiled widely and picked the rose up sniffing it, smiling wider as he lay it on his desk. Picking up the beautifully written text he began to read:

If I'm Asleep*

My Heart was walking a tightrope,
With nowhere left to go,
I'd faced the fact forever,
I'd walk through life alone.

Then quietly he came to me,
No pretenses, no demands
Not expecting much of me,
Except to be who I am.

I'm not sure quite how it happened,
He caught me unaware,
It seems so unbelievable,
Pinch me? Don't you dare!!

For, if I'm asleep- Don't wake me,
I don't want the dream to end,
He's more than just a lover,
He's truly my best friend.

So, as I lay here hoping,
This isn't just a dream,
I open my eyes and see him,
Lying here right next to me.

My prayers have all been answered,
My wishes have come true,
I wasn't dreaming after all,
My love, my dear, was you.

I love you, sweetheart.

Yours forever,
Craig

David felt his heart swell in his chest as he read the beautifully written words from his lover. Looking up from his love note he saw a student approaching his desk.

"Daniel…you are in charge, I find any inconsistencies it's your rear on the line," he said standing up and taking the rose and paper with him, pushing past the startled sophomore.

He couldn't even remember if Craig was in the middle of class or not, as he approached his classroom he realized yes he was teaching a class…but then David didn't really care at this point. Opening the door to Craig's classroom, he found his lover standing at the board writing notes.

Craig looked up as the door opened, and felt his heart speed up just seeing the man he loved standing in the doorway. He dropped the chalk and crossed the room, glancing at his students for a fraction of a second. "Take notes or read or dissect…….. something," he said distractedly, as his eyes settled again on his lover. Smiling broadly, he stepped outside in the hall, pulling David with him and shutting the door behind them, laughing at the catcalls that followed. "Hello, love," he said softly, "Everything ok?"

Before Craig finished his final word David pulled him close and kissed him deeply, wrapping his arms around his lover and holding him tight. His heart was racing in his chest just from the contact, wanting to convey all that he felt, all of his love to Craig in a single mind altering kiss. After long moments he drew away sucking and nibbling on Craig's full bottom lip before pulling back and smiling at him, "More than ok. I love you, thank you for the...well," he said looking down and holding up the rose and poem clutched in his hand, "for these...no one has ever...I can't tell you how it made me feel to find them just a few moments ago."

"I love you too, sweetheart," Craig smiled. "Found that, did you? I put it there this morning while you put your books away. I wanted you to know that I was thinking of you……..well, I always think of you, but I wanted to make you smile." Placing a soft kiss to his lover's lips, he sighed contentedly. "I love seeing you like this - happy and smiling, with that amazing sparkle in your eyes."

"All because of you, all because of your love," David whispered leaning forward and kissing Craig tenderly. "You are amazing you know that?" he asked smiling. He couldn't believe this incredible man loved him enough to do something so sweet, a gesture that meant more than words could possibly say.

Craig held his lover tightly, unable to believe no one had ever even left him a love note before. // Well, this is the first of many, my love. I'm *never* going to let you doubt for one minute how loved you are. // "Glad you think so," he grinned. "But I'm not amazing……I'm lucky, and blessed, and in love, and happy…and spending the weekend at an Inn alone with the man that I adore. So…it all adds up quite nicely, don't you think? Maybe it just gives me an 'amazing' glow or something ? THAT's probably what you're seeing."

David grinned and shook his head, "Don't know about that...but the entire weekend just the two of us, in a lovely little town, at a beautiful Inn...I'm looking forward to that too. This week has gone by soooo slowly," he said laughing softly. "We are all set to leave right after our last classes today, I managed to get ahold of Diana finally and she'll feed D'Artagnan and check the horses for us," he said as his thumbs caressed small circles on his lover's sides just above his waist.

// …check the horses for <b>us </b> God, I love that word……*us*. Never thought about what a wonderful word that really is…// Craig leaned back against the wall, pulling his lover with him. "I can't wait," he said softly. "I'm so happy you want to share this with me...that you want me to be there with you."

"I feel the same way, love," David said softly. "Spending time with you, being *with* you is all I want." He heard voices down the hall and sighed, "And we better get back to our classrooms or we are gona have an audience."

Craig sighed and leaned in for another quick kiss. "Yes, I suppose we should go. But……I'm really glad you liked the note and the rose," he whispered against soft lips. "I am never going to let you forget how much I love you- so be prepared to hear it every day for the rest of your life." Leaning back, he carded his fingers through his lover's hair. "That ok with you?"

// ...every day for the rest of your life… He has no idea how much I want to believe that. How much I want that.// Taking a deep breath David smiled. "That's good with me...really good...and I was giving a test so I better get my arse back there," he said grinning. "I love you...see you in," he glanced down at his watch, "in exactly three hours and twelve minutes?" He asked backing away slowly.

"I love you too," Craig said. "Maybe we can shave a minute or two off if we let classes out early. I can't wait to get out of here." He started to turn back toward his classroom door, but was unable to resist stepping forward for another kiss. "Sorry, love," he grinned. "Had to have one more to last me through the afternoon…though I may have to come and try to steal another one in about an hour or so."

"Sounds good to me...it's Friday after all...I'm sure the students won't mind," he said with a grin as he started to back away again.

Craig grinned and opened his door, turning to wave at his lover before entering the classroom. "Well, what are you all looking at?" he asked his students with a chuckle. "Haven't you ever seen a man in love?"

Watching as his lover entered his classroom David finally turned toward his own smiling happily and wishing he had the power to speed up time.

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

David put the car in park and smiled at Craig, "This place has pretty good cheeseburgers, ate here the last time I drove up for a poetry reading. It will really be nice to have some company this time," he grinned reaching over and squeezing Craig's hand. "Thank you for coming with me, I was afraid you'd say you had papers to grade or something and I'd be lonely," he said softly.

Craig lifted David's fingers up to his lips, kissing each fingertip in turn. "You're never going to be lonely again, love," he promised, looking deep into his lover's eyes. "And you don't honestly think I could stand to spend a whole weekend away from you, do you?"

David laughed softly, "I'm glad," he said smiling. "Dinner here and then just two more hours and we will be at the Inn. Wish it wasn't already dark, it really is a pretty drive. I guess Sunday afternoon you'll get to see on our way back," he said releasing Craig's hand and getting out of the car into the cold evening air. Walking around the car to meet Craig on the other side, he took his hand as they walked toward the small diner. "This place is a bit of a hole in the wall but the food really is awesome," he said as he opened the bright green door.

"Sounds good," Craig said. "I'm starving." He slid into the booth and picked up the menu that lay on the table. "Think I'll just have a cheeseburger and fries. You?"

"Sounds good to me," David said shrugging out of his jacket. Just as he looked up the waitress walked up to take their order. He glanced over at Craig for a moment suddenly unsure about ordering for him even though he already knew what he wanted. David looked up at the waitress relaying their orders and sat back as the waitress walked away. "I am a little nervous about the poetry reading," David admitted looking out the window at the shadows in the parking lot.

Wondering about the hesitation in his lover's eyes, Craig smiled softly. // What is going on in your mind, love? //. When the waitress left, he turned toward David. "Why are you nervous?" he asked. "Your poems are amazing. I see how you lose yourself once you start reading."

"Yeah, I just always get nervous before them, for the first year of teaching I was a basket case...little afraid of getting up in front of a group of people. I learned to get over it with the students but these poetry readings always make me a little nervous...last one...not the one up here but the one I did last February was a bit...scary. I don't think that will be a problem this time though," he said looking down at the table and picking at the worn cloth.

"Scary?" Craig asked, placing his hand gently over David's and looking at him worriedly. "How so? Did something happen?"

"It's nothing...won't happen this time," David said trying to smile and reassure Craig a little bit. He hadn't meant to bring it up much less remember it. "Richard showed up at my last one...I ended up turning into a stammering idiot in front of the entire group of people. It had only been a short time since the break up...and I knew why he was there...I ended up leaving before the book signing started, told them I wasn't feeling well. Had to apologize and Marty my publisher was ready to kill me," David said shaking his head. "Anyway...it'll be different this time," he said smiling and turning his hand over to grasp Craig's squeezing it softly.

Craig's thumb traveled in slow circles over the back of David's hand. // Ok, could Richard have *been* any more of a shit? So help me when I see him…..// Careful to keep his face from showing his anger, he pressed a kiss on David's cheek. "I'm so sorry," he said. "It *will* be different this time. You'll be brilliant and I bet you'll be able to sit there and feel how much I love you and how proud I am to be there with you. And Ri… *HE* won't even cross your mind." He moved closer and wrapped an arm around David's shoulders. "I'm going to make you forget. I promise."

David smiled, "You are already, love. Each day more and more," he whispered softly. When the waitress came with their food he looked down at his plate and laughed. "I forgot how big these were," he said shaking his head. "You know I couldn't quit smiling after I found your gift this afternoon. Never been so happy I needed a pen in my life," he grinned. "The poem was beautiful," he said smiling happily. Still a bit blown away by the idea anyone would do something like that for him.

Craig blushed and ducked his head. "Glad you liked it," he said, reaching over to pour ketchup over his fries. "The poem wasn't very good, but…..it was how I felt. I scribbled it out last night after you went to sleep. I just hope it at least let you know how much I love you. I felt kind of dumb writing poetry for a poet."

"Not very good? I loved it," David said turning to look at Craig. "It was perfect, and beautiful, and made me feel like my heart was going to jump out of my chest, just like you. Every time I see you smile at me I feel like I'm the luckiest man on earth." David placed his hand over Craig's as he sat the ketchup bottle on the table. "You don't give yourself enough credit, love."

Craig blushed harder and looked down, grinning. "I was afraid you'd think it was…….too much… Silly or something like that. You're the romantic one, and I was afraid it'd just……I don't know…not work or something."

"Was it how you really feel?" David asked seriously tipping Craig's flushed face up to his own.

Craig bit his bottom lip and nodded. "Yes," he whispered softly, looking into his lover's blue eyes.

"Then there is *nothing* more romantic than that," he answered softly kissing him tenderly. Drawing back David smiled, "I love you, Craig," he said softly.

Craig's eyes fell shut as his arms wrapped around David, holding him tightly. Looking into his lover's eyes, he desperately wanted to believe that David truly did love him, that he wasn't just saying the words. "I love you too," he whispered.

Sitting there, staring into each other's eyes, they were completely oblivious of the soft smiles the diner patrons wore as they looked at them. They were the picture of a couple in love, though they had no idea of that little fact.

As the waitress came to see if they needed refills, Craig realized they hadn't even touched their food. Laughing, he sighed, and looked away reluctantly. "You know," he said with a wicked grin, "the sooner we eat, and get to the Inn, the sooner we can get in front of that fireplace."

Laughing softly David nodded. "You know you have a point," he said looking down at his plate of untouched food. They continued their meal talking about their students, and events on campus.

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

A little over two hours later, Craig woke up, a crick in his neck from sleeping with his head leaned over on David's shoulder. They'd turned the heat in the car down on low to give them more reason to cuddle, and Craig had felt so warm and relaxed that he'd drifted off to sleep. "We're here?" he asked sleepily as he felt David's arm shift the car into park.

"Hey sleepy head," David grinned, "Yeah we're here," he said softly. "Give you a minute or two to wake up before we go in, I'll get the bags," he said grinning as Craig rubbed at his eyes sleepily. Stepping out of the car David pulled his coat a little closer around himself and then pulled their bags out of the car. He looked up grinning as Craig joined him. "Cold," David said shivering a little.

"I think I can warm you up a bit," Craig grinned. He shifted from foot to foot as he grabbed a small carry-on containing David's books and their garment bag. Slamming the trunk closed, they headed quickly toward the office, anxious to get to their room. Craig's arm slid around David's waist as they stood at the counter checking in, holding him close, unwilling to lose the warmth and security of his touch for even a moment.

After signing in, David slid his hand into Craig's and they made their way upstairs. The Inn was filled with lovely antiques and felt comfortable, unlike a hotel. As they entered their room David smiled at Craig, "Fireplace in every room," he said, seeing the fire already going. When he had called the reservations in he'd asked that the room be ready for them, and the man on the phone had asked if he wanted the fire started since they would be arriving so late. "Well...what do you think?" he asked setting his bag down at the foot of the bed, and crossing to a small table with a basket and a bottle of wine already in a cooler. "I...I asked them if they would do a few things before we arrived," David said blushing slightly at the look on Craig's face.

"I……you think of everything," Craig grinned. "Come here, you," he said softly, pulling his lover in front of the fire for a deep kiss. After a long moment, he pulled away and pushed David's jacket off his shoulders, running his hands up and down the thick fabric of the shirt covering his arms. "Still cold?" he asked, his heart filling with love and tenderness as he watched the glow of the firelight dance across smooth skin.

"Not as cold as before...but I think you'll have to warm me up a little more," he grinned as he watched his lover's eyes sparkle. "I'm glad you like it...I wanted our first trip together to be...special. Guess it was a little silly, but I just want to make everything perfect for you," he said softly as he slid Craig's jacket off and tossed it onto a nearby chair. "So here we are, nice cozy room, warm fire, a bottle of wine...and the rest of the night," he grinned.

"Well…..,what are your plans for me, kind sir?" " Craig began, resting his hands on David's hips and pulling him closer. "Just being here with you makes it special…no, makes it perfect. The fire, bed, wine - that's just topping. Question is, now that you've got me alone, what are your plans for me kind sir?" Fluttering his eyelashes playfully, Craig let his fingers trail underneath David's beige sweater, softly tracing abstract patterns across his still slightly cool skin. "Taking me out here, all alone in a dark Inn….I'm thinking you could have your way with me pretty easily. You wouldn't even have to try very hard." Leaning forward, he lapped at his lover's neck, closing his eyes and savoring the taste and masculine scent that was David's own as he pressed his hips forward, letting him know exactly *how* much he loved the idea.

David smiled as Craig teased him, "Have my way with you huh?" he asked with a grin that disappeared quickly as Craig leaned in running his tongue along the skin of his neck and feeling Craig's arousal press against him. Pulling Craig completely flush against him, David kissed him deeply, feeling as if the fire had left the fireplace to blaze within him. Dragging back for a breath he trailed his fingers under his lover's burgundy sweater, his fingertips tracing along the firm muscles before dragging the sweater up and over Craig's head. Leaning forward as he tossed it the same way as his lover's jacket, he kissed and sucked at the smooth skin at the base of his lover's neck, his hands trailing up and down his love's back.

"You have no clue how sexy you are," Craig whispered, arching his neck back, already breathless as David's hands moved over his skin. He quickly repaid the favor and pulled David's sweater over his head, dropping it unnoticed to the floor. As soft lips again began their work on his neck, Craig bent his own head over to gently mark his lover, totally entranced by his every touch and every soft moan. "I want to feel you inside me, love," he whispered brokenly, his heart threatening to run away with him.

Drawing back slightly David looked into shimmering eyes, "I want that too," he whispered softly as his fingertips traced a line along the smooth skin of Craig's waist before unfastening his lover's jeans. In one motion his hand wrapped around the already rigid arousal and stroked it firmly. "God, I love you," he whispered backing up to sit in one of the chairs. Dragging his lover's jeans down the rest of the way and helping to steady Craig as he stepped out of them. David leaned forward and licked at the tip of his lover's leaking cock. Looking up at Craig for a moment as his mouth sunk around him he placed his hands on Craig's hips urging him to move with him as his lips and mouth lowered around the hard shaft until the tip was at the back of his throat. Swallowing and then setting a steady pace moving up and down the hard length.

Craig's fingers curled into David's soft hair, the hands on his hips the only thing keeping him steady. He moaned softly as he felt his lover swallow around the head of his cock, taking him in deep, and pulling back slowly. "David," he breathed. "I love you so much." His body moved slowly in tandem with his lover's mouth, careful not to thrust, letting David set the pace and depth of each warm caress of lips and tongue. His fingers clenched and relaxed reflexively, knowing that David could already taste the proof of his desire.

Reaching down to his jeans pocket David retrieved a small tube of lube nearly blushing at the realization he'd never carried it with him before meeting Craig, never really thought about it before. Though the two of them could barely make it an entire day at home without making love at least once. At that thought he realized that he automatically thought of home as where the two of them lived, not his home, but their home. Slicking his fingers while his mouth continued to coax the most beautiful sounds from his lover, David caressed the heavy sac before slipping a slick finger into the tight opening slowly, stopping just inside before moving deeper.

Craig's skin felt hot to the touch, and he knew it wasn't due to the fire in the room. No one had ever made him *want* as much as David did, with one soft look or a simple word. His legs automatically slid apart as soft fingers slid over his balls and behind, the tip of his lover's finger sliding gently into his body. "Yes, love," he whispered, trying to stop himself from thrusting down and forward at the same time. "More, please," he whimpered. "Need you."

Sliding a second finger into the tight heat David scissored them and then curled them slightly rubbing against the tight bundle of nerves before pulling back. As Craig whimpered it felt as if electricity had shot through his body and straight to his aching cock. He wanted Craig so much, had never wanted anyone the way he wanted him. Pulling his lips back to the head and swiping his tongue over the leaking slit, David pulled away somewhat breathlessly. "Need you too, love," he whispered as his fingers withdrew. Rising up from his chair, he unfastened his black jeans, stripping them away quickly. He looked at Craig for a moment before sitting back down on the chair, coaxing him to move forward and straddle him. Wrapping his arms around his lover, his mouth found his love's cock again, teasing him slightly before pulling back. "Want you so much, I love you so much," he whispered huskily.

Craig let one hand rest on the back of his lover's neck as the other reached down to stroke the rigid column of flesh that rested against David's stomach. After a moment, he leaned forward, positioned the weeping organ at his own entrance, and pressed his lips to David's. His tongue pushed slowly forward as his body slid down on the solid shaft until his lover was seated deeply inside. When the back of his thighs met the front of David's, he stilled himself, drawing away from the kiss to moan softly into his lover's mouth. "Love you," he murmured.

Moaning into the kiss they shared as Craig's body sunk around him, David almost lost control right then. As Craig pulled away he took a deep breath and shifted his hips up into his lover as his hands grasped his hips. "I'll always love you, Craig," he whispered softly completely dazzled by the man before him. Moving as one, caressing, and kissing the only sounds were those of the fire crackling softly and their soft pants and moans as they made love slowly.

Craig's body slowly rose and pressed back down, taking in his lover's length again and again. When sensations started to overwhelm him, he stilled himself, leaning forward to kiss David deeply, trying not to bring them both to their end too early. // We have all night. And I never want this to end. Never. // Slowly but surely, his movements became faster and more erratic as his fingers dug into the back of the chair and the muscles in his legs began to tremble. He shifted forward slightly and felt the head of his lover's arousal ram into his prostate as he moaned and began to move even faster, impaling himself and causing stars to flash behind his eyelids. "Oh, God, love," he cried out softly.

David lost himself in Craig's kiss, his body rocking upwards into his lover as their tongues moved and caressed one anothers. "I love you," David panted as Craig pulled away to breathe, their movements becoming more and more erratic. Wrapping one arm around Craig's back David leaned forward taking his lover's hard length in his hand stroking it firmly, as he sucked and licked at the smooth skin of Craig's neck.

Craig held his lover close as they moved together as one to their climax. As David's hand closed around his arousal, Craig held on tighter, moving harder and faster, loving the feel of making love to this perfect man in his arms. He felt his release slam into him as he drove down hard one final time, the firm grip on his cock tightening at just the right moment. "Oh God, David," he cried out as he felt himself spill over the warm fingers, "I love you so much."

Craig's muscles clenched around him tightly and David moaned thrusting up into his lover one final time as his release slammed into him. Moaning his lover's name he buried his face against Craig's neck trying to regain his breath that seemed to have been stolen the first time they touched that evening. "I love you too," he murmured against sweat damp skin as his arms wrapped tightly around his lover's back. Shuddering and taking a deep breath, David sat back to gaze at the beloved face before him. "I love you so much, so very much," he whispered as he stared into sparkling blue eyes.

Craig smiled and rested one hand on each side of David's face, caressing softly. "I will love you forever and beyond, my beautiful, sweet David. And, like I said earlier today, I'm going to spend the rest of my life making sure that you know how much."

David smiled as he held Craig in his arms. "I'm so glad you are a part of my life, just waking up next to you each day makes me happy you know?" he said softly. Sitting back and looking at Craig he wished he could offer him even more. Wished he could let go of his past and just believe this wasn't going to end tomorrow or the next day. He knew from experience that this happiness he felt right now, the last few weeks with Craig...would have to be enough to last him a lifetime, because it would one day end. Taking a deep breath he smiled. "And...I happen to know this particular Inn has a nice roomy tub...wanna share it with me?" he asked leaning forward and nibbling playfully at Craig's neck.

Craig grinned and leaned in to place a soft kiss on David's lips. He could see so much doubt and so many questions in the blue eyes that stared back at him. Each flicker of doubt made him want to hold David tight and never let him go. // If it takes me the rest of my life, David, I will erase that doubt from your eyes, and make you realize how much I love you. // "You and a tub?" he said, arching an eyebrow and licking his lips. "Sounds like Paradise to me." Standing up slowly, he felt his lover slip from his body. He reached out a hand, pulling David to his feet and wrapping his arms around him. "I love you, Dr. Wenham," he said softly, placing a kiss on the beloved lips. "One day you'll see how much."

David smiled happily "Well I'm rather fond of you too Dr. Parker," he grinned laughing and then pulled Craig close again. "Matter of fact much, much more than fond," he said kissing Craig tenderly. "I love you," he whispered against his lips before pulling back and taking Craig's hand to lead him toward the bathroom.

*Poem Craig used for David's note was written by bstgirl911

TBC