Title: Here With Me 25/?
Author: Anorien and Sairalinde
Type: RPS
Pairing: Craig/David
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Ourselves
Warning: Violence in form of a fist fight described in this chapter.
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.
A/N: This is A.U. and it is the world we wish really did exist.

//Indicates thoughts

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Craig turned toward the door to Richard’s office and took a deep breath. He’d never hit anyone in his entire life. He had *no* idea how to fight, but this was sure as hell the time to learn. Twisting the doorknob, he entered quickly, finding the man he could only assume was Richard alone at his desk. He closed the door behind him and locked it. “I can only assume you are the asshole known around here as Richard Turner?” he asked, striding over to the desk with long, sure steps.

"Who the hell do you think..." Richard trailed off realizing exactly who the other man was. Looking up at the other man and sneering slightly he laughed, "Never mind I know who you are..."

Craig didn’t hesitate for an instant as he swung his fist around to connect solidly with Richard’s jaw. Before the other man could react, Craig grabbed him by the front of his shirt and hauled him up out of the chair, propelling him back and up against the window. He pressed his forearm across Richard’s throat and pressed hard, moving in until their faces were only centimeters apart. "I guess you *do* know who I am,” he snarled. “I guess bottom feeders like you always manage to know all the gossip around here.”

Richard hadn't a chance to react at all before the other man was on him completely caught off guard as he was shoved against the window. As the other man snarled at him he managed to swing, though his body was too close to Craig's to be terribly effective. The blow connected with Craig's side and at least got him to back off slightly. "What the fuck? You aching to get fired huh? Davie going to pay your way?" Richard spat back trying to rush the other man but misjudging how fast his opponent was. He may have had height and build on the other man but those same advantages in a fight were a disadvantage...and this man didn't fear him like David did.

Craig moved aside as Richard tried to rush him, shaking off the pain in his side. He stepped forward and drove his fist into the other man’s stomach with every ounce of strength he possessed. Fueled by his rage at what this bastard had done to David, the blow was more than enough to make Richard double over in agony. “*YOU* don’t even get to say his name, you fucking bastard,” Craig hissed. Grabbing a handful of hair, he held his opponent’s head steady and brought his knee up, giving a satisfied smile when he heard the sound of what could only have been Richard’s nose breaking. “*That* was for breaking his arm,” he ground out between clenched teeth.

Richard was unable to step away from the punch to his solar plexus leaving him doubled over and at the smaller man's mercy. The pain that shot through his entire head as the man's knee connected with his nose made him see stars and he vaguely heard something about breaking David's arm. He hadn't broken his arm today had he? Managing to stumble back, his anger rolled through him as he swung his fist feeling somewhat vindicated as his fist connected with the other man's eye causing him to stumble backwards. "I didn't break his goddamn arm!" Richard snapped off spitting blood on the floor that had run from his nose. Rushing forward again he grabbed the other man and slammed him against the wall. "You crazy bastard you are gona get us both fired," he hissed.

Craig’s head bounced off the wall and he felt his scalp split, serving only to make him madder. “I’ll take my chances,” he growled, bringing his head forward to connect with Richard’s broken nose, causing the other man to stagger back and release him. He had no idea what the hell he was doing, but it felt good. Even the ache at the back of his head didn’t matter. This was for David. This was for every time David had been hurt, or scared, or humiliated. He circled Richard slowly, waiting for him to make a move, ready for whatever he had to offer. “How does it feel to be the one getting the shit beat out of you for a change?” Craig said in a low voice.

Richard growled and lunged forward, his swing wide and connecting with more air than flesh. Throwing his body forward at Craig, they crashed into the opposite wall. The plaster cracked from the impact as both men's shoulders connected with the wall. Richard knew now that David had told this new boyfriend everything...he was quickly losing any chance of turning this around even after the fight was over. He wasn't about to lose everything he'd worked for because of all people David. Grabbing the other man's shirtfront Richard slung him across the room and sneered when the man's thigh connected hard with the side of the desk. Shoving himself away from the wall he stalked toward him.

Craig yelped as the edge of the desk bit deeply into his thigh. He watched as the larger man came toward him and crouched low, rushing forward to drive his shoulder into Richard’s chest. As they both fell to the floor with a grunt, Richard’s fist connected with Craig’s lip, splitting it cleanly. Craig was the first to his feet, and he kicked his opponent hard in the kidney. “*That* was for today,” he ground out. As Richard curled up on his side, Craig circled around again and put his foot over the other man’s hand, using his heel to grind Richard’s fingers into the floor. He felt the bones pop beneath his foot, feeling strangely satisfied. “*That* was for raping him you son of a bitch,” he said, grinding harder.

Richard screamed as the fingers in his hand gave way under the other man's foot just as he saw the door fly open and the Chancellor and two other administrators fly through it, quickly grabbing Craig from behind and dragging him away from the writhing man on the floor.

"Dr. Parker! What the HELL are you doing?" John yelled barely able to contain the younger man who was struggling against him. Dragging Craig out of the room and into the vacant classroom next door, John kicked the door closed and practically threw his son's boyfriend across the room. As Craig spun around clearly still enraged he threw his hands up in the air. "I'd think twice boy," he warned icily.

“Think twice about what?” Craig shot back, wanting to get back to the task of making Richard scream, not even caring that he was talking to his boss, or his boyfriend’s father. “About making that son of a bitch pay for what he did to your own son? Or about getting past you to finish the job I just got started on?? *Exactly* what do you want me to think twice about, //<b>SIR?</b>//”

"Calm the hell down, Craig," John said sitting down on the desk. "Jesus, now what the hell are you talking about? What did he do to David? What...he and David broke up months ago...I know Richard is a prick but what the hell started all this? I need you to calm down and explain so I know what to write on your paperwork when I fire your ass," John said running his hand over his face trying to figure out what was going on. He'd never had to break up a fight between two professors before...couple of students but never professors!

Craig glared at David’s father and narrowed his eyes. “Calm down?” he hissed. “You want me to calm down? I’ve just spent half an hour calming *your* son down from nearly having his arm broken by that fucking bastard! Do you want to hear about that? Or had you rather we sit down and have a cup of tea and discuss how this wouldn’t be the first time he’s broken his arm? Would that help you fill out your fucking paperwork?” He paced from one side of the room to the other, wiping the blood away from his lip with his shirtsleeve. “Maybe you’d rather hear about how he slammed David’s head into a desk and knocked him unconscious? I’ve got all kinds of stories I could share with you, //*DR. Noble*// so how about you just tell me which one you want to hear first, so I can get back in there and finish kicking his ass?”

John gaped at the young man as he paced around the room, "Wait a minute...Craig, slow down. David's arm? I don't understand...today? He did something to David today? He...David told me that the way he broke his arm a couple years ago he said...said he fell down the stairs, tripped over the dog," John said incredulously. "Are you...you trying to tell me Richard did it?" John asked standing up a wave of anger washing over him at the idea the man could do that to his son and that his son LET him.

Craig stopped pacing long enough to look up at John, realizing that he honestly didn’t know what happened. Collapsing into a nearby chair, he slid down, all the aches and pains of the previous few minutes suddenly flaring to life. “David didn’t fall. That fucking bastard broke his arm. And has done a lot worse than that over the years. He cornered him today in the lounge. Came damn close to breaking his arm again, but David fought back and got out. I….listen, Dr. Noble, fire me if you need to, but I need to get back to David. He needs me, and I’ve left him alone long enough. I’m leaving now, and I’m taking your son home. I’ll send someone to clean out my desk tomorrow.” Rising unsteadily, Craig gasped as pain ripped through his bruised thigh. Taking a deep breath, he limped toward the door, turning around to look at John one last time. “Listen, I’m sorry I blurted it out like that, and I’m sorry you had to see that. But I’m sorry most of all that you got there before I broke a few more of that bastard’s bones and made him feel just a little of what David has felt for all the years they were together.”

"Hang on, Craig," John said standing up. "He...all those accidents that David always had...were *him*?" John asked feeling his stomach turn remembering black eyes, a broken arm, bruises on his arms that David always claimed were from being clumsy. Then he thought about how he hadn't seen a single bruise on David since the time he'd broken up with Richard. "Craig, please wait," John asked trying to keep the younger man from leaving just yet. He needed a moment to think before he walked into the other room and finished what Craig had started.

Craig turned around and looked at John wearily. “David is not accident prone, Dr. Noble,” he said quietly. “Everything that happened, every bruise or cut you saw, was all Richard. He used you son, and hurt him when he tried to get away or stand up for himself. Today….today was the final straw. David had finally put all that behind him, and then that prick cornered him, and it all came back. I…I just lost it. I got blinded by rage and wanted to make him pay…” He put his hand back on the doorknob, aching to get back to his lover. He’d been gone far too long already, and now he had to figure out a way to explain *his* bruises. “Dr. Noble, I really, really need to go. David’s waiting, and he’s alone, and I need to be with him right now. Please. You can fire me over the phone later, or come by and do it when we’re at home, but I really need to go.”

"I'm not firing you, Craig, I'm firing that bastard in the other room," John said sternly. "Go...take care of my son. I'll...take care of the rest. I expect to see you at the staff meeting tomorrow morning," John said softly trying his best to contain his anger or he'd end up doing what Craig had to the bastard who hurt his son.

Craig looked at John in surprise, not sure if he could even believe him. Seeing that the other man looked just as angry as Craig had felt, Craig nodded and gave him a small smile. "Thank you,” he said simply, before turning the knob and walking out the door, wanting to get back to David, and praying that this wouldn’t upset him further. He stopped in the men’s room long enough to splash some water on his face and look in the mirror. No doubt about it, David would have to be blind not to see that he’d been in a fight. // God, please, don’t let him be scared of me. Let him know that I would never, never hurt him. Please just let him know that.// With a sigh, he hurried back down the hall toward David’s office, fishing in his pocket for the key. He knocked softly before unlocking the door and slipping in, shutting and locking the door behind him. “David?” he asked softly, seeing him lying just as he’d left him, staring at the door. “Sweetheart, are you ready to go home?”

As Craig walked in David blinked and looked up at him immediately his eyes went wide, "Craig? Oh my God…what happened to you?" he said sitting up a little faster than he should have causing his head to spin a bit. "Uhh," he blinked trying to clear his vision and stand up. "What? What happened?" he asked crossing the room forgetting completely about his own injured arm and reaching out to touch Craig's face gingerly.

Craig turned his head to the side and kissed the palm of David’s hand with a soft smile. He noticed the way his lover had blinked a bit unsteadily before he stood and instantly wrapped his arms around him. “Let me see your head, love,” he said, brushing David’s questions aside for the moment and gently running his fingers over his lover’s scalp. Sure enough he felt a small goose egg just at the back of his head. “Are you dizzy? Do you feel nauseous? Are you hurt anywhere else?”

"Never mind me," David said softly staring at the bruise around Craig's eye and the dried blood on his split lip. "What happened?" David asked softly not caring how bad he himself felt his only concern was for Craig. He did actually feel dizzy and nauseous and his back felt like it was on fire, but Craig looked like he'd been...in a fight. "Oh my God...you...did Richard do this to you?" David asked unsteadily.

Craig looked down, terrified that David would back away from him. He loosened his arms, just in case he wanted to, and took a deep breath. “Yes,” he said softly, keeping one hand on David’s waist to steady him in case he really was dizzy, as his other hand ran over his face. “But, honestly, he got the worse end of the deal. I….broke his nose and a few fingers…..Please, David, please don’t be mad at me. I just…..I’m not a violent man, I just…..God, I’m sorry. Please don’t…..don’t be afraid of me.”

David shook his head slowly, "I'm not afraid of you, Craig, I could never be afraid of you," he said softly. Feeling as if his legs might give out David took Craig's hand and led him toward the couch slowly. "I need to sit down...and it looks like you need to as well," he said softly. "I...I'm not sure I want to know what happened. You and he fought...so what...what happens now?" David asked worriedly. "Did...did anyone see? Is...are you ok?" David asked shaking his head a bit trying to stop feeling so foggy.

“What happens now is that I’m taking you to the doctor,” Craig said softly, feeling stupid for leaving David alone in the first place. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me, please. And Richard….he’s being fired as we speak. He’ll never bother you again, love, I promise.” Leaning over to kiss his lover softly on the cheek, Craig rested his forehead against David’s. “Can you make it to the car?” he whispered, hoping they could just leave and David wouldn’t ask any more questions.

"I don't need a doctor," David began but stopped when he saw the look on his lover's face, for all intents Craig WAS a doctor, and if he said he should go...then he figured he better listen. "Well..." David whispered touching Craig's lip gently, "You might want to get that looked at too," he whispered smiling softly. "I love you, Craig. And yeah I can make it to the car...m...I'm just a little dizzy." Then David paused and looked at Craig oddly. "Fired? Richard's being fired? How...who...are you in trouble?" David asked worriedly.

“No, love,” Craig said, shaking his head. “I’m not in trouble. Your father…..he saw us, and….he wanted to know what the hell I was doing. So I told him. He was….he was angry. At Richard, not at you, and not at me. I told him I needed to get back to you and he said he was going to go fire Richard. I…I hope you’re not mad that I told him. It just kind of slipped out, and I didn’t tell him everything. I’m sorry, sweetheart. It all just kind of….happened.”

"My father was angry at Richard?" David asked surprised. He blinked a few times trying to think though his mind seemed a little fuzzy. "I'm not mad...confused...but not mad," David said softly. "I'm sure I'll get a phone call later," he said sighing and looking at the floor. "Can we go now? I just want to go home...we can't wait till tomorrow for the doctor?" David asked hopefully.

Craig planned on breaking his neck to get to the phone each time it rang for the next couple of days, just to gage Dr. Noble’s mood before he’d let David be subjected to his anger, if, indeed, it did turn to anger toward David. “No, sweetheart,” he said with a smile. “It can’t wait until tomorrow. I’m going to call your doctor from the car, and see if he can’t work you in immediately. If he can’t, we’ll go to the ER. But you need to be seen. Then, I promise, we’ll go home and take a nice long shower and lie down for the rest of the day.” Leaning forward to kiss his lover gently on the forehead, Craig turned his head away to hide his grimace at the pain in this thigh, determined not to let David know about *that*. He turned and looked at David with concern. “Why don’t you sit here and let me go get the car? I’ll park right outside the side door down the hall and come back and get you, ok?”

David nodded slowly and closed his eyes when the action made his head hurt worse. "Umm, yeah...be right here," he said softly. Looking up at Craig he whispered sadly, "I'm sorry I'm such a screw up." If he hadn't fought Richard this might not have happened. If he hadn't struggled he wouldn't have gotten so bruised and he could have just said he ran into something and Craig wouldn't have gotten hurt. Every time David saw the cut on his lip or the darkening bruise under his eye he felt even worse. Just like everything else, *he* had caused it, he shouldn't have told Craig everything...never should have told him any of it.

Craig knelt on the floor before David and gazed into his eyes. “You are *not* a screw up,” he said, emphasizing each word. “You did nothing, NOTHING, wrong. You didn’t ask for this to happen, love.” He saw the conflicting emotions behind his lover’s eyes and reached out to grab his hands. “Tell me what you’re thinking,” he whispered softly, gently squeezing David’s fingers.

"It's my fault, if I hadn't struggled with him...if I'd have just kept my mouth shut you wouldn't have gotten hurt. I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said anything," David said sadly staring into his lover's eyes. "I love you so much, Craig, and I'm sorry you got hurt because of me...but...how...why did he come after you?" David asked curiously still slightly confused.

“No,” Craig said, shaking his head. “I don’t want you to keep things from me, please. Promise me you won’t do that. NONE of this is your fault, and it kills me to hear you say it is.”

David looked down at the floor, "I...I won't keep things from you then...I promise," he whispered.

Craig nodded, then took a deep breath, praying that David wouldn’t be upset with him. “David….I….Richard didn’t exactly come after me.”

"You...after I told you? You...oh Craig why?" David asked as he realized what had happened. Craig had gone after Richard after David told him about what he'd done the last time he broke his arm. David closed his eyes for a moment and sat back on the couch.

Craig gently ran his hands back and forth over David’s thighs, needing a moment to figure out how to explain what happened without making David feel any guiltier. “Because he hurt the one thing in the world that I love and treasure more than anything,” he said softly. “There was no way on earth I could just sit by and not do *something*. I wanted him to pay for hurting you….and I wanted to make damn sure he never touched you again.”

David felt his heart tighten in his chest as Craig said that he was the one thing that he loved and treasured. "But...this...won't this just make it worse?" David asked worried. He knew how Richard was, knew first hand what he was capable of. He had always said if David told he would make things worse...much worse had even threatened to hurt his family. That was why David never told anyone...until Craig. He was ashamed and frightened that if he did say anything Richard would do something to hurt his mother or his aunt. He knew if he'd gone to the police they wouldn't have done anything either…not before it was too late anyway...and then it would be all over town. Now this...this was definitely going to turn into more rumors. David sighed and looked at Craig, "I wish you hadn't...but...I... can't say it doesn't make me feel even more loved. That you cared that much to place your own safety, your job, and your reputation on the line for me," David said softly.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Craig said, shaking his head and smiling, “you have no idea how much I love you. I’d give my very life for you.” He brought David’s hands up and kissed each fingertip gently. “It won’t make things worse, I promise. Now that your father knows what happened, he’ll make sure that bastard is taken care of. Your father….he had no idea what Richard had done to you. And no matter what, you’re still his son, and your family has enough pull in this town to make sure that bastard is run out on a rail.” Chuckling softly, he ran his finger along David’s chin. “Besides. There’s not a hell of a lot he can do with all those broken fingers. I smashed them good. He’ll be in too much pain to even think about you for a while, then I’m pretty damn sure he’ll not take a chance on getting within fifty miles of you. I’ve never fought anyone before, but I think I held my own. You see, love, when bullies get a taste of their own medicine, they always back away and run for cover. He’s a coward, and he knows it, and he’ll not want to show his face around here ever again.”

David smiled as Craig said how much he loved him. "You...you really broke his fingers?" David asked shocked that this gentle loving man he knew could do something like that. "I...I hope you are right, I don't like seeing you hurt though...promise me you won't go after him again? Promise me this is it?" David asked his eyes pleading. He was so tired of seeing bruises inflicted by Richard.

Craig smiled and stood up, brushing his fingers gently through his lover’s hair. “I promise, sweetheart. This is it.” // Unless he tries to touch you again. Then I *will* kill him. // He looked away at the last moment, adding the last thought in his head…just in case. He didn’t really think Richard would ever be back, but if he did try, he would touch David only over Craig’s dead body. Taking a deep breath, Craig gave a final kiss to his lover’s forehead and headed toward the door, trying not to favor his sore leg. “I’ll be right back with the car, love, and I’ll lock the door behind me. I love you.”

"I love you too," David said watching Craig walk through the door. He grabbed the afghan and curled back up on the couch hoping if he lay down his head might stop spinning. He wished he hadn't gone in that lounge today...but part of him hoped that now...now it was finally over. That chapter of his life was finally closed...because of Craig. He hoped that was true, and that he can forget all of the pain that Richard had put him through.

Less than five minutes later, Craig was back at David’s door, knocking, then unlocking it quickly. He crossed the room and gently pulled his lover to his feet, steadying him until the worst of the dizziness had passed. He’d gotten some strange looks as he’d practically ran down the hall, but thankfully, no one questioned him. Making record time to the car in spite of his leg, he’d stopped only long enough to get a handful of ice and a small baggie from the refrigerator in the teacher’s lounge. As soon as David was steady, Craig wrapped an arm around his waist and handed David the ice pack. “Hold this to your head, sweetheart,” he said softly, guiding them to the door. “I called from the car and your doctor is going to work you in as soon as we get there.”

David was a little disoriented as Craig handed him an ice pack, "Ok," he said softly. "You going to see him too?" David asked as they started to leave his office and walked into the hallway. He was worried about Craig, and wanted to make sure he was all right.

Craig turned and locked the door. They slowly headed down the hall, grateful that classes had started and the halls had mostly emptied. “I’m fine, I promise. I’m not hurt. I’m just worried about you. I want to make sure you’re ok, then get you home so you can relax.”

"But I'm ok, I just wanna go home...want a shower," David said frowning. "Please at least have his nurse look at your lip?" David asked as they walked down the steps to the car. David felt a little woozy and gripped Craig's arm blinking and trying to stop his head from spinning. "Ok...doctor then shower," he admitted before Craig could say anything else. He'd never had a headache like this before, his head must have connected with the wall harder than he thought it did.

“Doctor, then shower,” Craig agreed, brushing aside David’s question about the nurse. He carefully deposited his lover in the car and made sure he was comfortable. Strapping the seatbelt and placing the ice pack over the back of David’s head, he finally shut the door and hurried around to the driver’s side. He mentally kicked himself for leaving David alone while he went and ‘took care of business’. He hadn’t even *thought* to examine anything other than his arm, and should have known David wouldn’t have complained … hell, he’d only told Craig about his arm because Craig had thoughtlessly hurt him. // Way to go, stupid. What if he’s got a serious concussion and you let him lay there while you rode off to play cowboys and Indians? Did you learn *nothing* about leaving the people you love alone when they’re sick? Bloody idiot! // Climbing in the driver’s seat, Craig reached over and held David’s hand tightly. “We’ll be there in just a minute, love. Just try to relax.”

David leaned back in his seat a bit and squeezed Craig's fingers, and then looked down seeing dried blood and scrapes on his knuckles. "Craig...please let the nurse at least clean your cuts? Please?" David asked softly the movement of the car making him feel a little bit nauseous. Closing his eyes to keep from getting car sick he sat back. He wished Craig would get his injuries looked at too...that cut on his lip looked painful and David didn't want to see him like this.

Craig looked over at David and sighed. “Ok,” he said softly. “Anything you want. I’ll let the nurse take a look at me *after* I know you’re ok.” He turned his attention back to the road and drove as carefully as he could to avoid making David sicker. “I’m so sorry I left you alone. I won’t ever do that again. The doctor won’t be able to pry me away from you when we get there.” As they finally drove into the parking lot, Craig released David’s hand and ran around to the passenger side. When the receptionist had learned who the patient was, she told him at once to use the side door and he’d be seen immediately. Gently unhooking the seatbelt, he studied his lover closely, relieved that his pupils looked equal and he wasn’t disoriented. “Can you walk, or do you need a wheelchair?” he asked softly, telling himself to calm the fuck down. He *never* panicked in emergency situations, but this was different. This was *David*.

"I'm ok," David said softly as he got out of the car. Once he stood up however he realized he wasn't as 'ok' as he thought he was. He weaved on his feet as if he were tipsy and sat back down in the car abruptly. "Um...yeah, that might be a good idea, love," he said feeling queasy. // Damn. I really must have hit that wall harder than I thought. //

Craig felt helpless as he watched his lover sway then slide back into the car seat. He turned toward the office door and threw it open, looking frantically around for anyone who could help. Seeing a rather startled nurse looking at him wide-eyed, he tried to sound sane. “I need a wheelchair, stat,” he managed in a fairly authoritative sounding voice. “I’m Dr. Parker, and I have Dr. Wenham in the car. Dr. Lewis is expecting us.”

The nurse immediately wheeled a chair to the door, where Craig grabbed it and rushed back to David’s side. Gently gathering his lover in his arms, he managed to lift him from the car and set him carefully in the wheelchair. Dr. Lewis met them at the door, already asking David what happened this time and telling him to describe his symptoms.

David tried to fuss when Craig picked him up but just decided to hell with it, he felt too horrible to fuss at this point. Looking up at his doctor David sighed heavily trying to figure out what exactly to tell the man. Avoiding the how, he decided to just go with the symptoms. "Umm, I hit my head, I'm dizzy and pretty queasy," David explained softly, "Umm...and my back hurts I think I hit it too," he added looking down at his hands.

“And his arm is badly bruised,” Craig interjected, reaching down and taking David’s uninjured hand, realizing that his lover wasn’t going to elaborate. “The head injury occurred approximately one hour ago. He’s not been disoriented, and his pupils have remained equal and reactive, but he has a medium sized knot on the back of his skull and has complained of dizziness and nausea for the past half hour. There’s been no vomiting, and the only medication he’s had is two Tylenol.”

Dr. Lewis looked at Craig and arched an eyebrow. “And you are?” he asked, unused to seeing Dr. Wenham come in with anyone. “Doesn’t matter….you can wait out here while I examine him.” He eyed Craig for a moment, waiting for him to let go of David’s hand.

As Craig began describing his injuries and symptoms like...well...a doctor David almost grinned. As his doctor dismissed Craig he squeezed his lover's hand tightly. "No," David whispered.

Dr. Lewis looked down at him, "What was that David?" he asked softly always feeling horrible every time he saw David in a state like this.

Clearing his throat David looked up at Dr. Lewis, "I said no, Craig is coming in with me...I want him with me," David said softly but with a certain finality to his tone that Dr. Lewis couldn't help smiling at.

"Very well, Craig can come with you then," Dr. Lewis sighed as he led them into one of the examination rooms.

Craig breathed a sigh of relief and held on to David’s hand tightly. He could feel Dr. Lewis eyeing him wearily and knew exactly what he was thinking. “Despite the way I look, I didn’t do this to him,” Craig said quietly as they entered the exam room and Dr. Lewis shut the door behind them. Without waiting for an answer, Craig wrapped an arm around David’s waist and gently helped him to his feet. “On the table, love,” he whispered softly. "Then you can lie down and relax.”

David looked up at Craig when he said what he did to the doctor. "Why would he think..." David trailed off slowly. "Oh," he said softly and then stood up as Craig helped him and sat down on the table. As he began to lay back he felt his stomach flip and he closed his eyes, squeezing Craig's hand forgetting how badly his knuckles were bruised and cut. Remembering too late he loosened his grip and whispered, "Sorry, love. Sorry."

Craig ignored the doctor and reached behind him to the small sink. He wet a paper towel and gently lay it across David’s forehead, kissing his temple. “It’s ok, sweetheart,” he said softly. “You’re not hurting me. Squeeze my hand whenever you need to.”

Dr. Lewis watched the two men quietly for a moment. Craig didn’t really seem like the type to do this….but then again, after the bastards hurt the one they were *supposed* to love, they always became very attentive. He started to try again to get Craig to leave the room, worried that David would be too scared to tell him the truth if the man who had actually hurt him was there by his side. Before he could speak, the nurse walked in and stood quietly beside him. “I’m so glad Dr. Wenham broke up with that jerk he was with for so long,” she whispered. “I always thought he deserved better.”

Dr. Lewis nodded, vaguely remembering the rumors that flew around after what happened last year. He knew David had broken up with the man who’d caused all that. But then again, if he had, *why* was he back in here, so badly injured?

Shaking her head, the nurse gave their patient a final, sympathetic look and left the room, wondering how anyone could hurt such a sweet man.

David nodded slowly and closed his eyes again. "Room doesn't spin if I close my eyes," he joked softly. "I can't believe this happened...please have them look at you...once they are done with me...please Craig?" David pleaded softly.

Dr. Lewis overheard David and then looked at the man named Craig's hands, they were bruised and cut as if he'd punched someone, but David didn't have injuries that indicated that, and seeing David's hands he hadn't hit anyone...though Craig had definitely been hit. "I could treat you both better if you told me what happened, whatever you say doesn't leave this room you know," Dr. Lewis said writing a few things on David's file and noting when his last visit for similar injuries was almost a year ago.

Craig refused to take his eyes off his lover even long enough to look at Dr. Lewis. “I’ll let them look at me, love,” he said softly. “Anything you want.” He gently urged David to lie on his side, taking the pressure off the injured area on the back of his head. Finally turning away to get another cool towel, he carefully placed it over David’s eyes, trying to ease the pain of the harsh overhead lights that had to be making him feel even worse. Gently squeezing David’s hand, he leaned closer. “Dr. Lewis is right, sweetheart,” he whispered. “Nothing said in here will leave this room. He needs to know what happened. Not just today, but every time he’s had to treat you for something like this….though I can assure him beyond a shadow of a doubt that *this* is positively the very last time.”

Hearing the other man's words Dr. Lewis narrowed his eyes, "And why will this be the last time?"

David opened his eyes and pulled the damp towel away so he could look at his doctor. "It shouldn't have happened today...I broke up with Richard almost a year ago, and today...today he attacked me at work. That's how all this happened to me, and when I told Craig...well after I told him that's how all that happened to him. He and Richard fought...and Craig doesn't think he'll bother me anymore because of that. Because he stood up to him for me," David explained. "My broken arm, the black eyes I had, the bruises on my back, the cut on the side of my head that time...all of them...they were all Richard, and those were just the ones I came to see you for," David admitted the words spilling out, the first time he'd told anyone the truth besides Craig.

Dr. Lewis studied his patient for a moment and nodded. “I’m glad to hear that, David,” he said kindly, remembering the way his patient had looked so lost and alone as he lay in the hospital bed all those months ago. “I see a lot of this in my business unfortunately.” He reached out a hand to Craig and smiled. “And I owe you an apology, young man. I took a few things for granted that I shouldn’t have. It’s obvious you have David’s best interests at heart.”

Craig reached his free hand over David’s legs and shook Dr. Lewis’s hand awkwardly. “That’s not necessary,” he said, looking back at David with shining eyes. “I just want him to be all right and home with me where he belongs. Nothing else matters.”

David smiled up at Craig, "I want to go home...I want a shower," he said softly, "I just want his...*smell* off of me," he said shuddering at the memory of Richard's body pressed against his and his hand moving over him. "I want you to get checked too, Craig...and then we both go home and rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day at work," David said softly.

Dr. Lewis looked at his patient and smiled. "You won't have to worry about work tomorrow, David," he said carefully examining the bump on the back of David's head.

Craig nodded and squeezed David’s hand, wincing as Dr. Lewis gingerly touched the hard knot on David’s head. “You hear that, love?” he smiled. “We’ll just relax tomorrow. And Friday too. If you feel like it, we can build a fire and I’ll read to you and we can catch up on our sleep. I’m sure it won’t be a problem at all.” He gently brushed David’s hair back from his forehead and grinned, trying to distract his lover from the doctor’s exam. “Think you can stand five whole days alone with me?”

David jumped a bit as the doctor examined him but as Craig spoke he smiled, "Yeah, I can definitely get used to that," he said softly.

"Ok, David… you said your back was hurting...can you raise up and take your shirt off for me?" Dr. Lewis asked as he wrote something in David's file. David took a deep breath and started to sit up, and smiled again as Craig helped him. "Thanks, love," he whispered.

Craig gently pulled David up into a sitting position and tugged his shirt over his head, careful not to hurt the injured arm. He urged his lover forward to rest his head on Craig’s shoulder as Dr. Lewis’s eyes examined David’s back. “How bad is it?” he asked softly.

Dr. Lewis looked up at Craig and sighed. “It’s not good,” he murmured, “but it won’t leave a scar. Just be painful a week or so. Pretty large hematoma that’s going to be sore as hell, and a shallow laceration that’s about 20 cm long. It won’t need stitches, but I would like to keep it bandaged for a day or two.”

Craig grimaced and placed a soft kiss on David’s temple. “If you’ll just put some gauze over it, I’ll clean and dress it when we get home,” he told Dr. Lewis. “He’s dying for a shower, and I can’t say that I blame him. If you dress it now, I’ll just have to do it all over again when we get there.”

David looked up at Craig and shook his head, "I'm sorry, sweetheart," he said realizing that Craig would *have* to help him because he couldn't reach to do it himself.

Craig took David’s face in both hands and gave him a soft kiss. “There’s nothing for you to be sorry for,” he said tenderly. “Let me take care of you, please? I *want* to take care of you, love. Always.”

David nodded, "Yes, I just...yes," he said softly realizing Craig was right. It wasn't his fault, and if it were Craig he'd want to take care of him...and once he knew what all was wrong with his lover he fully intended to take care of him too.

“Thank you,” Craig whispered, running his thumb over David’s lips.

Dr. Lewis smiled and quickly taped two sterile pieces of gauze over the wound. “I’ll leave that to you then. You seem to know what you’re doing.”

Craig smiled gratefully and eased David’s shirt back down over his shoulders. He urged him to lie back down, and took his uninjured hand in his own again. “His arm,” he said. “The bastard almost broke it, but I think he’s only got some deep tissue bruising. Do you think he needs an x-ray?”

"Craig," David frowned not wanting an x-ray. "Say no...it's just a bruise, he just twisted it...that's all," David said to the doctor.

Dr. Lewis laughed and pressed as gently on David’s arm but not nearly as gently as Craig had. He asked David to flex his fingers and ball his fist up, asking him to rate the amount of pain he was in on a scale from 1 to 10.

David did as the doctor asked and told him that he felt the pain was about a five. "Yes very good," David smiled.

“You win this one, David,” he grinned. “I don’t think we need an x-ray. I agree with your….friend. It’s mostly some deep bruising and some sprains. I’ll give you something to help with the pain and send you home for some rest. Does that sound good to you?”

Craig’s shoulders sagged in relief. “Good,” he smiled. “His concussion….you think everything’s ok with that?”

Dr. Lewis laid a hand on Craig’s arm. “He’ll be fine, Craig. Keep an eye on him, and keep me updated, but I’m sure you know what to look out for. He’ll have a headache, but that should go away in a few hours. I want you to call me if you notice anything strange, but other than that, he’s ready to go.”

“Thank God,” Craig said, bringing David’s hand to his lips and letting his fingers trail along his lover’s jaw. “I’ll take care of him, Dr. Lewis. Don’t worry about that.” He gently urged David to sit up. “Let’s get you home love, for that shower.”

"Thanks, Dr. Lewis," David said softly and then smiled at Craig. "Go home...best thing I've heard since we got here," he grinned as Craig helped him pull his shirt back on. Sliding off the table he stood for a few minutes. "I think I can walk ok now," David said softly.

“I’d feel better if you let me wheel you out, love,” Craig said softly. “Please? I don’t want you to get dizzy again.”

Dr. Lewis stood there and shook his head, unable to suppress a grin as he waited to see who won the title of most stubborn. “I’ll expect to hear from you in a few hours, Craig. And David, take care of yourself. Call me if you need anything. Your medical records document all your injuries if you decide to press charges, and you know I’ll testify on your behalf.”

"Um, before we go? Can you take a look at Craig? He and Richard fought," David asked quickly trying to avoid the wheelchair issue, and any thoughts of pressing charges. He wanted to make sure Craig was ok too. He knew how Richard was.

Craig cringed and turned to his lover. “David? Please? Let’s just go home? I’m fine, I promise. I’d tell you if anything was wrong.”

"Craig? You said you'd let him check you out. He said that didn't he?" David asked Dr. Lewis who was trying his best not to laugh.

"Well...I do believe he might have agreed to that," Dr. Lewis said almost laughing at the look on Craig's face.

Craig had to stop himself from whining. He *really* just wanted to take David home. One look into David’s eyes made him close his mouth and lead his lover to the wheelchair. “Ok, you win, love,” he grumbled softly, unable to keep the smile from his face. “It’s just my lip, Dr. Lewis. And I don’t want stitches. I’ll clean it when I get home.” He walked closer to the physician and pointed to his lip. “See. Nothing to worry about. Can I take him home now?”

"Nice try," Dr. Lewis said laughing. "Sit down and let me at least see your hands, and take a closer look at that eye, and then you can take David home," the doctor said holding his hand out toward the table David had just vacated. David just grinned and tried not to laugh at the look on Craig's face.

“But…..” Craig looked from David’s face to Dr. Lewis’s and saw that he was clearly outnumbered. “’S not fair,” he grumbled, sitting on the table and sighing dramatically.

Dr. Lewis smiled, "Won't kill you to just have me take a look," he said taking a closer look at Craig's eye and his lip then reaching down and taking his hands. He asked him to flex them and looked over the scraped and bruised knuckles. "Ice and Tylenol, and some antiseptic on the cuts...but you already knew that," he said smiling leaning forward he whispered in Craig's ear. "This was for *his* benefit not yours, can't you see how worried he is about you?"

Craig hung his head for a moment then looked over at his lover, who was staring at him intently. “I’m sorry, love, I’m being a brat,” he said softly. Sliding off the table he knelt before David and took his hands. “Forgive me?” he pleaded.

"Of course, and thank you for indulging me," David said smiling. "Thanks again doctor...I hope I won't be seeing you again anytime soon," David grinned already starting to feel a bit better. Dr. Lewis laughed, "Same here, David...same here. Take care of each other," he said picking up David's file and opening the door so that Craig could push the wheelchair through.

Craig turned to Dr. Lewis and reached out his hand. “We most definitely will do that. And…..thank you,” he said softly before pushing the wheelchair out to the car and helping David get in the passenger seat.

TBC