Title: Here With Me 7/?
Author: Anorien and Sairalinde
Type: RPS
Pairing: Craig/David
Rating: NC-17
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

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

Walking behind the hostess at the restaurant David squeezed Craig's hand lightly as they were led to a table. Releasing his lover's hand as Craig sat down on the other side of the table from him, he noticed Craig looked as if he wanted to ask something. The young woman handed them menus and walked away.

"They have really wonderful food here, I've only been here a few times," he said softly. Looking at Craig for a moment he smiled; he looked really nice in the crisp white shirt and dark blue jacket he was wearing, "I don't think I said it earlier but you look really nice," David said softly.

Craig sat across from David, already missing his touch more than he cared to admit. "Thank you," he smiled, straightening his jacket and sighing as he realized the table to too wide to comfortably reach across and hold his lover's hand. "So do you. That shirt makes your eyes look like sapphires." Unable to resist, he leaned forward and stretched out to place his fingers over David's, squeezing them softly. It was uncomfortable, but would do, he thought. "What's good?"

David blushed at Craig's complement and then smiled when Craig placed his fingers over his. "Hmmm, the Stuffed Chicken Marsala is really good, and wine? I think Merlot is best with it...but really, don't just get what I like, get whatever you like..." David said softly. He felt a little awkward recommending food for someone else.

Craig smiled at his lover and didn't bother looking at the menu. "Sounds good to me," he said simply. "Is that what you're going with?" He sat up straighter, his back already aching from the uncomfortable position. // Just ASK him, Parker. Ask him if you can sit next to him, and move your ass over there.// He studied David for a moment, waiting for him to answer, as his thumb trailed in small circles over his lover's hand.

"I'm not sure either it or Tagliata di Manzo, why don't we get both and we can share?" David asked blushing slightly. Richard hated that, would never let him taste anything off his plate. The first time he'd offered on a date he'd gotten angry with him and he prayed Craig wouldn't react that way.

"I'd love to," Craig nodded. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, not even sure why he was so nervous. He knew David cared for him, and wasn't afraid to hold his hand in public - even kiss him in public, thank God, - but was, for some reason, shy about asking him to sit beside him. "You know," he started. "….it would be easier to share if we weren't so far away from each other. I mean…..oh, hell, who am I kidding? You're too damn far away, and I want to sit next to you and I want to know if you mind if I come over and sit beside you or you could come and sit by me or something??" Everything came out in one long, fast sentence and Craig looked faintly surprised that he'd blurted it out like that. "So…um….*that* didn't sound exactly like I had it planned in my mind, but……what do you think?"

David smiled relieved that Craig liked the idea of sharing and then when he asked him to sit next to him he smiled wider and stood up moving around the table to slide into the booth next to Craig. "How's this for an answer?" he asked, taking Craig's hand in his and kissing his fingers. It felt really good to be with someone who wasn't always correcting him, making him feel like he didn't belong. Craig made him comfortable so far anywhere, even at the staff meeting this morning just having him next to him, holding his hand had been enough to keep him from focusing too much on his father. He had avoided the little red flashing light on the answering machine at home. He knew what one of the messages would be, and didn't want to ruin the night for himself and Craig. He would deal with it later.

Craig grinned as David came and sat beside him, gently kissing his fingers. "That's just the answer I was hoping for," he said softly. "You're kind of addicting, you know." He looked into his lover's sparkling blue eyes. "This is *much* better." Snaking his arm around his lover, Craig pressed their thighs together, and sighed happily. As the waitress came over, he could barely take his eyes from his lover. "You want to order?" he asked softly. "I seem to be……unable to think at the moment. There seems to be a very sexy, very handsome, very wonderful man sitting close to me who is quite distracting."

David blushed and looked up at the waitress who was smiling at the couple. David relayed their orders and turned to Craig as the waitress left. "I drive you to distraction?" David asked grinning though his face was still red. He never had anyone so caring, and who complimented him so freely. It felt strange and embarrassing but at the same time made him feel like he was important to Craig.

Craig laughed softly as David blushed, noting that he never stopped grinning. "You really, really, do drive me to distraction," Craig whispered with a smile. "I've been reading your poetry, you know. You're incredibly talented. Maybe you can read them all to me one day."

"Thank you, and of course yes I'll read them to you all you like," David said smiling. He never had anyone who was truly interested in his work the way Craig was.

"I'd love to hear you read every last one," Craig said. "Starting with tonight? I kind of brought all your books with us so you can read me your favorites. Hope that's ok?" He'd skimmed through the books, and seriously wondered if David knew how talented he really was.

"I would love to read for you," David blushed. "I do occasional readings at a few bookstores around the area...so I'm not unaccustomed to it, but just reading for you makes it more special," he said blushing.

Craig leaned over to press his lips against David's cheek. "And I'll be your captive audience," he grinned. "Can't say that I've ever been a distraction for anyone though…I think I kind of like it." He reached out for a piece of bread, breaking off a large chunk with his fingers and offering it to David.

David smiled as Craig kissed him then turned slightly taking a bite of the bread. He felt so cared for and so...loved with just that gentle gesture. // I could get so used to this. Nights like this, with Craig, talking and just enjoying being with each other.// Swallowing the bit of bread David smiled, "You are distracting...completely distracting," he said softly. He couldn't tell Craig he'd spent the afternoon writing in his journal about him.

Craig reached for the wine bottle, pouring both their glasses nearly full as he handed David's glass to him, then reached for his own. "A toast?" he asked softly, his gaze never leaving David's. "To…..being happy that we met, and that I was, for all intents and purposes, homeless and needing a place to stay? And…to……to us?"

David smiled lifting his glass, "To us," he said touching his glass to Craig's. //Us. God I like the sound of that. I don't think I would survive if this ended, but at least I'd have some of the happiest memories of my life.// David set his glass back on the table and looked down at his plate. "This looks really good, actually never tried this dish, always wanted to just never...got the chance," he said softly as he picked up his knife and fork and cut a small piece. "You want to try first?" David asked turning to Craig.

Tilting his head to the side, Craig studied David for a moment, wondering why he never got the chance to try something he'd always wanted to try. He reached over for David's fork and lifted it to his lover's lips. "You first," he said softly. "But why did you never get the chance to try it before now? You said you'd been here a few times?"

Taking what Craig had offered David chewed the tender steak and pasta. After a moment he nodded, "I have been here a few times, but never got to order for myself, first time I actually saw a menu was tonight," he explained. He wasn't sure how much he should say. "The...the man I dated before...the one I told you about...he was very, um...controlling I think is the best term."

Craig sat beside his lover for a moment, stunned that he'd never even seen a menu before, wondering what kind of bastard would ever try to control a man like David. "You aren't meant to be controlled, David," he said seriously. "I can't image how *anyone* would want to change one thing about you, let alone try to control you. You are too beautiful, too perfect, too amazing *not* to be allowed to be yourself." He leaned forward and gently turned David's face toward his own. "Equals, right? You and I? I want you to you know that."

"I do," David said firmly. "I do know that. You could never be like he was...never, Craig. Looking back I don't know why I was ever with him, and why in the hell I stayed so long," David said softly staring into Craig's eyes.

Craig searched David's eyes for a moment before smiling. "Love can make you do strange things," he said softly. // You may have thought you loved him, David, but I'm going to show you what *real* love is, if you'll give me that chance. Please, please give me that chance. // "What matters is that you got away from that. You deserve so much better. You deserve…everything."

David nodded, "I'm glad I didn't forgive him the last time. I stood my ground that time, just wish it had turned out better. Instead of me being the strong one everyone saw me the other way around," he said sadly. "Though I can't go back and change it, but now I have you in my life and that's all that matters," he said softly.

"Do you know," Craig said softly, placing one hand on each side of David's face, "that I think you are one of the strongest people I've ever met? You've stood up to the rumors and lies, and come out of it stronger. Alot of people would have just left. I'm glad you didn't though, or you wouldn't have been here when I arrived. And that would be truly tragic." He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his lover's lips, fighting not to say the words that he felt building up. // I love you so much, David. One day I'll tell you. And I'll tell you a hundred times a day, just so you never forget it. //

David smiled and kissed Craig back softly. "Thank you, I don't know how strong I am...I'm just stubborn and I like where I live," he laughed softly trying to joke. It had been hard but now it all seemed worth it...everything. Every tear was worth it if that meant he could be with Craig.

They settled into eating and talking, and sharing their meals. Afterwards they left hand in hand, leaving the car where it was parked where it was, stopping only long enough to get David's collections of poetry from the back seat and walking down the sidewalk to the city park.

Sitting down on a quiet bench, Craig leaned up against the arm, placing one leg along the back, and leaving the other planted on the ground. He smiled, opening his arms to David and handing him the books. "Cuddle whore alert!" he announced sheepishly. "Do you mind sitting here with me while you read? It's cool out here, so we can share body warmth and all that." He arched an eyebrow and smiled wickedly. "Of course, we cuddle whores don't really *have* to think up excuses, you know. We can simply cuddle when the mood hits. It's recommended by nine out of ten cuddlers nationwide."

David began to laugh. "Cuddle whore's don't need excuses huh?" he grinned and sat down within Craig's embrace. This particular park was perfect, the trees had been strung with tiny lights for night time strollers and there was a globed lamp at the side of the bench. David settled in and opened one of the books. "Let's see," he murmured trying to find a place to start, "There I am in younger days star gazing, painting picture perfect maps of how my life and love would be, not counting the unmarked paths of misdirection, my compass, faith in love's perfection, I missed ten million miles of road I should have seen, rain soaked and voice chocked like silent screaming in a dream..." David began and continued to read the poem, feeling Craig's arms wrapping around him.

Craig rested his chin on David's shoulder, closing his eyes and listening to him read. His arms tightened as he heard the pain behind his lover's words even in the first poem. // I want to make you want to write happy words from now on. About everything good, and safe, and bright, and leave all the pain and darkness behind. // Kissing the back of his lover's neck, Craig held David close and let the words wash over him. They sat that way for the better part of an hour, talking, reading, and just enjoying each other's company. "They're all beautiful," he said, when David looked at his watch and closed the book. "I love every last one. I meant what I said about not having the words to tell you how beautiful they are."

David set the book aside and turned slightly to kiss Craig tenderly. "Thank you, sweetheart. You have no idea how much that means to me," he said softly. "It's getting late, and colder, you want to go home and cuddle where it's a bit warmer?" he asked hopefully. Tonight had been perfect, the best date he'd ever had. He didn't have to act a certain way, pretend to be anything he wasn't, and he wasn't nervous because he already knew Craig. It made it so much easier to just be himself and enjoy his time with this beautiful man.

Craig's smiled softly as David leaned in to kiss him. "This has been wonderful," he said. "Simply the best date I've ever been on. I hope you've had as good a time as I have. Wonderful dinner, beautiful poetry, and, best of all, the most wonderful man in the world as my date." Standing up, he stretched and shivered. "I think going home is an excellent idea. It's *really* cool out here when you're not next to me." Wrapping an arm around his lover, he pulled him close. "Did you know," he began, "that I can cuddle *and* walk? It's a rare talent, but one I'm quite proud of."

"It has been the best date I've ever been on too, and I can say the same about the company. So beautiful," David said smiling. As Craig spoke of cuddling while he walked he laughed again and leaned into his lovers embrace, "Sounds like one you should be proud of," David said grinning. They made their way back to Craig's car, their arms around each other.

Craig was laughing as he drove his car into David's garage, pulling his lover's hand to his lips and kissing it softly before releasing it to put the car in park. "Glad I don't have to drop you off and go home alone," he said softly, turning to smile at David. "I'd miss you *way* to much." Reaching out to bush a lock of hair back from his lover's forehead, he sighed happily. "So, do I need to be worried about that 'first date' kiss people usually worry about? Or do you think we're past that?"

David laughed, "I think we are well past that." Getting out of the car and crossing around to the driver's side he pulled Craig into his arms. "Want to just get that first date kiss out of the way?" David asked grinning at the somewhat startled expression on Craig's face that soon turned to a grin.

Craig laughed and wrapped his arms around his lover, loving this playful side of him that came up at totally unexpected times. "Well," he grinned, "I think we probably should do that, now that you mention it. You know…so we won't worry about it all night?" He gazed lovingly into the blue eyes that sparkled even in the dimly lit garage. He got the feeling that David had never really had the opportunity to have any control over his encounters for the most part, and he completely loved watching David being himself, allowing his flirty, teasing side to show through.

David pulled Craig closer and leaned forward pressing his lips to Craig's softly, running his tongue along the seam of his lips gently before delving inside to kiss him deeply. He didn't think he could ever be able to live without these sweet kisses, they were perfect and beautiful, just like Craig. Wrapping his arms more around Craig his hands traveled up and down the muscled back, feeling his lover's warmth even though his jacket. Kissing until he was breathless, David finally pulled back to gaze into his lover's eyes. "You are so beautiful," he whispered softly.

Craig's hands moved to slide underneath his lover's jacket, splaying on his back and pulling him close. "That's you," he murmured, pressing his lips back against David's. "Beautiful...and absolutely perfect." Pressing his lips against his lover's, Craig closed his eyes and moaned softly as his tongue gently probed and tasted the sweet flavor that was David's alone. He felt his arousal growing rapidly, and pulled David even closer, pressing against his thigh, needing his lover to know how much he was wanted.

Feeling Craig's erection pressing against him, David shifted slightly so Craig could also feel his, leaving no doubt in his mind how David had been affected by being near him. Slipping his hands down to Craig's waist holding him as their mouths and tongues moved together sharing in the deep kisses. Finally breaking the kiss David sighed softly, "Let's go in?" he asked not moving toward the house, still wrapped up unable to bring himself to break contact with his lover.

Craig took a deep breath, feeling his heart racing away in his chest. "Yes," he whispered, his eyes searching his lover's. "Let's go inside." Never breaking their gaze, he reached down for David's hand and lifted it to lie over his own heart. "See what you do to me?" he asked softly.

Feeling Craig's rapidly beating heart under his hand David smiled lovingly, "You do the same to me," he whispered as his lips found Craig's again. His kisses so addictive David couldn't help himself it seemed. He'd never wanted anyone the way he did Craig, wanted to feel his touch, see his eyes, hear his laugh, *be* with him. Pulling away David took Craig's hand and began to back toward the house pulling a willing Craig with him.

As soon as they stepped back inside the house, Craig gently pushed his lover back against the wall and kissed him thoroughly. His hands slowly unbuttoned David's dark shirt, and tugged the shirttails out of his pants, never breaking the kiss. After long moments, he pulled away to gently nibble and kiss his David's warm neck as his hands traveled over the expanse of muscled chest and abdomen. Letting his hands travel around to run over his lover's back, Craig's lips found David's again. "That's a little better," he murmured against his lover's lips. "But still too many clothes."

David smiled at Craig's words, "Hmm, yeah," he whispered as he kissed Craig and his fingers moved down, unfastening the buttons of his lover's white shirt, caressing the smooth skin of his lover's perfect body. Pulling back slightly and looking into Craig's eyes he whispered. "I've never wanted anyone this much."

"Neither have I," Craig whispered, no doubt in his mind that he could *never* get enough of this incredible man. "Can we go upstairs?" he whispered softly, his arousal pressing heavily against the confining material of his pants. "I want…to touch you. I want to kiss you all over, and I *don't* want to do it through all these clothes." He smiled softly, searching his lover's eyes as his hand gently reached down to brush against David's rigid arousal, still trapped behind his pants.

David sucked in a ragged breath as Craig's hand brushed against his arousal. "Yes," he whispered, never before feeling this consumed by desire. Craig seemed to awaken *something* inside him, stir his soul, and his passion. It was as if there was no one else in the world but he and Craig the only person he needed, and he was safe, and cared for. Allowing Craig to lead the way David walked with him, hand in hand upstairs, pausing occasionally to kiss and touch and just *feel* each other close.

Craig led them to his room, closing the door behind him and turning to push his lover's shirt and jacket off his shoulders. He stood back a bit, admiring the firm muscles and smooth skin, letting his hands ghost over David's chest and arms. "My God, you're gorgeous," he whispered. Reaching down to rest his hands on his lover's belt, he looked into blue eyes darkened with desire. "*Still* too many clothes," he smiled, slowly unhooking the buckle as he pressed his lips across David's collarbones.

David blushed and stared into his lover's sparkling eyes, nodding slowly as Craig moved closer and began to work at his belt. He closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of Craig's lips moving across his skin. He felt as if he was on fire everywhere that Craig touched him. Just the feel of his lips against him was so perfect, so arousing he ached. David threaded his fingers through soft dark hair and arched against Craig as his hands moved, opening his black slacks. He felt as if he was lost completely, and never wanted to be anywhere else but here. In his arms.

Tugging down David's pants, Craig reached down to softly stroke his lover's arousal. He placed one hand on David's hip and urged him to step out of the discarded pants. Craig's lips left a slow trail of kisses down David's chest, stopping to run his tongue over one nipple, teasing and sucking it to hardness, before moving on to do the same with it's twin. "Lie down for me?" he murmured. "I was serious when I said I wanted to kiss you all over."

Arching against the hand wrapped around him, David moaned softly. When Craig urged him to move he toed off his shoes as he stepped out of his pants and gasped when Craig's mouth moved over his skin. The feel of his mouth teasing and sucking seemed to go straight to his groin causing him to ache for more. Moving backwards toward the bed, he lay down, his eyes never leaving Craig's lust darkened eyes. He'd never felt so...loved before.

Craig smiled softly and shrugged out of his shirt and jacket, throwing them on the floor with David's. Stepping out of his shoes, he crawled up on the bed beside his lover and leaned over to kiss him deeply, pressing his tongue forward and opening his own mouth in invitation to David's, moaning softly. When the need for air became too great, he pulled away breathlessly and settled on his knees, supporting his weight on his arms as he gently pressed his lips over every inch of his lover's face and neck, trailing slowly over one shoulder and down his arm, never missing an inch, until he reached the hand that lay curled into the white sheets. Kissing each fingertip, he shifted slightly and began the same process on his lover's other shoulder and arm. Craig's cock felt heavy between his legs, seeming to grow impossibly harder with each kiss of soft skin, as he settled down comfortably and began placing random kisses over his lover's chest and stomach.

David felt as if the entire world had simply fallen away except for the two of them when Craig kissed him. Losing himself in the kiss he grew harder when Craig moaned softly into his mouth. The fact that his lover was just as affected made him feel as if he'd never been loved before. *THIS* is what love is, David thought. *This* is what it feels like to love someone, it doesn't hurt. He smiled softly as Craig pulled away gazing at the beloved face as he moved over David. When Craig leaned forward and began kissing him softly, slowly, everywhere David felt like he was in heaven. Nothing had ever felt this good, this *perfect*. Craig was everything...his own angel sent to rescue him from what had been hell on earth. When Craig was near it all just went away, and he was so afraid of losing that. So afraid, but not afraid enough to pull away from this addictive, perfect man.

Letting his hands gently caress his lover's body, Craig continued his ministrations, trying to ignore the pressure building in his groin. He wanted nothing more in the world than to show David how much he cared for him, adored him, worshiped him, and he prayed that his message came through loud and clear. His lips slid slowly down over firm thighs and down long legs, purposefully avoiding his lover's weeping cock, saving it for last, when he could lavish it with his full attention.

David moaned softly as Craig moved over him, his cock ached for his touch, but he was completely lost in the sensation of being kissed from head to toe. Craig made him feel as if he was the most treasured being on earth and he longed to return that to him. "I...Craig, please I don't know how much longer I can take this," he whispered shakily.

Craig pulled away and leaned up to run his tongue over the head of his lover's cock, tasting the pearly drops leaking slowly from the thin slit at the tip. He ran his tongue around the base and took a deep, shaking breath before leaning back to look into David's eyes. "What do you want, sweetheart?" he whispered, running his hand down over the smooth shaft, applying just enough pressure to coax even more fluid to escape. Leaning down to gather the moisture on his tongue, he placed soft kisses along his lover's arousal, willing to give himself over to anything his lover asked of him.

Closing his eyes and moaning as Craig finally lavished attention to his aching cock David trembled under his touch. "I want...would you...would you make love to me, Craig?" he asked softly unsure what Craig wanted. He was a little worried about it...but he *needed* to feel Craig close to him, closer than they had ever been before. He needed that.

Craig closed his eyes and paused for a moment, trying to convince himself that he'd heard correctly. His breath hitched for a moment as his cock twitched violently at the thought of making love to this gorgeous man beside him. He stretched out beside his lover, leaving one hand on David's cock , fingers wrapped around the base, as the other gently turned David's face toward his own. "I want that," he whispered softly. "More than anything, I want to make love to you." //My love.//

David smiled as he gazed into Craig's eyes, still unable to believe this beautiful man wanted him. Moving slightly he leaned up and kissed Craig softly. "I've never wanted anyone more," he whispered against kiss swollen lips.

"Do you……do you have anything?" Craig whispered softly, his hips shifting forward of their own accord, as his cock was firmly trapped between their bodies. "Lotion or….anything, I mean?"

David struggled to even remember where they were for a moment and finally nodded. "Um...damn. My bathroom, um, shower there is some bath oil," he whispered.

"Don't move," Craig whispered with a final, breathless kiss, pulling reluctantly way to stare down into his lover's eyes. "I'll be right back." He gazed at him for a moment longer, then slid off the bed, hurrying across the hall to David's bathroom. // I want our first time be perfect for him. I have to make this something he'll never forget. // He quickly grabbed the bath oil and crossed back over to his own room, where David waited, looking glorious and beautiful and so incredibly perfect. Unable to even find the words to express how he felt, he gazed into his lover's eyes, hoping they conveyed his feelings.

David smiled as Craig backed away and then quickly left to get the oil. He lay back and closed his eyes, he was nervous but he wanted this more than anything. No one had ever made him feel this way, he prayed that he wouldn't tense up and pull away. Richard always accused him of being fine with foreplay but becoming cold later. David prayed he wouldn't do that to Craig, wouldn't pull away. Hearing Craig return he opened his eyes and watched him cross the room, his eyes seeming to show some emotion that David wasn't able to place. "You do still want this? Want me?" he asked nervously afraid Craig might change his mind.

Craig lay beside his lover, forgetting the lube for the moment. "Of course I still want you," he whispered, cupping David's cheek in his hand and running his thumb across the warm skin. "More than anything." He searched the blue eyes for a moment, trying to discern what made his lover doubt his desire. "Do *you* still want this? We don't have to, if you've changed your mind. We can just lie here together if that's what you want."

"No, no I haven't changed my mind," David whispered turning slightly and kissing Craig's palm. "I just...well I'll tell you about it later," he whispered not wanting to bring up his past right *now*.

"Good," Craig smiled softly, "because I want you like I've never wanted anyone in my life." Reaching for the bottle of oil, Craig slicked his fingers generously and leaned back up to kiss his lover. His hand moved down to gently urge David's legs apart, never breaking the kiss. Slowly trailing his finger down over David's arousal, he massaged the firm flesh and kneaded the heavy balls beneath, as if he had all the time in the world, before sliding one finger down to tease the puckered entrance below.

David nodded and watched Craig and then found himself lost in a kiss that made his heart skip within his chest. Parting his legs, he moaned into the kiss and arched his hips up as Craig's finger trailed over his aching flesh making him harder. Feeling his lover gently and slowly touching him and teasing him David relaxed a bit surprised that Craig was going so...slowly. Touching him so gently.

Craig slowly slid the tip of his finger inside, his lips never leaving David's. He snaked his arm underneath his lover's head, deepening the kiss as a long, low moan escaped. His finger carefully moved in slow, languorous circles, ever increasing in size, stretching him gently. Craig had always considered prep as much of a turn on as the actual act of making love - being able to concentrate fully on his lover and bring him pleasure as well as preparing him for more. His finger slid in further, still circling slowly, until the guardian muscle had opened enough for a second digit. Pulling back out of David's body, he added a second finger and gently pressed forward again, repeating the small circles and pulling back from the kiss to watch his reaction.

David felt like he was drowning in sensation, as Craig kissed him deeply, and moved his finger into him slowly. He had never experienced anything like this, never anything this slow and careful, and beautiful. Gasping when Craig pulled away David desperately longed for his touch again and within seconds Craig pressed forward again stretching him more with a second finger. When his lover pulled back to look into his eyes David knew that his soul was bare as he stared into the dazzling blue eyes. There was no way he could hide what he felt so he closed his eyes for a moment moaning softly as Craig shifted his fingers within him. So gentle, so perfect, this beautiful man who had stolen his heart so quickly. Surrendering to sensation David felt himself relax more, realizing that this didn't have to hurt, that Craig wasn't just *taking* but giving, no one had ever shown him such tenderness. The realization made his heart soar.

Craig's breath caught in his throat as David looked up at him for only a moment before closing his eyes. There was so much Craig wanted to believe he saw in that one instant - and maybe, just maybe it was there. But long lashes lowered and anything he may or may not have seen was locked away before he could even think. Lowering his head and gently sucking on the warm skin of his lover's neck, Craig scissored his fingers carefully, letting the fingertips brush lightly over the small bundle of nerves hidden deep inside is lover. Slowly pushing in, then dragging back out, gently twisting and turning, he closed his eyes and tried to catch his breath, his cock already leaking and painful with desire as it lay trapped between their bodies. "I need you, lo..David," he whispered softly.

Gasping and moaning softly as the fingers delved inside him, David's breath caught as Craig whispered. He could swear he had almost called him 'love', but then Craig's fingers moved inside him again and all thought was wiped away. "Yes," he gasped in answer. "Need you...want you, Craig," David whispered softly.

Slowly pulling his fingers from David's body, Craig let his hand glide up to stroke his lover's arousal as he kissed him deeply one final time before rising to his knees and moving to kneel between David's legs. He reached for the oil again and spread it thickly over his cock as he leaned over to lick at the tip of the weeping arousal before him. When his own arousal was thoroughly coated, he moved up, pressing the tip against his lover's entrance, stilling his hips as his upper body moved back up to bring him face to face with David.

Finding himself regretting the loss of Craig's touch, he watched his lover move over him and felt his heart speed up in his chest as Craig licked him. As Craig moved forward, pressing against him, David tried to will his body to relax again but he was unable to, his body tensed automatically and he closed his eyes not wishing to see the disappointment in Craig's. Expecting Craig to push past the tight muscle anyway, David opened his eyes again to stare into Craig's, not understanding why he stopped. Richard never had, neither had Brian they had always just promised the hurt would go away later. It never really did, but why did Craig stop? He looked into deep blue eyes searching for any answer.

Craig felt his lover tense beneath him, and looked down at him with questioning eyes. // My God. They never even let you enjoy this, did they? My sweet David, let me show you how good this can be when it's done with love. // Drawing his hips back slightly, Craig leaned down, placing one arm on each side of David. He shifted his weight over to one side, resting on one elbow, and let his other had gently run back and forth over the length of his lover's torso. Leaning down for a gentle kiss, demanding nothing, determined not to move until he saw that David was truly ready, Craig closed his eyes and lost himself in the sensations that almost overwhelmed him from simply touching David's body. Moving his hands slowly over warm skin, he concentrated on coaxing his lover to relax, pulling away only long enough to draw breath before pressing his lips against the kiss-swollen ones beneath him once more.

Seeing that Craig was not going to proceed until he was relaxed, David felt a lump form in his throat and he swallowed hard. He trembled under the gentle touches and felt himself starting to relax again as Craig kissed him. Lost within Craig's sweet kisses David began to feel more relaxed, and knew Craig would never hurt him. "Please," he whispered unsure how else to ask that he continue.

Craig let his hand trail down to move over the inside of his lover's thigh, still feeling that he was slightly tense. Gently kneading the muscles that lay beneath his hand, he placed soft kisses over David's face and neck. "It's ok, sweetheart," he whispered against his lover's ear as his hand stroked David's erection. "Just relax. I'm not moving until you're completely ready."

Finally completely surrendering to Craig's gentle touches David closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Craig was so patient, and gentle, and he knew without a shadow of a doubt this perfect man wouldn't hurt him. As his lover's hand stroked him he couldn't help arching up into the touch. Desperately David whispered, "Le do thoil, Creag, tá gá tú luí le chéile le liom." Seeing his lover's look of confusion at the spill of Gaelic words David realized he'd spoken in the wrong language and shook his head, "Please, Craig, I need you to make love to me," he repeated in English.

Craig pulled back to look into his lover's eyes, seeing the desire and need that was reflected back as David whispered softly to him. //God, I love you.// he thought. "Yes," he whispered, pressing his hips slowly forward, feeling very little resistance as the head of his cock gently slid inside the tight heat of David's body. He stopped as soon as the head was engulfed, trying to keep a tight reign on the emotions that threatened to spill forth, his body trembling with the effort, as he watched his lover's face for any sign of discomfort . *Something* about David was different from everyone else he'd ever known. Something called out to him, and made this barest of contact feel like the most incredible sensation in the world.

Feeling his lover's thick cock slide into him slowly was the most amazing feeling. David had never experienced *this* not being painful, ever. He wrapped his arms around Craig and smiled up at him, unable to believe how incredibly right and perfect this already felt. Shifting his hips back slightly Craig slid further into him "More," he whispered softly. A request he'd never made in his life, just this was enough to nearly bring him over the edge. Just knowing that Craig was ignoring his need and putting David first. As that idea struck him David stared up into Craig's eyes overwhelmed that he could care that much for him.

Craig nodded and let out a low moan as he sunk slowly into David's body, stopping only when he was buried to the hilt. He paused, giving David time to adjust, as he fought the overwhelming desire to give in and spill inside his lover at that very moment. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, he lowered his head to rest in the crook of David's neck as he took a deep breath and clutched at the sheets beneath him.

The long slow slide of Craig's thick cock filling him made David tip his head back into the pillow and moan softly. Never had it felt this good. This...powerful to be with anyone. Craig was the other half of his soul, he realized now that he could never lose this beautiful man. Wrapping his arms around his lover as he rested his head against him David felt his eyes tingle with unshed tears. He was lost, he was in love, and he would never want anyone but this beautiful man making love to him so tenderly. Wrapping his legs around Craig to urge him to move he looked up into sparkling eyes as he rose above him again. David knew he could see the tears in his eyes and the bareness of his soul being revealed but he couldn't look away. Not this time.

Looking down into David's eyes, Craig felt every last bit of his heart reach out to wrap around his love as the stunning blue eyes filled with tears. He leaned in and gently kissed the corner of each eye, tasting the salty tears on his lips, praying they were tears of happiness. Biting his lip hard to keep from blurting out everything that was in his heart, Craig pulled his hips back began to move deep within his lover, setting up a slow and sensual rhythm, his world spiraling down to include only himself and this man with whom he was hopelessly, utterly, and completely in love with. Long minutes passed as he watched his lover, lost in the depths of his eyes, moving into and within his body, his breath coming in harsh pants.

David closed his eyes as Craig kissed each and then opened them again to watch his beautiful lover. The slow pace he set moving deep inside was overwhelmingly perfect. David found himself moving with him, to meet each of the slow deep thrusts, and moaning Craig's name over and over. He could feel himself moving closer and closer to the edge of losing all control but he focused as much as he could to try and stave off the feeling to make this moment last. Shifting under his lover and running his hands up and down the strong muscles of his lover's back he shuddered as the tiny bundle of nerves inside him was struck with each thrust.

Craig felt himself on the edge of losing all control as his thrusts became deeper and faster, the feel of David moving with him urging him on. He ran his hands underneath his lover's shoulders, cradling his body against Craig's own, and leaned back to rest on his knees, pulling David with him, never disturbing the rhythm of their movements. One arm held his love tightly, as the other snaked between them, his fingers wrapping around the cock that lay thick and hard between their bodies. The movements into David's body angled to hit his sensitive prostate with each inward thrust, as his hand matched their rhythm perfectly on David's cock, speeding up as he cried out his lover's name.

As Craig pulled him up David wrapped his arms around his lover and rested his head against his shoulder licking and nibbling at the soft skin of his neck. When Craig's hand wrapped around his aching cock, David cried out softly and arched his body into the hand stroking him. The sensations of being filled so perfectly, so completely, and the tight hand stroking him David lost all since of time and space and control. "Oh God, Craig!" he moaned softly his lips pressing against sweat slick skin to stop himself from shouting out that he loved this perfect man. David shuddered as he spiraled over the edge of oblivion, his release slamming into him, more powerfully than he'd ever experienced in his life. He bit his lip and held onto Craig tightly, riding out the wave of his orgasm as his muscles clenched around his lover's hard cock.

Craig felt the hot splash of David's release spill over his hand and between their bodies and lost all semblance of control. Tight muscles clenched around his cock as he thrust one final time, a loud cry issuing forth just as his own release spilled deeply inside his lover's body. As David's body milked his cock, Craig felt as if his orgasm would never end, each contraction sending him a little further over the edge until finally, there was nothing left. Both arms wrapped around his lover and held him close as Craig rested his head on David's damp shoulder, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "David," he murmured softly, "my sweet, beautiful, David……I've never…I can't even explain how that felt. I…My God, that was like nothing I've ever known."

As he felt Craig's release spill inside him just moments after his own he shuddered and wrapped his arms more tightly around his perfect love. Trembling together David rubbed his hands down his lover's back as he spoke. "Oh, Craig, mo chroí, I've never...ever not like that. I've...I've never even enjoyed sex before you," David whispered honestly holding his lover close as both of them tried to calm their racing hearts.

David's words slowly filtered through Craig's brain. // Never enjoyed it before? I swear, my love, I'm going to spend the rest of my life making sure you'll *never* feel that way again.// Holding on to his lover tightly, Craig let his hands glide over every inch of his body as they slowly regained their senses. Cradling David tenderly, Craig lay him back on the bed, placing soft kisses over his face and neck as he slipped from his body. "Did I…did I hurt you?" he whispered softly, wondering if he should have taken more time and care with him.

"God no, no you didn't. It was...perfect, you are perfect," David said quickly, tangling his hand in Craig's hair and pulling him down beside him to kiss his lips tenderly. "I have never felt anything like that...ever. I didn't know that it could feel like that," David said softly. "I've...well...before you, it's never *not* hurt...but you...you are perfect." David felt silly for saying all of that the way he had but he could never allow Craig to think he had hurt him like the others. Never.

Craig lifted his hand to trace over David's face, his eyes clouding with tears. "How could *anyone* hurt someone so beautiful?" he asked softly. "I truly don't understand how they could ever do anything but worship every inch of you." His fingers traveled lightly over his lover's chest and stomach, feeling as if he were touching the rarest of treasures as he looked into the deep blue eyes. "I will *never* hurt you, sweetheart. I promise, I will never, never hurt you."

David felt his own eyes misting up as he saw Craig's do the same. Placing his hand over Craig's he smiled, "I know, somehow I know you won't ever hurt me, mo chroí, my heart." he said moving Craig's hand to rest over his heart. "I didn't have very good luck with love before you came along, but now that seems to be changing," he whispered softly.

"It *is* changing," Craig whispered. "David, I….." // I love you. Just say the words, Parker. I. Love. You. // "I…..I wish I could erase everything that ever hurt you. You have no idea how much I wish for that. I can only promise you that that's over and you will never feel that way again. "I am……" // A coward. A fool. A…..man who is so totally in love with you, I can hardly think.// "I am….going to make sure you'll never feel that way again."

Sighing, Craig reached behind him for the towel he'd left at the end of the bed from his earlier shower. Pressing a soft kiss to his lover's mouth, he turned his attention toward the task of cleaning him. "Were there…..ever any good times with them, David? Were you ever happy?"

"Sometimes yeah or I wouldn't have been with them," he said softly. "Richard was good to me at first, never terribly loving or anything but he was kind at first, but things just seemed to go downhill the longer we were together," he explained. "I don't think I ever really loved him though, he was...appropriate."

"Appropriate?" Craig asked softly. He paused, giving the towel a final, gentle swipe over David's stomach, then cleaned his own. Letting it drop to the ground, he slid his arm under his lover's head and curled around him. "I'm sorry. It's none of my business. I just can't stand the thoughts of you being unhappy, or hurt, or……anything bad."

David watched as Craig cleaned him carefully - another thing the others wouldn't do, it was up to him to clean himself up always and sometimes even up to him to finish himself. He frowned at that memory and looked at the ceiling for a moment. "It's ok...they aren't important anymore," David said honestly and looking at Craig lovingly. They weren't important at all. "And Richard was 'appropriate' - father liked him, he was older than me, and I guess maybe that's why he was so I guess controlling. He told me what to eat, what to wear, what to read, where to go, what friends to have, and I just went along with it." David curled his arm around Craig snuggling against him. "He was selfish, still is I imagine."

"You deserve so much better than that David," Craig said, reaching down to pull this blanket over his lover, then grasping his hand to entwine their fingers. "If I *ever* do or say anything to make you feel like I'm trying to control you, I want you to tell me. You mean so much to me - and it would kill me to think I've fucked this……us…….up. I'm so sorry he hurt you." He paused, and closed his eyes. "If you hadn't broke up with him……then, you'd never have given me a second look." He pressed his lips to David's temple and held him close. "You were……you *are* amazing. And you are also stuck with me, because I'm not going to let you go."

The words 'I'm not going to let you go' echoed in David's mind. //Maybe he is falling in love with me...I know he cares...God I wish I *knew* for sure. I don't want it to turn out like it did with Brian. I thought he cared and he laughed at me when I told him I loved him.// "I don't know what I deserve anymore, but I know I wasn't happy. Not like I am with you. I've never been this happy in my life," David said softly pulling Craig's hand up to his lips and kissing it softly.

Craig smiled at David as he kissed his hand and trailed a thumb over lip. "I've never been this happy either," he said softly, gazing into his lover's blue eyes. "You know…it's only been 4 days, and I don't think I've stopped smiling. And, best of all, this is just the beginning. I'm going to go to sleep with my arms around you, and wake up the same way tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, and all the days after that. And I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that I see that same smile you're wearing right now is on your face every single day. I love…..that smile."

As Craig spoke of the future David felt as if his heart would fly out of his chest and then nearly stopped when Craig said 'I love' but finished it with 'that smile'. He nearly sighed, 'Well it's something,' he thought. "I love your smile too, absolutely beautiful. I have never had a day like today and I'm terrified to go to sleep, afraid it's all been a happy dream and I'll wake up tomorrow and it will all have been a fantasy."

Craig nodded and closed his eyes. "I know. I feel the same way," he said softly. "But, then I felt the same way last night, and you were here this morning." His hand traced idly up his lover's arm for a moment as he opened his eyes and gave a wicked smile. "Of course, we could do a little scientific experiment. You know, to see if this is a dream or not?"

David looked over at Craig, "Experiment?" he asked wondering what he was talking about but enjoying the mischievous look his lover was giving him.

"Well," Craig began, leaning up on one elbow to regard his lover and clearing his throat, trying to look serious. "Speaking as a professor of anatomy and physiology, I can tell you that most of the sensations you feel in a dream aren't real. Physically impossible, and all a trick of the mind. Wouldn't you agree?"

David laughed watching his lover, "I suppose so?" David said unsure but wanting to see where Craig was going with this. He loved the mischievous glint in his eye, and the way he was smiling at him. "You aren't going to pinch me are you?" David grinned up at him curiously.

Sliding down underneath the covers, Craig peered up at his lover. "I would *never* pinch you, sweetheart." He placed his head on David's stomach and nodded. "But I *would* give you a raspberry." Before David could respond, Craig turned his head, and blew a big, wet raspberry just below David's navel. "Quite an effective tool in determining dreams, I believe."

David began to squirm and laugh verging on a giggle as Craig attacked his stomach. "Yeah..." he laughed, "Yeah I think you made your point," he said trying to squirm away or at least move a little but Craig had his legs pinned.

"Well," Craig continued. "See, that was only the first test. The second test is a little more involved. It's called the Risus Test." He grinned at David, trying to look studious. "You see," he said, letting his arms run down his lover's sides, "Risus, in Latin, as you probably know, means Laughter." Letting his hands apply a little pressure to David's sides, he searched for any ticklish spots, and was happy to find quite a few.

David wiggled trying to get away the entire time laughing. He reached down trying to trap Craig's hands against his body but he was laughing so hard he was having a hard time catching his hands under his own. Finally he managed to catch his lover's hands and hold him still for a moment while he caught his breath, Craig laughing and smiling up at him. "Come here you álainn diabhal! I think a better test is a kiss," he said pulling Craig up so he could sit up and kiss him. The kiss light and playful didn't stay that way, David kissed him deeply, his tongue sliding into his lover's mouth tasting and teasing and savoring his love. Pulling back breathlessly he smiled, "Nope, still not convinced, think I may need to kiss you again."

Craig's heart sped up in his chest as his lover smiled at him. His laughter was magic, and the most brilliant diamond would have paled beside the look in his eyes. "I *do* like the way you think, Dr. Wenham," he grinned, pouncing on his lover, wrapping his arms around him and pressing him back on the bed. "I think this might just be a *VERY* interesting test indeed."

David laughed softly, "You are a beautiful demon you know that? I pegged you right off," he grinned up at him and kissed him again nibbling on his lover's full lower lip. "I love you..r, um, love your kisses, I can lose myself in them," David murmured ready to kick himself for letting the words slip out that way.

//Damn……so close. If only……… // "I love your kisses too," Craig said, letting his tongue glide over David's lip. "Your kisses, just like you, are simply delicious. And addicting. And amazing. And all mine, I hope."

David smiled, "Yes, yours, all yours," he whispered running his fingers through Craig's hair. "Mo hálainn a ghrá i gruaig dhubh ort agus go spéiriúil gorm súile," David whispered softly, "You know that means 'my beautiful lover with dark hair and gorgeous blue eyes."

Craig curled up to his lover and snuggled close. "That is so beautiful," he whispered, blushing and leaning in to his touch. Stifling a yawn, he ran his fingernails gently over David's back. "Although, for all I know, you could be saying something completely different when you talk like that, and I'd never be the wiser."

David grinned, "I suppose I could," he said nearly blushing. "But you are beautiful and you do have gorgeous eyes," he said honestly. He left out the fact that he'd called him his beautiful love and not lover.

Craig sighed happily and entangled his legs with David's, subconsciously doing all the he could to keep him there, almost as if he were afraid his lover would leave him in the middle of the night. "You have rose-colored glasses on, you know," he said softly. "The most beautiful man in the world with the most gorgeous eyes looks back at you in the mirror every morning, and you don't even know it."

David blushed and wrapped his arms tightly around Craig. "No one has ever complimented me the way you do. I am never sure how to react," he said softly trying to stifle a yawn.

Hearing David trying not to yawn caused Craig to yawn loudly himself. "Well, you'd better get used to it," he murmured, snuggling in closer. "Because I'm going to tell you how gorgeous and wonderful and handsome and beautiful you are every day."

"I'm not looking forward to morning when we have to go to work, even though you are just down the hall I know it's going to kill me to stay in my own classroom," David said softly setteling down beside Craig.

Craig sighed regretfully already wishing the weekend was closer. "I dread tomorrow too. I'm going to miss you so much. I'll be miserable all day until we get home."

"I suppose we should get some sleep. Goodnight, mo chroi," he whispered kissing Craig's temple softly as he grew sleepier by the second.

Craig yawned again, feeling his eyes grow heavy. "Sleep well, sweetheart. Sweet dreams."

"They will be sweet, because they will be of you," David murmured as he drifted off, his chin resting against Craig's forehead.

"Good night love," Craig whispered, hearing David's breathing grow deep and regular. "I love you more than you will ever know." With that, he drifted slowly off to sleep, dreaming of the beautiful man beside him.

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