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sairalinde.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fellowshippers2006-01-10 06:31 pm
sairalinde.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2006-01-10 06:31 pm
Title: Honor Bound Chapter 7
Title: Honor Bound Chapter 7
Authors:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
sairalinde & anorienbean
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: David Wenham/Craig Parker
Disclaimer: No money was made from this fic, and we do not mean to imply anything about the sexual preferences of anyone mentioned within.
Summary: A knight in the King's service, attacked by thieves and lost in the forest in the dead of winter, finds himself on the doorstep of a kind farmer who takes him in and cares for him. Falling in love with his savior, the knight is bound by an oath taken years ago against his better judgment.
Viggo had seriously considered simply asking the ragged and dirty young man to leave his store and never come back. He had no valid reason for doing so, just a feeling that something wasn’t right. When the man, who had given his name as William, had offered the dagger and ring for Viggo’s inspection, he had steadfastly refused to look up. Viggo had bit back his surprise when he saw the dagger…it was obviously the property of someone wealthy, of which this young man definitely was not, not by any stretch of the imagination. William had related that the owner of the ring and dagger had been murdered and his family had offered the items as a reward for finding his killer, which, William had said proudly, he had done single-handedly. In the back of his mind, William, who’s real name was Joseph, replayed the scene…he, along with several of his brothers, had attacked the lone man in the dead of night. The man had fought with everything in him, and had killed 2 of Joseph’s brothers, and Joseph himself had narrowly escaped. But that, of course, was not for this shopkeeper to know.
Trying to believe the best of the young man, Viggo had purchased the dagger and ring and ushered William out the door. He’d returned and carefully cleaned the dagger, which bore the symbol of the royal family, and wrapped it in a soft leather pouch. Turning his attention to the ring, he noted that it bore a family crest on one side and an engraving of a lion’s head on the other. The large stone set in the center was of onyx, held securely in place with an intricate setting unlike anything Viggo had ever seen. //This will fetch a handsome price. I hope it really *was* a gift to the young man, and not taken as the spoils of his own foul play.//
With a sigh, he put the ring in the most prominent display and opened his door to the crowd that often visited in the late afternoon.
~~~
Karl had just left the training grounds and decided to go to the market to pick up a few things. His sister was having a birthday in a few days and if he forgot he knew there would be hell to pay. Ducking inside the first shop he came to, he began to scan the cases for some bauble or hair combs that might interest his sister. As he moved along one of the displays, his breath caught in his throat as he stared at a ring that he knew did not belong there. Craig would *never* sell that ring. Never. Turning, his eyes scanned the room for the shopkeeper. "You...where did you get that ring?" he asked probably more forcefully than was necessary but he had a sinking feeling he wasn't going to like any answer that this man gave in regards to the ring.
Viggo crossed over to the handsome dark-haired man and smiled. He’d never been in here before that was for sure. There was no way in hell Viggo would have forgotten *that* face. He looked down and saw that the man was look at the ring he’d purchased earlier that morning. “Ah yes, you have a good eye, my friend,” he nodded. “I purchased that ring this morning from a young man who was passing through town. I knew it wouldn’t stay in my possession for very long. Would you like to try it on?”
Karl bit his lip for a moment as he looked into the shopkeeper's deep blue gray eyes and for a moment all thought fled as he stared at him, then his mind seemed to come back to him. "I...where did you get it?" he asked again. "I ask because...I know this ring. I know there is no other like it," he said hoping that he would describe Craig but knowing that there is no way that he would have ever sold that ring, and if he were back in St. Albans he would have heard, if not been to his chamber already.
Seeing the anxiety and concern in the young man’s eyes, Viggo moved closer and nodded, “As I said, I purchased the ring only hours ago. He claimed that in the course of his travels, he was gifted with this ring as a reward for finding the one who murdered the ring’s owner. He also had…this.” Turning around to the table behind him, he produced the dagger and held it out to the man before him. “I dare say this is one of a kind as well.”
Karl gasped as the shopkeeper showed him Craig's dagger. He felt his mouth go dry and tears sting his eyes. "Murdered?" he whispered. //Craig can't be dead? God...I don't believe this, but he would never willingly part with these things.// "I...I wish to buy them. How much? The owner was....my best friend. He has no family any longer, and I know that he would have liked for someone he knew...he cared about, to have these if anything ever happened to him," he said trying to hold his emotions in check. While he had not been *in* love with Craig, he had loved him dearly.
As Viggo watched the play of emotions over the other man’s face, he wished he’d followed his instincts and never bought the ring and dagger, and had simply sent the man on his way. He took the dagger and ring back and carefully wrapped them together in another swatch of leather. “Take them,” he said softly. “I do not need the money, and I can see that you’re sincere. I…I am sorry for your friend’s passing.” He was almost shocked as the words fell from his lips, but the soft, dark eyes before him had tugged on at his heart even before they’d filled with tears. “My name is Viggo, by the way.”
Karl bit his bottom lip in an effort to keep the tears from falling and nodded. "Thank you, Viggo...my name is Karl," he whispered, barely managing to get the words out. He took a deep breath and shook his head as he took the items from the other man. "I have to go speak to the king. He...Craig, was one of his most trusted men. He will be sorely missed," he said dragging in another deep breath to try and calm himself but almost failing. He turned and left the store quickly, his sister's birthday gift long forgotten.
~~~
Three nights after Craig's dream, David found himself tossing and turning in the large bed alone. Craig was out in the other room as he had been the last week and David was miserable. He missed sleeping next to the other man. He missed just having him near. They had fussed over the bed that first night when Craig had determined he was well enough to give David his bed back. David had argued that he was the guest, but Craig had insisted. David wished he'd been able to suggest what he really wanted, for them to just continue to share the bed. The last few days he had noticed Craig's eyes on him more than once and he wondered if Craig wanted to tell him it was time for him to return to St. Albans? He wondered at times what held Craig there. He had no reason to stay any longer, he was feeling better, and had been helping David on the farm, but had made no mention of returning to the royal city. The last time they'd spoken about it, several days ago, Craig had said he felt obligated to stay and help David, saying it was the least he could do since he'd saved his life. Sighing in frustration, David sat up and stared at the door. //Just do it. Just go out there and ask him to come share the bed with you. It's an innocent request...mostly.//
After a moment of debating with himself, David stood and walked to the door and opened it slowly. Peering out at where Craig's makeshift bed of blankets was, he sighed again and crossed to him, seeing that Craig was as wide awake as he was. Gathering his courage, he spoke the words he'd been wanting to say for several nights, "Come on....come to bed. I can't sleep and it doesn't seem like you are either."
Craig’s eyes widened and he almost leapt to his feet. He contained himself enough to sit up slowly, and took a deep breath, praying that he’d not misunderstood. Since he’d been sleeping in the small front room, it had taken him hours to fall asleep, and when he did, he was plagued by dreams of David….making love to him, touching him, kissing him…or simply holding him close. He’d almost exhausted all of his excuses to stay, and even though he wanted desperately to ask Karl to release him of his oath, he could not bear the thoughts of leaving David for the journey. //You’ve probably been keeping him up with your incessant tossing and turning, you fool. Why else would he offer to let you back in his bed? Or does he mean to switch places and sleep in here? Or does he….oh, just shut up and ask him, in the name of all that’s holy!!// “I…you’re right. I can’t sleep. Do you mean…..um…..do you mean you’ll share your bed with me, or…?” His voice trailed off, praying that was exactly what David meant, but trying to convince himself not to jump to conclusions.
David nodded, "Yes, I...I can't sleep. It will probably seem silly but I had grown used to you sleeping beside me while you were sick. I know I shouldn't have grown accustomed to it, and I know you won't be staying here forever but...at least, just for tonight, would you come share the bed with me? I'm so tired and I know I'm never going to fall asleep in there...plus, even with the fire it's cold," David said hoping that he didn't sound like he was whining.
Getting quickly to his feet, Craig smiled and walked over to David. “I’d grown used to sleeping beside you as well,” he said softly. “And I must admit, I’m glad you asked me back to your room. I was //going to eventually beg to hold you again// freezing.” Urging David into the room ahead of him, Craig closed the door behind them and tried to calm his furiously pounding heart. //Sleeping next to him again….how can I be this lucky? I think I should at least stay for the rest of the winter season…I’m not expected back in St. Albans for many weeks, and he *does* need help around the farm, plus he could catch a chill sleeping here in the drafty house alone.//
David still felt a little silly but was grateful that Craig had agreed. He walked around the bed and crawled under the covers giving Craig the side he slept on before. "Thank you," he said softly as he snuggled under the covers and shivered. It really *was* colder than it had been since the week that Craig had first arrived and the wind was howling outside. Once Craig settled under the covers, David moved closer to him and rested his head against his chest. "Cold," he murmured as Craig looked at him. It was true, he had gotten cold getting out of bed and going into the next room...though not cold enough really to be terribly chilled. He honestly just *wanted* to be near Craig, and it was a convenient excuse.
Craig’s body shivered as well, but not from the cold night air. He reached down and pulled the blanket snug under David’s chin and wrapped both arms around his shoulders. “We’ll get warmed up in a moment,” he whispered, just loud enough to be heard over the howling wind, and glad David couldn’t see the blissful, almost silly smile on his face. He let his hands run lightly over muscled arms, wishing the nightshirt would suddenly vanish into thin air and he could feel that luscious, smooth skin underneath his fingertips. //I’m not doing anything but trying to keep him warm. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.// “This is much better already,” he murmured. “I mean….so much warmer here next to you. Thank you for sharing your bed again.”
David snuggled into Craig's arms and nodded against his chest hearing his strong heartbeat under his ear. "It is warmer. Thank you for sharing your body with me," he gasped as the words escaped and he cleared his throat. "I mean sharing your warmth...I...obviously I'm more tired than I thought," he said hoping to cover his mistake and grateful that Craig couldn't see the blush that stained his cheeks. //Brillant....just brilliant, David. Now he'll never share the bed with you again after tonight.//
Craig almost shook his head to clear it, thinking he was hearing things that he longed to hear, but couldn’t possibly be true. He allowed himself a small smile of longing and rested his cheek on the top of David’s head. “I’m tired as well,” he said softly. “Maybe now we can both get some rest. Staring straight across the room, he tried not to remember his dreams for the past weeks. Dreams that more often than not had him an incoherent mess when he awoke…and dreams that were almost always about he and David making love, usually with David taking him. He found that very odd, because in his relationship with Karl, Craig had almost always taken Karl, not the other way around. Not that he was opposed to the idea at all, but he found simply being able to lie back and put his faith in his lover was very erotic and something he would love to be able to offer this exquisite man in his arms. “Good night, //my love// David,” he whispered.
David started to close his eyes but leaned up to look at Craig for a moment. "I forgot to thank you earlier, for helping with the animals," he said softly. He wanted to say more, but that was the best he could do. What he really wanted to do was tell Craig how he felt, how whenever Craig looked into his eyes, he felt his heart rate double. How when he slept at night that blue eyes and dark hair haunted his dreams, and even during the day when they were apart his every thought seemed to revolve around the man.
Resisting the urge to comb his fingers through David’s hair, Craig smiled. “I hope I’m not overstaying my welcome. I mean…I know I’ve been well enough to travel for weeks now, but I…..//can’t stand the thoughts of leaving you.//..I enjoy being able to help out around here.”
David smiled and shook his head, "Of course not, you can stay as long as you like. It's nice having someone to help...and to talk to. I hadn't realized just how lonely I was until you came into my life," he admitted softly. "If you need to go back though....I'm sure people are expecting you...that...that Karl misses you." //I know I would.//
“I doubt Karl’s missing me,” Craig sighed, as his eyes met David’s and he found it almost impossible to look away. “We don’t actually spend a lot of time together, and….well, I’m honestly hoping that if I stay away long enough, he’ll find someone he can really love. //Like I have. Like I love you.// And besides….I noticed your barn was damaged by the storm last week. I was thinking that….well, if you don’t mind, of course, that I could stay until the weather gets a bit warmer and help you fix that. I mean….I’m not expected back in the city for quite sometime, and I’d be happy to help you with that and anything else you might need.”
David frowned when Craig said that Karl wouldn't miss him. "I'd miss you...I mean, I will miss you when you go, but I'll be glad for you to stay and help...as long as you like, Craig. Really," he said laying his head against Craig's chest again to hide his blush from his slip. He sighed and snuggled closer, "And yeah...I do need to fix the barn. We...I mean...if you won't mind, once the weather clears a bit more, we could go into Oxmoor and get a few things for it. I'm afraid I might not have everything we need here after having to fix the roof on the house a few weeks before you arrived."
Craig’s smile widened and he closed his eyes in relief, unconsciously pulling David closer. //He’ll miss me? God, he has *no* idea how much I’ll miss him. No idea at all.// It would be difficult, he knew, being around David and being unable to do anything more than hold him, but that in itself was heaven. Nothing would make him break his oath to Karl, but every day he was away made it a little easier for Karl to find someone he could really love. “Thank you, David. For everything…for finding me, helping me, and letting me help you in return. And…//for showing me what I’ve been missing my whole life.//..and, well, for everything.”
David smiled, "You don't have to thank me, your helping so much has been thanks enough," he said softly. His eyes were starting to get heavy again and he yawned. "Sweet dreams, Craig," he murmured as he started to drift off. He'd had such a hard time finding sleep earlier, and now with Craig beside him, he could finally relax and rest. He knew it wouldn't last forever, that Craig would one day leave, but for now, David would take what he could get.
“Good night, David,” Craig said softly, feeling his own restlessness lift from his shoulders, leaving him sleepy and relaxed. He loved holding David like this…with Karl, they simply had sex, cuddled for a few minutes, then went back to their respective rooms, or moved to their own sides of the bed. Odd…things were already so different and so right with David and they hadn’t even made love yet. Resting his cheek against the top of David’s head, he sighed and gave a small smile. “Sweet dreams.” With that, he finally closed his eyes and felt himself drifting off into the best sleep he’d had since the last time he’d been in this bed with David curled up next to him.
~~~
TBC
Authors:
sairalinde & anorienbeanRating: NC-17
Pairing: David Wenham/Craig Parker
Disclaimer: No money was made from this fic, and we do not mean to imply anything about the sexual preferences of anyone mentioned within.
Summary: A knight in the King's service, attacked by thieves and lost in the forest in the dead of winter, finds himself on the doorstep of a kind farmer who takes him in and cares for him. Falling in love with his savior, the knight is bound by an oath taken years ago against his better judgment.
Viggo had seriously considered simply asking the ragged and dirty young man to leave his store and never come back. He had no valid reason for doing so, just a feeling that something wasn’t right. When the man, who had given his name as William, had offered the dagger and ring for Viggo’s inspection, he had steadfastly refused to look up. Viggo had bit back his surprise when he saw the dagger…it was obviously the property of someone wealthy, of which this young man definitely was not, not by any stretch of the imagination. William had related that the owner of the ring and dagger had been murdered and his family had offered the items as a reward for finding his killer, which, William had said proudly, he had done single-handedly. In the back of his mind, William, who’s real name was Joseph, replayed the scene…he, along with several of his brothers, had attacked the lone man in the dead of night. The man had fought with everything in him, and had killed 2 of Joseph’s brothers, and Joseph himself had narrowly escaped. But that, of course, was not for this shopkeeper to know.
Trying to believe the best of the young man, Viggo had purchased the dagger and ring and ushered William out the door. He’d returned and carefully cleaned the dagger, which bore the symbol of the royal family, and wrapped it in a soft leather pouch. Turning his attention to the ring, he noted that it bore a family crest on one side and an engraving of a lion’s head on the other. The large stone set in the center was of onyx, held securely in place with an intricate setting unlike anything Viggo had ever seen. //This will fetch a handsome price. I hope it really *was* a gift to the young man, and not taken as the spoils of his own foul play.//
With a sigh, he put the ring in the most prominent display and opened his door to the crowd that often visited in the late afternoon.
~~~
Karl had just left the training grounds and decided to go to the market to pick up a few things. His sister was having a birthday in a few days and if he forgot he knew there would be hell to pay. Ducking inside the first shop he came to, he began to scan the cases for some bauble or hair combs that might interest his sister. As he moved along one of the displays, his breath caught in his throat as he stared at a ring that he knew did not belong there. Craig would *never* sell that ring. Never. Turning, his eyes scanned the room for the shopkeeper. "You...where did you get that ring?" he asked probably more forcefully than was necessary but he had a sinking feeling he wasn't going to like any answer that this man gave in regards to the ring.
Viggo crossed over to the handsome dark-haired man and smiled. He’d never been in here before that was for sure. There was no way in hell Viggo would have forgotten *that* face. He looked down and saw that the man was look at the ring he’d purchased earlier that morning. “Ah yes, you have a good eye, my friend,” he nodded. “I purchased that ring this morning from a young man who was passing through town. I knew it wouldn’t stay in my possession for very long. Would you like to try it on?”
Karl bit his lip for a moment as he looked into the shopkeeper's deep blue gray eyes and for a moment all thought fled as he stared at him, then his mind seemed to come back to him. "I...where did you get it?" he asked again. "I ask because...I know this ring. I know there is no other like it," he said hoping that he would describe Craig but knowing that there is no way that he would have ever sold that ring, and if he were back in St. Albans he would have heard, if not been to his chamber already.
Seeing the anxiety and concern in the young man’s eyes, Viggo moved closer and nodded, “As I said, I purchased the ring only hours ago. He claimed that in the course of his travels, he was gifted with this ring as a reward for finding the one who murdered the ring’s owner. He also had…this.” Turning around to the table behind him, he produced the dagger and held it out to the man before him. “I dare say this is one of a kind as well.”
Karl gasped as the shopkeeper showed him Craig's dagger. He felt his mouth go dry and tears sting his eyes. "Murdered?" he whispered. //Craig can't be dead? God...I don't believe this, but he would never willingly part with these things.// "I...I wish to buy them. How much? The owner was....my best friend. He has no family any longer, and I know that he would have liked for someone he knew...he cared about, to have these if anything ever happened to him," he said trying to hold his emotions in check. While he had not been *in* love with Craig, he had loved him dearly.
As Viggo watched the play of emotions over the other man’s face, he wished he’d followed his instincts and never bought the ring and dagger, and had simply sent the man on his way. He took the dagger and ring back and carefully wrapped them together in another swatch of leather. “Take them,” he said softly. “I do not need the money, and I can see that you’re sincere. I…I am sorry for your friend’s passing.” He was almost shocked as the words fell from his lips, but the soft, dark eyes before him had tugged on at his heart even before they’d filled with tears. “My name is Viggo, by the way.”
Karl bit his bottom lip in an effort to keep the tears from falling and nodded. "Thank you, Viggo...my name is Karl," he whispered, barely managing to get the words out. He took a deep breath and shook his head as he took the items from the other man. "I have to go speak to the king. He...Craig, was one of his most trusted men. He will be sorely missed," he said dragging in another deep breath to try and calm himself but almost failing. He turned and left the store quickly, his sister's birthday gift long forgotten.
~~~
Three nights after Craig's dream, David found himself tossing and turning in the large bed alone. Craig was out in the other room as he had been the last week and David was miserable. He missed sleeping next to the other man. He missed just having him near. They had fussed over the bed that first night when Craig had determined he was well enough to give David his bed back. David had argued that he was the guest, but Craig had insisted. David wished he'd been able to suggest what he really wanted, for them to just continue to share the bed. The last few days he had noticed Craig's eyes on him more than once and he wondered if Craig wanted to tell him it was time for him to return to St. Albans? He wondered at times what held Craig there. He had no reason to stay any longer, he was feeling better, and had been helping David on the farm, but had made no mention of returning to the royal city. The last time they'd spoken about it, several days ago, Craig had said he felt obligated to stay and help David, saying it was the least he could do since he'd saved his life. Sighing in frustration, David sat up and stared at the door. //Just do it. Just go out there and ask him to come share the bed with you. It's an innocent request...mostly.//
After a moment of debating with himself, David stood and walked to the door and opened it slowly. Peering out at where Craig's makeshift bed of blankets was, he sighed again and crossed to him, seeing that Craig was as wide awake as he was. Gathering his courage, he spoke the words he'd been wanting to say for several nights, "Come on....come to bed. I can't sleep and it doesn't seem like you are either."
Craig’s eyes widened and he almost leapt to his feet. He contained himself enough to sit up slowly, and took a deep breath, praying that he’d not misunderstood. Since he’d been sleeping in the small front room, it had taken him hours to fall asleep, and when he did, he was plagued by dreams of David….making love to him, touching him, kissing him…or simply holding him close. He’d almost exhausted all of his excuses to stay, and even though he wanted desperately to ask Karl to release him of his oath, he could not bear the thoughts of leaving David for the journey. //You’ve probably been keeping him up with your incessant tossing and turning, you fool. Why else would he offer to let you back in his bed? Or does he mean to switch places and sleep in here? Or does he….oh, just shut up and ask him, in the name of all that’s holy!!// “I…you’re right. I can’t sleep. Do you mean…..um…..do you mean you’ll share your bed with me, or…?” His voice trailed off, praying that was exactly what David meant, but trying to convince himself not to jump to conclusions.
David nodded, "Yes, I...I can't sleep. It will probably seem silly but I had grown used to you sleeping beside me while you were sick. I know I shouldn't have grown accustomed to it, and I know you won't be staying here forever but...at least, just for tonight, would you come share the bed with me? I'm so tired and I know I'm never going to fall asleep in there...plus, even with the fire it's cold," David said hoping that he didn't sound like he was whining.
Getting quickly to his feet, Craig smiled and walked over to David. “I’d grown used to sleeping beside you as well,” he said softly. “And I must admit, I’m glad you asked me back to your room. I was //going to eventually beg to hold you again// freezing.” Urging David into the room ahead of him, Craig closed the door behind them and tried to calm his furiously pounding heart. //Sleeping next to him again….how can I be this lucky? I think I should at least stay for the rest of the winter season…I’m not expected back in St. Albans for many weeks, and he *does* need help around the farm, plus he could catch a chill sleeping here in the drafty house alone.//
David still felt a little silly but was grateful that Craig had agreed. He walked around the bed and crawled under the covers giving Craig the side he slept on before. "Thank you," he said softly as he snuggled under the covers and shivered. It really *was* colder than it had been since the week that Craig had first arrived and the wind was howling outside. Once Craig settled under the covers, David moved closer to him and rested his head against his chest. "Cold," he murmured as Craig looked at him. It was true, he had gotten cold getting out of bed and going into the next room...though not cold enough really to be terribly chilled. He honestly just *wanted* to be near Craig, and it was a convenient excuse.
Craig’s body shivered as well, but not from the cold night air. He reached down and pulled the blanket snug under David’s chin and wrapped both arms around his shoulders. “We’ll get warmed up in a moment,” he whispered, just loud enough to be heard over the howling wind, and glad David couldn’t see the blissful, almost silly smile on his face. He let his hands run lightly over muscled arms, wishing the nightshirt would suddenly vanish into thin air and he could feel that luscious, smooth skin underneath his fingertips. //I’m not doing anything but trying to keep him warm. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.// “This is much better already,” he murmured. “I mean….so much warmer here next to you. Thank you for sharing your bed again.”
David snuggled into Craig's arms and nodded against his chest hearing his strong heartbeat under his ear. "It is warmer. Thank you for sharing your body with me," he gasped as the words escaped and he cleared his throat. "I mean sharing your warmth...I...obviously I'm more tired than I thought," he said hoping to cover his mistake and grateful that Craig couldn't see the blush that stained his cheeks. //Brillant....just brilliant, David. Now he'll never share the bed with you again after tonight.//
Craig almost shook his head to clear it, thinking he was hearing things that he longed to hear, but couldn’t possibly be true. He allowed himself a small smile of longing and rested his cheek on the top of David’s head. “I’m tired as well,” he said softly. “Maybe now we can both get some rest. Staring straight across the room, he tried not to remember his dreams for the past weeks. Dreams that more often than not had him an incoherent mess when he awoke…and dreams that were almost always about he and David making love, usually with David taking him. He found that very odd, because in his relationship with Karl, Craig had almost always taken Karl, not the other way around. Not that he was opposed to the idea at all, but he found simply being able to lie back and put his faith in his lover was very erotic and something he would love to be able to offer this exquisite man in his arms. “Good night, //my love// David,” he whispered.
David started to close his eyes but leaned up to look at Craig for a moment. "I forgot to thank you earlier, for helping with the animals," he said softly. He wanted to say more, but that was the best he could do. What he really wanted to do was tell Craig how he felt, how whenever Craig looked into his eyes, he felt his heart rate double. How when he slept at night that blue eyes and dark hair haunted his dreams, and even during the day when they were apart his every thought seemed to revolve around the man.
Resisting the urge to comb his fingers through David’s hair, Craig smiled. “I hope I’m not overstaying my welcome. I mean…I know I’ve been well enough to travel for weeks now, but I…..//can’t stand the thoughts of leaving you.//..I enjoy being able to help out around here.”
David smiled and shook his head, "Of course not, you can stay as long as you like. It's nice having someone to help...and to talk to. I hadn't realized just how lonely I was until you came into my life," he admitted softly. "If you need to go back though....I'm sure people are expecting you...that...that Karl misses you." //I know I would.//
“I doubt Karl’s missing me,” Craig sighed, as his eyes met David’s and he found it almost impossible to look away. “We don’t actually spend a lot of time together, and….well, I’m honestly hoping that if I stay away long enough, he’ll find someone he can really love. //Like I have. Like I love you.// And besides….I noticed your barn was damaged by the storm last week. I was thinking that….well, if you don’t mind, of course, that I could stay until the weather gets a bit warmer and help you fix that. I mean….I’m not expected back in the city for quite sometime, and I’d be happy to help you with that and anything else you might need.”
David frowned when Craig said that Karl wouldn't miss him. "I'd miss you...I mean, I will miss you when you go, but I'll be glad for you to stay and help...as long as you like, Craig. Really," he said laying his head against Craig's chest again to hide his blush from his slip. He sighed and snuggled closer, "And yeah...I do need to fix the barn. We...I mean...if you won't mind, once the weather clears a bit more, we could go into Oxmoor and get a few things for it. I'm afraid I might not have everything we need here after having to fix the roof on the house a few weeks before you arrived."
Craig’s smile widened and he closed his eyes in relief, unconsciously pulling David closer. //He’ll miss me? God, he has *no* idea how much I’ll miss him. No idea at all.// It would be difficult, he knew, being around David and being unable to do anything more than hold him, but that in itself was heaven. Nothing would make him break his oath to Karl, but every day he was away made it a little easier for Karl to find someone he could really love. “Thank you, David. For everything…for finding me, helping me, and letting me help you in return. And…//for showing me what I’ve been missing my whole life.//..and, well, for everything.”
David smiled, "You don't have to thank me, your helping so much has been thanks enough," he said softly. His eyes were starting to get heavy again and he yawned. "Sweet dreams, Craig," he murmured as he started to drift off. He'd had such a hard time finding sleep earlier, and now with Craig beside him, he could finally relax and rest. He knew it wouldn't last forever, that Craig would one day leave, but for now, David would take what he could get.
“Good night, David,” Craig said softly, feeling his own restlessness lift from his shoulders, leaving him sleepy and relaxed. He loved holding David like this…with Karl, they simply had sex, cuddled for a few minutes, then went back to their respective rooms, or moved to their own sides of the bed. Odd…things were already so different and so right with David and they hadn’t even made love yet. Resting his cheek against the top of David’s head, he sighed and gave a small smile. “Sweet dreams.” With that, he finally closed his eyes and felt himself drifting off into the best sleep he’d had since the last time he’d been in this bed with David curled up next to him.
~~~
TBC