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fellowshippers2006-01-11 06:14 pm
sairalinde.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2006-01-11 06:14 pm
Title: Honor Bound Chapter 8
Title: Honor Bound Chapter 8
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.
Almost two full weeks passed before the weather cleared enough for Craig and David to travel into Oxmoor for supplies to fix the barn. They had waited a few more days before they started working on replacing the boards that had been damaged by the high winds, and rethatching a section of the roof. The weather had finally started to turn warmer and the first signs of spring were being seen in the fields around the farm. David reached down for a bundle of thatch from Craig. "Thanks," he said smiling as he began to unroll the bundle and set it in place. "I think we might get this all done before the sun starts to set," he called down to Craig, who was working on replacing one of the boards along the side wall.
Craig smiled up at David and returned to his work. “Good,” he said, as he slid the board in place and wiped the sweat from his brow. “Then maybe we can get started on repairing chimney tomorrow if the weather holds, or maybe that last bit of fence out back..” Excuses for staying were growing thin, but he still wasn’t ready to leave. Nothing else had been said about their sleeping arrangements, and even though the weather was much warmer, they’d continued to share a bed each night. “After that…if you can think of anything else that needs doing….I’m at your disposal, for as long as you need me.”
David continued weaving the thatch in place as Craig spoke and smiled, grateful that the long harsh winter had left so much to be done on the farm. Part of him felt bad for letting Craig's sense of appreciation for taking care of him keep him there longer than he probably should have stayed, but David couldn't bring himself to say no each time Craig offered his help. His help meant he would stay one more day, or one more week, and it meant that David could spend just a little bit more time with the man who had so thoroughly stolen his heart. "Well those things do need to be done...I won't turn down offers of help," David said as he finished one section and moved to the next. As he reached for the other bundle of thatch next to him it shifted and slid along the roof. David tried to catch it but as soon as he did he knew immediately that he'd overbalanced. He cried out as he tipped backwards and could do nothing but curl up as best he could as he flew back toward the thankfully, still damp ground. He landed with a heavy thud and the wind was knocked from his lungs.
Craig was kneeling down, trying to line the bottom of the board up when he heard the creak of the ladder. He scrambled to his feet, but David was already lying on the ground when he made it to his side. “David, oh God, David…” he cried out as he fell to his knees beside the other man. Gently placing one hand on the side of David’s face, he felt his heart skip a beat and his vocal cords seemed to freeze. “Please,” he whispered as his thumb traced along David’s jaw. “Please, talk to me…please open your eyes and say something…*anything*..please…”
David gasped for breath as he heard Craig talking but couldn't seem to drag any air into his lungs. His eyes watered and he tried yet again to regain his breath. After what seemed an eternity, he drew in a ragged breath and coughed. "Mm, ok," he coughed again as his eyes watered even more. He tried to sit up but felt a little dizzy from the lack of oxygen and lay back against the soft earth again. He never thought he'd be thankful for so much recent rain. His eyes focused blurrily on Craig's and he tried to smile. "I'm....ok," he whispered raggedly.
Without a second thought, Craig gently gathered David in his arms and pulled him into a sitting position, which he knew would make it easier for him to breathe. Holding him close he swallowed the lump in his throat and closed his eyes. He’d seen that at least nothing seemed to be broken when David had tried to sit up, and simply couldn’t resist wrapping his arms around him and rocking him back and forth. His lips rested against David’s temple in a gesture that wasn’t quite a kiss, and he felt his shoulders sag with relief as the man in his arms took another breath. “God, I thought…God, David, are you all right? You didn't break anything did you?”
David was slightly shocked as Craig pulled him into his arms but was infinitely touched by the gesture. His own arms wound around Craig as he tried to catch his breath more fully. "No," he said after a moment. "Nothing feels broken...may hurt tomorrow though. Sure glad the barn isn't that tall...and that the ground was still so damp," he said after a moment. Craig was still holding him close and rocking him in his arms, so David just continued to hold onto him, happy to have his arms around him during daylight hours and not just when they went to bed at night. He wished that they could always hold each other this way, but he knew that it was for comfort and nothing else. "Oh...think I already am starting to feel a few bruises though," he sighed. "I'm really ok, not exactly the first time that's happened to me," he grinned against Craig's neck wishing for all the world that he could press his lips against the damp skin.
With a deep, shuddering breath, Craig reluctantly released his hold on David, feeling his heart still pounding furiously in his chest. The words, ‘I love you’ were on the very tip of his tongue, especially since David’s arms were wrapped around him for a moment after he let go. He carefully let his fingers trail over David’s back and neck, searching for any injuries, and at the same time relishing the feel of being able to hold him and touch him for a moment longer. “God, that scared me to death,” he said softly, finally forcing himself to pull away and stand up. He offered both hands to David and tried to keep the concern from his eyes. “At least let me help you up.”
David closed his eyes for a moment as gentle hands trailed over his back but he forced himself to open them and looked up at Craig as he pulled away and offered his hands. David reached out and took them, standing up slowly, he groaned softly. "Definitely going to feel it fully in the morning," he mused. "I'm sorry I scared you, bet you thought you'd be tending me like I did when you arrived," he teased as Craig released his hands. "I'll be fine...just a bit...sore," he said frowning and rubbing his hand against his lower back.
“Tending to you…that wasn’t exactly what I was worried about,” Craig murmured softly, wiping the sweat from his brow again…sweat borne of utter helplessness and fear instead of the heat this time. His hand moved down rested on David’s lower back, and he gently let his fingers rub soothing circles were David’s hands had just been. Afraid he would say something, or do something to embarrass them both, he quickly continued. “You sit down and rest and let me finish that roof, and if you’re still hurting tonight, I’ll put some warm compresses on your back and see if I can’t work the soreness out.” He pulled his hand away; half hoping David would ask him to continue.
David turned slightly and caught Craig's hand in his for a moment squeezing it gently. "Thank you," he smiled. "I'll be fine, though that does sound good. I don't need to sit down though, afraid if I sit down I won't want to get back up," he grinned. "I'll finish that last board, and gather up the tools while you finish the roof?" he offered. He didn't feel like sitting down, he knew once he relaxed that getting back up would hurt worse.
Craig studied David’s face and sighed. “You’re stubborn,” he grinned, acutely aware that David still had hold of his hand. “But you have to promise you’ll stop if the pain gets any worse.” His fingers curled around David’s and he shook his head. “I’m not letting go until you promise.”
David grinned and almost bit his bottom lip in sheer desire *not* to agree just so Craig would continue to hold his hand. After a few moments he nodded, "I promise," he said softly not wishing for Craig to release him.
Staring into David’s eyes, Craig didn’t move, completely mesmerized by the way the sunlight made them sparkle and turn an impossibly lighter shade of blue. After a few moments, he realized what a fool he must look, and he abruptly released David’s hand. Grabbing the ladder, he hauled it back up against the roof, grabbing the thatch that had fallen and scrambled up to the top as quickly as his burden would allow. “We can still finish this while it’s still daylight,” he mumbled under his breath, feeling his face turning a very unbecoming shade of read. “But don’t think I won’t be watching you. At the first sign of pain, you’re sitting down, if I have to pick you up and carry you back to the house.”
David laughed softly, "Carry me back? Oh then both our backs will be aching," he teased as he moved slowly over to the side of the barn. Suppressing a groan as he reached for the hammer he set to work replacing the board. Within an hour they had finished their work and were walking back to the house. David had been trying to hide his pain as they walked toward the house but couldn't any longer. He had started favoring his left leg a bit and couldn't work out a way to hide it from Craig, so he was grateful that he'd been walking slightly behind the other man. He had always endured such things on his own so far away from people all his life, so he wasn't accustomed to letting someone help him. "The stew should be ready once we get inside and get washed up," he said trying to make conversation to distract himself from the pain in his lower back.
Craig turned and winced as he saw the pain that was evident on David’s face. Taking a step back, he gently lifted David’s arm over his shoulders and rested his own arm around the other man’s waist. “Forgive me, David. I realize this is your house, but as of this moment, I’m in charge for the rest of the evening,” he smiled as he helped David walk toward the front door. “I’m going to heat some water and you’re going to sit in a nice, hot bath while I finish up dinner, then you’re going to lie down while I serve you your meal in bed.” As David started to protest, Craig placed his index finger over the soft, full lips he’d been dying to kiss for months. “No arguments, please. After you eat, I’m going settle in bed next to you, massage those sore muscles, and read to you for a change, until you go to sleep. And if you’re still hurting in the morning, we’re going to repeat the same process all over.”
David almost startled as Craig put his arm around him and when he spoke David tried to protest but before he said a word Craig's finger rested against his lips and he felt his entire body nearly jerk in response. He desperately wished to know what it felt like to have Craig's lips pressed against his own and was having a hard time resisting the urge to press his lips forward against the digit resting against him. Everything he offered truly sounded wonderful and he sighed softly. "No arguments," he whispered seeing just how serious Craig was. Part of him was thrilled at the very idea Craig cared enough to do all of that, but he knew it was only from a sense of obligation for everything David had done for him.
Craig smiled and realized his breathing was faster than normal. It took every ounce of will power not to simply gather David in his arms again and kiss him soundly. Maybe David didn’t care for him as anything other than a friend, or someone to help around the farm, but at least he wasn’t even trying to pull away from his touch. He led David straight to the bedroom and gently deposited him on the bed. “You relax until I get the water heated and finish up the stew. You’re not to lift one finger until I get back. And, if you don’t mind, I’d like to help myself to the herbs on the top shelf, and see if I can’t find something to help you with the soreness a bit.”
David opened his mouth to protest again but he sighed and nodded instead as he sat on the edge of the bed. He shifted gingerly and tried to hide the grimace the action produced. He pursed his lips and took a deep breath, "Go right ahead...I'll stay right here," he said softly. David looked over at the tub and swallowed hard, he'd never been undressed in front of another person since he was a small child, and was suddenly extremely nervous.
Craig left the room with a final, worried backward glance at David and hurried toward the fireplace. Quickly drawing two large buckets of water, he stoked the fire in the living room, and hung one bucket over the flames, then carried the second bucket back into the bedroom to put over the fire there. With a brief smile back at David, he left the bedroom again and began finishing up dinner and heating more water with herbs in a small bowl. His heart ached each time he pictured David lying on the ground, breathless and pale, and he almost felt sick to his stomach. //If something happened to him…*really* happened, he’d never know that you were in love with him.//
David sat on the edge of the bed and waited for Craig to return. He felt silly being waited on, he wasn't accustomed to it at all but his back really was aching. He shifted positions, straightening one leg trying to alleviate some of the pressure in his back and bit his bottom lip. He could hear Craig bustling around in the other room and before he could even think the words were out. "Are you sure you don't want me to help? I can...it's not...well it's not that bad," he called through the open door.
Craig stuck his head back through the bedroom door and arched an eyebrow at his friend. Seeing that he was still in obvious pain, he grabbed the herb-laced tea and crossed over to the bed. Gently lifting David’s legs up on the mattress, Craig urged him to lie back against the pillows. “I’m sure,” he said softly, helping David roll over on his side. “You just rest and drink this. It’ll help you relax.” He sat on the edge of the bed and let his fingers again soothe over the tense and swollen muscles of David’s lower back. “The water will be heated in a moment, and don’t worry about messing up the bed, like I *know* you are. I’ll change the sheets while you take a bath. And if there’s anything you need, just tell me. I don’t want you to move an inch without me being here to help you, all right? Please? Do this for me?”
Any protest that David might have had disappeared as soon as Craig said the words 'Please? Do this for me?'. Little did the other man know that David would walk to the ends of the earth for him if Craig asked him to. Nodding, he looked up at Craig sheepishly through his lashes, "Ok. I just...I'm sorry I'm just not used to being taken care of. Thank you," he said realizing that he might sound ungrateful which he wasn't. He took a sip of the tea and watched as Craig walked to the door again.
Smiling at David as he walked back into the main room of the house, Craig moved out of the other man’s sight and leaned back against the wall. //I’d like to take care of you forever, David…to make you *know* what it feels like.// With a deep sigh, he stirred the stew and straightened up the kitchen, then dipped his finger into the rapidly heating water that still hung over the fire. Deeming it warm enough, he carried the bucket into the bedroom, emptied it into the tub, and did the same with the bucket over the second fireplace. He headed back into the kitchen, filled the buckets again, and placed them back over the fire as well, stopping only long enough to stir the stew. “The water will be warm enough in just a few minutes, and the stew’s almost done. Can I get you anything while we wait?” he asked softly.
David smiled as Craig moved back into the room and shook his head. "No, just...sit here with me for a bit?" he asked softly. "Again, thank you...guess you are more than making up for that first month now," he said looking down at the bed. He feared now that once his back felt better that Craig would consider his debt paid and leave.
“Sure,” Craig said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed and wishing he could just curl up and hold David tight, kissing him senseless and making him forget all about his back pain. He wanted to tell David that he wasn’t here merely to repay his debt. That he was here because he wanted to be here with David more than he’d ever wanted anything in his life. //But I guess that’s just how he sees it. He’s just glad to have an extra pair of hands around the farm and someone to keep him warm at night. I was foolish to think he felt anything more than that.// His eyes watered and he looked down, swallowing the lump in his throat. //At least you didn’t tell him that you were in love with him. That would only serve to embarrass you both now.//
David looked up at Craig and wondered what made him look bereft so suddenly. "Craig?" he asked reaching out and touching his arm gently. "I...I didn't mean to make you think that...that I thought the only reason you were helping me was out of gratitude. I...I'd like to think that we...that we are friends," he said softly.
Craig tried to smile as he looked down at David and swallowed hard. Gently placing his hand over the one on his arm, he gave David’s fingers a gentle squeeze. “We are friends, David,” he said softly. “We most definitely are friends.” //And God, I wish we could be so much more. Maybe after I talk with Karl, you’ll let me come back? So I can at least *try* to make you love me?// Nodding his head, he averted his eyes from David’s and looked toward the fire. “I’ll….check on the water and the stew,” he said, carefully placing David’s hand back on the bed, and struggling not to hold on to it for dear life. “And I think I’ll have time to make us some bread to eat with it while you’re having your bath.” He needed to get out of here before he said something he’d regret; he knew that without a doubt. “I’ll be right back.”
David stared after Craig wondering what he had said wrong. He got the sense that something had been left unspoken between them. He knew what he was holding back, but what was Craig holding back? He sighed softly and rested back against the pillows, the action reminding him of his back and he gritted his teeth in frustration. Silently, he waited for Craig to return and hoped that whatever had been left unsaid didn't push their friendship apart.
Craig felt like tearing his hair out and hiding underneath something at the same time. //What am I going to do? I can’t just fall out of love with him, and I can’t just walk away, …but I’m not sure I can stand to just be his friend. I guess, though, it’s definitely better than being without him in my life at all.// Forcing those thoughts from his head, he checked on the water, found it quite warm, and carried it into the bedroom, where he poured it into the tub. //Just act like nothing happened. Just forget everything and make him feel better right now.// As soon as the second bucket had been emptied into the tub, he walked over to the bed and gently helped David to his feet. “I’ll leave you alone to get undressed,” he said softly, making sure his usual smile was on his face. “If you need me for anything at all, I’ll be right outside the door.”
David forced a smile though he was sure that Craig could see the pain in his eyes. "Thank you," he whispered. He watched Craig slip back out of the room and gingerly undressed himself, he was grateful he hadn't worn boots and managed to toe his shoes off with a minimum of pain. Once he was undressed he walked slowly to the tub and though it hurt like hell, he carefully lowered himself into it. He began to wash himself but knew he'd be unable to do his back or his hair. He sat in the tub for a while with his eyes closed and tried to figure out what had caused Craig to close himself off from David the way he had.
“Are you alright?” Craig yelled through the door. “Do you need any help or….or anything?” //Like for me to make love with you every night for the rest of our lives?// Biting his tongue, Craig pressed his ear to the door and listened intently for any signs that David was in pain.
Hearing Craig's voice David smiled, "I...I could use a little help with my back," he called to him. Hearing the door open David gritted his teeth and drew his knees up slightly. He had never known he was so shy because he'd never been in a situation like this, but he could feel his face turning red and fixed his eyes on the end of the tub. "I...I've never been...naked in front of anyone. I didn't want you to think I'm jumpy because of you or anything...it's just...I'm a little shy," he admitted. He knew that Craig might notice his apprehension and may take it wrong, and that was the last thing he wanted.
Craig crossed the room with a soft smile on his face. He shouldn’t have been surprised with the latest piece of information since David had said he’d never been with anyone sexually, but for some reason, he felt his heart melt. “It’s all right,” he said softly as he crossed the room and sat on his knees beside the tub, being careful not to look anywhere but David’s eyes. “I was a little shy myself when you had to help me bathe all those months ago.” All the blood in his body seemed to congregate in his groin, and he felt his arousal began to grow heavy. //Do *not* think of anything below the water. Do *not* think of anything below the water.//
//Don't remind me of your gorgeous body please? Not right now...I'll have to stay in here until the water is more than cold.// David suppressed a sigh and knew his face was glowing a bright shade of red, but he managed a small smile. "Again, I can't thank you enough. If you hadn't been here I probably would have hurt myself worse," David admitted. He shifted in the water slightly, glad that Craig had put more than enough water in the bath to cover him.
Craig stood and walked behind the bath, thinking that the blush on David’s cheeks only served to make him even sexier and more irresistible than he was before, and Craig hadn’t thought that humanly possible. Settling down on his knees again, he reached for the soap that lay on the edge of the tub and dipped it below the water. He lathered both hands and gently urged David to move forward a bit more, then began to clean his shoulders and neck. //Yyou have no idea how much I love touching you…how much I love *you*.// Moving closer, he let his hand move carefully along David’s spine and below the water line, gently kneading and soothing the tensed muscles of his lower back. “Tell me if I hurt you,” he whispered, as his mouth was suddenly so dry he could hardly speak.
Once Craig's hands moved over his back, David almost forgot completely about the pain. He closed his eyes and simply lost himself in the feeling of being touched by the only man he'd ever loved. He shook his head when Craig whispered. "I will...that feels good though, doesn't hurt," he murmured. One area however was particularly tender and he jumped slightly when Craig's fingers touched against it. "Ok...well it hurts a little," he admitted as Craig's fingers stilled against him. "It's ok though, I'm not made of glass," he said reassuringly.
Craig moved his hand back up out of the water and reached for the bowl sitting in the floor by his feet. “I know you’re not, I just…I don’t want to hurt you,” he said softly, as he shifted around and urged David to tilt his head back. “I can work on that sore area when we get back in bed, but for now, let’s get your hair washed, get some food in you and make a bit more tea so you can sleep.” Filling the bowl with water, he tilted it over David’s head and ran his fingers through the soft, ginger colored strands. He’d have given the world to simply climb in the tub with David and hold him. More than anything, he wanted to make love to the man before him, but right now, taking away his pain was foremost in his mind.
David sighed softly as Craig's fingers moved through his hair and then bit his bottom lip to try and suppress any other sounds he might make. As Craig's hands had moved over his skin and now through his hair, a different sort of ache had started. He used one hand to brace himself in the tub as he leaned back while the other rested over his groin under the water trying to hide his rapidly growing arousal. He'd never felt like this before with anyone, and ever since Craig had come into his life David had found himself becoming aroused when he least wanted to or expected it. He was in pain; he shouldn't be aroused, yet he was. "Food and sleep sound good," he murmured just trying to give his mind something to focus on besides the strong hands touching him so gently.
“And bed,” Craig said, before he realized how that would sound. “I mean…um…you need to lie down and relax too. And….well,” he shut his mouth with a snap before he made an even bigger fool of himself. He was the one blushing now, and, to make matters worse, his breeches were getting more uncomfortable by the second. A soft sigh fell from his lips as he continued wetting and soaping David’s scalp, and he closed his eyes, simply enjoying being able to touch him this way, even as his arousal began to ache in earnest. Filling the bowl again, he rinsed the soap away and frowned, already regretting that there wasn’t anything else he could help David with. “All done,” he whispered, clearing his throat and thinking that he might just have to have a few moments alone with his thoughts.
David sat back up and nodded, "Thank you...um, I'm not sure if I'll be able to get out on my own. Will...would you um...just stand with your back to me beside the tub so I can hold onto you. I had a bit of trouble getting in and I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get out without a bit of help," he asked nervously. He didn't want to risk Craig seeing him in such an embarrassing state but he really had no choice, it was that or sleep in the tub.
“Of course,” Craig said quietly. He reached over for the large towel sitting on a stool by the bed and handed it to David, then stood and turned his back, moving so that David never had the chance to see his rigid arousal that was painfully trapped behind the laces of his breeches. Biting his bottom lip, he reached one arm out behind him and tried not to picture that beautiful body standing up, dripping wet and perfect. //God, give me strength. Please.// “If you want to hold on to me and stand up, then wrap the towel around you, I’ll help you out and get another towel to help you dry off.”
"Thank you," David said shifting in the tub and gritting his teeth against the pain in his back and the new ache between his legs. He used the rim of the tub and Craig's arm to pull himself up and quickly wrapped the towel around his waist leaving it as loose as possible over his groin. "Okay, ready," David whispered holding onto Craig's shoulder.
Craig turned and forgot to breathe for a moment as he saw David’s upper body without a shirt for the first time in all their months together. Glistening trails of water ran down his neck, their routes diverted by the soft, curly hairs that spread across the broad muscles of his chest, made strong from years of hard work and farm life. He knew that if David let his eyes drift down at all, he would see Craig’s arousal, but he seemed as uncomfortable as Craig felt. Finally remembering himself, Craig moved closer and wrapped an arm around David’s waist, feeling a shiver run through his entire body. Taking as much of David’s body weight as he could, he helped him step from the tub, almost ready to pray that the towel would fall. //You can’t…you have to talk to…..to…um…..to….Karl. Yes. You have to talk to Karl first. Then…maybe…just maybe I can return and convince David that I want to be more than his friend.//
David felt uneasy as Craig stepped closer and didn't quite trust himself not to simply move into the man's arms and kiss him. He swallowed hard at the thought and leaned against him as he offered his help. Finally managing to get out of the tub with a minimum of pain, David smiled, "Now that's over with the rest should be easy," he said softly. He waited while Craig retrieved another towel for him and he smiled at him again. "Thank you, I do feel much more relaxed now."
“You’re welcome,” Craig smiled somewhat weakly. He moved behind David and gently wrapped the towel around his shoulders, drying his back and arms and taking full advantage of his position to watch the play of smooth skin over firm muscles. “Let me dry your hair too…you don’t need to strain your back by reaching up.” It was a lame excuse, he knew, and this was absolute torture…but well worth it.
Feeling the towel drift over his body and Craig's bare hands at times was almost too much. When Craig mentioned his hair David tipped his head back and closed his eyes as his friend dried his hair. It felt incredible just having Craig's hands on him like this. He smiled as it played through his mind that he never would have thought he'd be happy to have hurt his back. "Careful, I might start to get used to this," he teased hoping that it would put both of them more at ease.
“I might get used to it as well,” Craig said, too softly for David to hear. “I’m not complaining in the least. I’m…..glad to help.” David’s hair was dried all too soon and Craig put the towel back over his shoulders, afraid that if he moved back in front of the other man, there was no way he could not notice his arousal. It was hard to miss, and his normally loose breeches were tented tight over his groin. “Umm…Let’s let you sit down on the bed and lie back, and I’ll dry off your legs, then get you some stew. You…you probably don’t need to bend down either.”
David moved toward the bed and wondered how he might hide his arousal from Craig. The room was slightly cool and he decided to go with that. Sitting down he quickly drew the covers over his lap and over his arms, when Craig raised an eyebrow and looked at him, he whispered, "Cold." He wasn't but Craig didn't need to know that.
Craig nodded, made sure David was comfortable, and practically ran from the room, stopping only long enough to grab the longest sleeping shirt David owned and taking it with him. “I’ll get the stew,” he said from the front room. “And….make some more tea. Please don’t try and dry your legs. You might hurt yourself worse…and I’ll be right back in there.” As soon as he was through the door, Craig leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. He was so hard; he expected the laces on his breeches to simply give way and his arousal to spring free. //God, David. Would you hate me if you saw how you affect me?// Shaking his head at himself, he resisted the urge to run outside and bring himself quick relief, instead deciding to put the night shirt on and ladling some soup in a bowl as he boiled more tea for water.
David gaped as Craig rushed out of the room and wondered if he hadn't been fast enough pulling the blankets to cover himself. //Did he see? Oh God...I hope not.// He sat on the edge of the bed waiting for Craig to return and closed his eyes as he thought of the way Craig had stared into his eyes that afternoon. The genuine concern he'd seen in the blue depths had almost made him believe that Craig could one day feel more for him than friendship. He sighed and shook his head at himself. //Wishful thinking, David. It won't do you any good at all.//
After a few deep breaths and numerous thoughts of snow and cold water, Craig finally had to resort to threatening his arousal with a large handful of ice, which actually worked rather well, considering the circumstances. With a grim smile, he pulled the night shirt as low as it would go and tried to ignore the fact that he was getting ready to walk back into the *bedroom* with a mostly-naked David in the *bed* of all places. With a resigned sigh, he loaded a small wooden tray with two bowls of stew, a large cup of herb-laced tea, and a metal pitcher of water, and returned to the bedroom. “I hope you’re hungry,” he smiled, setting the small tray on the nightstand and reaching for the towel he’d used to dry David’s hair.
David opened his eyes and smiled as Craig returned. "I am a bit hungry now that you mention it," he said softly. He watched Craig for a few minutes and then dropped his eyes back down to the pattern on the quilt in his lap. The other man had no idea how much he affected David...how much David wanted his touch to be more than comfort and aid for a friend. He tried to push away the wistful feelings and focus on the reality of the situation. Craig was here because he felt he owed David a debt for saving his life and maybe friendship but nothing more.
Craig sat on the edge of the bed and gently dried the parts of David’s legs that weren’t covered by the blanket. “There…all dry, now,” he smiled, pretending not to notice that his fingertips had trailed along David’s legs with the last swipe of the towel. He moved the table over closer to the bed and handed a bowl to David. “Dinner in bed for my //love// patient, just like I promised. Is there anything else you need?”
//You. Your lips against mine. Your hands back on my body and...// David's eyes snapped up to Craig's as he realized his momentary lapse. "No...no, I think I've got everything I need," he said smiling. He let the covers drop from one arm and pulled the bowl closer. They ate in silence for a few minutes and David tried to keep from stealing glances at Craig.
When both bowls of stew were empty, Craig made sure David had drunk all the tea and set everything back on the table. He grabbed another nightshirt, helped David put it on, and noted that his friend kept the blankets firmly over his waist and legs. //How can he be cold? It’s warm in here.// With a worried frown, he walked to what he now thought of as his side of the bed. He lay on his side behind the man he loved, staying far enough away so that his reawakening arousal wouldn’t press against David’s body, and slid one hand between them. “Let’s work on those sore muscles,” he said softly. “Just relax and let me take care of you, David.”
David changed into the nightshirt though it was awkward because he kept the blankets over him. As Craig walked around to the other side of the bed David quickly shifted the nightshirt down until it covered him completely, nearly groaning from the effort. As he lay down on his side he felt Craig slip into bed behind him and only jumped slightly when his hand pressed against his back. Trying to relax the way Craig had advised, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The herbs from the tea were starting to relax him slightly and he'd never felt more grateful. He closed his eyes as gentle hands roamed over him and bit back a moan. His back still ached but the tight muscles were soon starting to loosen under Craig's touch. "You're very good at this," David commented.
Craig smiled and continued tenderly coaxing the tight muscles into relaxation. “I’m glad you think so,” he said softly. “I’ve had a bit of training in treating battle wounds, but have never had the opportunity to work on a sore back before. I just hope I’m not making things worse.” Already, he missed the feel of David’s head on his chest, and he fought the urge to slide his free hand underneath David’s neck and spoon up against his back. //I could keep my hips twisted up, and he’d never know what affect he has on me…maybe…he wouldn’t mind so much…//
David pressed back slightly into Craig's touch, it ached but at the same time felt extremely good having pressure against his lower back. "I don't think you are making it worse," he murmured softly. The herbs in the tea were already making him groggy and he fought to keep his eyes open. It was still so early in the evening and he didn't want to lose any of the time he might have with Craig to sleep. "What's it like being a knight?" he asked trying to stifle a yawn.
Speaking quietly, Craig talked about his life in St. Albans, about his duties, his friends, and about the city itself as his hands moved soothingly over David’s back. He could tell the tea was starting to affect him, and both his voice and his touch grew softer as he felt David relax and his words began to slur. “You need to rest,” he whispered. “And you need to promise to wake me if you wake up and need anything during the night.”
"Mmm, I will," David murmured, burrowing his face against his pillow slightly. As he felt Craig draw away he frowned and said, "No...please just...just lay here with me," he protested weakly. He felt slightly silly for nearly whining but he was suddenly exhausted and Craig's touch was soothing. He reached back and tugged at his arm. "Please?"
Craig smiled and slid one arm underneath David’s head as he’d been wanting to do for the past hour. In the past months, he’d somehow managed not to do anything sexual as they shared the same bed, doing nothing more than pressing soft kisses to his forehead long after he’d gone asleep and watching him sleep for hours on end. He kept his hips flat on the bed, so as not to embarrass them both and waited to see how David would make himself comfortable. “I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered, pulling the blanket snug under David’s chin and reaching behind him for the book they’d been reading. “Just relax and let me read you to sleep.”
David shifted backwards toward Craig when his arm slid under his head. He could feel the side of Craig's thigh against his backside and sighed softly as he felt the other man move just a little closer. It wasn't what David would have wanted, he wanted to feel Craig's chest pressed against his back but he figured because of his injury Craig didn't want to risk hurting him. Relaxing further he smiled as Craig began to read to him. //I love you. I wish I could tell you that.// His last thoughts were of Craig's voice reading softly as he drifted off into a contented sleep.
Craig read until he could no longer see the words on the pages, then quietly put the book aside and listened to the soft breaths falling from David’s lips. When he was absolutely sure David was asleep, he spooned closer and placed a soft kiss to the back of his neck, smiling as he buried his face in soft hair. “Sweet dreams, my love,” he whispered, before closing his eyes and letting the sound to David’s soft snores lull him to sleep.
~~~
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.
Almost two full weeks passed before the weather cleared enough for Craig and David to travel into Oxmoor for supplies to fix the barn. They had waited a few more days before they started working on replacing the boards that had been damaged by the high winds, and rethatching a section of the roof. The weather had finally started to turn warmer and the first signs of spring were being seen in the fields around the farm. David reached down for a bundle of thatch from Craig. "Thanks," he said smiling as he began to unroll the bundle and set it in place. "I think we might get this all done before the sun starts to set," he called down to Craig, who was working on replacing one of the boards along the side wall.
Craig smiled up at David and returned to his work. “Good,” he said, as he slid the board in place and wiped the sweat from his brow. “Then maybe we can get started on repairing chimney tomorrow if the weather holds, or maybe that last bit of fence out back..” Excuses for staying were growing thin, but he still wasn’t ready to leave. Nothing else had been said about their sleeping arrangements, and even though the weather was much warmer, they’d continued to share a bed each night. “After that…if you can think of anything else that needs doing….I’m at your disposal, for as long as you need me.”
David continued weaving the thatch in place as Craig spoke and smiled, grateful that the long harsh winter had left so much to be done on the farm. Part of him felt bad for letting Craig's sense of appreciation for taking care of him keep him there longer than he probably should have stayed, but David couldn't bring himself to say no each time Craig offered his help. His help meant he would stay one more day, or one more week, and it meant that David could spend just a little bit more time with the man who had so thoroughly stolen his heart. "Well those things do need to be done...I won't turn down offers of help," David said as he finished one section and moved to the next. As he reached for the other bundle of thatch next to him it shifted and slid along the roof. David tried to catch it but as soon as he did he knew immediately that he'd overbalanced. He cried out as he tipped backwards and could do nothing but curl up as best he could as he flew back toward the thankfully, still damp ground. He landed with a heavy thud and the wind was knocked from his lungs.
Craig was kneeling down, trying to line the bottom of the board up when he heard the creak of the ladder. He scrambled to his feet, but David was already lying on the ground when he made it to his side. “David, oh God, David…” he cried out as he fell to his knees beside the other man. Gently placing one hand on the side of David’s face, he felt his heart skip a beat and his vocal cords seemed to freeze. “Please,” he whispered as his thumb traced along David’s jaw. “Please, talk to me…please open your eyes and say something…*anything*..please…”
David gasped for breath as he heard Craig talking but couldn't seem to drag any air into his lungs. His eyes watered and he tried yet again to regain his breath. After what seemed an eternity, he drew in a ragged breath and coughed. "Mm, ok," he coughed again as his eyes watered even more. He tried to sit up but felt a little dizzy from the lack of oxygen and lay back against the soft earth again. He never thought he'd be thankful for so much recent rain. His eyes focused blurrily on Craig's and he tried to smile. "I'm....ok," he whispered raggedly.
Without a second thought, Craig gently gathered David in his arms and pulled him into a sitting position, which he knew would make it easier for him to breathe. Holding him close he swallowed the lump in his throat and closed his eyes. He’d seen that at least nothing seemed to be broken when David had tried to sit up, and simply couldn’t resist wrapping his arms around him and rocking him back and forth. His lips rested against David’s temple in a gesture that wasn’t quite a kiss, and he felt his shoulders sag with relief as the man in his arms took another breath. “God, I thought…God, David, are you all right? You didn't break anything did you?”
David was slightly shocked as Craig pulled him into his arms but was infinitely touched by the gesture. His own arms wound around Craig as he tried to catch his breath more fully. "No," he said after a moment. "Nothing feels broken...may hurt tomorrow though. Sure glad the barn isn't that tall...and that the ground was still so damp," he said after a moment. Craig was still holding him close and rocking him in his arms, so David just continued to hold onto him, happy to have his arms around him during daylight hours and not just when they went to bed at night. He wished that they could always hold each other this way, but he knew that it was for comfort and nothing else. "Oh...think I already am starting to feel a few bruises though," he sighed. "I'm really ok, not exactly the first time that's happened to me," he grinned against Craig's neck wishing for all the world that he could press his lips against the damp skin.
With a deep, shuddering breath, Craig reluctantly released his hold on David, feeling his heart still pounding furiously in his chest. The words, ‘I love you’ were on the very tip of his tongue, especially since David’s arms were wrapped around him for a moment after he let go. He carefully let his fingers trail over David’s back and neck, searching for any injuries, and at the same time relishing the feel of being able to hold him and touch him for a moment longer. “God, that scared me to death,” he said softly, finally forcing himself to pull away and stand up. He offered both hands to David and tried to keep the concern from his eyes. “At least let me help you up.”
David closed his eyes for a moment as gentle hands trailed over his back but he forced himself to open them and looked up at Craig as he pulled away and offered his hands. David reached out and took them, standing up slowly, he groaned softly. "Definitely going to feel it fully in the morning," he mused. "I'm sorry I scared you, bet you thought you'd be tending me like I did when you arrived," he teased as Craig released his hands. "I'll be fine...just a bit...sore," he said frowning and rubbing his hand against his lower back.
“Tending to you…that wasn’t exactly what I was worried about,” Craig murmured softly, wiping the sweat from his brow again…sweat borne of utter helplessness and fear instead of the heat this time. His hand moved down rested on David’s lower back, and he gently let his fingers rub soothing circles were David’s hands had just been. Afraid he would say something, or do something to embarrass them both, he quickly continued. “You sit down and rest and let me finish that roof, and if you’re still hurting tonight, I’ll put some warm compresses on your back and see if I can’t work the soreness out.” He pulled his hand away; half hoping David would ask him to continue.
David turned slightly and caught Craig's hand in his for a moment squeezing it gently. "Thank you," he smiled. "I'll be fine, though that does sound good. I don't need to sit down though, afraid if I sit down I won't want to get back up," he grinned. "I'll finish that last board, and gather up the tools while you finish the roof?" he offered. He didn't feel like sitting down, he knew once he relaxed that getting back up would hurt worse.
Craig studied David’s face and sighed. “You’re stubborn,” he grinned, acutely aware that David still had hold of his hand. “But you have to promise you’ll stop if the pain gets any worse.” His fingers curled around David’s and he shook his head. “I’m not letting go until you promise.”
David grinned and almost bit his bottom lip in sheer desire *not* to agree just so Craig would continue to hold his hand. After a few moments he nodded, "I promise," he said softly not wishing for Craig to release him.
Staring into David’s eyes, Craig didn’t move, completely mesmerized by the way the sunlight made them sparkle and turn an impossibly lighter shade of blue. After a few moments, he realized what a fool he must look, and he abruptly released David’s hand. Grabbing the ladder, he hauled it back up against the roof, grabbing the thatch that had fallen and scrambled up to the top as quickly as his burden would allow. “We can still finish this while it’s still daylight,” he mumbled under his breath, feeling his face turning a very unbecoming shade of read. “But don’t think I won’t be watching you. At the first sign of pain, you’re sitting down, if I have to pick you up and carry you back to the house.”
David laughed softly, "Carry me back? Oh then both our backs will be aching," he teased as he moved slowly over to the side of the barn. Suppressing a groan as he reached for the hammer he set to work replacing the board. Within an hour they had finished their work and were walking back to the house. David had been trying to hide his pain as they walked toward the house but couldn't any longer. He had started favoring his left leg a bit and couldn't work out a way to hide it from Craig, so he was grateful that he'd been walking slightly behind the other man. He had always endured such things on his own so far away from people all his life, so he wasn't accustomed to letting someone help him. "The stew should be ready once we get inside and get washed up," he said trying to make conversation to distract himself from the pain in his lower back.
Craig turned and winced as he saw the pain that was evident on David’s face. Taking a step back, he gently lifted David’s arm over his shoulders and rested his own arm around the other man’s waist. “Forgive me, David. I realize this is your house, but as of this moment, I’m in charge for the rest of the evening,” he smiled as he helped David walk toward the front door. “I’m going to heat some water and you’re going to sit in a nice, hot bath while I finish up dinner, then you’re going to lie down while I serve you your meal in bed.” As David started to protest, Craig placed his index finger over the soft, full lips he’d been dying to kiss for months. “No arguments, please. After you eat, I’m going settle in bed next to you, massage those sore muscles, and read to you for a change, until you go to sleep. And if you’re still hurting in the morning, we’re going to repeat the same process all over.”
David almost startled as Craig put his arm around him and when he spoke David tried to protest but before he said a word Craig's finger rested against his lips and he felt his entire body nearly jerk in response. He desperately wished to know what it felt like to have Craig's lips pressed against his own and was having a hard time resisting the urge to press his lips forward against the digit resting against him. Everything he offered truly sounded wonderful and he sighed softly. "No arguments," he whispered seeing just how serious Craig was. Part of him was thrilled at the very idea Craig cared enough to do all of that, but he knew it was only from a sense of obligation for everything David had done for him.
Craig smiled and realized his breathing was faster than normal. It took every ounce of will power not to simply gather David in his arms again and kiss him soundly. Maybe David didn’t care for him as anything other than a friend, or someone to help around the farm, but at least he wasn’t even trying to pull away from his touch. He led David straight to the bedroom and gently deposited him on the bed. “You relax until I get the water heated and finish up the stew. You’re not to lift one finger until I get back. And, if you don’t mind, I’d like to help myself to the herbs on the top shelf, and see if I can’t find something to help you with the soreness a bit.”
David opened his mouth to protest again but he sighed and nodded instead as he sat on the edge of the bed. He shifted gingerly and tried to hide the grimace the action produced. He pursed his lips and took a deep breath, "Go right ahead...I'll stay right here," he said softly. David looked over at the tub and swallowed hard, he'd never been undressed in front of another person since he was a small child, and was suddenly extremely nervous.
Craig left the room with a final, worried backward glance at David and hurried toward the fireplace. Quickly drawing two large buckets of water, he stoked the fire in the living room, and hung one bucket over the flames, then carried the second bucket back into the bedroom to put over the fire there. With a brief smile back at David, he left the bedroom again and began finishing up dinner and heating more water with herbs in a small bowl. His heart ached each time he pictured David lying on the ground, breathless and pale, and he almost felt sick to his stomach. //If something happened to him…*really* happened, he’d never know that you were in love with him.//
David sat on the edge of the bed and waited for Craig to return. He felt silly being waited on, he wasn't accustomed to it at all but his back really was aching. He shifted positions, straightening one leg trying to alleviate some of the pressure in his back and bit his bottom lip. He could hear Craig bustling around in the other room and before he could even think the words were out. "Are you sure you don't want me to help? I can...it's not...well it's not that bad," he called through the open door.
Craig stuck his head back through the bedroom door and arched an eyebrow at his friend. Seeing that he was still in obvious pain, he grabbed the herb-laced tea and crossed over to the bed. Gently lifting David’s legs up on the mattress, Craig urged him to lie back against the pillows. “I’m sure,” he said softly, helping David roll over on his side. “You just rest and drink this. It’ll help you relax.” He sat on the edge of the bed and let his fingers again soothe over the tense and swollen muscles of David’s lower back. “The water will be heated in a moment, and don’t worry about messing up the bed, like I *know* you are. I’ll change the sheets while you take a bath. And if there’s anything you need, just tell me. I don’t want you to move an inch without me being here to help you, all right? Please? Do this for me?”
Any protest that David might have had disappeared as soon as Craig said the words 'Please? Do this for me?'. Little did the other man know that David would walk to the ends of the earth for him if Craig asked him to. Nodding, he looked up at Craig sheepishly through his lashes, "Ok. I just...I'm sorry I'm just not used to being taken care of. Thank you," he said realizing that he might sound ungrateful which he wasn't. He took a sip of the tea and watched as Craig walked to the door again.
Smiling at David as he walked back into the main room of the house, Craig moved out of the other man’s sight and leaned back against the wall. //I’d like to take care of you forever, David…to make you *know* what it feels like.// With a deep sigh, he stirred the stew and straightened up the kitchen, then dipped his finger into the rapidly heating water that still hung over the fire. Deeming it warm enough, he carried the bucket into the bedroom, emptied it into the tub, and did the same with the bucket over the second fireplace. He headed back into the kitchen, filled the buckets again, and placed them back over the fire as well, stopping only long enough to stir the stew. “The water will be warm enough in just a few minutes, and the stew’s almost done. Can I get you anything while we wait?” he asked softly.
David smiled as Craig moved back into the room and shook his head. "No, just...sit here with me for a bit?" he asked softly. "Again, thank you...guess you are more than making up for that first month now," he said looking down at the bed. He feared now that once his back felt better that Craig would consider his debt paid and leave.
“Sure,” Craig said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed and wishing he could just curl up and hold David tight, kissing him senseless and making him forget all about his back pain. He wanted to tell David that he wasn’t here merely to repay his debt. That he was here because he wanted to be here with David more than he’d ever wanted anything in his life. //But I guess that’s just how he sees it. He’s just glad to have an extra pair of hands around the farm and someone to keep him warm at night. I was foolish to think he felt anything more than that.// His eyes watered and he looked down, swallowing the lump in his throat. //At least you didn’t tell him that you were in love with him. That would only serve to embarrass you both now.//
David looked up at Craig and wondered what made him look bereft so suddenly. "Craig?" he asked reaching out and touching his arm gently. "I...I didn't mean to make you think that...that I thought the only reason you were helping me was out of gratitude. I...I'd like to think that we...that we are friends," he said softly.
Craig tried to smile as he looked down at David and swallowed hard. Gently placing his hand over the one on his arm, he gave David’s fingers a gentle squeeze. “We are friends, David,” he said softly. “We most definitely are friends.” //And God, I wish we could be so much more. Maybe after I talk with Karl, you’ll let me come back? So I can at least *try* to make you love me?// Nodding his head, he averted his eyes from David’s and looked toward the fire. “I’ll….check on the water and the stew,” he said, carefully placing David’s hand back on the bed, and struggling not to hold on to it for dear life. “And I think I’ll have time to make us some bread to eat with it while you’re having your bath.” He needed to get out of here before he said something he’d regret; he knew that without a doubt. “I’ll be right back.”
David stared after Craig wondering what he had said wrong. He got the sense that something had been left unspoken between them. He knew what he was holding back, but what was Craig holding back? He sighed softly and rested back against the pillows, the action reminding him of his back and he gritted his teeth in frustration. Silently, he waited for Craig to return and hoped that whatever had been left unsaid didn't push their friendship apart.
Craig felt like tearing his hair out and hiding underneath something at the same time. //What am I going to do? I can’t just fall out of love with him, and I can’t just walk away, …but I’m not sure I can stand to just be his friend. I guess, though, it’s definitely better than being without him in my life at all.// Forcing those thoughts from his head, he checked on the water, found it quite warm, and carried it into the bedroom, where he poured it into the tub. //Just act like nothing happened. Just forget everything and make him feel better right now.// As soon as the second bucket had been emptied into the tub, he walked over to the bed and gently helped David to his feet. “I’ll leave you alone to get undressed,” he said softly, making sure his usual smile was on his face. “If you need me for anything at all, I’ll be right outside the door.”
David forced a smile though he was sure that Craig could see the pain in his eyes. "Thank you," he whispered. He watched Craig slip back out of the room and gingerly undressed himself, he was grateful he hadn't worn boots and managed to toe his shoes off with a minimum of pain. Once he was undressed he walked slowly to the tub and though it hurt like hell, he carefully lowered himself into it. He began to wash himself but knew he'd be unable to do his back or his hair. He sat in the tub for a while with his eyes closed and tried to figure out what had caused Craig to close himself off from David the way he had.
“Are you alright?” Craig yelled through the door. “Do you need any help or….or anything?” //Like for me to make love with you every night for the rest of our lives?// Biting his tongue, Craig pressed his ear to the door and listened intently for any signs that David was in pain.
Hearing Craig's voice David smiled, "I...I could use a little help with my back," he called to him. Hearing the door open David gritted his teeth and drew his knees up slightly. He had never known he was so shy because he'd never been in a situation like this, but he could feel his face turning red and fixed his eyes on the end of the tub. "I...I've never been...naked in front of anyone. I didn't want you to think I'm jumpy because of you or anything...it's just...I'm a little shy," he admitted. He knew that Craig might notice his apprehension and may take it wrong, and that was the last thing he wanted.
Craig crossed the room with a soft smile on his face. He shouldn’t have been surprised with the latest piece of information since David had said he’d never been with anyone sexually, but for some reason, he felt his heart melt. “It’s all right,” he said softly as he crossed the room and sat on his knees beside the tub, being careful not to look anywhere but David’s eyes. “I was a little shy myself when you had to help me bathe all those months ago.” All the blood in his body seemed to congregate in his groin, and he felt his arousal began to grow heavy. //Do *not* think of anything below the water. Do *not* think of anything below the water.//
//Don't remind me of your gorgeous body please? Not right now...I'll have to stay in here until the water is more than cold.// David suppressed a sigh and knew his face was glowing a bright shade of red, but he managed a small smile. "Again, I can't thank you enough. If you hadn't been here I probably would have hurt myself worse," David admitted. He shifted in the water slightly, glad that Craig had put more than enough water in the bath to cover him.
Craig stood and walked behind the bath, thinking that the blush on David’s cheeks only served to make him even sexier and more irresistible than he was before, and Craig hadn’t thought that humanly possible. Settling down on his knees again, he reached for the soap that lay on the edge of the tub and dipped it below the water. He lathered both hands and gently urged David to move forward a bit more, then began to clean his shoulders and neck. //Yyou have no idea how much I love touching you…how much I love *you*.// Moving closer, he let his hand move carefully along David’s spine and below the water line, gently kneading and soothing the tensed muscles of his lower back. “Tell me if I hurt you,” he whispered, as his mouth was suddenly so dry he could hardly speak.
Once Craig's hands moved over his back, David almost forgot completely about the pain. He closed his eyes and simply lost himself in the feeling of being touched by the only man he'd ever loved. He shook his head when Craig whispered. "I will...that feels good though, doesn't hurt," he murmured. One area however was particularly tender and he jumped slightly when Craig's fingers touched against it. "Ok...well it hurts a little," he admitted as Craig's fingers stilled against him. "It's ok though, I'm not made of glass," he said reassuringly.
Craig moved his hand back up out of the water and reached for the bowl sitting in the floor by his feet. “I know you’re not, I just…I don’t want to hurt you,” he said softly, as he shifted around and urged David to tilt his head back. “I can work on that sore area when we get back in bed, but for now, let’s get your hair washed, get some food in you and make a bit more tea so you can sleep.” Filling the bowl with water, he tilted it over David’s head and ran his fingers through the soft, ginger colored strands. He’d have given the world to simply climb in the tub with David and hold him. More than anything, he wanted to make love to the man before him, but right now, taking away his pain was foremost in his mind.
David sighed softly as Craig's fingers moved through his hair and then bit his bottom lip to try and suppress any other sounds he might make. As Craig's hands had moved over his skin and now through his hair, a different sort of ache had started. He used one hand to brace himself in the tub as he leaned back while the other rested over his groin under the water trying to hide his rapidly growing arousal. He'd never felt like this before with anyone, and ever since Craig had come into his life David had found himself becoming aroused when he least wanted to or expected it. He was in pain; he shouldn't be aroused, yet he was. "Food and sleep sound good," he murmured just trying to give his mind something to focus on besides the strong hands touching him so gently.
“And bed,” Craig said, before he realized how that would sound. “I mean…um…you need to lie down and relax too. And….well,” he shut his mouth with a snap before he made an even bigger fool of himself. He was the one blushing now, and, to make matters worse, his breeches were getting more uncomfortable by the second. A soft sigh fell from his lips as he continued wetting and soaping David’s scalp, and he closed his eyes, simply enjoying being able to touch him this way, even as his arousal began to ache in earnest. Filling the bowl again, he rinsed the soap away and frowned, already regretting that there wasn’t anything else he could help David with. “All done,” he whispered, clearing his throat and thinking that he might just have to have a few moments alone with his thoughts.
David sat back up and nodded, "Thank you...um, I'm not sure if I'll be able to get out on my own. Will...would you um...just stand with your back to me beside the tub so I can hold onto you. I had a bit of trouble getting in and I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get out without a bit of help," he asked nervously. He didn't want to risk Craig seeing him in such an embarrassing state but he really had no choice, it was that or sleep in the tub.
“Of course,” Craig said quietly. He reached over for the large towel sitting on a stool by the bed and handed it to David, then stood and turned his back, moving so that David never had the chance to see his rigid arousal that was painfully trapped behind the laces of his breeches. Biting his bottom lip, he reached one arm out behind him and tried not to picture that beautiful body standing up, dripping wet and perfect. //God, give me strength. Please.// “If you want to hold on to me and stand up, then wrap the towel around you, I’ll help you out and get another towel to help you dry off.”
"Thank you," David said shifting in the tub and gritting his teeth against the pain in his back and the new ache between his legs. He used the rim of the tub and Craig's arm to pull himself up and quickly wrapped the towel around his waist leaving it as loose as possible over his groin. "Okay, ready," David whispered holding onto Craig's shoulder.
Craig turned and forgot to breathe for a moment as he saw David’s upper body without a shirt for the first time in all their months together. Glistening trails of water ran down his neck, their routes diverted by the soft, curly hairs that spread across the broad muscles of his chest, made strong from years of hard work and farm life. He knew that if David let his eyes drift down at all, he would see Craig’s arousal, but he seemed as uncomfortable as Craig felt. Finally remembering himself, Craig moved closer and wrapped an arm around David’s waist, feeling a shiver run through his entire body. Taking as much of David’s body weight as he could, he helped him step from the tub, almost ready to pray that the towel would fall. //You can’t…you have to talk to…..to…um…..to….Karl. Yes. You have to talk to Karl first. Then…maybe…just maybe I can return and convince David that I want to be more than his friend.//
David felt uneasy as Craig stepped closer and didn't quite trust himself not to simply move into the man's arms and kiss him. He swallowed hard at the thought and leaned against him as he offered his help. Finally managing to get out of the tub with a minimum of pain, David smiled, "Now that's over with the rest should be easy," he said softly. He waited while Craig retrieved another towel for him and he smiled at him again. "Thank you, I do feel much more relaxed now."
“You’re welcome,” Craig smiled somewhat weakly. He moved behind David and gently wrapped the towel around his shoulders, drying his back and arms and taking full advantage of his position to watch the play of smooth skin over firm muscles. “Let me dry your hair too…you don’t need to strain your back by reaching up.” It was a lame excuse, he knew, and this was absolute torture…but well worth it.
Feeling the towel drift over his body and Craig's bare hands at times was almost too much. When Craig mentioned his hair David tipped his head back and closed his eyes as his friend dried his hair. It felt incredible just having Craig's hands on him like this. He smiled as it played through his mind that he never would have thought he'd be happy to have hurt his back. "Careful, I might start to get used to this," he teased hoping that it would put both of them more at ease.
“I might get used to it as well,” Craig said, too softly for David to hear. “I’m not complaining in the least. I’m…..glad to help.” David’s hair was dried all too soon and Craig put the towel back over his shoulders, afraid that if he moved back in front of the other man, there was no way he could not notice his arousal. It was hard to miss, and his normally loose breeches were tented tight over his groin. “Umm…Let’s let you sit down on the bed and lie back, and I’ll dry off your legs, then get you some stew. You…you probably don’t need to bend down either.”
David moved toward the bed and wondered how he might hide his arousal from Craig. The room was slightly cool and he decided to go with that. Sitting down he quickly drew the covers over his lap and over his arms, when Craig raised an eyebrow and looked at him, he whispered, "Cold." He wasn't but Craig didn't need to know that.
Craig nodded, made sure David was comfortable, and practically ran from the room, stopping only long enough to grab the longest sleeping shirt David owned and taking it with him. “I’ll get the stew,” he said from the front room. “And….make some more tea. Please don’t try and dry your legs. You might hurt yourself worse…and I’ll be right back in there.” As soon as he was through the door, Craig leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. He was so hard; he expected the laces on his breeches to simply give way and his arousal to spring free. //God, David. Would you hate me if you saw how you affect me?// Shaking his head at himself, he resisted the urge to run outside and bring himself quick relief, instead deciding to put the night shirt on and ladling some soup in a bowl as he boiled more tea for water.
David gaped as Craig rushed out of the room and wondered if he hadn't been fast enough pulling the blankets to cover himself. //Did he see? Oh God...I hope not.// He sat on the edge of the bed waiting for Craig to return and closed his eyes as he thought of the way Craig had stared into his eyes that afternoon. The genuine concern he'd seen in the blue depths had almost made him believe that Craig could one day feel more for him than friendship. He sighed and shook his head at himself. //Wishful thinking, David. It won't do you any good at all.//
After a few deep breaths and numerous thoughts of snow and cold water, Craig finally had to resort to threatening his arousal with a large handful of ice, which actually worked rather well, considering the circumstances. With a grim smile, he pulled the night shirt as low as it would go and tried to ignore the fact that he was getting ready to walk back into the *bedroom* with a mostly-naked David in the *bed* of all places. With a resigned sigh, he loaded a small wooden tray with two bowls of stew, a large cup of herb-laced tea, and a metal pitcher of water, and returned to the bedroom. “I hope you’re hungry,” he smiled, setting the small tray on the nightstand and reaching for the towel he’d used to dry David’s hair.
David opened his eyes and smiled as Craig returned. "I am a bit hungry now that you mention it," he said softly. He watched Craig for a few minutes and then dropped his eyes back down to the pattern on the quilt in his lap. The other man had no idea how much he affected David...how much David wanted his touch to be more than comfort and aid for a friend. He tried to push away the wistful feelings and focus on the reality of the situation. Craig was here because he felt he owed David a debt for saving his life and maybe friendship but nothing more.
Craig sat on the edge of the bed and gently dried the parts of David’s legs that weren’t covered by the blanket. “There…all dry, now,” he smiled, pretending not to notice that his fingertips had trailed along David’s legs with the last swipe of the towel. He moved the table over closer to the bed and handed a bowl to David. “Dinner in bed for my //love// patient, just like I promised. Is there anything else you need?”
//You. Your lips against mine. Your hands back on my body and...// David's eyes snapped up to Craig's as he realized his momentary lapse. "No...no, I think I've got everything I need," he said smiling. He let the covers drop from one arm and pulled the bowl closer. They ate in silence for a few minutes and David tried to keep from stealing glances at Craig.
When both bowls of stew were empty, Craig made sure David had drunk all the tea and set everything back on the table. He grabbed another nightshirt, helped David put it on, and noted that his friend kept the blankets firmly over his waist and legs. //How can he be cold? It’s warm in here.// With a worried frown, he walked to what he now thought of as his side of the bed. He lay on his side behind the man he loved, staying far enough away so that his reawakening arousal wouldn’t press against David’s body, and slid one hand between them. “Let’s work on those sore muscles,” he said softly. “Just relax and let me take care of you, David.”
David changed into the nightshirt though it was awkward because he kept the blankets over him. As Craig walked around to the other side of the bed David quickly shifted the nightshirt down until it covered him completely, nearly groaning from the effort. As he lay down on his side he felt Craig slip into bed behind him and only jumped slightly when his hand pressed against his back. Trying to relax the way Craig had advised, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The herbs from the tea were starting to relax him slightly and he'd never felt more grateful. He closed his eyes as gentle hands roamed over him and bit back a moan. His back still ached but the tight muscles were soon starting to loosen under Craig's touch. "You're very good at this," David commented.
Craig smiled and continued tenderly coaxing the tight muscles into relaxation. “I’m glad you think so,” he said softly. “I’ve had a bit of training in treating battle wounds, but have never had the opportunity to work on a sore back before. I just hope I’m not making things worse.” Already, he missed the feel of David’s head on his chest, and he fought the urge to slide his free hand underneath David’s neck and spoon up against his back. //I could keep my hips twisted up, and he’d never know what affect he has on me…maybe…he wouldn’t mind so much…//
David pressed back slightly into Craig's touch, it ached but at the same time felt extremely good having pressure against his lower back. "I don't think you are making it worse," he murmured softly. The herbs in the tea were already making him groggy and he fought to keep his eyes open. It was still so early in the evening and he didn't want to lose any of the time he might have with Craig to sleep. "What's it like being a knight?" he asked trying to stifle a yawn.
Speaking quietly, Craig talked about his life in St. Albans, about his duties, his friends, and about the city itself as his hands moved soothingly over David’s back. He could tell the tea was starting to affect him, and both his voice and his touch grew softer as he felt David relax and his words began to slur. “You need to rest,” he whispered. “And you need to promise to wake me if you wake up and need anything during the night.”
"Mmm, I will," David murmured, burrowing his face against his pillow slightly. As he felt Craig draw away he frowned and said, "No...please just...just lay here with me," he protested weakly. He felt slightly silly for nearly whining but he was suddenly exhausted and Craig's touch was soothing. He reached back and tugged at his arm. "Please?"
Craig smiled and slid one arm underneath David’s head as he’d been wanting to do for the past hour. In the past months, he’d somehow managed not to do anything sexual as they shared the same bed, doing nothing more than pressing soft kisses to his forehead long after he’d gone asleep and watching him sleep for hours on end. He kept his hips flat on the bed, so as not to embarrass them both and waited to see how David would make himself comfortable. “I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered, pulling the blanket snug under David’s chin and reaching behind him for the book they’d been reading. “Just relax and let me read you to sleep.”
David shifted backwards toward Craig when his arm slid under his head. He could feel the side of Craig's thigh against his backside and sighed softly as he felt the other man move just a little closer. It wasn't what David would have wanted, he wanted to feel Craig's chest pressed against his back but he figured because of his injury Craig didn't want to risk hurting him. Relaxing further he smiled as Craig began to read to him. //I love you. I wish I could tell you that.// His last thoughts were of Craig's voice reading softly as he drifted off into a contented sleep.
Craig read until he could no longer see the words on the pages, then quietly put the book aside and listened to the soft breaths falling from David’s lips. When he was absolutely sure David was asleep, he spooned closer and placed a soft kiss to the back of his neck, smiling as he buried his face in soft hair. “Sweet dreams, my love,” he whispered, before closing his eyes and letting the sound to David’s soft snores lull him to sleep.
~~~
TBC