ext_46251 (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
sairalinde.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fellowshippers2006-01-13 06:11 pm
sairalinde.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2006-01-13 06:11 pm
Title: Honor Bound Chapter 10
Title: Honor Bound Chapter 10
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.
David finished rolling up the blankets and secured them on Craig's horse, then crossed over to the fire helping Craig put it out. Once they were finished, he stayed back a bit as Craig mounted his horse. He had been worrying all night about this and now that the moment was here, he wasn't sure what exactly to say. When they left the farm they had ridden together on the horse, but now that they were nearing a village he felt that it might be best if he walked beside Craig. He would be viewed as a servant by others and servants did not ride with their masters. Riding with Craig through a village may only invite trouble, though he didn't look forward to walking. He forced a smile when Craig looked over at him. "I...I think I'd like to walk," he said softly.
“Walk?” Craig asked, turning both himself and his horse around to look at David in surprise. “Why would you want to walk? The day’s getting warmer and we’ve still got a long way to go.” Holding out one hand, he moved back in his saddle and smiled down at David. “Besides, I like having my arms around you.” he grinned. “Or is that why? Was I getting too fresh?”
David couldn't help but laugh at Craig's question. "No...no I love feeling your arms around me...but...we are going to be passing through a village today and I don't know if it would be wise for me to ride with you," David said looking down as he said the last. He knew that Craig didn't see the differences in their classes but he knew all too well how people could be. He wasn't sure if they'd say or do something but he would rather be safe than sorry. "It's really all right...I walk to Oxmoor all the time in the summer...not so different," he said smiling cheerfully.
It finally dawned on Craig why David was so reluctant to join him. “David, I love you, and I want everyone, *everywhere*, to know it,” he said softly. “I’m honored to be seen with you, and if anyone doesn’t like it, all they have to do is look away.” He let Oudin move forward, bringing him closer to David. He could understand David’s reasoning, but never wanted him to feel that way….like he wasn’t good enough to be with Craig. And he would make certain no one *ever* made him feel uncomfortable about their decision, of that he was sure. “If you won’t ride with me, then I’ll walk beside you, love. My way is much easier, but I don't mind walking."
David felt his heart swell in his chest when Craig said he wanted everyone to know that he loved him. He smiled and nodded. "Your way is much easier...I...I just don't want to cause you any embarrassment," he said softly. He moved closer and took Craig's offered hand and mounted in front of the man he loved. "I should have brought it up last night, I had been thinking about it ever since I realized how close we were to a village. I'm sorry," he said softly.
Settling his arms around David, Craig pressed a soft kiss to the back of his neck. “There’s nothing for you to feel sorry for,” he whispered. “I should have thought about this making you uncomfortable. But there is no way loving you will ever cause me one moment of embarrassment.” Pulling gently on the reins, they resumed their journey and Craig held David tight, trying to ease his anxiety. “Please, love, I don’t care what anyone but you thinks. Don’t let them worry you. You will be loved and accepted among everyone who calls themselves my friend, of that I have no doubt.”
David smiled and leaned back in Craig's loving embrace. Sighing softly, he nodded. "Are you nervous at all? About talking to Karl?" he ventured. He had been wondering if Craig's mind would change once he was back in St. Albans and realized how very different they were. How David's life, his upbringing differed from his own and realized that he could do so much better than a farmer. He worried that even if Karl released Craig from his oath that David would be returning to the farm...alone, never to see Craig again. //What if it dawns on him that he'll be free to have anyone he wants, and decides he doesn't want some poor farmer? What if what he feels for me is not love but gratitude?// He worried his bottom lip and tried to push the dark thoughts away as best he could.
“I…,” Craig paused and took a deep breath. “Yes, actually, I am. Karl is….he’s a good man, as I’ve said before, but…he doesn’t like being alone. That’s why he wanted my promise all those years ago – just so he could have the security of knowing I’d be there for him. And he convinced himself that it would make me happy too, even though he knew better, even then. I don’t want to hurt him, but…but I can’t live a lie. I’ll do what I can to make this easy on him, but after finding what *real* love is like, I can’t go back. I need you, love, and I think Karl will see that. I….I hope so anyway.”
As Craig spoke David turned slightly to look at him. //Real love? Does he truly love me?// He gazed at him for a moment, "I need you too," he whispered, before facing forward again. "I hope he doesn't take it too hard...even though you said he doesn't truly love you. I'm afraid I don't understand why he asked you to commit yourself to such an oath without love...but fear can drive a man to do things they normally wouldn't," he reasoned after a moment. As they traveled the midday sun was bright and warm upon them and David felt his stomach clench as they began to approach the village, unsure what to expect.
Slowing Oudin down a bit, Craig gently tightened his arms around David. “Karl will be fine,” he said softly. “And so will you and I.” He tried to think of a way to relax David, feeling the way the muscles in his back were steadily tensing as they got closer and closer to the village. “I meant what I said earlier, you know. I want to be with you. If you want us to live at the farm, I’ll say goodbye to everyone here today and we can head back, and I will not have the slightest regret. If you find you like St. Albans, and want to live here then we will find a place and make it our own. As long as we’re together, I couldn’t care less where we are.”
David smiled as Craig tightened his arms around him. "I suppose we should wait and see...I'm not all that tied to the farm...but...it really is all I know," he said after a moment. "We can decide together," David said softly, truly hoping that they *would* be together after today. He was nervous about so many things...of being an embarrassment to Craig and about how Karl would react. He even worried how he, himself would react upon seeing Karl. Craig has been gone for over six months...he's surely going to greet him....the way a lover would? Would David be able to handle seeing that?
//He’s going to worry until this is settled. And I would be too in his place. Let’s just get this over with.// Holding on to the man he loved, Craig dug his heels in Oudin’s sides and spurred him on. “I love you, David,” he said simply. “And one day you’ll look back on this and know there was never anything for you to worry about.”
David was surprised when Craig urged the horse to move faster and his arms wrapped around himself over Craig's arm. As they entered the town David couldn't help looking around in awe at all of the buildings. He supposed much like he had as a child. Oxmoor was such a small hamlet, and St. Albans was a large city. People bustled about seemingly everywhere, and he had noticed more than a few stares but he wasn't sure what to make of them. He hadn't asked too many questions about where they would be going once in the city and now that they continued down the street toward the castle he felt his mouth go dry.
“I need to talk with His Majesty after I talk with Karl,” Craig said, pulling Oudin to a stop in front of the castle. He was immediately met by a guard who stared at him with wide eyes. “Hello, Thomas. Would you mind finding someone to take care of Oudin for us? I have some business to attend to, and it cannot wait.”
Thomas’ mouth fell open and his hand automatically reached up to grab the reins. //Craig? But…he’s dead. Everyone in the city knows he’s dead….// It took a moment for him to even register that Craig wasn’t alone, and was, in fact, holding on to the man with him possessively. //Karl will be….shocked, to say the least. How could this be?// Without a word, Thomas held Craig’s mount in place while both men dismounted.
“Will you come with me to talk to Karl?” Craig asked, wondering why Thomas was staring at him as if he were a ghost. “I’d like for the two of you to meet, but if it will be too uncomfortable for you, I understand completely.”
David wondered why the guard stared at Craig the way he did and turned to Craig. "I...yes, I'll come with you," he said smiling though he was nervous. Then again where else would he go? At the moment he was clinging to Craig's hand because he honestly was feeling quite overwhelmed. He remembered some of it from his childhood but most of what he was seeing seemed so different. He wasn't scared really, but he was nervous and unsure of himself. He followed Craig as he lead them through a large passage and normally he might have fallen back a few steps, but Craig's hand was firmly wrapped around his own, and David's nerves were causing him to cling to that connection.
Noticing more than a few startled looks, Craig thought to himself that they seemed to be directed at him…and not because he was with David. He nodded and smiled at several friends, but determinedly refused to stop and talk to anyone. Their steps took them closer and closer to the king’s chambers, where his most trusted guards were housed. Holding tight to David’s hand, he stopped outside of Karl’s room and turned to his lover, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. “My room is the next door down the hall,” he said, leaning back to stare into David’s eyes and unconsciously running his free hand through his hair in the gesture he always fell back on when he was nervous. “This is Karl’s. You’re sure you’re all right to do this?”
David smiled as Craig kissed his forehead. //Honestly, scared to death...but that's not the answer you want to hear.// "Yes," he said forcing his smile to stay in place. Craig seemed a bit nervous himself and David squeezed his hand gently. He watched as Craig's hand rose to knock on the heavy wooden door and squeezed his hand softly. "Together," David whispered as he noticed Craig shift uneasily beside him.
Craig rested his knuckles on the door and smiled. “Together,” he repeated, taking a deep breath and nodding. //This is Karl. There’s no reason to be nervous, you know that. He’ll understand…or, at least he’ll try to.// He squeezed David’s hand back and steadied himself. “I love you,” he whispered. //Here goes.// With that thought, he rapped his knuckles on the door, and moved closer to David, trying to both soothe the man he loved, and borrow some of his strength as well.
David smiled and whispered, "I love you too," to Craig as they waited for Karl to answer the door. He thought to himself here they were so nervous and what if the man wasn't even home? He nearly laughed at the thought and simply waited. A voice called out to give them a minute and David wondered if they'd simply picked a really bad time.
“I’ll see who it is and get rid of them,” Viggo smiled, leaning over and placing a soft kiss to Karl’s lips as he stood up. He’d finally coaxed his lover to sit still for over an hour so he could use the charcoals Karl had bought him for his birthday, and he was turning out a rather good likeness. Dark hair feathered over the collar of Karl’s soft tunic and his light brown breeches were snug on his hips, both on the sketchpad before Viggo and on the couch as Karl tried not to look too impatient. “Don’t move an inch,” Viggo chuckled, as Karl started to stretch, and then looked up at him in a mock glare. He crossed the room before Karl could say a word and pulled the door open. “Hello?” he asked, seeing two men standing before him. “May I help you?”
Craig startled as a stranger opened Karl’s door. “I…I was looking for Karl,” he managed. “I must have the wrong room or….did he move or…something?”
Viggo shook his head and laughed. “No, he didn’t move, and you have the right room. He still lives here…I’m just living here as well. But he’s…indisposed at the moment. Can you possibly come back later? I just got him to sit still and if he moves, I’ll never get him to sit back down.”
David blinked and looked at Craig in confusion. This wasn't Karl? He looked from one man to the other and wasn't sure what any of it meant. Karl had someone else living with him? Or...did they often have knights share rooms for space? Looking at Craig he could see the same confusion on his face as well and realized that no...knights didn't share rooms for space. "Maybe...maybe we should just come back later, Craig?" David asked softly.
Viggo’s face drained of color and he took a step back as his smiled faded. “Craig?” he murmured. “As in….*Craig*?” Before Craig could answer, Viggo turned and looked over his shoulder. “Karl? Baby, I think you need to come over here. There’s ….someone here to see you.”
Craig shook his head and tried to make sense of what he was seeing…and hearing. //Did he just say….’baby’? And…he’s living here, so…..Karl is *with* him?// One part of his mind was in shock, while the other argued that this would make things easier for both of them. //I’m not even a little jealous. What does that say for the relationship I had with him?//
David watched as the other man backed away and wondered just why everyone was looking at Craig the way they were....it was as if he...were a ghost. He squeezed Craig's hand gently in support as they waited for Karl to come to the door.
Karl got up from the bed and stretched, thankful for the interruption so he could move around a bit. Walking to the door he saw Viggo step back and look at him oddly and then he saw...//Oh God in heaven...he's alive!// Karl immediately lurched forward to wrap his arms around Craig kissing his cheek and squeezing him tightly. "Oh my God...we thought you were dead...I can't believe it. God, Craig," he practically gushed kissing Craig's cheek again and finally stepping back. "You look damn good for a ghost ya know?" he said laughing. "Come in," he said pulling Craig into the room only then noticing the red-haired man a step behind Craig. He was dressed in peasants clothing but his hand was firmly gripped in Craig's and he looked positively scared to death. He didn't say anything but simply lead Craig and the other man into the room.
Craig wrapped his free arm around Karl and hugged him back. “Dead? Why would you think I was *dead*?” As his former lover lead him through the door, he looked at David and shook his head, feeling at a complete loss. He kept a firm grip on David’s hand and stopped in the middle of the room, looking between Karl and Viggo, and not even noticing that Karl hadn’t released his own hand. “I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot around here. I guess that’s why I was getting so many strange looks on the way in.”
"We were told that you were killed...that...well that's how I met Viggo actually. I went into the marketplace to buy my sister a gift, and happened to walk into Viggo's shop. He had your father's ring, and your dagger...the man he bought them from told him that the man who owned them had been murdered," Karl explained. "I...I was devastated when I saw them...Vig," Karl smiled as he said his name, "he saw how upset I was and gave them to me," he said walking over to a small wooden truck and withdrawing the items still wrapped in leather.
David watched silently as Karl spoke and knew that if Craig hadn't wound up on his doorstep he very likely would have died. He kept silent however and looked over at the man named Viggo who had his arms crossed across his chest and was leaning casually against the wall as if this sort of thing happened to him every day.
Craig held out a shaking hand and took the soft leather bag from Karl. Carefully laying it on the windowsill next to him, he opened it, not even realizing that he’d been holding his breath. “My…father’s ring? And…and my dagger,” he whispered. “I…I never thought I’d see these again. Thieves attacked me on my way back from my mission. I fought them…they ran, and I gave chase, and I got lost. That was months and months ago.” He looked at David and smiled, then glanced back at Karl. “Maybe I should thank the ones that I didn’t kill. It seems that in their own twisted way, they brought both of us happiness. I mean…I mean, you *are* with Viggo, aren’t you?”
Viggo simply studied the trio before him, knowing that nothing he could say or do would change anything. He knew Karl had cared greatly for Craig, but he also knew that Karl had told him time and time again that nothing would come between them, nothing would make Karl leave the safety of Viggo’s arms. He only hoped that seeing Craig alive wouldn’t cause Karl to forget that promise for the one he made earlier to Craig.
Karl looked up at Craig as he relayed his story. "I....well yes, I am *with* Viggo...I...I thought you were dead," Karl said softly. "You've been gone so long...why didn't you come back before now? It's been over six months, Craig...we...we even had a wake for you for Gods sake," Karl said shaking his head.
David felt himself relax ever so slightly when he said he was with Viggo. Maybe everything would turn out all right after all? Karl has someone, and he and Craig have each other.
Craig looked at David and pulled him closer. “Karl, I…” His voice trailed off and he shook his head. “We need to talk. And I think we need to sit down. I…have a few things to tell you…and something to ask you as well.”
Karl nodded as Craig spoke "I imagine we do have a lot to talk about," he said as he watched the way Craig pulled the redheaded man closer. Obviously they had much to talk about. He led them to a small table and motioned for Viggo to follow which he did though his lover had yet to say anything. He knew Viggo well enough to know he was taking everything in and would save any comments for later...and it seemed that the man with Craig was of a similar disposition. That thought made him grin. //He's in love with him. The way he looks at him...Craig never looked at me that way.//
Viggo sat next to Karl, wanting to reach out and take his hand, but thinking that it probably wouldn’t be appropriate in this situation. He settled for pressing his leg against his lover’s and concentrating on his breathing. //I can’t lose him. I mean, I know he and Craig have a history…and it doesn’t *seem* like Craig wants him, but, God…how could he not?// When everyone was seated, the four men looked at each other and Viggo decided to move things on a bit. //I want this over with. One way or the other, I want to know what’s going on.// “Well, this is a bit awkward,” he said, pasting a smile on his face. “I guess since you are our guest, Craig, you have the floor?”
Craig nodded and cleared his throat. He was feeling better about everything, even though he’d dreaded this moment for months. Still holding David’s hand firmly in his own, Craig gave it a gentle squeeze, and looked at Karl. “I’ll explain everything, but first I want to introduce you to someone. This is David. He saved my life all those months ago, and I’ve been with him ever since. He’s the reason I didn’t return sooner.”
Karl had expected for Craig to say he was with this David, but hadn't expected him to say that he'd saved his life. "Saved your life..." Karl trailed off and reached across the table offering his hand to David. "Thank you, David," he said softly.
David took the offered hand and simply smiled and then Karl sat back and looked at Craig hoping he'd continue his story. "It sounds like you have a lot to tell," Karl said with a grin.
Craig smiled as Karl reached out and shook David’s hand. “I do, actually,” he continued, noticing that Viggo had smiled as well. “When I was lost…it was the dead of winter, and it was bitterly cold. I wandered through the forest for days, and got sicker and sicker, but I couldn’t seem to find a village or any sign of life. I remember being so sick that I could barely hang on to Oudin’s mane, then the next thing I knew, I was in a warm bed with blankets and sipping warm tea. We’d managed to stumble onto David’s land, and I practically fell on his front porch. He nursed me back to health and…I fell in love with him.” He raised one hand in Karl’s direction and shook his head. “Before you say anything, Karl, you need to know, that I never broke my promise to you. I love him, but I’ve never made love *to* him, even though it almost killed me.”
Karl gaped for a moment. "In all those months...you mean," Karl trailed off and looked away having to clear his throat. Craig had kept his promise even after he'd fallen in love. He had always known that Craig was an honorable man but had never truly thought he would stick to that promise. Karl smiled sadly at both Craig and David. "I imagine you'd like to kill me," he said with a small laugh. "I too would have stuck to the promise had I believed you were alive...truly I would have," Karl said softly. "After thinking you were dead...Viggo and I became friends. I think he simply felt sorry for me at first...but...we fell in love," he explained.
Viggo smiled and slid an arm around Karl’s shoulders. “He really did mourn for you, Craig,” he said softly. “I tried to help him, tried to be his friend, and…it just happened. I fell for him…fell hard.”
Craig laughed and shook his head, reaching his free hand across the table and taking Karl’s hand for a brief moment. “Karl, Viggo, honestly, I couldn’t be happier for the two of you,” he smiled. “And I certainly don’t want to kill you, Karl. I know that if you thought I’d been alive, you would have waited. But I think this worked out perfectly for both of us. I’ll always care about you Karl, and I hope we can always be close friends, but…I love David so much I can barely think straight half the time. I was so scared I’d hurt you, or disappoint you, or…something.” Releasing Karl’s hand, he reached out to Viggo and shook his hand as well. “Viggo, you’re a lucky man. I’m glad you and Karl found each other.”
Viggo nodded and felt his smile reach his eyes for the first time since he’d opened the door and realized Craig was standing on the other side. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I’m glad we found each other as well. I’ll make sure Karl is happy for the rest of his life, as God as my witness.”
Karl smiled happily and tangled his fingers with Viggo's. "I guess everything did turn out for the best. You will be going to speak to the king I imagine. He was very sad when he heard the news. You had a great many people here who care about you, Craig. How...why did you stay away so long? Why didn't you come back sooner? To...to tell me all this....why so long?" he asked curiously.
Craig pulled David closer and pressed a soft kiss to his temple. “I’ve spent the past six months trying to figure out a way to make this man love me,” he laughed. “I couldn’t bear to leave his side, and kept making excuses to stay. And…it turned out he’d loved me for as long as I’ve loved him. I don’t know how or why, but…it’s true. Once we finally admitted how we both felt, we knew we needed to talk with you, so…here we are.”
David smiled and leaned into Craig's kiss. "I fell in love with him the first time I looked into his eyes," David whispered softly when he did Karl smiled at him brightly.
"Viggo says the same thing about me. I guess it was written in the stars as they say," Karl said with a smile. "I *do* want to talk with you some more...find out much more about what has been going on with you and fill you in on everything here...but if I know our guards, word has already reached the king that you are alive and every moment you tarry here, you will wind up having to listen to him grumble about how even his own knights don't heed his word...blah blah. Some things *never* change," Karl teased.
“You’re absolutely right,” Craig said as he got to his feet. “I *do* need to talk with him. I want to request some larger quarters until David and I decide where we’re going to live permanently.” Stepping closer to Karl, Craig gave him another hug and looked at him closely. “You’re really all right?” he asked softly. “I mean….all right with…everything? Seeing me with David won’t…hurt you at all?”
Karl smiled and shook his head, "I am all right...I'm happy for you. Might have been different if I hadn't met Viggo...but I did, so why dwell on what might have been?" Karl said smiling. Turning to David he smiled again, "And thank you again for taking care of him. I cannot explain how grateful I am to have my friend back," Karl said as they made their way to the door. "Come by later and we can have dinner together or something," Karl suggested as Viggo stepped beside him. He slid his arm around the older man's waist and thought how incredibly happy Craig looked now. The same happiness he knew that he had within himself since he'd met Viggo.
"It was nice to meet you both," David said softly as they stopped in the doorway. He had been so nervous earlier and now he felt relieved beyond anything he'd ever felt in his life.
Viggo wrapped his arm around Karl’s waist and ran his hand lightly up and down his back. “Thank you, Craig. And David...thank you as well. I owe you both a lot.”
Craig slid his arm around David’s waist and nodded. “And you two will have to come by for dinner with us as well,” he said. “Viggo, it was nice to meet you, and thank you for making Karl smile like that. I have the sneaking suspicion that he just needed to see you to believe that love was real…something he never believed when we were together.” He looked back at Karl and arched an eyebrow. “So…I take it I’m officially released from my promise, then?”
Karl laughed, "I thought that was a given...but yes, officially released from the promise. Go on...go talk to the king before he really does have you beheaded or something...and then...well you'll figure out what to do from there I'm sure," he grinned cheekily and then laughed as he saw a blush spread across David's face.
Craig blushed as well, and looked at David. “I think we’ll definitely figure something out,” he laughed. “Let’s go, sweetheart. We need to meet with our king and request a place to live, and…well, I have a whole new world to show you.” His eyes sparkled and he urged David down the hall toward the King’s council room. “I think we’re officially homeless now, since they thought I was dead, you know.”
David chuckled as Craig spoke. "I guess you are right...well it isn’t like we haven't slept in a barn before...make do in a pinch," he teased as they walked. He felt so much more relaxed but now a new sort of nervousness settled over him. Once they *did* find a place to sleep they would be free to do...anything, and now the idea frightened David slightly. He wanted it, no doubt about that...but...that didn't change the fact he was nervous and more than just a little bit scared.
~~~
“Welcome home, my love,” Craig smiled, opening the front door into the room he and David would be sharing until they decided on a permanent address. After more than an hour of relating his tale to the King and introducing David to the royal family, he’d explained that they needed a place to stay…either temporarily, or permanently, they had yet to decide which. King Ian had been so happy to see Craig alive and well, that he’d given him one of the best rooms in the castle, along with a promise to stock it with all the clothes that had been packed away, all the food they could need for weeks, and the promise of no pressure to return to duty until he was ready…*if*, indeed, he wanted to return to his duties. As expected, His Majesty was as grateful to David as Karl was, and took to the red-haired young man immediately, especially when he saw the way Craig looked at him. He’d bid them a happy life, and ushered them out the door, sensing that they had some unfinished business they were anxious to attend to.
Closing the door behind them, Craig placed a kiss to David’s lips and wrapped both arms around him. “Do you like it? We can always find something else, if you don’t. The king will understand.”
David was still overwhelmed from their meeting with the king. He hadn't expected to actually go *with* Craig to speak to the king. He had assumed he would simply wait outside the chamber until Craig was ready to leave. He had been mortified when he realized he'd be meeting the king and the royal family wearing (granted his best clothes) but still the clothes of a poor farmer. Craig was quick to assure him that it was fine and the king and his family had put David at ease immediately, but for a man who hadn't been any further than a half days walk from the farm since he was a small child it was quite overwhelming. Looking around the opulent room the king had chosen for them, David nearly found himself gaping. Leaning into Craig's embrace he smiled. "It's...like nothing I've ever seen," he admitted softly. "No need to find anything else...this is fine...more than fine," he smiled.
“I’m glad you like it,” Craig smiled, reaching out to gently run his fingers through David’s hair. “So, you’re all right? I mean, I know you were nervous about Karl and the people here, and….everything else, but it all worked out, I think. Do you feel better?”
"Yes...though I think it hasn't all sunk in yet," David smiled and leaned into Craig's touch. "I am glad to be here, just the two of us again. I'm not accustomed to sharing you with so many other people. Granted we didn't have much choice on the farm...but I'm glad to have you all to myself again," he said leaning in and kissing Craig tenderly. It was the first true kiss they had shared all day and David found himself melting into Craig's arms as the kiss deepened.
Pulling David closer, Craig sighed into the kiss and closed his eyes. They’d shared nothing but kisses since they’d both revealed their feelings, and Craig would have sworn each was even sweeter than the last. Neither man was willing to break the kiss, and long minutes passed before breathlessly pulled away to draw air into their lungs. “I don’t see any reason we would have to leave this room for a long, long time,” he said softly. "I think the King will see to it that we aren’t disturbed by well wishers, so you’ll have me to yourself for as long as you like.” He knew David had never been intimate with anyone before, and knew he had to be nervous, so he simply held him close, waiting for David to suggest their next move.
David smiled as he tried to regain his breath. "I like that idea very much," he whispered as his fingertips trailed along the side of Craig's face. He wasn't sure what to do or say as he stared into his love's eyes. After a few moments he looked around the room...the most prominent piece of furniture was the bed and he looked down. "So...now that we are alone...in our room, what would you like to do?" he asked nervously.
Craig’s first thought was that he wanted to take David in his arms, carry him to the bed, and make love to him all night and again first thing in the morning. But the nervousness in David’s voice and the way he was avoiding looking at the bed made Craig think twice. The first order of business, he decided, was to get his lover to relax, to know that Craig wanted more than his body. Besides, there was one other thing he wanted to take care of first. Gently brushing the hair back from David’s forehead, Craig smiled and placed a soft kiss to his lips. “How about we have some dinner sent up?” he asked. “Then we can just relax for a while. We’ve got the rest of our lives to make love, and there’s something I want you to have before we go any further.”
David felt somewhat relieved. It wasn't that he didn't *want* Craig in that way, God he'd dreamed of him so often but...the day had been so overwhelming already. Not to mention the fact he was terribly nervous that he wouldn't be everything Craig wanted or expected. He had no idea what to expect himself, he had a general idea of course, but an idea, or a dream, was far from reality. "Dinner sounds good," David smiled and tilted his head questioningly as Craig spoke of giving him something. "Something you want to give me?" he asked curiously.
Craig nodded and reluctantly released David from his embrace. He opened the door, flagged down a passing servant, asked that dinner be brought to their room, and to see that they were not disturbed under any circumstances. As he closed the door again, he led David over to a large, cushioned chair in front of the fireplace, and pulled a second chair next to him. Sitting down so that their legs touched, he took David’s hands in his own and looked into beloved blue eyes. “I know there’s been a lot to take in today,” he began. “The trip, meeting Karl, meeting the king…and now a new place to live. I hope it’s not been too much.”
David smiled as Craig sat down across from him and took his hands in his. "No, it hasn't been too much...just feeling a little bit overwhelmed is all...I'll adjust," he said softly. The only thing that truly mattered was Craig was still here, that he still seemed to want David in his life, and *that* was all David would ever want.
Craig nodded and gently rubbed the pad of this thumbs over David’s knuckles. His father’s ring felt almost unnatural on his finger after six months of not being there. Looking down at the ring, he released David’s hands long enough to take it off. “You…you haven’t changed your mind about wanting to be with me, have you?” he asked, rolling the ring between his thumb and forefinger. “I mean…after meeting Karl, seeing more about my life…do you still want me?”
David looked at Craig curiously as he removed the ring that Karl had returned to him. At his questions David looked up into his eyes, shocked that he'd asked that. "Of course...I love you, Craig. I've loved you since the moment you came into my life, and I will love you until I draw my last breath. I do *want* to be with you...more than anything," he whispered softly and wondering why Craig had asked.
Sighing in relief, Craig looked up and smiled at his lover. “I want that too,” he said. “I know the life I had here is so very different from what you’ve always known. And I will stand by what I said earlier – I want to be with you, and if you want us to live at the farm, I’ll drop everything and go back with you today.” Swallowing the lump in his throat, he held the ring up to the light. “This ring is the only thing I have from my father. It means more to me than any other possession I’ve ever owned. I…I’d like…I’d like you to have this, David. As a symbol of how much I love you now, and will love you for as long as I live.”
David thought that his heart had stopped beating as Craig spoke. "You...you'd like me to have it? I...I don't know what to say," he whispered softly. "I will treasure it, just as I treasure you." David leaned forward and pressed his lips to Craig's gently in a sweet kiss. Drawing back he smiled, "I love you."
Craig felt his heart pounding furiously in his chest as David kissed him and looked at him with so much love. Sliding the ring over his lover’s finger, he leaned forward and kissed him again, letting his tongue lick and tease at the seam of soft, full lips. Before he could deepen the kiss, he heard a knock at the door and drew away. “There’s our dinner,” he sighed, bringing David’s hand up to his lips and placing a tender kiss to each fingertip. “I’ll get the door. You just relax and have a look around.”
~~~
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.
David finished rolling up the blankets and secured them on Craig's horse, then crossed over to the fire helping Craig put it out. Once they were finished, he stayed back a bit as Craig mounted his horse. He had been worrying all night about this and now that the moment was here, he wasn't sure what exactly to say. When they left the farm they had ridden together on the horse, but now that they were nearing a village he felt that it might be best if he walked beside Craig. He would be viewed as a servant by others and servants did not ride with their masters. Riding with Craig through a village may only invite trouble, though he didn't look forward to walking. He forced a smile when Craig looked over at him. "I...I think I'd like to walk," he said softly.
“Walk?” Craig asked, turning both himself and his horse around to look at David in surprise. “Why would you want to walk? The day’s getting warmer and we’ve still got a long way to go.” Holding out one hand, he moved back in his saddle and smiled down at David. “Besides, I like having my arms around you.” he grinned. “Or is that why? Was I getting too fresh?”
David couldn't help but laugh at Craig's question. "No...no I love feeling your arms around me...but...we are going to be passing through a village today and I don't know if it would be wise for me to ride with you," David said looking down as he said the last. He knew that Craig didn't see the differences in their classes but he knew all too well how people could be. He wasn't sure if they'd say or do something but he would rather be safe than sorry. "It's really all right...I walk to Oxmoor all the time in the summer...not so different," he said smiling cheerfully.
It finally dawned on Craig why David was so reluctant to join him. “David, I love you, and I want everyone, *everywhere*, to know it,” he said softly. “I’m honored to be seen with you, and if anyone doesn’t like it, all they have to do is look away.” He let Oudin move forward, bringing him closer to David. He could understand David’s reasoning, but never wanted him to feel that way….like he wasn’t good enough to be with Craig. And he would make certain no one *ever* made him feel uncomfortable about their decision, of that he was sure. “If you won’t ride with me, then I’ll walk beside you, love. My way is much easier, but I don't mind walking."
David felt his heart swell in his chest when Craig said he wanted everyone to know that he loved him. He smiled and nodded. "Your way is much easier...I...I just don't want to cause you any embarrassment," he said softly. He moved closer and took Craig's offered hand and mounted in front of the man he loved. "I should have brought it up last night, I had been thinking about it ever since I realized how close we were to a village. I'm sorry," he said softly.
Settling his arms around David, Craig pressed a soft kiss to the back of his neck. “There’s nothing for you to feel sorry for,” he whispered. “I should have thought about this making you uncomfortable. But there is no way loving you will ever cause me one moment of embarrassment.” Pulling gently on the reins, they resumed their journey and Craig held David tight, trying to ease his anxiety. “Please, love, I don’t care what anyone but you thinks. Don’t let them worry you. You will be loved and accepted among everyone who calls themselves my friend, of that I have no doubt.”
David smiled and leaned back in Craig's loving embrace. Sighing softly, he nodded. "Are you nervous at all? About talking to Karl?" he ventured. He had been wondering if Craig's mind would change once he was back in St. Albans and realized how very different they were. How David's life, his upbringing differed from his own and realized that he could do so much better than a farmer. He worried that even if Karl released Craig from his oath that David would be returning to the farm...alone, never to see Craig again. //What if it dawns on him that he'll be free to have anyone he wants, and decides he doesn't want some poor farmer? What if what he feels for me is not love but gratitude?// He worried his bottom lip and tried to push the dark thoughts away as best he could.
“I…,” Craig paused and took a deep breath. “Yes, actually, I am. Karl is….he’s a good man, as I’ve said before, but…he doesn’t like being alone. That’s why he wanted my promise all those years ago – just so he could have the security of knowing I’d be there for him. And he convinced himself that it would make me happy too, even though he knew better, even then. I don’t want to hurt him, but…but I can’t live a lie. I’ll do what I can to make this easy on him, but after finding what *real* love is like, I can’t go back. I need you, love, and I think Karl will see that. I….I hope so anyway.”
As Craig spoke David turned slightly to look at him. //Real love? Does he truly love me?// He gazed at him for a moment, "I need you too," he whispered, before facing forward again. "I hope he doesn't take it too hard...even though you said he doesn't truly love you. I'm afraid I don't understand why he asked you to commit yourself to such an oath without love...but fear can drive a man to do things they normally wouldn't," he reasoned after a moment. As they traveled the midday sun was bright and warm upon them and David felt his stomach clench as they began to approach the village, unsure what to expect.
Slowing Oudin down a bit, Craig gently tightened his arms around David. “Karl will be fine,” he said softly. “And so will you and I.” He tried to think of a way to relax David, feeling the way the muscles in his back were steadily tensing as they got closer and closer to the village. “I meant what I said earlier, you know. I want to be with you. If you want us to live at the farm, I’ll say goodbye to everyone here today and we can head back, and I will not have the slightest regret. If you find you like St. Albans, and want to live here then we will find a place and make it our own. As long as we’re together, I couldn’t care less where we are.”
David smiled as Craig tightened his arms around him. "I suppose we should wait and see...I'm not all that tied to the farm...but...it really is all I know," he said after a moment. "We can decide together," David said softly, truly hoping that they *would* be together after today. He was nervous about so many things...of being an embarrassment to Craig and about how Karl would react. He even worried how he, himself would react upon seeing Karl. Craig has been gone for over six months...he's surely going to greet him....the way a lover would? Would David be able to handle seeing that?
//He’s going to worry until this is settled. And I would be too in his place. Let’s just get this over with.// Holding on to the man he loved, Craig dug his heels in Oudin’s sides and spurred him on. “I love you, David,” he said simply. “And one day you’ll look back on this and know there was never anything for you to worry about.”
David was surprised when Craig urged the horse to move faster and his arms wrapped around himself over Craig's arm. As they entered the town David couldn't help looking around in awe at all of the buildings. He supposed much like he had as a child. Oxmoor was such a small hamlet, and St. Albans was a large city. People bustled about seemingly everywhere, and he had noticed more than a few stares but he wasn't sure what to make of them. He hadn't asked too many questions about where they would be going once in the city and now that they continued down the street toward the castle he felt his mouth go dry.
“I need to talk with His Majesty after I talk with Karl,” Craig said, pulling Oudin to a stop in front of the castle. He was immediately met by a guard who stared at him with wide eyes. “Hello, Thomas. Would you mind finding someone to take care of Oudin for us? I have some business to attend to, and it cannot wait.”
Thomas’ mouth fell open and his hand automatically reached up to grab the reins. //Craig? But…he’s dead. Everyone in the city knows he’s dead….// It took a moment for him to even register that Craig wasn’t alone, and was, in fact, holding on to the man with him possessively. //Karl will be….shocked, to say the least. How could this be?// Without a word, Thomas held Craig’s mount in place while both men dismounted.
“Will you come with me to talk to Karl?” Craig asked, wondering why Thomas was staring at him as if he were a ghost. “I’d like for the two of you to meet, but if it will be too uncomfortable for you, I understand completely.”
David wondered why the guard stared at Craig the way he did and turned to Craig. "I...yes, I'll come with you," he said smiling though he was nervous. Then again where else would he go? At the moment he was clinging to Craig's hand because he honestly was feeling quite overwhelmed. He remembered some of it from his childhood but most of what he was seeing seemed so different. He wasn't scared really, but he was nervous and unsure of himself. He followed Craig as he lead them through a large passage and normally he might have fallen back a few steps, but Craig's hand was firmly wrapped around his own, and David's nerves were causing him to cling to that connection.
Noticing more than a few startled looks, Craig thought to himself that they seemed to be directed at him…and not because he was with David. He nodded and smiled at several friends, but determinedly refused to stop and talk to anyone. Their steps took them closer and closer to the king’s chambers, where his most trusted guards were housed. Holding tight to David’s hand, he stopped outside of Karl’s room and turned to his lover, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. “My room is the next door down the hall,” he said, leaning back to stare into David’s eyes and unconsciously running his free hand through his hair in the gesture he always fell back on when he was nervous. “This is Karl’s. You’re sure you’re all right to do this?”
David smiled as Craig kissed his forehead. //Honestly, scared to death...but that's not the answer you want to hear.// "Yes," he said forcing his smile to stay in place. Craig seemed a bit nervous himself and David squeezed his hand gently. He watched as Craig's hand rose to knock on the heavy wooden door and squeezed his hand softly. "Together," David whispered as he noticed Craig shift uneasily beside him.
Craig rested his knuckles on the door and smiled. “Together,” he repeated, taking a deep breath and nodding. //This is Karl. There’s no reason to be nervous, you know that. He’ll understand…or, at least he’ll try to.// He squeezed David’s hand back and steadied himself. “I love you,” he whispered. //Here goes.// With that thought, he rapped his knuckles on the door, and moved closer to David, trying to both soothe the man he loved, and borrow some of his strength as well.
David smiled and whispered, "I love you too," to Craig as they waited for Karl to answer the door. He thought to himself here they were so nervous and what if the man wasn't even home? He nearly laughed at the thought and simply waited. A voice called out to give them a minute and David wondered if they'd simply picked a really bad time.
“I’ll see who it is and get rid of them,” Viggo smiled, leaning over and placing a soft kiss to Karl’s lips as he stood up. He’d finally coaxed his lover to sit still for over an hour so he could use the charcoals Karl had bought him for his birthday, and he was turning out a rather good likeness. Dark hair feathered over the collar of Karl’s soft tunic and his light brown breeches were snug on his hips, both on the sketchpad before Viggo and on the couch as Karl tried not to look too impatient. “Don’t move an inch,” Viggo chuckled, as Karl started to stretch, and then looked up at him in a mock glare. He crossed the room before Karl could say a word and pulled the door open. “Hello?” he asked, seeing two men standing before him. “May I help you?”
Craig startled as a stranger opened Karl’s door. “I…I was looking for Karl,” he managed. “I must have the wrong room or….did he move or…something?”
Viggo shook his head and laughed. “No, he didn’t move, and you have the right room. He still lives here…I’m just living here as well. But he’s…indisposed at the moment. Can you possibly come back later? I just got him to sit still and if he moves, I’ll never get him to sit back down.”
David blinked and looked at Craig in confusion. This wasn't Karl? He looked from one man to the other and wasn't sure what any of it meant. Karl had someone else living with him? Or...did they often have knights share rooms for space? Looking at Craig he could see the same confusion on his face as well and realized that no...knights didn't share rooms for space. "Maybe...maybe we should just come back later, Craig?" David asked softly.
Viggo’s face drained of color and he took a step back as his smiled faded. “Craig?” he murmured. “As in….*Craig*?” Before Craig could answer, Viggo turned and looked over his shoulder. “Karl? Baby, I think you need to come over here. There’s ….someone here to see you.”
Craig shook his head and tried to make sense of what he was seeing…and hearing. //Did he just say….’baby’? And…he’s living here, so…..Karl is *with* him?// One part of his mind was in shock, while the other argued that this would make things easier for both of them. //I’m not even a little jealous. What does that say for the relationship I had with him?//
David watched as the other man backed away and wondered just why everyone was looking at Craig the way they were....it was as if he...were a ghost. He squeezed Craig's hand gently in support as they waited for Karl to come to the door.
Karl got up from the bed and stretched, thankful for the interruption so he could move around a bit. Walking to the door he saw Viggo step back and look at him oddly and then he saw...//Oh God in heaven...he's alive!// Karl immediately lurched forward to wrap his arms around Craig kissing his cheek and squeezing him tightly. "Oh my God...we thought you were dead...I can't believe it. God, Craig," he practically gushed kissing Craig's cheek again and finally stepping back. "You look damn good for a ghost ya know?" he said laughing. "Come in," he said pulling Craig into the room only then noticing the red-haired man a step behind Craig. He was dressed in peasants clothing but his hand was firmly gripped in Craig's and he looked positively scared to death. He didn't say anything but simply lead Craig and the other man into the room.
Craig wrapped his free arm around Karl and hugged him back. “Dead? Why would you think I was *dead*?” As his former lover lead him through the door, he looked at David and shook his head, feeling at a complete loss. He kept a firm grip on David’s hand and stopped in the middle of the room, looking between Karl and Viggo, and not even noticing that Karl hadn’t released his own hand. “I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot around here. I guess that’s why I was getting so many strange looks on the way in.”
"We were told that you were killed...that...well that's how I met Viggo actually. I went into the marketplace to buy my sister a gift, and happened to walk into Viggo's shop. He had your father's ring, and your dagger...the man he bought them from told him that the man who owned them had been murdered," Karl explained. "I...I was devastated when I saw them...Vig," Karl smiled as he said his name, "he saw how upset I was and gave them to me," he said walking over to a small wooden truck and withdrawing the items still wrapped in leather.
David watched silently as Karl spoke and knew that if Craig hadn't wound up on his doorstep he very likely would have died. He kept silent however and looked over at the man named Viggo who had his arms crossed across his chest and was leaning casually against the wall as if this sort of thing happened to him every day.
Craig held out a shaking hand and took the soft leather bag from Karl. Carefully laying it on the windowsill next to him, he opened it, not even realizing that he’d been holding his breath. “My…father’s ring? And…and my dagger,” he whispered. “I…I never thought I’d see these again. Thieves attacked me on my way back from my mission. I fought them…they ran, and I gave chase, and I got lost. That was months and months ago.” He looked at David and smiled, then glanced back at Karl. “Maybe I should thank the ones that I didn’t kill. It seems that in their own twisted way, they brought both of us happiness. I mean…I mean, you *are* with Viggo, aren’t you?”
Viggo simply studied the trio before him, knowing that nothing he could say or do would change anything. He knew Karl had cared greatly for Craig, but he also knew that Karl had told him time and time again that nothing would come between them, nothing would make Karl leave the safety of Viggo’s arms. He only hoped that seeing Craig alive wouldn’t cause Karl to forget that promise for the one he made earlier to Craig.
Karl looked up at Craig as he relayed his story. "I....well yes, I am *with* Viggo...I...I thought you were dead," Karl said softly. "You've been gone so long...why didn't you come back before now? It's been over six months, Craig...we...we even had a wake for you for Gods sake," Karl said shaking his head.
David felt himself relax ever so slightly when he said he was with Viggo. Maybe everything would turn out all right after all? Karl has someone, and he and Craig have each other.
Craig looked at David and pulled him closer. “Karl, I…” His voice trailed off and he shook his head. “We need to talk. And I think we need to sit down. I…have a few things to tell you…and something to ask you as well.”
Karl nodded as Craig spoke "I imagine we do have a lot to talk about," he said as he watched the way Craig pulled the redheaded man closer. Obviously they had much to talk about. He led them to a small table and motioned for Viggo to follow which he did though his lover had yet to say anything. He knew Viggo well enough to know he was taking everything in and would save any comments for later...and it seemed that the man with Craig was of a similar disposition. That thought made him grin. //He's in love with him. The way he looks at him...Craig never looked at me that way.//
Viggo sat next to Karl, wanting to reach out and take his hand, but thinking that it probably wouldn’t be appropriate in this situation. He settled for pressing his leg against his lover’s and concentrating on his breathing. //I can’t lose him. I mean, I know he and Craig have a history…and it doesn’t *seem* like Craig wants him, but, God…how could he not?// When everyone was seated, the four men looked at each other and Viggo decided to move things on a bit. //I want this over with. One way or the other, I want to know what’s going on.// “Well, this is a bit awkward,” he said, pasting a smile on his face. “I guess since you are our guest, Craig, you have the floor?”
Craig nodded and cleared his throat. He was feeling better about everything, even though he’d dreaded this moment for months. Still holding David’s hand firmly in his own, Craig gave it a gentle squeeze, and looked at Karl. “I’ll explain everything, but first I want to introduce you to someone. This is David. He saved my life all those months ago, and I’ve been with him ever since. He’s the reason I didn’t return sooner.”
Karl had expected for Craig to say he was with this David, but hadn't expected him to say that he'd saved his life. "Saved your life..." Karl trailed off and reached across the table offering his hand to David. "Thank you, David," he said softly.
David took the offered hand and simply smiled and then Karl sat back and looked at Craig hoping he'd continue his story. "It sounds like you have a lot to tell," Karl said with a grin.
Craig smiled as Karl reached out and shook David’s hand. “I do, actually,” he continued, noticing that Viggo had smiled as well. “When I was lost…it was the dead of winter, and it was bitterly cold. I wandered through the forest for days, and got sicker and sicker, but I couldn’t seem to find a village or any sign of life. I remember being so sick that I could barely hang on to Oudin’s mane, then the next thing I knew, I was in a warm bed with blankets and sipping warm tea. We’d managed to stumble onto David’s land, and I practically fell on his front porch. He nursed me back to health and…I fell in love with him.” He raised one hand in Karl’s direction and shook his head. “Before you say anything, Karl, you need to know, that I never broke my promise to you. I love him, but I’ve never made love *to* him, even though it almost killed me.”
Karl gaped for a moment. "In all those months...you mean," Karl trailed off and looked away having to clear his throat. Craig had kept his promise even after he'd fallen in love. He had always known that Craig was an honorable man but had never truly thought he would stick to that promise. Karl smiled sadly at both Craig and David. "I imagine you'd like to kill me," he said with a small laugh. "I too would have stuck to the promise had I believed you were alive...truly I would have," Karl said softly. "After thinking you were dead...Viggo and I became friends. I think he simply felt sorry for me at first...but...we fell in love," he explained.
Viggo smiled and slid an arm around Karl’s shoulders. “He really did mourn for you, Craig,” he said softly. “I tried to help him, tried to be his friend, and…it just happened. I fell for him…fell hard.”
Craig laughed and shook his head, reaching his free hand across the table and taking Karl’s hand for a brief moment. “Karl, Viggo, honestly, I couldn’t be happier for the two of you,” he smiled. “And I certainly don’t want to kill you, Karl. I know that if you thought I’d been alive, you would have waited. But I think this worked out perfectly for both of us. I’ll always care about you Karl, and I hope we can always be close friends, but…I love David so much I can barely think straight half the time. I was so scared I’d hurt you, or disappoint you, or…something.” Releasing Karl’s hand, he reached out to Viggo and shook his hand as well. “Viggo, you’re a lucky man. I’m glad you and Karl found each other.”
Viggo nodded and felt his smile reach his eyes for the first time since he’d opened the door and realized Craig was standing on the other side. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I’m glad we found each other as well. I’ll make sure Karl is happy for the rest of his life, as God as my witness.”
Karl smiled happily and tangled his fingers with Viggo's. "I guess everything did turn out for the best. You will be going to speak to the king I imagine. He was very sad when he heard the news. You had a great many people here who care about you, Craig. How...why did you stay away so long? Why didn't you come back sooner? To...to tell me all this....why so long?" he asked curiously.
Craig pulled David closer and pressed a soft kiss to his temple. “I’ve spent the past six months trying to figure out a way to make this man love me,” he laughed. “I couldn’t bear to leave his side, and kept making excuses to stay. And…it turned out he’d loved me for as long as I’ve loved him. I don’t know how or why, but…it’s true. Once we finally admitted how we both felt, we knew we needed to talk with you, so…here we are.”
David smiled and leaned into Craig's kiss. "I fell in love with him the first time I looked into his eyes," David whispered softly when he did Karl smiled at him brightly.
"Viggo says the same thing about me. I guess it was written in the stars as they say," Karl said with a smile. "I *do* want to talk with you some more...find out much more about what has been going on with you and fill you in on everything here...but if I know our guards, word has already reached the king that you are alive and every moment you tarry here, you will wind up having to listen to him grumble about how even his own knights don't heed his word...blah blah. Some things *never* change," Karl teased.
“You’re absolutely right,” Craig said as he got to his feet. “I *do* need to talk with him. I want to request some larger quarters until David and I decide where we’re going to live permanently.” Stepping closer to Karl, Craig gave him another hug and looked at him closely. “You’re really all right?” he asked softly. “I mean….all right with…everything? Seeing me with David won’t…hurt you at all?”
Karl smiled and shook his head, "I am all right...I'm happy for you. Might have been different if I hadn't met Viggo...but I did, so why dwell on what might have been?" Karl said smiling. Turning to David he smiled again, "And thank you again for taking care of him. I cannot explain how grateful I am to have my friend back," Karl said as they made their way to the door. "Come by later and we can have dinner together or something," Karl suggested as Viggo stepped beside him. He slid his arm around the older man's waist and thought how incredibly happy Craig looked now. The same happiness he knew that he had within himself since he'd met Viggo.
"It was nice to meet you both," David said softly as they stopped in the doorway. He had been so nervous earlier and now he felt relieved beyond anything he'd ever felt in his life.
Viggo wrapped his arm around Karl’s waist and ran his hand lightly up and down his back. “Thank you, Craig. And David...thank you as well. I owe you both a lot.”
Craig slid his arm around David’s waist and nodded. “And you two will have to come by for dinner with us as well,” he said. “Viggo, it was nice to meet you, and thank you for making Karl smile like that. I have the sneaking suspicion that he just needed to see you to believe that love was real…something he never believed when we were together.” He looked back at Karl and arched an eyebrow. “So…I take it I’m officially released from my promise, then?”
Karl laughed, "I thought that was a given...but yes, officially released from the promise. Go on...go talk to the king before he really does have you beheaded or something...and then...well you'll figure out what to do from there I'm sure," he grinned cheekily and then laughed as he saw a blush spread across David's face.
Craig blushed as well, and looked at David. “I think we’ll definitely figure something out,” he laughed. “Let’s go, sweetheart. We need to meet with our king and request a place to live, and…well, I have a whole new world to show you.” His eyes sparkled and he urged David down the hall toward the King’s council room. “I think we’re officially homeless now, since they thought I was dead, you know.”
David chuckled as Craig spoke. "I guess you are right...well it isn’t like we haven't slept in a barn before...make do in a pinch," he teased as they walked. He felt so much more relaxed but now a new sort of nervousness settled over him. Once they *did* find a place to sleep they would be free to do...anything, and now the idea frightened David slightly. He wanted it, no doubt about that...but...that didn't change the fact he was nervous and more than just a little bit scared.
~~~
“Welcome home, my love,” Craig smiled, opening the front door into the room he and David would be sharing until they decided on a permanent address. After more than an hour of relating his tale to the King and introducing David to the royal family, he’d explained that they needed a place to stay…either temporarily, or permanently, they had yet to decide which. King Ian had been so happy to see Craig alive and well, that he’d given him one of the best rooms in the castle, along with a promise to stock it with all the clothes that had been packed away, all the food they could need for weeks, and the promise of no pressure to return to duty until he was ready…*if*, indeed, he wanted to return to his duties. As expected, His Majesty was as grateful to David as Karl was, and took to the red-haired young man immediately, especially when he saw the way Craig looked at him. He’d bid them a happy life, and ushered them out the door, sensing that they had some unfinished business they were anxious to attend to.
Closing the door behind them, Craig placed a kiss to David’s lips and wrapped both arms around him. “Do you like it? We can always find something else, if you don’t. The king will understand.”
David was still overwhelmed from their meeting with the king. He hadn't expected to actually go *with* Craig to speak to the king. He had assumed he would simply wait outside the chamber until Craig was ready to leave. He had been mortified when he realized he'd be meeting the king and the royal family wearing (granted his best clothes) but still the clothes of a poor farmer. Craig was quick to assure him that it was fine and the king and his family had put David at ease immediately, but for a man who hadn't been any further than a half days walk from the farm since he was a small child it was quite overwhelming. Looking around the opulent room the king had chosen for them, David nearly found himself gaping. Leaning into Craig's embrace he smiled. "It's...like nothing I've ever seen," he admitted softly. "No need to find anything else...this is fine...more than fine," he smiled.
“I’m glad you like it,” Craig smiled, reaching out to gently run his fingers through David’s hair. “So, you’re all right? I mean, I know you were nervous about Karl and the people here, and….everything else, but it all worked out, I think. Do you feel better?”
"Yes...though I think it hasn't all sunk in yet," David smiled and leaned into Craig's touch. "I am glad to be here, just the two of us again. I'm not accustomed to sharing you with so many other people. Granted we didn't have much choice on the farm...but I'm glad to have you all to myself again," he said leaning in and kissing Craig tenderly. It was the first true kiss they had shared all day and David found himself melting into Craig's arms as the kiss deepened.
Pulling David closer, Craig sighed into the kiss and closed his eyes. They’d shared nothing but kisses since they’d both revealed their feelings, and Craig would have sworn each was even sweeter than the last. Neither man was willing to break the kiss, and long minutes passed before breathlessly pulled away to draw air into their lungs. “I don’t see any reason we would have to leave this room for a long, long time,” he said softly. "I think the King will see to it that we aren’t disturbed by well wishers, so you’ll have me to yourself for as long as you like.” He knew David had never been intimate with anyone before, and knew he had to be nervous, so he simply held him close, waiting for David to suggest their next move.
David smiled as he tried to regain his breath. "I like that idea very much," he whispered as his fingertips trailed along the side of Craig's face. He wasn't sure what to do or say as he stared into his love's eyes. After a few moments he looked around the room...the most prominent piece of furniture was the bed and he looked down. "So...now that we are alone...in our room, what would you like to do?" he asked nervously.
Craig’s first thought was that he wanted to take David in his arms, carry him to the bed, and make love to him all night and again first thing in the morning. But the nervousness in David’s voice and the way he was avoiding looking at the bed made Craig think twice. The first order of business, he decided, was to get his lover to relax, to know that Craig wanted more than his body. Besides, there was one other thing he wanted to take care of first. Gently brushing the hair back from David’s forehead, Craig smiled and placed a soft kiss to his lips. “How about we have some dinner sent up?” he asked. “Then we can just relax for a while. We’ve got the rest of our lives to make love, and there’s something I want you to have before we go any further.”
David felt somewhat relieved. It wasn't that he didn't *want* Craig in that way, God he'd dreamed of him so often but...the day had been so overwhelming already. Not to mention the fact he was terribly nervous that he wouldn't be everything Craig wanted or expected. He had no idea what to expect himself, he had a general idea of course, but an idea, or a dream, was far from reality. "Dinner sounds good," David smiled and tilted his head questioningly as Craig spoke of giving him something. "Something you want to give me?" he asked curiously.
Craig nodded and reluctantly released David from his embrace. He opened the door, flagged down a passing servant, asked that dinner be brought to their room, and to see that they were not disturbed under any circumstances. As he closed the door again, he led David over to a large, cushioned chair in front of the fireplace, and pulled a second chair next to him. Sitting down so that their legs touched, he took David’s hands in his own and looked into beloved blue eyes. “I know there’s been a lot to take in today,” he began. “The trip, meeting Karl, meeting the king…and now a new place to live. I hope it’s not been too much.”
David smiled as Craig sat down across from him and took his hands in his. "No, it hasn't been too much...just feeling a little bit overwhelmed is all...I'll adjust," he said softly. The only thing that truly mattered was Craig was still here, that he still seemed to want David in his life, and *that* was all David would ever want.
Craig nodded and gently rubbed the pad of this thumbs over David’s knuckles. His father’s ring felt almost unnatural on his finger after six months of not being there. Looking down at the ring, he released David’s hands long enough to take it off. “You…you haven’t changed your mind about wanting to be with me, have you?” he asked, rolling the ring between his thumb and forefinger. “I mean…after meeting Karl, seeing more about my life…do you still want me?”
David looked at Craig curiously as he removed the ring that Karl had returned to him. At his questions David looked up into his eyes, shocked that he'd asked that. "Of course...I love you, Craig. I've loved you since the moment you came into my life, and I will love you until I draw my last breath. I do *want* to be with you...more than anything," he whispered softly and wondering why Craig had asked.
Sighing in relief, Craig looked up and smiled at his lover. “I want that too,” he said. “I know the life I had here is so very different from what you’ve always known. And I will stand by what I said earlier – I want to be with you, and if you want us to live at the farm, I’ll drop everything and go back with you today.” Swallowing the lump in his throat, he held the ring up to the light. “This ring is the only thing I have from my father. It means more to me than any other possession I’ve ever owned. I…I’d like…I’d like you to have this, David. As a symbol of how much I love you now, and will love you for as long as I live.”
David thought that his heart had stopped beating as Craig spoke. "You...you'd like me to have it? I...I don't know what to say," he whispered softly. "I will treasure it, just as I treasure you." David leaned forward and pressed his lips to Craig's gently in a sweet kiss. Drawing back he smiled, "I love you."
Craig felt his heart pounding furiously in his chest as David kissed him and looked at him with so much love. Sliding the ring over his lover’s finger, he leaned forward and kissed him again, letting his tongue lick and tease at the seam of soft, full lips. Before he could deepen the kiss, he heard a knock at the door and drew away. “There’s our dinner,” he sighed, bringing David’s hand up to his lips and placing a tender kiss to each fingertip. “I’ll get the door. You just relax and have a look around.”
~~~
TBC