Friends

Title: Friends 2 of 10
Author: Simplyshelly (simplyshelly2@earthlink.net)
Pairing: Craig Parker / Karl Urban
Rating: NC17 for sexual content / SLASH
Summary: Just a bit of fluff because a man that nice should be happy in every aspect of his life -
Warnings: AU / SLASH
Archive: Author site – http://www.simplyshelly2001.com.
Disclaimer: Okay, so I don't own anyone but myself. But I'm not in the story so it really doesn't matter. I'm just borrowing a few people, trying to live vicariously through my stories and having some fun.
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Previously in part 1:

Craig took Karl's earlobe between his teeth and he bit, almost enough to cause pain as his fingers tugged in Karl's locks. His tongue flicked along the curve of Karl's ear and he whispered. "Fuck me."

PART 2
~~~~~
Something in Karl snapped. Like a feral animal, he hoisted Craig over his shoulders and brought him to the bedroom, his erection bobbing almost painfully with every step. He wanted to just dump Craig in the middle of the bed and jump right in but part of his brain was still working as he set Craig back on solid ground. Craig reached into the nightstand and pulled out condoms and lube.

While Craig gathered supplies, Karl was busy trying to remove Craig's clothes for him. Karl was always a bit clumsy when he had no blood left in his brain and they fumbled together. Their hands and mouths continued exploring, seeking, pleasuring various parts as wen went.

Both were filled with a burning need, dizzy with desire. Finally Craig was stripped and with hands of an expert, he had Karl sheathed and lubed in seconds flat. Finally, Craig bent over the edge of the bed and he offered himself to the desperate man. Neither cared much for tenderness at this point, their needs requiring urgency. Karl knew this dance well. Craig rarely needed any preparation and had once told Karl that he'd been doing this his whole adult life and he knew when and how to relax himself. Karl took a hold of the smaller man's hips and in one thrust, buried himself deep within the warm tunnel.

"Shit!" Craig gasped, the air literally knocked out of his lungs by the force in which Karl had entered him.

"You okay?" Karl asked, holding himself still as he bit the shoulder blade below him.

"I'm good. You just surprised me." Craig nodded after regaining his breath. "You know, in fact, I'm perfect." He showed Karl just how by pressing his hips back against the larger man.

"You are." Karl mumbled as he pulled back, feeling Craig's muscles pulsating around him. "You are so…perfect." Karl thrust back in, causing Craig to gasp as his thrust was met by an equal one. Soon, they found a steady rhythm, meeting each other with their strong physical need. The air was filled with the sweet sounds of moans, whispers of encouragement and bodies coming together.

It didn't take long for Karl's movements begin to lose their rhythm. Craig reached down and grasped his own neglected erection. He knew that Karl wouldn't touch him because he never had. Karl had a few hang-ups still with having sex with another male. He could fuck Craig and let him take him into his mouth but Karl still hadn't ever touched Craig's cock or taken Craig into his mo The They were things Craig could live without because the fucking was worth it. It was an easy arrangement, both giving what they could and keeping their boundaries as well.

Suddenly, Craig's back arched as his body clamped around Karl. "Oh, fuck, Karl, come on…yes…like that…yes!' He cried before finally losing control and shooting over his own hand again and again. Orgasms with Karl were always good.

Karl felt the pressure building up in his loins as Craig pulsed around him, milking him along. With a roar, Karl thrust hard once more and let lose, shooting into the latex barrier as he dug his fingers into Craig's flesh, surly causing bruising in his shoulder and hip. After several moments, he finally collapsed against Craig's back. He could feel his own heartbeat racing in time with the man below him.

They just stood for a few minutes, both trying to regain some lost oxygen. Sweat rolled off Craig's face onto the bed and down Karl's back in tiny rivers. Soon, cold air began to make their moist skin cool and Craig straightened his back a bit, unable to support Karl's weight any longer. Karl carefully withdrew and both returned to reality.

"Just toss it in the bin and I'll be right back." Craig said, motioning for Karl to dispose of the condom in the trash as he headed for the bathroom to clean up.

"Right." Karl nodded. He was struck with the realities that this was all just fucking, filling a physical hunger with each other and nothing more. Not like he wanted or even expected anything more but some small part of him had wondered what it would be like if it meant more.

But at the same time, the noncommittal nature of Craig at this point was also a relief. After all, Craig was a guy and Karl couldn't begin to have feelings for him. They were mates, pals who hung out and occasionally fooled around. Karl knew he could walk out right now and Craig would be okay with that, nothing changing between them. The lack of emotional attachment was comforting as much as it was conflicting.

Karl pulled the sheets back and crawled into the bed. His body was tired. Maybe after a bit, Craig would be up for another round. Craig could usually be talked into going at it again before the night came to an end.

Craig smiled shyly as he returned to the bedroom. Physical needs set aside, now they were just friends. Karl held up the blankets and Craig joined him, instantly snuggling up as he was wrapped within Karl's arms. He spent several moments kissing Karl sweetly on the neck, cheek, forehead, everywhere but his lips. With a sigh and a satiated smile, he rested his head on Karl's outstretched arm. Blue eyes looked up at Karl.

"That was..." Karl started but Craig placed his finger against Karl's lips, hushing him gently.

"I agree." Craig whispered, closing his eyes.

Karl watched Craig's face, tracing his eyebrows with a fingertip, admiring each freckle. His finger ran down the strong nose and ran along the full lips. Smiling sleepily, Craig parted his lips, taking Karl's finger in as he began sucking on the digit. Karl felt a shudder run through his spine. Craig opened his eyes as he moved slightly forward, taking Karl's entire finger in while doing such wonderful things with his tongue. Back out to just the tip and again sucked into the warmth of Craig's vacuum-like mouth. No one had suction like Craig and Karl couldn't help but to moan.

"Damn, Parker. Where'd you learn that?" Karl asked softly as Craig released his finger, biting the tip before letting him go.

"I'm a perfectionist." He said, again closing his eyes.

Karl snickered. "You should have a boyfriend."

"Don't want one." Craig replied without hesitation.

"Why not?" Karl asked. He'd honestly never asked Craig that question. Craig opened his eyes and turned to look at Karl's face. Craig always spoke so freely after sex, his protective walls gone for a short time.

"Do you want the truth or the slutty answer I tell anyone who asks?" Craig asked, his eyes darting around Karl's face.

"You aren't a slut." Karl answered. "The truth."

Craig sighed deeply, snuggling closer within Karl's arms. "I've done that route," he said. Karl waited for more to the answer but after several moments of silence, it was clear that Craig had finished.

"You loved Michael, didn't you?" Karl finally asked. Everyone in their close knit of friends knew that Craig had been in a long term relationship with his Shortland Streets co-star Michael Galvin and that it had just recently ended. Craig still lived in the house they'd bought together. Karl knew them as a couple for years, being part of the small community of actors in New Zealand and he knew Craig and Michael still saw each other often.

"That's over, Karl." Craig said as he turned himself around in Karl's arms, facing away. Karl made sure his body stayed close, though and he pulled Craig back up against him.

"I'm sorry." Karl whispered into Craig's ear. "Do you want me to go?" he asked.

Craig pulled Karl's arm tighter around his waist. "No. Stay the night, please." Craig asked, the 'please' sounding more like a beg than a simple request.

Karl could hear the shakiness in Craig's voice as he buried his face against the other man's neck. "I'm not leaving." He whispered, not sure what he meant by it but meaning it never less. He also knew that Craig and Michael's relationship had been over years before they'd made it official and Craig had once confided that he hated sleeping alone.

Karl felt the body against him eventually give in to sleep. After the physically challenging and busy day Craig had had, Karl expected it. Right then, he couldn't think of anything better than to hold this man, his friend in his arms.

~~~~~
Craig slowly became aware of the warmth against his back, the softness of a larger body with strong muscular arms wrapped around him. He also felt the face snuggled against his neck and the snoring in his ear. This is the moment in time that he loved about being with Karl. In his sleep, Karl became a cuddle whore. It was the main reason why Craig always let Karl spend the night. He wondered if Karl was aware that he was one of the few.

He glanced at the clock and noticed it was just after midnight. He'd begin his night scene filming the following night and if he would be expected to stay awake all night long, he'd have to sleep much of the day, which meant he'd better get up now and keep himself awake. Carefully, he lifted Karl's limp arms from his body and slid out from underneath the covers. Karl groaned and rolled over, falling easily back to sleep. Craig smiled at the look on Karl's face. He looked so young and honestly, so downright beautiful and Craig couldn't help to run his hand down the side of his face, brushing the beard before he pulled the covers back around the sleeping man. Karl was a good friend.

Craig slipped on a pair of flannel sleeping pants and shuffled into the kitchen. Karl's clothes were strewn all over the room so he picked each item up, folded and neatly set them back in the bedroom. Once picking up the lounge, he put a kettle of water on the stove and pulled out a cup for tea. He needed to go over the script for tomorrow plus he had a few scripts for future projects that he'd brought along and should probably read soon.

Once he had his tea fixed, he set it on the end table, curled up with his script and a cozy blanket and immersed himself into middle earth.

~~~~~
Karl rolled over and reached for the warm body he knew he'd gone to bed but but when he felt a cold pillow, he opened one eye. He could smell Craig but he was definitely alone in the bed. He could see a faint light coming from the lounge and figured Craig couldn't sleep.

He shuffled out of the bedroom and leaned against the wall, watching Craig. For some reason, he was hit with an overwhelming feeling of compassion for his friend. He'd always liked Craig, liked the way he thought about things, his quick sense of humor, his ability to blend in anywhere with anyone. Craig had incredible people skills, being able to charm his way into anyone's heart with very little effort. Everyone loved Craig. People liked working with him and Karl had hardly ever heard anything negative about the man.

However, the more Karl thought about it, he wondered how many people actually got close to Craig. After all, he was an actor, much better than many people thought. He knew when people were watching and knew how to act. Karl wondered how many people saw him as he did at this moment, totally unaware of being watched, completely relaxed, totally without guards.

The more he thought about it, he realized he also knew very little about Craig. Sure they'd had sex but when it came down to it, Karl was the one having sex. Craig did things to his body that shot through Karl's heart and made him crazy with lust. For the first time in all these years, Karl wondered what Craig got out of it. Craig usually found release as well but it was at his own doing. Karl realized he'd been a total ass all these years, taking his own gratification and unknowingly using his friend for his own pleasures. Was he the only one? He knew Craig had other partners and he wondered if the others were also like this. Craig said he was attracted to straight men so did that mean that Craig let others use him the way he'd always let Karl?

Maybe that's why Craig didn't allow anyone to kiss him. Karl wondered who the lucky last person who had been ged ted that honor. Karl knew Michael never spoke of the relationship which had been between him and Craig. Karl could remember talking to Craig about his many loves and losses but he didn't remember Craig ever sing ing of his own. Karl wondered who comforted Craig when he felt down and lonely.

"You should be sleeping." Karl said quietly, making the man on the couch jump.

"Bloody hell, Urban! You startled me!" Craig laughed having dropped his script to the floor. Karl couldn't help but to chuckle.

"Sorry, mate. Been standing there for a while. Surprised you didn't notice me." Karl said, coming over and picking up the dropped script. He nudges Craig's legs and sat on the other end, helping himself to some of the blanket Craig had wrapped around himself. Craig tucked his toes under Karl's thigh and handed Karl his cup of tea.

"There's water in the kettle if you want me to fix you a cuppa." Craig leaned his head back against the back of the couch and Karl felt his stomach flip.

"I'll share yours if you don't mind." Karl said, drawing his eyes away from Craig's adorable face. Craig giggled softly. "So, what are you doing up at this hour?" Karl set the mug back onto the coffee table.

"I need to stay up because I join night shoots tonight. I can get a nap in this afternoon so I can last all night without falling asleep on my feet." Craig explained, tracing patterns on the blanket.

"I could think of better ways to stay awake." Karl said, his voice soft and gentle.

"You need your sleep." Craig replied, lifting a leg and motioning for Karl to come closer, which he did so willingly.

"I don't have to be anywhere until after noon." Karl smiled, ducking under the blanket, running his hand up Craig's legs as he crawled closer. Craig was giggling but soon Karl's kisses on his belly turned more passionate as Karl moved up his chest.

Craig couldn't hold back a moan when Karl began flicking his tongue over his nipple. He loved when Karl took the initiative but for some reason, this felt very different.

"Karl, what are you doing?" Craig asked, his voice a bit shaky.

Karl lifted his head pushing the blanket back to reveal his face. "If you have to ask, I'm doing it wrong." Karl said with a smirk.

"Oh, no, you aren't doing anything wrong." Craig smiled, running his hands through Karl's messy hair, adjusting himself so his body was facing Karl a bit better.

Karl returned to kissing Craig's chest, eliciting gentle moans from Craig. Karl would always list that sound as one of his biggest turn-ons, just hearing it send a bolt of electricity directly to his groin every time. As his mouth continued up to Craig's collarbone, he pressed his hips down along the other man, rubbing his erection against the flannel of Craig's pants. Craig began kissing the side of Karl's face as he arched his hips up to meet Karl's and his hands clenched on strong shoulders.

"Karl," Craig moaned his mouth against Karl's ear as he felt the other man throbbing against his own. Karl kissed back, rubbing his beard against Craig's scruffy cheek, his lips just centimeters away from Craig's. Craig began to turn his head away but Karl stopped him, his hand grasping Craig's jaw.

"Let me kiss you." Karl whispered into Craig's neck as he kept a firm grip on his chin.

"No." Craig moaned, grinding their hips together with both his hands on Karl's hips, causing Karl to whimper.

"Please." Karl begged, pressing down with a hip grind that he knew drove Craig crazy.

"No." Craig continued to try to force his face to the side, opting for kissing the palm that held him so firmly, running his tongue between the fingers as he felt Karl shudder against him.

"Oh, fuck, Parker." Karl whimpered, nearly coming undone but he wasn't going to give up. He wanted to taste that beautiful mouth more than he had wanted anything in a long time. "Just one kiss." Karl insisted, bringing his mouth up and pressing his lips against the smaller man beneath him.

Suddenly, Karl felt himself shoved backwards, nearly off the other end of the sofa as Craig scrambled to get up from the sofa.

"I said NO!" Craig repeated, panting for air. He had been so very close to climaxing but he couldn't let Karl kiss him like that. He just couldn't.

"What was that for?" Karl asked, still bewildered that Craig had panicked the way he had and had been able to shove him so hard. Karl could still feel the sharp pain in his chest from Craig's hands.

"I told you no, for Christ's sake. Why'd you have to do that?" Craig asked, wiping his mouth. He was obviously very affected by the kiss and had Karl completely confused. "Everything was so nice." Craig began pacing and Karl had never seen him so agitated. "Things were just fine, so close, so damn close. I told you years ago that I couldn't kiss you, Karl. Years ago. You knew. You knew the rules." Craig babbled as he paced. He was actually scaring Karl.

"Hey," Karl said, coming to Craig and stopping him, holding onto his shoulders. Craig tried to pull away but Karl wasn't allowing him. "Craig, shhh, its okay, mate. I'm sorry. Just caught up in the moment. I'm so sorry." Karl tried to calm, pulling the smaller man against his chest.

"You need to leave." Craig tried to pull away and Karl hadn't realized just how strong Craig was.

"No. I'm not leaving." Karl insisted, holding even tighter. After several minutes of struggling, he felt the smaller man give up. Craig's arms snaked around Karl's waist as he rested his face against Karl's shoulder his movements of complete defeat.

"This was a bad idea." Craig mumbled against Karl's chest.

"What was?" Karl asked, a sudden bad feeling burning deep in his stomach. The force of it shocked him somewhat.

"This..." Craig motioned with his finger between the two of them.

Karl couldn't believe it. The overwhelming panic he felt, thinking that Craig regretted what they had between them coupled with this horrible feeling of loss went through him like a lightning bolt. He knew this feeling all too well, a feeling he'd experienced so many times in the past. He remembered the intense feelings of feeling so comfortable falling asleep with Craig, like being home, the feelings of pure and utter joy as he held this man in his arms. Suddenly, it all dawned on him. Karl shook his head, not believing it quite yet himself.

"No, this isn't a mistake, luv. It's never been a mistake. Please don't think it's been a mistake. Come back to bed. I won't kiss you if you don't want me to." Karl reassured, pressing soft kisses on the top of Craig's head, his forehead and his closed eyes. He could taste the salt from the tears that had rolled down Craig's face on his lips. In all their years as friends, Karl had cried plenty of times in front of Craig but never once had Karl seen Craig lose control and the tears burned his skin knowing he'd put them there.

"I love you." He whispered.

Craig's head shot up like he had a spring attached but he did not pull away from the embrace. His eyes searched Karl's face, darting all over it and finally settling on Karl's eyes.

"I love you, too, mate. You've always been a good friend." Craig said nonchalantly, his voice having a very unsure edge to it.

Karl shook his head, placing one hand along the side of Craig's face and waiting until their eyes met again.

"I mean I love you." He said very clearly. He could see a brief flash of panic go through Craig's eyes but then he saw something else. He saw vulnerability there, a loneliness he had never seen before, a look that made his heart ache.

"Don't say it if you don't mean it." Craig whispered, his voice giving out in the end.

"Kiss me and find out." Karl smiled, knowing he was moving into new territory here. He had never seen himself with a man before he'd met Craig so many years ago. At this exact moment, he couldn't see him withone one else.

Craig swallowed slowly. He couldn't believe his own ears. Karl was actually saying that he loved him, 'that' kind of love. Craig's head was spinning out of control, his heart pounding like a sledge hammer, almost to the point of pain. He couldn't possibly actually love him, could he?

Their lips came together, tentatively at first, both unsure of how the other would react. A quick peck, met by another, this one lasting a few seconds longer, and then another. With each kiss, their confidence grew as they both began to make appreciative sounds against one another's mouths. Tongues flicked against lips, slight gasps as they began stealing the other's breath, heat building between them. Both instinctively ran their hands up into one another's hair, fingers gripping and guiding each other.

Teasing, they grew more and more frantic, each battling for dominance as wet muscle flicked against wesclescle, moans growing louder as their fingers tangled in one another's hair. Reaching a point of no return, Craig gave over control as he separated his lips and allowed Karl to plunge his tongue deep inside his mouth.

Both men moaned, suddenly weak in the knees as they began to breathe deeply from their noses. Bodies camgethgether and hands began to roam. Finally, Karl had to break away because he was so dizzy; his mind was beginning to go fade into the darkness.

"I'm so sorry I didn't do this years ago." Karl smiled, seeing a sparkle in Craig's eyes he knew was there because of him and him alone. "If you're feeling even half of what I'm feeling right now..." he started but again, Craig's finger was against his lips.

"Kiss me again." Craig ran his thumb along Karl's bottom lip. "Kiss me like it will last forever." He whispered, his eyes never leaving Karl's.

"Forever is a very long time, Parker." Karl replied. "I plan on kissing you every day until the end of time." He whispered, taking Craig's hand and pulling him towards the bedroom.

TBC