Friends

Title: Friends 3 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 no the 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 2:

"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.

PART 3
~~~~~
Craig lay in bed, completely relaxed in that wonderful state of complete physical bliss when only partially awake. Slowly, he was becoming aware of the blankets, of the smell on the pillow, the sunlight coming in from the window ...sunlight?

He shot up, looking over at the clock. Damn, it was nearly one in the afternoon! He'd never get back to sleep before his night shots. Great! He'd work all night in rain, wearing a heavy costume, doing complicated, choreographed scenes with pumped up stunt men and he'd look like death warmed over!

Pulling himself out of bed, he quickly realized his naked state. He picked his robe up from the floor and headed for the bathroom, feeling an intense pressure on his bladder. He stepped into the much colder bathroom and he stopped in his tracks. Written on the mirror in what looked like shaving cream was a pair of lips. He couldn't help but laugh out loud. It was the saddest, sorriest pair of lips he'd every seen. Then true to Karl's form, there was a crude stick figure drawing of one of the many things they'd done last night and again this morning, well, actually a couple times this morning with a happy face. Craig chuckled, assuming it was Karl's way to tell him he really liked that position.

After finishing his business and throwing some cold water on his faceaig aig decided food was next. He saw his tea cup on the counter, teabag ready, spoon next to it on the counter. He picked up the kettle andnd ind it full so he turned the stovetop on. Karl must have left it. He turned and opened the refrigerator. Inside was his tray, set up with a bowl of fresh fruit, covered in plastic wrap so it didn't dry out, a plain bagel, also wrapped up with a napkin and silver. In the center of the tray sat a short vase with one of the most beautiful roses Craig had ever seen.

Craig could feel his eyes well up. He couldn't remember the last time someone had done anything even close to this for him. And it was all because of one kiss. Craig had made one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
~~~~~

Karl walked into the gym, greeting several of the stunt crew that he'd known over the years when he finally spotted who he'd come looking for. Craig was working on the far side of the room and it was obvious he'd been there for quite some time judging by the sweat soaked t-shirt and the exertion clearly written on his face. Karl watched for a few minutes as Craig grasped the rings and hung free for a brief moment. Then with complete concentration, he pulled his dead weight up by simply bending his elbows. His body remained tense and perfectly still as he brought his body up so his wrists were close to his face and his elbows tucked tightly against his body. His shirt had lifted and Karl could see the defined abs of his stomach. Truly a sight to behold.

Karl nodded raigraig's trainer and took over the role of spotter. Craig glanced down slightly as Karl took position in front of his hanging body, Karl placing his hands on Craig's tense thighs.

"On three." Karl nodded, urging Craig to continue. Craig nodded as he closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. "One....Two....Three," Karl counted. On three, Craig grunted and pulled his body weight up again, straeninening his elbows, drawing himself up until his arms were straight, supporting his weight. His entire body was trembling from the strain as Karl steadied his body from swinging with his hands on his thighs, his face so very close to Craig's groin. Craig held the position as long as he could before finally dropping down, releasing the stress in his arms and landing once again on his feet.

"I hate that part." He grumbled, stooping over, letting his entire upper body go lax.

"But I gotta say, Parker. Don't know how long you've been doing this but I had no idea you had so much muscle in those biceps. I seem to remember those shoulders being much softer not that long ago." Karl teased, handing Craig his towel to wipe the sweat.

"Bugger off, Urban." Craig laughed. Karl was right. Craig had never been in as good of shape as he was at that moment, having started the daily trainings months before shooting began. "What I do to stay employed sometimes even amazes me." He laughed.

"If Peter had asked you to shave your head, you would have and you know it." Karl teased, standing behind Craig and beginning a shoulder massage.

"I'd do just about anything...oh, that's good, right there...but I will say, shaving my head would not be one of them." Craig let his head drop forward as Karl rubbed his neck.

"Fond of the mop, eh?" Karl whispered, sending chills down Craig's spine.

"Just think of it as the reigns, Karl darling. Have to have something to hold on to." Craig joked as he pulled away from Karl's hands. They were big and warm and Craig was enjoying that backrub just a tad too much. Besides, they were in the middle of a public gym with fellow actors and stunt people all around.

Karl couldn't help but to blush slightly at Craig's comment. He did like to hang onto Craig's hair at certain moments. "I suppose it's a good thing I got the role of horse lord in this bit, now isn't it?" Karl teased.

Craig's eyes sparkled. "Oh, I can think of a few other similarities you have to a horse." He winked, tossing his damp towel at Karl's head. Both laughing men headed for the locker rooms.

"So, what brings you 'round?" Craig asked as he walked into locker room and opened his locker.

"Looking for you, actually. What time did you wake up?" Karl straddled the bench and watched Craig begin to remove his wet t-shirt.

"Too late, thanks to you." He laughed. Maybe this wasn't the mistake he'd thought it was. ythiything seemed to be the same relaxed, friendly way between them, nothing too emotional. "Now I get to go back and try to get a nap in before the bus comes to pick everyone up. Otherwise, I'll be falling asleep half way through the night." Craig stripped off his shorts, picked up a towel and walked naked to the showers.

Karl laughed to himself. Craig could blush at the drop of a pin but he'd never had a problem being nude and stripped with hardly a second thought. Karl couldn't help watching, admiring the new lines and curves from Craig's most recent physical regime. "You know Parker, when this is all well and done, you should keep up the workouts. The results are stunning." He said, following and standing just outside the showers.

Craig chuckled as he stood under the spray and soaked his head. "We'll see. You know I'm a lazy sod. Lucky if I get up to get my own tea much less working up a sweat for nothing." He said, soaping up his hair.

Karl tried to listen to what he was saying but the show in front of him soon had him mesmerized. Slowly, he watched a stream of foam slowly snake its way down Craig's neck, over his shoulder, down his perfect back, up over the curve of the backside and slide between the depths of the prominent globes. Karl followed the lucky path of the suds as it reemerged to run down the back of Craig's well developed thigh, down behind the sensitive back of the knee, up the the calf and down aroune ane ankle. Karl could imagine his mouth following the same path, kissing and licking, tasting the skin and smelling the freckled skin, his senses filling with all that was just Craig.

Karl didn't know what it was about Craig. Karl had never been this physically affected by another man. If he was honest with himself, though, he knew it was because it was much more than physical. Craig was a good friend, maybe not as close as some people but the time they had been together was good time. They were able to talk about things that neither man could talk to just anyone about. There was an underlying trust there which probably had to do with the many years they'd known one another. Surviving in this business wasn't easy but in New Zealand, actors stuck together.

Craig had been there for Karl during some emotional times and Karl never forgot that. Craig always went the extra bit, not only listening but staying with Karl, making sure he made it through whatever he'd been upset about at the time. There were also those out-of-the-blue calls, Craig's happy, upbeat voice on the end of the phone, somehow always knowing exactly when Karl needed to hear from him most. Simple invites for drinks, sometimes lunch, occasionally attending events together, and just simple outings were quite normal for them. Not often but normal all the same.

Karl had a sudden urge to touch the body before him. He already knew what the skin felt like under his hands, so soft and responsive but the emotion he was feeling now was something a bit new. The fluttering in Karl's stomach was new, the quickened pulse, the desire to just be near were all new emotions and for some reason, were incredibly strong at this moment.

"Karl?" Craig asked, standing in front of Karl, towel wrapped around his waist, his shower well over.

Karl snapped back to the present. "What? Oh, hi. Sorry, mate. Lost in thought there for a bit." Karl blushed deeply, realizing his fantasy had gotten the best of him.

"Are you feeling okay?" Craig asked, his voice soft and caring. He was concerned because he had called Karl's name several times before breaking through and getting his attention.

"Fine." Karl shook his head and followed Craig back to his locker while Craig dressed. "So, you heading back to your room for a nap?" He asked, trying to distance himself from his thts. ts.

"I was thinking about it. I have a few hours before the bus comes. What about you?" Craig slipped on a pair of jeans.

"I spent the day in costume fittings and begin fighting training tomorrow. I'm free until then." Karl smirked. He could read Craig's eyes like his own.

"Up for a bit of take-aways and a late afternoon nap? I'm thinking I might need a bedtime story to get me to sleep." Craig teased, fixing his shirt, slipping on his shoes and shutting his locker.

"I know a story or two." Karl chuckled. "Care for a ride on my bike to get you home?" Craig just smiled and nodded. Karl knew full well that Craig had a definite weakness when it came to his bike and had always accepted rides whenever possible. Karl could almost feel his heart beating in anticipation.
~~~~~

After having their fill of food, they both retired to Craig's bed for some rest. Karl spooned up against Craig's back, holding the smaller man tenderly, much in the way he held Craig in his sleep. It was comforting, safe and Craig sighed deeply as he snuggled as close as he could get. Karl laced lazy kisses along sid side of Craig's neck and ear.

"Just close your eyes and let yourself drift off." Karl whispered, sending chills down Craig's arms. Karl's free hand stroked Craig's chest and belly, soothingly much as you would do for a child. All Craig knew was it was working.

"Thank you for this morning. The breakfast was sweet." Craig mumbled, his head resting on Karl's forearm.

"I noticed you didn't touch it." Karl said, kissing the flesh before him. He just couldn't help but to kiss it. When they'd first arrived back, he'd gotten them both beers and had noticed that the tray he'd left was still on the top shelf of the refrigerator and he couldn't quite understand why.

Craig cleared his throat and tried to pull away but Karl held tight.

"It's okay that you didn't touch it, mate. I just noticed. That's all." Karl soothed, his hand hugging Craig's chest cou could feel the other man's heart racing. He held tight for a few moments, listening to the sounds of Craig's breathing, a bit faster than normal and felt the constant twitching in his arms. "Does this make you uncomfortable?" He finally asked.

Craig squeezed his eyes shut for a minute. His thoughts were racing almost out of control and he felt a full fledged anxiety attack rolling over his usually calm demeanor. He was trying to keep it at bay but having Karl so close wasn't helping.

"Why'd you do it?" Craig finally managed, his voice sounding shaky, which was so uncharacteristic for him. Karl finally let go, rolled Craig onto his back and leaned over so he could look into Craig's eyes.

"Because I thought you'd be hungry." Karl said, everything so simple.

Craig shook his head. He felt like a trapped animal under Karl so he squirmed up and off the bed, leaving Karl looking a bit stunned.

"Why are you always running away from me?" Karl asked.

"No. That's not why." Craig began pacing. Karl had known him long enough and had only seen Craig pace once or twice in his life and then only when really upset about something.

Karl suddenly felt very defensive. "No? Then tell me why, Parker. Tell me why I went out of my way to leave you a tray?" He also stood, waiting for the attack.

"I never should have done it." Craig mumbled to himself, running his hands through his hair. "I knew it was a mistake when I did it but I thought maybe, maybe this one time it won't end like this. Maybe once, I'd have made the right choice."

"What are you goin' on about? What mistake?" Karl asked, now more concerned than defensive. Craig was beating himself up over something and Karl felt clueless.

Suddenly, Craig stopped his pacing and looked across the room at Karl. The look on his face nearly broke Karl in two.

"Do you know why I don't let anyone kiss me?" Craig asked. His voice sounded like one of a little boy and he just seemed so hurt.

"Why?" Karl asked, taking the few steps it took to stand in front of the distraught man. He wanted to touch him but figured Craig wouldn't allow it.

"Because that's me." Craig said, touching his chest above his heart. "I can let guys lyou you fuck me in the arse but that's not really me. Not really. It feels good and we both get off but it doesn't mean anything, don't you see that? I keep it simple. A quick fuck with a mate and all is well, you know? God, Karl. We've been doing this for months and it never meant anything more than a good root or a quick bloou kou know? And it was good. You were the only one who I ever let spend the night, d'ya know that? I care about you, Karl. I do. You're a good mate, one of the best. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Craig asked, words falling from his lips in rapid succession.

Karl was so confused. The only one who he let spends the night? He cared about him? Maybe Karl wasn't the only one with feelings here.

"I don't understand what I did that has you so upset." Karl said, touching his hand to Craig's face. Craig abruptly turned his face, avoi the the contact. Instead of allowing Karl to touch him, Craig brought his own hand up and traced Karl's lips with his fingertips, his eyes staring at their lush fullness.

"This." Craig whispered. "I let you kiss me."

Now Karl was even more confused. Wasn't that a good thing? Kissing was good, well, kissing Craig was better than good but maybe that was the problem.

"And you said those words." Craig continued.

Finally, it all became clear to Karl. He felt like such an idiot for it having taken so long but now he understood.

"I love you."

Craig closed his eyes, his hand shaking against Karl's lips but he couldn’t pull his hand away. He nodded his head slightly.

Karl figured he needed to con control of this situation. He had never seen Craig in such an emotional turmoil as as cas currently in and it hurt. He brought both his hands up to the sides of Craig's face and he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss against the now trembling man's lips.

Craig gasped slightly as he tried to pull back.

"I love you, Craig. I have for a while now. I didn't realize it until last night. Hell, I didn't even really want it but I do. Why can't you let me love you?" Karl whispered, placing such soft, sweet kisses against Craig's unmoving lips, hoping to still the trembling he could feel building in the smaller man.

"Because you don’t ly. ly. You may think you do but you don't. If I let you, I'll be the one with the broken heart when you've gone and I can't do that anymore, Karl. I can't." Craig replied honestly, bringing his body against Karl's as the larger man wrapped his arms around him.

"I don't say it when I don't mean it, Craig. You know that." Karispeispered into Craig's hair.

"Go back to your room, Karl." Craig said after nearly losing himself in the embrace. His voice was emotionless as he pulled away and moved back towards his own bed.

"What? Why?" Karl asked, stunned once again.

"Just leave, okay?" Craig looked up at him with empty eyes. "You got what you wanted last night and now it's time to go. I have to get ready for my scenes tonight." Craig said, sounding a bit colder than he'd intended and thankful that sometimes acting skills came in handy.

Silence filled the room. Craig put on his best impassive face, hardening himself from feeling anything as he stared back at Karl, his eyes unmoving. Karl's face, however, was a vast array of emotions, each flickering across his face with such speed, it made Craig's head spin. Finally, ing ing by the creases and lines, Craig figured he had settled on angry. Not just mad kind of angry but shooting daggers of flaming fire type of angry.

"You are a bastard." Karl said, anger seething just below the surface.

"You're not the first to call me that and certainly not the last. Now please leave." Craig said, finally looking away. It hurt too much to continue to see the pain register on Karl's face. Even though he wasn't looking at him, he could feel his stare.

"That's all this has been to you?" Karl asked, sounding so unbelieving. Craig could hear his breathing coming through his nose, much la bua bull preparing to charge and Craig knew he deserved it. "You are a cold hearted slut." Karl stated as he left and slammed the door behind him.

"I've been called that also." Craig whispered to himself as he curled up on his bed, held tightly onto the pillow that still held Karl's smell.

~~~~~
It was hard for Craig to remain in a bad mood once he arrived on the set. Not with the likes of Sala, Lawrence, Jed and so many others who had worked on Xena and Hercules around to bring him out of his funk. Soon, testosterone and pumped up stunt men had Craig feeling like he was away at summer camp. Dressing up in armor, marching, playing with weapons and running around a stone castle all played into the fantasy and soon, it was hard to remember that a world existed outside of Helm's Deep.

And so many beautiful men. It was a virtual playground. Boys playing with boys, getting each other's adrenaline going, teasing, wrestling, Elves against Uruk-hai, chanting, the men of Rohirrim looking awe-struck as the columns of elves come marching in, all so easy to get sucked into.

Days blended into nights and Craig was able to push Karl out of his mind enough to do the job he was hired to do. They worked all night in the freezing water, doinge phe physical choreography than Craig had ever done in his life. He had years of experience doing fight scenes. You couldn't and be on shows like Xena and not learn by doing. It wasn't the fights that got to him. It was the hours and hours of standing there, bow drawn tight, holding the position while they shot it from every possible angle. He was thankful for the intense training he'd gone through.

After just a few days, his body switched internal schedules and he was up all night and half the day, catching a few hours midday and then back out all night. Whenever he was in production on some show or play, becoming sleep deprived was sort of second hand nature and he lived off the adrenaline alone. It was a physical rush to do all those fight scenes and thankfully, kept him very occupied mentally.

While they were expected to put everything they had into each and every night, their days were also still active. The physical training continued, becoming a much needed necessity to anyone who hadn't put their full effort into it before, and as boys do, they often staged mock fights and worked on their sword skills. It was at one of these staged fights when Craig next saw Karl.
~~~~~

He'd been riding for days now, training mostly on the back of a horse which thankfully for his backside, was something he was already used to. He'd thrown himself into his new role, becoming the horse lord that he was. Unfortunately whenever he heard that term, 'horse lord', he couldn't help but to think about Craig.

Karl couldn't quite understand why Craig had pushed him away. They had a good thing going, he thought. Light easy banter, share a few jokes, mess around a bit, nothing too heavy. Had the breakfast been that wrong? Hell, he would have loved it if he'd waken up to breakfast already made for him.

Maybe it was the kiss. It was just a kiss. And Craig was a hot kisser, that's for sure. Karl felt like he could have gotten off just by what Craig could do with his tongue on other parts but in his mouth, dueling with his own was beyond unbelievable. It wasn't only the tongue that worked wonders but Karl had never seen Craig that wanting during sex as he'd been after they kissed. That morning had been one of the best fucks that Karl had ever had in his life and he had plenty to compare it to. It was just so free, so uninhibited, and so needy that Karl felt he would always remember it.

After working hard all week on training and beginning his shooting schedule, it was nice to actually have a day off. It was actually a day off for everyone and the stunt crew had challenged the elves and the men of Rohan to a mock duel. They had arranged horses, battling gear, protective safety wear and even a few medics for the event. Women brought food and drinks, much in the All Black spirit and everyone headed out with their families for a day of socializing and good sport.

"G'day, mate!" Sala gave Karl a huge bear hug and brought him over to where the beer was. "Grab yourself a cold one. You gonna get yourself loosened up a bit before the big battle, right?" He laughed, handing Karl a beer. By the time Karl got there, it was pretty clear that many of the crew had already had several to drink.

"Hey, getting you drunk is the only advantage the rest of us have against the lot of you." Karl joked back. He was looking around the crowds, wondering if Craig would bother to come out for this. Somehow, Karl pictured Craig sitting in a nice pub nursing a drink with Ian rather than out on this dusty field and this rowdy group.

They hadn't spoken or even seen one another since the argument and Karl had wanted to say something about what he'd said to Craig. He hadn't meant it, he was just angry. Craig's icy demeanor had just rubbed him the wrong way. Craig could use just the right words to cut someone down so quickly when he wanted to and by telling Karl he'd gotten what he wanted, he turned Karl into pulp in seconds flat.

Karl was into his third beer by the time a group of elves arrived, all beautiful males, model-like features, long fantastic hair, and cheekbones for days. Of course, both the group of Rohan men and Orcs had to catcall and tease them for being so damn perfect looking.

Of course, with the beauty came the one that still, even after their fight, make Karl's stomach flip and his knees get weak. He didn't want to be affected that way but he was. Craig flashed a smile to everyone, his eyes looking around, taking in all who were here. He was still one of the better known actors on the set locally and there were always people wanting to talk to him. He was soon drawn into a group and Karl continued to watch with fascination.
~~~~~

"You're staring." A soft voice came from behind. Karl turned and saw Viggo standing next to him, watching the same group that Karl had been watching.

"What?" Karl asked. He knew he'd been staring but he didn't realize anyone else knew.

Viggo motioned to the group. "So, who's got all your attention?" He asked, taking a long sip from his bottle.

"Eh, no one, really." Karl shifted and attempted to turn away. It didn't last long, though because his eyes soon drifted back to Craig.

"Liar." Viggo chuckled, watching Karl out of the corner of his eye.

Karl sighed, Viggo was right. Karl was lyto hto him and to himself. "Craig." He admitted.

Viggo looked a bit surprised. "You interested in our Haldir?" He asked, keeping his voice down so no one would overhear.

Karl looked down at his empty beer bottle. "We're mates, y'now? Known each other for years. It's a long story. You wouldn't understand." Karl decided that admitting what he and Craig had done was probably not a smart idea.

Viggo had a pretty good idea of what was going on so maybe now might be a good time for some confessing. He'd only just met Karl but so far, he enjoyed the Kiwi's friendship and he liked what Karl had already shown him as far as who Karl was as a person.

"Would it help to tell you that I can see it in your eyes?" Viggo smiled. Karl looked mortified but Viggo just smiled. "Did something happen?"

Karl cleared his throat. It would feel good to get some of this off his chest. "Wuh, uh, well, we have been...for several months now. It's nothing really, just a bit of a release I guess. It's always been no big deal, see? Damn, this is hard." He said, shaking his head. "I think...I said something... I want a bit more, you know?" Karl said, looking into Viggo's eyes. The smile on Viggo's face was accompanied with such an honest look of understanding. Viggo placed his arm over Karl's shoulder.

"Did you tell him that?" He asked.

Karl laughed. "That is what has gotten us here. We haven't talked in days. He won't even look at me. I sound like a bloody girl." Karl rubbed his hands across his face.

"You know what you need to do." Viggo made a simple statement and Karl knew he was right. Karl finished the last gulp of beer and he stood, ready to finally go talk to Craig.

"Attention everyone. May we have all players to the field? Our tournament is about to begin!" The voice over the loudspeaker, John Rhys-Davies called.

"Buggar!" Karl muttered. Earlier, he'd signed up to lead the group of Rohan men in a battle against the elves and he knew he couldn't back out now.

"There's plenty of time." Viggo encouraged. "Talk later." He patted Karl on the back and went to watch the battle.

Karl straightened his shoulders and took a deep breath. "Later, yeah."

TBC