Bring me to life

Title: Brme tme to life 3 of 7
Author: Simplyshelly (simplyshelly2@earthlink.net)
Pairing: Craig Parker / Dave Wenham
See part 1 for disclaimer
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7/12/2004
"Morningave ave smiled as a ruffled Hugo shuffled into the kitchen for coffee.

"Hmph." Hugo responded. Sometimes he wondered where Dave found all his energy, being much more of a morning person than Hugo.

Dave sat a plate of steaming French toast in front of the barely awake man. "I noticed the door was shut to the other guest room. Did he come back?" He joined Hugo whis his own plate of food, trying not to sound too eager for news.

Hugo had gotten to know Dave quite well over the years and he could read his emotions pretty well. Almost as soon as Craig had left for the convention, Dave had closed up again, unable to speak as freely with Hugo as he could with Craig. Hugo had spent much of the weekend tied up with business so unfortunately, Dave had plenty of time to wallow in his depression again.

"He got in just after six this morning. Poor thing barely slept since he left here. One thing I've noticed about that boy is he gives everything he's got. You should have seen him during filming. He's quite amazing on a horse if you ever get a chance to go riding with him." Hugo said as he

"But the elves weren't on horses in the film." Dave corrected but Hugo shook his head.

"They filmed a huge battle seen between the Lothlorien elves and the Goblins that will never see the light of day. It's unfortunate because it truly showed his character in his full element."

"Is there anything he doesn't do?" Dave joked, really amazed. He'd never spent the time or really had the opportunity to get to know Craig before. Sure, he'd heard things. Everyone in the industry talked and Dave remembered a few conversations where Craig's name had been mentioned back during the filming.

"I don't think he knows how to say 'no'. He should do more theater, though. I've seen him in a few things. He was just amazing in Judas Kiss and when he did Rosencrantz with Oliver, well, the two of them are hilarious. Missed him in Rocky but I hear he did a fine job. He's really best with a live audience. I think that's why Peter has him doing so many of those bloody conventions." Hugo added.

Dave nodded, taking in every bit of information he could. While all of it was helpful, he only hoped to be able to get to know the real Craig, not the performer.

~~~~~~~~~~

Several hours later, Hugo headed for the airport so Dave fixed a nice yet simple lunch for the sleeping man upstairs. Quietly, he knocked on the door. Getting no onseonse, he stepped silently into the room with full intension of setting the tray down and leaving. However, he found himself unable to move.

Lying before him was a site that stole Dave's breath away. There was no doubting his sexuality now. Tangled amongst the sheets was a beautiful, tanned body. Dave couldn't help from looking him over as he noticed how peaceful Craig's face was. When awake, Craig was constantly in motion and it was almost a treat to see him perfectly still.

Dave's eyes drifted over the bare chest. He smiled as he noticed all the freckles covering the perfectly shaded skin. Craig wasn't bulking with muscles or Hollywood thin but built nicely, normally, not all that different from Dave himself. The sheet was resting on hon his abdomen and Dave felt himself blush when his eyes traveled lower. Sure, he'd been questioning his own sexuality but he'd never actually been with a guy and looking at Craig, he wondered how it would feel to kiss the skin displayed before him. Would it be like Kate? How would a guy's skin smell? Kate's had always smelled perfumed and he was pretty sure Craig's wouldn't smell like that.

Kate has always liked the feeling of Dave's beard because it was so soft. Would another bloke like that feeling also? What would it feel like on Dave's body? He looked up at Craig's face and noticed the scruffiness. Was Craig's beard soft or would it be course? Would his lips be soft or hard? Dave knew he'd always liked it when Kate went dow...he stopped his train of thought right there. What would 'that' be like? He had to admit that he'd dreamt of taking another man in his mouth before but he'd never done it or had it done by a male. He knew what oral sex was like with a woman but with a guy, it was a total different beast.

Suddenly, he heard Craig moan and shift his legs and Dave realized what he'd been staring at. Even though the sheet was still covering him and the fact that Craig wore underwear did little to tame Dave's imagination as he forced his thoughts back to the task at hand. He set the tray down on the bedside table and turned to make his way back out of the room.

"What time is it?" Craig mumbled softly. Dave felt like a true class 'A' pervert for having spent to long ogling the sleeping man and he felt guilty.

"Just past noon." Dave replied, just wanting to make a clean get-a-way. He could hear Craig shifting in the bed.

"Did you bring in a tray?" Craig asked, his voice still hoarse from sleep.

Dave turned around, ready to face his demons but one look at the sleepy face in the bed just made him smile. Craig's hair was standing up all over the place and his eyes were puffy as he leaned up on one elbow inspecting the tray Dave had set down.

"Uh, yeah. Thought you might be hungry when you woke up but I didn’t mean to wake you in the process." Dave could feel himself blushing.

"You didn't have to do that, Dave." Craig rubbed his eyes, trying to wake up.

"It was nothing." Dave turned and reached for the door.

"You aren't leaving, are you?" Craig asked, rolling onto his side and hugging the other pillow to his chest. He burrowed his face against it, his eyes still on Dave.

"I figured you'd want some more sleep." Dave smiled at the sight before him.

Craig patted the bed. "Don't run away. Stay here and talk for a bit." He reached onto the plate and lifted his head enough to pop a grape in his mouth before resting his head back on the pillow. "What are you up to today?"

"Uh, nothing really. How was the cabaret?" Dave asked, sitting at the end of the bed.

Craig giggled. "Good. We toured a winery, did some dancing, lots of goofing around. It was fun but I'm tired of people." He said softly.

"Then I should leave you to your lunch." Dave smiled, knowing that wasn't what Craig meant but what he didn't expect was Craig's hand reaching over and landing on his thigh.

"I didn't mean you." He said, squeezing the leg in front of him. "You I want to talk to. I don't have to perform for you."

"So, this is the real Craig Parker, huh?" Dave teased.

"Uh, morning breath, bed head and body odor. Aren't you lucky." Craig groaned, rubbing his hand over his head.

Dave just smiled, He watched Craig's lethargic movements and thought about it for several minutes. He'd never seen such a tifutiful sight. He found himself wanting to lie down next to Craig and just spend the morning talking. It was strange because for some reason, Dave felt very comfortable around Craig.

"So, do you want to do anything today? Hugo had an unexpected business trip so the place is all ours for the next few days." Dave explained, reaching for a slice of apple and handing Craig one as well.

"He doesn't mind us staying here when he isn't?" Craig asked, watching the redhead's teeth bite into the creamy meat of the apple.

"Nah, he said we have full run of the place. He's been great, really generous. I've said over and over that I need to get out and rent a place but he keeps convincing me to just stay on a bit longer. I don't know why, really. It's not like I'm going to get back with Kate." Dave admitted.

"No? Not a chance even with the little one in the picture?" Craig asked, feeling a bit more awake. He leaned up on one elbow and moved the plate closer so he could have a bite of the sandwich Dave made.

"I still see Eliza. I usually go over every few days and spend the afternoon. I've even brought her over here a few times. No, Kate and I have decided this is final but we're going to both continue to raise Eliza. We'll eventually get to a point where it won't hurt so much every time we see each other." Dave reassured him.

Craig made a face. "What about when you two start dating other people? Isn't that going to be hard?" Craig had seen several men come out over the years and whenever there were children involved, things always because complicated.

"Probably but I don't think either of us are ready to begin dating any time soon. Eliza's only ten month's old. She won't even remember me as her dad unless I stay involved." Dave took the pickle from Craig's plate and began eating it.

Craig grinned. "You should have brought a plate in for yourself." He scooted the plate closer to Dave. "Go ahead and eat that half." He pointed to the sandwich. "I'm not that hungry and you make huge sandwiches."

"As long as you're sure." Dave agreed as he brought both legs up onto the bed and made himself a bit more comfortable.

Craig placed his arm behind his head as he watched Dave eat, easy conversation flowing between them.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, Dave." Craig called as he came downstairs, still buttoning his shirt. "You know what I'd like to do today?"

Dave set down the book he was reading. "What's that?" He smiled, noticing the happy look on Craig's face as he bounced on the balls of his feet.

"Let's go to the cinema. Do you know longlong it's been since I snuck into a cinema and just watched a movie?" His grin was similar to a child up to no good.

"A movie? You want to go see a movie?" Dave laughed.

"Why not?" He chuckled. "We could go see that one with Karl and Marton in it."

"Chronicles of Riddick? No way." Dave protested. "I can agree on a movie but it's got to be something where neither of us knows anyone in it." He agreed as Craig dragged him from the house.

They stood outside the cinema for nearly a half an hour trying to decide on a movie to watch. The jokes, the inside gossip about fellow actors and sarcastic comments kept both of them constantly laughing when Dave finally called for a break. His sides hurt so much that he couldn't take anymore.

Once decided, they moved on to the snack bar where they both indulged in plenty of popcorn and sugary snacks to feel sinfully free. Luckily, the cinema was almost empty, being midday and during the week and they had their choice of seats. Both being used to avoiding people, they chose the back row to ensure a bit of privacy in the darkness. Neither wanted to run into any autograph seekers, preferring just to have a nice time at the movies to relax.

As the lights dimmed, they fell into comfortable silence, sharing both the popcorn and the sweets. It wasn't long before they were leaning shoulder to shoulder while whispering comments to each other in the dark. There were a few times during the film where they both leaned in to each other at the same time.

Craig's eyes drifted to Dave's lips, the shadows and darkness of the theater only making them more alluring. Dave's eyes were locked on his and the sounds of the film faded away. All Craig was aware of was the sounds of Dave's breathing, shallow and shaky and the way his lips were parted just barely, their fullness begging to be kissed. Dave had no idea how much Craig was being affected. It had been a long time since he'd felt attracted to another man and his personality was turning out to be delightfully compatible. Dave was quieter than Craig but his humor was downright evil.

Craig smiled and returned to the movie. This felt good. It might simply be the darkness of the theater, the intimacy of sitting so close to another but either way, it felt nice. Soon, he felt Dave's hand gently brush against his thigh and Craig met the brush by moving his leg a bit closer, their calves lining against each other. Dave's hand rested low on his leg, where it stayed throughout the rest of the movie.

After eating so much junk, neither was hungry for dinner once the movie ended so they decided to walk to a nearby pub.

"That movie was absolutely toss." Craig joked as they left the theater.

"I thought it was pretty good. It had a good storyline. It was noble how he battled for her honor." Dave chuckled.

Craig looked at him like he was crazy. "You've got to be utterly mad." He laughed, opening the door to the pub. "No real guy would ever go to those lengths for some girl he'd only just met. It was totally unrealistic."

"Not much of a romantic, eh?" Dave smiled.

"Romance like that doesn't happen, mate. Two people do not meet, take one look at each other and fall in love. Lust, yes. Physical burning, sure. Needing a good bonk, definitely but not all consuming, until death do you part kind of love." Craig made himself comfortable in a booth as Dave went for drinks.

"So," Dave said as he brought over the first round. "What do you define as love then? I know you said the last time it happened for you was the dawn of time but what do you picture as falling in love with someone?" Dave asked, taking the seat across from Craig.

"First, you've got to be friends." Craig started, taking a sip of his vodka straight. "With true love, it's got to be based on friendship. Either you remain just good mates or sometimes," He grinned like he held all the secrets to eternal happiness and was sharing them with Dave, who was privileged. "Sometimes that friendship takes a fabulous turn. The trust becomes subconscious, the friendship begins to grow stronger, then the butterflies, the need to be with that person, the returned desires, then a bit of romance, wooing, little exchanges of worship, then love can come. You don't just look at someone from across the lunountounter and throw yourself in front of a train to save their life a few hours later, professing your undying love."

Dave laughed silently. "You are a romantic." He taunted, making Craig blush. "Now, tell me how they do that in a two hour movie?"

"It can be done." Craig nodded, sure of himself.

"Yeah, like Aragorn and Arwen?" Dave suggested.

Craig shook his head. "Well, for one, it took three movies and three hours each but no, not like that. More like Aragorn and Legolas."

"What?" Dave laughed loudly. "And you call me mad?"

"No, wait. Hear me out." Craig giggled, gulping down his entire drink and motioning to the waitress for another round. Dave was still working on his first beer. "Think about it. Close your eyes and remember the counsel scene where Legolas first stands up to defend Aragorn's honor to your Neanderthal brother."

"Hey, be careful there." Dave warned lightly.

"Don't get me wrong, I love Sean but you've got to admit. Boromir was a Neanderthal. He was all male. Legolas, on the other hand was very androgynous. So was Aragorn for that matter. When Legolas stood up, the first time you've even had any idea that Aragorn and Legolas know one another, there is no doubt in Legolas's voice or his face that he has the utmost respect and even a bit of an infatuation with the Ranger. They never address it, of course because of the general public but you see it over and over. Legolas is utterly devoted to Aragorn."

"He's an elf." Dave laughed.

Craig shook his head. "Nope. It's more than that. You don't see Elrond throwing himself at Aragorn."

"Yeah, because that would be incest." Dave snorted.

"Elves believed in incest." Craig said seriously. "Back to Legolas. You see it in the looks, in the touches, and the actions. I think Viggo and Orlando were shagging in that trailer but that's my personal opinion." Craig explained.

"I think you're reading more into it than was there." Dave agreedewhaewhat now that he thought more about it.

"Faramir and Boromir were the same way." Craig added.

"Excuse me?" Dave asked shocked. "We were brothers."

"You might have been brothers for all the troops to see but behind closed doors, you two were much closer than brothers." He grinned.

"You are twisted. You have this thing for incest, don't you?" Dave shook his head. "So, do you prefer lust or love?"

Craig chuckled. "Depends on the situation and how much time I have." He grinned. "Honestly, it depends on the person. Some people you just look at and say to yourself 'I have to have that' and sometimes you meet someone and find yourself wanting to get to know them a bit better." He blushed.

"I understand that." Dave smiled, feeling Craig's foot caress against his leg under the table. Their eyes locked and both men sat staring at each other contently for several minutes.

Finally, Craig broke the trance.

"Okay, why don't you tell me what it is that is making you question yourself? Did you see some fellow actor and get turned on or is this something deeper?" Craig turned so that he brought one leg up on the seat with him to get more comfortable.

Dave sighed. "Craig, this didn't just happen once. I've always felt this way. I've just never done anything about it. When I met Kate, well, we were friends, really good friends. Everyone liked her, my parents, her parents and it just seemed like the right thing to do. She's someone I can talk to and get hugs from and all that stuff that makes you feel better on a hard day. We have fun together and understand each other. It's just . . . sexually there's never been much there. She knows I've never been physically attracted to her and we've lived with that."

"But you two have had a sexual relationship, obviously, right?" Craig needed to clarify.

"Well, yeah but it's never been ...how do I say this? It's been more for her than for me. I mean, sure, she's sexy as hell and I've had a good relationship with her but there's something missing. I've never really enjoyed sex, not the way other people do. It's more just something I've had to do." Dave confessed. "I can't believe I'm talking to you about all this. I've never talked to anyone about this stuff, you know? Not about the stuff in my head and I don't know how to explain it exactly." He shrugged.

"So, let me get this right. You've always questioned your sexuality but have never explored it? You found a best friend who you could live with, sleep with, and make appearances with? You took the easy way out and did what you thought was right yet you have denied yourself true sexual pleasure all these years?" He recapped while Dave nodded in agreement.

"Sounds even more pathetic when you say it like that." Dave shrugged.

Craig just looked dumbfounded. "So, what you're basically saying is you have never enjoyed sex and something makes you think that you would with a bloke?" He asked.

Dave laughed. "No, I know it would be better with a mate. I have no problem getting turned on by men, I just haven't done anything physically with another mate." He explained.

"No kisses?" Craig asked.

"Nothing passionate. Nothing erotic. Nothing that took my breath away. Back in school I kissed a few guys but was always terrified to do anything else."

"No oral action? Come on, you must have been in a situation where some bloke went down on you." He tried but Dave still shook his head. "You do work in the entertainment industry, right?" Craig joked. "And you're probably going to tell me you don't smoke pot either."

Dave laughed. "Staying with Hugo? Come on, that place has a cloud hovering just overhead." He admitted. "As far as the other, I've had guys offer but I've never felt right about it."

"Why not?" Craig giggled.

Dave was blushing so hard he wished he could just hide away. He felt Craig's foot nudging his knee.

"I-want-it-to-be-special." He finally admitted, getting it out in one breath.

Craig could hardly contain himself. He was trying so hard not to laugh because he thought Dave was the most adorable creature he'd ever seen. "So you do what you need to with Kate and otherwise go without? Please tell me you at least masturbate." He said with a grin hiding under the surface.

"Constantly." Dave confessed, also laughing. Craig didn't make him feel stupid and that was nice. Dave rarely spoke to anyone about such intimate matters and it was sort of a relief to be so free with Craig. "What about you?"

"Ah," Craig sat back and ran his finger through the bit of water on the table. "There are a few trusted individuals I can call on." He smiled openly. "Nothing serious. Just a few blokes who understand."

"What about when you travel?" Dave asked.

Craig grinned. "I have a few ports of call." He admitted. "The rest of the time, I'm a one man show. I will say that the reviews have been excellent so far. The show's been extended lately, though. Meeting audience demand can be trying at times."

"You are totally nuts, you know that, right?" Dave laughed. "So, have you ever let a complete stranger blow you or have a quick nameless shag?" Dave asked. He'd figured that would be what he'd have to do in order to find out if what he felt inside also felt good physically.

"I have but not for a long time. When I was beautiful, I was a bit more promiscuous than I am now."

"You're still beautiful. Why do you always youryourself down like that?" Dave asked, wanting to reach out and calm Craig's constantly moving hands.

"Self defense mechanism." Craig shifted. "Most people would describe me as pretty confidant, even a bit conceited but it's not every day when I'm sitting in a dark bar with a friend who I want to get to know better." Craig admitted, his confession not going unnoticed by Dave, who smiled in return.

"So, do you have to be in love with someone in order to have sex with them?" Dave dared to ask.

Craig took his time in answering. He knew what Dave was asking, even without him admitting it completely. He had to admit, Dave was attractive but could he be the one to show Dave all that he'd been missing? That was some kind of heavy mental trip to be someone's first, even at their age. It was just that most guys that Craig slept with had been around a bit. Craig preferred people who knew what they were doing. It had been far too many years since Craig had been the expert to the novice and just the idea of it was – well, it was enticing but scary.

Besides, he was leaving in a few days. In addition to that, he'd already invited Dave to come to England to stay with him. Well, he could always introduce Dave to some nice guys and probably keep him busy if he felt the need.

But then again, he had been having so much fun with Dave. They'd clicked immediately. Maybe it would work. It wasn't like Craig was looking to get married or anything. Craig didn't have any 'ports of call' in Australia, he thought to himself.

He finished his drink, placed several notes on the table and got up to leave. Automatically, Dave also got up and followed him outside back to the car. The question was left unanswered.