Friends

Title: Friends 5 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 hg sog some fun.
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Previously in Part 4:

Karl smiled. That was what they were about to do, wasn't it, he thought. Making love. No more 'fucking'. Did Karl honestly want to go down this road? And with Craig?

Every question was answered when he looked in Craig's eyes.

Absofriggen-withoutadoubt-undeniably-noquestionsaboutit yes!

PART 5
~~~~~
Both men looked at one another, the air heavy with something that had never been there before between them. In the past, it had always been fun, light, non-committal. For some reason, due to a simple kiss and a few words, everything had changed. Sometimes, however, change was good.

"We can stop this altogether." Craig offered, terrified by the speed of his own heartbeat but at the same time, Karl's body felt so good on top of his. They could feel each other's chests expanding against one another, as they both seemed out of breath. Craig's hands gripped Karl's upper arms, fingers flexing subconsciously into the meaty flesh.

"That is not an option." Karl smiled softly.

Craig licked his lips as he looked into Karl's eyes. "We can go back to how it was before." He said, eyes flickering all over Karl's face.

"I don't think I do tdo that." Karl answered, his lips ghosting across Craig's eyelids.

"Do you want to?" Craig asked after a few silent moments.

"Never." Karl kissed Craig's clavicle, moving his hips enough to make Craig's eyelids flutter.

"It's going to be hard." Craig warned, tasting Karl's salty skin.

"Not nearly as hard as denying it doesn't exist."

Craig sighed, closing his eyes and just enjoying how it felt to have Karl completely on It It just felt ri "Y "You scare the hell out of me, Karl Urban." Craig whispered, opening his eyes again.

Karl's heart skipped a beat because he knew that Craig, always reserved and in control was complete putty beneath him. He kissed Craig's lips softly. "I won't hurt you, Craig. I'll never hurt you." He said, watching Craig squeeze his eyes shut as he fought to control the fear within himself. Karl could feel the tremors coursing through Craig's body.

"Now, please." Craig pleaded, his hand fumbling blindly to the nightstand where he found the bottle of lube. He might not have been a boy scout but his mother taught him to always be prepared. With hands of a pro, he had Karl's member sheathed, slick, and throbbing before Karl registered what happened. His erection might have faded slightly during their conversation but Craig's experienced hands took care of that in no time.

Carefully, Karl breached his opening, feeling the muscles spasm as Craig groaned in relief. Now painfully hard, Karl knew he needed more as he steadily pressed himself deeper until he could go no further. He let out with his own guttural sound, the sensation this slow act so different from the fast and furious fucking they'd done for so long.

Both bodies shook, holding still, taking the moment and spreading it out as long as they could. Sweat dripped from Karl's chin down onto Craig's chest and the only sound in the room was their breath.

Craig willed his body to relax, feeling more exposed emotionally than he had ever been with anyone. Karl had taken his heart, stolen it from him and in turn, gave him his in return. It was overpowering in its intensity, a feeling so deep that it was almost foreign to Craig's heart. He was terrified and taken at the same time, trusting Karl to care for, to love, and to let him love him in return. It was all consuming and so much stronger than Craig had ever remembered it to be.

"More." Craig whimpered, finally moving his hips up, needing Karl to take him physically as he had taken everything else Craig had to offer.

Karl pulled back, bringing himself almost completely out before he felt muscles clamp down around him, holding him in place. He looked at the glimmer in Craig's eyes as he thrust deep and hard, causing the smaller man to gasp, groan and moan all at once as he swore Craig's eyes rd bad back in his head. Fingers dug into flesh, hipsted ted to meet his with every movement, the sound of skin against skin and the intoxicating aroma of their own unique scents mingled as one. Kisses became sloppy as fingers tried to grasp without coordination or strength as their movements became more urgent, needing more, needing that final release, that bungee jump, that trip down the rapids, that final plunge over the waterfall.

All too soon, Karl erupted with a primal growl as he slammed himself a few more times into the body below him. His hips jerked and pulsated as his back arched; over and over, until he felt like he had nothing left. He forced his eyes open, looking down on Craig who had a very satiated look on his face. He must have climaxed also because his hand rested on his lower abdomen, and the evidence was clear.

Craig let his legs drop to the bed, muscles feeling like jelly as Karl withdrew cautiously. Rather than disappearing to the bathroom, Karl quickly disposed of the condom and crawled behind Craig, bringing their hips back as one. Craig moaned and smiled sleepily, feeling Karl's fingers entwining with his as they drew random patterns against his stomach.

"I love you." Karl whispered, his beard scratchy against Craig's ear as he placed a soft kiss against the sensitive shell.

"I love you, too, Karl." Craig whispered, the smile remaining long after he'd fallen into the land of dreams.
~~~~~

Karl woke a few hours later, his head throbbing and the back of his shoulders achy. Okay, so he felt like he'd been thrown from a horse. But he felt relaxed, happy and whole. He could hear sounds coming from the lounge and with a glance at his watch, he knew they needed to head to Viggo's for dinner soon. He found his clothes neatly folded on a chair and he slipped on his boxers. First stop was the bathroom.

Craig was spread out on the couch on his stomach, feet tapping along to whatever was playing in his headphones as he read. He had slipped on a pair of cotton drawstring pants that hung dangerously low and Karl was sure that if he stood they'd slip completely off. However, lying on the sofa, it just framed the beginning of his butt, the rest of the material clinging nicely to the rest of the curve, leaving little to the imagination.

Karl shuffled over and sat on the floor in front of the couch, resting his head back against Craig's hip. Craig startled at the touch, his music being played quite loud in the headphones but he smiled and slipped them down to his neck upon seeing him.

"Hi." He reached out and stroked Karl's hair.

"Hi." Karl returned the smile, turning his head so he could look at Craig's face. Craig turned off his MP-3 player and set it and the headphones aside. "What ya' readin'?" Karl fingered the script lying on the couch.

"Something Oli wants me to do in a few months." Craig said sleepily. His head rested on his hand as he watched Karl's face. They both seemed so relaxed and comfortable and neither was in a hurry to do anything.

"Are you okay with everything?" Karl asked, bringing his hand up to caress Craig's shoulder. "I mean with us?"

Craig giggled. "Well, I'm not ready to tattoo your name on my arse but yeah, I'm okay," he admitted.

"Are you going to tell anyone?" Karl traced Craig's lips with his fingertip.

Craig furrowed his brows. "I usually don't inform people who I'm sleeping with."

"But this is different." Karl insisted.

"How so?" Craig asked. He noticed the flash in Karl's eyes.

Karl lifted his head and he couldn't help but to laugh quietly as he tapped on the side of Craig's head. "Nothing in here has changed since the other night, has it? Dammit, Parker. This is insane. I finally admit to you that I'm in love with you and I'm ready to tell the world and you're the one who wants to keep it a secret. I honestly thought it would have been the other way around." Karl stood up and he went to the kitchen for a beer.

Craig sat up, laughing to himses hes he cradled his head in his hands. "You don't know what you're talking about, Karl. Things have changed. The other day, you told me you loved me. Today, I tell you I love you. That's a pretty big change. The other day, I didn't want to love you. Hearing those words from you scare the hell outta me. Today when you fell, I suddenly realized that I did feel something that I've felt something for a while now." Craig tried to explain but for one of the rare occasions in life, words were failing him. He rubbed his face with his hands, looking very frustrated. "You cannot tell me that after just a few days, you are ready to tell everyone that you're sleeping with a man, are you? You, bloody leading man, pin-up material are ready to broadcast that you're a bloody poofer and you prefer shagging blokes?" He asked.

Karl returned from the kitchen quickly, an accusing look in his eyes. "I'm not a bloody poofer, Parker!"

Craig laughed loudly and his face looked at Karl with clear sarcasm. "Karl, you want to tell people you are fucking a bloke. That makes you a poofer."

"I'm not a bloody poofer." Karl repeated, looking very offended.

Craig shook his head. Karl just didn't get it. "But that's exactly what they'll say.'Oh, let's not cast that Urban bloke. No one will believe he's in love with the leading lady.' Or maybe 'Hm have to be careful with casting that chap. Don't want those people comingn onn on us for any reason.'" Craig mocked, watching Karl closely.

"That's such rubbish. They wouldn't dare pull that shite with me." Karl took a long swig of his beer.

"Why not? You go broadcasting to anyone and I mean anyone that you're shagging a bloke and I guarantee that's exactly what will happen." Craig stated.

"So, why don't you hide it?" Karl asked.

"Karl, honey, I've never been 'in'. I've never been linked to any women and for my own sanity, any men either. I don't broadcast it or ever do anything to confirm anything. You? People have seen you with women, you've made public appearances with women. You are leading man material. Me, I'll never get that chance." Craig explained.

"You don't know that, Parker. People are smarter than that these days." Karl shook his head, knowing full well what Craig was referring to.

"Get used to being a damn good ensemble player, mate, because once it gets out that you're shagging one of your own, that's all you're going to get." Craig shrugged, sitting on the sofa.

Karl sat his beer on the table and knelt in front of Craig. He smiled softly while cradling Craig's face. "Just because they did that with you does not mean they'll do that with me. Now, I know what you're doing. You forget that you've shared all your tricks of the trade with me over the years." He took hold of Craig's hands and kissed them. "Stop pushing me away. You protect that heart of yours so well sometimes. Besides, you're worth it." He said, his eyes softening as he looked into Craig's eyes.

Craig couldn't help but to smile. Karl could be so damn cute when he wanted to be. "You do know that I occasionally tend to overanalyze things to bits, right?" He blushed, leaning his forehead against Karl.

"Yeah, I know." Karl grinned, knowing he'd won. "Just another one of your endearing qualities."

"And you're a romantic fool." Craig relaxed as Karl kissed all over his face.

"Sorry, can't help it. Now that your lips are no longer off limits, I can't get enough." He smiled, pressing his lips to Craig's. "God, has everyone told you that you have wonderful lips."

"I've heard that once or twice." Craig smiled into the kiss. Karl was quickly dissolving all of his reserve.

"You think we should get ready to head to dinner?" Karl pulled himself away reluctantly.

"I guess you're right." He agreed.

"I'm going to head back to my room because all my clothes are there. Why don't I meet you in thirty." He gave a last kiss on the tip of Craig's nose before heading towards the door.

Craig couldn't help grinning as he stood in the shower. He could so easily fall in love with Karl. He just never thought for a million years that Karl, testosterone laden Karl would admit to caring for another guy in anything more than a friendly, mate kind of way.

However, getting into an emotional relationship, admitting that they had feelings was not something that Craig ever expected from Karl. True, they'd been friends for years. They'd socialized together, worked together and shared many of the same friends. They used each other physically when one or the other needed. The difference was that the emotions never played a role before now. Karl used Craig and Craig let him. Craig had kept himself closed off to emotions on purpose. While all these guys around him could take what they could from these experiences and move on, Craig knew if he let his guard down and actually admit that any of these men he slept with meant anything more than a simple friendship, he'd be the one to get hurt.

There was no way for these straight guys to fall in love with each other because they just didn't do that. They loved women. They shagged men but they loved women. Craig didn't kiss because kissing meant he was allowing someone inside, granting permission into his soul. The difference was Craig loved men. He shagged and fell in love with men. Straight men didn't fall in love with gay men. Gay men who fell in love with straight men ended up with their hearts broken. Craig was too smart for that, or he thought. He was attracted to straight men and he could feel himself falling - yes, with a straight man.
~~~~~

Thirty minutes later, Craig stepped outside his room to have a cigarette. This evening would be nice. Everyone's schedules had been so busy that some social time with the other actors would be a nice change. Craig was just getting to know Orlando and Viggo and so far, he enjoyed their company.

"Hey," Karl whispered from behind, startling Craig slightly.

"Hi." Craig shrugged, tossing the remains of his cigarette away. "Ready?"

Karl nodded as the two men headed for the car park.

"I'll follow you." Craig said, stopping at Viggo's jeep. Karl nodded and continued on to his bike. Both men were quiet, deep in thought. Craig pondered on the idea of stopping and picking up a bottle of wine or something and he suddenly had a flashback of when he and Michael were together. Whenever they, as a couple got invited to another couple's home or when they invited another couple over, it was customary to exchange bottles of wine with the host couple.

Were he and Karl a couple? Here they were going someplace together, which wasn't all that strange in itself but having dinner with another couple was. How the hell did that happen?

Part of his mind felt a bit of panic at the mere thought of being tied down. Craig didn't want to be in exclusive relationship. He enjoyed his freedom. He enjoyed not having to answer to anyone but his mother. Would Karl expect him to call everyday like Michael had? Would they begin doing everything together like spending holidays as a couple? Would they begin entertaining as a duo? Come out to their friends as being together? Arranging their work schedules to coincide with each other? Ask one another for permission to go someplace or to do something? Would they live together? Would they introduce one another to their parents?

He could see his mother now. She'd take one look at Karl and know he'd break Craig's heart one day. His family was very protective of him, from his parents down to his older brother and sister. Normally they stayed out of Craig's personal business but when one enters a relationship, everything changed.

Craig could think back on the various men he'd introduced to his parents over the years. No one was good enough, nice enough, handsome enough or normal enough for their son. There hadn't necessarily been anything wrong with any of the men but it was just more an issue of his family being very protective. They kept a pretty close eye on Craig and defended him almost to a fault.

The feeling of being cornered in the kitchen, his mother drilling him about anyone he introduced them to. They had liked Michael and had never understood why they broke up. Since then, Craig just stopped bringing men around. It wasn't as if there had been that many we wanted to introduce to his parents. It was just not worth the anxiety for Craig to put himself through.

Craig suddenly became aware that he was getting dizzy, mostly due to the fact that he was hyperventilating. He gripped the steering wheel a bit harder, noticing how badly his hands were shaking and he felt overwhelmingly nauseous. He considered pulling over until it passed but that would alert Karl and Karl would insist on knowing what was wrong.

What was wrong? Was the idea, the mere thought of being in a relationship that terrifying to his psyche? Had he ruined himself for any sort of committed long-term relationship for the rest of his life? Was it the thought of introducing them to his family? Or was it just Karl.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, his heart pounding inside his chest as he fought to control himself. This was crazy. He did love Karl but he'd loved Karl for years. When Karl had fallen from his horse, did what Craig feel differ from the love between two mates or was it like between two lovers?

Craig knew he needed to relax. He needed to get a grip on himself, just calm down. This was no big deal, just dinner with a few friends. That's all.

Thankfully, they soon pulled up in front of Viggo's beachfront rental. The main cast definitely got preferential treatment, not that Craig or Karl minded. They didn't have to give up two years of their life for this film. Karl parked his bike and walked back to meet Craig, who still had not gotten out of the jeep.

"You coming?" Karl asked lightly as he approached. He opened the door and he took one look at Craig's flushed face. "Holy shit, Parker. Are you okay?" He asked, his fingers running down the side of Craig's face. Craig was taking calming, deep breaths, his head leaned back against the headrest, his eyes squeezed closed.

"Beaut, mate. Just give me a minute." He whispered, thankful that his breathing was beginning to return to normal.

Karl had never seen Craig like this but Craig had said once a long time ago that he suffered from the occasional anxiety attack. Karl had been in the business long enough to see what anxiety attacks looked like and by the appearance of his friend, it appeared that Craig was having a pretty severe one.

"Breathe." Karl said, resting his hand behind Craig's damp neck and pulling him to his shoulder. He could feel Craig's shaky, shallow puffs of breath against his neck as he rubbed soothing circles on the smaller man's neck. He could tell that Craig was embarrassed but also that he needed to just be held. Craig gripped onto the front of Karl's shirt as he allowed Karl to comfort him.

Several moments passed and Craig finally began to calm down. It felt like an eternity to him but in actuality had only lasted a short time. He pulled back and Karl touched his face gently.

"What happened?" Karl asked.

Craig tried to smile and he noticed the genuine concern in Karl's eyes. "I'm fine. Happens once in a while. I'm just being dramatic." He tried to joke but the concern was still in Karl's eyes.

"Is it because of me?" Karl asked. Every relationship he'd ever had had gone sour. The last thing he wanted was to push Craig away before they ehad had a chance to begin.

Craig smiled, getting himself back under control and he ran one finger across Karl's bottom lip. "No, luv. It's not anything you did." He said, shaking his head to loosen his tight neck. "Let's go have some dinner. I'm fine." Craig climbed out of jeep. Karl's hand instinctively attached itself to Craig's lower back, protectively watching over him.

"Hey, come on in. Viggo, they're here." Orlando called after answering the door.

"Yeah, I can see that." Viggo chuckled, coming out of the kitchen with an apron on. Karl couldn't help but to laugh.

"Who would have guessed that you'd be the wife?" Craig teased Viggo, arching his brow and smirking at the couple.

"Not me. Orlando and I have a very equal relationship here. While I can be the good woman once in a while, our pretty elf knows how to get in touch with his feminine side as well." Viggo winked, making Orlando blush.

"Thank you for that graphic image." Karl tapped his forehead and squinted. His hand remained attached to Craig's back.

"Come sit down, make yourselves comfortable. Can I get you both a drink?" Orlando asked, trying to be the good host. Karl and Craig were actually the first 'couple' he and Viggo had invited over and he was a bit nervous.

"Beer is fine, mate." Karl said, making himself comfortable on the sofa. Viggo and Karl fell into an easy conversation.

"I'll help." Craig said, following Orlando into the small kitchen. "Please tell me you have something other than be" He" He said as soon as he and Orlando were alone.

Orlando chuckled. "Will Scotch do?" He asked.

"Bless you, yes." Craig smiled at the sight of the stronger liquor. He'd never been much of a beer drinker, preferring his alcohol smooth and strong.

"You and Karl make an attractive couple." Orlando said as he pulled the beer from the refrigerator.

Craig laughed softly. "W he he is attractive."

"He loves you. You can tell just by looking at his eyes." Orlando ed. ed. They could see the lounge from where they stood and Craig just watched Karl, sitting comfortably but occasionally glancing in the direction of the kitchen. "Looks like he'd do just about anything for you."

"Hm." Craig thought for a moment. "That's the type of guy Karl is." He said but Orlando wasn't having any of it.

"Nope, this is different. When he looks at you, you can tell." Orlando insisted.

"Kind of the way Viggo looks at you?" Craig asked, pouring himself a strong drink.

Orlando stared at Craig for a few minutes, his eyes ever sparkling but behind the eyes, behind the smile, there was sadness. "So, w's w's wrong with us?" He almost whispered.

"Hell if I know." Craig shrugged, returning to the lounge with the drinks.
~~~~~

"That was wonderful, Viggo. Thank you." Craig said as the four men moved from the dining table toward the lounge. They'd finished a wonderful meal and had consumed a good portion of alcohol and everything was good.

"I agree." Karl added, his hand finding its way back to the small of Craig's back. Karl chose an overstuffed lounge chair to relax in while Craig took up a comfortable spot on the floor, leaning back between Karl's legs. Viggo noticed how there had been constant physical contact between the two men, sometimes just a simple hand resting on a forearm, ever since they had arrived.

Craig pulled a small wooden box from his pocket, slid the end off and showed it to Orlando, who was making himself comfortable on the sofa next to Viggo.

"You are my savior," he said, smiling widely as Craig removed a tightly rolled joint from the elegant case. "Viggo ran out a week ago."

Karl held out his lighter. "You can bet money that Craig here is always packing." Karl added, watching the handsome Kiwi light up and inhale deeply.

Craig's eyes twinkled as he handed it off to Viggo. "You're just jealous." Craig joked as he exhaled.

"Hell, yeah. You stuff is the best." Karl teased, kissing the man in front of him on the cheek.

"In more ways than one." Craig teased back, making himself right at home between Karl's thighs. Both men's eyes were drawn to the couple on the sofa.

Viggo had taken a particularly deep drag and now his lips were locked onto Orlando's as they both held the smoke. There was nothing held back as the two men kissed passionately, their bodies melting together and hands roaming freely. Craig heard Karl sigh.

"What's the matter, Karl? Make you uncomfortable?" Craig whispered, noticing Karl's body shift.

"Hell, no. It makes me hard as nails." Karl admitted, unable to look away. Orlando's hands were clutching Viggo's hair as he held the older man in place. Craig couldn't help but to chuckle. Seems like between the smoking and all the alcohol they had consumed during dinner was beginning to loosen everyone up a bit. He knew for himself, he was feeling very relaxed and uninhibited.

"Sorry." Orlando said, blushing deeply as he and Viggo pulled apart, finally remembering there were two other people in the room.

"No need." Craig smiled. "It was a nice view," he admitted.

"You'll have to excuse him. This is all still sort of new." Viggo chuckled as Orlando pressed his body closer.

"New is good." Karl leaned over and kissed Craig's neck, letting him take another drag off the joint. "Viggo, you mentioned this afternoon that you'd been with men before, right, that this whole thing with Orlando wasn't new to you?" Karl asked, speaking while inhaling. Viggo nodded.

"How about you, Orlando? This isn't anything new for you either, is it?" Craig suggested, nudging Orlando's foot that hung from the sofa. Orlando gave an evil wink.

"This is my first relationship with a guy." He smiled. "But it's not new to me. I've done things with other guys, mostly other students, just playing around, ry. Vy. Viggo was the first one who I let…well, you know." He said sheepishly.

"Penetrate?" Craig asked. "I know several men who have never experienced that." He nudged Karl.

"Hey, I think I've made great strides today alone." Karl defended.

"That's true. You have. Sorry, darling." Craig leaned his head up and gave Karl a sweet ki

"What do you guys mean?" Orlando asked, making Karl blush a beautiful shade of burgundy.

Craig cleared his throat and gave a little chuckle. "Karl and I have been spending time together for months now but let's say he's learning some hands on participation which was greatly received by his instructor." Craig explained.

"What's your favorite part of being with Craig?" Viggo asked Karl.

"I cannot believe that we're talking about this." Karl laughed but somehow he felt that this conversation and whatever happened tonight would be kept safely between them. He looked down at Craig, who had turned and was waiting expectantly for Karl's answer. "Everything he does is good." He said, making Craig smile.

"Only because I have years of experience." Craig said, trying to help Karl out of an embarrassing situation. Viggo decided maybe it would be easier to start this conversation.

"Orlando makes this sound when he's excited that shoots right through me." Viggo offered, making Orlando groan in embarrassment. "And his orgasm's take over his entire body. They're long lasting and powerful..." Viggo went on.

"It's called youth." Craig interjected, making everyone laugh. "What about you, Orlando?"

He blushed, looking at Viggo with a slight smile. "His smell..." he started but he noticed Craig's arched brow, "No really, it's his skin. He's got this smell to his skin that drives me bloodd. Id. It's a clean smell, kind of like a mixture of musk, outdoorsy woodsy type and of sex. Smelling his skin reminds me of sex." He stated, bringing Viggo's arm around his chest so he could snuggle back into his arms.

"Your turn, Craig. What is it about Karl?" Viggo asked, watching Craig light another joint. Craig thought for a moment, contemplating as he held his breath.

"So many things." He smiled, getting a warm touch from the man sitting behind him. "I'd have to say first, his strength. You know the term thoroughly fucked? Well, with Karl, he makes sure you understand that term to the fullest, no pun intended." He said, smiling. Karl reached over, lifted his chin and gave Craig a sloppy kiss, Craig's tongue chasing Karl's lips as he began to pull away. Craig groaned playfully. "And his taste. I've never met anyone who tastes as good as he does." He said softly, looking a bit shy.

"That's something I can't do yet." Orlando shuddered, making Viggo laugh.

"What? Swallow?" Craig asked, a bemused expression on his face. Orlando nodded. "It is an acquired taste. Karl has never done it either, dear, so don't feel bad." He said, getting a playful slap on his head from Karl.

"I'm learning." Karl defended. "That's one thing Craig excels in. Ask anyone he's been with. He's got a mouth like a bloody vacuum." Karl joked. The alcohol and hand rolled cigarettes had done away with the social pleasantries and now they could just be blunt and crude.

"That's something I'd like to see for myself." Viggo said. Craig's eyes met his and they both locked, smiles across both their faces. "Maybe you can teach Orlando not to use his teeth." He teased.

"Teeth are good but only if used properly." Craig gave an evil grin.

"Ok, besides orally, what is it about Craig that does it for you, Karl?" Viggo prodded.

Craig looked back at Karl as their eyes met. Karl always fell so hard.

"Everything." He whispered, his eyes locked on Craig. "His humor, his compassion, his intensity..."

"I believe we were talking about sexual performance, Karl darling." Craig teased, unused to hearing the emotions in someone's voice when speaking of him.

Karl smiled. "The sounds he makes. It's like the whole world shuts out and it's just us. He gets totally lost in the act. He becomes totally submissive." He smiled again. "Even when he's submitting, he's in complete control." Karl smiled as Craig wished he could crawl under a table. "And his ass. He's got a great ass."

"I do." Craig answered, referring to his backside. "So, Orlando, which do you prefer? Men or women? Of course you're still awfully young to make a definite choice yet. What are you? Like twelve? There's so much flesh out there willing to be taken." Craig said lightly, wanting to know more. Maybe these weren't a bunch of straight men playing around. Maybe, just maybe this atmosphere just gave them an environment where they could explore. Craig understood that. He'd helped many explore over the years.

"Honestly, I think I prefer more about men that I do women. That's not saying that I don't enjoy women, because I do. It's just something about guys, you know." Orlando explained.

Craig smiled, more to himself. "Yeah, I know."

"Same here. Men are less demanding." Viggo added.

"That's because as long as the sex is there, we're happy." Karl added his testosterone laden two cents, making all the men laugh.

Viggo got up to retrieve another round. "But the sex is different, you've got to admit that." He added as he made his way across the room.

"Let's hope so." Craig sighed, somewhat exaggerated.

"I'm serious." Karl defended. "There are times where I just want to fuck, you know? I don't need all that emotional bullocks that comes with women. Just bend over and take it, just for the release. Women don't go for that kind of stuff." He said, garnering a very strange look from Craig.

"Bend over and take it?" Craig questioned, not sure if he heard Karl correctly. Viggo and Orl jus just laughed.

"There is nothing hotter," Karl continued, "Than primal sex with you, Parker. You like it as much as I do, admit it. You get off on me grabbing a handful of hair, shoving you up against the wall and pounding deep inside you until you come, right?" He said, keeping the tone light. Everyone knew he was kidding but his statement definitely had a large degree of truth in it.

Craig was smirking and blushing at the same time. Karl was right, though. He did like it when Karl did that to him. He couldn't help it.

"Have you ever been with a woman, Craig?" Orlando asked, now curious about 'the other side'. Craig looked at him with a smile.

"Honestly, no. I can say that I have managed to stay clear from that evil my entire life and thankfully so. I'm afraid that I would ruin the mood with my utter aversion to straight sex." He laughed.

"You've never slept with a woman? Not even when you were younger?" Karl asked, looking around the man in front of him, a bit shocked himself.

Craig accepted another Scotch from Viggo. "No, Karl. I have never had a desire to try the opposite sex, although Renee still keeps offering to show me the light." He kidded.

"Wow, no shit? I've seen the way women hang all over you. They always have. All those make up girls and costuming chicks never made a play for you, huh?" Karl was utterly amazed. He figured that Craig had at least tried women.

Craig was laughing. "I didn't say they've never tried. They have, believe me. I just have no interest in women." He shrugged.

"None?" Viggo asked.

"Absolutely none. You three might enjoy playing both sides of the fence but some of us are perfectly happy on the side we're on." He stated.

"Would you, if someone like Cate offered?" Orlando asked, knowing Craig respected Cate.

"No." Craig said without hesitation.

"Have you ever been turned on by a woman?" Viggo asked.

"Sure." Craig admitted but Karl was laughing.

"You should see him. The costuming and make up girls on the set of Xena would be all over him, petting and draping themselves all over. He loves it, don't let him tell you otherwise." Karl ran his hand down the side of Craig's cheek.

"Oh but I do. I love touching." Craig added.

"Do they ever try to seduce you?" Orlando asked. He'd noticed that about Craig also. Whenever Craig was on the set, he seemed to just draw people to him.

"I'm built the same way you are. It'd difficult not to get hard when someone has their hands on your groin, stroking you over your slacks or whatever your costume may be and on Xena, there were some interesting costumes." He winked.

"And you never did anything about it?" Orlando laughed, barely able to believe Craig.

"Not usually. Lots of cold showers. I have an inner circle of blokes I can call on if I can't take care of it myself." Craig smiled.

"Besides, he likes being horny." Karl teased.

"Not being horny, as my Neanderthal friend stated just now. I do enjoy the feeling of being aroused. Not hard as cement but being treated as a sexual being." Craig tried to explain although very little at this point was making much sense.

"So," Viggo asked softly. "Are the two of you exclusive?"

Karl choked a bit on his beer, coughing violently. In everything that had happened recently, he'd never thought about that. Never thought about not having sex with anyone else and it caught him off guard. Craig knelt up and patted his back.

"I don't know. As of a week ago, we weren't even together. Just an occasional shag. Karl, what do you say? Are we exclusive?" Craig purred into Karl's ear once the larger man was able to breathe again.

"Hadn't thought about it really. I'm with Orlando on this. This is a whole new experience for me." He admitted. This was also his first relationship with a guy but the prospects of sex, particularly sex with two of his costars did have its appealing factors. He looked into Craig's eyes. "I trust you." He said, kissing Craig's sweet lips.

"I suppose if it's for educational purposes." Craig teased, giving Karl several quick kisses, making him smile.

"For the sake of higher learning." Karl smiled, nodding.

Craig turned and looked directly at Viggo and Orlando. "Welcome to the inner circle." He said, his eyes twinkling.


TBC