Friends

Title: Friends 9 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 8:

"You deserve a raise for taking such good care of me, you know." He said, tasting the toast and realizing how hungry he really was.

"That's okay, luv. You gave me one last month and I do say I was pleased with your generosity." She laughed as she carried his bags out the front door, the sounds of Craig laughing making her feel better. He'd get through this. He always did.
~~~~~

PART 9:


"Craig?" Rebecca asked after a few hours into their flight. Craig was curled n thn the seat, script balanced on his knee, blanket from home wrapped around his shoulders. Honestly, he looked absolutely adorable.

"Mmm?" He answered, never looking up.

"Why'd Karl hit you?" She came right out with her questions. He knew she always would be loyal and above all, hon

He closed his script and tucked it in the seat in front of him. Shifting just slightly, he was able to lay his head on her shoulder.

He took a deep breath. "Because he loves me." He smiled softly.

"He's got one hell of a way of showing it." Rebecca retorted making Craig giggle.

"It's just a big misunderstanding. We had a great couple of weeks. He's really something, you know?" Craig said, reaching out and interlocking his fingers with hers. "I said it. We both said it and meant it." He fell silent, watching their hands together.

"So, what happened? Isn't this usually a good thing?" She asked, nuzzling her jaw along the top of his head.

"It is but I hurt his feelings. We had it out the nighforefore last. He didn't realize I was leaving. We were going to...well, we had reason to leave dinner early and I was saying goodbye to everyone. He got upset that I didn't tell him beforehand." He thought for a few moments. "We had a fight and haven't spoken since. He's off on location and I'm heading home."

"Is he what you want, honey?" She asked, wanting only the best for her friend.

Craig grinned, looking a bit bashful. "Yeah. He is. I just need to talk to him."

Rebecca ruffled his hair. "You will, honey."
~~~~~

Rebecca knew it was always difficult to return home after being away for months and she made plans to remind Craig where his real home was.

"Ready, luv?" She asked, as they gathered their luggage.

"Yeah, let's go." He smiled and held out his arm for hers.

"We have one stop to make before going home, okay?" She warned him, knowing he'd roll his eyes but agree. She had an uncanny knack of being able to talk him into almost anything.

Before long, they pulled up in front of the pub the theater group hung out in and Rebecca noticed a hopeful glimmer in Craig's tired eyes. It wasn't two minutes from them walking in the door when Craig was wrapped up in long and lanky arms, getting a sloppy kiss from Oliver.

"And he returns from Middle Earth with the battle scars to prove he's survived the war!" Oliver cradled Craig's bruised jaw and kissed him directly on the lips, bringing Craig further into the pub. Oliver Driver had managed to gather nearly twenty or so of Craig's dearest and closest friends to welcome him back home. Soon, Craig was laughing and drinking, submerged in his own close family.
~~~~~

It was very late when Craig finally arrived home. He was pleased to see that someone had at least aired out his apartment for him as he dropped his luggage at the door. His first order of business was clear. He went directly to the phone.

"Shit." He whispered to himsas has he heard Karl's voice mail pick up. He cleared his throat, wanting to get the words right.

"Uh, hi Karl. It's me....Craig....I'm not sure if you got the message I asked Lawrence to give you but please call me. We didn't get a chance to talk before I left." He paused. "Look, you were right about me. I wasn't fair to you and I wasn't fair to me." He poured himself a glass of wine. "Karl, you are a good friend. Please don't let this...don't let my stupidity get between us, eh?" He sipped the wine while curling up on his sofa. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry you didn't know I was leaving. I wasn't hiding it. I think I was in denial myself." He sighed and thought for a moment. "Karl, I'm in denial about a lot of things. Call me." He hung up the phone and closed his eyes. Now he just had to wait.
~~~~~

Karl dropped his body down into the chair in the makeup trailer. He was wiped out. Days of riding on horseback, dirt and dust blowing in his face, fighting until his entire body screamed in pain. He knew this shoot would be taxing but there was no way he could have imagined the type of pain he was experiencing now.

"You look tired." Viggo said, plopping down in the other chair. The two of them had formed a tight bond and were becoming very good friends.

"I am. Still not sleeping." Karl admitted as the make up artist attempted to remove Eomer and return Karl.

"You need to call him." Vigo said, not looking at Karl as he cleaned himself up.

Karl grunted. "Not ready yet." He shrugged. It had been a hard couple of days for Karl. Not only was he thinking about Craig but he'd gotten another call. A call that had him thinking seriously about what direction he wanted his life to go in. His ex-girlfriend had gotten a hold of him through his manager and had informed him that she was pregnant. Karl was about to become a dad.
~~~~~

Days passed, Craig's schedule keeping him busy as ever. He had the next year lined up with projects ranging from telly, voice over work, comedy debates, Theatresports events and personal appearances. Negotiations were beginning on a new program for the telly, which would secure his financial health for some time to come with filming to begin early the following year once his Rings commitment was completed. It would be steady work and right now, Craig craved monotony.

In the meantime, he had the opportunity to indulge on his passion, the theater. He was cast in Judas Kiss at the Auckland Theater Company, which would begin rehearsing later in the year, giving him some time to do research on his character. It would feel good to get immersed in a project again and this production would give that to him. It was a good, hard role and Craig looked forward to it.

Even with as busy as he was, Craig had his quiet moments in his own home. It was during these times of solitude that he thought of Karl and about the fact that Karl never called.
~~~~~

Word about the production or about particular cast members did circulate the acting community of Auckland. All of New Zealand was involved in one way or another on this film project so everyone had a vested interest in its growth.

Craig was having lunch with Kevin Smith when he got news about Karl.

"I heard something through the grapevine may may be of interest to you." Kevin said after their meal. They were both relaxing, enjoying the wine.

"Oh, yeah?" Craig asked, knowing that Kevin liked to gossip as much as the women did "I "It regards why Urban probably hasn't called you." Kevin said. He had heard all about what had happened from Craig himself, being one of Craig's closer friends.

Craig looked at him, waiting for the news.

"Remember his girlfriend?" He asked, not wanting to upset Craig but feeling like this was information Craig needed to have.

"The one he broke up with back in March? Yeah, I remember her." Craig said. He knew that Karl had been with this girl for over a year and that they had decided to part ways amicably right before he and Craig became involved. "What about her? She's a nice girl." Craig observed.

"I hope she's nice now that she's carrying Karl's baby." Kevin said bluntly.

"She's what?" Craig asked, utterly shocked. He was frozen, staring blindly at Kevin's face. Karl's baby? Karl was expecting a child?

"Word has it he's overjoyed." Kevin added.

"He'll…he'll make a great dad. No, that's wonderful. Good news. I'm happy for him, really." Craiutteuttered, not sure what he felt about this. Of course it was good news and a perfectly valid reason why Karl hadn't called him. Craig fell silent, no longer hungry as he pushed his plate away.

"You okay, mate?" Kevin placed his hand over Craig's.

"Yeah, sure." He smiled.
~~~~~

For the next several days, no one heard from Craig. He called Rebecca stating he was unavailable but gave no explanation as to why. He turned off his phone, packed a few things into his jeep and left town.
~~~~~

"You in here?"

"In here, Chris." Craig called from the bedroom. His older brother appeared at the door, chuckling to himself.

"I should have known." He came in and sat on the edge of the bed, watching Craig laying there playing with Chris's newborn.

"She's beautiful." Craig said, still in total awe when he looked at this child. The baby had a tight hold of his finger and looked like she was never going to let go.

"You should have a baby." Chris said, loving the look on his brother's face. Craig had always loved children and Chris had always found it a cruel twist of fate that Craig would never have any.

Craig laughed. "Nah, I'll just come over and steal my niece every chance I get." He smiled, nuzzling into the baby's neck, getting a giggle from the small child.

"Why are you here, baby brother?" Chris asked. Craig had shown up a couple of days ago, bag in hand. Chris had left him alone for the most part, knowing his brother well enough to know that sometimes Craig needed to escape from life once in a while. Chris had long since been a refuge for him.

Craig rolled onto his back, tucking his arm behind his head as he looked at Chris. "I think I needed to think. It's a c a crazy couple of months." He smiled.

"I worry about you, mate. It's a nasty business you're in and they'll eat you alive." He warned. He'd always warned Craig.

"It's not the business that has me thinking, Chris. I swim pretty well on my own. Its matters of the heart that have me thinking." Craig admitted, tapping his chest.

"Uh, oh. Maybe you should talk to Wendy about that one." Chris laughed, referring to his wife.

Craig rolled back over and began playing with the baby again. "You have everything, you know that, right?" He said softly.

"You'll meet someone, Craig. You can have it also. Just don't forget that."

Craig smiled but he still looked a bit sad. "Not in this line of work, luv. Relationships, like jobs come and go. It's okay, though. I'll just have to be the perfect uncle."
~~~~~

"But it's my baby also." Karl yelled into the phone. He was back at his hotel room and had been on the phone for over an hour with his ex-girlfriend.

"Oh, great, so you just want my money? How generous of you. Look, this isn't over yet. I will get to see my child." He finished another beer and tossed the bottle into the bin with the rest of the empty ones. It was so hard to be so far away from everything and the funny thing was, real life just continued whether or not he was thee to be a part of it.

"Look, we will talk more about this later, okay? Fine. I'll call you in a few days." He hung up the phone and rubbed his face. He was very tired. Instead of putting the phone down, he dialed the number to his voice mail. As he did most nights, he replayed the message from Craig. For some reason, the voice on the other end just made him feel better. One of these days, though, he knew he needed to call. He just couldn't deal with it right then.
~~~~~

Two months after he'd left, Craig returned for his last official shots. He was feeling much better and looked forward to the Lothlorien gift-giving and riverside farewell scenes because h be be in the company of Marton, who was a friend for years and he'd get to meet Cate Blanchett, who he admired greatly. He'd also get to see Orlando and Viggo and catch up with the hobbits, who were just fun. Sure, there would be more pick up and blue screen work but this was his last multi-day shoot. He'd learned that Karl was still around but at another location, which meant they wouldn't have the opportunity to see each other or even speak before Craig was done.
~~~~~

On his last night, Craig finally gave in and joined everyone at one of the local bars. The place had become a favorite for the young and old alike, having a massive dance floor as well as large quieter area and they also served food, which was a huge plus. Drinks flowed and moods were light since many of the actors were now done with their tingting schedules.

Craig has resumed his friendships with Viggo and Orlando, while also forming a great silly bond with Billy and Dominic. He'd even been talked into joining the hobbits and elf on the dance floor, throwing caution to the wind and dancing with the rest of group. Thankfully, the management catered to celebrities and no cameras were allowed on sight. Craig was still one of the better known cast members locally and this was one place he could totally relax in. The music was loud, fast and the bodies plentiful as he truly just let himself go.

Viggo, however had made a few arrangements on his own. He'd contacted some of the other actors and managed to arrange for one in particular to be in town and to show up at this little event. While keeping one eye on the group out on the dance floor, Viggo kept the other poised at the door.

"Now that is a sight to see." Cate purred, watching the group on the dance floor. Craig was behind Orlando, hands planted firmly on leather clad hips as their bodies moved as one. Craig had even been convinced to bring out his leathers, which clung to ever curve. His cobalt blue silk shirt clung to his damp skin accenting the hidden body underneath. Dominic had even convinced him to wear the same eyeliner Dom wore, only bringing out the already perfect eyes.

"Yes it is." Viggo agreed as he sipped his beer. Finally, the one he'd been waiting for arrived. Viggo waved him over while ordering him a drink.

"Hey, mate." Karl smiled, kissing Cate and giving Viggo a hug. "You look stunning, Mrs. Blanchard." He smiled.

"As do you, Mr. Urban. You clean up very nicely." Cate said, checking out the tight jeans and loose button down shirt Karl wore, the front unbuttoned half way down his chest. The last time Cate had seen him, he'd been in costume and now, he just looked like a pin-up model, long hair flowing freely around his face and beard making him look just a bit dangerous.

Karl laughed, accepting the drink from Viggo as he greeted a few others standing around. "You know, I needed this." Karl said, leaning in close to Viggo's ear.

"I think we all did." Viggo smiled. "I see something else you need as well." He winked.

Karl looked at him a bit confused, but then he followed Viggo's line of sight towards the dance floor. At first, it didn't register what Viggo was talking about. After all, all Karl saw were a group of hobbits and an elf dancing so close together it should have been illegal. All that did was remind Karl how unbelievably horny he was.

Then suddenly, he stopped breathing as another came into his sight.

"Ah, damn you, Viggo." Karl sighed, his eyes glued to the heavenly vision before him.

Craig was totally unaware of anyone or anything except the beat of the music and the lithe body moving with his. Orlando had spotted Karl and smiled, seeing the dumbstruck look on his face. Oh, yeah. He was still in love with Craig. Love or at least lust, either way Karl obviously desired Craig.

"Go." Viggo whispered, taking Karl's beer from his hands.

Karl stood for a few moments, just mesmerized by the smile and laughter he heard coming from Craig, how truly happy he looked. He'd meant to call him so many times, actually sat with phone in hand but he'd always lost the nerve. Then the whole ordeal with his ex-girlfriend started. He wasn't sure how Craig would take that news but Karl needed to explain the situation to him.

"Hold on, Dom. I'm bloody knackered. I need water." Craig yelled into Dominic's ear. Dom turned in his arms, gave him a sweaty kiss and started dancing with Elijah.

Craig shook his head, his hair drenched with perspiration as he walked off the dance floor, only to be stopped in his tracks by Orlando.

"Hey, luv. You can't be leaving already." He wrapped his arms over Craig's shoulders as he faced him and tried to get the older man back to the dance floor.

Craig laughed, grasping Orlando's hips. "I'm not leaving. My body's water reservoir is sweating down my legs in these pants and I'm thirsty. I'll be back."

"You go dance for a bit and I'll get you some water." Orlando urged, turning Craig back to the dance floor.

"You're nuts, Bloom. Forget it. I'm getting a drink." Craig insisted, their tone still light and playful.

"Viggo!" Orlando yelled. "Can someone bring this geezer some water?"

Viggo nodded, smiling at Karl, who had still not been noticed by Craig. Orlando was successful in dragging the older man back to the dance floor where he was instantly hobbit sandwich meat.

Viggo casually strolled up to Karl, who had remained in the same spot, his eyes stiatchatching. Viggo handed him a couple bottles of water. "I believe this is your cue, Mr. Urban." He smiled. Karl looked at the bottles in his hand and nodded.

The heat increased as he neared the dance floor, hundreds of bodies dancing uninhibited to the beat. The strobe lights made him feel a bit dizzy but the underlying energy was enticing. Karl liked going out dancing himself but he'd been far too busy lately to make the time. For some strange reason, he was feeling the urge to dance at this very moment.

Orlando and Dom nodded, acknowledging Karl's presence as they moved out of the way. With the skills of a snake, Karl stepped onto the dance floor, up behind Craig's body, amazed at the heat rolling off the compact frame and he wrapped one arm around his waist and the other came around over the shoulder with the water bottle.

Figuring it was probably Viggo, Craig hugged the arm around his midsection while accepting the water. His whole body leaned back as they continued to move with the music.

Karl closed his eyes as he felt the overheated man press back against him. He couldn't hold back a growl as he brought his lips to Craig's ear and gently nibbled.

Craig's whole body whipped around so fast that Karl's arm flung out to the side in shock.

"Karl?" Craig asked as he twisted himself around. His heart had instantly jumped up into his throat as he recognized the throaty growl.

Karl smiled and motioned for Craig to turn back around, back in front of him. Hesitantly, Craig did so, moving subconsciously back into Karl's embrace as they moved together.

"Shhh, luv. Just close your eyes and feel this." Karl said, his lips ghosting over Craig's ears, shivers visible on his arms. Karl wrapped himself around, cradling Craig's arms in his, holding their bodies close.

Craig gave complete control over to Karl, resting his head back on his shoulder as he allowed Karl to move his body. He didn't think he'd ever have this chance again, to feel what he was feeling and he allowed the strong arms to hold him.

"I called you." Craig said, getting swept away in the feeling, the only world existing was where he and Karl were the only ones on the dance floor.

"I know. I listen to the message every night before I go to sleep, before I close my eyes and dream of holding you like this, feeling your sweat covered body against mine, your heart beating against my chest, your breath mixing with mine." Karl licked at the damp neck as he inhaled the scent that made him crazy.

"Why didn't you call me?" Craig asked dreamily as he moved his neck, allowing Karl easier access down onto his shoulder.

Karl continued kissing for several moments, his hips swaying against Craigbackbackside, their bodies formed completely as one. "I...uh....damn, I missed you." He said, wishing they were alone. He'd known the second he saw Craig that he couldn't deny what he felt for his friend. He was completely in love.

Craig pulled slightly away, just enough to turn in his arms and he wrapped himself back up against Karl, moving Karl's hands around his hips as he placed his hands around Karl's neck.

"I hear you're going to be a daddy." He said, pressing their foreheads together.

The smile that crossed Karl's face couldn't be hidden. He tried but Craig brought his hand up along the side of his face and smiled sweetly.

"I'm happy for you." He whispered. Karl pulled back from him but slid his hand over Craig's, holding tight.

"Can we go somewhere and talk?" He asked. Craig could tell by the look in his eyes that Karl seriously needed to talk to him.

"Sure." Craig nodded, leading Karl back to the group.

"Well, at least you two are talking again." Ian smiled at their interlocked hands. Karl blushed.

"And we have a lot to talk about. You have my number." Craig said as the two men said their goodbyes. Soon they were out of the crowded club and heading for the car park.

"Ride?" Karl motioned to his bike.

Craig stopped and looked at him. "First thing you should know, Karl. I'm done with the exceptions of pick ups. I fly back home in the morning." Craig warned, his fingers still wrapped in Karl's.

Karl smiled. "I was done three days ago. Somehow Viggo convinced me to stick around a few days. I had a feeling he was up to something." He chuckled.

"So we're both back in Auckland?" Craig's eyes sparkled, making Karl smile even more.

"So is my son." He said, wiping the smile off Craig's face in an instant.

"That's what we need to talk about, luv." Karl said, kissing Craig's fingers.

Craig obviously pulled back, shifting his weight on his feet. "Okay." He said quietly. He watched Karl climb on the bike. "I'm not going to like this conversation much, am I?" He said as he joined Karl.

"Depends." Karl said, tightening Craig's arms around his waist. "Hold tight. Don't want you slipping off in those leathers, which are damn hot, by the way."

Craig couldn't help laughing as he held onto Karl's waist. He was very confused as to where this conversation would leave him. Karl seemed to be just as touchy feely as he had been but there was this child to consider. Karl was not the type of guy to abandon his responsibilities, or at least Craig hoped he wasn't.

Craig could feel him bui building up the wall he'd managed to break down over the last several weeks. When he'd realized it was Karl behind him, all he wanted to do was to reach out and kiss him senseless. He knew at that moment he had been lying to himself over his true feelings for this klutz of a man, this straight man, this friend.

Craig's friends had tried to warn him. They even tried setting him up with several very nice, very attractive, very gay men but Craig didn't find anything more than some nice friendships. Craig couldn't even bring himself to have sex since the big fight with Karl and for him, that was something. Not that he had sex that often, just that he couldn't. Literally couldn't. Karl's words had hurt him more than he'd admitted.
~~~~~

Craig didn't even enjoy the ride because he was so lost in thought. Before he knew it, Karl pulled into the lot at the housing where Karl still had his room.

"Which one are you in this time?" He asked as they got off the bike.

"I'm not. I have a room at the Wellington Inn." Craig smiled, following Karl.

"Would you rather go there?" Karl asked.

"Not just to talk. This is fine." Craig said, letting Karl once again grasp his hand.

"Don't pull away from me, Parker. You know we need to talk." Karl encouraged, feeling Craig's hesitation.

"Yeah, but I don't have to like it much." Craig kidded back.

Karl shook his head. He wished he had planned this or even had the chance to plan it. He'd wanted to talk to Craig since he'd left but he just couldn't figure out what to say.

"Make yourself at home." Karl said as he led them into his room.

Craig couldn't help but to laugh. The place was a mess. "If I get lost, you think housekeeping will find me?"

"Watch it, Parker." Karl warned as he went to the kitchen for a few beers.

"Karl, I'm going to use your shower, okay? These pants are like wearing a sauna." Craig said, making himself at home like Karl had said. He slipped off his boots and headed toward the bathroom.

"Sure, mate." Karl called from the kitchen.
~~~~~

Craig shut the door and was pleased to find the bathroom was fairly neat. He noticed a bath towel flung over the shower door and he couldn't help picking it up and smelling it. It was still damp from Karl's last shower and smelled completely of the man. Craig caught a glimpse of himself in the bathroom mirror and smiled. He looked absolutely fuckable, leathers, shirt hanging from his body, eyeliner smeared just so. He looked like he'd been out dancing and here he was, standing in an ex-almost boyfriend's bathroom, smelling his towel. He couldn't help but laugh at how pathetic the whole thing was.

He tossed the towel down, turned on the water and peeled off his shirt. Next came the socks and the pants. Wet leather wasn't that easy to peel off and took some time. Finally, he stood bare and he caught another look at himself in the steamy mirror. It's funny how you never see yourself as you really look. All he could see was the gangly teenager, more plump that he should be, huge nose jutting out from his face, wondering when his hairline would ever retuack ack to normal.

He stepped into the stall, letting the water wash away all the sweat, making him almost sleepy. He reached for Karl's shampoo, instantly surrounded with memory. He always loved the way Karl smelled, getting lost in it many times in the past. Now he'd carry that scent with him home to Auckland and for some on ton that was okay.
~~~~~

Karl pulled out a few beers and watched Craig disappear into the bathroom. He knew he couldn't mess this up. When Viggo had called him, begging him to come out to the bar, Karl had thought it was just a last chance to get together for many of the cast who had been practically living with one another for so long. Sure, there would be pick up shots and more parties but this was just a last casual fling, an impromptu way to let off some steam and get crazy.

The second he'd seen Craig, he knew Viggo had set him up. In fact, Viggo had been after him for weeks, anything to bring Karl out of this spiral that had been going on inside him since learning he had created life.

Karl had been dealing with that situation pretty well and he felt proud of himself for being able to accomplish an arrangement that he felt good with. There wouldn't be any wedding vows between him and the baby's mother but an agreement. An agreement that he hoped Craig could deal with.

He sat at the breakfast bar, thinking about how beautiful Craig had looked out on that dance floor. Watching the whole lot of them had been pretty amazing, like watching an adult film being made. Hips grinding, shirts coming undone, sweat clinging to the dripping ends of curled hair, flushed skin – it haen aen a beautiful sight. As soon as he realized Craig had donned the same eyeliner as Dominic had, and once he'd seen how totally shaggable Craig looked with it on, he'd almost lost it right there.

And now, that same man was in his bathroom, in his shower, without clothes, standing there wet, eyeliner running and totally alone. Karl laughed at himself, cursing the pressure in his jeans and giving in. This was a moment to be had and in his shower was a man who was too addicting for Karl to let go. He stripped off his clothes and stepped into the steamy bathroom.

"Is that you, luv? I'll be done in a minute. Do you want me to keep the water running for ..." Craig stopped rinsing his head as Karl stepped into the stall, fully nude and fully erect. "Karl…" he whispered.

Karl placed his finger against Craig's lips, hushing him gently. Slowly, he brought his lips against the other man's, brushing like a feather, feeling the gasp of air Craig managed as skin barely made contact.

"Shhh. Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much, Parker?" Karl whispered, the water spray soaking his head as he leaned in towards Craig.

Craig managed a hint of a smile as he allowed Karl to tease him. Their lips again brushed ever so lightly and Craig was unable to restrain the sigh. His hands pressed against Karl's chest, fingers feeling the fle flesh.

"We can't…" Craig tried to protest.

"But we are." Karl replied, breathing along Craig's face to his ear. He was bracing himself against the tile wall, hands on either side of Craig's head.

"We shouldn't…" Craig replied, his head arching unsuccessfully to get some contact.

"Who says?" Karl flicked his tongue out to suck in the lobe of the ear just centimeters from his mouth.

"Your girlfri…oh, god…" Craig's eyelids fluttered closed for a brief second. Karl had never been this way with him. Sure, he liked the post-fucking cuddle but he'd never been one for a long and teasing seduction.

"I don't have a girlfriend. I have a boyfriend." Karl purred, his tongue now running along the soft-shell of Craig's ear. He could feel Craig's fingers flexing against his chest.

"What? What about the baby?" Craig asked, fighting hard to keep his thoughts organized and coherent.

"A mistake." Karl kissed down Craig's neck and he felt Craig pull back slightly. "No, luv. Not a mistake. I mean the whole relationship I had with her was a mistake. We broke up for a reason and she doesn't want me back, trust me." He tried to explain as he worked hard at getting Craig back into the puddle mess he had been in a few moments ago.

"But what about…?" Craig asked feeling disappointed in Karl. Maybe he didn't know him as well as he'd thought he did.

Karl pulled back and grinned. He knewt Crt Craig was thinking just by the look on his face. He brought both his hands along the sides of Craig's face and looked him in the eyes.

"I was wondering if you liked kids. See, we've come to this agreement, Kim and me and we're going to share custody. I'm going to be involved in the whole thing, you know, the classes and breathing and shit. She wants me there when the little bugger first shows his ugly mug and something about cutting some cord or somethinhichhich I'm not sure I think I can do. Have I told you I pass out during that kind of stuff? Well, I do. Makes me hit the floor faster than anything. I'm not even sure if I can be in the room when she, you know, when he come…."

"Karl!" Craig stopped him mid-sentence. "What are you trying to say?"

Karl grinned and he released Craig's face, slid down his arms and brought their hands up to his lips.

"Craig, I want you to co-parent with me. I want the two of us to heaiseaise my son. Our son. Kim has already agreed to it." He smiled his stupid grin that made Craig melt every time.

Craig stood completely speechless. No one had ever proposed anything even similar to him before, not even Michael. Did Karl realize what he was asking? Did he mean what he was asking?

Karl chuckled at the confused look on Craig's face. He shook his head and tried again.

"Look, I don't know what the rules are when it comes to two blokes but what I'm trying to say is," He still held onto Craig's hands and he placed a gentle kiss against the knuckles. "Craig Parker, I love you and I can't live without you. The last several weeks have been the worst weeks of my life and all I could think about was how much I needed you there, how much I wanted you to be there with me." Karl admitted.

"Karl." Craig whispered, giving Karl a gentle kiss. No one had ever said such beautiful words to him, so honest and from the heart. No one had ever said they couldn't live without him and the feeling was very overwhelming however he had to be honest. He didn't want to live life without Karl either. "You know I'm always there for you." Craig said, promising to remain by Karl's side.

Karl wasn't finding the words and he was growing frustrated. Sighing loudly, he finally knelt in the cramped shower stall.

"Look, Pr. Wr. What I'm trying to say is," He took a deep breath and looked up at Craig. "Will you marry me?"


TBC