Bring me to life

Title: Bring me to life 1 of 7
Author: Simplyshelly (simplyshelly2@e...)
Pairing: Craig Parker / Dave Wenham
Rating: NC17 for sexual content / SLASH
Summary: Because they're both so darn cute!
Wngs:ngs: AU / SLASH
Archive: Author site – http://www.simplyshelly2001.com.
Anywhere else – just ask first
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. I make no monies from my stories posted here.
*******************************************************************************************

Artist: Evanescence
Album: Fallen
Song: Bring Me To Life
Lyrics:
How can you see into my eyes
like open doors.
Leading you down into my core
where I've become so numb.
Without a soul
my spirit's sleeping somewhere cold
until you find it there and lead it back home.
(Wake me up.
Wake me up inside.
I can't wake up.
Wake me up inside.
Save me.
Call my name and save me from the dark.
Wake me up.
Bid my blood to run.
I can't wake up.
Before I come undone.
Save me.
Save me from the nothing I've become.)
Now that I know what I'm without
you can't just leave me.
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life.
[Chorus]
Bring me to life.
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside.
Bring me to life.
Frozen inside without your touch,
without your love, darling.
Only you the the life among the dead.
All of this sight
I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark
but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a 1000 years it seems.
I've got to open my eyes to everything.
Without a thought
Without a voice
Without a soul
Don't let me die here
There must be something wrong.
Bring me to life.
[Chorus]
Bring me to life.
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside.
Bring me to life


Bring me to life
7/7/2004
Craig walked out to the quiet balcony looking for a moment of peace. The party inside was energetic to say the least. He was attending for the sake of making an appearance rather than any real interest in yet another party but his management had insisted. Appearances were important to an actor and particularly important to those who weren't working. Considering Craig hadn't had a job in over a year, his appearances were vital to his current career.

For a man who hadn't worked, Craig had never been busier. He'd attended convention after convention promoting the Rings Trilogy. He enjoyed the opportunity and Peter made it worth his time. In being willing to commit so much time to the whole Rings craze, he'd been able to do some traveling which he'd longed to do, making the time where he could to get some sight seeing in between appearances. He'd spent quality time with family and friends and had even moved to a new country, all things he'd always wanted to do but had never found sufficient time while building his career for the past 15 years.

He inhaled deeply, able to smell the ocean in the crisp night air. He closed his eyes trying to geographically place his location on a map and smiled to himself. He'd always loved geography, spending hours studying about all the wondrous places to visit and see. Back in school, it had labeled him as pretty nerdy but it had actually come in handy many times over the years. He'd grown up fascinated with travel and now he was living his dream.

He couldn't help chuckling at himself. Back in school, he'd been too shy to involve himself in sports or clubs yet now here he was invited to the best parties and having people flock about him wherever he went. It was a bit different than he'd expected but good all the same. He did what he wanted when he wanted and lacked any concerns on how to pay for his life's little indulgences.

Thankfully, he' been taught early on to stay involved in his finances and while he might lead people to believe that he allowed others to manage his money, in reality, he knew of every penny. He'd always st in in control of his finances, teaching himself how to invest and how to save. Craig had managed to make quite a bit of money over the years and due to wise investments, he was worth enough to have never a need to work again and continue to live the lifestyle he'd grown accustom to over the years. Craig didn't donate money to causes he believed in. He donated himself, his time, and occasionally his face. He felt it was a more valuable use of his public persona and it got him involved.

Along with traveling, Craig had a passion for meeting people. He loved people, all sorts of people. He never hesitated in meeting anyone, even those who spoke other languages than the several he'd picked up over the years. He was a student of culture and never shied away from trying to learn, even when making a complete fool of himself. While many people would look ridiculous, it was all just part of Craig's charm and people usually accepted him with open arms.

However, at this particular moment, he'd had enough people. He'd been going non-stop for nearly six months without a break, spending more time in the air than on the ground and he was tired. He did have several jobs lined up in the following months and staying at home, waking up in the same place night after night was beginning to sound better with each passing day. His schedule had been so busy that he actually had to turn down many offers and he longed for the days where all he needed to do was sleep. It had been a very long time since he'd had more than a couple hours of sleep without interruption.

He sipped his glass of wine, thinking how nice a cigarette would taste right now as he leaned on the railing and looked out over the city. That was a nasty habit he'd long since given up but it, like a few other things were occasionally missed in his happy and full life. Caffeine was the latest vise he'd given up and he was still adjusting to that one. He still refused to give up marijuana and sex, while his consumption of the drug had greatly diminished of late and he might as well add sex to the list with the lack of activity he'd been getting. Smoking and caffeine had made sense to him, wanting to be as healthy as he could but he enjoyed the other two too much to completely give them up.

What he really missed in moments of retrospect as this was love. Now Craig Parker loved people and was loved in return by so many more than he deserved but what he missed was relationship kind of love. The kind of love where you knew when that other person was coming home and your stomach grew all jumpy in anticipation, where passionate kisses were almost as good as orgasms themselves – well, almost. Sex was good but making love was the matemate high, when two people joined in completion, knowing the other felt the same way was the best feeling in the world and unfortunately a feeling Craig hadn't felt for a very long time.

He felt himself slipping in a sulking, brooding mood so he figured it was time to find the host and make himself head back to his hotel room where he could be miserabor aor a few moments on his own. He turned and took a few steps toward the glass door when he suddenly saw a face he recognized. He couldn't help but smile.

"Now I knew there was a on won why I put on deodorant this evening. How are you, Mr. Parker?" The older man said in his trademark Agent Smith tone.

"I'm fine, Hugo. Fancy meeting you here." Craig said, his feelings of self loathing dissipating.

"What? Aren't we giving you a warm Aussie welcome?" Hugo asked, pointing to Craig's empty glass and his solitary existance on the balcony.

"What? Oh, no, everyone has been lovely. I was just feeling like a breadcrumb at a picnic and decided some fresh air would do me good. I was actually just about to head off ..."

"Oh, but you've got to stay on for a bit. I haven't seen you in what? Two? Three years?" Hugo stated, motioning for someone to come and fill Craig's glass.

"It hasn't been that long, has it?" Craig laughed to himself as his glass was promptly refilled, following Hugo to the railing of the balcony. Hugo proceeded to pull out a cigarette case and place one of the fattest joints Craig had eseenseen between his lips.

"So, what brings you to this side of the country?" Hugo asked after taking a deep drag. He offered it to Craig who accepted gratefully.

"I'm doing a convention with Mark and Joel for a few days." Craig said as he let out his breath.

"That's right. You've done a few of those, haven't you?" Hugo asked, nodding.

"What can I say? I've become a convention whore."

"How many have you done this year?"

"This will be the tenth."

"The tenth? But this year is just barely half over. Peter must love you.
"He
"He's pretty pleased with me right now." Craig chuckled. "But I've been all over on his ticket. Germany, Holland, the states and several this year have been close to home in London so it sounds worse than it really was. Now they bring me here, to your lovely land."

"That's right. I heard somewhere you'd moved to London. How is that?"

"Not sure. I haven't been to my house in over a month. Home will always be New Zealand, though. Just flew in from there actually. Winterfest, did a debate, skied a bit, drank a lot, spent time with friends, you know. But I've got the next six weeks off to do as I like so I'm not complaining." Craig smiled.

"And what does the gorgeous Mr. Parker plan on doing with himself for six whole weeks?" Hugo winked. Craig couldn't help but giggle.

Hugo looked at the handsome man standing next to him thinking Craig had no idea just how gorgeous he was.

"I figured I'd hang out here for a bit, you know, see the sights. I mean I've been here before but haven't really had enough time to get a good look around. Any suggestions from the local expert?" He asked as he finished his drink.

"You'll have to come 'round and I'll help you plan an itinerary. Where are you staying?"

"About two floors down." Craig pointed to the floor. "I haven't even been in the room other than to drop off my bag. One hotel looks the same as another. Tacky spread, god-awful colors, cheap carpet, all the same after a while." Craig shrugged.

"Sounds like you're tired of hotels."

"I am. I'm just homesick." He said. "Sorry. You caught me in a mood, Hugo. That's why I was leaving. I think I'm just tired. Jet lag, you know?" Craig added, not wanting to sound like he had it bad or anything.

"You just fly in today?"

Craig looked at his watch. "About four hours ago." He laughed. "I don't even remember what time zone I'm in. I'm not even sure what day it is to be honest. I've passed the international dateline so often that I've either lost or gained years. I just hope when this year is done, I catch up with myself."

Hugo placed his arm around the shorter man. "I have an idea. Why don't you stay at my place? My wife is off with the kids for a few months visiting her mother."

"I couldn't." He protested lightly. He really was tired of hotels.

"I won't take 'no' for an answer. I'm close by and it's a big house. Besides, you can help me entertain my other houseguest." Hugo smiled.

"Hotel Hugo, eh?" Craig asked.

"Think of it more like a slumber party." The grin lines dances at the corners of Hugo's eyes.

"And just my luck. I left my fes aes at home." Craig feigned a pout.

"It'll be just like old times. We'll have pillow fights; talk about our dream boyfriends, you know, all the good girl stuff. If you're a good boy, I may even give you a makeover." Hugo went on.

"As long as I get to do your hair." Craig added, feeling much better.

"And my nails. I could use a good manicure." Hugo held out his hand.

"Yes you could." Craig chuckled. "So, who is this other houseguest?"

"Just a fellow bloke who's in a bit of a slump. Going through a bit of a sexual identity crisis ..."

Craig arched an eyebrow at Hugo who met him with his own.

"He's pretty confused and I'm doing what I can to cheer him up."

"I'm sure you are." Craig winked. He knew Hugo was married but he also knew Hugo and his wife hn unn understanding that Hugo also slept with the same sex.

"Hey, that's my reputation you're corrupting there, Mr. Parker."

Craig choked on a lungful of smoke. "Me? If memory serves me correctly, you have no trouble finding corruption on your own, Mr. Weaving."

"Oh, well, that is true." Hugo agreed. "So, you'll come by first thing in the morning?" He asked but suddenly he smiled wickedly. "Or I have a better idea. If you haven't unpacked yet, we could sneak out of this boring party, take the freight elevator down to your floor and get you out before they can tell you that you can't." Hugo made the most mischievous Cra Craig had ever seen.

"Oh, that sounds so devious. Do we dare?" Craig asked, both men giggling like a couple of eight year olds who just found their father's girly magazine collection.

"I think we should." Hugo finished the joint and tossed it othe the balcony. "Getting rid of the evidence." He said.

Craig leaned over and watched it fall. "Hugo, there's a restaurant down there! Any minute, we're going to hear some old bugger yelling about the roach in his soup."

They both burst out laughing as some of the party guests peered outside to find out what all the commotion was about.

"Oh, looks like we've been spotted." Craig said, trying to recover.

Hugo hunched over and grabbed Craig's hand. "Come on but we have to be sly. Calm, cool, suave ..."

"Brilliant!" Craig chuckled as the two men casually snuck out of the party.

Before any time passed, both men loaded into Hugo's jeep and were on their way.

"This is completely sensational." Craig bounced in his seat as Hugo drove.

"Been a while since you were able to sneak out of someplace, huh?" Hugo laughed, Craig's youthful enthusiasm becoming contagious.

"Well, sort of." Craig was smoking another joint Hugo handed him when they got in the car. "Sneaking out of parties is one thing but leaving the hotel is another. I'd better leave a message for my agent before they discover I've flown the coupe, let them know I'll still be there for the convention." Craig pulled out his phone and left a message for both his agent and the convention promoter.

"So, are you going to spend a bit ime ime with me? You're welcome as long as you want to stay." Hugo said, occasionally glancing at the young man sitting next to him.

"We'll see. I only have a few days before I have to be back in New Zealand. I have another debate to do but hopefully this time we won't get in trouble." Craig said, looking at everything as they drove.

"So much for six weeks off, eh?" Hugo questioned.

"I didn't say I was commitment free, just nothing big for six weeks." Craig grinned.

"Well, a few days relaxing will do you good." Hugo placed his hand on Craig's thigh.

~~~~~

"So, looks like we have the place to ourselves." Craig whispered as he followed Hunto nto the dark house.

"Or we'll walk in on my guest exploring his identity." Hugo kidded, loving the sounds of Craig's giggle.

"Oh, we can only hope." Craig purred in the darkness. Suddenly, the room filled with a bright, blinding light. "Oh, you bloody bastard." Craig hissed, shielding his eyes.

"Creature of the night, now are you?" Hugo laughed as he switched the bright light for a softer lamp on the table. "Make yourself at home, love. We'll take your bag up theirs irs in a bit but first I believe we both deserve a nice drink."

Craig groaned. "Oh, I've already had more than I should. Feeling a bit light headed here." Craig said as he came into the nicely furnished lounge filled with overstuffed furniture and lots of pillows.

"Indulge." Hugo called. "I'll make sure you get to bed safely."

"Okay, you twisted my arm. Vodka if you have it." He said as he lowered his body the the unbelievably comfortable looking sofa.

"I believe I do." Hugo called from the kitchen. "You hungry?"

"Nah. So we all alone?" Craig picked up the book someone was obviously reading not all that long ago. It was one of Craig's favorites and looked to be a well read book by the discolored pages and tattered corners.

"Looks that way. I believe he said something about finishing up some night shots but this should be his last night, which is a good thing. He's exhausted and with all this emotional stuff, he needs some down time. He's been going from one project to the other." Hugo brought out two glasses and a bottle of Vodka as he went about pouring a couple cocktails.

"Oh, an actor as well. Hugo, don't tell me you're turning into Ian." Craig accepted the drink.

"Goodness, no! Although a few years ago when I first worked with him, I did consider giving it a go but he's just too undecided. No, I prefer my men a bit more seasoned." Hugo laughed.

"Just how young is this person?" Craig asked, curious, making Hugo laugh even more.

"Parker, he's about your age if not a bit older. You might even know him. He was in the Jackson Trilogy with us, you know." Hugo smiled, making himself comfortable.

"Oh, please don't tell me you have Viggo staying with you or a hobbit." Craig made a screwed up face.

"Oh, no, not quite so far up the food chain. It's David." Hugo explained.

"David?" Craig said, puzzled. Then recollection set in. "Dave? As in Dave Wenham? As in baby Boromir?" He asked, shock setting in.

"One in the same." Hugo laughed, watching Craig's face.

"He's the one with a sexual identity crisis?" Craig asked, his voice squeaking a bit.

"Shhh, he might not want that part let out." Hugo whispered exaggeratedly as he pulled out another joint.

Craig shook his head. "Not a word from me." He laughed as Hugo made an offer. "Honestly, I don't really know him." Craig said, inhaling. "We never had any scenes together and he came onto the set about the time I left. The only time I saw him was on the screen when I was doing the voiceovers for Gothmog. He did a fabulous job with his character. Saw him at a few parties but we never spoke." He held his breath and rested his head back on the sofa as the drug took effect.

His whole body felt like he was floating, surrounded by sweet, soft clouds as Hugo's voice drifted in and out. Hugo was going off about something, talking animatedly about something he couldn't understand. Craig listened and all he could hear was his own heartbeat, thumping steadily in his ears. Somehow he managed to take another drag and as he held in the smoke, he could hear the blood rushing through his veins, hot, pulsing, rushing through his body.

"Craig, can you hear me, mate?" Hugo was suddenly hovering right over Craig's face as he startled. "Hey, calm down, love. It's okay." Hugo soothed, surprised by the startled look in Craig's face.

"I'm fine." He said, sitting up a bit.

"You are completely gone." Hugo laughed, seeing the flush come over Craig's face.

"What is in that shit?" Craig groaned, leaning forward and holding his face in his hands.

"Just good old Australian grown, mate. Nothing more." Hugo chuckled. "Why don't we get you upstairs and tucked into bed?" He suggested, not wanting to corrupt his younger friend any more. He figured it was probably the combination of jet lag, not eating, the alcohol and the cut of the muanauana that knocked Craig so hbut but he wanted to make sure his friend got to bed safely.

"That sounds good, Hugo." Craig agreed, trying to stand but he was a bit dizzy. "You're a good mate, Hugo. Why didn' spe spend more time together? You and I could have been really good mates." Craig rambled as Hugo lifted his arm, placed it over his shoulder and led the unstable man up the stairs.

"We are good friends, eh? Always will be. You're too adorable to turn away, Parker and you know it." Hugo soothed, holding Craig tightly.

"If I'm so adorable, then why am I alone,o?" o?" Craig asked as they reached the half way point.

"You are not alone. If I remember correctly, I found you on the balcony a few hours ago because you were escaping people. A breadcrumb during a picnic was how you put it." Hugo smiled.

Craig snickered at his own joke. "Breadcrumb, yeah." He stumbled a bit on the top step. "Oops, that's a high one."

Hugo couldn't help but to smile. He'd never seen Craig completely gone, even with all the drinking they all did during the shooting. He had to admit that Craig was beyond adorable in this state.

"Here we go, love. Your home away from home. Do you need to use the bathroom?" Hugo asked, getting a strange look from Craig.

"Did you just ask me if I needed to use the bathroom?" Craig asked.

"Well, I just figured . . ." Hugo started as Craig pulled away from him, holding himself up by his hand on the dresser. "The bathroom is right across the hall."

Craig nodded and proceeded to make his way to the restroom. While he stumbled around, Hugo went back down the stairs, got his bag and brought it back up to the guest room. Craig was still locked away in the bathroom.

After several minutes, Hugo began to get concerned. He went to the bathroom door and listened for any sounds, which there were none. "Craig, you okay in there?" He called. No answer. "Craig, hey mate. You okay?" He knocked loudly.

Suddenly he heard a noise, like something falling and a quiet curse. He silently chuckled.

"Come on, mate. Time to get you to bed." He said, trying so hard not to laugh. He figured Craig must have fallen asleep.

"Uh, yeah, be right out." A muffled response came from inside. Hugo went to turn down the bed.

After a few minutes, Craig immerged, the crease on his forehead a sure sign that he had indeed fallen asleep, prob whi while sitting on the toilet with his head resting on the counter judging by the depth of the line running across Craig's forehead.

"I appreciate this, Hugo. Really." Craig mumbled, looking half asleep as he leaned against toorwoorway.

"Why don't you get comfortable? It's not comfortable to sleep in your clothes." Hugo suggested.

Craig snickered. "A lame excuse to get me starkers, Hugo."

"Honey, if I wanted you naked, I'd have taken advantage of you when you were out of it downstairs." He teased as Craig began undressing.

"That's true." Craig agreed, feeling a bit more in control. He attempted to unbutton his shirt but his coordination wasn't listening to his brain and he sighed. Hugo grinned and moved to help him unbutton his shirt. "Thanks." Craig said quietly as he felt his shirt slip off his shoulders. He went about folding the material and it ended up in a messy tangle while he toed off his shoes, almost falling over in the process.

"I've never seen you like this, Mr. Parker." Hugo smiled, steadying the younger man.

"I didn't realize I was this tired." Craig said, clumsily stepping out of his jeans.
He thought about folding them and then decided against it and just tossed them onto the dresser. Hugo motioned for him to sit and Hugo himself bent to remove his socks.

"Come on, love. Let's get you all snuggled up." Hugo patted the sheets as Craig sheepishly crawled under the covers. Hugo tucked him in lovingly and kissed him gently on the lips.

"Love you." Craig mumbled, already half asleep.

"I love you too, Craig. Sleep well." Hugo smiled as he quietly left the room.

~~~~~

7/8/2004
Craig rolled over, squinting as the sunlight hit him in the face. Groaning, he rubbed his face and dared to crack open his eyes. At first glance, he had no idea where he was and he quickly looked beside him to make sure he was alone. He didn't do it often in hin his younger days, he occasionally woke with a virtual stranger sleeping beside him. He was relieved to find that he was indeed alone but the movement reminded him how much he'd consumed the previous night. With great effort, he managed to sit up and swing his legs to the floor, moaning again from the change in position.

Slowly, the night before began to come back to him. He looked at his suitcase and smiled. He didn't remember bringing into the room. Actually he didn't reme how how he himself got into the room, much less undressed or into bed. He did remember Hugo and his kindness and that brought a smile to his face.

As his head cleared, he began to feel better. He did, however need to make a trip to the bathroom along with seriously needing some water. His body was dehydrated and his headache was just under the surface. Checking his watch, he found it was still very early so he figured he was safe making a quick trip to the restroom which he remembered being across the hall.

Without dressing, he shuffled across the smooth wood floor dressed in just his briefs, trying to stay as quiet as possible. He didn't want to wake Hugo, particularly since Hugo had been so kind. He slowly opened the door and looked out into the still dark hallway.

Craig reached out to the knob of the bathroom door when it suddenly opened, flooding him with light. He squinted and then suddenly realized he wasn't alone.

Both men stood there for several sec, ju, just frozen, staring at one another. It was the redhead who finally broke the spell.

"Uh, hi." He said, gripping the only piece of cloth on his body, the towel wrapped around his still damp skin.

"Uh, yeah, sorry." Craig said, blushing as he looked away.

"I didn't know anyone else was here." The redhead said, also blushing, trying not to notice the underwear clad man in front of him.

"Hugo said I could stay a bit." Craig said quietly.

"Sounds like him. He likes bringing us strays in from the rain." He said with a smile. "You're Craig, right?"

"Uh, yeah. Dave, right? You look a bit different." Craig said, watching Dave rub the scruffy beard along his jaw.

"I could say the same about you. You make a better brunette." Dave said, smiling. "Well, I'm assuming you were coming in here." He moved to allow Craig to pass.

"Uh, yeah." Craig smiled as he passed unbelievably close to the man standing in just a towel.

"I'll have a pot of coffee on in a bit if you're interested." Dave offered, stepping a few steps out of the way.

"Don't drink it anymore but water would be good. Maybe a few aspirin. I'll be right down. Thanks." Craig said as he closed the bathroom door.

Inside the humid bathroom, he smiled and shook his head. 'Damn,' he thought to himself. 'That was nice. Embarrassing but nice.'

After using the facilities, he decided a shower would wake him up a bit so he turned on the faucet. He dropped his underwear and was just about to step inside when he heard a knock on the door.

"Yes?" He cracked open the door trying to keep himself covered.

"Clean towels." Dave smiled, dressed now and holding out a stack of fluffy towels.

"Thanks." Craig grinned, opening the door a bit more and taking the towels.

"You hungry?" Dave asked, catching a glimpse of Craig's backside in the mirror and looking away quickly. He didn't want to embarrass the man any more than he already had.

"A bit I guess. Yeah." Craig admitted, listening to his stomach growl.

"Good." Dave said, not in any hurry to leave.

"Well, I should . . ." Craig motioned inside.

"Uh, yeah, well, see you downstairs then. Eggs okay?" Dave said, reluctantly moving away.

"Yeah, whatever you're having is fine."

"Okay. See you soon." Dave smiled.

~~~~~