Fic: Mate with Benefits 20/20
TITLE: Mate with Benefits 20/20
AUTHORS: rufferto and kitty_trio
EMAILS: rufferto9@yahoo.com and kittyTsapphire@yahoo.com
PAIRING: Craig Parker/Karl Urban, Marton Csokas/Mark Ferguson
RATING: Adult, NC-17
WARNING: Slash
FEEDBACK: Yes, please
SUMMARY: A long time ago, Craig and Karl were young men. They first met on Shortland Street, and at the time, they had no idea what was happening to them. It was just Lust, right? Why then did it hurt so much?
DISCLAIMER: We don't own Craig Parker and Karl Urban and are not making any money from this fic. We don't claim this happened. We don't know Craig Parker or Karl Urban or their sexual preferences. In short, nothing in this story is true regarding any real person mentioned. This is all fiction.
A/N: *sniffles* As you’ll see all four men/boys are heading into new adventures. This isn’t the end. They’ll all return with little glimpses into their lives from here to present day. Thanks for loving our Bébé boys as much as we have.
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lickable manips by rufferto
CHAPTER TWENTY
Craig wasn’t sure what happened. He had just been buying Kieren a coke when Marton had come up from behind and told him that makeup wanted him right then. It was his lunch break. The young man sighed as he hung out in makeup and let the girls fuss over him. It seemed that he was getting a lot of brush offs lately from Karl, or maybe it was just his imagination. He had no idea what was going on, and he had decided to spend the night on set today because he didn’t want to go home. It reminded him of when Sam stopped talking to him, except that Sam had used force instead of silence. Yeah, he was going to stay on set tonight. He took a deep breath. All good things had to come to an end after all, right?
“Fuck off, Mark.” Karl ducks past the older man. “And tell him to quit sending others to run interference.” Luckily he isn’t in Jamie’s paramedic uniform as he slams off the sound stage and out to the car park. Craig’ll have no problem batting his eyes and sashaying his arse into a ride home. The motorbike starts with a roar, and gravel sprays as he pulled out into traffic.
Though he passed the street leading to the flat, he keeps going. Only when the chill of the evening penetrates the anger boiling inside does the young man stop. He’s on a twisty stretch of road outside of town. The idyllic rural setting of rolling green hills is lost on him when he removes the helmet and paces. It isn’t fucking worth it. His stint as Jamie will end in another week, leaving all of them -and Kieren- on the soap, while he’s supposed to twiddle his thumbs waiting on a lover who comes onto anything male that moves.
Craig went through the last scene mechanically, though being as good of an actor as he was, you couldn’t tell. At the end of the scene, he noticed Mari coming towards him, but he ducked into another hallway and avoided the older man altogether.
After he walked around a while, he ends up staring at the couch that he’d first kissed Karl on. He rummages around a nearby chilly bin and finds a beer. For almost five months this had been his ‘room’. He sighs as he kicks his shoes off and curls up on it.
Mark has been lying in wait for Craig, fuming inwardly. The two boys are starting to give him a huge headache. He notices Mari still looking around at the other end of the hall. He shakes his head and calls over. “No he hasn’t left yet.”
Mari shrugs, “He’s cocking it up. Karl’s a powder keg about to explode.” He squeezes Mark’s shoulder in common frustration. “I’m off home, see if I can beat some sense into the git. You coming, or have other plans for the evening?”
Mum kept telling him to go to Uni, earn a degree. Later he could return to acting here and there. Perhaps someday pursuing his additional dreams of working behind the camera. Mind made up, Karl climbs back on the bike with a stubborn set to his jaw. No longer is he going to let Craig walk all over him, turn his resolve to mush with teary eyes and pouting lips. He heads in the direction of his parents place, knowing he’ll catch hell from Mum, but it's preferable to finding out who was -or wasn’t- home at the flat.
Mark runs his hand through his hair. “I don’t think Craig even knows what he did.” He shakes his head. “We can’t leave Craig here, Mari. I asked around a little this afternoon, got some information out of Stef. Did you know before he met Karl he came out of an abusive relationship, a physically abusive relationship?”
Craig has not even touched the beer; he’s holding onto the blanket and trying hard not to cry. He pulls his legs up and wraps his arms around them. He is not going to cave in, not this time. He will have to pick himself up and go on. He just won’t let anyone get close to him. Ever again.
“Shite… I thought we only acted on a soap opera, not lived one?” Mari rakes a hand through his hair as well, grimacing at the hair product used to ‘contain’ his curls. “Then we better round up the little one. You have any idea where he hides himself around here?”
“Stef said something about an old lounge that wasn’t used by anyone anymore since they built the new one up front. It’s near the showers. Shall we go fetch him?” Mark smiles at Mari with a slight twinkle, “You know.” He whispers, “I hate it when they use that crap on your hair.” Since the lawyer was now handling every detail with his wife, Mark has relaxed a lot more.
Craig’s chin rested on his knees as he tried to think of what he had done to screw things up so badly. He’d only been himself, trying to be friendly.
“Lead the way Grasshopper… and I’ll let you wash this shit out when we get Blue-eyes home. Maybe if we lock them in a closet they’ll finally talk, root themselves silly, or kill each other… putting us out of our misery.”
As they walk down the empty corridor towards the far end of the building, Mark suddenly leans over and kisses Mari’s neck. He doesn’t say why, and continues forward smirking. When they finally get there, Craig is curled up on the couch asleep. Mark quietly moves up to him and picks him up effortlessly. Craig doesn’t resist, burying his face into Mark’s shoulder. Mark sighs, noticing the tightening of Craig’s fingers on his shirt. “Ok, Mari, guess you’re driving.” He nudges the younger man with his chin. “Craig, I know you’re awake, luv.” But he’s going to carry Craig anyway, apparently.
“I’m awake.” Craig sighs.
It’s times like these that Marton curses Mark’s ex-wife the most. The flirtatiousness was a delight, if at times uncomfortable, he muses as he adjusts the fit of his trousers. Watching Mark’s parental care of Craig is awe inspiring. There’s no way the custody battle over his small boys can go badly. Every pore of the man exudes the lengths he’d go for those he cared dearly about.
Marton notices, but doesn’t comment on Karl’s motorbike being gone from the carpark, He opens doors, helps Mark with his arms-full of Craig in, and drives home. Craig appears to have dosed off again when they pulled into the underground parking structure. “Want me to carry him up? He must be getting heavy.” He offers quietly as he opened the passenger door.
Mark shakes his head, “No, I’m good.” He smiles at his slight burden. “Craig really isn’t all that heavy. He’ll probably need something to eat. He smells like beer, but I don’t think he had much. I think he’s exhausted from worrying. You’ve noticed, I hope? How overly anxious he’s been lately?”
Craig stirs a bit, but doesn’t wake fully.
Mark smiles at Marton, it’s just a smile. “Can you make something for him? Soup I think would be the best.”
Anxiety or guilt, Mari thinks, but doesn’t vocalize. “Yeah, I’ll toss a few things together and defrost a loaf of bread from Craig’s last ‘bread therapy’ session.” As the three enter the flat, the ‘phone begins to jangle. “Mrs. Urb… Mum…” Mari’s eyes widen and he motions to Mark for help. Mark, of course, smirks and ignores the silent plea, carrying Craig to the boy’s room.
“Marton-luv! Just wanted to let you boys know Karl is home… for a few days.” Mum’s voice drips with ire at her son and curiosity about the cause of the sudden visit. “He’s not saying much, is everything well? I know he’s worried about being out of work…” she drops hints for Marton to tell all.
“Erm, yes… he’s been a bundle of nerves looking for a new role. Is Karl near? I’d like to talk to him.”
“That’s just it luv, he’s out back muttering about ‘car therapy’.” She opens the kitchen door and the sound of metal banging on metal can be heard down the line.
“I’d say nerves for sure Mum. You know we can’t keep anything from you.” Marton winces knowing the truth will find its way to Mum soon. “I’ve just arrived in… how ‘bout I have Craig ring you when he gets in? They’ve had the poor boy working long hours again.” Ah shit…Mari winces again… now Mum’s going to start worrying about Craig.
Instead, Mum rings off after a few minutes, obviously too disturbed about what’s going on with her son.
Mark lays Craig out gently on the bed and unbuttons his shirt. He pulls off the younger man’s shoes and tucks him in around the covers. All the while, Craig watches him under his lashes. “Why can’t I be in love with you?” He wonders aloud.
“Because I’m as old as dirt, and you’re a spring chicken.” Mark laughs. “Besides, you love Karl and Karl loves you.”
“Karl hates me, he’s left.” Craig says, burying himself into the covers.
“Don’t be silly. He has not left, he’s just stewing. Now, you still have no idea why don’t you?” Mark tickles Craig’s chin.
“Hey, stop it.” Craig half heartedly defends himself. “No.” The lower lip sticks out.
Mark chuckles as he sits on the bed. “Karl has only just discovered the other side of his sexuality. He’s always thought of himself as straight. Now, he sees you become friendly with one of his friends who is straight. And what he is thinking is: Craig made me change, what if Kieren changed because of Craig? I would lose him.”
Craig stares at Mark. “But... but... I have no interest in Kieren, Kieren has no interest in me. He’s a a... What do you call them, chick magnets? Wait a minute. You were straight for a long time, and...”
”No.” Mark smiles again, “No, I wasn’t. I was just pretending to be straight. There’s a difference Craig. I knew deep down what I wanted, I was always too afraid to explore that possibility. I did what was expected of me. I married and had children. I always knew it was wrong.” He gives another smile, “But that is a story for another time. I want you to call Karl in the morning. Don’t wait for him to come to you.”
“I don’t think I can.” Craig says miserably. “I don’t have the strength...”
“You can.” Mark kisses Craig’s forehead. “And you are stronger than you know.”
Having caught most of the conversation from the hallway, Mari grabs Mark as soon as he exits the room. Quickly and quietly Mark is pressed to the wall by Marton’s weight. He holds Mark’s head steady and plunders his mouth in a toe curling kiss. Just as quickly, Mari is gone... back to the kitchen and dinner preparations. A lusty smirk wreaths his face and a jaunty step lightens his walk.
Mark is certainly disoriented by the kiss and he attempts to clear his throat and regain his senses as Mari departs just as quickly. The man was capable of totally disintegrating his normal complete control in a matter of seconds. His body was already overheated by the action. It takes him a few moments to compose himself enough so that he can get a glass of cold water for Craig and return to the bedroom.
Craig is sitting up so that he can eat, but still tucked in. When Mark returns, Craig smiles bravely up at him. “I don’t want to lose Karl because he thinks I’m coming on to someone else.” The young man says earnestly. “I’m just being myself.”
“Yes luv.” Mark manages. “Drink some water. You are yourself, and just a hint of emotion in those brilliant blue eyes makes any man, especially a man in love, weak at the knees, even straight men. You’re irresistible, sweetheart.”
”Not to you.” Craig grins impishly.
“If you want to know a secret, I’ve had a very hard time resisting you over the years.” Mark grins, devilishly, and waggles his eyebrows. He’s obviously joking as he speaks in a bad French accent. “The truth is, ma cheri, ’ve wanted to sweep you off your feet and take you away to my castle in the mountains and make mad passionate love to you since the moment I set eyes on your baby blues.”
Craig laughs, nearly choking on his water.
“But then I come to my senses and realize that whereas I find you extremely appealing, we are completely different and I’d much rather be your friend, eh?”
Dinner is a joyous affair with hearty soup, crusty bread thickly slathered with butter, and juice or beer for the three men. The two older men sandwich Craig between them and bicker lightly over playing porn or Matt Dillon‘s latest film.
“It’s educational!” Marton protests with a grin, “Craig chose the last flick… it’s my turn!” His foot tussles with Mark’s over the lump of Craig’s under the covers.
Mark snorts, “Pfft. It’s probably a porn movie.” He catches Mari’s toes with his own. “I have two children, Mari. You haven’t got a chance at ‘footsie’.”
“Hey, ‘The Outsiders’ is a great movie!” Craig complains, knowing full well what they all thought of his obsession with the American actors in the film. The big bed is definitely enough to fit all three of them and he is feeling a lot better, though he misses Karl. A lot. He wondered... if it would be ok to call him to say goodnight. Just that even. Maybe… “Hey, while you guys talk about it. Can you pass me the phone?” He says softly.
“Sure luv,” Mari hands it over and then crawls off to gather soup bowls onto one tray. “Make yourself useful, ya lug,” he bats Mark’s head, angling for a way to give Craig a bit of privacy.
Mark follows Mari out, “I need to uh, visit the loo anyway.” He grins.
Craig glares at them both half-heartedly and stares at the phone. With a sigh he dials Karl’s mum’s house. “Hi Mum, Um. It’s Craig. I uhm called to say goodnight to Karl. Can he come to the phone?” He tries to make his voice sound cheerful so as not to make her worry.
“Oh luvvie! I heard!” Mum pauses for a breath, “That nice Marton said they were working you late into the nights.” A distinct Karl-snort is heard, followed by a louder ‘Ouch!... Mum!!’ when she raps the receiver against his skull. “I’ll let you boys whisper sweet nothings in peace, Good night deary.” Mum speaks down the line before shoving the ‘phone into Karl’s reluctant grasp.
“Erm… hi…” Karl jumps from the table and paces as far as the phone cord allows.
“Hi, yourself.” Craig says softly, gathering what shreds of strength he can muster. “I wanted to um. Say goodnight. I know uh, we haven’t had much of a chance to uhm talk lately.” He’s starting to try and fish for words not knowing what to say. Most of what they have done is either have sex, or say one word sentences, if that. What should he say? “Mari, Mark and I just watched The Outsiders. I kept saying how much Matt Dillon looks like you, but they both laughed at me, bastards. Now we’re putting on some movie Mari chose and he promised it isn’t porn.” He knows he is rambling and takes a deep breath. “I - I.” Spit it out Parker. “I’m sorry for being insensitive. I was just trying to be friendly. I d-didn’t realize how it looked.”
His voice breaks slightly, but he maintains a steady, firm approach.
Karl’s eyes close in heartache and need as Craig’s voice flows over him. “I... you confuse me” He admits at last. “It’s so easy for you… and I’m just this nerdy boy following in your wake…” Once the words start, Karl keeps rambling on with no rhyme or reason to the thoughts he’s bottled inside. “I see them all watching you... wanting you... and when you turn that mega-watt smile on... and touch them... I... I can’t handle it.”
“Karl.” Craig says softly, striving to keep strength in his tone, strength that Karl can draw on. “You’re the only one I want next to me when I close my eyes at night. You are the only man I want. I thought it would make Kieren feel easier about me if I was friendlier, I didn’t realize what it was doing to you. Mark um, kind of had a talk with me about it. Karl, I know this is all new to you and that I’m… difficult. I miss you and I’ll try to be more careful.”
“I miss you too.” Karl slides down the wall to pull his knees tight to his chest. “I don’t like feeling this way... and I’m afraid I’ll act like...” he gulps the bile threatening to rise, “that... that rat-bastard,” comes out barely audible.
“Oh, baby.” Craig sits upright. “You could NEVER be like him. Never. You are so far apart from him I can’t even begin to... imagine a resemblance in behavior. Besides, he is also an alcoholic, and you are not. Karl, come home now, let me show you what you mean to me and why no one else can replace you.”
Despite knowing Craig can’t change who he is, and that Karl’s fears and jealousy will surface again and again, Karl capitulates. “Yeah Kitten, want that.” As always, Craig has only to plead and Karl is putty in the older boy’s hands. He fumbles to his feet, nearly choking himself with the ‘phone cord in his haste to ring off, tell mum, and head home -where he belongs.
Craig sighs as he puts the phone down and bites his lip nervously. “Mari, I’m not sure I did the right thing. He’s coming home but I don’t know how to make things better for him.” He calls out.
Just as Mark had snuck up behind Mari and laid both large hands on his bum.
“Home, where he belongs is better... than alone with his thoughts.” Marton calls back, voice squeaking on ‘better’ when he’s goosed. He playfully snaps the tea towel at Mark, eyes threatening all manner of retribution. He deliberately rubs his palm over Mark’s crotch as he passes to lean in the boy’s bedroom doorway. “Why don’t you jump in the shower and freshen up while we’re waiting?” He offers with a soft smile of support.
Mark whispers a moan of complaint, “But I don’t want to run my fingers through that crap that is still in your hair.”
Craig jumps out of the bed, “You’re right. I’ll just be five minutes...” He grins. “Silk pajamas?”
“Take as long as you need, luv.” Mari answers, but stares at Mark with an eyebrow lofted in challenge. “Mark will change your bed linens, whilst I attend your toilette.” Tea towel over his forearm, he bows low as Craig dashes past.
Mark glances over at Craig. "Hmph. When he's done the shower is all ours." His hands start to rub Mari's arse, fingers sliding down his thighs and up again. "Mmmm..." He leans in for a less than gentle kiss.
Craig dashes into the shower the water is already running.
Mari sinks into the kiss for a moment, and then pulls back to snap Mark with the towel -less gently this time. “Hop to it Grasshopper, we have a boudoir to prepare. Use the silk sheets, Karl’ll never recover from the sensation.” Marton moves to Craig’s bureau to find the perfect pair of silk lounging pajamas.
Mark smirks as he starts making up the bed, a task he is an expert on, apparently. "You need to make sure there is something left over for him to munch on. Even being at home, I bet he's hardly eaten. Craig'll want to feed it to him. Speaking of silk sheets, how come the other room hasn't got any yet?” He wonders.
In the shower, Craig is fumbling around and trying to rush what he usually takes hours doing. Several curses can be heard from within.
Mari snorts and gooses Mark’s temptingly wriggling bum as the other leans far over the bed. “Soon Grasshopper, a few more lessons to learn before you’re allowed that reward.” He dances out the door laughing and knocks before entering the steamy bathroom.
“Blue-eyes... I come bearing gifts.” Placing the pajamas on the counter, he slides open the shower door. “Give me those,” he plucks the face cloth and gel from Craig’s nervous fingers. “Sir must be squeaky clean for his true love…” Mari takes over washing Craig’s back, averting his eyes from the tempting sight of taut young flesh and the way water droplets cling to dusky lashes over dazzling blue eyes. He has his own playmate in the other room. Though ‘lessons’ are progressing, the on again, off again pace as Mark battles his demons, are often frustrating.
Craig yelps as he is surprised by Mari’s visit to the bathroom. “Eh, hey!” He half-heartedly protests. It doesn’t take long for him to start to enjoy the treatment. His fidgets in the shower are less prominent and he manages to keep still. He licks water away from his lips nervously. “How long until he gets home?” butterflies flutter in his stomach.
Mark picks up a couple of stuffed toys near the bed and arranges them with a smirk. “There, fit for a pair of randy boys.” He tells himself.
“If Mum doesn’t lecture him too long... I’d say a quarter-hour or so.” Mari lets Craig rinse and holds the boy’s shampoo at the ready. “Just enough time for you fix that ‘bottom-less pit a tray, yes?”
Craig rinses frantically, “But I have to blow dry and get hair ready and…” He starts panicking. “I’ll never be ready in TIME.”
Mark pokes his head into the shower door and tries to avoid seeing the naked youth in the hot steam. “I’ll put together the tray; you help our diva get ready.”
Still greased hair curling into thick clumps, Mari turns an appreciative smile to Mark. “Thanks luv. Now Babe... slow down. Do you think Mark and I will let a sweaty-dusty Karl anywhere near you? Mark’ll pop the boy into the shower while you and I get you lotioned and styled.” He squirts shampoo into his palm and then begins massaging the fragrant suds into Craig’s hair. “Just relax, enjoy the pampering...” He coos as he works.
Mark makes a face at Mari’s hair. “Just as long as you’re next after Karl.” He heads back to the kitchen.
Craig complies finally, letting Mari take control again and trying hard not to hyperventilate with nerves. "Ok...Ok..."
Continuing to soothe with words and touches, Mari massages Craig’s tensing shoulders as the boy rinses the shampoo. The process is repeated with conditioner, and then the older man has Craig wrapped in a warm fluffy bath sheet.
“Here’s your lotion, I’m going to pop your hair things into your room, and will return in a flash.” Mari smacks a kiss to Craig’s brow and hauls a basket full of hair products and dryer out the door.
When he returns, Craig is struggling to climb into his jammies. Rolling his lips in to stay a giggle, the taller man turns the bottoms around and helps the panicking boy step in them. The top is on and halfway buttoned when Mark raps on the door. “He just buzzed... in the lift now...”
Nervously gripping the keys in his pocket, Karl leans against the lift wall as it ascends. Mum only let him leave after a promise for he and Craig to return the next evening for dinner. The ride home had seemed both too short and too long as doubts and questions swirled in his head. He loved Craig, but are these other confusing emotions normal? He takes a deep breath as he fitted his key into the lock. The door opens to Mark standing guard and Karl just catches a giggling blur dash into their room before that door is slammed closed.
Marton, with sleeves and front of his shirt suspiciously damp joins Mark in the entry. “You smell like grease and dust. Mark pop him into the shower... make sure he uses the gel and shampoo set out for him.”
Mark doesn’t wait for Karl to respond, instead, he uses his superior height to grab and maneuver Karl into the bathroom. “Marton is correct. Shower, now, kiddo,” He grins. The larger man already has Karl’s jacket and top off while the smaller man is still stunned.
“And don’t forget the shampoo.”
Craig fumbles with the blow-dryer now that he knows Karl is in the apartment. He stares at Marton nervously. His eyes fall upon the stuffed kittens on the bed and his eyes shimmer.
“No, no...” Mari whisks away the moisture under Craig’s eye. “No tears…we don’t want a puffy face, now do we?” He sits the smaller boy on a chair and takes over command of the dryer.
From the direction of the bathroom they can hear Karl protesting and the murmur of Mark’s firm voice set in a parental ‘do-not-sass-me’ tone.
“...the fuck!” Karl bats Mark’s hands away from his waist band. “Ok, ok... I’ll do it... just... shite! I can undress meself!”
“See to it then. I’ll just wait.” Mark grins, turning around discreetly. “You aren’t getting out of this bathroom until you’re clean.” He warns. “And you don’t get anything to eat until you are dry. Mari? Where are Karl’s pajamas?” forgetting, of course, that Karl does not wear pajamas.
Craig blushes when he hears the man’s voice from down the hall. “Uhm... uhm...” He gestures to the top drawer. “Boxers and a shirt’ll do.” He whispers to Mari.
Instead Mari pulls a soft pair of trackpants from Karl’s drawer. He gives Craig a hand mirror and comb and slips down the hall.
“How goes it?” he asks needlessly at the bathroom doorway.
“Where the fuck is Craig? And what the fuck is going on? And... shit... isn’t there any decent bar soap?” Karl grumbles over the sound of the water.
“You’ll see Craig shortly. Right now the only thing you need to worry about is getting clean and tamping down that temper of yours.” Marton speaks over Mark’s shoulder as he aligns himself to the other man’s back. “Mmm,” he purrs in Mark’s ear, rubbing a hand over his ‘student’s’ groin.
“Hey.” Mark says in a low voice, knowing the water is in Karl’s ears. “Not yet.” He warns the other man with a devilish glint. His cock does not resist however, rapidly straining his pants.
Finally ready, faster than he has ever been, Craig lays in bed and smiles in contented cleanliness. The tray with food is already set out on a rolling tea cart, ready for him to feed his lover. He smiles. It -will- work out.
After using the body gel on his skin -and hair, Karl continues to gripe at the older men. Marton just smirks and continues to rub Mark to a fever pitch. As long as Karl’s whinging... he’s not thinking.
When the shower taps are turned off, Mari tosses a towel into the enclosure. “Go make sure our ‘little one’ is ready…and calm,” he whispers to Mark with a final squeeze.
As Karl steps to the mat, towel slung low on his hips, Marton studies him sternly. “You have a very concerned lover in there, who loves you and no one else. Now put these on and go apologize for being a bloody jealous git.” Smiling at the end, Mari collars Karl’s neck and kisses his brow. “Next time you start feeling that way, come to Mark or me... we’ll beat some sense into you, yeah?” With that, the older man exits to seek out a lover in need of molesting.
Mark fusses slightly over Craig making sure he’s got his lotion on and is ok. “I’m fine Mark, its ok really.” Craig manages to shoe Mark out of the room. Finally alone, Craig sits down on the edge of the bed fussing slightly with the cover.
Mark has popped across the hall to the other room, ready to pay back Mari for getting him to a certain point then stopping.
The butterflies start to swell in Karl’s gut as he pulls on the pants and rakes a hand through his wet hair. Still muttering about the crazy goings-on in the flat, he pushes the bedroom door open and freezes, gaping.
“Fuck me...” he whispers taking in Craig and the room. “I’m so sorry...” knees wobbling he weaves to kneel at Craig’s feet. His heart swells with as he stares up into impossibly blue eyes. “I can’t believe you’re mine... I love you Craig.”
“I am yours.” Craig says earnestly. He looks deep into Karl’s eyes taking his face in both hands. He cups the younger man’s cheeks gently in his palms as he leans down to lightly kiss him. “No matter what you might see or think. I’m yours, Karl. I will always be yours. I love you too.” The kiss that follows is anything but gentle as Craig encourages his lover to take charge.
Mark is leaning against the headboard, with his arms folded. “Now then...” He eyes Marton. “You’ve been naughty today.”
“And you’ve been very tempting.” Mari leans on the door jam, unbuttoning his shirt one-handed. “Do you have any idea how sexy you are when you get all protective-paternal?” The shirt is shrugged off his shoulders and Marton breaks the heated eye contact to work on his belt and trousers.
“No, tell me.” Mark lifts his lips in amusement. He’s never considered being parental as sexy, but he’s curious what Mari thinks, of course. All he does is pull his shirt out of his pants, unbutton it slightly and release the button of his jeans to loosen the material against his cock. His eyes intently follow the progress of Mari’s fingers.
Marton shoves trousers and boxers down his legs before looking back to the bed. “I can cajole or tease Craig out of some of his moods. You... -Don’t stop there, show me yourself Grasshopper-” Mari huskily asks before continuing his explanation. “You are one of those natural fathers… knowing just how much love or discipline is needed to break through his defenses. Not just anyone can do that Mark.”
Stepping out of the last of his clothes, Mari approaches the bed. “You astound me. So easily you could’ve sunk into the uncaring shell she tried to make of you. Instead, you’ve blossomed into this incredibly sensual creature... That I want to fuck into the middle of next week... when you’re ready,” he qualifies with a lusty glint.
The words surprise Mark, and create a tingling sensation in his stomach. He has so far been treating this whole thing as casual. In spite of his size and looks, he’s never really been considered the ‘alpha’ male type. He’s more of the caring sort, the protector, not the instigator.
“Maybe I’m ready now.” Mark says softly as he slips out of his jeans. He can’t quite believe he just said that, but really, he’d been meaning to talk about this for a long time. The indecision wavers in his expression and he looks down to remove his jeans. He’s not half as sexy as Marton when he’s stepping out of his clothes, of course. He looks back up, shirt still sort of half buttoned as it barely conceals his already hard cock, jeans kicked away.
“Oh Grasshopper...” Mari bends down to open the shirt. “Just the fact you’re beginning to consider it is enough for now.” Hand splayed on Mark’s heaving belly he leans further to take his lover’s lips in a heady kiss. “Now didn’t someone offer to wash this crap out of my hair?”
FIN (for now)
AUTHORS: rufferto and kitty_trio
EMAILS: rufferto9@yahoo.com and kittyTsapphire@yahoo.com
PAIRING: Craig Parker/Karl Urban, Marton Csokas/Mark Ferguson
RATING: Adult, NC-17
WARNING: Slash
FEEDBACK: Yes, please
SUMMARY: A long time ago, Craig and Karl were young men. They first met on Shortland Street, and at the time, they had no idea what was happening to them. It was just Lust, right? Why then did it hurt so much?
DISCLAIMER: We don't own Craig Parker and Karl Urban and are not making any money from this fic. We don't claim this happened. We don't know Craig Parker or Karl Urban or their sexual preferences. In short, nothing in this story is true regarding any real person mentioned. This is all fiction.
A/N: *sniffles* As you’ll see all four men/boys are heading into new adventures. This isn’t the end. They’ll all return with little glimpses into their lives from here to present day. Thanks for loving our Bébé boys as much as we have.
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lickable manips by rufferto
CHAPTER TWENTY
Craig wasn’t sure what happened. He had just been buying Kieren a coke when Marton had come up from behind and told him that makeup wanted him right then. It was his lunch break. The young man sighed as he hung out in makeup and let the girls fuss over him. It seemed that he was getting a lot of brush offs lately from Karl, or maybe it was just his imagination. He had no idea what was going on, and he had decided to spend the night on set today because he didn’t want to go home. It reminded him of when Sam stopped talking to him, except that Sam had used force instead of silence. Yeah, he was going to stay on set tonight. He took a deep breath. All good things had to come to an end after all, right?
“Fuck off, Mark.” Karl ducks past the older man. “And tell him to quit sending others to run interference.” Luckily he isn’t in Jamie’s paramedic uniform as he slams off the sound stage and out to the car park. Craig’ll have no problem batting his eyes and sashaying his arse into a ride home. The motorbike starts with a roar, and gravel sprays as he pulled out into traffic.
Though he passed the street leading to the flat, he keeps going. Only when the chill of the evening penetrates the anger boiling inside does the young man stop. He’s on a twisty stretch of road outside of town. The idyllic rural setting of rolling green hills is lost on him when he removes the helmet and paces. It isn’t fucking worth it. His stint as Jamie will end in another week, leaving all of them -and Kieren- on the soap, while he’s supposed to twiddle his thumbs waiting on a lover who comes onto anything male that moves.
Craig went through the last scene mechanically, though being as good of an actor as he was, you couldn’t tell. At the end of the scene, he noticed Mari coming towards him, but he ducked into another hallway and avoided the older man altogether.
After he walked around a while, he ends up staring at the couch that he’d first kissed Karl on. He rummages around a nearby chilly bin and finds a beer. For almost five months this had been his ‘room’. He sighs as he kicks his shoes off and curls up on it.
Mark has been lying in wait for Craig, fuming inwardly. The two boys are starting to give him a huge headache. He notices Mari still looking around at the other end of the hall. He shakes his head and calls over. “No he hasn’t left yet.”
Mari shrugs, “He’s cocking it up. Karl’s a powder keg about to explode.” He squeezes Mark’s shoulder in common frustration. “I’m off home, see if I can beat some sense into the git. You coming, or have other plans for the evening?”
Mum kept telling him to go to Uni, earn a degree. Later he could return to acting here and there. Perhaps someday pursuing his additional dreams of working behind the camera. Mind made up, Karl climbs back on the bike with a stubborn set to his jaw. No longer is he going to let Craig walk all over him, turn his resolve to mush with teary eyes and pouting lips. He heads in the direction of his parents place, knowing he’ll catch hell from Mum, but it's preferable to finding out who was -or wasn’t- home at the flat.
Mark runs his hand through his hair. “I don’t think Craig even knows what he did.” He shakes his head. “We can’t leave Craig here, Mari. I asked around a little this afternoon, got some information out of Stef. Did you know before he met Karl he came out of an abusive relationship, a physically abusive relationship?”
Craig has not even touched the beer; he’s holding onto the blanket and trying hard not to cry. He pulls his legs up and wraps his arms around them. He is not going to cave in, not this time. He will have to pick himself up and go on. He just won’t let anyone get close to him. Ever again.
“Shite… I thought we only acted on a soap opera, not lived one?” Mari rakes a hand through his hair as well, grimacing at the hair product used to ‘contain’ his curls. “Then we better round up the little one. You have any idea where he hides himself around here?”
“Stef said something about an old lounge that wasn’t used by anyone anymore since they built the new one up front. It’s near the showers. Shall we go fetch him?” Mark smiles at Mari with a slight twinkle, “You know.” He whispers, “I hate it when they use that crap on your hair.” Since the lawyer was now handling every detail with his wife, Mark has relaxed a lot more.
Craig’s chin rested on his knees as he tried to think of what he had done to screw things up so badly. He’d only been himself, trying to be friendly.
“Lead the way Grasshopper… and I’ll let you wash this shit out when we get Blue-eyes home. Maybe if we lock them in a closet they’ll finally talk, root themselves silly, or kill each other… putting us out of our misery.”
As they walk down the empty corridor towards the far end of the building, Mark suddenly leans over and kisses Mari’s neck. He doesn’t say why, and continues forward smirking. When they finally get there, Craig is curled up on the couch asleep. Mark quietly moves up to him and picks him up effortlessly. Craig doesn’t resist, burying his face into Mark’s shoulder. Mark sighs, noticing the tightening of Craig’s fingers on his shirt. “Ok, Mari, guess you’re driving.” He nudges the younger man with his chin. “Craig, I know you’re awake, luv.” But he’s going to carry Craig anyway, apparently.
“I’m awake.” Craig sighs.
It’s times like these that Marton curses Mark’s ex-wife the most. The flirtatiousness was a delight, if at times uncomfortable, he muses as he adjusts the fit of his trousers. Watching Mark’s parental care of Craig is awe inspiring. There’s no way the custody battle over his small boys can go badly. Every pore of the man exudes the lengths he’d go for those he cared dearly about.
Marton notices, but doesn’t comment on Karl’s motorbike being gone from the carpark, He opens doors, helps Mark with his arms-full of Craig in, and drives home. Craig appears to have dosed off again when they pulled into the underground parking structure. “Want me to carry him up? He must be getting heavy.” He offers quietly as he opened the passenger door.
Mark shakes his head, “No, I’m good.” He smiles at his slight burden. “Craig really isn’t all that heavy. He’ll probably need something to eat. He smells like beer, but I don’t think he had much. I think he’s exhausted from worrying. You’ve noticed, I hope? How overly anxious he’s been lately?”
Craig stirs a bit, but doesn’t wake fully.
Mark smiles at Marton, it’s just a smile. “Can you make something for him? Soup I think would be the best.”
Anxiety or guilt, Mari thinks, but doesn’t vocalize. “Yeah, I’ll toss a few things together and defrost a loaf of bread from Craig’s last ‘bread therapy’ session.” As the three enter the flat, the ‘phone begins to jangle. “Mrs. Urb… Mum…” Mari’s eyes widen and he motions to Mark for help. Mark, of course, smirks and ignores the silent plea, carrying Craig to the boy’s room.
“Marton-luv! Just wanted to let you boys know Karl is home… for a few days.” Mum’s voice drips with ire at her son and curiosity about the cause of the sudden visit. “He’s not saying much, is everything well? I know he’s worried about being out of work…” she drops hints for Marton to tell all.
“Erm, yes… he’s been a bundle of nerves looking for a new role. Is Karl near? I’d like to talk to him.”
“That’s just it luv, he’s out back muttering about ‘car therapy’.” She opens the kitchen door and the sound of metal banging on metal can be heard down the line.
“I’d say nerves for sure Mum. You know we can’t keep anything from you.” Marton winces knowing the truth will find its way to Mum soon. “I’ve just arrived in… how ‘bout I have Craig ring you when he gets in? They’ve had the poor boy working long hours again.” Ah shit…Mari winces again… now Mum’s going to start worrying about Craig.
Instead, Mum rings off after a few minutes, obviously too disturbed about what’s going on with her son.
Mark lays Craig out gently on the bed and unbuttons his shirt. He pulls off the younger man’s shoes and tucks him in around the covers. All the while, Craig watches him under his lashes. “Why can’t I be in love with you?” He wonders aloud.
“Because I’m as old as dirt, and you’re a spring chicken.” Mark laughs. “Besides, you love Karl and Karl loves you.”
“Karl hates me, he’s left.” Craig says, burying himself into the covers.
“Don’t be silly. He has not left, he’s just stewing. Now, you still have no idea why don’t you?” Mark tickles Craig’s chin.
“Hey, stop it.” Craig half heartedly defends himself. “No.” The lower lip sticks out.
Mark chuckles as he sits on the bed. “Karl has only just discovered the other side of his sexuality. He’s always thought of himself as straight. Now, he sees you become friendly with one of his friends who is straight. And what he is thinking is: Craig made me change, what if Kieren changed because of Craig? I would lose him.”
Craig stares at Mark. “But... but... I have no interest in Kieren, Kieren has no interest in me. He’s a a... What do you call them, chick magnets? Wait a minute. You were straight for a long time, and...”
”No.” Mark smiles again, “No, I wasn’t. I was just pretending to be straight. There’s a difference Craig. I knew deep down what I wanted, I was always too afraid to explore that possibility. I did what was expected of me. I married and had children. I always knew it was wrong.” He gives another smile, “But that is a story for another time. I want you to call Karl in the morning. Don’t wait for him to come to you.”
“I don’t think I can.” Craig says miserably. “I don’t have the strength...”
“You can.” Mark kisses Craig’s forehead. “And you are stronger than you know.”
Having caught most of the conversation from the hallway, Mari grabs Mark as soon as he exits the room. Quickly and quietly Mark is pressed to the wall by Marton’s weight. He holds Mark’s head steady and plunders his mouth in a toe curling kiss. Just as quickly, Mari is gone... back to the kitchen and dinner preparations. A lusty smirk wreaths his face and a jaunty step lightens his walk.
Mark is certainly disoriented by the kiss and he attempts to clear his throat and regain his senses as Mari departs just as quickly. The man was capable of totally disintegrating his normal complete control in a matter of seconds. His body was already overheated by the action. It takes him a few moments to compose himself enough so that he can get a glass of cold water for Craig and return to the bedroom.
Craig is sitting up so that he can eat, but still tucked in. When Mark returns, Craig smiles bravely up at him. “I don’t want to lose Karl because he thinks I’m coming on to someone else.” The young man says earnestly. “I’m just being myself.”
“Yes luv.” Mark manages. “Drink some water. You are yourself, and just a hint of emotion in those brilliant blue eyes makes any man, especially a man in love, weak at the knees, even straight men. You’re irresistible, sweetheart.”
”Not to you.” Craig grins impishly.
“If you want to know a secret, I’ve had a very hard time resisting you over the years.” Mark grins, devilishly, and waggles his eyebrows. He’s obviously joking as he speaks in a bad French accent. “The truth is, ma cheri, ’ve wanted to sweep you off your feet and take you away to my castle in the mountains and make mad passionate love to you since the moment I set eyes on your baby blues.”
Craig laughs, nearly choking on his water.
“But then I come to my senses and realize that whereas I find you extremely appealing, we are completely different and I’d much rather be your friend, eh?”
Dinner is a joyous affair with hearty soup, crusty bread thickly slathered with butter, and juice or beer for the three men. The two older men sandwich Craig between them and bicker lightly over playing porn or Matt Dillon‘s latest film.
“It’s educational!” Marton protests with a grin, “Craig chose the last flick… it’s my turn!” His foot tussles with Mark’s over the lump of Craig’s under the covers.
Mark snorts, “Pfft. It’s probably a porn movie.” He catches Mari’s toes with his own. “I have two children, Mari. You haven’t got a chance at ‘footsie’.”
“Hey, ‘The Outsiders’ is a great movie!” Craig complains, knowing full well what they all thought of his obsession with the American actors in the film. The big bed is definitely enough to fit all three of them and he is feeling a lot better, though he misses Karl. A lot. He wondered... if it would be ok to call him to say goodnight. Just that even. Maybe… “Hey, while you guys talk about it. Can you pass me the phone?” He says softly.
“Sure luv,” Mari hands it over and then crawls off to gather soup bowls onto one tray. “Make yourself useful, ya lug,” he bats Mark’s head, angling for a way to give Craig a bit of privacy.
Mark follows Mari out, “I need to uh, visit the loo anyway.” He grins.
Craig glares at them both half-heartedly and stares at the phone. With a sigh he dials Karl’s mum’s house. “Hi Mum, Um. It’s Craig. I uhm called to say goodnight to Karl. Can he come to the phone?” He tries to make his voice sound cheerful so as not to make her worry.
“Oh luvvie! I heard!” Mum pauses for a breath, “That nice Marton said they were working you late into the nights.” A distinct Karl-snort is heard, followed by a louder ‘Ouch!... Mum!!’ when she raps the receiver against his skull. “I’ll let you boys whisper sweet nothings in peace, Good night deary.” Mum speaks down the line before shoving the ‘phone into Karl’s reluctant grasp.
“Erm… hi…” Karl jumps from the table and paces as far as the phone cord allows.
“Hi, yourself.” Craig says softly, gathering what shreds of strength he can muster. “I wanted to um. Say goodnight. I know uh, we haven’t had much of a chance to uhm talk lately.” He’s starting to try and fish for words not knowing what to say. Most of what they have done is either have sex, or say one word sentences, if that. What should he say? “Mari, Mark and I just watched The Outsiders. I kept saying how much Matt Dillon looks like you, but they both laughed at me, bastards. Now we’re putting on some movie Mari chose and he promised it isn’t porn.” He knows he is rambling and takes a deep breath. “I - I.” Spit it out Parker. “I’m sorry for being insensitive. I was just trying to be friendly. I d-didn’t realize how it looked.”
His voice breaks slightly, but he maintains a steady, firm approach.
Karl’s eyes close in heartache and need as Craig’s voice flows over him. “I... you confuse me” He admits at last. “It’s so easy for you… and I’m just this nerdy boy following in your wake…” Once the words start, Karl keeps rambling on with no rhyme or reason to the thoughts he’s bottled inside. “I see them all watching you... wanting you... and when you turn that mega-watt smile on... and touch them... I... I can’t handle it.”
“Karl.” Craig says softly, striving to keep strength in his tone, strength that Karl can draw on. “You’re the only one I want next to me when I close my eyes at night. You are the only man I want. I thought it would make Kieren feel easier about me if I was friendlier, I didn’t realize what it was doing to you. Mark um, kind of had a talk with me about it. Karl, I know this is all new to you and that I’m… difficult. I miss you and I’ll try to be more careful.”
“I miss you too.” Karl slides down the wall to pull his knees tight to his chest. “I don’t like feeling this way... and I’m afraid I’ll act like...” he gulps the bile threatening to rise, “that... that rat-bastard,” comes out barely audible.
“Oh, baby.” Craig sits upright. “You could NEVER be like him. Never. You are so far apart from him I can’t even begin to... imagine a resemblance in behavior. Besides, he is also an alcoholic, and you are not. Karl, come home now, let me show you what you mean to me and why no one else can replace you.”
Despite knowing Craig can’t change who he is, and that Karl’s fears and jealousy will surface again and again, Karl capitulates. “Yeah Kitten, want that.” As always, Craig has only to plead and Karl is putty in the older boy’s hands. He fumbles to his feet, nearly choking himself with the ‘phone cord in his haste to ring off, tell mum, and head home -where he belongs.
Craig sighs as he puts the phone down and bites his lip nervously. “Mari, I’m not sure I did the right thing. He’s coming home but I don’t know how to make things better for him.” He calls out.
Just as Mark had snuck up behind Mari and laid both large hands on his bum.
“Home, where he belongs is better... than alone with his thoughts.” Marton calls back, voice squeaking on ‘better’ when he’s goosed. He playfully snaps the tea towel at Mark, eyes threatening all manner of retribution. He deliberately rubs his palm over Mark’s crotch as he passes to lean in the boy’s bedroom doorway. “Why don’t you jump in the shower and freshen up while we’re waiting?” He offers with a soft smile of support.
Mark whispers a moan of complaint, “But I don’t want to run my fingers through that crap that is still in your hair.”
Craig jumps out of the bed, “You’re right. I’ll just be five minutes...” He grins. “Silk pajamas?”
“Take as long as you need, luv.” Mari answers, but stares at Mark with an eyebrow lofted in challenge. “Mark will change your bed linens, whilst I attend your toilette.” Tea towel over his forearm, he bows low as Craig dashes past.
Mark glances over at Craig. "Hmph. When he's done the shower is all ours." His hands start to rub Mari's arse, fingers sliding down his thighs and up again. "Mmmm..." He leans in for a less than gentle kiss.
Craig dashes into the shower the water is already running.
Mari sinks into the kiss for a moment, and then pulls back to snap Mark with the towel -less gently this time. “Hop to it Grasshopper, we have a boudoir to prepare. Use the silk sheets, Karl’ll never recover from the sensation.” Marton moves to Craig’s bureau to find the perfect pair of silk lounging pajamas.
Mark smirks as he starts making up the bed, a task he is an expert on, apparently. "You need to make sure there is something left over for him to munch on. Even being at home, I bet he's hardly eaten. Craig'll want to feed it to him. Speaking of silk sheets, how come the other room hasn't got any yet?” He wonders.
In the shower, Craig is fumbling around and trying to rush what he usually takes hours doing. Several curses can be heard from within.
Mari snorts and gooses Mark’s temptingly wriggling bum as the other leans far over the bed. “Soon Grasshopper, a few more lessons to learn before you’re allowed that reward.” He dances out the door laughing and knocks before entering the steamy bathroom.
“Blue-eyes... I come bearing gifts.” Placing the pajamas on the counter, he slides open the shower door. “Give me those,” he plucks the face cloth and gel from Craig’s nervous fingers. “Sir must be squeaky clean for his true love…” Mari takes over washing Craig’s back, averting his eyes from the tempting sight of taut young flesh and the way water droplets cling to dusky lashes over dazzling blue eyes. He has his own playmate in the other room. Though ‘lessons’ are progressing, the on again, off again pace as Mark battles his demons, are often frustrating.
Craig yelps as he is surprised by Mari’s visit to the bathroom. “Eh, hey!” He half-heartedly protests. It doesn’t take long for him to start to enjoy the treatment. His fidgets in the shower are less prominent and he manages to keep still. He licks water away from his lips nervously. “How long until he gets home?” butterflies flutter in his stomach.
Mark picks up a couple of stuffed toys near the bed and arranges them with a smirk. “There, fit for a pair of randy boys.” He tells himself.
“If Mum doesn’t lecture him too long... I’d say a quarter-hour or so.” Mari lets Craig rinse and holds the boy’s shampoo at the ready. “Just enough time for you fix that ‘bottom-less pit a tray, yes?”
Craig rinses frantically, “But I have to blow dry and get hair ready and…” He starts panicking. “I’ll never be ready in TIME.”
Mark pokes his head into the shower door and tries to avoid seeing the naked youth in the hot steam. “I’ll put together the tray; you help our diva get ready.”
Still greased hair curling into thick clumps, Mari turns an appreciative smile to Mark. “Thanks luv. Now Babe... slow down. Do you think Mark and I will let a sweaty-dusty Karl anywhere near you? Mark’ll pop the boy into the shower while you and I get you lotioned and styled.” He squirts shampoo into his palm and then begins massaging the fragrant suds into Craig’s hair. “Just relax, enjoy the pampering...” He coos as he works.
Mark makes a face at Mari’s hair. “Just as long as you’re next after Karl.” He heads back to the kitchen.
Craig complies finally, letting Mari take control again and trying hard not to hyperventilate with nerves. "Ok...Ok..."
Continuing to soothe with words and touches, Mari massages Craig’s tensing shoulders as the boy rinses the shampoo. The process is repeated with conditioner, and then the older man has Craig wrapped in a warm fluffy bath sheet.
“Here’s your lotion, I’m going to pop your hair things into your room, and will return in a flash.” Mari smacks a kiss to Craig’s brow and hauls a basket full of hair products and dryer out the door.
When he returns, Craig is struggling to climb into his jammies. Rolling his lips in to stay a giggle, the taller man turns the bottoms around and helps the panicking boy step in them. The top is on and halfway buttoned when Mark raps on the door. “He just buzzed... in the lift now...”
Nervously gripping the keys in his pocket, Karl leans against the lift wall as it ascends. Mum only let him leave after a promise for he and Craig to return the next evening for dinner. The ride home had seemed both too short and too long as doubts and questions swirled in his head. He loved Craig, but are these other confusing emotions normal? He takes a deep breath as he fitted his key into the lock. The door opens to Mark standing guard and Karl just catches a giggling blur dash into their room before that door is slammed closed.
Marton, with sleeves and front of his shirt suspiciously damp joins Mark in the entry. “You smell like grease and dust. Mark pop him into the shower... make sure he uses the gel and shampoo set out for him.”
Mark doesn’t wait for Karl to respond, instead, he uses his superior height to grab and maneuver Karl into the bathroom. “Marton is correct. Shower, now, kiddo,” He grins. The larger man already has Karl’s jacket and top off while the smaller man is still stunned.
“And don’t forget the shampoo.”
Craig fumbles with the blow-dryer now that he knows Karl is in the apartment. He stares at Marton nervously. His eyes fall upon the stuffed kittens on the bed and his eyes shimmer.
“No, no...” Mari whisks away the moisture under Craig’s eye. “No tears…we don’t want a puffy face, now do we?” He sits the smaller boy on a chair and takes over command of the dryer.
From the direction of the bathroom they can hear Karl protesting and the murmur of Mark’s firm voice set in a parental ‘do-not-sass-me’ tone.
“...the fuck!” Karl bats Mark’s hands away from his waist band. “Ok, ok... I’ll do it... just... shite! I can undress meself!”
“See to it then. I’ll just wait.” Mark grins, turning around discreetly. “You aren’t getting out of this bathroom until you’re clean.” He warns. “And you don’t get anything to eat until you are dry. Mari? Where are Karl’s pajamas?” forgetting, of course, that Karl does not wear pajamas.
Craig blushes when he hears the man’s voice from down the hall. “Uhm... uhm...” He gestures to the top drawer. “Boxers and a shirt’ll do.” He whispers to Mari.
Instead Mari pulls a soft pair of trackpants from Karl’s drawer. He gives Craig a hand mirror and comb and slips down the hall.
“How goes it?” he asks needlessly at the bathroom doorway.
“Where the fuck is Craig? And what the fuck is going on? And... shit... isn’t there any decent bar soap?” Karl grumbles over the sound of the water.
“You’ll see Craig shortly. Right now the only thing you need to worry about is getting clean and tamping down that temper of yours.” Marton speaks over Mark’s shoulder as he aligns himself to the other man’s back. “Mmm,” he purrs in Mark’s ear, rubbing a hand over his ‘student’s’ groin.
“Hey.” Mark says in a low voice, knowing the water is in Karl’s ears. “Not yet.” He warns the other man with a devilish glint. His cock does not resist however, rapidly straining his pants.
Finally ready, faster than he has ever been, Craig lays in bed and smiles in contented cleanliness. The tray with food is already set out on a rolling tea cart, ready for him to feed his lover. He smiles. It -will- work out.
After using the body gel on his skin -and hair, Karl continues to gripe at the older men. Marton just smirks and continues to rub Mark to a fever pitch. As long as Karl’s whinging... he’s not thinking.
When the shower taps are turned off, Mari tosses a towel into the enclosure. “Go make sure our ‘little one’ is ready…and calm,” he whispers to Mark with a final squeeze.
As Karl steps to the mat, towel slung low on his hips, Marton studies him sternly. “You have a very concerned lover in there, who loves you and no one else. Now put these on and go apologize for being a bloody jealous git.” Smiling at the end, Mari collars Karl’s neck and kisses his brow. “Next time you start feeling that way, come to Mark or me... we’ll beat some sense into you, yeah?” With that, the older man exits to seek out a lover in need of molesting.
Mark fusses slightly over Craig making sure he’s got his lotion on and is ok. “I’m fine Mark, its ok really.” Craig manages to shoe Mark out of the room. Finally alone, Craig sits down on the edge of the bed fussing slightly with the cover.
Mark has popped across the hall to the other room, ready to pay back Mari for getting him to a certain point then stopping.
The butterflies start to swell in Karl’s gut as he pulls on the pants and rakes a hand through his wet hair. Still muttering about the crazy goings-on in the flat, he pushes the bedroom door open and freezes, gaping.
“Fuck me...” he whispers taking in Craig and the room. “I’m so sorry...” knees wobbling he weaves to kneel at Craig’s feet. His heart swells with as he stares up into impossibly blue eyes. “I can’t believe you’re mine... I love you Craig.”
“I am yours.” Craig says earnestly. He looks deep into Karl’s eyes taking his face in both hands. He cups the younger man’s cheeks gently in his palms as he leans down to lightly kiss him. “No matter what you might see or think. I’m yours, Karl. I will always be yours. I love you too.” The kiss that follows is anything but gentle as Craig encourages his lover to take charge.
Mark is leaning against the headboard, with his arms folded. “Now then...” He eyes Marton. “You’ve been naughty today.”
“And you’ve been very tempting.” Mari leans on the door jam, unbuttoning his shirt one-handed. “Do you have any idea how sexy you are when you get all protective-paternal?” The shirt is shrugged off his shoulders and Marton breaks the heated eye contact to work on his belt and trousers.
“No, tell me.” Mark lifts his lips in amusement. He’s never considered being parental as sexy, but he’s curious what Mari thinks, of course. All he does is pull his shirt out of his pants, unbutton it slightly and release the button of his jeans to loosen the material against his cock. His eyes intently follow the progress of Mari’s fingers.
Marton shoves trousers and boxers down his legs before looking back to the bed. “I can cajole or tease Craig out of some of his moods. You... -Don’t stop there, show me yourself Grasshopper-” Mari huskily asks before continuing his explanation. “You are one of those natural fathers… knowing just how much love or discipline is needed to break through his defenses. Not just anyone can do that Mark.”
Stepping out of the last of his clothes, Mari approaches the bed. “You astound me. So easily you could’ve sunk into the uncaring shell she tried to make of you. Instead, you’ve blossomed into this incredibly sensual creature... That I want to fuck into the middle of next week... when you’re ready,” he qualifies with a lusty glint.
The words surprise Mark, and create a tingling sensation in his stomach. He has so far been treating this whole thing as casual. In spite of his size and looks, he’s never really been considered the ‘alpha’ male type. He’s more of the caring sort, the protector, not the instigator.
“Maybe I’m ready now.” Mark says softly as he slips out of his jeans. He can’t quite believe he just said that, but really, he’d been meaning to talk about this for a long time. The indecision wavers in his expression and he looks down to remove his jeans. He’s not half as sexy as Marton when he’s stepping out of his clothes, of course. He looks back up, shirt still sort of half buttoned as it barely conceals his already hard cock, jeans kicked away.
“Oh Grasshopper...” Mari bends down to open the shirt. “Just the fact you’re beginning to consider it is enough for now.” Hand splayed on Mark’s heaving belly he leans further to take his lover’s lips in a heady kiss. “Now didn’t someone offer to wash this crap out of my hair?”
FIN (for now)