Blind Date

Blind Date

Posted: February 23, 2007
Title: Blind Date
Author: Decadence and Sileya
Type: RPS
Characters: Craig/Hugo
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: We don’t know them. Damn. Our loss.

Summary: Karl sets up friends Craig and Hugo.

*****

Hugo stood at the door, wearing his jacket over jeans, holding a bouquet of roses.

He checked his watch. This was the right time, the right place. But he was still nervous - he’d never gone on a blind date before. He took a deep breath and knocked.

Walking past the door, Craig thought he heard some shuffling outside, must be his date. Hearing a knock, he opened the door.

Hugo blinked, struck silent by the handsome blond vision that answered the door.

Craig smiled shyly into the awkward silence. Reaching a hand out, he murmured, “You must be Hugo. Come in.”

Hugo smiled, still amazed at his unbelievable luck. “Craig?” he asked before stepping across the threshold, wanting to be sure this was his date.

Craig’s smile grew as he motioned Hugo to the couch. “The one and only. I trust that Karl’s directions were sufficient?” he asked, making polite conversation. When Hugo nodded, he laughed. “‘S a wonder. He’s horrible at giving directions. Got me lost in downtown Sydney in a football riot once.”

Eyebrows rising in slight horror, Hugo shook his head. “Well, I checked his directions against a city map and found a couple wrong turns, so it worked out.” He offered up the flowers. “These are for you - I hope you don’t mind... they were too beautiful to leave at the market.”

Craig took the roses, lifting them to his face and inhaling deeply. He sniffed slightly when the petals tickled the end of his nose, but pulled them away with an appreciative blush. “Thank you so much, Hugo. These are gorgeous.” ‘Like you,’ the voice in his head added.

‘They’re nothing compared to you,’ Hugo bit his tongue on the comment, hoping he might share it later. “You’re quite welcome,” he murmured, standing awkwardly by the couch where Craig had indicated.

Seeing Hugo shift, Craig roused out of his daydream. “Please - have a seat...would you like some wine? I have this lovely red that I just found a few weeks ago...” He realized he was babbling, but... He cut himself off, smiling again. “You look nice,” he murmured, hoping he wasn’t too forward with the compliment.

Hugo sat down, flattered by the compliment. “Thank you. I thought we might have dinner at Biaggi’s, which is semi-casual. And a glass of wine would be lovely, thank you.” Hugo glanced around the apartment, trying to figure out if anyone else lived here.

Craig walked into the open kitchen, putting the roses in water, glancing surreptitiously at Hugo as he pulled a goblet from the rack above the bar separating the kitchen and lounge. Grabbing a second goblet, he pulled the wine from the cooler and walked back into the lounge. As he sat down near Hugo, Craig couldn’t help but catch a whiff of the other man’s cologne. Nice. He popped the cork and poured a small amount of the rich red liquid into Hugo’s glass before passing it to him.

Hugo saw some pictures of Craig with Karl, and some with Marton, and realized they probably had several other friends in common. He glanced up and smiled as Craig entered, appreciating the smooth grace of the other man’s movements. Is it possible that after four disastrous dates he’d finally hit the jackpot? Even if it didn’t become more than friendship...

Seeming to pick up on Hugo’s train of thought, Craig’s next question was, “So - how did you come to let Karl fix you up on a date?” He lifted a finely arched eyebrow as he waited for the answer. “I kind of come to expect it from him. I think he’s made me date all of his friends in compensation for him not being gay.” He laughed at the idea of Karl fixing him up on date after date.

Hugo laughed merrily. “Actually, I think it’s the same thing. I met him in the clinic - he brought in one of his players for some physical therapy, and we just hit it off. After a while, he said it was a shame he wouldn’t keep me for himself, but he had JUST the right man for me... that was four dates ago,” Hugo sighed and shrugged. “He means well, I know.”

Craig nodded at the comment. “He does. He just doesn’t know WHEN to quit. After sending me out with a few of his teammates, I finally told him ‘no more athletes’.” Craig laughed at the memory of Bill with a sprained arm when Craig twisted it behind him when he wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. “But he told me that this was the last date he’d ever fix me up on if I’d agree to it.”

“Well, after I explained that three strikes meant he was out - he said one more, Hugo, and that’s it,” Hugo gazed at Craig in consideration. “Although I must say, I think he quite outdid himself this time.”

Craig blushed at the sweet compliment. Draining his glass, he rose to his feet. Reaching a hand down to Hugo, he smiled, “I hope you still feel that way when the night is over...”

Hugo took his hand and stood, and they stood only a foot apart. “So do I,” he breathed.

Craig felt as if he’d done nothing but smile from the moment Hugo walked into his life. “Shall we go then? I’m looking forward to being seen in public with such a handsome guy.” He flirted shamelessly, soaking in the feelings Hugo’s smile induced in him.

Another smile took over Hugo’s face as he clasped Craig’s hand, twining their fingers. “We’re off, then,” he said, gesturing to the door.

Craig locked the door behind them, pulling it shut as Hugo waited patiently for him. As they walked to Hugo’s car, Craig marveled over how right it felt to have Hugo’s hand in his. “You know,” Craig never was one for keeping his thoughts to himself, “I’m amazed at the fact that this,” he lifted their joined hands, “doesn’t feel awkward.”

Hugo blinked again in surprise and nodded. “Yeah, you’re right. It never occurred to me to feel awkward about it. Guess that speaks well for us being comfortable with each other.” He unlocked the door and opened it for him. “But for now, I must let go.” He lightly kissed Craig’s knuckles.

A shiver of excitement danced along Craig’s spine at the light brush of lips against his skin. Ooo...that was a good sign! Settling into the car, Craig half-turned in the seat to face Hugo as he sat down. “So where are we going? I don’t think I’ve ever been there before?”

“Biaggi’s - it’s Italian, served family style. So I hope you’re hungry?” Hugo said as he steered the car into town. “It’s one of my favorite restaurants.”

“I love Italian food,” Craig mused, melting into the leather seat as Hugo drove the car skillfully through the light traffic. Turning to study Hugo, Craig was entranced by the play of light over brown hair, the clear gray eyes and the distinguished features of his companion for the night. Thinking out loud, he laughed, “If this works out, I’m sending Karl a whole case of wine.”

Hugo snorted. “I think he’d appreciate a case of beer better, actually. I think all the time with those footballers drags his tastes down.” He shot a glance toward Craig, admiring the clear profile and blue eyes that shined in the evening sun.

Catching Hugo’s eyes, Craig laughed. “You’re right. I expect him to bring fried pork skins to every dinner party I have.”

Laughter spilled out of Hugo, and he didn’t try to hold it back. He covered his mouth for a bit, glancing to Craig and laughing all the harder. “Oh, damn, that’s funny. He and I have lunch about once a week, and I am always after him to eat better.”

Sharing the laughter with Hugo made Craig feel so at ease. “He’s a good friend. He needs to take better care of himself so I can keep him around as long as possible.”

Hugo nodded. “I agree. But then, as he says, I tell everyone that. I’m a doctor.” He rolled his eyes as he shifted lanes in traffic to head to the newer side of town.

Turning further in his seat to face Hugo more fully, Craig looked at him speculatively. “How do you like that? Being a doctor, I mean? Don’t you ever get tired of telling people there’s something wrong with them?” He bites his tongue to hold in the laughter at teasing Hugo.

Hugo’s chin snapped toward Craig in surprise. “What do you mean, telling people...oh, very funny. Ha ha.” He shook his head and grinned once he realized Craig was teasing him. “Actually, I try to remember it’s not the person that’s wrong, just that particular part of them. Although sometimes I think rehabbing a broken leg affects the brain more than it should!’

Maintaining his straight face, Craig reached for Hugo’s hand. “I’ve been having pain about...right...here...” He placed Hugo’s open hand over his knee, pressing it down. The warm palm felt good on his body, even through the layer of fabric separating the hand from his flesh. Of course, he had no ailment, he just wanted to have an excuse to feel Hugo - to see if the chemistry was more than just a fluke occurrence upon first touch.

Forcing away a grin, Hugo felt about Craig’s knee, tracing the line of the kneecap, and then the ligaments that ran along each side, his palm spread. “Can you rate your pain on a scale of zero to ten, with ten being the worst?” Hugo suppressed what he feared may be an undignified snort at using such clinical questions to tease with, but Craig seemed to be enjoying it.

Craig flushed at being caught out, even as he enjoyed the touch on his knee. “I’d rate it as a 10 plus,” he murmured. “Our attraction...that is...” His voice was low and tentative, as if he was almost afraid of admitting it to Hugo. “Is there a cure?”

Hugo slowly squeezed Craig’s knee and glanced over once he stopped the car at a stoplight. “ I sure hope not,” he murmured, feeling like he was running a marathon rather than sitting quietly in a car admitting he was attracted to a man he just met.

A huge smile spread across Craig’s face. He couldn’t believe how comfortable he felt with Hugo...almost as if they’d met before. “I’m a director,” he offered by way of explanation. “I direct community theatre...I’ve known Karl since school. We were the acting freak and the jock...”

Hugo chuckled. “I suppose I was the nerd, then. Still am, in many ways. Got my nose stuck in a book. Guess that’s why I was so surprised Karl took the time to talk with me, get to know me. I’m not used to the jocks paying me any attention - unless they want me to fix what’s wrong with them, of course.”

“Karl’s a good soul,” Craig mentioned. “Before he developed when he was 15, he was a nerd. It was kinda hilarious. I was the protector until then, and then one day he was.” Craig reminisces about those days with a fond smile. “We’ve been friends forever. He’s been a blessing to me. When I came out, nobody dared tease me because Karl stayed right beside me.”

“I knew he was a good man, despite his teasing,” Hugo said, driving the car into a parking lot and coming to a stop. “And he has fine taste in friends, it seems.” He offered Craig a soft smile. “I’ll have to thank him, now, for fixing me up, even though the first three tries were disasters.”

The soft smile Hugo sent his way made butterflies begin to flutter in Craig’s stomach. But in the best way possible. He offered a smile of his own before opening the door and rising to his feet. He met Hugo in front of the car, hand automatically reaching for Hugo’s once more. He blushed as he asked, “This doesn’t bother you, does it?”

“Holding hands with such a handsome man? Not at all,” Hugo curled his fingers about Craig’s and they started walking toward the door, but Hugo paused, causing Craig to look to him. “Craig, you’ve probably noticed, I’m pretty out. Just so you know. I don’t feel the need to hide who I am. I know that’s harder for others.”

A huge smile spreading across his face, Craig murmured, “Good. I am as well, but I’ve been on dates in which my companion wouldn’t even walk within a foot of me because he was so...such...a prude? I guess that’s the word...”

Hugo chuckled. “Scared, more like it, and often for good reason. So I don’t push. And I tell people up front, so they can draw their own conclusions. I’m gay and I’m a licensed doctor. It just seems to blow people’s minds.”

Entering the restaurant, they were seated immediately. Waiting as Hugo ordered wine for them, Craig considered Hugo’s words. When they were alone again, he started speaking again. “I think that flamboyant director and gay go hand in hand for most people, but I often get told I’m not as ‘camp’ as people expect me to be.”

Nodding, Hugo lifted his wineglass in a toast. “To new friends and common perceptions,” he offered, tilting his head to wait for Craig to add what he liked.

“May the friends grow stronger and the perceptions fade into nothing...” Craig tilted his glass and clinked it against Hugo’s. “So - any plans for later? Or just dinner and then dump me off at home?” His grin belied the seriousness of his words.

“Were this date what I had expected, that was certainly the plan. But I think I can be spontaneous now and see where the evening leads,” Hugo answered, studying Craig’s face with a small smile.

Craig found his eyes being drawn to Hugo’s several times over the course of dinner. The conversation was engaging and the company was more than acceptable. Craig made a mental note to thank Karl for this date. Wiping his mouth, Craig pushed his chair back. “That was a lovely meal, Hugo - I feel stuffed!” He rubbed his belly for emphasis, his thumb hooking between the buttons of his shirt.

Signing for the check after they both pass on dessert. “Well, how about a walk here downtown to settle dinner? You can tell me about being not-too-campy while still making flamboyant work for you.” Hugo winked at Craig as they stood.

Craig led the way out the door, waiting patiently as Hugo followed him out. They turned automatically toward the boardwalk, their steps falling on the weathered wood in unison. It was quiet and dark down by the water, the only sounds were the echoing of their footfalls and the gentle lapping of water. Finding a bench illuminated by a single gaslight, Craig sat down, tugging Hugo down beside him.

Hugo sat down with a smile, turning slightly on the bench to look at Craig. “I’ve had a lovely evening...thank you,” he said quietly.

At Hugo’s quiet tone, Craig met his eyes. “You’re welcome.” Hugo’s smile sent a bolt of relief through his body, relaxing the fear of rejection that the quiet words had caused. “And thank you for a lovely dinner and for such engaging conversation.” He fidgeted, hands wringing as he turned to face the water again.

Reaching over to cover the moving hands, Hugo asked, “What’s wrong? Did I say something...?”

Craig huffed a laugh. “I just get nervous at this point in each date I go on. I get this little dialogue in my head about whether or not you like me, if it’s worth a second date, if you’ll kiss me or not...” He shut himself up, turning with an embarrassed grin. “I do want you to kiss me,” he sighed.

Hugo tilted his head, considering Craig’s words seriously. “I do like you. Very much. I would very much like to see you again. And I’d very much like to kiss you,” he admitted, lifting a finger under Craig’s chin.

Craig’s face tilted up, and he looked up at Hugo’s face expectantly. Why should he wait for Hugo to initiate the kiss? I mean - he wants to kiss Hugo... At the soft touch of lips against his, Craig opens his eyes to realize that not only had he CLOSED his eyes, but he had placed his hand on Hugo’s neck to pull him forward into the kiss.

Letting their lips brush together a few time, Hugo swallowed a sigh and instead pressed their lips together, trying to still the shakiness he felt inside. He couldn’t believe this gorgeous man wanted a kiss from him!

Craig pressed against Hugo, not willing to retreat from the kiss. Wanting more that what he was being offered. His hand curled into the soft hair at the nape of Hugo’s neck, twining in the longish strands to pull Hugo closer still. Opening his mouth, he practically begged Hugo without words to deepen the kiss.

A shudder ran through Hugo and his body reacted when Craig opened his mouth. Undeniably drawn to Craig, Hugo deepened their kiss in response, sliding his tongue along Craig’s lower lip, exploring gently.

Craig’s tongue ventured forward to touch Hugo’s, thrills of excitement running over his skin as the wet flesh touched and caught against each other. Humming low in his throat, Craig leaned back against the bench, pulling Hugo with him.

Hugo helplessly followed Craig’s lips, unwilling to give up their touch as Craig shifted backward, and he was startled when their chests bumped. He pulled back in surprise, one hand on Craig’s shoulder, the other cupping his chin. “I...I’m sorry,” he murmured, eyes widening, although he didn’t know quite what he was apologizing for.

Craig blushed when he realized he was moving too fast. Breathing hard, he shook his head. “No - don’t apologize...I’m sorry - I shouldn’t...I - I’m sorry.”

Raising a finger to Craig’s mouth, Hugo shushed him and smiled. “It’s OK...I just...forgot where I was, I guess. That was some kiss!”

Craig smiled against the pad of Hugo’s finger, moving to straighten himself back out. Sitting properly once more, he turned back toward the water, enjoying the peaceful, calming sounds coming from the boardwalk. Some kiss? It was THE kiss...the one he felt like he’d been waiting for all of his life. Instead of spilling his feelings on the kiss, his grin turned enigmatic. “Was very nice.”

Hugo narrowed his eyes, trying to tell if Craig was pulling his leg. “Yeah,” he agreed.

Lacing his fingers together in his lap, Craig shrugged his shoulders. “I wouldn’t be averse to trying it again,” he murmured, adding quickly, “if ever the time or location were right...”

That smile flashed back on Hugo’s face as he looked quickly away to hide it, turning a composed face back to Craig, although Hugo’s eyes danced. “If ever,” he agreed, nodding, offering a hand.

Craig let his smile grow as he took the offered hand. “Do you possess psychic abilities, Mr. Weaving? Can you see the future? The impatient part of me wants to know WHEN the time and place will be right.”

Hugo pulled Craig to his feet and swept the younger man right into his arms, stopping their mouths bare inches apart. “How about now?” he said with a smile.

Relaxing into the arms that held him, Craig raised innocent eyes to Hugo’s. “I would initiate the kiss, Mr. Weaving, but it seems as if I choose inappropriate places.” His hands settled on Hugo’s chest for a moment before sliding up to loop around his neck. “I don’t want to appear unseemly...”

With a snort of laughter, Hugo dipped his head to capture Craig’s mouth in another long, slow kiss. When they finally separate, he’s breathing hard, his hands clutching at Craig’s waist. “I hope that wasn’t too unseemly for you,” he said, voice rough.

Craig’s eyes closed with the intensity of the kiss. He was amazed that any man could make him feel so much passion and belonging with only a kiss. It was so much more than after sex with most guys. “I seem to be at a loss for words,” Craig sighed, resting his forehead on Hugo’s shoulder as he tried to catch his breath. He was hooked. He needed to get to know Hugo. He needed to spend time with this wonderful, sexy, successful man. He... “When can I see you again?” He needed that promise before this night had even ended.

Hugo blinked, and slowly shrugged. “Whenever suits you,” he said. “All I do is work,” he added sheepishly.

Craig kept the thought that he might just ALWAYS want to see Hugo to himself. “Tomorrow?” he asked instead.

Hugo nodded. “I’m on call tomorrow, and I was planning on spending the morning in the office, but I’m free otherwise. Usually I’d spend most of the day at work anyway.” He looked a bit abashed at his admission.

“I’m sorry,” Craig hurried to apologize, “you choose when is best for you.”

Chuckling, Hugo cupped Craig’s cheek. “If you let me decide, I’ll be wanting you with me all day, to give me something to do other than work,” he warned playfully.

“You have the busier schedule,” Craig murmured, dipping his head as Hugo cupped his cheek. “It makes sense to meet around your schedule.” He glanced up to meet Hugo’s eyes. “I’m flexible.”

Hugo sighed and shook his head. “All right then. How about a late lunch tomorrow and we’ll decide there what to do next?”

Craig nodded his head. “Okay - sounds nice to me.” He lifted a hand to card through the fine hair above Hugo’s ear. “I look forward to it.”

Hugo’s eyes wandered over Craig’s face and he didn’t even notice the time passing as they just stood quietly together.

Craig blushed under the intense scrutiny before dropping his eyes and asking, “Nightcap? My apartment?”

A long breath shuddered out of Hugo as his body screamed ‘yes’ while his mind shrieked right along with it. He lightly caressed Craig’s cheek and opted for complete honesty. It seemed to be working so far. “If I come back over to your apartment, I’m not sure I’ll want to leave,” he whispered.

A shiver of disappointment raced down Craig’s spine, making him feel slightly melancholic. “Sure - I understand...” He tightened his jacket around him, fighting the cool breeze coming off of the water.

Hugo blinked in surprise as Craig pulled away. “That...that doesn’t bother you? We just met, and I was afraid it might be too forward...”

Meeting Hugo’s eyes, Craig was completely honest. “I wouldn’t have invited you back to my apartment if I wasn’t open to the possibility of it happening.” Taking a couple of steps back toward the restaurant car park, he answered over his shoulder, “The idea of you and me doesn’t bother me, Hugo. It makes me feel something I haven’t felt in so long...”

Stepping forward to grab Craig’s hand, Hugo stopped his moving away. “Makes you feel what?” he asked quietly, searching Craig’s face as he curled his fingers through the other man’s.

Shrugging, Craig’s voice was low as he answered. “I feel alive. Real. Desirable. I feel like I have a purpose again. That I don’t just exist for what I can be for others, but for the life that was meant for me. It may sound foolish...but I FEEL...” He pulled Hugo’s hand to rest over his heart. “I feel.”

Entranced, Hugo let his hand lie on Craig’s chest while he stepped close and lowered his mouth to Craig’s, touching their lips together sweetly, a light kiss full of promise. “How about that nightcap?” he asked quietly.

Lifting his lips to receive the kiss, Craig’s heart pounded in his chest. When Hugo released his lips, he whispered, “Offer’s still open,” without opening his eyes.

Hugo dropped a light kiss on each eyelid. “Let’s go then, it’s a bit public here for the kiss I’d really like to give you...” He took Craig’s hand firmly and led him back to the car park.

Craig followed Hugo, his hand warmly ensconced in the older man’s hand. Hugo opened the door for him and he sat down, smiling at his fortune. Oh - he owed Karl a case of beer...make that two cases... Sitting quietly as Hugo started the engine and navigated back out into traffic, he asked, “What do you do when you’re not a doctor, Dr. Weaving?”

“If you ask Karl, nothing. I eat, sleep and breathe work. And I am somewhat ashamed to say that Karl is mostly correct,” Hugo said, steering into late evening traffic. “What free time I have left for myself I usually visit my family, or occasionally go on a trip somewhere.” He shrugged and gave Craig an apologetic look. “I’m afraid I’m not all that mysterious.”

“I can do without mystery, I think,” Craig laughed, “especially after my last date had a family at home already...”

Hugo winced. “Well, none of that from me. I’ve got a Mum and Pa, and a sister with a family. That’s all. No dark secrets, no skeletons in the closet.”

“Not even the skeleton model all doctors are required to have in their offices to scare young children?” Craig teased, looking up from under dark lashes to smile sweetly at Hugo. “No skeletons at all?”

“No skeletons at all, which I’ve thought was rather sad, from time to time. A bit of bone in a man’s life wouldn’t be so bad, now would it?” He turned his head and winked.

“A bit of bone is nice, indeed,” Craig returned the wink. “But a bone is worthless if it’s not used properly. I’ve had a date or two like that as well.” He laughed as he remembered the outcome of those dates. “Perfectly good waste of flesh.”

Hugo groaned. “Don’t remind me. The first left me with the check and a large bottle of wine, saying I was far too staid for his tastes - the wine was better after he left, by the way - the second we didn’t even make it to the restaurant because I wouldn’t promise sex afterward, and the third...” he just shook his head.

Hugo’s comment about sex made Craig think. “You don’t feel like I’m pressuring you, do you? I don’t mean to...”

“Craig, you’ve not pressured me into anything, honestly. On that date, I opened my door, we introduced ourselves, and he asked if we’d fuck before or after dinner. I for one thought that was a bit much, and when I said so, I was told I was too picky, and he could do much better at a club downtown. So I told him to try one of those clubs and I’d be fine at home alone, thank you very much. I smacked Karl for that one.”

“Oh God! Was it Harry?” Craig threw his head back and laughed. “Do you think Karl’s fixed us both up with the same guys?”

Hugo’s jaw dropped. “Harry Sinclair?”

“The one and only ‘God’s gift to women, men and young confused people’. And he actually waited until you introduced yourself?” Craig rolled his eyes and laughed harder. “That’s a new record for Harry.”

Hugo groaned, horrified. “Oh, Mr. Urban has a really tough, really painful, physical therapy session in his very near future coming. I can see it now.” He sighed. “Who else? The first date I mentioned was with a bloke named Dave Wenham.”

Craig nodded emphatically. “And the third with Viggo Mortensen. He wanted to paint my body. Literally PAINT on my skin and roll me on canvas!”

Hugo just shook his head. “So we both had three strikes against us before we tried this date - why did you agree?”

Craig smiled dreamily. “Because I’m a hopeless romantic, and Karl promised to wash my car for a year if I didn’t like you.” He laughed for a moment before sobering once more. “He told me about you, about how you’re such a nice and caring person. And that we would be perfect for each other.” He looked at Hugo from the corner of his eye. “What made you agree?”

“I made Karl promise he’d go out on a blind date himself if this one went as poorly as the others,” Hugo admitted, shrugging. He pulled the car up in front of Craig’s apartment and turned off the engine.

Now that they had arrived, Craig sat twisting his hands nervously. “About that nightcap - you don’t have to if you’d rather not...my feelings won’t be hurt if you decide you’d rather go straight home.” He dared to meet Hugo’s gaze, his eyes begging Hugo to stay.

As soon as their eyes met, Hugo leaned over, taking Craig’s face between his hands and kissing him, showing him just how much he wanted to stay.

Craig smiled into the kiss, his fingers lacing in Hugo’s. “Come on,” he whispered, “I want to give you a tour of my apartment. Something tells me that you might be here again.”

*****

THE END

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