Breathtaking

Breathtaking

Posted: April 21, 2006
Title: Breathtaking
Author: Decadence and Sileya
Fandom: Real Person Fiction
Type: RPS
Characters: Craig/Karl
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: We don't claim to know them, really. We just think they're awful darling pretty.
Summary: Karl discovers he's fallen for his best friend.

*****

Karl knocked on Craig's trailer door, hoping he hadn't missed his buddy. Because he had plans for the holidays, but they didn't sound as appealing done alone - so who better to take than Craig?

Craig had just settled down into the sole armchair in his trailer, laying his current read across his knee. The lights were low and he thought about taking a nap instead of reading when he heard the knock on his door. Stretching sideways, he peered through the small window nearby to see Karl standing on the other side of the door. "It's open!" he called out.

With a grin, Karl celebrated his good luck with a huge grin. "Craig! What's up, mate?"

The door swung open and then shut behind the larger man who now dominated his small trailer. Craig smiled up at Karl. "I should be asking you that, Urban. I figured you'd be out partying with the rest of the cast right about now."

Karl waved a dismissive hand. "I barely know them yet. I know I will later, but for now...what are you doing with your 10-day break? Staying here? No plans? Say you don't, please!" Karl was nearly bouncing on his feet in excitement, something rare for the usually laid back Kiwi.

Craig's well-manicured brows lifted, showing his surprise at Karl's actions. He laid the book aside, carefully marking his place, before spreading his legs out in front of him and gesturing to the bed. "Sit down and tell me why it's so important that I have no plans over the next 10 days." His tone held a hint of laughter at seeing his friend so excited.

Visibly dimming a little as he tried to stave of disappointment, Karl sat down, knee still bouncing. "I've got a ski chalet all to my lonesome down south here, and I'm all by my lonesome to go - so I was hoping you'd go with me, on vacation."

Craig's ears perked up at the mention of a ski chalet. "You want me to go? Of course I'll go!" He rose from the comfortable, overstuffed chair and pulled a bag from the overhead bin over Karl's head. He stretched a little too far, fell off balance and had to catch himself on Karl's shoulder. "Sorry, mate..." He blushed as he began pulling things from drawers and stuffing them into the bag. "How long before we go?" he asked excitedly.

Huge grin returning, Karl perked up. "We can go anytime - it's about a four-hour drive from here." He set a hand on Craig's hip to help steady the other man. "And they've got all sorts of ski equipment, so no worries there."

Craig turned a smiling face down to Karl. "Ski equipment? Who needs ski equipment?" He poked his tongue out between his teeth, teasing Karl. "I just want to watch you and all those other hot guys in those little tight pants..."

Swatting Craig's arse, Karl stood up. "Funny. I'll get you a body board. It'll be great. How long do you need to pack?"

Craig reached around and grabbed his toiletry pack. "Done." He tilted his head and lifted a shoulder. "Did nobody ever tell you how easy I am?"

Karl blinked, several things rushing to mind about Craig that he'd never really thought about before, and he flushed a little as he pushed the ideas away. "Um, great, I'm packed already - let's go," he said slowly, walking to the door to hold it open for Craig.

Craig walked through the door, laughing. "So that's how it is. You DO know how easy I am. It's why you invited me, isn't it?" He crossed his arms over his chest and pretended to brood. When Karl started looking nervous, he grinned again. "You knew I'd be ready in no time, right?"

Tilting his head, Karl was really just trying to hide how much this teasing from Craig threw him. Of course, Craig teased all the time. It just never seemed...personal. And he wasn't sure what he thought about it, but he didn't want Craig knowing that. He tilted the other man a half smile. "I figured if I mentioned you could shop there it wouldn't be a problem," he said with a shrug.

Craig turned from where he'd started towards Karl's car. "Ooo...and there's shopping too? I love you, mate."

Karl sucked in a breath as he opened up the boot, letting Craig throw in his bag. Why in hell were words getting to him like this? From Craig? He glanced at his friend over the top of the car as they walked to get in, framed by sunset, and he stopped breathing. Oh. Hell. He stood there just looking.

Craig heard a slight gasp and turned to see Karl staring his way. He turned to see what was behind him, awed at the gorgeous sunset. "God - that's breathtaking," he sighed.
Karl's brow furrowed helplessly as he nodded, eyes riveted on his friend. Breathtaking. He forced himself to close his eyes and focus. This is Craig. Buddy Craig. Old mate Craig. Longtime prankster and partner-in-crime Craig. With a settling breath he opened his eyes only to have his chest and gut seize again. Breathtaking Craig. With a gulp, he got in the car, sitting down hard.

Craig slid into the car, noticing Karl's pale face. "You alright? Need me to drive?"

Karl shook his head slowly, taking three times to get the key in the ignition. "No...no...I was just...thinking...about...something," he mumbled, blinking hard and starting the car.

Fastening his safety belt, Craig turned in the seat, half facing Karl. "Listen, mate...I know there have been times in the past when we've drifted apart, but I'm here for you...if you need to talk - I'm gonna listen. For the next 10 days, I'm yours."

Turning his chin, Karl studied Craig's face seriously, then nodded, finally able to relax a little. "Let's go." He offered Craig a smile

Gesturing toward the steering wheel, Craig laughed. "Anytime, mate."

With a laugh, Karl drove them off the lot.

==

A little over four hours later, Karl pulled up in front of the large lodge. Skiers moved around, and small rustic cabins dotted the snow-covered foothills around the slopes.

Craig's jaw dropped as he saw the beautiful setting the lodge was in. For the past hour or so, they'd been driving higher and higher, and he'd had to pull a scarf out of his bag and wrap up in it. He rubbed his hands together briskly, being both chilled and excited. "When did you find this place, Karl?"

"One of the stunties, actually, at the stables, told me. Said it was gorgeous and affordable, and he was right," he said as he parked and turned off the car, opening the door into air quite a bit colder than what they had left.

"Can we find our room now? I'd like to rest for a bit before dinner." Craig really needed a moment alone. The ride in the car had been both heaven and hell. Karl smelled so good...so masculine and sexy and...well - he'd spent the best part of the drive imagining things he'd have best left unimagined. For example, the way that Karl's huge hands had gripped the wheel, his thumb grazing over the worn leather cover before flicking at the loose lacing. And the way those hands had engulfed the shifter...he nearly groaned thinking about it once more.

Karl glanced to Craig, tearing his eyes from the snow-capped mountains. "Yeah, mate, no problem." He grabbed his keys and headed up the front steps to check in. Less than 10 minutes later he was back with a map. "Right up the hill yonder," Karl said, pointing.

Having managed to regain a little of his composure while Karl dealt with getting the chalet, Craig was ready and raring to go. "Lead on," he murmured, picking up his bag from where he'd dropped it on a nearby bench.

Grabbing his gym bag and a box out of the back seat, Karl kicked the car door shut and started walking, smiling at the kids on the bunny slope as they moved by. Within about 15 minutes of winding steps and ramps, they were there. By skis, they'd be at the lodge in no time.

Craig stood on the deck of the cabin, catching his breath after the hike. "I'm out of practice," he laughed. "Not enough vigorous physical activity for me in the past couple of years, I guess." He poked fun at his own single and celibate lifestyle.

"You poncy elves, standing around looking ethereal and shite, while I'm out busting my arse on a horse twelve hours a day," Karl grumbled good-naturedly, opening the door and gesturing for Craig to go in first.

Pretending to act offended, Craig stopped just inside the cabin, making Karl bump into him. "Hey - it's hard work to look that beautiful. You should know," he murmured just loud enough for Karl to hear.

Karl perked up in disbelief. "Excuse me? Beautiful when I'm sweaty, filthy and smell like horse shite?"

Craig blushed as he dropped his bag on a table. "Not beautiful in the traditional way...but masculine beauty, personified."

Smiling softly, Karl stuck a hand in one pocket. "You think so?" he asked quietly.

Craig nodded. "Yeah. I do." Seeming to snap out of the daze he was in, he busied himself with looking around the cabin. "I guess that women flock to you, don't they?"

Snorting, Karl chuckled. "Ah, not really, mate. Not in my experience that's real, anyway. You know, instead of fans from Shortland or blokes that watched Xena." He slid the box onto the table and set his bag on the floor, all the while thinking that Craig thought he was beautiful. Wow.

Stopping by the fireplace, Craig checked the kindling and logs before lighting one of the long matches on the mantle and dropping it into the dry wood. He sat watching the fire catch for a moment before turning to Karl. "Now - I can't believe that you don't entertain your fair share of offers from wo...wait a second...men?"

Karl flushed but shrugged slightly. "Been propositioned by both enough times, I guess. I always figured it was the whole TV actor thing. They didn't really want me, you know?" But he watched Craig's reaction closely. He'd known for a long time that Craig was happily gay, although he wasn't demonstrative about it. Friends knew, that sort of thing. But Karl's actual preferences hadn't ever really come up. After all, Craig knew he had a son with Natalie.

Craig sat cross-legged on the floor, patting the braided rug nearby. "Have a seat...spill..."

Frowning slightly, a bit confused, Karl pulled a couple bottles of water and a bag of crisps out of the box and brought them with. "Spill what?" he asked cautiously.

"The guys on set, of course...any interesting prospects?" Craig perked up as if he really wanted to know. All he was really worried about was whether he would possibly have a chance with Karl.

Both Karl's eyebrows flew up as he settled next to Craig on the rug in front of the fire. He wanted to gossip? About guys Karl had his eye on? "What makes you think I've got my eye on someone?" he said, avoiding the issue on purpose, to see what Craig would say.

Craig's eyes grew wide as he feigned innocence. "Everybody has their eye on someone."

Karl squinted at Craig, knowing he was playing stupid. "You asked about guys, though."

Craig scoffed. "I'm sure there are plenty who have their eye on you. I was just curious if any had made their interest known."

Karl's mouth quirked as he held out a water bottle. "That wasn't what you said. You asked if there were any interesting prospects."

"Nobody interesting has propositioned you?"

"I didn't say that," Karl smiled as they both talked around each other, and he opened the bag of crisps.

Craig rolled his eyes. "Fine, then. I won't tell you about my latest offer."

Karl choked on his crisp, taking a swig of water to hide the flare of jealousy that he was afraid showed in his eyes. "How about one for one?"

"What if I only have the one?" Craig returned with a half-smile. He reached over to pat Karl on the back.

"What makes you think I have more than one?" Karl asked, smiling his thanks as he coughed a couple times to clear his throat.

Craig's face displayed an 'aww, come on' expression. "I know for a fact that both of the Bernzon brothers have expressed interest. Jarl asked me if you'd go for men, and then Jorn asked me if the fact you had a child meant you were straight. Why they were asking me - I have no idea. Do I look like the local help desk?"

Karl was still surprised. "Jarl and Jorn asked about me?" he murmured.

"Within thirty minutes of each other." Craig's voice was dry and disbelieving. "Not to mention that the Hobbits have placed bets on how long it will take Miranda to ask you out."

"Miranda and I HAVE been out," Karl said steadily before snapping his mouth shut and flushing.

"Oh." Craig grew quiet. "Mirry's a nice girl."

Karl glanced to Craig. "Yeah. Real nice. And after one date, we knew it was good casting, us as brother and sister." He rolled his eyes and picked another crisp out of the bag.

"Didn't work, huh?" Craig dipped his head and picked at his shoelace. "Pity, that. You two would be striking together. She's lovely."

"There's lovelier sights about," Karl murmured, looking at Craig while the other man had his eyes cast down.

Craig's hand slid over the nubby rug to wrap around the water bottle Karl had brought him. "You won't tell me about your other offers?"

Karl shrugged slightly. "Couple of girls from makeup, bloke from costuming, stable hand last week about knocked me into the straw."

Craig lifted his eyes at that, and then snorted at the look on Karl's face. "That subtle, huh? Lucky you."

"Well, she came on a bit strong, yeah, but I wasn't interested," Karl muttered. "Wrong type of looks."

"There's a right kind?" Craig tilted his head to the side and lifted the bottle to his lips. He took a slow drink before wiping his hand across his lips. "I really only had the one offer. You know the guy who is doing the fight choreography? Waltzes around in those little tight black pants? Well - he offered to take me home to work on the 'nuances of hand-to-hand combat'. After I got home, I realized maybe he really was trying to teach me to fight more adequately."

Karl frowned. "He didn't put out?"

Craig laughed. "Nope. Not that I particularly wanted him to - but all he was interested in was parading around in front of me in these little hot pants that would have been too small for Elijah - much less someone of his size."

Knowing the man Craig was talking about, Karl snickered, then he sobered. "You got your eye on someone, then?"

Craig hesitated a moment. "Only just recently," he admitted honestly.

Karl raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the couch and stretching out his legs. "Yeah?" he asked, hoping Craig might share.

"Yeah," Craig agreed, unwilling to share any more just yet. "Kinda blindsided me."

Moving his eyes to the fire, Karl murmured, "Yeah, I know that feeling."

Craig reached for the bag of crisps, brushing his fingers against Karl's legs intentionally. "So there is someone?"

Karl sucked in a breath. "Maybe," he whispered, not daring to look at Craig.

"Lucky person," Craig mused, eating the crisp he'd fished out of the bag and rising from the floor. He brushed his hands over his jean-clad thighs. "Let's go check out the ski-bunnies." He had to change the subject before it depressed him too much.

Karl reached out to grab Craig's hand. "Hey, I'm the lucky one, mate, you coming on holiday with me, yeah?"

Craig grinned and shrugged. "But it could've been the one you fancy. I think you got the bad end of this deal, luv." The endearment slipped from his lips before he realized what he said.

Using Craig for leverage, Karl pulled himself to his feet, and once up, his chest pressed close against Craig's as he got his balance. "I wouldn't say that," Karl said quietly.

Craig's eyes raised to the full lips that were so close to him as Karl's chest brushed his. "Oh?"

Swallowing hard, Karl made himself stay still. "Yeah," he breathed. "Not the bad end of the deal at all." His eyes flickered over Craig's face.

There was no way he could hide the disappointment that flashed across his face at not being the one Karl fancied. He tried to hide it before Karl noticed. "We'll have fun. Even if...well - we'll have a lot of fun."

Karl felt entranced by being so close to those lips that looked so warm and inviting, but he saw the flash of disappointment. "Was there someone else you wish was here?" he asked softly, trying not to be disappointed. He hadn't let go of Craig's hand.

Craig's fingers tightened minutely around Karl's. "Nobody but you," he admitted, wondering exactly how much Karl would read into that statement.

Throat tight, Karl didn't know if he could force out the words. "When I looked at you, framed in the sunset, it took my breath away," he rasped, heart thumping with nerves and anticipation.

"It was a lovely sunset," Craig agreed. "I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful display of color." His hand started sweating in Karl's grip, and he cursed himself inwardly for being so nervous around his friend.

Karl shook his head slowly. "I'm not talking about the sunset, Craig," he said, trying one more time to get his friend on the same page as he was.

"Oh," Craig whispered. His eyes lowered once again to Karl's lips, seeing white teeth worrying at the red flesh. He lifted his free hand to pull the lip free. "Don't do that..."

"Am I...am I out of line?" Karl asked quietly, not wanting to ruin their long friendship over what might be just an infatuation on his part alone.

Craig's eyes shot up to Karl's once more. "Not that...I'm - I'm - God, Karl - this is overwhelming..." His thumb rubbed at the red spot on Karl's plush lip. He lowered his gaze again, concentrating hard on how to say what he wanted to say. "When I said...that it was sudden..." His voice trailed off. He closed his eyes, fingers tightening more around Karl's hand. "You."

A tiny furrow formed between Karl's brows as he tried to follow Craig's line of thought - and then he got it. A shiver passed through him. "Sudden, yeah," he agreed huskily, raising a hand to lightly touch Craig's cheek. "I get that, mate, really...but can I kiss you anyway?"

The gentle flutter of fingertips over his chilled skin made Craig's heart beat faster. "If you want to."

A soft moan of assent escaped Karl's lips. "I want to," he breathed. Then, he leaned and lightly brushed their lips together...once, twice, three times, before his hand slid around Craig's neck to pull him closer for a full-on kiss.

Craig's mouth opened around a sigh that was muffled by Karl's mouth and his head tilted back as he gripped Karl's shoulder with the hand that wasn't still cradled within Karl's. He twined his fingers through Karl's, the contact bringing their hot palms together.

Long fingers sliding against Craig's, Karl brushed his palm against the warm, firm flesh as he slowly kissed the other man, just learning his taste and feel.

Craig opened up without reservation, sharing something so very...intimate...with a man he'd always called friend. He sucked at the lower cusp of the other man's mouth, pulling it between his teeth and nipping lightly at it.

Karl groaned as he felt Craig bite him lightly, and his free hand slid to Craig's shoulder as they slowly separated. He knew his eyes reflected his arousal, not to mention the rest of him. And Karl was still shocked by his new revelation - he was greatly attracted to his friend.

"Maybe I won't be checking out the snow-bunnies," Craig whispered hoarsely as Karl pulled away.

"No?" Karl asked faintly, still riveted.

"No." Craig confirmed. His hand slid slowly down Karl's arm to rest at his elbow. His thumb traced patterns over the fabric that covered the inside of Karl's arm. "But I will be checking you out."

Karl's mouth tilted up into a pleased smile. "Yeah?" he asked, sliding both his hands to Craig's waist.

"If you don't mind..." Craig added bashfully.

Eyes widening, Karl shook his head. "No, I don't mind, not at all," he said quickly, that happy grin flashing back onto his face.

Craig smiled, started to say something, and then thought twice. Instead, he lifted questioning lips to Karl's, kissing him nervously.

Karl returned his kiss, shortly, curious, and he pulled back. "What? What were you going to say?"

"It's too soon to ask if we even have to go out, isn't it?" Craig bit his lip nervously.

Karl frowned slightly, not understanding. "You don't want to go out with me?"

Craig shook his head. "No - I DO want to go out with you. It's just...well...there are things that," his voice lowered to a whisper, "wecoulddohere..."

Karl slowly smiled into an almost naughty grin. "You don't want to go out NOW," he clarified, pulling Craig closer by the hips.

Craig gasped as Karl manhandled him with those huge hands. It didn't help that he was brought closer to the hips he'd admired as Karl had strutted across set in his leather trousers. "Um...there are certain parts of me that might draw attention..." His face flushed bright red.

Snickering softly, Karl bumped their hips together slightly. "If we were to go OUT," he added, tongue darting out to moisten his bottom lip. His eyes sparkled with newfound amazement and happiness.

"Yeah," Craig murmured, watching the wet flash of pink that touched Karl's sinful lip. "Parts that are entirely appropriate in here," he lifted his eyes to Karl's. "I hope."

"Guess we'll have to see, won't we, then," Karl murmured as he leaned forward to kiss along Craig's ear lightly.

They didn't talk again for a long, happy time.

*****

THE END

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