Dreams, Wishes, Magic

Dreams, Wishes, Magic

Posted: April 13, 2007
Title: Dreams, Wishes, Magic
Author: Decadence and Sileya
Type: RPS
Characters: Craig/Karl
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: We don’t know them, and we don’t claim to. We just like their faces and names.
Beta: hickorynut
Author's Notes: Sileya went on vacation at Walt Disney World in December 2006.

Summary: Craig is a new employee at the House of Mouse who meets veteran safari guide Karl.

*****

Tipping back his pith helmet, the safari guide watched the cast member who had caught his eye wander about. Although a tourist wouldn't have noticed, Karl figured the man was lost - either new to Animal Kingdom, new to Disney World or both. Watching the dark-headed man looked down at the map again, puzzled, Karl chuckled and took pity on him, walking over. "Need a safari guide, mate?" he asked playfully, hamming it up as he usually did for the tourists.

Craig glanced up from the map he'd picked up at an information post, turning it sideways as he studied each section of the creased paper. After going over the glossy paper several times, he still hadn't seen the symbol for the guide station.

It was his first day at work, and after a brief orientation, he'd been turned loose in the park, told to experience as a guest before coming back the next day as an official employee. A deep voice drew his attention, and he lifted his gaze, seeing a dark-haired man heading toward him. "I'm afraid I'm lost..."

Karl tried to hide his grin. "Whatcha looking for? I can help." He stopped at the other man's side. Although the stranger was dressed like a tourist, he wore a cast member pass badge around his neck on a lanyard. "New to the House of Mouse? Or just new to this Kingdom?"

"Mouse virgin?" Craig nearly squeaked into the face of the handsome man, shrinking back a little. "New to this Kingdom as well. I'm supposed to be an exhibit guide in the new South Pacific section."

"Ah, home of Lilo and Stitch, among others. Did you come past Everest?" Karl pointed at the huge mountain rollercoaster to their left. "If you did, you came around the far way, actually. South Pacific is down ahead this way, by Camp MinnieMickey."

Craig turned back, looking back along the way he'd obviously come. "Um - I'm not sure..." Truth be told, he'd had his nose buried in the map he'd been trying to figure out. "I just know that I'm tired, and I wanted to ride in the Safari."

"Well, it just so happens you are in luck," Karl said, hooking his thumbs in his belt loops. "You've got yourself here one bona fide safari guide, and I work cheap," he teased.

A hint of a smile crossed Craig's lips. "I hope I can afford you."

"For you, sir, I'll make an exception," Karl said, offering a friendly smile as he glanced over the other man appraisingly, raising an eyebrow in silent appreciation. "What's your hitch for?" he asked curiously. The new cast member was quite buff, he thought to himself.

Having turned to smile at a couple of passing children, Craig turned back, "I'm sorry?"

"Oh, sorry, cast lingo. What job are you starting? There's a lot of us who are here permanently, but we move from kingdom to kingdom, job to job - hence 'hitch'," Karl explained as he gestured the direction they'd be walking.

A slight blush covered Craig's cheeks as he started off in the direction the other man had indicated. "I'm not exactly sure. I think I'll be narrating a volcano exhibit. Some man named Sean gave me my costume. Not much more than a grass skirt and some shells for my wrists and neck. He joked about Hula dancing, but I'm hoping that it was REALLY a joke..."

Karl grinned and looked over the other man again, more appreciatively. "Well, I would be entertained," he murmured before clearing his throat. "Got to watch out for Sean - tick him off, and he'll stick you in a character costume for a week." He led the way into the Africa section and through the massive wooden doors into Mombasa.

Craig breathed deeply in awe. "Wow. This is gorgeous..."

Karl nodded, looking around at the replica African town, complete with shops, broken down buses and dancing natives playing the drums. "Wait 'til you see Asia - the India part, I mean," he said. He led the way past the shop to the safari ride, where a long line wound out into the walking area.

"Gee, maybe a Safari wasn't such a great idea," Craig sighed dejectedly as the long line stretched out in front of them. "Maybe the tram or the teacups would have been a better bet."

Karl chuckled and snaked his arm through the other man's and pulled him around the side to the Fast Pass lane. "Hi Elaine," Karl said. "Just passing through." The woman smiled and opened the gate for them, and Karl hustled he and Craig into the employee section of the ride.

Not used to the perks of a job like this, Craig glanced back at the lines of people waiting in the heat as he and Karl were seated. "It's hardly fair, is it?" He settled into his seat, turning back to the good-looking guide beside of him. "Do we have special privileges in all sections of the park?"

Sprawled in the back seat, Karl nodded. "Within reason, of course. This is the guest assistance truck - " he gestured to the people leaving wheelchairs behind to climb into the vehicle, "and as long as there's room, you're good to go."

"Ah." Craig glanced around at the surroundings, having never been inside the park before. "It's quite impressive." He glanced back, meeting the green gaze of the other man as his words faded. Karl was impressive as well.

Karl nodded, looking over at the large wooden gates that would open to let the truck into the preserve. "You've got a touch of an accent," he drawled. He knew his own had been spoiled by years in America and speaking two other languages, but... "Are you Australian?"

"Close," Craig beamed, "I was actually born in Fiji, but raised in New Zealand. How did you know?"

Karl's jaw dropped. "You're from Zid? I'm from Wellington!"

"Really?" Craig's face lit up even further, already feeling a kinship with the stranger. "I've not met anyone from Zid in years! Not since I left over four years ago..."

The truck jerked ahead and Karl quickly caught Craig back by getting an arm in front of him. "Careful there, mate," he said. "The ride's a little rough." He slowly sat back as Craig did as well. "I left almost 10 years ago. Right out of high school," he said.

As Karl's arm brushed against him, Craig found himself blushing again, but definitely not against the idea of being touched by the other man. "I'm older than you," he smiled.

Karl's brows shot up. That wasn't what he'd expected. "I'm Karl, Karl Urban," he said, offering his hand as the driver started to talk, welcoming the riders to the preserve.

Craig took the hand, pleased by the warm welcome of the gesture. "I'm Craig Parker." He studied the handsome face for a moment before turning to watch the passing scenery.

As the safari started, Karl sat back and watched the very interesting Craig Parker. Another Kiwi, after all this time.

Craig noticed the other man's interest. "I suppose you've seen this so many times that you have it memorized by now?"

Karl's lips twitched. "This is my hitch," he admitted.

Swinging his gaze to meet that of the smirking man beside him, Craig asked, "I thought you were being my guide. For cheap."

Raising a questioning eyebrow, Karl obliged in his "safari guide" voice. "If you look to your right, you'll see an okapi - once thought to be a myth, the animals with striped legs are actually related to giraffes, not zebras as commonly believed."

"Like my tan in summer," Craig joked. "I'm real enough, though."

Karl laughed aloud. "That'll change now that you're here. There's usually a running bet on how long it takes a newcomer to burn."

"Oh Lord," Craig laughed. "Thanks for the warning. I'll be sure to remember my sunblock." He smiled across at Karl. "Not sure how I'll reach ALL the spots the costume will lay bare, but I'll try, nonetheless."

Biting his lip on another smile, Karl leisurely looked Craig over for what must have been the tenth time. "I'm sure you'll find one of any number of lucky ladies to help you out." He knew he was obviously fishing, but he didn't care. The kingdom was big enough you could avoid someone if you needed to.

Taking a breath, Craig realized it was now or never. "No - not ladies. Never cared much for 'em."

Karl's smile was not his usual grin - rather it was respectful and thoughtful. "Well, maybe a safari guide would come in handy, then," he said quietly.

"Maybe," Craig smiled politely in return, unsure of what - if anything - had happened.

Feeling the conversation take a turn for caution, Karl pointed. "Look - elephants."

Craig turned to watch the majestic creatures lope across the land. "Lovely."

Gazing again at Craig, Karl echoed the word, wondering if he might have any chance at catching his eye. Then the truck jerked as the driver continued the ride.

Craig swayed dangerously close to Karl when the truck jerked, and he found himself blushing again. If Karl was anywhere nearby when he did his first show, Craig would surely be thought to have a sunburn.

"Careful there, mate," Karl murmured, not wanting Craig to pitch into the floor or out of the truck altogether. "This next bit after the savannah can be rough."

"Maybe I need a safety belt?" Craig asked, smiling wide again.

"There's not one," Karl said apologetically. "But...you can lean on me, if you like," he offered.

"Do all your guests get that offer?" Craig asked innocently.

Karl shook his head. "Usually I'm driving the bus, mate," he said.

"I didn't know whether to be jealous or not," the older Kiwi joked.

Swallowing, feeling a bit nervous, Karl shook his head. "No - no reason for you to be jealous - or for anyone else to be jealous of you, for that matter." He felt ridiculous talking around in circles this way...but they seemed to be communicating. He hoped.

A shy smile settled across Craig's lips. He hoped that meant Karl didn't have anyone rather than he didn't find Craig attractive.

"Hold on," Karl warned, reaching out as Craig started to slide when they reached the last rough patch of the ride.

The sliding motion moved Craig closer to the other Kiwi. "I like this attraction."

As their hips bumped, Karl inhaled sharply. "Me, too," he said under his breath.

The ride evened out, but Craig remained close to Karl, not wanting to give up the connection any sooner than he had to.

Karl slid his arm behind Craig's back as the ride was coming to an end. He knew he didn't want to let the other man get away so soon. "Don't suppose you're ready for a bite to eat? I was heading out for lunch."

"I haven't had lunch," Craig admitted, rubbing at his flat stomach. "I could stand some sustenance."

"There's two decent counter services places here, or we can go out to the Rainforest Cafe," Karl said as the climbed off the truck. The safari guide raised a hand in thanks to the other driver and pointed Craig to the exit.

"Whichever you'd like," Craig spoke quickly, wanting Karl to take the lead and show him the best places to go. "I'm new here, and rather...inexperienced..."

"Mmm. How about a quick counter service lunch, something we can walk with and eat - and then I'll take you over to Boma for dinner. That's the African spread dinner at the Lodge. Buffet. Huge and absolutely to die for," Karl suggested.

Blushing at the other man's show of unwarranted generosity, Craig scuffed his shoe against the pathway. "How will I ever repay you for your kindness?"

Karl chuckled. "It's just the Disney brand of service, mate. Helping hand and a smile on your face." His eyes twinkled as he led the other man to a food stand with meat on a stick.

Waiting until they'd procured some of the tempting smelling meat, Craig nibbled on it a bit before asking, "How far does the helping hand extend?"

The safari guide glanced at Craig, waiting to answer until he swallowed his mouthful. "Whatcha need?" he asked curiously.

What Craig needed, he was pretty sure he couldn't ask the guide for. He needed a friend...maybe more. A date would be nice, too. Instead, he kept his mouth shut, shrugging his shoulders.

Karl frowned and gave Craig a concerned look. "You okay?" he asked, honestly concerned.

"Nothing a bit of Disney magic won't heal," the new employee murmured.

"Well then. We'll have to make sure you get sprinkled with pixie dust," Karl said with a smile.

Craig snorted. "I'm not fairy enough?"

Both Karl's brows flew up, and he released a sharp bark of laughter, clutching the meat on a stick. "Well, aren't you balls out honest?" he said, eyes dancing.

"You have quite the way with words," Craig grinned. "And yes, I've been in THAT situation before as well."

Chuckling, Karl led the way to India, still gnawing at his snack. "I don't think you'll have a problem fitting in...or finding a helping hand. For whatever. Disney's all about diversity."

"And how would I go about...finding that helping hand? I don't quite know how things go here, just yet." Craig asked, curious about the local scene.

"You living in the barracks?" Karl asked. The residential complex, mostly for international employees, were rife with social life. It would be as easy as walking into the main hall for people to start introducing themselves. It had worked that way for him, anyway. He'd had no trouble finding whatever he wanted.

Nodding, Craig wanted to ask Karl where he lived. The other man was very attractive, and Craig wouldn't mind at all if he was his helping hand.

"Won't be a problem, mate. Never a more gregarious group you'll find, I wager," Karl said with a grin as they stopped at the edge of the lake. He looked over at the handsome man who stood next to him. "You won't lack for companionship if that's what you're meaning."

"But maybe not the right kind," Craig sighed, realizing that Karl wasn't an option for him. After all, he'd never given any indication he would be interested in keeping company with Craig.

Looking out over the lake and pointing out the Mount Everest roller coaster, Karl offered him a smile. "And if you're ever really bored, I'm on the third floor. Sneezy Wing," he said, eyes glinting with amusement.

"What makes you think I'd have to be bored to look you up?" Craig questioned, turning to look at the attraction Karl pointed out.

Karl glanced over at him. "I think you'll find there's plenty of fish in the sea instead of settling for the first guppy you reel in," he said good-naturedly. He could only wish. Craig was handsome, and even better, he was from home. Just listening to him helped Karl's homesickness.

Taking a step back, Craig internalized the words. "Okay." So - Karl was warning him off. It hurt a bit, but at the same time, he couldn't blame the other man for doing it, when he so obviously wasn't interested.

"C'mon. We'll walk around the long way and end up at your exhibit so you know where to go. Then I'll take you back to casting and costume. You'll feel at home in no time," Karl said, pushing away his disappointment and putting on what he called his "Disney Face."

Waiting until they were in a rather private area, Craig put his hand on Karl's forearm. "I know that we don't know each other that well, but have I upset you? Made a bad impression or something?"

Stopping stock still, Karl frowned. "Upset me? No! Hell...I thought maybe I'd offended you or something. Somehow," he answered, shuffling a bit nervously.

"You just seem awfully anxious to get rid of me, is all," Craig murmured watching Karl's feet as he shuffled about.

Karl frowned, unsure of what to say. "No," he said quietly. "Rather thought the opposite, really, but you seemed uncomfortable." He thought back through their conversation. "Saying what I did...I didn't mean to imply I wasn't interested. Just that...I'm not much of a catch, is all," he tried to explain.

Craig couldn't stop the snort that came from him. His eyes widened and he clamped his hands over his lips.

The taller man blinked in surprise and straightened, looking at Craig like he'd grown another head. "What's that about?" he asked, mystified.

"Not much of a catch?" Craig asked, disbelief evident in his voice. "In whose opinion?"

"Uh." Karl blinked a few times. "You'll hear about it, I guess. Once you're in the barracks. I've got a reputation." He shrugged. "Most of it's true, I have to admit. Maybe you like my looks, but..." Karl shook his head. "I've learned to tell people. It's not worth it. Not if you plan to stick around here too long. It's not you. Honest."

"I have no idea what you mean. Why isn't it worth it? Why not if I want to stick around?" Craig was utterly confused.

Karl sighed. "This is part of the world of dreams, wishes and magic," he said, turning to look out over the park. "And I've struck out on all three." He paused and then shook his head. "C'mon, don't stress. Let's get you familiar with the park, well fed, and into housing. You'll have plenty of time later to grill me, if you still want to." He turned to walk backward, hands in his pockets, watching Craig. "Coming?"

Tempted to stand with his arms crossed, Craig followed along. He wasn't sure that he understood Karl at all.

==

After dinner, they got off the bus at Team Disney. They'd spent time eating at the huge buffet talking about home, what Karl did at the park, and what Craig would be doing. On the bus, they'd fallen quiet, and now Karl led the way to the barracks. "What's your assignment?" he asked.

"DP-17," Craig answered, "Or as Sean said, Dopey Seven." He huffed a laugh, shrugging his shoulders. "Funny, huh?"

Karl chuckled. "Dopey, Grumpy, Doc, Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy," he rattled off. "Oh, and the eighth wing is Maleficent."

"So, where are you?" Craig inquired, looking around to see where the other man might be housed.

"SN-32. That's Sneezy, third floor, room two. Yours means Dopey, first floor, room seven. Dopey's this way," Karl pointed, stopping in front of an old style directions sign with hand-painted words on wooden arrows pointing in several different directions.

Craig followed along, at a loss for words still and unsure how to react around Karl.

"Here you go," Karl said quietly, ignoring the few stares of other cast members who watched him and took the new guy's measure. "The dining hall is back off the main lobby, it's cafeteria style, and not bad food at all. Got your keys?" he asked.

Reaching into the hip pocket of his khakis, Craig pulled out two keys on a Mickey Mouse keyring. He jangled them a bit, not moving toward the lock as he murmured, "Thanks for the tour."

"Anytime," the other man answered. "You look wiped. I'll let you alone. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call, yeah? Directory's posted on the door, usually," Karl said as he stepped back from the door, not wanting to crowd Craig.

"I'd invite you in...for a drink or something...but I don't have anything," Craig offered shyly. He shrugged as he looked toward the ground. "I guess I should work on finding a grocer."

Karl smiled, but Craig wouldn't see it. "When's your orientation start? You'll get about two weeks of meetings teaching you about the property, the perks, where to go off property that's the best shopping, that kind of thing."

"Tomorrow," Craig answered in a flat tone, realizing that his hint had fallen on either deaf or uninterested ears. Finally opening his door, he turned to thank Karl for all of his help. "I would still be wandering around lost on Everest if you hadn't helped me. I appreciate it."

Lingering a bit, Karl looked unsure all of a sudden. Craig seemed like a great guy, and it had been awhile since Karl had found someone to pal around with. In any form or fashion. "I could show you, if you want. I've got access to a car," he offered, a bit nervous that Craig would turn him down flat.

A huge, beaming smile lit Craig's face. "That would be awesome!"

Karl laughed in utter relief. "Well, drop your stuff and let's go, then," he said, now grinning.

Dropping his bag just inside the door, Craig locked it behind him, jamming the key in his pocket as he patted his bum to make sure he had his wallet. "I really appreciate this." And he did. Not only the chance to get stuff, but to spend more time with the handsome Kiwi.

"C'mon, I've got a hankering for ham salad from Publix," Karl said, starting down the hall heading back to the lobby. Still grinning, Craig followed Karl, eyes lingering on the hips that moved smoothly beneath his trousers.

Two hours and three stops later, Karl and Craig got back to the barracks and staggered under all the bags of stuff Craig had purchased. "I get fed for all this pack mule stuff, right?" Karl huffed.

"If you can bear my cooking," Craig joked, but in reality he was a decent cook. Opening the pantry, Craig began pulling the various cans and supplies from the bags, stocking as he unpacked. Leaving out the pasta and tomato sauce, he turned to Karl. "Lasagna?"

Karl blinked. "You're gonna cook lasagna? How?"

Craig frowned in confusion, not understanding Karl's question. "In a baking dish? In the oven? Or would you prefer that I take you to a swank restaurant?"

"Where are you going to cook it?" Karl asked blankly.

"There's no oven? Anywhere around here? They expect us to eat craft services all the time?" Craig's eyebrows lifted higher and higher with each question.

Karl's brow furrowed. "There's a public kitchen on the second floor...I think..." he said hesitantly. "But I have no idea what's in it."

Thinking hard for a moment, Craig finally stored the ingredients. "Let's go out. You pick - I'll buy."

"You're new here, you should pick. What kind of food do you like? Or maybe I should ask what you DON'T like," Karl answered.

"But I am new here," Craig threw Karl's words back at him. "I have no idea what's good - but I will tell you that I'm crazy for Chinese food."

"Nine Dragons, then, if you don't mind the walk through the World Showcase. Might as well wow you on the first night," Karl said with a grin. "Need to clean up a bit, though. Meet you in the lobby in 45 minutes?"

Feeling dazed and somewhat giddy, as if he were going on his first date, Craig agreed. He was ready and waiting in just over half an hour, checking his watch periodically, hoping that the other Kiwi wouldn't change his mind and decide Craig wasn't worth the trouble.

Karl hurried down the stairs, still rolling the sleeves of his light, raw cotton shirt, and he emerged from the stairwell tucking his hair back behind his ears. He stopped to look around, then grinned as he saw Craig waiting, and he strolled in that direction.

"Was afraid you wouldn't come," Craig smiled, relief settling over him. "But I'm glad you did."

Stopping with one hand in his pocket, Karl looked a little sad. "I wouldn't do that to you," he said quietly.

"I didn't think you would," Craig hurried to correct himself, "But I've been done that way before."

Karl gazed at him for a long moment before turning toward the doors. "Ready to go? We can run across the street and catch a bus to Epcot."

Feeling slightly uncomfortable under the other man's measuring stare, Craig nodded. "I'm famished. I could eat...I could eat something big," he sputtered, face pinking as he realized that he was making no sense whatsoever.

"C'mon then," Karl said, leading them outside. Within thirty minutes they were entering EPCOT Center by way of the gate next to France, and Karl slowed to point out Spaceship Earth across the lagoon.

"This place is ... well - magical," Craig whispered, awed at the sight. He nearly stumbled over his feet, he was so busy looking at the spectacle Karl had pointed out.

"Careful -" Karl reached out to curl his arm around Craig's shoulders as tourists pushed by. "Got to watch the guests, mate. They'll run you down given the slightest chance," he said with a grin, turning them to walk counterclockwise around the World of Nations. He pointed at the tall, blue rounded spire. "That's where we're going. The China Pavilion."

It was the most natural thing in the world to slip his own arm about Karl's waist as they approached the restaurant. Craig couldn't help but be awed at everything - the scenery - the sounds - the smells of the divine food - but most of all, his company. He didn't know what he'd done to luck out in being found by Karl Urban, but he offered up a prayer of thanks.

==

At the recommendation of one of the waiters who was a friend of Karl's, they had a scrumptious, filling dinner and ice cold beer. They traded stories of home and their recent pasts, Karl regaling Craig with stories about Disney, Craig relating his trials and tribulations of working aboard a cruise liner. When they left Nine Dragons, they were stuffed and happy.

"It's almost 9 - there's a laser light show here around the lagoon," Karl said, smiling at Craig openly. "It's really great, want to watch?"

"Yeah," Craig answered shyly, reaching out to tentatively lace his fingers through Karl's. "I'd love to."

Karl grinned and squeezed Craig's hand. "Then come on...I know a great place to watch." And he started to jog, pulling Craig along behind him as he laughed.

Craig followed, letting his heart lead him as much as Karl. No matter what else happened during his time with Disney, Craig had already found enough magic to last him a lifetime.

*****

THE END

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