Rain Dance

Rain Dance

Posted: September 22, 2006
Title: Rain Dance
Author: Sileya and Decadence
Fandom: Real Person Fiction
Type: RPS
Characters: Craig/Karl
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: We don’t know them, and we don’t claim to. We just like their faces and names.
Beta: hickorynut

Summary: After a worldwide disaster, two strangers find each other.

*****

The man took a moment to look out over the burning orange color of the sky. The clouds had taken on a strange bluish tint since the falling away. He looked wistfully out over the dried and dead land. It seemed as if the world was empty now. In actuality, the world held less than half of its previous population.

It was a little over a year ago that the meteor fell. The resulting radiation triggered a mass epidemic of diseases that killed most of the female population almost immediately. It had been nine months since the last woman in this area died. Taking one last look, he pulled the shutters to his lone window closed. One couldn’t be too safe in this day and time. He’d learned the hard way after most of his goods were stolen long months ago.

Just before closing the doors flush, he noticed the reflection of the sun off of glass in the canyon below. Squinting, he studied the glint more carefully. It bobbed and moved, a slightly unsteady movement in the fading sun. He recognized it for what it was...an interloper.

Gathering his gun, he moved to the porch of his claimed cabin, settling in the deep shadows formed by the intersection of house angles. Resting on his haunches, he braced the shotgun over his left forearm, staring straight down the barrel at the intruder.

Trudging up the uneven hill, the traveler shifted his back pack to settle again on his sore shoulders. He’d been walking for ten days, trying to get somewhere with more people after his own town had been pretty much wiped out.

Although he was tough, he knew he couldn’t survive alone. So he’d listened to the short wave radio to try to find the closest settlement. Then, packing everything he could carry - mostly food and tablets to purify water, he set off. Today, he’d been walking since dawn and was about ready to drop. He’d hoped to find shelter rather than sleeping out in the open again. Glancing up and shading his eyes, he thought he could make out a shuttered ranch house.

As the hunched figure approached the wide steps to the porch, the man called out, “How many are you?” He could see one lone figure, but the high plains could be deceptive. There were many dips and rocks to camouflage oneself in.

The traveler slowed as he heard a cautious voice, and he raised his hands in a show of peace. He knew how spooked people were these days - he had been, himself, and he still carried a revolver on his hip. “Just one,” he called back, voice a rough rasp from disuse. He hadn’t talked much for months...no one to talk to.

The rough voice did nothing to dispel the man’s worries, even as the traveler held his hands up in a universal gesture of peace. Rising slowly, the man stepped out of the shadows with the gun still trained on the interloper. “Who are you? How did you find me?”

Stopping in place, the traveler took a breath, trying to calm his racing heart. It was always dangerous to approach a stranger. “My name’s Karl. I’m just traveling. I’ve walked from outside Inverness, just looking for a settlement,” he explained, trying not to sound threatening.

“Closest settlement is three days’ walk from here.” The man offered, gun dropping slightly but still aimed in the general direction of this...Karl. “I’m the only one for miles in any direction. Most folks use old 98,” he motioned to the far north. “It’s still fairly well kept. Easy walking on the old pavement.”

Karl’s face darkened in concern. He had enough food and water to make it three more days...maybe. Glancing back to the man in front of him, he slowly lowered his arms, though he kept them at his sides. “Thanks. Is there somewhere sheltered around here where I can sleep for the night?” he asked cautiously. Some people didn’t want anyone else nearby, and if this man was like that, Karl might have to walk far into the night.

The man lowered the gun completely, seeing the despair in the traveler’s countenance. “You can stay here if you are willing to share news of the others.”

Blinking in surprise, Karl straightened, smiling some. “Yeah? I don’t have much to trade, a little money...” he offered.

The man shrugged, reaching behind himself to open the door. What did he have to lose? His possessions had long been stolen. What little he had amassed since then was just that...very little. “I find I might enjoy talking to someone other than my reflection.” He motioned inside the small house, the dim light of the lantern flickering invitingly in the growing dark.

Walking closer, slowly, Karl pulled off his large hat as he stepped up on the porch, glancing to the man who was taking him in...because? Karl swallowed hard. He could be in a lot of trouble, he knew, and he stopped to study the other man, trying to gauge what kind of chance he was taking. He could be robbed, beaten, or even killed if he went inside this man’s house.

The man noticed the close scrutiny from the dark eyes that were revealed when the hat was removed. Stepping into the room in front of Karl, he turned his back to him in an unspoken display of trust. “I’m Craig. My grandparents used to live here. Remarkable house, if you ask me. Gravity flow water from the tower out back. You can have a bath if you wish.”

A bath. Karl practically sagged in relief. “You must be an angel,” he rasped, carefully easing the heavy pack off his shoulders and setting it inside the door. He glanced up to see this Craig moving around inside the cabin, and Karl shrugged off his coat, wiping at his sand-irritated eyes.

Craig turned to see the other man unload his dusty pack. The man was several inches taller than him, but he figured he could wear some of his grandfather’s old clothes. He motioned for Karl to follow him. Leading him to the single bathroom in the building, he indicated the taps and handed the man a bar of soap. Leaving the room, he found an old pair of overalls and a faded shirt. Stepping back into the room, he noticed the other man watching the running water with a look of wonder. “Here’s some clothes. I’ll make something to eat. When you’re done, just let the water out. I use it to irrigate the plot out back.”

Nodding in exhausted shock, Karl could hardly believe his luck. “I’ll pay you back, somehow,” he promised, looking up to meet Craig’s eyes the first time.

The tired, amber eyes shocked Craig. They were beautiful, shining like colored glass in a dusty and tired face. “Maybe you will,” he murmured, “But it’s not required. I’m sorry I was so gruff...it’s just that...the only ones who usually...well...we’ll talk about it later. After you’ve had food and we’re both ready to rest.”

Karl nodded again, this time in understanding. “I’ll be quick,” he said. “And Craig...” he added as the other man made to shut the door behind him, “thanks.”

Craig dipped his head in acknowledgement to the thanks, uttering a low ‘you’re welcome’ as he pulled the door to. Back in the main room, he readied the propane burner before heading down into the cold-storage cellar in the basement. He found some dried meat, bringing it and the vegetables he’d already put back this year up to the main level.

Running very little water, he placed a saucepan on the burner and turned it on, cutting the vegetables and meat into the water to make a stew. Digging in the pantry, he pulled out a couple of chipped, mismatched plates, putting a piece of the bread he’d baked out on the rocks earlier in the day on each of them. He stirred the stew thoughtfully as he waited for Karl’s return.

Not wasting any time once the door shut, Karl shucked off his dusty clothes, planning to shake them outside later. Turning off the taps, he soaked his arms in the deep basin of water, then splashed water onto his face several times before letting the water run down his torso. Wetting a small cloth, he washed the rest of himself, even his aching feet, then dried off with the other towel Craig had left.

Thankful, Karl pulled on the shirt and overalls, finding them about perfect for his height, so Karl knew they weren’t Craig’s. He carefully hung up the towels after draining the water and wiping down the basin, then rolled up his clothes tightly before walking barefoot out to the main room.

Hearing the slight shuffle of feet on the bare wood of the hallway floor, Craig glanced up, breath catching at the dark-toned skin that was revealed by the bath Karl had taken. He was really a handsome man, the shorter man mused. “Supper’s almost ready. Hope you like stew and bread.”

“‘s great,” Karl murmured. “I’ve been eating jerky for a week.” Checking where Craig stood, he went to the door. “Okay if I shake out my clothes?” he asked, not wanting to panic the man by opening the outside door without notice.

Craig shrugged. “Sure. Leave them hanging on the porch railing if you wish. I suppose it rains outside sometimes, though I’ve never actually been out in it. Sat up for two days straight once, wanting to see the rain, but it didn’t rain until after I’d passed out again.”

Nodding, Karl opened the door. He shook his clothes hard, beating them against the porch railing and then hung them there to air out. Walking back inside, he shut the door securely, glancing at his pack. It hadn’t been disturbed. Standing in place uncertainly, Karl shoved his hands in the pockets of the overalls. “Anything I can help with?”

Just dishing out the meager stew, Craig passed a plate to Karl. “Just clean this plate. That’s all I ask of you.”

Karl accepted the plate in surprise, then moved woodenly to sit at the small wooden table, the stew smelling incredible. Taking one testing bite and almost moaning in pleasure, he began to eat with relish. “It’s really good,” he said in between bites.

Craig blushed. “Nice to know I haven’t lost my touch. I used to cook for my friends...back then... Now it’s always just me. Sometimes I think I’m going to go crazy out here all alone.”

Nodding, Karl slowed down and chewed a piece of bread. “Know what you mean. I lived in a small town, got hit hard. About 80 percent gone right off, then the rest died off pretty soon after. I knew I couldn’t stay there alone.”

“My grandparents liked living way out here,” Craig explained. “They lost power frequently. There’s a huge propane tank out back in the barn. The water is gravity flow. There’s a kerosene tank as well. Years worth of canned goods in the pantry below. As soon as things got bad, I headed out here. I lost most of my personal valuables in a robbery right after the falling away. Damned fools didn’t loot the pantry, though.”

Karl nodded. “I lived in town, didn’t have much except my tools.” He shrugged, cleaning his plate and wiping up all the gravy with a crust of bread. “And now all I have is in that pack. I was hoping to find a small settlement and start over.”

Craig considered the other man’s words. “You’re handy with tools?”

Glancing back to the other man from his pack, Karl nodded. “I am...was...an architect. Started out as a carpenter. Came in handy once things were so torn up,” he explained, referring to the massive storms that the meteor strike had wreaked upon the world for months after impact. “I’m a fair electrician and plumber, too.”

“You can stay here as long as you want. I could use some help rigging the generator up to the solar panels. Contractors hadn’t got around to that back before Gramps died.” A glint of hope shone in Craig’s eyes. “I’m not much in way of a settlement, but I have shelter...water...food...heat...”

Karl’s brows lifted. “You wouldn’t...mind? I mean, I can be real helpful, and it’s not like I have anywhere particular in mind to go,” he said.

“I think it’ll be mutually beneficial,” Craig shrugged. “I’m willing to make a go of it if you are. If things don’t work out, you can move on.”

Nodding slowly, Karl studied the man’s face. This was a chance he really couldn’t pass up. “All right. I’ll stay, for a while at least, and help you get set up out here,” he said, noting the tired lines around his face. “You’ve not been sleeping, have you?” he then asked quietly.

“Not much.” Craig answered honestly. “It’s difficult to sleep alone in a house like this. The wind is scary.”

Watching the exhaustion in Craig’s eyes, Karl felt an honest yearning to help him. “I’m tired, but not sleepy. If you want to sleep awhile, I’ll sit up and...watch the house,” he offered, feeling a little awkward.

“You don’t have to keep watch,” Craig murmured, stifling a yawn. “Just having company helps...”

Karl shrugged. “Whatever you’re comfortable with,” he said honestly. He glanced to the shutters, noticing they were all shut. “Anything to do this evening, then? Cut wood?” he offered.

Craig shook his head. “Nah. I usually have all the work done by noon. Nothing left to do but turn off the lamp and get some sleep.” He nodded toward the hallway. “There’s an extra room. Bed’s made up.”

Scooting his chair back, Karl walked over and grabbed his pack, hoisting it onto one shoulder, and set his hat on his head. “Well, I’ll just get this stuff out of the way then. When do you get up in the morning?” he asked politely, walking toward the short hallway.

“Usually about dawn,” Craig answered. “Not much to do after dusk but sleep, so I get a full night’s sleep even rising that early.”

Nodding, Karl paused in the doorway to the second bedroom. “Right then. Well, when you’re ready for me to work, just knock on the door. I imagine sleeping on a real bed tonight will knock me out, and good,” he said with his first smile of the evening.

“Sleep as long as you need to,” Craig mused, admiring the tanned face that was split by a wide grin, baring white teeth.

“All right, then. And...thanks again,” Karl said quietly, disappearing into the room. He pushed the door mostly shut, though he left it open a crack - for the peace of mind of them both.

Craig waited until Karl was safely in the room before extinguishing the lamp and heading down the familiar path to what had become his bedroom. Stripping down, he climbed into bed and rested his head on the cool cotton of the pillowcase. Thoughts of Karl spun through his head, the other man’s face the last thing he saw before he fell asleep in the shortest time since he’d been in the house.

Yawning hugely and stretching, Karl shucked out of the overalls and shirt, climbing into the twin bed nude, wincing as the mattress and frame both creaked loudly. “That’ll have to be fixed,” he murmured as every slight move meant a noise. He settled quickly, afraid to move at all for fear of disturbing Craig. But as tired as he was, it didn’t take long for him to fall asleep, sprawled across the small mattress.

==

Craig rose at dawn, running through the morning chores before the afternoon heat had a chance to drive him back indoors. Coming back into the house, he dipped a cloth in cool water, wringing it out before swiping it over his sweaty brow. Passing by the spare room, he knocked gently on the door, not having heard Karl stir all morning.

He’d been right the night before, he was exhausted, and Karl pretty much was dead to the world. He hadn’t heard Craig move around, and he didn’t hear the soft rap on the door, sprawled on his belly, the covers thrown to the floor, his body bare to the sheltered air.

Knocking again, Craig twisted the door knob and pushed the door open. “Karl?” He called softly, “Want something to eat?”

Stirring slightly, Karl grunted, not really awake. He still didn’t move, comfortable for the first time in over a week.

Door swinging open fully, Craig peered through the lightening room to see long legs leading up to a...God - what a lovely arse...and a broad back. He coughed softly, trying not to scare Karl as he stepped closer, hand closing over Karl’s shoulders as he tried to wake him.

Feeling a warm hand on his shoulder didn’t surprise him as it should have, instead, Karl just felt safe. He slowly blinked open his eyes, full of sleep and relaxation. He focused on Craig and smiled lazily. “‘s it morning?” he drawled quietly.

Squatting beside the bed, a warm smile spread over Craig’s face. “Yeah. It’s time to eat. You must be starved. It’s near noon.” His eyes swept over Karl’s body once more, his body tightening at the sight.

Blinking lazily, Karl nodded. “You should have waken me,” he said, starting to turn to one side and stretch. He was completely unaware of his nudity, unconcerned.

Craig’s eyes widened as he was permitted to see the FULL length of Karl’s body. He cleared his throat nervously, rising to stand once more. Clasping his hands in front of his groin, he tried to hide the effect the site had on his body. “You needed the sleep. I’m used to taking care of things on my own.”

“I’ll get up,” Karl said, sitting up. “You can tell me what you want done first - solar panels, or actually...” as he shifted the bed creaked loudly, “I can work on this bed frame. I’m sure I kept you up all night. It made noise every time I moved.”

Craig’s lips tilted into a wry smile. “You moved a lot in the bed? Dreaming?” He reached across and shook the bed by the frame, making a loud creaking sound that nearly had Karl diving off of the bed.

Karl clutched at the side of the mattress to keep from tilting off into the floor. “Hey! Watch it!” he laughed, trying to hold on, and he grabbed Craig’s arm.

Karl’s grip caught Craig off balance, and he almost fell forward, catching himself by grabbing Karl’s shoulders. He laughed softly, the laughter fading as he looked at Karl, finding himself close to full lips and hazel eyes.

Chuckling, Karl caught Craig and steadied him, still laughing. “No, I don’t remember any dreams, but just getting into the bed was a noisy experience. I didn’t dare move around a lot after that.” He shrugged and sat up after making sure Craig wouldn’t pitch into the floor.

Blushing slightly, Craig straightened, hands caressing gently before letting go of Karl’s shoulders. “What are you hungry for?”

Tilting his head, Karl wondered if Craig had gotten too much sun. “Anything is fine...is it hot out already? You’re kind of flushed,” he asked, a bit of concern tingeing his voice. Somehow he and Craig had hit it off really well, and Karl wasn’t going to spoil it.

Lowering his head, Craig looked up at Karl from under dark lashes. “I’m..um..well - you’re the first person I’ve been close to for a while. My body is...” His voice trailed off as he looked down again, once again tightening his hands in front of himself.

Karl’s brows flew up, and then he flushed, looking truly surprised. “Ah...oh,” His eyes were big, and he looked lost. “Um...sorry, I’ll make sure and wear something to sleep in, I’m not a tease...” he swallowed hard. He wasn’t into men at all, was the truth. He’d not had any company since the meteor except his hand, although he’d heard about some other guys in town getting together, just for companionship. It hadn’t occurred to him they might have been talking about...sex.

“Nah - ‘s okay,” Craig blushed. “As long as you want to stay here, this is your room. I won’t barge in uninvited again.”

Karl studied the other man, then relaxed. He didn’t get a threatening vibe off him, and he didn’t think Craig was going to jump him. “OK,” he said quietly. “Um...I’ll get up...I mean, dressed now.”

An amused smirk crossed Craig’s face at Karl’s choice of words. Backing out of the room, he held his hands up in a teasing manner. “Get ‘up’ if you want to. I won’t interrupt you...” Stepping outside the room, he giggled loudly as he walked down the hallway toward the kitchen.

Karl’s eyes were huge as Craig left, closing the door firmly behind him. Was he just given permission to…jack off? Shaking his head, he leaned back, ignoring the loud squeak, not sure what to make of his new friend.

==

After lazing about for just a few minutes, Karl pulled himself out of the creaking bed and got dressed, padding out to the kitchen, rubbing one hand over his head, trying to pull his hair out of his face. “I can help cook,” he offered as he saw Craig moving around.

“‘Fraid all I’ve got is oatmeal. There’s honey or brown sugar to flavor it with.” Craig sat out two bowls, passing Karl a spoon. “There’s also fresh water in the icebox. Not particularly cold, but wet enough, I reckon.”

“Sounds wonderful, really,” Karl answered, taking the bowl and sitting down. “I’ve gotten used to eating because I have to, not because I want to.”

“There’s plenty of food around here. More promising to come in during the next few weeks out of the plot out back. When things settle a little more, there’s a flock of chickens that wander through now and then. I’ve thought about trying to catch some...pen them up and maybe have some eggs or fresh meat.” Craig spooned the oatmeal into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully.

“I could build a coop, or at least a fence of some kind to try to keep them contained,” Karl offered, eating through his breakfast. “That’s easy enough.”

Craig grinned. “Will you help me wrangle them? Not like they’re cattle or anything...” his eyes widened at the thought. “Cattle. Have you seen any on your travels?”

Nodding, Karl shrugged a little. “There were some grazing in the woods I passed midday yesterday. I didn’t mess with them since I was on the move, but I don’t remember seeing anyone around. You thinking we could bring them here and keep them?”

Craig smiled. “Fresh milk...beef...that would be heaven. We could be entirely self sufficient once we get the solar panels working.”

Looking agreeable, Karl pushed his bowl away. “Just tell me what to do - you’re providing the food and shelter, I’ll provide the labor.” He offered Craig a smile. “They used to tell me I was too big and beefy to play football in school, but then I kept getting taller and taller.”

“You look fine to me,” Craig murmured, blushing wildly in light of what he’d seen earlier.

Karl blinked, seeing Craig’s blush, and it occurred to him that the other man must think he was attractive. Pushing that thought away, he decided he would be better off not think about it right now. “Ah, so, where should I start?” he asked, voice a little shaky.

Craig turned to look out the window that looked out over the back plot now that the shutters were open. “That huge gray mass out near the barn is the solar station. The panels are in the barn loft. I can help you get them down if you want.”

“OK,” Karl said as he stood up, taking his bowl to the sink. “Is there rope? Anything we can use to make a pulley system?”

“There should be anything we’d need in the barn. The loft has always been used to store hay, so I’m sure there’s a pulley system in place already. My grandparents ran a fully functioning farm.” Craig put his bowl in the sink as well, pouring a little water in the deep well to keep the food from drying on the dishes. “Let’s go see what’s out there.”

Karl stopped by his room to grab his hat, then followed Craig outside to the porch. “Do we need to take steps for protection? How safe is it here?” the traveler asked, looking around the area surrounding the cabin.

“The outer fields are all fenced with five strands of barbed-wire, so it deters stragglers. The few who have come in were right after the falling away. You’re the only person I’ve seen in months. Like I said, most take the old highway.” He pulled two pairs of gloves from the sunroom where his grandfather stored them. Tossing a pair to Karl, he smiled. “You might need these. Need to keep those hands in good shape.”

“I guess I lucked out and found the driveway,” Karl said, catching the gloves with a smile and pulling them on. “All right, let’s see what you’ve got here.”

“See what I’ve got? I don’t want to scare you, stranger,” Craig teased, strutting out of the house and toward the barn.

Karl’s eyes got big again and then he laughed, trotting off after the other man. “Certainly proud of yourself, aren’t you?” he teased, turning to walk backward so he could look at Craig.

Craig shrugged, a half-smile on his face. “I was quite popular during my time,” he offered. “Not many people left now, but there are a few who might still like me.”

Shrugging, Karl turned to walk beside him. “I’ll take your word for it, I guess. I don’t swing that way,” he said simply. “Despite all the attempts from my college roommate.”

“Point taken,” Craig mumbled, speeding up to walk ahead, hiding the hurt on his face as he tried to reconcile the fact that the only person he might meet for the rest of his life wasn’t interested. It was easy for Karl. He didn’t like men. With the women all gone, it was an open and shut case. Craig did like men, however, so he always wondered who he would find.

Busy looking around, Karl didn’t see the reaction his words caused. He followed Craig into the barn, surprised at how well everything survived. “The storms must not have been so bad here. Most everything was flattened where I was.”

Motioning vaguely to the mountains in the north, Craig answered, “The hills protected a lot of the area here. It’s colder in the winter, but worth the trade off. My old home was flattened. That’s why I decided to head out here.”

Looking out of the barn at the land, Karl nodded slowly. “You’re really set up well here,” he complimented. After several quiet moments of looking over the solar panels, Karl spoke up again. “Thanks for inviting me to stay.”

Craig reached out and placed his hand on Karl’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “Don’t get me wrong. I look forward to having company. I’m so tired of being alone.”

Karl glanced up at him from under his hat, a hint of a smile around the edges of his mouth. “I think we’re gonna be just fine, Craig,” he said quietly, meeting his eyes evenly, accepting that the other man was interested in him sexually and deciding that a good life was more important than getting upset over details that didn’t mean much anymore.

As long as they could be friends. As long as they could get along. That’s all Craig wanted...all he really needed. He’d been this long without...intimate companionship. He could live with his hand as well. “Yeah. We’ll be just fine...”

Nodding, Karl got back to work. By close to evening they had the panels down and the carpenter was well into having them installed. Craig had headed to the house awhile back as Karl finished the detail work, and once finished he leaned on the unit and looked out at the mountains, pausing as if never noticing their beauty before.

Craig stopped where he was washing the dishes he’d used to prepare supper, glancing out the window over the sink to see Karl silhouetted darkly in the fading sun. He breathed out wistfully, appreciating Karl’s beauty even as the other man studied the mountains. After several long moments, he called, “Dinner’s ready.”

Turning his head to the house, he could make out Craig at the window. Waving his hat to indicate that he’d heard, Karl cleaned up the tools and put them away in the barn, closing everything up securely. After all, this was his spread, too, for the time being, anyway. He headed up to the house, dusty and hot, but feeling good for the work done today.

“Water’s already in the basin in the loo if you want to wash,” Craig gestured as Karl came inside, dusting his hands. His eyes continued to follow Karl’s form.

Nodding, Karl smiled tiredly and headed to his room, oblivious to Craig’s eyes. He took off his boots and hat, then unhooked the overalls and pulled off the shirt before going to wash up, not even thinking about what the other man might think.

Seeing Karl move about comfortably half-bare caused Craig’s body to lurch. Holding his stomach, he pushed out the front door, sinking down onto the little-used porch swing as he tried to come up with reasons why he shouldn’t approach the other man.

Cleaning up and stretching didn’t take long, and Karl headed back to his room to find a T-shirt to pull on. He glanced out into the main room as he walked back, wondering where Craig had gone. “Craig?” he called out uncertainly.

Hearing the note of concern in Karl’s voice, Craig answered. “Out on the porch. Needed some air. House is too closed in.”

“Okay,” Karl said quietly, heading into his room to sit on the creaky bed and dig through his bag. He frowned, realizing that he’d forgotten to look around for a board to weight down the frame. Well, there was always tomorrow. Not bothering with socks, he headed back out to the front door.

Seeing the faint shadow the light behind Karl threw off, Craig shoved over on the swing. “Room for one more.”

Yawning widely, Karl sat down, his weight causing the swing to rock a little. “Can’t believe I’m so wiped, I slept till lunch,” he remarked.

“May take you several days to get back to normal,” Craig spoke automatically, watching the sun slip down over the horizon. “I slept for days when I got here.”

“All the traveling, I guess,” Karl answered quietly. They both fell silent, watching the sunset. Karl was very appreciative of the natural surroundings, having always lived in the city. And sitting in silence with Craig was not awkward.

After the last light faded over the horizon, Craig stood, stretching mightily. “I’m not much hungry. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll go to bed a little early tonight.”

“Sure,” Karl said quietly. “I’ll scrounge for something,” he said, planning on digging the jerky out of his pack.

“Nah - there’s already a sandwich on the table. I’m just...I need some time...” He blushed mightily.

Blinking, Karl’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Oh, yeah, sure, no problem. Um, I was thinking of going for a walk, check out supplies in the barn,” he said, standing and darting in the house longer enough to grab the sandwich. He headed off the porch, turning back to look at Craig, who still stood at the door.

Watching Karl dash madly to get out of his way left Craig feeling empty. He hazarded one last look over his shoulder at the man who was so determined to stay out of his way...and bed. Sighing heavily, he turned and made his way to the bedroom, curling up under the light sheet he slept under, having lost all urge to find any pleasure.

After finishing his sandwich and poking around a bit, Karl closed up the barn and headed inside, locking the door and closing the shutters. Craig’s bedroom door was shut. He was a little disappointed, but he didn’t know why. Heading into his room, he sat down, wincing at the loud creak.

Tossing and turning, Craig was still awake when he heard Karl’s bed creak a while later. Pulling his pillow over his head, he tried not to imagine what was going on in the other room.

Telling himself he needed to fix the bed first thing tomorrow, Karl levered himself back up, making even more noise. He went to the bathroom, then came back and stripped down, climbing back onto the noisy springs. With a sigh, he lightly stroked his groin, just lightly scratching and rubbing, and even that made an annoying noise. With a grumble he stopped moving altogether. He couldn’t jack off with the bed making all that noise.

Growing frustrated with his own stupidity at the situation, Craig tossed his pillow across the room before throwing himself back across the bed once more. He crossed his arms stubbornly over his chest, determined to honor Karl’s wishes and not think of him like that.

After a long time, Karl gave up. He couldn’t sleep if he was afraid of every little twitch. With a sigh, he climbed off the bed and dragged the mattress into the floor. It landed with a whumph, and thrown a little off balance, he bumped heavily into the wall, swearing under his breath.

Hearing the thump and the curse words, Craig grew alarmed. Rising from his bed, he walked the short distance to Karl’s room and pecked softly on the door. “Karl? You okay?”

“Shit. Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” Karl grumbled as he felt his way to the door in the dark and pulled it open, forgetting about being nude. “I just tripped on the damn mattress.”

Craig almost flinched at the sight of Karl’s nude body, turning his gaze away in order to not stare. “Tripped on your mattress? But...it’s on the bed...”

“Well, I was pulling it into the floor...” he started to explain before noticing Craig not looking at him. Karl cleared his throat and grabbed up the sheet, wrapping it around his waist. “Sorry,” he murmured.

“No...no - that’s okay...good idea putting it on the floor.” Craig coughed, still afraid to look at Karl.

“No, I mean, you can look now,” Karl said softly, not wanting to make Craig uncomfortable. He stood there, shifting his weight from side to side. “The frame was making so much noise, I was afraid to relax,” he added.

“It’s your room as long as you want it. Feel free to make it comfortable. I was...I was just worried...when I heard the bang. I’m sorry.” He turned to go back down the hallway to his own room. “Someday I’ll learn to mind my own business.”

“Craig,” Karl said, voice asking him to pause, “I’m hoping to be here awhile...that would kind of make me your business...yeah?”

Craig turned to face Karl, eyes immediately taking in the contrast between white sheet and dark skin. “It’s not fair to you.”

Frowning, Karl clearly was confused. “Why? I don’t get it.”

“Every time I see you, I want...” Craig forced himself to stop before he admitted his desire. “I...I should go on to bed now.”

“Craig.” Karl’s voice was low and reassuring. “What do you want?” He thought he had a good idea, but if the other man admitted it, he might be able to do something to ease the tension between them.

Craig shook his head, unwilling to put Karl in the position the admission would force him into. “I want to go in my room and wank. That’s what I want to do.”

Karl stepped back, not yet willing to press the issue. “Go ahead then,” he said quietly. “I’m headed back to sleep myself.” He watched Craig in the dim moonlight that filtered through the shutters.

“Yeah.” Craig turned back to his room, closing the door behind him. He leaned heavily against it, sliding down the surface until he was on the floor.

Karl watched the closed door for long minutes, just thinking about Craig and the fact that Karl thought the other man was attracted to him. Not coming to an answer, he re-entered his room and closed the door quietly and lay on the mattress, thankfully creak-free.

Hearing the house fall silent once more, Craig rose and climbed into bed. He fell asleep repeating his new mantra. ‘No matter what, I will not come on to Karl...”

==

Whistling, Karl finished milking the cow and stood up, patting it on the side. “Thanks, Number 15,” he said with a chuckle. Craig had refused to name the cows - not wanting to get too attached - so Karl had numbered them instead. With a shrug, he picked up the two buckets of milk and left the barn, heading up to the house.

Craig sat comfortably at the kitchen table, glass of ice-cold lemonade clutched in his hand, and a full pitcher sitting near another glass waiting for Karl. Propping his feet up on the edge of the table, he tipped the chair back. Since the solar panels had been installed, most things on the farm worked, including the electricity for the appliances as well as the pump on the well. They had a decent spread.

Karl stomped his boots on the porch to get rid of the worst of the dust. Walking into the kitchen, he offered Craig a tired smile. “Hey. Two buckets of milk this time,” he said, setting the containers on the floor next to the sink.

“I’ll skim it in a bit. You up for a glass of lemonade?” Craig fanned lazily at his face, the slowly twirling ceiling fan doing nothing to dispel the humidity that had gathered in the last few days.

“Oh yeah,” Karl said with feeling, stopping to wipe his face with a kerchief from his back pocket after doffing his hat. He sat down opposite Craig and took a long drink, sighing happily. “Oh, that’s lovely.”

“Good thing Grandma had those boxes of mix in the cellar...right?” Craig wiped at his own brow with a hand towel. “I wish it’d rain during the day. I think I’d dance naked in it if it did.”

Karl chuckled. “Wouldn’t that be a sight,” he teased. Over the last month they’d relaxed quite a bit more around each other, although Karl recognized Craig still struggled with attraction to him sometimes. He could understand it - he’d come to care for the other man quite a bit in just the past month. He was the best friend Karl had ever had, it seemed now.

Craig swung lazy eyes over to meet Karl’s gaze as he chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll warn you if I do so you won’t be scarred for life.”

Grinning, Karl toasted him with the glass. “Nothing I’ve not seen before, you know,” he added, amused. “Although the dancing would add quite a twist, I’m sure. Can you dance?” he asked, eyes sparkling.

“Can I dance?” Craig scoffed, acting offended. “That’s how I got all of my lovers. Not that there were many. I loved to dance.”

Curiosity piqued, Karl looked at him questioning. “What kind of dancing?”

Craig’s grin turned wolfish. “I don’t think you’d want to know. Let’s just say that it involved lots of touching...heat...sweat...”

Then Karl’s brows flew up. “I thought you meant REAL dancing. Wanker.” He stuck out his tongue before taking another drink of lemonade.

Frowning slightly, Craig straightened and took a sip of his own chilly drink. “It was real.”

Frowning as well, Karl narrowed his eyes. “Are we talking about dancing or sex...or both?” he asked cautiously.

“I wasn’t THAT loose,” Craig defended.

Blinking, Karl sat back. “Um. Just asking. I wasn’t making a judgment or anything.”

“Dancing led to sex sometimes,” Craig admitted. “Not always.”

“Well, I could say that, too,” Karl said with a shrug.

“Should I cover my eyes while YOU dance starkers?” Craig teased.

Karl grinned. “Well, if it rained right now, I’d probably join you. It’s been really hot lately,” he said, winding the teasing back to where they started.

Craig slid the cold glass across his forehead, moaning in pleasure as the cool condensation spread across his sweaty brow. “I did say that dancing was how I got my lovers?”

Glancing across the table, Karl wondered if he should start the teasing all over. “Yeah,” he murmured, watching Craig.

“Maybe you shouldn’t join me,” Craig drawled. “Just in case...”

It didn’t take Karl long to retort, eyes sparkling. “Are you worried about you jumping me...or me jumping you?”

Craig shrugged. “You jumping ME? Yeah...that’s SO going to happen.”

Karl tilted his head, watching Craig, eyes twinkling, a slight smile curving his lips.

Craig huffed a frustrated growl. “Don’t tease me, Karl. My libido can’t handle it...” He stood and walked out onto the porch, slouching into the swing and giving it a push.

Watching the other man go, Karl sighed. He’d thought about Craig every night, thinking that he wouldn’t mind being ... touched. Held. Cuddled. Even if it was by another man. Of course, he’d not had the balls to mention that to Craig, and so this was how it came out. Pushing away from the table, Karl moved to the doorway, looking out at Craig on the swing. His eyes flickered to the trees, seeing the leaves blowing, and he wondered if it would indeed rain.

Craig turned, watching Karl’s silhouette out of the corner of his eye. The wind kicked up a little, sending swirls of dust across the nearly barren stretch of what used to be luxurious lawn. The clouds rolled across the sky, sending the late afternoon into near dusk. In the distance, a rumble of thunder yawned lazily into the darkening light.

Leaning against the door frame, Karl tilted his head against the wood and watched the storm roll in. It had only rained twice this month, but it was summer, so that wasn’t too unusual. He listened to the thunder and smiled as raindrops started to fall.

“Better start strippin’,” Craig murmured as the rain began to fall harder. He stood up, unbuttoning his shirt and pushing it back off of his shoulders before stepping down into the yard.

Karl stood up straight, watching the other man walk out into the sprinkling rain, pulling off his clothes, and with a deep breath, Karl decided to join him. He pulled his shirt over his head, then leaned over to pull off his boots and socks before leaving the porch.

Craig tossed his old sneakers over his shoulders onto the porch, hoping Karl ducked them. As the cool rain washed down over his heated body, he unfastened his jeans slowly, just letting them spread apart, body reveling in the chilled water as he danced around like a wild thing.

Chuckling, Karl had to dodge Craig’s shoes as he trotted over to him, stopping a few steps away as he tilted his head back to let the cool rain wash over his face as it grew into a steady shower.

Craig turned in time to see Karl’s Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed. Rain coursed down over the other man’s darker skin, practically screaming for Craig to lick it off, freezing him in place.

Enjoying the cool shower, Karl raised his arms up and stretched, letting the water sluice over him. His jeans, already loose from lost weight, barely hung on his hips as they grew heavier with water weight. He opened his mouth to take several drinks, licking his lips.

“Don’t do that,” Craig nearly begged.

Bringing his chin down, Karl looked at Craig in question as he raised a hand to slick his hair back. “Don’t do what?” he called out over the steady rain.

Despite the cold rain, heat rushed through Craig’s body to pool at his groin. “Lick your lips.”

Heart pounding, Karl knew he had to make a decision. He could walk away now and there would never be anything between them but friendship. Or he could try building something with Craig. He wasn’t sure how to go about it, but... “Would you rather I lick yours?” he asked, surprising himself almost as much as he shocked Craig, he figured.

Tilting his head, Craig stared up at the taller man. “I think the heat’s addled your mind.”

Karl decided right there and then. He slowly reached forward to take Craig’s face between his hands, cupping his chin gently, the water trailing off his wrists to splash down their bodies. Nervously, he leaned over, his tongue darting out to gently run along Craig’s lower lip.

Craig nearly jerked away from the tentative touch, gasping as Karl’s tongue touched his skin for the first - and probably last - time. He finally closed his eyes, hands coming to rest on Karl’s elbows, water streaming from the low point to run along his own arms.

Almost shaking he was so scared, Karl licked again, then again, and when Craig didn’t pull away, he dared to lean enough to press their lips together. Karl’s singular thought shocked him: Soft.

Craig stilled beneath the gentle exploration, afraid he’d scare Karl away. It was like a dream come true... a dream he’d had each night since Karl had showed up at the farm.

Pulling back slightly, Karl kissed Craig again, short and sweet and not at all demanding, before straightening enough to look the other man in the eye, wondering if he looked as shellshocked as he felt. Craig’s pale skin was slicked with a sheen of water, his hair washed back from his sharp cheekbones. Karl didn’t want to look away.

When Karl pulled back, Craig opened his eyes, seeing the taller man studying his face. His own gaze roamed over Karl’s face, cataloging his features. Reaching a shaky hand up, he traced his thumb along the taller man’s face, collecting water.

Karl felt like he needed to say something, but he had no idea what, so he stood still as Craig touched his face gently.

Rising on tiptoes, Craig pressed his lips to the same jaw he’d just traced, following the trail he’d made with his questing fingers. His tongue darted out, catching droplets even as they continued to pour along the smooth skin beneath his lips.

Closing his eyes on a sigh, Karl wondered about the scary, nervous feeling in the pit of his stomach - but he recognized the heat in his pants. He was getting turned on...by Craig...and he was enjoying it. Slowly he let his hands coast down from Craig’s chin to his shoulders, over his back and down to settle at his waist.

Craig stepped closer, moving his mouth over Karl’s neck, down to his collarbone. He lapped at the water that collected in the indention, thinking nothing had ever tasted as sweet in his mouth.

Karl jerked with a gasp, Craig’s mouth having found one of his most sensitive areas - his neck. He hissed and his fingers gripped at Craig’s waist, pulling the other man closer.

Sucking gently at the skin that covered the sharp angle of bone, Craig raised his hands to Karl’s shoulders, letting them skate down over pronounced muscles. His fingernails hung gently on distended nipples, pausing to flick once...twice...

Grunting aloud, Karl pulled open his eyes to look at Craig in surprise as he felt more aroused than he could remember being in a long time. Just with these simple touches, and those even from a man. But somehow that paled next to the touches simply being from Craig.

Pushing his hips against Karl’s thigh, Craig moved his hands lower, plucking at the fastenings to the taller man’s jeans. He opened them deftly, hand pushing inside to wrap around the hard heat contained in the wet denim.

“Oh Christ!” Karl groaned, pushing into Craig’s fist, eyes pulling open, full of shock and heat. “How...how did you know?” he gasped. “How could you tell?”

“Wishful thinking?” Craig breathed, burying his face in the crook of Karl’s neck as his fingers began to move over the silky, hot flesh contained in his grip.

Karl moaned as he nodded, looking down at Craig’s face so close. “What...what do I do? Just...touch?” he asked, not wanting to do something wrong. He raised a hand to slick his hair back again as the beating rain soaked it.

“Anything,” came the choked reply as Craig’s hips pushed harder against Karl’s thigh and his hands moved quicker. “Everything...”

Cursing under his breath as his cock jumped, Karl pulled Craig close, clutching at his waist and shoulder, pushing his thigh against Craig’s groin and the hard ridge in his wet jeans each time the man shifted. The warm, wet hand around his stiff flesh was almost unbearable. Gasping, Karl lowered his mouth to Craig’s neck, sucking and kissing.

Craig’s head fell to the side, a long, low moan escaping his lips as Karl’s hot mouth moved over his flesh. He stroked the other man harder, needing to bring him release...to prove to Karl that they could feel something together. At the same time, the pressure of Karl’s muscled thigh was almost too much to resist.

“Craig, oh Christ...your hands...I’m gonna come,” Karl rasped, clutching the other man close and actively grinding against him.

“Do it,” Craig sighed. “I want you to. You want to...” Pressing his lips to Karl’s neck, he sucked hard, drawing the blood to the surface, feeling himself on the edge of orgasm as well.

Karl yelled, head thrown back in the rain, body jerking under Craig’s touch - somehow he’d known exactly how to touch Karl to throw him over the edge. His fingers dug into Craig’s waist as he just tried to hold on.

Craig felt the jerk of Karl’s flesh - the sudden explosion of warmth as Karl came in his hand. One hand gripping the other man’s hip, Craig thrust himself against Karl’s leg twice more, groaning heavily as he came, clutching Karl to him. Craig continued kissing the wet but warming skin beneath his mouth, hand moving gently to ease Karl through the aftershocks of orgasm.

Whining softly as his body stopped clenching, Karl dropped his head to Craig’s shoulder, just trying to breathe, shivering slightly in the cool rain.

Craig held Karl close, so still and silent and wanting in the cold rain. His arms closed tightly around Karl’s waist, body pushed so close they couldn’t be separated. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered. “So lovely...”

Just wanting to be close, Karl slid his arms closer around Craig. “Just want to hold you,” he rasped, having missed being close to someone, anyone, for so long.

A deep shiver passing through his body, Craig murmured, “Can we go inside? My bed’s big enough for both of us.”

Nodding, Karl slid an arm firmly around Craig and turned them to the house. They slogged through puddles up to the porch, as the water pooled on the hard dry ground, slowly soaking in.

Craig stopped on the porch, shoving his jeans down over his chilled skin and tossing them over the porch railing. Rising, he realized that even though he’d seen Karl nude several times, this was the first time he’d been nude in front of Karl. He blushed, moving his hands to cover himself.

“Hey,” Karl said quietly, catching Craig’s hands. “Too late to be shy now,” he pointed out. Lifting their hands to his lips, Karl kissed his knuckles, then let go, pushing his own sodden jeans down and stepping out of them.

Craig felt insanely shy as he led the way down the hallway to his room. They left wet footprints that had already started to dissipate as they walked. Grabbing a towel as they passed the closet, he handed it to Karl before grabbing another and draping it around his neck.

Before long they were both mostly dry and sliding into bed. Awkwardly shifting at first, Karl turned onto his side and cuddled up under Craig’s arm. “Will you hold me tonight?” he asked quietly.

“As long as you want,” Craig murmured softly.

*****

THE END

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