Reflections (Craig remembers how he and David met)

[palace-craig.livejournal.com]

Craig stood on the balcony of the suite he and David shared, watching the fog melt away in the morning sun. Turning to study his sleeping lover, he lifted the coffee mug to his lips. Gods, how he loved this beautiful man! He’d never dreamed he could feel this kind of love, this trust, this safety– Feelings he thought he’d lost forever after Russell. Russell, who had torn his heart out, broken it in a million pieces, and taunted him after he’d realized the truth – that Craig wasn’t ambitious, didn’t have any aspirations beyond settling down to a normal life, would most likely never be king.

At the time, Craig had thought he was happy. Oh, it hadn’t been perfect – he knew that. But it had been…nice. Passionate. Comfortable, at first. And if Russell had been a little distant at times, well, wasn’t that how most relationships were?

Craig blushed. No. It wasn’t. He knew that now. Knew that he didn’t have to feel embarrassed to show his emotions, afraid to care. Didn’t have to worry about every day with his lover being his last. It had taken him three years to realize that things could be different. Three wonderful, happy, miraculous years.

He crossed the room and sat gently on the side of the bed, brushing David’s hair from his face, careful not to disturb his slumber. He smiled as a small sigh escaped from the beloved lips and a heavy arm wrapped around him, pulling him closer. He settled back against the headboard with a tender smile, his hand resting softly on his lover’s back.

This was love. This was what he’d longed for his whole life. The promise and trust and feeling of contentment that settled over him when David was nearby. The feeling of anticipation that ran through his body as he counted the hours until they were together again. And now - David had proposed – had actually wanted them to spend the rest of their lives together! Staring down at the ring on his finger, he thought about how far he’d come. How far David had brought him. How close he’d been to just packing up and leaving everything and everyone, to escape the pain and humiliation he’d thought would follow him for the rest of his life.

~~

Russell had used Craig from the first day they’d met, in his father’s stables. Craig had been out riding with his bodyguard, Michael, He’d been unbuckling Antaios’ saddle when Russell had shyly offered to help. “You shouldn’t be to doing that, Sire. That’s what I’m here for,” Russell had said, bowing his head.

Craig had smiled and reached over to rub Antaios’ nose. The next thing he knew, he was tackled by the young stable hand and thrown to the ground as his beloved stallion reared up, threatening to trample them both underneath his hooves. Craig hadn’t seen Russell drive a long splinter into Antaios’ flank, had only seen the great animal rear up and come crashing down on Russell’s legs as Russell had protected him, had heard the snap of bones as the other man’s legs were cleanly broken. When Michael had rounded the corner of the stall in a panic, he’d picked Craig up from the floor, checking him for injuries, and ignored Russell. He was so fixated on the bent and broken legs in front of him, Craig didn’t notice the look of hatred that passed over Russell’s face, nor the look of satisfaction as Craig had ordered Michael to find help as he knelt and grasped Russell’s hand, thanking him for saving his life.

Russell had smirked inwardly, thinking that this was going to be the easiest con he’d ever pulled. He’d been at Palace for less than a week, and was pleased that he’d managed to find work in the stables, where he was sure to run into one of the princes. Obviously a tenderhearted, touchy-feely prince, at that.

Over the next few weeks, Craig had insisted on spending every moment with Russell, carefully nursing him back to health. Despite Michael’s words of warning, he had catered to his patient’s every need, buying him gifts, wheeling him around the gardens, even going so far as to have him moved into the suites adjoining Craig’s own.

And Russell had played it well. With the exception of Michael, Craig’s friends and family had adored the man who had saved the prince’s life.

Russell demanded more and more of Craig’s time, complaining when he went out with friends, complaining even more when Craig had guests over. Craig had bought every word – caught up in the thrill of being in love for the first time, knowing that when Russell had fully healed, they would finally make love, would finally be able to show each other how they really felt. Gradually, he lost touch with almost everyone.

The first night they were together, Craig had given himself fully to his lover. If Russell had seemed a little distant, Craig rationalized it was only because his lover was still in pain. When it happened the next night, Russell had looked sadly at Craig and said he thought the ache in his body would never fully go away, but it was worth it to know that Craig was alive and unharmed. “After all,” Russell had said, “to lose a stable hand is nothing. To lose a prince such as yourself would wound the city beyond repair.” Craig had cried, and vowed never to question Russell again. It was, after all, his fault. And he desperately wanted to make it up to his lover.

They were together for 4 years. Four years that Craig loved Russell with all his heart. Four years that Russell used and schemed and laughed at Craig behind his back.

Craig was as happy as he could have expected to be. Still hoping to see more than affection in Russell’s eyes, he strove to make him happy, buying more and more expensive and extravagant gifts – the only thing that really seemed to make him smile.

Then, Craig came home early one night to find Russell in their bed with another man.

Dumbfounded, he’d stood in the doorway, listening to their moans of pleasure and words of love. Words that were heartfelt, words that he’d never heard sound so unguarded from Russell’s lips. If his heart had hardened then, it froze when two voices rose in laughter at the fool of a prince. They’d talked of claiming the crown, of Craig being seen and not heard – and then they’d laughed some more.

He’d quietly closed the door and walked away. Wandering the halls for hours, he’d finally found a secluded corridor and collapsed, sobbing quietly. He’d fucking believed every word. Believed he’d been loved, cherished, even. Russell had said the words, after all. No wonder they had never reached his eyes. Craig felt like the world’s biggest fool. *That* wouldn’t happen again. Ever. He’d never give anyone the opportunity to hurt him again.


***

David had been in the library and was returning to his room when he heard someone sobbing softly in the hall. Walking toward the man huddled in the floor he said softly, "Are you...is there anything I can do to help?" he'd almost said are you all right but it was fairly obvious they weren't. When the man looked up from tear soaked eyes, David's heart broke. Why would such a beautiful man cry, then recognition dawned--Prince Craig! "Gods your highness...would you like me to get someone?" David asked reaching for his com.

The other man just stared up at him pitifully and David sank to his knees in front of him, "Sire, I'd like to help if I can." David whispered wanting more than anything to help but was unsure what to do or say.

Craig wiped his eyes and looked at the man beside him. He was grateful to hear a kind voice, but then he realized that Russell could also sound kind when he wanted to. He eyed the other man wearily. He knew he was the prince - had called him by name. Probably thought he'd get something from him - just like fucking Russell. Russell had said everyone laughed at him behind his back. Was that what this man was here for? To mock him? Shit. Russell had tainted his outlook on everything and everyone. Fucked him up beyond all hope. He turned away and buried his face in his arms, afraid to see the laughter or scorn or whatever the hell this man would be feeling as he looked at him.

David sat back on his heels staring at the prince. Whatever had happened to him must have been horrible, he thought. David sighed softly and leaned forward a bit placing his hand on Craig's arm. "Sire, my name is David. I...would like to help if I can. Do you want me to call someone? Sean is a friend of mine, you want me to call him?" David was grasping for anything, he knew the King and Sean were lovers it stood to reason his friend would be more than willing to help his lover's son.

Craig grabbed David's arm and squeezed before he realized what he was doing. "NO! God! Don't call Sean. Don't call anyone! They'll just laugh at me for fucking this up. And for sitting here in the middle of the fucking hall crying like a baby. I just need to......shit....I don't know what I need to do." He ran his free hand through his hair, and leaned his head back against the wall. Still clutching at David's arm, he turned to him again. "Just....don't tell anyone, ok? It's not like anyone will fucking care anyway...."

David was shocked by Craig's sudden outburst. No one would care? Laugh at him? David set his com aside and slid a little closer to the other man. "I'm sorry I upset you. I promise I won't tell anyone," he consoled softly using his other hand to wipe tears from the prince's face. "Do you need anything? I could...we could, well," he looked down at the hand still clutching his arm, "I can just stay here with you." David suggests at a loss for anything else.

Craig was startled by David's gentle touch and soft voice. "Thanks," he said. "I don't know what I need....I can't stay here, I can't go back to our.....Shit." He'd been ready to say "our" rooms. Back there where Russell was fucking God-only-knows who in "our" bed. Thoughts of his lover made his stomach knot up. "Besides, why would you want to stay with me?" he asked in a low voice. "I'm sure you have somewhere important to be."

“No, actually I don't. I'm not on the books today, day off," David explains softly. He didn't want to pry, he just wanted to help Craig. He wasn't sure why but there was something about him. "Do you want to go somewhere else then? I'll be glad to accompany you if you feel like talking, or even if you don't. I just...it just doesn't seem right for you to be alone right now. You seem so upset." David wasn't sure what he expected, maybe he should just leave the other man alone but then again he still had a firm grasp on David's arm.

Craig studied the man beside him for a moment. "I....I'd like to go somewhere else. But...." his voice lowered to a whisper, "I don't...don't have any place to go."

"You...you look tired. Do you want to just go lie down?" David asks eyeing the other man. He looked totally drained and like he needed someone. Someone to just be there.

Craig was exhausted. Couldn't even think clearly. What's the worst that could happen? This man....David?....would probably just lead him to a very public place, and make a speech about how hilarious it was to find a *prince* crying in the hallways. Hell, it wasn't like he hadn't been laughed at before. Obviously. And he deserved that anyway - for being so fucking stupid to believe Russell had really loved him. He realized he was still clutching David's arm and withdrew his hand quickly. "Sorry," he mumbled, looking away again. "Yeah....Let's go...somewhere. Anywhere..."

David stood and offered his hand to the other man. Once Craig was on his feet David began to walk toward his room, it would be quiet there, and private. Craig looked like he could use privacy right now. He'd just let him lie down and he'd take the floor or something. "My room is just down here," David says pointing toward the door just a few yards ahead.

Craig hesitated. What did this man want from him? He had nothing left to give. Not now. Not ever again. He started to tell David he'd be fine by himself after all when he heard footsteps and laughter down the hall. Looking toward the noises, then toward David, he decided that at least David wasn't laughing. He followed him to the door of his room and tried to hide his face as the other man looked at him.

David picked up the pace to avoid anyone coming down the hall to see them. Craig looked like he didn't want to be seen here. "Here it is," he paused opening the door. "Not much, but welcome anyway." David says turning on the lights.

Craig stepped into the room and looked around. At least no one else was here. He walked over the couch where he collapsed and tried to disappear. "Thanks," he said dully. "Let me collect myself and I'll get out of your way."

David frowned, "You aren't in the way," he says softly as he slides into a chair across from him. "I'm not going to ask you to talk about whatever has put you in this state, but if you want someone to listen I will. If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine, you can stay as long as you like. Would you like something to drink?"

Craig looked up at David, still shielding his face. He did want to talk - had wanted to talk for a long time now, but had had no one to listen. Russell had...FUCK...why did he keep going back to Russell? He bit his bottom lip and nodded. "Yeah. A drink would be good. Anything you've got. Preferably something strong that makes me forget this whole fucking day."

David grinned and scrambled up to get something. He had a bottle of scotch *somewhere*. He rummaged around in a cabinet to find the glasses and bottle. "Hope this is all right." David says pouring a small amount in a glass and handing it to Craig.

Craig drained the glass in one swallow. "You know I'm one of FOUR princes, don't you? I mean, you may think you're helping out a future king, but you're probably not." He laughed harshly expecting David to ask him to leave.

"I know who you are," David says softly as he sits down across from him. "That isn't really what this is all about is it?"

Craig sighed. "No. I just....I mean....shit. That sounded pompous. I meant, I'm apparently an easy target if you want to get to the fucking crown. That's what this is about. Me being stupid, and naive, and believing everything people tell me. God, how pathetic am I? How did I ever think he'd really love me? Fucking crown....it's all he ever wanted...." His head sank back down as memories of Russell flooded his mind. How COULD he have been so stupid?

David stared at the other man for a moment and for the first time in a long time a wave of anger rolled through him. "You mean to tell me someone pretended to love you for the crown?" David asked incredulously. What kind of fucking low life would do that?

Craig looked up when he heard the harsh tone in David's voice. "My fault, really. I fell for it. You don't see my brothers falling all over themselves like fools do you? No. He said it, I believed it, and I just found him fucking someone else, laughing about what a fool I am."

"Gods, I am so sorry. No wonder you are so upset," David said kindly shaking his head. He never understood people who did those sorts of things. What did they really gain from it?

"Thanks." Craig looked around the room, ashamed of revealing so much to this man he'd just met. "Listen. I'm sorry. I know it isn't your problem. I just....well, he was living with me, and he was in "our" bed, and they were laughing and no one really knows how it's been and....Oh. shit... I'm sorry. I'm babbling again. I do that when I'm nervous." He attempted to smile. "I don't know what I'm gonna do."

David nodded and grinned at him. He didn't mind the babbling. "Well, you can stay here if you want. I'm sure you don't want to go back there for a while yet."

Craig wasn't ready to trust anyone just now - let alone a perfect stranger. But he couldn't face his family and Russell had made sure that he'd lost touch with his friends. There was no one he could talk to. Not now. Not until he figured out how to deal with Russell. He realized he didn't have a choice. If he could just get a little rest, maybe it would be clearer in the morning. "I'd appreciate that," Craig said softly. "I'll pay you however much you want for the use of your couch."

David frowned at him, "No you won't. You can have the bed, no cost. That couch is horrible, I myself will take the floor," David said uncurling from his chair to set his mostly untouched glass of scotch on the counter.

Craig looked suspiciously at David. "Why? Why would you do this? You don't even know me."

"No. I don't know you but you seem to need a friend right now. So I'm offering. Friendship. Nothing more, nothing less. I have no delusions of grandeur. I work here, this is my home, and I'm happy. I don't want anything from you, no favors, no money. If you want to sign up as a client fine, but I don't do freebies and I don't fuck my friends." David said settling back into his chair although on the last statement he blushed hotly.

Craig couldn’t suppress a small laugh. "A friend? Yeah. A friend. That'd be nice. Haven't had one of those in.....a while." His fingers traced the pattern on the fabric on the couch. "But....just remember...you promised not to talk about this, ok? I know it'd be a grand tale to tell your buddies, but.....just please? I can't handle anyone else laughing at me just now." His shoulders tensed and he ground his fist into his eyes. He could still hear Russell's muffled laughter, could still see him making love to someone else. Shit. He was going to cry again.

David got up and crossed to the other man kneeling in the floor in front of him. "A friend doesn't laugh at you, a friend doesn't stab you in the back, and a friend has no strings attached. I won't tell a soul, Sire...er Craig. Can I call you Craig?"

Craig nodded blindly, again trying to hide his face behind his arms despite David's kind words. He wanted to believe him. He seemed sincere, but then again, so did...Oh, Hell. Not again. At least the offer seemed sincere and he didn't have any other place to go. And it was only one night, after all. In the morning, he could figure out what to do with the rest of his life. He smiled through his tears. "Yeah. You can call me Craig."

David reached out and wiped tears from Craig's face tenderly, "Craig, I know you are having a hard time trusting anyone right now. Just know I don't want anything from you other than to help, if I can. Come on...why don't you lie down? Its late and you’re tired, and honestly so am I. I promise I won't molest you in your sleep, and you are welcome to stay here as long as you like." David grinned hoping to stop his tears.

Craig closed his eyes he felt his tears gently wiped away, smiling at David's words. After a moment he stared at the other man. "You have helped. A lot. I'm a bit rusty in the friendship department, so....thanks for everything. I owe you one." He held up a hand as David started to protest. "And, yeah, I would like to lie down. I'm exhausted. But I don't want to take your bed. The couch will be fine."

"Please, trust me. You really don't want this couch. Come on?" David said standing and pulling Craig up with him. "Take the bed, you are a guest in my home such as it is. I insist."

Too exhausted to argue, Craig smiled awkwardly. "Thanks. I....I don't know what to say...."

David just shrugged and walked over to the bed pulling the covers back and turning on the lamp beside it then went to a small cupboard and pulled out an extra pillow and blanket for himself and turned off the overhead lighting. "Do you want something more comfortable to sleep in?" David asked eyeing the casual clothing Craig was wearing.

"No, I always sleep in the...." Craig paused, flushing. "Well, um....I guess so. I'm sure you're not used to naked....oh, shit....maybe you are....Oh, HELL, I don't know!" Craig sat on the edge of the bed, shaking his head, a genuine smile on his face for the first time in quite a while.

David chuckled softly and went to a chest and pulled out two pair of his Palace uniform pants. "Here, you take these, and I'll change too. I don't normally sleep in jeans or uh anything else myself, but I don't normally have overnight guests either." David blushed at that and headed for the small bathroom to change.

Craig quickly changed clothes and slid underneath the covers. When David emerged from the bathroom, he watched him walk across the room. "You really don't have to sleep on the floor in your own home, David," he said softly. "I mean.....the bed's big enough, and I don't steal the covers or anything....at least that's what Ru......" He stopped, biting his tongue. "Anyway, I don't mind...You did say no strings attached, and it is just sleeping, after all."

"It's ok, really. You've had a tough night, and it might just cause problems. Best this way," David said settling on the floor and pulling the blanket over him.

Craig smiled. Maybe David was real, maybe he really had made a friend - one who would like him for himself, not want to use him in any way. Better not get your hopes up, ol' boy, he thought. "Ok. Night, David. And thanks again."

"No problem, goodnight Craig," David whispered laying his head on his pillow. He hoped that Craig would be able to work out the problems he was having, and get this asshole out of his life that hurt him so badly. David wasn't sure why he was feeling so protective of the other man but he'd known since the moment he saw him in the hall that he wanted to take care of him.

Craig pulled the covers under his chin and curled up on his side. He wasn't used to sleeping alone. Guess he'd better get used to it though, he thought, because he would never, never, let anyone in again. Not after tonight. He drifted off to sleep, praying he'd know what to do about Russell in the morning and that he hadn't set himself up for yet another fall by accepting David as a friend. He couldn't take that. Not now. Maybe not ever again.


***********************

David was leaning against the couch watching the prince sleep in his bed. He wished there was more he could do for him than offer him a place to sleep. He finally got up and started preparing for the day ahead. He had a couple of clients scheduled and needed a shower. David set about getting himself ready quietly trying not to wake his guest.

Craig woke up with a start, automatically reaching over for Russell's warm body. He was startled to find himself alone in bed, and a strange bed at that. He looked around the room, as memories from the night before came flooding back to him. Shit. Maybe he should just leave. Go off somewhere and start a new life, far away from everyone who knew him and Russell. He allowed himself a small smile at the memory of the gentle man who had helped him and given him a place to stay. His....friend? Looking around, he searched the room, needing to see if he was as kind in the early morning light.

David stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist while rubbing another one through his hair and noticed his guest was sitting up in bed. "Oh, hi there. Sorry didn't mean to wake you. Was trying to be quiet."

Craig lowered his eyes and flushed. It had been a while since he'd seen anyone besides Russell in nothing but a towel. Fuck - it all always came back to Russell, didn't it? He toyed with the edge of the blanket with nervous fingers. "Hey," he said softly. "You didn't wake me. I....just woke up and didn't remember where I was for a minute." He remembered his tears from the night before. He'd cried in front of a perfect stranger - how pathetic was that? "Anyway...thanks for last night. I mean, thanks for giving me a place to stay, and....and letting me talk about....things."

Crossing to the dresser David smiled warmly, "No need to thank me. I, uh have some clients today but you're welcome to stay here as long as you like," he says as as he grabs a clean pair of pants and heads back to the bathroom to finish dressing. He wished that the prince would stop thanking him, he hadn't done anything special, just offered him a place to sleep. Any decent person would do that if they had seen how lost the man had looked.

Craig looked up briefly. "Oh. Ok. You need to go. I understand. I'll just.....well, I don't know what I'll do, but I'll be fine. I may just send someone up for my things and head out of town or something. I can't go back up to our...my room. I'll leave in a little while."
David paused in the doorway to the bathroom and turned around. "What? But this is YOUR home."

Running a hand over his face, Craig sighed. "Not anymore, it's not. I can never face Rus....him again. It's just.....to hard. He's probably up there right now, in our....*my* bed. Probably figured out he'd fucked up when I didn't come home last night, so he might as well enjoy his lover for a few more hours." He fought to keep the memories of Russell's words to the other man from ringing in his ears. "So, basically, I don't have anywhere to go, and anyone to talk to. I'm not looking for sympathy here - just stating facts."

"Well you are nuts if you think those are facts if you don't mind my frank opinion," David said settling his hands on his hips. "Who the fuck is this Russell character anyway?"

Craig couldn't keep a small smile off his face. Not many people around here called a prince "nuts". But he found that he didn't mind if from this man. Found him quite refreshing, actually. "Russell is....was my lover. We've been together for 4 years. I thought.....I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with him. But now I guess - no, I KNOW - I'll be spending the rest of my life alone." He turned his head away, afraid David would see his eyes tear up.

David sighed, he hadn't meant to upset the man. "Look, I'm sorry I know this isn't easy, but you can't let him force you to leave your home and your family. What I meant was is he a Libertine or freeman?"

"He's a freeman now, since I bought out his contract 3 years ago. He.....well, he'd had a hard time, and said he needed some time to relax, so I.......well....." He cleared his throat. "Anyway. Yeah. He's a freeman."

David barely suppressed rolling his eyes. "You bought out his contract? Oh hell," he sighed, "He's one of *those*." David said crossing over to the bed and settling down next to Craig. "How'd you meet him? Was it some sort of *accident*?" David asked suspecting what he was about to hear would be a sad tale of this Russell putting his own life in danger for the prince. He'd heard of Libertine's doing it before...con artists basically.

Craig's eyes grew large. "How did you know? I mean - he did save my life. My horse was injured, and he pushed me out of the way. Got two broken legs in the process. It wasn't long after that he said he loved me." He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "And I believed it.....oh, fuck, do you think the whole thing was a set up? From the very beginning?" He looked up at David with shimmering eyes.

"Yeah, I do believe that. It has happened before, though I've never heard of anyone trying it on Royalty before. Takes some balls to do that," David said softly, "I'm really sorry."
"Thanks." Craig sniffed. "Anyway, I know it's not your problem. I'm the one who let him do it, so it's the least I deserve. But, I'm keeping you from work. I'm sorry." Drawing up his knees he buried his face in his arms.

Frowning David leaned forward placing his hand on Craig's head, "You didn't deserve that, no one does. You were taken advantage of, Craig. You aren't keeping me from work, I've got time yet. Please don't do this?" he asked leaning closer. "Don't blame yourself for this, it wasn't your fault. These people are good at what they do."
David's gentle touch finally caused the tears to break. "So, you don't think I'm a stupid asshole?”

"No, I don't," David said smiling, "I think you are a kindhearted person who was taken advantage of by a snake."

Craig returned David's smile. "So. Now what? What would you do if you were me?" He took a deep breath. "I mean, not that you'd ever be that stupid, but......where do I go from here?"

"First you go up there and throw him out on his ass, and then you get on with your life," David says softly, "I know that's easier said than done but it has to be done. You can't just run away from this, Craig."

"Throw....throw him out on his ass? I can't...." Craig paused. "Wait. Yeah, I guess I could do that. Just kick him out, then throw his shit off the balcony!" He stood, grabbed his shirt from the night before, and smiled at David. "Thanks man. That's exactly what I'm going to do." He held out a hand. "I'd forgotten what a real friend is like. Thanks."

David smiled, "Good. Good for you. Hey if you ever need to talk, you know where I am."

***

David curled his legs under him on the couch as he read. He was tired and glad the day was over, he wondered how Craig had managed if he’d been able to throw that con-artist out or not. His thoughts and reading were interrupted by a knock on his door.

Craig stood in the hallway trying to compose himself. He'd finally managed to kick Russell out of his room, after hours of shouting, threats and tears. Russell had denied everything at first, and then apologized, claimed it was a one-time thing, and begged forgiveness. When Craig told him to get the hell out and never come back, Russell had laughed and teased him about being a fool, an idiot, a fucking easy pawn. When he'd finally gathered his belongings and left, Craig had been exhausted. He'd headed toward the bed to collapse, but as soon as he entered the room, all he could see was the vision of Russell and his lover. No. He couldn't stay here. Not now. He realized there was only one place he could go - David's. He had said he'd be there if he needed a friend. And he did. He'd never need a friend so badly in his life. He sniffed and knocked on David's door softly.

David crossed the room setting his book on the bed and opened the door. "Craig?" he asked a little surprised to see him, but not entirely. It couldn't have been an easy day for him.

Craig took a deep breath. "David. I'm sorry if you're busy. If you are, just say so. But....if you're not.....can I come in?" He rubbed a hand over his face. "Please?"

"Sure, yeah. I'm not busy, was just reading," David said softly stepping back to allow Craig entrance. "I said that I would be here if you ever needed me and I meant it."

"Yeah. You did. That's why I came back." Craig walked over to the couch and sat down. "I.....Well. I did it. I kicked his ass out. He's gone. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. Then, after it was over, I wanted to just......I don't know - sleep it off, or lie down and feel miserable or something. But when I walked into the bedroom - I saw....I saw them. And I just.....couldn't, ya know?" He curled into himself on the couch, shivering.

David frowned understanding exactly what he meant. "Shit. I'm so glad you kicked him out, Craig, but you can't let him run you out of your own home."

"I don't know what else to do, David. I don't know that I'll ever be able to forget that. There were fucking. And laughing. Laughing at me. I'm afraid that's all I'll ever see or hear when I walk back into that room for the rest of my life!" He took a deep breath and looked up at the other man. "So....here I am."

David sighed, "Well we can't have a prince living in a Level 5 Servitor's quarters. I have an idea...do you trust me?" David asked offering his hand to Craig.

Craig studied him for a moment before replying. "I'm not sure I should.....but, yeah, for some reason, I think I do." He smiled and reached out to take David's hand.

David pulled him up and said, "Hang on just a second." He walked over to the closet and grabbed a shirt and tugged it on then set about changing the settings on his bracelets so he could go up to the Royal Suite.

Craig's mouth fell open as he watched David fiddle with his bracelets. "Um....WHAT are you doing? And HOW the hell did you know how to do it?"

David grinned sheepishly and blushed, "I uh, am resetting my bracelets. Sean taught me, he was my Votary."

"Sean. That explains it then." Craig laughed for the first time in hours. "So, exactly where are you going?"

"We are going to your room, come on," David said grabbing Craig's arm and steering him for the door.

Craig sputtered as David pulled him forward. "I told you, I can’t go back there! Wait...." Realizing David was not going to take no for an answer, he finally closed his mouth and allowed himself to be lead to the royal suites.

Once they arrived at the lift David grinned at the other man, "Trust me, right? I promise I'm going to fix this for you. You just have to believe in me, okay?" David hoped Craig would go along with him.

Craig sighed. WHAT was it about this man that made him want to trust him? And mere hours after vowing never to trust anyone again? Looking at David's smile, he nodded. "Yeah. I'll believe. This once."

"Good," David nodded as the lift arrived and they stepped inside. He hoped he'd remembered how to code the bracelets; it had been a long time since he'd tried anything like that. Once they arrived at the floor to the Royal Suites David stepped out ahead of Craig, "Um you'll have to lead the way," he grinned.

Craig stepped out of the lift and stared down the hall toward his suite. His smile faded and his face grew pale. He found he could barely move. Looking back up at David, and he began to slowly walk down the hall.

Seeing Craig's hesitation David whispered, "I'm right here with you." He followed him to the door and waited for Craig to open it.

Craig opened the door and froze, looking around. "Well. This is it. The scene of the crime," he said bitterly. "What now?"

Stepping into the room behind Craig he smiled slightly, "Bedroom?"

Craig raised a trembling hand and pointed to a door on his right.

David walked to the door and opened it and then strode over to the bed and began stripping it. Pulling the sheets, coverlet, everything and wadding it up into a pile. Pillowcases too...then David looked at the pillows and said, "What the hell...them too," and tossed them in with the pile.

Craig had followed David into the bedroom, curious as to what he had in mind. "David? My sheets? What the hell are you doing?" A small smile played on his lips as David quickly stripped the bed.

"Burn them," David answered grinning up at him. "Burn the fuckers, burn the memory of what you saw away, get rid of them, never see them again." He stated straightening up and looking at the other man over the pile of bedclothes he'd created.

Craig snorted. "You are insane. You know that don't you? We can't just.....burn them" He arched an eyebrow. "Can we?"

"The hell we can't," David answered tucking them up under his arm and tossing a pillow at Craig that he couldn't carry himself. "Come on...another trip this time to the basement."

Craig giggled and followed David out the door. For the first time in the past twenty-four hours, he didn't mind if someone looked at him, actually smiled at everyone who turned to stare at the unusual spectacle of two grinning men trudging down the royal halls with their arms loaded with what looked like a large load of laundry. A Prince and a Level 5, no less - NOT the first ones to come to mind when one thought of laundry and basements.

David was glad to hear Craig laugh and smile, he had a terrific smile that David decided he'd like to see much more often. When they arrived in the lift David turned to him, "I'm not always this spontaneous, but I think you needed a bit of spontaneity today."

"Yeah. I haven't actually had the opportunity to be spontaneous in a long time, to be honest." Craig said, unable to wipe the grin from his face. "I think....I think I'm actually going to enjoy this!"

"Good, that is what I'm going for here," David grins at him as the lift doors open to the basement. "Incinerator is this way," he says pointing with a tip of his head since his arms were full.

Craig lead the way to the incinerator and opened the door. "So....I guess we just.....throw them in? I've never actually...incinerated anything before, ya know. But I'll be quite happy for these fucking bed clothes to be the first!"

David laughed, "Just toss them in...do it slow, do it fast, throw them on the floor and stomp on them if you want. This is your catharsis...do whatever you want," he said grinning at the way the dark clouds had seemed to already be lifting from his new friends spirit.

Looking down at the pillow in his arms, Craig grabbed the ends, slamming it against the incinerator door repeatedly. "THAT's for laughing at me, you prick!" He threw it in, and then grabbed the sheet from David. Stomping on one end with his foot, he used his hands to rip the other end. "And THAT's for using me!" One by one, the bedclothes were destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. Craig's face was red and sweaty by the time he'd thrown the last pillow in, but his smile told David that he felt much better. "Jesus, that felt good," he laughed.

David just stood by and let Craig take out his aggressions on the bedclothes. He needed this, he needed to get it out some way, and this was the best way David could think of short of assaulting someone. David grinned at him, "I'm glad. See, I told you to trust me. Now let's get the hell out of this place...it's kinda creepy."

Craig slammed the incinerator door shut and followed David out of the basement. "Yeah. It is. Come on back to my room - let me take a quick shower, and I'll buy you a drink, ok? I can't thank you enough, but a drink will be a good start."

"A drink sounds good, but just so you know," David said stopping and grabbing Craig's arm turning the other man to face him, "You do NOT owe me anything. Ever. That's not the way I see friendship, just so you know."

Craig stared at David for a moment before speaking softly. "I guess I just forgot what friendship was like, it's been so long. Let's just have a drink between friends then? And I'll let my words of thanks suffice?" He smiled at the kind eyes that gazed back at him. "And I'll try to remember how to be a friend for now on, ok?"

"Sounds good to me," David agreed falling into step beside his friend.

***

As the two men approached Craig's room, they noticed the door stood wide open and could hear someone mumbling inside.. "Oh, God," Craig whispered as he halted. "He's back."

Instinctively and without even realizing he was doing it David stepped in front of Craig as they entered the room.

Craig felt his former good mood disappear in a flash. He moved closer to David, grateful for his presence and strength. Peering over his shoulder, Craig saw Russell tearing the room apart, kicking and cursing.

David took a deep breath; this was not going to be good. He hated confrontations but Craig was in no shape to handle this on his own. "Excuse me?" David asked strolling into the room ahead of Craig.

Russell froze from what he was doing and looked up to see a man with strawberry blonde hair staring at him and the prince standing behind him, "Your body guard shrink?" Russell spat at Craig behind the other man.

Craig clenched his fists and stood beside David. "I thought I told you to get out of here, you fucking piece of shit. You have NO right to be here in *my* rooms. And how the hell did you get in here anyway?"

Staring at the other man with the prince finally Russell tore his gaze away, "I left something important that I need to find. I'll get out once I find it…all that blathering on about how much you were hurt and how much you fucking loved me and you have a goddamn whore up here already? Well it's good to know you weren't that much better than me your worshipfulness," he said spitefully and then tossed a key to him, "Next time you throw someone out take back their spare key, idiot."

Craig glared at his former lover. "You fucking, pathetic, son of a bitch," he said through clenched teeth. " You don't even deserve to breathe the same air as this man. He has more integrity and honesty in his little finger than you do in your entire pathetic little body. And if I *ever* see you or your little slut in this wing - hell in Palace - again, I swear you'll regret it."

Russell stepped menacingly forward toward Craig, "You cannot do that, I am a freeman I can go wherever the hell I damn well please. You saw to that!"

David stepped a bit closer to Craig trying to place himself between the two men, he was in shock at what Craig had said. He'd only known him a day but apparently his friendly nature had already made an impression on Craig. He could sense that Russell wasn't going to stop at words this time the man was seething.

Craig's was comforted by David's quiet presence. Russell had always been bigger and stronger, but for the first time, Craig wasn't afraid of angering him. His voice was low. "You forget that you *are* speaking to a prince, Russell. I do have some power around here. Yes, I was stupid enough to buy you out, but, by God, Michael has been itching to get his hands on you for years. And he can do it quite efficiently, and no one will ever hear from you again. So, get the hell out of here, now, and trust me....do NOT come back." His face flushed. "I don't even know why you'd want to come back, now that your stupid-assed plan has failed. It's obvious I didn't mean anything to you, so I'd think you'd be happy to get rid of me." His eyes watered, but his anger kept the tears at bay.

David saw rage rush over Russell, he'd never witnessed anyone so angry before, as soon as Craig had said Michael's name the other man had stopped listening. Russell rushed forward and before David even realized it he grabbed Craig's wrist pressing the emergency button on his bracelet. He shoved Craig out of the way and at the same time swung his fist connecting squarely with Russell's nose sending him stumbling back a few steps where he fell on his ass clutching his bleeding nose. David's eyes were as big as saucers; he'd never hit anyone before in his life!

Craig stared from David to Russell, then back at David again. He'd had bodyguards all his life, but had never dreamed anyone not paid to protect him would defend him like that. He gave David a tentative smile, then turned to smirk at Russell just as Michael burst into the room.

Michael took in the scene and immediately crossed the room to survey the damage. "Are you hurt?" he asked Craig quietly. When Craig shook his head, Michael reached out to shake David's hand. "I'm not sure who you are, or what just happened, but I think I like you already," he smiled before roughly pulling a red-faced and bleeding Russell from the floor. He gripped his captive's shoulder with much more pressure than necessary and looked at Craig. "What do you want me to do with him?" he asked.

David was stunned. He'd never done anything like that. When Craig's bodyguard said he liked him already David blushed and tried to say something...*anything* but he couldn't he just nodded as he watched Michael haul Russell off the floor.

"Just get him out of here," Craig said tiredly. "I never want to see him again." He watched as Michael pushed Russell into a few walls before finally managing to get him through the door. He heard Russell pleading for mercy, and honestly didn't care what Michael did to him at this point.

When he could no longer hear them, he turned to David. "I can't believe you did that. You just....jumped in there and decked him." He reached for David's hand. "Are you hurt?" he asked softly.

"Huh? Um, no...I...well," David stammered then Craig's touch made him wince, "Shit, um I think a little ice and it'll be ok." David looked down at his hand and back at Craig, "I've...I've never hit anyone in my life." He murmured amazement evident in his voice.

Craig led David over to the couch and hurried toward the kitchen. He returned with an ice pack. Sitting down beside the other man, he gently took the swollen hand again and placed the ice over the tender knuckles. "I'm sorry you had to do that. And see that. I really didn't expect to ever see him again. I was....shocked, and kind of acted like a dick myself. I knew I'd never be able to take him, but, like a fool, kept pushing him. I'm really sorry, David."

"No, don't be sorry. Really. I'll be fine, just never...never HAD to do that before. I knew if I didn't he was going to attack you, and I couldn't have allowed that to happen," David said softly watching Craig apply the ice to his sore hand.

Craig studied David's hand, trying his best not to cause further pain. "I've never had anyone who wasn't my bodyguard do anything like that for me. I just...don't know what to say, to be honest. Thank you seems kind of inadequate."

David smiled, "Thank you will do just fine."

Craig looked up with a smile. "Then.....thank you it is. Again. For last night and for the trip to the incinerator and for this. Thank you for everything." He cleared his throat and released David's hand. "Anyway....I'd still like to buy you that beer, if you're up to it. Unless you'd rather go back to your room. You may think you got a little more than you bargained for when you called me a friend." He stood up nervously, avoiding David's gaze, trying not to blush.

"I'd like that beer, and no always heard royalty was high maintenance...should be expected right?" David grinned trying to lighten the mood.

Craig laughed again, and reached out a hand to help David up. "Well, I'll say one thing for you, at least you're honest. I don' t get that a lot." He paused. "And, you know, just a few hours ago, I'd have sworn I would never laugh again. But you've managed to make me feel much better. I think I'm going to like being your friend, you know?" Smiling shyly, he added, " Come on....let's get that beer."

TBC from David’s POV