For anyone interested, the song used it 'Open your eyes' by Snow Patrol.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

JOHN PAUL

"I...am...knackered!" Craig staggers the rest of the way across the room and then flops down wearily on the bed with his feet still resting on the floor, his arms flung lazily behind his head. I somehow manage to trudge the last few steps over to him, my whole body aching after spending the last half hour of the trip to Santaland building an igloo, thanks to Craig persuading me. Sinking onto the mattress beside him, I let out a deep sigh, groaning when I turn my head to look at him, my hand flying to my neck. He opens one eyes, then frowns when he notices my grimace, pushing himself back up into a sitting position before turning towards me.

"Come here you". He grasps my hands and pulls me up too, groaning, then gathers my long sleeved t shirt and thermal vest in his fist and tugs them up over my head, flinging them to the far corner of the room once he has them off. Then he indicates for me to stand in front of him and starts work on my trousers, unbuttoning and zipping them, then shucking them down until they pool around my ankles. At this point he stands, resting his hands on my shoulders and gently putting pressure on them until it's me sitting on the edge of the bed. He kneels down and removes my socks and then goes to his bag and starts rummaging around, coming back to stand in front of me seconds later holding up a brand new jar of... mango massage mousse, I read as I take the pot from him.

He smiles at me, reflexively covering his mouth and closing his eyes as it turns into a yawn, then starts discarding his clothes until he's wearing just his tight, black boxer briefs. He grins then, raising his eyebrows suggestively as he lays his hand flat on my clavicle and pushes gently so I fall back on the bed, gracefully crawling up onto the lovely, warm duvet beside me.

"Your turn first I think" he says, uncapping the jar and letting the fragrant scent waft into the room. I scootch up the bed a little until my head's resting on the pillows, then prop myself up on my elbows, waiting expectantly. He settles back on his heels but does nothing, just rolls his eyes when he sees me like that. "I'm doing your shoulders and neck John Paul, you may as well turn over" he says, smiling innocently. Begrudgingly, I do that, folding my arms beneath the pillow and propping my chin on them, turning my head to watch over my shoulder as he scoops out some of the creamy mousse and rubs it into his hands. Seconds later, he straddles me, one leg braced between mine, the other clenched tightly against my outer thigh. I can feel the soft hairs of Craig's legs and calves as they scratch and tickle against the sensitive skin of my inner thigh and I find myself pushing unconsciously back against him as he leans over me, shivering beneath his hands as they begin a gentle glide up my back.

Murmuring with satisfaction as Craig starts to really push at the knots in my shoulders, I bury my face into the pillow, closing my eyes.

"You like that?" he mutters gruffly, the deep, sexy resonance of his voice going straight to my stomach making the muscles in my gut clench with arousal.

"Mmm hum". He leans over me chuckling lightly, his nipples and chest grazing enticingly across my back as he bends low over me, the delicious sensation heightening my desire further. He either doesn't notice though or he's preoccupied with his massage technique as he continues to work his fingers and the flats of his hands up my sides towards the tension in my neck.

"Oh God yeah, right there" I groan my appreciation as his thumbs kneed the aching flesh, smiling to myself in satisfaction at the quiet, echoing groan that escapes him in response.

He spends quite some time there, working the tightness from my muscles until they relax beneath his touch, my skin becoming more and more pliable with each gentle but firm rub of his fingers. Eventually though, his hands still, cupping my shoulders as he dips his head to place a smattering of kisses along the length of my spine. Then he taps my bum playfully, winking at me and smiling when I find the energy to lift my head and look back at him.

"Finished...feel better?" Stretching the tendons in my neck, I nod my head, smiling.

"God yeah, that feels wonderful...I almost fell asleep there". I slowly get into a sitting position, taking the jar of mango mousse from him. "You must have magic fingers. Right well, it only seems fair that I return the favour." He raises his brows at me inquisitively and I nod my head in return. "Lie on the bed Craig". He does as instructed, wiggling his pert little arse as he makes himself comfy on top of the duvet.

I scoop some of the mousse out, then bring my warm, slick hands to the base of his spine, resisting the urge to delve beneath the soft cotton of his boxer briefs, instead running my fingers the length of his spine, right the way up to the column of his neck, spreading the mango scented cream in their wake. Once I'm satisfied that it's evenly distributed, I start applying pressure, circling the palms of my hands over his taut, tanned skin, working and kneading his sore muscles until the groans of discomfort turn to soft murmurings of contentment. I continue on, the occasional gasp and moans as I work out the tension and kinks making my erection even harder until the length of it literally pressing into the cleft of his arse, the fabric of my boxers pulled tight where my dick strains against the seam.

"Hmm, Jay" he sighs a half of the nickname he gave me back in Blackpool, the breathy sound of it falling so peacefully from his lips doing nothing to abate and everything to intensify the longing I have for him. I continue on, easing the pressure, my touch now more of a caress than anything as my hands and fingers playfully follow the line of his back, dipping inside the slight indentation at the base of his spine. Bracing my hands on either side of him on the bed, I feather a trail of kisses just above the swell of his arse, skirting the waistband of his underwear, smiling to myself when Craig shifts beneath me.

It takes some self control on my part not to yank his bottom hugging boxers right down but I manage not to, if only for the thrill the added anticipation affords me. Instead, I work the last few traces of mousse into his lower back until it's completely absorbed with the heat from his skin. I can't help staring at his bum though, imagining him opening up for me, taking me inside the hot, moist heat of his body. Closing my eyes, I let my fingertips wander, delving an inch or two beneath the waistband, a groan escaping me as my little fingers slips between the cleft right at the top of his cheeks. He arches up off the bed a fraction, a contented sigh softly emanating from between his lips. Fighting the urge to pounce, startling him, I lean down slowly instead to kiss him, allowing the tip of my finger to caress once more between his cheeks.

"Ahh fuck" I whisper quietly to myself, backing off from him slightly. I remove the hand that moments ago I'd been about to intimately touch him with and bring it up to rest lightly on his cheek, my thumb tracing the masculine line of his jaw which is relaxed in sleep. Careful not to waken him, I adjust my own tight underwear before lying down next to him on my side, snuggling in closer until I feel the warmth of his body radiating into me. He doesn't stir, but his lips part, a soft, muffled sound like a snore whispering across my cheek with every expulsion of air from his mouth. Smiling wistfully back at him, I trace his features with my fingertip...the arch of his brow, his Roman nose, those lush pink lips of his that were made for kissing and laughing and saying my name. He tilts his chin a little towards me, a small, peaceful smile appearing at my touch. Smiling back at him, despite his eyes being closed in repose, I lean in closer, placing a soft, chaste kiss on his lips, laughing quietly to myself when I see them twitch in response. Then, closing my eyes, the feel of his breath caressing my lips and cheek, I let my mind drift to thoughts of a future where I can lie with Craig, happy and content and in our own place on a regular basis.

CRAIG

Before I've even opened my eyes or felt the bed beside me, I know I'm alone. Unfortunately it's a feeling I've become all too accustomed to experiencing since September and I hate it. We've only spent the one night together last night but already I feel bereft waking up with an empty space next to me. I take comfort in the fact he was with me when I fell asleep though because it's like I can still feel the imprint of his fingers on my neck, his lips pressing lightly as he scatters kissing along my spine.

"No...shit". It suddenly comes to me exactly what he'd been doing, or what he'd been about to do when I'd fallen asleep. I remember my eyes growing heavy as he'd eased the aches and tension away and I can recall how his arousal had been intimately pressed against me as he'd leaned over my back but the last thing I can recollect was his hand gently caressing my backside, one of his fingers coming tantalizingly close to..."Oh hell", why did I fall asleep again? Sitting up, I scan the dark room trying to locate my clothing, fishing out my phone when I locate them scattered around the foot of the bed.

"John Paul?" I call his name, listening out intently for any sound from below, disappointment coursing through me when I get no response. I check the time, pleased to see that the darkness outside has proved deceptive and it isn't quite as late as I first thought. Swinging my legs off the bed, I pad barefoot over to the balcony and lean over, noting the empty kitchen facing me and seeing that the large, overstuffed couch in front of the roaring fire is empty too. "John Paul!" I call his name louder this time but the silence remains.

Maybe he's gone out to the lodge to find something to do or...ooh, snowman! I hop back onto the bed and look out of the window but there's nothing on the south facing side of the cabin but trees and virgin snow and the part of our surrounding that is free from foliage has no sign of my boyfriend either.

Right then.

Jumping down, I grab my comfiest pair of jeans from my holdall and pull them on, not bothering zipping the fly up or fastening the button in my haste to go find John Paul. Still barefoot, I make my way down the stairs into the open plan living room, peering through each of the windows until I'm satisfied that John Paul isn't out there building his snowman alone. Great! That means he's braved the elements and gone over to the main lodge on his own instead. Oh well, a quick pee, just in case, fresh clothes and kitting myself into my winter gear again and I'll be able to join him for the evening.

Humming to myself, I toss another small log on the fire, standing there mesmerized for a moment or two as I watch the flames die down and then burst to life again as they begin to consume it. I close my eyes for a few seconds as I inhale the wood smoke and bask in the warmth as the fire crackles in the hearth. Then, realising I'd best get a move on, I make my way towards the bathroom, stretching out my neck which feels great now that John Paul's worked his magic on it.

"All this seems strange and untrue but I won't last a minute, without you" I find myself singing the lyrics to one of my favourite songs from this year, humming the words that I'm not sure about beneath my breath.

"I want so much to open your eyes, 'cause I need you to look into mine." The door's ajar, just a little but as I push the heavy wood further open, I'm hit by a warm, damp fog and the smell of apples.

"Tell me that you'll open your eyes...tell me that you'll open your eyes".

"John Paul?" I cock my head as I hesitate at the door, reluctant to enter unless I'm invited. Then it strikes me that John Paul could be in trouble, could've slipped and fallen and be unconscious or anything so when I say his name again and still get no response, I only pause briefly before coming through the door.

"John Paul?" Stepping inside, I say his name again, more tentatively this time, coming to an abrupt halt when I hear the distinct sound of splashing water coming from the bath tub. Squinting my eyes and looking around, things become clearer as the mist settles and my gaze locks on John Paul. I gasp in surprise when I see him lying back in the tub with his knees bent, his head resting on a rolled up towel, his eyes closed and his lips parted as ragged breaths escape him. Licking my lips, I take a step closer, reaching out unconsciously to touch him but stopping myself as something inside me tells me not to. I try to tell myself it's because I'll startle him, the buds playing music into his ears already effectively having drowned out my voice but I know that's just an excuse. What can I say? Watching his tongue dart out to wet his lips as his hands strokes the length of his cock in a slow, steady rhythm is probably the most erotic sight I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing and I'll be damned if I'll put a stop to it so soon.

I know I should say something or do something...anything to make my presence known but it's like my mouth's glued shut and my feet are frozen in place. I mean, I can't even take the few steps backwards needed to sit on the toilet seat and really, I feel I should because my legs feel like they've turned to jelly. He sighs and my eyes fly from where they're currently trained on his cock...his magnificent, perfectly smooth, hard cock to his face. My gaze fixes on his lips first, full and pink and moist from both the humidity and his own saliva, the occasional moan and whimper emanating from between them. Then my gaze shifts onto his cheeks, flushed with arousal, beads of sweat trickling down along his hair line from his temple.

Fuck! I want to lick it off. I want to taste the salt of him on my tongue and then dilute it with the wetness in his mouth when I kiss him and then I want to swallow every sigh and moan and growl of pleasure he makes until he cries out into my mouth. He lets out another gasp and I watch, mesmerized as he raises his leg...the one furthest from me thankfully, bracing his foot on the rim of the tub, his toes curling in response to what his hand is doing. My eyes follow that movement as his fingertips slide over the engorged, glistening head before making a fist around the shaft once more, pumping his cock with faster, more fluid strokes, twisting his wrist with every upward motion.

My gaze is drawn to his other hand, which, until now has been resting, unmoving, just beneath his collar bone. First he lifts it to wipe away the perspiration on his forehead, dipping briefly beneath the water afterwards, then he raises it again, slicking his wet fingers through his hair before dropping it back to his chest where he starts caressing himself. I watch, fascinated, as his middle fingertips glide over his nipple and then starts toying with it, rubbing lightly and then pinching it in turn. Then he repeats the motion, this time with the other nipple, the flat of his palm caressing down his chest and stomach to his belly once he's finished the actions.

What the...ohh! His hand rests there for a moment or two before disappearing beneath the water doing ...well I don't know what he's doing exactly because I can't see for all the fucking bubbles but I could give it a damn good guess. I edge closer to get a better look, my feet betraying me as I silently will them to stay exactly where they are. Like I say though, they have a mind of their own now that I don't want them to move so before you can say 'perverted boyfriend', I'm standing by the side of the tub, my ears filled with John Paul's ragged uneven breaths, my eyes taking in the full sight of him naked, wet and nearing his orgasm.

"Hmm ...hmm Craig". My eyes fly to his face as my name echoes loudly around the bathroom, drowning out the sound of his music in the otherwise silent space. He isn't looking at me though, he still has his eyes closed, making me wonder exactly what it is he's imagining that has him so turned on that he doesn't need any other stimulant.

His breathing's even more laboured now, the hand pumping his cock working over the hard length with expert familiarity, the movements of the one beneath the water occasionally causing it to splash over his thighs.

"Oh God!" I should leave. I should turn around and go right now before...

"Craig ..." He breathes my name again and I see him tense up, his heel slamming against the rim of the bath with his toes curling, his head angled slightly back exposing the length of his throat and the reddened area beneath, the fingers around his cock tightening as their movements become more jerky and erratic.

"Craig?" His lashes flutter upwards and his eyes widen, startled, at the same time his leg starts spasming. Then the hand that he has wrapped around himself suddenly lets go to grab my arm at the same time his cock starts pulsating against his stomach, the action surprising me so much that I stumble against the shallow edge of the bath and fall in.

"Ohh fuckk, Craig!" He gasps out as I land sprawled half in, half out of the water, his fingers grasping me impossibly tight as he rides the wave of his orgasm. I'm twisted round a bit, one of my legs between his, the other still out of the bath with my hands propping me up but I'm facing him and seeing him lose it is just...it's just awesome. He's just so dazed and disorientated and he looks so damn kissable and sexy and wanton as he gazes back at me that I have no desire to fight the urge to kiss him. So I don't...I don't fight it, I give myself over to it one hundred percent.

John Paul

Wha...? What the hell just happened? I can feel the water splashing against me in great waves as my orgasm begins to subside. How had the images I'd had in my head of Craig pounding into me suddenly been replaced with ones of him standing over me, his intense brown eyes staring down at me, with his gorgeous cock protruding hard and delectable from the opening in his jeans? And then, just as I'd seen him, it was like fireworks going off, the intensity of my orgasm hitting me right at that moment.

Blinking again, the fuzziness in my brain beginning to clear, I look down to see him sprawled between my legs, those same brown eyes now staring back in shock and bewilderment, water dripping from those impossibly long, curling eyelashes that frame them.

He starts smiling suddenly and his gaze flicks to my lips, signaling his intent but he's got some explaining to do. Still, I can't deprive myself of one little kiss because he really does look very appealing with his naked chest and his dark, wet hair slicked to his scalp, the muscles in his biceps all fit looking from the strain he's taking. Yeah, a kiss I can manage. I take out the buds from my ears just in time as he swoops straight into it, his lips demanding and insistent as they press against mine, his tongue teasing over my bottom lip until my resistance crumbles. Then it's in my mouth, warm and wet as it slides against mine, the taste of him instantly sending a fission of pleasure straight to my gut.

I know there was something I was supposed to do or say or...something but as his tongue swirls against mine, I can't for the life of me think what it is. Feeling some of my energy come back, I wrap my arms around him to cup his arse, dragging him up the slippery length of me until his groin is pressing insistently into my belly.

"Jesus Craig!" Dragging my mouth from his, I look down between us, grasping his heavy, straining manhood in my hand. He looks back at me with heavy lidded eyes, already hazy with arousal, his cheeks glowing beneath his olive complexion.

"John Paul...please". His voice is thick and husky with desire as he looks at me pleadingly. I tilt my head, assessing just how aroused he already is, sensing he's far closer to reaching his climax than I'd expect him to be.

"Were you getting off on watching me Craig?" I ask boldly, the words surprising me as much as him as they leave my mouth. He lifts his gaze to mine startled, gasping for breath when I suddenly start to wank him, his eyes rolling back in his head. "Well?" He licks his lips and then opens his eyes again, the brown orbs unfocused as they land on mine.

"I wasn't...I didn't...you just..." he swallows and licks his lips, moaning loudly, his head dropping to the crook of my neck as my thumb slips over the weeping head of his cock.

"Craig!" I nudge my shoulder as I prompt him, shuddering against him when his teeth nip lightly at my throat. Then he lifts his head and behind the need and desire, I see guilt.

"You looked so peaceful and...and hot and I was going to walk away but I just couldn't Jay, I'm sorry...ohh fuck!". I swallow the expletive he issues as I drag my hand through his hair, crashing my mouth against his at the same time as I twist my wrist, pulling his foreskin back and forth over his hard, heavy erection. He pushes against me, thrusting his hips, soft sounds of pleasure tumbling from his lips against mine.

"Did..." I lick my lips, "did you touch yourself Craig?" He lifts his head and rests it against mine, his deep, ragged breaths caressing across my lips like a whisper.

"No I don't think...no".

"Why not?" His eyes flash at my query and I can see that he's finding it very hard to process but he's trying.

"I uh...was watching and I didn't..."

"You liked watching Craig?" I interrupt, holding his gaze steadily, completely in control of myself now.

"Yes" he replies breathlessly.

"So it's something you'd...recommend then?" I ask, raising my eyebrows, barely able to contain my smile. His brows crease, lips parting letting out a few stuttered gasps as he continues to thrust unconsciously into my hand. God, he's gorgeous.

"What? I don't..."

"Maybe I'd like watching Craig, don't you think?"

"I...ohh, I don't know".

"Lets see then shall we?" He blinks, then frowns when I remove my hand from his jeans, sliding myself back against the jets of water, putting some space between us. He lets out a disgruntled sound, murmuring his disapproval, looking back puzzled as he kneels there in the water.

"Take your jeans off Craig" I say simply. He tilts his head to one side, confusion clearly etched into his features. I lean forward, my elbows resting on my knees and reach out, tracing a line down his chest with my fingertip until I reach his belly button, the backs of my knuckles grazing over the head of his cock making him gasp. "I want you to take off your jeans and then I'm going to watch you as you make yourself come" I reiterate, watching his expression change, smiling at him in reassurance. He only hesitates for a moment, then he raises himself, kneeling straight up, his cock jutting proudly up from between the denim opening. Looking right at me, the dazedness that was in his eyes minutes earlier no longer evident, he takes the length of himself in his hand and strokes himself, closing his eyes and licking his lips as he falls into a leisurely rhythm.

Fuck, he looks stunning. His hair is plastered to his forehead and his eyelashes are feathered across his cheeks, fluttering whenever he has the nerve to open his eyes and look at me. His mouth is just begging to be kissed too, his perfect bow shaped lips all full and enticing and glistening wetly whenever his tongue sweeps over them, which is often.

The rest of him is utter perfection too. From his slim, taut body, right the way to his denim clad thighs. It's the part of his body in-between that holds me captivated right now though. His favourite pair of jeans are moulded to his bum and legs like a second skin, the blue fabric clinging and sticking to him as he attempts to push them over his arse with his free hand. He only succeeds in getting them an inch or two down, the wet denim proving too stubborn even for him to manage but it's far enough for his cock to spring fully free, his balls no longer restricted either.

He looks at me as if to see that he's alright leaving them there, something in my expression reassuring him it's fine, as he becomes bolder, the hand that was fighting the jeans, playing with his balls for a moment or two before stroking across his belly and up his chest. He closes his eyes again at this point and throws his head back, soft groans of pleasure spilling from his lips when he starts caressing and pinching his nipples as the hand pumping his cock works faster.

Seconds later, he's gasping and reaching out, his eyes, once again hazy, looking right at me as he takes my hand and wraps it around his cock, just in time as he thrusts into it, crying out as his seed bursts forth.

"Ohh my...nurgh!" He continues to jerk into my hand until every last drop of come has been emptied from his balls, his fingers digging almost painfully into my shoulders where he holds them, his chin dropping to his chest. Then he giggles and I can't help laughing either because hearing him do that just makes me smile. I'm usually in the throes of orgasm myself at that point or at least nearing it, so hearing that uncontrollable, joyous sound spill from his lips and being able to fully appreciate it just makes me happy.

"Damn Craig, do you know how much I love you?" I ask him rhetorically, reaching up and stroking his flushed cheek with the backs of my fingers. His breathing stops abruptly and I feel his eyelashes tickle my fingers as he opens his eyelids, his warm gaze piercing mine. Then he smiles and nods and I hear his breath leave his lungs with a whoosh as he laughs, his eyes sparkling and dancing brightly as he holds my gaze.

"Uh huh, I really think I do" he says gruffly, showering my face with kisses. "And I...love you too" he says grinning. "But..."

"But?" I interrupt, a stab of fear lodging itself in my gut.

"But right now, as much as I love you to bits, I really need to get out of these bloody jeans" he finishes, waving a hand across himself. "They're so flipping uncomfortable" he points out, pouting.

"Right then, lets get you out of them..." he raises his eyebrows mischievously, "no funny business Craig or we'll miss dinner" he scowls at me in mock disappointment, "and then we can go and do whatever the hell it was we arranged for this evening" I say succinctly, holding my hand out as I stand naked, ready to pull him up and out of the bath. He grasps it and stands before me, dripping wet, his jeans clinging snugly to his lean frame. I do as I said and help him out of them but...boy, as my hands slide inside the seat of them and cup his backside, it's all I can do to take my own advice and not turn it into funny business.

Thanks so much for reading, all feedback is appreciated.