Chapter 32
Mike opened the passenger door of his truck and helped Aiden out of his seat. Once Aiden had both feet on the ground, they slowly and carefully made their way to the house. A regular human would still be in their hospital bed recovering, but Aiden’s enhanced human healing had allowed him to be discharged the day after the surgery. The broken bones had already healed to the point where he didn’t need a cast. However, he was still in pain, evidenced by the sweat beading on his lip as they walked the short distance to the front door. Inside, Mike helped Aiden over to the couch.
“Stay here and I’ll get you something to drink.”
Aiden nodded, settling back onto the couch cushions with a tired sigh.
Mike quickly filled a glass with water from the fridge dispenser. “I spoke with your mom,” he said as he returned to the living room. “She said she’d make sure that everything was taken care of for you and she’d be by in the morning.”
Aiden accepted the glass and took a long drink. “She’s the best.” He winced when he lowered the half full glass to rest on his lap. “I can’t wait until I’m back to one hundred percent.”
“You will be soon,” Mike assured him.
Aiden nodded, then slowly raised his arm to finish off the rest of the water. “Can’t believe how thirsty I am.”
“Your body is working overtime to get you healed up. Staying hydrated is necessary.”
“True. I’ll drink a dozen glasses of water if that’s what it takes.” He tugged the collar of the T-shirt Mike had brought to him at the hospital to the side and looked at his shoulder. A square white bandage covered his wound. “I’m scarred now.”
“Maybe not. With the cream they prescribed and your enhanced healing the wound may not leave a mark at all.”
“It’d be okay if it does.” Aiden smiled, his eyes taking on their familiar teasing sparkle. “You know I don’t mind scars.”
Mike laughed. “You should be too tired from surgery to be flirting right now,” he teased back.
“Fine,” he said with a pout. “You know what would be amazing?
“What?”
“A hot shower. I smell like hospital.”
“Okay, stay right there.” Mike jogged to the kitchen to grab a box of Saran Wrap. When he came back, Aiden stood up from the couch. Mike swung him up into his arms bridal style before he could take a single step.
“I am a superhero you know,” Aiden said in mild protest as Mike carried him upstairs.
“Who was just shot, fell nearly twenty feet to the stage, and broke several bones in his arm,” Mike pointed out.
Aiden stuck his tongue out at him, which made him laugh.
In the bedroom, Mike set him down on his feet.
Aiden went to the dresser, getting clean pajamas and underwear to put on.
Mike watched, ready to step in and help if necessary. At the bathroom entrance, Aiden stopped and leaned against the door frame.
“Okay, that took more out of me than I expected. I don’t suppose I could get you to help me in the shower?”
Mike immediately moved toward him, already stripping off his shirt. “Is this because you want to shower with me or because you really need the help?”
Aiden laughed softly. “Both. I want to be naked with you. But I’m also pretty sure I’ll fall over if I try to shower by myself.”
Mike finished taking off his clothes. He helped ease Aiden out of his, covered up his bandages with the Saran Wrap, then helped him into the shower. After turning on the water, Mike grabbed the body wash and mesh shower pouf.
“Wrap your arm around my neck and lean on me,” he instructed. Aiden did so, and Mike slowly and carefully washed him, smoothing the soapy sponge all over his body.
Aiden tilted his head back, letting the warm spray splash onto his face. “Clean. Feels good to be clean.”
That peaceful sense of contentment returned full force as he cared for Aiden, lifting his lips in a small smile.
