Page 9 of See My Words

Rylan didn’t say anything, just wrapped his arm around Scott’s waist and helped him step in, supporting him as he immersed himself with a groan of pure pleasure.

“You soak for a moment,” Rylan said, “and I’ll run get you something to drink and a pain pill. It’s time for another one.”

Scott wallowed in the tub, feeling the heat seeping into his muscles, his very bones, soothing and relaxing him. He slid down so his shoulders were covered, trying not to get the bandages wrapped around his face wet, and in the next moment, he felt a rolled-up towel being slipped behind his neck to support his head. He blinked up at Rylan blearily, exhaustion and pain starting to overwhelm him once again.

“Hate this. Hate being so goddamn helpless.”

“I know.”

Scott swallowed his meds, sprawling bonelessly as Rylan wet a washcloth and rubbed a bar of soap over it before kneeling next to the tub.

“Lift your arm a little.”

Scott raised his arm, and Rylan propped it on his shoulder as he ran the soapy cloth along the length of it, dipping down to thoroughly scrub Scott’s armpit. He rinsed him with cupped handfuls of warm water, and Scott closed his eyes, feeling the roughness of cloth smoothing across his upper chest and neck before Rylan repeated the action on his other arm.

He wrapped the cloth around his finger and carefully washed around Scott’s nose, his mouth, across his forehead. The water turned a murky brown as Scott floated in a pleasant drug-induced haze, unable to remember ever feeling quite so pampered, so…cherished.

“Here,” Rylan whispered, and with one strong arm, he helped him sit up straight, letting Scott lean against him as he soaped his back and the nape of his neck. It was so good that Scott couldn’t hold back a small moan, and he felt a little shiver pass through Rylan’s body.

“We can’t wash your hair until tomorrow when the bandages come off.” Rylan’s voice was low and husky in Scott’s ear, making his balls tingle. “But most of the rest of you is clean enough that I think you’ll at least be able to sleep.”

Scott lay back in the water again, wishing he were strong enough to stand so he could ask Rylan to wash him everywhere, so he could feel Rylan’s soapy hands on his cock, his balls, and up between his cheeks. He groaned under his breath as the tingles turned into liquid heat that spread upward to thicken his cock, to pool in his belly.

Scott wanted to reach down and stroke his burgeoning erection to life, wanted to pull Rylan into the tub, wanted to feel him naked and slippery against him. They’d kiss and touch. Water would slosh everywhere. Scott would make Rylan cry out, make him come. He lifted a shaking hand and reached for him…

Suddenly a bolt of pain shot through Scott’s head and nausea roiled through him, welling up in his throat and replacing the arousal. His hand dropped heavily back into the water, splashing Rylan in the chest.

“I need to go to—bed,” Scott gasped. “Don’t feel well.”

Rylan tossed the washcloth aside and grabbed a towel before helping Scott stand. He supported him as Scott stumbled out of the tub and over to the bed, where the crisp sheets and comforter were already turned down, waiting.

Scott collapsed naked and damp onto the feathery mattress, put his filthy head down on the pristine white pillowcase, and passed out.

* * *

“I’m going home to pack a bag, and then I’ll be back to stay with you a while. No arguments.” Rylan watched as a stubborn look spread over Scott’s face.

“I don’ need you to put your life on hold for me, Ry.” Scott’s voice was slurred with pain, his eyes bloodshot, the bruised and blackened skin around them making the red within them even more horrifying.

“It’s not forever, Scott,” Rylan shot back, propping his hands on his hips. “Just until you’re feeling a bit better.”

“It doesn’t hafta be you. You’ve already done enough.” Scott folded his arms across his chest, leaning back into his pillows and turning his face away.

“Then who?” Rylan walked over and snatched Scott’s phone up from the nightstand. “Who can I call? Give me some names.”

Scott’s lips tightened as he glared at him, and Rylan’s heart ached at the deep-seated loneliness that flashed in his eyes for an instant before it was masked with a look of indifference.

“Everyone else is too fuckin’ busy,” Scott grunted at last. “Do whatever you want, Rylan.” He flapped his hand ungraciously in surrender, but Rylan noticed the faint tremble in it, so he abandoned the argument for now.

“Does your head hurt? The doctors said you’re out of danger with the concussion, but—”

“My jaw hurts like a bitch, makes my head hurt,” Scott mumbled. “Should feel better after today, that surgeon said. Right?”

Rylan nodded. “Yeah, after the broken bone is set and fixed in place. Makes sense.” He put the phone back on the table and turned away, surprised when Scott caught his hand and tugged him down to sit on the bed with him.

“I’m sorry, Rylan. It’s not easy for me to—let anyone see me like this.” He took a deep breath and blew it out. “But if it has to be someone, I’m really glad it’s you.”

“Me, too.” Rylan toyed with their entwined fingers for a moment before peeping at Scott through his eyelashes. “And just think, we have candy penises to thank for the fact we’re sitting here together right now. Cock Suckers will forever hold a special place in our hearts.” He grimaced. “Now that’s a sentence I never thought I’d say.”