“It’s quite all right. It’s what it’s there for.”
“Can we go to bed now?”
“Of course.”
Alistair helped Noah out of the tub, dried him off, and bundled him up in a dark blue robe. He then herded him into bed and tucked him in. He changed into a pair of silk violet pajama pants and walked around to the other side of the bed to join him.
Noah glued himself to Alistair’s side, trying to be mindful of his wound but also desiring zero space between them. He draped his arm over Alistair’s stomach, closing his eyes as he whispered, “I’m sorry I’m so fucked up.”
“We’re all fucked up in our own way, dear boy,” Alistair soothed. “Some of us are simply better at hiding how fucked up we are than others.”
“Language, sir.” Noah attempted a smile.
“Ah, my apologies.” Alistair chuckled. “Are we feeling better now?”
“Maybe. I dunno, I guess. A little.”
“Try to get some sleep, sweet boy.” Alistair traced idle little patterns up and down Noah’s arm. “I’ll be right here if you need me.”
“Thank you,” Noah whispered, the very words threatening to choke him with the sheer weight of how much he meant them in that moment.
“Mm?”
“For keeping me safe, for literally saving my life, taking care of me…” Noah took a deep breath. “For…everything.”
Alistair kissed the top of his head, whispering in reply, “Always, dear Noah.”
Chapter 23
Blood, bulging white eyes, and a scream.
Noah jerked awake, his heart racing, and his body was damp with sweat. He’d been having a nightmare, the clutches of fear still upon him even as the dream itself faded.
He couldn’t remember who had been screaming, but it might have been him.
“Noah?” Alistair was up, his arms around him and petting his hair.
“Shit.” Noah’s heart was still running laps around in his ears. “I’m okay.”
“Bad dream?”
“Yeah.” Noah stretched his legs, shifting his body over to push himself back into Alistair’s arms from where he’d drifted away in the night. He put his head on Alistair’s chest, and he frowned when he felt him flinch.
Oh, right.
Got stabbed.
“Sorry.” Noah readjusted.
“It’s all right.” Alistair held him, kissing the top of his head. “Everything is all right.”
“It felt so real. I was so scared… and then nothing. I can’t remember a fuckin’ thing.”
“Perhaps that’s for the best. It’s still quite early. Try to go back to sleep, hmm?”
“Mm.” Noah closed his eyes and tried to drift back off. No sooner did he think he wouldn’t be able to, he was waking up again and sunlight was filtering in through the cracks of the thick curtains.
Judging by the sound of water running, Alistair was in the bathroom.
