All I could offer was my arms around him, holding Noah to me and giving him the comfort that he needed more than anything.
***
“I’m just going to take a look over everything to make sure there isn’t anything life-threatening,” Collin started off after a short greeting.
Sadly, he had come alone. Silas decided to take a few hours to himself, which wasn’t something he got the chance to do often. Given that it was a poly relationship, finding any sort of time to just relax between the three of them was hard to come by.
I could see Noah’s thoughts. He didn’t have to utter a word to let either Collin or I know what he thought.
“Asher mentioned your leg has been causing you some issues?” Collin went on when Noah only sighed.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Noah, please. Just let him take a look.”
“Fine.” The word was drawn out.
“Unless you’d rather go to the hospital,” Collin shrugged like he didn’t care one way or another. He kept the daddy vibe, knowing it’d get the point across just as well.
Noah shot a glare towards him before breathing a heavy breath.
“There’s that spark. So,” Collin got out the few gadgets he’d need. “I’ll check your heart rate, blood pressure, all the normal boring stuff. Then look over the cuts and bruises, ask some questions, and most likely tell you you’ll be fine after resting for a few days.”
Collin did just that, telling Noah when to move or lift up his shirt. The bruises were just the same as they had been early this morning. Just now, in the light of day that streamed into the place, they looked even worse.
“What did he hit you with?”
“His cane.”
“Figured. The marks would match something like that. Okay, can you stand? I want to check out that leg.”
Collin stood back far enough to give Noah room to do so. Noah nearly fell back down, but Collin was quick to hold him upright.
“It...didn’t heal right from the last time.” Noah’s whispered words were filled with shame. “He...Matthew almost killed me. I don’t remember what all happened, but I woke up in the hospital hours later. Whatever he did to me, my leg hasn’t been the same.”
“I’d like to do some x-rays, but I didn’t bring that with me.”
“It’s not broken.” Noah huffed when he got to sit back down. “He pulled on it when I tried to leave.”
“Still like to do an x-ray.”
Noah sunk into the couch.
“For now, take it easy. Rest. Don’t venture outside until I can track down Matthew to make sure he’s not hanging around here waiting for you to go out. Also,” he paused long enough to pull out a bottle of pills, setting them down on the side table. “If the pain gets too bad, take one. They won’t make you sleep, but it’ll take the edge off.” Collin pulled out another pill, this one in a baggie from another pocket. “Take this one now.”
Noah didn’t ask what it was, most likely glad for any type of relief.
“Just like I said, you’ll be fine. Rest. Take it easy. Heal. We’ll figure out the rest as we go.”
“I can do that.”
“I’ll make sure he does. Thank you.” I felt slightly better knowing that Noah was okay, for the most part.
“Of course. Let me know if anything changes.”
Chapter 21
“Are you sure you’ll be okay? I can call in. Say, I’m sick.”
