They blinked owlishly at him, and he flushed. “Sassypants,” he accused, and they trilled wordlessly, sinking back into the water. He caught a flash of their bare knee as they repositioned, reminding him they were so very naked right now.
But they were in a vulnerable position, and he had no business noticing or caring or… thinking about that. So he clicked on his veterinarian brain, where body parts became body parts and bodily fluids and functions became just things he had to clean up after the medical side was taken care of.
“I didn’t know what cake you wanted,” he said after shoving the many,manypads under the sink. He then showed Zef his backpack again for them to inspect the cakes. “Are any of these right?”
Another amused smile, this one smaller and softer. “I would like the koca one.”
Hellian chocolate. He should’ve known.
“Coming right up, darlin’,” he said as he heaved himself back to his feet. “One piece?”
Their green cheeks darkened as they shook their head.
“Two pieces?”
They nodded.
“Okay. Sit tight.”
In the kitchen, he portioned two generous slices of cake on a plate and grabbed a fork. He filled a glass with cold water, then brewed a quick cup of tea for good measure. His caregiver’s heart was bursting with pride and happiness as he set his offerings on a tray and carried it back into Zef’s room.
“I have your cake,” he said to announce his presence before he peeked around the door jamb to the bathroom.
They were as he’d left them, buried under hills of bubbles. Chunks of hair that had escaped their messy bun stuck to their neck and cheek, and they appeared to be playing with the bubbles closest to them, shaping them into droopy, formless blobs.
Affection rushed through him as he set the tray on the closed toilet. They were so adorable he could barely stand it.
“You sure your bath isn’t too hot?” he asked, concerned at the sheer amount of steam rising from the tub.
Their placid expression hardened to something dangerous. “I am boiling the eggs in my belly until they die. Do you not hear their screams?” Water sloshed as they moved one arm, presumably jabbing themself in the stomach. “Burn, you evil little bastards. Burn!”
“Well, look at you being all dark and murderous,” he commended as he made a makeshift table with the trash can and the edge of the clothes hamper. He centered the tray on it, so Zef could easily reach it. “You need one of your pills now?”
Sitting up higher, revealing sharp collarbones, they shook their head. “No, there is a physical change that must happen first. Then I take the pills.”
“Okay. Do you need anything else?”
Hooking their chin on the edge of the tub, shoulder glistening as suds dripped down their back, they shook their head. “Thank you for my cake.”
“You’re welcome.”
He watched them spear a large bite and shove it gracelessly into their mouth. Their eyes fluttered shut, and they sighed happily, resting their chin on the tub again as they chewed. A dreamy smile curled their mouth, lips smeared brown with koca.
“Let me know if you need anything,” he said, brushing a lock of hair off their forehead. Their antennas captured his hand, curling around his index and middle fingers. The ends pricked against his skin, like insect legs, and he shivered involuntarily.
After only a few seconds, they released him, and he withdrew his hand. “The first few days I will weather alone,” they said, avoiding his gaze as they took another bite of cake. “After, I may require assistance.”
“Keep your phone close by and charged. In case I’m in my room and can’t hear you call.”
They nodded. “I am very grateful, Bryce. You are so kind and helpful.”
“It ain’t no trouble, promise. I like taking care of the people I… care about,” he finished carefully.
“Still,” they said, crests of their cheeks flushing. “Thank you.”
“You are so very welcome. Zef.” His thighs protested as he pushed himself up from his crouch. “If you need anything, just call.”
He left them to their cake.
