The Bath

Edmond breathed in her sent as the pair hugged, Gods did he love that she smelled of cherry blossoms. After what seemed like forever Skye broke the hug almost hesitantly. She could really remember the last time someone showed her any positive attention let alone hugged her, it was nice.

A comfortable silence filled the air, the pair sat across from each other not uttering a word or moving both afraid to ruin the moment.

Finally, after some time had past Skye looked at Edmond and said: "I need to finish getting dress so I can see my father."

"Do you need any help?" the man said without thinking

Skye looked at the man her face instantly becoming crimson.

..."Because of your shoulder I mean," he quickly clarified and blushed slightly.

Edmond glanced at the still glowing shoulder, it was like the elephant in the room. He didn't know whether to mention it or to pretend that it was normal even though it most definitely wasn't.

"If you can just pick me out a dress from my wardrobe while I freshen up that would be helpful. Reaching up is still pretty painful." Skye said sheepishly

She never liked asking for help but she didn't want to offend Edmond either. She had already brushed him off earlier when he was just trying to help. She didn't want him to think that she disliked or didn't trust him.

"Let me help you clean up I promise not to look I will just help you clean your back and do your hair. Those two things will hurt your shoulder the most." Edmond said in a determined yet gentle tone.

Skye looked at him hesitantly.

"I have four younger sisters so I am great at doing hair and it is just your back I will not try anything I promise. Plus you are my superior I don't want to know the kinds of punishments you would come up with if I did." He said with a laugh putting his hands up in a joking manner.

"..... Alright" Skye said hesitantly. She had already been wondering how she would do these things so him offering was a blessing in disguise.

Skye walked over to the bath she had drawn earlier before she was interrupted.

"Close your eyes" She ordered

Edmond did so obediently

Once she noticed his eyes were closed she took off her clothes and climbed in the water making sure to face away from him.

"Okay," she called out in a gentle voice

"Okay," Edmond said as he opened his eyes and started walking towards her.

He noticed a clean cloth on the side of the tub, he grabbed it and dipped it into the water which was now getting cold. He decided it would be best to be quick so the girl would not get sick.

"Do you have a specific soap you use?" He asked looking over at the counter which contained many different shaped and colored bottles.

"The red one is soap and the two pink ones are for my hair. The biggest one is the conditioner and the smaller one is shampoo." She said pointing at the bottles.

He walked over and retrieved the bottles glancing at the girl in the mirror. He saw her beautiful face and her creamy skin. He quickly returned to his task.

"Would you mind washing my hair? I think it would be a little hard with my shoulder. If not its okay I'm sorry for asking" Skye quickly blurted out afraid of the answer.

"I don't mind at all and don't be sorry it is my pleasure to help," He said as he took the red vile and poured some onto the cloth.

He took the soapy cloth and touched it to her bare back. The girl jumped slightly from the suddenness of it. He immediately froze afraid he had hurt her.

"Its alright I'm okay," She said sensing his fear and hesitation.

He paused and then proceed to wash he back very gently not wanting to hurt her. Her body soap smelled of honey it was a suttle sent back he quite enjoyed it. He carefully rubbed the cloth across her milky skin he was especially careful of her shoulder so as not to hurt her worse.

As he was washing her back she had a million thought running through her head but after a moment they all vanished and she just sat in peaceful silence. The only sound was their own breathing.

"I'm going to rinse you off, it will probably be cold. I will also wet your hair so I can wash it" Edmond said in a calm tone.

"Alright," Skye responded in a daze.

Edmond took a small bucket that was next to the tub and filled it with the bath water accidentally brushing her back with his fingers as he did. He then took the bucket in one hand and used the other to shield her eyes. He poured the water and watch as her amber hair darkened and the suds disappeared.

Skye had known this man for a few years he was always the quiet type who typically didn't say much. She never knew that he could be so gentle and compassionate.

He took the smaller bottle and poured the contents into his large palm. Instantly the room was filled with the smell of cherry blossoms. If he didn't know any better he could swear there was a tree in the bathroom. He unconsciously said "mmmm" as he started to mix the liquid into a lather in his hands.

"Do you like it?" Skye asked turning her head towards him causing the water to splash slightly.

"It smells amazing, where did you get it?" He said looking deep into her eyes.

"Oh, I made it, It is actually a hobby of mine." She said with a smile.

"That is really cool. I like to make candles but I don't really tell anyone about it." He admitted

"That is amazing maybe you can make me one," Skye said her eyes full of excitement.

"Sure, as long as you make me some soap and shampoo." He replied with a huge smile.

"Its a deal," She said returning the smile.

After their exchange, she turned back around so he could finish helping her bathe. All of the awkwardness was gone. All that remained was the smell of cherry blossoms.

He quickly finished up her hair and the left the bathroom so she could dry off and so he could pick a dress.