“Feeling better now?” Mason asked after
Parker had been quiet for about five minutes, though he hadn’t let
go his tight hold on Mason.
“Yeah, thanks.”
Mason kissed the top of Parker’s head. “Do
you want to talk about it?”
Parker shuddered, but made no other visible
or audible reply.
Mason continued to cuddle his friend,
marveling at how amazing it felt to give comfort to such a big and
outwardly tough person.
“Can we get cleaned up first? I stink.”
“Sure, babe, whatever you want.” Mason let go
of Parker who got up, kissed Mason on the cheek before making for
the door. “Leave the shower running. I’ll go in after you.” Mason
didn’t suggest they shower together; he suspected Parker needed a
little time to himself, plus the shower stall was rather small.
As he waited for Parker to finish in the
bathroom, Mason scanned the room. They’d made a real mess of the
bed, though fortunately the towels Parker had laid down the night