Hide Your Heart

A Little TLC

Tommy, still partially sedated, looked at ease when Paul came in.  He was groggy but kind of awake. "Tom, if you can hear me, I have a few things to tell you. Baby?"

Trying to drag himself out of his clouded mind, Tommy managed to open his eyes. "P-P-Paul?" he asked hoarsely, breathing tube down his throat. "D-d-don't...go."

"I'm staying here for the night. Okay?"

Tommy managed to nod as Paul sat on the edge of the bed. He could feel Paul squeezing his hand. "Baby? I'm not sure if you're coherent yet but I'm here. Squeeze my hand if you know I'm here."

A small squeeze as Tommy began to focus better. "P-P-Paul?" 

Before Paul started to speak, he noticed Tommy was sweating and unkempt. "Would you like me to give you a shower?" "You're sweaty and you need TLC."

"I w-w-would l-l-like that. I-I-I,um,...." came the whisper.

Paul realized what Tommy was trying to say. "You had to use the bathroom?" "It's okay. I'll get the nurse to bring us some fresh sheets. Don't be upset."

After getting Tommy unhooked and to a standing position, the nurse helped him to the bathroom. "Let me know when you're done. I'll come back and re hook everything. " she told Paul. 

She had set Tommy on the edge of the tub so Paul could assist him from there. "Baby, I'm going to fill the tub, okay?" "I'll help you in it and then join you. Give me a few."

Tommy closed his eyes and let Paul undress him. He felt so embarrassed that his pajamas were soaked and soiled. His cheeks flushed. 

"Hey, it's okay. You can barely talk so I know it's rough when you need something. Look at me, I love you."

The water was nice and warm when Tommy was placed into the tub. He felt Paul slip in behind him and leaned back.

"Just  relax and let me take care of you." Paul talked soothingly to Tommy as he bathed him and washed his hair. 

While the two were in the bathroom, the house keeper changed the bedding and left extra linen.