Peanut Butter Without the Crust -

Ch.5 Shame in the Bubbles

Supper had come and gone without a hitch, Steve had had more to eat than Eddie and that was impressive considering that Eddie who liked to keep track of his 'pancake record' ate close to twenty four pancakes. 

By the end Steve was covered in syrup much like a child but the Munson's agreed it was endearing, especially since they didn't know all the details of what had happened with the younger boy. Wayne had volunteered to clean up the kitchen while the young Alpha showed Steve how their crappy shower worked. 

The walk to the bathroom was slow, most of it was Steve walking on his own only reaching out for the other when he got scared he was going to fall. Like a toddler who was still learning to walk. Eddie decided right then and there that anything Steve did was endearing and worth praise. 

Eddie sat the teen down on the closed lid of the toilet as he went to gather clothes for him, grabbing another pair of sweatpants from the supplies box but one of his shirts for the top instead. Mingling scents was good and if Steve was going to become apart of their pack it was even better for him to get used to them. Grabbing one of Wayne's flannels from the clean laundry pile atop the dryer he nodded to himself in approval. 

Heading back to the bathroom with his clothing hoard and of course a towel and washcloth he set them on the sink shelf. "Stevie? I'm going to run you a bath ok? I just don't think you standing is the best idea right now" He was met with a whine of disapproval, Eddie hated having to put his foot down but he knew right now he had too. "Sweetheart isn't not for the best right now ok? Besides we can make it a bubble bath and the warm water will help warm you right up" 

With reluctant acceptance the Alpha started the water and stopped up the tub. Cursing under his breath for forgetting stuff he stands again explaining to the worried looking boy that he was only going to get more stuff from the supplies box. Digging through the box that had been set in his now their bedroom he pulled out off the soft slightly feminine soaps that Hop's secretary had bought for Steve along with a pair of blue boxers. 

Reentering the bathroom he found Steve trying to take his sweater off himself but struggling to get his arms completely over his head. Frowning softly he set the gathered stuff on the sink shelf next to the others before walking over "Do you need help honey?" 

"C-can d-do, do it" Steve's voice broke as he looked up at the other, tears and shame in his eyes. The Alpha felt his heart once again breaking for the teen. Pressing his back up against the bathroom door he looked at him gently. 

"Why don't you let me help this bath and next bath you can do it yourself alright?" He was hoping to bargain with the shaking boy, he was stubborn and determined as hell, who could blame him. He was strong for surviving that long, he had to be, but in moments like this when Steve was offered care he froze like it had never once been an options before.  

With a reluctant nod Steve watched as the taller of the two moved from his place against the door, shifting his weight so he could comfortable crouch in front of him. Slowly everything was removed, the jacket moved from where Steve had shrugged it off himself to the hook on the back of the door. The sweater lifted over his head, the Alpha gently talking him through it as the pile of dirty clothes grew on the floor. Mindful to keep his face and scent in check as he witnessed the scars that littered his torso. Having him stand with hands on his shoulders and slowly step out of his sweatpants, dark coffee eyes looking nowhere but up at Steve's face. 

"Sweetheart, I'm going to stand up and support you that way ok? The bath is full of bubbles so once your in you tell me ok? I won't see anything through the bubbles" Steve nodded softly, defeated in a way but more determined to be able to do this himself next time. His grip on the older man shifted from his shoulders to his forearm which was held in front of him.

Shifting his eyes away to the ceiling light Eddie kept both himself and Steve balanced as he stripped completely and entered the warmth of the bath. Once sitting in the tub and having pulled some bubbles up to hid himself more he spoke quietly "I-I'm sat" 

Nodding Eddie lowered his eyes from the ceiling, grabbing the stool from under the sink he sat by the side of the tub pulling a hair tie off his wrist and throwing his hair into a messy bun "Good job Pretty Boy" 

Smiling wide he looks over and sees that the brunette isn't paying attention to him but is instead looking at the little rubber duck holding a electric guitar on the side of the tub. Chuckling softly the Alpha reached over and grabbed the little duck, setting it on the bubble pile in front of Steve. "W-what?" 

"It's a rubber duck Stevie, his names Dio after a band I like. You can play with him if you'd like" The smile never leaving his face he gently encouraged for the smaller boy to let loose and have even a little fun in the bath. 

Reaching forward hesitantly Steve gently held the duck in his shaking hands. Looking between the rubber duck and Eddie he smiled so soft and brief the Alpha was almost sure it hadn't even happened but it didn't matter to him if it had or not as he watched the teen play with the duck in the bubbles. To him that was enough. Noting down he'd definitely have to talk to Wayne later about that smile. 

Slowly but surely the bath got finished, Eddie washed his hair and back as Steve took care of the rest of his body. The older boy took to humming softly when ever he had to get the others face wet, especially after the small whining fit when he got some on his face when he was wetting down his hair to wash it. 

When the bath was over Eddie stood, bracing himself and keeping his eyes focused on the ceiling again as Steve used him for balance as he stepped over the bath. Gaze shifting from the overhead light to the other's shoulder as he wrapped the towel around him. Helping him sit on the closed lid toilet while he drained the tub, grabbing the little yellow duck and drying it off on the bottom of his shirt before handing it back to Steve. "Here, why don't you hold onto him for me. I'm sure he gets lonely in here" 

The quick barely there smile was back as he nodded holding the small duck in his hands as he's dried and dressed. Eddie didn't mind doing all the work this time if it meant seeing the happy look on Steve's face, while he wished he'd smile again he knew the shorter boy would in due time. But for right now the task at hand was leading a tired happy Steve off to bed.