bare [h.s.]

Always

"Don't peek," I warn,
dropping the sheets at my feet.
The warmth greets me and I
sink slowly into the water.
Harry stands with his hand over his eyes, waiting patiently for me to get settled.

"Anytime soon? I'm getting gray hairs," he chuckles at himself as
I bring my knees to my chest.

"Okay, I'm ready," I announce,
watching him step closer to me.
He gets on his knees and rests
his arms on the side of the tub.

"How do you feel?" He whispers,
putting one finger into the water,
swirling it around to make a design.

"Vulnerable," I say weakly.
Harry nods silently, grabbing a
dish filled with water from the floor.

He brings it above my head,
"Close your eyes, babe," he orders.
My muscles relax as he gently pours
the water onto my hair,
letting it flow down my back.

He continues to bathe me as
I let soft cries out into my knees.
"I love you," I whisper through the tears.

He sets the dish down beside him,
wiping his hands off onto a towel.
"I love you too," he says,
bringing the towel to my face
as he dries my soaked cheeks.

"Promise me you'll stay," I cry out,
resting my dampened hand on his cheek. He smiles, pressing his lips
into my palm.

"Forever and always."