Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Fifty Three

NICK'S POV

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It's been two weeks since Aris has been home from the hospital. Two weeks of looking after him and his every last need. I didn't expect to enjoy it this much but there is something about taking care of the people you love that makes you feel content and satisfied.

I whip us up some lunch on a gloomy Tuesday afternoon. The sound of feet against the floor echo in my ears. I whip my head over my shoulder to find Aris walking towards me very slowly. I drop the knife onto the counter and rush towards him. "You shouldn't be out of bed," I huff.

Aris rolls his eyes. "I will get blood clots in my legs, Nick. I'm fine. The doctor said that I'm okay to walk around and get exercise."

"Yeah, well you're still in recovery." I say as I help him to the counter but we both know he doesn't need my help. "Sit and eat lunch."

I know I've probably been incredibly overbearing these last few weeks but if he's in my care then I don't want anything to happen to him. I see the way he gives me looks and tuts as if I'm doing too much but personally I don't think I'm doing enough.

Aris is the sort of guy who wants to do things himself. Accepting help for him is hard and I get that but right now he has no choice but to enjoy these few weeks of being treated like a king and I won't stop. When he's recovered I'm going to continue giving him the treatment that he has always deserved.

"Thanks," he offers a smile as he sits on the stool and I resume making lunch. "That looks good."

My eyes flick up to find his bright expression. "Are you hungry?"

"Famished."

Once we've eaten and I move us to the sofa, I pick a movie for us to watch together. Aris snuggles into my side and I'm cautious of his chest and positioning. His finger trails over my palm gently and I watch the action and the way his lips curls.

"What are you thinking about?" I ask when I notice that his eyes aren't on the screen.

He tilts his head and I'm met with those gorgeous blue eyes. "I've been thinking a lot. I've had a lot of time to think. Too much time to think. It's a bit overwhelming to be honest."

"About what?"

Aris shuffles and faces me, removing his hand from mine. A wave sparks my heart and I lean over to pause the movie so I can listen properly. "About us, I guess."

I blink and stare at his blank expression. "Tell me."

"Well, you've literally bent over backwards for me for the last month. You've put your work to the side for me. You've let me into your home–"

"It's your home too." I cut over him.

"–and you have done everything to make me feel comfortable and loved. I wanted you to know that I forgive you for what happened between us before."

I close my eyes and shake my head. "No," I heave. "Don't let what I'm doing cloud your judgement. I still have a lot of making up to do. I still have a lot to prove to you."

"Nick–"

"Aris, I want you to focus on you and your recovery. Not forgiving me. Your forgiveness can wait." I whisper and reach out to touch his soft cheek. "You've been attached to me for the last few weeks and I don't want you to regret what you're saying because you're wrapped up in this because I've been looking after you."

He begins to frown. "I know how I feel, Nick. I know that you didn't mean those things you said. I know how much you care about me–all of this proves it. I'm ready to forgive you and I want to forgive you. I want to move on. I know you'd never hurt me like that again, you learnt your lesson."