Brightside | ✓

46 | lucky

Sneaking out of a New York hotel room at five o'clock in the morning after sleeping on the floor was easier than trying to help Rush Tua after he'd been discharged from the hospital. Mainly because, like Eddie, Rush Tua didn't like being helped.

"Do I have to go get your kid to guilt trip you again or—"

"Shut up, Eddie—"

"It's not like it's the first time I've seen you naked—"

"That was before the gym got renovated—" The coughing fit Rush erupted into wasn't helping his case.

"I know you won't tell me where you need me to drive you," Eddie said. "Why won't you let me help you get ready?"

The bathroom door cracked open. "Close your eyes."

"I'm more likely to accidentally touch you somewhere you don't want me to if I close my fuckin' eyes, you loser—"

"Ew—"

"Can I just come in and help you, please?" Eddie asked.

A moment of silence met her before a small, "Yes."

Eddie pushed open Rush's bedroom door. Like she had every morning since his discharge with his breakfast. Or to help him get out of a bath. Sleeping on Rush's couch came with it's perks when she didn't have to drive to his house at the speed of light to assist him when he was willing to admit he needed it. "What's the situat—"

At the very least, Rush had managed to get a pair of underwear on. Some days were better than others. The issue was the rest of it. Pants, button up, tie, socks.

"Are you heading to a fuckin' funeral—"

"Eddie, please," Rush said.

"What's going on?"

"I just—" Rush sighed. "I feel like shit and when I thought I was going to be doing this, I would've just worn sweats, but I need something to make me feel better."

"You're not—" Eddie looked at the clothes again.

"Eds," Rush said. "I'll explain it to you when we get there. My ribs are killing me, can you please help me get my shirt on?"

And so, Eddie did. The fact he even asked was more than she got on most days. It was always a battle to admit an injury hurt more than anyone wanted it to. But Rush would've done the same for her, in a heartbeat. He might've been more aggressive with it than she was.

Eddie gently slid his shirt up his shoulders. "How are things going with Rhylan?"

Rush groaned. "Get out, I'll get dressed myself."

"Would love to see it," Eddie said. "Go ahead."

Rush winced to reach the top button on his shirt. Eddie swatted his hands away, much to his displeasure.

"Things are going well," Rush conceded. "I really like her."

"Should I be inviting her here instead of staying?"

"She's back on the road," Rush said. "I think it's between her and some other guy after the Red Sox announcer retires this year. She's gotta get it. Told me she'd come back if I needed her to, but how the hell could I ask her to give up her dream and take care of me?"

"She'd break up with you if she heard how much of a whiny bitch you are," Eddie said.

Rush laughed. "Thanks, Eds."