In the Span of a Breath

Chapter 7

Getting back to Erin's room was an interesting endeavor. Erin couldn't stand fully because it caused the skin on his back to stretch, so he was crouched the entire time with Paige supporting a lot of his weight. Paige turned to set Erin on his bed.

"Wait. Wait. I have to take my pants off first." Erin muttered frowning at his pants. He stiffly moved to loosen the tie one handed. After a few failed attempts Paige huffed and slapped his hand away.  

"I got it. Just stand here and don't fall." Paige moved from under Erin's arm around to his front. He made quick work of the loose tie and then proceeded to slide down Erin's sweats. Realizing the situation he was in Erin squawked and felt the heat of a furious blush burning his ears and face. Erin covered his mouth with his hand and looked away, anywhere but down at Paige. Hearing a sharp exhale from Paige, his eyes slid down and he made eye contact. He felt the heat burning down his neck and fill his chest. His heart tried to pound right out through his ribs. He clinched his eyes shut and cover his face with his hand as he quickly turned his head away.

"Relax, man. I get it the waistband slides up while you sleep and rubs your wound." Standing Paige slid back in his spot under Erin's am and lowered the taller of the two down on his bed.

With his hand still covering his red face Erin shook his head. "Th-that's not- never mind."

Paige hummed in reply then busied himself doing something. Erin heard his pill bottle being picked up and looked up to see Paige dropping one in his hand and closing the lid back on. "Shirt off, meds, then sleep. Hurry up." He left the room and Erin let out a shaky breath. The warmth of embarrassment was quickly cooled by the reality of what Paige just asked-- told really. He didn't think he could do it. Taking his shit off would hurt, sure, but the problem was with Paige seeing it. It's quite the difference in knowing about the ugly wound and seeing it. His parents were the only people, other than the hospital staff, that have seen his back since the attack. Erin's hand slid down his face and he sat there hunched over.

"Need help?" Paige's sudden voice caused Erin to startle. His body tensed up and he gasped as the sudden jerky movement pulled his stitches. "Hey, hey. My bad. I didn't mean to startle you."

"I-it's fine. I just didn't hear you come." His voice cracked and he looked down to avoid looking at the blond.

Paige walked in and set a glass of water and a white pill on the night table by Erin's bed. "Shirt?"

Erin looked up confused. When he understood his hands tightened on the hem of his shirt. "I don't-"

"Don't be a baby. C'mon. Hands up."

Erin gave him a skeptical look while he was starting to turn red again.

"Now, or else. Don't make me."

Huffing Erin smiled and ducked his head, lifting his arms. Quick as a flash Paige had a hold of his large shirt and was easing it off his back and over his head. Once the shirt was off Paige tossed it on the beanbag chair in the corner of Erin's room. He then handed the glass of water and pill to the other teen. "Drink all of it."

"Thanks, Mom." Muttered Erin sarcastically but he did as he was told.

In retaliation Paige tipped the cup and the last bit of water in the bottom spilled down Erin's chin and chest. At Erin's yelp of surprise Paige laughed. "Idiot. Don't call me Mom."

Erin huffed but was smiling as he eased himself over on his side and then over on his stomach. A rough sound came from Paige and seemed to get caught in his throat. He coughed to hide it but Erin had heard the sound and a wave of self-loathing washed through him. Erin could feel Paige's eyes on his back.