Tick Tock Part Three - Dock

Tireless Protector

Gavin hummed softly, brow furrowing as he turned his head to chase the gentle fingers that were running through his hair. He blinked his hazy eyes, still numb and disoriented. He didn't know where he was, but he knew Nines was there and that was all that mattered. His long fingers were still carding through his thick locks, teasing his scalp and gently coaxing him into a more wakeful state. Nines didn't want to jar him too much, not so soon after yet another psychological blow. Gavin turned further into his chest, nuzzling his firm pecs.

"Are you awake now?" Nines asked softly, willing to wait for his sleepy reply. It may take time for him to process the question and work up to a verbal response through the fatigue. Gavin nodded with a small hum, still getting used to the new setting. He wasn't on a cold, hard floor anymore, and the air wasn't cold. He'd been propped up on Nines' lap, legs stretched out along a cushioned surface. It was familiar. The room was bright. Light was shining through a wall of glass. The...bar? He turned his head, which felt a lot heavier than usual. They were in the penthouse bar. On the curved sofa. Nines had put some towels down to protect the plush surface. Gavin took in a sharp breath, his whole body stiffening. It was on his hands! He could feel it! His sleeves were still soaked with it! "Gavin...Gavin, calm down...Shh, it's alright. You're awake now, so we'll take a shower and clean it off...alright?" Nines remained calm as he took Gavin's trembling oily hands in his own. He held his jittering gaze with steady blue eyes.

"Th-thanks," Gavin almost whispered, closing his fingers to grip Nines' hands tightly. He had no idea how hard he was holding or whether his grip was weaker than usual. However tight it felt, it clearly didn't bother Nines. Nines squeezed back with a gentle look before prying himself loose. He gathered him securely against his chest and stood, carrying him bridal style towards the stairs. He'd taken off his jacket and shoes at some point. Chloe's going to have to clean it again...Gavin shivered as he thought about the blue coating the worn leather. It may have gone invisible, but it was still there. Oily. Cloying. Slick.

"Stay with me," Nines prompted as he noticed him spiralling. Gavin nodded mutely as Nines entered his bedroom and walked straight through to the bathroom. That was good. It was Nines' space. It was somewhere he knew he'd feel safe and secure. Nines' unique thirium scent mixed with bathing products had seeped into the air. "Strip," Nines ordered as he placed him on his feet. He waited a moment to be sure Gavin could support himself before crossing to the large shower to get the water ready. He praised him in gentle tones as he pulled off his stained top, wiping his hands as he did so. Stripping the rest was easier.

Nines quickly tossed the dirty clothing in his hamper to be dealt with later, removing his own clothes as he did so. He smiled softly as he held a hand out to Gavin, waiting until he was ready to move. Gavin slipped his hand in Nines' and allowed him to pull him closer. Nines wrapped his arms around him gently, stroking his spine and teasing his neck as their bodies touched. Gavin let out an almost relieved hum as he returned the embrace, needy arms slipping around Nines' slim waist. Nines obliged him as he raised his face for a kiss, pressing their lips together tenderly and cupping his cheek.

"Come," he urged softly as he drew back enough to encourage Gavin to walk with him. Gavin sighed and shuddered as hot water rolled over his body, leaning heavily against Nines' chest beneath the cascading spray. Nines seemed happy to humour him for now, wrapping him in a loose embrace and tracing patterns on his spine. Despite his dazed state, Gavin felt a lot clearer than he had in the past when dealing with trauma. Nines offered tender praise as he drew back and grabbed the shower gel. He had two bottles. One was Gavin's standard soap and the one he'd picked up was Elijah's special degreaser.

Gavin helped, feeling alert enough to largely wash his own body this time. Nines washed himself, keeping a close eye on Gavin to make sure all the thirium was removed. He was gentle as he took his hands and stroked between his fingers, scraped along his nails, and kissed his fingertips. The heat of the water was helping. Gavin stopped shivering after a while, though he didn't move out of Nines' personal space for an instant. Nines accepted his presence silently, stoking and kissing him at varying intervals.