Showers and neighbours
1384 Words
*Astrid*
“Just show me the way”. Zac says, supporting me gently and holding Pjuske’s leash in the other hand as we walk down the path.
I lead the way back to my small house, feeling utterly exhausted and shaking with cold, from sitting on the ground and getting wet from holding her. “Thanks for doing this Zac”.
“You are my partner and you need me, so I am here ... it’s my duty”. He responds softly.
Honestly he smells amazing, I realise, being hugged into his side, warm and … kinda like summer is the best way to describe it, but I have also smelled something else on him, tequila... apparently he had been drinking when I called him and well there is also the smell of the stale water hanging on his clothes.
“This is me”. Honestly I am quite sure he shouldn’t be driving at all. “Want to come in, for a cup of coffee and get some warmth back in the bones”.
“I would have insisted if you hadn’t asked ... you shouldn't be alone right now”. He says, waiting for me to open the door.
He takes the leash of Pjuske and kicks off his shoes. I walk into the kitchen. “Kitchen is this way”. I grab the water bowl, filling it. “Come on Pjuske boy”.
“It is a very cosy house you have here ... I like it”. He says looking around. “Pjuske ? It’s a weird name ... does it mean anything ?”
“I guess the best translation is fluffy ... like a scruffy fluffy”. I say, looking at my beloved dog. “And he kinda is”.
He smiles warmly, holding out a hand and Pjuske instantly pads over to him to be scratched behind the ear. “I like it, it sounds cute ... and well yeah he is and big too”.
“He likes you”. I tell him, I mean Pjuske is friendly with most people, but the way he comes when Zac holds out his hand, shows me that he likes him.
“I like him too”. He chuckles softly. “We are … kind of alike”.
I look at him. “You really need a shower and so do I ... oh no, do not give me that look, I have two bathrooms … If you hand me your clothes I can wash it for you”.
“What look”. He sends me a cheeky grin. “No actually it would be great if you would wash my clothes ... it smells kinda bad and I have a sensitive nose”.
“Come here”. I show him the way to my guest bathroom and open the door. “There is shampoo on the ledge inside the shower and clean towels in the cupboard ... you can just throw your clothes outside the door”.
He leans down, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Thank you darling”. Then he disappeared through the door. Half a minute later the door creaks open and his hand slips out, dumping the clothes.
I go to throw it in my washing machine, and quickly strip out my own clothes, throwing it in the machine too and starting it. Then I hurry out into my own bathroom.
Standing under the warm water I feel all the memories wash over me. The small body floating in the water, lifeless and cold. And before I realise I find myself balled up in a corner, crying my eyes out.
Slowly I manage to get a hold of myself and quickly wash my hair. I get out and dry myself off. Putting some cooling cream on my face, I don't want to let Zac see my puffy eyes.
I put on a fluffy onesie, loving the way the fabric glides over my skin, hugging me in softness. Right now warmth and comfort comes before anything else to be honest. Then I walk into the kitchen and put on water for tea.
I hear a door c***k open and expect it to be my dear partner. “So how was the shower Zac ? Wet ?”
“Uhm who is Zac and why is he showering in your house”. A very well known voice sounds behind me.
“Niko !” I turn around to see my long time friend and neighbour Nikolaj, who also happens to work for my father's company, standing in the doorway. “What’s up ?”
He grins and walk in. “Well apparently strange men in your shower and, what’s with all the police out there ? Do you know ?”
I sigh and shake my head. “I found that little girl ... you know the one who was abducted from the playground ... oh God, it’s some total psycho”.
“Ohh ... I am sorry you had to see that sweetie”. He comes over to hug me. “I hate people like that”.
“Darling ... I have a tiny problem”. This time I have no doubt it’s Zac’s voice behind me. “Oh ... am I interrupting something ?”
“No Zac ... this is ...”. I turn and kind of lose my breath. Zac is standing there, only a towel around his waist, revealing an absolutely amazing body. I mean even with clothes it was obvious that he is in great shape, but damn ... he looks better than I could ever imagine.
His chest is wide, quite muscular and has a nice cover of dark hair, his stomach trim and his biceps are like absolute perfection. The water has made his dark hair curl slightly. Honestly he might be the hottest man I have ever laid my eye upon.
“This is who ?” Zac asks, raising one eyebrow in question at me.
I shake my head, feeling heat shoot into my cheeks and I hold my eyes on Nikolaj. “This is my friend and neighbour ... Nikolaj ... Niko this is my new partner Zac”.
“A pleasure meeting you Nikolaj”. Zac steps forward shaking his hand. “And sorry about my ... lack of clothing, but Astrid here is so sweet as to wash my clothes after having been into one of the lakes ... and I didn’t exactly bring an extra set”.
I bite my lip. “Oh sorry, I didn’t think about that ... to be frank, I don’t really have anything you can fit into ... sorry”. Do I mind him only wearing a towel for the next hour or so ? Nah not really.
“You know what ... I might have something that’s a bit too big on me, that you can fit into. Do you want me to go get it ?” Nikolaj offers.
Part of me wants to say no, but I nod. “Thank you Niko, that would be great”.
“Yeah thanks man, it would be appreciated”. Zac sends him a warm smile.
“I’ll run and get it then”. He smiles at Zac and kisses my cheek before hurrying out the door.
Zac looks at me. “Soo ... you and the pretty boy neighbour ... an item ?”
“God no ... no not at all”. I grin. “I am sure he prefers you over me”.
“He’s gay ? Are you sure”. Zac looks at me, then the door. “has he said that ?”
“Well no, not directly ... but I mean he never speaks about women or dating and he r.. is always so well groomed ... and he is a great friend, kinda like a girlfriend”. Admittedly it’s something I might have just assumed.
Zac bites his lip. “Hmm ... honestly I am not so sure about that”.
- Writer
