likeasilverbulletâ:
Nero of course agreed to be on his best behaviour while Tony was teaching him. Even being as sheltered as he was, Nero was fully aware of the dangers that came with using weapons. He didnât have to be told twice to behave and listen to Tony in this case, and he knew that if he did misbehave Tony wouldnât hesitate to stop the lessons.
When they arrived to the island it became apparent right away that Nero was overdressed for the new climate, and he couldnât wait to change into something more suitable. Luckily they hadnât spent much time outside of the plane or the limo that picked them up yet, but Nero knew if he stayed in his current clothes for much longer he would end up sweaty and uncomfortable.
Nero stood watching quietly as Tony handed over the key to the place Max would be staying, away from them. It was expected considering even at home Max had his own house on their property, but Nero couldnât shake the feeling that something was off about the other man and had been since the hospital, and he worried about leaving him on his own. Max was entitled to his privacy though, so there was nothing he could do about it.
He stood on tiptoe to give Max a soft kiss in return for the one on his cheek, giving the man a small smile. âHave a good nap, Max. I love you.â
Once the door to their beach house was unlocked Nero stepped inside, sparing a concerned glance back at Max before the door closed behind himself and Tony. He placed Biancaâs carrier down gently on the floor and opened it, freeing her once more so she could run off and explore the house.
'A shower sounds nice, doesnât it Daddy?â Nero straightened, turning to look at Tony. He hadnât gotten to take a bath with Max given the circumstances, and he was sweaty now besides. 'Youâll come with me, right? Please?â
âââ-
Shortly after, Nero sat naked in the bathroom while Tony got the shower started and waited for the water to reach a good temperature so they could get in together. It hadnât taken much convincing at all for Nero to get his lover to join him, and Nero was glad for this small bit of normality after everything that had happened.
'Can I wash you please? And you can do me after.â It was unintentional, but Nero giggled a little at the double entendre nonetheless. He was feeling a bit better now, and the shower was sure to help as well.
Meanwhile, Max had fallen asleep again shortly after he got into his own cabin and his head hit the pillow. It was partly exhaustion, but a lot of it was the remnants of whatever dope they had to give him for surgery the night before. Everything had happened so fast he hadnât any time to process his thoughts, which is why they came in nightmares instead.Â
In his cold sweat he dreamt that Nero was the one to get stabbed and not him. That he had failed to save him, failed to do the one job he was born to do. His senses seemed heightened even in his dreams, he could smell the blood and feel the pain all over again. Then his eyes snapped open and he sat bolt-upright.Â
It was ok, he was ok, he was on the island in a sun-lit room, a window open and a soft breeze coming in. He looked at the billowing curtain for a few moments then jumped out of bed and slammed the window closed. It had been an open window that started all this, and his failed observation of that and closing it earlier. He didnât think heâd ever leave a bedroom window open ever again.Â
Whatever was going on with his body since receiving Tonyâs blood would have to be discussed, and heâd have to sit down and have a long talk with Nero as well. Max knew now that he couldnât be his lover and protect him at the same time; it was an impossible task. He never wanted to be responsible for putting Nero in danger ever again.Â












