#belschine

“So Maxim... How exactly did this happen? It is unlike you to return so beaten up...”

Maxim, sitting on Juste's bed, tried his hardest not to wince. Juste was currently cleaning a nasty gash on his side, a wet cloth in his hand.

“I... I lost my footing for a moment...”

“You? Losing your footing? Did hell freeze over while I wasn't watching?”

“I'm still only human... Argh! Must you be so rough?!”

“Apologies, my friend... I just need to clean this out a bit more... … There that should do it. Just let me bandage it and you will be good as new.”

Juste's cool hands felt good against Maxim's too hot body as the young man wrapped the clean bandage around his friend's chest. He wanted to lean closer, enchanted by his friend's touch, but Juste finished quicker than Maxim liked.

Looking up, Juste noticed his friend's dazed expression.

“Maxim...? Is there anything else? You seem a bit off...”

Any words that the injured man might have wanted to say died in his throat as Juste leaned even closer, long silver-white hair brushing against Maxim's bare arm. Maxim could smell the soap Juste used to wash himself, most likely used just mere moments before he stumbled into his home. He also couldn't help but notice how slender the taller man looked without his signature red coat, the loose blouse showing his pale and unblemished collarbone; it was enough to Maxim to start fantasizing.

For a few short moments, Maxim could only wonder how Juste would react if he wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close.

Maxim swallowed hard, trying his hardest to bury those thoughts for now (at least until he was alone), all the while clear eyes studied him closely, the flickering light of the candles reflected in them.

“I don't see any other injuries... Maybe you just need some rest. You should sleep here for the remainder of the night, just to make sure...” Juste's low voice interrupted Maxim's train of thought.

“Yes, of course... Wait. What? But where will you sleep?”

“I will stay right here and make sure you're alright. Now sleep,” sitting down on a chair, Juste crossed his legs and waited for Maxim to lay down.

Knowing how stubborn his friend could be, Maxim could only do as told. Careful not to disturb his wound, he laid down on the mattress, surrounded by his friend's scent. Before he knew it, Maxim fell into a peaceful slumber, his exhaustion finally catching up to him.