you hurt your arm during a practice battle. it was nothing serious, but your husband insisted on helping you in any way he could. this time, it was your hair that needed to be washed, and gwayne oh so lovingly forced you to accept his help.

“stop fidgeting,” he says while laying your head back into the washtub.

you sigh. “I don’t like being this … restricted.”

“well, that’s not always the case, is it?” your husband whispers directly into your ear. heat rushes to your cheeks, and you give his shoulder a slap half-heartedly.

“only speaking the truth, my love. whether you want to hear it or not.” he smiles right above your face, kissing your forehead. “now lay back and close your eyes.”

you do as he says and then you feel warm water run over your head. after that came gwaynes skilled fingers, he gently rubs your scalp while humming.

bit by bit, you let go; the tension leaves your body.

“that’s it. just like that. let go.”

another wave of heat rushes through your whole body. “is it your intention to let your words sound so ambiguous, husband?” you inquire.

gwayne gives a low chuckle. “that’s for you to decide, my love.”

you scrunch your nose. “how cruel you can be, husband. you know I’m physically limited at the moment.”

he rinses the soap out of your hair, continuing to massage your temples and scalp, and more and more tension seeps out of your body. your liquid between his hands.

“you don’t need your arm for some things,” he whispers right into your ear, and goosebumps spread all over your body.

a smile spreads on your lips, your whole body vibrating with sheer anticipation. “big words, my love.”

“I intend to make them come true as soon as you’ve learned your lesson on accepting help without acting like the world is coming to an end.”