The weight in Stierlitz's arms was heavy, but important enough for him to be extra cautious as he trudged slowly through the woods. It was Shellenberg: red faced and barely coherent. He was tipsy enough that he'd allowed Stierlitz to be prop him up and out of the banquet with zero resistance.
"Those..idiots…don't…understand..Heydrich…Mueller..Himmler…I..understand..it all……" Schellenberg slurred. His hands loosely gripped the back of Stierlitz's collar, his chest leaning over Stierlitz's shoulder. Instinctively, Stierlitz stopped and tightened his grip under Schellenberg's calves, putting him lower, and settling an arm over his back in a careful manner. This close, he could see how long Schellenberg's lashes truly were; giving him a more boyish quality than he did in his day-to-day suits.
Schellenberg just needed to get his feelings out. It wasn't something he superior could do often and the consequences of the public humilation would come later, but playing the attentive subordinate had become natural for Stierlitz.
Stierlitz slowly pried the door to his cottage with his elbow and Schellenberg still in his arms. He moodily began to run the bath casually then put his hand in to check - the temptarure was just above room temptrature. Schellenberg elegantly disrobed. He promply dropped in the bath before it could fill properly. Hesitantly, Stierlitz turned away.
The splashes echoed in the bathroom then came to a stop shortly after. Schellenberg seemed to settle. The typically quick speed of his heart slowed to what should be normal; his Brigadefuhrer wouldn't be injuring himself tonight.
"I think I've..noticed something…Come here." Schellenberg slurred, an air of stupid calm about him. It would be easy to assume he was more content than before and therefore safer, but Stierlitz didn't miss his quietness or the flint of suspiciousness and something else in his eyes.
Automatically, Stierlitz worked to keep his composure. He couldn't know, right? A worse prospect crossed Stierlitz's mind. Maybe, it's onky coming out now? Maybe, the game ends ronight.
Stierlitz complied, leaning over - Schellenberg moved closer. It was enough space to leave plausible deniability for either of them - to keep Schellenberg safe and to give Stierlitz space to explain away any accusations in the morning.
He intentionally didn't move closer, Schellenberg's state not fit for anything.
In response, Schellenberg pouted. "I..understand," he continued.
He then ordered Stierlitz to turn around.
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