Page 80 of Assassin

He actually laughed.

How could he not?

The irony of that statement wasn’t lost on him. As a gay man, who had dated other men, and been burned before, he had absolutely been in a tub with someone who was crazy.

Just not a patient.

“No, this is absolutely a first,” he said, his accent out as he tried to not think about anything but Gamble’s well-being.

“Me too. It’s not the worst feeling in the world,” Gamble admitted. “I’m sorry that I ruined your clothing.”

Poe was trying to keep it light.

“It’s only things, Gamble. Your well-being means more to me than my shirt and pants. I have plenty of things.”

Gamble said nothing.

But deep down, he felt…safe.

He avoided bathrooms as much as possible, since finding his child dead in his.

Now, he was calmer.

When Poe was finished with the shaving, he used his hands to cup water and rinse the rest of the shaving cream off of his face.

Then, he stood.

“Let me get out of this tub, and dry off,” he stated. “Then, I’ll help you.”

Gamble watched him like he was studying the situation. He didn’t understand a lot of things lately in his life, this doctor being one of them.

But he said nothing.

As Poe got out, he began taking off his shirt and jeans. There was a washer and dryer right in the bathroom, so he pulled them off, and dumped them in there.

The whole time, his boxers were plastered to his body. When he turned, Gamble was watching him, and it made him feel like prey.

It was silly, and he shook it off.

“Can I leave you for one minute?” he asked. “Or will I regret it?”

Gamble pointed.

“Can I have that big sponge and some soap?” he asked, wanting to have a little normalcy. He wanted to feel clean if that was possible.

Okay, that he could do.

Poe didn’t see any harm in giving the man that. Only, he knew he didn’t answer his question.

“Promise me you won’t hurt yourself,” he said, not giving him what he asked for until he did just that.

“How am I going to hurt myself with a sponge and soap? Cram them down my throat to suffocate?” he asked.

Poe just stared at him.

Waiting…

“Fine,” Gamble said, not sure why he gave in. The man seemed to be able to make him want to comply.

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