Complement, page 27
part #3 of Connectivity Series
“I love you,” Ash whispered and Nick held him a little tighter before they grabbed their bags and headed inside.
~
All of their rooms were adjoining and as the afternoon turned to evening, the three of them filled everyone in on how Ash’s appointment had gone and updated them on Ash’s seven a.m. check in time.
Rick and Adam would be in charge of checking them out of the hotel and Cory and Josh were going with them to the hospital first thing to scout out the area for the best place for Nick to post up while he lost time during Ash’s surgery.
The procedure, while minimally risky, would still take approximately two and a half hours from start to finish. Dr. Nyugen expected everything to be very straightforward and had reassured them that he performed the exact same procedure multiple times a week.
It was comforting to know that he’d been so confident, but at the same time, he’d never had Ash on his table before.
They went out to dinner at small counter-serve restaurant that had an ever-changing seasonal menu and Nick and Ash both ordered the same thing.
Conversation was fairly reserved as Cory talked about what they’d seen during their short exploration of the city and he also mentioned both his and Josh’s parents had called, wishing Ash good luck and sending their love and hope for an optimal outcome.
And it wasn’t until later that night that Nick found several messages on his own phone after he’d finished laying out Ash’s pills and double checking that everything was accounted for. Ash was in the shower using the prescribed cleanser and Nick swiped his screen to see messages from his parents, Ian, and more surprisingly, Travis.
The shower cut off and he could hear Ash humming to himself as he dried off and got changed.
Nick sat on the bed since Stevie was next door with Rick and Adam, graciously giving them some time alone, and he replied to his parents and Ian in much the same way: telling them that Ash’s appointment had gone well and letting them know the timeline for the following day. He informed them that he’d text with updates after they were discharged and on their way home.
But as Ash came out of the bathroom in some loose-fitting sleep pants and a T-shirt, Nick indicated to him where his pills were as he thought about how to respond to Travis.
They’d never been very close friends or spent much time together, but he must have caught wind of his and Ash’s Connection and had sent a message of support and well wishes for Ash’s procedure. Travis had texted him a few times since he’d moved and changed his number and Nick had been invited to his wedding reception that was planned for mid-October, but he’d only replied with vague non-answers about school and timing and such. But Travis’s current message was congratulatory in nature and wished both he and Ash an easy day and speedy recovery.
Nick typed out a quick thank you, figuring he’d keep it short and let the other man reply if he chose to keep the conversation going and glanced up to see Ash swallowing the last of his pills. His hair was disheveled from him using a towel to dry it and as he turned and came to stand next to the bed, Nick recognized the quiet reflective moment they found themselves in. He held out his hand for his man and Ash came to him willingly, snuggling up right into his side and Nick pulled the covers back so they could climb under.
They settled with Ash’s head pillowed on his bicep and his arms tucked into his chest while Nick wrapped him up and held him like the precious gift that he was.
Neither of them spoke for a long time, perfectly content to just be in the moment and be present with one another and it wasn’t until Ash turned his head up and kissed Nick that they gave into their desire to connect on a deeper level. Their kisses were passionate yet reassuring, a give and take that they both needed, not meant to lead to more but simply allowing them to share their love and emotion through touch. They sipped of each other deeply, angling their heads for better access, and using playful nips and teases to draw the other into their rapture.
When their attentions turned to ears, necks, and jaws, they mutually slowed things down and returned their attentions to soft gentle strokes and tender presses of lips that did so much to renew and strengthen their Connection, that Nick felt more settled and ready than he had in weeks. The simple reassurance of having his guy exactly where he belonged the night before such a life-changing event, gave him the courage to envision their life and future, just exactly what they were currently doing, for years and years to come.
He’d recognized in himself his tendency to look for the worst case scenario and he finally realized that he needed to start thinking positively and envisioning what life had in store for them and their future.
Tomorrow would be just another day. What happened the day after that, and the day after that, and the months and years after that, were where he needed to focus his attention and energy. He needed to seek out the bigger picture and allow the rest to take care of itself without allowing it to create undue stress on their relationship.
Ash was the most important person in his life and he was going to start thinking long-term about them and how to create the best life for their future. Ash’s procedure was stressful and daunting to think about, but it was just another stepping stone to getting them to both to the future they envisioned for themselves.
A quiet knock on the door drew them apart and they each took a moment to take a few deep breaths before Ash called out to their caller.
Stevie poked her head in and smiled a little sheepishly. “Sorry. I know you need each other right now but I wanted to catch Ash before you guys went to sleep. Nick, could I talk to him for a little while? Rick and Adam said you can hang in their room if you’d like.”
“That’s fine,” he replied. They sat up, pushing off their covers and Nick swung his legs off the edge, standing up to help Ash out. “I’ll go knock on Cory and Josh’s door and see what they’re up to.”
“Oh, I don’t think they’re in their room. I heard a door open and close earlier but it’s possible it was someone else,” Stevie said as she came in and sat on the edge of the second bed. “Thank you, Nick. I’d just like some time with Ash before his big day tomorrow. I won’t keep him long, but as a mother, I just need to talk to my little boy.”
Nick swallowed down the lump in his throat and nodded. “No problem. I’ll just be next door, either one, I guess.”
Ash hugged him and pressed a kiss to his cheek and he grabbed a key card and left, stopping outside the door as his emotions kicked into overdrive again. God, he’d been so emotional lately, swinging from content to teary-eyed and back again. He was going to be so relieved when all the surgery drama was over and they could finally settle into their new normal. Every night in bed with Ash with no barriers or binders and no more crying sounded a bit like heaven at that point.
With one more deep breath, running a hand over his face, he gathered himself together and went in search of someone to hang out with.
-XVI-
Nick startled awake with his arm draped over Ash, to the sound of three different alarms going off. He groaned and so did Ash, but within seconds, his mind cleared, reminding him of the reason for the alarm and he reached for his phone to shut it off.
Six o’clock had never been so unwelcomed.
Ash had silenced his phone and so had Stevie, but Ash rolled over into Nick’s space and pressed in tight against him. Nick drew him into the circle of his arms and murmured good morning into his ear.
They’d both tossed and turned a bit the night before, trying to relax enough to fall asleep and Nick knew he hadn’t fallen asleep until after eleven.
Around nine last night, Cory and Josh had gone out to pick up a couple of impromptu pizzas and brought them back to the hotel for everyone to share. Ash had been excessively grateful and thanked them both since he’d already gotten hungry after dinner and knew he couldn’t eat again after midnight. The pizza had hit the spot and they’d all settled in for bed around ten.
However, sleep had been elusive at best.
“I’m getting top surgery today,” Ash murmured into Nick’s neck. Nick squeezed him slightly but Ash wriggled free and sat up straight. “I’m getting top surgery today!” he whisper yelled and Nick smiled as Stevie clicked on a light.
Looking over, Stevie climbed out of bed and hugged Ash as he practically giggled with his excitement.
“You guys! I won’t have to wear a binder anymore! I’m finally going to be free!” he exclaimed in a quiet voice. “I can hardly imagine what I’m going to look like,” he mused as he gathered his clothes with a dreamy look on his face. He straightened up and headed for the bathroom. “We need to get ready. I’m going to change and, Mom, do you want me to start the coffee while I’m in there?”
“Sure, sweetie. That would be great, thank you,” Stevie replied but before Ash made it to the doorway he dropped his things and came running back, pouncing on Nick and squirming around in his excitement.
“I know it’s a little scary but can you even believe this day is here?” he squealed and hugged Nick around his neck. “Whatever I said in the past, forget it. I’m so glad you’re here!”
Nick returned his hug and even though he was still a bit groggy from having just woken up, Ash’s enthusiasm was infectious and he found himself smiling at his fiancé’s joy. “I’m glad I’m here too, love. I wouldn’t trade this time together for anything. We’ve grown so much closer in the last few weeks, I think, and I can’t wait to finally get on with our lives and see what the future has in store for us.”
“Are you nervous? Are you doing okay?” Ash asked as he pulled back and rested his hands on Nick’s shoulders. The look of concentration on his face would have been comical, seeing as he’d switched from elation to concern in about two seconds, but Nick knew Ash was just trying to be considerate of his feelings and to make sure that he was being a good partner by making sure Nick was alright.
“I’m nervous, yes. But, I’m okay,” Nick replied. “Thank you for checking on me, boo.”
Ash broke out into a grin and pecked him on the lips. “You’re the bestest zombie fiancé any boy could ever ask for.”
Nick laughed as his brain finally caught up to Ash’s warp speed. “Well in that case, why don’t you go get ready because I’m dying to get this thing over with.”
Ash giggled at his reply but pecked him once more. “Me too.” Then he climbed off the bed and dashed back to the bathroom, leaving Stevie and Nick both staring after him.
“I’m glad someone’s excited to be up this early.” Stevie chuckled and began the process of setting everything to rights in their room. Nick climbed out of bed, and together, they sorted their belongings and packed away anything they wouldn’t be needing again.
Ash reemerged only a few minutes later with the smell of coffee wafting through the open door. Stevie ducked in next and Ash shoved his pajamas in their bag. He finger combed his hair, claiming it was pointless to attempt doing anything with it since he wasn’t going to be showering for the next week anyway, and Nick grabbed his chin gently between his fingers.
“I’m going to take the best care of you, baby, and I will definitely let you know when you start to stink.”
Ash gasped and swatted at him, laughing as Nick kissed him and attempted to tickle him in the ribs. “That’s not very nice, Mr. Weaver. You better be nice to your fiancé. He’s about to go in for surgery,” he croaked in his efforts to evade Nick’s fingers.
Nick finally got a hold of Ash’s waist, pulling him in and staring down at his amazing partner. “Mr. Weaver,” he sighed and Ash smiled softly, nodding his head. “I like the sound of that.”
“I like it too,” he replied and pressed up on his toes to kiss Nick properly. They hugged for a moment just letting everything melt away as they took their strength from each other and their Connection.
“I love you,” Nick said and pressed a kiss to the top of Ash’s head.
“I love you more,” Ash returned and when the bathroom door opened, Nick took his leave to get ready for the most important day of his life so far. Ash was his world and he’d do everything he could to be there for his man up to the very end.
~
They’d been instructed to check in on the third floor and as the elevator dinged with their arrival, Ash stepped out first, holding tightly to Nick’s hand.
There was a waiting room area right off the elevator entrance that was stationed just down from what Nick assumed was the desk they needed to check in at. The five of them headed that way and as they approached the counter a gentleman in standard gray scrubs looked up and smiled.
“Good morning. Checking in?” he asked.
“Yes. My name is Ash Weaver. I was told to check in at seven.”
“Alright, Ash. Let’s get you looked up here. I’m going to need some information and we’ll get you going. Sound good?” he asked.
Ash nodded and Stevie stepped up right next to him. Josh and Cory hung back a bit not wanting to be in the way and they motioned to Nick that they were going to walk around and check out the set up in the waiting room. Nick nodded back and listened in as Ash answered a few questions and so did his mother.
When all their information had been exchanged and paperwork handled, they were led down a corridor to Ash’s room. The nurse, Matt, pulled a gown out of the cabinet and handed it to Ash.
“Go ahead and undress and change into that. I’ll grab you a pair of hospital briefs to wear and go ahead and settle in. I’ll let the staff know you’re here and we’ll have your anesthesiologist in to talk to you soon,” Matt said as he opened a package from another cabinet. He handed over the item, smiled, and left.
Nick took their bag and set it on a chair in the corner.
“Okay. I’m a little nervous now,” Ash confessed. “It doesn’t seem real that this is finally happening.”
Nick hugged him. “It is, babe. Once you take off your binder, you’ll never have to put it back on again.”
Ash squealed and buried his face in Nick’s chest. “I can’t believe it. And all because of you,” he said, looking up at Nick with adoration in his eyes. Stevie set her things down as well and came over to rest her hand on both of their shoulders.
“That’s true, Nick. You helped make this possible for him, and we’re both so thankful for you,” Stevie said.
“I wouldn’t be here right now if you hadn’t given up so much. I would have probably gotten here eventually, maybe next summer, but without you, it just wouldn’t have been the same. You’ve brought so much strength and love into my life, not to mention family, and all of that support means so much to me. I’m so beyond thankful to have you here with me right now and I can’t wait for us to finally be able to move on from this.” Ash kissed him on the lips then wrapped his arms around his waist. “I love you.”
“I love you too, baby. You mean the world to me, and I’m glad I was able to help you to finally get to take this next step in your life. I’m grateful to be with you and I can’t wait to see where our life takes us after this hurdle is behind us,” Nick returned.
“I already know where it’s going to take us,” Ash replied and Nick looked down at him questioningly. Ash smiled. “It’s going to start by taking us right down the aisle at our wedding. Then in a few years, after we’re both done with school, it’s going to take us to some amazing career where we get to work together doing something we love. And eventually, it’ll take us the place where we’re ready to begin our own family. This is just the first step of so many to come and I couldn’t imagine doing any of this without you. You’re my best friend, my partner in crime, my hiking buddy, and my most favorite zombie of all time.”
Nick about wilted into a pile of goo as Ash kissed him again and squeezed him tighty. He hugged his guy back just as tightly and when they separated Ash smiled shyly at him.
“Love you,” Ash whispered and Nick nodded, cupping his cheek in his palm.
“Ash, honey? You should probably get changed so you’re ready when the doctor comes in,” Stevie reminded gently.
Ash took a deep breath and with one more squeeze of Nick’s forearm, he reluctantly handed Nick his engagement ring, gathered his things and went into the bathroom to change.
The next thirty minutes were a blur of information, signatures, blood pressure cuffs, vitals being taken, and the doctor coming in to make his final marks on Ash’s chest.
“We’ll be ready to take you down down to surgery in about ten minutes, Ash. Why don’t you spend a few minutes with your family and then they can head on down to the waiting room? We’ll let them know how you’re doing and keep them updated throughout your procedure and the nurse will let them know once you’re awake so they can meet you back in your room again. Probably only two visitors at first since you’ll still be waking up, but shortly thereafter, once you’re coming around a bit more, the rest can join you,” Dr. Nyugen informed. “We’ll get your IV in and we’ll see you in a bit.”
They all thanked the doctor as he left the room.
“I’ll go grab Cory and Josh and have them come down, since it looks like we’re going to need their help. Rick and Adam should be here too, so I’ll let them all know to come down to send you off,” Stevie said and popped out of the room.
Ash sat on the edge of the bed with his white and blue hospital gown obscuring his slight frame and his blue stockinged feet kicking back and forth nervously. Nick held his hand, sitting next to him.
“Doing alright?” Nick asked quietly.
Ash nodded. “You? I’m sorry the waiting room is farther than we would have liked. Hopefully no one asks any questions and the guys can move you around without any issues.”
“Don’t worry about me, love. We’ll both just be taking a little nap,” Nick said and bumped Ash’s shoulder with his. “When we wake up, it’ll be over and then we can head home. We’ll both be more than glad to get out of here, I’m sure.”
