Complement, page 28
part #3 of Connectivity Series
“Can you take a picture of me and then one of us together? I want to remember this moment. I don’t want to remember my boobs but I want to remember this, you and me, together.”
Nodding, Nick pulled out his phone and slipped off the bed to get a few pictures of Ash. He posed a couple of times, trying to lighten the mood and then Nick joined him on the bed, snapping a few selfies of them together.
“Let me,” someone said from behind them and they turned to see Cory, Josh, Rick, Adam, and Stevie all file into the room. Nick handed over his phone and Cory took several pictures of them being serious, sweet, kissy, and silly.
After hugs and kisses and squeezes and tears were all shared and everyone told Ash how much they loved him and that they’d see him soon, the nurse and Matt came in to tell him it was time to go.
“Can you take a picture of all of us together really quick?” Nick asked and Matt smiled, nodding his head.
“Of course. It’s sweet to see so much love and support here. You’ll definitely want to remember these moments,” Matt replied and as they all gathered around Ash on his bed, with Nick holding his hand, Matt snapped a couple of pictures that Nick knew he would cherish forever.
“Alright, Ash,” Matt said, handing over Nick’s phone. “You ready to get this thing done?”
Ash’s smile was genuine as he nodded. “I’m ready.” He looked to all of them. “Love you, guys. I’ll see you on the flip side.”
Nick leaned down to kiss him one more time, lingering with his hand on his cheek, not really caring about anyone else’s presence. “I love you, boo. I’ll be waiting.”
Ash nodded and Stevie gave him a quick hug as well. Matt took the brake off the wheels and as Ash settled in more comfortably, he looked up quickly, and spoke directly to Rick. “Take care of him. He means everything to me.”
And Rick nodded, coming to stand right next to Nick. Adam sniffled and dabbed at his eyes with a tissue, but moved into place on Nick’s left side. They followed Ash as he was wheeled into the hallway, watching his departure until the staff pushed through a set of double doors and Nick’s swoopy swirly feeling became too much for him. His heart thumped painfully as he closed his eyes and felt arms constrict around his waist. His arms were lifted and draped over shoulders and as the darkness enveloped him, he was led away to the waiting room to wait out Ash’s return.
~
Nick groaned softly as his ears picked up some nearby voice talking quietly. Someone placed their hand on his shoulder.
“Nick, honey? If you can hear me, they’re just wheeling Ash toward the room and if you can, you need to wake up before they get here.”
Nick thought that was Stevie’s voice but as his mind took stock and he remembered where he was, he gasped, opening his eyes quickly. “Ash,” he breathed out, already feeling the tremor in his limbs.
“He’s coming in now. I can see him through the glass,” Stevie said, standing next to him.
“I see him,” Nick sighed, his discomfort diminishing greatly. With a shake of his head, he ran and hand over his face and placed both hands on the arm rests, heaving himself up and swaying slightly as Matt and a woman wheeled Ash into the room.
“Hi,” Ash croaked, his voice sounding rusty. He looked pretty good and really groggy, with slightly disheveled hair and his gown twisted a bit where it showed above his blankets.
“Hey, love—Hi, sweetie,” Stevie and Nick replied in unison.
Stevie steadied him as they approached Ash’s bed, hanging back slightly as the staff situated the bed and all of Ash’s equipment.
Nick held Ash’s eyes, desperately needed to touch him. “How are you? How did it go? Are you thirsty?”
It was Matt who replied, “It went perfectly. No complications or issues. Everything looks great and once he feels up to it and has had some time to come about, we’ll send you guys on your way.”
Stevie let go of Nick to get Ash some water as they finally stepped up next to the bed and Ash held out his available hand for Nick to take. Nick grasped it like a lifeline, bending over to place Ash’s hand on his cheek. He closed his eyes, soaking in the comfort of having his Catalyst and lover nearby.
Ash took a few sips of water from the straw his mom offered while gently stroking his thumb on Nick’s cheekbone. When he was finished drinking, he whispered sluggishly, “How are you, baby? I’m so sorry about leaving you. Are you feeling better? I wish I could give you hug or something.”
Nick leaned over even more and pressed a kiss to Ash’s lips then rubbed their cheeks together. “I’m okay. Just don’t expect me to let you go anytime soon. I’m so glad this is over because I really don’t think I could do this again.”
Ash pressed a kiss to the side of his face. “It’s over. I know what being apart does to you and I’m grateful to you for putting up with me.”
“I love you so damn much, boo, and I’m so, so glad this is over and you’re alright,” Nick replied, pulling back to look into Ash’s beautiful brown eyes.
“I’m alright. Just sleepy and feeling drugged to the gills,” he said roughly.
Nick nodded and not letting go of Ash’s hand, stepped to the side a little so Stevie could give Ash an awkward hug and say her motherly bit.
When Matt and the other helper finally left after showing them Ash’s drains and what his bandages looked like, Nick hooked his foot into the leg of a chair and drew it up so he could sit down while still holding Ash’s hand. Stevie brought the other chair around to the opposite side of the bed and rested her hand on Ash’s thigh.
“Are you sore at all?” she asked, already going into nurse mode.
“Not yet,” Ash responded. He shifted a little and winced as something must have hurt. His face relaxed and Nick dropped his forehead to the bed, already hating to see Ash in any pain or discomfort. Ash threaded his fingers into Nick’s hair and gently soothed him as he continued. “I’m still coming out of all the meds they pumped into me, but I know it’s coming. I can feel a bit of throbbing and the pressure of the bandages, but no real pain yet.”
“How did all the prep go? No issues?” Stevie asked as she lifted the covers a bit to check the arm with his IV.
“No, it was fine. They took me right into the operating room and the sleepy doc was already there. He reminded me of what was going to happen and then got to work pushing meds into my IV. After I had my oxygen mask on, he told me a couple of time that I would start to feel sleepy and I think it was the third one where I passed out. I was pretty grateful, actually, since being away from Nick was already painful and my chest felt like there was an elephant on it. I was shaking a little bit from separation anxiety, nerves, and being cold. When I woke up, I didn’t really notice the separation since I was so out of it. But I’m never leaving your side again, just so you know,” he said to Nick, looking down at him with nothing but the truth in his eyes.
“I can totally live with that,” Nick replied, standing up to press a kiss to his lips.
They chatted a bit more, Stevie filling them in on what had happened during the two hours and fifteen minutes that Ash had been out and said they’d actually propped Nick up in the corner of the waiting room with earbuds in so no one would think anything about it. Cory had apparently come prepared with a Cougars baseball hat as well and with the brim pulled down and the faux earbuds, no one had even looked their way.
Stevie explained that when a scrub nurse had come out to tell them the procedure was over and they were waiting for Ash to wake up before bringing back to his room, Rick and Adam had used Josh and Cory as lookouts before hauling Nick quickly down the hall and arranging him comfortably in one of the chairs. Stevie had stayed with him for another twenty minutes, until she’d seen the staff appear in the corridor and had tried to rouse Nick from his sleep.
Nick thanked her for being there for him and she waved him off, commenting that he was her son now too and she intended to look after both her boys.
A light knock in the entry heralded their entourage and as everyone paid their quiet respects, Ash asked for a bit more water and slowly drifted off to sleep again.
Nick held Ash’s hand between both of his palms and while Josh dug around in his backpack for something, Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out Ash’s engagement ring. He carefully took Ash’s left hand and slid the ring back into its rightful place, pressing a kiss to it before he withdrew. He looked over Ash’s arm wondering if he’d be bruised from the IV, but Josh tapped him on the shoulder and handed him a Gatorade and a protein bar. Nick smiled gratefully, offering his thanks and took both the items, settling back into his seat.
They were all posted up, lining the walls of Ash’s room and chatting quietly for the next while and when Ash stirred again and the nurse came in to check on him, he admitted to feeling bit more pain. The nurse nodded and asked about any nausea and mentioned trying to eat something light.
Stevie pulled out a pouch of applesauce and some saltine crackers, and Ash ate the applesauce first, waiting a minute before he attempted the crackers. His throat was slightly sore from the breathing tube and he passed on the crackers, saying they’d probably be better saved for the car ride.
The doctor popped in for a quick chat a while later and reiterated how the procedure had gone. He spoke briefly about Ash’s prescriptions and after care and asked if Ash had any questions or concerns.
When Dr. Nyugen left and the nurse turned up, they scheduled Ash’s one week post-op appointment and went over everything again. With everything in order and Ash feeling better, she mentioned getting his discharge paperwork in order and removed his IV.
Ash asked for some help to go to the bathroom and Nick and Rick were right at his side, easing him out of the bed and slowly crossing the small room.
He was fairly stable on his feet but had almost no upper body movement. When they got into the bathroom, Rick checked that he was okay and ducked out, leaving Nick to help him with his gown and hospital briefs. His drain tubes were clipped onto the wrap that was compressing his incisions but Nick could already see a bit of red fluid that had collected in each one.
He eased Ash onto the toilet and wiped for him when he was finished, pulled his briefs back up, and checked that he was alright.
After Nick washed his hands and opened the door, Stevie was there with Ash’s change of clothes.
“Ash, honey? You’re able to get dressed now if you’d like. I’ve spoken with Anna and she’s working on you paperwork right now. We’d like to get you out of here before you fully come to because the car ride will be a little unpleasant. Can you have Nick help you get dressed?” she asked.
“Yeah, Mom. Thanks. Home sounds great right about now,” Ash said and Nick took the offered clothes, closing the door once again.
“Alright, baby. As flattering as this outfit is, let’s get you out of it and out of here. I’m not a fan of places that put that look of pain on your face,” Nick said, setting the clothes on the plastic chair thing next to the shower. Ash smiled but it died almost immediately.
“But it also set me free, babe. And once this over, my dysphoria will be almost a memory. I’m thankful for that,” Ash said as Nick slipped down his disposable underwear.
He held out Ash’s regular briefs and Ash slowly stepped into them, taking his time to make sure he was stable before Nick pulled them up. “Good?” he asked and Ash nodded.
Moving around behind his guy, Nick untied all the string closures and slipped the androgynous gown off his baby. He quickly grabbed the soft flannel button up they’d planned for him to travel home in and gently eased Ash’s arms in the sleeves, pulling it up over his shoulders. Before he buttoned it, though, he ran his nose along Ash’s neck and clavicle, dropping small kisses to his skin. “I love you, so much but I’m so relieved you’re alright. I know you don’t want much touching right now but,” Nick cupped his cheeks in his palms, “I need you so much.” He pressed a few lingering kisses to Ash’s lips, then fastened his buttons and helped him get his loose-fitting sleep pants on.
Nick helped him back out to the bed where Rick lifted him carefully and laid him back down.
It was another forty minutes before Anna, the nurse, turned up with Ash’s discharge papers and instructions to call with any question or concerns. Stevie thanked her for getting things done quickly and when the orderly rolled in with a wheelchair, Ash maneuvered out of bed and gingerly sat down. They all double checked that they had everything from the hospital and their own personal items and Trent slowly wheeled Ash to the elevator.
Stevie ran off to bring the car up and Nick held Ash’s hand while they waited in the lobby. Once she pulled up and opened the door for him, Ash was wheeled out and Nick and Stevie both helped to get him gently into the back seat. Stevie thanked Trent for his help and he wished them well, and once he was gone, Stevie put their unnecessary item into the trunk. After a brief conference with the others, Nick slid in the back with Ash and Stevie got in the front.
“You boys ready?” she asked over her shoulder.
Ash murmured his consent and Nick placed his pillow across Ash’s chest. He reached around to buckle his precious guy in, and draped a small throw blanket over his lap. The neck pillow came next and when Ash thanked him, Nick buckled his own belt and replied, “We’re good.”
“Alright, everyone. We’re going to make a quick swing through for some smoothies and we’ll be on the road home,” Stevie said and began the drive.
Nick held Ash’s hand, always being careful that he wasn’t causing him any discomfort and when their smoothies were handed back, he carefully helped Ash with the bendable straw they’d packed. Ash started to drowse again and Nick held his hand, never taking his eyes off him while he sipped at his own drink, and the miles rolled past, thankfully, without much traffic.
Ash stirred a few times and each time Nick ensured he was comfortable, adjusting his blanket or taking the pressure off the seatbelt and Ash would slip away again, head lolling to the side a bit on his neck pillow.
They rolled into their driveway, followed by Rick and Adam, around three-thirty.
“How’s he doing?” Rick asked once they met up on the driveway.
“He slept most of the way home,” Nick replied and opened Ash’s door to unbuckle his seat belt. “You okay to walk inside or do you want Rick to carry you?” he asked.
“I’m okay, I think. My legs are ready to walk a bit, but hold my hand in case I get tired?” Ash replied.
“Of course, love. We’re all right here and won’t let anything happen to you.”
Ash nodded and slowly swung his legs out of the car. He winced a bit as he tried to lever himself up, but Rick stepped in and slid his arm under him, easing him off the seat into an upright position.
Cory and Josh rolled up then and after a quick scan, they made themselves useful gathering bags and things from the car.
Ash shuffled forward with Rick and Nick by his sides and Adam hovered nearby with his hand worriedly up to his mouth. Stevie had the door open and Ash didn’t have any trouble with the step up at the stoop. Stevie patted him on the cheek as he passed by and continued conversation with Josh and Cory as they came in last laden down with bags.
“Do you want to go to the bathroom again while you’re up, babe?” Nick asked.
“Probably a good idea, honey. And let’s check your drains, then you can settle in. I’ll make you some eggs after that if you’d like,” Stevie commented.
Ash agreed and while Rick and Adam helped Cory and Josh, Nick helped Ash to the bathroom. Stevie followed them in with the bag from the hospital and pulled out the stack of paperwork and the small plastic container they were going to need to measure any fluid they collected.
Nick unbuttoned Ash’s shirt while Stevie opened the box of gloves. Slipping a pair on, she looked at each drain, then carefully opened the first one and a whoosh of air filled the little plastic bulb. She expertly squirted the fluid into the container, checked the measurement, and reclosed the drain by squeezing the air out and replugging it. She repeated the process while Nick stood behind Ash with his hands resting lightly on his hips. When both drains were finished and clipped back onto the bandage wrap, she left quickly to grab a pen and jotted down the measurement, then dumped the fluid into the toilet and flushed.
“Alright, sweetie. You’re all set. Your fluid looks perfect and we’ll check it again before bed tonight. You’re feeling okay? No major pain yet?” Stevie asked, brushing Ash’s hair off his forehead.
“Not really,” he replied. “I’m still a little groggy and I can tell I’m still working off the anesthetic, but for now I’m okay. I’m not sure about the eggs, though. I might just finish the smoothie and wait a bit before I eat anything.”
“That’s fine, love. You just tell me what you need and we’ll go with that. You know we planned for all of this so whatever you want or need you just ask, okay?”
“Thanks, Mom,” Ash replied and she kissed his forehead before leaving them to their business. When Ash turned to Nick he lowered his head bit and mumbled, “I think I need to poop.”
Nick clasped his shoulders lightly, then nudged his chin up, looking him in the eye. “Baby, there is absolutely nothing to be worried or concerned about. I’m not going to be grossed out or scared off by you going to the bathroom. We’re going to be getting married and I’ve already been down there a time or two.” He winked and Ash groaned. “You’re just going to have to get over it being weird that I’m in here, because I’m not going anywhere. You’ve been on stool softener for two days already and it should be fine. You just go and I’ll take care of you. We got the wet wipes just for this reason.” He pressed a kiss to Ash’s lips then gently steered him over to the toilet. When Ash faced him again, Nick dropped down and lowered his pants and briefs.
He held Ash’s hips, ensuring he wasn’t in any pain as he lowered down and did his thing. Nick leaned back against the wall and pulled out his phone, tapping the music icon and filling the room with the soulful sounds of Lady Gaga. She was one of Ash’s favorite artists and he looked up and smiled, looking relieved not to have so much silence surrounding them.
