Complement, page 31
part #3 of Connectivity Series
“You are… Unbelievable. I can never thank you enough for this. Bringing me here and doing all this just to help me be closer to my dad. For accepting me just the way I am and for loving me as much as you do. I don’t know how you manage to keep doing it, but everyday you make me smile and love you that much more. I’m not sure that I’ll ever be able to do anything like this for you, but I look forward to trying and seeing you cry for a change,” Ash finished and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.
“Love you,” Nick whispered when he pulled back.
“Love you too,” Ash murmured and they finally dug in, talking to Matt about their engagement, Ash’s surgery, and his big reveal the next day. When they’d stuffed themselves silly and run out of things to talk about, they packed up their picnic, wished Matt well, and headed home for a movie and a huge bowl of popcorn.
~
The drive down to Salt Lake City was spent playing Twenty Questions and Would You Rather. They stopped at In-n-Out for lunch and made it to Dr. Nyugen’s office fifteen minutes early.
Ash’s leg was the one bouncing for a change and he kept trying to take a deep breath only to wheeze it out as his lungs couldn’t accommodate. “I’m so nervous,” he said, drumming his thumb against the back of Nick’s hand. “What if it looks off or something’s wrong? Or what if it looks amazing and I start crying on the spot? God, this whole thing is so emotional, I’m ready for it to be over. And I want these damn bandages off,” he exclaimed, pulling at the wrap nearest to his neck.
They were all about ready for the bandages to come off and to be done with the drains. There was still some fluid everytime they checked but it wasn’t nearly what it had been the first few days after the procedure. Plus, Ash’s range of motion was improving everyday. Not by much and he still couldn’t lift his arms higher than the bottom of his ribcage, but from every video they’d watched, that was totally normal and it could be eight to ten weeks before he could raise his arms fully over his head to stretch.
“I know, babe. I think I’m slightly more excited to see your new chest, while you’re just anxious. I want to see you. No binder, no baggy T-shirts, just you, the boy that I love and his flat chest.” Nick leaned over and spoke softly into his ear. “And when you’re fully and totally healed, I can’t wait to torture you with my tongue.”
Ash snickered and swatted at him. “Tease. Now I have to wait for another five weeks just thinking about that,” he whispered back. “I can’t wait to finally just hug you and feel your skin against mine and just be together. God, I wish they’d hurry up already,” Ash said, raising his voice slightly at the end. Nick kissed his shoulder as Stevie laughed. She’d be going back to work the next day so this was a sort of celebratory trip for all of them.
“We got here a little early, sweetie. They’ll call us when they’re ready. Why don’t you guys make sure Cory is all set so that part is out of the way. At least it’ll give you guys something to do,” Stevie suggested.
Nick pulled out his phone and tapped out a quick text to his buddy. He and Josh had been checking in regularly and wanted to Facetime Ash’s reveal, if it was possible.
Cory texted back almost immediately, saying they were good to go whenever they were. Nick thought it was super cool of them to be so supportive in making Ash feel like he was just a normal guy.
Stevie was planning to take a video of the visit because Ash wanted to be able to watch it again in the years to come. He’d even talked a little about posting his journey on YouTube. Cory and Josh had told them about the little bit of vlogging they’d been doing and it must have struck a chord with Ash wanting to share his journey with others like him.
When they were finally called back and shown to a room, Nick helped Ash dress down, while the nurse asked a few questions and told them the doctor would be in soon.
“Oh my God, I’m so nervous. I’m way more nervous now than I was before surgery. I can’t wait to finally see it,” Ash exclaimed just as a knock came through the door. He clapped his hands quietly and Dr. Nyugen poked his head in.
“Is someone ready to see their new chest?” the doctor said by way of greeting.
“So ready,” Ash groaned and they all chuckled at his impatience.
“Well, let’s see what we’ve got then, shall we? Talk to me about your week while I get prepped here. How were your drains and pain levels? Anything major that I should know about?” he asked as he gloved up and took out a sealed kit of some kind.
Stevie talked about everything, answering questions when the doctor asked and when he said they were ready, they explained about Facetime and recording the reveal.
“That’s totally fine. So many people do the same thing, I’m pretty used to talking around cameras. We’ll get started when you’re all set,” Dr. Nyugen replied and Nick dialed up Cory’s Facetime. Cory answered right away and Ash waved excitedly to the phone. Nick passed it off to Stevie who had her own phone out as well and when she said she was good, Nick went to stand near the exam chair to be closer to Ash.
“All set?” the doctor asked and when Ash nodded, he got started peeling off the outer layer of tape holding everything together.
Ash sat quietly but there was so much nervous excitement running through him that Nick noticed his toe tapping.
Once all the tape was removed and placed in the bio bag, the doctor handed Ash his drains to hold and began to unwrap the oversized Ace bandage thing. He chatted about Ash’s follow up care including how to rewrap and clean the bandage, how long he needed to wear it, and when he could stop wearing it. He got to the last wrap and the bandage fell away, revealing a massive sterile bandage that was directly underneath and covering the incisions.
Ash took a huge breath and smiled. “Nice to finally breathe again.”
“For sure. Let’s get this bandage off and see how things look,” the doctor remarked and began peeling off the last layer of Ash’s imprisonment.
The white cottony gauze came off relatively easily and Ash winced a few times but otherwise seemed okay. The doctor teased the last of it free and when it was finally removed, Ash looked down and smiled beautifully.
He still had some coverings over his nipple grafts and the doctor started in on those, explaining about what to expect and scabbing and whatnot.
Nick tuned him out mostly and just stared at his gorgeous fiancé and the love of his life.
Ash was just radiant, glowing from the inside out. He looked like someone who had finally been given his life back and it was a beautiful thing to see.
When Ash’s nipple coverings were both removed and he stood up to go see himself in the mirror for the first time, Stevie was right there, recording from the side to get his reaction and Nick moved in behind him, gently resting his hands on his waist.
“It looks incredible,” Ash whispered reverently. He blinked a few times to clear his vision and the doctor continued on in the background. Nick was pretty sure neither of them were listening anymore as they stood there, looking at Ash’s reflection in the mirror.
He had two scars, each one running from just below his armpit to a two inch gap in the center of his chest. The lines were perfectly even and straight, and the skin was a dark pink but covered over with scar tape. Ash’s nipples were placed symmetrically and the grafts were scabbed but looked amazing.
There was some slight swelling in certain areas and the doctor came over to point that out, talking about where to expect the swelling to lessen over the coming days. He spoke about the grafts and their placement and something about stitches but as Nick met Ash’s eyes in the mirror, all he could see was their future reflected back at them.
No more hiding. No more tears. Just a full and confident love that would would last them until the end of time.
“It’s amazing,” Ash whispered reverently, not looking away from Nick.
Nick kissed the side of his head and replied, “It really is, babe. It really is.”
-The End-
-Epilogue-
Nick woke up early, having already planned ahead with Cory to make Ash’s birthday special. They were getting married in five days but Nick didn’t ever want to overlook the day Ash had been brought into the world. It was definitely a day he’d always be thankful for.
Ash was snuggled into him, his back pressed right against Nick’s front and Nick took a moment to gently run his hand over Ash’s soft sleep-warmed skin, very much enjoying the feel of it under his touch.
Since Ash’s six week post-op clearance and the instructions to discontinue the use of any sort of binder or wrapping, they’d not slept with shirts on again. The feeling of their skin to skin contact was like a drug they both craved. More often than not, if they were studying at home, either on the sofa or on their bed, they were shirtless and touching in some way. Ash’s self confidence had gone through the roof and he’d started wearing much more form-fitting clothes as well. Nick took any opportunity to ogle his fiancé’s slight frame and he’d been called out a time or two by their friends. But, who was keeping track?
Placing a gentle kiss to the back of Ash’s neck, he slowly withdrew from their embrace and tucked Ash back in so he would be warm enough. Nick slipped on his sweats, a hoodie, and his slippers and left the room, heading for the front door.
With their bonding period having ended sometime in the beginning of November, things had become more relaxed and they could easily move around their little house and even out into the yard, if they wanted. They hadn’t been sure when their bonding Connection had faded away because they were pretty much always together, but one day Nick had left Mr. Morgan’s class to use the restroom, fully intending to share a few kisses with Ash on their way, only to see Ash standing near the window of the lounge, watching the snow fall.
“Ash?” Nick had called and Ash had snapped his head over and blinked.
“Hey, baby. It’s snowing,” he’d replied and pointed outside.
“Love. Look at how far away you are,” Nick had said and a slow dawning transformed Ash’s features.
“It’s over.” Ash had come to him and wrapped his arms around his waist. “Our bonding period is over.” He’d sounded almost heartbroken as he’d made his statement.
Nick hadn’t much cared for the idea either. “It seems like it. We didn’t even know it was gone.”
Ash had looked up at him and kissed him. He’d walked with Nick to the restroom anyway and they’d pretty much treated their relationship like they were still in the bonding period ever since.
But, Nick was taking advantage of the extra allowable distance at that moment and quietly pulled open the front door.
He had to wait a few minutes and it was freezing outside, but eventually Cory’s Jeep appeared at the end of the street and Nick watched as the car drew closer, and the window rolled down.
They’d never been able to make getting together over Christmas break possible but the friends had all Facetimed and texted often. Nick and Ash were both thrilled to have Josh and Cory back in town for their wedding. They’d taken their time driving out to Utah and planned to make a long slow loop of the northwestern states before returning home a couple of weeks later.
Josh smiled at him from the passenger seat. “I hope he appreciates these. It’s frickin’ freezing and the roads are all kinds of icy.”
“He will,” Nick replied. “Thank you guys so much. I’ll see you for brunch at ten thirty. Don’t forget to dress warmly for snowshoeing after.”
“We got the itinerary, man. We’ll see you there.” Cory laughed.
“Thanks, you guys. See you soon,” Nick said and trudged back up the shoveled walkway to the door. Cory drove off and Nick blessedly reentered the house, shivering from the cold. He slipped off his slippers outside their bedroom door and went into the kitchen to arrange the items on a tray and pour some juice for the birthday boy. It was just before eight and Nick figured he’d let his baby sleep for a little while yet. His birthday gift was coming later in the afternoon so there was no need for him to wake up quite so early.
Slowly and quietly, he made his way back to the bedroom, and balancing the tray, opened the door and slipped inside. Ash was exactly where he’d left him and Nick breathed out a sigh of relief. He crossed the small space, thinking for the hundredth time about looking for something larger to move into over summer break, and silently slid the tray onto the nightstand.
Ash never stirred.
Nick grabbed the card he’d written out and tucked it next to the juice, then quietly stripped down and slowly reinserted himself into Ash’s little bubble of warmth. He didn’t quite touch him yet since his skin was still freezing, but as he slowly thawed out, he slid closer until he could wrap his arm back around Ash’s waist.
Of course his body took a liking to being near its partner again but Nick ignored it, focusing instead on the smell and feel of Ash’s skin. Nick ran is palm slowly up the center of Ash’s chest and rested it there. It was his favorite place and almost every night they fell asleep with Nick’s hand right over Ash’s heart, where he could feel the warmth of his skin and the beating of his heart, perfectly insync with his own.
He must have drifted back to sleep because he woke up to Ash murmuring good morning into his ear.
“Good morning, baby. Happy birthday,” Nick crooned and pressed a kiss to Ash’s lips.
“Thank you. Did you do all this?” he asked, using his thumb to indicate the tray the next to the bed.
Nick nodded. “I had help, obviously.”
Grinning, Ash pecked him again and flipped over then sat up quickly, reaching for the tray. “This is so sweet of you, babe. You’re so thoughtful to remember.”
Nick sat up next to him and looked down at the tray. “Of course I would remember your dad’s tradition of getting you donuts on your birthday. The flower I thought was nice, though.”
“It’s perfect. Feels weird to think I’m eighteen finally. Like, yesterday I couldn’t vote but today I can. It’s weird.”
“Yesterday you couldn’t get married, but today you can,” Nick murmured, leaning over to cup Ash’s cheek for a kiss. They lingered for a moment longer, then rested their foreheads together.
“Today I can. In five days, I will,” he promised.
“Damn right you will,” Nick whispered against his lips and Ash grinned.
“Possessive much?” Ash asked with a giggle.
“Only about the things that hold my heart.”
“Aww, baby. You’re so sweet. Between you and these donuts, I’m not sure which is worse.”
Nick slowly crept his hand up and over Ash’s hip, sliding down along his briefs until he was right there and whispered, “I’m worse, always.” Ash’s breath hitched in his throat as Nick pressed down, but, just a slowly, he withdrew, leaving Ash staring at him with longing in his eyes. “Only five more days, love.”
Ash groaned and dropped his forehead onto Nick’s shoulder. “Stupid Cory and Josh and their ‘you should wait until your wedding night’ speech. Why did we ever tell them again that we hadn’t had sex yet?”
Nick chuckled and pressed a kiss to the top of Ash’s head. “Damned if I know, baby. Let’s have some donuts to distract ourselves from our pent up sexual frustrations.”
Ash snickered and sat up again, choosing his favorite donut and taking a huge bite. He groaned as he chewed and Nick smiled, grabbing his own and scarfing it down. They’d each finished two, when a knock came on the door.
“Just a sec,” Ash called and Nick slipped on his sweats again to pop open the door.
“Hey, boys. Happy birthday, honey. Aww, isn’t that sweet? You remembered the donuts, Nick,” Stevie said, resting against the door frame.
“Cory and Josh helped,” Nick replied.
Ash held out the plate. “Want one?”
“Are you sure, sweetie? It’s your birthday tradition,” she commented.
“It’s fine, Mom. We’ve already had some,” Ash replied and Stevie thanked him as she snagged a glazed twist.
“You boys better get ready,” she said after her first bite. “Nick’s itinerary doesn’t allow for much wiggle room today.”
“We were just getting up. I know. Brunch at ten thirty, snowshoeing at one, and back here for presents and dinner with everyone at five. And, if we can still choke anything down, cake and ice cream at eight. If he’s this meticulous over my birthday, Thursday should be a breeze,” Ash said.
Stevie and Nick chuckled at Ash’s put-out tone, but Stevie left, thanking them for the donut, and Ash finally got out of bed. Nick closed the bedroom door again since Ash was only in his briefs and wrapped his baby up in a warm hug. “I know there’s a busy schedule today, but I hope you still have fun. I just wanted everything to be prefect. You only turn eighteen once, love, and I wanted you to be celebrated on your special day.”
“Thank you, babe. I was just teasing with the schedule stuff. It’s fine and I’m really excited for everything. What did you get me for my present, though? Are you giving out any hints today?”
Nick grinned and shook his head.
“Dang. Not even on the actual day?”
“Your hint is that I got you something and it’ll be coming later.”
Ash pouted. “You’re no fun.”
Nick laughed and kissed his temple. “I’m plenty of fun, love. You’ll see later.” He swatted Ash on the butt, startling a yelp out of him and he laughed, retreating to his side of the bed where they feinted and attempted to fake each other out. Nick dove across the bed and Ash leapt back, making a beeline for the door and hooting out his victory as he darted across the hall to the bathroom, closed the door, and called out to Nick that he loved him.
Nick returned his call and smiled as he lay there, looking up at their ceiling. He was quite certain Ash was very much going to enjoy the gift that he’d chosen for him.
