By ten past twelve, the fireworks show had ended. As it finished, people slowly began to disperse. In a matter of minutes, the noisy park fell into a deathly silence. A cold wind blew strongly, the tree branches swayed, and it seemed like it could start raining at any moment. Noah's fingers were freezing, and the wounds on his face stung from the wind. He still had to go home, which he wasn't excited about at all.
"We can go to my place," Luc said, as if he could read Noah's thoughts.
"No way. Why would I go to the house of a guy I don't even know? I'd rather freeze to death in the middle of the park."
"We'll go to your place then." Luc stood up and crouched down slightly. "Come on, hop on my back."
"I'll go by myself," Noah added, getting up. He took three steps and then fell to the ground, unable to help it.
"Leave me here, please." He felt stupid and humiliated.
"Come on." Luc picked him up in his arms and helped him onto his back.
"Don't get any wrong ideas, you bastard," Noah muttered, feeling his face burn.
"Of course not, snack," his voice sounded playful.
Luc carried Noah on his back all the way to the train station; it seemed to require no effort from him. At the station, they took a train to where Noah lived. The cars were empty, with only a few people who seemed to be returning from the festival having taken the subway back. Noah slept the entire way, resting his face on Luc. He simply couldn't stay awake; even though he tried, his eyes involuntarily closed.
After one in the morning, they were already on their way to Noah's apartment. Luc carried him again on his back. They didn't speak the entire journey; it didn't seem necessary; neither of them had anything to say. Noah, though embarrassed, felt comfortable and safe on his back. It was so warm and smelled of fabric softener. It was so comfortable that he could fall asleep in a matter of seconds.
"I think we're here," Luc said when they were in front of the building.
"Oh, yes, this is it. Here's the key." Noah had already given up on the idea of walking or doing anything on his own; he needed help, even if he didn't want it.
Luc diligently entered and took him to his apartment, opened the door, and they both went in. It was the first time anyone other than Kai had entered the apartment where Noah lived. Luc carefully laid him down on the living room sofa.
"Do you have a first-aid kit?"
"Yeah, it's in the bathroom," he said in a sleepy voice.
Luc confidently went into the bathroom and searched until he found the first-aid kit. The whole situation continued to seem strange to Noah. What was this guy doing in his house? Unfortunately, he had already let him in; he just hoped he would leave as soon as possible. He wanted to rest; his whole body was a mess, but most of all, he wanted to forget what had happened.
"Take off your sweatshirt. I want to see if you broke anything."
"No way," Noah added, crossing his arms.
"That guy hit you; you could have a broken rib. We have to make sure that's not the case, snack."
"Ah." He couldn't refute him; he was right.
"Okay, but don't get any wrong ideas."
"I never would."
Noah slowly took off his sweatshirt; even the slightest movement hurt. He tried to hide his pain and embarrassment. Every moment that passed, the situation seemed more absurd. What was he doing, taking off his clothes in front of this guy? All sorts of thoughts came to his mind; he felt ashamed and stupid. With his soft, warm hands, Luc carefully examined Noah's body; his face showed absolute concentration. Feeling his hands touching his body, Noah couldn't help but feel a tickle in every spot where he placed his fingers.
How can you be so shameless and lustful? He uselessly reprimanded himself.
After finishing examining his body, Luc began to carefully clean his wounds.
"No bones seem broken. You were very lucky. I thought you'd have at least a couple of broken bones. I think it would be best if you took a shower before covering your wounds," Luc said, looking into Noah's eyes.
"I just want to sleep. Leave me here. I can take care of my wounds tomorrow."
"I'll prepare the bath for you and help you in. I promise not to look." His eyes were like those of a huge puppy. Noah was reminded of a beautiful husky's face.
"Okay, I don't have the strength to argue with you." His tone was that of someone who had resigned themselves.
Luc filled the bathtub with warm water, arranged some towels and clean clothes for Noah. While he was doing that, Noah took a short nap. He couldn't help but fall asleep whenever he could; that guy had really left him like a punching bag. After 2 AM, Noah took a quick bath. Luc didn't look while he changed, as he promised he wouldn't. For Noah, it was a strange situation. No one had helped him do anything since he was a child. Having someone do it didn't feel natural and caused anxiety in his chest.
After taking the bath, Luc treated all his wounds and helped him put on pajamas and get into bed. Noah could feel his body becoming heavy from exhaustion and the pain of his injuries. The fatigue was so great that he struggled to stay conscious. He wanted to thank Luc; he was alive thanks to him, after all. He still wasn't his favorite person in the world, but he wasn't ungrateful. He tried with all his might to speak, but it was too late; he had lost the battle against sleep.
"Good night, Noah," Luc whispered, and that was the last thing Noah heard before falling hopelessly asleep.