Chapter Text
Wolfwood knew how this went.
How many nights had he experienced this? He’d lost count by now. Maybe he secretly enjoyed it, the empty feeling in his chest that manifested when he returned to their hotel room alone. Maybe he enjoyed the ache. He must if he was going to keep putting himself through it.
It would only be a matter of time before Vash returned. Wolfwood had seen him before he left, drunk and occupied with the women. Envy made Wolfwood feel hot despite the fact that Vash would never pair with one of them. He tried to get rid of the heat as he peeled off his clothes and stepped into the shower. The cold water was appreciated as it shocked him to his senses. Not too long after, Wolfwood was out and drying his hair with a towel while another draped over his hips.
Knock knock.
There he was.
Wolfwood finished shimmying up his pants as the door opened. He looked up to see the tall figure of his drunken partner stumbling through the door with a dumb smile plastered onto his face. Not caring to return it, Wolfwood looked away. So many emotions bubbled in his chest as he sat on their shared hotel bed. He could be vile, could let out the burning feeling in his chest. Maybe even comment on how pathetic Vash looked as he continued to give Wolfwood that dumb smile.
“Hiya, Wwolfwood,” Vash slurred out, “Why’re ya… still up?” Something twisted in Wolfwood’s gut.
“Gotta make sure your sorry ass ain’t gonna make a mess, that’s why.” There was some venom in his words, but Wolfwood didn’t mean it. They both knew that. Wolfwood had been waiting for the sole purpose of taking care of Vash, just as he had many nights before. Vash’s smile faltered a bit anyway. No more came from him- he just hummed and clumsily made his way to the bathroom. It was a tune Wolfwood had heard from him before. Immediately upon hearing it, Wolfwood knew this night was going to be even longer.
A moment passed before Wolfwood got up to follow the other into the bathroom. Vash was sitting on the edge of the tub, struggling to take off his clothes as the bath ran. He didn’t acknowledge Wolfwood’s presence, just continued to struggle with the many straps on his boots. Although it was amusing to watch, Wolfwood didn’t let Vash struggle for long. He bent down and tapped Vash’s fingers away so he could do it for him. Wordlessly Wolfwood continued, undressing Vash until he was completely bare. The prosthetic arm came off last with Vash's help, then carefully placed on the sink next to the tub.
His stare didn’t linger long, but Wolfwood still adored Vash’s body. Not in a way of thirst. Vash was beautiful. Scarred and beaten, but beautiful. Wolfwood couldn’t make sense of why he was allowed to be in the presence of one as gorgeous as the angel in front of him. If the circumstances were different, if Vash would let him, Wolfwood would worship this body. Kiss every scar, every bit of skin, just to let Vash know how lovely he was. But by now the tub was full, so Wolfwood reached over to turn off the faucet.
At some point Vash had gone quiet, no longer singing Rem’s favorite tune. Wolfwood didn’t think about it until he looked back to tell Vash that the bath was ready- and tears were streaming down the man’s face. A sigh came from Wolfwood as he gently took the blond’s hand and guided him into the tub. Vash sniffled and sat in the tub with his knees to his chest. Crying quietly. The sight tugged at Wolfwood’s heart.
His touch was gentle as he laid his hand on Vash’s shoulder and rubbed circles on it with his thumb. It was nearly impossible to touch him without touching several scars- but neither minded. The touch managed to comfort Vash, something that could not be true if it were anyone else. Still he cried, and Wolfwood continued.
There were no words shared as Vash leaned his head back, wet lashes fluttering shut as he let Wolfwood wet his hair. Strong hands stayed gentle as they massaged Vash’s scalp and lathered in shampoo. Another tear fell down his cheek, but Vash cried no longer as he let Wolfwood’s touch soothe him. He simply breathed, in and out, steady and controlled, and let himself melt into the warm water and the other man’s touch. Wolfwood watched him carefully, making sure his touch was just as careful. As Wolfwood rinsed him off, Vash broke the silence.
“... Sorry. I’m such a mess, aren’t I?” He let out a dry laugh, eyes avoiding the other’s. Wolfwood wanted to tell him Never, you’re as perfect as always… but instead he scoffed.
“Just let me finish up, Needle-noggin. We’re almost done, ‘kay? Stand up for me now, that’s it.” Vash stood, truly feeling exposed now that his body had emerged from the bath water. But still he let Wolfwood handle him, let him drag a soapy cloth across his pale skin. One calloused hand gently gripped Vash’s hip as the other washed Vash’s back, making him grimace slightly. The touch wasn’t unpleasant. It never was. It simply reminded him of how vulnerable he was. Reminded him of how much trust he was putting into the other.
“Won’t you get tired of this?” Vash asked, his eyes following Wolfwood’s hand.
“Nah.”
“Aren’t you tired of me?” Wolfwood paused his movement for just a moment.
“I choose to do this, ya know. Ya ain’t makin’ me.”
Vash visibly relaxed when Wolfwood started to rinse off his body. Soon he was wrapped in a towel. Woflwood tried to meet the taller man’s gaze, tried to meet those blue-green eyes with the warmth of his brown ones, but Vash stayed looking at the ground as he silently left the bathroom. Left by himself for a moment, Wolfwood let out a sigh. He unplugged the bathtub to let it drain before he followed after his companion.
When he went back to the main area of the hotel room, Wolfwood found Vash already in bed. He was still damp and bare, but he had fully hidden himself under the covers. There was some sort of longing in Wolfwood’s chest, some sort of ache- but he ignored it and sat down on his side of the bed. Looking back over at his angel, who’s breathing had already steadied, he turned off the small lamp on the side table.
As Wolfwood laid down and got under the same covers, that same feeling tugged at his chest. He tried to ignore it, he was so used to ignoring it- but tonight felt different than before. He rolled over, facing the back of Vash’s head now. Then oh so quietly, barely above a whisper, Woflwood spoke.
“I love you.”
And the silence was heavy.
And he turned back around.
And let sleep take him.