Jayvaughn chuckled softly, still leaning over Axel's bed. "In order not to stink you out any further, I'll go take a proper bath."
Axel laughed, though his laugh was lighter, careful of the soreness still pulling at his stitches. "Please do. I beg you."
Jayvaughn smiled at him, then bent forward and pressed a quick kiss on Axel's forehead. "I'll go wash up, and I'll also let your parents know you're awake," he promised.
Axel nodded, his eyes warm and heavy with affection. "Alright."
"I'll be back soon," Jayvaughn said again, and Axel nodded once more, watching him as he slipped out of the room.
The moment Jayvaughn left Axel's hospital room, he felt his own shoulders sag. For hours he had been sitting tensely, not sleeping properly, afraid to even close his eyes. Now that Axel was awake, the sharpest edge of that fear had been dulled, replaced with relief that made him feel almost lightheaded.
