Prompt 7

Pampered

It had been a long day. Ian had risen early that morning, before anyone else, so he could get a head start on his chores, and be ready in time for the final performance of Bill's latest play. This had been a particularly bloody show, as well, so there would be plenty more work to be done cleaning it all up afterwards. He would, of course, be exhausted by the end of it, but it was worth it when he'd have some time off from the theatre for a little while.

As would Gabriel.

When evening came, Ian entered their room to find her warming a basin of water by the fire as a strong, flowery scent filled the air; rosemary. He took note of the nightdress she was already wearing and concluded that she must be planning on washing her hair. That certainly would be a nice way to unwind after the play's long and gruelling run. And the very thought of that heavenly smell gracing his senses whenever he pressed his lips to her head… Well, he wouldn't complain.

Hearing the door open, Gabriel spun around to greet him.

"Ian! I've been waiting for you!" she flashed a smile and stepped away from the basin, "I have prepared some rosemary water."

"Would you like me to-"

But she was too excited to catch what he was saying, and only beckoned him closer.

"Let me wash your hair for you."

Caught slightly off guard, Ian faltered, then shook his head, "No. Thank you, but there's no need. Just a good comb through is enough for me; save the luxuries for yourself. I'd rather help you."

She scoffed, which admittedly surprised him a bit, and made her way over to him, "Ian, my darling, you work so hard every day in that theatre and get so little thanks for it. You deserve to be pampered."

"P-pampered?"

"I have reason to believe that you have never pampered yourself, whatsoever."

He dropped his head. "Well…"

"Come."

After a brief moment of hesitation, he decided it would be best not to resist; she'd eventually get her way in the end. She helped him remove the outer layer of his clothing and told him to sit down, which he did. Her hand gently brushed his face before tilting his chin back until his hair was dipped into the water.

He closed his eyes, taking in the sweet smell of rosemary and finally letting himself relax as Gabriel ran her fingers through his hair. One hand gently massaged his scalp while the other briefly moved away to pick up the jug she had placed nearby and poured a little more water over him. He found himself almost subconsciously tipping his head the tiniest bit further back, leaning into her palm like a cat seeking affection. He heard her light chuckle and smiled, but then her thumb brushed across the scar on his forehead. For a moment, they were both silent, then Ian dared to open his eyes.

Gabriel was looking down at him with a sad smile. She tilted her head to one side as she stroked his wet hair. Her voice came in a whisper.

"You deserve to be taken care of. You weren't taken care of before…"

You deserve the same. He kept quiet, knowing she'd only deny it - he surely had it worse, she had at least had friends, and free will - but she would know what he was thinking. Gabriel went to get a comb and Ian let his eyes fall shut again as she went back to work. She then took a linen towel and dried his hair.

When she was finished, Ian pulled her onto his lap, holding her close. Again, Gabriel chuckled and wrapped her arms around him, kissing his head. She couldn't resist sniffing his hair and let out a blissful sigh.

"Are you satisfied now that you've pampered me?" he asked, teasingly.

"Hm. For now. I will find more ways."