"Nines! Gavin!" Connor called brightly as he burst into their bedroom. Gavin's head jerked up at the sudden entry. Jeez, it's a good thing we didn't get too handsy! He was currently only half naked, hair still wet from the shower as Nines straddled his back, also half dressed. Nines was slowly massaging his shoulders and back since he was a little stiff from all the riding. And fucking. They'd held back a little over the past couple of days. They'd been too busy getting his leg fitted. He hadn't even stood on it yet. It hurt just to strap the damned thing on! The leather corset pinched, and the base rubbed uncomfortably on his raw skin.
"Connor, you're here!" Nines greeted, tearing another small moan from Gavin's lips as he pressed and squeezed the muscles around his shoulder blades. Connor seemed a little uncertain as he hovered awkwardly in the doorway, wondering exactly what he'd just interrupted. Nines didn't usually sit on people like that during a massage, and he was pretty sure he was hard. His trousers looked uncomfortably tight as he rested his crotch against Gavin's ass. At least they were still dressed…
"Yes, we just arrived. Sixty is taking our things upstairs," Connor replied warmly as he crossed to the bed and pressed a kiss against Nines' temple. Nines smiled as he butted his head and climbed off. Gavin stretched, apparently satisfied as he folded his arms and raised his chest, though he didn't move further. Connor looked good, considering he'd come from the front and had been travelling for two days. His hair and uniform were a little ruffled, and his eyes were tired, but he seemed in good spirits.
"What? No kiss for me?" Gavin teased from his place on the bed, ducking down as Nines shoved his head in reproach. He didn't kiss him, but he did settle on the edge of the bed and pat his shoulder in greeting. It felt unbelievably good to see him again. He hadn't seen him since the day he'd taken him back from the front. Nines and Chloe had done most of his treatment since then, and he'd still been feverish and delirious during their last meeting.
"You look good," Connor murmured as he shrugged out of his jacket. Now that he was officially off duty, he'd change out of the scratchy fatigues. He could have bathed before coming, but as soon as he'd found out where they were, he'd wanted to see them right away. Gavin's smile lost a little of its brightness at that. I look good for an invalid, you mean.
"Yeah, thanks…" Nines ran a hand through his hair, offering a little comfort and reassurance. "I'll look even better if I can get used to that phcking thing," he grumbled as he nodded across to the door. Connor followed his gaze to the blended wood and metal leg by the door. Gavin glared at it as Connor let out a soft sound of curiosity. He left the bed and wandered over, crouching down to get a closer look. He was hesitant to touch it without permission. It was literally a part of Gavin's body, or would be once he got used to it.
"May I?" He waited for Gavin's nod before lifting it. It was heavier than he expected. There was a padded leather base inside the shin section where his stump was supposed to rest. Leather straps rose on either side and slotted over the knee, where a leather corset would sit on his thigh to hold the prosthetic on. There was a metal joint down at the ankle so that it would bend, and the toe section seemed to be made of some sort of thick rubber material. The slight give in the material meant the toe section would flex under pressure, bending like a real foot. "It's sturdy…"
"Phcking heavy, you mean." Gavin had also been surprised at the weight. The weight he could get used to. It was the gripping, pinching, and rubbing that he couldn't stand. He'd torn the thing off almost as soon as it had been fitted. He could barely sit in it, never mind stand. Chloe hadn't exaggerated about the need to practice. It was fucking painful! "You should try wearing it. It's phcking horrible!" Connor would have to take his word for it. It was something he quietly hoped he'd never understand. Gavin wouldn't wish it on him either. Not any of them.
"Why don't you go and change? We'll meet you on the rear patio for lunch in an hour," Nines suggested as he plucked the prosthetic from Connor's gentle grasp. Connor murmured his agreement and hugged him properly before heading up to find Sixty. Gavin absolutely refused to wear the damned thing for lunch. He also shunned the wheelchair. No fucking way was he going to give Sixty ammunition. Nines chided him about the strain he was putting on his shoulders, but followed him as he hopped his way down the hall on his crutches. Nines brought the prosthetic with them, fully intending to drag him to the physio hall after lunch. Kicking and screaming if I have to…
They reached the patio first, and Nines ordered for the four of them. It was a little colder that day, and the sky was clouding over. Guess they brought that French weather back with them…Gavin sighed as he looked at the darkening horizon. They probably wouldn't be riding for a day or two. Unfortunately, that meant Nines had extra opportunities to force him into that damned leg. He glared as Nines gave him a knowing look, as if he knew what he was thinking.
"How are you doing, stumpy?" Sixty teased as he and Connor arrived. Nines and Connor looked shocked as he sat down and grinned at Gavin. Gavin's jaw tightened at that. Oh, he did not just phcking…He felt something hot coil in his chest at the jibe. He fucking hit where it hurt. He knew he'd probably get shit like that sometimes, but it fucking hurt. "Oh, hey! Cool attachment!" Gavin scowled as he watched Sixty reach down and pick up his prosthetic. Attachment? Connor clicked his tongue as he sat, swatting Sixty's head in reproach.
"You're such a phcking asshole, Jacob." Sixty's eyes sharpened dangerously. No one used his first name. No one except his father and Allen. Maybe Nines and Connor on a bad day. Gavin gave him a long look, letting him know he'd crossed a line. Sixty huffed out a hot breath. He'd sort of asked for the Jacob comment, so he'd let it slide this once. He kept the prosthetic on his knee, examining it with sharp eyes.
"Fine! How are you?" he grumbled as he fingered the ankle joint. Gavin watched warily as he handled his leg. It was weird, beyond simple curiosity. It was almost like he was testing it for faults, like he didn't trust it. That makes two of us…Sixty tugged on the straps and bent the toe section like he was doing a quality check. He even pushed against the padded interior to test the strength.
"Just phcking peachy." Sixty seemed to understand his griping tone. Of course he does…He was the same. A frontline soldier. He'd only joined up because he had to, but he'd hit the ground running. It wouldn't surprise him if Sixty ended up staying on permanently after the war. He'd really turned into a soldier. Going out the way he had was pretty much the worst-case scenario. Neither of them were the pitying type. In a lot of ways, he would have preferred the shell to take him out. At least then he wouldn't be the only one left behind. Injured. Helpless. Side-lined.
"Why aren't you wearing the foot?" It was a fair question, but still pretty fucking personal. Nines glared at his brother for being so insensitive. In many ways, it would have been better for Connor to come alone. He wasn't sure why Sixty had tagged along in the first place. It wasn't like he even liked Gavin. Gavin was doing a little scowling of his own as he sat back in his chair.
"Because it's new, you idiot! It phcking hurts!" Sixty seemed a little surprised by that as he lowered his gaze to Gavin's lap. He couldn't see it since he was sitting at the table, but he knew it was there. The injury. "Just hope you never have to go through it, it phcking sucks!" He was much more open to sharing his frustration with Sixty. Perhaps that was a positive aspect of his presence. The bitterness he tried to hide with anyone else spilled out when given the appropriate target.
"Oh? What's it like?" Connor kicked Sixty under the table. You can't just ask that! He looked at Gavin with a mixture of worry and apology. Gavin steeled himself as he thought it over. What was it like, really? He swallowed as the food arrived and barely noticed as the soup and bread was laid out for him. His bottom lip trembled as he tightened his jaw and licked his lips, green eyes gazing at nothing as he tried to put it into words.
"It's like…it phcking burns! The pain is sort of…it stings and throbs, and sometimes it feels so bad it's like the skin is going to split…That's just now, though. It was way worse when it first happened. Without the pain medication, it was just constant phcking pain…It's unimaginable. It runs deep, like you can feel it in your bone…A lot of the time, I can still feel my leg. It's like it's still there…like I could move at any time, but then there's the pain…When I got blown up, it phcked up my leg pretty bad…I can still feel it…I can feel the fresh, searing pain of my bone as it broke, and the metal tearing my skin…Happens a little less now, and it's not constant, but when it comes back, it phcking sucks." Sixty listened with complete focus, clearly invested in the topic. Connor's gentle eyes creased in sympathy as he listened, and even Nines tightened his jaw. He held back from reaching out. Gavin wouldn't want the attention. He was staring at Sixty, unblinking as he waited for some sort of comeback.
"You're really strong, you know that?" Sixty murmured as he started eating, lowering the prosthetic to the floor at his side. Gavin ground his teeth. Sure, real phcking strong. "You'd better nod your head and take the compliment. I don't give them lightly," Sixty added as he sharpened his hazel eyes. It was fucking weird how he could make Connor's face look so terrifying. Gavin swallowed and nodded as he picked up his spoon. He didn't feel strong. In fact, he was pretty sure whatever strength he had came from Nines. He'd given up before he came back. Curled up in his bed like a kid, refusing to come out.
They were about halfway through lunch when Chloe arrived, full of warmth and bright smiles. Gavin huffed sympathetically as he watched Connor pretty much melt on the spot. His eyes took on an almost dreamy quality as she stopped by their table. He didn't think he took his eyes off her once. She greeted him sweetly. Giving him a lingering look before remembering him as the one who'd brought Gavin back to them. She owed him for that. Nines gave him the same knowing look as Gavin. He was falling hard. Even Sixty cottoned onto it, snickering under his breath as Connor stammered under her direct attention.
"I'm glad you both made it here safely! I hear there have been U-boats prowling the channel recently," she added as she rested a hand on the back of Connor's chair. Connor nodded his agreement, his voice somewhat stuck in his throat. He could smell the light floral scent of her perfume. It was rare to meet girls on the front, especially ones as pretty as Chloe. Even then, they weren't likely to be wearing perfume. Her lips were painted, too. A flattering pink that complemented her pale skin. He felt his heart skip as their eyes met and her lips raised at the corners.
"Oh yeah! I heard a ship got hit just a few weeks back," Sixty piped up, smirking as Connor continued to gaze up at Chloe like a love struck puppy. Chloe reached up to fiddle with her blonde tail as she noticed. It wasn't rare for patients to flirt with her. She was one of the few women about, but it was rare for her to take notice. Gavin raised an eyebrow as she curled her hair around her finger. He hadn't seen her do that since she'd first laid eyes on Elijah. She suddenly seemed a little less talkative as she stared at Connor, staring at her.
"Yeah…U-boats are nasty fuckers…" Gavin he partly returned his attention to his soup, but he couldn't help the pinch of anxiety that curled in his stomach. Was Elijah not treating her right? He'd never thought she'd look at anyone else that way. They were engaged! Had been for over a year. They won't be staying that way very long if he doesn't get his shit together! She was already sharing shy smiles and googly eyes with Connor. "Took down the Lusitania in about twenty minutes, right?" Nines nodded his agreement. That was one of the reasons they'd ended up in this godforsaken mess in the first place.
"I should probably continue my rounds…" Chloe murmured finally, letting out an almost shy giggle as she stepped away from Connor's chair. "Well, it's good to see you again. Let me know how practice goes later!" she added meaningfully as she shifted her gaze to Gavin. Gavin clicked his tongue. Trust her to remember that!
"Yeah-yeah-yeah, it'll be swell…" It would certainly not be swell. Chloe laughed brightly, kissing his cheek before skipping away. Connor watched her go with a look of longing, instantly turning on Gavin like Romeo-reincarnate. Sixty didn't bother to hide his mirth as he watched Connor buzzing with barely formed feelings of blind adoration. "Slow down there, Romeo, she's my brother's fiancé." Connor seemed suitably crushed by the news as he turned his head and followed her exit. Gavin nudged the bread rolls closer in sympathy, patting his shoulder as he took one and nibbled it miserably.
"Fiancé. That's pretty much the same as available. I say go for it," Sixty piped up from across the table. Gavin glared a little. That was his brother's girl he was talking about! Alright, he didn't exactly like his brother, but that didn't mean he wanted to see him hurt. Would it hurt him? He hadn't really seen them together that much. That she'd even contemplated looking elsewhere for a moment wasn't promising. I know his work is important, but is it more important than Chloe? He huffed softly as he realised it probably was. His brother had a one-tracked mind. It wasn't promising that Connor seemed to brighten a little at the encouragement. I'm staying the phck out of this one.
"Your lack of morals is disturbing," Nines chided as he sipped his water.
"Hey, if the guy can't keep his woman…" Sixty shrugged innocently, and Gavin hated that he actually agreed a little. The thought also sent insecurity swirling through his stomach. He was painfully aware of how many young men were on the front. Sure, the majority of them were probably straight, but what if someone took a liking to Nines? He was pretty sure it was the danger and need for comfort that had brought them together in the first place. Would the same thing tear them apart? It seemed Nines picked up on his insecurity as he reached across beneath the table to rest a hand on his knee.
Once they finished, Nines picked up the prosthetic and gave him a meaningful look. Phck, I'm not getting out of it today…He scowled resentfully as he heaved himself to his feet and let Nines lead him to the physio hall. Sixty and Connor tagged along, Connor to offer gentle encouragement while Sixty fully intended to goad him. The hall was relatively empty as they arrived, though Jeffery and Thomas were there. Jeffery was walking while Thomas offered his moral support from the sidelines.
"Hey doughboy!" Thomas greeted, as usual.
"Hey, who the fuck are you calling a doughboy, you Tommy?" Sixty griped in an almost protective tone. Thomas gave a sheepish apology, which Gavin brushed off by simply informing him that Sixty was an asshole. Sixty grumbled, but didn't disagree as he watched Gavin take a seat and roll up his trouser leg. It was his first time seeing the freshly healed stump. Gavin tried to ignore the audience as he took the leg and slotted his knee through the brace. He winced at the discomfort as his sensitive skin touched the gripping leather.
"Maybe you should wrap it first…It might limit the rubbing," Connor suggested gently as he noted the redness of the skin. Gavin gave him a tight smile of thanks as he pulled the brace off. Nines let Connor handle the wrapping. He took a bandage from one of the small supply boxes and knelt in front of Gavin. Gavin hissed at the contact, trying not to squirm too much as Connor wrapped and tied it in place. He tried again after that, taking a breath as his stump pressed against the leather. He swallowed the nagging pain as he pulled the laces of the corset tighter, securing it on his upper thigh.
"Sexy…" Sixty teased, getting a rare huff from Gavin. Nines gave him an almost sultry look as he glanced over, apparently agreeing with his brother. There was a free set of parallel bars next to Jeffery. He used his crutches to get to his feet, letting out the smallest of whines as the weight pulled his thigh and rubbed uncomfortably. Connor was right about the bandage. It offered a little relief as he hopped over without touching the ground. Nines took the crutches as he gripped the bars on either side. He was almost too scared to put his foot down. He'd rested his weight on it once before and it hurt like hell. "Well? What are you waiting for?" Sixty goaded as he ducked between the bars and stood in front of him.
"It phcking hurts!" Gavin snapped as he gripped the bars and rested the prosthetic on the floor. He took a shaky breath, trying to work himself up to it. Sixty raised an unimpressed eyebrow as he waited for him. Gavin licked his lips, wincing as he leaned his weight forward a little before rocking back. It was too much.
"Don't be such a baby! Put your foot down!" Sixty almost mocked him with his closeness as he stood just out of reach. Gavin glared at him, chest swelling with heat. He almost felt like a little kid on the playground again. "Oh? You don't like that? What? Baby?" Sixty cackled as Gavin ground his teeth. Connor stepped forward to put an end to it, surprised as Nines caught his arm. He didn't agree with it either, but he had the feeling it would get Gavin moving.
"Phck! You're such a phcking asshole!" He already felt like crying over the pain, never mind the added bullying on top!
"You want to shut me up? Come on, then! If you can get to the end, I'll give you a free swing." Gavin's eyes glinted at that. Sixty grinned. He knew he had him. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? Come on, baby, lay it on me, right here," he goaded as he tapped his jaw. Gavin let out a small growl of frustration. If he got over there, he'd do more than fucking punch him!
"I'm going to kick you right in the nuts!" he swore as he gripped the bars. Sixty cackled as he remained just out of reach.
"You've got to haul your ass over here first…Come on, baby…I dare you!" Gavin let out a small grunt as he took his first step. His knee buckled as searing pain shot across the surface. He almost let go of the bars as he fell, surprised as he didn't hit the ground. Strong arms caught him at the front, holding him against a firm chest. Gavin blinked. This was a lot closer to Sixty than he'd ever expected to get. "You did the first one…Keep going." Sixty hauled him upright and held on long enough for him to catch his balance before he backed off.
"Right in the nuts…"
"Right in the nuts, come on!" Connor was bewildered by Sixty's enthusiastic agreement. Nines huffed and shook his head, folding his arms as he stood off to the side and watched. Gavin's hands were already shaking as he tried to hold most of his weight on the bars. "Foot down…One step at a time…" It hurt! It really fucking hurt! It was worse than the stitches. Each step sent a raw ache through the scarred base that almost seemed to seep into the bone. He hated the fact that his eyes were welling up. He was surprised that Sixty didn't use it as ammunition. "Come on, right here…" Sixty encouraged as he patted his crotch. Gavin huffed out a breath, glaring as he took another step.
His gaze dropped to the floor as his vision blurred. He stopped, breathing hard as he realised he was only halfway. He'd only taken about three steps. His throat ached as he swallowed and closed his eyes. I'll show him…I'll phcking show this asshole! He outright whimpered as he took the next step. It was almost like the pain was getting worse. How was it getting worse? His legs and arms were shaking from the strain. I'm not weak…I'm not phcking weak…He began to doubt that somewhat on the next step. He was about ready to give in as he openly sobbed.
"Don't you fucking dare! Don't you dare sit down!" Gavin let out a roar as he rushed the last two steps and fisted his hands in Sixty's shirt. He didn't even hesitate before he raised his injured knee and sank it into his crotch. Sixty let out a strangled whimper, keeping Gavin secure in his arms as he sank to the floor. Gavin didn't have the strength to stay up, especially not with Sixty's added weight. They dropped to their knees before falling sideways in a heap. "I've got you…I've got you…" Sixty could barely do more than wheeze the comforting words through the blinding pain. It was strangely comforting, being held in Sixty's arms with his hand rubbing his back. Gavin couldn't help sobbing into his shoulder as he thumped his fist against his chest. I did it! I'm not phcking weak! He leaned closer as Sixty squeezed his neck and ran a hand through his hair.
"You Americans are fucking weird, you know that?" Jeffery piped up from his own training bars. Thomas nodded his agreement, bewildered at what he'd just witnessed. Sixty let out a weak cackle from his place on the floor, wincing as Gavin squirmed against him.
"In our defence, I don't think that's an American thing…" Nines piped up as he walked over to check on them. Connor joined him, leaving Gavin to Nines as he helped Sixty up. He couldn't even straighten up yet. He rested a hand on Connor's shoulder as he pressed his free hand over his crotch, moaning as he pressed his legs together. "Are you alright?" Nines asked, unsure who he was asking as he looked between them.
"I think I'm going to feel that for a week!" Sixty groaned, though he was still grinning as he raised his head. Gavin latched onto Nines tightly. His whole body felt overstimulated. The pain was searing, even without weight pressing on the skin. Nines seemed to understand what he needed as he tapped his arm. He hushed him gently as he lifted him and took him to the chair. Gavin's fingers were staking too badly to work the strings as he jerked his good leg and slapped the side of his chair. "Alright-alright, breathe through it…" Nines worked quickly to loosen the strings and tugged the corset loose. The moment it loosened, Gavin kicked his thigh, urgently shaking it free. "Breathe…"
"You did wonderfully!" Connor praised as he walked over, helping Sixty hobble at his side.
"See? All you need…is the right motivation," Sixty added with a pained wince as he leaned on Connor's shoulder. Connor gave him a wry smile. He didn't particularly think that making himself a target was the best idea, but he couldn't deny it had worked. Gavin was still shaking as Nines held his cheeks and wiped the tears away, following his advice and breathing through it.
"Don't worry, it gets easier after the first few weeks…Can't say the comfort of these damned things improves, though," Jeffery piped up from his place at the bars. Gavin waved his thanks as he sat back. The pain was lessening. He shivered as tingles ran across his skin. It went without saying that he never wanted to do that again. It also went without saying that Nines was going to make him do it again. Luckily, it seemed he was going to do so in small doses. Once he'd been sitting for a while, they left the hall and headed to one of the small drawing rooms. It didn't take long for the stress to catch up with him. He was nodding in his armchair after barely thirty minutes. He barely felt the warmth of a jacket being draped over his chest and shoulders, turning his head to breathe in Nines' scent.