Making good on a promise

Butcher lifted him up and started towards the showers.

Butcher started the water and checked it with his wrist before removing his shoes and Mikey's and stepping under the stream.

Butcher looked down at the man in his arms and bit his bottom lip. "I know it's a little... but we need to take your clothes off."

Butcher wanted to help but he had to have his arms free for that so he carefully placed Mikey back onto his feet and reached down to help Mikey remove his pants.

"Off," Butcher ripped his eyes away from them and smiled. "They stick to you like skin anyways."

Butcher pulled him close again. "You're beautiful." He ignored the scars Ryland had inflicted. They were like a child's attempt to demolish a building as far as Butcher was concerned.

Butcher watched as blood rinsed off of his lover and looked down at him with a smile. I love you, Mikey.

Butcher moved a hand to Mikey's scalp to help the man out.

"I'll brush it. I like your hair," Butcher chuckled.

Butcher became aware of the fact that although he'd stripped Mikey he hadn't done the same to himself and his clothes clung to him uncomfortably.

"What is it, Mikey?" Butcher asked softly, rubbing his lover's back gently.

"You can tell me," Butcher smiled and pulled Mikey closer to nuzzle his face into the other man's hair.

Butcher wrapped his arms around Mikey a little tighter and whispered, "You can tell me."