Pop 14

Leo knocked gently on Ashton’s door.

He peeked in. Ashton was bundled under the blankets like a sulking burrito,

only a tuft of messy silver hair showing.

"Go away. I’m not hungry. My stomach’s a mess."

Leo stepped inside anyway, his soft footsteps filling the quiet room.

"Hello, Mr. Ashton. I’m Leo, your student nurse today."

From under the blanket, Ashton recognized the familiar voice: the vending machine whisperer from last night.

His head popped out from the sheet, hair tousled, eyes sleepy but warm.

"So… not a janitor today, huh? What happened—got promoted?"

Leo laughed, and the sound was like sunlight spilling into the room.

Ashton caught the faint scent of fresh lavender as Leo moved closer.

Probably he loved colognes with lavender hints.

"No. I still have janitorial duty tonight.

I promised to help my neighbor—his wife’s still not doing well.

But for now, I’m here for my clinicals."

"Yes, you are." Ashton’s gaze flicked to Leo’s ID. "No barcode?"

Leo’s smile deepened. "Yeah, you’re not the first to notice. Guess I’m special."

"Well, barcode or not, you’re in my room. And that made you special.

And I’m guessing you’re here to drag me to that boring lunch room."

Leo pulled the patient chart from the bedside,

his sleeve brushing Ashton’s hand for just a second longer than necessary.

"Mr. Ashton—"

"Just Ashton. ‘Mister’ makes me feel ancient."

Leo’s eyes crinkled. "Alright, Ashton. Do you mind lying flat on your stomach?

Your chart says you’re prone to stomach pains.

They tested for ulcers, but nothing significant came up."

Ashton rolled over with a sigh, catching a glimpse of Leo leaning over him,

the younger man’s face focused and calm.

"Is that bad? Leo, tell me—am I doomed to stomach misery and six feet under I’ll still be

screaming of stomach aches?"

Leo adjusted his stethoscope. "We’re about to find out."

His hands pressed gently against Ashton’s abdomen,

warm through the thin fabric of his shirt.

His touch was careful, almost tender, but with the steadiness of someone

who knew exactly what he was doing.

"Ashton, when’s the last time you went to the bathroom?"

Ashton’s lips curved. "You mean when I last…?"

Leo’s glance flickered upward, amused. "Not that one. I mean actually sat on the toilet."

"Four days ago."

Leo gave a knowing smile and went to the bedside drawer.

Ashton’s eyes followed the easy way Leo moved, his shoulders relaxed but purposeful.

Leo returned with a box of suppositories.

"I think we’ve found the culprit. Your doctor ordered these, but it looks like no one’s followed through."

Ashton scoffed. "What nurse? I haven’t seen anyone here. T

his place just feels like a waiting room for the grave."

Leo met his gaze—steady, warm, unflinching.

"Well, I’m here now. Student nurse or not, I’m going to make sure this place runs right."

As Leo adjusted his stethoscope,

Ashton’s eyes caught on the woven bracelet snug around his wrist.

It looked handmade—threads of deep blue and warm blues in different hues, all braided together,

a small bead glinting near the knot.

For some reason, it suited him.

Ashton almost asked about it… but didn’t.

Ashton’s eyes dropped to the box in Leo’s hand.

"And you think that’s going to work? Because it’s… rather invasive."

"I can’t promise miracles, but it’s the gentlest first step. After we do the treatment,

I’ll check on you in half an hour—if nothing happens, we’ll follow up with meds,

and if that doesn’t work, I’ll make sure your doctor reviews your case.

I’m still learning how they do stuffs here, but I’ll definitely get to your doctor

so he knew where you are right now and what we’re doing"

Ashton turned to his side.

He felt Leo’s fingers at the waistband of his underwear—steady, professional,

yet careful in a way that made Ashton’s chest feel warm and secured.

Leo knew how to build trust.

And at that moment, Leo’s the only person in the world that he trust.

The cool glide of gel made him tense, but Leo’s voice was soft.

"This might feel a little bit cold and odd, but it won’t hurt. But if it does, just holler"

It was over before Ashton could even react.

"There you go, Ashton.

In the meantime, I’ll bring you clear soup and some Jell-O—both help get things moving

unless you prefer to walk to the breakfast which I think is now the lunch room,

walking helps too, it keeps things going."

Ashton tilted his head. "Are you sure you’re just a student? You seem like you’ve done this forever.

I think I’ll check my friends at the lunch room, I’ll be ok. I hope."

Leo grinned. "This is my third nursing home rotation. I’ve seen just about everything. Ok, I’ll

see you there then, I’ll just go down my patient’s list to see what kinda drama is waiting for me"

He paused at the door, giving Ashton one last reassuring look.

"Half an hour. If you feel the urge, don’t wait—go. And if you need help, holler. I’ll hear you."

When the door clicked shut, Ashton lay staring at the ceiling,

his pulse strangely quick.

The faint scent of Leo’s lavender still lingered in the room,

wrapping around him like a memory he didn’t want to let go.

What was that?

Was it just Leo’s kindness? Or was it because of that strange spark between them the other night?

Unity, he thought suddenly. Where did that come from? Are our hearts… united now?

Outside the room, Leo stepped into the hallway and closed his eyes for a moment.

His back pressed against the wall, one hand flattening over his chest as if to quiet the rush inside.

He exhaled slowly, but the warmth in his face wouldn’t leave.

“Get it together,” he whispered to himself, a crooked smile tugging at his lips despite his best effort.

Somewhere, down the hall, a patient called for help—pulling him back to duty.

But as he walked away, Leo knew it would take more than work to chase away the flutter still moving in his chest.

Leo suddenly stopped mid-step in the hallway.

Before he could talk himself out of it, he turned on his heel and went back to Ashton’s room.

Ashton was just about to step out when their eyes met.

Leo froze for a heartbeat, caught off guard—like a shy guy realizing his crush might have guessed the truth.

"Ashton… I want you to have this."

He slipped off the friendship bracelet from his own wrist.

"I made it… and I’d like it to be yours."

Before Ashton could say a word, Leo gently took his arm

and fastened the bracelet around it.

His fingers lingered for just a second longer than necessary.

Then Leo stepped back, a quiet, satisfied smile curving his lips as he walked away.

Ashton looked down at the simple gift, his thumb brushing over the woven threads.

A smile—warm and a little dazed—spread across his face.

Halfway down the hall, something made Leo glance over his shoulder.

Through the open doorway, he caught a glimpse of Ashton still staring at the bracelet… smiling softly,

like he was holding a secret.

Leo’s own smile deepened before he turned the corner.