by E. M. Leya
Randy wondered curiously at the blush. "You watching me sleep, Doc?"
The blush deepened. "It's my job to check on you."
Randy could have accepted that as a logical answer had it not been for the blush. He was pleased that Tevon watched him sleep. It sent an odd thrill through him and forced him to look at Tevon in a very non-professional way. "What else do I do when I sleep?"
Tevon smiled. "Finish eating. I'll be back in a bit and help you to the pool." He turned and quickly left the room.
Randy watched the doctor leave, wondering just how long the doctor had been watching him and why.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Randy woke confused. He'd been dreaming of a white beach. He laid naked in the sand as he watched someone in the distance swim through the waves. He could barely make out the tail fin as he swept into the water. When the person rose back up, his back was toward Randy and all he could make out was the long brown hair that floated over the water.
As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he tried to remember more of the dream, but the harder he tried to recall the dream the faster it faded from his mind. With a loud sigh, he pushed up on the bed so he was sitting, careful not to twist as he did.
There was pain, but it was faint and he breathed a sigh of relief that he seemed to be healing. He poured himself a glass of water from the small pitcher on the table beside him, gulped it down, and then licked his dry lips with the moisture.
It had been over a week since the accident. He still wasn't able to walk, but Tevon allowed him to stand with assistance yesterday. It had been all he could do to keep from pushing the doctor aside and trying to stride across the room. Only the fear of doing more damage, and the slight shake to his weak legs kept him from doing it.
He set the cup back down and closed his eyes. Soon he would be able to return to his own chambers in the royal hall. He would then start focusing on training plans, and learning about any new clan members who had joined while he was stuck in the medical unit.
He smiled as he thought about being on his own. Not that he didn't have plenty of privacy here on the medical unit, but to be in his own chamber, with his own stuff, would show everyone that he was recovering and he would be back to full strength in no time.
At least as far as anyone else could see. He glanced down at his flaccid cock and frowned. He still hadn't been able to get a hard-on since the accident. Not that he had really tried, but he was used to growing hard at the simplest thoughts. He would jack-off almost daily before the accident. Now, since the injury, there wasn't even a stirring of arousal from his cock.
He reached between his legs and cupped his heavy balls in his palm, squeezing gently. It could just be the meds that dulled his arousal. He still had feeling in the area. His hand was warm and a slight shiver coursed through his body as he massaged his balls.
With a glance at the chamber entry, he wondered if he dared try to get hard. It was the middle of the night, and he highly doubted anyone would be around. He moved his hand from his balls and encased his soft cock in his palm. He felt the heat from his palm and slowly started to stroke the shaft up and down, squeezing the head, and rubbing the pad of his thumb just under it, the way he always liked.
Nothing.
He closed his eyes and continued to move his hand up and down the soft skin as he imagined the one thing that always seemed to bring him off. His first lover, Lucian.
Lucian had been in training with him. Both of them had just turned eighteen and experienced their first shift. Back then, they had been stolen from their mothers and thrust into the merman world without a choice. He and Lucian had formed a quick bond with each other as their friendship grew.
Randy had always been raised that it was wrong to be with other men sexually, so coming to the clan, where it was accepted, it was a shock to find that he welcomed the idea, and as he and Lucian grew closer, he found he wanted to experience it with him.
It was months before the two of them had found the courage to admit that they were both interested in the other, but once they had, they became inseparable.
A smile tipped Randy's mouth as he recalled the way Lucian had reached over, touched him so softly, and then kissed him. He could still taste his kiss against his mouth. They had lain together, touching, and exploring each other's bodies in both human and merman form for hours, before Lucian had finally rolled to his back, spread his legs and asked Randy to fuck him.
He inhaled deeply as he recalled staring down between them at the way Lucian's ass puckered. It had taken only seconds for him to coat them both in lotion and slide slowly inside. He could almost feel the warm heat surround his cock as the memory played in his mind.
"Shit." His body was aroused, his pulse raced, sweat even beaded down his forehead as his palm continued to work over his shaft, but as aroused as he might feel, his cock still laid limp against his hand.
Randy let go, his cock falling with a soft slap against his thigh as fear rolled over him. What if he couldn't get hard ever again? What if all he had left were memories of pleasure? He bit his lip and shook his head. He wouldn't think this way. He would be okay. It was just the medicine causing this. His cock was fine.
He lay back down on the bed harder than he should have, forgetting not to twist, and pain exploded through his body. A loud cry escaped him as silent tears, both from pain and frustration rolled down his cheeks. He couldn't live this way. Wouldn't go on only half a man.
CHAPTER NINE
Tevon watched Randy from across the room as he sorted out piles of syringes into different sizes, dropping them each into color-coded boxes. He could tell something was bothering his patient, but each time he asked, Randy swore to him everything was fine.
He refused any pain meds for the last three days, even though Tevon could tell he still hurt. Examining him, he found nothing wrong, but he wondered if there was damage inside he couldn't see. Never had he wished for the technology of a human hospital more than he did now. He wanted to help Randy in the worst way.
The doctor side of him was pleased that Randy seemed to be healing so well, but the personal side feared the day he would escort Randy back to his own chambers. He enjoyed their conversations, and it filled a void of loneliness that had long plagued Tevon.
He didn't really have friends, but after almost two weeks together, he considered Randy a friend. He looked forward to their time together every day. The more he learned about Randy, the more fascinated he became by the life the man lead. He wished his own were as exciting.
Randy told him of adventures he and his brothers had as they worked seeking treasure from the ocean floor, and of trips they took to other areas of the world.
Tevon had never gone far from the caves after his training. Only once every few months did he even bother to go inland, and only then just to get supplies for the clinic. He never took time for himself. He was jealous of all Randy had seen and done. There was so much he dreamt of doing, but felt trapped by his calling to be a doctor.
Not that he regretted what he did. He loved his job. He enjoyed helping others, but there was something missing. He wished he had taken more time to explore the world, travel, and experience things before he settled down and took on such a demanding career.
"You okay over there, Doc?"
Randy's voice pulled him from his thoughts and he realized he had been staring at him the whole time he'd been thinking. "Yeah, was just thinking about some stuff."
"Wanna talk about it?" Randy set the bag of syringes down and tilted his head as he waited for an answer.
"Nah, just daydreaming. Happens when I am stuck in here for long hours." He set the gauze bandages down that he had been holding and stepped away from the table. "I could use a break, how about you? Wanna stretch your legs?"
"Very funny."
"I'm serious. Thought we would give walking a go. See how your hip and muscles hold up to it. You've proven you can bear the weight, next step is moving."
"Serious?" Randy's face li
t up.
"Yep. I think you're ready." Tevon moved to Randy's side. "If you aren't in pain we can walk to the pool and go for a swim."
The pool was only a chamber away, but it was a long walk for someone who hadn't used his legs much in the last few weeks.
"And if I can't?"
"Then I will carry you. I think a swim would do us both good." Tevon held out his hand. "Only if you're ready."
"Hell yeah, I'm ready. Anything to get moving." Randy turned slowly on the stone stool and braced one hand on the table before taking Tevon's hand with the other and pushing himself up.
His legs shook as he put weight on them, but he wasn't as unsteady as he had been when he first started standing a few days ago.
"Easy, we'll take it slow. You feel like you're going to fall, then try and give me warning so I can catch you. Easier to have you fall against me than to try and pick you up off the ground." Tevon kept hold on his hand and placed his other around Randy's back.
"Yeah, I'd rather not fall on my ass." Randy smiled over at Tevon. "Just take it slow. I think I will be okay."
"You get tired on the way, I can carry you like I have before. Don't try to overdo it." Tevon prayed they weren't rushing things.
"One foot at a time, right?"
"Right."
Step by step, the two of them slowly made their way across the chamber toward the entrance. Tevon held his breath the first few steps, but quickly realized Randy was stronger than he thought and eased the grip he had around his back.
As he did, Randy's long hair fell over his arm. His breath caught at the simple brush of the strands against his skin. He sucked in a breath as he had the sudden urge to lean in and inhale Randy's scent. It wasn't like this was the first time he had felt attraction to the man, but somehow, having the two of them standing together, Randy leaning slightly into him, made him that much more aware of how drawn he was to him.
He shook his head and forced himself to focus on moving forward.
Randy shuffled his feet slowly, and Tevon watched his face grimace a bit with each step forward.
"Pain?"
"A bit. More like when your foot falls asleep and you step down hard on it. A bit of electrical current shooting up my leg." Randy didn't look up as he spoke, but watched his feet as he forced each step.
"How's the hip?"
"Tight, like I need to stretch or get a massage."
"That's to be expected. You haven't moved much in a while."
"How long before I can try this alone?"
"Let's see how you do after this. I don't want to risk you falling, but if you can walk steady, I don't see why we can't move you back to your own chambers tonight. I still want you to take it slow and might even give you a cane to use to keep your balance." Tevon could already feel the loss of having Randy leave the clinic.
"A cane?" Randy groaned. "Seriously, Doc?"
Tevon laughed. "Would you rather stay down on your butt until I'm sure you are stronger?"
"I'd rather walk near the walls than use a cane."
"Stop being so proud. You suffered a severe injury. No one will care that you use a cane for a while. It won't be as embarrassing as if you fall in front of everyone." Tevon smiled as Randy growled. "See, it's not only when you sleep."
Randy glared at him a moment, then laughed. "I don't growl in my sleep. You're making that up."
"Need me to record it?" Tevon turned them out of the chamber and started toward the pool.
"No. Don't get that shit on film. I'd never live it down."
"It's kind of sexy," Tevon said, then blushed. "Sorry, that wasn't professional."
Randy glanced over at him with a lifted brow. "Is it only my growling you find sexy?"
Tevon wished he hadn't said anything. How was he supposed to handle this? Lusting after a patient, let alone the king's brother. He bit his lip and kept them moving forward, his head ducked low, hoping that Randy didn't see his embarrassment.
Randy stopped and gave Tevon's hand a gentle tug that forced him to turn so they faced each other.
"Do you find me attractive?" Randy's voice came out softer than usual.
Tevon didn't know what to say. He didn't want to seem unprofessional, but he didn't want to lie to him either. "Sure. You're very attractive."
It was a lame answer, but all he could come up with as he stared into Randy's brown eyes. He swallowed and started to turn away.
"I'm glad you feel that way, because I think the same thing about you." Randy's hand tightened in his.
"You do?" Tevon slowly glanced back up at him. He'd never been told by anyone they thought he was attractive. His pulse skipped as a wave of excitement and hope raced through him. Hope for what, he wasn't sure.
He mentally chastised himself. It wasn't like he was a young virgin. He'd had other lovers before, but not one of them mattered. They served a need. With Randy, the words meant something more. He cared what Randy thought.
"Yeah, I do." Randy held his gaze for a long moment before nodding to the chamber only a few feet in front of them. "I need to get off my feet. My calves are starting to cramp."
"Of course." Tevon started to move them forward again. He was foolish for the hope he felt from the conversation. He'd let his professional side slip away for a moment and that was unforgivable. He should have been the one insisting they get to the pool and Randy get off his legs, not the other way around.
He let Randy move at his own pace, staying close and still holding his hand as they entered the pool chamber. The large pool filled most the room, and Randy made it to the water's edge before he let go of Tevon's hand.
"Thought you might want to take off your robe before we get in." Randy grinned.
Tevon lifted his robe over his head and tossed it aside. "Thanks. You still okay?" He offered his arm once more.
Randy took it and stepped down into the water. "Yeah, feels like a Charlie-horse in my left calf. Not as bad as some, but still hurts."
They sank into the water until it covered their shoulders.
"Let me have your leg." Tevon sat down on one of the steps. "It's just because your muscles haven't been used in a while."
Randy sat beside him, lifted his left leg up, and rested it over Tevon's lap. "This won't be a permanent thing?"
Tevon rubbed his palms over the calf and felt the tightening muscle under his hand. "No, once you get stronger, used to moving around again, it should go away. It wouldn't hurt to massage it a couple times a day. Keep it from tightening up."
Randy relaxed back and sighed. "That feels good."
"Melan took a massage class a few years back. You could ask him if he would mind giving you a massage a couple times a week." Tevon worked the muscle gently.
"I'd rather you do it." Randy glanced at him.
"Me?" Tevon didn't try to hide his shock.
"Yeah. I trust you. I don't know Melan. He comes and goes so much. I'd be more comfortable if you would help me."
"I'm not really trained to do this."
"Seems like you're doing a good job now."
Tevon shrugged. "I guess I could do it. Thought once you escaped the medical chamber you would be glad to be rid of me."
"Quite the opposite." Randy reached up and caressed his hand down Tevon's cheek. "I'm going to miss having you around."
Tevon pressed his cheek against Randy's palm. "You can drop by anytime and visit, and I will still be over daily for a while to make sure you're healing okay and not doing too much."
Randy laughed as he pulled his hand away. "You really think I'll overdo it?"
"You really need to ask?" Tevon grinned as he released Randy's leg. "Want to try swimming?"
"Can I?" Randy looked surprised.
"Don't work your hips too hard. No jumps or dives, but you can at least swim a bit. Maybe try to catch a couple of those fish left over from yesterday." Tevon pointed across the pool. "Any pain, you have to promise to stop."
"Promise." Randy closed his eyes and shifted.
"Damn straight." Randy lifted his fin and gave a slight splash. "I've waited weeks for this." He pushed off the step and into the water, going deep.
Tevon laughed as he watched him. He enjoyed seeing him swim and find the freedom he'd been kept from for so long. This was why he did this. Why he practiced medicine. He loved seeing a patient heal, and slowly go back to the life he led before. Watching Randy swim through the water, following the beautiful colors of his tail fin, made everything worthwhile.
"You going to join me, Doc?" Randy called from the other side of the pool.
Tevon nodded and willed the change. Once in his merman form, he dove into the water. Randy met him half way and tugged playfully on Tevon's tail fin. Tevon arched and dove over Randy, careful not to come too close to his body and risk hurting him.
Randy smiled at him, showing off his double rows of sharp teeth. Tevon returned the grin as he reached out, grabbed Randy's hand, and pulled him though the water with him. Tevon swam, using his tail to push them both through the water and keep Randy from having to use his body too much.
From one edge of the pool to the other, side by side, they pushed through the water. The stray fish left in the pool swam around them. Tevon had never enjoyed swimming so much.
He glanced over at Randy and found him watching him. The smile was gone, replaced with a curious stare. Tevon slowed and let out several clicks and a slight high-pitched squeak, asking if Randy was okay.
Randy didn't answer back, but he reached out his other arm and pulled Tevon to him, brushing their fins together in a slow erotic dance. He rolled them several times, playfully moving them through the water as he kept their chests pressed close together.
Tevon fought his arousal, reminding himself that he was Randy's doctor and nothing should happen between them. Randy was just having fun and it would do Tevon no good to read more into it.
Then Randy kissed him.
Tevon stilled as Randy wrapped his arms around him tighter and slid their fins across each other. The brush of fin against fin was an erotic form of foreplay for the merman. Tevon gasped at the feel and Randy deepened the kiss as they floated several feet below the water.