“Finally” Harry groaned. They were somewhere bright, and clean, and human. The bathroom was made for a single person, but the two could make it work. It was better than being out there alone.
“So. Do you want to go in first?” Simon offered. They were both absolutely disgusting and badly needed a shower.
“Nah, man, you go in first. Don’t worry about me” Harry assured. Simon smiled back at him. Harry averted his eyes as Simon undressed.
Simon took his time washing off the blood and gore, taking comfort in the warm water running over him. He could almost forget where he was. What he'd seen. What he’d done.
He just wanted so badly to be clean. But he could smell iron and could see the water running red. He heaved a shuddering breath.
“Simon?” Harry called out, just beyond the curtain. Simon tried to say it was okay, but his throat went tight. “I'm coming in”
Harry stepped inside the shower with Simon and held him close. He sobbed into Harry’s shoulder. “I don't know how much longer I can do this.”
“Shhh. It'll be okay, we've made it this far”.
Simon wasn't like Harry, he couldn't just take it in stride and keep going.
Maybe that was unfair to Harry, he knew he was struggling too. He just seemed so strong. Simon suspected he held it together for him. They hadn't even known each other a few weeks ago.
“She’s dead, Harry. I killed her." Simon whispered. He remembered that twisted face far too well. Harry held him tighter “You know you had to. That wasn't her anymore.” Simon melted in his arms.
Harry hesitated and left quickly. “I'll be back, I just don't want my clothes to get wet. He got undressed and took his own shower. He stayed with Simon the whole time, body’s close, prickly stubble brushing up against each other
Quietly they both got dressed again, unwilling to acknowledge the fact that they had to face the outside again. “Are you ready?” Harry asked. Simon hesitated. “We can't just stay here forever,” He said quietly. Harry nodded silently.
They opened the door and left their tiny sanctuary.