"Uh, you can take a shower first, if you like," Russell said, sitting beside him. "And you can have my bed. I'll kip on the couch."

"You sure? I don't want to put you out."

Toby placed his hand on Russell's arm, and whether it was the tiredness, the lack of close contact with anyone in months, or their situation, Russell's stomach rolled over. Excitement pooled, and his cock twitched. He cursed himself and his treacherous body. The blush creeping into his cheeks and Toby's glance to his groin said it all. Russell sipped his coffee, staring out the window into the back garden to hide his embarrassment. The trees swaying in the light breeze were almost too interesting.

Toby took his hand away and rose, placing his cup in the sink. "Uh, if you want... I mean... Shit. How do I say this?" He took a deep breath. "If you need someone, like...like I do right now, then you know where to find me. No strings. I won't chase your ass afterwards." He smiled.

Russell's mouth widened at the pun, and his blush grew hotter. "Um, I don't know. I'm not sure. It's not that I don't find you attractive or... Shit. I--"

Toby walked to the doorway and looked back. "I'm clean. Safe. The offer's there."

He left the room, and Russell realised he hadn't told him where the bathroom was or that fresh towels were in the cabinet beside the sink. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Instead, thoughts flooded his mind. Toby's offer had been a shock, but not an unpleasant one. But was this the right time and place to take comfort from another? Could he stand to give in to his needs only to have Toby leave later on? Oh, they'd discussed Toby staying at Russell's until the police had finished inside his flat, but they had got along so well that Russell could easily see himself living with this guy. Christ, how easily one moment could change your life.

The bathroom door closed, but no sound of the lock clicking into place reached him. The thought of Toby in his shower sent his mind to the place he visited when he needed relief from the lonely nights. He imagined his body--all muscles and thick thighs if he'd guessed right--and stood, the uncomfortable bulge in his jeans proof that he'd been without for too long. But it wasn't right to take advantage, was it? Okay, Toby had offered, but still... Confused, with no idea what option to take, he went to the sink and turned on the cold tap, splashing his face to shock him into thinking of other things. His stomach growled, but he didn't fancy that curry now. Not at seven in the morning, anyway. He'd take a shower after Toby and get some rest. Maybe the offer would still stand another day, another night, when they'd got to know one another better.