Comment fic - RPS, Chris/Steve
Chris was not the kind of guy to complain. Oh, he’d get fired up and aggravated over little stuff, particularly if there was a third party involved who Chris felt was wrongfully slighted, but when there was something really wrong, he wouldn’t say a word. Chris’ philosophy on illness or injury was ‘Man up’ - move on and deal with it. It was always when Chris stopped talking that Steve knew there was a real problem.
Steve was not the kind of guy to throw his weight around. He wasn’t one for star trips or diva-like behavior. Who would take him seriously anyway, acting like that? Steve found much more effective ways for getting what he wanted, particularly when it came to Chris. Anyone who knew Chris for any length of time knew that aggression would be met with aggression, and demands would be met with the stubborn refusal to give in.
As fantastic as it was to have Chris working regularly on tv, the demands of the show were wearing him down. And the producers, wanting to take advantage of Chris’ natural inclinations, demanded more intricate fight scenes week after week. He loved it, but the rehearsals and the weekly beatings were taking their toll.
Steve knew it was going to be one of those nights when Chris came in, dropped his stuff and seemed genuinely unable to decide whether to collapse on the couch or make the effort to get to the bedroom. Steve slipped up beside Chris and gently wrapped his arm around him. He could feel Chris stiffen in his arms, and it was hard to tell if his reaction was out of pain or pure stubbornness. Steve leaned closer to whisper in his ear, “Let me take care of you, baby.”
Chris’ stance melted marginally, and then he completely gave into Steve’s embrace, staggering slightly and letting Steve take the weight of him. Steve held him there for a moment before Chris’ arms wrapped around him and returned his embrace. Chris took a deep breath, and then spoke into Steve’s neck. “Okay, baby. Take care of me.”