Nikolai's wounds were tedious at times. They required constant vigilance and care to make sure they didn't become a bigger problem than they already were. They hurt, always.

You gently cleaned the cuts with the warm water from Nikolai's bath, using a cloth to softly dab away any dirt from the day. You were the only one Nikolai trusted with this. But that didn't make it any less humiliating.

"Saints..." Nikolai hissed, a soft whimper leaving his throat as he flinched away from the rag.