Whumpril Day 4: Ache
Written for @whumpril challenge
Warm Shower for Aches and Pains
Stranger Things: Steve Harrington
words: 683
TW: nudity, nonsexual shower scene
Steve winced as he nearly collapsed into the driver’s seat of his car, his entire body throbbing. At first he’d been grateful for the job at the quarry; it gave him enough money to actually start saving up for adult things, like retirement and insurance. The job was full time but with longer hours, so he had at least three or four days off a week.
This week he’d done an extra shift instead of his usual three and it was hell on his body. The knot that had taken home between his shoulder blades twinged in agreement. His back and arms and legs were sore from hauling concrete, and he had various cuts and calluses from handling heavy equipment and piping. And in the last hour of his shift, things picked up and he found himself nearly jogging to keep up with the other haulers.
He hurt all over.
He parked in the driveway when he got home and fumbled for his keys. He’d never been so happy to be home. The pain even radiated to his fingers as he flipped the key in the lock. He leaned heavily on the front door to push it open, using some of it to bear his weight. And it wasn’t just his body that was sore, the back of his ears burned from wearing the tight safety goggles and glasses. Steve dragged himself through the door way and then slipped off his work boots. They were clouded with dust and he caught sight of it as he toed off each of them.
In his work clothes and socks, Steve padded up the stairs to the bathroom. He hadn’t stopped thinking about the hot shower he was going to take all day. Just the mere thought of the hot water against his skin almost made him want to climb into the shower early. He’d done it before but figured the shivering wasn’t worth it.
The familiar tile welcomed him as he stepped in, and Steve turned on the shower. Steve made sure the knob was turned to the highest setting before gently pulling off his shirt. Lifting his arms felt like cruel and unusual punishment, and he could feel the way his back and torso stretched and twinged. Even muscles he didn’t know existed were somehow also in pain.
As he undressed, small pieces of gravel and rock fell from the fabric and popped comedically against the tile floor. He caught his reflection in the mirror and frowned. His hair was spotted with dust and debris, and there was a streak of sediment on the side of his neck.
So much for not taking work home with him.
Steve sat heavily on the toilet and took a minute to listen to the sound of the water. The rush of the water was soothing after a day of the jarring metal jabbing of the drills, and the roar of the truck engines. The white noise loosened something behind his ears and his head pulsed. For the first time, he realized that the pressure in his head was a headache. He sighed and winced, rubbing his forehead slowly.
Was he allowed to stay in bed all day tomorrow?
The thought was tempting.
Steam billowed from the shower and Steve could already feel his body starting to loosen. He pulled off the last of his clothes, letting them fall before stepping into the humid heaven.
The water beat harshly on Steve’s sore body, but after a few seconds, his muscles melted and he audibly groaned. He felt the throbbing soreness dissipate and he took a chance to carefully roll his shoulders and upper back. The water hit the back of his neck and he hummed in relief.
He stepped fully under the spray, letting the water run down from his head. Warmth seeped into his scalp and Steve felt his headache dissipate slightly. His wet hair stuck to his ears and covered his eyes, and he flicked it back to give it a rinse.
The steam engulfed him and Steve sighed. He was never going to leave this shower.
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