Sam's eyes crinkled slightly, expressing bemusement, and concern. He reached out, laying his hand very gently on Eliot's shoulder, studying him again.

"I don't think you understand. I want to."

He tipped his head slightly, smoothing his fingers a little further down.

"It'll help you relax, which is good for me too, and it's no different to any of the other times I've made you come--just today it would be just for you, that's all." He reached across Eliot, taking the sponge off the side of the bathtub and sitting back again. He lay the sponge on Eliot's shoulder, where his hand had been.

"If you say no, then okay. I won't force you. It's just...an offer, that's all. Like the bath, because you've earned it."