Forest was comfortable around Lex. The model was surprised by this. In his experience, straight-laced boys like Forest seemed to be a little insecure about having another man's eyes on all their exposed areas. Americans didn't have the same ease with their bodies as Europeans did, especially the southern boys. Americans had a reputation of being uptight and stuffy, leftovers from a country built upon religious puritanism, but that didn't seem to bother Forest in the slightest, who stripped bare before Lex and turned to steady himself against the barn.<br/><br/>Lex stayed close by, worried about whether Forest's arm would stay steady beneath the weight. He couldn't stop himself from admiring the thick muscles in Forest's back as he handed over soap and water, the firm curve of the farm boy's backside. Even with the bruising and discoloration, Forest was a pleasurable sight to behold. But the sweet boy wasn't like that, surely. Lex's mild flirtations had garnered nothing more than oblivious, if sweet, responses. Besides, the man was sick. Not appropriate to be turning him into some kind of sexual conquest.<br/><br/>"Sure, I can help," Lex agreed, wrapping his hands around the bucket's handle and lifting. He set the bucket aside. Though soapy, the water could still be used for one more bath and Lex was not going to waste it. He returned to the well, pumping a second bucket of fresh water before returning. "Prop yourself up right, mate, there we go." He came close, slowly tipping the bucket's edge so water poured down the front of Forest's body. Lex clenched his jaw, eager to indulge his curiosity and take a peek. "Turn a bit," he instructed, circling around his companion and using the last of the water to finish rinsing him clean. Lex's tongue, dry and thirsty, licked at his lips impulsively.<br/><br/>"It's going to be impossible to force those tight jeans of yours on while you're still wet. Come here." Tugging Forest close, Lex helped move him past the shade of the barn and out into the sun. The rays would help in drying the wet man off a bit more before they could work on clothing him again.<br/><br/>"You're looking much better than yesterday, mate. Had to admit I was worried about you. Didn't want the fever to take hold. Should be back to your normal, strapping self in the next day or two, I'd imagine."<br/><br/>The tall man grinned, hand on Forest's hip. "This would be a great time to relax with an ice cold beer, don't you think, love?" he joked. "We'll have to get to brewing soon, like you suggested."