This one is so much fun to write. Enjoy this short chapter. :)
Blayze jerked up in bed screaming. Despite the dark room, he could still see his father's fists coming straight for his face. He was shaken. He tried to go back to sleep, but he couldn't. He paused. Lin Chung. Maybe he could…But would Lin Chung be angry at him?
It had been a few months since they had found out about each other, and they were still rather tentative about their new brand of friendship. Lin Chung had never asked for a nuzzling session, though Blayze could tell he really wanted one, and Blayze hadn't asked for a good scratching and rubdown, though he desired one greatly. Would Lin Chung consent to holding him after a nightmare? Well, Blayze thought, there's really only one way to find out.
He slipped on his costume and hurried through the dark silent halls, easily seeing despite the limited light. He slipped into First Squad's main room then moved to his boy's door. He knocked ever so quietly, holding his breath; if Lin Chung didn't answer, he would go back to his own room and suffer in silence. But after a few seconds, the door opened to show a tired looking Lin Chung. He stared for a moment then gestured for him to come in. The door was closed and locked, and Commander ApeTrully placed his hands together.
"My most sincere apologies, Báo-haizi. But I had…My father…Oh," he said, his voice getting weaker with each word.
Lin Chung quickly stripped the Monkey out of his costume and held him close as he lay back down.
"So I am not the only one who had bad dreams tonight," he murmured.
"I am afraid not," Blayze whispered, inhaling deeply and gripping his boy tightly.
There was a pause where they just held each other. The Lin Chung began to wriggle, trying to nuzzle himself against the Monkey's fur without actually moving. Blayze allowed him to do this for a few minutes then slowly arched and nuzzled the boy's chest with his whole body. Lin Chung let out a shaky breath.
"I thought you would not indulge me," he said softly.
"Honestly? My thoughts were the same. Scratch? Please?"
Blayze rolled around and rubbed his furred body against Lin Chung's, enjoying the closeness. Lin Chung was currently scratching right at the base of the twitching red tail, loving the familiarity of the sensations. They didn't know when, but they fell asleep at about the same time. They awoke to a knock on the door.
"Lin Chung?" It was Mr. No Hands. "It is time for you to get up."
Thinking fast, Lin Chung sat up. "I am already up, Mr. No Hands. Commander ApeTrully and I have been talking for a couple hours now."
"You have?"
"Yes, Mr. No Hands," Blayze said, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. "We have had a very pleasant conversation. We shall be out in a few minutes."
Blayze nuzzled Lin Chung, arching up as he was scratched. "Ooh, must we leave?"
"Yes, Commander. We must."
As the Monkey slipped back into his costume, he noticed something that should have been obvious last night. Lin Chung wore no shirt. Well, Blayze thought, I wasn't really thinking about it. Like it even matters. It isn't like I am Human, and besides, he is male. Blayze suddenly giggled.
"What?" Lin Chung asked as he pulled on a shirt.
"You Humans and your clothing amuse me," the Monkey in disguise said.
Lin Chung laughed softly. "I understand. I was contentedly naked for six years before another Human spotted me. I was thirteen by then and…developing is the word I would use. I didn't understand why he was so flustered. It took two hours for him to ask me to put clothes on."
"So did you?"
"I secretly made a loincloth and continued to talk to the Humans. I found out they were in hiding and I was introduced to the man's daughter. Rahim found out about the clothing and I was extremely embarrassed, so I hid from him for three days. Then came the rainy season. I went home at night and was glad to be snuggled by my parents. They confronted me the next day and I explained about the Humans. And do you know what Father said?"
"That your fears were unjustified?" Blayze asked with a chuckle.
"Indeed. He actually expected me to wear clothes around Humans and gave me a proper pair of pants. He did say he wanted me to be more open with the Panthers, though, so I wear very little, if anything, while I'm home."
"That sounds about right," Commander ApeTrully said. "Now, let's get out there before—"
There was a knock on the door. "What are you two talkin' about in there?" Mighty Ray asked.
The Monkey in disguise lifted his eyebrows. "We should say 'sex.'"
"That would get him to shut up!" Lin Chung snickered.
"You know something, Human of mine?" Blayze asked as he walked over to the door. "I have never heard so much laughter and joy come from you in one setting."
With that he opened the door.