Part X
The next morning saw Grif walking aimlessly near the Canyon wall behind their base. He was lost in thought; every inch of it turbulent and conflicting. Despite the calm, almost happy yesterday, all the orange Private could think about was how this wasn't his world. He had come to terms with the fact that this wasn't a dream, he had come to terms with the fact that he didn't want to leave but... what was happening back... home? He sighed, lifting his head to stare up at the unchanging blue sky. Was the Grif who use to be here, there? Or did he simply disappear?
Grif knew that he would have to leave eventually. This place was not where he belonged. He was a foreigner, an outsider. He would allow himself to bask in something that he dreamed of, but not for too long. Stretching his mechanical fingers, he nodded once. He would find a way to go back, but not before he experienced something that... that called to him. Something he would never, ever get the chance to have after he went home.
Grif paused in his pacing. How could he get back? Did he have a time limit here? Was there something he had to do before he could go home? He shook his head, heading back towards the base. Today he would not dwell on it.
"Heya Griffy." Donut greeted him as he walked into the kitchen. He wore a silly grin, all teeth. He was wearing a pink apron, oven mitts on his hands before waving once and bending over to pull a tray out of the oven. "Baked a cake, thought we could celebrate the beau-tiful morning! Oooh, it smeeeells delish!" Humming, the bubbly man set the cake tray down on the bench. "Oh Grif, you look grumpy. What's wrong?"
Grif shrugged: "Just thinking, Donut."
"You should stop, thinking isn't good for you, Grif. Leave it to Simmons. That's what I always do. He seems to come up with appropriate answers to important questions. Like, what flavour should I make my cakes, or lamb or beef for a roast! Or, oooh, even what colour shirts I should buy in the catalogue!" Grif shook his head, settling for ignoring Donut. He pulled out a chair and sat down, staring at the laminate surface. Hm, maybe there was something he had to do... something... he had to say. He looked up, turning his head to look over his shoulder as Simmons walked in.
"Hey, Grif. Why you up so early? Thought you would've slept in a little longer." Grif smiled, watching Simmons take a seat next to him.
"He's been thinking! I told him he should stop, but I think he was ignoring me because he went straight back to it! Luckily you came in, otherwise his brain might've melted!" Donut giggled, turning back to his cooling cake. He slid it out of the tray, setting it down on a plate. "No touching Grif! It needs to cool a little longer, then I'll cut you a piece."
"Okay Donut, whatever you say Donut..." Grif shrugged, smirking lightly to himself as the pink Private skipped from the room. He turned to Simmons, giving him a small smile. "Simmons, I... was wondering if... you'd tell me that story now. About how we got together?" Simmons smiled, nodding.
"Of course, come with me. I'll tell you in our room."
Later, the two were laying on the floor in a cocoon of blankets and pillows. Simmons had his arm wrapped around Grif, and the orange Private had his head on his chest. They were quiet; but not sullen. Grif sported a small, content smile, while Simmons had his eyes closed and a calm look sprawled across his face.
"You were right."
"Hm?"
"It would erase my fears of your feelings for me. But I also didn't realise..."
"Didn't realise what?"
Grif shifted, looking down at Simmons' face. He grinned cheekily.
"How horny it would make me feel..." Slowly, he bent his head down, eyes glued to Simmons' face for any hint of hesitancy. Nothing.
He pressed their lips together, eyes slipping shut, Simmons' arms wrapping around Grif's body and dragging him closer.
He would not leave without trying this.