Chapter 10: Kindred spirits

Once again since the dawn of time, the sun rose up from the east, spreading morning glow over the world and its people. Rays of light broke through the slits in the window doors. Inside the bedroom laid two wolves sleeping peacefully together. As a light dim lingered the older wolf opened his one eye sluggishly. When he started to think clearly he realized that something was lying on top of him. He looked and saw Erdan, still asleep and resting his head on the wolf's bare chest. Yu remembered what transpired last night and how he decided to stay with Erdan, in case the boy had any more night terrors. The young lupine's arms were wrapped around Yu's torso, and the blanket was still covering the kid's back. Having a cub cuddle with him made the general feel relaxed and warm inside. He knew it would be nice to have Erdan's company in the evenings, but he started to grow affectionate for the cub. Being able to comfort him after a nightmare, made the middle aged wolf feel like a father. Something he thought would never happen again in his life.

He saw the boy, sleeping in peace, snuggling in the man's fur with a small smile at the edge of his mouth, Yu decide to treasure this moment a little longer. He laid his head back on the pillow, enjoying this emotion that was closed off to him for so long.

After five minutes, the general felt something move around, then he noticed Erdan was awakening. The young lupine moved around a bit while still in Yu's arms and gave a long yawn. When he opened his eyes he was face to face with his older room-mate. Yu smiled and said "Good morning kid."

The boy became aware of what the nice man said, and replied "Good-" Another yawn escaped Erdan's mouth while in the middle of his greeting. "-morning Yu."

"Did you sleep well?" Asked the one eyed wolf.

Erdan rubbed his eyes before answering. "Yeah, I did. No nightmare of any kind."

The lad gave a smile and with a grateful attitude he said "Yu, thank you, for staying with me."

Hearing the thanks the boy gave made the middle aged wolf feel good in his heart. "You're vary welcome." The two stayed silent for a moment before Erdan hugged his friend. And Yu softly patted the boy's head while his other paw wrapped around his back. He could tell Erdan was feeling better now, perhaps this was just what the young lupine needed after what he's gone through.

Although Yu wanted this moment to last much longer, he knew he had to report for duty soon. "Hey, I need to get ready for work, so how about I make you some breakfast before I head out. Ok?" He asked the boy.

"Ok." Erdan replied, But as he was getting off Yu's chest his leg slipped, suddenly Yu bore a face of slight pain. At first the cub didn't understand what happened? Until he realized his knee fell on Yu's crotch!

"Aahhggg, would you please, get off me?" Yu asked in mumbled tone.

Erdan immediately climbed off the wolf and onto the side of the bed. Yu grabbed his crotch with his paws, trying to ease the pain in the space between his legs.

"I-I'm sorry, are you alright?" Erdan asked.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm ok the pain starting to go away." Replied Yu.

After a couple minutes the man was feeling a bit better, he wondered why little knees always found that spot? The two wolves got up and Erdan made his bed while Yu went to the kitchen to cook. Though he still rubbed his spot a bit, in force of habit. After Erdan finished making his bed he put on a shirt and tied his red bandana around his neck. Then Yu called him to come down and eat breakfast.

Yu warmed up some bean buns and added some honey to give them a sweet flavor. When Erdan took a bite he couldn't believe it's taste. "Hmm this is amazing!" The boy continued to eat a few more, Yu was surprised by how much Erdan enjoyed the simple meal.

"You've never had these before?" The older wolf asked his young room-mate.

"All my people ate was fish and vegetables. We never had anything sweet like this." Erdan explained before stuffing his mouth with another bun.

"So you like it?" Yu asked.

"I love it!" The boy answered.

It seemed that Yu's cooking was a big hit with the boy, and it was nice to see someone happy about the food he made. Yu finished his buns, but gave a few more to Erdan. The man then went back to his room to change into his uniform. As he put on his shirt and armor, he started to dread on the thought of going back to work for Shen. But even though he wanted to spend more time with Erdan, he knew that this was the way things were in the world.

Erdan finished his meal with a satisfied look on his face. Yu walked back in the kitchen and was wearing his armor again. "Alright, I'm heading to work. Remember to get some of the house cleaned while I'm gone." Yu said while adjusting the ropes around his chest plate.

"Sure, I'll be good." Erdan replied.

"Do you know how to cook?" Yu asked.

"Yeah a bit. My mom taught me a little." Said Erdan.

"Ok then there's stuff you can use to make you're self launch, and you have the things I got for you to pass the time." Yu reminded the kid. "Well I'm off, I'll see you this evening." Said the man as he approached the front door.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" He heard Erdan say followed by a jingling sound. When he turned around, he saw Erdan holding the house keys in his paw. The boy gave them to the man before receiving a thank you from the general. Yu opened the door and stepped outside.

"Have a nice day." Erdan said with a smile.

"Thanks, you too." Yu replied before he closed the door. Erdan locked the entrance and both wolves proceeded with their day.