Chapter 21: Thawing Hearts

From inside the smallish metal pup house, Chase and Everest rested together on the huskie's cozy bed, both trying their hardest to calm their minds long enough to slip into a dreamless sleep. This was their hope at least, but they were both having difficulties caging up their demons for the night, feeling them run rampant around inside their heads, keeping them wide awake.

Chase sighed, fidgeting in place, trying to find a position his body could tolerate. He shifted his body, trying to roll over on his side, but it quickly complained, sending quick shocks of pain through his body with each movement. He knew he wouldn't be able to move without hurting himself. Frustrated, he lie his head back down in between his paws, silently praying for the sandman to take him away, let him escape, at least for a couple hours. Was that to much to ask for?

Everest's POV

I listen silently as Chase squirm around the space we shared, shifting around trying to find a painless position to sleep in. I wasn't sure how bad his back was before, but now it seemed as if Rocky had permanently crippled him. I hope I'm wrong, so terribly wrong, that would destroy him. Chase had been through enough. This is the last thing he needed tonight. What he needs is a friend right now. I shifted my own body wiggling closer to him. Just being near him, something inside my heart fluttered, filling up with warmth.

After everything that happened, with my moment of weakness with Rocky, with Doctor Edward's psychological investigation of my brain, the fight that inevitably broke out because it, and the urges I failed to suppress. Through it all Chase has been the only pup, the only one that stood by my side through all of this mounting adversity. Rocky and I are like strangers now, I can still see the look of disgust on his face when he saw me standing on the lookout driveway tonight.

No.

Chase is the only one who bothered enough to think about someone other than himself. The only one that knew what I was going through. And after seeing his own monsters break free from their cages, taking control if his weathered body, practically possessing him. I realized that he and I are the same. I can see the pain, the distress, the torment that he is in. I can see it all and I can't help but feel strangely connected to him. Like we are the sole survivors in the midst of a warzone. Fighting tooth and nail against adversaries so evil that they are hell bent on ripping out our very throats while we sleep. Hell is where I believe they are sent from. And Chase and I are the only ones that can see them.

We see them in each other's eyes, we see the tole it takes on ones body and mind as our respective demons claw and scratch to take control.

We feel them, crawling under our skin, or rattling their cages when we do manage to suppress them.

We hear their toxic words, their death threats and urges for us to surrender, to raise the white flag and give up this brutal war.

No.

It can never end like that. They have already tried and failed to sell me that cure, a permanent solution to a temporary problem. But oh how I've gotten close, so close that the thought of it rattles my bones.

I turn my attention to the Shepherd laying down beside me. Silently waiting, preparing for something, another attack mabey? I look him over with worry, wondering if Chase's demons have whispered that beautiful lie into his ear yet. He is surely low enough, vulnerable enough, why wouldn't they try it, they always do.

I let out a sigh, moonlight peaks through the cracks of the house, illuminating my frosty breath. I didn't realize how cold I actually was, even with the blanket. I move my eyes onto the tired Shepered lying next to me, I felt my heart pang with sympathy for the ragged looking pup before me; shivering in place, physically and mentally drained, a depressed glaze formed over his half open eyes. He would never let on how awful he really felt, so I had to take the initiative. If he won't take care of himself, then I'll have to. Moving Slowly not to alert him, I inch closer to Chase, if I can just make contact with his fur, take the edge off of the nippy air. That would satisfy me enough.

"What are you doing?" I hear a tired voice calmly ask from the darkness. I freeze like a statue, barely daring to let a breath escape my muzzle. I look through the black atmosphere to see Chase starring at me.

"Nothing." I mumble, my cheeks burn up, and I refuse to look him in the eyes. Defeated I begin to move away, whispering out a sorry As I scooch away.

What am I doing?

He has enough on his mind, I shouldn't pester him because I'm cold. As I close my eyes I feel a paw grab me. Startling me at first , I look up and am met with two amber eyes, sparkling in the bleak room, like embers dancing around a dying campfire, fading... but still alive.

" It's ok, I..I don't mind." He stuttered, patting the spot next to him invitingly. I could almost hear a whine echo from his mouth.

Did he want this too, need this as much as I did?

I slowly closed the distance to Chase and curled up next to him, his scent was overpowering and delicious. I snuggled up next to his strong body, coated with fluffy warm fur, feeling our bodies melt together. I hear Chase let out a sigh. He seemed calmer than he was before, more comfortable even?

Good.

Warm and toasty next to my Shepherd I feel myself finally drifting off to sleep. That's when I hear it, in my dazed transition to my dreamworld I hear two words come from my half asleep cuddle buddy.

"Thank you."

He whisperes, cuddling deeper into my side and letting out a happy whine. This melts my heart. There may be hope for Chase yet. Mabey for the both of us.