Ray couldn't comprehend what he was doing. He was petting Bob. Not like patting him to make him feel better but he was scratching this fire and nature bred warrior's chin. And he wasn't saying anything! Only purring.
His hand skid through what he assumes is fur. Or the Quillspike equivalent to fur. It was short and slightly stiff. Maybe it was because of the soap and water. It felt strange for Ray. He knew Bob and him are considered a good team as they trust one another. But did Bob trust him enough
to pet him like this? Since he recalls fire creatures being honorable and prideful.
Bob noticed Ray wasn't scrubbing him anymore. He felt a small hand going in a rhythmic motion. It wasn't rough. It was gentle and it kinda tickled a bit. Bob could not believe it. Ray was petting him. Actually petting him?! Ray never did that. Bob thought. He recounted all the times Ray and him had physically touched. Nothing more than him grabbing Ray to place him on his back. Ray patting his arm. But that was during duels or missions. Never this kind of contact.
Maybe it was because Bob wasn't the cuddly type. Maybe it was because Ray wasn't either. Or he was afraid to do this to Bob. He sure damn know he wasn't a Scare-Adorable. Nor was he like Squeaky. He never liked to cuddle. He was a warrior! He is a fighter! He is a-
Bob felt Ray scratch a little lower to his chin. Bob couldn't prevent it in time but made a satisfied growl or some kind of purr. Then he felt the sensation stop and Ray pulled his hand away.
Ray couldn't not describe how weird it felt. All he could say it was satisfying. Bob's fur felt strange in between his finger tips. Its was dense yet soft at the same time. He thought to himself.
Bob didn't say anything about it. Nor did he made a gesture about it as well. He wanted to continue but he figured Bob wouldn't like the idea. But seeing how still he was contradicted his idea. No doubt about it, Bob was warm. Not because he was from the fire realm or that it was blazing outside. Bob felt really warm to the touch. Ray really hasn't put this into mind when they duel and such. He never realized it. But when he started scratching the back of his muzzle Bob made a growl. Little did Ray know it was a satisfying growl.
Ray pulled his hand back afraid that he might had pissed Bob off by doing that. He backed away and grabbed the bristled sponge and dunked it into the water. "Sorry Bob," He muttered. And started to scrub his leg.
Bob instantly wanted to chew off his tail. He made himself look defenseless when Ray petted him and now he apparently scared him when he let out that growl or purr. Whatever it was, he frightened Ray! He felt him scrub his leg as if trying to ignore what he just did. His sharp hearing picked up what Ray muttered. "Sorry Bob,"
Bob sighed. Ray shouldn't be apologizing about that. As far as Bob knew, he was at a similar age to a hatchling or a juvenile. A hatchling or juvenile that was still learning. Then a thought hit Bob. Since Ray is young, Bob can show him that he could trust him. Sure he knew he did. Trust him enough to help him or beat up one of Choten's goons. But does he trust him not to hurt him? Maybe he did but there's a limit. He guessed.
Ray finished scrubbing and rinsed Bob's hide. The much was gone. Now time for the tail. Great. "Bob, I have to scrub your tail." Bob huffed in response. He hated it when somebody touched his tail. "Alright.' Bob said annoyed. Ray gave a small smile and tried to grab his tail but Bob pulled it away. He tried again but he pulled it away again. Bob flicked his tail as if nothing happened. Bob knew whats up.
Bob kept yanking his tail away to tease Ray. Ray didn't know that. He just thought he was being difficult. "B-bob! Hold still!" Ray laughed. Good his plan was working. Ray waited till Bob flicked it again so he could grab it. When he did, he jumped and held onto it. Making Bob jump and he gercked his tail very harshly. Ray holding on for dear life. Bob never expected Ray to jump onto his tail like that.
Ray held on as Allie and Gabe watched from afar. Allie finished cleaning Squeaky and said creature was sniffing the flowers. Gargle was looking at hermit crabs in a small pool of water.
"Should we help him?" Allie asked. Gabe looked at them quizzically and saw that Bob had a grin on his face. As if he enjoyed messing with Ray. "I don't think so. Bob seems to be enjoying it." Allie gave him a quizzical look. "Er, how? Bob hates water. And I doubt they like their tails being grabbed at." Gabe shook his head and pointed to the duo. Allie looked at them and saw Ray on the ground and Bob nuzzling his stomach in a way that it wouldn't hurt but to make him laugh. Ray desperately tried to push his head away but to no avail.
Allie and Gabe laughed. They never knew Bob as a cuddly nice guy type. They watched as Ray was being nuzzled to death. Probably pay back for the petting. But Bob didn't mind it. As long no one was around to witness it. If anyone said a thing about it, he made them wish they weren't conceived.