It was evening and Koda and Tug were enjoying a big feast of salmon.
They munched away happily when Koda decided to add fun to it.
"I bet I could eat more than you," said Koda mischievously.
"We'll see about that, Mr. Complacency," chuckled Tug.
Tug won the contest. Koda got full on the fourth.
"No one beats, Tug. Salmon chomping champion."
"Okay, you win," said Koda as a small burp escaped his mouth.
"Not so bad yourself there, pal," said Tug. "I've only seen cubs eat two."
"How can a big bear like him deal with the cold?" said Koda enviously.
With a loud yawn, Tug rolled onto his back. Koda found this as an opportunity for night warmth. Koda clung onto Tug's fur and climbed onto his big, round belly. As he reached the top he began fell warm already. As the soft, warm mountain drifted him up and down, he slowly closes his eyes, feeling he was with his mother again.
Tug opened his eyes and saw Koda sleeping comfortably on his belly. He couldn't help but smile at this. He always wanted a cub of his own and this whole thing convinced him that he did. And it also helped him relax since he had a kid who relied on him.
Tug placed a paw over the cub like a blanket since he wouldn't be used to the night chill.
After that they were both sleeping comfortably, Koda on a soft bed and Tug convinced at his presence and attachment to him.
Koda woke to the birds singing outside the cave. He yawned and heard a chuckle from Tug.
"Needed a softer bed did you?"
Koda woke up to see Tug smiling up at him.
"I'm sorry!" said Koda hopping of the big bear. "I was cold last night and you were just so warm."
"Calm down there, little buddy."
Koda looked up at Tug sitting up.
"My bed was uncomfortable so I figured - " Koda looked very embarrassed.
"That you ... you,"
"Could take it's place?"
"Yes," said Koda sheepishly.
"No need to look like a fawn," smiled Tug. "You're welcome to it."
"Really?" said Koda starting to smile.
"You're welcome to have me as your bed any time. It was like having my own cub with me. Someone who relied on me. Your company was welcoming for a dark night."
Koda ran up to him and they shared a strong cuddle.
"Sleeping with you was like sleeping with my mom again," said Koda. "Those times, I could always think of."
"These time you can now think of pal," said Tug kindly.
He thought of his late nephew whom had no family. He left so young but with Koda he knew he would have another chance.