The Waltz of Love and Fear

.:Chapter Ten:.

Zacky was happier than ever to have Brian back home, but if he was completely honest, he couldn't help being disappointed. Every time he turned over to snuggle into Brian's arms, all he found was fur. When he wanted to give Brian a kiss, all he saw was a muzzle. When he wanted to have a deep, meaningful conversation, all he could get was yips and barks in return. Zacky just wanted his Brian back..

Zacky felt lips as soft as velvet press against his bare shoulder, and an oh so sweet voice whispered ever so softly in his ear. "I love you.." Then, he heard footsteps leave the bedroom and the water in the bathroom was turned on. He didn't want to get up, but he was intrigued. As he sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he could hear more clearly that it was the bathtub that was running.

"Brian..?" He murmured sleepily, getting out of the bed and trudging out of the bedroom. The bathroom door was cracked open, and when he opened the door completely, he saw Brian's naked human body descending into water that was laden with ice cubes.

"Ah-ahhh.." Brian sighed as the coolness overwhelmed his sweltering skin; even for him, the warmth was sometimes too much. Zacky could only stare in shock. Brian was back. His Brian, his human Brian, was naked, in his bathtub, seeming to be completely healed from any injuries he had sustained during the full moon.

"Brian! Y-you're back!" Zacky squeaked, dashing over to the side of the tub and dropping to his knees. Brian looked shocked that he had been spotted in the icy water, but he couldn't help smiling at how excited Zacky was. "I-I missed you!"

"I missed you too, Zee." Brian murmured softly, his eyes swirling with intense love and admiration. Zacky had seen that look before; it was the same look Brian had given him when he had kissed him the first time after bringing him home from going out to dinner. Zacky would never forget that day.. "I'm sorry I didn't come home to you." He whispered shamefully.

"No, Brian, it's okay, really.." He spoke softly, as though he was afraid of alarming his lover. "I'm just glad you're back.." With that, both men pressed their lips together, their eyes sliding closed. Zacky released a triumphant sigh, longing for this kind of affection; it seemed Brian had missed it, too, because he brought both of his hands up out of the water and cradled Zacky's face in them, as if to hold him there.

Zacky pressed himself closer, and after a second of hesitation, he began to climb into the water. Brian grunted and pushed Zacky back with gentle hands, shaking his head as their mouths separated.

"No, baby.. This water is too cold for you.." Brian whispered, stroking Zacky's messy hair away from his face.

"But.. I want to be with you.." Zacky whispered back sadly, shifting his sitting position a little bit so that the tightness in his jeans wasn't as painful. Brian smiled gently, his fingers still threading through Zacky's soft hair.

"I want to be with you too, Zee, but this water is way too cold.." Brian was only looking out for Zacky.. He didn't want him getting sick. Zacky looked down at the ice cubes that floated in the water for a moment before he nodded, sitting back on his haunches.

"Okay." He sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. He wanted to be with Brian now, but he could wait; he was just happy to have him back. Brian examined Zacky's face for a minute, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration, before he leaned forward and pulled the plug out of the drain, letting all the water drain out. He then plugged the tub back up and filled it up with warm water, turning it off when it was about halfway full.

"Get in, Zee." He smiled. Zacky gasped, his eyes wide at the fact that Brian was in a warm bath and was actually able to stand it.

"B-but isn't it too warm for you? I don't want you to be uncomfortable.." He murmured nervously, but Brian quickly placed a slender finger over Zacky's plump, kissable lips.