Forever And Ever

● Chapter 17 ●

He has been a pirate for three days now, and it is already difficult.

Sleeping on a hammock is hurting his back, he's hungry, cold, and he feels filthy.

Bonnie and Foxy, of course, are unphased from this. Bonnie is just happy he gets a hammock and does not have to sleep on the ground like he used to.

Freddy just wishes he could bathe or change his clothes. He had not realized just how grungy pirates could be, given they have no working plumbing on their ships.

"So... how do you bathe at sea?" Freddy asked them curiously.

Bonnie glanced around. "You're going to have to wait until we make berth."

Foxy nodded. "When he land, we'll find a bath house or something. If not, we have a whole sea at our disposal."

Freddy brows furrowed. "You use... the sea water to bathe?!"

Bonnie nodded. "Or bath houses."

Freddy thought for a moment. "Is that... public bathing-?" He felt as though he would be sick.

Bonnie noticed his disgust and chuckled. "Not everyone can afford private bathrooms and plumbing in their homes. Most peasants use them."

Freddy was flabbergasted. "That is so unsanitary! That is how diseases are spread-" He panicked.

Foxy scowled. "Don't be such diva, Freddy. It's either that or ye' don't bathe at all."

Freddy sighed. "Please tell me we have soap, at least-"

Bonnie giggled and nodded. "We do, don't worry!"

This was such a drastic change for Freddy. Of course it was worth it for Bonnie, but that did not make it any easier. Bonnie has been very patient and reassuring with him while Foxy has been growing annoyed.

Besides those minor inconveniences, Freddy would consider himself content. He and Bonnie had even more time to spend together now that they did not have to worry about finding food or a place to stay. They never stayed apart for long and their relationship grew stronger and more passionate.

But now things grew more complicated, at least for Freddy. He was beginning to feel differently about Bonnie.

Not in a negative way, more so a yearning feeling. He can not keep the bunny out of his mind anymore.

Bonnie and Foxy spent a lot of time together now. Even though they were tense at first, the two of them got on friendlier terms rather quickly. They complimented each other well.

Freddy was happy for them of course, but he also grew a pang of jealously. He wanted more alone time with Bonnie.

But he pushed that aside. He would have plenty more time with him later. Bonnie was just making his first friend, there was no reason to stand between them. He's never felt this way for Bonnie before, nor did he think he ever would.

He has always been physically attracted to Bonnie, but now it was beginning to grow stronger.

They shared a hammock every night. Because it was so small, they were constantly touching and holding each other. It should be easier to do, but Freddy has been having a hard time sleeping or staying still by Bonnie. He wants to take things a step further with him.

But they only just started courting eachother, so he did not want to rush into anything. The last thing he wanted was to make Bonnie uncomfortable.

So he dealt with it on his own. He ignored his constant thoughts and dreams about the bunny and continued making Bonnie feel as safe and loved as possible

He tried his best, but as the time went on, it only got harder. A few more days passed, and instead of going away, they have grown more constant. Even just looking at Bonnie sent his brain into a frenzy. He was even beginning to avoid Bonnie and keep their affection to a minimum in order to cool himself down.

When they made it to land and bathed, they decided to stay on the ship for the night, having grown tired of constantly staying in hotels. Foxy had gone to find a room for himself, leaving them alone on the ship.

The sun was setting on the horizon while Bonnie leaned on the wall of the deck and watched. Freddy approached from behind him and placed a paw on his shoulder.

"It's going to start getting cold, love. We should head inside."

Bonnie nodded and followed him to the kitchen. Freddy started making dinner for them right away.

As he cut up the fermented vegetables, he paused as he felt Bonnie's arms wrap around him from behind.

The bunny hummed contently and nuzzled his back. "What're you making, love?"

Freddy tried to ignore the heat rising to his face or his heart rate quickening. This was not the first time they've hugged, but it felt like it.

"S-soup..." He stuttered, trying to keep his voice steady and his mind on the food. But all he can think about is Bonnie's arms wrapped around him.

Bonnie nodded. Before Freddy could start at his work again, Bonnie's paws moved down from his chest to tickle his sides.

Freddy laughed shyly at first and tried gently pushing him off. He could feel himself growing more flustered.

But the bunny did not realize his discomfort. He giggled and continued tickling him.

"What? I'm not allowed to mess around with you~?"

Freddy could not keep ignoring it. He was beginning to grow overheated and frustrated.

"Bonnie, stop!" He snapped.

He regretted it immediately after. He hated raising his voice, especially at Bonnie.

The bunny let go of him and stepped away silently.

"S-sorry..." He muttered.

Freddy sighed and chose to keep cooking while Bonnie sat down to wait for him.

When he finished, he served both of them and sat by Bonnie at the table. They ate mostly in silence.

The bunny ate slow and looked rather awkward in his seat, as if he was waiting for Freddy to talk.

"U-uhm... the food is really good! Y-you're a natural at this stuff!" He complimented, his voice shaking.

Freddy was afraid to look at Bonnie again. If he did, he would not be able to look away again. He nodded slowly.

"Thank you... I suppose it's alright..." He spoke silently, almost in a whisper.

Bonnie's whole body sagged, and his ears dropped. He ate the rest of his food quickly and left to put his plate away without a word.

The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Freddy felt terrible and tried speaking to Bonnie again.

By the time he opened his mouth to speak, the bunny had already left to the barracks.

Freddy took almost an hour to gather his thoughts. He had to push aside those feelings for Bonnie because now he had to apologize.

He put his plate away as well and slowly walked down the wooden stairs to the large, empty room of hammocks.