Uneasy Alliance (A Roleslaying with Roman story)

The Search

Youngblood was in a great mood when he and Noise got back from their hunt. The spring was already proving bountiful, not only due to all of the animals coming out of hibernation, but also the fact that the plants were starting to produce fruits and nuts again. The boys went back to the cave with two bags full to bursting with fresh berries, and a rabbit for each of them.

Noise was recovering well in Youngblood's opinion. Sure, he couldn't run or dance quite as long as he used to, but he could still manage. The real improvement was in his attitude. Since he had started getting better sleep, he just seemed happier. He stopped and took the time to appreciate and enjoy things now. He was more kind and caring towards the other two boys, and was starting to seem like his old self again.mThis was a huge relief for Youngblood, and frankly, he found it very comforting. It was nice to have Noise back as a kind, helpful, caring friend rather than a spoiled, entitled, rich brat.

Noise had also been sleeping a lot more, which the other two were very pleased with. The only thing that could have possibly been seen as a downside to this improvement was that Noise was very physically affectionate. Youngblood didn't mind it all that much, since he was used to it from living with Noise for over fifteen years. However, it did seem like a bit of a shock to Roman the first time Noise curled up beside him and leaned on him, but he warmed up to it fairly quickly.

As soon as Youngblood set down the food, Noise leaned over onto him and wrapped his arms around him tiredly. Youngblood smiled and sat down, pulling him up into his arms.

"Tired?"

"Mhm.."

"I've got to cook..."

"Nmm.."

"Are you going to whine if I get up?"

"..no..."

Youngblood propped Noise up against the wall gently and the tiefling lied over on his side and curled up like a cat. Youngblood chuckled softly and went over to start the fire up again.

When he finished cooking the first two rabbits, he went back to sit beside Noise. The smell woke Noise up, and he took the plate-shaped rock that Youngblood handed him gratefully. Youngblood looked around for a second.

"Hm.. I guess Roman went out to get water.. I'll wait until he gets back to cook the last one."

He stored the last rabbit in a wicker basket Noise had made, wrapped in cloth. Noise nodded and finished his meal quickly before leaning over on Youngblood again. Youngblood smiled down at him and put his arm around him comfortingly. He felt the odd fluttering in his chest again as Noise turned over and wrapped his arms and tail around him. Noise buried his face into Youngblood's chest and the two sat still together for a while. Youngblood pulled Noise closer and slowly ran his hand through his hair. Noise shifted slightly, but didn't protest to the extra contact.

"Do you want me to sing to you?" Youngblood asked softly. Noise nodded slightly and snuggled into him more. Youngblood smiled a bit and started to sing softly, gently rubbing Noise's back. Noise relaxed a bit and smiled. His breathing slowed and he looked up at Youngblood drowsily, struggling to keep his eye open.

"I..."

"Hm?"

Youngblood stopped singing and looked down at Noise, only to find him fast asleep. He shook his head a bit and smiled softly. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the cave wall. He didn't want to meditate, since Roman wasn't there to keep watch, but he knew that he wouldn't be going anywhere while Noise was sleeping on him. The sun was starting to inch towards the horizon, so Youngblood decided that he may as well rest his eyes until Roman came back, then he would take first watch for the night.