I'm Only Human! - Part 2

Chapter 6: A Heartwarming Day

"Hello, Matthew," said a voice as Matthew stirred in his sleep as sunlight poured in from the large window next to him. It was Elder Thorne, and he was leaning over Matthew's bunk, caressing his cheek. "Are you ready to meet everyone in my village, young one?" Matthew opened his eyes, turning his head to look at the large anthropomorphic bear hovering over him. A mix of fear and curiosity flashed through Matthew's mind as he stared into Elder Thorne's kind eyes. He felt a strange sense of comfort from the bear's gentle touch, yet his heart raced with the anticipation of the unknown. "I think so," he whispered, trying to mask his nervousness. Elder Thorne smiled as he beckoned Matthew to take his paw. As Elder Thorne pulled Matthew up, he draped a bathrobe over his shoulders. They then walked out of the massive log cabin and into the village, where they saw a large grizzly bear named Dasha, who was tending to a garden in front of her house along with a large and muscular shark. She turned to look at Matthew and Elder Thorne as Elder Thorne called out to them, along with the shark, and they both smiled and waved, beckoning them over. "Hello, sweetie!" Dasha said excitedly as she offered Matthew a flower. "I'm Dasha, and this is my boyfriend, Tyler!" Matthew hesitated for a moment, feeling overwhelmed by the friendly yet unfamiliar faces. He took the flower from Dasha with a shy smile, trying to steady his nerves. Tyler's imposing figure was intimidating, but his warm smile reassured Matthew that he was among friends. Tyler knelt down in front of Matthew and held out a hand for Matthew to shake. Matthew hesitantly took Tyler's hand and gave a shy handshake. However, as Matthew felt how strong Tyler's hand was, his grip tightened and he smiled back, giving a firm handshake. Tyler was impressed. "Wow," said Tyler as he smirked. "Little man, but big handshake. I like it!"

"Heh, thanks," Matthew replied as he and Tyler released each other's hands. "I'm Matthew Craft, and I just arrived here yesterday. I'm living here temporarily while I'm hiding from the Stotis Empire." Hearing this made Tyler's, Dasha's, and Elder Thorne's smiles fade, and suddenly, the atmosphere turned somber as Tyler asked, "Did I hear that correctly?" Matthew nodded solemnly. "The Stotis Empire has been attempting to apprehend me and forcibly send me back for a few days now because I defected, and leaving the Stotis Empire without authorization is illegal and is considered treason by the government." Dasha's eyes widened with concern, and she instinctively placed a comforting paw on Matthew's shoulder. Elder Thorne's expression grew serious, and he nodded understandingly, his gaze softening with empathy. "You're safe here, Matthew," Elder Thorne assured him, his voice filled with a quiet strength. Tyler then placed a large hand on Matthew's other shoulder and looked at him with genuine care. "Elder Thorne's right, Matthew. You are safe here, and we'll make sure the Stotis Empire thinks twice before apprehending you!" He then chuckled wickedly as he flexed one of his arms, revealing his enormous muscles. Matthew's eyes filled with tears of gratitude. He had never felt such immediate acceptance and support before. A wave of relief washed over him, and he managed a genuine smile, feeling a newfound sense of hope. Matthew then looked at both Dasha and Tyler. Since Elder Thorne didn't want to be hugged due to his age, he asked if he could hug either one of them. Tyler grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, buddy," he said, opening his arms wide. Matthew stepped forward and embraced Tyler, feeling the warmth and strength of his new friend's support envelop him. After their hug, Matthew then embraced Dasha, and she wrapped her large, furry arms around him tightly. However, Matthew held Dasha more loosely than Tyler, as he was gay and found Tyler attractive.

Elder Thorne watched the scene with a gentle smile, his eyes twinkling with approval. Tyler chuckled softly as he patted Matthew's back, his demeanor exuding brotherly affection. Dasha purred softly, her tail swishing back and forth, clearly pleased by the show of camaraderie and solidarity. Matthew smiled as he and Dasha ended their hug. He then turned to Elder Thorne and asked if he could meet anyone else in the village. Finally, he glanced at both Tyler and Dasha, thankful for them. Elder Thorne's eyes sparkled with warmth as he nodded. "Of course, Matthew," he replied, his voice filled with kindness. "There are many more compassionate souls here who will welcome you with open arms." Matthew smiled at this. After saying goodbye to Dasha and Tyler and thanking them for the flowers, Elder Thorne beckoned him to follow, excited to introduce him to the other residents.