Egaran Stars - 66. Cuddle Buddies

He couldn’t sleep without the fox. Galen wasn’t sure why, but having the other side of the bed empty just made him feel incomplete. He needed Reinard, needed the warmth of a body beside him.

And there was only one way he knew of getting it.

Grabbing a heavy coat, the tiger wrapped it around himself, listening to the rain pouring down on the island. He let out a quiet sigh, wondering just what he was doing. The porneo was nearly twenty islands away, there wouldn’t be any boats taking passengers in a storm like this. It was too dangerous in the dark.

He pulled out his phone with a frustrated breath, pressing an earbud into an ear as he dialed. Themis picked up a moment later, the sound of soup bubbling through the background making Galen feel hungry.

“Don’t worry, he’s okay. We got here safely, and I already called Aedan. He said he’s willing to take a boat out to you,” the tigress said before he could talk.

“The storms are here,” Galen frowned.

“Then he’ll probably be walking the last few islands,” Themis said. “You better get busy.”

The phone went dead with a click, and Galen let out a quiet groan as he turned away from the door. The tiger set his jacket aside, throwing a set of towels into the dryer before getting started on food. A warm pan of sausage and pepper was soon heating on the stove, Galen frowning as he wondered if Cervidae ate meat. Deciding not to take the risk, the tiger pulled out a large pot and started a bean soup, his hands speeding over a selection of potatoes, carrots, celery, and peppers as he hurried to prepare a good dinner for his coming guest.

Tasting a bit of both meals, Galen let out a satisfied sigh as a knock came from the front door. The tiger sped to the laundry room, grabbing a warm towel before making his way to the front door. Opening it, he found a very soggy Cervidas on the other side, and immediately pulled Aedan into a towel covered hug.

“It’s wet outside,” Aedan said, Galen letting out a laugh as the Cervidas soaked the towel.

“Come on, I have some fasolada and spetsofai almost finished,” the tiger said, guiding the deer into the house. “We’ll get you in a shower and warmed up, and by then dinner will be ready.”

“Kalí tígri,” Aedan sighed, nearly nuzzling the Egaro as they walked.

Passing into the bathroom, Galen showed Aedan how to start the shower, before grabbing another load of towels if the Cervidas needed them. Not everyone enjoyed the blowers that could dry fur in a second; he had once heard Ryan refer to them as desert boxes, not that Galen knew what that meant. He set the towels in the bathroom, Aedan standing behind a curtain as heated water washed away the salt of the sky’s fury.

“Take your time. I’m going to finish dinner,” Galen called over the water.

“Hey Galen, my clothes are soaked. Do you mind if I go without them? It’s a lot easier than waiting for them to wash,” Aedan asked.

“Go ahead. I might join you,” Galen replied. “If you’re okay with that.”

“Of course. I told you cuddles are better without clothes, right?”

“Right. I have warm towels waiting if you need them.”

“Thanks,” Aedan smiled over the curtain, his antlers ducking low under the showerhead.

Galen backed out of the room, hearing the shower shut off a moment later. He headed to the bedroom, gathering several pillows to add to the bed, sparing no pillow in his quest for his guest’s comfort. It didn’t take long before he was back in the kitchen, sniffing the air in horror.

“No no no…”

Lifting the lid on the spetsofai, the tiger flinched as burning steam washed over him. He scraped at the insides, grimacing as it came away burnt. Yanking the fasolada off its burner, Galen shoved it to the side, trying to figure out how he could save his main dish.

“I think it’s ruined.”

He jumped slightly at Aedan’s voice, the tiger spinning to confirm it really was the deer talking.

“Sorry, I thought you heard me enter,” Aedan frowned, wrapping a warm towel around his waist.

The Egaro’s ears folded as he looked back at the meal with a quiet sigh.

“I… yeah, it’s… there’s no saving it,” he muttered, moving to toss the meal into the recycler. “I think the fasolada is safe though.”

“I do want to thank you though; not many people would think to offer a deer meat,” Aedan smiled. “It was a nice gesture.”

“I would offer a sausage, but honestly, I’m not sure I can,” Galen said with the smallest smirk.

“Again, thanks for the offer,” Aedan chuckled, sitting at a small table.

Galen moved around quickly, scraping the bean stew into a pair of bowls and setting them on the table.

“Dig in. They should be warm enough, I hope,” the tiger said, tail twitching nervously.

It was a matter of pride and honour for him. He needed to provide good hospitality for the deer. And as Aedan took his first bite, the deer’s tail twitching from the heat of the spices, Galen watched breathlessly, hoping, praying, that he had gotten the food off in time.

“It’s really hot. Perfect for a stormy night,” Aedan smiled, and the tiger released the breath he had been holding.

Dinner was eaten in a warm silence, Galen rising to wash the dishes as Aedan made himself comfortable waiting. As soon as the Egaro was finished, the deer set a hand on his arm, turning him into a waiting hug.

“I’m not sure what’s up with Reinard, Themis only told me that you two are having some issues. But I want to let you know that you can ask for cuddles anytime you need them. You’re not alone. Let Themis help him, and I’ll help you, okay? I promise he’ll come around.”

Galen let out a deep breath, before nodding. His hands wrapped around the deer, holding him close, his traitorous body reacting to Aedan’s nudity. Now was not the time to deal with urges. He just needed to be held for once, comforted himself.

Aedan smiled at the Egaro as he pulled away, motioning toward the bedroom.

“I still owe you that massage,” he said. “Why don’t we get you to your room, and I’ll deliver?”