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It is no secret that many canines are sensitive to loud sounds. For a certain beastman, the crash of thunder was definitely the worst offender.
Unlike fireworks, which Shien could prepare for when given the time, thunder and lightning were unpredictable forces of nature that couldn’t be controlled. Combined with the roar of the rain and the howl of the wind outside, each storm became something that he had to endure to its end. When he was younger, the mere flash of a lightning strike would have him jumping for a place, any place, to hide under for safety. The rumble of the earth below him reminded him of just how small he was against the incredible force of nature.
Simply put, Shien had a fear of thunderstorms. Roberu learned about it while they were hanging out at his place.
They had both been lounging around on Roberu’s couch, with the bartender idly scrolling through his phone, when the first flash of lightning crashed through the windows uninvited. He noticed how Shien’s ears shot up in alarm, but made no comment on it, thinking that his friend was simply caught off-guard by the light. The sky outside growled ominously.
The strikes continued as the storm settled in. Rain could be heard pouring onto the tiles of the roof and knocking on the glass of the windows. Shien was trembling now, his ears resisting the urge to fold against his head and his tail trying to hide in a safe spot between his legs.
“You okay, Shien?”
Shien turns to peer at him, startled, and the look of panic he wore was more than enough to give Roberu cause for concern. He doesn’t reply.
Roberu puts his phone down and questions him again. “Does… Does the thunder scare you?”
Shien looks away, ashamed, because who would’ve thought that someone his age would be scared of something as simple as a thunderstorm, right? On top of that, he was a beastman mafia boss… What would his subordinates think if they saw their leader in this state, weak and pathetic and terrified of a little rain? He almost wanted to cry right then and there. Shien tries to curl up into himself protectively, silently hoping that Roberu would question him no further.
Unfortunately for him, the bartender was having none of that. “Shien, it’s okay to have fears.”
Surprised by the statement, Shien lifts his head up to look up at him. Roberu interprets this as a sign to keep talking.
“You’re not weak for having them. I don’t think there’s anyone out there that doesn’t have a single fear. I mean, look at me! I’m scared of heights, the ocean, and...” he shivers, “...bugs. Does that make me a terrible friend?”
Shien is quick to shake his head and express his denial.
“See? You’re not a bad person for being scared of something of your own, either. We’re neither perfect nor invincible, so don’t feel like you’re anything less for having a weakness.”
Roberu is relieved when Shien sits up on the couch, slightly more confident. He tries to think of a way to help Shien feel more reassured.
“I’m not sure if this is the right thing to do,” Roberu admits, “but if it makes you feel any better, you can sit right beside me until the storm passes. You shouldn’t have to suffer by yourself, especially when I'm right here.” He pats the space on the couch next to him in encouragement. “How’s that sound?”
A lightning bolt strikes somewhere nearby, and the tremendous boom that results from it is enough to send Shien jumping into Roberu’s frame instead. The action catches Roberu off-guard for just a split second before he securely wraps his arms around Shien. This was no time for him to be shy, not when Shien needed him in this moment of weakness. He’ll be damned if he doesn’t give the terrified beastman the feeling of safety he was desperately looking for.
They sit in a comfortable embrace together, silently absorbing themselves in each other’s presence.
The storm is relentless. With Shien bracing himself for every potential lightning strike, there is no opportunity for him to calm down properly. It might help to provide him with a distraction, but what could Roberu do to accomplish that? He ponders over it for a minute before he gets an idea.
Roberu gently presses Shien’s head against his chest. “Can you hear it, Shien?”
The beastman is slightly puzzled by the question, but he makes an effort to listen carefully anyway.
Ba-dump. Ba-dump. Ba-dump.
Roberu’s heartbeat. It’s strong and confident, and its pulse mimics a drum playing a steady rhythm. Shien absently tries to count the beats.
A hand places itself on his head. Roberu runs his fingers through Shien’s hair in strokes, reminding him that here, he was safe.
“I’m not going anywhere.” Roberu murmurs, the vibrations of his voice tickling his ears. “So lean on me all you want today. I’ve got you.”
Shien feels himself relax. He falls asleep in Roberu’s arms a few minutes later.