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Brak was thrown into prison, again.
It wasn’t unusual at this point, Brak had consistently been getting himself on Space Ghost’s radar with the frequent thievery and heists. It was only a matter of time before his misdeeds caught up with him.
He was being led through many, many gray hallways with the same drab doors before they finally arrived at his cell. He was only in hand-cuffs and a striped prison jumpsuit; one guard went to open the door while the other unlocked his cuffs. Brak knew he would be sharing a cell, but he did not know with who. He wasn’t exactly looking forward to it.
Eventually the guard opened the door, and shouted into the cell.
“Zorak! Your new cellmate is here.”
As Brak’s hand-cuffs were being taken off, he perked up at the mention of Zorak’s name. He’d heard of Zorak before; a warlord bent on conquering the galaxy. He has a level of respect for the mantis, he’s come close to completely colonizing entire planets. So that amounts for something.
“What, are you serious?” Zorak questioned from inside the cell.
His voice was low, and gravelly. It almost sent shivers up his spine. The guards didn’t respond, and instead ushered Brak into the cell, locking it behind him. Brak stood in the doorway, not saying anything. He took a moment to take a quick glance around the room.
Right by the entrance, there was a sink with a toilet, and a table nearby. A shower was by the back, and the bed right next to the wall, along with a TV. He was just done with observing before Zorak finally spoke up.
“Are you just going to stand there and gawk, or what?”
Brak looked over to face Zorak, who had begun to get up from the bed; he barely noticed he was there. Brak hadn’t ever seen what he looked like in person. Zorak was dressed similarly in a prison jumpsuit, but what Brak noticed was that he was thin and scraggly, with a hunched posture; and Brak was sure if he stood straight Zorak would tower over him. He had to admit to himself it was quite intimidating. But he didn’t let it show.
“What, I’m not allowed to observe my surroundings?” He retorted, maintaining composure. “Sorry that I’m not giving you the attention you want, your highness. I’ll be sure to get down on my knees and beg for forgiveness.”
Zorak sneered. “No need for that. From the looks of you, I don’t need the attention of some low-life cretin.”
Brak immediately got on the defensive, bristling.
“Oh really! Well, I'm not stuck in maximum security for no reason, bug!”
Zorak stopped and stared at Brak, slightly standing up straighter, sizing him up. Brak stared back, preparing himself for a possible fight. They did that, for a moment or two, before Zorak went back to a slouch.
“Not worth my time.”
Brak in turn went back to a resting position, crossing his arms and furrowing his brow.
“I’m worth more than you think.”
“Really?”
“Again, it’s not like I’m in here for petty theft or something. Pretty high profile, y’know.”
Zorak seemed interested at that statement. He sat back down on the bed, pulling up his leg and resting it on the other, leaning in attentively. “Explain, then?”
Brak sat down as well, pulling out a chair that was by the table. He got comfortable, leaning back in and rocking it. “Yeah, hold your horses.” He got comfortable, before continuing.
“I mean, at first it was just petty theft, me and my brother. Who, if he knows what’s good for him, will break me out soon.” He scowled. “But anyways, we went onto weapons smuggling, heists, the whole ten-yards.” Brak looked pleased with himself. In contrast, Zorak didn’t seem impressed. Annoyed, Brak continued.
“It’s successful. For the most part, anyways.” He muttered. “If it weren’t for that damn Space Ghost. Whole reason I’m here in the first place.”
This caught Zorak’s attention.
“Space Ghost?”
“Yes…? What about him?” Brak tilted his head, puzzled.
Zorak leaned back and sat up straight, a furious expression creeping into his face. He cupped his hands together and squeezed angrily.
“What about him? I absolutely loathe him. I cannot stand him, with his sniveling little children and that damn monkey, always getting in my way. Hate , hate is the only feeling I have for that thorn in my side.”
Brak was taken aback, but not surprised. He should’ve figured he’s had his fair share of run ins with the Ghost. “I take it you’re enemies, then?”
“I prefer the term archenemies.”
Brak nodded. “We have some common ground, then.” Zorak nodded back in response.
“Well if you don’t mind, I’m curious to hear what you know about him.”
— — — —
They had begun to talk for an hour or two. At first, it was over Space Ghost and how much they hated him, but then progressed to discussing their work and accomplishments. Then it turned slightly personal; Brak talked about his brother, and Zorak divulged small morsels of information about himself. He had found that he was genuinely enjoying talking with the mantis- he hoped he was too.
“Anyways, after that, I slapped Sisto upside the head. The fool still can’t seem to be competent enough to follow the most simple of tasks.” He frowned at the thought, before returning his attention back to Zorak.
“Servants never do anything right. Always end up useless, the idiots, it’s a wonder I ever get anything done.” Brak chuckled at the comment, agreeing.
“You’re real entertaining to talk to. Perhaps I won’t entirely mind being roomies.”
“Likewise. As long as you stay out of my way.” responded Zorak. Brak hummed in agreement.
While he was really enjoying Zorak’s presence, he had to admit that being out of each other’s way would be preferable. At least, he thought so.
He was starting to feel drowsy; he hadn’t realized they were talking for so long. Brak stopped to look over at the time shown on the TV. It read 21:00. It was late.
He leaned back in the chair. “Not to cut our conversation short, but I’d really like to get some shut-eye.” He paused.
“Long day.”
“I hope you’re ready to sleep on the floor, then.”
Brak blinked. He quickly took a moment to take a second look at the room. He somehow hadn’t noticed it before, but sure enough: there was only one bed. He mentally face-palmed himself.
“Sorry, but I’m not fucking doing that. You, on the other hand…”
“Tch, you expect me to? Don’t make me laugh.”
“We’re at an indecision, then. I’m certainly not sleeping on the damn floor.”
“Well seeing as I’ve already been here for months , and you just fucking got here , I think I take priority.”
Brak’s fur bristled, irritated. “Well, you better get used to some change!” He had gotten up from the chair now, his tail lashing.
Zorak stared at Brak for a moment or two, before his frustrated expression changed into an amused one. Brak paused, confused.
“What’d you got that dumb look on your face for, mantis?”
“Oh nothing. Just an idea.” He smirked. Brak immediately got concerned.
“And that is…?”
Zorak snickered to himself, before answering.
“Of course, we could just share the bed.”
Brak froze.
“Surely you’re joking.”
“Not at all.” Zorak didn’t give off any hint of being sarcastic.
He was serious, then. Brak stopped to think over the proposal more. He was almost horrified at the mere suggestion. But… he supposed he wouldn’t entirely mind it.
Wait, what in the world was he thinking? Sharing a bed? With him ? There was no way. He couldn’t possibly-
“Yes or no? Cause I’m this close to making you sleep on the floor. And there’s only one blanket, by the way.”
Zorak’s voice jolted Brak from his thoughts. He looked back at the mantis.
“Well?”
“I-” He was cut off.
“And don’t go thinking this is ‘cause I feel bad for you or something. I’d just rather save myself the trouble of you inevitably getting back at me.” Zorak waited impatiently for Brak’s answer.
Brak mused over it for another moment before reaching his answer.
“Fine.”
Zorak seemed slightly surprised at his response, but not disappointed. He proceeded to scoot over on the bed to the side closest to the wall and looked at Brak expectantly.
Brak hesitated. Sure, he agreed to the arrangement, but he was already starting to get second thoughts. He looked at Zorak again, analyzing him. He was… well, he was fine looking. And he’d been mostly charitable up to this point. Brak supposed it wouldn't be so bad, then, to just share a bed. And it’s not like it needed to mean anything further than that.
“Hurry up.”
Brak sighed, got up from the chair and was going to join him before he realized something.
“Err… how exactly are we going to do this?” He could see there wasn’t exactly much space on the bed itself. “We would be pretty cramped.”
“Simple. Sleep with our backs to each other and squeeze in as best we can. It doesn’t take a genius, dumbass.” Zorak spat. Brak just glared in response, and then finally joined him in bed.
Zorak scooted over a bit more to make space for Brak, who laid down next to him. They both turned around to face away from each other, and Zorak pulled the lone blanket over themselves. Of course, he hogged most of it.
They both laid there, awkwardly. Neither of them moved or spoke. Brak had curled up in an attempt to keep warm- and to create as much distance as possible from Zorak. But it wasn’t really working. He kept touching him unintentionally, at least, he was. Zorak was bumping into him so much it was almost like he was doing it on purpose.
They were like this for a few minutes, before Zorak broke the unbearable silence.
“Hey.”
“What?”
“Cuddle up to me.”
Brak just about jumped out of the bed.
“W-What, are you out of your damn mind!?” He could feel his face turning hot.
Zorak sat up to face him. “Just for warmth, you jerk. I can feel you shivering, and I’d rather not deal with that the entire night.”
Brak slightly calmed down at that, still unsure, but he did start to consider it. What Zorak was saying is correct. It doesn’t need to mean anything more, he rationalized.
“...Okay. Fine.”
He laid back down, as did Zorak, and moved to grab him from behind; to which Zorak immediately began to protest.
“Hey- What are you doing!?”
“You said to cuddle. I’m cuddling you, idiot. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
“I am not about to be the little spoon! No way!” He tried to move around.
The word ‘spoon’ caught his attention. Spoon. They were spooning. Ah, christ.
He pushed the thought away and focused back on restraining Zorak.
“Nope, not moving.” He may not look like it; but he's strong. So he had a good grip on Zorak.
“Let- me- go-!”
Zorak continued to try and struggle out of Brak’s arms for a good few seconds before finally giving up.
“Fine, whatever, you win. Just don’t do anything weird.” He relaxed his body, and Brak loosened his grip. They both eased into each other’s embrace.
It was then that Brak started feeling funny. His cheeks started burning again, and his heart was racing. He couldn’t help but feel… so comfortable next to Zorak. Like he didn’t want to move. He didn’t understand how quickly he changed his mind over the situation.
And maybe he was imagining things, but he swore he noticed Zorak subtly snuggling up closer to his chest. That made his heart skip a beat.
And he didn’t mind. He started to move closer, too, and clutched him slightly tighter. Zorak didn’t say anything. He either didn’t notice or didn’t mind. Brak hoped it was the latter.
These confusing feelings made no sense to Brak. Was he… liking him? No, that couldn’t be it at all. They were just sharing a bed, no deeper meaning beyond that, he told himself.
They were just like that, for a while. Brak was half-asleep when he noticed Zorak’s hand reach for his.
He froze. He didn’t know what to do.
He quickly tried to see if Zorak was awake- but he couldn’t exactly tell. It didn’t seem like it- so he figured he just unconsciously did it in his sleep. He didn’t move Zorak’s hand away or anything, though. He liked it.
It was then, to his horror, that he realized he had started purring.
Oh no. No no no no no.
He really hoped he was asleep. His mind was racing- Zorak freaking out on him was the last thing he wanted right now. But it never happened. Zorak didn’t move, nor said anything. He quietly let out a sigh of relief to himself.
The quiet, aside from his purring, left him to his thoughts.
Why had Zorak brought up the idea of cuddling? Let alone sharing the bed in the first place? Thinking back, he gave very poor excuses. But, he was also quick to accept them himself.
Then the questions started running through his head.
Was he starting to actually like him? Like that way? Was Zorak thinking the same about him? Was that why he asked Brak to share in the first place?
Brak then immediately pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind, not wanting to dwell on it any further, and tried to fall asleep. Which was easy- he was comfortable where he was. He let it lull him to rest.
— — — —
When he woke up, he instantly noticed that he was no longer next to Zorak. In fact, he was in a puddle of his own drool (which unfortunately was out of his control, and a common occurrence). Brak got up groggily, yawning, and went to rub his eyes when he saw that he was holding the pillow in his arms. He had been hugging it.
Embarrassed, he pushed it away, and then surveyed the room. He saw that Zorak was sitting at the table, eating what he assumed was a very unappetizing breakfast. Zorak noticed him get up, and started to speak.
Through a mouthful of food, he uttered a simple “Morning.” He didn’t look up from where he was.
“… Good morning. I see you’re already awake.” He had gotten out of bed now, taking the time to stretch.
“Yeah, didn’t want your slobbery ass drooling on me. Fuckin’ gross.”
Brak scoffed in response. “Whatever.”
He wasn’t interested in whatever there may be to eat, so he instead sat back down on the bed and decided to see what they had playing on the TV.
Nothing interesting, unfortunately. So he chose to question Zorak.
“So… last night-”
“Nothing to talk about.”
Brak was taken aback. “What?”
“I said , nothing to talk about.” He continued to focus on his food, which Brak noticed he had stopped eating and was just picking at it with his fork.
Brak already started to get irritated. “So you’re just gonna spring up the idea of cuddling with you on me and then proceed to act like nothing happened? Don’t play that with me.”
Zorak, annoyed, finally turned to face Brak. He gave him a dirty look.
“Yeah, fine, whatever, we slept in the same bed together. What, you want a goddamn medal or something?”
“No. I just have a question.”
Zorak quirked an eyebrow up at his statement. “And that is?”
Brak took a deep breath, crossing his arms.
“Seeing as we’ll both be here for a while , I just think it's imperative that we figure out this sleeping situation.” He paused, nervous. “Whether or not, well, if sleeping in the same bed is permanent.”
At his response, Zorak stopped to think. After what felt like almost hours to Brak, Zorak spoke up again.
“Yeah, whatever.”
Brak was pleased at the answer. He had to stop himself from letting his excitement show- he didn’t think Zorak would actually opt to sharing the bed again after how quick he was to brush it off originally.
“… That settles it, then.”
“Yup.”
His heart was racing, again. It was then he was grateful that they were called for recreational time.
— — — —
That night, they did the same as they did the previous: sharing the bed, in the same position. Zorak reached for his hand again. He purred. And it was the same the next night, and the one after. By then they had an unspoken agreement that whatever the other was doing was fine. Neither went over how they felt, but Brak didn’t want to think about it and he figured Zorak didn’t want to either.
Besides, there’s just one bed, and it's cold, so what’s it matter if they spoon? It doesn’t need to be any deeper than that.