FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Running on Empty

Chapter 3

By Roofles

Keith had pulled a chair up next to the kitchen counter, using it as a large table to do his tax returns. Their apartment wasn’t spacious. It had barely served well enough for Diesel when he was here alone. With Keith moved in, they found themselves always bumping into each other’s space. Not that the great dane seemed to mind. In fact, Diesel was quite the opposite. Enjoying sharing what little room he had with his best friend.

Diesel had let Keith use his laptop once more, having to head out himself to work. This time everything on it had been closed down before the human got a hold of it. “Don’t look at the browser history.” The great dane only warned before leaving for the day.

The second the door was closed, Keith looked. Everything had been cleared out and Keith laughed at that, a bit disappointed as he continued to do the chore that was taxes. He was hoping for an excuse to put it off a bit longer.

Keith did his friends taxes too, only having a class this morning the human had more than enough time. Keith hadn’t gotten the work hours he had hoped for and ended up doing the chores around the house instead to fill out his otherwise stale day. It was the least he could do, basically living rent free.

He was listening to radio as he finished up. The channel it was on was those of bird songs, no lyrics just birds singing their songs; to Keith it sounded a lot like whistling. Once the papers were done he did the dishes, mopped the kitchen and bathroom, vacuumed and would leave their laundry for last.

As if hearing him, Diesel had sent him a text. “Just add my load in with your load. No point in wasting loads.”

Keith frowned at that. Even in text form he knew exactly how lewd Diesel was being.

“Sorry, I don’t swallow.” Keith just sent back. No sooner than he put his phone in his pocket did he feel it buzz again.

“U wood 4 me.” Diesel even sent him a winky face; the emote was of a dog rather than of the yellow human face one. Diesel had paid an extra cost for the emotes. He used them often with Keith back when they were apart, the two just texting daily.

On one hand, Keith always thought it was just so the human didn’t forget Diesel was a canine – the two having been in separate states after all back then. Now he wondered if it was just because, as a canine, Diesel didn’t want to use human faced emotes. Keith sort of understood, it would feel odd using the canine emotes, even if they were cute, as a human.

It was sort of strange, Keith had never been that attached to his phone unlike most people he knew. That was until he began talking with Diesel again. Now it was strange to not have it always with him.

Diesel’s bedroom door was wide open as usual; Keith wondering why the dog even had a door to it at this point. Keith blamed it on the fact Diesel had been living alone for so long that he just, out of habit, forgot to keep it closed. Like the bathroom, most people tried to keep their privacy.

Diesel didn’t get the memo on either, Keith having walked in on the dog urinating during the night. “You hold mine, I’ll hold yours?” Diesel had offered as he turned the light on, Keith had just gone back to bed holding it in.

That was another thing Keith needed to ask about. Most nights when he got home, every light in the apartment was off. Unless Diesel was watching TV, it was hard to tell if or not his roomie was home. Diesel didn’t even seem to notice if the lights were on or not, walking around as he pleased while Keith bumped into each and every nightstand, hallway corner and everything that was knee height to his roomie’s amusement.

The first thing Keith did was open the blinds in Diesel’s room, throwing the windows open next to air the place out. The human had bought several air fresheners and scented candles in the first week living here. The next day, he found them all in the trash. Keith hadn’t made that mistake again.

It was a nice day outside for a change and he took a thankful breath, leaning out the window. Diesel’s room stunk like the canine; most the apartment did. Keith waved to one of their neighbors walking into the apartment. The terrier didn’t return his friendly wave. Keith just figured the dog had a bad day as he moved back into the room to clean it up thinking no more on it.

Keith preferred to keep things at least organize, if a bit messy. Diesel had things all over the place. There wasn’t any sort of system to it, only chaos. Protein shakes were in the pile of clothes in the corner, which Keith had figured were all dirty. The dirty ones were actually hanging up on the back of the door in a hamper bag. It was overflowing and a couple socks had fallen out. They were crusty and Keith used one of the dirty shirts to pick them up and stuff them in the bag.

The human only rolled his eyes as he grabbed the bag and dragged it down the hall, placing it next to the door. Their laundry unit was on the bottom floor of the building and Keith would have to make a trip down.

Keith just went back to the room to finish cleaning things up. He organized the cans of dog food and protein shakes, already making a mental note to buy more veggies for the great dane on their next grocery run. Cleaned up the trash and then went about tracking down some coat hangers for the great dane’s clothes. Other than the ones he brought for himself, Keith didn’t find any. He just ended up folding them neatly and stacking them in piles next to the bed. He wasn’t sure what to do with what looked like a jockstrap and just tossed it onto the bed instead.

He even went about cleaning up and stacking the work out equipment the great dane had gotten over the years.

Keith grunted as he moved another weight over and then stood back up. “How does he do it?” The human grumbled looking at them. It was hard enough just cleaning them up, let alone working out with them.

It hadn’t been a long day for him, it had been an early morning however and Keith was beginning to feel it take its toll on him. He yawned loudly, stretching out and took a seat on the only thing there was to sit on in the room, the bed.

Diesel didn’t have a dresser or nightstand. The canine had a tall lamp in one corner, posters on the walls, his workout equipment tucked into the closet, a pile of clothes in his room and that was it. On the top shelf of his closet, Keith saw several Dvds like the one Diesel and him had watched earlier that week.

“Had it been a week already?” Keith thought that over, leaning back. He placed both hands behind him for support as he just stared up at the top of Diesel’s closet. At the back of it, Keith spied the dog brush he had stolen for his friend. He chuckled at that.

The two couldn’t hang out every day. They worked, they both were doing school. Even living in the same apartment they weren’t able to just hang out whenever they liked. Most the time their schedules didn’t match up and Keith was home while Diesel was out. Or Diesel was sleeping when Keith got home.

He chuckled at that, flushing a bit as he felt the sheets behind him with a hand. Diesel did have a habit of sleeping until the very last minute before he had to get up and go.

“Home.” It was a strange notion. Keith actually considered this place to be his new home now. Here, with Diesel. A canine no less! He shook his head on that, that had never been a problem for Keith, ever. If those he grew up with could see him now though. The look on their faces alone would be worth the trouble that would follow if they found out.

Keith laid back on the bed. It was larger than the one he had. It had to be to allow someone like Diesel to sprawl out on and snoring up the whole apartment. One of the only problems Keith even had with the canine; he smiled at that as he rubbed his back against the fuzzy sheets.

After everything said and done, the only complaint he found for the great dane was the fact he snored.

Keith groaned lightly, moving up a bit more on the bed. He’d forgotten just how good it felt to lay on a real mattress for a change. Not that he was complaining about the futon Diesel had gotten him, having to replace the couch after stealing the cushion of it. Keith just hadn’t really thought about it until he was laying right here on one again.

He had gotten a taste for what a real mattress should feel like, wondering if he could ever return to the life of not being able to sleep on one.

The sheets were fuzzy and felt warm to the touch. Keith sat up a bit, pulling one up to sniff at. He chuckled, flushing. The sheets had the great dane’s strong aroma clinging to them as if he had just been in here. Diesel always said he slept naked, Keith never having the balls to actually check if that was him teasing the human or not.

“Diesel,” Keith muttered his name as he laid back down. Would the great dane even have given him half a chance if they met today? If they hadn’t been childhood friends? Why else would a big, muscular handsome dog like him find Keith interesting…

Keith closed his eyes, resting back when his hand touched something on the bed. He grumbled a bit, sitting up as he took hold of it and brought it over. It had been the jockstrap he had tossed onto the bed earlier.

The human blushed even more as he looked at it, then around quickly as if afraid someone was about to walk in on him. Diesel had mentioned that if or when he wore underwear it would be a jockstrap and this would be something like that. It only covered the front allowing the “fur to breathe” as Diesel had told him all about it.

Keith didn’t fling it across the room as he thought he would. His mind rationalizing that it had been in the clean clothes pile and thus was safe to hold onto. That was also why he had given it a sniff, to check to see if it was clean or not. It had a strong smell to it of the great dane; unaware it was something Diesel had worn once and tossed onto the pile, figuring it’d be good for another use before having to wash.

“What am I doing?” Keith just asked aloud as he laid in his best friend’s bed. He didn’t know. And as tired as he was, he didn’t care. The bed felt warm, it was so inviting, so comfortable and the smell of the great dane coming off it was in itself welcoming after the early morning he had. As if his friend was here with him now, inviting him take a nap in his embrace.

Keith wasn’t sure when he had taken his shirt off or his pants, just dropping them to the side of the bed as he slipped his bare legs underneath the blankets. He was flushed in the face as he laid back once more, rubbing his back against the bed. It reeked of the great dane, it was his dog bed after all. Keith picked some thin gray fur off the sheets and laughed, shaking his head.

That jockstrap was loosely hanging from one of his fingers and as he rested his head down on the pillow he stared at it.

“Damnit, Diesel…” Keith just flushed a bit more as he lifted his hips up to take his boxer briefs off. Slipping Diesel’s jockstrap on the next second. It had been years since he had ever tried one on, only once when he was clothes shopping.

It was a bit baggy in the front and he had to fuss with the straps to keep it from slipping down. The back was bare and his ass was clearly visible as he turned around, entwining his body with the sheets and hugging the pillow as he took another sniff of it. The human only giggled a bit before crashing down for a good long nap.

It was an hour and a half later when Diesel came home for his lunch break. The great dane hanging up his coat as he adjusted the tie on his suit. He hated wearing it but couldn’t afford not to. While Keith had brought up what the secretary had said the other day about him not hanging out with his coworkers; it was hard for Diesel. To admit the truth even to his dear friend about it.

Diesel had to play the good, tame dog around the humans at work. He couldn’t show his true colors or be friendly with them; there was a good chance they would file a harassment report against him if he was. They acted as if they were the ones who should be defensive, as if the great dane was being the rude one to them. Unaware of the fact if anything came up ever in the office, all the fingers would point at him above anyone else.

One of Diesel’s biggest pet peeves were when people pretended to play the victim.

His large bumpy black nose twitched. He could smell his roommates recent scent but didn’t see him inside. His dirty laundry was sitting next to the door. The canine could only smell the burning sting of bleach and cleaners from the bathroom and kitchen. The great dane sighed at that, moving down the hallway. Keith had been cleaning again for the great dane.

Diesel’s short tail wagged at that as he gave a soft smile. It was nice having a roommate for a change that was the clean one.

The great dane drained himself in the tub, hating to have to bend over awkwardly for the human toilet. Diesel didn’t even wash his hands as he moved down the dark hallways and into his room. The door was partially shut which was odd as he made it a habit to leave it open. Hoping someday Keith would take him up on his offer.

It creaked open as the great dane walked in. The briefcase in one hand fell to the ground as his muzzle dropped.

“Dear playboy…” Diesel muttered, his pants tightening painfully at the sight. Keith was still asleep on his bed, wearing his jockstrap and nothing else.

The humans legs had tangled up with the fuzzy sheets and his rear was visible. It was bare. The straps wrapping around the human’s thighs and leaving him exposed. Vulnerable. And Diesel had to adjust himself as he walked over quietly.

A cool gust of air blew in from the still open window. Diesel was thankful for it. He shivered, coming back to his senses, and tore his muzzle away from drooling at the sight. Diesel walked over to shut the window, taking several slow breaths to calm down. His pants soon hit the floor.

The great dane only had a good half hour before his lunch break would be over. Diesel couldn’t afford to be late again or to call out, his boss just looking for a reason to fire him as it was. He’d just have to make the best of it with the time he had left. His shirt soon joined his pants as the large canine crawled into bed with his best friend.

The whole thing shifted and creaked at Diesel’s heavy weight, the canine’s muscular body pressing lightly against Keith’s back as an arm wrapped around the human. Securely hugging him against the canine now. Keith grumbled a bit at that, stirring lightly.

“Sh, sh. Go back to sleep.” Diesel whispered in his ear, taking a moment to take a sniff of his hair after. The great dane scooted closer, sliding his feet under the blanket with Keith’s. The human woke up a bit as Diesel just plopped himself down behind him, the bed leaning slightly because of it.

“D-Diesel?” Keith asked, his voice groggy and he blinked several times unable to see in the dark. “What are you doing here?” The warmth of the canine’s body made Keith shudder, moving closer to it. The room had gotten cold with the window left open, the warm body was greatly welcomed.

The great dane couldn’t help but chuckle at that, a soft deep sound as he growled playfully. Diesel nosed at him lightly, taking another several sniffs of his friend. “You’re the one in my bed, bud.” He just pointed out, scratching Keith’s chest with the hand wrapped around him.

Keith blinked a few more times, looking around. The human couldn’t see in the dark and ended up resting back against the great dane a bit more. A low moan escaped him as Diesel pushed himself against the human once more, greeting his return.

“No… No I’m not.” Keith just said. His eyes were closed again and his neck exposed. Diesel had to stop himself from licking it.

“I’m pretty sure you are.” Diesel arm flexed around him, pulling Keith against him further. The dog held him as he used his weight to push Keith back down on the bed to lay down. “Go back to bed.” His voice was still soft, a deep rumble in his chest.

The human mumbled incoherently at that. Something along the lines of “not in your bed.”

“That’s fine. I didn’t mean to wake you.” Diesel swallowed loudly in the quiet room, his heart thundering in his chest as Keith turned back around to snuggle the pillow he had been before. Keith worked early in the morning after a late night, it left the human usually taking a nap around this time. On the days Diesel was working.

The great dane was already thinking out a way to get Keith to take his nap here with him during these lunch breaks.

Diesel’s strong fingers roamed over his roommates bear chest, his coarse light gray paw pads scratching over it. Keith shuddered as one finger brushed his nipple. It was hard and Diesel had to resist teasing him further.

The great dane had to scoot up a bit, allowing himself to grind his bare swollen sheath against the human’s crack. Keith groaned at that.

“Just getting comfortable.” Diesel assured him resting down above the human’s head and rolling his hips up against him once more. The great dane let out a heavy, deep breath as he snuggled in. Diesel ignored his aching full sheath, trying to tell himself he had already jerked off that morning. “You have your cake, don’t eat it too.” The great dane grumbled bitterly to himself.

“Huh?” Keith mumbled as Diesel slid one arm underneath the human’s head, letting Keith use his bicep as a pillow as he hugged him close.

“I said…” Diesel paused for a second. “I… needed this.” And he left it at that, hugging his roommate during his lunch break. “Just go back to sleep.” He murred softly resting the top of his muzzle on Keith’s head, slanting it down over the human’s face a bit. Keith could feel when Diesel swallowed again.

“I can’t.” Keith just grumbled, eyes closed as he shivered lightly. Diesel body was like a furnace and he was beginning to perspire lightly because of it in the cold room. “I have to do… laundry.”

Diesel snorted at that, rubbing his fingers over the human’s stomach now. He scratched it lightly, that always calmed him down maybe it would work for Keith too. The human could go to sleep and Diesel could just enjoy what little time he had left cuddling with him.

“It’s fine. It’s not going anywhere.”

“Got too.” Keith only replied, giving a heavy sigh as he dozed in and out. “I have too.”

“You have too, huh?” Diesel just asked, chuckling lightly. Keith could feel it through the chest pressing against his back.

“Don’t want to get… kick… out.” Keith muttered a bit, rubbing his back against that furry chest. Diesel’s ears drooped down even more than they already were naturally at that.

“W-who would kick you out?” Diesel pressed, his grip tightening on the human.

Keith didn’t answer. Diesel asked again.

Keith just muttered into the pillow, half-asleep not giving a real reply.

“You don’t have to go anywhere… ever… if you don’t want too.” Diesel tried to console his friend. Keith was already asleep by the time he finished. The great dane just watched him slumber, brushing a lock of hair out of Keith’s face with a finger. The dull nail traced just over his eyebrow.

Diesel would have to talk with him about that. It looked like Diesel wasn’t the only one with issues.

The great dane set his alarm on his phone before snuggling back in and enjoying every minute he had to share with his roommate. Rubbing and feeling his body against his own as he draped one heavy, muscular leg over both of Keith’s. Diesel pinned his legs together as he gave them a good squeeze with his own, huffing heavily as he began to pant. Diesel could get a bit rough when it came to snuggling.

Diesel traced over Keith’s stomach again with one finger. “Hm… wonder just how tight you are.” The great dane growled softly, the end of his tapered red tip poking out. His sheath was hugging it painfully tight, his length having swelled during the cuddles. That tip touched Keith’s tail hole. “If I knocked… would you let me in?” Diesel let out his breath as he sucked in his gut and pulled back.

The alarm went off five minutes later as Diesel laid on his back, next to his best friend with one arm over his eyes. Keith had turned around, nosing underneath that arm. Diesel hugged him against his armpit, just soaking in the feel of it. Of him. Enjoying what the great dane could offer his tired friend.

“What am I doing?” Diesel just asked as he reached over to turn the alarm off. He rolled back over and gave Keith a hug, licking the side of his face. “I’ll be back tonight… wait for me.” The great dane added with a wag of his tail, getting up and heading out. He left the door open, able to look back one last time before being forced to leave.

They really needed to get their schedule match.

“Hey.” Marshal was out front, coming home from his own day and greeting the great dane who was heading out. Diesel didn’t reply, just grumbling about going to work and ended up leaving it at that.

Keith wouldn’t wake up for another hour, wondering if he had dreamt Diesel coming home or not when he did. The human had to force himself to get up, groggily going into the bathroom. He ignored his bed hair as he gave himself a once over. He was still wearing nothing but Diesel’s jockstrap.

The human flushed a bit, chuckling with a shake of his head as he moved into his own much smaller bedroom to get a shirt and shorts to wear. He had to finish the laundry. It was the only reason why he could manage to get up from that bed.

Keith carried one bag over his shoulder, half dragging the other as he made his way down to the basement where the laundry units were. One bag had his own clothes, the other had the great dane’s. The smell alone told him which was which.

There was an elevator on the other side of the building that went down to the first floor. Keith had found it easier to just take the stairs down and then elevator back up. Sometimes he would take the stairs up, get a work out in while he was at it.

“Sometimes?” Keith shook his head at that, laughing once more as he walked into the laundry room. It wasn’t like he had lived here THAT long.

The apartment complex was large and Diesel had mentioned that most of the other apartments had more than one person in it too; Keith had just thought it was to make him feel better about moving in to the single bedroom apartment. From experience though he knew that a roomie or two or three helped with the bills.

An otter passed him by, not even looking at him as the aquatic mammal headed towards the elevator with his finished laundry.

Marshal was doing his own sheets as Keith walked in, the mastiff pulling them out of the dryer. Keith didn’t say anything as the mastiff took a large sniff of them, his back facing the human, before dropping them into his basket.

“Evening, Marshal.” Keith greeted the dog taking the washer next to him. He gestured at the machine. “Is it open?”

“All yours.” Marshal just grunted with that droopy expression. His nose twitched and he sniffed at Keith without leaning forward. That would have been common thing to do when greeting a fellow canine. A friendly handshake was a human thing, to lean forward and sniff one another was a canine thing.

It was hard to read the mastiff and Keith suspected their neighbor didn’t like him. Keith was trying his best to at least remain on good terms, knowing how important it is to be at least friendly with your neighbors.

“Thank you, Marshal.” Keith gave him a big smile before beginning to do the laundry in the unit Marshal had given him. Keith noted no one else was here and decided to take another washer as well for his own. It was only a Tuesday night; few people would be doing their laundry tonight.

The mastiff just grunted again, looking over at him before shaking his head. The large tan canine picked up his basket with one hand, about to head out. The canine stopped. “It’s late.” The dog brought up, stopping half way towards the door.

“I don’t got morning class tomorrow.” Keith just shrugged thinking nothing of it.

“Where’s Diesel?” Marshal only asked instead.

“He has work, then night class and will be home late, again” Keith frowned a bit at that, then looked over at the mastiff. “Why?”

“It’s late.” The mastiff just said again.

“I won’t be long.” Keith only shrugged. Marshal just shook his head, not concerning himself about it as he headed out. “Oh hey,” Keith called over before he exited. “We, uh… Diesel and I were going to try that new Korean restaurant that opened up on Parker street. They cook the food right there in front of you, maybe Diesel would eat his veggies if they are grilled and sautéed in soy sauce.” Keith chuckled at the thought.

Marshal frowned a bit. “Whose paying?” The mastiff just asked, Keith didn’t hear the undertone to it.

“Well… I did offer, so we can.” Keith just thought it would be good for their already shaking relationship with their neighbor.

“You mean Diesel will.” Marshal suddenly pointed out. There was a low growl to his voice.

“No…” Keith just said defensively. “We split everything.” The mastiff only gave him one final look, a shake of his head and left it at that. Keith was left a bit confused as the mastiff walked past the terrier from earlier that day.

“What was that about?” Keith could only shake his head. He knew Marshal never liked him. He just hoped he hadn’t damaged his tolerance for the human.

Rider was a salt and pepper furred terrier, it was impossible to tell his age. He always looked like an old man, his gruff face didn’t help with his white jowls either. It was one reason why he had such an off-putting personality. It had been a long day and Rider had just wanted to get this over with when he stopped before the laundry room door, catching the scent in the air. He growled at that even before coming in.

Keith had taken a seat on one of the chairs provided, not about to leave their laundry here unguarded. The first time he had done that, back in Arizona, someone had taken his stuff out and dropped it on the floor. It was still soaking wet. They hadn’t taken his washer, they just did it because people were assholes.

“You’re only supposed to use one machine.” Rider started up, growling low as he stopped next to the washers.

“Diesel’s using one.” Keith just said, reading over a random magazine that had been left in the room. It was an older People’s magazine from the 90s and was beginning to turn yellow at the edges. Several of the pages were missing or ripped out.

“Where is he then?” Rider only continued. Keith was tense, hearing that growl to his voice. The terrier not even trying to hide it. It was a natural reaction to the sound, even as a kid the human couldn’t stand that animal sound. A warning as if the terrier was about to bite him the next second, it wasn’t much of a wonder why human’s reacted as they did around them.

“He was called into work. I’m watching it for him.” Keith just sad in a flat tone, trying not to let his nerves show. The terrier could smell it and that salt and pepper muzzle lifted to show teeth.

“That’s not allowed.”

“There are plenty of other open ones.” Keith tried not to get too defensive about it. He had read the same paragraph three times now.

“I worked a double shift today, don’t want to have to come home. To MY apartment and have you here telling me about the rules.” Rider just growled louder, just taking his frustration out on the human. Most the apartment seemed to ignore Keith, every now and then there was one who took it as a personal offense that a human chose to live here. Most didn’t choose too, it was the only place they could afford or able to rent.

Diesel alone had been turned down from three other places before he found this one. They didn’t say it but it was clear, it was because he was a dog. A big dog at that. The great dane being profiled even before he said two words.

“Well it’s Diesel’s apartment too.” Keith had stood up now. He made sure not to get up in Rider’s face, not about to get closer to that snarling muzzle. “I’m sorry though, I’ll let him know when he gets home.” Once more, Keith tried to just apologize and get this over with.

“That’s not the message I want you to give him.” Rider took a step forward and Keith could feel himself flexing. If it was going to come to a fight, the human wasn’t about to just roll over on his back. “Tell him, for me… for all of us.” Rider jabbed a finger against Keith’s chest now, getting up in his face. “We don’t want you here.” The terrier nose twitched, the scent of the great dane only seeming to make him angrier.

“I’ll pass on that, thanks.” Keith glared back, clenching one hand into a fist. The terrier growl only increased. “I don’t give two fucks what you say to me. Leave Diesel out of this.” The human said harshly, getting defensive for his friend. “He works damn hard and I do what I can to help out. Like laundry.” Keith was just waiting for the terrier to make a move.

Neither of them said it, they both knew how this would go down in a courtroom. The terrier would be charged. Even if Keith was the one to start it, to throw the punch; a court would rule in his favor just because he was a human in a fight against a canine. Not as if Keith would press charges unless things got bad.

Every now and then things turned ugly, fast. When claws and fangs came out, what could most humans do?

It may have been why Rider didn’t do anything about it, yet. Hesitating as the human matched his stance and getting up in his face like this. The loud thunk next to the laundry room door was the other.

“M-Marshal.” Rider yipped. The mastiff took up the whole door as he walked back in, dropping his basket on the ground. The sheets inside spilled out. “I didn’t do nothing.” The terrier had backed away quickly from Keith with both hands up. “Tell him!” Rider begged Keith now.

The human only took a step back as the mastiff got up in the terrier’s face. Keith could feel a cold sweat running down his back as the large mastiff barred his own teeth now, a deep growl filling his chest.

“I’ve warned you about this shit.” Marshal just mentioned, having been standing outside the laundry room door after seeing Rider coming down.

The terrier didn’t so much as get a chance to plead his case as the scruff of his neck was taken and Keith looked away as Rider was slammed face first against one of the empty washers. Keith had heard about canines being excessively rough with each other, something to do with dominance. It was the first time he had ever seen it though.

“I-It was an accident, he shouldn’t be here.” Rider just whined, struggling a bit as Marshal held him down with one hand. The terrier’s nose was bleeding.

“I get to fucking say who can or can’t be here. Not you.” Marshal lowered his muzzle down right against one of the terrier eyes. “Get that?” And Marshal shoved him against the empty washer letting him go. “Fuck off.”

Keith was about to leave when the terrier tucked tail and left the room quickly, only then realizing Marshal had been talking to the canine instead of him. Keith just stood there, unsure what to say or do.

“Dumbass, mother fuckers, piece of shit…” Marshal was fishing for something in his pocket, then checked his other and pulled out a can of chewing tobacco. He shoved a good wad of it into the corner of his muzzle and snapped it closed. He looked over at Keith.

“Uh… thanks…” Keith started up, not able to meet those eyes. “S-sorry for this…” He added.

“I’ve always hated humans.” Marshal just said suddenly, leaning against one of the units. Keith only lowered his head at that, not sure what to say about it. “Always complaining about some random first world problem, unaware of just how god dam fucking lucky they got it.” Marshal spat to the side, into the waste basket usually used for dryer lint. “I did my time, serving my country. Killed for it. Saw a lot of good dogs die while those fuckers stayed back safe and sound, profiting from it all…”

Keith didn’t reply to that. Most the armed forces weren’t human. Their lives being seen as less valuable than humans, it was one way they had managed to get equal rights though. Fighting in the world war and then demanding what they had been promised when they returned. It had been an uphill challenge then and still was now.

“Now they’re talking about getting rid of our benefits, our veteran pension and telling us to get over it.” Marshal voice was gruff and there was a growl to his words as he just continued. “Like they were the fucking assholes getting shot at. Watching their friends head get taken off. Have a fucking land mine go off and lose hearing in one ear…” Marshal stopped at that, shaking his head. He spat to the side. “Nine times out of ten, it was a fucking human bastard that was in charge…”

Keith really wasn’t sure what to say, he couldn’t relate to that. Even when he was talking with one of his old friends, who was overseas still, he didn’t know how to relate. Life was rough here but it wasn’t a warzone at least.

“Did ya mean what ya said… about Diesel?” Marshal suddenly mentioned, looking towards the other side of the room. The mastiff had folded his arms over his heavy bare chest, like Diesel the tan canine disliked wearing clothes when he could.

Keith took a second on that. “Helping him out?” The mastiff only grunted in reply. He wasn’t sure if that was a yes, no or just a grunt. “Well, I try too. Whenever I can… Diesel is my best friend.”

The mastiff just spat to the side at that.

“I always try and give him money, Diesel just… well he’s a dumb prideful man.” Keith rubbed his brow with a hand at the thought, resting back. He wasn’t looking over at the other dog. “I just… try to do what I can instead. He won’t let me pay when we go out or help chip in for the electric bill… I tried to slip a fifty into his wallet the other day.” Keith only shook his head. “Diesel ended up buying me a new pair of shoes… the change was left inside them from it.”

Marshal snorted at that, shaking his head. “Most guys would be happy about it. Not paying rent and getting presents.”

“Well, maybe if it was different.” Keith stopped at that, shaking his head. “No, even if it was. Diesel just… I don’t even know honestly, he just wants me to feel welcome. It comes off as being more of a burden though in the end. I just want to help out…”

Marshal just spat to the side as the washes continued to run.

“I’ve been working since I was sixteen. Mommy and Daddy,” Keith used the names mockingly. “Didn’t cover shit for me. I had to pay for everything I actually wanted… let alone needed.” He paused at that. “And it sucked but I was able to look back and know everything I had, I earned. Now? Well, I’m just trying to return the favor.”

“Make it equal out?” Marshal mentioned, shaking his head. “Not sure if you can on that one.”

Keith paused at that. “Why not? I want to help him. For all he’s done for me!”

“I’ve known Diesel for a while now. We go back a bit…” Marshal spat to the side once more. “I always was under the assumption you’d just be another guy taking advantage of his charity.”

Keith frowned at that. “I’m not a charity case.” Keith just said. One of those droopy ears perked up, otherwise the mastiff didn’t shown a sign he heard him. “I could have just stayed in Arizona. I could have just gone to school there. I had good friends, my family was there. I had to deal with some things… but it wasn’t bad.”

“Then why come here?” Marshal asked as if this was an interrogation, the canine only needed the bright light shining in his face now.

Keith took a moment on that. What was the reason for coming here… college was good, the area nice. Diesel had helped him get a job and a car, even if it was just Diesel’s old one. The apartment wasn’t the best but it could be far worse too.

“Because Diesel was here.” Keith just stated. He shrugged after, leaving it at that. “Has Diesel done this before?” Keith had been thinking about that. “Helping someone out to the point of hurting himself?”

“Not with a human.” Marshal snorted at the very idea, shaking his head. “You do know Diesel is mated, right…?” The mastiff asked carefully as if unsure if Keith even knew what the term meant.

“To Jimbo, yeah.” Keith nodded. He had never even met the pitbull before. Diesel had once showed him a picture. He looked like a… character with a lot of personality, at least.

“Well… that’s the perfect example of Diesel going out of his way for another.” Marshal just gave a sigh, thinking about it.

“What’s the uh… deal with Jimbo?” Keith hesitated, unsure if it was right or not to ask about Diesel’s boyfriend like this behind his back. He was worried about his friend though.

“Jimbo is… well, ask Diesel about him.” Marshal chuckled lightly, shaking his head and deciding it was best if he stayed out of it. “Are you going to stay down here until the laundry is done?”

Keith just nodded at that, still thinking about his roommates mate.

“Fine.” Marshal growled a bit making Keith tense. The mastiff just took a seat in one of the chair, picking up the magazine Keith had been reading.

“You don’t have to stay.” Keith blushed lightly. The mastiff didn’t even look up at him, his nose told him everything that face would have. Keith was easy to read, just another reason why Diesel liked him. Keith didn’t hide things from him, even when he was uncomfortable. It allowed them to just be open and talk about things rather than to just hold it all in.

Most the time that is.

“I want the Bibimbap.” Marshal just said, thinking it over. “With a side of Mandu.” The mastiff just nodded. It took Keith several seconds to realize the canine had been talking about the Korean restaurant and wasn’t just making up words.

Keith flushed at his own ignorance and took a seat next to the mastiff as he waited.

“The pork belly is supposed to be good too…” Marshal just said as if the magazine in his hand was in fact the menu to the restaurant.

“Have you been before?” Keith just asked, somewhat glad the mastiff was even talking to him. It would have been even more awkward if they just sat there in silence the whole time.

“Once or twice.” Marshal shrugged a shoulder. Keith only noticed that one of the mastiff’s ears lifted when he was listening to something, as if the other one didn’t work. “And if you’re paying… maybe I’ll order desert.”

Keith could only chuckle at that, already feeling just how light his wallet was going to be for the next couple of weeks before pay day.

“Thanks for the help.” Keith said roughly an hour later as Marshal helped him carry the laundry back up to their apartment. “Uh… would you like to come in? For coffee?” Keith awkwardly asked trying to be polite.

The mastiff snorted at that just looking down at the smaller male. “Look. I get it. Diesel has a thing for humans. Doesn’t mean the rest of us do.” Keith whole face turned red at that.

“No-no I j-just was offering.” Keith tried to correct it.

“Right.” Marshal bent down and Keith pulled back, bumping his head against the door as the mastiff snout got right up in his face. Then Marshal moved it to one side and gave him a single sniff. “Say hi to Diesel for me.” And then the mastiff went inside his own place and shut the door, it slammed shut.

Keith had to take a moment to recollect himself. It took him a moment to get up the courage and he walked over to the mastiff’s door and knocked on it several times. He stopped, taking a step back.

It opened up and the mastiff looked out. Then look down at him, that one ear perking back up. Marshal just grunted in question at him.

“W-what did you mean by… I couldn’t ever pay Diesel back?” Keith finally asked, worrying about it.

“Huh?” Marshal took a second on that. “Oh,” he waved it off with a hand. “I just never seen him happier is all.” The mastiff just left it at that and Keith headed into his own apartment as the canine shut his door.

Keith was already checking his phone, having left it in the apartment on accident. There was a text from Diesel.

His whole faced turned red. The great dane had taken a picture of him while he was asleep on his bed, in nothing but the great dane’s jockstrap no less. Caught red handed. And then, for some reason, felt the need to send it to him.

“When I get home will you be like this?” Another text followed. Keith wasn’t sure if Diesel was asking him to do that for the canine or just asking if he would be like that.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” Keith replied, taking a seat at the counter. It had been a little while since Diesel had sent the text. Keith got an instant reply though as if the great dane had been waiting for him too.

“I have photographic evidence of your crimes.” Diesel just replied. The canine would be in class about this time, hopefully he wouldn’t get in trouble for texting.

“You’re never going to drop this, are you?” Keith just replied.

“I took your pants.” Was the only reply he got.

Keith took a moment on that, heading back into the great dane’s room with his clean laundry. He dropped it off next to the bed. “My pants are still here.” Keith sent the text, picking up the clothes he had been wearing earlier that day.

“Sorry.” Diesel sent one text, then an emote of a pair of boxers. “These pants.”

Keith flushed at that, taking a seat on the bed as he replied. “You don’t wear underpants.”

“I am now.” Diesel sent the text just as quickly as Keith had pushed the ‘send’ button.

“Don’t you have your own?” Keith actually ‘lol’ at that the mental image of the great dane in his bright pink boxer briefs.

“You’re wearing them.” Diesel just replied showing a sad puppy face emote, soon followed by a grinning one. “I wore them too.” It had underneath.

Keith suddenly felt rather unclean as if he needed to go take a shower.

“Do they even fit yo’ fat ass.” Keith sent the text. He didn’t get a reply and figured he’d won, getting up to put away Diesel’s clothes for the great dane.

It was a good five minutes later when he got a reply. It was a picture and Keith laughed as he saw the great dane’s ass from behind, Diesel wearing the hot pink boxer briefs Keith had been wearing.

“I ripped them.” Another text soon followed.

“You can keep them, they look better on you anyways.” Keith shook his head. Finishing the chores he was doing before looking at the reply Diesel had sent. He’d get dinner started here soon for his return.

“I know.” Was all it read.

Keith just finished putting away his own laundry before crashing on the couch, watching the TV. He had taken his shorts off wearing nothing but the jockstrap and a shirt of a meatless t-bone steak that read underneath ‘I love me my bone.’ It had been a gift from the great dane.

It would be another couple hours before Diesel would come home. Dinner was ready for him. The canine could smell it, the great dane ignored that though as he walked inside. He dropped his briefcase, his pants and took his shirt off before crawling up over the armrest of the couch to lay out on it.

“Welcome back.” Keith greeted him, coming out with a fresh plate of food. Diesel would text before coming home, to let his roommate know. Giving Keith plenty of time to get things ready for him. Diesel did it to be courtesy more so than to expect any such thing in return.

The great dane said something but it was nothing more than mumbling and Keith couldn’t understand it.

“Dinner’s ready.” Keith motioned towards the kitchen. They didn’t even have a dining room, let alone a dinner table to eat on.

Diesel rolled over, looking upside down at him. His muzzle dipped down and the great dane’s nose was at the same height as Keith’s groin. The human flushed a bit.

“Come closer.” Diesel just ordered. Keith took a hesitant step closer. The great dane said it was once more. “Closer.” He did. And Diesel had to stretch a bit to push his nose against that jockstrap, giving it a good long sniff before resting back. “There we go.” Diesel laid back, his legs opening a bit as he gave a gruff sigh of appreciation.

“T-thanks?” Keith just offered.

“Now your turn.” Diesel looked down at himself. The massive bulge of the canine’s sheath and sack could be seen clearly outlined in that stretched hot pink fabric of Keith’s briefs. “And bring the food in with you.” The great dane added with a grin, sitting up now as if the smell of Keith was the very pick me up he needed.

Keith did bring the dinner in for them. He took a seat on the chair instead. Diesel’s droopy ears fell and he stuck out his bottom lip. It was the first time Keith had ever heard the great dane whine.

“Oh, got to be kidding me.” Keith threw his hands up in the air and got up. Keith was just going to get it over with as he moved over, leaning down. Diesel had other things in mind.

The next second Keith had been pulled up on the great dane’s thick chest. Diesel stuck his muzzle right between Keith’s legs again for another good sniff of the human. Keith face was red as he was half sitting on his best friend’s muzzle. Diesel didn’t seem to mind one bit, quite the opposite in fact as he let out a low murr. Keith clenched his rear as that cold, wet bumpy black nose touched underneath the jockstrap.

“Mm, had a long day too I see.” Diesel just said eased up his grip on Keith’s thighs. He lifted his groin up a bit as if offering it to Keith.

“Diesel.” Keith just said, still red in the cheeks.

“Oh, sorry.” Diesel just said, Keith was thankful for a second until the great dane lifted his hips up and pulled those briefs down. Letting his full sheath and hefty, sagging sack hang free. “There you go.”

Keith laughed at that, feeling far warmer than it actually was in the apartment.

“Been a long day.” Diesel rested back, rubbing Keith’s thigh with a hand, feeling that tight ass with a finger. It would be nice to get some relief. Diesel growled lustfully at the thought.

“Diesel.” Keith just said again, moving off the canine now. Keith wasn’t looking at his friend. “Is this ok to do?” The human finally just asked.

Both of Diesel’s ears lifted up at that. “Huh?” Was all he said looking over at him, the great dane sat up a bit more. “Do you not like 69? We could just do it face to face… Ass to face. Backwards. Underneath. Reverse cowgirl.” Diesel thought of each and every position they could take.

Keith shook his head on that, blushing even more and feeling rather uncomfortable about this all. Diesel could just talk about this so easily, so frankly without having to tip toe around the subject like Keith did. Like most people did in fact. Diesel nose twitched and the great dane sat up, a bit concerned now.

“I mean… this.” Keith gestured between the two. “What about Jimbo?”

Diesel face fell at that. The great dane took a moment, shook his head and got up. Diesel didn’t say a thing as he took Keith’s briefs off fully and shoved it back into the human’s hands. And then the naked great dane walked down to his room without a word.

Keith was already packing his bags in his head as he took a seat on the chair again. He picked aimlessly at his food as Diesel came back in almost ten minutes later.

Keith was waiting for it, waiting for the great dane to tell him to get out. To yell at him, bark or do something. Diesel just took a seat on the couch with a heavy sigh. He was wearing another jockstrap and a shirt, like Keith was.

The two ate in silence as they watched the news.

“I’ll pack my things in the morning.” Keith found his voice, saying it softly.

Diesel’s ears perked up at that. “Why?” The great dane asked in confusion. Keith just gave him a look. “Dude, I asked you to sniff my sack. You said no. It’s fine.” The dog chuckled. “I’m surprised ya did it to begin with.”

Keith was still flushed in the face. “I didn’t mean to… tease you.” The human just rubbed one arm, setting his fork down.

The great dane just shook his head. “You’re already doing a lot, trying to be well… a dog, frankly.” Diesel just shrugged at that. “It’s not teasing. It was the helpful pick me up I needed.” Diesel had gone into the other room to help himself, if Keith wasn’t going too. The thought of the human sniffing at him once more, cuddling on that very bed was all the great dane needed for a good nice dose of relief.

Keith was none the wiser, as usual when it came to such things. Diesel could smell each and every time the human jerked off, sometimes even joining with him (in his own bedroom) as Keith tried to keep it private.

“You’re the one being so… welcoming. To this. To everything.” Keith just brought up, unable to look at his friend. He couldn’t get what Marshal had said earlier. “You won’t even let me pay rent…” He finally mentioned.

Diesel laughed loudly at that making Keith feel worse.

“Dude, I don’t let you pay rent because you have half a closet for a room. I was paying for this place long before you moved in. It’s really no trouble.” Diesel shook his head. “You’re the one whose cleaning everything up, making dinner!” He motioned down to the food. “It’s really is no trouble.” Diesel repeated, giving him a soft smile. “I’m just glad you’re here.”

Keith smiled at that, then frowned. “So it’s cool if I don’t just… sleep with you?”

Diesel barked loudly once more at that. Marshal pounded on the nearby wall to get them to shut up. “Yo’ no whore, dude.” Diesel shook his head. “I hope you don’t think that’s why I invited you to move in… Besides being as flexible as I am, it’s really no trouble giving myself some head.”

Keith whole face turned a bright red at that and the human went back to picking at his dinner before able to find his voice again. “No, I just… why then?”

“Why?” Diesel chuckled a bit confused at that. “Dude, I like you. I thought that was obvious.”

Keith felt a bit better about that. “Well… what about Jimbo, I mean with you being mated…?” Diesel sighed as he brought it up again. “I mean… where do the line between friends and… more get crossed?”

“When balls touch.” Diesel just said flatly. The two stopped at that, then shared a much needed laugh about it. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a long ass day and I was looking forward to us snuggling.” The great dane shook his head. “I shouldn’t have expected it or make you think you had too…” The great dane apologized then for it.

Keith nodded at that. “You didn’t…” The human just said. “Well, kind of did but not really. I should’ve said something sooner and I just… It’s hard to know what’s ok to do and what’s not and just...” Keith shook his head. The cultural differences between the two could make things rather complicated let alone at times like this.

Diesel stopped him there. “If there is anything I do that makes you uncomfortable. Ever. Please, tell me and let me know.” The great dane reached over to place a hand on his leg. “I promise, I’m not about to force ya’ to do anything you don’t want too.”

Keith thanked him on that, placing a hand on Diesel’s. “Does that mean we’re still friends?”

Diesel gave another bark of a laugh, withdrawing his hand. Keith was already flushed in the face. “Look, dude. I doubt there’s anything ya can say or do at this point that would make us stop being friends.

“Now, if you like, I would like it if you joined me here on this couch. I greatly enjoy your company. And I did mean it before,” Diesel just shrugged a shoulder as he watched Keith get up and move over to join him on the couch. He made sure the human had more than enough room before scooting over next to him, bumping his leg against Keith’s. “You’re always welcomed in my room. If you want to sleep in my bed,” the great dane shrugged. “I don’t mind. Just don’t expect me not to cuddle with you if I catch ya.” He teased a bit.

Keith chuckled at that. “It was nice…”

“It really was.” Diesel agreed, smiling down at him then going back to eating. “You don’t mind me eating, do you?” The great dane asked, knowing most human found it to be revolting, let alone offensive to them when a canine ate in view.

Keith took a moment, then shook his head. “Honestly? I think eating something in general is rather nasty… with that said, no I don’t mind you doing it. I’m not about to stop you from eating.” Keith laughed, flushing once more at the thought. “If I had asked though…”

“I wouldn’t eat around you.” Diesel just smiled with another shrug.

“Uh… can you set your food down for a second?” Keith asked and Diesel did, looking at the human quizzical. The great dane got a strong hug the next second from him. Keith buried his face against Diesel’s smoky gray furred chest, to hide the tears in his eyes.

Diesel just took a second, Keith didn’t let go, so he wrapped his arms around him tightly.

“If something ever did come up, between us…” Diesel brought up softly. “I promise you, you’ll always have a place here. Even if I have to get my own apartment, I’ll pay for your rent.” The great dane just chuckled lightly. “Keith?”

His roommate let go, wiping his eyes off and unable to look at him.

“Would you like to sleep with me tonight?” Diesel wasn’t used to asking such things. Around other dogs you could smell if they were interested or not. If they wanted something or if they had no desire for it. More than half the language exchanged between canines was through body language and scent alone.

“And by that…?” Keith dared to asked, chuckling lightly.

Diesel wiped a tear from his cheek with his thumb. That coarse, light gray paw pad scratched lightly over it as he did so.

“I mean would you like to sleep in my bed, with me, from now on. As friends.” Diesel just smiled in turn.

“You do have a nice bed…” Keith admitted.

Diesel just grinned at that, looking away as he rubbed the back of his neck broad neck. “Yeah… it was one of those things I was really beginning to feel bad about. The bed you have is just a substitute… When I got my tax returns I was hoping to get you a bigger, better one. Not sure how’d it fit…” Diesel frowned at that thinking it over.

Keith just gave him another big hug and the great dane wagged his tail at that.

“You don’t have to do all this for me. Any of this.” Keith shook his head pulling back. “I can take care of myself, you know.”

“I do know.” Diesel just said, taking hold of one of Keith’s hands. “Is it bad… that I want to take care of you?”

Keith flushed a bit, looking down at that large hand holding his. Diesel’s hand could easily wrap around Keith’s whole hand. The human just rested it in the great dane’s palm. Feeling the slightly coarse light gray paw pads against his own palm.

“I’m just not used to it… you don’t want anything, in return.” Keith mentioned, feeling bad just for bringing it up. As if he had actually thought Diesel was going to ask for something in the first place.

“Is that why you keep offering me money?” Diesel chuckled lightly, rubbing that coarse paw padded thumb over the back of Keith’s hand. “And thought I wanted to get… uh sexual favors?” The great dane inner ears burned at the thought, Diesel would not have said no if Keith had indeed offered it to him however.

“Sorry about… that.” Keith went quiet for a moment. “I’m just not used to meeting good people, I guess?” And he shrugged. “I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect when we began talking again after all those years… then moving in?” He shook his head.

“Well, that’s half the fun in life isn’t it? Figuring things out.” Diesel just said softly, his deep voice warm and heavy as it drolled out of that broad muzzle. “Together.”

“I’m not going to say yes, to your offer…” Keith started up. Diesel still was holding his hand. “If I do… do it though…”

“My room is always open to you.” Diesel just smiled finally letting his hand go. “Like my pants.”

And Keith nearly choked on that.

Diesel chuckled. “If you have any more questions about dogs, about us, about… life?” Diesel had to think that over. “All I ask… is that you ask me.”

“I don’t want to take advantage of your good nature.” Keith felt the need to say, after what Marshal had mentioned.

“Good nature?” Diesel laughed at that, taking another bite of food. “Have you seen me when I drive? I’m a terrible person.” He shook his head. “Got major anger issues and like I’m usually late on my taxes, don’t tip well and just put my feet up in the seat in front of me at the theater!”

“Truly a monster.” Keith laughed, shaking his head. “I did your taxes for you… I usually tip just fine. And I think it’s the people sitting behind you more than the ones in front that are bothered. Ya’ big meathead blocking the view.” Keith nudged his side.

Diesel just smiled at that, the tip of his tail wagging. “Well… I guess you just fill in all my holes, huh?”

“Don’t you mean pieces, like to a puzzle?” Keith just rolled his eyes. “I’m not sticking my hand in your sheath.” He added on, moving back a bit more and shaking his head.

“How about a finger then?” Diesel offered in exchange.

“No.”

“Just the tip?” The dog grinned, floppy ears up as his tail continued to wag. Keith just gave him a look and Diesel gave him a strong hug. The canine yawned shortly after. “Fuck, I’m tired…”

The two continued to chat aimlessly as they finished their dinner, both going in to brush their teeth and getting ready for bed. Diesel toothbrush was almost twice as long at the end than Keith, made to get to the back teeth of that muzzle. Diesel turned down the mouthwash Keith had bought, explaining he couldn’t gurgle like a human could.

“Relax,” Diesel just added as he left the bathroom. “I still swallow.”

Keith nearly spit the mouthwash he was still using out and Diesel gave him a large grin at that. The great dane waited out front of the bathroom for Keith to finish, just twiddling his thumbs until Keith was ready.

“So…” Diesel began. Keith just looked over at him.

“Yes, Diesel? Is there something you want?”

“It’s not what I want, it’s what I can do for you!” Diesel offered his sales pitch with open arms. “Look, I get it.” He slung an arm around Keith shoulder. “You like the space, Mack. Ok if I call you Mack? My bed is bigger though! You always complain about being cold.” The great dane shook his head at the very thought. “Well you are in luck my friend! Not only does the heater work better in there I got that big ol’ fluffy blanket to boot. And best yet! You get to sleep with your very own personal heater! As an added bonus, he vibrates too… for your pleasure.” Diesel actually ‘woofed’ at the end.

Keith just gave him a tired look. “What’s behind door number 2 then?”

“A cold, dreary, lonely bedroom that would eventually lead you to a life of crime and debauchery until your peddling change on the street corner…” Diesel tsked, shaking his head side to side as if able to see the scene now. “Selling your body just to get by.”

Keith was a bit worried about just how excited the great dane was at that prospect.

“Either way you end up in my bed.” Diesel just nodded in approval.

“I guess I don’t have much of a choice then.” Keith shrugged a shoulder. Diesel was a bit stunned at that, letting the human just walk past him and into his room. “Ground rules.” Keith began.

“I’m the big spoon.” Diesel just sighed, accepting that burden. “The things I do to make you happy.”

“Not what I meant.” Keith had to laugh at that.

“Fine! Fine! You can be the big spoon but I warn you if you can’t do the job, I’ll have to step up.” Diesel just grinned widely as they walked into his room. Keith could hear the heater kick on overhead. Maybe it would be nicer in here.

The human was about to bring up the ground rules again when he turned around. Diesel was standing right behind him, the canine moving down to lick over his nose the next second and hug him to his chest.

“I…” Keith shook his head. “It’s very hard to hate you, you know that?”

“I do.” Diesel just nodded.

“Look,” Keith started up.

Diesel cut him off however letting him go and taking a step back. “You know I’m a terrible tease.” Keith couldn’t deny that. “Do I have to promise you that I won’t do anything, though?” Diesel folded his arms over his chest, lifting up an eyebrow. Both his ears stood up too. Keith tried not to laugh at the look Diesel was giving him.

Keith rolled his eyes at that. “No, you’re fine I know. I do trust you D.” Keith paused at that. “I just… value your friendship, m-more than you know, is all.” Keith wasn’t looking at him. His voice having grown softer as he spoke until it was barely more than a whisper.

The bed shifted as Diesel sat down on it, patting it for Keith to join him. “I know, dude.” Diesel just wrapped an arm over his shoulder after Keith took a seat on it.

“You just… got mad before.” Keith still felt bad about what had happened between them.

It took Diesel a few seconds to recall the incident. “No, no dude that wasn’t… That was just me being dumb is all.” The great dane sighed heavily, not wanting to admit at the same time he had jerked off into his own muzzle thinking of the human. “Could we uh… cuddle? And I’ll tell you about it?”

Keith couldn’t argue with that and moved up in the bed. Diesel got up and waited for Keith to get tucked in before turning the lights off. The dog walked over without a problem. Diesel undressed before getting in, not mentioning it and hoping Keith would be ok with that at least. The human did know Diesel slept in the nude after all. Keith didn’t notice or at least didn’t bring it up as the great dane scooted over next to him.

“That wasn’t you.” Diesel wrapped an arm around him, pulling the human close. He rubbed at his chest, through the fabric of his shirt with his other hand. “Just… things aren’t going to best with me and… Jimbo.”

Keith didn’t say a thing about that, he knew the two of them were having problems.

“I hate mentioning it.” Diesel laid on his back, resting an arm behind his head as he looked up towards the ceiling. “Or bringing it up! It always bugged the hell out of me when my friends talk about their relationships…”

Keith scooted over to rest against the great dane’s chest. He could feel each breath the canine took and let out. Underneath one hand he even felt the great dane’s strong heart beat pounding in his chest.

“I just… get angry, thinking about it. Everything I’ve done for him! And just…” Diesel sighed not wanting to mention it anymore. “I don’t think there will be a Jimbo and me much longer… I’m stupid when I get like this… do things I shouldn’t and just… I’m sorry if I hurt you.” He looked down at the human.

Keith just scratched over his chest.

“Thanks, I needed that… I needed this.” Diesel gave a gruff sigh again, rubbing his back on the mattress before settling down. “Just needed… you.” Diesel paused at that, the inner parts of his ears turning a dark red again. “I’ve been…. Overly playful because of it. Just trying to deal with it, in my own way. I’m sorry if I got you caught up in my drama.”

“Well… it was fun.” Keith did admit.

Diesel chuckled at that. “Then every second was worth it then.” The great dane just looked down at him for a few seconds. “Not sure how I’d have gotten through all this without you…” Keith could feel Diesel’s breath wash over his face, the human looked up at him. Only seeing those faintly glowing powder blue canine eyes looking at him. “Texting with me, talking on the phone and just…”

Keith could feel the arm behind him flex, the hand resting on his hip. Those strong fingers holding him.

“Keith…” Diesel turned on his side to face him a bit more, leaning down nearly bumping their noses together. Keith placed a hand on Diesel’s chest as the canine tilted his muzzle to one side.

And it would be the first time Keith tasted those velvety smooth lips against his own as Diesel pulled him into it.