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Eoin McCracken was dreaming of being pampered, until he woke slowly and discovered that it was actually happening. He murred softly, feeling his fur being minutely stroked and caressed by his great crimson dragon lover. Benedict seemed to be massaging the Saluki in small, precise areas, the large foreclaws showing infinite care and tenderness, moving in a complicated pattern like shiatsu massage, bringing Eoin out of his dream so very gently.

"Just lie there and melt a bit," the dragon suggested quietly. "My Boxing Day gift for you."

The young architect-to-be shifted only slightly, smiling. "I never did understand what that was all about."

"The tradition never crossed the pond. Shall I be all professorial for you?"

"Anything you'd like, as long as you don't stop what you're doing."

"Oh, I shan't, I promise you." The dragon sounded to Eoin as if he were about to giggle and turned it into a cough, then he launched into his explanation. "The origins are debatable, but my favorite explanation is that it was a gift to servants who had to wait on their masters on Christmas Day. They were allowed to spend the next day with their families, and they would be given a box of gifts, bonuses, leftover food, and so forth. This became known as the Christmas Box, thus the 26th of December became known as Boxing Day."

"And now you know..." Eoin intoned solemnly, "...the rest of the story."

"Do I bore you, dear pup?"

"Never." The Saluki sighed with deep satisfaction. He listened to the deep ticking of his heart and came to a decision. "Benedict... we really should talk a bit today. I've had something on my mind that I'd like to... well, it has to do with us."

"Nothing wrong, I hope?"

"Not at all. Just a talk. Maybe after Zachary leaves a little later. It was nice of you to invite him to stay."

"Christmas Day isn't over until Boxing Day arrives. Seemed only fair." The dragon had moved his tender foreclaw to Eoin's head, skritching him sweetly. "We could talk later. I need to visit my office for just a bit, though. You lay there and relax. I'm going to get dressed."

Eoin was in no way eager to disobey such a pleasant suggestion. He buried his head in the pillow a bit further, sighing contentedly, smiling to himself, thinking how lovely this Christmas had been, as had the last one.A pup could get used to this sort of thing, he thought idly. He lay in bed, warm and snug, thinking fondly on Benedict, listening to the sounds of the dragon moving about, getting dressed, shifting his weight to don his trousers, stifling a chuckle, putting on a shirt and vest...

...chuckle?

Slowly, the Saluki opened his eyes, his smile dimming a little as the idea became more clear. Benedict chuckling is not always a good sign. When a dragon has something to giggle about, it usually means that something is gravely amiss in the cosmos. "Benedict..."

"Sorry, Eoin, must dash!" The chortle was in no way contained during this short speech. "We'll chat later."

The grad student suddenly felt very much awake. He jumped out of bed in time to see Benedict standing in the open doorway of their bedroom, looking at Eoin with a mixture of affection and unrepentant mirth, then burst into gales of laughter that must have awakened households in a two-block radius. Whatever had happened, the pup was clearly the butt of the joke. He stormed into the master bath, looked into the mirrors, and stared with something between disbelief and outrage.

"BENEDICT LEWELLYN SPENSER, GODS-DAMN YOU!!!"

Another bellow of laughter from the outer hall was followed by the closing of the front door, as the Saluki continued staring into the mirror, looking at his beautiful, long, white-gold fur... plaited in rows from his neck down to his tail. The treatment was complete, with no fewer than thirty carefully braided clumps. That was what Benedict had been doing with those deft, soft-seeming claws of his.

"Eoin, are you all r--"

Zachary Parker came barreling into the room wearing only his warm-up pants, his face first deeply concerned, and then he too fell into gales of hysterical laughter as Eoin stood, fists to hips, burning with anger at his lover and at this upstart pup. He didn't even bother to register clearly that he was stripped to the fur (plaited as much of it was). The scowl on his face hurt, and his voice was ice. "If you're quite finished..."

Slowly, the Akita gained control over his laughter, held up a placating paw. "Please, I'm... I'm sorry, it's just... oh my gods, how did...?"

"I suppose stealth and dexterity for a dragon of Benedict's years are unquantifiable with any accuracy." Eoin let his forepaws hang down by his sides. Gone was his blissful mood; gone was his desire to talk to the damned drake; gone were his plans to do much of anything with the morning other than figure out how to undo the damage that the bastardly overgrown lizard had done to him. "If you'll excuse me... this will take time to repair, unless I cut everything off."

"No, wait, don't do that..." The athlete took two more steps into the room, trying hard to get his face to cooperate. "Look, let me help. I'm pretty good at basic fur grooming, and I can reach your back better than you can."

Eoin hesitated. After such a rude awakening, he wasn't at all sure he wanted any more bad news, especially if Parker had any further unpleasantness in mind... He shook himself, mentally trying to get out of his head the fight on Thanksgiving Friday. The pup had been doing better all the time, and he was trying to be friendly, to extend a kindness. It would be unfair to hold a grudge.

"I'm sorry I laughed, it was just..."

"I know, I know." The Saluki tried to wave it off. It might even be funny to him, later, but with what he'd been feeling, what he'd wanted to say... right now, it just hurt. "I could use the help. Thank you."

"Curry comb and body brush? I can get mine, if you'd like..."

"No, mine's here." Eoin gathered them from the tray next to the sink.

"One more thing," Parker suggested softly. "If you've got a spray bottle I can use...? I'll mix up some watered-down conditioner, to help with tangles."

"Good idea."

"Came in handy at the stables."

Eoin squatted, opened the cabinet below the sink, rummaged for an empty squirt bottle. "You worked at a stable?"

"Looked after feral horses for a while in high school. Good job. Grooming them is actually very relaxing."

The grad student reached around behind him. "This do?"

Parker took the empty plastic bottle in paw. "Perfect. Got some conditioner?"

"There..." Eoin waved toward the side of the tub. "Orange bottle."

"Bed Head?"

"No jokes."

"Fair enough." The Akita poured a measure into the bottle. Eoin looked at himself in the multiple mirrors of the bathroom, seeing just what a job Benedict had done on him. Even in his state of extreme irritation, he had to admit that it was thorough, particularly considering that he'd slept through most of it. Dragons do nothing by halves - a lesson he should have learned by now. To a dragon, planning and execution are the only important factors, and the word "execution" had very unpleasant contexts at the moment.

After letting the tap in the sink warm up a bit, the Akita diluted the conditioner and reassembled the spray bottle. He looked the Saluki in his eyes, and although there was something of a smile, it was gentle, not a smirk.

"He really did do a number on you." The pup's voice was soft, almost sympathetic. "Let's get you sitting down somewhere I can sit behind you."

His heart heavier than even he felt it should be, Eoin simply moved to the bed and sat down on it. He looked up at Parker, waiting. The Akita seemed to hesitate. "I'm not going to pounce you, Zachary," the grad student offered. "For one thing, I'm too damned mad, and for another, I made you a promise, and I'll stand by it."

"Let me get a towel," the athlete said. "Don't want to get the bedclothes wet."

"I was going to wash them today anyway, but good thinking. Thank you."

Parker retrieved a towel and came around the bed, moving to seat himself behind the Saluki. Eoin sensed some hesitation, then heard the sound of the spray bottle being used, felt the warm water across his shoulder blades. The Akita's forepaws worked the solution into the fur for a moment, and then he began his treatment with the curry comb. "Let me know if I pull your fur," he said.

"I will." The budding architect sounded resigned even to himself. He felt sour, in mind and spirit, and he spent the first few minutes of the treatment in a silence that could almost be considered a sulk. He did come to realize, however, that Parker was both quick and careful in his ministrations. He was able to feel that several of the plaits had been undone very quickly, and the body brush went through that part of the fur smoothly and without obstruction.

"How are you feeling?" the athlete asked.

Eoin had to smile a little. "Grateful to you. I may not be a horse, but you're doing a great job. Thank you, Zachary."

"You're welcome." The voice was soft. "But I was talking about the rest of you, not just your fur. You seem... well, 'down' maybe. You're more upbeat than this usually. I was afraid something was wrong."

A long moment passed as the elder canine considered his emotions. "You're right," he said at last. "I was feeling fine until Benedict pulled this prank on me. I shouldn't let it get to me, but his timing really sucks."

"How so?"

"I wanted to have a talk with him." Eoin paused, feeling over the topic that he had wanted to bring up, now not the least bit sure that he wanted to bring it up ever again. That, of course, was an infantile response. This was but one of many pranks that Benedict had pulled, and no doubt would pull in the future. It wasn't such a horrible thing; it was just that the timing was all wrong. What Eoin really wanted to remember, especially after Christmas Day, was all the ways that he loved Benedict for his tenderness, for his affectionate attentions, his support and confidence, not this hatchling play-yard humiliation garbage. It wasn't meant that way, of course, and Eoin knew that; sometimes, Benedict was just... well, infantile, and was usually playful, but today, this morning... bad timing.

"Thank you."

Parker's voice brought the Saluki back to himself. "For what?"

"For showing me that I don't have to be upset for someone not talking. I used to think that someone not telling me what's going on with them was almost an attack, like keeping secrets that they would use against me later or something. You showed me that, sometimes, it's just really not my business."

"I'm sorry, Zacharay; I didn't mean to go quiet on you. Especially since you're doing me such a favor."

"It's okay." The smile in the Akita's voice was easy to hear. "That's what I mean. Sometimes, you really do have to keep things to yourself a little and think stuff through. I guess I'm learning what you meant when you said that you want to help. If I can help by listening..." The pup snorted. "Never thought I'd be saying something like that. It's..."

"...gay?"

"No," the athlete said mildly. "It's just not me being all wrapped up in myself, like I've been. I'm trying to see other people for a change. So this is me, trying to be New Me."

Eoin chuckled along with Parker, who applied more of the conditioner and kept unknotting the plaits with great dexterity. The Saluki's fur was wet, but it was also smoothing out again, and the conditioner didn't hurt matters. It was warm enough in the room, and the company made it pleasant as well. "So tell me something about this new Zachary Parker. He sounds like a very interesting guy."

"Not sure that's the word I'd use." Again, the smile was easy to hear. "At least he's not likely to resort to trying to beat the crap out of someone. And he doesn't mind being in bed with a gay guy."

The elder canine had to laugh, then sobered a little. "That's a lot of strength, Zachary. I don't mean to get all soppy on you, but the way you're able to joke, and to help me... I hope it feels good to you, because I really like this New You that you're showing. I think he's a very special pup."

"Thank you." The pause felt slightly of embarrassment. "Um, Eoin, I... well, it would probably be easier for me to get to these braids on your lower back if you lay down on your stomach..."

"Oh, sure, no problem." The Saluki shifted a little, lay himself out on the bed, resting his chin on his crossed forepaws. Parker sat cross-legged nearby and, again applying mist from the spray bottle, busied himself with the last clump of plaits. "Tell me about the horses you tended. I've never really gotten to know any feral horses. I think I'm a little afraid of them."

"Unless they're sick or frightened, feral horses are sweetly relaxed creatures. They're just big, compared to most of us. And much stronger. Usually, though, they're more curious than threatening. You have to learn how to speak their language, read the signals of their ears and tails, and then you can be around them without being afraid of anything."

"That must have been a wonderful time in your life."

"Yeah."

Eoin paused, turned his muzzle toward the Akita, resting his cheek on his forepaws. "Zachary, are you okay?"

"I think so. It's just..." The athlete didn't continue, and Eoin felt sure that it was his turn simply to let it go. Parker's past was part of the issue; that much information didn't require violating any doctor-client privilege. Other conversations had shown the Akita not entirely comfortable reaching back too far into his personal history, much less revealing it to others.

"How are you feeling, Zachary?"

"Okay." Another pause, and then, more softly: "Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks for asking. I think I've got you untangled now."

The Saluki felt the body brush applied gently to the fur at his shoulders, down his back in short strokes, smoothing everything out beautifully. It felt almost like a massage, and a low moan escaped his lips before he could stop it. There was a very brief moment of hesitation, then the brush continued. "Forgive me; it just feels very good. You're right: You're very good at grooming. Thank you, Zachary."

The brush continued for another minute or two, and then was replaced with a tenderly applied forepaw, traveling gently down his back, not too far, then back up to the shoulder blades again and down. Eoin felt the bed move as Zachary lay down beside him, propped on one elbow, his forepaw still stroking the Saluki's back. Their eyes met and held for a moment, and Eoin saw a tear form in the Akita's eye and roll slowly down his dark-furred cheek.

"Zachary?"

"I don't know who he is." The athlete's lower lip trembled. "The one... you look like him. You remind me of him."

Eoin rolled onto his side, facing Zachary, reaching out to cup his cheek tenderly. "I'm sorry that I'm not him, Zachary."

Slowly, the younger pup nodded, still looking the Saluki in the eyes. "I know that. I do, Eoin. You're not him. Whoever he is, you're not him. But you're here, and I... and I need..."

Almost whispering, Eoin asked, "Zachary... may I hold you?" In the hesitation, the elder said, "Just that, Zachary. Just hold me."

Tears beginning to flow, the Akita reached out, shifting his body closer to Eoin's and pressing his bare chest against the Saluki's. Eoin returned the embrace, petting the pup's headfur tenderly, holding his trembling body firmly, chastely, a silent promise not to let go. The grad student was no counselor, but even he knew when someone needed comfort.

"Eoin, I can hear him. Konstantin."

The name sent a shiver down the Saluki's spine. He gripped harder, as did Parker, their shared fear of that evil-sounding voice making them cling to each other. "He can't hurt you anymore, Zachary. He's not here. Benedict won't let him hurt either of us."

"In my head." The athlete's voice caught in his throat. "It's something in my head."

"Do we need to call Benedict?"

"Not now, please..." Parker held Eoin closer than ever. "Just hold me. Just... just hold..."

Eoin felt a change, but he couldn't quite understand what it was. Gently, Parker pulled back slightly from their embrace and focused his tear-filled eyes on the Saluki's. "Eoin, can I... would you let me... can I... kiss you?"

"Is that what you want, Zachary?"

The Akita nodded.

"I'm not him," he whispered softly.

"No. You're Eoin. And I want to kiss Eoin. Because Eoin is my friend, and I need him."

Something inside the Saluki's chest shattered, and he leaned slowly forward and planted his closed lips to Zachary's, and the two of them held themselves there for a very long moment. When they pulled apart, Eoin realized that he could feel the Akita's arousal pressing between them. The pup trembled in his arms, reached up to pet his cheek, his eyes speaking volumes of tenderness and desperation, desire and confusion. Were this almost anyone else, Eoin would not have hesitated, but with Zachary...

"Zachary... can you tell me what you're feeling?"

The voice that responded was high and tiny. "I don't know..."

"Can you tell me what you want?"

"I don't know..."

Eoin reached his own forepaw up to caress the athlete's cheek softly. "I'm happy to lie here and just hold you until you know. We can talk, or be quiet together. I won't abandon you, Zachary. I won't leave. Just hold me."

Zachary nodded slowly. "There's one thing I do know," he whispered. He leaned forward and kissed the Saluki again, softly, properly, and separated slowly. "I can trust you. I know that you really are my friend."

Smiling softly, Eoin nodded. "Yes. Count on it."

The Akita tucked his head down to rest on Eoin's chest, a few tears dampening the white-gold fur. The Saluki rested his chin atop Zachary's head, holding him close, wondering what might happen, what he wanted to happen, what he would do if the athlete wanted more of him. All he knew with any certainty was that he would be good to his word: He would not abandon his friend, his loving, hurting, needful friend. He was needed, and that was all that he had to know. Whatever the future held, whether the next five minutes or the next five years, Eoin felt strength in being needed.

Whatever he'd wanted to say to Benedict was put aside entirely. This was what was important.