"Alex! Let's go back to sleep, I'm scared."
Alex put his finger to Nathan's lips, shushing him
"Be quiet Nathan! There's something out there, I know it! Now stay behind me, I'll keep watch!" The boys had woken up after a sudden flash of lightning had stirred them up in the middle of the night. It didn't help that Alex thought it'd be a great idea to watch a scary movie before their bedtime.
"I think I see something..." Alex whispered as he wrapped his arm around Nathan's hip, bringing him closer to his body. "I'm right here, don't get scared."
Nathan could sense the obvious terror that gripped his friend; from his body language, the way his voice shuddered, to the sweat that began to stain his tank top. But Alex's bravery and sense of adventure outmatched his need for safety and comfort, "Curiosity killed the cat," Nathan's mom once told him.
The scared juvenile was still shivering with anxiety, trying to catch each breath. Without hesitation or any forethought, Nathan reached his hand underneath Alex's tank top, feeling his heartbeat through his friend's chest. "It's okay, Alex, it’s just a storm. You probably just had another nightmare."
Feeling Alex's worries still present, Nathan began to gently stroke Alex's chest, moving his hand in small circles, letting his fingers search every familiar part of his friend's nascent torso; starting with his smooth, budding chest down to the soft, pillow-like skin that enveloped his friend's belly. Nathan was doing everything he could to find that spot, that touch that "feels good," as Alex would say when they were in bed together before falling asleep.
"You feeling better now, Alex?"
"Yeah... I just feel embarrassed. I mean, we're fifth graders now! We're basically grown-ups!"
"Don't feel that way," Nathan reassured him, still caressing Alex's body. Alex was feeling relaxed now, breathing out a sigh of relief, his stomach expanding with a large puff of air. "Phew, I'm all sweaty!" he said, peeling off his tank top, revealing his naked chest glistening in the light from all the excitement that had just happened.
"Nathan, can you-"
"Only if you promise to sleep this time," Nathan replied with a grin.
Although Alex was a brave warrior in spirit, in reality he was like any other boy. Scared, timid, and in need of comfort. And it was during these sleepovers when Nathan would invite Alex over to his house that he got to know everything about his best friend. He knew Alex's favorite movies, his habits and routines, and his secrets. His favorite hideout became their new secret place, and he knew what Alex was thinking just by looking in his eyes. Alex likewise noticed similar details; how Nathan covered his eyes with his hair whenever he was scared, how he sorted his books in chronological order, how modest and shy he was in public compared to how playful and vulnerable he was when it was just the two of them.
The boys were back in bed now, and although the eeriness of Nathan's room at night (coupled with the thrill of a scary movie) was a partial cause for Alex's discomfort, the welcoming embrace Nathan offered - the invitation he always gave with his exposed body, was more than enough to help him relax. What started as Nathan's way to comfort his best friend after a nightmare in the first grade, became a nighttime routine for the two of them at almost every sleepover, with both boys letting their guard down, bearing their thoughts, feelings, and dreams in each other's skin.
"Promise you won't tell anyone," Alex whispered, burying his head into Nathan's chest.
"I was scared, too. I promise I won't say anything."
--
This was a very short story I wrote as a description for this drawing I had finished back in October of last year. Sometimes I'll come up with the drawing first and then the short story, other times I'll do the reverse. Unfortunately my deviantART account was banned and I think it might have to do with this image. The story itself very well could be expanded with additional drawings, but I want to improve my skills both in writing and drawing/painting. As for the inspiration behind the story, the story and image are about the importance of touch and physical affection in friendships, especially as forms of nonverbal communication that demonstrate trust, loyalty, and love. I want to make it known that the bond these boys share is so deep and so loving, that they share every part of themselves with each other. Personal space is non-existent between them, they are "attached at the hip" as it were. Whether I'll continue this story or do anything else with Nathan and Alex, I don't know! Otherwise I'd love to hear what you guys think!
