Chapter 7
Brett was laying on the bed, sighing. He felt bad. His tummy was gurgling and bubbling and he wasn't really happy. Because Eddy, that sly hedgehog, told him he ate worms and they were in the blackberries. The tasty, tasty blackberries. And since he had nothing left in his stomach thanks to digestion, he couldn't even heave up that. So he whined and decided to lay in bed to whine some more. Eddy watched Brett, taking pity on him, "There's a place where wizards are. We can always turn into hoomans and go there for food."
He decided he should offer to be a good friend. Even if neither of them were the happiest hedgies at the moment, sad times were bound to happen, there would always be something wrong but they could overcome it together.
Brett shook his head. He whined more about it being so damn tasty than the others. The thought was still gross but they tasted awesome! And that was the problem.
Brett huffed again and buried his head into the moss. He just needed a few moments and would bounce back to his happy self in a bit. It was just the shock for his human brain that maggots and worms were delicious.
Eddy quietly laid by him, he would allow Brett to have his moment of weakness. He would not tease him about it or say anymore, it was not nice to tease if one was emotionally distressed. Eddy now knew that because he didn't like it. Thus he wouldn't put Brett through the same. The hedgehog man could process everything at his own rate.
Brett was just a huffy baby instead of a screeching one like Eddy. He turned his head to Eddy and huffed again. That traitor didn't say anything! For that he stuck his mostly cold nose into Eddy's ear again. It wasn't as cold as before but instead more like normal temperature. He would get his revenge! Somehow. And it wouldn't be just a cold nose in an ear!
But now he just wasn't happy.
"I want a burger with hot dogs. I want normal food. Normal human food! Why do you have to eat grubs and maggots?"
"Because I am a hedgehog and it has the nutrients I need. I also kill small lizards sometimes. Would you rather eat that?" Eddy did offer to go to the wizard world for the whiny baby to get more normal food. Brett said no though so the picky thing would get what he got.
Eddy moved his head away a bit when Brett stuck his nose against his ear, it wasn't too bad this time though.
"Eddy, I love you, I really do, but sometimes I think you playdumb on purpose. It was a rhetorical question; it doesn't need an answer. I know why you need that and why you eat that, I was complaining to the gods who made this world, you know," Brett gently explained. He didn't think Eddy was dumb, just that a lot of what he did wasn't logical for the hedgehog. He was just complaining to complain. It wasn't anything serious after all. He ate worms, he kind of liked it, even if it was gross, and he was still fine afterwards. So all was mostly well, except his image of never having eaten something so disgusting. He could now 'Never have I ever' drink when he was asked if he had ever eaten a bug or insect. Nothing he was proud of.
"I do not understand that," Eddy simply stated, sure he whined, screeched and complained but he always had a point to doing so. It meant he wanted something or a change, "Why complain if you don't want it changed?"
He asked softly and confused.
"Because that's what this is about. I can't change the things you eat and now I need to eat to get everything I need. But I definitely can complain about it!" Brett sighed again and laid his head back now that he couldn't stick it into Eddy's ear since the hedgehog wasn't fazed by it. Or it wasn't cold enough. Sad days for Brett.
"But I offered you lizard and wizard food so there is a possibility for change? " Eddy stretched, he definitely didn't understand complaining just to complain. Maybe he would get it when he was old and cranky too, like Brett.
"Lizards are just as bad and when I eat wizard food now I will be reminded of what I have lost. Also it costs you money and I can't spend all your money, now, can I?" Brett sighed again and crawled closer to Eddy. He wanted hugs but since they were sipky things, he couldn't even get that! The day was ruined! Well, someone was a bit over dramatic for sure but he would live. He hopefully just didn't need to eat more maggots and worms!
"I see, well then flatten your quills," They may not be able to hug but Eddy could lay on top of him if he flattened his quills. That was something like a hug. Sorta. Eddy would try to bring Brett comfort though by being close and keeping him warm.
"I don't know how though? Just flatten yours and I will smush you into the ground lovingly." Brett chuckled and raised his head. Hugs were a good idea. It was almost as if Eddy could read his mind or did he mumble something under his breath? Eddy would just call it his hedgie senses, either way though he nodded. He laid down more flatly and flattened his quills. He was a natural at it, "You can lay on me now then."
He thought it may make Brett happier to be closer. And it sure did. Brett went up in front of Eddy again, "Careful, I'm coming butt first!", he explained before waddling over Eddy until he was lying just like he wanted. Then he let out a soft sigh, much happier now. It was no hug but it was ... skinship somehow. And that was good; he liked that.
Eddy let out a little rumbly sound that was similar to a purr, he thought it may have a calming effect. It could also sound like a growl but it was a purr just a hedgie purr. He knew Brett understood that though so it should be fine hypothetically. And it wasn't the first time Brett heard it. So yes, he absolutely knew how to take it. He softly yipped in thanks and closed his eyes. They were in Eddy's safe and secure nest and he could sulk and nap a bit. Somehow, being a hedgehog, made him extremely sleepy. Or it was all that screeching and running around and swimming that tired him out. Who knew? For now, Brett would nap. As for Eddy he would be there and make sure that Brett slept nicely. He would purr to his heart's content for Brett to simply be at peace in his little den. The good thing about it being little was that it was cozy. Which meant they could rest and be safe.
*
Brett woke up roughly an hour later. He yawned and smacked his lips. A quick look around told him that everything seemed to be like he remembered it. He carefully got off of Eddy, thinking that the small one needed some fresh air instead of being squished by a big boy and rubbed their noses together, "You awake?" he whispered.
"Yeah," Eddy opened his eyes, he had just been resting them while waiting for Brett. He rubbed his nose back against Brett's since Brett started it, "I see you're done crushing me, ai?"
He got onto his legs, stretching a bit so he could get his muscles awake and working.
"I will jump on you if you dare to make a fat joke. I can't help that I am bigger than you. You are just too small," Brett snickered and stretched as well. He wanted to get his old bones moving!
"The fatter the better, is what I think though. Means you are more likely to survive this harsh world," Eddy's mouth parted as he yawned, showing all his little sharp teeth. He looked at Brett though when he started stretching.
"True that. But then again, you can magic yourself big and eat a lot or does it take too much energy?" Brett was curious. He was bigger but also more heavy than Eddy. He could lay on the little thing in winter and keep it warm. Or they travel to the human world where Brett could take care of Eddy while he hibernated. That could be fun too.
"It can take too much energy, yes." Eddy nodded, sadly some things had to be done the old fashioned way, he could not just magically become fatter. It would be nice if he could do that. Well, he technically could but it was too exhausting. Plus he needed to save energy too to actually survive.
"I see. Well, we can always go back to my world and you can hibernate in my living room again. I didn't break off the lease so I have to pay for the flat anyway." And that would cost him so dang much. Brett wasn't sure if he wasn't evicted when he returned. Maybe they needed to go to the human world one more time to gather all his belongings like the music books and... oh, yeah, right. He sold everything he could to get them the plane tickets. His apartment was empty. He didn't even have a couch anymore.
"There's nothing left there though for you, except maybe friends and family you have," Eddy spoke quietly, not sure if that was a sore spot for Brett. He felt a bit bad for the poor man, giving that all up to be in a world he didn't know, "We could always find you another place here though."
Brett snorted, his family kicked him out when he chose music over being a doctor and his friends didn't help him when he needed the most so except Eddy, he was utterly alone in this world.
"Thank you. I just need to write an email or so to my landlord. To terminate the lease you know. There is nothing in it anyway."
He looked down and sighed. He would get over it somehow.
"That's if you go back, right?" Eddy didn't know if Brett wanted to stay here forever or not. Because right now it would probably seem like he was a missing person. Just disappearing out of thin air without a trace. Eddy didn't know how that would go with Brett's human existence in his world.
"No, that's for staying here. I have to get in touch with the human who rents the place to me to tell him he can give it to other people. Since I'm staying here with you. If you want, that is."
Brett.had nothing holding him back anyway. He had his violin and his friend, what else did he need?
"That's alright with me, I like you being here with me," Eddy liked having the company surprisingly enough. He couldn't deal with letting Brett leave now. Eddy would be too depressed if that happened. He would just stay in his hole and cry a bit.
"But... hedgehogs are solitary creatures. Am I not intruding or unnerving you by being here? I mean, I can just..." well, Brett couldn't just 'leave' but he could make enough space for Eddy if he wanted. He didn't want to annoy Eddy too much.
"They are but I like you being in my space, it does not upset me," Eddy spoke ever so softly with a little smile.
One couldn't understand how grateful Brett was for that right now. He nuzzled Eddy's face and licked over his sweet face, "Thank you so much."
"You're welcome," Eddy really did like Brett, he couldn't explain it but maybe it stemmed from Brett so diligently taking care of him. Even when Brett didn't need to take care of him, he did, "I really like you, you know."
He felt like they had a nice bond and it was fairly strong too. After all those months they spent together it was no surprise that they had a strong bond. And hoomans, full fledged hooman like Brett to boot, bonded way too easily with everything and everyone.
"Thank you," Brett licked over Eddy's abused ear and then continued to rub his face into Eddy's. He didn't know for certain how to express his gratitude or how to cuddle with Eddy in this form but he tried his best.
"You're welcome," Eddy rubbed back, he thought Brett was very sweet. Also how could he abandon Brett? The man gave up everything for him and saved his life. It was unthinkable to repay all that kindness by leaving his friend. That would make him such an asshole.
Brett didn't even think it was such a big deal, he feared he would annoy Eddy at some point. He should look into his own... Den or house or something like that so he could move out as soon as he noticed that Eddy didn't want him around any more. But for that he also needed money. Because he could not depend on Eddy's magic the whole time.
"Do you think other animals or magical creatures will like my music?"
Maybe he could become a 'street' artist? If so, then he had a way to earn money.
"I think they would like it," Music was a big part of the magic world after all, considering a lot of creatures used music for their own fun or to lure other creatures out. It played a really big role in some of their lives, so Brett should be able to fit in with his music, "Many creatures like music so you may be able to woo them."
"Then can you maybe bring me to such a place tomorrow, since it's quite late today, and I can try to play for them? I would like that and it has been ages since I've played my violin. I have to practice more regularly so I don't forget too much, you know? Also I don't want to woo anyone. For now I have you, that's more than enough for me," he added cheekily. He didn't need another magical creature who screeched like a banshee and bit his paws bloody, "I am looking for a way to get paid, you know. For stuff I need in the future."
Brett sighed, but this time it wasn't because he was frustrated or sad but because it was a big relief for him that he could stay with Eddy - for now.
But he had to work hard to afford food and his home as well. He didn't plan on staying a hedgehog forever. It was not his real body after all. He kind of missed his hands. It made him a superior being.
"Ah, I see. There are many things you could do, so if music is one of them I think you will do well. Before the storm I worked as an apprentice to a witch, by just gathering her ingredients." Since he was a hedgehog he could sniff out certain things better. Thus he made business of it, just gathering plants or newts for people. They liked using it for potions and spells. He didn't mind though because it meant he could save up.
"I see. That's nice!" Brett nodded and then did a double take, "Witch?! Oh my! How was she? Is she fully human, like me?" The hooman was excited! Eddy said there were magical people so maybe he could meet up and talk to them; maybe they would help him? That would be awesome! Or not, if he wasn't magical then Brett would be crushed since he technically needed to go back to the human world at some point.
"Yes, she is a hooman like you," Eddy nodded to that, "She's very sweet, but very introverted too so hedgehogs are the best assistants!"
He nodded to Brett, watching how excited Brett seemed by the idea, "We can go meet her if you want. I probably should pick up my tasks again. You can help too to get munie before music."
"Well, yes I want to meet her, but will you still have that job? It's been over three months since you came to the human world when you were swept away by that storm. So maybe she says she doesn't need your help anymore and found a different hedgehog? I'm just saying...," Brett nudged Eddy. He didn't want to paint the devil on the wall, but life moved on - regardless of what the people and beings in them wanted or not, "But yeah. We can go - tomorrow."
And he wasn't that sure if he got anything done in this body. He didn't know the different smells! All he knew was that maggots and worms tasted good - a gross thing to learn for him.
"Yes, she may have found another assistant but it never hurts to return and to explain the situation then see if there is any slack that can be picked up. It never hurts to see. It's better to ask and get an answer, rather than avoid and have no closure." Eddy stretched his little body, he was aware that he may have lost his job to another hedgie. But it never hurts to see. Plus he was cute so he might be given something else to do. People had a bias for cute things.
"True that. Then let's try it." Brett waddled to the bed and helped himself to lay on the soft moss, "But now, I want to sleep. Sleep away the grossness I've experienced and start over tomorrow. Or do you want to do anything today?"
Brett blinked his big, beady eyes to Eddy. Maybe the hedgehog wanted to do some more? He had no idea what, but that was why he asked.
"No, I have nothing I want to do at this moment, but didn't you just wake up from a nap?" Eddy chuckled. How much could his friend sleep? He supposed the travel and getting used to a new body could add to that though. It only made sense Brett would need to rest a lot as he adapted.
"I have the opportunity to be lazy and I will be lazy. At least now." Brett would throw himself into work tomorrow and the following days. But now? Now he was free of all the money issues he had in the human world, no obligations, nothing. Only spending time with Eddy and living his life here. He could have drawn it worse because that was literally the lottery ticket and he won the jackpot! Brett could start over a whole new life and who wouldn't want that?
Eddy trotted over to the moss to flop down by Brett. He wanted to be close to his friend, what drove him to do so, no one knew. He was rather clingy for a hedgehog. It was only natural though to cling to a person that took care of and rescued him. He couldn't deny that it played a big role in his attitude towards the other hedgehog.
And Brett certainly didn't mind since he immediately stuck his nose into Eddy's ear again. He sniffed and hastily took it out before sneezing. Then he rubbed the ear-nose into the moss, and laid his head on top.
"I like you a lot, Eddy. Just so you know. If I'm gone, I was abducted; I did not run away. So please don't let me die in a ditch, yeah?"
"I like you a lot too Brett so I won't let that happen," Eddy hummed softly to Brett, just wanting his friend to live a long happy life, "If we save enough we could buy a cottage here. So you don't have to live as a hedgehog forever. Could show me more of your hooman things.'
He murmured as he thought. The witch's hut had been nice and the same with Brett's old apartment even if it was chilly. So perhaps a cottage would be nice too.
"We can do that, if it's affordable. I would like that. Just living with you, going out and practicing and then earning money from that, having someone to come home to, yeah. I would definitely like that," Brett whispered. That would be wonderful and a first in his life. He led a very lonely life as a hooman. After his parents kicked him out and his friends one by one vanished from his side, he never bothered to make new connections. Why should he? They were bound to go separate ways anyway. But with Eddy he didn't have such a feeling. It was different and not just because he stuck his dick into the other. Something clicked when he came to this world and he never wanted to leave. Maybe he was also a male witch? That would be great. Then he had no reason to leave ever again.
"I think it would be nice, it doesn't exactly work like it works in your world with costs. Since we can achieve things with magic, not with those weird things you call bills. And once you own something you own it," Eddy didn't want Brett to have to worry about those frivolous things. One needed money for some things but all things. One shouldn't have to pay for the right to live under shelter anyways, so Eddy thought. It was a needed part of life to live comfortably.
"Well, the flat where we stayed was not mine. It was the owner's place and since he didn't need it he rented it to me in exchange for money, so I was just living in it while not owning it." It made sense for his hooman part but he also knew it was a way for the rich to keep the poor people poor and the rich people only got richer and richer. Because how could you afford anything if your whole money goes to other people? Yeah, the system was rigged but he couldn't do anything about it. Speaking of which!
"Oh, what do I owe you for letting me stay here, by the way? Since you don't need money - or do you? - what else would you like? I mean, you are letting me stay and all that."
"I need nothing, I just want you here," Eddy spoke softly, he saved coin though even if he didn't need money. He had saved some just in case. He was still young and needed to figure his own life out. He decided not to comment on the hooman stuff because he didn't know enough to actually comment.
"Well, I definitely like that, but I would feel bad though. I can't leech off of you and your riches. That would make me a bad person, you know? And I only let you stay a bit in my flat, so it's not a lot I have done. So, what do you want?" Brett nudged Eddy's nose with his. The hedgehog had to want something else than his company. What Brett forgot was the fact that Eddy was no hooman and therefore had no inner greed. Animals only killed when they needed to, not just for fun - the same was with getting riches.
"It does not make you a bad person to not give me something, you simply have to learn that you are enough for me." Eddy licked Brett's cheek. They were both lonely souls that came together. Although Eddy hadn't realized he was lonely though until he had made a friend.
"I ... see." His mind was already whirling. He would give Eddy back what he owed, one way or another. He would secretly learn what the hedgehog really liked here and then give it to him over and over again until he felt personally better at least. And then some more on top probably. His consciousness was nagging him to repay the debt. Technically speaking Eddy had the bigger debt, since rescuing someone from certain death was quite the accomplishment, but Brett's brain simply chose to forget that tiny fact for now.
"You're enough," Eddy continued grooming Brett's face, he was probably already clean but it never hurt to double check. He wanted to make sure he was clean and cared about. He had no clue what was going on in Brett's head so he would leave it at that.
"Thanks," Brett closed his eyes and let himself be licked. It was kind of gross but also comforting. Someone cared enough about him to lick his face! It was kind of like the cat his neighbor had when it licked his hand when he fed it. He would not do it, since it felt too weird, but he could probably look for a brush or toothbrush to clean Eddy's face with as he had done so in the human world.
Eddy focused on grooming Brett, wanting him to be nice and cared for. He didn't think it was that gross with all considering. He was just doing what he naturally would do. To be fair though, he had never seen humans lick each other before.
Alas, Eddy was no full human so Brett could forgive him for licking him. And it felt nice. Brett laid flat on the moss and just let Eddy do his thing. He even rolled to the side so Eddy could clean the underside of his chin. A squeaky purr rumbled in his tummy before he let it out, very content to have physical closeness with somebody who cared for him. Eddy looked at Brett with bright eyes! This was the first time Brett had purred! The interest and excitement he held was similar to that of a parent seeing their baby crawl or walk for the first time. Brett's purr was cute too, Eddy thought. Thus he licked the hedgehog more.
While Eddy was busy cleaning and licking Brett, the older was slowly licked asleep. It was kind of like being petted on the head while being drowsy. Since his eyes were closed and he was tired anyway, it didn't take long and Brett was gone. He was in the land of the asleep and wouldn't come out that easily. His purrs stopped shortly after and were replaced with deep even breaths.
Eddy decided it would be best not to continue cleaning Brett while he was asleep so he kept his tongue to himself. He laid near the other creature so they could be close though. It was probably time for him to rest as well. Without any thought he closed his eyes and drifted away into slumber.
*
The next morning came and with that came the hunger. Brett sniffed in his sleep before blinking his eyes open. He looked around and yes, he was still in a good smelling den. Eddy was beside him so he assumed they were not hedgehog-napped. Gently he nudged Eddy to wake him up.
"Good morning!"
It was time to start the day and Brett was excited about all the new things he would see and learn about.
Eddy huffed as he opened his eyes, "Hmmph, morning."
He opened his mouth up wide to yawn. Typically hedgehogs were nocturnal but he would change his whole sleep schedule just for Brett.He stretched his little body to get ready for his day, "So shall we visit the witch today?"
Brett blinked and licked over Eddy's face. He felt the urge to do so and couldn't explain it one bit if asked. Why did Eddy taste... sweet? Brett did it again and again, mumbling in between, "Maybe we should sleep a bit more, I'm suddenly tired again."
All while he licked over Eddy's face like the hedgehog did so yesterday. It was strange but not unwelcome.
"Hedgehogs are typically nocturnal, it's probably because you sense the sun," Eddy liked the little licks, he found them nice and affectionate, "So we could wait until night fall or we can push through the sleepiness?"
He purred softly to all the little licks. Brett was kind of busy with his mouth so he needed to pull off for a second, "We can wait. So I will have a normal sleeping schedule like you. So no need to stress ourselves."
Then he continued. It calmed not only Eddy but also him down and he had no idea why putting hair in his mouth and on his tongue felt so right. He decided to not question it any longer.
When they were back to humans the urges would subside but for now they were animals. Being an animal came with all the urges even if they still had the same minds. Eddy laid flat again as he rumbled with happy purrs. They spent a lot of their time sleeping, but he couldn't blame them. Sleep was nice after all, "We can rest then, and we shall wake up when we wake up."
Brett stopped licking and nodded. He laid back right next to Eddy and cleaned his already clean face one more time before sticking his nose into the moss again. His eyes fell close and as the sun rose, Brett fell into a deep slumber.
*
Once it was dusk, the sun finding its slumber in the hills, the hedgehogs began to stir awake. Eddy woke up with a yawn and a little sound that sounded like, "Num num num." Mostly because of his saliva not because he was intentionally trying to say num. It simply was what it was. He looked towards Brett to see if he had finished stirring awake. Now that the sun was gone, it was their time to emerge. But Brett happily slept on, softly snoring. He was dead to the world and would probably take a bit as well - if Eddy was so generous to let him sleep.
The bigger hedgehog turned onto a side and snored louder now. His belly, the soundmachine of snoring, was exposed so he could be as loud as he wanted. Eddy thought he could let Brett sleep a little longer. However he was getting hungry so he needed to grab something. He got up to waddle out of his burrow. He would bring berries back with him for Brett.
And while Eddy left, Brett was snoring on. It didn't take long though then he blinked his beady eyes open once again and rolled on his belly. He looked around and yawned. He didn't see... Eddy! Hastily the hooman turned hedgehog looked around again but yes, his friend wasn't here anymore! In his panic Brett ran back and forth before running out of the burrow. He pressed his nose against the floor but since he had no clue what to look out for, he was just ramming his nose into the earth and it didn't solve anything.
He let out a panicky, high pitched scream and took off. He had no clue where he was or where Eddy was but he would somehow find him. Without Eddy he would be dead!
Eddy was at a black berry bush, pulling some off. Luckily it was close-ish to his den, which allowed him to hear a faint shriek. Eddy lifted his head and looked around. That sounded familiar... he grabbed one of the berries he pulled then began to scurry to find the source!
Thankfully Brett's mind wasn't as dumb as Brett was because he ran right where the Bush was. Not that he actively thought about it, but his tiny feet brought him to a known space, next up would probably be the pond but thankfully he spotted Eddy not far off. Or a general hedgehog. He was a bit far away and his eyes were not the best so hopefully it was Eddy!
He came to a stop in front of the animal who had a berry in his mouth. Now Brett also recognized his friend! Oh how happy he was! He ran around Eddy and immediately stuck his nose into the ear as punishment!
"Eddy! Where were you? I almost had a heart attack when I woke up and didn't see you!"
Eddy shook his head away and dropped the berry, "I was getting you food."
He licked over the emotional hedgie's cheek, "I got hungry and wanted to let you sleep more."
He spoke softly to explain. He didn't mean to worry his friend. Brett panted since he was beat. He appreciated Eddy's enthusiasm to get him food but this was not the ideal wake up call.
"Thank you for being so considerate. But please just wake me up next time and tell me. Otherwise I really might die thanks to a heart attack."
He calmed down when Eddy licked his cheek and his world slowly came to a halt and into focus. Eddy didn't abandon him, thankfully!
"I will tell you next time, I am sorry for worrying you," Eddy continued to lick, just making sure he was calmer and okay. He greatly cared for his friend and killing him wasn't his goal.
The older man took a deep breath and nodded, "Thanks. I would appreciate it a lot."
He sniffed and waddled then to the forgotten berry. It was free of worms or so he thought, "How about we eat that one, then feed ourselves on the berries and then we do what we planned to do?"
"Yes, let's do that. Now that you're all rested and alive for that matter," Eddy stopped licking Brett's cheek so they could eat. Once they got that done they could visit the witch.
"Then let's do exactly that," Brett had his face in the berry immediately and after he quickly finished it off, they wandered back to the bush. The breakfast was fruity and Brett ate with his eyes closed this time so he wouldn't see the worms he was eating. It was still not fun to do that but he knew he had to, to stay alive and get all his nutrients as a hedgehog.
Brett ate at least fifteen berries before sighing finally feeling full, "So where to go now? I mean, I know we want to go to the witch but where does she live?"
"She lives past the fairy ring area." They had stumbled upon it by accident but now they would go that way. It was a bit further but they had all night to do what they wanted.
Eddy didn't eat as much as Brett but he still enjoyed his fill. It made sense for Brett to eat more since he was also bigger.
"I see, let's go then. Please protect me from the fae, okay?" Brett was kind of nervous, hooman had not really nice stories about the fae and fairy folk so it was understandable that Brett wasn't that stoked to go through a fairy ring. He would do it, but only because Eddy was by his side.
"I will but you don't need to worry. You aren't hooman anymore. They won't make you dance forever or kidnap you. For we are hedgehogs, thus part of nature. They won't harm us," Eddy assured as he began walking. He wouldn't let Brett be harmed.
"But I am human inside, don't they notice that? Or is your magic that much stronger?" Brett wasn't scared per se, he felt safe with Eddy, but he still worried. Like always; he was only half complete if he didn't worry anymore. And they were speaking about his life, not that of someone else. So it was really important for Brett to know the possible possibilities so he could avoid them if possible.
"They won't notice, maybe just think you're a shifter but you will be okay," Eddy would eat a fairy if he had to! Only if they tried to harm Brett though. He wouldn't go feasting on them as a hobby, only as an act of defense. They were kinda like fleshy bugs though so it might happen. Brett chuckled and nodded, "If they mean no harm to me or don't try to kill me, then I will be fine. They don't attack shifters then, so I assume?"
It was quite interesting for the hooman to learn all that. He never had any contact with the magical world of course, so it was really interesting to see where stories the hooman told and wrote down, where it was the truth and where they were just fantasy and fiction. He loved magical stories so it was no wonder he loved being here. Except the worm thing of course.
"They do not do that to my knowledge." Eddy hummed, knowledge or lack thereof could always be wrong though. Crazier things had happened compared to a shifter getting attacked. It was more likely for another shifter to attack another shifter. But Brett didn't know that and therefore he was fine with how things were right now.
Together they waddled in the right direction and Brett was fairly excited and happy again. No trace was left from the scared, panicked hedgehog he was before when he thought Eddy left him. No wonder, his trustworthy friend didn't leave him and now they were wandering in the darkness around. Thankfully Eddy knew the way because otherwise Brett would be boned.
Eddy walked by Brett's side, wanting to keep him close. Brett was safer by his side after all, or so Eddy thought. He was tiny but vicious! He was also very fiesty. It was always the small and quiet ones people had to look out for. They could do many things. Eddy was kind of like a Chihuahua in that case. A bad tempered ankle biter.
But since he was Brett's friend, Brett didn't think too badly of him. After all, when Eddy hurt him, he also healed him.
They came to the fairy ring and Brett slowed down. He looked around carefully but couldn't see much. He sniffled at the ring before following Eddy.
Eddy slowed for Brett so he could be by his side at a leisurely pace. If Brett wanted to sniff around he would let him. After all he had nothing against letting his friend explore, "It's nothing too special looking huh? They have their own places. The rings are kinda like a security system."
He hummed as he spoke.
"I see. Interesting," Brett sniffed a couple more times but then he waddled with Eddy through the ring, "I wonder, could we have gone around? Or do we have to go through the ring?"
The hedgehog didn't see anything unusual happening so he was way calmer than he was initially. Nothing bad happened and that was good.
"We could have but it's quicker to just go straight. If anything starts to glow, then we will make a run for it," Eddy hummed, he was not concerned. Nothing had ever happened when it came to him so he was certain nothing would happen to Brett.
Brett nodded and so, without anything happening to or around them, they scurried through the ring. It was safe to say, it was exciting for Brett. He hoped that something happened and at the same time that nothing happened. His heart beat faster and if he was a hooman, he would have had sweaty hands. His eyes rushed back and forth and when they reached the safety of the outer ring, he was a tiny bit disappointed. But in the end, he was glad nothing happened. Eddy turned to Brett, nipping at his ear and tugging at it slightly. It was just a playful gesture, not him trying to hurt his friend. At least this time, "What's with the face?"
It kinda looked like Brett wanted fairies to come get him, Eddy mused to himself. What a strange creature.
"Nothing," Brett mumbled, "I just... I ... Well, I kind of wanted and not wanted to see the fairies, you know? Like, I don't want to interact with them or get abducted by them but I wanted to see them. Can you understand that? It's an oxymoron in itself, I know, but well... I ... I don't know for sure myself so don't pay it any mind."
Brett would have scratched the back of his head if he were hooman, but since he wasn't he just sighed and licked over Eddy's cheek to get the smaller one going.
"Maybe you will see them one day," Eddy began waddling again. They had a witch to get to! Hopefully Eddy could continue helping her and maybe Brett could even help. Then they could save for a cottage together! Brett could also start playing his violin for other creatures.
Brett nodded and together they waddled further away from the ring. He looked one more time but saw nothing. So he hastened to match Eddy's pace, since the tiny thing was quite fast!
"How long until we are at the witch?"
"Probably a while because we don't have long legs. Only these nubbies. But in due time we will be there," Eddy nodded his little head. It actually wasn't too far but it would take them longer to walk. Luckily Eddy liked walking, it gave him the exercise he needed.
"We can also magic me back to hooman and I carry you? That way we are faster, if you want to be of course. I don't mind walking in this form," Brett actually really didn't mind it. It gave him extra calories to burn and to stay fit. Forced cardio, so to speak. Since he was a musician, he was not a sportler, he was more affiliated with stretching than actual walks and stuff.
"Let's just walk for now since I don't know if I can magically conjure your clothes. Don't think you want to go around bare," Eddy chirped in laughter. He thought it was kind of funny the image that gave him honestly.
"Nah, don't wanna make her fall for me, just wanna meet her," Brett chuckled as well. No, he wasn't one to flash people. Yes, in wild college years he did that - maybe - but if so, he didn't remember - thankfully so!. Also a bit of bragging was in order since Eddy also liked a part of his uncovered body very much! The hedgehog squeaked in delight as they practically ran over the forest floor towards where Eddy led them.
"I don't think she likes those of the male identity, especially the thing that dangles between legs. I do not think you need to worry about her falling about you," Eddy chuckled warmly, he smiled over at Brett.
"I see. Well, then it's better not to show her my 'dangling thing'. Just to be clear, all ladies love me, except the vicious, mean and bad ones. So we will see." Brett almost shrieked with laughter. 'Dangling things between the legs' - did Eddy never say dick, cock or penis before? He had so many names for it but 'dangling thing between legs' was a new one.
"Anyway, let's hurry to her. I want to be out of some owl's eyes. I hear them hooting."
Owls ate hedgehogs! He knew that!
Eddy watched Brett shriek with laughter, it was cute honestly, "Yes, yes we will hurry so you don't get clawed or something."
He picked his pace up for the other hedgehog to follow. They would get there in due time.
"They go for the smaller ones first so we should find a secure place for you, tiny thing!" The big hedgehog was just joking but he also picked up the pace. It was wonderful ro run around in the pitch black darkness of the night, only with a friend at the side. It was very different from being a hooman and Brett loved it.
"If I'm dying you're dying with me!" Eddy declared with his own hoot of laughter, it was either a threat or a promise. Probably both. Either way he would drag Brett with him, if he got grabbed by an owl.
Brett shook his head viciously, as best as he could while they hurried to the witch, "No! No ever! You can fight for your life and since you can do magic you will win! I'm just a powerless human! I thought you liked meeeee!"
With the last word, Brett took off. He was only a few tiny hedgehog feet in front of Eddy since he still didn't know where to go, but he didn't want to run away from his friend in the first place.
Eddy chased after him with a little screech! He may like Brett but they would go to the great beyond together! Luckily for Brett though, the witch's hut came into sight.
Brett heard the screech - it was impossible to not hear it - and just laughed. When a soft shimmering light came into view they both stopped. Brett looked up, everything was so big! He gulped. Apparently they were at the Hut where they would meet the witch.
End Chapter 7