Chapter Text
Rocko woke up from Spunky jumping off of his chest. Rocko groaned a bit and turned over to face a sleeping Norbert in his bed. He watched as his hair softly caressed his cheek, and smiled at how beautiful he looked. He gently brushed the hair away from his face and gently held his cheek. Norbert groaned a tiny bit and nuzzled the pillow close and let out a small sigh. Rocko chuckled and thought about kissing his head. He actually wanted to wake him up that way and tell him how much he loved him. Rocko's eyes suddenly widened. Love!?.. He… He wants to tell Norbert that he has loved him since the first time he'd realized before going to Melba. Rocko thought about it for a moment. How did this even happen?! I mean. Of course he realized it but there has to be more than just his lovely smile and amazing laugh. Rocko stared into Norbert's sleeping face and rubbed his cheek with his thumb. He was honestly surprised at himself, when he realized that he doesn't love Melba anymore. He actually saw her a few days after his and Norbert's date. Not once he was a nervous blushing wreck and spoke to her calmly. He noticed how surprised she was and asked him if anything happened while she was gone. He then shook his head and waved her goodbye. He then noticed how Heffer was staring at him in shock and asked why he didn't ask her out already. Rocko thought about Norbert and their first kiss. Rocko smiled, “I don't love her anymore. I'm in Love with somebody else.”. Heffer was surprised, “You're in Love with Someone Else!!!!”. Great, have the whole world hear it. Rocko nodded and calmed him down, “Yes. Please don't cause a scene, Heff.”. Heffer was jumping for joy, “Who is it!?! I need to know!!”. Rocko quickly calmed him down, “I can't tell you yet. I want to confess to him first then I'll properly introduce him to you.”. Heffer nodded excitedly, “Oh I'm so happy for you!! You've finally moved on from Melba!”. Rocko facepalmed but would he blame Heffer? He's been his wingman since he first saw Melba. He always tried to get him to confess his love but no luck. It took years for Rocko to finally move on and fall for Norbert. He remembered it like it was yesterday.
It started out after they hung out at Norbert's place. Norbert was watching some shows until Rocko found out there was a marathon for The Fatheads. He practically begged to see it, and Norbert was very kind towards him and changed it to the channel. They both watched the entire season and Norbert even laughed at some parts of the show. Rocko only had Filburt and the Bigheads to talk about this, since everyone else either didn't get it or just looked at him weird. Rocko soon began talking about how he'd met Rachel, and had found out that the cartoon was based on her parents. He rambled on and on about the show, not realizing that Norbert was staring at him lovingly. Norbert loves the way he gets out of his comfort zone and talks about the things that make him happy. He'd wish that he'd talk about him all the time, but he highly doubts it.
Rocko felt embarrassed, “Oh s-sorry. I uhhh. I don't want to s-sound like I'm o-obsessed with the show.”. Norbert took his hand, “Don't be! I never knew about The Fatheads and would love to know more about them! I would also want to know what inspired Rachel into making these cartoons!”. Rocko felt his heart race at this and smiled even wider. He then began talking about what was the inspiration, how he was part of it, and some theories he created. Soon Norbert was laughing up a storm when they saw the episode to where Rocko was technically in. “They made you a Beaver!? Hahahaha!!! Honestly that's messed up yet hilarious that they did that!! I bet if I was in there I'd look like a weasel!!”, Norbert laughed as Rocko stared at him with a smile. It's great to have someone listen to him and enjoy what he likes to watch. They soon finished the season and chatted about the characters. Norbert loved how Rachel stuck to the original animation and added a few fixes here and there. Rocko didn't like the ending at first but grew to love it because it gave closure. Norbert then showed him some movies and tv shows that he usually watches and Rocko enjoyed most of them. They shared their interests and artistic styles on each movie and show. From there it got to them talking about music, sports, what season they like, then what they like to do in their free time. They have a few things in common and laughed at some stuff they used to do when they were kids.
After that day, Rocko felt more himself around Norbert. He can always say anything, without offending him or making him uncomfortable. He feels like he doesn't have to walk on eggshells, whenever he hangs out with Norbert. The way Norbert laughs at his silly jokes, and how he always comforts him whenever he feels stressed. He remembers the time Norbert came over to visit one day. Rocko was extremely stressed out and overwhelmed with everyone wanting him to do something for them. Norbert walked into his place, since the door was unlocked, and looked around for the wallaby. Spunky then rushed up to him and barked. “Hey little guy! You know where Rocko is?”, Norbert asked gently. Spunky barked and left upstairs. Norbert followed the puppy and heard small panting. Spunky tried to push the door open but the door was closed shut. Norbert opened it slowly to see Rocko curled up in bed while holding himself. He was having a Panic Attack.
Norbert rushed towards him and sat in front of him, “Rocko? Hey buddy it's ok. Breathe for me ok?”. Rocko was holding his head and Norbert gently took his hands. “Shhhh. It's ok, Rocko. I'm right here. Let's breathe together ok? We'll inhale through our nose, then exhale through our mouth.”, Norbert said softly. He then began to inhale then exhale. Rocko followed shortly after. Soon they both began to breathe together for a while. Norbert noticed Rocko's shoulders began to relax and rubbed his hands with his thumbs. “Feeling better?”, Norbert asked. Rocko nodded, “S-Sorry you h-had t-to see me l-like this.” Norbert shook his head, “Don't be sorry Rocko. You were having a panic attack.”. Rocko looked down in shame, “I-I.”. Norbert pulled him into a hug. Rocko was shocked at this but felt warm. Norbert rubbed his back gently and calmly spoke, “Rocko. You shouldn't feel embarrassed about having these things. Panic Attacks are something you should talk about to everyone. It may feel embarrassing but I'm sure no one is going to laugh at you for that. If they do then I'll take care of them for you.”. Rocko nuzzled his chest and held him close, “I-I'm an adult. I shouldn't have these things.”. Norbert rubbed his back and rested his cheek on his head, “You’re not alone. Everybody gets these things, no matter how old they are. Panic Attacks usually affect almost everyone due to what they dealt with in the past. But the thing that everyone, including you, needs to know is this… It's ok. Having these things doesn't make you weak or an embarrassment. It means that you've been through a lot and are still going without giving up. You're strong. Brave. And stubborn in a good way. I'm glad you're still here and no matter what, I'll always be here whenever you need me.”. Rocko felt more warm and teared up a bit. He held him close and nuzzled his chest more, “Thank you Norbert.”.
Rocko snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Norbert asleep. He felt his heart race as he realized that Norbert was always there for him whenever he needed him. Don't get him wrong. Heffer and Filburt were always there since the beginning, but usually they're no help whenever he's feeling this. Heffer would've made it worse by adding more fuel to the fire, like what he did with the Melba incident, and Filburt would be making it worse by panicking himself. Mrs. Bighead would calm him down but he doesn't want to cause any issues with Mr. Bighead. Norbert was mainly the one who comforted him and never judged him. That's what started the whole “I'm in Love” situation. Rocko finally realized that he's in love with him and has been trying so hard to confess. Yet, he's so scared that Norbert might decline and wouldn't want to be his friend anymore. He noticed Norbert was about to wake up and quickly took his hand away from his cheek and closed his eyes. Norbert yawned and noticed rocko asleep. He smiled and pulled him close, “Maybe five more minutes.”. Rocko felt his face pressed against Norbert's hair and felt him nuzzle his chest. Rocko felt his face turn red and heart beginning to race. Norbert sighed as he loved the warm feeling of Rocko's chest and belly.
Rocko slowly held Norbert close and rested his face in his hair. The smell of his usual hair products makes him sigh in bliss. He felt Norbert chuckle and his face turned more red. “Enjoying the cuddles BedRock?”, Norbert said with a smirk. Rocko stuttered a bit, “Y-Yes. I just. Love..”. He felt Norbert stiffen a bit and he quickly spoke up. “T-The way you smell!”, Rocko said in panic. He nuzzled his hair and inhaled the scent then sighed blissfully. Norbert was a bit disappointed that he didn't say that he loved him but he began to laugh at the weird love interest for his hair products. “I guess I'll buy the same soaps and products then.”, Norbert chuckled while getting up. Rocko got up as well and felt his heart break a bit. He really wanted to confess but his anxiety is making him feel like he can't. Rocko then looked at Norbert, who took off his shirt, and quickly turned away red. “H-H-How about I-I make us some breakfast!”, Rocko stuttered out while his face turned more and more red. Norbert looked at him confused but smirked, “You know Rocko. I usually don't wear clothes all the time so you've pretty much seen me nude before.”. He laughed as he noticed Rocko's ears getting redder.
Rocko got up and took off his muscle shirt, making Norbert stop laughing and stare at his back. Norbert felt his face go red and wanted to tell the wallaby how hot he looked. Rocko then put on a fresh clean shirt and faced him, “How do you want your eggs?”. Norbert snapped out of it and leaned back smirking, “Scrambled. Yet. I am feeling in the mood for some. Sausages.”. Rocko tilted his head, “I uhh. I don't have any more sausages.”. Norbert gave him a blank stare then laughed, “I-I'll stick to bacon then.”. Rocko gave him a confused look then shrugged. Norbert watched as Rocko went downstairs, then began to laugh to himself. So naive.