https://www.furaffinity.net/view/45990885/
“UGGHHHHH…Hey guys, I’m home..” Mark’s exasperated sigh traveled all the way through the house as his heavy footsteps and the sound of the door shutting behind him alerted his roommates that he was home.
“Hey Mark, you okay?” Lev asked, the wasp sitting on the couch as he tossed his head back, noticing the rhino was kicking his shoes off a bit more aggressively than the timid man was typically seen doing, an obvious sign of frustration on his face as he didn’t even look up to greet his roommates.
“Yeah dude. You seemed upset, what’s up?” Beside Lev, their other roommate Jack turned around as well, the lizard’s blue scalie arm draped around the couch as he turned the TV down with remote in hand.
Their questions fell on deaf ears as Mark just walked straight past the living room and into the kitchen, the buff rhino pulling the fridge open and loudly rummaging through its contents before shutting it once more, beer in hand. He walked back to the living room and took a seat on the chair next to his friends, taking a long drink of his beer can before tossing his head back, resting in his seat and letting out a drawn out sigh.
“I’m okay. Just a really stressful day….or week..” Mark’s words seemed drained of all joy or optimism as he just stared up at the ceiling, hand still wrapped around his beer as his friends leaned forward, concerned for the rhino as Lev was the first one to speak up.
“We can tell that big guy. Any particular reason?” The brightly colored wasp asked as he clasped his hands together.
“It’s uh….personal..” Mark replied as he seemed to avert his gaze, looking a bit embarrassed to answer the question upfront, causing Jack and Lev to give each other a quick look of confusion as Jack simply shrugged his shoulders.
“Sounds solid to me. Hey, you gonna finish that?” The buff lizard asked as he pointed toward Mark’s beer, the rhino shooting him a steely eyed glare, Jack chuckling softly and putting his hands up defensively to show that he was kidding.
“Well if you’re stressed maybe you just need to take some time to relax. I know when I’m feeling pent up I listen to some relaxing videos and just take a moment to register everything.” Lev spoke with a calm voice, the wasp always being the voice of reason and Mark’s best option for advice.
Mark raised his head back up as he seemed interested in Lev’s suggestion, learning forward a bit as he listened to his friend speak. He’d never really thought of doing anything like that. The rhino wasn’t really one to show signs of stress, usually the most light hearted of his roommates, so he never put any thought towards what would happen if he DID get worked up like he was now.
“Relaxing videos? What, like rain sounds or something?” He raised an eyebrow as he inquired further, wondering how something like that could actually do anything worthwhile for him. Lev nodded and gave a slight smile as he stood up.
“Yep, or it could be something a bit more complicated like someone talking softly into a mic. Anything that takes your mind off whatever’s troubling you.” Lev explained.
“That sounds lame. How’s that supposed to help him, bore him to death?” Jack stepped in, immediately catching a soft smack to the back of his head from the wasp as he rubbed the spot, shutting up as Lev glared at him.
“Just a suggestion. Just lock yourself in your room with the lights off and take a breather, it can’t hurt.” Lev suggested, Mark nodding as he figured it was better than sitting around and moping.