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"It'll be fine, Mom," Ben repeated for what felt like the ten-thousandth time that day. "What do you think I have been training for the last five years? Not just the engineering training, safety, offshore working, medical, emergency evac…" that had been a fun course spending hours splashing around in a freezing pool with simulated high waves. All to prove he was able to get from the rough water into a life raft.

“... working at heights certificates, the list goes on." And on and on. It seemed like working offshore was something they didn't want anyone doing until they retired. It had taken an extra year of training to get from being a graduate engineer to actually getting a job. Though, Ben knew, it was all to ensure he worked offshore safely.

The young rabbit grabbed his backpack from the trunk of his car. It was his first day, his first official voyage. One month offshore working on the installation of the Grampian wind farm. He couldn't have been more excited, or nervous. All that training had been in controlled situations. No matter what went wrong, or what mistakes he made the worst he could get was a disappointed look from his course instructor.

Soon, it would be different. He would be out there in the Real World. With capital R and capital W, just to make it extra scary. Surrounded by the swirling blue ocean. Ben was a cable engineer, junior grade. A job like this was something he had never envisaged on that first day at college. However, years of hard work had paid off. He'd secured a job, a damn good job with prospects. It wasn't just a job, it could be a career.

While his mother was happy that her only child was doing well, she still thought of her twenty-three-year-old son as a child. The idea of her baby boy spending two months offshore working on such a huge project, it scared the piss out of her. Ben's attempts to calm her down by showing her the health and safety videos had the reverse effect. No matter how safe some man said it would be, all the elderly female could see was her son dangling from a helicopter two-hundred meters above the sea. The fact there was a giant turbine that would be impossible to fall off thanks to all the rails, ropes, safety harnesses and training was inconsequential to the visual.

Ben was actually looking forward to his first real descent. He'd done a hundred simulated ones and loved the thrill of it. The real deal was going to be ten times that rush. "I've got to go, Mum," he whined softly. "I will call you from the ship when I can. Love you, bye." He barely heard his mother's response before he hung up.

This was IT! Capital I, capital T, also really fucking scary. The moment he had been waiting for, training for. As a rabbit he was much smaller than most engineers, there had been more than a couple of jokes at his expense during his years in college. He'd formed a sort of mutual support group with the two female engineers on the course. One gay bunny and two lionesses against the boys club that was offshore engineering. Vanessa and Carmen. Neither of which had managed to get a job with him. He missed them and a part of him was worried about what it would be like.

By company policy, his sexuality was not an issue. Ben knew enough to know company policy and reality were two very different beasts. College policy was that it wasn't an issue, that had not stopped him feeling excluded and isolated from the straight guys on his course. There had never been any aggression, but there had been no warm welcome either. People don't need to scream fag in your face to hurt you.

Walking across the carpark he entered the reception. A middle-aged female deer sitting behind the desk gave him a smile, "how can I help you, Sir?"

"My names Ben Watt, I am starting today," he said, with more than a hint of pride in his voice.

"Ah yes, you are expected. Please just have a seat and I will call someone to come get you," the deer replied and waved at a bench along the wall. Sitting down the black rabbit lifted his ears a little, unable to resist the urge to listen in. Big rabbit ears did have their uses after all. "Hi Mike, the new kid's here." Kid? He was twenty-three; a man and not a boy, by almost every definition.

His fuming on that description lasted until the door opened. Ben's jaw dropped as what came through it could pretty much be characterised as a mountain with fur. Seven-foot of gorilla glanced down at the five-foot of rabbit and Ben swore he could read the hulking wall of primate's thoughts. They said, "I asked for an engineer and they hired me this little bunny."

What he actually said was, "Ben?" A slight nod of the head from Ben was all it took to get a broad smile. The gorilla's white teeth standing out clearly against his black fur and skin. "I'm Mike, I am your buddy for this trip."

"Buddy?" The rabbit asked, standing up and shaking the proferred paw.

"Yes, company policy. Everyone on-board ship has a buddy. An experienced crewman is assigned to the new guys. To help you acclimatise to life on-board vessel," there was a definite English twang to his voice. Not the strongest of accents, but Ben was fairly sure Mike wasn't American.

"Ah, well it's nice to meet you. Have you worked for Null Power for long?" The rabbit replied relaxing a little. A buddy didn't seem like a bad idea, though Ben suddenly felt very self-conscious about the small pride pin he had on his jacket.

"I don't, I work for Nuer the vessel contractors. They try to mix us in since you will be spending a lot of time living on our vessels it helps the crews mix. Gives a more friendly, family feeling. Or so the corporate mumbo jumbo says," explained Mike. Then he waved a paw for Ben to follow him. "Let's go get your PPE sorted and then there's a short safety video everyone has to watch every time you board the vessel. To make sure you can't sue if you stub your toe, or cut off an arm or something."

“Does that happen often?" Ben asked with a nervous chuckle.

“Oh no, we have a great safety record, just one or two limbs lost per trip," retorted Mike with a mischievous smile and wink. As they reached a door the gorilla pulled something out of his pocket. It was a security pass. However, it was the lanyard attached to it that caught Ben's eyes, it was a rainbow. Suddenly his worries about his pin faded. “Got to flash this on all internal doors in the office, and when you come on and off the ship. I have one made up for you."

The gorilla walked him down a corridor for a very short distance before he pulled open a door to a small meeting room. Nothing much, just a table, some chairs and a flat-screened T.V. “Right, I have the official spiel here, but it boils down to watch the video and don't be an idiot. You don't look like an idiot to me, so I'm going to give you all of these notes and you can read them in your own time. It's mostly just safety procedures. You've already got the certificates that say you know this stuff… you do know this stuff right?"

Ben nodded his affirmation, he knew his stuff. At least he knew the theory. Everyone had told him practice would be something else, but you cannot teach that you have to live it. “Alright, then here we go." The gorilla said and pressed a button. The flat-screen blazed to life, “you watch this and I'll be back in like five minutes. I'd offer you a brew, but the captain is rather keen to get your bloody arse on board ship so we can get away with this tide. So I'll get you one during the tour of the boat instead."

As the door closed, Ben turned his attention to the video. While inside him his insides were dancing about. Soon he would be on board vessel, off to work on the largest structures built in some of the least hospitable parts of the world. Not only that, it was all renewable energy. A definite bonus. The next time any vegan told him about the environmental impact of his steak he could shoot them down with his job. One of the perks of his career.

Just as the video ended, Mike returned almost exactly on cue. Ben wondered just how much pressure they were putting on him to get on board. “Alright, we're really running up against it." The gorilla announced. “If you're not on board ship in the next half an hour they are leaving without us," Mike informed him.

“They can't, can they?" Ben asked a little astonished.

“Oh, you will find out they very well can, boyo. If they miss the tide that's a day of work missed roughly a quarter of a million dollars pissed down the drain. Ain't no way either of us are that important to the trip to wait for that" The gorilla replied and then put on a reassuring smile. “Look, you've seen the video and here's your pass." Mike offered a small card dangling on a disappointedly plain blue lanyard. He'd wanted a rainbow one. “Now let's go get your arse into your PPE and onboard ship."

Jumping up Ben scampered after his huge guide. “Ok, great… err hey is there any chance of me getting one of the rainbow lanyards?"

“Nope," Mike replied instantly. “They were just for pride month and people snapped them up. All we got now is the company standard ones."

“Oh!" Ben couldn't hide the disappointment in his voice. Though it was nice to hear the company and apparently their staff were supportive of gay rights.

“So you have a fella then?" Mike asked conversationally as he led the rabbit through a small maze of corridors, eventually ending up in a small locker room.

“No… I sort of had one, but we broke up," that had been a few months back. Dave hadn't really been a boyfriend, more a fuck buddy with optional snuggle benefits. Neither of them had been under the delusion that it was going to continue after they finished their training. The bear had been a lot of fun though and a damned good lay.

Mike nodded and then pointed to a small pile of equipment, “ok boots, hardhat, waterproofs, safety glasses and of course floatation vest. To be worn at all times when out on deck, well maybe not the waterproofs if it's a hot day. Rest of the clobber is company policy. I've been sailing the seas since I was sixteen and this company is the most safety-minded one I've ever worked for. I'm surprised you don't need a training video and risk assessment to use the damned head… or give head." The last part was muttered under Mike's breath. A little joke that Ben only caught because of his sensitive rabbit ears.

Just for a moment, he found himself imagining the big gorilla going down on a cock. Mike wasn't bad looking, a nice big build and smooth black fur. It was a fun thought, “ok Ben, sorry to wake you from your little daydream. We've got fifteen minutes to get you changed, finish off the intro talks, get you to sign a few things and get your arse onto the ship. So stop your grinning and drop your pants." Mike's voice cut through the salacious daydream. Ben flushed with embarrassment, too shocked to do anything but follow the gorilla's instruction.

His pants were stripped and he pulls on the waterproofed company ones. They were neon yellow, matched with the yellow jacket and boots. All designed to make sure he could be spotted. Ben felt so conspicuous in them he was certain he'd be able to be seen from orbit. The boots were comfy, a perfect fit too. Rabbit specific Ben noted. They had got him gear designed for the slightly broader rabbit feet, as well as pants with wider than normal thighs. Ben had to admire that attention to detail.

His hardhat was also rabbit adapted, with strategically placed slots for his ears. He fed his ears through and tied them back. Normally he liked to have his ears free and up, it was more comfortable that way. However, tied and down was safer. As he grabbed his rainbow pin, Mike stepped in. “Sorry, you can't wear that on your waterproof." The gorilla must have seen the twist on his face. Ben was out and not about to let anyone put him back in. “It's got a pin, you'd put a hole in the waterproof. Trust me when you are spending ten or twelve hours standing out in the freezing rain you will hate that you put a hole in that. Wear it under, ain't nobody gonna give you trouble about it. If they do you tell me, alright. Mike's your buddy and he knows how to treat homophobes. I've seen more than a few of them in my thirty years offshore."

With those reassuring words echoing in his ears the rabbit felt better. He pinned his rainbow flag to his polo shirt collar instead. Next was a series of documents to sign, mostly saying he'd been given a full safety briefing and was agreeing to not breach any of the rules. That much he was sure of, his Mom would never let him offshore again if he injured himself.

“Alright, not bad," Mike said as he grabbed the papers and placed them in a folder. “Grab your bag, the ship is waiting, but not for much longer." He said with a broad grin and a wave at another door. The ship was parked at the dock right next to the small offices. It was huge, Ben had seen it from a long way away. However, up close it was a behemoth dominating the riverside, making all the other vessels look like little inflatable dinghies by comparison.

“You ever been offshore before?" Mike asked as they made their way towards the ship.

“For my training, for a few hours anyway," Ben replied, though the little vessel had been no comparison to this. It had been fun though.

“Ah yes, pootling about on the river were you?" the gorilla asked, his British accent coming through more as he spoke.

“Something like that," admitted the rabbit.

“So this will be your first proper voyage then?" Ben couldn't help but relish Mike's use of the word voyage. It was like adventure, it spoke of something bigger and grander. That had been what he'd wanted. No desk job, something where he could get out and about. Not spend his best years sitting behind a desk getting thicker around the waist and between the ears.

“Yeah," he agreed and felt a slight thrill as he placed his booted foot on the gangway.

“Awesome, I remember my first voyage. I was working in the laundry on a merchant frigate. 'The Welshman'. Me Dad kicked me out. Not having any flaming puffs under his roof." There it was if the rainbow lanyard had not been enough of a hint the sexuality of the big gorilla was laid fully bare. “There weren't much going for a lad with no fucking qualifications. So it was the mines or the docks."

The gorilla paused as he got to the top of the gangway. His brown eyes glanced out over the horizon. “Never regretted my choice. Salt air, sunshine and all the seamen a horny young man could wish for." Mike gave the blushing rabbit a mischievous wink. “Not that I took advantage of that until I got a bit more confident. Mostly my first few years was trying to learn. Became a seaman, able seaman, master seaman… and so on. Served on over two dozen ships. There's not an ocean on this planet, nor a continent I've not visited."

Ben listened intently, a small smile on his face as the old sailor talked. He wanted to hear more. Mike took him to his cabin first. A tiny little affair but with his own bed and a porthole to look out of. Toilets and showers were communal. “We're neighbours on this trip. Seeing as I'm your buddy and this berth just so happens to be free." The gorilla said, pointing at the door to his own cabin. “You need anything you feel free to come knocking."

It was as he plonked his bag down on the bed that the engines started to rev. He felt the vibrations through his thick work boots. Then he felt the ground under him moving as the vessel started to pull away. “Well, hold on to your arse lad. We're on our way." Mike said, giving him another wink.

The next few hours were wonderful. Mike led him up to one of the upper decks, a place where he could watch the port and land as the ship started their journey to the construction site. As he showed him the ship the gorilla talked. Story after story was shared, of his life on the waves. Most of them were funny stories, and Ben found himself laughing almost non-stop during the tour.

The ship was something else. Top of the line and just five years old. That was pretty darn new. One of just twenty jack-up vessels big enough to install the huge turbines they were using on the offshore wind farm. A crew of over a hundred, not counting guys like Ben who were effectively considered passengers by Mike and his fellow crewmembers. The Steadfast was over a hundred meters long, with six giant feet that could be lowered to the seabed to lift the entire vessel up. This made for a stable environment to work in. Boasting two cranes and a remotely operated vehicle.

For the crew, she came with individual berths. A galley, laundry, sauna, gym, games room, and cinema. Plus free wifi, which was much needed as mobile phones were unlikely to work as far offshore as they were going to be working. Ben took a moment to call his mother and let her know he'd gotten onboard. He kept it short though, with another promise to call after his day and let her know how it had all gone.

“Right, last stop the galley," Mike said as they arrived in a room. It was mostly empty save for the tables and chairs. Along one wall was a small shuttered area, behind which the scent of cooking food was emerging. “Breakfast is half six to half seven. Lunch is midday to one and evening meal is five to six. However, there is a tuck shop where you can buy some snacks and stuff. They have pot noodles and you are welcome to use my kettle if you fancy a snack or a cupper. They won't let us have any other cooking stuff in our berths. Though… “Mike's voice lowered and he looked around. “If you fancy a toastie then your buddy Mike might have an iron in his berth that flattens creases in bread just as good as cotton."

Ben couldn't help but laugh at the suggestion. However, from everything he'd learned about Mike, he had no doubt the gorilla was a master of toasting bread with an iron. “I… will keep you first in my mind for any of my snacking needs." That got a loud laugh from the gorilla and a slap on his back so firm he almost fell over.

“Right, I have to drop you off with Roger, your boss. He is giving a briefing in one of the prep rooms. I said I'd give you a tour and then bring you over," Mike said and Ben recognised the name as one of the men who'd been part of the panel that interviewed him. They'd also had a few phone calls setting up his start.

As they were walking, Ben began to notice the motion of the boat increasing under his feet. “We're out into open waters," observed Mike. “The seas are supposed to be a little choppy. Don't worry, most guys get their sea legs in about a day."

Suddenly the boat rocked hard and the rabbit grabbed out for a railing. Mike had barely flinched a muscle. The gorilla gave a smile, “choppy waters means remember the rule of three. Always have three points of contact with the ship. So when walking, two hands on rails and doorways. Especially when you are trying to get your sea legs. Don't worry, it becomes second nature after a week or two."

A week or two? Ben had known he would be offshore for months, but he'd assumed the ship would be jacking up for most of that time. He was a little worried to hear that might not be the case. However, he said nothing and just hoped the strange feeling in his stomach would go away sooner than two weeks. A few minutes later he was led into a room with at least one familiar face.

There was a couple of unfamiliar ones as well. A lion and a horse, they both glanced at the diminutive rabbit with a little bit of doubt and disappointment. Ben could practically feel them judging his abilities by his stature and muscle mass. Well, he'd show them not to judge a rabbit by his ears. Roger, a rather big stag with a belly the equal of Mike's and possibly more, gave him a smile and a wave. “Come in. Guys this is the apprentice we have starting this week. Ben Watt, he's a fresh graduate and raring to go. Ben this is Adrian Symmonds and Richard Daniels." As he spoke he gestured to first the horse and then the tiger. “We're glad you could make it. We've got a really intensive schedule for the next couple of months and we are pretty short-handed."

Other animals wouldn't have heard the slight snigger from the other two at the word short. Ben bristled with impotent rage and then forced a friendly smile to his face, “heya, nice to meet you guys. I'm looking forward to working with and learning from everyone." A nice professional greeting with handshakes all around. Ben turned around to say goodbye to Mike, to find the gorilla had already left. It was understandable, Mike probably had duties to attend to that he'd been putting off to take the new guy around.

“If you want to take a seat, I was just going through the work orders for the next week," Roger said pointing at a seat next to Adrian. “The first trip mostly you'll just be shadowing these guys, we'll start you off slow and get you trained up in no time." That was a little disappointing for the rabbit to hear, he was fully certified and trained already. It was time to get his paws greasy on the real deal. However, he said nothing and tried to project an air of professional confidence and enthusiasm.

However, as the meeting went on and Roger got into more detail on what they had to do. Ben found his attention wandering, a slight dizzy sensation hit him. His eyes glanced at the other two and he gritted his teeth. There was no way he was letting them know the new boy was already feeling a bit seasick. It would pass, he just needed to concentrate. Oh, he also needed to be on dry land, that would be really helpful.

“Ok, now on string eight we have run some tests through it and the resistance seems a bit high. We are losing too much and we think there might be something wrong with the cable. Mostly likely at KP two, where the plough skipped and…" Roger's string of technical talk was cut short by the sound of a rabbit emptying the contents of his stomach into the waste paper bin.

“Whoa!" Adrian shouted.

While Richard just gave a slow sarcastic clap. “Nice one!"

Roger was more sympathetic, putting a paw on the embarrassed rabbit's shoulder, “come on, the head is this way." He said, the deer's voice heavy with empathy.

“I'm sorry," Ben mumbled as he was lead away. Once more his sensitive ears picked up the tittering of two men who should be too old to actually titter.

“You ain't the first guy to blow chunks in one of my briefings," the deer said kindly. “I try not to take it personally." The little joke helped. “It happens to a lot of people, sometimes their first time out, sometimes their tenth. Don't worry about it. However, you might want to go back to your cabin and lay down for a bit. Once you feel up to the trip back to your cabin."

“Thanks," the rabbit muttered. His face was burning up. He'd just blown every chance he had of getting those guys to respect him, along with his breakfast. “I think I'll be fine. I'd rather just go back to the briefing. Don't want to slow things down for everyone."

Roger gave him a doubtful look, then he nodded. “Ok, but if you start feeling bad just go to the head. No need for asking permission or anything. Believe me, we've all been there. I have lost a meal or two to the ocean myself."

Returning to the room, Ben was met with two guys he barely knew asking him how he was. Giving an embarrassed smile he lied and told them he was fine. Richard pushed something across the table towards him, a silver tray, “I always buy a pack. Learned that my first trip out. Sorts me right out. Though they do have some side effects."

“Oh yes, I'd rather just blow my lunch out my mouth. I mean it might taste foul, but better that than squatting on the head for half an hour to drop a brick," grunted the pony with a chuckle.

“Keeping it classy as ever I see," observed Roger.

Ben took one of the little pills, wishing he had a glass of water to wash the vomit taste from his mouth. Closing his eyes he reassured himself he would be fine, just as soon as the pill did its bit. Just hold out for about five minutes and this would just be a funny and disgusting, first-day story. Someday he would look back on it and laugh.

Only he wasn't laughing as two minutes later he made a mad dash for the door. The nearest head was just a few meters away and somehow he managed to make it there before the bitter bile taste hit the back of his throat. So much for the power of pills. Ben thought bitterly. A couple of minutes later there was a knock on the door and Roger's voice calling out, asking if he was ok.

This time he didn't resist the suggestion of returning to his room. At least once alone there would be nobody to watch him dry heaving. Roger insisted on escorting him back to his cabin. Ben insisted he would be fine by the next day. The rabbit was determined that this would never happen again. Not that the sea was helping, it seemed to have gotten far rougher in the last hour. The ocean seemed to be pulling him down through his mattress one moment and the next he was so light he wondered if he pushed up a little if he might float off like some astronaut.

An hour or so of laying in his room was doing nothing much to help. The only thing stopping him needing to hit the head again was the fact his stomach was almost certainly empty.

A knock on the door broke through the pity of self-pity he had been wallowing in. Still too new to just tell whoever it was to go away, he struggled to his feet. Opening the door he found a large black friendly face looking down at him, “Hey, Mike." He mumbled a little weakly.

“Oh dear, mate. You look fucking sick as the proverbial sea dog." The gorilla announced. “Mind if I come in, I have a couple of things that might help."

Stepping back, Ben let the ape in. Though he really just wanted to be left alone to feel bad. “I'll try anything that stops me feeling like this."

“Oh yeah! I know that feeling. Been a while since I was last… shall we say emptying my morning cuppa into the ocean? However, I know that feeling. We all do," Mike winked and gave him a grin. “No need to feel embarrassed, I happen to know for a fact that every single one of your team has done their time with their head in the head. Now, first of all, stand by the porthole and lookout."

“I can't, the sight of the waves…"

“No, never look at the waves, focus on the horizon. That firm straight blue line that doesn't move," Mike's voice was firm and dominant. Though not unkind or harsh. Ben did as he was asked, trying to ignore the waves that seemed to be insulting him by their small size. “Next, I got something for you to take that'll really help settle your stomach and it won't bung up your backside, neither."

Something cold was placed in the rabbit's paw. It was a white-ish disk of something. A slice of some vegetable or other. “No sniffing, no guessing just put it in your mouth and chew." Commanded the gorilla and once more Ben complied. The first bite was just watery and then he was hit by the burning flavour.

“I grew that myself, at my allotment back in England. It's real strong ginger. Nothing better for seasickness than some hot ginger." The gorilla said, as Ben's eyes ran from the fiery nature of the root he was chewing. “Now be a good boy and swallow." Once more Ben did as he was told and he felt the fire slip down into his stomach.

The relief was near-instant, his stomach calmed down in a few seconds. He still felt a little dizzy, but his nausea was greatly reduced. “Wow… that's much better."

“Yeah, can't bare chewing the stuff raw myself. I swear peoples stomachs just decide to behave so they won't swallow any more of it." Joked the gorilla sitting down on the tiny chair in the room. He plonked something metallic on the tiny desk that later would house Ben's laptop. It was a flask. “Next you need to put something else in there. A nice cup of char, I know it's reverting to stereotype. However, nothing perks you up quite like a cup of strong and sweet tea. I promise."

As he talked the gorilla opened the flask, the lid turned upside down and served as the cup. He filled it full of the walnut brown liquid and waved at Ben's own bed. “You can probably sit yourself down now."

Sitting down, Ben took the cup and took a sip. It was strong and sweet, too sweet for him normally. However, there was no way he was going to complain to the kindly ape. “Thanks, again." For a few moments, they sat in silence. Ben took another sip of tea, his stomach was feeling much better. “That ginger is a miracle. You said you grew it yourself? “

“Aye, on my allotment…" the ape gave a smile as he saw the confused look on the rabbit's face. “It's an English thing. We don't get big gardens, not us working-class types anyway. An allotment is where some guy gets a big plot of wasteland and he divides it into lots of smaller squares and rents them out and people grow vegs, raise like chickens for eggs and the like. I have a nice greenhouse set up there, and a caravan to stay in on the months I am back home. Cheapest rent in the world really."

Ben found himself listening intently, Mike's deep voice was soothing and it was nice to hear about anything that could distract him from the deep embarrassment he felt. “You miss England?"

“Sometimes, aye. Mostly no. I did some sums the other year. Turns out I spent more of my life floating on the ocean than in any country, even our green and pleasant land." Mike replied sitting down on the desk and taking a swing directly from the flask he had brought. “Not that green is more pleasant than blue, though it is a lot firmer and better for your stomach." He took another sip of tea and then laughed out loud for no reason. “Sorry, I just thought of the last time I had any seasickness. It's a funny story. If you're in the mood."

Smiling a little more, Ben nodded. “It seems like I have the time. I may not be all ears, but as a rabbit, I am never less than one-fifth ears." It was a silly joke, one Ben's mother used to tell and he would groan. However, it got a big hearty laugh from the gorilla.

“One-fifth ears, I like it," he snorted and then took another swig from his flask. “Well, ok. It was a good fifteen years ago. Now, I hadn't had seasickness in years and years. I was a veteran, a proper man of the sea. I was serving on a freighter, big old rust bucket held together with spit, grease and the sheer bloody-mindedness of her captain. A particularly snarky little cunt, Andrew Barlow, angry little scouser. We never got on. Born in Liverpool, supported Man United, never trust any Englishman who doesn't support his home team. They ain't got no loyalty.

His ship was the Alis. Anyway, this particular day we were doing a run from the east. We was heading for the Suez, you know that canal don't you?" Ben gave the gorilla such a blank look the ape shrugged his shoulders. “Don't they teach you guys anything in school? The Suez Canal, it links the Red Sea to the Med, saves you sailing all the way around Africa. Anyway, we were nearing Somali waters. Always gets a little nervous going into those waters. The Alis had razor wire on every sea-facing railing to stop pirates climbing up. Plus we had armed guards. Always made me nervous guys with guns. Still, the guys were being paid to shoot people other than me, ideally to stop the other sod shooting me.

Now, one of these guards was a rather nice looking chap. Very accommodating, if you know what I mean," this time Ben knew, he couldn't help but chuckle. “Never seen such a big butch guy so hungry for cock. Not that that is relevant, just thinking back reminded me of him and… well being honest it's been a while since I had some proper shore leave to get some...relief. Anyway, I had plans to see him that evening. The sun was just dipping low and I'd come out of the mess. It'd been curry, real cheap stuff. All watery and full of bloody sultanas. After just visiting India it was a fucking insult.

So, I'm walking from the galley to my berth when I notice my shoelace was loose. So, being the safety-conscious person you know me to be, I bend down to tie it up. That was it, that was all it took. Been at sea for over a decade, one watery horrible curry and a quick dip were all it took. I went from stage one seasickness to stage four in seconds. My stomach is jumping and I just know I'm not going to make it to the head. Normally you'd just dump it into the ocean, a little extra food for the fish. Only there was the razor wire all around.

Course, I was panicking. Not cause of the upchuck, but how much the guys were going to rib me for it. A fucking seasoned pro like me, hauking up his guts over the deck. You just don't do it. Just when it seemed like I was about to become a funny story for the guys to tell, I spy a bit of sheepskin over one of the railings, covering the razor wire. Now, I didn't think or even pause. It was an opening and that was all I needed. I staggered to that railing, grabbed it like it owed me money, leant over and emptied every damned morsel of food I'd eaten that day, and some I swear from a week before. Only, it weren't the sea that I upchucked into. Oh no, it was the face of the Somali pirate that had been leading the raiding party that had snuck up on the Alis.

The sheepskin was for them you see, clever buggers knew razor wire could be easily beaten. The sun was low and they had apparently crept out of it, a little skiff with like twenty guys armed to the teeth. Included the rhino I had just basted in the cheapest curry. Fortunately for me, the one thing he wasn't prepared for was me to repel boarders with cheap-ass curry and lager. He lost his grip on the rope ladder he had been climbing and went flying back down into his boat, taking his mates with him."

Ben stared open-jawed and then he laughed, “that's not true. That can't be true!"

“Swear on everything that's holy. May I never step foot onboard another vessel if I am lying," the gorilla replied with a wink. “I started shouting and then some of our guards turned up. There was some shooting, but the pirates were already making for the horizon. The captain never even thanked me for saving the ship, just told me to stop making a fuss. Though my big guard friend did make me feel much better. The best cure for seasickness, a darn good hard fuck."

“Really?" Ben asked more than a little curious, and if he was honest, more than a little aroused.

“No, though it never hurts… if you have enough lube and go slow about it," Mike replied honestly with a grin so lascivious it would certainly have counted as sexual misconduct if Ben didn't find it so inviting.

“Well… I mean it would certainly be better than the ginger," he replied with a gulp. His eyes suddenly were staring down at the empty mug of tea in his paws. He'd just pretty much offered himself wholesale to the elder gorilla. Ben's heart was suddenly racing and he felt light-headed, he hoped it wasn't his seasickness returning.

“Oh I know it tastes better, that's for sure." The gorilla leant forward and added in a low voice. “I'm willing if you're up for it."

“I… yes, I'm up for it!" the rabbit replied, feeling his excitement growing. It had been a while since he'd been intimate with anyone. Mike was funny and sexy. Ben was also sure he wasn't looking for anything more than some fun. Fun was something he really needed. It was also a chance to prove to someone new that he could do something right. When it came down to taking cock, he considered himself a gifted amateur.

Mike's eyes practically glowed as he smiled, “well, ain't that grand?" He said, and Ben knew that he wasn't expecting an answer. The ape pulled something out of his pocket and Ben couldn't help but laugh as the man he'd just agreed to have sex with offered him a mint. “Ginger, tea and vomit is a combination that is likely to kill any erection that gets near it." It was practical and Ben took one of the white mints, although he struggled to stop laughing.

As he popped the mint into his mouth, Mike stepped across the room and sat down next to him. The ape's huge body making Ben feel tiny and yet, he couldn't deny he also felt protected. Two strong black paws caressed his cheeks, and Mike smiled, “much better." Ben gulped, swallowing the mint whole, his heart racing more as he lost himself in those warm kind eyes. Soft lips pressed to his and he moaned as they kissed.

The tenderness of Mike's touch surprised him. However, his own response surprised him more. Within seconds he was kissing back with desperate passion, his paws grasping and pulling at the huge male. His hands grasped and squeezed down on Mike's hard biceps, feeling the thick muscle under them flexing. Ben knew the ape was doing that just for him and the feel of those powerful arms swelling made parts of the rabbit swell just as fast.

Their tongues danced, while his paws began to pull on the ape's clothing. Strong hands stroked down his neck and shoulder. Then around his back and down to his rump. Mike's touch was firm and yet not too hard. Ben knew the ape could have been much rougher, and he might have even liked that. Though, there was a great deal to be said for such a strong male showing restraint and respect for his lover.

Those huge paws cupped his buttocks and squeezed, a soft squeal erupting from his lips and breaking their kiss. “Mmm, now that was a nice start," Mike chuckled as his paws left Ben's rump. The rabbit gasped as those fingers started to pull on his top, his own hands lifting up and in one tug he was naked from the waist up. The thick PPE jumper and t-shirt he had been wearing were dumped unceremoniously on the floor.

The air in his cabin suddenly felt several degrees cooler, yet he could also feel himself sweating a little. While, Mike's eyes seemed to devour his body, the ape's grin growing wider and wider as he took in Ben's trim sleek black form. A huge paw stroked down his chest and to the small white diamond of fur right in the centre. The only fur on Ben that wasn't pure black. “Well, ain't this my lucky day. I should have bought a lottery ticket." The burly male quipped as he pulled his own top off. Exposing a broad chest and broader stomach. There was a certain cuddly appearance to the gorilla. Though, with his arms and chest, there was no doubt in Ben's mind that he worked for a living and worked hard. The stomach just let him know he partied just as hard.

Gulping, Ben reached out his paws caressing around the huge stomach lovingly. He loved the warmth and weight, plus the give of the stomach, “I… should have bought one too." He mumbled back awkwardly.

Mike winked at him, “Never mind. I know how to make the best of any situation. Part of being a sailor, that and I know how to use the motion of the ocean." Ben gulped as the gorilla's voice lowered when he said the last part. Ben was pretty sure Mike wasn't implying he had some great new energy device to extract power from the waves. However, he didn't have long to think about it. Mike had a brazenness that Ben had never quite encountered before. The ape showed it by unabashedly reaching down. Black fingers unfastening the flies of his jeans and Ben cried out as he was thrown onto his back without a word of warning.

Ben opened his mouth to voice some protest at his treatment. Those words died on his lips, as a thick meaty hand wrapped around his cock and squeezed. His words became squeals of pleasure and his hips bucked on instinct. A jet of pre coming from his pink cocktip and landing over the ape's paw, leaving a glistening silver trail in the black fur. “Now this… this is a thing of pure fucking beauty. It should be in an art gallery or better yet, my mouth." The last words had barely registered in Ben's ears when he felt a wonderful warmth surround his maleness.

His paws reached down, grasping around the huge head. Mike swallowed his full length in one quick motion and he was powerless to stop it. Not that he wanted to stop it. He lay back panting as the huge beast gripped his ass. Mike's lips pulling back and his hot throbbing cock briefly being exposed to the cooler cabin air. Then he cried out as those soft lips took his meat right down to the root once more. His hips tried to buck, but Mike's paws held him fast. He had no control and he knew it. Someone this just made his cock throb all the harder.

Not wasting any time the ape sucked firmer. Ben cried out more as a thick and strong tongue glided over his flesh. The tip teasing his frenulum and over his glans, poking softly at his meatus. With each motion, the rabbit's cries of pleasure got louder and louder. Only for the cries to be suddenly muffled, as a black paw gripped around his muzzle. Thick, musky, fingers poking between his lips. Ben suckled desperately driven by pure lust. His cries of pleasure reduced to moans and whimpers.

The ape continued to bob on his cock, his lips getting tighter and his suction increasing with every motion. Still held fast, Ben could feel himself fast approaching the point of no return. With his mouth muzzled and his body held down, he had no way to warn his lover. So he just took a deep breath, filled with the musk of a mature man and let it happen. His orgasm hitting him a moment later, his cock throbbing as he shot rope after rope of bunny cream into a hungry ape mouth. Mike moaned softly but didn't stop his sucking. Ben felt the telltale increase in pressure of a mouth swallowing around his cock.

He lay back on the bed panting heavily. Suddenly his eyelids felt heavy and he felt them starting to close. The warm suction around his crotch gave a warm fuzzy feeling that was just pleasant enough. Ben could still feel the boat moving, the alternative feelings of being pulled down and then suddenly being light as a feather. However, now they felt more pleasant, the world around his was rocking his gently to sleep.

Only, Mike was not about to let him rest. The warmth around Ben's cock vanished as he heard his softening member pop free. The small bunk shook as the ape climbed off it. Ben heard the thumps of two heavy boots being pulled off. “Sorry for grabbing your muzzle there, these metal walls are not the best at keeping the sound in. Didn't want someone to hear us. Fraternisation is kind of frowned upon. I think they think it's a health and safety risk. I keep saying, 'not if done right it's not', but they don't believe me."

Ben chuckled a little at the ape's joke. The world was wonderfully fuzzy and warm as he lay basking in the afterglow. However, that fuzzy glow vanished as Mike's pants dropped. There is nothing like the sudden appearance of a long and thick cock to bring the world into very sharp focus. Mike grinned as Ben realised he was staring at the beautiful black mast. “You like what you see, boy?"

With a slow nod, Ben confirmed he very much did. His eyes were locked on target and he felt the bunk bounce as Mike climbed back onto it. Sitting on the end, with one huge meaty leg dangling off the side and the other along the wall. Between his thighs, the huge black pole dangled, bouncing up and down in time with the motions of the ship. “Well, you'd better get to sucking then, hadn't you boy? I took a load out of you, you take one out of me. That'll stop us both from popping off, like some high school virgins, when we get down to the proper fucking."

Needing no more encouragement, Ben dove forward. Up close he could see just how thick the ape was. Mike wasn't as long as some of the cocks Ben had taken, however, in the girth department he was a clear winner. It made the rabbit's mouth drool with hunger and his tail quiver in trepidation. Dangling below the thick rod were two huge black nuts, swaying with the waves in a thick leathery sack.

The musk hit his nose and dominated it in seconds. Soon all he could smell was the older male's wonderful scent. Gulping softly he reached out a trembling paw, grasping his hand around it, he realised he couldn't get his fingers fully around the girth. “It ain't gonna bite, boy. You know what to do. I know this is far from your first dance, so stop worrying about if you know the moves and just go with the rhythm."

Mike's advice didn't fall on deaf ears. Taking one last deep breath of heavily musk filled air, Ben opened his lips and kissed the warm cocktip. The rumble of approval above him was instant. Mike's huge paws reached down and stroked his long ears soothingly. “There's a good boy." Ben sighed softly, pushing forward and feeling his lips and jaw spreading wider as he took the thickness deeper into his maw.

He could taste the sweat of a day trapped inside the thick PPE clothing the company made them wear. For his sins, Ben found the taste of a hard-working man intoxicating. Bitter, and strange, and yet very morish. Ben pushed his head down more, sliding the thick fuck pole up his tongue as he pushed until his lips met thickly furred crotch. With a deep moan, Mike registered his approval. Thick ape fingers stroked along his ears, lightly teasing them. Rabbit ears are sensitive and the ape seemed to know just where to stroke and how much pressure to add. The sensation made Ben tingle, and under him, he could feel his own erection beginning to return.

However, he had a job at hand, or at muzzle, and he was not going to let the ape distract him from it. Bobbing his head he smiled to hear Mike's moans growing louder. He might not be the experienced salty seadog that Mike was, but he was no amateur when it came to giving head. Squirming his tongue against the hot flesh, he teased it mercilessly, increasing the suction until he heard Mike take a sharp intake of breath. Loosening it just a little, to the perfect level for his lover.

Then he decided it was time to show the old ape the advantages of youth. Without warning, he went from first gear to fifth in the space of a heartbeat. Sucking hungrily, his tongue going wild on the thick length. Swallowing every drop of pre, as the ape above him cried out, “ohhh fuck! That's… God almighty…. Mmm just… oh shit, don't stop please!" The ape's words flooded his tingling ears and then he felt Mike's paws on his ass, he moaned in pleasure as he felt his taut buttocks being kneaded firmly and pulled apart.

As he sucked desperately, milking the ape's cock desperately. Those paws stroked his ears quicker as if Mike was matching his pace and thanking him. It wasn't until he felt a finger stroke down between his buttock cleft that it hit him. Two hands were on his head, so that meant the ape was using his feet to grope the rabbit's buttocks.

There was no time to ponder this, as the toe tickling his entrance left for a moment, only to return cold and slick. Ben squeals of pleasure and shock were muffled by the thick length filling his maw. As two thick gorilla toes were pushed slowly but firmly into his ass. “There's a good boy. Damn, you're tight back there. Don't worry though, I'll have you taking my girth like a fucking pro by the time we return to the shore."

Mike's words were peppered with moans of pleasure as Ben continued to suck on the thickness in his mouth. He had never taken an ape or monkey as a lover. Though he'd had some fun with a lizard once and found out that reptile tails could have other uses if you were adventurous and had sufficient lube. A lover with feet that could serve as an extra set of hands. Well, that just meant it was time for more adventuring… and more lube.

Those thick finger toes thrust deeper inside him and he felt the need for more already growing. He responded by giving in to his feral desires, his head bobbing wildly on the thick ape cock. Above him, Mike clamped his own paw around his muzzle and cried out; lost to the pleasure of a rabbit who was going to town on his pulsing length.

With deep satisfaction, Ben felt that thickness between his lips start to throb and pulse. A second later his mouth was flooded with wave after wave of gorilla spunk. Mike's muffled cries of pleasure flooded his ears and he felt those toes thrusting inside his ass right to the knuckle. It wasn't enough, Ben knew it wasn't even close to enough. As his head bobbed and sucked, swallowing noisily around the spurting member, he felt it going soft. He really hoped Mike was able to live up to all his promises. If he turned out to be a one spurt wonder then the rabbit was going to spend hours fingering himself to try and satisfy the burning lusts that Mike had kindled inside him.

“Damn, I think you sucked my balls out through my cock," Mike grunted as he sagged back against the wall and panted. “Gonna need a moment to recover. Why don't you keep sucking for a bit, it'll help bring my not so little guy back to full attention? While I can make sure your sweet bunny ass is fully ready to make him welcome."

Sucking a little more cock was certainly not something Ben had any issues with. He restarted his bobbing on the thick floppy length. This time taking long and languid motions, savouring every inch. His tongue could feel the softening member already starting to bounce back. Mike's toes returned to their thrusting business, working and twisting around inside him. Without realising it Ben began pushing back into every thrust. “Mmm that's what I love about you rabbit types, you got thick arses just perfect for the fucking and you are always just ready and willing to take a pounding. Damn horny little buggers."

Normally Ben would have been annoyed to hear himself being described in such a stereotypical way. However, sometimes you have to admit that some stereotypes have some roots in fact. Most importantly, now was not the time to educate the old sea ape on the political correctness of his statements. Now was the time to get the thick and hard cock from between his lips to between his buttocks.

Ben pulled off the hard and drooling ape cock, getting a delightful audible pop as it pulled free from his lips. He looked up at Mike, his eyes blazing with desperate lusts, “how do you want me?" He asked, his voice husky and strained from the effort of sucking so hard for so long. His throat actually itched and his cheeks tingled a little from the effort.

“These bunks ain't exactly built for two. So let's go with a classic. Stick your butt up and shove your face into your pillow, bite down and think of fucking England. While this Englishman fucks you`` Mike replied with a lascivious grin and a wink. Ben snorted a little derisively. He'd never felt the need to bite down on any pillow and he was sure as hell not going to think of anything but the wonderful cock inside him. However, he struggled up to his knees and turned around laying face down on his bed and raised his ass up.

A moment later he felt two paws grab his buttocks and pull them apart. “Mmm so beautiful." The gorilla observed. “It'd take an artist a thousand days to capture one-tenth of the beauty of your arse being offered up for his pleasure. Fortunately for you, I'm no artist, leastways not with a brush. So I know that there are much better things to do with an ass this fine." Ben snorted a little at the ape's humour.

There was no time to respond, even if he'd wanted to. A moment later he felt a warm thickness pressing to his pucker. “Ok, gonna start you out slow, let me know if I go too hard." Mike's voice was lower, the cocky attitude was still there. However, Ben could tell there was also genuine concern there too.

As he opened his mouth to reply, Ben cried out in surprise. Mike had thrust forward, just a little, however, the ape's thickness had pushed into his ring stretching it wide. Pushing his head into the pillows to muffle his cries Ben tried to relax his body. The thrust had not been rough, but it had been firm and a good very thick inch or more of ape cock was now inside him. The sting of the entry was fading quickly and by the time Mike thrust again it had gone. Mike's second thrust was less of a shock, the pain flared up a little. Ben was no virgin though, he had taken enough cock to know how to control himself and by the third or fourth thrust, the pain was almost gone.

In fact, it felt good, he wondered how much more length the ape had to give him. Feeling his ass stretching more and more, he began to push back a little into each thrust. “Oh… someones in a hurry?" Mike asked with a soft chuckle.

“Someone's clearly taking his sweet time," Ben grunted back. It was a little challenge to the ape behind him. Glancing back, he could see a little bit of fire in the gorilla's eyes. However, it wasn't enough so the rabbit poured some gasoline onto that little blaze. “You ain't getting tired already are you? I know you old guys get tiiiREEOOOOHHHH!" The flame had been more than lit, the fire had exploded and Mike was no longer taking it slow. Ben squealed out in a mixture of joy and shock as every single inch of the thick member was crammed into his ass. Mike's hips pounded against his with a profound and passionate thump.

Not content with just getting his cock into the rabbit the ape pulled back, delivering a second powerful thrust a heartbeat later. Ben's squealed as he felt the thickness sliding in and out of him. The wonderful strange tickle and stretch of something slipping in and out of his overstretched and abused pucker. It filled his mind, his nubile young form pushing back. Only for two huge paws to land on his shoulders. Mike's entire weight seemed to be pressed down onto him and he wondered for a moment if he had gone too far. Maybe the ape hadn't expected it, all he'd seen had been the timid little bunny boy act, the guy who needed help. He'd not really seem much of Ben the hungry cock whore, few people had.

The world around him went dark, as Mike's huge body lay over him. The weight of the gorilla's huge stomach pressed down onto his back. A third savage thrust was given, his buttocks being smacked hard by the ape's hips. Ben could feel the heat of the sting there, as he felt soft lips kissing the back of his neck. “Is that what you wanted?"

“Fuck yeah," Ben purred back passionately pushing back more, feeling that thickness moving inside his as he wriggled his ass. Every part of him seemed to be covered by the ape, he pushed his body back against that firm warm wall of man above him. “More!"

“More please!" Grunted the gorilla into his ears. “Manners are important, even in the bedroom." Above him, the ape hadn't moved a muscle and Ben realised after a heartbeat or two that the gorilla meant it. If he wanted more, he would have to ask politely.

“More, pleaSE!" The words weren't out of his mouth before that behemoth's cock began to move again, pulling from the tight bunny hole it had been nestled inside and then returning with a satisfying thump of hips on buttock. The heft of Mike's nuts as they slapped against his own made Ben's mind reel. His balls were aching from the contact and yet his body was screaming at him for more. Every submissive urge inside him made him push back onto that thick length. “Please… oh please, more!"

There was the sound of a soft chuckle echoing around the room. However, once more his polite request was acquiesced to. This time there was no pausing afterwards, thrust after powerful thrust rammed into him. Those huge hips smacked into his ass over and over. Beneath him, his cock drooled and begged for him to play with it. However, Mike's weight held him down firmly, his arms were folded under his head and he knew he couldn't move them. All he could do is lay there and take that wonderful cock over and over. With each thrust his entire body seemed to tingle, the sensations spreading out from his ass right down to the tips of his toes.

“Fuck, so tight!" Mike moaned with a pant and Ben smirked a little. As the ape thrust again he clenched down, making the ape grunt with the extra effort needed as that battering ram forced its way deep inside him. Licking his lips the rabbit strapped himself around that cock trying to hold it inside him. “Oh god!" Mike's moaned words of pleasure were more than enough reward for that, yet he got more. He got the pleasure of several savage thrusts, that smacked his ass so hard he felt it glowing with the heat of a spanking.

Gasping, the rabbit lifted his ass up more, pushing back into that wonderful meat. Then he felt Mike shift his weight a little. A warm mitt suddenly grasped around Ben's drooling length. The ape had decided to show the rabbit that he knew some tricks too. Not that Ben cared, all he knew was the dual pleasure of his ass being pounded harder than it had ever been before and his cock being jerked in time with the plundering of his ass.

Mike was grunting with every thrust, the effort clearly having an impact on him. While Ben couldn't stop squealing and moaning. He could feel his orgasm rapidly approaching and with each thrust, he cried out. No words, just squeals and cries of pure bliss. Words were not needed. However, a gorilla mitt was soon pressed to his mouth. Two fingers were thrust inside and he suckled on them desperately. He knew that was the ape's way of stopping them being caught.

Above him, the ape's sweaty body moved faster and faster. The pounding and plundering of his ass growing to an incredible crescendo. Ben couldn't think or move. All he could do was lay there as inside him, and above him, the larger male took every pleasure he wanted. While he felt himself pass the point of no return. His squeals of bliss and warning were muffled by the fingers fucking his lips, his ass clamped down desperately around the cock inside him as if trying to hold it there.

Under him the rabbit began to shoot jets of his juices out, soaking his bedsheets as above him the ape showed no signs of stopping. With grunts and pants, the ape fucked him desperately all through his orgasm. Ben lay limply utterly spent, as Mike continued to stuff his abused hole with every inch of cock he could force inside.

Then, Mike slowed down suddenly, delivering slow but extremely powerful thrusts. With each thrust, the ape cried out in pleasure and Ben felt the telltale warmth and wetness inside him, of a man fucking him full of cum. Closing his eyes he lay there, utterly spent basking in the feeling as the ape fucked every drop of cum he could muster into his increasing sloppy ass.

Both of them utterly spent, Mike's weight stayed on top of him, holding him down. He could hear soft moans and deep pants from the ape. His entire body was crushed down onto the bunk's thin mattress. He should have felt trapped and yet somehow this just felt right, the blackness above him and the feel of another male, another body squashing against his. It was strangely calming. Maybe a part of his rabbit ancestry, the darkness of a burrow and the nearness of a mate. Not that he gave it much thought then, Ben just began to doze off.

He was awoken by the feeling of a soft cock pulling from his ass. Strong arms wrapped around him as Mike rolled onto his side, spooning closely behind the rabbit. “Think we might have missed the dinner." Observed the gorilla, his mind clearly still on the practical. “How's your stomach?"

Ben suddenly remembered why the ape had come in to help him in the first place. “Much better actually."

“A slice of ginger and a good hard fuck, the best cure for seasickness there is," chuckled the gorilla as he rested his chin on Ben's head. Clearly, the ape didn't mind missing a meal. Neither did Ben. closing his eyes he let the motion of the ocean rock him to sleep in the arms of his new lover. A whole month offshore, he could get used to it.

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