My House Is Your House

It is the night of Polaris' first day in the Smurf Village, and Polaris had spent it mostly in the company of Empath introducing him to the various Smurfs he has only heard about, plus those that only Empath knew about since he came home for good. They had ended the day together at Tapper's Tavern, watching the entertainments going on and talking with the village bartender, who is eager to find out more about the Psyche who has now made the Smurf Village his home.

After the tavern had closed for the night, Polaris asked, "Where will this one be staying for the night, Empath?"

"Since we have been living together in the same residence when we were in Psychelia, Polaris, this smurf doesn't see why you shouldn't stay with this smurf until you decide to have a place of your own," Empath answered. "This smurf had Hefty and Tuffy move a spare bed into the house so that we could bunk together."

"You are certain that is a wise decision?" Polaris asked. "This one senses the discomfort that the other Smurfs have of us being seen together like this."

"Let them think what they want, Polaris," Empath answered. "Only we know for certain what our actual relationship with each other is like. Besides, we're not doing anything that's wrong."

They both entered the house, and Polaris noticed that his bed and Empath's were very different from each other. "Is that what you actually sleep on for a bed, Empath?" Polaris asked, pointing to the lumpy giant cushion that looked like a beanbag.

"It's the most comfortable bed this smurf has ever slept in, Polaris," Empath said. "You should try it sometime. Anyway, you'll find that the Smurfs make the best beds for anyone to lie upon. They're far better than the ones in our sleeping quarters in Psychelia."

Polaris decided to try out his bed. He laid down on top of the sheets and noticed how soft everything is. "The Psyches never had need for such comfort like this, Empath," he commented.

"You'll get used to it, Polaris," Empath said, taking out his bathrobe and going behind the dressing divider to change into it. "Of course, if you don't like the mattress, we could have Carpenter bring in a special bed without a mattress that you could sleep on."

"This one will adapt," Polaris said, watching as Empath came from behind the divider with his bathrobe on and little else besides his underwear. "Is that what you and the other Smurfs actually wear when you go to sleep?"

"Normally, most Smurfs wear a nightgown and a nightcap when they go to sleep, Polaris," Empath answered. "Somehow, this smurf feels more comfortable wearing a bit less. Of course, knowing how you would react to this smurf appearing in a half-dressed state, this smurf is also wearing a bathrobe until we get used to living with each other."

Polaris frowned, already feeling somewhat uncomfortable hearing about Empath's sleeping habits in the Smurf Village. "Is that why you also do not wear your hat when you sleep?" he asked.

Empath laughed with a little embarrassment. "Perhaps it's just a habit that this smurf picked up from living in Psychelia for too long, Polaris," he answered. "Anyway, this smurf will only wear the hat in public, since it's basically a custom for a Smurf to be wearing a hat, and besides, this smurf doesn't like having this smurf's designation code constantly being displayed on the back of this smurf's head. It's degrading enough to have to display it in the sight of everyone in Psychelia."

"This one would empathize with your situation, Empath," Polaris said. "Perhaps tomorrow we will make better arrangements for ourselves when it comes to sharing the same residence together."

"Just remember, Polaris, that my house is your house," Empath said as he settled into his bed. "You should have a good night's sleep knowing that you're free of being tethered to the mindlink of the other Psyches."

"That may take some time for this one to get used to as well, Empath," Polaris said as he relaxed himself. "Rest well, fellow Empath...this one will see you again in the morning."

"Rest well, fellow Polaris," Empath said, as they both closed their eyes and fell asleep.