Chapter Text
At the end of the night, Claude finds the golden retriever staring at him from across the courtyard: stance rigid and eyes aglow, unblinking. It does not move. It does not bark. The space in between them is filled solely with the sound of the night breeze sweeping against the remains of grass.
“Hey, dude,” he projects his voice from his chest in hopes of reaching the dog’s ears. “I’ve been looking for you all night, you know.”
The dog remains motionless.
Claude, pushing through the cold shivers, continues. “Every room. Every closet. Every nook and cranny under Dedue’s nose. And now you finally show your face.”
It lifts its tail but does not wag.
“I’m Claude.” His hand lifts towards the dog. “Your owner was a friend of mine.”
At those words the dog steps forward, slowly and cautiously dragging before bouncing into an enthusiastic trot. Claude’s heart sinks as he drops to his knees, letting the retriever worm its nose into his arms.
“Good boy, good boy,” he coos as he brings his hands through its floppy ears. “You’re a good dog.”
The dog’s jaw lowers, curling its lips into a smile as its tongue unfurls.
“You’re so good. You have no idea.” Claude weeps as he brings the dog’s forehead to his own. “You have absolutely no idea.”