Chapter Text
“Now Tech,” Wilbur called out from the truck. “She’s retired ok? But she’s not been exposed to civilian life so it’s best if you just stay calm and don’t make any loud noises. No squealing or coos or awes you know?”
Techno snorted. “Since when have I ever made those noises around an animal?”
“Uh, a lot?” Wilbur opened the door of the truck. “You’re a fuckin softie!”
“Pffft try living with him.” Philza called out from the front door.
“Oooh Phil look! Look at da widdle baby! Ooooh he’s so precious! Look at im!” The man cooed, making little mocking kissy noises, before dodging the playful swipe Techno swung at him.
“Oi dipshits!” Wilbur stage whispered over the sound of metallic jingling. “I said no loud noises! If you’re gonna keep this up then I’ll just take her for myself.”
Techno held his hands up in defeat. “Sorry, sorry.”
He still glared at Phil, before shooting his friend a wide grin.
It had been at least a month since he had seen the request on the foster page, asking for a home that could provide a quiet, dog free environment with plenty of love and affection. And patience and understanding.
Techno had taken one look at the pictures, out of curiosity and nothing more, and his heart had shattered.
A skinny creature, the fur on the tip of her tail completely missing, a tattooed number inside her ear and smile so wide and brown eyes so soft. Her paws were crossed over one another where she lay in her cage, her ears perked up and tongue lolling out happily. As if she was posing for the camera of a magazine rather than lying on the concrete floor of a tiny cell.
She looked so happy. So happy and alive despite the description he had read of her.
Techno had talked it over with Philza, giving the thought of adoption time to simmer. It would be a big task he would be taking on. Hell, even if she was going to be his, it would still be a big change for Phil as well.
She needed walks, food, regular brushing (hell was she going to need a ton of brushing) and most importantly, security.
She couldn’t be around other dogs. She couldn’t be around certain people. The foster had even recommended she be adopted by women instead of men, and it was only when Wilbur had talked it over with the foster that they had given Techno the exception.
But, when he had checked back at the end of the month, only to see the slew of comments on the listings saying she was too much work, Techno made his decision.
And now he was here, standing nervously just outside the door to his flat, his fingers gripping tight to a lock of hair, hoping he hadn’t jinxed himself. Hoping he hadn’t gotten prepared for a new friend, only for her to reject him.
That was the whole point of the day, the final nail in the coffin that would decide if he would be able to keep her or not. Whether or not she accepted him and Philza. Or decided to bite.
While she’s done well with me, Wilbur had texted him that morning before driving up to meet him. That doesn’t mean she’s fine with everyone. She could still lash out.
I don’t blame her in the slightest. Techno had responded.
Hell, he’d still take her even if she did bite him. Although, the foster wouldn’t let her go to a home if she didn’t feel safe, no matter the intentions of the new owners.
Techno had never felt more nervous, hearing the light tapping of claws on concrete and the jingle of tags and a chain as Wilbur walked around the truck.
It was a moment, only a moment, but with how his heart wouldn’t stop pounding in his chest it felt like ages.
And then she was there, staring at him.
She was smaller than he expected. Still skinny, her spine and ribs visible through her sable coat. The patch of fur at the tip of her tail hadn’t grown back. The tattooed numbers in her ear were still painfully visible.
“Don’t look directly at her eyes-”
Wilbur’s warning was lost to him as Techno slowly, unconsciously, lowered himself to the ground. Sitting down on his knees and holding his hands out, just a bit. A little offering to sniff as the shepherd slowed her gait, watching him intently.
Before yanking on her lead, pulling it from Wilbur’s grasp and bolting.
For a horrifying moment, she was running, her eyes piercing straight through Techno’s brain, unreadable and blank.
And she stopped, mid pace, a paw still raised.
Techno remained where he had sat, unable to move his eyes away from the wolfish looking creature before him, despite knowing full well how much of a bad idea that was.
And to his surprise, and everyone around him, the dog sniffed his hand.
Licked it.
Dropped her ears and wagged her tail happily, before shoving her nose into his arm and almost burrowing into his hands. Wiggling and whining happily between licking his hands and face as he laughed.
“Hi! Hi! Yes! Hi hello!” Techno squished the rough fur of her face between his hands. “Hello! Oh you are so sweet! You are such a sweet baby! Yes you are! Yes you are!”
“See? What’d I tell ya?” he heard Phil behind him. “Absolute softie.”