Work Text:
The sun beams through the windows of Graham's home in Wolf Trap, spreading its shine across the wooden floor and the patterned antique rug that stayed covered in dog hair, reaching the sleeping dogs that stirred away from the brightness. Will travel to the bathroom without waking up his furry companions, taking a shower. Absentmindedly, the FBI profiler didn't recognize the hot water being too much for the sensitive skin on his back, leaving it stained flustered-red. Until he zoned back in to shut the water off, stepping on a towel laid out on the floor to absorb the wetness of his feet as he dried himself off. Slipping into a new pair of clothes to continue his daily routine. Tippy-toeing his way to the kitchen, quietly turning on the coffee machine so he wasn't so grumpy if anyone decided to bother him. Preparing the dogs' morning meal, Will managed to work with the food supplies he had in his pantry since his house was becoming empty because of his dreadful lack of appetite. - It was noticeable from his pale skin and weight loss. - Peeling the skin off the sweet potatoes while cleaned, seasoned fish was cooking in the oven. He had already removed the bones from the salmon he caught three days ago, letting the baked fish cool off. The boiled potatoes became tender, allowing him to begin mashing them with a fork once he replaced them in a bowl. The moment he returned to the cooled fish, he began chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Finishing in a matter of seconds, Graham collected each dog's bowl, carefully filling them all for the hungry pets that woke up by the delicious smell from the kitchen. Peering them all contentedly rush to their bowls after setting them all on the floor again and using a cue to allow them to race to their meal.
Lifting his head, he glared towards the window, the winter season fading away and finally showing its spring features. Flowers and bushes regaining life once again after the long winter. Pine trees still standing tall and strong, branches shuffling lightly from the tiny bit of breeze pushing them softly. Will walked to his front doors, unlocking the first one before swinging it open. Warmth pushes through the screen door and touches his skin, entering the house. Noticing it was a nice day out, Will backtracked to the kitchen, grabbing a bag full of dog treats. Then, he slid his timberland stormbuck shoes while opening the white door. His hyper dog followed behind him as he exited the home, after all, they were crowded on the front porch he locked the door. Directing the pack, Graham made his way to the open path towards the woods. A small smile appeared on his lips as he witnessed his dogs play fight or galloping around him with joy.
Reaching the stream, the man sat on a trunk to rest his legs in the meantime. Up until barks from Buster and Jack caused him to shoot back up to his feet, turning to the direction they were facing, silencing them quietly with a 'tsk tsk' sound. Spotting a shy yet curious black Labrador peeking behind a tree it was using to hide, instantly commanding his dogs to sit and stay, he approached the seemly lost pup slowly. Shoving his hand in a pocket filled with a treat to pull out as an offering to gain trust, Will kneeled to the ground and carefully held his hand out, being very patient, "Hey there, are you lost, cutie?" cooing smoothly. Although, it took a few minutes for the dog to finally move from its spot and creep towards him, sniffing his hand intensely because of the goody buried in his closed fist. The dog lover rewarded the puppy by gently patting its head and the treat, making a warm welcome as he began to think about what to do. There was no collar. The fur is droughty with mud, which means it's been in the woods for a while. However, it became complicated trying to figure out if it had an owner or not by how well fed it looked; not skinny at the rubs or legs. Undoubtedly, the size and face of the puppy had to be at least 2-3 years old. Takes a moment to let the new dog feel him out and let him feed it more treats.
Unsure if the dog would follow him back to the farmhouse, it occurred to him he needed to pick up the dog and carry it around. Already pretty far at this point, he choose to deal with an expected squirming dog in his arms. Letting out a small sigh as he carefully lifted the dog in his arm, and it shocked him. She was extremely comfortable with him and not fearful, her beefy flavored breath panting in his face as she was happy. Speeding wagger moving side to side, brushing on his legs. "Aren't you a brave girl?" She was an absolute beauty, even as dirty as can be. Gorgeous hazel eyes stared up at the helpful man with adoration, sniffing momentarily at his hair and plaid shirt. The lab's body was wriggling in excitement in his arms, watching the other companions either run or walk beside her new owner from above once Will called 'follow' to the group, trailing back home.
Having a spare leash and collar hanging on his coat rack, he gently put it on her, tying the lead to the porch handrail; guiding the rest inside, Will hastily moved from the bathroom to the kitchen and back outside, not wanting the dog to feel abandoned. A bucket filled with warm water in one hand and the other holding shampoo, with two folded towels under his armpit. Graham didn't even think about changing his clothes, sitting down on the ground next to the newest dog member of his pack, massaging the soap into her fur gradually with water to know her reaction.
The untroubled female pup was overly concentrated on being loved by the human; the liquid didn't bother her. Therefore, Graham continued to wash her properly, letting out light chuckles and giggles whenever she decided to lick his face. Entirely dried with a dirt-free shiny coat she had before the woods, fed some salmon and sweet potatoes, there was still something missing. A name. What was he going to name her? Will was assured after Winston, that it was the last name idea. Observing the black beauty from his chair with his head tilted to the side. He was catching a glimpse up at the sky, noticing the almost cloudless calm sky.
Nala.
Nala was going to be her new name.