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Gavin always had the sneaking suspicion that he’d end up roadkill.
When Ray would be getting him out of the trouble he’d started, or when Ray would scoop him out of the trash, he would be told the same thing.
“Gav, if you keep this up, you’ll be roadkill.”
He knows the dog means no harm when he says it. He knows what Ray is saying. Ray is saying Gavin has to watch his back, because not everyone was as patient as Ray. Not everyone is tolerant of him.
Gavin knows this well. After all, a nick in his left ear and scratches along his body and tail prove that. He knows how to defend himself, he knows how to fight. Most people assume that because he’s an opossum, he’s quick to show his stomach and play dead.
But, Gavin doesn’t operate like that.
Gavin is all bite. He doesn’t really need anyone by his side. Except Ray. Ray’s a good lad. Dopey, but loyal. Gavin would gladly go down fighting for him.
Brothers? Yeah, that sounds right to him. Even though a part of Gavin feels strongly towards Ray, a powerful sense of something more. Brother seems like a safer way to word how their relationship is.
Gavin always felt drawn towards the dog. Ray’s tail always did wag when Gavin showed up when they were children. Even now, as adults, they like to just hang around. Gavin upside down in a tree with Ray curled around the thick trunk, tail a blur.
Gavin kind of feels bad about dragging Ray into his scheming.
Kind of. But he has faith in the dog. Sure, the lad isn’t exactly cunning like Gavin, but he’s a dog. He’s loyal.
Surely, it goes over well. At least, Gavin hopes so.
* * *
Gavin is no stranger to danger. Even when he’s on top of the hotel roof, tail twitching and ears pointing down, he’s begging for Ray’s safety. It was his own damn fault, Gavin cries. It’s not the dog’s fault.
Even when he’s picked up by the tail (bloke’s rather strong to do that) and chucked over the edge, he feels like he did something. He can see Ray’s horrified face as he plummets, the dog’s tail no doubt between his legs.
Even when he slams into the windshield, and his body is in agony, Gavin isn’t ready to give up. His bones are clearly broken, and he’s bleeding. A tooth is probably in his stomach right now. Yet, he still feels fired up. Gavin Ellis is not throwing in the towel just yet.
Even when his body is thrown to the side of the road, body in agonizing pain, Gavin feels a sense of calm. Even while his claws curl up and scratch the soles of his feet, even while drool pools out the side of his mouth. Even while his vision blurs and he sees a light, he’s accepted this.
It’s just fate, after all. He was born to end up as roadkill.