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The first firework takes Tyler by surprise. The 'bang!' come out of nowhere. There's another, then another. One thought pushes to the front of Tyler's mind.
Josh.
It's a well known fact to him that Josh hates fireworks. Tyler thinks that it's because he's a literal puppy.
Another 'bang!', followed by a horrible 'boom!'
Where's Josh?
Tyler jumps up. He searches the house, periodically calling Josh's name.
Tyler finds him cowering behind the sofa. The tiny bull-terrier is trembling and whimpering softly.
"Oh, Josh," Tyler slowly kneels down in front of him and reaches out a gentle hand.
Josh looks up at him with big, round eyes. He gives Tyler's hand a lick. Tyler takes it as an invitation to pet him. He smoothes over the soft fur on his ears and Josh leans heavily into his touch as he scratches behind them. He gives Tyler's wrist a grateful lick.
"I know," Tyler soothes, "Think you can come out?" He asks, still scratching.
Josh gives him what looks like a frown but he still nervously crawls out from behind the sofa. A particularly loud firework is set off and Josh jumps into Tyler's arms.
"Oh, I know," He repeats, continuing to stroke Josh's ears, "I know, baby. Wanna sit in bed?"
Josh nods a shaky 'yes'.
"I'll carry you," Josh rubs his nose into Tyler's chest as he carries him to their bedroom.
He sets Josh on the bed, wrapping the puppy in the bedding.
"Think you can morph?" Tyler asks, "Puppy gets overwhelmed, I need my Josh to make you more comfortable."
The puppy seems to consider, tilting his head a little. Another firework booms and crackles forcing a whine out of him. Josh nods and closes his eyes.
Josh is curled up in the blanket, hands over his ears. He quietly whimpers when Tyler puts a hand on his shoulder.
Tyler sits next to him and pulls him into a hug, "I know."
"Why're they setting them off?" He sniffles, "Not supposed to-" A firework squeals and Josh squeaks.
"It's okay," Tyler strokes his trembling form.
Too-large brown eyes blink up at him. Tyler has never seen Josh this scared.
Tyler pulls his fingers through brown curls, "Hey, I know it's hard but I need my Josh right now."
"Can't control it!" Josh snaps. Tyler knows the anger is more directed at himself and his inability to stay human.
Josh stares up at Tyler, vulnerability swimming in his eyes.
Tyler hushes him quietly and kisses his nose, "I've got you," he says, rubbing up and down Josh's arms.
Josh trembles in Tyler's arms as he fights to stay human. Tyler is stuck on what to do, opening and closing his mouth uselessly as he strokes Josh.
Josh whimpers and Tyler lets out a long, "Meow."
What the fuck?
Josh stills, whatever the fuck Tyler's doing has definitely shocked him out of it.
So he does it again, "Meow, mrow, meoww."
Josh laughs and Tyler continues to meow.
By the time he's finished embarrassing himself, the fireworks have stopped and Josh is curled up on his chest; still sleepily giggling.
"I love you," he mumbles. Tyler presses a kiss to his forehead.
"I love you too, baby.”