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You could feel the good spirit and positivity in the air that day. A stark contrast to the usual sighs and complaints that could usually be heard around the base. Everyone felt happier and light, all because of the arrival of the newest recruit. A dog.
None of them were really sure about the breed. He looked like a golden retriever, but not quite. It didn't have enough hair. All they knew is it was kind of yellow, had floppy ears, and was cute. Undeniably cute.
Even Major Krauser seemed to think so. When he had discovered Private Reynolds secretly feeding the dog the day before, he had been surprisingly lax in his retaliation. Yes, the private would have to clean the floors of the showers, but he would be allowed to keep the dog. Rather, Krauser would not make the dog leave. Krauser figured as long as the dog behaved and minded its business, it might even be good for morale to have it stick around. Whether that was the truth, or rather, that Krauser had a soft spot for canines, was yet to be determined.
Regardless, the dog had been allowed to stay, and his effect on everyone had been immediate. They all seemed to be working harder, trying to finish things a little sooner, just to be able to go play with it and teach it some tricks. They all gathered a little of each of their meals to feed it, as long as it was alright for dogs to eat. Thankfully, the bland food in the mess hall seemed to have come out of a pet's diet anyway.
Leon was honestly surprised to find out Krauser had allowed the dog to stay. The Major was a man of many mysteries, and basically no one knew much about his preferences or personal life. Leon supposed he must have liked dogs, maybe even had one in childhood. A trusted companion like no other. He smiled at the thought of a younger Krauser and a dog by his side. Maybe a Great Dane or a St. Bernard. A dog as big as Krauser.
The days passed and things went mostly back to normal, the dog settling into their daily routines. He mostly kept to himself, chasing birds and squirrels in the outskirts of the base. Still, getting to see him or pet him was enough to make their days just a little better.
A few weeks after his arrival, the dog had been notably absent all day. It wasn't until dinnertime that someone asked about him. Surprisingly, it was Major Krauser.
"Has anyone seen... the dog?"
It suddenly dawned on Leon that they hadn't named him yet. Everyone kept calling it "dog," "boy," or "buddy."
Everyone looked around at each other, noting that they hadn't seen the dog since yesterday. Although they played with him and took care of his food, it wasn't uncommon for the dog to wander around, disappearing for hours on end. Still, he always came back, especially for dinner.
"I'll head north, then. Rodriguez, you take the west. Lee, you take the east. And Meyers, you take the south."
"Yes, Sir!" The recruits appointed for the search immediately sat up and saluted, leaving immediately in their assigned direction.
For some reason, Leon also stood up and headed north.
"Major!" He said loudly while running after Krauser.
"Permission to help, Sir. We can cover more area if I come with."
Krauser stopped in his tracks to turn to Leon. He gave him a serious look but after a moment nodded and continued to head to the northern outskirts of the base. By then he must have been used to what he mockingly called Leon's "hero complex."
It wasn't that Leon loved "the dog" or anything. He did enjoy spending time with him and seeing others enjoy his company. He just didn't have much time or energy to dedicate to him. Besides, the dog had to be the most popular being there; getting time alone with him was basically impossible. Still, Leon couldn't get the idea of Krauser and this dog out of his head. The imagined childhood dog Leon had conjured up returned to his mind.
They separated and searched for a good 30 minutes with no luck. They were losing light as the sun set, and there was still no sign of the dog anywhere.
There was still one area Leon hadn't searched. An old abandoned shack that held a few old tools. but mostly dust. He turned around and made his way to the location. As he approached, he heard a voice speaking in an endearing tone, and he froze as soon as he turned the corner to face the shack.
Krauser was there, crouched over the dog, who was now turned on his back, freely allowing him to rub his belly. His tail was wagging a mile a minute. That was definitely the best response Leon had ever seen a living being have to the Major.
"We're going to have to seal this off," Krauser said to the dog in the most gentle voice Leon had ever heard him use. "We can't have you getting lost again, can we? It must have been so scary to be in there all by yourself. You're the bravest man here, Leon."
Leon?
Leon stood there confused at the mention of his name. Major Krauser was not facing him, nor did he know he was there. Had he… Named the dog Leon?
Instinctively, Leon gave a step forward, stepping on a branch, completely blowing his cover. Krauser quickly turned his head and stood up at the sight of the recruit. The dog immediately ran towards Leon and jumped at him happily as the rookie approached them.
"Looks like you found him, Sir." Leon said seriously, trying to pretend he hadn't just heard the dog being called his own name.
Krauser quickly got his surprised eyebrows under control, replying matter-of-factly.
"Seems like he got stuck in this shed. There were some loose beams; he must have knocked them over when playing or chasing something."
Leon was relieved to have found him, but he stood there awkwardly as he tried to find the courage to ask about what he had heard come out of Krauser's mouth.
"Well then, since we found him, we should head back. Look alive, Kennedy."
He started to walk back, both Leons following closely behind.
Human Leon felt like he would burst if he didn't bring it up. He just had to confirm he had heard right.
"Sir," He began saying carefully. "Did I hear you call the dog Leon?"
Krauser stopped in his tracks. Leon could have sworn he saw the tips of his ears turn slightly red.
"Yeah, well, the way his ears flop when he runs reminded me of your stupid hair bouncing, Kennedy." He said harshly without turning back to face him. Besides, you think you're the only person in the world with the name Leon? That's pretty self-centered, wouldn't you say?"
He resumed walking, and Leon followed. He felt a warm feeling in his chest for reasons he couldn't name. Leon knew the Major had a soft spot for this dog, even if he desperately tried to hide it. He wasn't entirely sure his association with him was positive, but he had a good feeling it was.
"I'm glad such a cute dog reminds you of me, Major," replied Leon, smile obvious in his tone.
Krauser gave a quiet huff and continued on his way. By that point, "Leon" had gotten ahead of them. Leon felt his heart beat to the rhythm of the dog's tail wagging.
