Chapter Text
When Gio was a puppy, Viktor had always lifted him from the ground and carried him around with him in the city.
The reason behind this wasn't because his dog got anxious by the number of people coming and going nor because he was aggressive toward anyone who took notice of him. It was because Gio loved being outside so much that he had very little to no care of how quickly Viktor could catch up as he tugged on the leash with all his might. Viktor often stumbled to catch up, and, one time, he had actually ended up tripping face-first into the ground. He had ended up letting go of the leash and could only hope that his dog didn't run away too far.
Luckily, they were in a park and Viktor merely came out with a bruised chin. However, nothing could save him from the social embarrassment of some passersby and joggers snickering behind his back as he tried to help himself up with wobbly arms, massaging his bad leg all the while.
Even though Gio was quite the curious and rambunctious puppy—as is common for his breed—he had whimpered and came back for Viktor, nosing his bad leg with a regretful whine. How could Viktor stay mad at Gio when he had shot him with those wide blue eyes and sad little pout?
Viktor could only sigh as he gave Gio a pat on his small head. "Not too fast next time, my dear, alright?" he told his puppy as Gio whined and practically cried into his lap in a manner that was close to human. Viktor had to comfort Gio, lifting him from the ground as he stood on throbbing knees and an aching back.
Ever since then, Gio would always trot happily in pace with Viktor, tongue lolling as his head whipped around to take in his environment during the afternoon. Once they've made their small round around the park and had to go home, Gio would turn to Viktor and paw at his leg with a whimper, demanding to be lifted.
Of course, Viktor conceded each time despite his leg and carried his cute puppy home.
That was years ago, when Gio was a manageable weight. Now, Gio could topple Viktor down easily if he got on his hind legs and tried to jump his owner. Viktor sometimes wonders if his dear Gio still sees himself as a puppy.
Which is why on an afternoon like any other in their new home in the countryside, Gio pounces on Viktor on the couch, his electric blue leash in his jaw. With a bark, Gio nuzzles his snout on Viktor's lap before vocalizing a weak whine.
"Does someone want upsies?" Jayce asks as he emerges from the kitchen in his usual sportswear. It also happens that Viktor's best friend and co-CEO at HexCorp. loves to go on jogs at the same time Gio demands to be walked.
Viktor turns to the source of the voice with a smile, making Gio growl just a little. "Jayce," he says with a smile. Right behind Jayce's legs—though, it's hard to miss him since he's quite big for an average cat—is Herald, slithering around like a snake as his furry tail wraps around his owner's calf with a deep purr.
When Herald sees Gio, his sharp pupils narrow against his golden irises as he hisses at him. He hops in quick steps—the sound of metal softly hitting the wooden floor thanks to his prosthetic right hind leg—to the couch to steal the spot by Viktor's thigh before burying his head under the man's palm.
Gio watches this and barks at Herald, who seems unfazed by the loud, explosive sound. Gio is interrupted when he suddenly feels himself getting lifted, causing him to let out a curious sound as his body stretches upwards.
"Upsy-daisy!" Jayce exclaims as Gio shoots an amused Viktor a deadpan look. Viktor only laughs when Gio begins howling after he's put down.
"I think he hates me," Jayce says with a laugh.
Viktor shakes his head as he threads his fingers against Herald's chocolate-black fur. "He just needs to get used to you, you're fine," he reassures Jayce. "Thank you for walking him for me."
The high points of Jayce's cheeks turn red as he looks anywhere but at Viktor, one hand rubbing his shoulder. "It's no biggie, V. Might as well, right?" he replies with a wobbly smile.
Gio turns to Viktor and whines again, vocalizing garbled words that vaguely make sense.
"No, no, no! Viktor!" Gio seems to say—at least that's how Viktor interprets it with a laugh. No matter how many years he's been with his dear dog, Gio never stops making him laugh.
Viktor leans forward and cups Gio's face with both hands before kissing his snout. "If you go running with Jayce, I'll let you sleep on the bed with me tonight," he offers as Gio seems to contemplate this with a sniff. He turns his head, giving Jayce the side-eye, before picking up his leash and dropping by Jayce's sneaker-clad feet.
"That's my good boy," Viktor praises, causing Gio to raise his head with a bark—and for Jayce's entire face to turn red as he picks up the leash from the floor.
"We, um, best be going..." Jayce trails off, the pitch of his voice going higher and cracking halfway. Viktor hums as he sinks deeper into the couch, long lashes fluttering shut as light from the wide windows stream in to paint a fraction of his face in gold.
"I should warn you," Viktor says as Jayce opens the door. "Gio can get quite excitable, so I hope you can keep—"
"Agh!"
"—up."
Viktor opens his eyes and turns around to see Jayce being dragged by Gio with a grin. Hopefully he doesn't trip before he can figure out how to reign the husky in.
Viktor turns to Herald, who stares at him with inquisitive eyes—like he knows something the human doesn't. "What?" he whispers, cheeks a little warm, as he gives Herald head scratches that have him closing his eyes and purring like an engine.
Herald simply meows back at him before sinking his head on top of his front paws.