aterat | Something Small And Wrinkly This Way Comes!

Entry tags:

Something Small And Wrinkly This Way Comes!

Who; Whoever wants to tag in!
What; One Closed + Two Open
Where; Apartments, Park, Gullwings Office
When; July 26th
Warnings; Adorable wrinkles (A PUPPER), but otherwise I will update if serious things occur!

Note:If anyone wants something specific they are welcome to let me know!

The Arrival - Closed to Rhy

Llewellyn had left for the office, amusingly dragging his heels the whole time. He had never been much of a morning person, and it was harder still to motivate himself to leave when he woke up curled against his husband.

But gone he had, after breakfast and some light fussing with his notes (there were still several trailing towards the door where they’d fallen) he bid Rhy farewell and wished him a good day… And a small, soft promise that if he was going to be late, he’d call. Something said a little more frequently of late after his run in a month ago, a promise Llewellyn did his best to keep.

What the detective hadn’t expected was staying regularly at Rhy’s building would present a rather odd ‘wrinkle’ in someone else’s day.

Outside his apartment in the blue building, some might have noticed a basset hound pup next to a hat box, pawing at the door and making the most annoyed sounds in an attempt to get in. He was smallish, at that funny awkward stage where his paws were a bit large compared to his legs, and his ears were still dragging so low on the floor that he would very easily trip upon them if he got too excited.

But his attention on the door went on for a good ten minutes or so, before the dog let out an annoyed little sneezing sound and turned his wrinkly body to pad downstairs and waited for someone to open the door with all the patience of a dog who knew the world wasn’t made for someone as short as he. Once the door opened, he bolted across the square. Ears dragging and nose snuffling fiercely as he followed the scent trail of who he was looking for from one building to the next. His patient wait was repeated as he came upon the building that had the strongest scent, dashing under people’s legs as he came to a stop in front of the door he was looking for and resumed pawing at it.

Eventually, he let out one of his more impressive howls in hopes of getting the attention of whoever was inside. He was sure that at least one of his fathers was within!

Burning off some energy - OTA

The park had quickly become one of Llewellyn’s favourite places since the festival. It reminded him so much of his world, in many good ways. He had a lot of happier memories tied to the park there. It had been a bit of a safe space… When he wasn’t feeling welcome at his first place of work, it had become his ‘office’, so to speak. It was open, easy to avoid being crowded. The sun above, and nice scenery to look at.

Now that he looked back on it? It seemed like a missed opportunity on his part that he’d never had a dog before. Pretzel clearly enjoyed it as much as he did, racing around in the grass and sniffing around for all the interesting new scents that definitely had not been present in their last world. There was life here, after all.

At some point, Llewellyn realized he was going to need to get the dog a proper harness and leash again. Even if he was trained to listen to some commands pretty well, it was hard to deter a dog who had never experienced the great outdoors in such a literal sense before. There were so many sights, sounds, smells, and creatures he’d never seen before!

Pretzel, as Llewellyn had noted, was extremely sociable. He delighted in attention and wasn’t afraid to dart up to someone to try to get pats or handouts if he noticed another person around. Aside from people in their last world, he’d even made friends with some very unlikely creatures (including both rabbits and wolves).

So… Say hello to the ridiculous, wrinkly creature tripping over his own ears in front of you!

Bring Your Pup To Work Day - OTA

Llewellyn wasn’t entirely sure about leaving Pretzel cooped up in the apartment all day at either of his or Rhy’s places. If one of them were off for a day, sure the pup would get all the attention he needed. But otherwise, he was a growing dog who was at that awkward stage of growth, reasonably well trained but still prone to puppy-mischief. Plus, it was hard to get stern with the canine for his mischief when he already had the most sad, lethal puppy-dog-eyes in existence. It was probably Pretzel’s greatest weapon, and given how spoiled he was? He knew how to use it.

So… Leaving the pup along would just result in Llewellyn’s shoes being chewed up again and who knew what other kinds of messes that only a dog could think of making.

People working would either look down to see a wrinkly pup staring up at them, maybe hoping for ear scritches or a little piece of whatever they might have been eating. Surely other people kept snacks at their desk like his father… right? Of course, Llewellyn was quick to apologize if he caught sight of Pretzel disturbing someone, or exploring where he shouldn’t. “Uh- sorry, he’s friendly! Just… A little stubborn.”

Like him, maybe.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

“Yes, I’ll have to work on refreshing is training in general, I expect. We’ll have plenty of time for that, though.” It would be nice, even, to get back to teaching Pretzel. Sometimes the little dog caught on incredibly fast (if it was something cute to use to get treats or attention later) or slower if it seemed boring.

Llewellyn couldn’t help but laughing a little, “You are a little operator, aren’t you?” He said with a little glance at the pup and pat to his head. “He’s he was already pretty incorrigible when it came to begging to be carried around before, he’s going to take advantage of this for as long as he can.”

Llewellyn grinned a little, “Maybe once he’s better trained and can follow you to work, he can model some little doggy-coats for you.” He joked a little. A detective doggo with a flair for fashion. It was almost story-book worthy.

"He absolutely will. I would say, though, that with your work here he might be more useful than he was in the Sphere. Given the city doesn't move around all the time, he could actually use his sniffer well here."

Doggy. Coats. Rhy's eyes light up.

"Doggy investigation vest and hat!

Llewellyn had to admit, Rhy might have a good point there... Pretzel’s favourite game was already ‘find the toy!’ when they’d been working on scent tracking. Maybe he could help with missing people around the city. “He just might. He did manage to find you this morning from... Wherever he came from?” The Detective’s brow rose a little. He really couldn’t fathom how this worked.

At his husband’s excited tone, Llewellyn felt another warm smile cross his face. “He did have that little rain coat back at the sphere, even if it hadn’t been necessary for weather there. Maybe there might even be a market such things here, hm?” Laughing a little, he tilted his head at Pretzel. “You would probably look good in a hat and coat, wouldn’t you, Pretzel? All professional and stylish.”

"I don't know. I really don't. I'm impressed that he managed the stairs," Rhy answered. Because it was clear the little one had, from how he'd reacted to going down them. The Sphere hadn't exactly had a lot of stairs.

Which makes him realize something.

"He'll need a doggie bed."

Oh all the things they could do to spoil him.

“I don’t know if I ever had an occasion to see him using stairs, the sphere was very single-leveled for its buildings. Or at least I didn’t frequent any that had more than one floor.” He adjusted his hold on Pretzel, still cuddling him. Honestly, it was just so nice to have the little guy... Settled his nerves, to have everyone back together again.

A doggie bed! A very good idea, “I wonder what we can find, maybe a basket with some pillows could work? For now, anyway.” Llewellyn shook his head a little, “Because he’d have a harder time getting into our bed given it’s taller here than the one at the sphere.” He chuckled a little. Pretzel did love sneaking in to cuddle with his people when he could get away with it.

"Well, he's definitely not going ot be able to get onto the bed without help now," Rhy agreed. Even when he grew up that didn't seem likely. For now he offered a smile and leaned in to kiss Llewellyn's forehead.

"Now if only my brother were here."

But he knew better than to hope for that when he was already doubly blessed.

“Maybe sometimes as a treat we can give him a little help.” Llewellyn responded with an amused tone before he fell silent. Warmed by the kiss from the other, and using his free arm to wrap an arm around Rhy’s shoulder’s in a comforting half embrace. Pretzel even leaning over to press his nose against his other father’s cheek.

He wished he could grant that wish, to bring the family that Rhy still missed here. “I know, Love... I’m sorry, but you never know. People seem to come all the time, at different rates.”

Sure they do. But he doesn't hope because hope without relief was a pain that he didn't know how to handle.

"For now I have you two. So, can I lure you away for a walksies?"

“Indeed, you do...” He responded softly. They had each other, and Llewellyn was glad for it. To have Rhy, and to be there for him in return... And to have their little wrinkly dog again. It would help in its own way.

Llewellyn glanced at his desk before he nodded. He wasn’t going to be able to focus on the papers, anyway. “I do believe the three of us should take advantage of this lovely weather to celebrate our reunion with nice long walkies.” He responded with a grin before holding Pretzel up with a tilt of his head. “What do you think? Wanna take your fathers for a nice walk around a real park?”

Pretzel let out a yip, because he certainly knew that ‘walks’ and ‘walkies’ were a thing to get excited about. “I do believe we have a confirmation, dear.” He grabbed his bag to throw over a shoulder. “Ah, please, would you get the door for me?” Llewellyn added a moment later, not sure if he could get it himself with his arms full.

"Of course," Rhy agreed, getting his bag again and then moving toward the door. He pushes the door open and smiles at his love and the dog.

"I've got some jerky in my bag, if he needs more while we're out."

He was careful to avoid words like 'treat' and 'snack' and 'eat'.

“Thank you, dear.” He responded with a smile before heading out through the door as well. “You’ve really thought of everything in quite a short time.” Honestly, Llewellyn was pretty sure he would have forgotten something in his excitement.

Llewellyn adjusted his hold on Pretzel once they were outside, a little worried he might try to jump down and run around, but the little wrinkly dog seemed quite content to enjoy being carried around for now. “Oh, and we’ll have to find him some toys, too. Could probably make some to practice his scent tracking again.” Maybe some old socks, ones that they wouldn’t miss.

“And perhaps some for chewing.” Llewellyn found himself chatting happily, settling into a lighter, positive mood. “I haven’t forgotten how much you like my shoes. Never your other father’s hm?” Pretzel snorted a little, eyes innocent as ever.

No, of course not. Rhy’s shoes were off limits to the pup’s mind for some reason.

"I'm a thinker, dear. I helped organize a, well I wouldn't call it a war because we were losing, but a conflict back home."

He was a king. He was raised to organize.

"Perhaps we can ask a friend or two for help on scent tracking, if you want to train him. Games of hide and seek in the park or city?"

They can definitely figure out an answer for that. Have a friend with a clear treat in hand, let the dog get their scent, then hold pretzel as the friend disappeared into the crowds to hide somewhere that the stationary dog wouldn't be able to see them go.

"Hey, I remembered to keep my shoes above his level. Not my fault you don't remember to."

That was very true, but Llewellyn would never fail to be impressed by it. Nor would he fail to appreciate it, whether it be a serious situation like those at the Sphere or the arrival of their fuzzy little dog.

The Detective nodded. “That would actually be a good idea it would make it easier to increase the difficulty as he get’s better at it if we have volunteers. Missing people don’t uh- always stand still in one spot.” Llewellyn could remember a time in his world where a young girl had wandered into the woods. It had taken ages to find her. She’d travelled farther than most of them would have guessed. “I’ll have to ask around, see if I can find any volunteers once we have him a little more settled.”

Letting out a surprised laugh at the comment, Llewellyn tilted his head at his husband with an amused look. “What makes you think our darling fluff-butt couldn’t really figure out how to get what he wanted if he put his mind to it?"

Holding up Pretzel a little more on eye-level with Rhy, he playfully continued. "He's a little schemer, very single-minded when he wants something."

"No they don't, but I imagine the first step is tracking new scents and knowing that you're wanted to track, right?"

From there they can work on other things. Dragging things through the streets and then setting him to tracking hours, or even a day or so later. Just keep going to help him be the best sniffer. THey sweet little sniffy boy.

"He can't climb, dear."

Llewellyn nodded. That was what he’d meant when he said using people would be a good way to start instead of basic toys. They could change their training methods more easily when Pretzel mastered one thing. “Exactly, love. That’s why I think you have an excellent idea.” Pretzel had a lot of work to do, although Llewellyn liked to think the pup was a quick learner when properly motivated. He was quite proud that he’d found his way to Rhy’s apartment that morning.

“Maybe that’s what he wants us to think so we’ll keep picking him up, hm?” Llewellyn responded with a good-natured, teasing tone. “Or one day he’ll actually get better at standing on his hind legs without toppling over.”

Properly motivated, of course, meant offered treats. They really needed to figure that out. But for now he knows how to deal with Pretzel at least behaving at home.

"Well, perhaps he will. But until he shows me he can, I'll put my shoes out of easy reach and feel confident."

Yes, pre-made dog-treats were something else that they would need to figure out how to replace. But if the food situation worked out, then perhaps they could find other options for them as well.

Llewellyn grinned a bit. “You hear that, Pretzel? You have both some learning and proving to do.” The pup clearly seemed unconcerned, or far more interested in all the sights and sounds around them as the park came into view. “You know, I think our little wrinkle doesn’t even know where to look right now.” He chuckled, watching as Pretzel’s nose snuffled constantly as they passed people, stands, and the odd chocobo drawn cart.

Well, given the carrots had worked a little, maybe vegetables treated as if they were treats would suffice as well. Or they could learn to bake?

"Some days I don't even know where to look," Rhy admitted. "I mean, look at these huge birds everywhere."

Undoubtedly, the vegetables would be a good idea. After all, Pretzel seemed happy to eat anything... It was even more exciting to eat food he saw his people eating, almost like he was getting away with something that he wasn't supposed to. Baking could be a rather interesting endeavor though, especially if they did manage to get better in the kitchen.

"I admit, the huge birds still throw me off on occasion. I've heard they're normal in other worlds, but it's quite strange to see them when you expect to see horses. It's rather like giant chickens pulling carriages." Llewellyn responded with a rise of his brow, "We may want to familiarize him with them? Just to make sure he doesn't get underfoot when they're around, he does get so excited about meeting new creatures, he's young enough that he might not be cautious." Llewellyn was probably over worrying there, but when didn't he?

"I don't miss horses all that much," Rhy admitted. Though he knew how to ride them, they weren't very useful in the parts of his city that he was allowed to wander. No, his greatest experience with them had been during Osaron's power, and he hated it. Still, Llewellyn was probably right.

"Again, we might speak to the vendor about acclimatizing them."

“No, I think we can both on that.” He responded with a small grin. For him it was more... He preferred getting here and there on his own two legs. Being confined to sit for a long time or in a small space? Not his cup of tea, as they said. “Still, it’s odd to see these large birds instead.”

Llewellyn nodded. “Yes, another good idea. They were quite willing to talk or offer advice during the festival.”

Pretzel fussed a bit as they entered the part, stretching his neck and hanging his head over Llewellyn’s shoulder at Rhy. Chuckling a little, Llewellyn glanced around, “I think we should avoid walking by the pond, I’m a little concerned he might want to chase the ducks... So perhaps in one of the more open spaces?”

"I wouldn't be surprised if the ducks chased him," Rhy laughed. "Yes, let us keep to the more open areas. Hopefully he'll rememberwho feeds him at that."

"Mm... If my luck with waterfowl has rubbed off on him, you might have a point. I have been chased by geese once or twice in my life." Llewellyn responded with a humorous tone, the pup in his arms as he steered them down a path away from the pond.

Chuckling a little, he glanced to Rhy again at the comment. "While he may make a game of us catching him, I do believe he'll at least remember that. He did manage to find you from wherever it was he came from, after all."

Indeed he had. Rhy smiles at their little pup, and of course at Llewellyn.

"Well of course he did. He's a scent hound after all. He will always find his way home."

“Indeed, he will, even in a different world his home is us.” Llewellyn responded softly, again feeling more than a little lucky that they could have this together. That at least one thing missing had been returned to them.

Looking around, and not seeing anything that would tempt the pup too badly... Llewellyn nodded. “I think this is a good place to start, let’s see what he does, hm?” For not the first time, he rather wished they had some small toys for the pup to play with. Enis had made some nice, puppy tough ones back at the Sphere.

Pretzel was actually starting to fuss a bit. He liked being carried, of course, but there were things to smell!

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