Dogs understood the beauty of the world. A full belly and sunshine, something new to smell and something fun to chase, these were the pillars of true joy. But to have a companion to share them with? Ah, now that was the rarest treat yet, and one that flooded Sam's currently canine heart with a gratitude he could only express through bird-scattering barks, leaping over a mossy log as he chased a similarly four-legged Will Graham through Florida forest.
It hadn't taken long after Sam discovered Will's powers for Sam to make the first pass at a play date. At the time, months ago now, he'd couched the offer in something about being a mentor, or just helping the fisherman get a grip on having paws, but to Sam's delight those justifications were never needed. Will always seemed eager to meet with him, whether near his own De Chima cabin or in the tangled Heropa overgrowth, not a hint of shame shared between the temporary beasts as they wasted long hours digging and running, sniffing and tussling, just two wagging tails enjoying all this world had to offer a dog. Sam always came away from their runs (and the inevitable bit of chatting and drinking which followed) feeling as though he'd burned away a layer of whatever current stresses plagued him. Will was just good company, furred or not; he'd proven that.
He also appeared to be damn amazing at hide-n-seek. Sam lowered his nose to the damp earth, snuffling along after Will's scent, his damn bushy Shepherd's tail wagging lazily behind him. He'd thought he was closer to gaining on the other man (well, other dog) for a moment there, but Will must have made a clever turn during their chase. Sneaky. Not sneaky enough though, not with Sam on the hunt, no sir. He was going to -
There were voices nearby. Distant but distinctly male, gruff. Sam caught the slam of a vehicle door and the rumbling purr of an engine on standby. Something small, by the sound of it. An ATV, maybe? He raised his head, both floppy ears lifting. He couldn't see through the grey line of trees and Spanish moss. Despite some wistful consideration that the men may have brought sausages or jerky with them, Sam would have left it at that and returned to his day then, if not for the barking.
Will's barking, unhappy and echoing from the same direction.
2/18, Heropa || CLOSED to Will Graham
It hadn't taken long after Sam discovered Will's powers for Sam to make the first pass at a play date. At the time, months ago now, he'd couched the offer in something about being a mentor, or just helping the fisherman get a grip on having paws, but to Sam's delight those justifications were never needed. Will always seemed eager to meet with him, whether near his own De Chima cabin or in the tangled Heropa overgrowth, not a hint of shame shared between the temporary beasts as they wasted long hours digging and running, sniffing and tussling, just two wagging tails enjoying all this world had to offer a dog. Sam always came away from their runs (and the inevitable bit of chatting and drinking which followed) feeling as though he'd burned away a layer of whatever current stresses plagued him. Will was just good company, furred or not; he'd proven that.
He also appeared to be damn amazing at hide-n-seek. Sam lowered his nose to the damp earth, snuffling along after Will's scent, his damn bushy Shepherd's tail wagging lazily behind him. He'd thought he was closer to gaining on the other man (well, other dog) for a moment there, but Will must have made a clever turn during their chase. Sneaky. Not sneaky enough though, not with Sam on the hunt, no sir. He was going to -
There were voices nearby. Distant but distinctly male, gruff. Sam caught the slam of a vehicle door and the rumbling purr of an engine on standby. Something small, by the sound of it. An ATV, maybe? He raised his head, both floppy ears lifting. He couldn't see through the grey line of trees and Spanish moss. Despite some wistful consideration that the men may have brought sausages or jerky with them, Sam would have left it at that and returned to his day then, if not for the barking.
Will's barking, unhappy and echoing from the same direction.
Sam bolted towards it without a second's thought.