#tns gay heath

[joah-shipper]

Dog

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 | 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐱 𝐍𝐨𝐚𝐡: 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐞𝐭

~~~

Heath's POV

My lungs burn as I run, having done so for over an hour now. But, I can't stop. Can't let myself give up. Not until I find him and bring him home.

How could I do it? How could I be such an idiot to let him out of my sight?! I just went to the bathroom for a moment, and when I got back I realised that I had left the front door open.

Mom and Dad are never gonna trust me to leave me home by myself again. One of their first times doing so, and I let Snuggles run out and get lost for what has been over a week now!

Squeezing his favourite chew toy once again, I hope to hear him bark in response to the squeak. Nothing happens though. Just like the other 27 times.

I wipe my eyes and keep rushing down the street. He has to be around here somewhere, he's just got to be.

If not, I don't...

Suddenly, a noise travels around the corner. Not a bark, but it still sounds like an animal. Turning the corner, I find myself looking down at the glowing-green eyes of an orange tabby-cat.

Okay, this is practically the opposite of what I was looking for!

It cocks it's head at the sight of me, looking both curious and judgmental. Like most cars really. Still I crouch down to it's level and scratch it's ear.

"Hey little fella. What are you doing out here?" I say, voice croaking.

My hand move's down to it back, and it seems to like the pets. But, then it turns around and continues slowly walking up the path that we're both on.

"Huh? Where are you-"

I cut myself off as I finally notice the two figures only a few feet away. Similar to my own stature, there's a guy rubbing the head of a labrador. It’s tail wagging and smacking off the ground.

It's not just any dog though.

"Snuggles!" I yelp.

Immediately I burst over to them, the mysterious cat hot on my trail. My knees hit the asphalt below us when I reach the pair, pretty badly getting cut and starting the bleed, while tears start falling down my face. But I fucking don’t care!

“Buddy, oh my fucking god! I’ve been looking everyone for you. Where were you? Don’t you ever scare me like that again.” There is a strain in my throat as I cry, which Snuggles barks at, then licks the wetness from my skin.

It’s only after a few minutes of me being wrapped around his large, brown frame, that I remember I’m not alone. Looking up, I notice the familiar broad build of one of the a-troupe dancers.

“Hey Heath. He’s yours I’m guessing then?” Noah says, stretching out a hand. Taking it, I pull myself to my feet.

“Yeah, he ran off a few days ago….um…how did you find him? I wipe away the rest of my tears with a fist.

“I know, heard some of b-troupe talking about it. Had to take Monty here for a walk anyway…” He pets the cat, which I now know is his. “So, I thought I’d try looking for him. Luckily found him going around my street-“

Before I can help myself, I launch at him. It clearly takes him by shock, as he gasps loudly and steps back. And, I go to follow, as I’m now extremely embarrassed.

But, then I feel a hand in my back and he pulls my head to the crook of his neck. He doesn’t say anything as more trilled tears come and stain his coat.

I feel hot all over, both from realising how stupid doing this was. But, also of warmth. From how much this is calming me down and making me feel lighter.

“Thank you…so much…” I whisper.

[joah-shipper]

Stan Heath and Izzy for mlm and wlw solidarity.

[joah-shipper]