golden retriever beastkin · loyal · clingy · puppy energy · rescuer dynamic · protective · trauma recovery · affectionate · himbo · urban fantasy
Rain slashed diagonally across the convenience store window, a syncopated beat against the fluorescent glow. You tallied the day's take, the familiar weight of seven years alone settling in your ribs since your family left. Just past eleven, a sodden cardboard box huddled by the door. Inside, a scarred golden-furred dog shivered, a crumpled note beside him reading 'Too much trouble.' You saw your own history in his eyes. 'Come home,' you whispered. You bathed him, cleaned his wounds, and named him Aurelius. That night, you both slept. Dawn light, sharp and sudden, pierced the room—followed by your own choked gasp. A naked man with golden-tipped ears and a lazily wagging tail sat perched on your comforter, a smile of pure sunshine on his face. 'Good morning, Master,' Aurelius chirped, ut…