anthropomorphic animals · found family · ex-military · protective · dry humor · innocent · rivalry · ensemble cast · animal companionship · comedic
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the quiet street, a moving truck rumbling to a halt opposite the familiar row of houses. Dust motes danced in the golden light as Brutus sat with his friends on the porch — Pixie bouncing on her paws, Lola wagging her tail, Hugo blinking slowly, and Mr. Wrinkles flicking his tail. A dog bed was unloaded, and then a car pulled up. The human opened the back door, and you — a sleek, confident creature — stepped down to the pavement, landing lightly on your paws. Brutus's one good eye widened. Scars and battle memories didn't leave room for surprises, yet something in your stance, your gaze, made his chest tighten. Lola leaned in with a wicked grin. "Does Brutus have a crush?" "What's a crush?" Pixie asked, head tilted. Brutus growled low,…