"This is Angeal Hewley... distinctly not here. Leave a message, and I'll get back to you when I can. If it's important, Lazard, Genesis, or Sephiroth should know where I am."
I know you'd love it but you're a pair with Genesis so if it doesn't work out don't worry about it alright? You are honorary godfather for Lucky anyway so please feel free to enjoy all your puppy time with him.
[While Lucky is still really happy he does start to whimper a little.]
Oh, I think he needs to go out for a walk. Want to come with us?
I wouldn't mind you visiting more often....to see lucky of course. [Sure Squall, just to see Lucky.]
I don't think he wants you leaving anytime soon either. [He grabs Lucky's leash and attaches it to his little red collar before handing it over to Angeal who probably wants to lead anyway. It's fine, Angeal can walk him and his dog.]
I was thinking I might get him a harness since he's so small. What do you think?
[Yesssssssssssss. Angeal is grinning as he's handed the leash, already winding it around his hand carefully. At this young age, the most important thing is going to be teaching him to stay at people's sides. It'll take a little bit of focus, and he'll have to pick up some treats on the way to encourage Lucky... but they can manage.]
A harness would be good, for a few reasons. Besides how much more preferable it is to tugging on a collar around the neck, the act of putting it on will help Lucky adjust to staying still while he's being handled.
You have to get them used to that when they're small, and so it's less of a problem when they grow up and you have to clip their nails or take them to the vet.
[Angeal with a leash in his hand just seems to look natural. Squall hasn't had a chance to do any petplay since his time with Genesis and just seeing Angeal like that right now even though it has nothing to do with it has him blushing but he quickly shakes his head and gets Lucky and himself ready, Grabbing his jacket and putting his own boots on.]
I'll work on getting him a harness then, I wonder if they might have one somewhere? We don't really have vets here either so hopefully Lucky stays healthy.
[Once ready Squall opens the door for them, and the three of them head out, Lucky trying to run off head while Squall is the more obedient one matching pace with Angeal.]
[Angeal works on keeping Lucky distracted while Squall gets ready, scritching behind his ears, doing a bit of play, that sort of thing.]
Probably you'll just have to make sure he doesn't hurt himself physically. I'm not sure if we can get sick in this place.
[Simulation and all that.]
[And the two of them step out, Angeal keeps a steady grip on the leash, and makes a small whistle while he uses his other hand to tap at his side.]
Lucky.
[He should have some leftovers and things in his pocket... Well they can stop by the bakery real quick to get better treats to encourage a little bit of training.]
[Lucky rushes out ahead with the leash but with Angeal holding a steady grip and the calls he does pick up fast and come to heel by Angeal. However it's more to see what's in his pockets then actually following the leader at the moment. His nose goes up sniffing wildly at him.]
You are like a magician with dogs.
[Squall hasn't had a hard time with Lucky so far but he hadn't got him to listen like this yet so he's really impressed.]
...I wonder if he could do that with me...
[He doesn't even realize he says that outloud for Angeal to hear.]
Ha, I'm just a old hat with this sort of thing. I love dogs, and that means everything to do with them, including training.
[But for now, Lucky was such a good boy, coming immediately when called (even if just for treats). So Angeal leans down, feeding him juuuust a bit and enthusiastically encouraging him all the while. The key to rewarding good behavior is making the praise absolutely hyped up.]
[And with Lucky eating, he smiles up at Squall.]
It's easier than it looks, honestly. You just have to be patient, and get habits established. He'll do it for you in no time.
I never had any growing up but I dated a girl once who had one. I loved that dog, she was amazing and even helped us in some missions...I've liked dogs since.
[As squall is talking Lucky is happily eating out of Angeal's hands literally. He's a sucker for treats clearly.]
[Oh that smile earns a redness to Squall's face as he looks away from Angeal's bright smile to focus more on Lucky in order to make himself not look an idiot. It's not helping.]
Yeah...I'm sure he will. I just admire how easily he listens to you.
Ha, she sounds nice. [Angeal, you think anyone with a dog sounds nice-] But if you liked dogs since then, you probably always would have, and just needed the occasion. I'm glad you found one early.
[And with the scraps given, Angeal straightens up, and starts to guide Lucky along again.]
You'll get there with Lucky sooner or later. Treats and praise are the key, in the beginning. I'll teach you some tricks before I leave.
[On one hand, Angeal has been trying to be respectful of Squall. You know, as an employee directly under him. Sure, it's Sex City, but that doesn't mean he has to be a pest.]
[.....but]
[He is but a simple man, at the end of the day. And that lead in is too easy.]
Well... Maybe if you're a good boy too.
[And his voice goes low and deep in a particular way that Zack is familiar with.... and which Squall may just get to become familiar with, too.]
[If Angeal didnt want to kill his coworker he shouldnt have said that. As it is squall is walking fine, not even a pebble out of place to trip him. Yet the moment Angeal utters those words,Squalls everything shuts down and he goes down face first to the ground tripping over his own feet. The way he said 'good boy' really just sent a wild shiver through his whole being before shutting down. He practically almost breaks his nose but nope hes just gonna lay there on the ground in shame and embarrassment from what Angeal just said.]
[Sorry, Squall, you aren't allowed to die. Falling like that is just going to get a yipping puppy's attention, let alone Angeal's, and he quickly turns back to Squall's poor prone body.]
[ And just like Angeal says, the moment that Lucky notices Squall on the floor he stops and runs over to his owner and climbs over his back, sniffing at the mane of hair and barking at him to get up. He whines a little and looks at Angeal for help. Clearly something is wrong with his owner!]
Lucky...
[Squalls face is so red and he csn blame it on face planting and he still doesnt want to move and onky does so to hide himself further from angeal.]
[Squall just lays there abd kicks his legs a little, not wanting to knock Lucky off but he has to show hes pouting somehow. He does fold his arms under his face and looks up a bit at Angeal. That face is bright red and there is even a little few scuff marks on his nose. He really did almost break it.]
I.....it felt nice hearing you call me a good boy..kinda like how when Genesis calls me his little lion. I just...you said it so casually I wasn't prepared.
[Oh boy. A little sliver of possessive delight rolls up the back of his neck, although Angeal keeps his expression mostly calm. Squall really can't just say things like that.]
Ha. If I knew that, then I would have said it more during your shifts before.
[But he really should focus on the serious things, and Angeal offers his hand to Squall.]
But speaking of the bakery, lets get you over there - for both a treat for Lucky, and to check your nose out. It looks like it hurts; I'm surprised it hasn't started bleeding yet.
[there is only a moment of reluctance for Squall to grab Angeal's hand but once he does he lets Lucky come off him naturally before standing up and still holding Angeal's hand. He's just going to ignore he's continuing to touch him and be ignorant.]
I've had worse but...yeah it fucking hurts. [Is that the first time Angeal ever heard him curse? Possibly.]
[Listen - Squall is a fully grown adult. And even if he were a teenager, he'd still be perfectly in his right to swear as much as he'd want.]
[....But that doesn't mean Angeal isn't inclined to tease him a bit, keeping a firm grip on Squall's hand and bumping shoulders just a bit as he smirks.]
Well, bless my heart, it must hurt if you're actually cursing up a lil' bit of a storm.
[The more teasing the more likely Squall will blank out on realizing he is STILL touching Angeal.]
Angeal that was...
[And queue surprised Pikachu Squall who has never heard Angeal sound more backwater than he has in this moment and boy does he want to hear more.]
Angeal are you from like the backwoods or something? [A Pause and he finally lets go of Angeal only to put his hands up in defense.] I don't mean anything bad by it! Just what you just said was like...different and sounded nice. I'm just curious.
[Jeez, what a reaction. Angeal snorts a bit, raising an eyebrow.]
What, you never knew? [Or maybe he's just too used to his business being everyone else's business back in Midgar, where "small town boy makes it big in Midgar" was hyped up far more than he was comfortable with.]
Me and Gen are both huge hicks. Banora was in the middle of nowhere - a little island far away from Midgar. It was the biggest producer of dumbapple juice, but that was about it... and that didn't mean we were no big city either.
[Angeal rubs his jaw, thoughtful now.]
I kinda slipped outta the accent when I moved to Midgar - just one of those subconscious things where you mimic the people around you. [Or something like that. Sure! That's what Jenova is.] I should start slipping back into my native tongue, as it were.
[A pop, right there in his cheek, and a click of his tongue. Enjoy that sudden thick drawl, Squall.]
I been fixin' ta tease Gen a lil' more anyhow, and he gets all outta sorts when I act hick as hick can be.
[Squall is just blatantly staring. If his pupils could dilate like a cat's right now they would but sadly he's just a normal human and nothing super about him. Instead they are just going to widen like any other human's in surprise to something.]
Please keep talking.
[If asked to explain why he liked this sudden new tone to Angeal's voice, he wouldn't be able to find the words other than each syllable has the hairs on his arms sticking up like he just heard the best kind of asmr in the world. That accent is sure doing things to him.
His face is pretty read to and he's nearly close to drooling a bit but he at least has enough sense in him to not make that much of a fool of himself.
Lucky for him, or rather THANKS to Lucky, said pup whines to be picked up and distracts Squall enough for him to bend down and pick him up.]
Ahem...well..um...maybe we should head back...or something.
[Well, well, well. He was expecting a reaction of sorts, considering how surprised Squall was at him using just a little bit of slang... but this is more intense than he would have expected.]
[Angeal smirks a bit, leaning so that he can wind his arm around Squall's shoulders. Totally just to scratch behind Lucky's ears, of course.]
Now, it ain't like ya t'go and kick up a fuss over a lil' ol' request like that. And I haven't even got a treat for you and Lucky yet.
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...Well, I would. I'll have to check in with Genesis and everyone else first.
[And then he started up a shitshow in a chat for them all, it's fine, this is fine]
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[While Lucky is still really happy he does start to whimper a little.]
Oh, I think he needs to go out for a walk. Want to come with us?
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[He'd have to fight to remember to take care of the bakery...]
[But that's besides the point. For now, Angeal starts to hush the little pup reassuringly, even as he gets up to his feet.]
I'd love nothing more.
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[Sure Squall, just to see Lucky.]
I don't think he wants you leaving anytime soon either. [He grabs Lucky's leash and attaches it to his little red collar before handing it over to Angeal who probably wants to lead anyway. It's fine, Angeal can walk him and his dog.]
I was thinking I might get him a harness since he's so small. What do you think?
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A harness would be good, for a few reasons. Besides how much more preferable it is to tugging on a collar around the neck, the act of putting it on will help Lucky adjust to staying still while he's being handled.
You have to get them used to that when they're small, and so it's less of a problem when they grow up and you have to clip their nails or take them to the vet.
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I'll work on getting him a harness then, I wonder if they might have one somewhere? We don't really have vets here either so hopefully Lucky stays healthy.
[Once ready Squall opens the door for them, and the three of them head out, Lucky trying to run off head while Squall is the more obedient one matching pace with Angeal.]
He really is too excited it seems.
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Probably you'll just have to make sure he doesn't hurt himself physically. I'm not sure if we can get sick in this place.
[Simulation and all that.]
[And the two of them step out, Angeal keeps a steady grip on the leash, and makes a small whistle while he uses his other hand to tap at his side.]
Lucky.
[He should have some leftovers and things in his pocket... Well they can stop by the bakery real quick to get better treats to encourage a little bit of training.]
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You are like a magician with dogs.
[Squall hasn't had a hard time with Lucky so far but he hadn't got him to listen like this yet so he's really impressed.]
...I wonder if he could do that with me...
[He doesn't even realize he says that outloud for Angeal to hear.]
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[But for now, Lucky was such a good boy, coming immediately when called (even if just for treats). So Angeal leans down, feeding him juuuust a bit and enthusiastically encouraging him all the while. The key to rewarding good behavior is making the praise absolutely hyped up.]
[And with Lucky eating, he smiles up at Squall.]
It's easier than it looks, honestly. You just have to be patient, and get habits established. He'll do it for you in no time.
[Whoops, that's totally what Squall meant, right]
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[As squall is talking Lucky is happily eating out of Angeal's hands literally. He's a sucker for treats clearly.]
[Oh that smile earns a redness to Squall's face as he looks away from Angeal's bright smile to focus more on Lucky in order to make himself not look an idiot. It's not helping.]
Yeah...I'm sure he will. I just admire how easily he listens to you.
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[And with the scraps given, Angeal straightens up, and starts to guide Lucky along again.]
You'll get there with Lucky sooner or later. Treats and praise are the key, in the beginning. I'll teach you some tricks before I leave.
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[Lucky happily carries on with the walk, licking his mouth a bit from the residual treat taste and tail wagging as he practically skips along.]
Oh yeah? Do I get treats too for the tricks, Angeal?
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[.....but]
[He is but a simple man, at the end of the day. And that lead in is too easy.]
Well... Maybe if you're a good boy too.
[And his voice goes low and deep in a particular way that Zack is familiar with.... and which Squall may just get to become familiar with, too.]
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.........please leave me to die of embarrassment.
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[He's trying not to smile. It's hard.]
Sorry, I think someone here objects.
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Lucky...
[Squalls face is so red and he csn blame it on face planting and he still doesnt want to move and onky does so to hide himself further from angeal.]
.......why did you call me a good boy?
[oh squall for sure is mumbling]
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You sure seem like you were hoping to get something. But it wasn't a treat, so that was my bad, huh?
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I.....it felt nice hearing you call me a good boy..kinda like how when Genesis calls me his little lion. I just...you said it so casually I wasn't prepared.
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Ha. If I knew that, then I would have said it more during your shifts before.
[But he really should focus on the serious things, and Angeal offers his hand to Squall.]
But speaking of the bakery, lets get you over there - for both a treat for Lucky, and to check your nose out. It looks like it hurts; I'm surprised it hasn't started bleeding yet.
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I've had worse but...yeah it fucking hurts. [Is that the first time Angeal ever heard him curse? Possibly.]
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[....But that doesn't mean Angeal isn't inclined to tease him a bit, keeping a firm grip on Squall's hand and bumping shoulders just a bit as he smirks.]
Well, bless my heart, it must hurt if you're actually cursing up a lil' bit of a storm.
[It was once. Angeal knows.]
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Angeal that was...
[And queue surprised Pikachu Squall who has never heard Angeal sound more backwater than he has in this moment and boy does he want to hear more.]
Angeal are you from like the backwoods or something? [A Pause and he finally lets go of Angeal only to put his hands up in defense.] I don't mean anything bad by it! Just what you just said was like...different and sounded nice. I'm just curious.
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What, you never knew? [Or maybe he's just too used to his business being everyone else's business back in Midgar, where "small town boy makes it big in Midgar" was hyped up far more than he was comfortable with.]
Me and Gen are both huge hicks. Banora was in the middle of nowhere - a little island far away from Midgar. It was the biggest producer of dumbapple juice, but that was about it... and that didn't mean we were no big city either.
[Angeal rubs his jaw, thoughtful now.]
I kinda slipped outta the accent when I moved to Midgar - just one of those subconscious things where you mimic the people around you. [Or something like that. Sure! That's what Jenova is.] I should start slipping back into my native tongue, as it were.
[A pop, right there in his cheek, and a click of his tongue. Enjoy that sudden thick drawl, Squall.]
I been fixin' ta tease Gen a lil' more anyhow, and he gets all outta sorts when I act hick as hick can be.
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Please keep talking.
[If asked to explain why he liked this sudden new tone to Angeal's voice, he wouldn't be able to find the words other than each syllable has the hairs on his arms sticking up like he just heard the best kind of asmr in the world. That accent is sure doing things to him.
His face is pretty read to and he's nearly close to drooling a bit but he at least has enough sense in him to not make that much of a fool of himself.
Lucky for him, or rather THANKS to Lucky, said pup whines to be picked up and distracts Squall enough for him to bend down and pick him up.]
Ahem...well..um...maybe we should head back...or something.
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[Angeal smirks a bit, leaning so that he can wind his arm around Squall's shoulders. Totally just to scratch behind Lucky's ears, of course.]
Now, it ain't like ya t'go and kick up a fuss over a lil' ol' request like that. And I haven't even got a treat for you and Lucky yet.
C'mon, now. We're almost at the bakery.
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