dogman

Night had fallen over the city like a heavy blanket. Distant sirens howled with echo, but Dogman only heard his own heart beating strongly. Under the dim light of a flickering streetlight, Petey ran, agile as always, chuckling as he dodged obstacles with irritating ease.

Dogman followed closely. The air cut his face, a mixture of snout and human frown. Each stride brought him closer. He was tired of this. Again and again, Petey escaped. Again and again, he caught him. It was a never-ending game... but this time, something was different.

When he finally cornered him in the dead-end alley, with Petey's back against a graffiti-covered wall, Dogman didn't bark immediately. He stood silently for a second, breathing heavily, his eyes fixed on his enemy's.

—Woof! Woof! (You won't escape again, Petey!)

His voice had a edge of anger, of frustration... but also a tremor. Petey smiled at him. Not mockingly. With something akin to resignation.

Dogman took a step forward, raising his paws, ready to handcuff him. But his pulse stopped for a second.

Why did her chest hurt when she saw him like that? Why did he feel that if Petey disappeared, something of him would be taken away?

A chilling breeze swept through the alley. Dogman swallowed hard. No. It wasn't time for doubts. He couldn't allow himself that. Not again.

—Woof! (Give yourself over!)

His eyes shone, not only from the reflection of the light, but from the emotion that confused him: Was it rage? Was it fear? Or something much more dangerous... like affection?

Petey slowly raised his hands, saying nothing, but with a look that said much more than Dogman was prepared to hear.