No word of a lie, I'm smiling so hard right now (and thinking of reasons to tell my husband that isn't "im Hesh Whore #2, yes. The character from the game we first played together. Yes thats what my sign off is) because that screenshot made me so warm and fuzzy inside.
And bizzare headcanons because bringing joy to others makes me happy (and I want to help bring more content to our loveable dude).
So, could you imagine Hesh dating someone who's scared of dogs (well after they've started dating and things have gotten pretty serious). Because he's a package duo with Logan and Riley (his brother and his furry son).
Like, over the months of dating this doof you somehow never met/realized that Riley belongs to him (the dog food bowls, kennel that's rarely used, dog beds, toys, dog food and treats weren't a dead giveaway that your man owns a dog). You knew of the German Shepard, and from a distance thought he was rad. Just a neat little dude that your boyfriends brother owned (because in this world Logan let's Riley sleep over quite often).
But you've also seen/heard of what military K9s can do. You've heard the Ghosts brag about Riley's achievements (they're all proud of their goodest boy). So to say you're scared of the day when you have to meet this dog is an understatement. Due to an unfortunate run in as a child (or something) that left you as a cat person.
You're not expecting to visit and be greeted by a dog. Hesh isn't expecting for you to scream and back right up from his dog just about in tears when you come visit.
As much as he loves Riley, he feels his heart sink right to his toes thinking you got hurt. Considering the fact that Riley is a military trained dog, and hasn't met you yet. Hesh does end up feeling bad after because when he realized you were fine and just spooked by the dog he did chuckle a bit and pet the good boy while telling you his name (he found it endearing - not realizing quite how scared you actually were).
Of course when he realized you weren't playing and you were shaking in your boots with tears in your eyes he brought Riley into the backyard and hugged you tighter than ever whispering about how sorry he was into your hair. Holding you until you stopped shaking and were ready to talk.
To say he feels like a bag of dicks when he realizes he never warned you (or really talked pets) with you before this is an understatement. This man is shattered. But also thinking of ideas to suggest to help you co-habit the space with its other owner (Riley). Offering to have Logan pick the dog up tonight if you're uncomfortable with him around right now (but that the dog is a huge part of his life just like you and he isn't willing to give up the animal that's been in his life since he was 17).
When you decide you're ready to meet his best friend, he goes to the ends of the world to make sure you're comfortable. Telling you that at any point you can back out and he won't be mad (but is super proud and happy you're trying for him). The first time he doesn't even make you interact. He's cuddling with you on the couch watching a movie while Riley and Logan sit across the room. See, he's not going to pounce. He's not like that, and we wouldn't let him anyway
The next time you put out a shaky hand for Riley to sniff (while squeezing Hesh's hand so hard he could've swore you almost broke something - even though Logan had a handle on Rileys vest the entire time).
A bigger, surprising was when you walked up to the dog without either of the Walker brothers holding him, or having him on leash and patted the top of his head on your own accord. Nobody can agree who was more excited that day. You, Hesh, Logan or Riley (spoiler: Riley was the most excited because you're realizing he's a good boy :D)
After that you slowly started warming up to the idea of this dog. Joining on his walks (sometimes asking to hold the leash and being surprised at how gentle he is when you're walking him), petting him if you're in arms length, giving small commands when Hesh or Logan is around (Riley gets very excited with "give paw" because its like he's making important buisness deals), or giving him treats from your hands.
The most memorable step (that made Hesh tear up and the picture remains as his lock screen), was the night he got called to base after supper for a couple hours. Riley was home, you were visiting and he wasn't able to bring the dog along. So he put Riley in the kennel (with a promise that he'd let him out as soon as he was home - because you were still unsure about the dog out in the house without either brother around).
The fear that struck in Hesh's chest when he got back and noticed the kennel was empty almost caused him to drop to the floor. His goodest boy wouldn't break out, you were still spooked of the dog, what happened???
But that fear was quickly replaced by love and warmth when he got to the bedroom and saw the two of you cuddling asleep. He must have made an audible "awww" after taking a quick picture because you woke up, one arm still around Riley.
"He looked sad and lonely, the bed was cold and we both missed you" you tiredly explained, guesturing for Hesh to come join the cuddle puddle.
It was safe to say that after that night Riley was an exception to the "im not a dog person" rule. (And he was totally the flower dog at the wedding)
Hesh Whore #2 (who loves dogs, and cats and guinea pigs. And has 2 of each listed animal)
AWWWW STOP IT, WHY AM I ACTUALLY TEARING UP
First of all, I think you’re missing the big picture. Your husband can become Hesh whore #4 and then all will be well.
Second of all, I’m a massive dog person (allergic to cats unfortunately) and this may have reduced me to tears. Every little scene genuinely makes me wanna crawl out of a hole and draw again. Like if there are any cod artists out there that need comic ideas, I mean come on!
Third of all, you should so be writing fics! I think we all agree.
And lastly, falling asleep with Riley will always be my little daydream. I don’t know how your knew -.- suspicious.
