Arthur had barely made it through the door when he was jumped by a large German shepherd. Not the welcome he was expecting to get at his straight-laced, serious boyfriend’s house.
“Runter Berlitz," Ludwig barked as if commanding a soldier. The dog immediately obeyed, releasing Arthur.
Berlitz stood before them, tongue hanging out and tail wagging. Arthur knelt down, scratching the pup’s cheeks. Berlitz licked his nose. “Yes, hello to you too,” he chuckled.
“Sorry,” Ludwig sighed, taking Arthur’s suitcase. “He’s still a bit of a puppy at heart.”
“Don’t fret, it’s nice to have someone happy to see you for once.”
Ludwig’s face soured. “What about me?”
“Do you jump at me and kiss me all over when we greet each other hmm?”
“N-No…Th-That’s…I mean…I…”
Arthur grinned and kissed Ludwig’s nose. “I’m just teasing. I know you’re always happy to see me. I’m the light of your life after all.”
“As if,” Ludwig huffed, rolling his eyes with a small smile. “You know that title belongs to the dogs.”
Arthur tried to pout, but he couldn’t contain his laughter. And Ludwig couldn’t contain his desire to kiss him until he was breathless once he heard him laugh.
They pulled away, red-faced and giggling like teenagers.
Berlitz, having gone too long without attention, butted at Arthur’s leg.
Arthur huffed in amusement. “Oh, did I stop paying attention to you, huh? Who knew Lud would have such a spoiled pup? But I can’t blame him when you have a face like that.” He squished Berlitz’s cheeks.
Ludwig rolled his eyes, smiling fondly. “Come on. The other two are in the living room.”
Arthur followed, and Berlitz followed him, trotting proudly.
A Doberman greeted him when he entered the living space while Hovawart remained laying down, though she had raised her head to look at him. Arthur scratched behind the Doberman’s ears.
“The Doberman is Blackie, and the Hovawart is Aster,” Ludwig explained, pointing to each dog.
“Blackie?” Arthur asked, grinning mischievously.
“Yes…” Ludwig’s eyes narrowed.
“How creative,” Arthur snickered.
“It was the first thing I thought of, and it just stuck,” Ludwig shot back.
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I’m just teasing.”
Arthur squished Ludwig’s cheeks just like he did with Berlitz. He leaned in for a quick peck. Ludwig grumbled slightly but pressed back with his own peck.
“We’ll get you settled in, and then it’ll be about time to walk them. I-If you want to join us that is.”
Arthur grinned. “I’d love that.”
Hand in hand, the two strolled through the park, the three dogs on leashes. Since Aster was the oldest and most well-behaved, she had been given to Arthur to lead. Just to be safe.
“The dog park is just over here.” Ludwig nodded towards a pen up ahead. “We can let them run around here.”
Within the pen were a few benches. While the dogs ran around and played, Arthur and Ludwig took a seat.
The breeze was chilly. A prelude to the winter to come. Arthur buried himself in Ludwig’s side. Ludwig wrapped an arm around his shoulder, pulling Arthur even closer.
“I hope they weren’t too much,” Ludwig murmured into Arthur’s ear.
“Not at all. They’re all sweet and good boys. Er...well good girl in the case of Aster. Though, it’s no surprise since you’re their dad." Arthur sighed, burying his nose in the collar of his jacket. "I’ve always wanted a dog, but with my cats and just how much work it takes to care for a pup I just…never thought it would be a good fit.”
Ludwig kissed the top of Arthur’s head. “Well, I’m happy for you to come over. Even if it’s just to spend time with my dogs.”
“I may just have to take you up on that,” Arthur mused.
“One condition. How are you at fetch?” Ludwig took a ball out of his pocket and handed it to Arthur.
Arthur smirked, taking the ball and calling to the dogs. With their attention on him, he tossed the ball as far as he could.
“Not too bad,” Ludwig nodded, wrapping an arm around Arthur’s waist.
For the rest of the afternoon, they took turns tossing the ball. It was simple. Peaceful. Arthur could get used to little trips like this.
“We should probably head home for dinner soon,” Ludwig thought aloud, checking his phone.
Berlitz jumped at Arthur, knocking him to the ground. Blackie ran over too and nudged his face as if to make sure he was alright. Arthur couldn’t help but laugh. Genuine and full. In the blur of the puppy love, Arthur caught Ludwig’s eyes, wide blue and a faint blush on the German’s cheeks.
“Runter, runter!” Ludwig ordered.
The dogs immediately backed off, and Ludwig helped Arthur to his feet.
“Are you okay?” he fretted, cradling Arthur’s face.
Arthur smirked. Ludwig was really adorable when he worried over him. “I’m fine.”
Ludwig pulled his hands back, looking to the side awkwardly. “Let’s…Let’s go home.”
Arthur gripped Ludwig’s jacket and pulled him in for a kiss. Not quite a peck, but still short and sweet. A quick roll that left Ludwig chasing him when he pulled away.
“Let’s. I’m getting hungry. And I’m sure the dogs are too.”
Like the good pups they were, Aster, Blackie, and Berlitz sat in a line before them, waiting patiently.
Ludwig smiled. “Okay. Let’s go.”
