This story came about cuz @cowboy-anon wanted a sad boy tied up for Christmas and essentially I ended up doodling that but then we got swept up in the moment and here's a story based off that character.
CW: pet whump, cage, abandoned whumpee, pet whumpee, some dehumanizing language, neglected whumpee, emotional whump
Zero
It'd been forever since either of his masters had paid him any attention, aside from feeding him and adding water to his bowl. So long since he'd been hit or pet, given attention in any capacity and it made him crave the attention.
Now to his surprise, Master Dear had come home but was later than usual. The man also had something new with him… or someone, a new pet.
He would be lying if he said he wasn't excited for a playmate. Maybe they'd be someone he play with or hug or take punishments with him. He sat up in his too small cage, smacking his head on the bars as he had to stay bent over.
"Master! Master!! Is that a new pet for us?" He chirps up in a sore and raspy voice.
"ZERO! I never told you to speak. Now, I don't want you talking to or touching Paris. Understand, mutt??" Master Dear snapped at him.
Zero shrunk back against the wall of his cage, nodding in understanding.
Days passed until they became months, Zero watched as Paris was given everything he used to get. Time to cuddle and special trips to get treats. Master Dear invited Paris onto the couch in Zero's old spot while Mistress Sweetheart let the new pet eat scraps.
It made him wonder what Paris had that he didn't, pretty chocolate hair that looked soft in comparison to his dirty gray tangles. A nice body that seemed to be perfect for holding in comparison to his boney and slender frame. Lastly was Paris' melodic voice, carrying in the air like a songbird while his was harsh like a scratched record.
But, Zero used to have a pretty name once, soft silver curls, a perfect figure for hugging, and a soft spoken voice, all things that had been perfect for the pair. He didn't know what happened, he'd been a gift, a sign of love from Master Dear to Mistress Sweetheart.
An entire year passed since Paris had come home, replacing him or so he thought. Master Dear came over to his cage and unlocked the door, clipping a leash to his collar. This was different, it was new. Maybe they'd changed their minds, they still loved him… well in his heart he knew they always had.
"Come on Zero, we're going on a car ride." Master Dear said in his old kind tone, one that made Zero's heart melt.
His legs struggled to hold him, having not held his full weight for well over a year or more he didn't keep track of that kind of thing. He pushed through, needing to prove himself as good still. And it must've worked as he was allowed in the front seat, a luxury he hadn't been granted in a long long time.
He watched as houses passed out the window, people and trees, the outside world sped by. He missed these moments, maybe he'd be going to get a bath or nice clothes like Paris got. What else made this special to him was that it was just him and his Master.
The car slowed to a stop on the side of the road and Master Dear climbed out of the driver's seat, picking Zero up out of the car and setting him beside a street sign. He watch as his leash was tied to the sign, at least now he couldn't get lost he considered.
"Zero. Stay. I'll be back." Master Dear said and pet the boy's head.
Zero was starved of all touch, he greedily soaked up the short touch that was over all too soon. He yearned for it to return, wanting that affectionate touch to be given back. He'd missed it so much.
Now he watched as the man stepped back and climbed back in the car. Watching as the car drove away. He stayed, perfectly aware that the man would come back for him as promised, Master Dear would never lie to him.
Hours passed and the cars that passed weren't familiar, none were Master's car. The longer he waited, the more confused he became, wondering where the man had gone and ran every possible incident through his head as to why he hadn't returned.
As the sun came up the next day, Zero was huddled to the post he'd been tied to. He was waiting for a man who would never come for him, he knew that deep down. However, he wouldn't accept that as his heart broke, weighing heavily in his chest. Even as a voice called to him, he found no motivation to lift his head.
