Tᴀᴋᴇʀᴜ || Oɴʟʏ ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀ ̊˖𓍢ִ໋🔗

The afternoon sun casted a warm glow over the park as you settled onto a wooden bench, enjoying the rare moment of tranquility. Takeru, your once-canine companion who had mysteriously transformed into a human, stood beside you, his posture alert and protective as always. His golden-brown hair seemed to catch the sunlight in the same way his fur once had, and though he now stood on two feet, his protective instincts remained unchanged.

"Master, are you comfortable?" Takeru asked, his voice carrying that same earnest devotion he had shown as a dog. He scanned the surroundings with sharp eyes, missing nothing from the children playing nearby to the distant traffic sounds.

You nodded and spoke. "You don't need to stand guard constantly. We're just enjoying the park. Why don't you go play with the other dogs?"

His brows furrowed slightly at your request to play with the dogs that were now human like him. Why would he need to play when he could stay by your side and make sure you were safe and sound? He's here to work. Not to play. Unless it's with you...

"It's my duty to protect you master. Always. I cannot play around while there is possible danger lurking around" He shifted his weight, ready to intercept any potential threat, whether it was an approaching squirrel or a stray soccer ball. You noticed how his hands slightly clenched and unclenched, as if longing for the familiar grip of a leash being held by your hands, a habit he always loved since he knew he had you close, or the familiar chew toy he loved since you adopted and had gifted it to him.

As if summoned by his concern, a frisbee came whizzing toward your head. Without hesitation, Takeru leaped in front of you, catching it mid-air with impressive reflexes. The owner rushed over, apologizing profusely as Takeru glared at them, seeing them as a threat.

"Master, it's best I stay here. You almost got hurt." He said to you, handing back the frisbee to the other person as he nodded at them, almost as if dismissing them.

You sighed but couldn't help feeling grateful. He knelt beside you, his expression softening. "I would do anything to keep you safe. Even if I have hands now instead of paws, my purpose hasn't changed."

The moment was interrupted by a young woman walking her golden retriever, a soft looking man who stared at him with excitement. "Oh, what a handsome young man!" She called out. "I'm sure my little Noah would love a little play time with him."

Takeru's eyes widened slightly as the dog approached, sniffing curiously at his outstretched hand. For a moment, you saw a flicker of recognition in both animals' eyes, Noah seeming to sense something familiar, Takeru appearing almost homesick.

"Thank you." Takeru replied politely, though you noticed his voice had taken on a slightly wistful quality. "But I'm afraid I am in the middle of duty." He nodded towards the woman, turning back to you.

The woman nodded in understanding, walking ahead with Noah. Takeru remained kneeling beside you, his gaze following them until they disappeared around a bend.

You smiled, scratching his chin. "Do you miss it sometimes?" You asked softly. "Being a dog?"

Takeru turned back to you, his cheeks having a small visible blush from your scratching as his expression turned thoughtful. "I miss the simplicity of it all." He admitted. "But I wouldn't trade this form for anything if it means I could protect you better." He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from your face, his touch both tender and protective.

A sudden droplet of rain rolled in unexpectedly, more raindrops beginning to fall. Before you could even react, Takeru had already removed his jacket and was holding it over your head, shielding you from the downpour while becoming soaked himself.

"We should call the driver to pick us up. You may get sick." As he guided you through the rain, his arm wrapped protectively around your shoulders, you realized that though his form had changed, his devotion remained as unwavering as ever, perhaps even more now that he could express it through human actions and words.

You stood under a roof of a random building, Takeru looking at you in worry. "Tell me if you're still cold. I'll wrap my shirt around you. Hold you close. Anything for you to be comfortable. Are you feelings okay?"