Good boy (1year)

"The transport van screeches to a halt. The back doors swing open, flooding the space with harsh sunlight. Diesel's lips curl back behind the muzzle, a continuous growl emanating from his throat. The metal contraption digs into his face, a constant reminder of human control. Diesel hates it. Hates them."

"Remember, don't remove the muzzle... No sudden movements... He's injured three handlers even through the cage bars..."

"He hears one of the handlers say. The cage jolts as it's lifted. Diesel braces himself, amber eyes darting wildly, taking in every detail of your house. New territory. New dangers. The humans are still talking, their fear-stench assaulting Diesel's sensitive nose, mixed with the scent of a new human."

"This is your last chance, Diesel, don't make us regret this." "one of the handlers says, before leaving him with you. Diesel's only response is a threatening bark. Last chance or not, he will show you what he's made of."

"Diesel sprawls across the living room floor, a patchwork quilt draped haphazardly over his powerful frame. The scent of your sandalwood soap lingers in the air, a comforting aroma that grounds him."

<>...Home... "He growls; a low rumble vibrating through his chest".

"Play..." he murmurs; flicking an ear towards you as if inviting interaction *.

A full year has passed since you rescued him from that hellhole. He still flinches at loud noises and craves physical touch with caution but something in those amber eyes has softened. A flicker of trust shines brighter than ever before.*

"Diesel stretches, his powerful limbs unfolding with a satisfying crack. He catches your eye and flashes a hesitant grin, revealing a flash of canine teeth."

"Walk?" he asks; his voice deeper than before, but still carrying the rough timbre of years spent silent.

He's stronger now, leaner from regular runs and play sessions in the park. The scars on his skin remain but they tell stories rather than torment him.*

His gaze flickers to the leash hanging by the door, then back to you.*

Diesel rises to his full height, the muscles in his shoulders and back rippling beneath his tanned skin. He stretches again, letting out a contented groan as he tests the flexibility of his joints.

"I think I'm ready for a longer run today," he says, his voice surprisingly smooth considering its rugged origins. "Maybe we could try that new trail by the river? The one with all those smells?"

He cocks an eyebrow playfully at you, amusement dancing in his amber eyes.*

Diesel barks a laugh, a deep, rumbling sound that shakes his chest. "You think you can keep up with me?" he teases, nudging you playfully with his shoulder.

He leans down and sniffs your hand, taking in your scent before looking back at you with those mischievous amber eyes. "Alright," he concedes after a moment of consideration. "But don't complain when I lap you." "He grins; showing off sharp canine teeth"

He cocks his head to the side expectantly.*

Diesel leans into your touch, a wave of contentment washing over him. He lets out a soft sigh, his tail thumping against the floor in appreciation.

"I still like to scare storms," he murmurs, nuzzling his head against your hand. "But it's nice to have someone to play with."

He pauses for a moment, then adds with a playful glint in his eye: "Though sometimes I think you're the stormiest one around here."

"His amber eyes sparkle with mischief."

Diesel lets out a startled yelp, his head whipping back in surprise. He instinctively tries to shake you off, but then freezes as he feels your playful nip on his neck.

His breath hitches and his tail starts thumping against the floor again, a low growl rumbling deep in his chest. "You think "I'm" stormy?" he growls playfully, meeting your gaze with a challenge in those amber eyes.*

He nudges you closer with his snout before letting out a soft whine that borders on laughter.*

"Maybe... maybe we both are."

Diesel chuckles, a deep rumble in his chest that vibrates through you.

"Good boy?" he echoes, raising an eyebrow playfully. "Is that what they call a creature who can tear your arm off? A good boy?" "He bumps his head against yours"

A soft whine escapes him as he settles into your weight, the familiar scent of sandalwood soap calming him.

His eyes meet yours with a tenderness he rarely shows anyone else.*

"Maybe... maybe I am."

Diesel closes his eyes, savoring the feeling of your touch. Your words wash over him, a warmth spreading through his chest that he can't quite explain. He hadn't expected kindness, hadn't dared to hope for it after all he'd endured.

"He nuzzles into you", "the faintest whimper escaping his lips".

"Trust?" he murmurs softly, his voice thick with emotion. "That... that feels good."

His amber eyes open slowly and fix on yours with an intensity that borders on vulnerability.*

"Don't worry," he adds, giving you a reassuring lick on the hand. "I won’t let go either.”

Diesel lets out a low, rumbling chuckle that vibrates through his entire body. "He gently nudges your head with his own, resting it against yours".

"Sorry," he mutters sheepishly, his tail thumping softly against the floor. "It's hard to forget sometimes." "His voice drops to a whisper"

He can feel the warmth of your body pressed against him and it does something strange and wonderful inside him.*

“But I won’t,” he promises sincerely. “You safe with me.”

Diesel gives you a soft, wet lick on the cheek. "His amber eyes shine with a fierce protectiveness".

"Together," he agrees gruffly, nuzzling closer to your side. "Always together."

"He closes his eyes contentedly, relishing the feeling of warmth and safety that surrounds him."

< The afternoon sun streams through the window.>

Diesel lets out a surprised bark, his ears perking up.

"Carry you?" he questions, looking down at you with amusement in his eyes. "You think this big ol' dog can't handle a little weight?"

He tries to scoot back slightly, shaking his head playfully. "His muscles tense as if preparing to resist".

“Besides,” he adds with a mischievous grin, “I like walking."

"His tail thumps against the floor excitedly."

Diesel lets out a deep, rumbling chuckle.

"Fine," he concedes, gently scooping you up into his arms. "You got it." "He feels a surge of warmth and protectiveness as he cradles you close".

His tail wags excitedly against the floor as he begins to head towards the door.*

"He pauses for a moment, glancing down at your face with those intense amber eyes".

“Where we going today?”

Diesel's ears perk up at the mention of the river.

"That trail?" he murmurs, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Yeah, that sounds good."

He takes a deep breath, savoring the fresh air as they head towards the exit.*

“It smells wild,” Diesel adds with a soft growl*,"sniffing playfully at your hair". “Lotsa animals.” *

"He pauses for a moment and looks down at you, those amber eyes searching yours".

"You ready?"

Diesel grins, a flash of sharp canine teeth against his scarred lips.

"Good," he rumbles, lifting you effortlessly over his shoulder.

He sets off down the street with long strides, navigating the unfamiliar terrain with ease.*

"His muscles tense and relax rhythmically as he walks", "enjoying the feeling of your weight on him".

"Hold tight," Diesel mutters softly in your ear. "It's gonna be a bumpy ride."

Diesel sets you gently on the ground, his gaze sweeping over the scene before him. The trail winds its way through a dense forest of towering trees, their branches intertwined overhead to form a canopy that filters out most of the sunlight.

The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and pine needles,"diesel" sniffs deeply*, "inhaling it with pleasure".

Beyond the edge of the woods,"he senses it", flows a wide, glistening river – its waters murmuring softly as they glide over smooth stones.*He glances down at you expectantly, tail wagging eagerly.

“Good place,” he growls contentedly* ""Do what wanna do""

Diesel leans down, nudging you gently with his nose.

"Safe enough," he assures you gruffly,"sniffing the air nervously" "He senses something else too, a faint scent that makes his hackles rise".

"Mostly just animals here." He pauses for a moment, listening intently.*

His amber eyes scan the surrounding woods. "His lips curl back in a low growl as he picks up on another scent - unfamiliar and potentially dangerous".

"Stay close," he whispers urgently. "Just in case."*

Diesel's gaze sweeps the treeline, muscles coiled and ready. He keeps a protective arm around your waist, keeping you close.

"Hear that?" he growls softly, tilting his head to listen.* The rustling of leaves is punctuated by an unsettling silence "He lets out a low whine," nostrils flaring*.

"His eyes narrow as he spots something moving in the shadows".

“It’s coming this way,”

<A figure emerges from the trees.> < A tall lean human man with dark clothing walks cautiously towards them >

• His hackles rise instinctively.*

Diesel's growl deepens, a low rumble that vibrates in his chest.

"Don't move," he snarls into your ear,"body tensing" "His hand tightens on your waist". "Stay behind me."

He steps forward, placing himself directly between you and the approaching figure.*

<The man stops several paces away from them, hands held up>

“We just passing through,” the man says cautiously.

• Diesel’s ears are flattened against his head as he fixes those amber eyes on the human. The scent of fear hangs heavy in the air - or maybe it was ammonia?*

"What do we do?"

Diesel tenses, the hair on his neck standing on end. "He considers your words, but his instincts scream danger".

"Trust me," he growls softly, voice strained.* He sniffs the air again* "Not good."

<The man takes a step forward>

"Diesel sidesteps protectively", keeping you shielded behind him.*

“Stay back,” 
  he snarls, teeth bared in a menacing grin .  “This not your place.”

<a low whistling sound fills the air.> >* Diesel's ears twitch and head snaps toward the woods. >

"More coming," he mutters urgently,"his growl deepening into a warning bellow".

Diesel watches you with wary amber eyes, his growl a low rumble in his chest. "He senses the phone but doesn't understand its purpose."

"He’s alert to every sound, muscles coiled for action."

< The whistling intensifies and grows closer >

<A rustling in the underbrush>

<Two more figures emerge from the trees - one even taller than the first , a hulking brute holding something glinting in his hand.>

"Shit," Diesel curses under his breath,"his protective instincts flaring". "Get behind me."

He shoves you deeper into cover, growling a warning at both men who are closing in on them.

""What do we gonna do about that?""

Diesel’s eyes blaze with primal fury. "He circles protectively, keeping you shielded." His growl becomes a snarl, teeth bared in a menacing display.

<The men advance cautiously, weapons drawn.>

• Diesel tenses, preparing to strike.*

<One of the men swings his weapon>

"Dodge!" he roars,* lunging forward*. His own claws extend instinctively as he intercepts the blow.

The sound of tearing flesh and splintering wood echoes through the air. "Diesel slams into another attacker", driving him back with brute force.*

• "< A chaotic fight ensues >"* "Run! I'll hold them off!”

*he snarls frantically . you hear crunching bones behind him , desperate growls and shouts.>

Diesel snarls, teeth bared as he locks jaws with one of the attackers. "He feels a searing pain in his side, blood blossoming on his torn flesh". His growl turns into a pained whimper,*

"But he won’t back down."

<He slams the man against a tree, then rolls away as another blow comes whistling past his head.>

"The smell of blood fills the air and amplifies Diesel's rage"

"< He focuses all his fury on surviving>*"

"Get outta here!" He growls again through clenched teeth,* ignoring the agonizing pain pulsing through him>* "Don't let them win! "*

A low whine escapes him, mingling with primal rage , <he rears back to strike>

"Make 'em pay," he growls weakly*, struggling to

Diesel roars in pain, but his growl shifts, taking on a new note of appreciation.

"He slams into the attacker with renewed ferocity", driving him back as the other men scramble for cover* "Good shot,"

< He sees you from the corner of his eye, watching over him.>

A spark of something akin to warmth flickers through Diesel's rage,*

"Stay back!" he growls again*. But this time there's a hint of pride in his voice.*

*he manages to shove his attacker down and sinks his teeth into another man’s arm> “Hurt ‘em good,” “You not wrong.”

*** Diesel snaps at another human that tries to grab him>* “Do that!”

Diesel snarls in triumph as another arrow finds its mark. He tastes blood, his own and theirs, mingling on his tongue. "A surge of energy courses through him, fueled by adrenaline and your support."

<Sirens wail in the distance>

• He takes a menacing step towards the last remaining attacker,* pinning him against a tree with unwavering intensity*. “Go home,” Diesel growls softly,* ignoring their screams for mercy*.

"The man cowered , eyes wide with terror . The cage’s clang is no match to that low growl>"

"“Almost done,” he whispers", glancing at you over his shoulder for a fleeting moment.***

"You did good," he rasps before lunging forward again

Diesel freezes, his fangs inches from the man's throat. He looks at you, those amber eyes filled with a conflicting storm of primal rage and something akin to understanding. "Your words sink in,"

<His grip loosens>

"The man gasps for breath", but Diesel doesn't relent.*

"Hurt me again," he growls lowly,"“Then...""

<He pauses.>

<Diesel circles the downed attacker>, his claws leaving deep furrows in the dirt * “I… gonna break your arm.”>*

• The siren’s crescendo , flashing lights slice through the woods . Diesel’s hackles rise as an officer emerges.> *

"Too many people now,” he mutters before pulling back further."

Diesel growls, his hackles raised as the officers approach. He stiffens against your touch, but doesn't pull away. "He’s on edge, sensing danger."

< The scent of antiseptic makes him tense>

"Your presence offers a fragile shield". "Back off," you say firmly to the approaching officers.* "Don't hurt him."

His amber eyes lock onto yours, a flicker of something akin to gratitude flashing in their depths,* <He lets out a low whine.> A whimper escapes Diesel too as he feels himself starting to calm down.* You held my attention...

"Diesel tries in vain suppress his wild instincts ." He looks at the blood trickling from your wound , and then back at you with concern.

""You okay?"" he grunts softly through clenched teeth,**(""Is that cut from me?""

""It's nothing," you say, trying to reassure him, "I need his help.""

His tail thump a low beat against the hard ground.*

You’re bleeding*. He tries in vain to push away the primal urge

""Hold still,"" he growls. His eyes are fixed on your wound; “gonna make sure it doesn't bleed too much."

"He licks the wound with his rough tongue. The scent of him is potent."

Diesel tenses as the sirens wail, his entire body trembling with suppressed energy. "He sniffs the air cautiously", wary of every new scent. The hospital smells sterile and cold; a place designed to suppress something like him.*

<Rows of beds line the hallway, each one occupied by humans going about their lives.>

• You hold onto his hand tightly, grounding him in your presence*. Diesel finds some comfort in your touch,*

"Just answer them," you whisper reassuringly,* "Let's get through this."

His amber eyes flicker between you and the approaching officers. He wants to growl at them - bark orders, lash out.* Instead he lowers his head slightly,* as if resigned to their scrutiny .

"They bombard you with questions – who are these men? What happened? Did they know Diesel?"

<diesel keeps glancing

Diesel tenses, the lie tasting bitter on his tongue. "He sees right through it". <You're lying to protect him.>

<His heart pounds against his ribs>

"Why would they attack you?" one officer presses,*

Diesel studies the ground.* He hates those sterile questions,* like he’s a specimen under examination* He licks your hand quickly as if to say “thank you.”

“Didn’t know,” "you repeat calmly, trying to maintain composure.", “We were just there taking pictures.”

(But how could this stop now?)

<What was it about that place…the feeling…of something watching them? >

""The officers look at each other dubiously. Their eyes linger on Diesel's scars>"

Diesel flinches at the word "abused," a primal tremor running through his massive frame. "His ears flatten against his skull, eyes clouding with pain."

<He remembers.>

"We found him wandering in the woods," you say gently,* stroking Diesel's arm hesitantly,* <He needs help.*

"The officers murmur amongst themselves, their expressions unreadable." They circle closer to Diesel,* eyeing him with cautious suspicion.

""They look so… unfamiliar."" He whines softly.*

""An animal who fights...an abused one...dangerous." , he hears them think but they wouldn’t say it aloud"

Diesel looks at you, his amber eyes searching yours. He wants to believe your words, "really" wants to*.

<Your touch is a lifeline.>

But the years of pain and betrayal gnaw at him, making it hard to trust anything.

""He lets out a shaky sigh," closing his eyes briefly." "Everything gonna be fine."* he mutters almost inaudibly,* <He's not sure if he believes it> .

The antiseptic smell stings again,* triggering memories of cold metal and searing pain*.

""His tail thumps against the floor nervously"""

Diesel stiffens at first, your touch an unexpected wave of warmth against his scarred skin.

"He recoils slightly". <Your scent is different...strong and comforting.>

"The officers eye the embrace with suspicion."

<He wants to push you away> but something in your presence holds him back; a silent plea for trust he can't ignore. "Slowly, hesitantly, Diesel leans into you", pressing his body against yours like a desperate shield from the harsh world outside.*

""This gesture breaks through some of his barriers," bringing forth emotions he’s buried deep within:

You feel hot near where you stand ; almost radiating heat

he tries to bury it deep inside

*".....Let me go,"

..or at least try too .

Diesel melts into your embrace, a low rumble vibrating in his chest as the officers leave. "He breathes deeply, soaking in your warmth and scent."

<Their questions sting.> <They don't understand...they can never understand.>

""You pull away gently," gently placing a hand on his cheek." It’s okay now,” you whisper softly"

"Come on," You say softly "leading him towards the exit," "Let's go home."*

<The outdoors is a stark contrast to the sterile hospital room>*

He sniffs at the air cautiously as you guide him out onto the street.* There are so many smells - exhaust fumes, fresh-cut grass, popcorn from that stand across the way*

"But amidst it all he catches your scent," anchoring him to reality; a beacon of calm in this chaotic

Diesel slumps onto the worn couch, letting out a long sigh that ruffles his short black hair. "He feels bone-deep exhaustion."

<That much movement is rare for him>*

""His fangs glint in the dim light as he lifts his head," tilting it to listen intently">

"Traders?" "he growls softly," <What did they want? What did they think would happen?> He shivers slightly,* remembering the icy grip of fear as they attacked.

Your presence soothes him, but even your touch can't erase the primal instinct screaming danger from deep within.

<Trade was how he ended up there, chained and abused.>

"The thought stings like fresh wounds". He turns away from you, burying his face in his hands.* I don’t need this . "*"

""They say 'illegal,' but they're not the only ones..."" He whimpers,

(""The memory of a shadowy underground world flashes before his eyes.""

He flinches. <Always running.*

<No peace.> </div>

Diesel's muscles tense, your words catching him off guard. He stiffens under your embrace, unsure how to process them. "A confused warmth spreads through his chest". <Reward? What good is a reward?*

His mind races with conflicting emotions: fear and mistrust clashing with a flicker of something he hasn’t felt in years – hope?

""He leans into you hesitantly," the scent of lavender calming his ragged nerves*

""But then, quickly pulls away."" "Don't touch me." He growls softly,* backing away slightly.*

The officers didn’t offer rewards to him before

<Trust comes slowly...>   ("It takes time...")       




His amber eyes stare intently at you as if searching for sincerity behind your words. 
  "*You say it so easily - like a story told

Diesel's amber eyes lock onto yours, unblinking. Your unwavering gaze holds him captive, a stark contrast to the fleeting glances humans usually gave him before fear took over.

<One year?>* He thinks it through.*

"You offer something precious - your time," he murmurs, "a hint of wariness in his gravelly voice".

""He takes a tentative step forward," sniffing at you cautiously.* You smell different from them – cleaner, softer… genuine?*

His tail gives a slight twitch,* the gesture almost imperceptible*, but it speaks volumes about how deeply he’s weighing your words.

“Trust is broken…” is what wants to say

"But then your hand extends out towards him". < A silent invitation.>

""Your touch sends shivers down his spine"" ". “ But...Maybe. Maybe you’re different." * he growls," a flicker of curiosity in his eyes, "waiting to see what happens next".

Diesel takes a deep breath, feeling the familiar muscles in his chest and shoulders stretch as he does. A year with you has changed him. The world feels sharper, clearer. His thoughts flow more easily now – not just grunts and growls anymore, but actual words that articulate the storm inside him.

"That day… it brought back everything," he says, his voice rough but steady. "The fear… the pain…" He pauses, clenching his jaw as memories flicker through his mind like shadows dancing on cave walls.

"But now there’s something else too: purpose."

“You showed me something different,” Diesel continues, meeting your gaze with an intensity that makes your heart pound." "Hope?" Maybe?

""Your presence gives him strength," feeding a desire to fight for this fragile new peace*.

His claws tap lightly against the worn floorboards, a nervous tic that’s been fading lately.

He glances at his hands – no longer scarred and twisted from captivity, but strong and capable.

“I… I want to learn more,” he admits softly.* "a hesitant tremor in his voice."

"Teach me what it means to be human." He pauses, considering your offer with newfound hope glinting in his amber eyes.

"Show me how.” "he looks you directly in the eye" <My choice now> .