I hopped along as fast as my short legs would allow, my bow almost slipping from my antler more than once. I didn't bother to resituate it, instead holding it between my front teeth as I raced to the now-familiar meeting place. I felt bad for sneaking out like this, I was sure my owner would not approve, but I needed to see him. It had only been a week since we last saw each other, but it had been a lonely week. I heard news every day of new rescues in the Center, worrying that Bandit might meet someone else, someone better than I. I couldn't bear the thought.

I hopped past the Rescue Center, going up to the gates of the park. I squeezed through two of the bars, and slowed to an easier pace as I continued on my way to the pond.

The willow created a soft green curtain, blowing gently in the wind, but keeping a small area perfectly secluded. I could already see the lump of sleeping white fur and black bandana, his black eyes closed and a peaceful expression on his face.

I hopped quietly over to the tree, taking a minute to fix my bow, then cleaning my face. When I felt I was presentable, I took the last few hops underneath the willow.

I prodded his side with a hesitant paw.

"Bandit."

He didn't move. I leaned over and nudged him with my antler, careful of the point.

"Bandittttt." I dragged out the last syllable.

He turned over, blinking wearily until she came into focus.

"Gift!" He squeaked, jumping up to greet me with nuzzles and licks. "There you are! Sorry, I fell asleep, I had to leave early while everyone else was celebrating the new arrival."

I froze at the word, pulling back to look him in the eye. "New...arrival?"

He nodded. "Some butterfly wolf, I think her name is Oceane."

I cast my eyes to the ground. "Is she...pretty?" I asked hesitantly.

He shrugged, looking slightly confused at the question. "I guess, I mean, she already has a girlfriend and everything, so some must find her attractive."

"She has a girlfriend?"

"Yeah..."

"Oh." I smiled a bit, feeling sheepish. I should have known, Bandit wasn't going to cheat on me, that was ridiculous.

He shook his head, smiling at me. "You worry too much, Gift."

"I...Can you please not call me that?" I asked, looking down at my paws. It was a nickname he had given me when we first met, deeming my full name, Early Birthday Present, too much of a mouthful.

His smile disappeared. "But I like calling you that."

"Why?" I asked. "You just don't like saying my full name?"

"No, no, no." He said quickly, nuzzling my neck. His black bandana tickled my fur. "It's because you're like a gift, to me, I mean, because I didn't really do anything to deserve you...but here you are, and you're..." He paused, smiling up at me. "You're mine, even though I didn't earn you, so, it's like you're a gift to me."

I stood still, falling silent for a moment before I spoke again. "But, you did earn me, you do deserve me. Everything you've been through," I was referring to the years he spent before he arrived at the Rescue Center, out on the streets, "You know, whoever's...up there," I gestured to the sky. "They watched you through it all, they knew you deserved something, someone better. Someone to love you."

It was his turn to be speechless, his face nestled in the fur of my neck. He mumbled something, though it was lost to my thick fur.

"What did you say...?" I asked.

"I said, thank you." He repeated, sitting up straight. "Thank you for being there for me, and thank you for putting up with me. And for not judging me because of my past."

I blushed. "You don't have to thank me, Bandit. I do it because I love you."

He wrapped his front legs around me, planting a kiss on my nose. "I love you, too, Gift."