Second Generation
Summary: all dogs go to heaven, but that doesn't mean they die.
Kakashi Hatake, age 44, was lying on his bed. On his chest was a pug, its fur was tan and its muzzle was grey with age; this was Pakkun, age 23, ancient even in ninken terms. Kakashi was idly petting Pakkun, being very gentle.
"Remember when we first met?" Kakashi asked, barely over a whisper.
Pakkun snorted though it sounded like a wheeze. "What's to remember? You challenged my cuteness so I bit you."
Kakashi chuckled, eyes glazed with wonderful memories. "You're adorable," he assured.
Gently, Kakashi lifted the pug, his greatest companion compared to no other, and they shared an eskimo kiss, though Pakkun weakly contributed.
"Put me down Boss," the ninken murmured. "I'm tired."
A stray tear fell form Kakashi's eye but he ignored it, comply and placing the pug back on his chest.
"I love you," he told the pug and suddenly, he had a flashback of a playful puppy.
'Throw it again 'Kashi! Just one more time!'
"Love you too," Pakkun mumbled. "Wake me… in the mornin'…"
Pakkun's eyes closed.
Kakashi gave a shuttering gasp, burying his face in the dog's body, trembling but not crying. Pakkun wouldn't want him to cry.
"Tou-chan?"
Kakashi looked up and to his bedroom door. In the doorway was a four year old with blue eyes and spiky silver hair. In the boy's small arms was a tiny black bug with a patch of peach fur o its forehead, so young, its eyes and ears were still closed.
"Is something wrong?" the boy asked, walking closer.
"No Kumo-chan," Kakashi replied, wiping his tears. "Pakkun-oji is just resting to conserve his strength."
Sakumo beamed. "Me and Hojo are gonna be just like our tou-chans!" he said, petting his puppy.
Kakashi smiled and ruffled his son's hair. "Love him and train him well Sakumo."
End.
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Nothing can replace your first dog, even if they were crappy. You're always comparing the next one to the last.
In honor of my boxer, Sasha, always growing older despite not being here to celebrate.