Hi everyone! Yes, yes, i know I haven't updated for a long time. I have been trying to figure out which word and story i should use for F when i finally decided with this one. Please tell me what you think. =] Also, someone said that I should add the other characters in too, so this one has got the appearance of Badou and Nill ( Nill only has a short part, but I hope they are in character). Please remember to read and review!

Disclaimer: Don't own Dogs or a dog (although I want both)

F is for Follow

When she walked into the church kitchen, both Nill and Badou looked at it curiously, before bursting into laughter.

"Where in the world were you able to pick THAT up from?" Badou guffawed.

Naoto ignored their outburst, and walked over to the counter. Gently placing the grocery bag on the table, she took out two bowls, filling up one with water before putting it on the ground.

"I saved it from some brats who were throwing rocks at it." she said, taking a can from the paper bag and opening it. "Wouldn't stop following me after that."

The red-head sniggered. "The similarities are just too scary. I mean, just look at it!" he pointed.

A thin body, scruffy fur, and a pair of bright red eyes looking up happily at the swordswoman as she emptied the contents of the can into the bowl and placed it on the ground.

She had to admit, the resemblance was quite uncanny.

The dog suddenly turned to Badou, angrily snapping at his fingers before returning its attention to the feast before him.

Badou grinned. "Same attitude too." he remarked, pulling his hand away from sharp teeth. "Has Haine seen this yet?"

Naoto shook her head. The albino had gone to see Granny Liza, who had a job for him to do. She wasn't planning on keeping the puppy for very long, maybe just take care of it for the day and let it go tomorrow.

"You know what you should call it?" Badou proclaimed suddenly. He paused dramatically before finally finishing his thought.

"Haine Junior" he cried, beaming at his own idea. Behind him, Nill nodded enthusiastically and clapped her hands in excitement.

Ridiculous, Naoto thought to herself. She finished washing the bowls that the dog licked clean and headed for the door, her bag in hand and the dog in tow. "It needs a bath. I'll just take it home and wash it before letting it go" Without even waiting for an answer, she set off, hearing jeers of disappointment through the door.

Suddenly, it felt really unnerving. Whenever she walked, it followed. Whenever she stopped and turned to look at it, it stopped too, happily wagging its tail at her expectantly.

So this is why Haine hates it when I trail behind him. She realized. Still, it felt awkward to be followed rather than following, She was so used to seeing people's backs that she felt uncomfortable seeing nobody ahead but sensing someone behind her instead. Shaking such thoughts from her mind, she walked hurriedly to their apartment, the puppy quickly chasing after her.

It was fortunate that the apartment building allowed pets. Naoto swiftly walked into the flat and shut the door, heading straight for the bathroom and turned on the tap. She turned and picked up the stray awkwardly, as it happily lunged forward in her hold, trying to lick her face. Gently placing it in the tub, she reached for the bottle of shampoo.

As she washed it relentlessly, she noticed the scars all over its body. Some injuries were still fresh and the puppy would softly howl in pain when some of the shampoo got into the wounds.

She couldn't help but feel sorry for it. Such an innocent animal treated like a beast and thrown away to the streets. Yet, there was still hope in its big red eyes. Naoto was suddenly reminded of the human albino, and wondered if his whole life had been like that too.

"You two really are very similar" she murmured, gently patting its head. It licked her hand happily in response. Suddenly, Naoto didn't really want to let the dog go anymore.

She was drying its fur when the door opened. Haine walked in and froze when he saw the strange sight before him.

"Where did you get that?"

"There were some kids throwing rocks at it, and it followed me home"

"And exactly why did you bother rescuing it?"

"…… It reminded me a little of you."

He stared at her, taking in her serious expression. Finally, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Followed you home, huh? Reminds me more of you and your stalker-like behaviours." he muttered.

The puppy barked at him, curious as to who the intruder was. Haine looked at it curiously and barked back, his expression softening when it wagged its tail excitedly at its new friend.

Haine leaned against the doorway and looked at the dog briefly , before turning his attention back to Naoto, who was earnestly trying to comb through the tangles.

"So," he announced "What are we naming him?"

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