Hallo everyone! Sorry for the LATE update but gah! Haine is so hard to do, especially when it comes to his "softer side". I seriously wish i have one of those super cool best guy friends who can let me get into his brain and see what Haine might be thinking of. T.T Anyhoo, I seriously think this is OOC Haine (near the end), so please give constructive criticism (particularly on improving my perspective of his more "gentle" side) and review review review!!

Disclaimer: I officially own 12 fish but not DOGS or that dream dog i wanted.


G is for Grateful


Bang

His face scrunched up slightly in pain, as a bullet ran through his gut.

The scent of gun smoke was everywhere and the others were hidden in the thick clouds of dust.

Haine's vision was starting to blacken every so often, and he gingerly leaned against the hard cement wall. His heartbeat was going crazy and the back of his neck began to prickle.

With his blood boiling and an overwhelming feeling of bloodlust passing, the last thing Haine needed was the piece of shit inside of him taking over. Carefully, he slid to the ground and closed his eyes. It looked like he was going to need to play dead for a little while before his heart was going to restart itself, so might as well get comfy.

Suddenly, everything disappeared; the pain, the smoke, and the grey walls had all vanished, leaving only an all too familiar darkness, and a rather annoying presence breathing down his neck.

"Hello Haine, it's so nice of you to drop by." the dog's voice drawled mockingly. "Are you having fun? I believe it's been a long time since you've killed so freely."

"Why don't you shut up and back off." Haine snarled. He wasn't in the mood for the dog's little games. It had been a long time since he slipped into that unconscious state and faced the beast before him.

Its red eyes flashed, and the monster chuckled. "Really, can't you be a little more grateful." It chided, wrapping its fingers around Haine's neck. "After all, I am the reason why you haven't lost your life yet."

Haine snapped his jaws. "And that's only because you want to use me." he barked. His control over himself had gotten much better, but he still harboured a weariness around the dog. Recently, he had noticed how the dog was beginning to be more interested in Naoto, making him even more cautious.

It chuckled. "It's a life of give and take. Haven't I allowed you to keep that woman so far? You wouldn't want her to end up like Lily would you?"

Haine snapped. Furious, he turned and tried to grab the dog, but his target had already retreated into the darkness. All that was left was those haunting red eyes and that taunting smile.

"Why so serious, Haine? That woman quite fascinates me, so why spoil all the fun? " It cackled. "I'll let you enjoy your peace for a while longer, but remember, with that spine and that collar, you belong to me." In an instant, it was gone and the albino could feel himself drifting awake.

"Haine! Haine!"

He felt someone shake his shoulders and jolted up, almost banging his head on her chin.

"What the hell were you doing sleeping, while we worked our butts off to clear the damn place?" Badou whined in the back, with a newly lit cigarette dangling from his mouth.

Naoto on the other hand said nothing, only staring in his eyes briefly before standing up and grabbing her case.

Haine knew that she had a vague idea of what had occurred, and was grateful that she didn't question about it, even when they got home; it was a something he preferred to keep to himself no matter how great the burden, particularly his uneasiness for Naoto's safety.

It was not until they had gone to bed, and he noticed how vulnerable she looked curled up and lightly sleeping, did he feel the fear bubble up again.

Haine knew that there would be times when he would not be able to protect her from himself and he would never be able to return to peaceful moments like these.

Closing his eyes, he tried to push those thoughts out of his mind, instead focusing on the calmness of the air and the feeling of security next to her.

Haine gently snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her in just a little bit closer, an unexpected gesture of fondness that he thought he would never do.

Naoto simply shifted in her sleep and unconsciously placed a hand on his resting arm, continuing to sleep soundly.

He smiled softly. As much as he despised the dog, in the back of his mind, he was grateful for the affirmation that it did not plan to hurt her.

He didn't care if he was to suffer; even if the dog decided to end its hold on him and kill him, it didn't matter. He didn't mind that Naoto would not know of his unexpected hug that night, nor would he even want her to know.

Just as long as he knew the dog wasn't going to hurt her and that she was safe, everything was alright for him. It was for that reason and that reason only, that made him feel grateful to the dog.

Fin


Please review!!