~Flashback~

"Catch me if you can, ha-ha!" giggled a young Rocky at the other dog chasing him around the sunny backyard. The five month old puppy was in an intense game of tag and was about to be caught. Suddenly, Rocky's paws tripped over a stray toy lying in the yard. A short tumble later, the dizzy mix was slumped in the cool grass waiting for the world around him to stop spinning. "Aww, did you trip just to give me a chance to catch you?," chuckled a voice from behind. Rocky rolled his eyes as he flipped over to face the bigger pup.

"Well you're old so I was just going easy on you, Axel," he exclaimed.

"Hey! I'm only a few months older than you, little bro! I'm not THAT old yet" Rocky's brother said defensively as he helped the smaller pup back onto his paws. "C'mon," Axel smiled. "Let's go get some food, I'm starving."

After being abandoned at only six weeks old, Rocky and his older brother Axel had taken to the streets alone for four months. While scrounging for food where they could find it, they stumbled upon a small town. They never got much to eat and were always thin, but the people in this particular town seemed to have much more sympathy towards animals. Only a few days after arrival, a young couple, whose names were Jessica and Ben, had taken them in. The blonde female had beautiful deep blue eyes and a smile that could light up the room. Her boyfriend Ben had recently found a house for them near Jessica's work location that they moved into. The young woman had opened her own dog clinic and saw the two brothers digging through a dumpster while on the way home from work one day. Although skittish at first, their trust was eventually earned due to their empty stomachs. The couple had welcomed the homeless brothers into their new home two months ago with open arms and had cared for them ever since.

As Rocky passed into the kitchen, he caught sight of the woman kneeling down to greet Axel. "Hey, you two," she beamed, "how was tag?" Both pups smiled up at the owner before Rocky piped up.

"It was good, Axel couldn't keep up! I had to trip over a toy just to give him a chance!" He boasted, puffing out his chest in pride before getting a playful shove and eye roll from his brother.

Jessica laughed at the two pups before standing up to grab two food dishes off the countertop. "Here you go guys, eat up," she smiled before turning to see Ben entering the room with a cell phone up to his ear in conversation.

"That sounds great! We can definitely be there. Thank you so much for this opportunity for Jess, I know it means a lot to her. I'll give her the news, see you soon!" His girlfriend flashed Ben a curious look as he hung up and pocketed his phone. "So who was that? And is there some big secret you've been keeping from me, Ben?"

Her boyfriend chuckled as he crossed the room to embrace her in a warm hug. "Well...Jess, I may or may not have talked to an old contact of mine a few cities away. It's about your pet clinic business. I think I found a new location for you to open your second store. I-"

Before Ben could finish his statement, a harsh squeal rang in his ears as the blonde pulled away from the hug, staring in awe and disbelief. "Y-you actually found me a place? Baby, I- I can't believe this. I...I love you so so much, Ben. You know how huge this has been for me, thank you soooo much!" The shorter woman stepped up on her tippy toes to give Ben a peck on the lips before stooping back down to the two pups who were now wagging their tails in excitement at the great news.

"This is so amazing! Now I'll be able to help out even more homeless pups like you two," she said, gushing with pure happiness. "We're your family now and as we expand the business and location spread, we'll help so many pups get adopted into happy families. You've brought so much mischief and joy to this family and now, I'll help more and more strays get a new chance at a happy life."

An hour later, the young couple left for the next city over to check on the new location and to scope out the building site. It was a few hours away, but they planned to be back that evening.

Hours passed. Many more hours than the amount it should've taken the couple to get back home. Both Rocky and Axel were feeling uneasy about the situation, but there was nothing they could do except wait for their return. "D-do you think they'll be back soon?" Rocky asked his brother nervously.

"Maybe they're running late. I'm sure it's okay. Just give them some more time, little bro."

Rocky whined anxiously, "But it's been so long! They said they were stopping for an early dinner with a friend but would be back by eight o'clock... It's one in the morning, Axel!"

Suddenly, a hard knock at the front door echoed through the quiet house, causing both Rocky and Axel to jump. "D-do you think it's Jess?" Rocky asked, trying to sound optimistic but realizing it didn't make sense for them to knock on their own front door. They always parked in the garage and came in the back door.

Axel motioned for his little brother to follow him over to the door, where he leaned down for Rocky to jump on his back. The two pups had been left at home before and learned that the best way to unlock the door was to let Rocky get on top of Axel to reach and unlock the door handle.

A tall, brown-haired police officer greeted the two pups in the doorway with a solemn frown etched on his lips. He had his dark blue hat in his hands and seemed as though he'd rather be anywhere than at the front door. Standing next to him was a shorter, female officer wearing the same look of silent sadness. As they stepped through the doorframe into the house, the whole atmosphere around Rocky shifted from curiosity to one of fear and dread. Being the older brother, Axel stepped between Rocky and the two officers. "W-hat is this? Where are Jessica and Ben?" Axel asked. The male officer, whose badge read 'Officer Atticus Simmons', took a deep breath, seemingly unprepared to break devastating news to two young, confused pups. "I, um, well that's actually why we're here tonight, boys. There's no easy way to say this, but it's your owners. I'm so sorry but…they...um...they were in a serious car accident a few hours ago."

Rocky gasped at the horrible news the officer spoke. "W-what? Th-they were in a car accident? Wh-when are they gonna come home?" The young mix stumbled towards his brother as he stared down the policeman, searching his hard face for any signal of what his response would be. Suddenly the female beside him spoke up in a scratchy, uneven tone. "They aren't coming home, Rocky... they died." The woman's voice cracked as she forced out her words. Tears rolled down her cheek and dropped onto her golden badge, making the dark letters 'Monique Rollins' shine in the droplets.

"Jessica was a really close friend of mine actually. I'm actually the one who found their car. I was supposed to meet them on the way back from their trip for dinner. I w-was on the phone with her when it happened. A semi truck ran them off the road and…" The officer paused before scolding herself. "I shouldn't be telling you all these horrible details, I just thought you should know." Before she continued, Officer Simmons nodded sadly to the pups before stepping back out the door and heading back to his car, giving his partner time to grieve more personally with the two pups.

Rocky still hadn't fully processed the situation. T-they're dead… Does this mean we're back on the streets to fend for ourselves? The young mixed breed looked to his brother for comfort or some sort of reaction as he felt the sting of tears coming. He wanted to know it would all be okay, but Axel had no sadness or disbelief on his face, only a dark, grim stare as he knew what came next: they were on their own again. He turned and gave Rocky a comforting nuzzle before walking out of the main room to get their few belongings together. Rocky wanted nothing more than to curl up in a ball and cry, but a hand stroking his back stopped him.

Monique sat down next to the gray pup as she continued to pet him. "I'm sorry, little one, it's never easy when things like this happen," she cooed. "I know you only knew them for two months but you two really impacted her. She loved you both very much, and so did Ben. I remember when she first found you, I had called to ask a favor but I never got out my request because she wouldn't stop gushing about how cute and sweet you and your brother were."

The whimpering pup in her arms looked up at her with a defeated, yet gentle smile, "r-really?"

The woman smiled weakly with watery eyes as she scratched behind his ears. "She really did. Jess would call me to tell me how you guys were doing and how happy she was to have you. She always said you two were so funny, and totally inseparable. She loved watching you two run around together in the backyard and playing fetch with you guys."

Despite feeling totally deserted and sad, Rocky felt a faint smile creeping up on his face. "I-I never got to know my mom… Jessica was the closest thing I had to one. Even for only two months... I just don't wanna go back to being on our own. I was happy here, I felt safe for once in my life, like I could actually stop to catch my breath somewhere. My whole life feels like it's been nothing but misfortune. I thought our luck was changing when Jessica and Ben found us but now they're gone too." The brief smile on the mixed breed's face was nowhere to be seen now. "I guess that sometimes good things fall apart..."

The female officer frowned at Rocky's defeated tone, hating every word he was saying. No one should have to go through this at such a young age and she knew how difficult his life had been already. "Pup, that just breaks me up inside… She helped me out during a hard point in my life too. I still feel like I owe her so much, but now I'll never get the chance to make it up to her."

A few quiet minutes passed before Axel came back into the room, dragging the few belongings he and his brother had, ready to go. Rocky looked up from him and Monique's spot on the floor to his brother. Axel's hardened expression was all Rocky needed to know what his brother was about to say.

"We're leaving, Rocky. There's no one left here for us. I'm sorry but it's back to basics until we find another place."

Officer Rollins set Rocky down gently before speaking her mind. "Actually, pups, I was sort of thinking you wouldn't need to do all of that. I know how much you two meant to her and if she was still here she'd want me to take you guys in. There's plenty of food and a place to stay back at my house. It's the least I could do for you...and Jess."

The small gray pup's eyes widened as his hopes crept up. "Wait, r-really? You'd do that for us?"

Monique smiled as she rubbed under Rocky's chin. "Of course I would, I can't send you back out there alone again. I don't-"

Axel butted in with words that crushed every small fragment of hope in Rocky's heart. "That's nice, but we won't be staying. I'm gonna take care of him. Thank you for telling us about Jessica and Ben, but we need to get going."

Rocky stared at his brother in disbelief, with his jaw dropped. "Axel! What the hell are you talking about? This is good for us! Monique is gonna keep us, why would we leave?"

"Don't start this, Rocky," Axel muttered. "I said we're going. I have your stuff so let's get ready."

The female officer turned to the defiant pup with confusion. "But Axel, it's something I need to do for you, please. I promise it's no trouble at a-"

"You can go now, officer," Axel growled. "Thanks for the offer and I'm sorry you lost your friend. We're gonna get going now."

"Wait, at least hear me out," the woman pleaded. "I'm-"

"I said you can go now! The door's over there officer, goodbye."

Rocky grabbed at his angry brother's collar, sputtering as he tried to form words to convince him. "N- no no please, Axel! Please let us stay with her! I don't wanna do that again," the smaller pup wailed as his voice cracked.

Officer Rollins would've worked to convince him, but could tell by his tone that Axel was determined. "Oh...well okay then. I'm sorry this didn't work out... Please be careful out there, it's not easy being on your own. I love you both and I won't forget you."

Rocky made a break for the human opening the door but was harshly dragged back by his brother. "NO! No p-please Axel she can help us! Why aren't you listening!" Rocky screamed as tears flowed through his fur. "Monique, come ba-" The harsh slam of the wooden door cut the mix short before he could finish. The silence hanging in the empty house was only interrupted by Rocky's soft crying. Why would Axel say that! She was gonna take us home. She was adopting us. That was our chance to stay off the streets.

"Rocky," the larger mixed breed spoke softly, "I'm sorry I did that, but please believe we're gonna be okay, I know we will be."

Without saying a word to Axel, Rocky padded over to the pile of his belongings. He shot Axel a cold glare before muttering, "Lead the way then."

Halfway across the yard, Rocky turned to take one last look at the house. It's hard to believe you left us after only two months, Jessica. Thanks for everything you did for me… For taking me in, giving me a home and food, and loving me. Goodbye.

Three weeks. Three weeks had passed since Rocky and Axel left the house. The air outside had quickly grown cold for the winter and when the weather wasn't wracking Rocky's young body, the hunger was. Nights were filled with the pain of an empty stomach which was beginning to hurt more and more. The mixed breed had also gotten sick, most likely from something bad eaten out the trash, but had recovered enough to join his brother again in search of food.

Rocky's wet paws slipped out from under him causing him to fall off the high dumpster. He hit the ground with a thud, causing Axel's attention to snap to him. "Woah, shit! Are you okay, Rocky?" Axel looked worried as he rushed over to his younger brother.

Rocky was slow to respond, not even looking up from the ground where he lay. "No... I'm not, Axel. Neither of us are."

"What do you mean? I saw you fall, I'm just making sure you're okay, bro."

"Forget that," Rocky muttered. "It doesn't hurt. I just…I miss having a home and food I could actually keep down. I miss having a roof and warm blankets."

Axel frowned at his little brother, knowing he still probably held him responsible for ruining their second chance. "I know, Rocky, and I'm really sorry. We're gonna find somewhere else, I promise."

The younger mixed breed's blood began to boil as Axel tried to soothe him. His heart raced with adrenaline and suddenly he snapped. "Why the hell do you keep saying that shit!? You're the reason we're back out here. WE'RE HOMELESS AGAIN BECAUSE OF YOU!"

Axel was tough on the surface, yet winced when the harsh words from his normally sweet younger brother hit him. "Rocky," he replied calmly. "l didn't like putting you through that either, okay? But that had to be done for us, I had to do that."

Rocky growled in annoyance at his brother's response. "What does that even mean? You never had to tell her no! I'm hungry, lonely and don't wanna be out here again… but thanks to you, I am!"

"Bro chill out! You don't get it, okay? You just need to fucking trust me on this one!"

"Are you serious? I'm young but I'm not a newborn pup, Axel! If it's so important then at least try to make me understand!"

Axel released a deep sigh before turning away with a dismissive swish of his tail. "Just forget it, Rocky. I said sorry, that's all I can do now…"

The sound of slamming paw steps and a growl from behind him caught Axel off guard. Rocky lunged at his brother, managing to knock the larger pup off his paws. "Why did you do that!" Rocky screamed as he grabbed at his brother's body. "Why did you drag us back out here!"

Axel, being a much larger pup, broke free and rolled over pinning Rocky to the ground, who was now staring up at him with glassy eyes and an angry snarl. "I did it because I love you, Rocky! I want to keep us safe!"

"Because you love me? Axel, staying with Monique was the best fucking thing we could've possibly done! It's been three weeks already, I miss Jessica! She was the closest thing to a mom we ever had. Monique was gonna take us in with open arms and you took that chance away from us, from me!"

Rocky squirmed and writhed in pain, desperately trying to push the bigger pup off of him but it was no use. Axel could feel the sting in his nose as tears began to build up while his brother's sobs and thrashing grew more intense beneath him. What's happening to me, Axel thought. What am I doing? I'm screaming and arguing with my brother... My best friend. My only friend. I have you pinned to the ground and you completely hate me for trying to do what I see as best for you… How am I supposed to protect you if you hate me for it? Axel tried regaining his calmness but he couldn't help but yell in frustration.

"I don't know why mom and dad left or where they went but that doesn't matter, okay!? Ever since then, it's been up to me! I miss having a real home too, but I'm not letting that distract me from what's most important- you, Rocky. You're my brother and I can't do this to us. I'm supposed to keep you safe! ME, Rocky! We keep trying our paws at getting help from others and it doesn't fucking work! When we inevitably get screwed over, all it does is hurt you and I can't bear to see that. I can't ensure owners are gonna keep us safe but I know I can keep you safe. It's my fucking job! I can't speak for anyone else but me. I don't like placing us in human hands that could let us down, and I can't let us keep getting taken in only to be dumped back on the streets with broken hope. I'm gonna protect you until I die. That's how I know this is what's best. No one else can promise they'll be there for you... they aren't family, but I am."

Rocky stopped struggling and lay on the cold ground, trying to process everything his brother just said as he stared coldly into Axel's eyes, which were blazing with the same warm amber color as his.

"Whatever, I'm just gonna go home," Rocky said with a sniffle before scooting out from under his brother and standing up to leave for their shelter.

It had taken much longer than Axel had hoped it would to find food for that night. By the time he had gotten scraps for Rocky, he was so tired that he gave up on finding food for himself. When he returned back to their shelter, his brother was already asleep on the half-torn dirty beach towel they had found a few days before. He looked over Rocky's body with a sad smile. Seeing his brother's innocent face was always comforting and cute, but short lived once his eyes drifted down to the frail, underfed body of the pup. Axel silently lowered his head to set down the food he had found for Rocky before licking him on the head and wrapping the towel around his shivering body. Axel padded over to the cleared out space in the dirt he had for himself where he laid down for the night, stealing one more exhausted glance at his little brother across the room.

Rocky...I'm so sorry. Everything's happening so fast and I hate how bad things are. The truth is that I'm scared too. I don't know where we go from here either. You're young, so I know you don't quite understand my reasoning about my decision, but I hope you know I really do love you and I'm trying my absolute best for you...

Axel's thoughts were interrupted by a low rumble emitting from his belly, causing him to wince uncomfortably at the hunger clawing at him. He let out a long sigh before the tiredness and lack of food lulled the older gray pup off into an uneasy sleep.