Rain splashes on the grey-worn pavement as I walk sulkily along the roadside. Rocco had decided to let me get the food. That mutt. He got an overhang from a roof to take shelter from the rain while I was out here becoming drenched.

I shake, but that does very little to help me. I let out a sigh as I turn onto Huckleberry Street—again. Hopefully, I walk into the yard that I know so well. But today I'm greeted more than a bone. I'm greeted by the Ridgeback.

"Hey," I say, unsure.

"Hello, again."

"You know, I never got your name," I bark to her, my eyes unwavering.

"It's Blu. Yours?" Blu. That's different.

"Blitz," I answer, my eyes blinking shut each time a rain drop lands on my head. The chained female moves over on the porch, inviting me silently to join her. I do.

"What is it like… being you know… a house pet?" I ask. Blu snorts and shakes her head.

"I don't know why strays ask that—"

"I'm not a stray, okay? I'm a wolf."

"Alright, alright, but still. I don't know how to explain it. Suzy feeds me twice a day. Once in the morning, once at night. I have my own bed—that pillow in the window. Umm… I get water in a bowl. Suzy refills it every time it runs empty. Some afternoons, when it's nice out, she'll take me out in the backyard and throw my bone, and I'll fetch it. See? I don't know how to tell you!" She's almost laughing at herself now. "Since you asked me that, now I get to ask you. How's it like being a stra—a wolf on the streets?"

"Basically the opposite of everything you said," I chuckle. "I need to find my own food and water. Rocco and I sleep anywhere that provides shelter from the rain. Otherwise, we'll just sleep in the open alleys."

"Rocco?" Blu asks curiously. "Who's he?"

"My friend. I guess he kind of helps me out in… some ways." Blue laughs. I smile as I see her ears flop. She's adorable—whoa, what? No, no….

"From Heath?"

"Yeah," I admit to her. I have nothing to hide, after all, she's just a dog, and I'm just a wolf.

An hour later, the door creaks open. Suzy, I guess her name is, appears in the door way. She moves her hand up to her glasses. Readjusts them.

"Oh-ho! So you came back," she says softer than her 'oh-ho'. I wag my tail slightly. If she was as nice as Blu said, well then…. There's nothing to fear. I let her outstretch her hand. She slowly places it on my forehead. I can feel a growl begging to be let lose, but I cage it. She pats me very gently before she bends down and unleashes Blue.

"C'mon, girlie. Let's go inside. You've had enough fun today! Hoo-hoo!" she laughs a little. Blue obediently follows. But she glances back.

"Bye, Blu," I whisper softly. She wags her tail before the thick wooden door slams and she's gone from sight. I sigh as I walk down the stair and back out onto the murky, wet streets. I've got Rocco, but suddenly I feel more alone than ever.

A/N: I'm trying to decide whether I just wanna go and finish Inseparable as soon as possible, or if I want to do some of Bandit in-between updates of Inseparable. Or just focus on Bandit and do Inseparable whenever I need a break from the former. You can help me decide by writing it in your review! & like always, thanks for reading!