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Unjust Love

A Shepherd's Love: Part One

By Roofles

With the rise of crime within Long Island, a new police force was allowed to join the current NYPD+, the new organization of the NYPD. A group that could reinforce the principal structure of the unit and enforce the law, if necessary. A necessary muscle that the world only heard about in whispers and rumors until now. This new force would shake the very foundations of mankind as the leading geneticist, head of Project Tomorrow, Albert Conwell came forward with the reveal of his life's long work.

Dogkind. Or Anthro or “thing" or “abomination" or… the names were never ending for what the media, what people and what those online called them. Finally most settled on “K-9" to keep it short. It was easier to say and there were plenty of other things to focus on than what to call them.

“Canis lupus familiaris had always been our best friends, guard dogs, or companions. This project, my life's work and the soul purpose of Project Tomorrow was to turn all these things into one reliable unit. The perfect worker that could help human's advance to the next level without ever threatening the hierarchy."

It was made clear, from the very start, they were to be servants and nothing more. They wouldn't be called slaves, due to the stigma history had with such a strong word, and thus “indentured employed canid" came to be known as the working dog's title.

Employees that would do the job no one else wanted to do. The jobs with the highest risks or positions that needed to be covered during a workers strike across the country.

With the fear of rogue AI stemmed by science fiction movies and fanned by the company in question, Project Tomorrow was allowed to do a sort of trail run for these K-9 anthromorphs. And the thing that was needed most in one of the most violent of cities were police officers. To send them to a crime invested city and see if they could get things under control. There were many fears behind this stemming from the start of authoritarian rule, to just replacing humans by the next century.

Jobs were hard enough to come back with the risk of overpopulation already a real threat in this day and age. Twenty fifty was supposed to be a landmark in the books, not just another year waiting to tick by. Adding more numbers into the worker pool only seemed to be setting up a catastrophic end.

Such fears were well founded, and it was only the rise of crime, news articles and deaths in New York… that it was begrudgingly passed on a trail bases within the city, and only the city, that these K-9's would be allowed to be used. Each borough of New York would get it's own group of K-9 officers specialized in the area. The hope was once the criminal body heard about them, they would leave the city and settle elsewhere…

Then a new fear grew. What would these dogs, these cops, do when there wasn't crime to keep them focused on? How would they even handle the criminals? Despite being reassured that the “educational program" Project Tomorrow ran was top notch, there were plenty of doubts about this whole project.

A salutation quickly came to mind. Something, most, could begrudgingly accept. At least on paper.

It was quickly ruled that a K-9 could only ever be on duty with a human partner and must follow all their commands. If they were to even hesitate to obey a command, they would be immediately discharged and… disposed of.

Most of the human officers flat out refused. Some agreed only to abuse the very K-9's in their care, taking out their frustrations on those who couldn't fight back. Others left them in the car, with the window cracked, while they took care of whatever they were called on. Taking the bonus and calling it good. And still there were others that were more than happy for someone else to do the paperwork for them at the end of the day.

“It's like having your very own butler!" One of the cops laughed in the station, early the next morning.

“Ridiculous. What we need is more funding, more cops! Better equipment! Not these… things!" Bradley's partner, before being replaced, told him in the department down near Bayside. He hadn't taken the news well when Bradley, his friend and partner for the past five years, would be leaving to work with one of these “things."

Bradley Nichols was a police officer that agreed to be paired up with such a K-9 unit; mostly growing tired of the one he did have. Not that Andrew Wilkes was a bad officer, no. It was just… he was depressing. It was the only way Bradley could sum it up.

Andrew had been on the force one too many years and the increase in crime only left his already melancholy, grim outlook on the world as bitter as the coffee served at the precinct. His scathing remarks and comments only grew viler as the months ticked by and it wasn't just at the new K-9's but everyone. Even sending a few Bradley's way. It was becoming unbearable to even go into the office.

That was, until Andrew was replaced by Tan Colt.

A rather large German Shepherd breed K-9 unit that was more than happy to meet up and work with Bradley. The two having an over the phone interview, of sorts, to acquaint with each other before meeting up the following morning at the station. He was the exact opposite of Andrew, and it took Bradley some time to adjust too.

For more than one reason.

Tanner Colton was a rather brawny looking German Shepherd with broad shoulder, thick arms that strained against the police uniform he'd been stuffed into and with a smile that… well it was everything his old partner wasn't.

Bright, hopeful, friendly, and far too excited to meet the human in person.

Bradley wasn't sure what to expect when he signed up for the program. Let alone the fact he even got picked! Apparently, he'd later learn, he was one of the few officers who had willingly signed up without his arm being twisted. Or paid off.

Coming into the officer that morning had been a welcome surprise. For once he hadn't gotten called in early. The sun was out. They had cooked his breakfast sandwich down at Mac n' Cheese, a very lovely bagel shop, perfectly and the coffee was just bitter enough that it woke him up from his morning funk without burning a hole in his stomach instead.

“What's the racket?" He laughed, openly, taking a sip of his drink.

“They're here." Andrew just grumbled, resentful over the fact as he slumped down at his desk not looking at anyone.

“What? Already? Is that today? Is today the fifth?" Bradley only ended up stammering, running to his desk to clock in.

A small panel slid out of the officer's desk, and he pressed his badge against it. A light scanned it; a dull hum sounded before with a click it welcomed him. “You have been clocked in, three minutes late, Officer Nichols."

Bradley cursed at that, wincing from the bing that followed as the now warm badge was returned to him. He hated these new machines they'd installed. Everything was slowly but surely updating. It wasn't the two thousands any longer. Tens of tens of years later in the future or, to them, the present. 2050 and they finally got digital sign ins, it was a wonder.

There had been a technological boom after twenty thirty and it was only going uphill from there. And every company seemed to be taking advantage of the changes; even the police had been able to afford these new desks!

Let alone… them.

Before Bradley could even finish the bite he'd taken from his breakfast sandwich a rather large K-9 came barreling towards him after they'd been let out of the police chief front office. Set loose on the unsuspecting human officers.

Tan Colt ended up shoving a desk out the way with a thigh, tail wagging a mile a minute as Bradley nearly hid underneath his desk as a brick wall of fur, somehow stuffed into an officer's uniform, came up to him. All smiles and wags. Toothy, fanged smiles and a tail that was currently threatening to knock over everything on his desk.

“You must be Brad!" Tanner Colton greeted the startled human with an overabundance of energy and warmth, a friendly aura just seemed to radiate off the beaming K-9. “I'm Tanner Colton, serial number K3456219. But you can call me Tan. Or Colt. Or Colton. Or Tanner. Or Tan Colt. Or…" The dog went on endlessly, his excitement only seeming to grow the more he spoke.

Tan Colt snagged the human's free hand and began vigorously shaking it making it hard to respond.

“It's so nice to finally meet you! I really enjoyed talking last night. I wish the call could've lasted longer." The oversized German Shepherd just wagged, knocking over a cup filled with pens onto the ground and not seeming to notice.

Bradley had to grab his coffee before the over eager canid ended up knocking it over too.

“Yes, I am Bradley." He made sure to say with enough force to get it across he did not like his name shorten. The K-9 remained oblivious to this, however. “And, I guess, you're my dog? I mean K-9. I mean canid. I uh…" He blushed. His strong, commanding tone faltering at the simplest of blunders.

Bradley had a whole speech worked out and now was at a loss for words seeing the K-9 in person.

This was far more intimidating than he'd been expecting it to be. The K-9 was not only taller than he was, by nearly a good foot, but strapped in a bullet proof vest, buckled up and stuffed into a police uniform… he looked massive! Bradley was sure he could get hit by a car and the car would've been the one to break first.

No wonder everyone feared these dogs replacing them…

“YES!" Tan Colt actually barked out happily, getting nearly every eye in the room looking at him now. “I am your dog. Your K-9. Your canid. And I will be, whatever you need of me, sir." And Tanner Colton finally let go, taking a step back and saluting before tucking both hands behind his back, above his hiked tail, and stood perfect still, rigid with both ears perked up as he looked slightly above the human's head in respect.

Bradley was sure the K-9 was pushing out his chest and he… just envied it.

The German Shepherd's thick double layer fur hid most of the muscle underneath and yet… it was still so clearly outlined even through his uniform that Bradley would've thought he was a stripper, posing as a cop, instead of one if he didn't know any better. But, you know, also covered in fur.

“My partner, then…?" Bradley dared to ask, and he was sure, if only for a second, the canid grew in size just from the very prospect, standing up on his tip toes as his fur poofed outwards and…

“Yes." Tan Colt said with another nod. “Yes. I am your partner, as long as you will have me, sir." Very professional, Bradley had to admit.

No wonder so many people saw them as servants.

“Well, I need to get on patrol. It's routine, these days…" He added with a bit of a groan and a shake of his head. “You clock in at your… uh, desk." Bradley was already starting up training the newbie. They had so many new cops these days.

Not many ended up lasting, unfortunately…

Bradley had grown used to not seeing someone there, the next day. The increase of crime, the increase in guns, the increase of violence… it was always an increase of something as the poverty levels grew, rampant wealth disparities across the country and homeless was becoming unmanageable with the sheer numbers evicted from their homes.

But that wasn't his concern at the moment.

Tan Colt moved by him, pulling out a badge before scanning it in the same receptacle Bradley had plugged his own badge into. It clicked, scanned, and then went over the same introduction as it did with Bradley.

“Welcome, K-9 unit Tanner Colton. You are eleven minutes late. It will be deducted from your paycheck." Bradley thought that was a little harsh, but Tan Colt didn't seem to even notice.

“You uh… get paid?" Bradley had to ask as Tan Colt fussed with the badge, pinning it back onto that burly chest Bradley just wanted to face plant like a bed of pillows. It looked so full and welcoming.

He really needed to get out more. Hit up a few of the police bars and maybe get a one nightery in having such thoughts.

“Of course." Tan Colt just gave him a quizzical look, one of his ears drooping to the side as he looked at the human. “Don't you? Are they not paying you? That's illegal." The dog said and Bradley had to force himself not to step away.

For that split second, Tan Colt jaws opened, lips quivering as the canid growled on his behalf. If he was intimidating before, it was nothing compared to when the K-9 got angry. Fur standing up, barring his fangs and somehow becoming even larger than he already seemingly was.

“No, no. I do get paid, yeah." Bradley quickly corrected and, instantly, Tan Colt was back to the way he was. All smiles and wags.

“Good." Tan Colt nodded. “I read over your profile, after being matched up. You haven't broken a single law in your life." The dog pointed out and Bradley blushed once more at that. The dog's nose twitched, and he gave the human a look in confusion. “Isn't that accurate?"

“I guess…? I mean, I never was one to get caught." Bradley tried to joke, as he did back with his school chums in the day. The canid just gave him a stern look. “It's a joke, Tanner." Bradley made sure to explain and the dog eased up.

They must've been drilled hard on the laws of the city in order to be the best police officers they could possibly be. That in itself was worrisome, and Bradley tried not to focus on that, too much. This was going to be a long day.

He had just wanted a partner that wasn't such a grouch in the morning, into the afternoon and by the time they clocked out a true nightmare.

“I guess I'm just… vanilla?" Bradley shrugged as his fellow officers poured into the office around the two, some with their own K-9 units in tow. Everyone was rushing. Everyday was busy and Bradley was the only one taking his time to… talk to his new partner.

“Vanilla? As in the flavor?" Tan Colt's nose twitched once more and he tried too, not so subtly, inch it closer to sniff the human. It was hard to distinct one smell from another in the very crowded department.

“No, I mean like… boring." Bradley rolled his eyes, pushing the drawer back into his desk to get his keycard locked inside. He headed for the door and without a word needed, Tan Colt was following behind him obediently.

“Is boring, bad?" Tan Colt clearly was full of questions and his wagging tail indicated he meant no harm, for now. It still was unnerving for the large canine to follow behind the smaller human. Bradley never thought he was a small guy but compared to Tan Colt, he might as well have been.

“Well, just, I never broke the law. I never needed too. I never saw the need too!" Bradley tried to explain, tried to explain his boring life.

Bradley wasn't anything special. He came from a good family that loved him. Middle class white Americans. He was a few inches shy from six feet tall, with short brown hair and clean shaven… forgettable. Boring. Just another face in the crowd that got lost. Nothing to write home about.

Maybe that was exactly why Bradley had agreed to this program where others didn't. To try and, what, spice up his life? The very idea made him morose. It just made him sound desperate for… what? Companionship? He glanced over at the burly canid who was looking around the office with both ears up.

Tan Colt was already a better officer than Bradley was.

The German Shepherd was on guard, even now. Picking up every word around them and quickly registering if they were friend or foe. A black and white view, sure, which was going to be troublesome Bradley knew. But maybe that's what the city needed…?

It was hard to say.

He just hoped to get by without getting shot, again. The second most interesting thing to ever happen to the human in his thirty-one years of life.

The first was clearly the German Shepherd K-9 that was trying to stuff himself into the elevator with the human. Bradley felt cramped as he struggled to reach over to push the button for the armory in the basement where the locker room was also situated across the hall.

It was standard protocol, these days, to dress in full swat gear, or a dumbed down version of it. Helmet, vest, with body armor underneath to protect the torso and back. His arms were soon padded up and similar straps were added to his legs. Add the thick boots and he felt like a child dressing up what they might feel a police officer should look like.

These new “peacekeeping" uniforms scrunched up far too tightly around the groin.

He was at least thankful they didn't force them to wear the masks. The helmet he kept under one arm was enough for a routine patrol around the city. Just waiting to get a call to intervene.

Tan Colt had already fully dressed up and was just grabbing the standard issue Glock from the armory. Bradley had a matching one underneath his left arm, strapped in with the safety on… he made sure to triple check that along with the stun gun at his other side and a can of mace in case all else failed.

“If you have any personal things," Bradley gestured to the nearby lockers. “Just make sure to take the key or you won't get them back for a couple of weeks. We're kind of running behind on… everything." The human frowned not wanting to go on. Maybe they could hire a K-9 to help with maintenance? Did they do that? He actually wasn't sure what all they were capable of.

The locker room was next to the armory, allowing for those after their shifts to shower if need be and to store any personal goods for the day. The bullet proof glass had been installed in front of the clerk working at the armor. A counter installed in the middle of it with a barred gate next to it allowing them to talk to Cheryl, the clerk behind the counter, that would check out their sidearms.

Their badges were scanned and then their fingerprints were confirmed before the guns were issued; it'd only allow the ones checking the weapon out to fire it. A safety measured installed into every, legal, weapon these days.

“Safety first!" Tan Colt just said with a wide grin, tail wagging, as if it was the most important thing. Bradley wanted to ask just what the lab rats down at Project Tomorrow had done to the K-9 but thought against it.

“See, you get it!" Bradley just went with the flow. It was nice, for a change, to be around such a sunny outlook on life as Tan Colt had. Andrew had been a grumpy cat where Tan Colt was a happy dog. The idea of Andrew's face being used as a meme made him chuckle.

“What? What's funny?" Tan Colt jumped on, tail wagging, hazel eyes wide… he had hazel eyes, Bradley just noticed. They were so bright and full of life. The human had been distracted by the brick wall of a chest the dog was sporting to notice until now.

Hazel eyes with gold flecks. They were mesmerizing and Bradley found himself just staring into those bright eyes looking down at him.

“You." Bradley admitted, finally tearing his eyes away. Tan Colt just gave him a quizzical look, one of his ears dipping again. “It's just, you're strangely a breath of fresh air in this place." Bradley gestured and Tan Colt was sure to follow the movement as if Bradley were holding a tennis ball he was about to throw.

Instead of trying the elevator again, the two went out the side back door into the parking lot. The door was reinforced, and Bradley was sure if the nukes ever fell, this door would be the last thing standing.

“Oh? How so?" Tan Colt just asked, all wags as Bradley pointed out the police cruiser they'd be riding in. Once more, Bradley had to scan his badge to get the car unlocked and working.

The car was far sleeker than the older models had been. The windows were a bit thicker, and they didn't need the bars any longer. The windows could take a tank round to them. Newer is always better, right?

The car stuttered and Bradley blushed once more. “Uh, it takes a second. You know how it is with these new hybrids." He tried to write off as he grumbled pulling the badge out and putting it back in several times as if it were keys.

“Hybrid? I thought all the new cars were fully electric?" Tan Colt frowned, thinking it over. He was sure he read that in the manual.

“They were going to be," Bradley sighed in relief as it finally started up. The vehicle jets sputtering before the gravity boosters lifted it off the ground. A needless feature, really. Bradley missed wheels. “Then they made a deal with Enviro Tech. And well, capitalism at it's finest… they saved a small fortune I'm sure, and got a pay cut from it all in the end. Leaving us with, well… this."

“Isn't that… illegal?" Tan Colt lips twitched at the idea.

“Not technically, I'm sure. That's what their army of lawyers are for." Bradley just shrugged his shoulders as the car drove onto the road and down the street. It was a smooth ride, he had to admit. Without wheels it felt like they were flying instead of just hovering over the ground by a couple of feet. “They might've screwed us over but within the law."

“Oh…" Tan Colt ears drooped. “And this… isn't good, for you, right?" The K-9 asked from the passenger seat. A seat that had only been recently installed and upgraded to fit someone of the canid's size. It had been the primary reason Bradley was issued a new vehicle to use. The seat was pushed all the way back and still the K-9 had to keep his knees up close to that chest.

“Well, no." Bradley had to laugh. He wasn't really concerned about it. Just the working man getting screwed by big business again. It wasn't anything new. It was still nice, though, to see the K-9 worry for his well-being.

They had just met and yet Tan Colt already cared far more than his old partner ever had. That wasn't exactly saying much but still, it put a smile on his face. There was so much shit these days in the city, in the news, in world affairs… with the wars going on… it was nice to be around someone who seemed to care. Even if they were a six foot seven genetically engineered canine.

Beggars couldn't be choosers.

“You seem happy now. Did I help?" Tan Colt asked, nose twitching. Bradley chuckled at that, blushing once more. The German Shepherd kept sniffing, ear drooping as he gave the human a look. “Now you seem embarrassed…"

“You can really smell my emotions?" Bradley was afraid to ask. If they really were walking lie detectors, the police force might actually be able to succeed in reducing crime in their city. He blushed once more. “I'm not sure if that's an invasion of privacy or-,"

“It actually isn't!" Tan Colt sat up, tail wagging through the hole in the back of the specialized chair that was made for him. “We checked." He just gave a bumpy black lipped smile, beaming proudly at his knowledge.

“You do that a lot," Bradley noticed.

“What?"

“Smile."

“Yes, our studies have shown that humans react better to K-9's that smiled more than those who don't." Tan Colt just nodded. Bradley felt a little down at that. He kind of hoped… Tan Colt had been smiling for him.

He supposed that made sense though and shook off the darker thoughts creeping up. The K-9 had been strictly trained to do whatever was best for the city and humans. It was all… fake. He wondered what the K-9 sitting next to him really thought or if he even could have independent thoughts.

Funny, they had been so afraid of a robot uprising they had ended up creating emotionless robots covered in fur and flesh instead.

“Did my smile not work…?" Tan Colt asked as it slipped off his face, his eyes soften as he looked at his human partner. The German Shepherd began to fidget in his seat, fussing with his hands and pulling at the fur around the black paw padded fingers. “Did I mess things up already?"

“No, no. You're fine. Just thinking of other things, Tanner." Bradley reassured the canid. He felt bad depressing such an overly friendly dog, even if said dog could bench press him with ease.

“Oh?" Tan Colt inquired. Bradley had to shake his head.

“Humans are more complicated than just how they're feeling." Bradley made sure to point out. He could already see yet another issues rising with this new partnership.

“Like?" Tan Colt just asked, tilting his head as that one ear drooped back to the side as if it lost the will to stand any longer.

“A human could appear or uh… smell, angry. But in fact, are just frustrated about getting a ticket, instead of, you know… aggressive." Bradley fumbled with. It was sort of like taking a newbie out for a drive. Just you know, a dog…

Bradley heard the old officers back in the day had K-9 units, but they walked on all fours and didn't talk back. Or ask questions. This was an entirely new, groundbreaking, situation they were all in. And it was something that needed to be tested in the field to know if it was a good or bad thing for humanity. Bradley just hoped it turned out for the better.

Everyone, himself included, could use some good news these days.

“How do you tell the difference between the two?" Tan Colt asked. A simple question that, in itself, was a loaded question.

Lawyers were always willing to defend a known criminal, a known killer, and it was a cop's job to get evidence against the contrary while also not assuming all these people, even with a record, were bad… or at least that's what the department head, the mouthpiece for the police, always said to them during the weekly meetings.

Bradley knew better. Everyone knew better. There was a reason why all their uniforms had a camera attached to them these days. It wasn't just the vital reader on their uniform or tracking device. The camera was for the police's protection as much as the one being brought in.

“It's a, uh, gut feeling. A lot of the time." Bradley just offered weakly. Getting a look, he continued. “It's like a feeling you get, inside. A sort of instinct or intuition. The longer you're in the field the better it gets. Sorry. It's hard to explain."

“Gut feeling…" The German Shepherd scratched idly at his well-defined stomach through the bullet proof vest he had on, thinking about it. “Experience, then, right?"

“Right!" Bradley was glad the K-9 was continuing the conversation. Most of the patrols with his old partner had been an uncomfortable ride in silence. Every time Bradley had tried to start something up, the other man would just dismiss him with a roll of his eyes or a grunt.

Tan Colt's tail wagged at that.

“So, all I need is to get experience, in the field, to get this gut feeling. Then I can pick up things my nose can't?" Tan Colt beamed at the idea of having yet another sense to rely on. It was clear he took his job very seriously, unlike Bradley did.

This line of work had a way of beating you down. It had a good pension plan, and one could retire earlier than other jobs, if they lived long enough. Still, Tan Colt was really a refreshing breath in the office. He wondered if they all were like this or, maybe, he did get lucky getting paired up with the German Shepherd.

He wasn't sure why, as they started up their patrol in downtown Queens. Tan Colt just seemed… special. And he was glad to have him as a partner.

The day was an average one for Bradley. A lot of calls in about robberies, theft, homeless, and invasion of privacy. Simple misdemeanors, according to recent laws. It still was frustrating having to deal with a shop owner yelling at the two while Tan Colt held down the young kid, a teenager really, who had tried to rob the place with a kitchen knife.

“I was just trying to get some food for my sister!" The kid just yelled out before breaking down. He looked malnourished; Bradley could only imagine what his sister looked like…

“Doesn't give you the right to break the law," Tan Colt growled down at him using far more force than was necessary. He eased up, only after Bradley told him too. Both his ears perking up before nodding and taking his weight off the kids back.

Tanner Colton only needed one arm to restrain the youth and here he was using his whole body. Yeah, there were going to be plenty of lawsuits in the future from excessive force charges Bradley could see.

“No, you break. You break boy!" The shop owner yelled at the kid, wagging his hand at the canine to continue in broken English. Tan Colt didn't even seem to register his words, the K-9's eyes transfixed on Bradley as if waiting for his next command.

“The vac will be here soon." Bradley just said. “The vacuum… uh, it's a van that scoops them up and takes them down for filing." Bradley was used to using all the nicknames and code words the police officers used with the new equipment they'd been given. It was challenging adjusting his mannerism of speech for his new partner.

“Yes, sir." Tan Colt nodded, picking the kid up and cuffing him. “You have the right to remain silent," the K-9 started up with. Going over the new Miranda rights established and pushed through within the past ten years from memory quickly. Even Bradley struggled with all the new… rights.

The kid seemed far too terrified to try anything, Tan Colt's jaws right next to the young kid's face as he spoke showing off those teeth.

“Look," Bradley came over to comfort the clearly starving kid. He might be one of the countless homeless in the city. Something that was only growing in numbers. “There are help centers near central park. I know," Bradley cut off before the boy could argue with him. “They're crowded. It's stuffy. It's overpacked, underfunded, and well… a shit-sty but if you're sister is this desperate, that you got to rob a place? Then you need to go there and deal with that hassle…" The system had clearly failed the youth, Bradley didn't want to too…

The kid just glared at him, spitting into Bradley's face. The cop was used to it and, for once, was glad his helmet came with a face guard that was self-cleaning.

“That's an extra charge," Tan Colt snarled next to the boy's face as he shook him. “That's assault on a police officer. My partner!"

“Nothing happened." Bradley just grabbed a napkin next to the nacho dispenser and wiped off his mask even though he didn't need too. It was more out of habit. “Right?" He asked the shop owner who was still glaring at the boy.

“Just get him out! Out of my shop!" And the owner turned away from the kid, clearly understanding where Bradley was coming from. It didn't make him forgive the youth, however. There was another to deal with in the city without being robbed for the third time this week.

“But…" Tan Colt ears fell back, and he whined softly around his helmet. “The law…"

“Tanner," Bradley just said. “Just the charge for armed robbery… that's more than enough," he sighed, scratching the back of his neck, and walking out of the store. The kid couldn't be more than fifteen and here they were forced to take him in. He was sure he'd be out on the street by this time tomorrow, but still, it sucked.

They couldn't really make a difference in this day and age.

A bottle crashed against the nearby brick wall as Bradley stepped outside. The glass shattering, the liquid inside spraying out as he covered his face with an arm.

“Fascist pig!" Someone shouted. They had an American colored bandana around their mouth and nose and took off running. Just another day in the big city as a cop. Bradley was glad the new vehicles were built so tough; his old one kept getting vandalized the second he left it alone.

It didn't stop someone from spray painting a dick on the side of theirs parked out front of the store.

“Are you, okay?" Tan Colt came out, half dragging the kid with one hand. “Do you need me to chase them down?" He growled, glaring after the masked thrower. Even in the overcrowded street, the canid seemed to be able to pick him out.

“No need," Bradley just shook his head gesturing towards a rather large white van coming down the road towards them. The NYPD+ symbol stamped onto both sides of it. It was an automated vehicle and looked like a floating white box. It was very… unnerving seeing no one pilot it.

The van hovered over to them, cutting a car off and getting honked at. The automated vehicle side door opened, a ramp lowering in front of the two. Bradley marveled at the tech. It was something he never thought he'd see. The way the platform clicked together metal piece by metal piece to form a ramp for them to bring the suspect up and into. Made from some kind of new material that could redesign itself at will.

“Just, push him in." Bradley explained and Tan Colt did. The canine giving the kid a harsh shove forcing them to stumble forward and inside the vac.

Straps sprung from the walls like snakes, wrapping around and binding the kid before pulling him towards one of the smooth flat walls and hugging him against it like a bound mummy. Next to all the others bound and gagged inside the vehicle. The padded walls prevented any harm done. It still looked highly uncomfortable.

“It's harmless… I think?" Bradley just explained Tan Colt's unasked question.

“Do you want me to chase them down, sir?" The German Shepherd was facing towards where the man who threw the bottle ran off towards. “I have their scent…" He started up with. Okay, clearly the canine did not feel sympathy for crooks. Duly noted.

“No, no. We need to get back on patrol. You can't stop all the crime in this city, Tanner." Bradley just shook his head getting back in the car. He felt safer behind the bullet proof glass than out in the open and exposed. Even with the wall of muscle and fur watching his back, the city just… wasn't a safe place anymore. “We'd be out of the job if you did!" Bradley tried to joke. A joke he had made a hundred times over trying to deal with this line of work.

“Why not?" Tan Colt grumbled missing the joke. The German Shepherd roughly pulling his seat belt around to buckle it in. He was clearly agitated about what had happened. “You shouldn't have to deal with that! It wasn't your fault! That punk had it coming!"

“I'm used to it," Bradley rolled his eyes. “This is a thankless job." He tried to laugh and joke it off once more, waving it off with a hand. “The last thanks I got was from my mother."

“Well, I thank you!" Tan Colt just said suddenly. “For your service and being a good boy." He said dead serious, and it took a second for Bradley to register what the German Shepherd had called him. “Everyone else, even those on the police force… everyone got records." Tan Colt grumbled, turning away now. “I was, I was really excited… to work with you, though."

“Me?" Bradley had to laugh at that, in sheer disbelief. He wasn't first picked for anything.

“You're one of the few cops that don't have some kind of record! No charges pressed against him for overuse of physical force or planting evidence or like…" The German Shepherd just shook his head. “It's… hard, to help… when you know they did something wrong." The canine struggled to keep from growling. “I volunteered to pair up with you, as I hoped you would…" Tan Colt ear's folded back. “Understand how important it is to follow the law…"

“Sorry to disappoint…" Bradley just said looking away as he started the car up and took off down the road.

“Not you." The K-9 quickly jumped up in his seat, only for the seatbelt to lock up and choke the dog. “I meant," he coughed, gagging from the seatbelt trying to strangle him but Tan Colt couldn't be restrained so easily. “I meant you could help me."

“How could I help you?" A smile tugged on Bradley's face despite his best efforts for it not too.

“You have a perfect record! You have no criminal charges. Clearly, you're doing something right!" Tan Colt just wagged. “Doctor Conwell wanted us to be the best. And you are the best out of the candidates that… wanted to partner up with us." The K-9 whined softly, ears folding back once more.

There hadn't been many choices. It was clear they had a lot of work to do to win people over.

“Are you… okay?" Bradley glanced over at his partner.

“We were told humans would benefit if we came out and helped them. That our job, our life purpose, was to help make humans happier… but no one wants us around." Tan Colt lip twitched. “I just want to… help and they," he gestured at the window and smacked his hand against it. He didn't even appear to notice. “They throw a bottle at you!" This time, he couldn't control the growl as he showed his teeth. “The last four calls wouldn't even let me into the store! I just want to help you." Tan Colt huffed angrily.

“Tanner," Bradley reached over to place a hand between the two, near the drink holder. “I'm okay. Nothing bad happened." The car was self-driving, Bradley just liked to pretend to drive rather than sit there and fumble with his fingers.

“This time!" Tan Colt lip twitched once more before his ears folded back. “You're my human. I need to protect you." He stated, not looking at Bradley. He was the one fumbling with his large meaty hands, picking at the fur around his finger pads again.

“Tanner," Bradley said again and this time the K-9 looked over at him. “First. I'm not your human," the canine let out a soft whine so Bradley finally reached over to place his hand on top of Tan Colt's. “You're my partner. We're partners. Equally. We're in this together, okay?"

The German Shepherd just stared at him for several agonizingly long seconds. “Okay…"

Tan Colt gave a nod at that, looking down at that hand. His nose twitched in a sniff. Bradley was sure he was just sniffing him. He was sure he'd read somewhere that these K-9's were incapable of crying. They weren't human after all. Something that was hard to mistake at times.

If Bradley didn't look at Tan Colt and just talked to him, like he did the previous night over the phone, other than that deep growling voice… he could've convinced himself the German Shepherd was just that, a human. Hell, he liked him more than his old human partner already.

“Gut feeling." Bradley just said getting a look. “That's what we'll work on first. You just need experience on the job to get that going." He nodded, turning his eyes back onto the road. “You can read and study and practice in some… lab," he hesitated with the word. “But you have to get out there! On the streets. To hang out with, eat the same food as, deal with the same shit as people to… to understand what citizens are going through… in order to be a good cop."

Tan Colt snorted at that.

“The streets smell like piss and spoiled trash." The German Shepherd said far less friendly than he'd been. That got a laugh from Bradley, making both the K-9's ears perk up.

“Okay, that's true and fair. It is New York." Bradley rolled his eyes at that with a chuckle. “Can't defend it all. But it's still our home, yeah?"

Tan Colt took a moment on that, the gears in his head slowly turning.

“Our…?" He finally said the word, picking it out of the rest. The K-9's head tilted, that one ear flopping down as he looked over at his partner.

“Well, you guys are moving in, right? We'll be seeing a lot more of each other after today, I'm sure!" Bradley just smiled back. “Who knows how long we'll be paired up for. You'll probably get tired of boring old Bradley," the human said but Tan Colt was having none of it.

“Until you cancel our partnership, I will be with you. Bradley Nichols." Tan Colt just nodded at that, looking back out the window. Hesitatingly, he reached over to place a large meaty paw hand on top of Bradley's.

“Uh…" Bradley looked down at the hand.

“This is what you did to comfort me." Tan Colt wasn't looking at him. Both his ears were folded back, and his tail tip was wagging back and forth.

“You picked up on that rather… quickly?" Bradley just noted instead of focusing on the fact the German Shepherd had smelled his discomfort. It would be tricky to be around the K-9, any of the K-9's in the future as if he really were hooked up to a lie detector.

That hand was so large it engulfed his own. Those strong fingers gripped his hand securely, the warm paw pads felt like leather to the touch with just a bit of a coarse texture to them. The fur was soft from where Bradley felt it and he wished the K-9 didn't let go.

“I am trained, too." Tan Colt just nodded looking forward instead of out the side window. Looking anywhere but at the human. “I am your K-9, partner." He added with a smirk, glancing over at the human with those bright gold flecked hazel eyes. “I'm looking forward to learning things from you, Bradley Nichols." Then he winked.

And Bradley had to cringe at how badly the canid did it.

“Okay, second thing… teaching you how to wink properly."

…

After several calls, several complaints and a few more very harsh words yelled at the two; Bradley and Tan Colt headed back to the department to hang up their uniforms for the day as their shift came to an end.

“Any day you don't get shot is a win." Bradley just said, walking beside Tan Colt back into the room.

“Shot?" Tan Colt fur stood up at that. “Humans can't get shot! You're all so, so… fragile." The German Shepherd pantomime wildly at the very idea.

“Well, that's why we try not to get shot." Bradley took off his helmet, holding it under an arm as he walked into the room. He was sweating and tired. He couldn't imagine how Tan Colt was fairing in the summer weather. Several others had beat them back and most were heading out for the day, to be replaced by the night staff.

As much as Bradley worried about heading out for a patrol, he was just glad he was on the day shift. Those on the night? Had to have a death wish. He noted how there were several K-9's with the night staff and was sure the major bulk had been assigned the harder shift.

That, and, he was sure the fact most the K-9's would be active during the night was to deter criminal activity as well as… hide them from the general populace of the city.

“Take care," Bradley just waved at Tan Colt who had broken off to talk to some of the other K-9's about their experiences and their new human partners. The German Shepherd's ears perked up and trained in on the human who was using the stairs this time to head down to the locker room.

Bradley hated showering at home. Mostly because once he walked through his front door he was done for the day. If he didn't sneak down to the locker room to shower, he probably would go the entire night without.

It always felt like such a relief, for more than one reason, to strip off his uniform and hang it up for the day. The uniform would be pressed and clean with everyone else's before ending up back in his locker. A locker that was divided into two. Personal effects on one side and police equipment on the other. One side was access to the cleaning staff to make sure everything was up to code. Other than the undershirt and pants that is, everything else would be sanitized. It saved him a fortune in dry cleaning bills.

He plucked a picture of his family from the personal side of the locker, tapped it on his forehead for good luck before sticking it back. A simple gesture he did every single day. And the one day he hadn't, he'd gotten shot. Some superstitions just worked.

Stripping down, Bradley grabbed a towel and walked into the showers without shame. Sure, he had gained a couple of pounds in the stagnant job, but he wasn't that far off from where he had been going into the academy. He had the beginning of a paunch, something he blamed on cops loving donuts so much. His arms and legs were meaty with a bit of fat under and on the side of them. The last time he weighed himself, he was pushing a good two fifteen. Not bad, given his height and career choice. Like his chest and belly, they were covered in brown body hair he'd inherited from his father side.

Not that he minded. If he didn't shave, he'd be sporting a beard too within a week. It ran in the family.

The water always started off cold, then hot, then cold before sustaining a decent temperature for the rest of the shower. Getting used to it, Bradley wet his hair when he got the chance, soaped it up and was waiting for it to heat back up before dunking underneath the warm spray that rejuvenated his weary bones.

“Fuck, only thirty-one and I feel like an old man." He scoffed, rinsing the soap out of his eyes. “Got gray hair coming in next. I know it…"

“Sir! There you are!" Bradley had been inspecting the fuzz on his belly when an overtly friendly voice filled the tiled, open shower room making Bradley jump enough to hit his head on the low hanging shower head.

“Ow, fuck, Tanner?" Bradley stepped out of the spray and wiped his eyes off to look over at the German Shepherd coming towards him.

“I was saying goodbye to the crew, and you were gone!" The K-9 walked over, and Bradley averted his eyes, covering himself with a hand out of… respect? Or maybe shame.

Bradley had never been a body shy kind of guy. Growing up was rather easy, coming from a loving supportive family. He'd never exactly been picked on during school either. People seemed to respect the fact he could grow body hair and a beard at a young age and most the boys joked with him about ending up hooking up before anyone else could. Not that he was interested in the opposite sex they had been talking about.

Seeing Tan Colt though, Bradley felt inadequate in comparison.

The German Shepherd, butt naked, came over and took the spot directly next to the cop. Something the other, human, cops made sure not to do. At least try and leave an empty spot between each just out of respect. Bradley heard the woman's locker room was far more forgiving, but females tended to be when it came to intimacy compared to men.

Tan Colt didn't seem to have an issue in the least as the burly, beefy German Shepherd reached past the human to grab some of the soap. Interestingly, the German Shepherd had metal plate on one side of his back and individual nubs down his spine as if he'd gotten surgery for an injury. His thick fur hid it from view until it got wet. Tan Colt sniffed at the soap, not evening seeming to notice Bradley staring at him. He was half standing in the same spray of water Bradley was using, before gagging and letting it run between his fingers wiping the soap off.

“This is why they told us to bring our own shampoo." Tan Colt just shook his head, sending drops of water everywhere. He turned around, bending over to grab the small plastic bag he'd brought in with him and opened it up to fish out his shampoo.

Bradley wasn't paying any sort of attention to that. He was trying not to focus on the furry rear wagging back and forth in front of him. The water made Tan Colt's fur hug and form against his muscular body, outlining every curve underneath. And, standing back up, Tan Colt didn't have a single issue being butt naked around the human.

And even less to hide.

Bradley wanted to ask about the metal objects jutting from the German Shepherd's side, along his spine and a single mark on the side of his head. He chose not to. Maybe when the two of them weren't butt naked he'd ask about the K-9's… body.

“Want me to do your… hair?" The K-9 asked, his lingering eyes drifting up the human's body to his head before back down to the fuzz on his chest and belly then lower…

“I already did my head." Bradley just rolled his eyes, taking a half step back. Tan Colt took a half step forward. “Uh…"

“Your body is furry." Tan Colt just said as if oblivious to the human's discomfort as he looked over his arms now. “I thought humans were smooth?"

“What?" Bradley looked down at himself. “Oh, I'm just naturally hairy." He said grabbing at his chest hair and pulling lightly. “I shave to keep up some appearance." He added with a chuckle looking at the canine who was just staring at his chest now. “Uh…"

“I'll soap up your chest," Tan Colt said, his eyes shooting back up to meet the human's own, tail wagging. “Then… you can do mine, yes?" The German Shepherd offered as if this was the most normal of things for them to do together.

On that thought, Bradley thought to ask. “Was this an regular thing back at… your training facility?" Bradley decided to say. Lab just sounded too clinical. “Washing each other?"

“What?" Tan Colt just asked, confusion written all over his face over the situation as he squirted a generous portion of the pink tinted body wash in his hand. “Lift," he said and for some reason Bradley did. The human lifted both his arms as the German Shepherd just being to wash underneath his arms. “We always showered together." The K-9 just explained without explaining as he rubbed over Bradley's chest, fingers lingering against a nipple before moving on.

Those hands were rough, thorough and the paw pads were slightly calloused from the canine's hard work. Dull, blunt mix matched dark and light nails brushed over his skin and Bradley shuddered involuntarily as Tan Colt moved to his chest. The K-9 paused at that, glancing up at his face.

“That doesn't… hurt, does it?" The K-9 asked yet his hand didn't move from where it had stopped.

“No, you're fine." Bradley mentally kicked himself as the German Shepherd kept this up. “Tanner, you don't… have to do this, you know that, right? We're partners, you aren't my servant." Bradley figured that was why the K-9 was doing this. Maybe they were supposed to take care of their human partners in more ways than one? Bradley didn't want to think why he was blushing at the very thought of this K-9… servicing him.

“Do you not… want me to do this?" Tan Colt asked, pausing once more.

“It's just, humans don't… do this… with each other. Unless, well…" Bradley blushed a bit at the idea. It had been a while and he was mentally constraining his erection from poking up right now. Thinking of anything else than those strong fingers on his body, rubbing and washing him like this. Touching feeling, tracing, and rubbing the suds against his hairy chest and other parts…

“The other K-9's back at the facility always did this together." Tan Colt just continued, looping around Bradley to get his back. His hands were not as squeamish as Bradley was feeling and the human jumped as Tan Colt washed his hairy ass for him. “It's a bonding ritual that we did. Brought us close together so we could work more efficient at working together."

“In other words… you're hoping this will bring us closer?" Bradley did not want to think of the implications behind that. Tan Colt just wagged his tail, a bit sheepishly this time.

“Can you wash me now?" He just asked instead of answering, offering a timid smile underneath the spray of water the two were now sharing. Bradley wasn't even sure when Tan Colt had begun using his shower head, the two sharing it and the one Tan Colt had turned on all but forgotten.

“Well…" Bradley grabbed the canid's body wash and added a dose to his hand. “I could…" He reached forward only to hear sounds from the other room, heavy bootsteps. With a jump, he pulled back, blushing once more. “Another time."

“What?" Tan Colt whined out as a Belgian Shepherd came around the corner to join them, interrupting things. “Wait, sir, uh… Brad, wait!" Tan Colt huffed as the human quickly exited the room, covering himself with the towel this time around. Even dripping wet, Bradley did not want to be caught feeling up his partner with a semi.

“Hey, can you get my back?" The Belgian Shepherd just asked, even offering his own body wash for the exchange. Tan Colt ignored him, quickly finishing up a quick rinse and ignoring the body wash before chasing after the human. He'd stink but that's fine, he wanted to make sure Bradley was okay.

With a shrug, the other K-9 just ended up asking the next person who came in.

“Hey, hey. You alright?" Tan Colt quickly came over, practically climbing on the human as he sniffed him over. “What happened?" The German Shepherd was dripping wet as he cornered the naked human against one of the lockers. Bradley forgot how tall Tan Colt was until he was pushed back against a locker with the K-9 looking down at him with concern.

“Ease up a bit!" Bradley hissed at him, getting a look from another officer who just rolled his eyes and gave the two some privacy.

“What? Did I do something wrong?" Tan Colt's eyes widened, ears folding back as he took a timid step backwards away from the human holding up both hands.

“No! No, no." Bradley pleaded, not wanting to see the puppy eyes. “All I'm saying is… not so open, in public." Bradley cursed under his breath as he grabbed Tan Colt's hand and pulled him into the far corner to talk hopefully away from any prying ears. “Humans don't do that kind of stuff, openly."

Tan Colt didn't seem to follow.

“I've seen plenty of humans in the city holding hands and even kissing." The K-9 thought about it for a second and Bradley quickly cut him off not wanting THAT to get into the overly affectionate canine's head.

He was having a hard enough time as it was without Tan Colt trying to kiss him.

“They were lovers," Bradley said far louder than he meant. He mentally winced at that, cringing a bit before lowering his voice. “They were dating. Those humans? Are very close. If they were just hugging and such? Maybe they were just really good friends. It isn't common for humans to hug outside of family, close friends or, well, lovers. Let alone… rub each other in the shower." Bradley hissed the words in a whisper as a blush took his face.

Sure, Bradley had hit a local gay bar or three and got felt up plenty of times in the bathroom or underneath a table. That was one thing. At work? Only, like, once and not in the group shower with his fellow officers coming in and out.

“So… we're not close enough yet, for me to do that with you…" Tan Colt frowned a bit, thinking it over far more than Bradley was as he rubbed his chin, the gears in his head turning.

“Basically." Bradley pushed past the naked, dripping wet K-9 and walked back to his locker. “Now then, I need to get home." Bradley didn't say why. He just wanted out of this situation. “I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

“Well, yeah, of course." Tan Colt just gave him a look as the human quickly dried off and dressed in some casual street clothes, hoping not to be recognized as NYPD+ out in public. One good thing about having such an average face, no one took notice enough to care one way or another.

Bradley didn't wait as he headed out, trying to cool off his head. He needed to jerk one off when he got home. He did not want to have such thoughts about his new partner, let alone one as strange… and kind of incredible as Tan Colt was.

How pathetically needy and touch starved did someone have to be to think of their new partner, on his first day! Like that. Let alone someone like Tan Colt… but that smile, the way those meaty hands touched him. How Tan Colt came to his defense…

Bradley just let some of those good vibes, good thoughts sink in past the bad ones for a change. It was nice to think, someone cared.

The K-9 clearly just had different standards of intimacy and that was and wasn't okay. He supposed, in a way, Tan Colt hadn't broken any laws, either. The K-9 was very strict about that. Tan Colt had just wanted to help out and from there… it was just Bradley's built-up libido that was the issue, not the German Shepherd.

It wasn't like Bradley had declined the offer and maybe, his smell, was telling the K-9 he was acceptable to such advances…?

Those large hands touching him like that, though. Feeling him so carefully, those coarse paw padded fingers rubbing over his skin, brushing a nipple and just…

“Just fap one out and try again tomorrow." Bradley just nodded a good half hour later once he managed to get home. Traffic, even in the middle of the late evening, was hell to drive through. It would've been faster to take a taxi but, hell, Bradley still had his car and was planning to drive it.

“Brad!" A very familiar voice called from his doorstep and the human stopped in his track, seeing none other than Tan Colt standing there waiting with several bags of luggage. “I've been waiting for you! I got worried when you didn't show up," Tan Colt just continued as he walked over to greet the human and sniffing him over. “I took a taxi."

“What are you doing here?" Bradley just asked looking around as if this were some sort of practical joke.

“Well, you left without me." Tan Colt just said as if the human had been at fault. “It's okay," the German Shepherd just grinned. “A lot has happened today." He took another step closer, and Bradley found himself nearly nose first against the K-9's chest. “It's okay." He just said again, and Bradley was still at a loss for words.

“What… are you doing here?" Bradley just asked once more, unsure what else to say as he looked up into the smiling face of the K-9.

Tan Colt cocked his head to the side, ear drooping. “The partnership."

“Yes, what about it?" Bradley was regretting signing that damned thing now without giving it a thorough read.

“I'm to stay with you…" Tan Colt said slowly, as if unsure the human understood the simplest of things. “You signed the papers…" Tan Colt gave him a look. “You did fully read it, right?"

“What?" Bradley jumped at that.

“We are to stay with, work with, and become part of our partner's family." Tan Colt just said, looking off as if trying to recall the exact words used. “A family dog, basically." It was hard to focus on his words with what Tan Colt was wearing.

The German Shepherd was wearing a tight-fitting gray shirt with a pair of jogging shorts and sandals. In the middle of the evening. It was warm enough but, still, that seemed like the bear minimum to keep up with decency laws. The way that shirt strained against his chest and those shorts hugged those thick thighs… Tan Colt might be pushing it a bit.

“I only have a single room apartment!" Bradley started up with before noticing Miss Gritchens skulking nearby. “Oh, go watch the news, you nosy busy body!" He shouted at the older woman before grabbing Tan Colt's hand and dragging him towards the door.

He punched in the code, scanned his finger before the door clicked open and he quickly ushered Tan Colt inside. “Room Thirteen." He just said.

“I know." Tan Colt just said as if, once more, it was extremely apparent and obvious.

“Good, old unlucky thirteen…" Bradley cursed as he helped bring some of Tan Colt's things up to his apartment inside the building before slamming and locking the door four times over just to make sure. He sighed, resting against the door before glancing at the German Shepherd standing there in the middle of his apartment.

Tan Colt just lifted a hand up, waving at the human as if he wasn't aware he was there.

“Okay, ground rules for while you're staying here…" Bradley just started up with, moving around the place and trying to clean up the mess. He was a bachelor and it showed.

There were empty cartons of take out, several boxes of old Chinese containers in the trash and the dishes hadn't been done in roughly two weeks. The fridge was full of soda and beer and there were only microwaveable things in the cabinet.

Tan Colt picked up a discarded sock and sniffed at it before Bradley could take it away from the K-9.

“First!" Bradley just said raising a finger. “No judging!"

“Judge?" Tan Colt didn't seem to understand.

“Second, no eating discarded leftovers." Bradley just warned seeing the K-9 eyeing the trash can hungrily. “Third, you sleep on the sofa!" He pointed at the olive color couch. “Fourth, no entering my room." Bradley just ticked off one thing after another, whatever came to mind.

“What if there's an emergency?" Tan Colt just asked looking over towards the bedroom, then back at the human. Bradley didn't ask how the K-9 knew exactly which of the hallway doors belonged to his room. He could see Tan Colt bumpy black nose twitching though.

“Well, if there's an emergency then yes, some rules can be broken in such a hypothetical case." Tan Colt rolled his eyes at that.

“What defines as an emergency…?" Tan Colt narrowed his hazel eyes at the human, tail wagging and the corner of his bumpy black lip pulling up in a smile.

“I don't know! Use your best judgement, I guess." And Bradley was already making his way back to his room. “Gut feeling!"

“Right, gut feeling." Tan Colt nodded as if practicing then and there to do so. “Sir!" He called and Bradley stopped.

“Just, Bradley. Bradley is fine." The human sighed feeling far more tired than he'd previous been an hour prior.

“I hope you have a good night," Tan Colt just wagged with a one-handed wave.

“I… uh, you too, Tanner." Bradley said feeling bad for being mean to the K-9 now. “Do you have everything you need?" He asked, taking a step away from his room.

“I have brought what was issued me and what I require, yes." Tan Colt looked over his luggage before giving a single nod. “Everything is accounted for. Nothing for you to worry about."

“What about a pillow?" Bradley chuckled lightly, crossing his arms with a lifted eyebrow. The K-9 seemed to have an answer for everything.

“I… do not possess a pillow, no. None were issued to us on leave." Tan Colt ears dipped down a bit with his eyes, whiskers drooping at that. Bradley wanted to go over to comfort the K-9, he looked so pitiful. A big, buff, massive pathetic puppy dog that Bradley could've easily used as a substitute bed.

“Okay, okay. Just. One second," Bradley quickly returned with one of his pillows from his room. He had half a dozen on his bed as it was. He could afford to lose one. “Here." He offered, and Tan Colt's ears perked up. “It's from my bed, so… uh, sorry about the smell." Bradley blushed as the K-9 took it.

“Thank you," Tan Colt instantly moved his nose over to sniff it. His ears perked up, eyes looking over at the human whose face just grew redder.

“No words! Rule one! Don't forget!" Bradley just said. “I will take that pillow back."

“I won't tell a soul," Tan Colt wagged as he held the pillow under one arm. “Good night, Bradley." The German Shepherd just wagged and waved as Bradley looked back at him.

“You too… Tanner," Bradley said leaving his door cracked. “If you, uh, need anything." He just nodded towards his room. “You know where to find me."

“I'll try not to disturb your rest." Tan Colt just stood there, waiting. Bradley wasn't sure if he fully trusted the six-foot seven K-9 in the apartment alone but, he didn't seem to have a choice. He planned to look up the contract he signed when he agreed to take a K-9 partner first thing in the morning.

Jumping into the bathroom first, Bradley did a quick brush and washed his face off at least. Feeling he had too, what with company over. He was glad to have gotten something for dinner that day, out with Tan Colt during one of their breaks. He didn't have food to feed himself, let alone the massive appetite the K-9 possessed.

“Are you… going to be, okay?" Bradley wasn't sure why he kept hesitating before going to bed as he stepped out of the bathroom. “Bathroom." He added pointed behind him into it. Did he just miss talking to someone that much? Or did he really worry about the strange canine in his house?

“Yes. I have smelled each room and determined their purpose." Tan Colt just nodded. “I'm glad to see you have a laundry room for your apartment. The new machines are very useful."

“Right… You'll be okay, out here, though, right?" Bradley still just stood there feeling as if he should, like, invite Tan Colt in? Or maybe offer him something from the fridge. He didn't really have much to offer.

“I'll make sure you are okay, I promise." Tan Colt just wagged. “I am an excellent guard dog and got straight marks on all the tests!" The German Shepherd said proudly, lifting his head up a bit as he pushed out that chest. He still hadn't moved from the spot he'd been standing.

“Uh… you can get comfortable," Bradley gestured towards the couch. “Sorry it isn't that big… I usually don't have guests over."

Tan Colt's nose twitched. “Yes. This place smells like you." He just said. From anyone else, Bradley would've taken it as an insult.

“Right… you're going to bed?" Bradley said bringing the conversation back around to focus on that.

“Yes. Once you are safely tucked in and asleep, I will retire while watching your room." Tan Colt just nodded. “I'm glad you have so many locks on the door," he glanced over at it before quickly looking back at the human as if afraid in that brief second, he looked away, Bradley could've been harmed.

“Right… um, thank you?" Bradley offered taking a step back towards his room.

“You are most welcome, Bradley." Tan Colt smiled back. Still just standing there, watching the human and the entrance to his room with those warm hazel tinted eyes with flecks of gold that seemed to glow in the right light.

“I'll leave my door cracked; in case you need anything!" Bradley finally broke into a yawn and shook his head. “Fuck, I'm going to crash hard tonight."

“I'll make sure nothing will disturb you." Tan Colt just said, and Bradley believed him as he retired for the night.

It was hard to fall asleep with a stranger in the house. It was even harder when he heard a thud against the hallway a good hour later. Daring to peek, Bradley got up in nothing but his pajamas and investigated the hall. Only to find Tan Colt there, lying on the ground half-curled up in on himself with his face looking down the hall. He was holding Bradley's pillow as one would a teddy bear instead of using it to rest his head on. That thick arm, bulging with muscle was a good enough pillow Bradley had to admit.

Seriously, what were they feeding these K-9's to get them this big? Wheaties covered in protein powder and a good steroid shot for lunch?

Tan Colt just laid there on a blanket, one of the couch's cushions and a pillow as he stared down the hallway. An ear twitched and his large head looked over at Bradley.

“Sir?" Tan Colt didn't move, just looking up at him. It had to be midnight. Had Tan Colt just been lying there all night? “Everything alright?"

“Just need some water." Bradley yawned, keeping an eye on the K-9 that got up.

“Stay." Tan Colt said. Bradley gave him a look and the German Shepherd's ears folded back. “I mean… I'll get it for you, sir."

“Bradley." He corrected with another yawn.

“Yes, sir. I mean Bradley, sir." Tan Colt wagged, backing away while still facing him. Only after the German Shepherd bumped into the wall a third time did he turn around and look where he was going. “Just a second." He fumbled, glancing back one last time for good measure.

There was a crash from the kitchen, and it was too damn late at night to see what Tan Colt had broken. The German Shepherd popped up again holding a glass out for him to take. Bradley took it and looked the clear glass over. He could see spittle on one corner and eyed the German Shepherd who began to fidget once more.

“I was thirsty…" Tan Colt admitted with a sheepish smile.

“Then why didn't you get your own cup?" Bradley asked. The German Shepherd just gave him a look without seeming to understand the question. “Right," Bradley turned the cup around to give it another look.

“We're not infectious!" Tan Colt said quickly and louder than needed for the two standing so close. “The docs had us tested, I mean. We're perfectly fine and safe to be around humans." Tan Colt nodded twice as he stared intently at the cup in Bradley's hand.

For a second, he thought the German Shepherd wanted another drink. Only to realize the K-9 was waiting for him to drink from the same cup.

“Before I do," Bradley said slowly. “Is this another one of those… bonding, things?" Tan Colt looked up at him. “Sharing cups? Sharing a shower… just in general, sharing things?"

Tan Colt gave a nod before looking back at the glass, intently focused on it as if afraid it was about to break the law.

“Well, bottoms up?" Bradley just shrugged, too tired to deal with this as he down the contents of the cup and handed it back to Tan Colt who took it with a wag.

“You just drank my saliva." Tan Colt brought up suddenly.

“What?" Bradley gave him a look as Tan Colt grinned toothily in a smile, wagging his tail.

“Yes. I tricked you." Tan Colt said far more childishly than Bradley expected of the six seven canid too. “It was a practical joke," Tan Colt explained. “We, uh, used to play tricks on each other. At the facility…" He bashfully went on. “Drinking from the same cup isn't a bonding experience…"

“But playing tricks on each other, is?" Bradley asked and Tan Colt nodded.

“You aren't… mad, are you?" Tan Colt asked dipping his muzzle down and giving him a pair of puppy dog eyes. They couldn't have possibly trained them to act like that, could they?

“Well…" Bradley was angry but let out a breath, calming down. “Just don't pull stuff like this in the middle of the night, next time." Tan Colt nodded quickly. “Uh, also don't do this kind of thing with strangers… or other people. They won't take it as 'lax as I would."

“Why would I want to bond with others?" Tan Colt asked, once more, seemingly not understanding the question.

“Well… your job is to become familiar with humans, isn't it?" Bradley really needed to read that contract he had signed. “That's why you're here. To get used to working with humans to better fit in. Like a foreign exchange student would for them to get accustomed to a new culture."

“No." Tan Colt just shook his head. “I am to bond with my partner and no one else…?" He asked as if unsure if the human was aware of this which he clearly wasn't. “My job is to become the best police officer I can be while assisting my partner, you…" Tan Colt pointed at the human as if Bradley wasn't sure who that could be.

“Does every K-9 become this… attached to their partner?" Bradley wasn't sure the point of that. He figured they'd be obsessed with the government and state. Not random police officers.

“I'm not sure." Tan Colt just said, still looking at him and nowhere else. “I'm to help you, Bradley Nichols, and no one else."

Bradley wasn't sure what that was about. Maybe a… defect? Maybe Tan Colt misunderstood what Dr. Conwell had been going for? Either way, he was too tired to deal with this any longer. It had to be closer to one AM now than midnight and the two had work in the morning.

“Are you going to stay out here?" Bradley changed the subject, wanting to ask that before heading back to bed.

“Yes. Unless there is an emergency, I am not to enter your room." Tan Colt just gave a single nod at that.

“The floor isn't very comfortable…" Bradley frowned down at the makeshift bed Tan Colt had made for himself.

“I used to sleep on concrete. This isn't nearly half as bad." Tan Colt just wagged.

“Wait, what?" Bradley gave him a look and Tan Colt just continued to give him that friendly smile. “Okay, well what about the couch…?"

“I'll be able to keep an eye on the living space," Tan Colt gestured behind him without taking his eyes off Bradley. “From the hallway. It is also closer to your room in case there is an emergency. I will be able to reach you faster, this way."

“I…" Bradley just shook his head, getting a headache. “Look, how about you just sleep in here." He opened his bedroom door and both of Tan Colt's ears perked at that. “The floor is the same in here as it is out here… and I can give you a couple more pillows and my old blanket I use during the winter." Bradley just yawned and turned to head back inside his room to get everything ready.

“Is it alright… if I enter? Even though one of the rules is not too?" Tan Colt asked, nose twitching as he sniffed the fragrant scent coming from the room.

“Use your gut to decide the answer on that." Bradley just laughed from inside as he pulled down the large comforter he used during the winter and laid it down on the ground near his bed. He took down a couple of the dozen or so pillows on the bed and placed them down on the floor. It looked more like a dog bed but he wasn't going to mention that.

“Well, I'll… come… in then…" Tan Colt hesitated, faltering before taking a single step inside the room. He shivered at breaking the rule and his fur stood up a bit as he took another step inside, looking around the sparse room.

Other than a bed, a side table and a small TV set up in the corner it was mostly empty.

“All my stuff is in the closet." Bradley just shrugged before crawling back into bed. “You can uh… sleep there. Sorry. The bed isn't big enough or I'd scoot over." He joked as Tan Colt looked over everything then up at him.

“This is acceptable, thank you, Brad." Tan Colt wagged as he walked over and eased his bulk down onto the makeshift bed on the floor. “Everything smells like you…" He noted reaching over to touch one of the pillows. He added the other he'd gotten to the collect.

“Oh, sorry. I haven't washed the pillows in forever…" Bradley blushed, hoping Tan Colt didn't smell other things on them.

The German Shepherd didn't seem to mind as he bundled up with the pillows, lying on the blanket and turned his back on the human to face towards the door. He closed his eyes, ears perked up as he laid there. It was hard to tell if he'd fallen asleep or if he was simply… waiting.

“Good night, partner…" Bradley turned towards the wall and tucked in the blanket before closing his eyes. Trying not to focus on the highly trained, muscled K-9 sleeping only an arms reach away.

“Good night." Was the last thing Bradley heard before sleep took him. Knowing Tan Colt would be there in the morning, still watching his back…