K9 Companions

9

The next morning dawned bright and early, and Sirius, Buck, and Archive made their way to the fire station, ready to face another day of camaraderie, fun, and maybe a little chaos. Archive, as always, trotted dutifully by Buck’s side, his sleek coat shining under the early sunlight. Buck, though still a little tired, was in high spirits, smiling every time Archive nudged his leg for attention.

Sirius, walking slightly ahead, was feeling relaxed, enjoying the fresh morning air as he pushed open the door to the station. The familiar scent of coffee and the faint sound of banter greeted them as they entered, setting a comfortable tone for the morning. As they walked into the station's main area, Sirius was greeted by the usual sight of the crew gathered around, chatting and preparing for the day ahead.

But something was different. Something that made Sirius stop dead in his tracks, his eyes widening as he took in the scene before him. Standing in the middle of the room was his brother, Regulus—but his hair. His hair was pink and blue.

Sirius blinked once, twice, and then, unable to contain it, burst into uncontrollable laughter. The sound echoed through the station, causing heads to turn and amused smiles to spread across the faces of the team. Buck, standing beside Sirius, looked equally surprised but amused, grinning as Sirius doubled over, trying to catch his breath.

“Reg,” Sirius managed between fits of laughter, “why in Merlin’s name is your hair pink and blue? What did you do? Why?”

Regulus, standing tall despite the outlandish colors in his usually immaculate hair, crossed his arms and gave Sirius a mock scowl. “Him,” he said, jerking a thumb in Eddie’s direction, “he decided my hair needed a little color.”

Sirius followed Regulus’s gesture and saw Eddie standing a few feet away, grinning from ear to ear, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Eddie was clearly proud of his handiwork, and the rest of the crew, standing nearby, looked just as entertained by the sight.

“Eddie,” Sirius said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes, “did you really—did you really dye his hair pink and blue?”

Eddie shrugged nonchalantly, the grin never leaving his face. “He said he was bored,” Eddie explained, trying to sound innocent but failing miserably. “So I thought I’d spice things up a bit. Besides, pink and blue suit him, don’t you think?”

Regulus rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips. “Spice things up? You look like you dumped an entire Easter basket on my head, Eddie.”

“I thought it looked festive!” Eddie replied with a mock air of seriousness, earning another round of laughter from the crew.

Sirius, still catching his breath, walked up to his brother and playfully ruffled his now-vibrant hair. “Well, you’ve got to admit, Reg, it’s a bold look for you. Definitely stands out.”

“I’ll say,” Buck chimed in, shaking his head in amusement. “But, hey, at least no one will miss you now. You’re practically glowing.”

Regulus groaned, though he couldn’t hide his smile. “You all think you’re very funny, don’t you?”

“Absolutely,” Eddie replied, crossing his arms with a satisfied grin. “I mean, come on, Reg, it’s not every day we get to see you looking so... colorful. You’re usually all business.”

Archive, sensing the playful energy in the room, barked once, his tail wagging excitedly. He trotted over to Regulus and nudged his leg, as if to say, I like the new look, too. Regulus reached down to pet Archive, grateful for at least one supporter in the room.

“I hate you all,” Regulus said with mock disdain, though the laughter in his eyes betrayed his real feelings.

“Yeah, yeah,” Sirius teased, throwing an arm around Regulus’s shoulders. “You love us, and you know it. Now come on, let’s get some coffee. You’re going to need it after whatever Eddie put you through.”

Regulus sighed dramatically but allowed Sirius to steer him toward the coffee station, where the rest of the crew had gathered, still chuckling at his new hairstyle. Eddie followed behind, clearly pleased with himself. Buck, too, joined the group, Archive glued to his side as always, wagging his tail as if he found the whole situation just as amusing as everyone else.

As they settled into their routine, the laughter died down, but the lighthearted energy remained. The fire station was always a place where they could let loose, and today was no exception.

Regulus poured himself a cup of coffee, shaking his head as he looked at his reflection in the window. The pink and blue strands of his hair shimmered in the sunlight, and he sighed, resigning himself to the fact that he was going to be stuck with this look for at least a few days.

Sirius, leaning against the counter with his own cup of coffee, smirked at him. “You know, Reg, it’s not that bad. In fact, I think you might be starting a new trend.”

“Ha, ha,” Regulus deadpanned. “Very funny. Just wait. One of these days, I’m going to get you back for this.”

Eddie, overhearing the conversation, grinned as he grabbed his own cup of coffee. “I look forward to it,” he said with a wink. “But in the meantime, you’ve got to admit—it’s kind of fun seeing you like this.”

Regulus shot him a withering look, but there was no real malice behind it. “You’re lucky I don’t care enough to shave your head in retaliation.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time,” Eddie said with a chuckle, completely unfazed.

Buck, sipping his coffee, chimed in, “You know, Reg, it’s not all bad. At least now you have an excuse to make an entrance wherever you go.”

Regulus raised an eyebrow. “You mean like a clown at a birthday party?”

“No, like a rock star,” Buck corrected, grinning. “You’re pulling it off, whether you want to admit it or not.”

Sirius nodded in agreement, taking another sip of his coffee. “Buck’s right, Reg. You’re turning heads. Might as well own it.”

Regulus sighed dramatically again, but the smile that tugged at his lips gave him away. “Fine, fine. But if anyone tries to call me ‘Rainbow Reg,’ I swear I’m out.”

“Deal,” Sirius said with a chuckle, clinking his coffee cup against Regulus’s in a mock toast. “To pink hair and brotherly love.”

The rest of the day passed in a blur of friendly teasing, laughter, and the usual rhythm of life at the fire station. Regulus’s pink-and-blue hair became the running joke of the day, but it was all in good fun, and even Regulus had to admit that it lightened the mood.

By the time the sun was setting and the crew was winding down for the evening, the station felt like it always did—like home. Archive, having spent the day loyally following Buck around, was now sprawled out on the floor, his head resting on Buck’s leg as they sat together on one of the couches.

Sirius looked around the room, feeling a deep sense of contentment. He had his family—his brother, his husband, and their makeshift crew of friends who had become like family, too. And even though the day had started with a laugh, it ended with the warmth of companionship and the knowledge that they would always have each other’s backs.

As Regulus sat down beside him, still shaking his head at his own reflection in the window, Sirius smiled. “You know, Reg, pink and blue really aren’t your worst colors.”

“Don’t push your luck,” Regulus muttered, but there was a hint of laughter in his voice.

Sirius grinned, nudging his brother playfully. “Just saying.”

And with that, the day came to a peaceful close, the bonds of family and friendship stronger than ever, and the promise of another adventure waiting just around the corner.