I Among Dogs

Chapter 37: Night with the Neighbours

'Well, you're a real tough cookie with a long history! Of breaking little hearts like the one in me!'

The intoxicated lyrics Lucky's mom, Janelle drawled out as she staggered in front of the family TV. The Labrador family had invited the Heeler family, Wendy, Judo and I over for a bit of a night get-together where at one point, Janelle, after having a few too many drinks had to decided to try a hand at a karaoke duet with me, even asking me to set up a song for us to sing to.

I'm not sure what amused me the most, the fact that she managed to choose a pretty good song or the fact that she was able to sing the vocals so well despite her current wobbly state.

Though a part of me was a little concerned that she may make a fool out of herself due to Ayumi having decided to come over as well after being convinced by Bluey to do so, but one glance at the smirk on her face was enough to reassure me that she was enjoying the little show.

'That's okay, let's see how you do it... Put up your dukes, let's get down to it!' Janelle continued as we both saw the next lyrics being highlighted by a different color, signalling for us to both sing the next vocals.

'Hit me with your best shot! Why don't you hit me with your best shot!'

'Hit me with your best shot! Fire awaaaaaay!'

My singing voice barely clashed with Janelle's even if her words were a little slurred from the alcohol, the mother Labrador was overall just having a good time at the end of the day.

...Even if she then ended up dragging the "Awaaaay" until she collapsed onto her back. Cue the laughter from the others, including me who actually tried to suppress it as Pat tried to help his intoxicated wife up off the floor.

"So... If you don't mind me asking, how are things with your brother?" I asked Ayumi as I sat down next to her, hoping I wasn't touching a sensitive topic.

"Still serving community service, and he does not like it one bit. To be fair, that's always how Kurou's been when it comes to chores." Ayumi replied with a chuckle as she adjusted her glasses. "Especially when we were younger. Still remember when he used to pile most of the work onto me."

"Kurou just sounds meaner and meaner when I hear more of him!" Bluey grunted with a grumpy scowl which made Ayumi laugh.

"Well, you're not wrong. But he's still my brother, even if he doesn't show it, I know a part of him still cares for me, so go easy on him, okay?" She asked the Blue Heeler sweetly.

"H...Heeeyyy, Nathaaannn... When are you... You and... Ayoomee gonna... You know... Be wifey and hubbyyy...?" My cheeks went red the second I registered the garbled words Janelle managed to warble out of her mouth as Pat was still struggling to get her up. Bandit had to chip in and hold her other arm.

One glance at Ayumi's face was enough to see that she too was red at the cheeks.

"Alright, Janelle, I think you had a little too much, mate, come on." Bandit tried to urge the drunk Labrador as he and Pat managed to get her to her knees, but she wasn't having any of it.

"Awww, but I waaaanna knooow what they'll name their first biterrrrr..." Janelle whined.

The moment I registered Janelle's words, I was just fed up and embarrassed as I ended up snapping my head directly to her, my eyebrows furrowed and my mouth curled in a disapproving frown.

Janelle's eyes widened when she managed to take notice of my look as she let out a nervous chuckle and tried to scramble to her feet. Only then did I realise that I was actually glaring at her as I fixed my expression.