Puppy Love

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

//Zayn//

"No, Liam, drop it," I say somewhat harshly, but it's sort of impossible to be stern to Liam when he's looking up at me with large puppy eyes-- quite literally.  He may appear human but he acts like a feral dog 99% of the time.

Liam is running around my living room with a pillow hanging loosely from his mouth.  He snatched it off of the couch and won't give it back. I know he just wants to play but after a while it becomes less fun for me seeing as I'm all worn out.  My cheeks are flushed an my breathing is heavy.  Wow, I really need to work out more. I'm really out of shape.

"Liam, please give me the pillow," I beg, reaching out my hand.

Liam gives me a small smile before taking off in the other direction, circling around the coffee table.  I groan and throw my head into my hands. I fucking give up. He may be cute but, just like a real puppy, he's a handful. I decide to try again, this time more assertive.  I reach out to quickly snatch the pillow out of his mouth but as I raise my hand to grab it, his eyes widen and his face is plastered with pure fear.

He whimpers, drops the pillow from his mouth, and gulps.  Tears start to form in his eyes and he pouts his lip a bit.  He looks absolutely terrified.

Did he . . . did he think I was going to hit him?  The thought makes my heart ache.  I shake my head and gently approach Liam, being cautious. I don't want to startle him again.

"Shh, Liam, I'm not going to hurt you," I coo, slowly moving my hand to comb through his wet, brunette hair.  I scratch his puppy ears and he loosens up a bit, and I assume that means he's beginning to trust me again.  His face perks up and his eyes gleam again, returning to his natural self.  I sigh in relief.  I sit down on the couch and pat the cushion next to me.  Liam gets the idea and sits there, crossing his legs.  He may not speak but boy is he intelligent.

"Can you say anything? Anything at all?" I try.  Liam tilts his head to the side, obviously not understanding.  I bite my lip.

 "Hello," I say. He perks up his head in confusion. "Hello," I say again, this time slower. He licks his lips and looks at me with curiosity. I feel like Jane trying to get Tarzan to speak. "H-ell-o," I say, pronouncing each part. Liam raises an eyebrow before opening his mouth with uncertainty.

"Humf," Liam manages to say. It may not have been hello but hell at least it's not barking!

"Good boy," I praise him, scratching behind his puppy ears again. He smiles warmly. "Hello," I repeat.

"Hefo," he says softly. My eyes widen. That was actually pretty close!

"Hello," I try once more. Third times a charm, eh? Liam swallows thickly before opening his mouth yet again. He stares up at me, his throat bobbing, and his chocolate eyes are flicking with curiosity.

"H--" he pauses and recollects himself, "H--ello. Hello." My eyes widen and I gape open my mouth. A sense of pride takes over me as I envelope the puppy boy in a tight hug, taking in his wet puppy scent. I rub his back gently.

"Good boy, Liam. You're really smart," I whisper into his ear.  I know he probably doesn't understand me but I make sure my /tone/ is calm and praising so he knows that I will never hurt him.

Ever.

I pull back and suddenly get an idea.  Puppies like treats, right?  I don't have much proper food here but I have enough junk food to feed an army. I quickly jog over to the kitchen and grab a bag of mini marshmallows from the cupboard.  I return back to the living room and sit down next to Liam, popping one marshmallow in his mouth.  I place the bag in my lap.