Sour Patch

8

(Reese's pov)

Again, once again Bruce that jerk ran off at the park. Sighing I pulled my phone out to call Jason, but it just rang through to voicemail. I called again just in case he didn't hear it the first time, but once again he didn't answer. Resigned I slipped my phone back into my pocket and started off in the direction of my wayward dog.

I was starting to lose hope after searching most of the park. There was no sign of Bruce, I sank down onto a bench with my head in my hands. Breathing deeply I felt my anxiety rising I couldn't lose Bruce, he is all I have. Pushing my thoughts to the back of my mind I looked up, then my eyes focused on a shoe poking out from under a tree.

Worried I began to approach the tree, somebody could be hurt. Then again they could just be taking a nap, but that's why I was cautious approaching them. If they were napping I could just back away but I couldn't just leave someone that might need help. Getting closer I realized they were curled up to a dog, a big dog that looked absolutely recognizable. Bruce that huge jerk was curled up to someone else! His large head was resting on the mans side as he studied me. I would bet even without seeing the mans face, that was buried in Bruces fur that it was Jason. Bruce only ran away when Jason was in the park. Looking closer I saw the leash wrapped around his wrist. I took a little bit of time to enjoy the scene in front of me this man truly was handsome. Suddenly an idea formed in my head, standing back up I began to plot.

"Bruce guard." I commanded watching my dog stiffen a little going on full alert. Then I began my journey back across the park.

After about thirty minutes I had everything as I made my way back to Bruce. I wasn't worried about them moving, Bruce wouldn't budge after the guard command. That tree was now a fortress, nobody but me would be able to approach or leave without having a dog try to rip their arm off. I just hoped that Jason was still napping so that I could surprise him.

Getting closer to the tree I was relieved to see Jason was still out, and Bruce was still on full alert.

"Release" Bruce visibly relaxed after the command.

Sitting a basket down next to Bruce, I reached over and poked Jason's shoulder. After seeing my pathetic attempt to wake the man Bruce took it upon himself to start licking his face. Knowing that Bruce would wake Jason, I dug into my basket and pulled out a couple of iced mocha coffees. Turning back to Jason I watched him blink awake and start laughing.

"Well, welcome back to the land of the living." I said as I watched him jump from being startled.

"Hey, um I hope you don't mind me taking a nap with Bruce. I left my phone at home and had no way to contact you, plus I figured we might just keep passing each other if I searched for you." Jason said while rubbing the back of his neck and looking sheepish.

"Nah," I replied "You guys looked sweet curled into each other, but I did go get you a coffee cause you seem tired." Winking at him I reached the mocha out to him.

With a small chuckle Jason reached out and took the coffee, his cheeks slightly tinting pink from embarrassment. I had to stop myself from saying 'awe how cute' out loud, instead I took another sip from my own coffee. Not knowing what to talk about we sat in silence, yet I didn't find it awkward in the least. I leaned back against the tree as Jason leaned on Bruce, quietly drinking in our surroundings and the mochas.

Eventually I spoke up, " I also brought sandwiches, cause Bruce happened to steal a few of yours, plus its about lunchtime if your hungry."

I reached back and grabbed my basket and began to dig out the contents. Me being me I pulled out a set of dog bowls and served my best friend first, once he was set up with water and moist dog food I turned my attention back to Jason and handed him a sub. He accepted the meal and once again we fell into silence as we ate, following the sandwiches I presented some brownies to him and he let out a chuckle.

"This was the first meal Bruce stole from me, and now the first he didn't." Jason paused giving Bruce's fur a ruffle. " Thank you Reese, really this was the best time I've had all month." Jason looked sincere with those words as he focused on the leaves below us.

"It's the least I could do," I reassured him, "After all Bruce seems to be a bit obsessed with you when you're at the park." I let out a small laugh. " Maybe I should start setting up play dates between you two, so that he stops being such a jerk."

"I'd like that." Jason replied softly

Shocked all I could do was stare at him. "Really?" I asked. Why he would want a play date with a dog that always mauled him was beyond me. "Why?"

Jason sat there a minute with a thoughtful look upon his face. "He cheers me up." Was his simple reply as he smiled towards Bruce, who in turn licked Jason's face.

Thinking a little while about his answer I couldn't blame him, he did seem a little lonely but then again I have only seen the man three times. "How about Wednesday, we can meet up at the tables."

"Sounds good." Jason replied with a smile.