Eyes (Skephalo)

Two - Dogs

A few weeks after their first meeting, and probably hundreds of texts later, they finally planned on meeting each other again, this time at a dog park.

This time, Zak had unscabbed hands and an addiction to everything mango flavored.

(Beginning of flashback)

This time, walking down the street, Zak had a pep in his step and an excitement that was unparalleled.

His dog's leash was in his hand, a smile plastered on his face, a fixed phone in his back pocket, and a text from Darryl:

Darryl 💞

Hey I'm almost at the park, I brought my rats I hope that's okay. They needed to go on their daily walk, so better now when I'm excited to be outside, then later when I'm bored and lonely.

Delivered at 12:24 p.m.

Zak quickly typed up a response:

Zak 💙

That's more than okay, I brought Rocco actually! So hopefully they should get along. Rocco loves other dogs, hopefully your 'rats' like him. I shall see you in a few minutes. I'll be at the far west side on a bench.

Read at 12:25 p.m.

Zak quickly put his phone in his back pocket, smile on his face, and more happiness then a kid on their birthday.

"Rocco, you excited to see some other dogs?"

Zak spoke, looking down at his dog. Rocco looked up at him, tongue hanging out his mouth and a small smile, as well as a quickly wagging tail.

Although Zak knew Rocco couldn't understand him, a part of him likes to think that Rocco understands and gets genuinely excited. I mean of course Rocco gets excited anytime Zak grabs his leash, but that's just because Rocco loves walks and he's learned to associate the leash with going outside. Same with sitting, rolling over, or other commands he's learned to associate with with verbal praise or treats.

Rocco was dragging Zak slightly, probably as excited as Zak to go to the park.

As they neared, dead grass crunching beneath his navy blue Converse. Unfortunately, around this time every November, everything is dead. The grass is a weird yellowy brown color, the only leaves are on the ground, and the weather is chilly.

Zak snuggled into his baby blue hoodie and fixed his beanie, but the breeze alone is probably enough to get him sick, but he'd gladly get sick any day if it means spending time with Darryl.

Zak probably shouldn't have worn slightly ripped jeans, luckily they weren't too torn up, just slits at the knees.

The park finally came into view as he rounded the corner, he jogged over there, excited.

As soon as he neared the entrance, he looked around eagerly, unfortunately Darryl wasn't there yet, but to be fair Zak was about fourteen minutes early.

Rocco tugged at the leash, causing Zak to laugh.

"Alright bud, let's head inside."