Old Dogs Reminisce

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It was a cold winter night, and not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. A fire crackled in the hearth, warming the small house. Four sleepy dogs huddled together, comfy and snug. It seemed all it took to be warm was a loving hug.

The family of four sat together in front of the fireplace, wrapped up in a big blanket, with Luke and Styla on either side of their parents. They both had fallen asleep quite some time ago, rendered drowsy by the warmth. Luke's head rested in Lina's lap, and Styla had Syntax as her makeshift pillow. While they slept, Lina and Syn simply leaned on each other, watching the fire crackle and flicker.
Eventually, Syntax carefully breaks the silence, quietly asking her wife, "Do you remember when we would sit together like this, before we decided to live with each other, Lina?"

She just snuggles in instead, ears flopping back down. She did look rather adorable like this.

Syntax allows herself a smile. Just like a puppy.
She finishes the journey to the bed, and gently lays Lina down onto it. After tucking her into the sheets, she sits on the edge for a while, watching her to make sure she's comfortable.

However, even after being tucked in, Lina seems to be gently clinging onto her. Seems she'd gotten comfortable.

"It will have to be done, I suppose..."
As professionally as one could, she sits in the center of the bed, lifting Lina's head into her lap.

She nuzzles into her again, a small smile forming on her face.

Syntax gently pats her head, like one might pet a dog. It seemed appropriate.

Her tail wags quietly in her sleep.

She smiles softly.

"... momma..." she mumbles in her sleep.

Her smile fades away slightly, as she hears the quiet word. Part of her couldn't help recall when Lina had shouted at her about not being her mother. Was there some sort of situation here? Her expression shifted to one of concern, though she didn't stop stroking Lina's head.

She doesn't say anything more for a while, but her tail is still wagging.

Syntax continues in her usual, consistent fashion. It was like any other repetition she had done before, though certainly more... Frivolous than usual, she thought.

She slowly starts nuzzling into her hand, almost like an affectionate puppy.

Her smile returns rather quickly.

She certainly seemed affectionate enough when she was sleeping. So then, what could've given her the rough attitude she'd had when they met, and why was she all by herself?

Those answers should reveal themselves in time, she thought, putting the worries aside for now. At this moment, Lina's comfort was foremost.

She seemed to be reliving a happy memory. For now, at least.

No reason to interrupt.

About half an hour later, however, her tail stops wagging and she starts to whimper.

"Ah..." She quietly gasps, ceasing her petting for a moment.

Her breathing gets slightly heavier.

Syntax gently starts petting her again.

Her tail does not wag again, but her breathing becomes normal after a few minutes.

Syntax just continues to pet her for the rest of the night, ceaselessly and tirelessly, like a guardian.

~~~
"Heheh... That petting really helped stave those nightmares off, y'know~" Lina whispers with an affectionate nuzzle back in the present.