Fostered Affections

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Bunny arrived at their house five days later, the day before Neil shipped out. “So you can see how short notice this was,” Neil said. “I was so worried I wouldn’t find anywhere for her to go, but some of the other guys on base have used Fosters for Fighters before and they said it’s great.”

“Didn’t think many guys in the military could have dogs, what with all the moving around,” Austin said as they sat on the back patio, sipping drinks while Bunny inspected the yard.

“Oh yeah, they like when you have pets. Pets mean less stress and more things in your personal life that you can take care of and not screw up. That’s great for combatting the anxiety some guys get in the service. Plus it gives you one more thing to fight for.” Neil watched Bunny roll in the grass over the rim of his glass as he took another gulp of orange juice. “So that’s what I think about. I tell myself, I gotta get these repairs right so these guys can go home to their dogs and families and lives.”

Austin nodded. “It’s noble work.” He smiled at the airman. “Thank you.”

Neil smiled and nodded. “I get that a lot. I don’t do it for thanks, but I appreciate that. For me, the job is its own reward.” He snorted, the corner of his mouth twitching into a half-smile. “Used to be I worked harder than anyone else so I’d be indispensable. Had to be the guy they needed, in case anyone found out I was gay and the government tried to kick me out. Then they finally f*****g repealed ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and I was like, ‘f**k it. Dudes, I like dudes, but I swear I can still swap out a busted tail rotor faster than most of you can lace your boots.’”

“How did they take it?”

“They left me pin-up posters on my cot, except they drew mustaches on all of them and drew chest hair over all the breasts. It was actually pretty hilarious.”

Austin laughed. “Sounds like it. I dated a few guys in college, but, then, well, I got a wife.”

“Were you just experimenting, then?”

“I don’t think so. I mean, I love my wife, and don’t let her know I said this, but sometimes there are guys I see and I’m just like, ‘Damn, I hope he’s into threesomes.’”

Neil shrugged. “Not into threesomes, myself. They’re fun to watch, don’t get me wrong, but I like focusing on one thing, or person, at a time.”

“Respect,” Austin said, raising his glass to Neil. Bunny grabbed one of the toys Neil had brought with them, flung it in the air with her mouth, and chased after it. “How well does she get along with other dogs?”

“Oh, she’s great with other dogs. She doesn’t even bark at cats. Do your neighbors have dogs?”

Austin sighed. “Not really. I’ll definitely take her to a dog park while you’re…away.” Austin sat thinking and drinking his juice while Neil threw the toy for Bunny to fetch. “Hey, um, not to be too repetitive, and I know it’s not why you do it, but thanks again, for everything. And thanks to all the guys you work with.” Austin stared down at the remaining orange drops at the bottom of his glass. “I’d never cut it in the army. I write articles and listicles for a living. Half of what I do involves living vicariously through the people I interview or research, so, compared to me, someone like you is just—Wow.”

Neil laughed. “Again, I appreciate your appreciation. I feel the same way about the soldiers who actually go out and protect motorcades or flush terrorists out of civilian towns or even fly reconnaissance runs over areas that they know have anti-aircraft weapons. I’m basically a highly-specialized mechanic, but, y’know, one that works on vehicles that could blow up other vehicles.”

“Still way more interesting than my life.” Austin grinned. “Maybe I could pick your brain for an article sometime?”

“Maybe,” Neil said with a thoughtful smile. “What would it be? ‘Top Ten Things You Least Expect to See in a War Zone but Are Totally There’? ‘Number one: Multiple copies of the same rom-com DVD.’”

“‘Number two: Pin-up posters with drawn-on mustaches.’”

“‘Number three: A mountain of delivery pizza boxes.’”

Austin burst out laughing. “You really get delivery pizza?”

“All the time. If you had to live off what the Air Force provides, you’d settle for food sold off a hot dog truck in Tijuana after a while.”

“Well, if you send me pictures, I will absolutely write that listicle!”

Bunny came over to join the laughter. Her tongue flopped out of her mouth and she wagged her tail vigorously. Neil scooped her up into his lap. It was a tight fit, but Bunny knew how to tuck her paws in and trusted Neil not to drop her.

“I should get going soon,” Neil said. “I’m trying to think if there’s anything I forgot to tell you about her.”

“I’ve got her vet’s emergency number, plus the numbers for some of your friends who could take her for a day or two if Erika and I get called away. She has all her toys, her bed, a big bag of dog food, the child gate so she can’t sneak into the kitchen, and all her grooming supplies. She doesn’t like vacuums. She loves dog parks. If she won’t eat her breakfast right away throw some peanut butter in the bowl and that’ll rouse her appetite. And…I have all your contact information for when you’re overseas.” Austin exhaled. “Ten-hour difference. I’ll keep an eye out for you on Skype if you ever want to video-chat with her.”

Neil smiled. “Thank you.” He nuzzled his cheek against Bunny’s head. “I’ll be in touch, girl. I know you’re gonna miss me, and I’ll miss you, too, but I’ll be home soon.” He blinked, but not before Austin noticed the tear in his eye. “Half a year. That’s like, three or four dog-years. Last time I left she was just a pup and when I came home she was so much bigger. How much of her life am I going to miss?” He chuckled softly and sniffled. “I sound like I’m talking about my daughter or something, but she’s the closest thing to a child I’ll have, so I guess I am.”

Austin put his hand on Neil’s shoulder. “I’ll take care of her, I promise. When you see her again, it’ll be like you never left.”

“Thank you,” Neil said again. He gave Bunny one more hug, then put her down so he could stand up. “I guess I’m off then.” He shook Austin’s hand. “Have fun. She’s a great dog.”

“I’m sure she is.” From what Austin had seen, Neil was a decent guy and an attentive owner. He had raised Bunny well. It was an honor to help him.

“E-mail me if something happens. I’ll check it in the morning when I get up and before lights out, plus any time in between that I have an extra few minutes.”

“Focus on your work,” Austin said. “Bunny will be fine.”

“I know,” Neil said with a sigh. “It’s difficult nonetheless. Gonna be harder the longer I stay, so…” He crouched to kiss Bunny on the head. “Goodbye, Bunny. I’ll be back…eventually.”

Austin led Neil back to the front door, shutting Bunny out in the backyard so this wouldn’t be harder than it had to be. Even so, when Austin said goodbye to Neil, he noticed the gleam of tears on the airman’s cheeks.