Name: CSK's You Can Do It! | Dekiru
Gender: Female
Child Collie: Daisuki
Prompt:
- Everything they did seemed to be wrong. They knew their mother was busy, having so many pups wasn't an easy feat they were sure, but that didn't make it hurt any less.
*
Daisuki remembers the burn of muscles as they worked hard to pull themselves to the top of a rock mound, determined to prove to their siblings they could do it. While it was only as high as a human, their little legs meant it was harder than expected. They were half way now, and excitement tingled through their fur at the idea of making it. Grinning below to show their siblings they weren't afraid, they were met with a disapproving stare. "Look mum, I've almost made it to the top!"
"Get down from there right now, you're gonna fall and hurt yourself!"
Excitement draining, the young pup began to climb down, suddenly wary of the drop.
*
As the other collie flashed a water smile and began walking away, Daisuki's heart felt ready to burst. The younger pup has stepped on a thorn, and they were at the far end of the compound, too far for his parents to hear his call. They recalled the time their own mother had removed a thorn from their pad, swift and no nonsense, before giving it a lick and sending them on their way.
"I can help you with that," they told the young pup, who in turn held out their paw. "Now this might sting just for a second but then it'll feel all better," they reassured brightly. Leaning forward, they used their tongue to locate the thorn, then grasped the base with their teeth before giving it a quick tug. The other pup let out a yelp, but Daisuki quickly nuzzled the top of his head. "Well done, you were so brave! It should be better enough you can go find your parents," they reassured, and lit up at the gratitude in his eyes.
"Mum!" They called the next time they saw her. She was untangling burrs from one of her brother's pelt and gave Daisuki a distracted greeting. "I just helped someone! It was great, I want to help others forever!"
"That's nice," she replied with a quick smile, "But that's not a proper job, make sure you don't let it interfere with whatever you next owner wants you to train in."
"Uh, sure," they agreed half heartedly, the good feeling suddenly soured a little.
*
Seeing pups go to their new homes was nothing new, but this time it was their turn. They'd seen some parents say goodbye, tears in their eyes and wishing they'd see each other again soon. But Dekiru simply smiled, pride in her eyes. "This is it, your first steps into being an adult, have fun!"
It was nice to know she had faith in them, and trusted they were ready for this and it was the right thing. But they couldn't help wishing their was some sadness there too.
Daisuki's new home was okay. They were a nice family with a young child, and the fluffy collie loved getting to know them all and playing, but it felt like something was missing. A feeling of unsettled guilt sat heavy in their chest, and they recalled their mother's instructions to work hard, but there didn't seem to be any sort of job around here, just lazing about and eating treats and the daily walk with no real goal. It was... nice. But Daisuki felt tired instead of relaxed.
*
CreekShadow Kennel was everything their previous homes weren't. There were so many collies they got the feeling they'd never be bored, and they'd heard talk about agility and herding training. As they were given a tour and shown around, they noticed how different every collie was. Some fixed Daisuki with a cold gaze that made them shiver, but others wanted to know everything about them, the full attention something almost foreign.
Suddenly they felt seen.
They'd clear a jump in training and turn around to find a collie or two barking praise. They'd offer their assistance to someone and be flashed grateful looks from more than just the collie they helped.
It finally felt they were becoming who they were meant to be. Even if that hollow space in their heart remained. It didn't matter what their mother would say, this was their life, right?
*
This was Daisuki's first agility show, and their nerves were alight from the tips of their ears to their tail. The age old doubts flashed through their mind. What if I fail? Is this a good enough thing to even be doing? Paws shaking, they stepped up to the starting point, trying to dispel the darkness creeping into their vision and filling their ears.
A bark split through the fog. A voice they recognised instantly. Eyes flashing to the crowd, they saw her.
"You can do it, Daisuki!"
Eyes bright with pride, their mother watched with her full attention, not a doubt in her being.
Oh.
It felt like the universe shifted.
With the starting signal, Daisuki locked her attention onto her owner and the course at hand. They cleared it easily, heart racing with excitement and pride.
In the rush of announcements and ribbons, they didn't see their mother again, but that was okay.
*
"You're... You're here."
Dekiru gave a small chuckle. When she's been handed over to a new owner, she hadn't realised to was Daisuki's, but now here she was, facing one of her pups. Love was overflowing from her, but she did her best to contain it. "I'm here," she confirmed.
Her pup looked conflicted.
Dekiru's heart sank.
She smiled, saying she'd better let the owner's finish giving her a tour, but the whole time she watched her pup. Daisuki had a life of her own now. She watched as they flitted from one collie to the next, making friendly conversations or helping with odd jobs here and there.
That evening, after the pair had avoided each other for the majority of the day, Dekiru approached her pup. They smiled and welcomed her, but seemed hesitant, and Dekiru knew their was no point delaying what she needed to say.
"I'm sorry."
Daisuki looked surprised, but their gaze cleared a little.
"I know I wasn't everything you needed when you were a pup. I'm so proud of who you've become, and I'd love to get to know the real you."
Her pup smiled.
"Thank you."
