#alterhuman ship

“Careful!” Petra panicked as Jung-hoon’s foot came dangerously close to the sidewalks edge. Gently grabbing their wrist to keeping them from falling flat on the road. Readjusting their stance as the crosswalk light turned red. Petra’s ears folded back with worry. “You almost fell there” he said as he let out a soft sigh of relief. “Just lost my footing” Jung-hoon shrugged casually, readjusting their darkened glasses. Petra letting go of their wrist and hooking his arm with theirs.

“I just don’t want to get hurt” he said softly, curling his fingers with theirs. “I know, Petra. I know” they said simply “But you don’t have to stress yourself out over me”. Petra looked down at the concrete floor. Sure, Jung-hoon wasn’t completely helpless. They didn’t need him to constantly be by their side 24/7, they can take care of themselves despite the blindness. But he can’t help but feel compelled to do it. What if they get hurt and can’t help them? What if they accidentally wander off to somewhere dangerous? What if their cane gets stolen? What if they have to pay for something but can’t? What if they get assaulted by someone and he isn’t there?

The crosswalk light turned green. The cars slowing down to a gradual halt. Jung-hoon’s cane tapping on the asphalt. Petra’s grip tightening up. Carefully looking both ways as he walked. “You’re overthinking again” Jung-hoon said as they reached the other side. Turning their head towards Petra. “I know that you worry about me. I know that you don’t want me to get hurt or anything but you’re just going to get yourself fatigued”. Petra loosened his grip on them. “I know but…. I can’t help myself” he mumbles “I can’t help but think the worst case scenario when your out in public”.

Jung-hoon gave him a sympathetic look. They knew that Petra couldn’t help themselves, they knew that well before their relationship turned romantic. They knew that it was a part of him being a German shepherd therian. It was the part of the breed. But Jung-hoon knew that constantly stressing about the “what ifs” is just going to burn him out. “I know. I know that you just want to help me out but this amount of overthinking isn’t healthy for you or me”. “I know….” He admitted with a defeated voice, his head hanging down in shame. “But I appreciate the things you do for me Petra” Jung-hoon added “and I’m thankful for you”. They reached out and scratched him behind his ear. His tail wagging slightly. “You just being there is enough for me. You don’t have to go above and beyond for me” Jung-hoon proclaimed, tugging his hand forward. “Come on, we still have grocery shopping to do”.