DD: *woof*

Kaz: alright you win pooch.

@rebelwithoutaclock Here you go!

The mission was suicidal, but Kaz understood Big Boss wouldn't have it any other way. The same could be said for Ocelot. It was a stubborn trait both men carried. When they were dead set on something or someone, target or otherwise, they were on it like bloodhounds. Of course that meant someone had to stay behind. Someone had to look after things.

Kaz furrowed his brows, sensing the helicopter disappear into the distance for he could no longer hear the engine roaring. Both his comrades were gone for now, heading into the battlefield. He squeezed on the ball Big Boss had handed to him earlier, joking about stress relief. It was unlike anything Kaz had ever heard from the man, but he took it in jest.

The motion attracted DD. The dog was practically bouncing on his paws when he approached Kaz, tail wagging while his tongue lolled out of his mouth.

Kaz looked down and sighed, giving the ball another squeeze.

"I take it you're not gonna leave me be until I throw this ball, huh?"

DD barked in response. Kaz sighed and shook his head. If he didn't know better, the dog was much smarter than everyone else on Mother Base. He smiled nonetheless.

"Alright, you win pooch." Kaz murmured and tossed the ball down the walkway. He heard DD scamper off, barking erratically with joy while chasing down the rubber sphere. The canine grabbed a hold of the ball, shook it, then rushed back to Kaz and dropped it near his feet. More than ready for another round.

"Maybe keeping you around wasn't so bad." Kaz said as he crouched down and scratched DD behind the ears. The dogs back leg thumped with joy.

If you like my work and feel generous, feel free to donate to my ko-fi account or my cash app account!