Between missions, Ghost's flat felt empty, lifeless. He would get a gnawing ache in his chest when he was left alone for too long. While picking up his mail from the lobby of his complex, he spotted a flyer on the community board: the local animal shelter, overrun with pets needing homes, even if only temporary. He could do that.

It started to become a habit. After returning from a deployment, he would go to the shelter the very next day with a pet carrier and a leash to foster one of the adoptable animals. He liked getting the ones that were stressed out by the busy shelter, ones that just needed a little peace and quiet for a while.

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Simon prefers to foster dogs. He has a spacious crate, plenty of indestructible toys, and only the finest treats. It's rewarding for him to watch a shy, cowering dog finally relax and become playful and energetic once more. Usually, it only takes a day or so, but you have stayed in your crate since he brought you home.

He doesn't bother you, doesn't keep you tied up outside, doesn't constantly try to pull you from your crate to pet you, doesn't even call out your name except in the evenings when he refills your bowls. He just lets you exist with him.

He's dozing off on the couch, watching some re-runs of an old television show when he suddenly feels the cushion dip under the weight of one tentative paw. Then, you jump up and lie in the space between his legs, your head resting over his shin with a little sigh. He stays as still as possible and ever-so-slowly reaches down to gently stroke the soft fur of your back.