TAKE ME AWAY FROM THIS - INTRUDER

[WANDERER]

[align=center][div style="width: 500px; text-align: justify; font-family: arial; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 1.4;letter-spacing:.1px"]Simply existing was something that Val was used to, though not the same way that Bruce did now. He spent his childhood slipping through the cracks until the world was right in his face and he couldn't duck away from it. Funnily enough, he'd blame Butch for that. All the months of his snide comments and bumped shoulders had lit a weird sort of fuse, so he learned how to fight for himself, and sort of for others. A few snaps at Butch's ears and he learned when to shut up. Sort of. Not really. But from then on, he found that he sort of missed anonymity. Not how shitty everyone made him feel (that still happened anyway), but how easily they'd just ignored him. He spent his time with a cigarette in some place that didn't attract much attention, he sat alone to eat or study. From that point on, it had been intentional. Maybe that was something that the cheetah could understand. But whatever they had or didn't have in common —

Bruce, meet trouble.

The German Shepherd had been trailing after Butch when he could, though what he could do to protect him was often nothing. People would order him around and he couldn't tell them to stop unless he wanted to end up in a collar too. That would make getting out of here less likely for both of them, and he's already antsy enough to leave. Having to deal with that would make it worse, yeah? Doesn't matter. Butch is right in his advice, even if he runs his mouth saying it: beat feet, get out of here, this place will suck you dry. His eyes are on the sand, his mind uselessly searching for a spot to put his paws that wouldn't immediately scorch him. He glances up distractedly before looking back down. "It's hell for more than just the people," Val calls absently, eyes back on the sand. Maybe that's why he misses Dabi's intention until his words settle in. Damaged by others. Her toys. "Hey!" he barks, completely forgetting that he had every intention of escorting Bruce away from this place just a second before. Now he's got someone else to take care of. As usual.

He jumps forward, teeth immediately headed towards Dabi's scruff to pull the other canine (?) away from his friend. Even if it wasn't completely successful, it should give Butch enough room to wiggle free. Hopefully.