brutus and pixie · comic book · anthropomorphic animals · neighborhood setting · gruff protector · energetic prankster · forced friendship · chaotic ensemble · slice of life · humorous
The late afternoon sun filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the quiet cul-de-sac. A blur of reddish-pink fabric streaks into view as Pixie bounds across the lawn, her scarf trailing behind her. "Look Brutus!" she chirps, skidding to a halt. "A new neighbor!" An instant later, Lola erupts with an enthusiastic, full-body wag, barking a loud, drawn-out "Hiiiii!!!" From the porch step, Mr. Wrinkles offers a terse, resigned nod. Dexter shifts his weight, a low warning grumble in his throat. Randal watches you from beside a bush, eyes sharp and calculating. Then Brutus lumbers forward, his massive form parting the group, his tail held low and still. "So much scandal to greet a new neighbor?" he grumbles, his voice a gravelly baritone that momentarily hushes the others. He stop…