first encounter (n.)

Q1) what are you bringing in your bag?

suncream (+1pts)

headphones (+2pts)

sunglasses (+3pts)

Q2) you're at the airport terminal - what's your first move?

lounge in the seating, listening to music, overall just chilling (+3pts)

double-check your boarding pass, making sure you have all the right details (+1pts)

dabble in/criticise the overpriced restaurants and shops (+2pts)

Q3) you've landed! how do you explore the place?

engage with a tour guide around famous attractions, snapping photos (+2pts)

take a walk at your own rhythm, spontaneously pop into places/shops (+3pts)

research forums for hidden gems to visit, walk down local streets (+1pts)

Q4) it's beach day! what are you doing?

swimming, playing in the ocean, watersports/volleyball (+2pts)

laying under the parasol, napping to the ocean sounds, reading (+3pts)

walking along the shore, collecting shells and building sandcastles (+1pts)

Q5) and pick a snack for the beach!

ice cream (+1pts)

crisps (+2pts)

fruit medley (+3pts)

Q6) walking back to the hotel, you find a florist. you pick a flower and the owner tells you it's meaning:

red camillias: eternity and desire (+3pts)

blue irises: trust and devotion (+1pts)

sunflowers: adoration and fidelity (+2pts)

Q7) it's night time - what are you doing?

put on your best clothes and go to a restaurant/cinema, enjoying the nightlife (+2pts)

writing/sketching in a journal, messaging friends/family (+1pts)

getting ready for bed - there's lots to explore so you want to make sure you're well-rested (+3pts)

Q8) it's the last day - pick a souvenir!

handmade bracelet (+3pts)

cute turtle keychain (+2pts)

art prints/unique stationary (+1pts)

results !!!

8-13pts... you meet sunday! ♫fragile - laufey

you cursed the "you" 30 minutes ago who decided to queue at a busy restaurant as your barren stomach dried you into the first human desert. a humble five minutes later, a waiter beamed at you with an oasis of words: "perfect! we can slot you two right in."

two? confused, you looked to your side, finding a man - coined eyes, wings under his ears (with one pierced, you couldn't help noticing), dressed in an open shirt style - whose only semblance to you was the bewildered expression he wore. for whatever inconvenient reason, the waiter bracketed you both together.

so you were sat with the stranger who pulled out a book (you don't tell him it's upside down. and the title... "how to keep an interesting conversation 101"? though his glances at you do all the talking). a waiter soon arrived with a smile.

you said, "i'm here for the dessert menu, actually. i'd like an order of the egg tarts please."

the stranger piped in an awkward cough. the book was totally unoccupied now, not much more than an accessory. his wings sheltered his mouth as if spilling a secret, "the same for me."

the waiter left with a, right away! respectfully, you tried not to acknowledge his wings flapping harder. you slotted in a comment before the silence passed too long, "well... great minds eat alike, however it goes."

the man's shoulders finally relaxed, eyes softening. the hint of a smile. "i... noticed the robin badge on your bag - i assume you're a fan too." you were pleasantly surprised he noticed. he closed his eyes for a second, gathering composure. "and... do you (his eyes sparkled) perhaps have a favourite egg tart flavour?"

"even better, i have a tierlist," you said. his eyes lit up again. perhaps you two weren't that different - perhaps you were one person. you grinned. "would you like to hear?"

he leaned forward, eyes keen. "my attention is sincerely all yours."

14-18pts... you meet phainon! ♫처음 (first (ft. sole)) - jooyoung

phainon of aedes elysiae. top model under the famous aglaea's tutelage. current training pilot. top 100 of the world's hottest people. but... you don't have enough proof that he was right there, standing next to you, browsing books on shelves altitudes high as if in the clouds.

the person in question wore a face mask, glasses, a hat, and a hulking, parasitic entity of a hoodie, but the credible disguise lapsed when his eyes wandered to you - and curiosity killed the cat, because yes, that is phainon of aedes elysiae; top model; pilot in training; but now you have to deal with not fainting on the spot.

"someone said... saw him here." you heard muffled voices.

"are you sure? (a sigh) coming to an old place like this..." click clack. the footsteps approached.

uh oh. your stomach churned like an hourglass flipped over, dripping the only seconds left before a catastrophe. so, of course, helpfully, you started sweating. you wondered if you should pass a note or just... you know, keep admiring him... click clack, click clack, click clack??

phainon began to turn around and you instinctively swiped a random book, spreading it open in front of the both of you. he stared at you with wide eyes, bright blue oceans. you cleared your throat. "hmm, yes... geographic disparities and sleep... modulating spatiotemporal inequities... and how to strengthen the integration of memory systems in... cat cakes?" click clack.

phainon paused before leaning down closer to the book. he pushed his glasses up and pulled his hat down. "... i see... so it's a universal conclusion: owners need to let their cat cakes nap periodically and feed them regular snacks to keep their brains healthy. sounds like a dream." he nodded, looking over at you.

"you understood all that?" you asked. he only smiled, and you remembered that you were talking to the phainon. "sorry, i mean- i think they're gone now."

you wished he didn't laugh, playing his voice like an instrument... you wished he didn't pull his mask down to thank you. you wished he didn't hesitate to leave.

you wished he didn't look so shy. because what were you going to do with phainon of aedes elysiae's phone number now?

19-24pts... you meet (m)blade! ♫太聰明 (too smart) - cheer chen

amid the salty breeze of the beach was the smell of familiar smoke. though there was no fire, but a tall man strapped in bandages and a red coat - his hair burnt to ash black - and perhaps it was this person who consumed the fire itself. sometimes he'd be in the crowds, or slipping into an alley, there and gone, his existence a diminishing spark.

today, you walked through a shortcut, the evening sun shimmering on the rippling shadows. in the corner of your eye, you saw a round, black cat snailing out from a corner. it apprised you - one, two steady steps - and you crouched down diplomatically. petting it was like getting your hand sucked into a black hole - this cat was very, very fluffy. it sniffed your other hand, and when you opened it to reveal nothing, it meowed a disappointed note.

"that's sesame cake," a voice slithered in, ghostly. you turned to see the man of the hour... with cats decked in his arms and around his feet...? you were baffled, not to mention he smelled of catnip - minty and sweet - nothing like you expected.

you scratched sesame cake's chin, praying for all the composure in the world. used to the distance you usually saw him from, this sudden proximity feels like you were meeting your idol. "are they yours?"

"no," he proclaimed, "but that doesn't stop them from following me. a stubborn one. reminds me of many people i know." you don't know whether to laugh (or cry) at that.

sesame cake twirled its tail around your leg one last time before returning to the man, or rather, attach itself to him. the other cats meowed in greeting. "cats seem to really like you."

"they know their way to me - even if i try to avoid them. i know someone like that too." when he looked at you, that smell of smoke reappeared. you were speechless. you didn't know why, yet it made comfortable sense. it all fell into place like puzzle pieces.

this holiday was never yours to plan - destiny had already written its script.

thanks for deciding to take part in the game! let's start with the first question:

Q1] pick a season!

a] winter

b] summer

c] spring

d] autumn

Q2] what's your fav food/most likely to eat?

a] noodle soup, phở, ramen

b] spicy, hot wings, mala hot pot, or foods with acquired tastes

c] cake, biscuits and tea/cookies and milk, parfaits

d] whatever is convenient, or you don't have much preference

Q3] plan your ideal valentine's date!

a] dining out, relaxing spa day/museum trip, shopping spree

b] amusement park, arcade, photo booths and cute accessories

c] going for a drive, stargazing, cosy picnic with fairylights

d] staying in, watching a film under blankets, playing boardgames

Q4] choose a valentine's gift!

a] flowers and chocolates

b] stuffed animal

c] jewellery

d] handwritten poem/letter

Q5] what's your fav trope out of these?

a] forbidden love/star-crossed love

b] childhood friends to lovers/soulmates

c] rivals (or enemies) to lovers/opposites attract

d] fake dating/workplace romance

Q6] pick an ideal love language for your partner!

a] words of affirmation

b] gifting

c] physical touch or acts of service

d] quality time

Q7] what are the most important qualities you look for in a partner?

a] outgoing, flirty, romantic!

b] quirky, humorous, spontaneous!

c] headstrong, loyal, protective!

d] intelligent, calm, reliable!

Q8] there's a pink cupcake on the table. how do you eat it? (help im running out of ideas)

a] the conventional way, unwrapping it and using your hands to eat. nothing fancy

b] twist it in half and stack it so you can eat it like a burger

c] with a knife and fork, or chopsticks, anything to not make a mess

d] remove the frosting and eat just the cake, or eating them separately

Q9] lastly, pick a cheesy and cringey pick-up line! (that i totally didn't steal from the internet)

a] "remember me? oh, that's right, i've only met you in my dreams."

b] "my love for you is like diarrhea, i just can't hold it in!"

c] "i'm not good at holding conversations. can i hold your hand instead?"

d] "forget hydrogen. you're my number one element."

⚔️ if you got mostly a's... 𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐧 is your valentine's date! ♪♫ angel - alice phoebe lou ♪♫ extroverted, easygoing, well-liked by everyone! flirty, romantic, always planning dates like they are anniversaries. any praise will make him shy despite his confidence, lots of blushing. gentleman fr, loves hand-holding, guides you softly with his hand on your lower back, will not kiss you first - only when you want to initiate it! will get clingy if you two are separated for some time, sends teleslate messages every morning and likes using cute puppy stickers. compliments you at every corner, makes you feel like you're in the centre of his universe, looooots of affirmations of his love for you! but behind all the smiles and extravaganza, hides secrets and a pained past unveiled... keep an ear open to let him know you're there for him!

🎇 if you got mostly b's... 𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔩𝔩𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔠𝔞𝔢𝔩𝔲𝔰/trailblazer are(is) your valentine's date! ♪♫ it was love - yena ♪♫ there's never a dull moment! spontaneous, adventurous, hard to predict their next moves. loves to make you laugh, expressive, will make a fool out of themselves, always goes along with your ideas and jokes, will heal your inner child! loves clinging to your arm, crawls into your bed at night. looooves gifting you! almost always a box in front of your door, filled with trinkets and gadgets that reminded them of you (was it found in a trashcan? welllll it's the thought that counts, right?). all their medals gained from trailblazing are given to you just to impress you! hoards all your gifts, their room might as well be yours. clumsy, never dated before so this is a new journey for them. make sure to tell them if they accidentally upset you! they're willing to learn and understand.

🍷 if you got mostly c's... ʍʏɖɛɨ is your valentine's date! ♪♫ honey - porch light ♪♫ an undying loyalty, his exterior seems tough, some bickering and competition at the start, but he eventually melts, a passionate love behind closed doors revealed to you only. small and quiet gestures like making you walk the inside of the pavement, carrying heavy baggage, always helping you even if unprompted. will send anyone who wrongs you into orbit, never to return. unexpectedly touchy, makes up for his lack of words probably - loves giving back hugs, kisses all your moles, freckles, scars if you have any, hugs you when sleeping, some affectionate biting, worships your body. likewise, loves when you reciprocate. miiiiight get overprotective and possessive, but it's only because he's afraid to lose you someday. bro needs your reassurance. and head rubs too.

🐉 if you got mostly d's... 𝒹𝒶𝓃 𝒽𝑒𝓃𝑔 is your valentine's date! ♪♫ blue salvia - PRYVT ♪♫ pragmatic and reliable. once you get to know him, he becomes more comfortable! his tail will hug every part of your body, uses it to pull you closer, rests your head on his shoulder, and tell you some of his dry humour jokes. always giving you his undivided attention - puts down everything to listen to you, silence is not uncomfortable or awkward for you two, greatly respects your personal space. really loves watching you be passionate about hobbies, work etc.! will sit with you and help if you have a hard task at hand. will research all your interests in depth, notes down your favourite things in his notebook, eventually knowing it by heart. communication can be stiff sometimes, just remember to be honest and open with each other.

🌹if you got no dominant answer (e.g. there's a tie) ... well... that's depressing- uuuh, is that ar-argenti?? he says he's very sad to be left out on valentine's day, so you two can pair together? oh, nice! he's already reserved a restaurant for the both of you. huh? a wreath of 999 roses and a statue in honour of your excellence is on it's way to you?! (alternatively, you can pick whoever you like most out of your results!)

i'd love to know who you guys got!!!♥️♥️♥️(i got ma boi dan heng😎[dh gang assemble here!])

As a lab researcher, you’re out of some of the dangers that the field workers face, but only some. You get your own unique problems to deal with every day. 

Your latest assignment has been to SCP-999, the happy slime. It is a welcome relief from the last slew of things you were researching. SCP-999 doesn’t want to kill you, and that’s an immediate bonus in your book. It’s pretty cute, too. 

Extensive research has been done on the thing already. It’s even allowed to roam the facility within set hours due to its minimal threat level. 

The latest project with SCP-999 is to figure out what factors that cause PTSD create the strongest relief effect for the subject when they interact with SCP-999. 

It’s known that those suffering with the disorder come away from the creature feeling lighter, but now the foundation would like to know how reasons for developing PTSD interact with SCP-999. 

It is a bit taxing, emotionally, but it’s interesting. And! If all goes well, this might be something that can be implemented for the wider population! Or, maybe the SCP Foundation members that have had… nasty experiences with some anomalies. 

You stop in front of the door separating the archives from the other facilities. All the doors are industrial in case of a security breach, but the archives are more protected than the rest. It’s where all of the foundation’s information is held, after all. 

The head archivist is supposed to come get you; your card doesn’t have clearance. You glance at your watch. Four minutes early. 

Your mind drifts. You’re familiar with the various archivists at your location, making a point to learn names. It makes research easier if they view you as friendly. 

You haven’t interacted with the head archivist too often. He’s busy, and you’ve really only brushed shoulders in the hall. Despite those brief moments, the first time you saw him sparked one thought: oh no, he’s hot. 

You were almost relieved when you learned he was the head archivist and not someone you would have to interact with frequently in the archives. So when he took up the work of tracking down the files relating to SCP-999 for you, your heart skipped a beat.

You feel a little giddy standing in the hall waiting for him. He’s always calm when you see him, unruffled when you walk into him distracted by the files you’re reading, and his eyes draw you in. He wears red eyeliner. You want to smudge it off his face. 

The sound of the door clicking open jolts you. You school your face into a polite smile, stepping back and to the side so the door doesn’t hit you. 

Dan Heng stands in the entrance. Behind him spans hundreds of filing cabinets. 

“Dan Heng,” you smile in greeting. He’s dressed neatly as always, one of the faculty groups that don’t wear white lab coats. He’s so cute. Ugh.

“Hello,” he says as he pushes the door open the rest of the way and steps to the side to hold it for you. “Please, follow me.”

“Thank you for making time for me,” you tell him. “This project could be beneficial, I appreciate the help.”

Dan Heng doesn’t say anything at first. He glances sidelong at you. “Yes. It was no problem.” 

“Still, it must have been out of your way, you’re so busy,” you continue. You’re just looking for any reason to keep talking with him. 

“It was no problem,” Dan Heng repeats. His voice is quiet. The thoughtful quality it takes makes you dizzy. “I agree, it does seem like it could be a highly beneficial project.”

“Right?” you’re eager to take the opportunity to chat and talk about your research. “I would want SCP-999 as part of a program to help rehabilitate the foundation workers that have faced injuries on the job.”

Dan Heng hums faintly. “That’s kind.”

You don’t have time to respond as Dan Heng leads you to one of the tables among the filing cabinets and shelves. “Here they are, I believe this is everything.”

He pulls out the chair for you. It scrapes gently on the ground. “Thank you,” you say. You try not to sound breathless. You turn your attention to the files. 

There’s a whole stack arranged like a buffet in front of you. This is heaven. Surely the information you want and more is laid out here! You feel breathless for an entirely different reason. 

You reach for a file at random, manila folder smooth under your fingers, and freeze when you feel a heat at your back. Your brain recalibrates. It takes you a moment to realize that Dan Heng is leaning over your chair.

Your stomach does a flip. 

“These,” Dan Heng pays no mind to your rapidly darkening cheeks and taps two files, “are likely the most relevant, but I pulled everything relating to the effects of SCP-999 for you.”

“Thank you,” you say again. “This is amazing.” You try not to focus on the way he’s leaning over you, the way his chest hovers near your shoulder, and the way his hand braces on the back of your chair.

It’s a futile effort, but you try anyway. 

“I’m happy to help,” Dan Heng says too close to your ear. You swallow. “I’ll leave you be to look through these. Please be careful not to damage the files.” 

“Of course,” you nod. “Thanks.” 

Dan Heng leans away from you. You will yourself to not turn around and watch him go. You don’t think you’ll be able to pull your eyes away from him if you turn. The loss of him next to you is cold.

You re-focus on your work. There are so many files and reports for you to go through. It’s as exciting as it is daunting. You reach for the first stack of papers that Dan Heng had pointed out. It’s as good of a place to start as any.

Time passes you by in a blur. Dan Heng was right, the two stacks he’s recommended are spot on. It’s been hours of reading reports, hunched over as you are at the table. Your eyes are starting to burn from the sheer amount of lines you’ve skimmed searching for anything relevant. 

There’s a lot of good stuff here. Like, a lot. This is so exciting. The clock on the wall ticks behind you in a constant monotone. You turn another page of the current report you’re reading. The impacts of SCP-999 might be greater than you initially thought. 

A gentle tap on your shoulder startles you out of your research. “My apologies, but the archives are closing. I know it’s easy to lose track here.” 

“Oh,” you say a bit dumbly. “Right.” You hadn’t heard him approach. You gather the files in a pile. “Can I come back tomorrow?” 

“Yes,” Dan Heng says. “I’ll keep these out for you.” 

“That’s perfect, thank you,” you stand up, lifting your bag up on your shoulder. Dan Heng nods once. 

“I’ll walk you out,” Dan Heng tilts his head toward the door. His eyes on you makes your heart pound against your ribs. 

The walk out of the archives is quiet. The man never has much to say, he’s always quiet. It’s fine. The door comes into view. He scans his badge and the door releases with a soft click.

Dan Heng steps in front of you to open it for you. He steps out of the way for you to brush past. You hesitate in the door, one foot in the hall. 

Ah…might as well. If it goes poorly, it’s fine. You can still be professional! Dan Heng seems like the type of guy that could keep it professional as well. 

You dawdle a moment longer before turning to face him. “Well—Dan Heng, I was wondering,” you grip your bag strap tighter in your hands, “if you’d like to grab coffee. As a date.”

Dan Heng blinks at you slowly. His expression is painfully neutral for too long. You think you’re about to be rejected when he opens his mouth.

“Yes,” he says simply. “I would like that.”

Victory! Success! 

You light up. “Really? I mean, great! Here,” you fumble for your phone. “I’ll text you?” 

Dan Heng nods and inputs his number into your phone. Your heart beats an unsteady rhythm, and here he is completely cool and collected. Giddiness coils tight as he hands your phone back. 

“That sounds good,” Dan Heng says. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Great,” you repeat. “See you tomorrow.”

You step the rest of the way into the hall. Dan Heng holds the door open a moment longer. You smile, giving him a small wave. He copies the motion and finally steps back into the archives. He lets go of the door. 

As the door shuts, you swear you can see him smile through the gap. That…the back of his neck is red! 

You’re left alone in the hall, clutching your bag and phone, mind racing. You did it! You got his number! And you found the research materials! This is the best day of your life. 

You walk down the hall with a renewed sense of vigour. You’ll text him tomorrow and schedule for coffee. 

You grumbled, “Can you check mine?”

More scrambling and scratching sounded, “Nothing. You’re clear for the day.”

“Finally, a day off means an actual day off.”

Ashveil chuckled, the sound rolling like gentle thunder, “You could say that again.”

“Oh, please, you have nothing but now. Be glad they’re not calling you out anymore, much less for nights,” you yawned.

“They might as well be.”

“What do you mean?”

His bangs fell over his eyes as he turned to you, “I mean that I can’t sleep without you, especially knowing you’re out dealing with who knows what.”

You smiled, leaning in for a kiss, “My dramatic old wolf…”

Just as your lips were about to touch, his junior’s old K-9 jumped onto the bed. He stared at the two of you unimpressed, softly howling something similar to “Feed us.”

You laughed, leaning back into the former detective’s side.

“Five more minutes, Mister N!”

—

Barking and chatter echoed through the shelter lobby, Ashveil’s favorite place to spend his newfound free time. Here he could continue to help the community, taking care of furry little creatures without a home. After years of delivering proper justice to the people, it was time to find some for them.

You had tagged along plenty of times before, finding your own joy in the taxing work. It was heartbreaking at first, to walk through rows of kennels filled with sharp barks and whines. Some people stood reading their information, others sat on the floor, a book in hand as they tried to familiarize some of the dogs to their voice. You couldn’t help but feel even more demoralized when you happened upon one kennel, a small sign reading “Save My Life!” next to their info sheet.

Yet just as quickly as that sadness and dread came, it passed. You still had the power to do something, to help in any way you could, even if it was just giving them joyful last days.

After a day of cleaning kennels with Ashveil, you asked a simple question on the ride home, “What do you think about adopting another dog? Or fostering some at least? We have the space and money now.”

He didn’t waste a beat, “I was thinking the same thing.”

Soon your family grew, three new dogs steadily moving in with you. A fluffy chihuahua mix named Musician, a border collie named Poet, and a black labrador mix named Archer. Narrator accepted them quickly, managing each of their personalities with ease. He led their little pack, teaching them how best to tease Ashveil and help you. Once, they had cornered him in the kitchen, begging for treats as he stood firm. You couldn’t help but break into laughter, his “hard” demeanor melting as he gave in.

He smiled brighter with them in the home, one of his longtime wishes realized.

“Detectives! How’ve you two been?”

The older lady managing the front desk came from behind it, wrapping you both in a hug.

“We’ve been good,” you replied, watching her beam.

“That’s so great to hear! You deserve it for all you’ve done. Go ahead and sign in whenever you’d like and get back there!”

Ashveil tipped his hat, walking over to the check-in kiosk to put in your information.

“What do you want to do today?”

“Hmm… how about we take some of them for a walk around the lake?”

“Sounds perfect.”

~

Temperate breezes blew through the courtyard, three pathways branching out to different buildings. One housed cats, with the other two being split for small and large dogs. Adoption counselors sat in the gated play areas, watching and questioning potential owners as they played with their chosen pet.

Ashveil opened the door to the building for large dogs, standing aside with an exaggerated bow.

You took his empty hand, “Come on, you goof.”

Barking rattled your ears as you entered the kennels, heading straight to the service aisle. You put treats and supplies in your satchel, fetching two slip leashes before closing the curtain. Together you returned to the main walkways, searching for the most active and stressed dogs kenneled together.

A grey pitbull terrier jumped up against the walls, a yellow card beside her name. Whining in bed next to her was an Australian cattle dog, her brown eyes looking up at you pleadingly.

You softly called Ashveil over, “Let’s take these two out for a while.”

The pitbull terrier, Pebble, came over as soon as she saw your partner, sniffing his hand through the bars with a wagging tail. She walked back and forth, spinning around and coming back to lick his palm.

He laughed, “Alright, girl, I’ll get you.”

You went back to the main hallway, letting him open the kennel and slip the leash over her head. He tightened and secured it, locking the door and giving her some back scratches. Her body wiggled as he walked her over to you, placing a kiss on your cheek.

“I’ll see you outside.”

You left one on his, heading back over to greet Pebble’s kennelmate. Willow’s ears perked up as you knelt in front of the bars, letting her come and sniff your hand. Her tail swayed as her paw rose to hit against your palm and you couldn’t help but coo at her.

You copied Ashveil, shutting the kennel while Willow waited patiently. You opened the back door toward the lake and she brightened, walking faster to her friend. Pebble ran ahead of Ashveil as he jogged back and forth at the path’s beginning, helping her work out some of her stress and energy before your walk.

He panted as you came to meet them, “She’s giving me a run for my money.”

“Well, it’s not like you get any field work anymore.”

He laughed, his canines catching the light, “Is that a challenge?”

You already started walking backward along the path, smiling brightly, “Maybe.”

You turned, dirt crunching under your shoes as you took off running.

Willow kept up with your pace exceptionally well, likely reveling in the opportunity to stretch her legs. Wind rushed past your ears, the lake’s waves lapping against the shore. Birds chirped as fishers cast their lines, music sounding from their chairs as ducks quacked along.

You had to give the old wolf some credit – he was still able to keep up with you. His steps were fast, decipherable only to your familiar ear. A large birch tree provided shade ahead, the perfect place to give the dogs a quick break. You came to a stop, turning around with your hands up while Willow caught her breath. Ashveil sidled up to you, his hands reaching up to take yours and leave a kiss on your lips.

“Guess I’ve still got it.”

“Yes you do,” you smiled, pulling him in for another kiss.

He blushed and looked out to the lake, reaching into his pocket and leaning down to give Pebble a treat. You took two bottles of water and a collapsible bowl out of your satchel, handing one to Ashveil and pouring the other into the bowl for the dogs. They flocked to it, and he handed the bottle back to you, watching as you took a sip. You put everything back in your little bag, pouring the bowl out at the tree’s base.

Pebble and Willow sniffed each other’s faces, their tails wagging. You took Ashveil’s leash-less hand, ready to continue your walk.

—

Musician preened under Ashveil’s pets, your thumb rubbing the side of her neck as she reclined in your arms. His warmth encompassed you as you leaned back further into him, his other hand resting on your thigh. The television played quietly in the background, Angela Lansbury sighing and answering the phone. Archer and Poet fought over a rope toy, Narrator coming to sniff around the coffee table. Empty takeout containers were scattered across it, remnants of your dinner tempting him.

He found a full spring roll on one of your plates, slowly stealing it away as you snickered.

Ashveil followed your eyes, his own growing unimpressed, “You’re welcome.”

His chin landed on your shoulder as he played with Musician’s paws, gently squishing them between his fingers and booping the pads. You couldn’t help but smile, tilting your head to look at him. You placed a kiss on his temple, and an affectionate huff left his lips.

His steely eyes met yours as he whispered, “Thank you for giving me a home.”

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