delfi

Word Count: 1,8k

Note (pls read): hey there! this is the first piece i’ve written after like three years of literally nothing. if this seems a little off and ooc it's because i suck lol, but i’ve been obsessed enough about melissa to try and write something again, even though it didn't come out as “melissa centered” as i first attempted to, pls be patient with me <:

I can't say no to you.

“Do we really have to go?” Melissa sighs for the hundredth time, clicking her earrings in place. “We could just stay in, watch a movie? I’ll even let you pick, and I won't complain about your poor choices.” She looks at you through the mirror, and though the offer is tempting, you don't cave.

“We promised Ava, baby. Besides, I’m sure it'll be fun!” You smile at her, your fingertips tapping your knees while you wait for her.

“I didn't promise anything, but whatever. I still don't know how I let you talk me into this.” She rolls her eyes, trying to act more annoyed than she is, but in reality she’ll do anything you’d ask her to.

_______

Two weeks ago, Ava walked into the teacher's room acting like she got the best idea in the whole world– and to you, she kinda did.

She got in contact with an animal shelter that has been going viral on TikTok and “offered” to make a few videos to incentive her followers to adopt puppies.

You knew that for Ava, this was just another way to become more popular and gain followers, but at the end it was still a good cause.

So when she asked if someone was interested in helping her out– “You’ll never get another chance like this in your lifetime,” where her exact words, you jumped excitedly to help.

Everyone was surprised to say the least, they all just expected Janine or Jacob to be the first ones to volunteer, but Ava was grateful you beat them to the punch. “Alright girl, that pretty face will get me lots of interactions. I’ll text you the details.” She winked at you before leaving the room.

The only person who was not thrilled about it was, of course, your girlfriend Melissa.

“Did you seriously agreed to help Ava out? Outside of class? For her own benefit only?” The redhead was still trying to understand what the hell just happened in front of her, Gregory being the first one to agree with her.

“What’s wrong with giving her a little help? Like you said, she's doing it mostly for herself, so I can be there to make sure the puppies can get a home instead of just Ava trying to look good around ‘em.” You shrug, not entirely lying.

Melissa scoffs, but ultimately decides it’ll be better to talk you out of this at home instead of surrounded by people who seemed equally excited about the puppies as well.

Back at home, she never, ever expected you to convince her to tag along as well.

_______

“What she doing here? I’m tryna get more followers, not cancelled!” Ava huffs, her hand resting on her waist as she glances at both of you.

“Ava don't be mean! Mel is here to help to the cause as well.” You defend her, though you're 100% sure she doesn't really need it.

“Trust me, I’m not interested in being seen in your stupid little videos anyway.” Melissa bites back.

“Your loss.” Ava shrugs, not really bothered. Finally, she walks you both to meet the head of the shelter before she goes to finish her whole set up of lights and everything.

You introduce yourself but, soon enough, your attention is taken away by the loud barking of puppies.

“Oh, Mel! Look at them!” You cry out, quickly kneeling by the dog playpen fence. The puppies are excitedly trying to get out to you, and you lean over to try and pet them all.

Without noticing, your elbow knocks against the lock and suddenly the small door is open, and the eight puppies you counted were running out of the fence and knocking you down. You couldn't stop laughing as they walked over you and licked your face, while the woman who introduced herself as Mabel tried to get them off you and into their place again.

You didn’t notice Ava taking a video of you, let alone Melissa sneaking her phone for a quick photo.

Mabel gets most of the puppies in, and you grab the last one while attempting to get off the floor. “Oh look at how cute you are!” You smile brightly like a child on Christmas, holding the dog close to you.

You glance at Melissa, whose smile can't be erased as she looks at you being the most beautiful human she's ever seen.

“That video is gold for my page.” Ava chuckles at the phone, and you look at her horrified.

“You were recording me?!”

“Why else did you think you were here?”

“Ava I must look awful–”

“–You looked cute.” Melissa interferes before you can finish your thought. She knows you can get a little insecure and anxious sometimes, always preferring to be prepared when someone is about to take your picture, but before you can go there she makes sure you know how perfect you are. “No one's gonna be looking at these damn dogs when you look like that, hon.”

Your cheeks instantly heat, hiding your smile against the dog’s soft furr before you put it down with the rest. “That’s not the idea. At all.”

A couple of hours later, when Ava was satisfied with all of the material she got and the puppies seemed way more exhausted, it was time to call it a day.

You helped Ava get cute shots of the puppies by playing around with them, and recorded her when she attempted the same. Somehow, you even got Melissa to pet one of them and you were sure Ava was going to use that in her favor.

Overall, it was a great day and you were sure the videos would help the shelter as well. You just wished you could take them all home and give them the love they deserved. If not all, perhaps just one?

“Oh I’m going to miss you buddy.” That little puppy you had held for a minute at first, didn't stop following you around, whining to get all your love and attention, and you couldn't say no to that golden golden furr and soft paws. This is what heaven looked like for you.

You glance up at your girlfriend, smiling softly at her with the puppy next to your face. “Isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen?” You ask softly, not willing to let go just yet. Melissa raises her eyebrow and looks reclutantly at the can.

“Far from it, honestly.” You roll your eyes.

“C’mon, look at those cute ears, and that little nose! It's perfect.” You nuzzle your face against it, walking closer to Melissa and holding it at eyes level expectantly.

“If I say yes will you just put it down so we can leave? I’m already done with this shit show.” She crosses her arms, trying to look as unbothered as possible. But you are relentless, not ready to give up just yet even though you know what the outcome might be.

“Five more minutes, please baby? Just pet it a little, it deserves love as well.” You pout, knowing the redhead won't be able to resist for too long.

“Okay fine, but just once Y/N!” Melissa sighs, extending her arm to pet the puppy. Right on cue, the dog barks happily, making Melissa jump a little. Before it keeps barking louder, she carefully takes it in her arms to quiet it down and it surprisingly works, the dog starting to lick all over the redhead’s face instead. “That's enough. I guess it’s fine, done?”

You can tell Melissa is trying not to enjoy this, but the small puppy is really adorable and so excited to be passed around you two. You really want to ask the question, but you're not sure you’ll cope with Melissa's answer.

So, instead of asking, you hold the puppy in your arms and, like he knew what was going on, both of you look at your girlfriend with the biggest, brightest eyes you could muster.

“What? Why you looking at me like that?” Melissa squints, and Ava laughs behind her.

“Are you blind? The girl is dying to take that thing home.”

“Y/N, are you crazy? What are we even going to do with a dog? All they do is bark and shit all over the place, and do you know how expensive it'll be? You need food, and toys, and a leash, a bed that they’ll outgrown soon! Who will take him to walks so he doesn't shit all over our apartment when we're not there, huh?”

Maybe you don't have everything figured out just yet, but you will!

“Him?” You raise your eyebrows.

“His balls are right there, but that's besides the point! Did you hear everything I just said?”

“I did, baby. I hear you.” You say softly. The puppy– which is obviously a male, starts whining and lays his head against you, looking up at Melissa with big brown eyes. You take the opportunity and do the exact same thing, both of you staring into her beautiful green ones.

You didn't think she would crack so soon, so easily. But you guess she had been picking up on your energy the whole day, and how happy you were when you first landed eyes on the puppies. At the end of the day, she knew she couldn't deny you anything. The smile on your face was worth more than talking you out of the whole thing.

“I swear to God, if that thing ruins my couch, pees on my carpet, gets on my bed– he's out.” Melissa grumbles, though you know there's no real treat behind it, or at least you hope.

“First of all, it's our bed. And second, the couch is already wrapped in plastic baby, nothing will happen. I’ll make sure, promise.” You peck your girlfriend's lips softly, your smile growing against her. “Thank you baby, Rocco and I love you.”

“Rocco? You named it already?” She can't believe she's agreed to this, and she knows she can't back out, but that doesn't mean she won't fight against the dog a little; even if she secretly thinks he's cute, has thought so since you first held him.

“Of course, Rocco Schemmenti. It suits him, don't you think?” You smirk, knowing damn well you already have her.

“Shut up, he hasn't earned the right to be a Schemmenti yet.”

“And what about me?” Your free arm sneaks around Melissa’s neck, little Rocco laying between you two as the redhead’s hands rest on your waist.