by J E Mueller
“Olmi won’t,” I reassured her. “They’re fairly well-trained. Though, the puppies aren’t as good at handling new guests.”
“Okay...” Olmi had brought the slobbery ball back to her. With less hesitation, she took the ball once more and threw it.
“See? Olmi is all run.” Aggo was still following me, ready to go back inside.
Nodding, Cat finally joined me and we headed inside.
As I opened the door, Aggo dashed in and I could hear Lilly shooing him away. “Hey, I brought company over,” I called.
“You may not have a piece.” I heard her scold Aggo. “Sounds nice, Rey. Which friend is it? Are they staying over for dinner? I should let Kalina know if that’s the case.”
I motioned for Cat to keep following me. “Not one you’ve met before and I don’t know. I thought it would be fun to show her the puppies.”
Aggo come strolling back over to me and I saw Lilly peek around the corner. “A friend I haven’t met?” She caught sight of Cat. “Oh, hello there. I’m Lilly.” She stepped around and introduced herself.
“Lilly’s worked here forever,” I explained. Aggo looked up at me expectantly. The thought ‘treats’ coming clearly to my mind. “Aggo wants a biscuit. Has he had one already?”
Lilly took her eyes off Cat and looked at Aggo. “He’s spoiled as all get out, what do you think?” She teased. “He’s had several, but I’m sure he would love another. Now don’t be rude, Rey, what’s your friend’s name?”
“I’m Catara.” She introduced herself.
“It’s lovely to meet you. Rey doesn’t bring as many friends around anymore.”
“We all game online.” I shrugged.
“Including your new friend?” Lilly crossed her arms and stared at me, clearly expecting more details.
Cat laughed. “Yes, actually. I do. You’re probably more familiar with my cousin.”
“Oh yeah, this is James’s cousin.” Duh, that probably would have saved me a little grief.
Lilly smiled. “You’re right, James used to come around often. I thought Rey scared him off.”
“He’s likely just as much a recluse anymore.” Cat laughed. Aggo walked over to her and stared up expectantly. “Uhhh, does he still want a treat or something?” She scratched behind his ears and Aggo happily sat down next to her. His head was still above her waist. “He’s such a big dog...” she said to no one in particular.
Lilly laughed. “Oh they are. Best not leave any food unattended. They are good when told no, but if no one’s there to tell them otherwise...”
Cat smiled at Aggo. “You snatch up all the food, huh?”
I laughed. “Come on, the puppies are downstairs.”
With that, we went to the basement. Aggo stayed at the top of the stairs, already having had enough of the puppies for the time being.
“Getting used to the big dogs yet?” I teased as we headed down.
Cat sighed. “Yeah, I don’t know what I was expecting. Just not that big.”
I considered the size of them as I walked down the stairs. Sometimes it seemed like their paws were huge, enough to crush anything in their path. Their heads came up to my hips when they were sitting, and they were easily taller than me while standing on their hind legs. Considering I was about six foot one, they were huge compared to Cat’s five foot two or three.
At the bottom of the stairs was another door, and the puppies could be heard from the other side.
“Why are they all down here?” Cat asked curiously.
“It’s just easier when someone can’t keep an eye on them. There’s a lot of extra room for them to run around and not chew or dig up things. They still get out plenty, and for the most part they are well-behaved, but a few might jump still.”
Cat gave a determined nod. “If I get taken down by a horde of puppies, that is more of a win than not. Bring them on.”
With a laugh, I focused my thoughts on the puppies, asking them to move back and sit. I knew they wouldn’t sit long before getting antsy again, but they were getting the hang of it. As I opened the door I commanded them aloud to sit again since I saw a few were ready to jump up. The five of them had tails wagging like no other.
“They’re so cute,” Cat squeaked out before quickly walking over to the nearest one and petting it.
That broke the control the pups had and they quickly swarmed her, all wanting to sniff and be petted by the new person. While she laughed with the puppies, I went and started picking up a few toys they had in the main part of the basement. There were a few other rooms down here, currently closed off to the pups. A spare room that I used to use all the time for gaming when friends were over, an old guest room from when I did have friends over often, and a fully furnished bathroom.
As I finally had enough toys, I made a few clicking sounds and the puppies rushed over to me. I tossed the balls and most of them went and brought them back over to Cat and two brought them back to me. After a while of tossing the ball for whoever brought one over, I noticed Cat sitting down, her back against the wall smiling tiredly.
“They wore you out already?” I asked, both amused and surprised.
“A bit. They’ve got a ton of energy.” One came over and flopped down, showing off its belly. “They don’t seem to have lost an ounce of enthusiasm.”
“They probably won’t for a while either.” I smirked. “We can escape them for a bit, but not going to lie, this was as much of a plan as I had.”
Cat glanced up at me and laughed. “Sounds about right. It was a great plan. These cuties were worth seeing.” A different puppy shoved Cat’s hand away from the one she was petting and sat in her lap. “Someone’s needy.” She hugged it tightly.
The puppy’s thoughts came to mind sad human. It had already been obvious something was bothering Cat, and it was even clear enough that the dogs could tell.
“That pup thinks you’re needy.” I commented, not sure how to broach the topic.
“What?” She laughed, surprised.
“She can tell you are sad. Dogs are really good at picking up on these things, and she wants to comfort you.”
“Oh.” Cat stared at the dog for a moment before burying her face into its side. “Such a good puppy.”
“What’s going on?” I asked softly.
“I really don’t want to get into it.” Cat sighed, still holding the puppy tight. “There is a lot of drama going on with my family and one thing keeps leading to another but I’m working on it.”
“If it’ll help, I don’t mind listening, but I’m not going to force you to talk about it.”
Cat looked over at me and gave me a nod. “Maybe another day. I think I just want a nap… and maybe to borrow this puppy.”
We both laughed at that.
“Glad you’ve warmed up to them.” I couldn’t help but smile.
“Of course. They’re puppies. What’s not to love?” She smiled back.
It was an amazing stroke of luck that I managed to get her home before my parents got in. Of course, since several of the staff had seen Cat, word did get around about me having company over.
A knock came on my door while I was trying to clean up my room a bit. I had finally gotten around to putting laundry into piles of what needed to be done, mostly because I was almost out of clothes. I didn’t even turn to the door.
“Yeah?” I didn’t think it was time for dinner, but what else could it be?
“Are you busy?” Mother asked, letting herself in.
I had a shirt up to my nose, trying to see if it was dirty or just accidentally on the floor. I tossed it in the basket. “Not really, I guess?”
“Lilly said you had a new friend over.”
“Traitor.” I grumbled as I moved everything I wanted washed into the basket.
“Oh, come on now. It’s been a while. You’ve at least gotten out a bit more lately. Are we so embarrassing that we can’t know your friends anymore?”
I shook my head as I overstuffed the basket. “Em
barrassing? Not really. Too interested, probably.”
“Too interested? How can someone be too interested in someone their kids are hanging out with?” Mother sounded more amused than she should be.
“You want to turn everything into something bigger. Can’t I just have friends?”
“Is she really just a friend?”
I hesitated. I wasn’t sure why, but answered with more confidence. “Yes.”
Mother still looked amused but gave a nod. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Though it looks like more than it is if you’re hiding them.”
Touche. “Wasn’t really hiding her. She had things to do. I just figured since Cat’s been pretty stressed lately she’d like to meet the puppies for a bit.”
“That’s a great thing to do for your friend. Hopefully they can stay longer next time.” Mother gave a final amused glance at me before heading out. “Don’t forget your laundry in the wash this time.”
“Yes, Mom...” I had to give it everything not to roll my eyes.
When I finally got my laundry started I noticed I had missed a DM from Cat.
SkepticalMouse: How much are puppy therapy sessions? Cuz I could use another.
A line of laughing emojis followed.
ReyWraith: A cup of coffee, unless you play ball with them outside. They need exercise and I’m lazy.
SkepticalMouse: Done deal.
SkepticalMouse: Oh, hey, for that alternative cosplay idea, I can do an enchantment on a bracelet for a similar cosplay fairly easily with the things I have. I’d just need photos of what you’re planning on doing. Bonus points if you’re already wearing it so I can plan better.
ReyWraith: I don’t think I have any of me in them. Well, probably somewhere, but if you come by to hang out with the pups, then you can just take whatever photo you need. How much will it cost? Not worried about price, just curious.
SkepticalMouse: Ummm.... idk?
SkepticalMouse: The leather bracelet I have is knock off, so about $25 there. Ingredients are easy to mid-range to find, and time is moderate. Maybe $75, all told?
ReyWraith: My sunglasses that do the same crap are nearly three times that price. Don’t short-sell yourself.
SkepticalMouse: They probably last longer too. This will easily work the night and maybe another event. That’s about it. I don’t have that wide of resources.
ReyWraith: Still think you’re short-selling yourself.
SkepticalMouse: Blah blah blah. Nah, I don’t think so. If it’s worth more it ain’t by much.
ReyWraith: I’ll pay more.
SkepticalMouse: Add on a coffee and it’s more than even.
ReyWraith: That’s an easy out. Still feel like it should be more.
SkepticalMouse: Good for you. Just because you’re moneybags, doesn’t mean you’re right.
ReyWraith: I’ll have you thrown in the dungeons for that.
SkepticalMouse: Is that the basement? Cuz I don’t mind being locked away with the puppies.
ReyWraith: I am apparently not good at this evil plan junk.
SkepticalMouse: lol
SkepticalMouse: Puppy therapy?
ReyWraith: Thursday? Though, I’ll warn you, Mother is dying to meet my new bff4ever.
SkepticalMouse: LOL
SkepticalMouse: I don’t know about that. I’ve zero issue talking to you like a guildmate but the freaking queen? My mouth would get me in one of those ‘off with your head’ situations.
ReyWraith: LOL mine already does, it’ll be fine. Or if you’d rather not, that’s cool. I can just say you’re too busy for dinner. Life is what it is.
SkepticalMouse: But I’m not busy this week and I’d feel like an epic liar. Or really a terrible liar. It’s not my thing.
ReyWraith: So what do you think then?
SkepticalMouse: Uhhh
SkepticalMouse: I will require two coffees
ReyWraith: Thursday then?
SkepticalMouse: Why not.
6
On Thursday morning, I decided to tell Mother the news. I sat smugly in my seat, knowing that the routine breakfast conversation was going to suddenly get to be a lot of fun.
“Reyfair, did you read those papers yet?” Father asked me, not looking up from his paper.
I cut into my omelet. “Just about all of them. I haven’t started the Rinsen report, but it’s the last one on the pile.”
“Is that all for you today? Did you finish looking through everything for that charity project I sent you?” Mother sipped her coffee, her breakfast hardly touched as she skimmed over the papers in front of her.
“That is next on my list. Both should be done fairly early today.” I continued to eat my omelet, wondering when the question I was waiting for would come.
“Good, glad to see you’re on top of things this week.” Father nodded, only vaguely paying attention.
“What do you plan to do with the rest of the day? I don’t want you sitting around just gaming.” Mother pointed her fork at me before finally having some of her breakfast.
“I was thinking about doing some training with the puppies. Cat wanted to spend some more time with them and I think it would be fun for her to see them not just being chaotic drooling messes.”
I had Mother’s full attention, but Father was the first to speak. “Oh, good. They need to get out more. Jim’s been taking them out daily, but I don’t think this group is really holding onto their training.”
Mother gave Father a ‘are you even listening’ look before turning to me. “Oh, good. I’m glad you’re getting out and doing things.”
I shrugged. “Seemed like a good plan.” I ate another large forkful of food.
Father finally set aside his papers. “I’m sure your mother wants to know if your friend is staying for dinner, so stop teasing her.”
I couldn’t help but laugh hard at that, almost coughing up my breakfast. “Possibly. If nothing comes up I’m sure she wouldn’t mind staying.”
“That’s good to hear. It would be nice knowing more of your friends. This one is part of your... guild thing, right?”
“Yes, yes she is.” I smirked.
“I thought it was a clan.” Father shrugged. “I can’t remember all your game whats-its anymore.”
“Clan is close enough.” I laughed, glad he remembered anything I had mentioned gaming wise.
“Are those arcades still a thing? Those were more fun than sitting at home alone.” Father asked, still only vaguely paying attention.
“Sort of. There’s less of them now. Online gaming doesn’t really make it seem like you’re alone. You can see messages in chat or hear them over the headset,” I reminded him.
“Ah, that’s right.” Father nodded and went back to eating his breakfast.
“Does Cat have a last name?” Mother inquired, finally having a chance to get back into the conversation.
“Probably. All I’ve got is James’s cousin though.” I shrugged.
“How do you not know anyone’s names?” Mother let out a tired sigh before going back to her breakfast.
“I know her gamertag which is like knowing another name. So close enough.” I gave my mother a wide smile as I finished my plate and headed off. I could hear my father laughing as I left the room.
We met at a coffee shop not too far from Cat’s house. She sat in the corner fiddling with what looked like wire and beads.
“Having fun?” I asked casually.
Cat slowly nodded. “Sorta. This is a slightly more complicated project. Probably should have had coffee first.”
I laughed. “What can I grab for you?” I had promised a coffee, after all.
“Something with caramel.” Cat shrugged, her focus still on her project.
Without another word, I went and ordered us some coffee. It didn’t take long, and when I returned, I was surprised to see that the bracelet had gone from slightly woven with a few beads to nearly done with many beads spaced out in what looked like a well thought out pattern.
> “How did you do all of that so fast?” I was amazed and almost mixed up which drink was which when I set them down.
Cat finally looked at me and waved one hand. She had on light lilac fingerless gloves. “They’re enchanted to help with crafting. Once I can clearly see the project in my head it takes maybe a third of the time to get it done, which is great since this project needed to be done by tomorrow and I’ll thankfully be done in another minute or two.”
“You’re going to have everything enchanted at some point aren’t you?” I laughed as she looked back down at her work.
Her hands moved far faster than I expected and I could see how the project got so far done in a matter of minutes. “Possibly. Depends on what I’d want things to do.”
It really did only take another two minutes and she had the bracelet done. Carefully, she put away the beads and extra wire and started to pack everything away.
“What was that project for?”
Cat smirked. “Honestly, someone caught wind from a friend of a friend about me and wanted something that could make her prom dress look more princess cosplay-ish for the ball.”
“So I might accidentally come across this soon, then?” I laughed.
“This is the fourth project like that, so yeah. I’d say a few people might be trying to step up their game to get a dance with the prince. Kind of sad they weren’t working harder on costumes, but enchanters and magic seamstress alike are making some decent cash because of this ball.”
“Here to help I guess.” I shook my head. “At least some good things are coming out of me being forced to have this event.”
“Come on, you might just meet the person of your dreams.” Cat fluttered her eyelashes before laughing. “I’m almost done with the cosplay alternative for you. Hopefully that helps make things a little less stressful.”
“Thanks. We’ll see. Really, I don’t mind all the dancing or giggling that will happen. It’s the ones that swear they feel a connection, their heart pounding, as if this night, this moment is suddenly so different than any other, and that we are now meant to be as one.” I rolled my eyes. I had heard so much similar dribble before I just couldn’t help it.
