Chapter Text
“Are you sure you can go on your own?” Tim checked with his older brother for what felt like the third time. The two are by the door of the manor, Tim in a formal attire ready to attend a meeting with the board of directors regarding the new tech the company will unveil and Jason in a casual attire to do a little errand.
Tim’s gerbil lienmaux is happily plopped on his shoulder, his little head resting against Tim’s neck. Meanwhile, Waffles is dutifully beside Jason and on high alert. Attentive to any cues he might show, ready to step into action should it be needed.
Bruce had Waffles be trained to be a service dog after Jason’s incident. Which better animal to help him in his recovery other than his own lienmaux. The older man is beyond proud of the clear and unshakable devotion Waffles has for Jason – at ease and relieved at knowing that Jason’s soulmate will love him like no other. And really, that’s all Bruce can hope for his son.
Jason ruffled his younger brother’s hair, he knows that Tim doesn’t like it but after his incident, Tim lets Jason get away with it. “Yeah, timbers. You worry too much.”
Tim swatted away Jason’s hand after three seconds and quickly fixed his hair. He lowered himself to be on Waffles’ level, “Look after him for us, alright girl?”
Waffles enthusiastically barked. I always will! Jason heard between their bond.
After the plane crash, Jason went into comatose. He was in a coma for ten months, three weeks, and two days to be precise. When he woke up, he needed some physical therapy to help him get the hang of moving his limbs again.
Every day that passed, Waffles has always been by his side. Always helping and supporting him every step of the way both literally and figuratively. It didn’t take long for Jason to recover, and he was able to walk as normally and comfortably as he did before.
“And you’re sure you don’t need me to pick you up?” Jason double-checked with Tim.
Tim affectionately patted his lienmaux and chuckled, “I told you: Bernard will pick me up after the meeting. We have a lunch date today.”
Jason sighed sadly, “Can’t believe my little brother met his soulmate while I was in a coma.”
“Better get used to it, Jay.”
Jason nudged Tim’s shoulder playfully, “Can you believe you beat Bruce by meeting your soulmate two decades earlier than he did. How did the old man feel?”
“Don’t be mean,” Tim grinned. “He was really supportive about it. He and Bernard haven’t met yet, I want to take it slow you know.”
Jason hummed in understanding. Based on what he knows about Bernard, he can infer that Tim wants to ease his soulmate into their lifestyle. Wanting to do his best not to overwhelm him. He hasn’t thought about it in a while, but at that moment, it makes Jason think:
What would my soulmate be like?
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“Thank you for offering to buy the bed for me, Steph.” Selina told the blonde woman as she continued to polish the wooden counter of her bar. A fluffy and gray, serious-looking Persian cat sitting on one of the stools purred lowly.
Selina leaned over the counter and patted her lienmaux. She relayed what he said, “Winston said the same too. And for Joe to behave.”
Stephanie chuckled and Joe gawked at the poofy cat. I do behave, that over-groomed little jerk, the Rottweiler said in his bond with the blonde.
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll make sure of it,” Steph waved it off. “Sometimes I feel they might have this love-and-hate type of relationship a dad and his son will have.”
The two women laughed at the statement.
“Oh wouldn’t that be something,” Selina mischievously wiggled her eyebrows at Stephanie. “I mentioned that B has kids, right? Two of them do have a lienmaux from what he told me.”
Stephanie was twenty-one when Selina and this B-guy met. Steph’s twenty-four now which means that Selina has only given out minimal details about her soulmate for three years. The blonde teasingly spoke, “You gonna give me any other info on the guy other than just randomly dropping little stuff? You’re not giving me much material to work with my guessing game here.”
One: this B-guy is rich. Rich as in insanely rich. The type of rich that flaunted a bit too early with the diamond necklace and earring set on just the second date. It makes sense where Winston’s high standards and “rich person” tastes came from.
Two: he’s good-looking. “Ripped as heck” as Selina mentioned once. Tall, dark, and handsome. Which made Steph do an internal head scratch but when Selina mentioned he has “brooding blue eyes” she was able to see that feature in grumpy Winston.
Three: he has sons and one daughter. He also has a cousin, and she is one of their usual customers in the Clawful even before Selina met her soulmate. That didn’t help much considering: a) neither Steph nor Selina know the exact number of his sons and, b) who can possibly guess the cousin of the soulmate of someone they know? But still, Stephanie kept that little information in mind – Selina doesn’t have much of a family herself and it’s nice to see her so oddly relaxed about the fact her soulmate already has kids.
There were totally a couple more details than that if Stephanie bothered making a list. But those were the top three things she can point out in the top of her head. Who knew the woman can be so tight-lipped about it. But with the fact the guy is rich and influential, Stephanie can let it slide considering Selina likes her privacy.
“Anyways,” Selina waved Stephanie off with her hand. “I messaged you the picture of the bed you’ll be buying at the pet shop. The cash is enough both for the bed and for you to take some lunch as my ‘thank you’. Now off you go!”
Stephanie laughed, “Alright, I will. I’m going~”
She made a salute gesture as a good-bye to the older woman. Stephanie pushed open the door, let Joe run out, and stepped right behind him. She took out her phone to recheck what the pet bed looked like.
Ultra-soft cushions, round shape, velvet material in a navy-blue color, and has a built-in feeding bowl that can be pulled out by the bottom – in other words, expensive. Luckily for Selina, it’s currently on sale. When Stephanie shared the description to Joe, the Rottweiler rolled his eyes in slight annoyance, Of course Winston wants that .
The blonde covered her mouth to stifle her giggle, “It’s not that bad. Sure, it’s expensive and a little too fancy but it does look super soft.”
She sighed sadly, “Would’ve been nice to have brought you a really good bed, not just the couch or the floor or the edge of my bed.”
Joe raised his head at her as they continued walking. I like being near you, and no bed is more comfortable than being by your side.
Stephanie smiled at her lienmaux. Joe had been drifting on and off his sleep for almost eleven months. When he started staying awake longer, he had difficulty standing up. Steph has been by his side for every moment that she’s able – hoping to help him recover from whatever he might be experiencing. Hoping that her soulmate will recover from what he’s going through.
I like being near you , she repeated in her head. Stephanie has never felt that type of security with Dean. It warms her heart beyond words that Joe is content with just her company alone. And she’s sure that once she meets her soulmate, she’ll know what it’ll feel like to have a person feel that way for her – make her feel that she’s enough. More than enough.
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Jason stood in front of the cutesy looking pet shop. It has a white roof, and the outer walls are painted a fairly new coat of cobalt blue from the faint paint thinner he can still smell. The clean glass windows show the colorful collars, feeding bowls, and other necessities one would look to buy for their furry companion. The entrance is a pair of glass doors, surrounding it are varying sizes of paw prints and small hearts painted in no particular order.
The sign above the door’s arch has the store’s name written on it: Canine Lovin’.
This is it! Waffles excitedly barked, and Jason heard her add through their link, Time to buy Bruce’s gift for his special lady.
Jason joked as he pushed the doors to let himself and Waffles in, “Is it really for his special lady if the bed is for her lienmaux? Her lienmaux is techhhhnically him.”
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Come on, Steph. Joe urged the blonde. We’ve been browsing on the toys enough; we have to buy Winston’s bed – Selina is expecting us.
Stephanie playfully boo -ed her lienmaux. “And here I was considering buying you a new toy.”
Joe rolled his eyes and reminded her, I’m fourteen years old.
“That didn’t sound like you’re turning it down~”
Joe’s chuckle echoed in their bond. He shook his head and proceeded to walk further at the back, where the clerk told them the pet beds are located. Let’s go before you get distracted with something else you might end up impulsively buying.
Stephanie giggled and placed back the crimson-colored chew toy in its spot, “Alright, Joe. Lead the way.”
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Jason headed straight to the pet beds area of the shop; he left Waffles to explore the establishment on her own. She sniffed around the tons of feeds and treats to her content, Jason will be back to pick her up and buy something she likes.
The tall man double checked his phone for the image of the pet bed Bruce has forwarded to him. He memorized what it looks like – when Jason put his phone in his back pocket, he already reached the spot he needed to be. Tons of pet beds are on display, stacked on top of each other on the open shelves attached to the walls. Jason’s eyes landed in the middle of the section where there’s significantly fewer pet beds, but what really took his attention was the SALE sign.
Just at the very top of the pile is the exact thing Jason was looking for.
He grinned and mentally gave himself a pat to the back, happy that his luck for today is that the bed Bruce wants is for sale which meant Jason has extra cash to spend from the discounted item’s change (not that Bruce would mind but it’s the essence of getting away with it that’s truly entertaining).
Jason strode to the items on sale and reached out to get hold of the bed. But another hand, with glossy-black manicured nails and a silver charm bracelet on their wrist, gripped the other side of the bed the same time he did.
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Stephanie’s eyes slightly widened in surprise as a stranger grabbed hold of the same bed she needed. Without letting go, she straightened her posture and looked up at them.
She pointedly looked at the tall man whose blue eyes seemed to exude a faintly familiar gleam. Snapping out of it, she directed at him, “Do you mind?”
“Not at all,” he smiled, but his gaze has a challenging feel to it. “After you.”
He meant he wanted her to let go first. Like hell, Stephanie thought. I touched the bed before he did.
“I had it first,” she told him, “So let go.”
“Nuh-uh, blondie,” his voice raised by a fracture, determined not to let go – the taller man held onto the pet bed tighter. Stephanie heard Joe lightly growl beside her, but the man didn’t even glance at her lienmaux. “And it’s cute you got an intimidating pet dog, but he doesn’t scare me.”
“A lienmaux, actually,” she corrected him with a glare. “So if you don’t mind…”
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Jason had to take back his little, internal back pat. At least until he gets the pet bed from the blonde. An awfully cute blonde-
She must have sensed him being distracted. A hard tug pulled the bed towards her direction, and the item slipped from his fingers.
“I’ll be taking this now.” She triumphantly declared and turned her heel to walk in the opposite direction. Her Rottweiler lienmaux held his head high, parallel to his owner, and proceeded to walk to the direction of the counter before her.
“Now hold on just a second,” Jason practically stumped behind her. His long arm reached to grab the bed again.
One of his hands held the bed, and the other used to point at his chest, “I obviously got to it first.” He stopped pointing at his chest and instead waved it as if to prove a point, “Longer arm, longer fingers.”
She huffed, amusement evident in her face, and the tips of Jason’s ears grew warm at the obvious hint that she may or may not be restraining herself to say something that will embarrass him.
“Nice flex, bed boy,” the blonde teased. “I bet that works for you with lots of guys and girls on beach days. But sadly, it’s just your local Narrows girl in your local pet shop.”
You’re not just some local Narrows girl, he bit the inside of his cheek to not say it out loud.
No matter how cute she is. Or how attractive it is that she stood her ground against him and can keep up with. Or how relieving it is that she didn’t allow him to get what he wants just because of who his father is (whether or not she does recognize him). He is not letting go.
This is still for Bruce! And he’s getting that bed.
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“Look,” the good-looking man started, in what Steph can only guess will be his attempt to compromise. “How about I hold the bed while you get the clerk. I’m sure you can get them to check the camera to prove who got to it first.”
“Righhhht,” Steph let out disbelievingly. “Sure Mr. Long-arms-and-long-legs. You’ll just sprint to the counter and buy it once I let go.”
The guy raised a brow, his face was smug and he seemed to be slightly satisfied with himself. “Only said long arms, no legs. Did you enjoy that quick glance, spitfire?”
“I-” Stephanie almost choked on air. Okay maybe a peek, what kind of guy has thighs that’s probably thicker than my head. Oh no, now she can’t think of something witty to say back, god damn it. “Long arms and something- ”
“Listen,” the man evened out his tone this time. “I’m trying to-”
“Nope!”
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If anyone told Jason he would end up wrestling a cute blonde in the middle of a pet store aisle before lunch time over a pet bed, he wouldn’t believe them. But here he is.
It’s gotten to the point that the girl ended up straddling him. And Jason would be annoyed by this, especially from strangers – not that it happened in a context like this (the only other instances it happened were bar fights), but there’s something that oddly puts him at ease with her weight on top of him. Despite them basically pulling the pet bed as if it’s a round of tug-of-war.
Their mixed grunts and let go and no, you let go must have been heard.
“Do I wanna know?” the store clerk asked with a hint of judgment in their features, seeing that the blonde’s legs are on the sides of Jason’s hips as he laid on the floor.
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“Sorry!” Stephanie quickly apologized as she got up. Cheeks flushed at the fact she was caught.
The guy she was wrestling over for a pet bed got up from the ground and patted himself to take off any dust that clung on him.
“Our bad,” he picked up the bed and handed it to the clerk. “Can you check your cameras to see which one of us got to this first? We found it on the sale display.”
The clerk took the bed and grimaced. “Oh yikes you two.”
“What? Why?” Stephanie worried if the pet bed got damaged.
“This’ll be awkward but, you guys,” the clerk rubbed the back of their head, an expectant look on their face.
Stephanie didn’t understand whatever cue the employee was trying to give, but apparently the tall man did.
“Jason.” He provided.
Oh, names. Right. “I’m Stephanie.”
“Jason, Stephanie… you two were fighting over a non-discounted item.”
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“Wait, what?” Stephanie let out in disbelief. Selina specifically chose the navy-blue bed because it was on sale.
“Must’ve been misplaced by one of the others.” The worker shrugged. “Good news is: we got more of these in the back. I can get you guys new ones that are… less pulled on.”
Jason doesn’t mind paying for it in full. He got more than enough cash on him so he nodded, “Yeah, that sounds good.”
“It’s a pass for me,” Stephanie had an apologetic look on her face. “But thanks though.”
She pulled out her phone to text Selina about the bed when Jason yelled back to the clerk, “Don’t listen to her, get two of them!”
The employee shot him a thumbs-up without looking back, “You got it!”
Stephanie told Jason that he didn’t have to bother, but he didn’t listen and even insisted on paying for hers. “Call it my apology,” he explained.
She was the stubborn one. She was the one that won’t go through with the cameras. She was the one that made him lose his balance and fall on his back on the floor. She was the one that straddled him.
But he was the one making up for it. When she asked why he would do that even, all he told her was: “Don’t worry much about it.”
She gave up and huffed. Despite still being a bit suspicious of his intentions, she still appreciates the gesture and tries to give him a grateful smile, “Thanks, Jason.”
The clerk was quick to get their pet beds and led them to the front. “By the way, both of your pets are waiting for you at the cashier.”
“Lienmaux.” Jason and Stephanie let out as a correction at the same time. The worker didn’t correct themself but did quick work with scanning their items and separately putting them in a paper bag. Jason added a couple of packs of beef jerky that Waffles liked.
“Thank you for shopping at Canine Lovin’!” the clerk bid Stephanie and Jason a good-bye as they left the store.
“Thanks again for paying for the bed.” Stephanie told Jason. Beside her, Joe nodded in approval – an unspoken same goes here .
“No problem,” he told her. He balanced his bag and cleared his throat, a little hesitant to say farewell but he knows that he has to. “I’ll uh… see you around, spitfire.”
Stephanie hid her disappointment, to cover her want to make it up to Jason, behind a guarded smile. “Yeah, you too.”
The pair nodded at each other, unable to simply say good-bye , before they walked away from opposite directions.
Joe nudged Stephanie’s leg and inquired, You still got the cash right? And the extra Selina gave for lunch?
“Yes-”
Then invite him back. He instructed her. Treat him to lunch – as a real thank you.
“Of course!” Stephanie exclaimed, in awe at her lienmaux’s quick thinking.
Once Stephanie turned around, she noticed that Jason was already walking towards her and Joe with his lienmaux happily skipping behind him.
“Hey, you,” she greeted him expectantly. And it seems she’s not the only hopeful one between them. He opened his mouth but before Stephanie could lose the courage, she quickly blurted out the lunch invitation the same time he spoke.
“You wanna go for lunch?” “I was about to invite you to lunch.”
A pause. And then the pair chuckled in unison. Even their lienmaux seemed to find some delight at their interaction as both Waffles and Joe’s tail started to wag.
Jason grinned. “Yeah, I would love that.”
“Me too,” Stephanie said in relief. Jason started walking beside Stephanie and they continued walking to a nearby brunch place just a couple of blocks away. “It’s my treat this time. What do you feel like having, Jay?”
“Definitely in the mood for some comfort food, sloppy joes for me. How about you?”
“I have a major sweet tooth. I’ll be getting waffles!”
Behind them, Waffles followed Stephanie and Joe walked behind Jason – the pair of lienmaux excitedly following their owners.