Chapter Text
little more… unusual—was no fool. The scent of antiseptic still clung to Oscar’s hoodie from the last visit.
“No,” Lando said firmly, his fluffy tail bristling. He wasn’t supposed to talk around strangers, but Oscar was family. “No vet.”
Oscar sighed, crouching down. “Buddy, we talked about this. You’re due for a check-up.”
Lando scooted back, planting himself on all fours like a stubborn, oversized puppy. His golden-brown fur fluffed up dramatically. “I feel fine.”
Oscar rubbed his temples. “You ate a sock yesterday.”
Lando scowled. “It was an experiment.”
Oscar didn’t look impressed. “It was a mistake.”
“I digested most of it.”
Oscar pinched the bridge of his nose. “You threw up all of it.”
Lando let out a dramatic groan, flopping onto the floor like a melted marshmallow. “What if I promise to never eat socks again?”
“We both know that’s a lie.”
Lando huffed but relented. Oscar picked him up—no easy feat, since Lando was at least the size of a large golden retriever—and carried him to the car.
The entire drive, Lando sulked, head smushed against the window, ears drooping. When they arrived at the clinic, he refused to get out.
Oscar sighed. “Do I need to carry you?”
Lando turned his head dramatically away. “I’d like to see you try.”
Oscar grabbed him under the arms and hauled him out, Lando kicking his legs half-heartedly. “Betrayal,” he muttered.
Inside, the waiting room smelled of stress and disinfectant. A cat in a carrier hissed at Lando. Lando stuck his tongue out in return.
When the vet finally called them in, Lando tried one last trick—puppy eyes, big and watery. “Oscar, don’t let them poke me.”
Oscar ruffled his ears. “You’ll be fine, drama king.”
“I hope your sock drawer stays forever empty,” Lando grumbled.
And with that, the vet visit began.