Work Text:
J hated his animals, any sort. The only tolerable kind being cats, such ‘sophisticated’ creatures.
But when Tessa called her asking if she could watch her dumb golden retriever?
She melted.
I mean, of course she would. She’d always listen to Tessa. She’s probably the only person she’d never say no to.
So now it was, what, 8pm on a Tuesday? And she was standing outside Tessa’s house. Night bag in hand.
Tessa opened the door with a little too much enthusiasm, meaning it slammed against the wall, making her wince.
“Heya Jaybird! You made it! Cmon in!”
She stepped back, as she was about to let J in, but the sudden sound of ..paw steps made her pause.
And the dreadful dog appeared. Tail wagging.
“Ooo, Cyn’s came to say Hi, ain’t that sweet?”
J deadpanned.
“..Mhm. Lovely.”
Cyn, the weird, overly fluffy golden retriever. Whose only way of showing affection was drooling all over your lap when you visited. Sat down on the carpet right infront of the door, watching J.
“..You can just- uh. Step around her.”
Tessa stepped further back.
J nodded, stepping over the animal, keeping her heel high enough that she didn’t accidentally stamp on her tail or something.
“So,”
she paused, planning out what she was about to say in mere seconds.
“What time are you leaving tonight?”
Tessa had started walking into the living room, expecting J to follow.
“About 11:30. Won’t be back till 2PM tomorrow. Do you need me to go through her feeding schedule or do you remember it?”
J stopped for a second, glancing around at the living room. It was..clean if you didn’t look hard enough. Tessa had probably rushed to tidy up before she arrived..
“I remember..most of it. I believe.”
“Okay! That’s great. Well I started cooking dinner a couple minutes ago. Have you eaten yet?”
J shook her head and in seconds, she was dragged by the hand into the kitchen. Which smelt slightly Smokey.
“Oh shit.”
-
So, that disaster was fixed in about 20 minutes. J had taken over most of the cooking, offering to let Tessa rest for a bit.
Tessa was now leaning against the counter, sipping a glass of water.
“You got anything fun planned this weekend?”
J shook her head.
“Ah, right. Forgot you’re a busybody. You ever take a break?”
J paused, contemplating.
“..I do take breaks when they’re needed. I don’t work myself to exhaustion if that’s what you think.”
“..Mhm, sure.”
-
11:30 rolled around too quickly for J’s liking.
It was dark outside, and Tessa had just waved goodbye, and now she was stuck with the fleabag.
Cyn had hopped onto the couch, waiting expectantly for something. Most likely a game or food of some sort.
“You’re not getting fed till the morning. You have a schedule.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose.
Who was she kidding? It’s a dog. Not like it can understand her.
“Do-..do not disturb me, while I’m working.”
..
“Please.”
And with that, J made her way back to the kitchen counter. Sitting straight on one of the stools.
She waited for her laptop to boot up.
She was right about the dog- cyn. Not listening. Because the bloody thing had now shoved its head onto her lap.
J was not an affectionate person, that was N’s thing.
but she couldn’t help herself, and patted the golden retriever on the head. Somewhat awkwardly.
“..Good..dog?”
She glanced around, making sure no-one could see her like this. Petting a dog. That’s not something a mature, intelligent woman would do.
It only took a couple minutes for the work to be forgotten.
J found herself sitting on the couch, Cyn splayed across her lap like she was a giant bed or something. The Tv was on. Whatever news channel it was, she didn’t care.
this..stupid, furry animal. Who could barely walk straight without flopping over. Was actually laying on her, getting her work blazer covered in hair.
“I’m going to have to wash this.”
She muttered, trying to pick the hair off what she could see, what wasn’t underneath the giant fluff mound ontop of her.
Just wait till Tessa comes back, easy enough.
J’s good at waiting.
She’d waited years, in classes, parks, weird college parties.
She’d done all that for tessa, because she loved her.
She’d probably never admit it. Or she would, maybe one day.
But for now, she doesn’t mind waiting.
Not if it’s for her.