Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was early afternoon at Brandy and Scooby’s apartment, and the living room was already lined with neatly packed bags by the door. Brandy had spent the past hour double-checking everything: weekend clothes, makeup, and even the bottle of rosé. Her tail wagged with eager excitement as she gave one final satisfied nod before hearing the familiar jingle of keys and the creak of the front door.

“Hey, sweetie!” she warmly called out.

Scooby stepped inside, with his tail wagging too. “Baby!” he barked joyfully, holding something behind his back.

Brandy smiled, brushing a loose strand of fur from her face. “You’re in a good mood today. Are you excited for something this weekend?”

Scooby barely seemed to notice she was home earlier than usual. His grin was wide and boyish as he stepped into the living room. 

“Reah! Look what I got,” he said excitedly, revealing two glossy tickets and accompanying parking passes for his girlfriend to see.

She blinked. “Tickets?”

“Not just any tickets,” he said proudly. “Tickets and parking passes for the USC game this weekend!”

Brandy smiled faintly, but her brow furrowed. “Um…babe, aren’t you forgetting something?”

Scooby’s tail wagged faster. “Don’t worry! This other ticket’s for you. How could I forget that my girlfriend likes football too? It’s like finding an onion ring in your order of fries, or when Obama won Florida. It’s such a fun surprise!”

Brandy’s ears perked. “Wait, Obama won in my home state? Why did I have to be stranded in the Amazon for that?” She laughed to herself. “Oh, never mind. How did you even get those tickets?”

“Daphne’s parents are big donors,” Scooby explained, still beaming. “They’ve got season tickets, but they’re heading to their country club at Erie Point Lake this weekend. So Daphne scored us these. Isn’t that awesome of her?”

Brandy crossed her arms, smiling, but with a trace of guilt behind it. “Yeah, it is, but…”

Scooby cut her off with another burst of enthusiasm. “And here’s the best part. They’re having a hot dog special! All-you-can-eat! Now you’ll have to wear some USC gear, but you can just wear one of my shirts. But don’t even think about cropping my Reggie Bush jersey. It’s vintage. Well…maybe not vintage enough for you, 2000s girl.”

Brandy’s jaw dropped. “I’m not doing that!”

“Is it because you’re a ‘U’ fan?” Scooby teased. “Baby, we’re a couple. As long as our teams aren’t playing each other, I’ll root for yours too. And besides, USC gold will look great with your fur. Even better if you get matching red nail polish.”

Brandy took a slow breath, her tail flicking. “Scooby, we can’t go.”

His ears drooped slightly. “Why not? We both have this weekend off.”

“Because we’re going to wine country this weekend,” Brandy reminded him. “You promised me.”

Scooby’s eyes widened slightly. “You know, I was wondering why you had your suitcase packed and out here.”

Brandy crossed her arms. “And I’ve got you packed too, so after you take a quick potty break, we can hit the road. It’s not that long of a drive, but our hotel check-in’s at six. Thankfully your loving Mama was nice enough to give me the rest of the afternoon off for this at the diner.”

Scooby frowned, scratching his chin. “But I don’t remember anything about going to wine country.”

“Okay, that’s probably my fault,” Brandy admitted with a small shrug. “I might have asked you after one of our ‘late nights,’ and I know how you are after. You pretty much agree with anything I say.”

Scooby tilted his head. “When was this?”

“About a month ago,” she answered. “At least that’s when I booked it. But I’ve been reminding you! That’s why I’ve been saying it’s almost ‘wine-time’ lately.”

Scooby’s expression flattened. “To be fair, almost every weekend and most Wednesdays are ‘wine-times’ for you.”

Brandy rolled her eyes. “My point still stands. You know how much these kinds of things mean to me.”

“But think of the hot dogs!” Scooby pleaded, holding up the tickets one last time.

Brandy put her paws on her hips and smirked. “You’re already dating a hot dog.”

Scooby grinned, lowering the tickets. “Aww, come on. I thought only Raggy and I did corny dad jokes.”

“It’s a side effect of being your girlfriend,” she teased. “Give it a few more months and I’ll have a speech impediment like you too.”

Brandy had her hands on her hips, that familiar mix of exasperation and amusement flickering across her face. Scooby was still holding the tickets with the hope of winning her over. His tail wagging but eyes full of pleading innocence.

“Brandy, can you really blame me for this?” he asked. “It’s you, football, drinking, and large quantities of food. That sounds perfect to me.”

“Since when did you become ‘Generic Guy Number Four?’” Brandy shot back, narrowing her eyes playfully.

“Please?” Scooby tried again, ears folding back. “I haven’t been to a football game since the gang and I solved that mystery with the Rambling Ghost.”

Brandy crossed her arms and tilted her head. “No. We can get everything you just listed in wine country. You can watch the game from our hotel room.”

Scooby’s shoulders slumped. “Reah, but could we get any kind of hot dog that you want in wine country? We can at the game. I’m sure they could wrap yours in a pizza just how you like it if you asked. If not, I could do it for you. No big deal.”

Brandy sighed, her tone softening, though her patience was clearly wearing thin. “Scooby, please. Are you really going to pass up a romantic weekend with the love of your life just to watch your favorite college team blow out some lower-level school?”

He perked up, hopeful. “Could we do this some other weekend? Preferably during a bye week? I’ll make it up to you. I’ll even throw in a patented Scooby Massage. I know how your feet get after walking all day in your flip-flops.”

“Nice try,” Brandy said, smirking. “You know I can’t reschedule something like this late. But I’ll still take the massage. And, honey, we can still go to a game sometime this year. An actual good game.”

Scooby wagged his tail faintly. “I could carry you back to the car after the game,” he offered hopefully.

“Now you’re starting to make me mad,” Brandy warned.

Scooby froze. “Ruh-roh.”

Brandy crossed her arms again. “Scooby, you know how this is going to go. I always get my way.”

He tried one last gambit, widening his eyes. “I’m pleading ignorance like you usually do when you don’t want to do stuff, so can I win this time?”

Brandy’s expression turned sly. “Do you remember the song, ‘Unpack Your Adjectives’?”

Scooby perked up slightly. “Reah! From Schoolhouse Rock? Mama used to rent the VHS tapes for Ruby and me.”

“Well,” Brandy said, tapping her flip-flop against her heel, “who’s the tallest and who’s the smallest here?”

Scooby’s ears drooped. “I don’t like where this is going.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t,” Brandy said sweetly. Then she began to sing, her voice teasing and melodic. “Girls who are tall can get taller. Boys who are small can get smaller. Till one is the tallest and the other’s the smallest of all.”

Scooby’s tail tucked nervously. “But what am I gonna do with these tickets?”

“Give them back to Daphne, the other gang members, Ruby, Scrappy, any of your cousins. I don’t care,” Brandy replied with finality. “Because you’re leaving with me.”

Scooby frowned and rubbed his forehead. “But I don’t wanna go. I think I’m feeling sick.”

Brandy folded her arms, unimpressed. “Velma told me about that trick. You try to play sick every time you don’t want to do something, you ham. Honey, please don’t make this difficult.”

“Brandy…” he whined softly.

“Okay, I’m losing my patience. We’re leaving now,” she declared, taking his paw firmly in hers.

“Nuh-uh!” Scooby tried to dig his heels in.

Brandy raised a brow. “I dealt with Mr. Whiskers for a third of my life. Do you really think you’re going to get your way with me?”

“A dog can beg, can’t he?” Scooby said pitifully.

“Good thing I’m a dog too,” Brandy replied with a smirk.

“Can I have a Scooby Snack at least?” he asked hopefully.

“No,” she said, grinning. “I have something else in mind.”

Before Scooby could react, Brandy leaned down, scooped him up effortlessly, and carried him out of the apartment. His paws dangled helplessly while she strode confidently down the hall. Her towering figure was pridefully on full display.

Cut to…

Brandy carried Scooby down to the parking lot outside, where she buckled his seatbelt in the passenger seat of Mama Doo’s old red Volkswagen. Their luggage was stacked neatly in the back, and Brandy was humming under her breath as she adjusted his belt.

“Have fun manhandling me?” Scooby asked, crossing his arms.

“One of my guilty pleasures,” Brandy teased with a grin. “Oh, who am I kidding? It’s too easy with you.”

Scooby pouted. “I feel like an idiot.”

“Well, you are a guy, so…” Brandy teased.

Scooby gave her a look. “Hmmm.”

“Look, Scooby,” she said, softening again as she brushed a paw over his arm. “I planned this weekend for us. Just try and have fun.”

“Rokay. For you,” he relented with a faint smile.

“Good boy!” Brandy said approvingly as she started the car. “Now let’s get going. We have a whole weekend of wine tasting and loving to do, completely organized and curated by yours truly.”

Scooby’s ears perked as she continued, “And by the way, I already texted Daphne that we can’t go to the game, so we’re dropping the tickets off to her real quick. I’m sure she and Freddie will go.”

“At least the tickets won’t go to waste,” Scooby said with a sigh.

“Mhmm,” Brandy replied. “And don’t worry, you can still rep your team while we’re in wine country. I packed your USC socks in your bag. And that’s not the only Trojan-related thing I packed, if you know what I mean.”

Scooby blinked, his face reddening beneath his fur. “Oh, so that’s why you wanted to go on this trip?”

Brandy smirked as she turned on their shared playlist and pulled out onto the road. “Two of my favorite things,” she said smoothly. “Wine and you.”

Chapter Text

At the hotel room…

Brandy stepped through the doorway and stopped right in her tracks, her eyes going wide as she squalled with joy. “Holy crap on a cracker! Isn’t this place dreamy, sweetie?”

Scooby followed behind her, carrying all of their luggage. His tail wagged as he took in the decor. The suite was bathed in soft golden light, complete with a balcony view of the vineyards, crisp white sheets, and a small bottle of complimentary wine chilling in a bucket. “Reah,” he said with an approving grin. “Kinda reminds me of some of the inns the gang and I have stayed at for mysteries.”

“Really?” Brandy asked, tossing her purse onto the bed. “Because this room reminds me exactly of one of my rooms in the Harrington beach house.”

Scooby raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, one of your rooms?”

Brandy turned to him with a smirk. “Don’t be surprised. I was the princess in the family. Besides, I earned them. I only had one room in the Harrington summer cottage.”

“Oh, so you should feel right at home then,” Scooby teased, plopping down on the edge of the bed.

“Something like that,” she replied with a satisfied sigh, running her paw along the polished dresser. “Now, what do you want to do first? Dinner…or maybe something else?”

“TV sounds nice,” Scooby said, already reaching for the remote.

Brandy scoffed. “TV? I’m right here!”

“I just wanna see if we get the game here for tomorrow,” Scooby replied innocently, scrolling through the channels.

“What time is the game tomorrow?” Brandy asked, feigning interest as she walked toward the bathroom mirror.

“Noon,” answered Scooby.

She giggled. “Oops.”

Scooby’s ears twitched. “Oops? Baby, what do you mean, oops?”

Brandy peeked out from behind the doorway. “Sweetie, we have wine tasting all day tomorrow.”

Scooby dropped the remote onto the bed. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

Brandy crossed her arms. “One battle at a time.”

“You tricked me,” Scooby said, his eyes narrowing in mock offense.

“I did not trick you,” Brandy said defensively. “What did you think we were going to do? Just stay here all day and order room service wine?”

Scooby looked up. “We’ve done that before.”

Brandy groaned, rubbing her temples. “Scooby Doo, you promised me that you were going to try and have fun. I am your girlfriend, I planned this whole weekend for us, and the least you could do is just go along with it. It’s not like you have to be my personal butler this weekend. If that were the case, then we would’ve stayed home.”

Scooby’s tail drooped. “I’m sorry, Brandy.”

Her tone softened immediately. “It’s okay. But I’m serious!”

“Rokay,” he said, giving her a small, sheepish smile. “So, do you wanna go to dinner?”

“Let me freshen up first,” Brandy said, straightening her hair in the mirror.

“Rokay. So where are we going?” he asked.

She looked over her shoulder. “Obviously a place that serves wine, duh!”

“Gee, I never would’ve guessed,” Scooby muttered.

Brandy turned with a smirk. “Now I’m sorry. That’s usually a type of sarcastic comment I save for Mr. Whiskers.”

Scooby chuckled. “I haven’t been that bad.”

“For your sake, I hope not,” Brandy warned, wagging a finger at him. “Or else you’ll be squashed like a bug by the end of this trip. Now put on that blue shirt I packed for you. I like the way it makes your chest look, and more importantly, it matches my eyes.”

Scooby pulled the shirt out of his bag. “This is why I love dating a fashion diva. You pick out all my outfits for me so I don’t have to think.”

“And you cook for me,” Brandy said, flashing him a satisfied grin. “So it kind of evens out. How do I look?”

Scooby looked her over slowly, his eyes soft as Brandy showed off her two-piece skirt. “You look perfect, baby.”

Brandy’s expression melted into a smile. “Aww. Thanks, sweetie. So do you.”

“It’s almost like you planned this out,” Scooby teased.

“Maybe just a little bit,” Brandy admitted. “I am a control freak after all. Now let’s get something to eat. I’m hungry, which probably means you’re hungry too.”

Scooby chuckled as he buttoned his shirt. “Glad we’re on the same eating schedule.”

Eventually…

The red Volkswagen rolled to a stop outside a cozy bistro tucked between two stone storefronts. The sign above the door read Omelette du Fromage, its golden letters glowing beneath the warm patio lights. The evening air was crisp and carried the faint aroma of melted butter and baked bread.

Brandy stepped out first, smoothing her skirt and stretching her arms with a satisfied sigh. “Now this is what I’m talking about. Perfect Harrington glamour,” she said. “Can you smell that, sweetie?”

Scooby climbed out of the passenger seat, his tail already wagging. “Mmmm. I smell cheese.”

Brandy inhaled deeply, her eyes half-closing. “And I smell wine.”

“You didn’t smell that when we first got into town?” Scooby asked, teasing her as he shut the car door.

Brandy gave him a playful look over her shoulder. “Funny. I hope you like fondue, because this is what I picked out for us tonight.”

“Baby, it’s breads and meats dunked into melted cheese,” Scooby said as they walked toward the entrance. “Even if I was lactose intolerant, I’d still be all over it.”

Brandy laughed. “Then why haven’t you made it for me yet? A fondue night with the gang would be too cute.”

Scooby opened the restaurant door for her, grinning. “Reah! The gang and I have such a seventies vibe for some odd reason. I don’t know why we haven’t done it before.”

“My tummy asks the same question,” Brandy replied as they stepped into the warm interior.

Scooby’s eyes suddenly went wide as realization struck. “Oh wait, now I know why. We end up drinking all the wine before I get to add it to the fondue cheese.”

Brandy burst out laughing. “Well, guilty as charged, mystery solver.”

Scooby smiled. “Let me make it up to you now. Although we probably can’t get the dessert.”

“Why not?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Chocolate,” Scooby replied simply.

“Oh, right,” Brandy said with a snap of her fingers. “We can still eat the strawberries though.”

“Maybe they have a dog alternative dessert for us,” Scooby said hopefully.

Brandy chuckled. “We should just be lucky that they’re letting us in if that’s the case. Could you imagine your nephew running around in here?”

Scooby let out a nervous laugh. “Reah, and the third-degree burns I would get.”

“Good thing your sister’s a doctor,” Brandy quipped.

“Let’s drink to that,” joked Scooby.

The restaurant was softly lit, with copper pots hanging along the back wall and candles flickering atop every table. A hostess greeted them with a smile and led them past a couple of clinking wine glasses and quiet laughter. Scooby’s nose twitched as the air filled with the smell of melting cheese, roasted meats, and fresh bread.

He looked around in awe. “This place is amazing.”

Brandy smirked. “Good. Because I intend to eat like the heiress that I am tonight.”

Scooby chuckled. “You always do.”

As the hostess guided them to a corner table with a perfect view of the restaurant’s small indoor aquarium, Brandy leaned closer to whisper, “I told you this trip would be worth it.”

Scooby smiled softly. “You might be right.”

Brandy brushed her paw along his arm as they reached the table. “Oh, I am right.”

The hostess handed them menus, promised to bring their server shortly, and disappeared toward the kitchen.

Brandy glanced at Scooby with a teasing grin. “Ready for your first official fondue night, Mr. Doo?”

Scooby’s eyes gleamed as he looked down at the menu. “Only if it comes with extra cheese.”

Brandy laughed as she reached for her wine list. “Then you’re in luck!”

They settled into their seats, the soft clatter of dishes and faint jazz music wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

At their dinner table, the golden light from a nearby candle flickered against the polished wine glasses, casting a warm glow across the plates of bread cubes, crisp vegetables, and cured meats arranged neatly around the bubbling pot of cheese. Brandy leaned back in her chair, swirling her glass of red wine with a satisfied grin.

“So, what do you think, honey?” she asked, her tone expectant. “I know it’s not exactly hot dogs, but I mean, come on!”

Scooby dipped a piece of baguette into the fondue and took a generous bite. His tail wagged instantly. “It’s so good,” he said through a mouthful of cheese. “I gotta ask what type of cheeses they used.”

Brandy smirked. “Oh, please do. And you know how you joked about being lactose intolerant earlier?”

“Reah?” he replied, licking a bit of cheese from his paw.

“Well,” Brandy continued, lowering her voice mischievously, “you know our physicist dork neighbor, Leonard, who has a crush on me?”

Scooby’s ears perked. “Ooh! Your bestie.”

“Okay, ew!” Brandy recoiled slightly, her tail flicking in mock disgust. “Anyway, he’s lactose intolerant. As if I needed any other reason not to ditch you for him like he wants. Such a red flag.”

Scooby chuckled. “You and I can eat all the cheese we want until we’re in a food coma, baby.”

Brandy placed a paw over her heart. “Aww, my heart! Forever and ever, sweetie.”

“How’s your wine?” Scooby asked, glancing toward her nearly half-empty glass.

“Better than the wine you get at the dollar store for me,” she teased, taking another sip.

“You still drink it,” he pointed out.

Brandy laughed. “But seriously, it’s really good. This was a great idea.”

“I wonder whose idea that was,” Scooby said with a smug little grin.

Brandy tapped the rim of her glass with her nail. “You better be taking some notes. You know my twenty-second birthday’s coming up.”

“I haven’t forgotten,” Scooby replied. “That means my twenty-second isn’t too far behind. So are you saying that you want to go on a trip for your birthday?”

“No, I’m not saying that,” responded Brandy.

“Really?” Scooby leaned in, smirking. “Because I might have someplace in mind for you.”

Brandy’s eyes narrowed playfully. “By any chance is it Palm Beach…or Niagara Falls?”

“Nah, I was thinking some place warm, tropical, kind of secluded. Like the Amazon Rainforest.”

Brandy nearly dropped her fork. “Don’t even joke about that! Even though I would like to see my friends from there again. Lola, Cheryl, Meryl, Ed…Whiskers, even though we see him a good bit.”

“We’ll see them again, don’t worry,” Scooby said reassuringly.

Brandy smiled softly. “I know. I’m just glad you’re around. I think that’s a good consolation prize.”

“Oh, so I’m second place?” he teased.

“First place in my heart,” she said sweetly.

Scooby grinned. “Aww, Brandy. I might be here against my will, but I’m glad I’m here with you.”

Brandy tilted her head, mock offense in her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you still thinking about the football game?”

“It’s nothing, baby. Forget I said anything.”

“No, no, no,” she said, leaning forward. “Something’s CLEARLY upsetting you. What is it?”

Scooby hesitated, swirling his straw through his drink. “It’s not that. It’s just that…I’m used to doing stuff I don’t want to do all the time.”

“Like what?” she pressed.

“Well, work,” he said simply.

“You get to hang out with your best friends nearly every day,” Brandy reminded him. “I think that’s a fair trade-off.”

“I know. But getting chased around by the villain-of-the-week isn’t very fun,” he admitted, fidgeting with his napkin.

“Scooby, please?” Brandy sighed. “You promised me.”

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean to make you mad. You’re my girlfriend, and you deserve this weekend.”

Brandy’s face softened again. “Thank you. Now, if I hear one more thing out of you complaining about missing the game, then you’re going to be in the doghouse for the rest of the trip.”

Scooby smiled. “Rokay. I promise.”

“Good,” Brandy exhaled.

“I’ll even pick up the check for this,” he offered.

Brandy arched her brow. “You can’t buy a rich girl off, you know. But the gesture’s nice.”

“This might bankrupt me for the weekend, but you’re worth it.”

Brandy smiled. “Now that sounds more like my boyfriend.”

“I’m trying,” he said softly.

She leaned closer with a teasing grin. “Keep this up and I’ll scratch behind your ear later.”

Scooby’s eyes lit up. “Ooh! We’re breaking out the dog scratches later? If so, a certain big dog’s getting her belly rubbed later.”

Brandy laughed, nearly spilling her wine. “You sure know how to save yourself, Scooby Doo.”

“Nothing a little pampering can’t solve,” he said proudly.

“Ugh. You know me too well,” she said, shaking her head. “But that will only take you so far.”

“Oh, I know,” he replied with a grin. “That’s why I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that you don’t get angry for the remainder of the trip.”

Brandy gave him a sly look. “Easier said than done. In the Amazon, they didn’t call me Bratty Brandy for nothing.”

“Reah. Your growl scares me,” Scooby admitted, laughing nervously.

Brandy leaned back, sipping her wine. “What doesn’t scare you?”

“I mean…you,” Scooby said with an innocent shrug.

“The Harrington paradox,” she said with a smirk.

Scooby shrugged. “Eh, that’s most partners though.”

“I’m not scared of you,” Brandy said, narrowing her eyes in challenge.

“Story of my life,” Scooby sighed, shaking his head with a chuckle.

Their laughter blended with the quiet murmur of the restaurant as the waiter refilled their glasses, and for a moment, the night’s tension melted as easily as the cheese between them.

Back at the hotel room…

Their room was dim and quiet except for the faint hum of the air conditioner and Brandy’s soft, rhythmic breathing. She was fast asleep, one arm draped lazily over Scooby’s chest, her head tucked beneath his chin. Scooby, however, lay wide-eyed, staring up at the ceiling. He should have been relaxed. The day had gone perfectly, the dinner was amazing, and Brandy had drifted off content and smiling, but his mind kept circling back to one thing.

The USC game.

He couldn’t stop thinking about it. The crowd. The hot dogs. The energy. The idea of missing it gnawed at him more than he wanted to admit. Whether it was stubbornness or simple defiance, he didn’t want to let it go. Then, just as his eyes began to grow heavy, an idea struck him. A mischievous little plan. One that would let him watch the game and still enjoy the wine tour with Brandy. His tail wagged slightly at the thought. If he timed it right, she would never even know.

With a small grin tugging at his snout, Scooby finally drifted off to sleep, feeling oddly proud of himself.

The Next Morning…

The sun poured into the room as Brandy stood at the foot of the bed, brushing out her fur and readjusting her cropped pajama set. “Scooby Doo, time to get up,” she called brightly.

Scooby rolled over, pulling the blanket over his head. “Mmm. Morning, Ms. Harrington,” he mumbled groggily. “You’re not hungover?”

“I can’t afford to be hungover today,” she replied, checking her reflection in the mirror.

“You, not being able to afford something?” Scooby teased, poking his head out from under the blanket.

“Yes,” Brandy said pointedly. “Because we have three different vineyards we’re going to today, and I want to be able to drink plenty from each.”

Scooby sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Are we having breakfast first?”

Brandy turned, smiling. “Why do you think I woke you up?”

Scooby grinned and stretched. “Ugh. You’re the best.”

“And don’t you forget it!” Brandy said, pointing at him with her brush. “Now, our tour bus picks us up at ten, so that gives us plenty of time to eat and get ready. Ooh, and I already got your outfit laid out for you. This one will go perfectly with my sundress.”

Scooby glanced at the bed and saw a neat stack of clothes folded on his side. “Baby, you know we don’t have to have an itinerary and a dress code for this. I could’ve dressed myself.”

Brandy snorted. “Yeah, I don’t think so. You still have a lot to learn from me in the world of fashion.”

“I’m just saying,” Scooby said with a chuckle, “you can relax a little. We’re on vacation, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Brandy’s tone softened. “Aww. I know you’re not. You know how I get with this kind of stuff. Remember our first date? How I tried to make everything perfect?”

“Reah,” Scooby said fondly. “And we’re still together, so that screams a perfect date to me.”

Brandy paused, her smile turning genuine. “Scooby…you’re adorable.”

He grinned. “Come on, let’s get some breakfast. And don’t hog all the bacon like the last hotel we stayed at!”

“You gotta get there before I do!” she shot back, laughing as she slipped on her platform flip-flops.

“Oh, and are we gonna have WiFi on the tour?” Scooby asked casually, pretending to stretch.

Brandy tilted her head. “Probably. What, are you afraid we’re going to get lost in another mystery?”

“With you, no,” Scooby said with mock seriousness. “Now if I was with the gang…yes. I was just wondering, that’s all.”

Brandy gave him a look, half suspicious, half amused. “Okay, but I don’t want you calling for your Mama if we do.”

“Don’t worry,” Scooby said, wrapping his arms around her waist and giving her a squeeze. “If we do get stranded, I’ll just wrap myself around your legs.”

Brandy giggled, booping his nose. “I swear, it’s like I’m dating a puppy sometimes…it just so happens to be a really cute one that I can’t get enough of.”

Scooby beamed. “Rokay. I can live with that.”

Brandy kissed his forehead, grabbing her purse as she headed for the door. “Then let’s do what we do best and get something to eat, because my belly’s barking at me worse than you did at our new mailman.”

“That bad?” Scooby asked.

“Mmhmm,” Brandy said, patting her exposed midsection. “Even got a good jiggle going on.”

“Hey, wait a minute! You were barking too,” Scooby pointed out as he stood up.

Brandy looked down at him with a teasing glint in her eye. She tilted his chin upward with a single finger and smiled. “Would you hurry up?” she said lightly. “We’ve got a long, beautiful day ahead of us.”

Scooby followed close behind, a sly grin spreading across his face. She had no idea what he was planning, but by the time the tour started, he would be ready.

Chapter Text

At the first vineyard…

The late morning sun cast a soft glow over the rolling hills and endless rows of green vines. Brandy was practically beaming as she stepped out onto the terrace overlooking the vineyard, a glass of chilled white wine already in her paw. “Oh. My. God,” she exclaimed, her tail flicking playfully. “All I’m missing is you in your undies and I’d be in heaven.”

Scooby’s ears perked as he let out a laugh. “That probably costs extra if I had to guess.”

Brandy shot him a teasing look over the rim of her glass. “One of the few times where I consider settling with you.”

“I can’t believe they’re just giving away free glasses of wine like this,” Scooby said, wagging his tail as he looked around.

“They’re not free, silly,” Brandy replied, giggling. “They’re complimentary.”

“Oh, reah,” Scooby said, scratching his chin in thought. “So is this what that song that Mama used to sing to me is all about?”

Brandy couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “Oh, Scooby…”

She lifted her glass and took a delicate sip, savoring the flavor before Scooby leaned toward her with an eager smile. “How does it taste on the Brandy Harrington wine scale?”

“Hmmm,” Brandy said, pretending to ponder dramatically. “I give it four and a half Scoobys out of five.”

Scooby blinked. “I’m a measurement for you?”

“Sure are,” Brandy said with a smirk.

“So if four and a half is pretty good,” Scooby continued, “then what would make it a five out of five for you?”

Brandy gave him a slow, knowing smile. “You’ll find out what five out of five is when we get back to the hotel room tonight.”

“Brandy!” Scooby exclaimed, blushing through his fur.

“You wanted to know,” she replied, swirling her glass with a satisfied grin. 

As the tour continued, they strolled between the rows of vines, the guide’s voice a faint background to their playful conversation.

“Now, how good do you think some homemade wine would be?” Scooby asked, glancing at her.

“Ooh! Don’t tease me,” Brandy said, her eyes lighting up. “I bet that would be so good. Especially if you made it for me.”

“Honestly, I would’ve thought that your family would’ve had a vineyard or something,” Scooby commented.

Brandy shrugged. “We never did for some reason. Florida Harringtons Chardonnay could’ve done some numbers in Palm Beach.”

Scooby chuckled. “You scream to me as the type of girl who would smash her own grapes for her own custom wine.”

“I totally would,” Brandy admitted, “but that sounds like way too much manual labor for me, and you know how I feel about that.”

“How could I forget?” Scooby teased. “And the wait too.”

“I’m too impatient,” Brandy confessed. “When I want something, I want it now.”

“Well, you were waiting a while to get out of the Amazon…” joked Scooby.

“Don’t remind me,” Brandy groaned, rolling her eyes.

Scooby hesitated for a second, glancing around. “Actually, baby, may I please use the restroom real quick?”

“Don’t make me wait,” she warned, narrowing her eyes.

Scooby nodded quickly and jogged off toward the restroom. Once inside, he pulled out his phone with a triumphant grin. “And…I got WiFi! Now I can watch the game and still spend time with Brandy,” he whispered to himself. “Good thinking, Scooby. Ooh, and I can still watch some of the pre-game show!”

“Hey, buddy, could you hurry up in there?” came a voice from outside.

“Sorry!” Scooby barked back, fumbling with his phone.

By the time he returned, Brandy was waiting near a wine barrel, arms crossed. “Scooby Doo, where were you? Did you actually get lost? I thought we were joking about that?”

“Um…I had to go,” he said, trying to keep his expression innocent.

“Well, don’t take so long next time,” Brandy said, handing him her purse. “I need two free paws for wine tasting while you hold my purse.”

“Yes, baby,” he said obediently.

“At least you’re back just in time,” Brandy said, her mood brightening. “We’re going to their wine bar and gift shop. I wanted to pick out a bottle for your Mama.”

“That’s a good idea,” Scooby said with a small smile.

“Mhmm,” Brandy replied proudly. “I thought of everything!”

At the wine bar, the air smelled faintly of oak and fruit as glasses clinked around them. Scooby looked over at her half-empty glass. “Do you need a refill?”

Brandy’s grin widened. “Aww! Sweetie, you are just doing everything right for me. I should threaten you with no sex more often.”

“I’m not that shallow,” Scooby protested with a laugh.

“No, but you’re both a boy and a dog, so…” Brandy teased, her voice dripping with playful mockery.

Scooby took her glass and stood up. “I’ll be right back.”

“You better be back before I start sobering up,” Brandy warned, pointing her nail at him.

“Is that bad news for Scooby?” he asked.

“Do you want to take that risk?” Brandy shot back.

Scooby chuckled nervously. “Lucky for you, I’m a fast dog,” he muttered under his breath as he walked toward the bar, “and I need to stay on your good side.”

Later, on the bus…

The gentle rumble of the wheels filled the space as the vineyards rolled by outside the window. Brandy sat back comfortably, resting her paw against Scooby’s arm, watching as he fidgeted with his phone. “Whatcha doing?” she asked curiously.

“Is it rokay if I watch some of the game on the way to the next vineyard?” Scooby asked, looking up at her hopefully.

Brandy tilted her head, considering. “Well…you have been a good boy today, so yes.”

Scooby grinned and leaned in to plant a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you, Brandy.”

She smiled warmly, her tail giving a small wag. “Can we take a selfie first, though? I wanna get a few pictures for our Christmas card.”

“Reah, of course,” Scooby said enthusiastically. “I’m kinda shocked that we haven’t taken more pictures so far. That’s not like you since you’ve gotten a phone.”

Brandy giggled as she adjusted her hair and leaned in close beside him. “Just wait until the last vineyard. It has this beautiful fountain out front that I want us to get a picture in front of, so look forward to that.”

“Hey, you’re the future supermodel,” Scooby said with a grin. “If you wanna get our picture taken, then you got it.”

“You’re too cute,” Brandy teased.

“If I’m cute, then what are you?” Scooby asked playfully.

“You said it yourself,” Brandy replied with a smirk. “A supermodel.”

Scooby chuckled. “No lies detected…Let’s go! USC gets the ball first.”

“Way to keep the mood, honey,” Brandy said with a soft sigh, though a faint smile lingered on her face.

At the second vineyard, the atmosphere was livelier, the scent of grapes and oak barrels stronger in the air. As the tour guide spoke, Brandy turned to Scooby, who was staring down at his phone. “Scooby, are you paying attention?” she asked pointedly.

“What? I mean…reah, reah, reah,” Scooby said quickly, his eyes darting up for a moment.

“I thought you said that you were only watching the game on the bus ride?” Brandy pressed, crossing her arms.

“I am. I am,” Scooby insisted. “I’m present. I’m here with you…They got a field goal, by the way.”

“Thanks for the score update,” Brandy said dryly. “Now pay attention before you trip on a grapevine! You know how clumsy you are.”

“I’m putting my phone away,” Scooby said sheepishly.

But as the tour went on, it was clear that his resolve didn’t last. Between sips of wine and polite nods toward the guide, Scooby continuously checked his phone, hiding it behind his paw whenever Brandy glanced over. Each time, she caught him just after he looked up, her patience thinning a little more.

By the time they headed back to the bus, Brandy was walking with her arms folded while Scooby trailed beside her, trying to gauge her mood. “This place was nice,” he offered casually.

“Oh really?” Brandy said, her tone sharp but controlled. “What was your favorite part?”

“The wine?” Scooby replied, his grin uncertain. “I take it that was your favorite part too?”

“Lucky guess,” said Brandy, rolling her eyes. “And this might sound bad, but just because I’m bigger than you doesn’t mean that I should be out-drinking you like this.”

“I can play catch-up,” Scooby insisted. “I was distracted, that’s all.”

Brandy stopped and turned toward him. “Scooby, you were on your phone the whole tour for this vineyard.”

“I’m sorry,” Scooby said quickly. “You know how hard it is to put down your phone sometimes.”

Brandy’s expression was blunt. “You’re gonna have to come up with a better excuse with me. I’m the queen of excuses.”

“Come on, Brandy,” Scooby pleaded softly. “Throw me a bone.”

“I’m not giving you anything!” she shot back. “You’ve been looking at your phone more than me. Do you see the problem here?”

“Reah,” Scooby said quietly.

“Okay,” Brandy said firmly. “Because I really don’t want to have to break out the leash with you.”

“Please don’t,” Scooby whimpered. “That really hurt my neck the last time.”

Brandy exhaled, her irritation melting into weary affection. “Sweetie, I don’t wanna sound like a barking bitch, but do you blame me? It’s like night and day with you in-between vineyards.”

“No, you’re right,” Scooby said softly. “I’m really sorry.”

Brandy’s tone softened again as she touched his paw. “Please be good. For me?”

“For you,” Scooby said, his tail wagging faintly.

During the middle of the bus ride to the final vineyard, Scooby quietly tilted his phone at an angle, sneaking another glance at the score of the game. He grinned faintly to himself, tail giving a small wag, until a sharp voice snapped through the air beside him.

“Are you serious right now?” Brandy demanded.

Scooby’s head shot up. “What?” he asked innocently, though his paw instinctively lowered the phone.

Without another word, Brandy reached over and snatched it from his grasp.

“Brandy!” Scooby protested, ears flattening. “It’s almost half-time!”

Brandy glared at him, her patience finally gone. Then, with slow, deliberate defiance, she tucked the phone into her bra and crossed her arms. “And if you even think you’re going anywhere near here tonight,” she said, gesturing toward her breasts, “you’re out of your mind. I mean holy crap on a cracker, Scooby! Could you stop acting like a little puppy for once! I’m your girlfriend, not your Mama!”

Her words hung in the air like a slap, and Scooby didn’t respond. His ears drooped low as Brandy turned away, shaking her head in frustration. The bus grew quiet around them, the tension sitting heavy between the two.

When they finally arrived at the last vineyard, the sprawling landscape opened before them in a haze of sunlight and sound. It was easily the grandest stop of the day, complete with a massive outdoor bar, marble fountains, and the distant hum of live acoustic music. The others from the tour group began to scatter across the grounds, but Brandy stormed off in the opposite direction, her platform flip-flops smacking loudly against the cobblestone path in frustration.

Scooby stayed behind, watching helplessly as she took a seat at the bar alone. She ordered a glass of wine, then another, her posture tense, her expression a mix of anger and hurt. Each sip seemed to harden her demeanor just a little more.

He walked aimlessly for a few moments before finding himself near the fountain Brandy had mentioned earlier, the one she had wanted to take pictures in front of. The water shimmered in the late-afternoon light, and as Scooby sat down beside it, the sound of the rippling water gave him space to think.

He had really messed up. His immature stubbornness to keep watching the USC game had derailed what should have been a perfect day. More than that, he had hurt the dog he loved more than anything. He thought about the promise he had made. To always be there for Brandy, to be the kind of partner to her that his Mama and his sister Ruby never had in their lives. It wasn’t about the game. It wasn’t about the phone. It was about him failing to prioritize what mattered most.

He sighed deeply, his tail still and heavy. No more excuses. He had to make it right.

Taking a deep breath, Scooby rose from the fountain and started toward the bar, his gaze fixed on Brandy.

He approached the bar quietly, his paws slow and hesitant on the stone walkway. Brandy was sitting at the counter, her tail flicking in irritation as she stared into the half-empty glass in front of her. When she noticed him, she didn’t even turn her head.

“Brandy…” he began softly.

Without missing a beat, she launched into a mocking tone, her voice exaggerated and dripping with sarcasm. “Gee, Brandy, you’re smarter than I thought. You may be an old school valley girl, but I’m the one who learned a lesson. I’m so stupid, Brandy, du!” She deepened her voice into a faux-stupid growl for emphasis, rolling her eyes dramatically.

Scooby tried to manage a small smile. “Rokay, that was even better than your Schoolhouse Rock line yesterday!…Look, Brandy, I’m so sorry. You have every right to be mad at me. I was acting like a real idiot earlier.”

Brandy swirled what was left of her wine and looked at him with narrowed eyes. “You think? Apologizing isn’t going to get your phone back. But you could probably get one of the bartenders to put the game on for you…at the other end of the bar.”

“I don’t care about the game anymore,” Scooby said earnestly.

Brandy tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. “Hmmm.”

“I care about you,” he continued, his voice steady and sincere.

“You weren’t acting like it back there,” she shot back, her tone still sharp but softening just slightly.

“I know,” Scooby said quietly. “That’s where I really messed up. You do so much for me. You let me move in with you, you work your tail off every week at the diner, you love me unconditionally like the big, loving dog that you are. And you just wanted to have a nice romantic weekend getaway with me, and I treat you like that? I don’t blame you at all for coming over here to get some space.”

Brandy’s expression faltered for a moment, the edge in her voice fading. “Keep talking.”

“Baby,” Scooby said softly, “you are the love of my life, and you deserve to be treated like the queen that you are…so, can we start this over? This vineyard’s a wash?”

Brandy sighed and set her glass down on the counter. “You’re lucky I can’t stay mad at you for too long.”

“Thanks, Brandy,” Scooby said, his tail wagging faintly. “Now let’s have some fun.”

“Oh, I’ve already been having fun,” she said with a smirk. “I told the bartender that you’re handling my tab.”

“Rokay, I deserve that,” Scooby said with a chuckle. “Better than you stomping on me. How much have you had to drink?”

“Only three glasses,” Brandy replied breezily.

“Three glasses!?” Scooby exclaimed. “You’ve only been over here for like ten minutes.”

“Yeah,” Brandy said, giggling, “and if we’re being completely honest here, I’m really glad that you apologized now because I’m getting dizzy!”

Scooby waved over the bartender immediately. “Can she get some water, please?”

Brandy smiled faintly. “Thank you.”

“How about we go for a little walk?” Scooby suggested gently.

Brandy laughed. “Ha! You, little!”

“I deserve that too,” Scooby admitted.

“Sorry,” Brandy said, covering her mouth as she giggled. “That’s drunk Brandy talking. She likes making short jokes about you.”

“Trust me,” Scooby said with a smile. “I know.”

“And yes,” Brandy continued, “let’s go on a walk. I need it.”

“Reah, I can tell,” Scooby teased lightly. “It’s usually a struggle to get you to move sometimes.”

Brandy rolled her eyes, extending her paw. “Just take my paw already!”

“Right,” Scooby said, taking it with a gentle squeeze.

As they left the bar together, the evening air was cool and sweet with the scent of grapes. A soft pink glow painted the vineyard sky as the sun dipped toward the horizon. The two walked side by side, laughter slowly replacing the earlier tension. The montage of their evening unfolded like a dream. Sharing a small dessert from a street vendor, laughing over clumsy selfies, and slow dancing playfully near the patio lights.

Finally, as the light faded to twilight, they stood before the grand fountain that Brandy had gushed about. The sound of the water was soothing, and the glow of the string lights shimmered across its surface. Scooby set Brandy’s phone on a nearby ledge and joined her, slipping an arm around her waist as the camera’s timer clicked.

The photo captured them both perfectly. Brandy was smiling with that signature mix of elegance and warmth, and Scooby gazing at her with pure affection. As the phone flashed one last time, Brandy turned toward him, her expression softening into something tender and real.

Scooby leaned in close, and their lips met beneath the fading glow of the vineyard lights, sealing their evening, and their reconciliation with a kiss.

Back at the hotel…

The bedside lamps flicked on as the couple entered the room, bringing with them the bottle of wine they had gotten for Scooby’s Mama. 

Brandy kicked off her flip-flops and spun lightly toward Scooby, her tail swishing with delight. 

“Oh, Scooby Doo! I had the best time with you tonight,” she said, her tone rich with warmth and satisfaction. “Thank you so much for making it up to me. I hate to say it, but I just love being the center of your attention. I can’t do second fiddle.”

Scooby smiled as he loosened his dog collar. “No, thank you for giving me the kick in the tushy that I needed, and the second chance. You were right, I was acting like a puppy.”

Brandy stepped closer, her grin playful and affectionate. “Well, after that last vineyard, you’re back to acting like my man. The slow dancing was a nice touch.”

“I remember you mentioning how it was always your favorite part of going to the Harrington Ball with your parents,” replied Scooby. “Besides the fancy dresses and all of the food.”

Brandy’s eyes softened. “Aww. You remembered that?”

“Of course,” Scooby said proudly. “But that was a lot of fun! And you got some nice pictures of us for you to show off on your Instagram.”

Brandy clasped her paws together with glee. “Ooh, I’m going to make Tiffany Turlington so jealous!”

Scooby chuckled. “I love it when you’re petty.”

“Hey,” Brandy said, smirking, “my snobby pettiness helped us out here today.”

“Reah,” Scooby agreed with a grin. “I don’t even care about the game anymore.”

“That reminds me,” Brandy said, reaching into her top with a teasing smirk, “here’s your phone back.”

Scooby took it gingerly and giggled. “It’s warm.”

“I’m surprised it didn’t overheat in there,” Brandy quipped.

Scooby tapped the screen, raising an eyebrow. “Huh. They lost. Maybe it was a good thing that I didn’t watch the game then.”

Brandy laughed softly. “If that isn’t ironic, then I don’t know what is.”

“At least I know you’ll never let me down like USC will,” Scooby said, smiling as he set his phone aside.

“I know you’ll always make a comeback for me,” Brandy said sweetly, brushing her paw under his chin. “Oh, by the way…Miami won.”

Scooby blinked. “How did you know that?”

Brandy’s grin turned mischievous. “While I was at the bar by myself, you kept on getting score updates from other games, and your notifications kept on vibrating me. It was kind of hard not to check after a while.”

Scooby’s eyes widened. “I bet, based on where you had it.”

Brandy laughed, tossing her ears. “Maybe you should be a full-time Hurricanes fan like me.”

“You know that you can have multiple college teams, Florida Girl,” Scooby teased.

“I know,” Brandy smirked. “I just like messing with you.”

“What time do we check out tomorrow?” Scooby asked, reclining on the bed beside her.

“Not until eleven,” Brandy replied.

Scooby turned toward her with a sly grin. “Can I see a five out of five now?”

Brandy gave him a seductive look. “Oh, you think you’ve earned it, little man?”

“I do,” Scooby said confidently.

Brandy’s smirk deepened as she leaned closer. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

Their laughter faded into soft murmurs as Brandy wrapped her arms around him, and the two shared a long, lingering kiss that melted away any last trace of tension from their day.

The following Saturday afternoon…

The familiar rhythm of game-day energy filled Brandy and Scooby’s apartment. The TV streamed the USC game, its sounds echoing across the cozy living room. Brandy’s long legs were stretched comfortably across the couch, her feet propped up on Scooby’s lap, while she scrolled lazily through her phone.

“Wow,” she said suddenly, her eyes widening as a grin spread across her face. “The rumors are true.”

Scooby glanced at her, half-distracted by the screen. “What?”

Brandy giggled. “I keep seeing videos in my feed of girls who say that if they put their feet on their boyfriend’s lap while they’re watching football, they get a free foot rub…and it so totally works!”

Scooby chuckled, his paws already moving in gentle circles against her feet. “It’s a close game! I need to do something with my paws.”

“Well, don’t stop,” Brandy said, reclining further into the cushions with a pleased sigh. “Work your magic.”

“Rokay,” Scooby said, his tail wagging slightly as he kept massaging. “You’re lucky this is going to be a long season.”

“Speaking of which,” Brandy said, setting her phone aside with a little smile, “I’ve got something for you.”

Scooby looked at her curiously. “Really?”

“Surprise!” Brandy announced, holding out a small envelope.

Scooby’s ears perked as he tore it open, his eyes going wide. “Tickets for next week’s game? Brandy.”

She grinned proudly. “I feel like I kind of owe you one after last weekend.”

“Aww, baby,” Scooby said warmly. “You already splurged on me with wine country. You don’t have to try and make anything up for me. I had an amazing time with you.”

“No, I wanted to do this,” Brandy said, wrapping her arms around him. “And are you forgetting I’m a rich kid?”

“Still,” Scooby said softly, shaking his head with affection.

“You’re worth every penny, sweetie,” Brandy said, her tone melting into something sincere. “Besides, since they stink this year, these tickets were cheap.”

Scooby laughed. “Way to rub it in. But I can’t wait to go with you.”

“Me too!” Brandy said brightly. “I even ordered a rhinestone USC belly shirt for this.”

Scooby’s tail flicked. “Oh, that’s going to be so sexy.”

“I know, right,” Brandy agreed.

“Seriously,” Scooby said, smiling. “You might be the spoiled valley girl, but most of the time you’re spoiling me.”

Brandy laughed softly, her tone affectionate. “I gotta share the wealth with my man. You more than make up for it with your heart, Scooby Doo.”

She leaned up and kissed him, a gentle, lingering peck that made both of their tails thump against the couch cushions.

“Now move onto my shoulders,” she said, settling back again.

“Yes, Queen Brandy,” Scooby replied obediently, pressing his paws to her shoulders with a grin.

“Oh, and by the way,” Brandy added casually, “I custom ordered you a pair of USC-themed briefs that I fully expect you to wear for my pleasure next Saturday. And yes, I know your size from memory.”

Scooby blushed, his grin widening. “It’s the least I can do for you.”

Brandy laughed and stroked his ear. “Aww. Who’s a good dog?”

“I am!” Scooby declared proudly. “Scooby-Dooby-Doo!”

Brandy beamed, tapping his nose playfully. “And Brandy too!”