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“So this is the famous Valo!” Vane grinned, crouching down. “Good to meet you, pup!”
Valo, still on his bed, lifted his head to curiously meet Vane’s gaze. Vane held out a hand, letting Valo sniff him. Eustace stood a step behind Vane, hands in his pockets.
“I’m really happy for you,” Vane said, carefully starting to pet Valo’s head. “What a stroke of luck to come across him, huh?”
“Yeah.”
Valo closed his eyes, content with being petted. Vane chuckled, letting his hand wander down Valo’s back. Slowly, almost like he was falling asleep, Valo fell onto his side and lifted a back leg up.
“Oh?” Vane laughed. “You want me to pet your tummy? You got it!” At first, he stroked Valo’s stomach, then playfully patted it, commenting, “He’s really well behaved.”
Eustace shifted his weight onto one leg. “He’s already been trained, and is naturally pretty quiet. He’s been really good with everyone on the ship.”
“Is that so? You’re a nice doggy, huh?” Vane cooed at Valo. “And intelligent! You’re so handsome, yeah? Yes you are! Who’s a good boy?”
Valo happily endured Vane’s adoration, as Vane rubbed at his back, scratched his chest, and even squished at his face gently. Watching this made warmth bloom in Eustace’s chest.
And yet…
Something felt a little… itchy.
Crouching next to Vane, Eustace took hold of Vane’s wrist, moving his hand away from Valo. Watching as his smile took on a confused tilt, he pressed his cheek into Vane’s palm.
“Woof.”
Vane blinked, his face turning a slight pink.
“Huh?”