Work Text:
Taking Care of Valko While I'm Away
I.
Valko prefers to come home from work through the garden gate. He usually takes his shoes and socks off as soon as he locks the gate behind him and walks up and down the grass path. When it’s raining, he keeps his shoes on and stands on the concrete pavement stone under the umbrella. He’s always in the garden just long enough for someone to make him a glass of chocolate milk.
II.
When using the reading pillow with arms while reading in bed or on the couch, should you get up for any reason, when you come back, he’ll be in your spot, exactly where the reading pillow was, doing whatever he was already doing, but now being the warmth and softness comforting you.
III.
If there’s a new pint of ice cream or bottled drink in the villa, he’ll be the first to open it. Half the time he doesn’t even finish opening it, because as soon as he puts the thick plastic wrapper ring in his mouth to hold while he finishes opening it, he gets distracted by the plastic itself. So much chomping.
IV.
Speaking of ice cream. There has never been a day the freezer was void of ice cream. The pantry has never been in want of peanut butter, either. I have lost count of the times Valko comes home and cracks open a fresh pint of Udderly Delicious or the times I've gotten up for a glass of water in the middle of the night and catch him mid spoonful of Skippy.
V.
Extra affectionate when he can see the moon, regardless of what phase it’s in.
VI.
When we’re cooking and he doesn’t know where he is in the recipe directions, he starts to sing-read until he finds his spot. I don’t think he knows he also dances a little while he does, either. Sometimes I’ll flip the page or scroll on the screen when he’s not looking just so I can hear his singing voice. --He won't cook without company. It's okay if you want to order in or go out while I'm gone. Just make sure he knows so he doesn't wait to order in or go out himself.
VII.
Every time we do morning stretches, or when we’re limbering up after a night of camping, he lets out soft howls. When we watch a scary movie and the suspense builds, the hair between his ears lifts and his tail fur expands. If my cramps are particularly painful or a work injury flares up, he whimpers when I feel the pain. I’m not sure if he knows he does any of that, but it’s become a great source of comfort to me. Even if he isn't aware of it, he’s one of the most supportive and empathetic people to have near and dear.