#Dog Flea Control

[petpetisy]

Where Can I Get Bravecto for Dogs in 2024? Here is the Surprising Answer!

As a pet owner, keeping your furry friend safe from fleas and ticks is crucial. But where can you find the Bravecto Dog Chewables to fight these pests? You can buy Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs from your vet or an Online Pet Pharmacy. This guide will give you the info you need. Table of ContentsKey TakeawaysWhat is Bravecto?Benefits of Bravecto for DogsConsulting Your VeterinarianFinding a…

[magicfor3st]

Gordi is certified flea-free 🪮

[frogseasons]

second week of class and got my ass beat by the beater bar. loom baby please be nice to me

[gwmac]

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs and Cats and Save Money: Complete Treatment Guide for 2025

Introduction Are you battling fleas on your dog or cat? You’re not alone. This guide will definitively teach you how to get rid of fleas on dogs and cats. Fleas are more than just an annoying parasite—they represent a genuine battleground for pet owners worldwide. If you’ve ever dealt with a flea infestation, you know the frustration of seeing your beloved pet scratch incessantly or discovering…

[sgpetcare]

How Effective is Frontline Plus for Dogs?

When it comes to protecting your dog from fleas and ticks, there are tons of options out there, but Frontline Plus remains one of the top choices for many pet parents. The question is, how effective is it, really? Let's dive deep into what makes Frontline Plus a popular solution and how well it works to keep those pesky parasites away from your furry friend.

1. What is Frontline Plus for Dogs?

Frontline Plus is a topical flea and tick treatment designed specifically for dogs. It’s applied directly to your dog’s skin, usually between their shoulder blades, and works to kill fleas, ticks, and other parasites that can cause discomfort and spread disease. The product has been a go-to for years because of its effectiveness and ease of use.

2. How Does Frontline Plus Work?

The active ingredients in Frontline Plus for Flea & Tick Control are Fipronil and (S)-methoprene. Fipronil attacks the nervous system of adult fleas and ticks, killing them before they can bite your dog. Meanwhile, (S)-methoprene is an insect growth regulator (IGR) that prevents flea eggs and larvae from developing into adults, effectively breaking the life cycle of the fleas.

3. What Parasites Does Frontline Plus Target?

Frontline Plus is primarily effective against:

Fleas (adult fleas, eggs, and larvae)

Ticks (including those that may carry Lyme disease)

Chewing lice

It’s a comprehensive solution for these common parasites, making it a powerful weapon in your dog’s pest control arsenal.

4. The Science Behind Frontline Plus

Fipronil works by disrupting the normal function of the nervous system in parasites, leading to paralysis and death. The ingredient is stored in your dog’s sebaceous glands, slowly releasing over time to ensure continuous protection. (S)-methoprene, on the other hand, ensures that even if fleas manage to lay eggs, they won’t mature into adults.

5. How Quickly Does Frontline Plus Work?

After application, Frontline Plus begins to work within 4 hours, killing up to 100% of fleas within the first 12 hours. Ticks may take a little longer to be killed, but the product works continuously to keep your dog protected for a full 30 days.

6. Is Frontline Plus Safe for All Dogs?

Frontline Plus is generally considered safe for dogs of all sizes and breeds, as long as they are over 8 weeks old and weigh at least 5 pounds. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet before using any medication, especially if your dog has a history of allergies or sensitive skin.

7. Frontline Plus vs. Other Flea and Tick Treatments

When comparing Frontline Plus to other treatments, such as NexGard (a chewable tablet) or Seresto collars, it stands out for its ease of application and the fact that it doesn’t require your dog to ingest anything. Many pet owners prefer a topical solution because it’s less invasive and easy to apply.

8. How Long Does Frontline Plus Last?

Frontline Plus provides protection for a full 30 days after each application. It’s important to reapply the treatment on time to ensure continuous coverage, especially in warmer months when fleas and ticks are more active.

9. Frontline Plus for Puppies

Frontline Plus can be used on puppies as young as 8 weeks old. However, it’s crucial to follow the dosing instructions based on your puppy’s weight to avoid any adverse effects.

10. Does Frontline Plus Kill Flea Eggs and Larvae?

Yes! One of the standout features of Frontline Plus is its ability to kill flea eggs and larvae, preventing them from growing into adult fleas. This is essential for breaking the flea life cycle and ensuring that infestations don’t keep coming back.

11. Potential Side Effects of Frontline Plus

While most dogs tolerate Frontline Plus well, some may experience mild side effects such as:

Skin irritation at the application site

Temporary hair loss in the treated area

Lethargy (rare)

If you notice any of these symptoms lasting more than a day or two, it’s best to consult your vet.

12. How to Apply Frontline Plus Correctly

Applying Frontline Plus is simple:

Part the fur between your dog’s shoulder blades.

Squeeze the entire tube of Frontline Plus onto the skin.

Avoid bathing your dog for 48 hours to ensure the product is fully absorbed.

13. Can Frontline Plus Be Used Year-Round?

Yes, many vets recommend using flea and tick prevention year-round, even in colder months. While fleas and ticks are less active in the winter, they can still survive indoors and pose a risk to your dog.

14. User Reviews of Frontline Plus

Most dog owners who use Frontline Plus are highly satisfied with the results. They report fewer infestations, easier application, and peace of mind knowing their dog is protected. However, some users mention that it may take a few applications to completely rid their pets of fleas if there is an existing infestation.

15. Conclusion: Is Frontline Plus Worth It?

In summary, Frontline Plus is an effective, trusted flea and tick treatment that has been used by dog owners for years. It provides fast relief from parasites, is easy to apply, and is generally well-tolerated by most dogs. If you're looking for a reliable option to keep your dog flea- and tick-free, Frontline Plus is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

1. Can Frontline Plus be used on pregnant or nursing dogs? Yes, Frontline Plus is safe for use on pregnant and lactating dogs.

2. What should I do if my dog accidentally ingests Frontline Plus? If your dog ingests the product, contact your vet immediately for advice, although the product is designed to be low in toxicity when ingested.

3. Can I bathe my dog after applying Frontline Plus? It’s recommended to wait at least 48 hours after application before bathing your dog to ensure the product has fully absorbed.

4. How often should I reapply Frontline Plus? Frontline Plus should be reapplied every 30 days for continuous protection.

5. Does Frontline Plus work on all dog breeds? Yes, Frontline Plus is effective on all dog breeds as long as the dog meets the minimum age and weight requirements.

[reinemichele]

Sometimes I feel an (allergy/hives) itch that's so intense that I have to drop what I'm doing & scratch it

& I remember stories of how my dad used to lie there, trying to sleep, & would be like "You're worse than a dog with fleas 😮‍💨"

& it's like . Yeah . I couldn't refute that if I wanted to, that describes both my mom and I so accurately . Real "if I don't get benadryl in my system now I'm going to have a panic attack" energy

(Dad is dead not divorced ✌🏻 he was with my mom since he was 16 & was more than happy to spend his life with my mom's shaking wet itchy neurotic chihuahua [not an insult, just the truth, applies to me also] self . He just, understandably, did have occasional complaints)

[elitereviwer]

Product Review: Advantage Flea Treatment - Fast and Effective Relief for Your Dog

If you’re a dog owner, you understand the frustration that comes with fleas. However, there’s a game-changing solution in the form of Advantage Flea Treatment. In this review, we’ll delve into its remarkable features and why it’s the ultimate choice for your furry companion. Meet James, a devoted dog owner who was once on the brink of frustration. His beloved canine companion had fallen victim…

[mushroom-words]

Intertwining Souls || Poly!WolfStar

Fandom: Harry Potter (Marauders)

Pairing: Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader x Sirius Black

Words: 2054

Notes: As usual, I will fix the formatting once I get on my laptop. And I’d like to thank the lovely @daydreamandforget for not only finding amusement in the boys’ pesky little flea problem in my other work Pest Control but for also inspiring me to explore it a little bit more. Also, if anyone has any ideas or requests for this particular pairing, please feel free to drop them by me. I love Poly!WolfStar with my entire being but have been dreadfully unsuccessful in thinking of situations to write about.

Warnings: Light dom/sub elements. Pet names. Dom!Remus & switch!Sirius if you squint. Reader is referred to as a girl with she/her pronouns but all other descriptions are neutral. Polyamorous relationship (if that wasn’t already clear).

Summary: You’ve been neglecting your sleep to take care of everyone else. Just when Remus is finally able to care for you instead, Sirius tracks in a bigger problem.

YOU WERE READY to fall asleep right where you were. It was all very lulling—the crackling of the fireplace a few feet away, the scent of cinnamon and sandalwood, the gentle brush of his fingers against your temple, and the cadence of his voice reading aloud to you. Your eyes drifted closed as you let yourself be blanketed in the warm environment.

The last week was particularly draining for you. Between your duties with work and the Order, and caring for Remus through the lunar cycle, you were running on fumes. Your boyfriends were absolutely lovely when it came to helping you through the stress and exhaustion, but it was that certain type of fatigue that could only be nurtured away with time and patience.

Remus paused to check in when he felt your breathing even out. He smiled softly and swept some hair behind your ear to get a better look at your face. The worry lines had smoothed out, lashes delicately brushing your cheekbones, muted breaths pushing past your marginally parted lips as you slipped deeper into sleep.

He debated for a moment whether to let you rest a bit longer in his lap or risk waking you by carrying you to bed. He was just about to put his book down when the front door was prodded open, a black snout nosing it open to make way for the large dog to come indoors. The animal nudged the door shut before shaking himself of the light downpour that had started not five minutes prior to his return.

Remus sighed quietly. “Must you always do that, Pads?” he complained, though a fond note softened the cross tone. “We’ve talked about this.”

Shifting back into human form, the Animagus merely grinned at his boyfriend’s annoyance. “Y’know I can’t help myself, Moons. ‘S in my nature.”

The other man rolled his eyes but let it go. He knew well that with Sirius Orion Black, it was wise to pick your battles—and this wasn’t one he wanted to rehash with you trying to catch up on some well-earned rest.

“Nice run?” he asked, moving his hand to trace his fingers along your arm.

“Definitely.” Sirius absently scratched his head and made his way over to the overstuffed sofa. His eyes drifted to you, adoration softening his jovial expression. “Aww, look at her. Ain’t she just adorable, Moony?” he cooed.

“She is,” Remus agreed, watching as you sighed softly and shifted. “Careful—don’t wake her,” he warned when Sirius reached for you. “She just fell asleep.”

“I’m not gonna wake her.” Sirius grazed his knuckles down the contour of your cheek. Despite his promise, your lashes fluttered at the touch.

You nuzzled against Remus’ legs before prying your eyes open, blinking through the haze to focus on your boyfriend. A sleepy smile notched on your face. “G’morning, Siri,” you mumbled.

Sirius chuckled and bent to kiss your forehead. “It’s late, bunny,” he said. “We should get you to bed.”

“No, no. ‘M awake.” You slowly pushed yourself up, still blinking the sleep from your eyes. The boys chuckled affectionately at your tired state.

“Dove,” Remus cooed, using an arm to bring you into his side, smiling when you melted into him. “You’re exhausted. Let’s get you in bed, yeah?”

You shook your head, dropping it to rest on his shoulder. “Wanna stay with you,” you argued. “‘M not sleepy anymore.”

“Liar,” Sirius crooned, scratching at his head a bit more intensely. He wasn’t even aware he was doing it, but it caught the attention of his partners.

Remus lifted a brow. “You okay, love?”

“Hmm?” Sirius snapped his gaze to him, pausing before lowering his hand. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m good, mate.”

You frowned slightly, vision clearing a bit more as you eyed your boyfriend. His fingers twitched across his thigh like he was fighting the urge to scratch, curling and unfurling in increments.

You lifted your head from your other boyfriend’s shoulder. “Siri?”

“What’s wrong, sweet girl?”

Your attention was stolen away from his cautious expression by a small dark speck that abruptly appeared on the sofa. All traces of lingering sleepiness bled from your system when that little fleck jumped away. A twinge of irritation replaced it, breathing acuity into your mind.

Remus’ forehead creased as he tracked the movement. He snapped his attention back to Sirius, studying the way he shifted on the sofa, his nails digging into his trousers as he resumed scratching at himself. His focus honed into another tiny dot crawling on the sleeve of his jumper.

You pinched your lips together. “You have fleas. Again.”

Sirius’ eyes rounded, gaze darting away from you warily. “Don’t be silly, bunny. What makes you say that?” he asked.

“Well, if that wasn’t enough,” Remus said, gesturing towards where he was wildly scratching at his leg, “this,” he continued, reaching forward to pluck the pest with the tips of his fingers, “is enough proof, if you ask me.”

The flea wiggled around in the clutches of his fingers before Remus promptly rolled it between his nails, popping the exoskeleton with precision. He raised his brows at his boyfriend expectantly.

Sirius spluttered for a moment, heat flushing his cheeks. “Well—that’s—how do you know it’s from me?” he argued. “The full moon was two nights ago—it could’ve come from you, y’know! Or—or maybe…”

He trailed off as he clocked the pointed looks from both of his partners, neither you nor Remus particularly amused.

“Okay, fine!” He threw his hands up in the air before scratching at his neck. “I have fleas! It’s to be expected from time to time!”

Remus sighed and stood from the sofa, grabbing the other man’s arm. “C’mon, love. We’re taking care of it before it gets worse.”

He hauled Sirius up and started dragging him towards the bathroom. You watched with mild amusement as Sirius blanched. His fingers grappled at the wall, finding purchase near the doorframe. So dramatic, you mused to yourself with a heavy roll of your eyes.

“We? No, thank you.” Sirius jerked back, causing Remus to halt as his purposeful stride was interrupted. “I can bathe myself, thank you very much.”

You groaned at his theatrics and rose from the sofa. “Not in your Animagus form, you can’t,” you reminded him.

“Well, I won’t bathe in my Animagus form then, will I?”

“Padfoot,” Remus said sternly, though not without an affectionate lilt, “you know the flea shampoo won’t work otherwise.”

Sirius looked back at you as you sidled up to their stalemate, eyes wide and imploring. “Bunny, please, I’m begging you—don’t let him do this to me.”

You leveled him with a dour look. “I’m already gonna have to treat the flat and Remmy again in the morning,” you told him. “Get in the bath—or you can sleep in the garden tonight and we’ll bathe you in the morning anyway.”

A dark look of hopeless betrayal flashed in his gaze. “I can’t believe this,” he pouted. “You two are being unfair.”

Remus rolled his eyes. “C’mon, Pads. Let’s get it over with,” he encouraged, tugging Sirius away from the doorframe. “Dove, why don’t you go on to bed? We’ll be in as soon as he’s defleaed.”

Normally you might insist on helping wrangle the uncooperative Animagus into the tub, but now that you’d have to wake up earlier in order to get the flat in order, you knew it was probably best that you rested for the night. So you nodded your head, covering your mouth just as a yawn broke through, like your body knew that Remus had declared your bedtime.

“Sure, yeah, go right on to bed,” Sirius grumbled. “Pay no mind to my suffering.”

You gave a tired smile. “Your suffering will end once you’re not being eaten alive,” you countered, knowing he always felt better after a flea bath despite how difficult it was to wrestle him into one. “G’night, Siri. Love you.”

“Yeah, yeah. Love you too, bunny.” He continued to moan but couldn’t ignore the wave of affection when you pressed your lips to his in a sweet kiss.

“Sweet dreams, dove.” Remus, maintaining a firm grip on your disgruntled boyfriend, swooped down to kiss you goodnight. “And don’t wait up for us. You need to get some rest,” he added a bit more austerely, giving your bottom a solicitous pat to send you on your way.

You shuffled to your bedroom, looking forward to snuggling beneath the duvet and letting the plush mattress lull you into sleep. But as you settled into the empty bed, you knew you wouldn’t be able to actually kip down without your boyfriends. So you just closed your eyes and listened to their scuffling while you waited.

“This is a cruel and unusual punishment. You’re a bloody sadist.”

“Oh, stop being so dramatic. It’ll be quick.”

“Why don’t you ever have to take flea baths?”

“Because they don’t make baths big enough for werewolves, Pads. Go on then.” A soft laugh interrupted the bickering. “No, kissing me won’t change my mind. Get in.”

“I’ll never forgive you for this.”

“You’ll live, I’m afraid.” A few seconds ticked by, followed by a teasing, “That’s a good boy.”

An indignant, grumbling bark was the response.

You huffed out a fond giggle and rolled over onto your side. Your eyelids felt heavy against your sockets, like you wouldn’t be able to reopen them even if you tried, but sleep evaded you just as you predicted. It was quite pathetic really—you’d become so accustomed to having at least one of your boys with you as you slept that it was nearly impossible to sleep without their warmth curled around you.

It was one of many silly little side effects of loving so deeply your souls intertwined. A love so deep that it completed you, spilling into the pits denting your heart and filling them to the brim and then some. You honestly hadn’t known you could love another person quite so much until the boys graciously showed you.

You’d lost track of time as you lied there mulling over the ridiculous way you continued to fawn over your partners like a schoolgirl with a crush. You were snapped back into reality by the low murmurs and footsteps entering the bedroom.

“You think she’s asleep?” Sirius whispered.

“Hopefully,” Remus replied quietly. “She’s been exhausted.”

“Sweet girl’s running herself ragged.”

Muted shuffling around the space told you they were dressing down for the night. Then, slowly, the bed dipped on either side of you as they finally joined you. Remus settled at your back, draping a gentle arm around your torso and pulling you into his chest, while Sirius crawled to lie facing you, slender fingers running through your hair tenderly.

You sighed contentedly and let a small smile give yourself away.

Remus clicked his tongue when you shifted back against him. “You’re supposed to be asleep, dove,” he whispered, planting a few tender kisses to the slope of your neck.

“‘M supposed to be a lot of things,” you murmured, tilting your head up when you felt Sirius’ fingers glide down your jaw, “but I live to disappoint.”

The boys seemed to move in sync, free hands drifting down to pinch your hip and thigh affectionately. “Oi,” Sirius chuckled quietly, “that’s my job, bunny.”

You hummed and cracked your eyes open, peering at him through your lashes. “Feel better, Siri?”

“I will when you get some sleep.” He shuffled closer, kissing you sweetly, starting with a few on the lips and then traveling to the tip of your nose and finally your forehead. His hand squeezed your hip, thumb tracing idle circles against the curve.

Remus’ lips touched the back of your head. “We all will,” he murmured, tightening his hold on you until you were trapped between your boys—not like you ever wanted to be anywhere else.

You smiled again, sleepily letting your eyes flutter closed once more. “I love you.”

Sirius sighed softly, minty breath ghosting across your face. “We love you too. G’night, pretty girl. G’night, Moons,” he said, stretching over you briefly to kiss the werewolf before settling back again.

“Pains in the arse, both of you,” Remus mumbled fondly, voice low with a sleepiness that lulled you into tranquility. “Now shut up and go to sleep.”

[ceoofglytchell]

To be the Thorn to a Rose

Summary: Aegon knows only that he will marry a lady of great beauty, a flower of House Tyrell. He is certain that he will find nothing but misery in this union, until he finally meets his betrothed and everything changes.

Pairing: Aegon II Targaryen x Tyrell!betrothed!Reader

Word count: 3144 words

Warnings: fluff, a bit of humor, Reader has Tyrell features, longing, aegon’s mommy issues, alicent being mean, brief talks of abuse (from otto and alicent), hurt/comfort, soft!Aegon, no mention of Y/N

Notes: This is based on this request. I changed a thing or two, but I hope you’ll like it! Likes, comments, reblogs are always appreciated. Enjoy 💛

Aegon always knew he would marry a lady his mother would choose for him, not because he fell in love.

Love was a rare concept among couples these days. Did his mother love his father? Probably. Yet they hadn’t loved each other when he had taken her as his wife twenty years ago.

He knew such marriage alliances were forged to merge great houses and their bloodlines and to show strength, but it still didn't seem fair to him.

Yes, he enjoyed having a lot of sex with all sorts of women, be they were ladies in waiting, maids or the whores out in Flea Bottom.

But the thought of a future bride he didn't know, with whom he would spend his entire life, who would give him heirs, and who would most likely hate him, was more than a little frightening to him.

"Who is she?" Aegon asked his mother, Queen Alicent Hightower, after she told him of the marriage plans one sunny afternoon.

"Lady Tyrell of Highgarden. She is said to be beautiful, kind, and loving. Also very popular with her people. They say she goes out every Sunday to deliver bread to the townspeople."

Gods, have mercy on him...

His promised wife was apparently everything he was not. He was neither kind nor loving, and he certainly wasn't popular with the people.

Aegon was a drunkard, quick to anger and rebellious.

He could still remember the day he cut off his then-long, wavy hair. After Driftmark, he had simply needed a change, and it came in the form of copious amounts of wine and many nights out in the taverns and brothels with his companions.

When he had returned to the Red Keep the first thing in the morning and greeted his family at breakfast, Alicent had slapped him in the face, and Otto had dragged him back to his chambers by the collar.

They had called him a rabid dog. Chaotic, restless, and out of control.

And now someone like him was supposed to marry such a beautiful flower as Lady Tyrell?

No. Out of the question.

He couldn’t and he wouldn’t.

That thought had firmly settled in Aegon's mind... until the day finally came when he was allowed to meet you. And from then on, everything changed.

Your father, Lord Lambert Tyrell, rode a white horse in front of the carriage containing you, your Lady Mother, and your two sisters. You had no brother. Or rather, not yet, because rumor had it that your mother was with child again, even if she was past her prime.

Prince Aegon stood with his family in the courtyard of the Red Keep. His mother and grandfather had forced him to dress up, which is why he now wore his finest green doublet, his boots were polished, and his silver hair was neatly combed.

Queen Alicent stood beside him with her head held high, and every now and then he could feel her scrutinizing gaze on him. A gaze that made him feel small. Her dress was as green as the leaves of the King's Wood, and her fox-red hair was tied back in an elaborate hairstyle. A necklace with the seven-pointed star of the Faith of the Seven also adorned her neck.

At her side stood his younger sister Helaena, who was examining a small blue butterfly that had just landed on her hand, and his younger brother Aemond, who was staring fixedly at the ground and looked as if he wanted to murder someone.

His father, King Viserys, was, of course, absent in his condition. His old man often stayed in bed these days, where the maesters cared for him.

Oh, he loved this family.

The carriage doors opened, and suddenly it felt like the sun was shining brighter.

You were breathtaking.

In a pink gown with floral embroidery and long, wavy hair, you stood between your sisters and your mother. Like a brilliant red rose amidst pesky weeds.

He swallowed.

Aegon had considered so many possibilities beforehand. If you had been ugly, he would have simply told you, and you would have hated him, and everything would have been fine. But you are not ugly.

Apparently the gods were punishing him, for you were by far the most beautiful lady he had ever seen.

He hated it.

"The Lady Tyrell!" announced one of the bannermen of your house.

You stepped forward, and with every step you took toward him, the prince could feel his throat tighten. He couldn't breathe. He hadn't expected you to have such an effect on him.

If you had been any of the ladies he had a glimpse of in the castle, he wouldn't have hesitated to try to woo you and lure you into his bed, just so he could find someone else the next day.

But you weren't just any lady.

You were his future wife, the future mother of his children.

He couldn’t use you like that.

When you finally came to a stop in front of him, you bowed deeply and smiled at him with a warm, inviting look in your eyes. His heart leaped, and he didn't know how to react. He could feel his mother's gaze on him, and he knew she already believed he would ruin this marriage.

"My lady," he finally greeted you, giving you a small bow of his own.

There was no kiss on the hand, as expected. He had forgotten.

"My prince," you replied in a sweet voice, and in that moment he realized that you were indeed not untrue.

You were not like the others with their feigned smiles, their bold touches, or their provocatively low necklines. You were genuine.

But above all, you were kind, and that wasn't something you often found within the walls of the Red Keep.

"I hope your journey was pleasant?" he asked you, trying to sound polite. The perfect son and husband, just like his mother had always wanted.

Your smile widened, and there was a sparkle in your eyes that he had never seen before in any woman he spoke to. Joy.

"Yes, very much. But I must say, I already miss the gardens of my home. The scent, the colors... Nevertheless, I believe I can find my place at your court," you answered him gently.

Immediately, an idea planted itself in his mind. You missed the flowers? He would give you some.

He needed to prove to you that he wasn't just a drunkard and a disappointment. Perhaps then, once you were husband and wife, you wouldn't hate him completely.

"We have gardens as well. Sure, they will never get close to the beauty of the gardens in Highgarden, but I would still offer to show them to you?" he suggested with a shrug, as if it were no big deal and just something mentioned in passing.

"You would show me the gardens?" you asked him, blinking as if you couldn't believe it.

You had been told so many bad things about the prince beforehand. You were told that he was constantly drunk, that he always carried a glass of wine in his hand, that his hair was never combed, his clothes were never clean, and that he was always chasing the nearest skirt.

But the image you just got of him was a contrast to that.

You didn't see the prodigal son or the drunken prince, just a man like any other. A man you would like to get to know better.

"Perhaps you could let the lady inspect her new chambers first?" Queen Alicent suddenly interjected. "I am sure her journey has tired her out, and some rest would do her good."

Aegon and you were both about to object, but your father suddenly chimed in: "An excellent idea, Your Grace. We will rest first, and then we can break bread together."

You nodded obediently and curtsied again, this time to the queen, before disappearing into the castle with your mother, father and sisters.

Aegon sighed and was about to go back inside, when a hand suddenly turned around his arm.

"You are too hasty, Aegon," his mother reprimanded him.

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. What had he done wrong now?

"I just wanted to show her the gardens?" he replied questioningly.

"Which is something you can do after breakfast, too. She will be resting today, and in the evening we will have dinner together. Until then, behave yourself, do you hear me?"

He stared down at the ground beneath his feet. The biting edge of his mother's voice cut him as deeply as the sharpest dagger.

"Yes, Mother," he finally replied.

The Green Queen turned and disappeared into the castle corridors, whereupon Aemond followed her, and finally Helaena turned away as well. But not before muttering one last sentence:

"Flowers take time to bloom."

At dinner, he was drunk. How could he be otherwise? His mother's words had cut him deeply, and he couldn't help but devour one cup of Arbor Red after another.

You were sitting right next to him, and he just knew you were disappointed in him, too. You had to be. What lady so beautiful, pure, and kind would ever want a man like him? A drunkard and one that was useless.

You deserved better than this. Better than him.

Your sisters often whispered in your ear, and he knew it was about him. His terrible manners, his behavior, everything. You whispered back, and he knew you hated him. What else could it be?

What Aegon didn't know, however, was that you constantly contradicted your annoying sisters.

"He is drinking again," Flora whispered to you, rolling her eyes. She clearly didn't like your betrothed.

"With this family, I probably would too," you defended him, looking at her with eyes as piercing as if they were daggers.

Flora pursed her lips and shook her head. "I cannot understand why you like him."

For a moment, you looked at your future prince-husband. The expression on his handsome face was blank, and his gaze was distant, even as he stared into the dark red liquid in his bronze cup. The circles under his eyes were deep and dark, and his shoulder-length silver hair seemed uncombed, with a few strands falling wildly across his forehead.

He seemed sad. Lost.

You wanted to see him when he was happy.

You would tend him like one of your beloved roses in the garden your father had planted especially for you at home, and which your sisters would hopefully take care of in the future. And maybe, just maybe, he too would finally bloom under your care.

After dinner, the prince stumbled down the corridors toward his chambers. His vision was blurry, the world was spinning, and he felt so sick he was afraid he might empty the contents of his stomach into the nearest flower vase.

His hand stroked the cold, stone wall of the castle, which now felt more like a cage to him than anything else. He needed some form of support, because without it, he would probably fall to the floor without being able to stand up on his own.

It wasn't the first time this had happened, and it wouldn't be the last.

Suddenly, the wall he was holding on to ended next to him, and he could make out the outline of stairs on the floor in front of him. He took a step forward, but before he could stumble and fall down the grand staircase, a gentle hand wrapped around his arm, and he felt someone gently pull him back.

"You must be careful, my prince," you said gently, and he could feel a shiver run down his spine.

You were being gentle with him. So loving. Almost... motherly.

"I need to—my chambers," he stammered drunkenly, about to move on, but you gently pulled him back. You certainly didn't want your betrothed to fall down the stairs and die.

"I will accompany you, my prince. Let me help you."

Before he could even say a word for or against—although he would never have objected—you took him by the hand and led him down each step one by one. You kept telling him he was doing well and not to rush, as you would still need him. It made his heart race.

No one had ever cared for him like this.

At some point, you reached his chambers and you slowly led him inside. His rooms were messy and unclean, but that didn't bother you at the time. You could guess why he was doing this.

His family had placed a chain around him from which he couldn't escape.

The alcohol didn't help, but it seemed as if he still needed it to numb his senses. You hoped that one day he wouldn't need the bottle to escape his duties.

You hoped that one day you could take on that role.

You gently led him to his bed and chuckled as he flopped onto the mattress like a sack being tossed onto the pantry floor. He mumbled something, and you understood.

First, you slowly removed his boots and placed them beside his bed. Then you helped him slip out of his doublet, which you folded and laid on a chair. You placed his tunic right next to them, as well as his belt. You left his trousers on, not knowing how he would react, if you would touch him this way.

"Do you need anything else, my prince?" you asked him solicitously, but you received no answer. Not even a murmur.

Instead, you heard a soft snore, and you sighed.

With quiet steps, you approached the bed and looked down at the sleeping Targaryen. His features were relaxed, and he seemed to be sleeping calmly and peacefully. It suited him well.

You would love to see him so relaxed during the day.

You leaned forward carefully and stroked a silver strand of hair from his forehead ever so gently. He had his demons, but he was admittedly so very beautiful.

An angel in the sheets.

With a sigh, you finally got up and left his chambers so you could go to bed yourself. The day had been long, and you, too, were exhausted.

Aegon awoke the next morning with a throbbing behind his forehead and a great deal of confusion spreading within him.

He didn't know how he got to his chambers, nor who had undressed him. For a moment, he thought he had shared a bed with someone, but no woman lay beside him, and the sheets weren't dirty either. So he hadn't had a rendezvous.

Sitting up, he wiped the sleep from his eyes and let out a long, hearty yawn. But then his gaze fell on the small table that stood beside his bed. Instead of a bucket of wine, which should have been prepared, there was a cup of water and a small pink flower lay beside it.

It was you. You, his future wife. You, the woman he had thought would hate him.

You had cared for him in a way his mother never had. Your sweet, gentle nature was something he had never encountered before, but he wanted to experience it anew every day.

He barely knew you, and yet he was now certain that he loved you. He couldn't help it. Who could not love such a wonderful being as you?

And so he set out to find you.

He found you in the gardens of the Red Keep. The sky was clear, and the sun fell in soft rays onto your face, giving you an ethereal glow. Your hands stroked some of the rose petals, and you leaned closer to the bush to smell them. The smile that then formed on your face made his knees go weak.

What had he done to deserve a woman like you?

He approached you with slow steps, holding the flower you had left on his nightstand. The crack of a branch under his boot finally betrayed him.

"My prince," you said happily, beaming at him.

"My betrothed," he replied, giving you a small, uncharacteristic bow. He held out the flower for you to take.

A blush bloomed on your soft cheeks as you took the flower from him and tucked it behind your ear. The petals were the same color as your dress, which framed your body in such a way that he wished to worship you like a goddess.

"I wanted to apologize to you for last night," he began slowly, careful with each word. "I acted like a fool."

"Yes, you did," you replied in your soft, almost melodic voice. You expected something more.

"I have embarrassed and disgraced myself. I beg your pardon, my lady. Sincerely. From the bottom of my heart," he tried, holding his breath.

It was only a few seconds of silence, but to him it felt like an eternity.

But then you took a step toward him. And then another, and then another, until you had to tilt your head back slightly so you could still look into his eyes. Although not much, you were still a little shorter than him.

"I wish to be a good wife to you, Aegon," you began. "But in return, I would like to call you a husband I love and enjoy being around."

For a moment, Aegon didn’t know how to react. He wanted to jump in pure joy, take you in his arms, kiss you, push you against the nearest wall to show you how much you already meant to him, but instead he just stared at you.

"Aegon?" you asked carefully, placing one of your delicate hands on his arm. The gesture sent a spark through his entire body, a flame that would never go out.

"What do I have to do?" he asked instead. "Please, I want to be good. I want your love, your trust. I want you."

Your hand slid gently down his arm, and Aegon felt as if he had reached the arms of heaven. Finally, you intertwined your fingers with his and squeezed lovingly.

"If you declare me worthy of your love and affection, then I would gladly have it," you answered with a smile that melted his heart.

He nodded immediately and brought your clasped hands to his face, where he pressed a gentle kiss to the back of your hand. After all, he had missed it during your first meeting.

You, too, leaned forward and pressed a small kiss to the back of his hand.

He smiled at you, and you smiled back.

And when he leaned in and his lips brushed against yours in a feather light kiss, you and he both knew that your marriage would not be a disappointment.

He would prove it to his mother. He would prove it to you.

And he would be the best husband you could possibly have.

For you.

His love, his beautiful rose.

The Divider is from the wonderful @zaldritzosrose !

Taglist: @bey0nd-1he-stars @sassypain @hisfavegirl @dahaenatargaryen

[konansock]

Mod Update: Club & Business Activity Expanded

Sul Sul, Simmers! Sorry for taking so long to update this mod, I hereby announce that my Custom Club Activity Project is now officially renamed to Club & Business Activity Expanded.

In the new version, not only is all the activities updated to be compatible with new update, a lot of new activities were added specifically for Small Business - Like Tend Market Stalls, Offer Occult Training, and Tend Gravesite!

You can have a detailed list of all the activities and  whether they're available as Club Activities, Small Business Customers or Small Business Employees  here.

Base Game: View Aquarium, Attend to Babies, Back Float, Bake and Eat Cake, Bake Cake, Bake Cupcake, Charity, Complain, Cowplant, Cowplant's Cake, Critique, Critique Art, Cupcakes, Dig for Treasure, Friendly Ghost, Ask Future Cube, Game Livestream, Gossip, Haunting Ghost, Open Holiday Cracker, Do Erratic Things, Lounge on Chairs, Brag, Play with Molding Clay, Mourn the Dead, Parent-Kid Activities, Write to Pen Pal, Take Photos, Take Photos, Take Photo for Others, Sell Art, Use Social Network, Talk about Vampires, Tell Stories, Tip Performers, Care for Toddlers, Care for Infants, Help with Homework, Rummage Trash, WooHoo, Try for Baby, Practice Typing, Use Toilet, Witness Death, Fruit Punch Fountain, Use Vending Machine.

Cross-Pack: Care For Birds, Play with Birds, Be Mean to Birds, Order Street Food, Tend Market Stalls, Give Gifts, Go Shopping, Window Shopping, Listen to Stories, Offer Makeover, Toy with Motives, Influence Other Sims, Create Negative Emotions, Spread Positive Emotions, Freeze, Mind Control, Transform Objects and Sims, Play with Animals, Be Mean to Animals, Make a Wish at the Well, Offer Occult Training, Request Occult Training.

Cats & Dogs: Be Mean to Pets, Train Pets, Use Vet Objects, Craft Pet Treats.

City Living: Ask for Bribe, Ask for Donation, Bubble Bottle, Critique Food, Critique Performances, Deface Murals, Fireworks, Attend Festivals, Attend The Flea Market, Attend The Romance Festival, Try To Find Love At The Romance Festival, Attend Geekcon, Attend Spice Festival, Attend Humor & Hijinks Festival, Join Jokesters at Humor & Hijinks Festival, Join Pranksters at Humor & Hijinks Festival, Be Friendly to Talking Toilets, Be Mean to Talking Toilets, Have Fun with Talking Toilets, Sabotage Talking Toilets, Paint Murals, Haggle, Sing Karaoke, Watch Living Statue, Collect and Trade Posters, Collect and Trade Snow Globes, Protest, Play with Hand Sparklers, Play Console Game, Watch Speech.

Cool Kitchen: Make and Eat Ice Cream, Make Ice Cream.

Cottage Living: Collect Farm Products

Dine Out: Color Placemat, Discuss Food

Discover University: Grade Homework, Ride Bikes, Play Ping Pong, Play Juice Pong, Use Keg Stand, Do University Coursework, Write Research Papers, Contribute Knowledge

Eco Lifestyle: Craft Candles, Drink Juice Fizzing Products, Recycle and Compost, Dumpster Dive, Play in Acid Rain, Sketch Blueprint

For Rent: Snoop On Others, Clean Mold, Spread Spores, Spread Mold, Cook Tomarani Cuisine

Get Famous: Perform Scenes, Flaunt Fame, Flaunt Wealth, Interact with Fans, Play in Money Pile, Use Streaming Drones

Get To Work: Contact Aliens, Dance with Mannequin

Growing Together: Play on Treehouse, play in Splash Pad, have Pillow Fights.

Horse Ranch: Ride Horses, Be Friendly to Horse, Be Mean to Horse, Use Horse Obstacles, Harvest Prairie Grass

High School Year: Ride Pier Attractions, Make and Eat Ice Cream, Drink Boba Tea, Use Photo Booth.

Home Chef Hustle: Bake Pizza, Make Waffles, Make Prepped Ingredients

Island Living: Ride Aqua-Zips, Collect Seashells, Go Sailing, Sand Activities, Play with Dolphin, Sunbathe, Make and Drink Kava, Make Kava.

Laundry Day: Watch Laundry

Life & Death: Tend Gravesite

Movie Hangout: Discuss Movies

My First Pet: Play with Rodents, Be Friendly to Rodents, Be Mean to Rodents, Study Rodents, Clean Rodent Cage

My Wedding Stories: Collect Message in a Bottle, Prepare for Wedding

Outdoor Retreat: Roast Food on Campfires, Use Tents, Brew Herbalism Potions.

Paranormal: Explore the Haunted House

Parenthood: Show Gross Manners, Make a Mess, Play with Doctor Playset, Work on School Project Carefully, Work on School Project Sloppily, Shout Forbidden Words, Write Private Journals

Realm of Magic: Have Magic Duels, Set Fire, Offer Magic Training, Read Magic Tomes

Seasons: Bond with Bees, Disturb Bees, Give Romantic Gifts, Give Mean Gifts, Play in Kiddie Pool, Rake Leaves and Shovel Snow

Snowy Escape: Attend Light Festivals, Attend Youth Festivals, Buy Simmi Capsules, Eat Hotpot

Spa Day: Soak Feet, Get Foot Massage, Get Body Massage, Polish Nails, Ask for Manicure and Pedicure, Take Soak Baths, Relax in Sauna, Use Face Masks

Spooky: Carve Pumpkins

Strangerville: Hail to Mother! Use Listening Device, Military Spar, Do Military Training

Vampires: Dark Meditation, Vampire Duel, Have Vampiric Training

Vintage Glamour: Use Vanity Table, Play with Makeup, Study Globe

Werewolves: Werewolf Spar, Hunt for Food, Scavenge for Relics, Mark Territory

DOWNLOAD HERE.

Translation update: @kimikosoma created the French update for my Additional Bucket List mod, check it out here! https://www.curseforge.com/sims4/mods/mod-additional-bucket-list-skills-par-rex-trad-fr

[bittersweet-jack-of-no-trades]

Stanley picks up strays, but never for long.

It's not intentional, of course. He doesn't want nor need an extra mouth to feed or another living thing to have to care about. His mistakes back in Glass Shard proved he's bad at caring about/for other people.

But, a week or two after getting kicked out, sleeping in his car in a beach-side parking lot, he leaves his windows cracked to get some airflow. And when he wakes up the next morning, there's a little gray cat curled up in his passenger seat. It's collarless and scruffy in the way homeless things are (he would know, he's starting to take on the look), and he just doesn't have the heart to throw it out.

Somewhere in the Midwest the cat, significantly plumper and shinier than when it first joined him, leaves. He tries not to let it break his heart: these kinds of relationships are transactional. The cat got food and he got... a taste of companionship. Before the day is over, while on the side of the road for a piss break, he finds a puppy. A little thing, scruffy and probably flea covered and whiny and--- of course he takes it with him.

He's on the US-Canada border when the pup, now clean and fed, starts to play with a girl at the park. He sees the joy in her eyes and the nice car her parents drive and knows the dog will have a better life than with him; he leaves it behind.

And so the cycle continues: somewhere in the dark corners or wet ditches or back alleys of the country he finds a poor cat or dog or bird or once, notably, a rabbit; he nurses them back to health and gives them half of his food and eventually, out of necessity, out of care, lets them go.

When he pushes his brother into the portal and now has to bring him back, Stan promises himself no more strays. Every bit of his altruism is going towards rebuilding this portal. The goat in his front yard? He stole it from a neglectful farmer for fun, no other reason. The cats and raccoons that always find food and water on the porch? They're just lucky he dropped a bowl and was too lazy to pick it up. The injured griffin who woke back up in its cave with a wrapped leg? Stan doesn't believe in that nonsense, obviously it wasn't him.

He most definitely does not take in strays--- and then his niece calls him, says she and her husband are having an... issue, and can't he (he as in Stanford, of course) please take their kids, just for the summer, to get them away from the mess of the family. He doesn't take in strays, but they aren't strays, they're family. And Mabel does just the same thing he does, and that's why he can't, in the end, say no to Waddles.

Ford obviously doesn't believe in the same, seeing as he effectively tells Stan to get the hell out. Ford never took in strays--- too smart, too much self-control.

Indeed, Ford never took in strays. As his brother regains his memories, however, he starts to tell Ford about the strays he took in while on the streets. And as Ford is listening to Stan, all he can see is the resemblance between all those scruffy animals Stan helped and his poor brother.

They set sail on the Stan o' War II, and a week in, they find a pelican with a hobbled wing. No strays, Ford says. No strays, Stan agrees.

They keep the pelican.

[mongoosingisme]

This is your NSFW(ish) Shane headcanon warning.

Shane had a way with bodies.

He’d snicker if he heard you say that, and yeah, fair, but at its core it wasn’t a sexual thing. It was an intuitive kinetic understanding that covered all living things.

It was one of the things that’d made him great at gridball. Many of his opponents outsized him in height and pounds, but that didn’t matter much when he knew where to put his weight.

It was useful on the farm. Need help with the cows? He had a way of knowing where to lay his hands to make them move. Was it time to give the dog their flea medication? He could hold them down, gentle, controlled, so you could get the drops where they were needed. Chickens loose? Not a problem. He could predict where they would go, swipe his hand out in front of them and gather them up without a ruffled feather.

And yeah, fine, fine, it absolutely came up in bed too.

He had this way of moving you. A hand on a hip, a shoulder, and suddenly you’d be looking at the ceiling. It wasn’t forceful, just precise.

He’d do it without warning. One minute you’d be kicking off your shoes, the next you’d be over his shoulder, his arms tight around your thighs, and no matter how much you fussed at him you’d always end up on the bed, his knee spreading you open, his hand going right where you wanted it.

Sometimes it could be fun to push back. To wriggle away, try to push him over. Sometimes he’d even let you get out from under him, but you never got far before there was a hand around your ankle, your arm, the back of your neck.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he’d ask, voice equal parts playful and mocking, and then he’d be pulling and gripping and moving you right back to where you were. Right back where he wanted you. Right back to where you wanted to be too.

Masterlist

[calphalon]

because i love you | jason todd

⤵ tw: lowercase writing, possessive behavior, yandere, unhealthy relationship, marking, nsfw ⤵ note: i just think he wants you to love him so much he doesn’t feel like he has to hurt you ⤵ inspo song: and i love you so by elvis presley

a special kind of rot was living inside his corpse. it buried itself deep in his bones till it reached the marrow and metal, demanding the muscles move in unnatural ways he never thought were in his nature. it made its way all the way up into his brain, like worms crawling through the dirt, sometimes twisting the judgement bruce believed he should have had when it came to what he did with that pretty thing of his. “clip the wings of your bird and it will learn to rely on you even if it doesn’t want to.” maybe his version of clipping was having you pressed down underneath him, biting into any exposed skin he could find after an argument. the shape of his teeth leaving an intent on your flesh, one that so clearly showed the shape of his love he forced on your body. a tangible sign he was there, his rot transferring from deep within him into your bloodstream with each bruise and bite he left. he needed the world to know you were already damaged goods, infected, so they would back away. a wild dog marking its territory. maybe his version of clipping was the way he fucked you softly, agonizingly slow. forcing your body to not only get used to the shape of his but get addicted to it. craving it, needing it, depending on it. the way you begged him to go faster, to go deeper, anything to soothe the heat he cooked inside of your stomach. something in his brain clicked and needed to hear it over and over again, the rot demanding you cry before he could give in to your needs. even when he wanted nothing more than to savor you, to please you, to treat you like a good man would, the rot came first. maybe his version of clipping was the way he isolated you from everyone that wasn’t him. even his own brothers, even his own father, no one could look at you the way he did. the rot made its way into his eyes and clouded his vision, seeing everyone as a threat in some kind of way. the rot made its way into his throat, controlling the threats he yelled at strangers who dared to show you there was the hope of an escape route. if the only arm available to carry you from room to room was his, maybe he wouldn’t constantly fear you replacing him with a cleaner mutt. if you were a bird, he must have been a wild dog carrying your corpse around in his jaw like some kind of delicate trophy till he reached wherever he thought the doorstep was. a starving, flea ridden, rotting wild dog who wanted nothing more than to eat the bird, but some poor semblance of restrain making him pick at the corpse piece by piece till only the bones were left to carry. in another life, where his corpse never rose and the hunger of love didn’t puppet him, you would be able to fly free. unfortunately, the disease of jason todd was already soaked deep into every cut on your skin till it reached that poor heart of yours. the disease that made you think you loved him, that he was the one for you despite how bad he made everything seem. even when he broke you in a way that only suited him, molded you with his fear of what would happen if you weren't there for him, and solidified that in that infected heart of yours was a hole shaped perfectly for him to hide all his guilt in. the guilt of a dog who knows he is eating his bird bones and all day by day. maybe his version of clipping was letting you still love him for how you saw him, not as he knew he was.

[followthebluebell]

ear mites can do that!? poor kitties 🥺💔

Yes. Polly's exact condition is called a 'cauliflower ear'. It's basically a type of scar.

Basically, here's what happens: a cat suffers some sort of injury to their ear. In this case, it was untreated ear mites; Polly kept scratching herself to alleviate the itching from the ear mites to the point of injuring the ear. This caused a hematoma, which is a swelling of blood and fluids in the ear flap.

If a vet had been aware of this, they could have stepped in and healed the damage by draining the hematoma. Occasionally buttons are sewn into the ears to put them back into the proper shape (which... LOOKS very brutal, ngl). But, since it went untreated, the ear curled on itself due to the accumulation of scar tissue.

At this point, it's never going to go back to shape. She'll just be an extra special kitty who requires some extra help keeping her ears cleaned.

It can also be caused by fights with other cats, severe ear infections, ingrown ear hairs... in very fluffy dogs with hairy ears (like poodles) hematomas can be caused by severe mats on their ears, especially if they develop on the tips. In this case, what happens is the mats pull the skin away from the internal cartilage, which again will cause that same scarring and fluid accumulation to develop.

Hematomas are very easy to prevent by keeping fleas and ear mites under control, keeping your animal groomed, and treating ear infections promptly.

[inawickedlittletown]

Becoming Pawrents (BuckTommy) - one-shot

Summary: Out on a call, the 118 finds a box of abandoned puppies.

BuckTommy Positivity Week Day 6: kids and pets

Rated: G

Words: 2.3k

@bucktommypositivityweek

-

Read on Ao3

The box trembled.

“So, uh, what do we think it is?” Buck asked. 

Chim approached it with some trepidation. “It’s probably nothing, right, Cap?” 

The call hadn’t been about the box. It had been a minor car accident. No one had actually been injured in the accident, but the very angry guy in the Porsche had taken affront at the inconvenience and actually punched the other driver who had then fallen and hit his head on the hood of his own car. The irate guy had then tried to lunge at the police officer before his partner got cuffs on him. 

After all of that had been taken care of, Eddie had spotted the shaky box. 

“We don’t know that,” Bobby said. “I’m calling it in.” 

Buck shrugged his shoulders. It was probably nothing. Maybe some raccoons were in there scavenging around trash someone had left behind. 

The box gave another shake and with it came the sound of—

“Do you hear barking?” Hen asked. 

“Wait, did someone abandon a puppy on the side of a road?” Buck asked and he rushed forward, Eddie at his heels. 

He was still careful as he popped the box open and yes, someone had definitely abandoned a box containing not just one puppy, but five. They were small wiggly little things that at the sight of someone peering in scrambled to the sides of the box, shaking the whole thing. Buck had no idea what breed they were exactly, but he thought they had to be some mix because they were all kind of curly. They were mostly blond, but they had white and black and brown mixed in too. 

“Puppies,” Chim said. 

“They’re cute,” Eddie said. 

“Adorable,” Buck added. “But who just abandons puppies like this.”

“Someone not very bright,” Hen said. 

Buck couldn’t help himself, so he reached in to grab one of them. The puppy wiggled but it came easily and weighed almost nothing at all. 

“Buck, don’t just — they could have fleas,” Hen said. 

Buck froze and didn’t bring the puppy any closer. 

Bobby approached, then. “Dispatch is sending animal control out. They’ll take them to a rescue and get them checked out.” 

The puppy Buck had picked up made a “woof” that sounded so cute, Buck couldn’t help but bring him closer. He immediately began to lick at Buck. 

Hen just shook her head, but she crouched to look at the remaining four in the box. 

“They’ll get adopted out quick,” she said. 

Buck pet down the back of the one he was holding. He was so soft and he was sniffing at Buck like crazy, it was all that Buck could do to keep hold of him because he wanted to be put down likely so he could run off. It was actually surprising they hadn’t managed to get out of the box. 

“They must not have been here very long,” Chim said. “You guys don’t even know. If Jee-Yun saw them she’d be begging me to bring one of them home.” 

Until that moment, it hadn’t crossed Buck’s mind that it was an option. 

“Why don’t you?” Bobby asked. 

“Yeah, like I’d hear the end of it from Maddie. They are pretty darn cute though. Maybe when Jee’s older and can take on the responsibility of caring for a dog. Otherwise, who do you think will be doing all the walking and feeding? This guy.”

“What about you, Cap?” Eddie asked. 

Bobby laughed and shook his head. “Didn’t go over well last time I brought a dog home, did it?”

“That dog had the devil in him,” Hen said. 

Eddie nodded in agreement. 

“And you, Eddie?” 

Eddie shook his head. “Nope. Count me out on that.” 

Buck, who had previously never given too much thought to getting a pet, wondered if maybe he should try and adopt one of the puppies. They were cute enough and now that he’d moved in with Tommy it would even have a backyard in which to run. And maybe they could even get the dog used to going on runs with him and Tommy. Buck could imagine it easily. One thing stopped him though, it wasn’t just his opinion that mattered. 

“Buck?” Eddie asked. 

Tommy wouldn’t say no to a dog, would he? 

It wasn’t like they’d discussed it or anything, but between the two of them they could definitely handle a dog and it would even work out when their shifts didn’t align so neither of them was home alone. The more he thought about it, the more the idea grew on him. 

“I — I kinda want to take one,” Buck said. 

“Of course you do,” Hen said. 

“What is Tommy going to say about that?” Eddie asked. 

“I would need to check with him, but I think maybe…maybe this is the next step for us.” 

“A dog,” Chim said. 

Buck gave a nod. “Yeah. I mean, I know he likes animals. I’m not gonna just show up with a dog without asking him first, but maybe it’s a good idea. It’ll be—” he trailed off not wanting to say it out loud.

“It’ll be what, Buck?” Hen asked. She was crouched scratching the head of one of the dogs. 

“It’ll be nice when he’s on shift and I’m not and when I’m on shift and he’s not.” 

It wasn’t what he’d almost said, but no one either realized or felt like calling him on it. He did think that Bobby was giving him a knowing look. A dog was preemptive for kids. Good practice for when he and Tommy decided they wanted a family. If that was something Tommy wanted. If it was something that he wanted with him. Buck had always wanted kids, but if Tommy didn’t he didn’t think it was a deal breaker. 

Suddenly, a pit was growing in his stomach and he bent to pet the dogs some more. He couldn’t help but smile while petting them. 

“Buck,” Eddie said. 

Buck turned and found Eddie with his phone pointed at him. 

“And sent,” Eddie said with a grin. 

—

Tommy wasn’t used to being on phone as often as he was these days. He still read a lot during any downtime at work, but one of the first things he did when getting back from a call was check his phone. Tommy didn’t mind, he loved the rabbit holes that Evan’s research binges sent him down. It was also, absolutely true, that the 118 got itself into some situations that absolutely required recounting. 

So, when he climbed down from the helicopter right at the end of his shift, he reached for his phone to check and see if Evan had had occasion to text. 

Instead, he found a text from Eddie that had come in not thirty seconds earlier. 

It was a picture and in it Evan was leaning towards a box full of puppies. They looked adorable and with how curly and blond they were, Evan kinda fit right in. Tommy couldn’t stop looking at the picture. At Evan’s smile and at the dog that was preparing to take a leap at him. 

“Whatcha got there, Kinard? Boyfriend sending you nudes?” 

“No. Unfortunately,” Tommy said. 

Lucy cackled. He turned his phone and Lucy grabbed it from him. “Did he finally find his family or something?” 

“Funny,” Tommy said, snatching his phone back and continuing to the locker room. 

He texted Eddie back as he made his way to his car. 

Tommy: Cute. What’s with the puppies?

He was about to pull out of his spot when Eddie responded. 

Eddie: Someone abandoned them. They’re getting picked up by animal control now. If you don’t want a dog better start figuring out how to tell Buck no.

Tommy went back to the picture. The puppies sure were cute, though he’d argue that Evan was the cutest thing in the picture. He didn’t know how he and Evan could manage to keep a dog, but at the same time it wasn’t the worst idea. Back when he’d first moved into his house he’d been convinced that a dog was the thing he needed to make it complete. It was his schedule that stopped him from getting one because back then he’d been completing his flight hours and it just hadn’t made much sense when he was only really home to sleep. Tommy had never revisited it. 

His phone vibrated again. 

Evan: how do you feel about getting a dog? 

Attached was a picture of the dogs inside the box. They were all quite fluffy with huge eyes and ears that just kinda flopped on the side of their heads. Going by their size, they would get to a good size. 

Tommy: how long do we have to decide? 

Evan: a few days. 

What followed next was information about the rescue shelter that the dogs were being taken to. 

Evan: I told them we’d stop by tomorrow. 

They were going to get a dog, of that Tommy had no doubt. For his part, Evan had already decided, and while he was sure that Evan could deal with Tommy saying no, it would also break his heart. That’s just who Evan was. It was what Tommy loved about him. 

When he got home, he did a little bit of research. He couldn’t be completely sure, but it seemed like the dogs were golden doodles or some subset of that. He and Evan did have erratic schedules, but if they got the dog trained fairly well then maybe one of them could bring it with them to work on occasion. It was allowed, he’d found out, and not just for animals trained for search and rescue. They could get the dog certified as a therapy dog, though. 

By the time that Evan arrived home, Tommy had already put a number of things in his amazon shopping cart. Evan laughed and hugged him from behind when he saw it. 

“Really?” he asked. 

“For one thing I could tell you really wanted to do this. And I think we can make it work.” 

Evan immediately leaned down and pulled him into a kiss. “You’re the best. They were all taking bets on how this would go.” 

“I hope you put some money on me,” Tommy said. 

Evan just laughed. “So, let me show you more pictures. They really were cute.” 

There were about ten pictures. Some were of the dogs still in the box, but Evan also had pictures of them loaded up into the car that was taking them to the shelter. One had Evan holding two of the puppies. He looked absolutely smitten. 

“What did they say?” 

“I guess it’s not super unusual so they weren’t surprised when I asked about adopting one. They said since we did find them I could have first dibs at the shelter. They will be putting them up for adoption by the end of the week. I told them we’d come by tomorrow.” 

“So presumptuous,” Tommy said. 

Evan just smiled. “Even if you said no, I still would have wanted to see they were okay.” 

“I really don’t think there’s saying no to you, Evan.” 

Evan grinned at him. “I’ll admit I was a little worried you didn’t think we’d have the time for it.” 

“Well, I was thinking about that,” Tommy said. “Did you know LAFD allows dogs at the firestation? Not just service animals, but therapy dogs, and even pets. It’s kinda up to the Captain.”

“Really?” Evan seemed to light up. “That’s great. I think we can really do this, Tommy.” 

It took a few days and only a couple of visits. The hardest part was picking one out of the five, but in the end they settled on one of the male puppies. He was sweet and playful and pretty smart going by how quickly he’d caught on to fetch. The shelter made the whole process easy and sooner than expected, they were arguing over names while their new dog introduced himself to their backyard. 

“What about this dog looks like a Max?” Tommy asked. 

“That’s better than calling him Darcy,” Evan shot back. 

Tommy thought Darcy was a nice name and maybe he’d picked it because of Pride and Prejudice, but it wasn’t like he could name the dog Knightley after his favorite of Austen’s leading men.

“What about Teddy?” Evan asked. 

“Then we may as well call him Bear.” 

“Well if he’s going to be a firehouse dog maybe something relating to that.” 

“Blaze? No, that doesn’t fit.” 

Evan stopped and he grinned at Tommy, clearly he had an idea. “What about Captain?” 

It wasn’t a bad name except for how it was also a horrible name.

“Bobby’s going to kill you,” Tommy said. 

Evan just laughed. “It’s a good name! And we can just say that we were naming him after his grandpa. Cappie for short, so it’s not Cap.”

“I take no credit for the name,” Tommy said. “It’s all you.” 

“Captain!” Evan called out. “Is that your name? Is it?” 

The dog. Captain. He came running towards Evan, panting and wagging his tail. He bumped into Evan’s shins. 

“You know, Evan, if you get to pick his name then I get to pick the next time we have to pick a name,” Tommy said. 

“What does that—”

He saw understanding settle on Evan’s face. They had never talked about it. Before Evan, Tommy was pretty sure that he would have been entirely against the idea of becoming a father. It just hadn’t seemed like something he would ever have and he hadn’t exactly longed for it or anything. With Evan everything was just different. He made Tommy want things. He made Tommy have hope for the future and he wanted that future to include kids. Evan’s kids. His kids. 

Evan had an armful of puppy, but he leaned over and kissed him soundly and Tommy reached down to pet Captain. It really wasn’t a bad name. 

“Fine,” Evan said. “So we take turns naming our kids starting with this one.”