Chapter Text
Beatrice stared at Ava from her seat on the bed. Ava was sat cross legged on the hardwood floor with the sleeping puppy in her lap. There was a towel beside them and wet footstep marks behind her.
“What about Angel for a name?” she ran her fingers through the damp fur. Beatrice frowned. “I think it’s perfect.” Ava said with a smile.
The puppy looked like a german shepherd, if the coat color had anything to go by, and Beatrice mentioned how energetic they were. Which Ava easily replied ‘Good think we’re on the ground level, then!’
The floorboards creaked as Beatrice stood up, Ava followed her movements to the kitchen attentively. “We should get her some toys and a collar - oh! can we get one of those dog tags with her name on it?”
Angel let out a yawn and stretched her four limbs out, back arching. Ava’s eyes lit up instantly at the sight and let out a long and audible ‘awe’.
“Isn’t she the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen?”
Beatrice could think of quite a few things she found infinitely more adorable. She grabbed a water and returned to Ava, running her fingers through her hair.
“Hey Bea?” Ava leaned her head against Beatrice’s hip. “Hm?”
”Does our apartment even allow dogs?”
-
Three weeks later, Ava worked her first morning shift at the bar in months. Which meant she and Angel couldn’t have their ‘morning play time’.
Which also means that she’s running around the apartment while Beatrice is putting her shoes on for her morning run. She slid on the floor on her way to Beatrice, wagging excitedly.
She had to get her energy out somehow, the other option being Beatrice leaves her here and she goes to chew up their shoes or couch. Which just wouldn’t do. Beatrice grabbed Angel’s leash and harness.
“I suppose it won’t be an issue if you can manage to keep up.”
Angel did a pretty decent job of it. Beatrice had to slow her usual pace because the puppy’s legs were so small but she was definitely trying her best. She didn’t care to stop and sniff, or pay attention to the other animals on their run. Her full attention was trying to keep up with Beatrice.
Until they were nearly half way done with their walk. Beatrice felt some resistance on the leash and slowed to a stop. She looked back to find Angel laying down and panting in the grass.
Beatrice walked over and put her hands on her hips. She tugged gently on the leash but Angel wouldn’t budge. “How about we do two more blocks, and then we can walk back?”
Angel threw her head back and yipped in response. Beatrice pointed her index finger at the puppy. “No back talk.”
Angel tilted her head, her tongue lulling out of the side of her mouth. It was quite cute, even Beatrice had to admit it. She conceded.
“One more block and then I will carry you back.” Angel groaned and fell back so she was laying on her side. She was still panting, and lifted her head after a moment to check if Beatrice was still there.
“Fine. Fine.” Beatrice scooped her up into her arms. “Just - don’t tell Ava about this. She’ll never let me live it down.”
The next morning, Ava and Angel were playing with the rope toy. Angel slipping around on the floor while she was trying to get some momentum. Beatrice kissed the top of Ava’s head before walking to the door to put her running shoes on.
When Angel saw this, she promptly let go of the rope and scattered to the door. She sat excitedly next to Beatrice, wagging so hard the entire back half of her body was going back and forth with her tail.
“Have I missed something?” Ava stood up, the rope still in her hand. Beatrice’s lips thinned in thought as she watched Angel glance to her and then to the door and back. “She may have accompanied me on my run yesterday.”
Ava failed to hold back her cheeky grin. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a permanent running buddy?”
“This is strictly temporary.”
Angel tilted her head to the side again, and her eyes did this thing that Beatrice realized resembled what Ava’s did when she really wanted something. “Try telling her that.” Ava said.
Beatrice grabbed the leash, “I’m sure one more time wouldn’t hurt.”
-
The patrons at the bar absolutely adored Angel. She was definitely Hans’ favorite. Whenever Ava would bring her in, he would drop whatever he was doing to greet her properly. Which meant getting on his knees and petting her with a large smile for however long it took until Angel was over it.
Over the next few months her ears started to perk up, though at the moment only one of them was actually up while the other was still drooping. It made her all the more adorable. One of the regulars in particular, Lovisa, would mention it every single day since it was first noticeable.
Angel was especially popular with the tourists. They would always stop to coo over how cute she was and give her a pat on the head. Which wasn’t an issue, Angel absolutely adored all of the attention.
She was extremely loyal as well. When she wasn’t by the bar with Ava, she was at the booth with Beatrice. She would always be by one of them and keeping an eye on the other at all times.
“You two can head home, it won’t take long to close.” Ava said, a rag in one hand wiping the table Beatrice was sat. They both tilted their heads to her at the same time, which definitely will be brought up later.
“You’ve been here since we opened and you,” she pointed to Angel “have had a busy few days.”
Beatrice frowned “I really don’t mind staying so we can walk back together, darling.” Ava slung the rag over her shoulder and sighed.
“Please just get some rest, Bea. I’ll be home before you know it - promise.” She did the thing with her eyes that she most definitely taught to Angel and Beatrice just smiled and nodded. “Be safe?”
”Of course.”
The walk back to the apartment was quiet. Angel’s paws against the pavement was the only sound that could be heard this late at night.
She took off her shoes when entering, and barely had enough energy to change before falling into bed. Trying to crawl towards the sleep she desperately needed. It was difficult to even keep her eyes opened.
There was a dip in the bed and for a brief moment Beatrice wondered if she just didn’t register Ava coming inside. Then, a furry head put itself on her stomach.
Usually Angel was not allowed on the furniture, but it was oddly comforting. Beatrice ran her fingers through her fur as she drifted off into sleep.
-
When Ava got back she was surprised to find Angel not at her usual spot. She had her dog bed at the foot of their bed, she would always be laying down and facing towards the door. Ava kicked her shoes off and looked around.
The moonlight from the window illuminated the outline of Angels head, her one perked up ear facing Ava from none other than the bed.
“Not even gone for three hours and you steal my girl?” she muttered. Ava made her way towards the bed to get her change of clothes. Angel dropped her head back onto Beatrice with a sigh.
Ava climbed under the covers, having to gently push Angel so she could fit her entire body onto her side of the bed. “Don’t tell Bea, but I took the long way home and there’s this little pet shop,” Angel turned her head towards Ava.
“I saw the most adorable cat ever there. And no offense to you but I always thought Bea was a cat person y’know? But obviously-“
Angel stretched her paw out so it would push at Ava and she let out a groan. “Geez, okay fine. We’ll talk about it later.”