After reading the title on rogueandkurt's LJ site, this story just begged to be written. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: Only the puppy belongs to me.
"Reid, come on—we're over an hour late!!"
The sound of Emily's voice actually startled the young agent. He'd heard her when she was trying to be charming, condescending, authoritative, even funny—but this tone was something completely new. This was pure frustration mixed with exasperation.
"Emily, just go on without me. I know I left it here somewhere…"
"You're sure you had it when you were on the plane?"
"Where do you think I got the case files from?!" Reid snapped, his head buried in the backseat of the SUV. "I didn't hide it under my coat."
"Terrific—of all the days for you to lose that thing, and you pick today."
"I didn't 'pick' to lose it at all. I just…misplaced it."
Heaving a sigh, Emily pulled out her cell phone. "Emily the Strange and Great, how goes the world of the caffeine-addled and uber-perky?"
"I'm stuck in the middle of a rainstorm in the wettest place in America looking for an oversized purse," Emily said, her voice clearly indicative of her mood.
"You didn't…"
"No."
"JJ?"
"She owns one?"
"Okay. I'm confused now…"
"Emily, will you relax?! It's gotta be here—or, maybe back at the hotel…oh, I don't know anymore," Reid cried.
"You're kidding," Garcia said, her voice in shock.
"No, I'm not. I've got flat hair and a brand-new see-through blouse to prove it."
"Wet T-shirt contests just aren't your thing, huh?"
"Garcia…"
"Sorry, Em. His bag's not here. Wish I could be of more help."
"Was worth a try," Emily sighed. "Thanks."
"Good luck today. Knock 'em dead there."
As the phone hung up, Emily turned her gaze towards the sky. Of all the places for Reid to lose his messenger bag, he had to pick Seattle in the middle of a rainstorm? The irony of the day turning worse was not lost on the agent as she finally decided to huddle underneath the parking garage awning while her colleague continued to tear apart their only method of transportation.
Just then a small dog wandered near Emily's feet, looking sad and lost as he nuzzled near the warmth of rain-soaked ankles.
"Not your day either, huh?" Emily said, looking at the little dog. The animal turned up wide brown eyes and had a sweet face that melted Emily's bad mood in an instant.
"Aw…you're kinda cute," she said, picking up the little guy. "I bet you're hungry…"
The little dog happily ate part of Emily's leftover cinnamon roll that she'd picked up in the hotel lobby earlier that morning. Once finished, he barked appreciatively and snuggled into the agent's arms, falling asleep.
That settles it, she thought. You're coming home with me. Now to give you a name…
"Aha!" Emily heard as a shriek of triumph rang from the inside of the black SUV. "I knew I had it in there!"
"You found it? Finally?!"
"Was stuck underneath the backseat," Reid said. "How it got there…ah, Emily? What is that?"
"It's a puppy, Reid. Some little stray that someone kicked to the curb. I'm keeping him. Soon as the presentation is over, I'm stopping to a vet to have him checked out." Emily laughed a little as the small animal woke up and eagerly hopped out of her grasp to lick Reid's nose. "Isn't he sweet?"
"Bleagh—Emily! Who knows what that dog might have?" Reid quickly rubbed his nose with his rain-soaked sleeve and raced for the nearest bathroom. There was a small yelp of pain as Reid managed to trip over the excited creature as he made a beeline for the front entrance to the police department nearly three blocks away.
"Hmm…maybe I'll call you Fuzzy," Emily said, picking the puppy back up and carrying it into the station. "You certainly have a lot of fur for such a little thing…."
The puppy barked once; just happy to get out of the pouring rain.