Shaggy entered the office building shaking his head. He really needed to clear his head for what he knew would be coming, but the past day, not to mention the morning, had really thrown him off. He had left Scooby in the room during breakfast and had just gotten the Great Dane back after he had missed catching Sally when she had kissed his cheek.

'Man that felt nice.' Shaggy thought to himself. He had to slow down his roll at that point. This was Sally McKnight he was thinking about. She was just there to be a good friend. Nothing more.

Of course that didn't change the fact that her telling him she had faith in him with Jasmine had really given him a burst of energy for this meeting. For some strange reason, knowing she believed in him made him want to prove her right.

So here he was, strolling into the office of the CEO of Blake Enterprises. Jasmin had spent the night with her grandparents and Shaggy was now going to be having a discussion with them about her future. Shaggy had always found the Blakes a bit intimidating and he knew this was not going to help matters at all.

What Shaggy had not expected, as he entered the office, was to see the Jones sitting there as well. Surrounding the large desk in the middle was both Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Blake, as well as Daphne's five sisters and their significant others. Shaggy took a deep breath. 'Well this just got harder.'

Then he heard a small shout of joy as Jasmine came running out from behind the desk and came over to grab his hand. He bent down as she called his name and she threw her arms around his neck.

"Uncle Shaggy! Uncle Shaggy!"

"Hey Pumpernickel, how are you?" Jasmine giggled at his nickname for her. He thought back to first meeting the little girl in the hospital. Just like everyone else, he had been wrapped around her finger from day one. As such, he had decided to call her after his favorite bread, because she was his favorite little lady.

As he asked his question, he saw her face fall a little. Shaggy assumed it was because of her parents and started to step in.

"How about we-"

"Grandmother and Grandfather say that I'm not allowed to stay with you." She cut him off and he could hear the sorrow in her voice. Seeing the look in the little girl's eyes, Shaggy made his decision. If she wanted to stay with him, he would simply grow up and take care of her. Now it was just a matter of convincing the families.

Looking up, Shaggy could read the looks of shock on everyone's faces, but he didn't let his own reaction show. He drew Jasmine up into his arms and stood to his full height. While Shaggy had never been the biggest nor most intimidating person, he was not small. He had always cowered a bit, which led to people not really fearing him, but Jasmine's reaction set something in him off. Shaggy drew up to his entire 6'5" height and squared his shoulders back. He felt his shirt draw tight around his chest and knew working out had been a good idea. He even saw one of the unmarried Blake women bite her lip.

"Don't you worry sweetheart, they are just looking out for you because they love you. Just like I do." Here Shaggy made a point to make eye contact with both Mr. Blake and Mrs. Blake before bringing his attention back to Jasmine. As he said it, she buried her face in his neck and he hugged her tight. After a moment, he pulled her gently back.

"Jasmine, why don't you go play for a bit. I need to speak with your grandparents." Jasmine gave him an almost questioning look. She was far more observant than someone of her young years should be. Definitely her parent's daughter. Shaggy felt a smile and tear both forming at the thought. He set the young girl down on Scooby's back.

"Don't worry, we will all be right here. You go relax with Scooby-Doo!" Scooby did not miss the look that Shaggy gave him.

"Reah Rasmine, Rets Ro!" (Yeah Jasmine, Let's go!). He began off at a trot with the young girl laughing as she rode on his back. As the two exited the room, Shaggy turned back to face the rest of the adults. He just stared, still offering his imposing presence. He could feel some of the others starting to shy away from it a bit. He looked at the Blakes first.

"You two?" They merely nodded. Mrs. Blake wouldn't even meet his eyes. He turned to face the Jones.

"And you also?" Shaggy couldn't help the pain showing in his voice. Mrs. Jones looked as if she was already on the verge of tears. Shaggy saw her grip Mr. Jones hand who turned his eyes to face the tall young man.

"Shaggy, you have-"

"Norville."

"Excuse me?"

"My name. It is Norville. Only my friends and family can call me Shaggy. Right now, I'm not sure where those of you in this room fall." Shaggy placed an extra dose of venom in his voice. He watched the older blonde man shy away from him a bit. As did some of the younger Blake women. Mr. Blake, however, decided to intervene.

"Now then, Mr. Rogers. There is no need for this. Jasmine is our family after all."

"Yes, and her parents, two of my best friends, asked me to look after her." It was a statement. Shaggy stood behind his conviction and saw the pain break in the Jones eyes. He realized their struggle. He softened and turned to them once more.

"Look, I know you all care about Jasmine. I know you all loved Fred and Daphne dearly. And they asked me to look after her, not to take her from you. She is still your blood family, but she is also one of the most precious things in my life. Don't make her choose between us." Shaggy stopped. He was gaging the room. The Jones had both tensed up and Shaggy could see the tears in Mrs. Jones eyes. What he had not expected was what came next.

"He's right, you know." Shaggy looked over to give the young Blake woman a thankful nod. Dorothy had spoken up. Next to Daphne, she had been the youngest. Of course she was still very much like her sister in looks. All of the Blake women were. Dorothy moved away from the family to stand by Shaggy. She gave him an appreciative nod and placed her hand on his shoulder. Of course at his height it was a reach up. Then she turned to face her family, staring down her father.

"Daddy, you know that was what Daphne and Fred wanted. Can't you respect their wishes?"

"And leave them with such a slob? A man who runs from…well, everything?"

Suddenly Shaggy had an idea. As a sly grin crept across his face, he noted the time. Nearly lunch time. He smiled at the rest of the rooms inhabitants who returned his look wearily. All except Dorothy.

"Mr. Blake, you were right once upon a time. But somethings do not change. I still enjoy food, as I am sure all of you do. How about we go enjoy lunch, taking a break from this stress for a moment. We can all enjoy being with Jasmine one last time, regardless of how this ends." He paused here. Mr. Blake studied him for a moment before relenting.

"Fine, that seems like an excellent idea Mr. Rogers. Where shall we go? Some small diner?"

"Actually, I was considering Spade." Shaggy watched everyone's eyes jump up at the name. It was the very high end restaurant next to the office building. Certainly unexpected. Sensing tension rising in the room again, Shaggy was about to say something else when Dorothy slipped her arm in his and turned toward the door. As she opened it, there was a loud laugh from both Scooby and Jasmine. This naturally brought the rest of the family running.