And You I Love

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Location: Puffi's Pet Place
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Makoto browsed through the various adorable animals at Puffi's. She had always been fond of animals, particularly cats. Makoto briefly wondered if she would have the patience and the time she would need to love an animal properly. Then she wondered why she had never gotten a pet before.

She came to a cage in front of the shop's counter. Well, you're a cutie! she said to the little puppy, but the clerk warned her.

Eh, that one's a biter, he said, We call him Chomper round here. He'd chew the bars off the cage if he could.

She ignored the warning. Makoto placed her finger through the cage. At first, Chomper growled, but in a second he softened up and licked her finger. Makoto gave a soft laugh, because the dog tickled her finger so. She ruffled the hair on it's head and scratched it behind its ears.

He seems to like you, a quiet voice said.

Makoto turned a little, letting the dog lap at her finger. she said, you're one of Quatre's friends. The boy merely nodded, but Chomper growled in his cage once more, and then he left Makoto's finger for the boy's.

Makoto crossed her arms. I'm jealous, she laughed, He likes you, too.

Most animals do, he replied simply. There was a long pause, and Makoto watched as this boy played with the dog however much he could through the cage. It was kind of odd how the dog seemed to react to the boy's playing as if Chomper had known him forever. It was thoroughly amusing, and somewhat fascinating to watch it.

Makoto chuckled a little, then she asked, Are you going to tell me your name, or do I have to ask?

He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Makoto rolled her eyes. So what's your name? He ignored her still. Makoto shrugged and moved on to a cage across from Chomper's. A fluffy, white cat was sprawled lazily across the floor of the cage. It meowed and licked its paw, giving Makoto an uninterested look. On the cage was a nametag: Lucetta.

Makoto said, loud enough for the boy to hear, at least I don't have to ask what your name is. She gave him a sidelong glance and smile. He looked back at her blankly, and then turned to play with Chomper some more. The cat quickly softened up to Makoto, and she even meowed when she tried to leave to look at fish.

Makoto sighed, Ah, pookie...I can't resist. She went up to the counter and asked the clerk, How much for Lucetta?

The clerk(his tag read Donnie) asked, half in surprise and half in delight. You want to buy Lucetta? Makoto nodded. She's...a...mean one. I'm surprised, He showed a scar on his left wrist. He said, She bit me. That's not all. Lucetta's gotten me on my ear. But you don't want to see that. Minako smiled.

Donnie fumbled around in a desk drawer and produced a key. Lucetta, deeeear! he called. When he got near the cage, Lucetta hissed at him. He eyed Makoto nervously. She seems to be a bit...more feisty than usual today. Here, you take Lucetta and I'll get you your...eh...complimentary carrier!

She took the key and, after the baffled little clerk dissappeared into a back room, opened the cage. Lucetta came out quite willingly.

a voice said placidly. Makoto cocked her head in the direction of it, and there was the boy who had previously refused to give up his name. My name is Trowa Barton. With that, he left Puffi's.

When Donnie returned, Lucetta hissed again, but Makoto calmed her down. The clerk set the carrier gingerly on the ground. You never told me how much she would cost, Makoto reminded.

Lucetta is going to be $45, Donnie declared.

Makoto smiled. But you couldn't even feed her! Don't you think $45 is a little heavy? I'm taking a burden off your back, buddy.

Umm...$30, and that's my final-

You know, I don't have $30 on me, so would you mind putting Lucetta back in her cage for me? Lucetta advanced to the counter and Lucetta began to make a noise which was a mix of a growl and a hiss.

Donnie adjusted his collar, eyeing Lucetta nervously. Well, how much do you have?

Makoto pretended to be in thought. She finally answered, I just blew about $20 at the arcade, so I've only got about $15 left. Hey, if you sell me Lucetta for $15, I'll come back tomorrow for some kitty food- at a normal price.

Donnie chewed on his index fingernail. Hmmm...You'll by the jumbo pack of MeowMunchies? Makoto nodded. $15 it is.

Makoto paid and coaxed Lucetta into the carrier. Good kitty, she whispered, and then she graciously thanked Donnie, the clerk at Puffi's Pet Place, whom she never saw again.

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END
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