Francis was utterly set on getting a cat. He even had the image of himself on his couch in the evening with a fluffy cat on his lap in his mind as he walked into the shelter, but he had no idea what he was getting into.

Strolling down the rows of animals, he stopped to pet just about every other creature. The dogs were cute too, sure, but he still wanted a cat. When he reached the end of the aisle he was in, he saw the playpen where the animals could be let out of their cages to stretch their legs a couple of times a day. In the pen, and wearing a shelter volunteer badge, he saw a blond young man happily rubbing the belly of a huge golden retriever.

When the volunteer spotted Francis he beamed up at him and stood up from his playful crouch to greet him.

"Hi! Welcome to Daly's Pet Shelter. I'm Alfred, and I'm here to help you find a pet that'll suit you, your home, and your lifestyle. And then I'll help you get through the boring but necessary paperwork as quickly as possible." Francis nodded slightly as the worker spoke.

"Ah, hello. I'm Francis. I'm looking to get a cat. Preferably one that is puffy and soft. Any good candidates?" While Francis was talking, Alfred motioned for the dog to roll back onto its feet and sit, and once it did, Alfred stood gently patting the dog's head while he listened to the patron.

"I wouldn't narrow your options just yet, as it's always better to pick a pet that'll love you and that has a personality you'll love too rather than getting one that just looks cool. But there are a lot of really stylish animals with awesome personalities as well, so we'll see what we can do for you. Before we go for a stroll to see some of the likely potential pets for you, I'd like ya to meet my home dog. His name is Washington, isn't that right, boy?" Alfred paused to scratch the dogs chin. "He's been here since he was a puppy. He came into the shelter my second week volunteering, and has been here ever since. He joins me whenever I'm helping customers. He and I, we're like two peas in a pod. I'd adopt him myself if my college dorm allowed dogs. But alas, the cruel world keeps us apart. Anyway, you said cats, right? Let's go."

Alfred grabbed a clipboard with a piece of paper and a pen on it, and began to walk Francis towards the cat section, Washington trotting along beside them. Francis felt like listening to this young man speak was a whirlwind that made him dizzy, but was still very focused on finding himself a cat. Maybe a white one, even.

"So, Francis, what're you looking for in a pet? Remember, whatever furry friend you take home, they're gonna be your new permanent roommate. You're gonna wanna make sure your personalities are compatible, y'know, so you can get along." Alfred looked much more serious than he had when Francis had come up on him playing with Washington, but there was still a sort of lighthearted look in his eyes. It seemed, simply, he loved the work of volunteering at the shelter and took his job seriously, but also enjoyed it thoroughly. Francis thought that was very sweet. He tucked his hair behind his ears and he thought about how to respond for a moment.

"I don't think I want a cat that is too independent, as I know some cats can be. I want a cat that will enjoy cuddling for long periods of time, will be excited to see me when I walk in the door, and that will want to curl up in my bed every night." Alfred began to scribble something down on his clipboard, and Francis flushed as he realized the things he wanted in a cat where very similar to those which he hoped to find in a partner as well.

"Do you want a cat that'll want to go outside? Or would you prefer one that will be an indoor cat who's comfortable with little space?" Francis felt relieved as Alfred went on while still looking at his paper, seeming oblivious to the heat in his cheeks.

"I'd be fine with an outdoor cat as long as they're not prone to running away. And I–" Francis was distracted as Washington nudged his way in between he and Alfred and began to nuzzle his hand. Francis saw the shiny gleam in the dogs eyes and couldn't help but rub his snout. "I just want a pet that will be loyal and the right amount of needy without being whiny, you know?"

"Oh, absolutely! And definitely one that's soft, for watching movies on the couch together. I have good news and bad news for ya." Alfred said, looking Francis in the face. He raised his brows in question.

"What's the good news?"

"I think I have just the pet for you, fits your description to a 'T'." Alfred told him with a jolly grin on his face. Francis swallowed hard.

"And the bad news?"

"It's not a cat." Alfred said simply.

Francis' heart thrummed. He peered through his lashes at Alfred, wondering if the young man was going to be blunt and ask him out or if he'd make light of his very sudden and very obvious flirting. Either way, he was certainly intrigued.

"It's Washington. This fuzzy dude has been looking for a home for two and a half years now, and he sounds like exactly what you need and what he needs in return is love and a place just big enough for some goofing around. I know you asked me about a cat, and I'm sure I could show you some you'd like, but I think you and my buddy here are a perfect match. Whaddaya say?" He meant the dog. He was talking about the dog. Francis stood silently a minute, processing. He looked down at the dog who was panting up at him, and then back up at Alfred who's eyes looked about the same as his doggy friend's.

"He does seem really sweet." Alfred nearly cheered at Francis' reply. He clapped him on the shoulder enthusiastically.

"That's what I'm talking about! Let's get the business over with and he's all yours. All I ask is that you bring him by or let me see the two of you every now and then, because I think I might miss him too much otherwise." Alfred laughed, but was smiling from ear to ear. Francis felt hot from head to toe. He let the cute boy and cute dog talk him out of his dream cat. But maybe that was for the best.

"D'accord, sounds like a deal."

/you know that when Francis and Alfred hung out at a dog park together with Washington after this, and then when Alfred invited the two of them back to his dorm for lunch and Francis saw that Al had a fluffy white cat named Lafayette he saw that as a sign that they were meant to be and they would eventually live happily ever after, too/