Requested by MusiKuro, here's Pets!

ENJOY!

36. Pets

"I'd prefer a cat," Roy spoke.

"Roy…" Marth sighed. "I think it would be better if we could get a dog."

Roy shook his head. "Oh, come on. We took care of that kitten before we released it. I would rather get a cat."

"Dog."

"Cat."

"Dog!"

"Cat!"

No matter how many times they argued back and forth, Marth and Roy couldn't seem to come to an agreement. The two wanted to get a pet, but they couldn't decide on what kind: a cat or a dog.

"Roy," Marth explained. "Dogs can protect us. Cats? Not so much."

"Oh come on, Marth," Roy whined. "Cats are cuter!"

"Dogs are cute, too."

Roy sighed. "We'll just have to keep thinking about it." With that, he walked off.

Marth watched his lover leave the room, a frown forming on his face.

He's still a little hurt after we had to release that kitten months ago, Marth thought. But…a dog is better for us.

Roy walked towards their room and once he was inside, he closed the door behind him. He sat down on his bed and buried his face in his hands.

"I wanted a cat…" Roy whispered to no one in particular. "But…Marth may be right…"

After a few minutes sitting in that position, Roy slowly got up from the bed as he began to think.

Would we be happier with a dog? he thought. Sighing, he nodded. I guess so…hmm…

That was when an idea popped up in his head. A wide grin began to form on his face, and he grabbed his gold and ran out of the castle.

To Roy's surprise, he didn't bump into Marth when he was running out of the castle. The redhead walked down the road into town, and after wandering for a bit, finally spotted a small store with a sign that read: "Pet Shop".

Roy smiled as he entered.

The smell of various types of animal food filled the air inside. All sorts of animal noises rang in his ears as he looked around. Many animals of different shapes and colors were in peering up at him from their cages.

"Ah, hello!"

Roy turned to see the manager walking towards him. "Would you like a pet?"

Roy nodded. "Yes, sir. Are there any dogs?"

The manager nodded. "Oh yes, we have plenty right here!"

The manager brought Roy to the back of the room. There, dogs in cages barked. Some of them snarled when Roy and the manager entered.

Roy glanced around the room, searching for a dog that caught his eye.

"See any you like?" the manager asked.

When Roy walked towards one cage, his heart melted when he saw a small Golden Retriever puppy. The small dog looked up to see the boy, its tail wagging as it panted.

Roy chuckled, leaning down and putting his hand into the cage. The puppy licked it, and barked a small bark.

"Aren't you cute?" Roy cooed.

The manager smiled. "Do you want that one?"

Roy turned to him and nodded. "Yes." He grabbed his gold and counted it with his fingers. "How much?"

"100 gold, please."

Roy handed him the exact amount, and when the manager opened the cage, the puppy sprinted towards Roy. It stood on its hind legs, wagging its tail.

Roy chuckled as he picked it up and cradled it in his arms. "He's going to like you," he commented, petting the small dog on the head.

The puppy barked, its tongue sticking out as it continued to pant—it almost looked like the puppy was smiling up at him.

After staring at the dog's happy face, the decision was final and Roy walked out of the store with his new friend.

When Roy entered the castle with the puppy in hands, he saw Marth putting a small box on the ground. Roy raised an eyebrow, wondering where he went.

"Hello Marth," Roy called.

Marth turned and smiled. When he saw the puppy, he gasped. "Roy, is that a puppy?"

Roy nodded. "Yes. I…I decided to get a dog for you, instead of a cat. So here." The redhead handed him the puppy. The dog looked up at Marth, panting.

Marth held the puppy close, staring down at it. "Roy…I-I didn't know you went to get a puppy. I…" he placed the dog on the ground as he grabbed the box. "I got something for you as well."

Roy raised his eyebrow even higher. When Marth handed him the box, he heard small mews coming from inside. Roy's eyes widened as the realization hit him.

He opened the box, and an orange kitten's head popped up. The small cat stared up at Roy with curious eyes.

"Marth, that—" Roy had no idea what to say.

"I decided to get a kitten instead of a puppy," Marth said, chuckling sheepishly. "I…didn't expect to get both."

Roy grabbed the kitten and pulled it out of the box. The cat mewed slightly, and it bopped its head under his chin. "It looks just like the kitten we took care of months ago," Roy said, holding it close. "Marth…thanks."

Marth smiled as he picked up the puppy. "No, thank you."

Roy chuckled as he and Marth brought their new pets in the room. After placing them on the ground, the puppy and kitten stared at each other. Then, the two began to wrestle playfully.

Marth and Roy chuckled. "I bet they'll be good friends," Marth commented.

Roy nodded as the two sat down to watch their pets. "I'm glad it worked out." He stared up at Marth, and without warning, Roy kissed Marth. Marth's eyes widened in surprise, but he closed them to accept the kiss.

Once the kiss was broken, they continued to watch their new pets playing. Before, it had been only the two of them. Now, they had two new family members, and the four of them were happy.

Constructive criticism is welcomed!

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