1 Hour Later

This was not in Jason's plans for the day. To be fair, the last three days could be summarized by that phrase. He had just returned to the OPs Center. Stripping his weapons and gear as he filed them away in his armory. He had quickly grabbed a shower and had dressed in a comfortable hoodie/sweatpants combo. Planning to relax the rest of the day away before reviewing the coming week's weather report and his plan. He had opened the hidden door and climbed the stairs to the kitchen, only to be met by a white, black, and brown lump sitting on his carpet.

There was a puppy in his kitchen. Staring at him with dark hazel eyes and a look of, "who the hell are you?" Like Jason didn't own the home the little trespasser was perched in. Jason froze at the sight. He loves dogs and had begged Bruce to get him one. That pipe dream went up in smoke with the warehouse. The puppy by now had tilted his head to the right. Curiosity etched in this movement.

"Rose!" Jason called out, his voice sounding every bit as uncertain as he was right now. Still staring at the ball of fluff.

"Jay you're back!" Rose said as she entered the room. Her voice made it sound like she was caught stealing from a cookie jar.

"I am….are we dog sitting? I didn't think we really knew our neighbors well enough for that." Jason responded. Trying to puzzle out why they had a dog in his house.

"Some lady threw him at me?" Rose tried with an apologetic smile. Trying to sound cute and unbothered.

Jason's head now snapped to meet her eye. "Someone threw a puppy at you?" His voice layered in disbelief and a bit of confusion.

"I got bored after you had left and went into town. I was walking around Main Street trying to get to the bookstore again and there was this mobile shelter set up outside one of the stores. I was walking by when some woman walked up to me and all but threw him into my arms! The poor thing was freaking out and I just panicked! I didn't hear what was said until we started doing the paperwork! Is that even legal by the way?" Rose rambled through her story, her eyes looking everywhere but at him.

"Anyway, by the time I came to my senses. I had signed. So now we have a Bernese mountain dog." And thinking quickly to try and drag his attention away from her, "I was thinking of naming him Pookie."

Jason took the bait, but still needing further clarification, "We are not naming him Pookie! And what do you mean you panicked?! Rose, I've seen you wade through bodies with a smile on your face and literally dive into some of the worst places imaginable. How does this catch you off guard?" Rose shifted at this, like a small child trying to not get punished, it was adorable.

"No! Bad Jason! There is a panic puppy in your house and the woman wants to name it Pookie!" Jason thought.

"The lady just came out of nowhere and he was sooo soft! When I was about to rip her a new one, I saw his face and I couldn't say no! I mean! Look at that face and his eyes! How could you say no to those eyes?!" Rose responded as she bent down and made a come here motion to the puppy. Who quickly got up and bounced over, his steps looking like he was skipping.

"Rose, he's a big commitment. I love dogs, but are you sure?" Jason asked as he observed Rose scratch the puppy. Receiving small slaps from the puppy's paws as he tried to grab her hands to bite.

"I'm sure Jay. He's adorable and I've already gotten used to him being around. It'll be nice to go out on walks and take time for ourselves. Plus, we can go to the park and trails to hike!" Rose said excitedly. Still looking at the puppy with a small smile. He knew that he had lost the second the puppy made his way over to her. If he was being honest, he really wasn't fighting all that hard against it. Seeing her light up like Christmas was worth any price, but he couldn't shake the feeling there was something else. Rose doesn't get flustered like that, unless it's him teasing her in public. They were private about their love life, but he loved the red that would envelop her face as he got more and more raunchy in his flirtations. It often took a while and she would toss most back at him. But it was their game, and he loved every second of it.

"Rose? Are you ok? You seem more wound up than normal." He asked as he walked over and sat next to her.

"I was afraid of what you'd think. I took a large step without consulting you and…." She trailed off. Seemingly lost in a memory.

"You should have been more concerned about wanting to name our dog Pookie. I'm considering taking you to the doctor for a mental exam." Jason answered. Trying to lighten the mood as he began to pet the puppy. She was right. The dog was super fluffy.

Rose snorted and unwound. But not all the way. Just enough to not worry Jason.

"I wanted to see your reaction. I don't think I could live with a dog named Pookie either." She said as she absently scratched behind the puppy's ears.

"What names did you come up with?" Jason asked.

"I was thinking of Rocky but I think that's stereotypical. Next was Major. He just doesn't look like a Major. I tried Gunner and it just didn't work. I've been calling him my Little Bear since then, as I tried to come up with something else." Rose explained.

"How about Bear then? I think it fits and it's not something I'd be embarrassed calling trying to get him to come." Jason answered as he was transfixed by Bear.

Rose now looked up at her boyfriend. Seeing the look of wonder and slight grin as he messed with the puppy. Playing keep away with his hands and the biting puppy below them. She jumped forward and grabbed his face. Directing his focus toward her, before kissing him passionately. Breaking up only to engulf him in a hug as if he were going to disappear at a moments notice.

"I love Bear. Thank you for not being angry." Jason just returned the hug. Not realizing how much he missed her, if only for a few days.

"Never Rosey, I've always wanted a dog. This was just an unexpected surprise is all." Rose didn't respond to that. Merely glancing up toward their master bedroom and thinking of surprises.

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5 Days Later

It had snowed the night before. A good five inches accumulating in a matter of hours. It made the mountains and surrounding valley into a postcard worthy photo. Better yet it made the bed feel all the warmer. The cold air breaking against the warmth of their blankets and body heat. A perfect morning with Rose snuggled under his chin with their arms wrapped around one another. Legs entangled in the embrace of sleep. This couldn't last however.

Bear had jumped up on the bed and had started sniffing in Jason's ear. Curious as to why they hadn't started their day like everyday since he'd been here. Jason slowly startled awake and was met by a pair of hazel eyes gazing down from Bear's standing position. The demand of food and attention written within.

"Alright, I'm up. Let's get you fed and outside." Jason answered tiredly. Unshackling himself from Rose and quietly getting off the bed. Rose had seemed more tired recently and Jason felt she could probably use the rest. He proceeded to throw on a sweater and grabbed a pair of socks as he left the room. Bear leading the way and looking back at him every few seconds. They traversed the stairs and Jason bent down to pick up Bear's bowl as he entered the kitchen.

Jason had learned, in the span of the short week he'd been back, that Bear was a picky eater. He wouldn't eat his normal food without some sort of other food mixed in. When asked what she thought was going on, Rose admitted the first two days they had Bear she had forgotten to get dog food and a bowl for him. So, she fed him some eggs and parts of her dinners she made. The third day had Jason returning and he hadn't noticed her adding gravy to Bear's food as he reviewed the weather report.

So…. now they had a puppy who was used to the finer things in life and wouldn't eat otherwise. Jason was trying to break this habit early, but it was hard. Every time they sat down to eat, those brown eyes would stare up at them accusingly. He thought he'd have been used to it from Titus and his time sneaking the dog food when he was in the manor. But it was different when it was his dog.

Jason started heating up his pans and pulling out the eggs. Already deciding that Bear would get two with his morning food. Said dog was perched at his feet, tail wagging back and forth lazily and tongue hanging out slightly as he panted. Jason just shook his head at the imagined cheshire grin panted up at him from Bear. A smug look of "I've got you wrapped around my paw and you know it."

Jason quickly fried Bear's eggs and deposited them on top of his food. Quickly setting it down as he turned to pull some butter and bacon from the fridge. Letting the butter soften as he waited to take Bear outside. The dog finishing his devouring of the eggs and dog food with a burp.

"Glad someone else appreciates my cooking." Jason said semi sarcastically with a smirk.

He then made his way towards the front door. Slipping on his socks and a pair of slip-on shoes by the door. He opened the door and stepped out first to pull the small leash they had tied around one of the columns of the deck. He attached it to Bear's collar and stepped aside as the puppy bounded out. Jumping head first into the white powder. The puppy yelped and sprinted back from the snow, not expecting the cold, wetness of it.

"You're a Bernese mountain dog. You should love the snow! Being born from the swish alps and all that jazz." Jason said with one eyebrow raised and leaning against his home with arms crossed.

Bear ignored the taunt and tried entering the snow again. More slowly this time. One paw after another, as if the snow would swallow him up. A few seconds later he had adjusted to the feeling and was frolicking across their front yard. Leaving a trail in his wake of compacted snow and puppy sized holes. Jason just watched with amusement as the puppy discovered his new favorite place.

"Alright do your business and let's head back inside." Jason called as the puppy started to calm down. A few moments later, both were back inside with Jason covering Bear in a towel and rubbing him down to dry him off. Bear trying to nip at his fingers during this newfound game. After drying Bear, Jason returned to the kitchen and threw a scoop of butter into the pan. A little shadow following as he moved about the kitchen.

"It's already snowing? We haven't even had Halloween yet." Rose yawned as she entered the kitchen. Dressed in sleeping shorts and one of his oversized hoodies.

"It gives us an early start on skiing at least." Jason answered offhandedly as he monitored the eggs and bacon. Quickly deciding to start a thing of oatmeal on the next burner.

Rose just hummed as she started setting the table. About ten minutes later, Jason placed a plate of crispy bacon, eggs, and a cut up peach he had in the fridge, in front of his and her spots on the table. Complementing it with a bowl of brown sugar and honey oatmeal

He sat down and they began their meal. Rose pausing after the first bite and heading to the fridge. Jason tracking her movements with a look of confusion on his face. She quickly returned with a jar of pickle chips, meant for burgers, and added them to her eggs. She then dug in, completely missing Jason's concerned look.

"Is that good?" He asked. Rose looked up now. As if she hadn't realized that what she did wasn't exactly normal.

"Ya it is. I tried it out a few days back when I was bored and have been doing it ever since." Rose answered with a small shrug. Jason just looked between her and the eggs as she ate. Expression implying he thought they would jump off the plate and maul her.

"You said something about skiing." Rose continued on.

"I think it might be a bit early for that, but I do have reservations for us tonight. I figured a good meal to celebrate the changing of seasons was in order." Jason said as he broke away from the pickle and egg combo Rose was enjoying.

Rose immediately perked up. Eyeing him in excitement.

"It's formal so wear a good dress. We'll head out around five." Jason said with a smile. His mind already jumping forward to the night ahead and asking his woman to marry him.