“Do you think Val will like this kind of cat food?” Alex asked for the sixth time, staring at the massive bag in her hands.
Steph glanced down at the big bag that basically covered Alex’s whole face and laughed. “I think Val is gonna like whatever kind of food we buy for her.” She teased.
Steph was right, of course. Val would eat anything they give her, no matter how odd it smelled or looked. But the thought of Val not liking her for some reason made Alex feel nervous, like she had something to prove.
Alex fidgeted with the bag, trying to view Steph. “Yeah I know, I just want her to like me more,” she sighed. “It’s been weeks, and she hasn’t even warmed up to me yet.”
Steph took the bag out of Alex’s hands.
“Babe, don’t worry about it too much. Val took a long time getting used to me, so just give her some time, and she’ll come around,” she reassured her.
“Thanks, Steph.” She stepped up to kiss her on the cheek. “I think we should also buy Val a few new toys.”
“Aww it’s so adorable to see how much you care for her.” Steph said with a grin.
Alex turned red. “I just want her to feel at home,” she said, pushing the shopping cart toward the cat toys.
The shelves were overflowing with pet care products—plush beds in thousands of sizes and colors, toys dangling from hooks, and rows of steel bowls. Instantly Alex’s mouth went wide. “Holy shit, i’ve never seen so many options before!” She exclaimed.
Steph took her hand. “Buy whatever you want, Allie,” she said without hesitation, loving how excited Alex looked.
Alex gazed at the rack for awhile before something caught her eye—a plastic, dark brown rat that looked like one of Val’s toys at home, only less beaten up.
“Steph! Val would definitely love this!” Alex said, handing Steph the rat.
Steph smirked, taking the rat from Alex. “So, you’re getting Val another friend? What’s their name gonna be?”
“I was thinking Ratatouille.”
“Oh yes, master chef Ratatouille will be Val’s chef and best chew toy for life.” Steph grinned, holding the rat up like it was a prize possession. “I’m sure Val will appreciate the fine dining… and the occasional chew session.”
Alex laughed, as she scanned the shelves for more options. “Purple or blue bed?” she asked, holding up the two choices.
“Let’s go with purple.”
“Purple’s definitely her color,” Alex said, as she put the bed in their cart.
“It’ll match her spooky vibes from the larp for sure.” Steph added, shaking her head with a grin.
As they moved down the aisle, Alex’s eyes landed on a new section, and her face lit up. “Oh my god, Steph, look—they even have hats!” Alex gushed, picking up a tiny little witch hat and holding it out.
“Babe, I love you, but Val will probably just yank it right off her head.”
“Maybe we’ll train her to love it… one day.”
Steph raised an eyebrow, a smug grin spreading across her face. “Sure, then. We’ll add that to the list of things Val’s willing to tolerate.”
Alex chuckled. “You’re probably right. But a girl can dream, can’t she?”
“Yeah, Yeah. Anything else we need?” Steph asked, glancing around the aisle.
“Just a few more things… Then we can leave.” Alex said, continuing to look through more options.
“Alrighty, that sounds good to me.” Steph shrugged casually, then a playful grin appeared on her face. “You know, I think we could spoil her even more,” she teased, eyeing the plush toys nearby.
“Ooo, good idea!” Alex responded, turning her gaze toward the plush toys.
Each plush toy had its own unique style—some with goofy faces and others with patterns like stripes and plaid. There were plushes shaped like all sorts of animals, from dinosaurs to penguins. As Alex kept looking, her eyes finally landed on the perfect one for Val. A cute little otter plush squeaker toy, with silly googly eyes.
“Okay we’re getting this little guy.” Alex said.
“Hey, no complaints from me,” Steph agreed. “This guy is adorable.”
“Let’s get Val a bag of treats then we can go, okay?”
“Sure, Val is gonna feel like a queen once we bring all of this to her.” Steph smiled, as she pushed the cart toward the treats.
“Since your the cat whisperer, what treats do you think Val will like the most?” Alex asked.
“I usually get her the Churu treats so let’s go with those.” Steph responded, then she teased. “Are you ready to go or are you gonna buy Val the whole store?”
Alex chuckled. “Very funny Gingrich, let’s go to the checkout.”
As they pushed their cart to the checkout, Steph leaned over and pressed a kiss to Alex’s forehead. “You know, she’s gonna love all her new stuff, Allie. Thanks for coming with me.”
Alex beamed, leaning into Stephs touch. “Of course. Hopefully I win some points with Val after this.”
Steph laughed as they reached the checkout. “Trust me, you’re already a winner in my book.”