nexus_sages | +1 Puppy!

Verity's back in the Nexus, with the stripes and the crazy braids as usual, but this time she's not alone. With her, or more accurately, in her general vicinity there is a small and adorable puppy. White fur with brown ears and striped tail and stockings. There could not be a more appropriate dog for Verity in all the multiverse. (And you all thought she was a cat person.) The pup is bright-eyed and curious, sniffing and examining everything within the range of its leash, then going back to make sure nothing's moved or changed. It's on to you, stray leaf, you and your blowing hither-and-yon ways.

Ver's got a loose hold on the puppy's leash but is general content to let the little rascal romp and play and explore while she looks on with bemusement. What even is her life. There are so many questions she could ask: how did she end up with a dog, what is she even going to do with a dog, when did she become such a softy... but those aren't questions for the general populace.

"So... I've got a dog now. Anyone got ideas for names?" She doesn't have to take the bad suggestions, she figures, so that should be a safe question. "And, um. Tips? For training her and... so on? Or a limit they'd like to helpfully try to impose on how many toys I buy for her?"

Anyone who doesn't want to deal with baby animals can blame Clint for not answering his phone. He is, after all, great with dogs.

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Ver is thoroughly mollified now. Hunter's gentleness is usually quite good at that. He gets a little squeeze now and she rests her cheek against his arm. "Thank you for making that sound like a good thing."

Puppy has no idea what they're talking about but yips her input anyway. Pets are good, yo, pass it on.

"So what've you been up to lately?"

"I have been spending a lot of time on a marble sculpture." And by a lot of time, yes he has got so caught up in the project that there were a few meals missed. A few nights when he didn't sleep.

"I had another dream about Kendra. And I have been trying to figure out her riddles by working on the project."

"Marble? Fancy. Is there a medium you don't work in?" She can guess about the missed meals and missed sleep, and makes a mental note to check in on him a bit more often for the next few days.

"That sounds like a good plan. I'm not much help with riddles usually, but you know where to find me if you need to talk."

"This is my first time working with marble. It is dusty work," He manages a smile.

"She told me to look within myself. To find the monsters and the heroes." He shrugs his shoulders slightly. But the puppy gets more scratches.

"Mm. Need another pair of hands to clean up when you're done?" She's no artist, but she can help in her way. "You know, some people say marble dust is the best sort of exfoliator. It might not be so bad."

Spending time with a cute puppy can be a balm to a troubled soul. Happy timing for everyone. Puppy's not going to complain about more scratches. "So you decided to sculpt them? I guess that makes a kind of sense."

"That would be a good idea. I worry that I am missing some of the dust." Hunter smiles at the offer.

"I feel like I am getting a little closer to resolving whatever connection remains between me and Kendra. But with this one step, it seems like there are still a few obstacles ahead."

"Don't worry, I've got a sixth sense for these things. We'll get it all."

Puppy senses the conversation isn't about her, but there's something about 'good' and 'missing' and 'get' so she wriggles. That sounds like a good time!

"Every step forward is progress. Take it for what it is. It's easier than worrying about everything at once and making yourself crazy."

Wiggling puppy only gets more pets. Puppy wins.

"It is progress. And I am content with slow steps. Especially if it inspires new artwork."

Puppy should always win. She has the best ideas.

"That's a good attitude to take." Ver reaches up to kiss his cheek. "You're a wise one."

Hunter smiles at the compliment, and the kiss on his cheek. He returns the favor, planting a soft kiss on Verity's head.

"I have wise friends who help me to think on a larger scale."

"A wise man chooses good friends," she retorts with a smirk.

Puppy wants in on this smooshing thing. How's Hunter like puppynose against his shoulder?

Hunter laughs, because puppy nose is a little wet against his skin. Just enough to tickle. So he places a kiss on the top of puppy's head.

"And now we welcome puppy into the fold."

Puppy is very happy with the outcome, and will take it as a sign that she's done an excellent job learning about smooshing. Hunter will get another lick or two before he gets away.

"Yes. And we're the better for it."

"You can definitely count on me for any help with training." Because adorable puppy cuddles + Verity cuddles = very content Hunter.

"Thank you, that's much appreciated. It'll be good for her to learn to answer to someone other than me and Matt." But not too many people. That, too, is dangerous.

Puppy cuddles make any cuddles 30% better. Including puppy cuddles.

"We will teach you some very cute tricks, to go along with your cute eagerness," Hunter tells the puppy.

The only word of that Puppy understood was 'cute', and she understands that to be a good thing that leads to attention, so she wffs happily. Yes! More cute!

"You've got big plans for her already, huh?"

"Just enough that she could help my wing-woman at the dog park." Hunter laughs.

"Oooh, I see how it is. You want to be surrounded by a harem of pretty girls to try and attract the boys who like boys?" Ver smirks at him. "I'm not sure that's how it works."