The Final Act

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The pet shop you and Furina went to is a charming little nook nestled between a quaint bakery and an old bookshop that was mostly frequented by its staunch patrons, its exterior adorned with colorful murals of playful animals in a cartoonish modus operandi just by the sidewalk.

The large glass windows allow you to peek inside, revealing a lively, cozy space filled with a variety of animals and their eager, hopeful eyes, waiting to be adopted by their destined owner. You almost melt at the sight of a potential Maine Coon staring at you with curiosity, the fur around its neck like a bush, making it look more regal under the sun.

Neuvillette was not one to give bad advice in general, and you took his word for it when you heard that Furina was a frequent caretaker of strays whenever she strolls around during evenings. So the major consensus that evening, as you were getting pummeled to the floor by your benefactress, was to adopt an animal. But what kind of animal, would be the interrogative. The idea seemed foolproof, considering that the diva-like demoiselle displays a softer side toward children and animals when you did go outside to buy clothes with her that one time. And, this would undoubtedly erase needless quandaries that enveloped her thinking tank. Furina needed a ball of comfort to provide her companionship, and you felt that this was a good step to do. As her boyfriend, it is also your job to make sure that she picks the right animal to be her friend. 

The Salon Solitaire, as much as they are animals and are possessors of bestial characteristics, were already used to Furina's antics and behavior. You were certain they could cheer her up when need be, but maybe a new addition to her house would brighten her surroundings. At least, a real animal that owned fur and ate without floating in the air. The Salon Solitaire were not pets, but genuine chums. Maybe the selected pet for the day could even get along with them. That idea sounded good to you.

Inside, the shop is divided into sections: a cozy corner for cats with climbing trees and plush beds, a more spacious area for dogs with chew toys, and smaller habitats for birds, rabbits, and other small pets. The air is filled with purring, barking, chirping, and the occasional squeak here and there. There were already some animals being bought by people and others roaming around the shop.

"Welcome!" The owner of the shop greeted.

"You really listened to Neuvillette's advice..." Furina, standing by a pen of playful puppies, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. 

Both of you stopped by the door as you closed it behind you, the jingling of the bell above resounding. A cat approached Furina's feet and brushed against them in delight.

"Adopting an animal is a good idea." You said as you glanced at the Maine Coon that had been staring at you earlier, its gaze fixed intently on you and Furina. "With all the animals you've played with in the streets, you've never set foot in here before and considered having one?"

"I... never really had the time, I suppose. I've spent years preoccupied with Fontaine." Furina crouched down to the cat's level, gently scratching its chin. The cat's eyes closed, and it lifted its head for better access. "Owning and taking care of a pet is a whole different story. It's not that simple. There's a lot of responsibility involved, and I just didn't think it was right for me at the time. Honestly, I've never even quite understood why cats enjoy being scratched under their chins. I just know they love it."

"Didn't ask anyone?" You drop down beside her, giving her a smile in support as you gently give the cat a little brush on its back with your index finger. It purred more and more at your touch.

"Look at you, quite the charmer, even with animals."



"I'm not even trying," you said.



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