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Nick and you had been talking about adopting a cat for months. Between your hectic streaming schedules and the demands of daily life, it seemed like the perfect time to bring a new furry friend into your home. Today was finally the day you'd been waiting for—you were going to meet and hopefully adopt Bento, a little tabby cat from the local shelter. But before you went to pick up your new family member you made a quick stop to the local pet store. The two of you stood in front of the pet store's cat section, hands laced together and eyes wide with excitement. Shelves were packed with colorful toys, cozy beds, and an overwhelming array of collars.
Nick picked up a bright pink collar adorned with tiny rhinestones and held it up with a grin.
"How about this one?"
You laughed, shaking your head. "I think Bento would look more sophisticated in something like this." You held up a sleek, black collar with a tiny silver bell.
"Ah, the classic look," Nick nodded, pretending to stroke an imaginary beard. "Very elegant. But what about something more playful?" He grabbed a collar with a colorful pattern of fish and paw prints.
"Okay, you have a point," you admitted. "That is pretty cute."
As you debated over the collars, you noticed Nick had snuck yet another toy into the basket. "Hey, sneaky! I saw that!"
Nick chuckled. "What? Bento needs more things to chase! Plus, it's hilarious to watch."
You picked up a feather wand toy, waving it in front of Nick. "And this? He'll go crazy for it."
Nick's eyes lit up. "Yes! That one for sure. But we should get a scratching post too. Don't want him using our furniture as his personal playground."
You both wandered over to the scratching posts, examining the options. There was one with multiple levels, dangling toys, and a cozy cubby hole. "This one's perfect," you said, tapping it.
Nick leaned in, his shoulder brushing against yours. "Agreed. Bento's going to be one spoiled kitty."
You both shared a look, the excitement of preparing for your new family member filling the air. As you moved to the checkout, Nick reached out and took your hand.
"You know, this is kind of fun. Picking out stuff for Bento together."
You smiled, squeezing his hand. "It is. And it's nice doing this with you. Makes it feel even more special."
Nick's expression softened. "I feel the same way."
After packing all of the new toys and supplies into the car you drove the last few miles to pick up your new family member. As you walked into the shelter, your nerves started to build. Nick must have sensed it because he reached over and laced his fingers with yours, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Hey, it's going to be great," he said with that confident smile of his. "Bento's going to love us. Especially you."
You smiled back, feeling a bit more at ease. Nick had a way of making everything seem like it was going to work out perfectly. A shelter volunteer led you to a small, cozy room where Bento was waiting. The moment you saw him, you knew you were making the right decision. Bento was a small, fluffy ball of energy, his bright green eyes scanning the room curiously. As soon as he spotted you, he bounded over, rubbing against your legs and purring loudly.
Nick crouched down, scratching behind Bento's ears. "Hey, little guy," he said softly. "You ready to come home with us?"
Bento meowed in response, leaning into Nick's touch. You knelt down beside them, reaching out to stroke Bento's soft fur.
"I think that's a yes," you said, laughing.
The adoption process went smoothly, and soon you were on your way back home with Bento in a cozy carrier. As you drove, Nick kept glancing back to check on him, a soft smile on his face.
"He's going to be so spoiled," Nick said, his tone filled with affection.
"Definitely," you agreed. "He deserves it."
When you arrived home, you set Bento's carrier in the living room and opened the door, giving him the chance to explore at his own pace. You both began to set up Bento's new scratching post and scattered his toys around. Soon he stepped out cautiously at first, sniffing the air and surveying his new surroundings. Nick and you sat on the couch, watching him with eager anticipation.
"He's so curious," you remarked as Bento began to explore, his tiny paws padding softly against the floor.
Nick knelt down, scratching behind Bento's ears. "Look at our little son. He looks adorable."
You joined him, giving Bento a gentle pat. "He does. And he's lucky to have you as a dad."
Nick glanced at you, a playful glint in his eyes. "He's even luckier to have you. You know, we make a pretty great team."
You grinned, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "We do, don't we?"
Nick turned his head slightly, catching your lips with his. The kiss was sweet and tender, filled with the warmth of shared love and new beginnings. Bento, not to be outdone, nudged his way between you both, purring loudly.
You both laughed, breaking the kiss to shower Bento with attention. "Okay, Bento, you win," Nick said, chuckling.
After a while of watching him explore and play, Bento made his way over to you, hopping up onto the couch and curling up between you. He looked up at you with those big green eyes, purring contentedly. It felt like he was officially claiming you as his new family. Nick wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer.
"Welcome home, Bento," he said softly, leaning down to kiss the top of Bento's head.
You smiled, feeling a warmth spread through you. "Welcome home," you echoed, leaning your head against Nick's shoulder, his arms snugly around you.
