Boneca [Doll]

Chapter 55: Yes

"Oh my God. Oh my God. Luuk! Look at them!"

The second Junko's face lit up, Luuk knew he was in for it – puppy-induced mayhem.

"Aww! They look like marshmallows!" Junko dropped to the floor, laughing like a mad scientist, hair doing its own unruly dance. Twelve puppies, the size of walking giant marshmallows, circled her like an adorably chaotic marshmallow cult. "Ei, garota. Mamãe está aqui para levar você e os filhotes comigo." [Hey, girl. Mom's here to take you and the puppies with me.] She bestowed affection on Karma's neck. "Meu Deus, tens bebés lindos." [Goodness, you have pretty babies.] Selecting a puppy, she hugged it against her neck.

"We're holding off on the puppy separation until you make your adoption choices." Madeleine perched on a chair. "So, sticking to the three-puppy plan?"

Junko threw Luuk a look with eyes as persuasive as a politician’s promises. Sweet baby cheeses, she was more charming than the puppies.

Luuk sighed, grinning when a daredevil puppy collided with his leg and toppled over. "Guess we need a kennel expansion."

Junko squealed and lunged into Luuk's arms.

He held her close, battling the onslaught of Junko's fragrance and hormones. As she transitioned into womanhood, Luuk found himself turning into a puddle. It wasn't about shielding her physically anymore; it was about crafting a damn happy universe for her.

"I'm thinking of having mine at the wedding to bear the rings." Dr. Madeleine scratched a puppy behind its spotty ear.

"Nice touch! It's like a furry wedding planner, especially fitting for a vet." Junko laughed, her eyes shining despite the recent drama with the drama queen.

"I've got another wild scheme. It's last-minute, but I'd love your approval," Dr. Madeleine declared.

"Me?" Junko asked, eyebrows reaching for the sky.

Dr. Madeleine nodded, eyeing the entrance. "Can you be my bridesmaid?" she asked just as Anderson strolled in.

"Me?" Junko echoed, her finger pointed dramatically at her chest after a moment of suspense.

Anderson slid into a seat beside his fiancée. "I initially had you pegged for my best man, but we had a pow-wow," he glanced at Madeleine, "and decided you'd make an awesome bridesmaid instead. If you're cool with it. Leine's got no immediate family or best friends, unlike me with my entourage. Plus, in a weird turn of events, you've become our official female best friend. Who'd have thought this a year ago..."

Dr. Madeleine nodded. "I hope this isn't us being insensitive. I'm sorry if—"

Junko shook her head. "You're good." Placing the gray puppy in the midst of its littermates (each the size of a small couch), she added, "I just... didn't see that coming."

As Junko's brows furrowed, Luuk reassured, "If it weirds you out, no way we're doing it." Her shoulders eased as he gave the small of her back a comforting rub.

"Yeah, we're being a bit selfish here," Dr. Madeleine admitted, standing and reaching out to touch Junko's hand. "If you're not feeling it, don't do it. I just wanted to take a chance now that you're a woman. The best man slot is still wide open for you. Nothing changed. You can still be my groomsman if you're more comfortable identifying as a man." She giggled.

Junko smiled and nodded. "I'll let you know."

Luuk's phone buzzed, a message from Dominic. He turned to Junko. "Go wrangle the paperwork, sweetheart. I gotta take this."

She nodded and resumed puppy playtime.

Luuk tip-toed around the mini fluff squad, careful not to squash a furball – accidentally or otherwise. "Finally. What'd you dig up? I've got nine puppies waiting to be adopted." He exited the clinic.