That's enough for now.

Before you know it, another hour has passed and you'd like to get home before your groceries have time to sour. Beatrice's little fashion show has been a delight, but errands do need to be finished and things need to go in the fridge. You let her know that she is absolutely not to put those lumpy, awkward K.A. clothes back on, letting her pick something to wear out.

Once again, she surprises you.

Demure and sophisticated, Beatrice strides up beside you in a very secretarial ensemble. Simple white blouse, widely flared pencil skirt that you figure should reach further past her knee than it can manage, and some pointed pseudo-shoes made to resemble human high heels; it all looks stunning on her. She's even wrapped her cloak of blond hair up and around itself, turning into a one-piece self-supporting ponytail that hides less of her staggering silhouette. You've seen human models who don't cut a figure or strike a pose with as much sensual elegance as Beatrice does. Fucking jackpooooot!

She offers you a delighted, thankful smile, visibly more comfortable in properly fitting clothes. "Ready to go, Luke!" You pat her head gently, not wanting to ruffle her hairdo too much, and push on toward checkout. You'd love to shop some more, but it's already frightfully close to dinnertime. Besides, you've got more than enough essentials to get through a day or two already at home, it'll be fine. Beatrice has plenty of clothes to pick from and ought to survive a laundry cycle without issue.

Quickly enough, your turn in line comes up and you start gingerly laying out your items, causing the cashier's eyebrows to shoot up with each added piece.

"Jeez, Luke, are you buying us out today?" Charlotte, who knows you as a regular, chuckles softly as she starts scanning your goods.

Your face splits into a giddy, prideful grin as you gesture to Beatrice. "I've had some errands to run today is all. Big day, right?"

She pauses her scans and gasps, looking your dog up and down with growing amazement. "Oh my god, Luke, you got your companion today?!"

"Sure did! This is Beatrice. Beatrice, this is Auntie Charlotte."

Beatrice gives a crisp bow, smiling politely. "Auntie? Luke family?"

You swing your arm around her shoulders, giving her a sideways hug. "She's Mom and Dad's friend, so... eh, close enough."

"You're so generous Luke," jabs Charlotte dryly, giving you a wry smirk. "How blessed I am to be 'close enough.'" You scoff and laugh along with her, relaxing into small talk as she scans garment after garment. Beatrice sniff-sniffs excitedly, remaining obediently silent while you chat.

"Spoiling her already, Luke? This is a lot of clothing."

"If you'd see the crappy stuff she'd been wearing at K.A., you'd understand."

"Mhmm..."

"Forget that, why is a department manager running the register today?"

"Parker called in. Again. We've never got enough hands as it is... You ever want a real job, we'll snatch you up in a heartbeat."

"Tempting, buuut I have plenty to do already. School's not getting any easier."

She shrugs. "Doesn't hurt to offer. You might bite one day."

"Luke...!" Your attention whips down to Beatrice, who has begun to fidget, eyes locked onto the small screen showing your building total. "Expensive!"

Blinking, the total doesn't seem too crazy to you. Sure, it's a bit up there, but companions have needs. She probably doesn't want to know how much more money and time you've spent on what's already at home. "You need clothes, Beatrice." Beat. "Can you read that?"

She shakes her head, pouting. "No, but... number look big! Long!" You have to give her that; your total is well beyond a fingers-and-toes count, but that's just how it goes.

"Aww, she's worried about you already," Charlotte coos. "That's so sweet. Looks like you got a good one, Luke."

"Yeah, I sure did," you brag, grinning. "It's fine, Beatrice, really. I planned for 'expensive.' It's all good."

"All good..." She can't shake the worry from her face entirely, but she relents obediently. "Okay."

"Oh, and get this!" You spin back around to Charlotte, digging your card out of your wallet. "Beatrice already knows how to cook! Or so she tells me."

"Oh can she?? Are they teaching that at the Kennel now?"

"No, but... eh, it's a long story. Kinda personal?"

"Ooookaaay... whatever you say, champ. That'll be..." she rattles off the number on the screen, making Beatrice flinch and fidget again. It is a little steeper than you meant it to be, but no way are you going to let Beatrice know that. She's already fretting that you're spending so much on her. You'll be fine, you assure yourself. A little odd job here and there and you'll be back in the black in no time. Heck, Mom and Dad might have a little bonus for you in mind in celebration of your adoption!

Yeah... yeah, everything's going to be fine.

You give a friendly goodbye to Charlotte, scooping up all your bags and heading back to your car. Beatrice insists she take some bags as well, bowing politely to Charlotte on your way out. Flexing and pushing her chest out to hold the bags puts a touch of strain on her blouse buttons, but nothing near as risky as before. They'll hold, you figure. Before you dare entertain that train of thought further, you get the goods loaded up, buckle up, and make your way out.