More like a lightning bolt.

There it is. You've never felt it before, but you're sure of it. Something tugs at your heart, filling your insides with bubbles of excitement, tickling you until you can't help but give Winnie a broad and growing smile. There's a sparkle in her eye too, one of wonder and curiosity. Has she sensed it as well? Her nose is going a mile a minute, as if answers lie in scent. She doesn't pull away from you, showing no fear of you holding her hand. A gentle touch seems to have put her at ease, if only for those few moments.

When you let go and stand up, she steps back again, nervously looking between you and Jessica for answers, and she's not the only one.

"If I may ask, Mr. Gray... what the heck was that all about?"

You chuckle bashfully, letting your thumbs rest in your belt loops. "Oh, just a bit of superstition from my parents. They're the kind of folks who think you'll just 'know' when you're making a big decision. Some destiny stuff, I never really understood it myself. Not much logic to it."

Jessica nodded with your words, a smile relaxing her features. "Kind of romantic, though, in a sense. Equating choosing a companion to destiny? Maybe poetic would be a better term."

You snicker again. "Right, maybe not romantic, but the bond between an owner and companion should be one of love, I think. Like family."

Jessica softens entirely. "Awww, I couldn't agree more! Nothing makes me happier than seeing my diligent little students go to loving homes. You've got a good heart, Mr. Gray." The compliment makes you blush, very unused to praise from a woman that isn't Mom. "But that raises the question: what do you think of Winnie? Did you feel your big destiny in that moment?" She's humoring you, but it's exciting nonetheless.

Winnie, for most of this conversation, has been staring at her hand. Wiggling her fingers, sniffing her palm, she's still trying to make sense of your bizarre gesture. When you lean back down to be eye level with her, she wastes no time meeting your eyes, a rush of pink glowing under the velvety thin fur on her cheeks.

"Sir?"

"My name is Luke. Listen closely, this is important." Winnie's posture straightens, curves wobbling a little at the abrupt movement. Seems she responds well to an assertive, directed tone. "I live a very active life. Work hard. Study hard. Play hard. Do you think you could keep up? It won't be easy."

More than just your words, the implications presented make Winnie's eyes grow wider, mouth going slack for a moment. "Winnie like work hard! Not bored." Was that the truth, or just desperation? She might say just about anything if it means being adopted.

You glance back at Jessica, trying to get a bead on things. Her mouth presses into a thin line, unsure. "Well, she did pass the qualifiers with flying colors. She's definitely smart enough, and Shiba are known for being hard workers, if a bit independent."

"Actually, that might be even better, if I don't have to guide her at every turn."

Relief washes over Jessica's face with a gentle smile. "Shiba are also fiercely loyal." Looking past you, Jessica covers her mouth to giggle. You turn around, back to Winnie, startled by how close she's gotten to you. You're almost nose to nose! A look of heart-meltingly cute determination scrunches up her face, and the curly little tail behind her starts to wag. She hadn't given a wag the whole time, you realize.

"Winnie smart. Winnie work hard. Promise!" This blond fuzzball was going to kill you with cuteness before you even left the K.A...

"Well, I think that settles it," you say, pushing upright. "Jessica, can we—" The caretaker seems quite excited, but freezes when you do, face falling. You look back down at Winnie, opening your hand to her.

"Winnie. Do you want to be my companion?"

She tilts her head, brow furrowing with a puzzled stare again. No one ever asks the companions what they want, and the alien nature of this is evident from both girls in the room.

"Do... Luke want Winnie?" Oh, she threw the question back at you! She is a sharp one. You don't answer with words, only a cool stare and your open hand. Looking down at it, nose twitch-a-twitching, she puts her hand into yours again. When your fingers close around hers again, she smiles, tail wagging harder.

"I think I do. Jessica?"

The caretaker stifles a squeal of joy, clapping excitedly at this saccharine moment. "Of course, of course! We can finalize the paperwork immediately! You've already paid, so it's just a matter of getting signatures and updating her chip. Oh, Winnie, I told you this was the last interview!" She wipes a tear from her eye, trying to keep some composure. "Didn't know how right I was. Thank you, Mr. Gray. I can take Winnie right away for updating, if you like."

You feel a second small hand wrap around yours, a warm body shuffling closer to you. A shudder of fear ripples through her and into you. Giving her hand a comforting squeeze, you sigh softly.

"Well... is it possible for me to accompany her?"

Jessica bit her lip. "I'm afraid not. Security protocol and all that. But don't worry, Winnie! We'll be in and out in just a minute, and you can go right back to your owner!"

"I see. Then, can I stay here? I can sign everything here, right? I won't even leave the room until Winnie comes back."

"Oh! Um... sure, that's fine. I'll send the forms to the tablet on the wall, and bring Winnie right back after she's all up to date."

"Perfect, thank you Jessica. Winnie, I'll be right here, okay?" You squeeze her hand again before releasing your grip, gently patting her in Jessica's direction. "I promise. I won't budge an inch until you're ready."

There's a worried, hopeful longing in her eyes, but Winnie nods to you and steps over to her caretaker. She's clearly terrified that you're going to disappear as suddenly as you showed up. Poor girl... regardless of the tragedy that befell her, you swore to yourself that Winnie would live a happy, fulfilling life with you from now on. No more sad eyes and loneliness. You give her and Jessica a casual wave as they slip back through the door they came through, leaving you to quietly contemplate the future.

Or not.

Owner. You're an owner, now. The owner of a companion! All the charged energy you'd built up for this day erupts from you in an ecstatic whoop and cheer, legs kicking up in the air in a jubilant dance. You punch and swing at empty space, your whole body on fire with exhilaration. "Yes Yes Yes! I did it! It's really happening! WHOO!!! I have a companioooooon!!!"

"Good for you, buddy!" The voice is muffled, on the other side of one of the walls. You can hear laughter in there, too, making your whole face turn a bright pink. Oops. Maybe save further celebration for a time you won't be disturbing other applicants. Still, you can't shake the buzz of excitement, practically teleporting to the wall tablet when you hear the notifying ping. Time to sign some forms.

~

Boy, you forgot how much documentation goes into this process! Age verification, ownership training confirmation, financial statements, residence, emergency contacts, suggested medical offices... whew! So much for "getting a few signatures." Still, at least it gives you something to do while you wait for Winnie's return. How long does it take to update a little chip, anyway? All of this information should already be in the database. The double-checking must just be another policy for precaution. Yeah yeah, all well and good, but you're ready for the fun part!

Finally, you hear the door open again. No sooner that she can fit through the opening, Winnie patters toward you and grabs hold of your hand, smothering your whole arm in warmth. She nuzzles her forehead against your bicep, tail wagging again. Jessica steps in just a moment later with a wide smile.

"Winnie's only asked me a hundred times whether you're still here. We would have been here sooner, but Winnie's hair is so voluminous and unruly, we had a little trouble getting to her chip." True enough. Winnie's long, blond hair travels all the way down to her butt and looks quite thick. That is going to be a grooming nightmare.

"Winnie do chip! Luke all sign?" Those big eyes look up at you hopefully, your arm trying to disappear between her breasts. So soft and warm... your cheeks flare up, and you nervously shuffle your arm away from Winnie for a moment.

"Yes, Winnie, I've signed all the forms. We're all set, right Jessica?"

Jessica takes a moment to thumb through the forms, mostly confirming signatures. Proper filing must not be one of her duties as a caretaker. "It all looks good to me. If we need any confirmations or changes, we'll send you a secure mail you can update and reply to. For now, you're clear to take your companion home! Congratulations, you two!" The glint in her eyes tells you that Jessica is genuinely happy. Sincere. Deborah could learn a thing or two from this charming woman, but you won't assume to know their stories.

Winnie hopped up and down, taking your hand in both of hers again. "Winnie com-pan-yun?? Luke owner??"

Kneeling, you scoop Winnie up into a big hug, eliciting a surprised yelp. Her tail wags like a propeller, shaking her whole lower half as her arms come up to return the gesture. You feel wetness on your chest, followed by some loud sniffling. When you pull away, Winnie's eyes are dewy and sparkling, the fur by her eyes dampened with tears.

"Winnie?"

She shakes her head. "Sorry. Winnie happy...!"

Your heart tries to heave out of your chest, and you hug her even tighter. When you're totally certain that you're not going to start crying too, you stand up and hold Winnie's hand, letting Jessica escort you back to the front of the building. The caretaker gives you a firm, thankful handshake and ruffles Winnie's hair one last time before the two of you are free to go. Both you and Winnie squint at the glaring sunlight as you take a deep, relaxing breath of fresh air. Winnie wiggles a bit, eyes darting around all over the parking lot, nose trying to take in every wayward scent in the vicinity.

"Something wrong?" you ask.

"Where Luke car?" She gasps, covering her mouth. "Winnie mean Sir! Sorry." She bowed in a quick show of submission, flustered. You chuckle and give her a soft pat on the head.

"My car is this way, come on." She follows close to you, hopping a little with each step. At first, you thought it was adorable, until you see her starting to wince each time.

"Is the blacktop too hot?"

She flushes again, but forces herself to nod. "Paws hot..."

Without another thought, you sweep Winnie up into your arms, making her squeal. Her face goes beet red, staring at her knees as you carry her bridal style toward your car. "Can't have that, can we? Don't worry, we'll get you some shoes soon."

"Y-Yes, sir..!"