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gabriellapatterson-blog · 7 years ago

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The Dog Days.

A/N: Thank you so much for rps @benjaminschreave and @christopherschreave make sure to check out @the-dogs-of-illea

I sat at my desk leaning back and forth as I read Emma’s letter. I had mentioned in a past one that I had no clue what the heck I was doing with this whole dating thing. She gave three tips:

Wait for him to kiss you first. Don’t be desperate even if he is a prince you’re still the Queen.

Remember relationships are a two way street. Make sure he meets your standards too.

Don’t show him Mr Cuddles.

Knock out deal breakers. DON’T BE PICKY THOUGH. If he doesn’t like peanut butter than you shouldn’t drop out because of that!

I rolled my eyes. Yes Emma obviously peanut butter is a worthy cause to leave the selection. I mean peanut butter cookies, peanut butter toast, peanut butter sandwiches, it’s a magic tool. What other deal breakers would I have though? I guess if he didn’t like family, my family or his. I can’t really test that though. If he was racist? Well I already know he’s not from political interviews. I sighed and laid down in my bed. I wish I could go surfing. That always helps me get ideas. Breakfast will be soon though. Only an hour left till I’m supposed to be awake.

I sighed and walked to my balcony. At least I had a view of the ocean. I closed my eyes and sat down on the floor and just breathed. It’s okay, dating is confusing and new, you shouldn’t know everything yet. Alright. What do you love about daily life? Let’s start there. I walked back to my room and grabbed a notepad and pen.

Waking up early and smelling the morning air too picky to be a deal breaker

Eating toast too picky

Running Maybe?

Surfing. Already know he likes it.

Gregory too specific

DOGS!

The idea hit. He needed to like dogs! Really most animals but I could settle for dogs! I can’t just ask him if he likes dogs though, what if he hasn’t had a dog or has only had a bad dog. He might not even know. I paced from one side of the room to the other as I thought. How could I test it? Then the idea hit. I was going to have a date that would go down in history. I smirked as I darted out of my room and made my way to find someone to help. I needed a laptop.

My leg bounced up and down at breakfast. Oh God oh god. I was going to break a rule I could get in so much trouble for this. I watched the kind and waited as he stood up from breakfast. I counted the seconds before I stood as well and followed him at a distance. At least this was an excuse to take those heels off.

He made his way into the library. Oh God I needed to say something. What if he was doing some super secret important stuff that I wasn’t supposed to see what if- OW!

“OH F-UDGE!” I yelped almost cussing but managing to catch myself as I stubbed my bare foot on a library shelf. I mean everyone cusses when they hit their foot. It feels like someone’s just bashed it with a hammer. Though, the king was right there. As my possible future father in law I really couldn’t cuss infron- well behind him.

I had fallen on my bum from hitting my foot. Gosh I need to stop meeting royals on my bum in the library. First Ben now his dad. His dad spun to face me now glancing down at me on the floor.

“Hello Mr King. I would curtsy but as I'm already on the floor I don't think I can go much lower.” I said speaking quickly. Oh no. I’m too nervous. Oh gosh I’m gonna ramble. Don’t ramble, Gabby. Don’t. Ramble. Gabby.

He blinked seeming shocked at the girl who had been stalking him then just fell on their bum, laughed a little bit then offered me his hand, “Lady... Gabriella if i remember correctly?” He asked.

Oh no. Don’t ramble, gabby. Do not ramb- “Uh hi yup. I'm Gabriella Rose Marie Patterson from Angeles I'm a three, I like to surf and play with animals. You are Mr King King Christopher Schreave. Your a king. You do Kingly things.....anyways, I have a reason I don't normally just follow people around. I wouldn't say stalking is one of my hobbies. Clearly not or I would probably be better at it and wouldn't hit my toe on bookcases. Though, that may come down to just poor walking skills not really stalking skills-anyways, point point I have a point how do I phrase this, gosh I'm wasting so much of your time.” OH GOSH DARNIT.

He listened to my ramble before I finished then waited a moment to be sure I was done before politely smiling and gesturing to a table. “Would you prefer if we sat down, Lady Gabriella?”

“Uh sure yes if you have the time. I have a proposition I'd like to make.” I sighed finally getting out what I needed to say.

“We'll see how that goes.” He said and walked me over to a table. Oh he probably thinks this is something serious. I hope he won't be mad. He did make a vine reference at breakfast the other day though.

“I have a few minutes to spare.” He added.

“Alright okay okay. So don't laugh but here's my pitch. I want to do a date with your son that's just playing with dogs. I've heard dogs aren't allowed to stay here and that's horrible-” He scoffed in amusement at my dread of the no dogs rule.

“-but it would just be for one date and I could put them all in the ballroom there's like 65 on the organization I looked at. The dogs and puppies would have so much fun and it would be like the best thing ever.” I finished.

“Well, just so you know, I couldn't have 35 pets roaming around the palace in case everyone had one, but I really have nothing against dogs.” He said then leaned back in his seat.

“What organization are you getting all these pups from again?” He asked.

“Oh it's a no kill dog shelter called furkids. All of them have been cleaned for lice, vaccinated, and neutered.” I explained quickly my research from this morning. If this was going to be a royal sponsored event I needed to make sure the organization had a good background. Wouldn’t want to publicize a puppy mill.

He scratched his beard as he thought intensely over my idea. Must be an agonizing choice. “65 dogs? All in the ballroom?”

“They can fit! Half are puppies.” I assured him.

He chuckled, “I'm sure they would. Can you assure me this won't end up in a mess? Are they trained?”

“It will not end in a mess. They are potty trained and if they do make a mess I have a dog. I will clean it up.” I added. I really wanted to make this happen and I was willing to do as much as I could to get this through. I’m nothing if not persistent.

“Sounds like you've got this all covered. I hope this date is with my son, otherwise it would be awkward.” I smiled and giggled a bit at his concern.

“Nope it's with sir Lancelot.” I replied sarcastically before quickly clarifying.

“no no it is with Benjamin. I just want to be sure he likes dogs as much as I do since it's not like relationships are a one sided thing. I have my own priorities a partner must meet and dogs are just one of them.” I explained.

He raised an eyebrow amused, “Oh, he likes dogs, don’t worry. Just don’t feed him lettuce and keep him away from birds and you‘ll be fine.”

“Birds? That's a weird phobia. Was he attacked as a child?” I asked with a chuckle.

He thought for a moment, “By a tarantula once... But that‘s clearly not the story you want. You want birds, which was later on. He wasn’t precisely attacked by them, rather than... chased. Not in a particularly menacing way, but he was scared. When they.. “dropped their load” on him it didn’t help if you know what I mean.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the image of it. I had read he had a pure hatred of the birds. I had been wondering but thought it would have been something much more aggressive than that. The tarantula story sounds more traumatizing. “Oh my gosh! WOW! I mean I guess that could be traumatizing. How old was he?” I asked.

“Around ten or so. Not the best day in the gardens.” I talked with father for a little longer about Ben and the birds until we finally hit a point of bargaining.

I could bring the dogs to the palace if the king was allowed to take one to surprise Isobel. It seemed like a great idea so I gleefully agreed. Great! Now 3/6 royals met! Just Queen Isobel and the princesses. So far they all seemed like a wonderful family, but I wanted to know all of them before I was as committed as I would need to be at the end of the selection.

I waited a few hours for the dogs to be brought in then helped them get uncaged in the ballroom. Maybe I should have waited until after I had prince Ben to uncage them? No. They seemed so sad trapped in those little boxes. Plus it gave me a head start on knowing them. I picked up a big fluffball of a dog named mashed potato who the King had requested and had a maid make sure he got up there. She seemed delighted with the task.

I carefully exited the ballroom and made my way for prince Ben’s room. I felt giddy about my idea. Then suddenly a little anxiety hit. Gosh what if he thinks I’m a crazy dog lady. Well, at least it’s better than a crazy cat lady. Plus this is just who I am. He understands it or he doesn’t.

I had to stop for just a second before I knocked on his door. My heart was racing just a little bit. Now I remember what having a crush is like. I then grinned after I inhaled and knocked on his door. “Aye Benny boy! It's Gabriella.” I said. Oh whoops I bet the whole hall heard me.

He opened the door with an amused expression, “Do you always greet people like that?”

“Perhaps. I don't normally think too much about how I greet people.” I paused and smiled proudly thinking about all of the work I had put into this date. It was almost time to see his expression at all the dogs. I couldn’t help but to teeter totter on my heels just a bit. Though I had been scolded for doing so as it was not ‘lady like’.

“I have an amazing surprise for you!” I started then took his hand ready to lead him to the ballroom.

“Whatever you're doing stop because this will be the best experience of your life if you come with me.”

His brow raised slightly, “Best experience of my life? That’s quite a promise, Gabby gal.”

“I 100% promise it. I will like give you all of my shoes if not. So will you come?” I said unsure for a moment of what to promise him. Though I knew I would win I would still love to get rid of all of these heels.

“Your shoes? What would I do with those?”

“No idea. You could wear them or use them for a prank and switch all of Wyatt's shoes with them. Anything really.” Little known fact about me. I’m a genius at pranking. For April fools one year purchased one of those cheap sets of like 1000 tiny army men for like five bucks. While she was asleep I placed them all over her house, in her shoes, in her pantry, cupboards, between the sofa cushions. She still finds them.

I noticed him closing the door and took it to mean he was going to come, “Great! Follow me.” I said and turned around. I slid my hand into a pocket on my dress to pull out a map. I had asked my maids if they could start putting pockets in my dresses and was very pleased that they agreed. My head maid Angelina said it was just going to be a designing challenge. I liked her competitive nature.

Ben curiously looked over at my map, “You know I suggested this to someone the other day.” He said. Makes sense. This is a very complicated house to get through.

We talked for a bit more about the size of the palace relating it to my very tiny village. Next we ended up talking about my family until we finally made it to the ballroom. I sneakily got into the room so he wouldn’t be able to see anything.

“Am I going to be kidnapped and thrown into the back of a van?” He asked from the hall.

“Yes that is totally it!” I replied back sarcastically. Some of the dogs began barking for attention as there was a person now there who was NOT petting them yet.

He then walked in and looked down at me in pure shock. I suppose it’s reasonable that he wasn’t expecting this. “Um... what?”

“Well well..my friend Emma said that when you start dating someone, which this kinda is dating someone, you should find out things called deal breakers and one of mine is people who don't like dogs. And some people say they don't like dogs but really what they mean is "i've met 1 mean dog" so i wanted to know if you like dogs.” I said trailing off as a very small puppy ran up to Ben and started trying to climb his leg.

“LOOK AT HIM OHMYGOSH.” I couldn’t help but to lose it at the tiny puppy trying so hard for attention.

Ben leaned down and picked up the puppy that had to be only two or three months old, “Oh my god, is this even real?” He asked as he made his way to the center of dog heaven a smile growing on his face.

“Yup yup 100% real. I talked to your dad and convinced him to say yes. It's not forever though. But was I right is this the greatest experience of your life? Puppy and dog world? It's like a theme park.”

“This is incredible.” He said with a laugh and looked around at all of the dogs before turning his attention back to me.

“Wait, my dad helped you with this?” He asked.

“Well I got him to agree to it. I don't wanna lose the credit since I did find the organization. They're from a very good no kill dog shelter. It's a local business from Angeles. DO YOU SEE THAT PUPPER WITH THE BIG FLOPPY EARS OH MY GOSH THE FELLOW IS CHASING HIS WITTLE TAIL!” I said getting distracted by the cute puppies.

“What’s with conspiring with my parents?” He asked with a chuckle and shook his head, “Those ears are the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Just 1 parent. I needed permission.” I said then got the best idea ever and just plopped down on the ground.

“Come to me!” I said summoning the dogs. About four came over, one even started giving me puppy kisses causing me to giggle a bit as I pet them.

“I can’t believe you managed to pull this off.” I heard Ben say, my vision blocked by all the cute dogies.

“I'm amazing at arguing.” I replied then sat up and started stroking some of their heads.

“aren't you a cute little baby? I bet that all of these dogs are going to be adopted so quickly now too. They can advertise them as 'pet by the prince' and then all these puppies will have homes.”

“I'll personally make sure each of these dogs gets adopted.” He seemed pleased with the thought.

“I can help and make a list of each of the dogs. I've started learning some of their names. Such as the pupper you are petting right now is Chocolate Milk. He likes to drink chocolate milk though it makes him very sick.” I introduced.

Ben then scratched his ear and leaned in closer to chocolate milk, “Chocolate. Delicious, I know the temptation, but very bad for you.”

I chuckled a bit at Ben being cute with the dog, there was just a lot of cuteness going on in this room. I stood up and brushed some of the dog hair off to start with the rest of the introductions.

“That one is peep because he really likes the story of little bo peep, that one is pepper because she looks like a black pepper. That one is McPickles because he looks like a pickle, and last one I know that is Sunshine because his smile makes you feel as happy as sitting in the warm sun. OH!” I said and suddenly remembered the best perk this shelter had. A new nameless puppy who was only a month old at most. He had his little eyes opened but was about the size of my hand. Just a little bit bigger. I walked over to the small sleepy baby and took him back to Ben and sat down to let the puppy sleep in my lap.

“this little fellow doesn't have a name yet. They said we could pick one.” I said and began to pet his head softly as he napped in my lap. I felt my heart melt as I saw his little sleepy eyes, his paws just resting on my thigh as my legs were folded underneath myself.

“Hmmm I would say sleepy as a suggestion but that might limit us to snow white and the seven dwarf names.” I chuckled as I pet his soft little ears. I was already getting too close to him already.

“You're right though about the dopey appearance.” I replied smiling softly down at the dog.

“You're a sleepy little dopey dog aren't you?” I asked in a soft higher pitch voice as I squished one of his paws lightly.

We finally agreed on dopey and I had to turn to ask for him to be kept aside. Dopey was going to be my new puppy. If I was at the palace or at home didn’t matter, but I couldn’t let him get adopted during the selection. Selected weren’t allowed to have their pets so I guess he’ll just have to wait for his mommy at the shelter.

Ben offered to let me keep him at the palace but we finally decided that really wouldn’t be fair. Other selected couldn’t have their pets, there was no reason I should be excluded from that rule. I watched Ben playing with chocolate milk with a smile as I pet dopey. I could see this being a good life for me. Petting dogs with the boy I have a crush on and am kind of dating. Ughs the word dating made my heart flutter. Though I kind of was. This was a date. It’s not like we would be dating after this. The selection ends with marriage. But whatever Ben and I were I was happy with it. We were getting along, he was funny, we had nice conversations, and we were both having fun petting adorable dogs. This date was a success.

“Chocolate Milk really does seem to like you. Maybe after feeling such a connection he'll take his chocolate problems more seriously.” I joked with a soft chuckle.

He looked at chocolate milk with a serious look, “No more, you hear me? I need you alive and well for when I convince my parents to adopt you.”

I laughed at him talking to the dog, “His addiction will be defeated by love. A true Disney story. Chocolate Milk and his adventure with chocolate.”

“I'd watch the hell out of that.” He laughed as he pet chocolate milk.

“So your dad told me you were traumatized as a child?” I said deciding now would be a good time to bring up his bird vendetta.

“Which time?” He asked in a dry amused tone.

“Well. He brought up your bird trauma specifically. I'm surprised you even go outside after that.” I joked.

I debated with him for a little longer since I found some birds adorable. Like those ones with the really puffy chests that just look like balls of feathers and have tiny cute little beaks. Finally, I decided I would just have to give and bring an army of birds to the palace instead.

“Let's agree to disagree, poop boy.” I joked switching out the benny in benny boy to poop off of our topic.

“I really hope that one doesn't catch.”

I rolled my eyes, “Don't worry it won't.” Suddenly Dopey got up and started to stretch. Nap time must be over. He jumped up and ran off to go play with some of the other puppies who were tackling each other. They grow up so fast.

“Play safely, young one!” I said to him as he ran off, a yellow golden retriver gladdly frolicing over to replace his attention.

In contrast, Chocolate Milk was looking pretty sleepy. He started to curl up against Ben as he got more pets, “If I don't leave in the next five minutes, this guy is the one in danger of being kidnapped.”

I chuckled, “just gotta remember the ethics and rules, Ben. No kidnapping. His brothers and sisters might miss him.”

He frowned teasingly, “But I’d miss him more.” He then chuckled as he pet Chocolate Milk.

“Maybe you can get your dad in here later to try and convince him to fall in love with chocolate milk and let him stay.” I suggested. His dad seemed to like the idea of the dogs earlier. Though Mashed Potato may have already won him over.

“Funny enough I can see that happening.” He said with a small laugh.

“If you really love him you should try. It would be normal for you to have a pet where as with the rest of us there would suddenly be a demand for 35 pets.” I argued in favor of Chocolate Milk. Truthfully, I’d love for their to be a dog at the palace. I’ve really missed Gregory.

He looked down at chocolate milk, “I’ll see what I can work out.”

“I'm going to be on edge until I know if chocolate milk will be a permanent resident. I'll go ahead and make some welcome home cards just in case though.” I said.

He laughed, “If there’s any developments, you’ll be the first to know.” He said.

“Have I ever told you about my dog Gregory?” I asked.

“Gregory... pretty adult name for a dog.”

“It fits his personality perfectly. This morning I went through my letters from home and I had one from my sister Eliana who apparently got him a new blanket for his doggy bed. Now we thought pink as an acceptable color. Apparently it is not. He only likes salmon colored things so the hot pink blanket was ripped up and thrown by him near the trash can. He likes only the lavish things of dog life and refuses anything other than the exceptional. He's a very funny dog.” I said rambling off a little bit.

He chuckled, “An incredible dog, being color blind and still knowing the difference between shades of pink.”

“Probably can see the different shades of gray. He's very funny. I wonder if he and Dopey will get along. Maybe he'll teach Dopey how to be snooty.”

“I could learn a thing or two from him about being snooty.”

I chuckled, “Why? Are you eager to fit into the royalty stereotype?” I teased.

He shuged teasingly and adjusted his suit jacket, “I’ve heard it’s helpful in certain situations.”

“Like when you're at a restaurant and they give you the wrong order but you're too scared you'll come off as snooty so you eat the burrito anyways even though you ordered it without tomatoes because you're allergic.” I said being a little too specific.

His brow raised, “Speaking from experience?”

We talked for a little bit more about the tomato burrito story until we finally got to the topic of my tomato ‘allergy’.

“I used to be able to eat tomatoes but then when I was little I snuck into the kitchen and ate so many I got sick. Never been the same again.”

“You know I'm surprised I haven't done the same to myself with chocolate.” Ah sweets. I wasn’t even allowed to have them until I was 16. Mom said they would make me perform poorly in school.

“Do you like all kinds of chocolate or just milk?” I asked.

“All. I like milk with caramel mostly, but any that I can find works for me.” Wimp. I like BLACK chocolate.

“Do you like it super super dark?” I asked testing his tastes just a little.

“Like my coffee, absolutely.” I smiled almost approvingly as he had passed the test. Suddenly more dogs came over to Ben which made me pout.

“How come the dogs keep coming to you? Puppies?” I called to them then saw Dopey running back to me which made me smile. Awww he cares about me.

“I guess you could call me a great dog person.” He chuckled and pet the dogs head. Drop everything. That was the worst delivery of a joke I have ever heard. I didn’t even pick up on it for a moment.

I rolled my eyes, “was that just a great dane joke?”

He grinned, “So you caught it.”

“Alright, benjamin. It's time to teach you one of my skills as comedy master. Comedic pausing. This one makes you seem more like a loser but its effective. Between the A and a great dog person you should have held a like 3 second pause so it would have been "you could call me a...great dog person." It builds suspense.”

“And then put emphasis on 'dog?'” He asked collaborating.

“Hmm maybe. That might be a little too much but let’s try again and see how it sounds. Take it from the top.” I said trying to picture how the delivery would sound.

He paused for a moment and cleared his throat, “I guess you could call me a... great dog person. How'd I do?” He asked.

Dopey seemed to love his joked as his tail began to wag. We talked for a bit and joked about Ben being the king of comedy and already had a number one fan. Though being both the king of comedy and the king of comedy was a little extreme. He watched the dogs for a moment before speaking up, “I should probably go. This was a nice break though.”

“Oh right I did interrupt you when I pulled you into dog heaven.” I chuckled as I moved Dopey up off of my lap to stand up and brush some of the dog fur off. I then offered a hand to Ben, “Do I owe you any shoes?”

“Not a single one. This was an amazing experience.” He said with a smile as he took my hand.

“Heh I'm glad.” I said then offered my arm to him, “and since I started it this time I'll walk you back to your room.” I stated with a smile.

A brow quirked up, “That’s a first.” He said with a chuckle and accepted my arm.

“Well I believe in equality. You did so last time I do so this time. Alright time to pull out my map again. Bye bye Dopey!.” I said and used my other arm to reach my hand into my pocket for the map. He reached over with his free hand and placed it on top of mine.

“Why don’t you let me guide us back?” He suggested. I felt a little flustered when I felt his hand on my own since I wasn't expecting it but looked up at him with a smile.

“Alright. You lead, I provide arm support and company.” I joked.

“Strongest girl around, remember?” He joked and poked my upper arm.

I laughed a bit as he did so, “Be careful, schreave. You're poking the most dangerous guns of all time there.”

“That's probably a bit of a stretch.” He said with a laugh. Time to be a goof again. This is why you don’t have a boyfriend Gabby. Well you kinda don’t have a boyfriend.

“Not at all. You have no idea the damage that could be done if they were freed. Lucky for civilization I keep them under control.” See this is where a normal girl would have giggled and agreed it was just a stretch and flirted or something. Instead a goof like Gabby says things like this to her crush.

“What kind of damage are we talking about?”

“Like gaston levels of danger. Just women and men swooning. Falling everywhere. The economy would collapse because everyone would be too busy swoony at my amazing guns. End of illea kinda danger. I'm a hero for keeping them under control.” A disney reference, really? Are you twelve, Gabby?

“Well then I thank you for your honorable service to Illéa.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at his serious response, “You are very welcome. See I'm not just a freeloader, I'm also a national hero. The prince himself even thanked me.”

“A national Illéan, saving the lives of puppies and princes one day at a time. Should be your catchphrase.” He suggested with a grin.

After catchphrases we moved onto superheros and ended up chatting until we reached his door. It felt like our conversation wasn’t over yet but we would need to stop talking eventually.

“I like that. Coolest dynamic duo Illéa's ever seen.” He said as we reached his door.

“Yup. We deserve our own superhero movie about us.” I said then let go of his arm.

“I would ask more about details of our heroes backstories since im sure their thrilling but I don't wanna keep you from your work not to mention standing in front of your door for too long so backstory planning will have to wait for another time.” I said and smiled up at him. I wondered for a moment what to do. We determined last time that we were ready for hugs so I suppose I could hug him goodbye? Should I start it though or should I wait mayb-

My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden kiss on my cheek. “Thanks for the doggy day, Gabby protector.” He said using my superhero name.

I’m not sure how but I didn’t run and hide after. I’m sure I would have by now if this was like when I had a crush on Jonathan but this felt different. Instead of being so nervous I wanted to hide, with Ben I just wanted to spend more time with him. I have no idea where the guts came from but I stood up on my tiptoes, arms around his shoulder to help support myself and returned the cheek kiss with a cheek kiss on his cheek.

“You're very welcome, B.O.S. Good luck with working.” I replied using his hero name as well.

He chuckled back at me and opened his door to go back into his room, “Good luck with all that dog poop.” He replied with a wave to which I just rolled my eyes.

“Thanks, benny boy.” I replied with a small wave and decided to start heading back in the direction we came to go back to the dog room where I would be spending the day with a grin on my face from both dogs and pride at giving him a kiss back, even if it was just on the cheek. It was progress, I had guts, I knew how I felt, and I was more than happy.

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