North and his sister had never been allowed to have pets growing up - but he'd always wanted a dog. One that would follow him around and be what a dog should be: every little boy's best friend. But their mother had had strict rules about there being no animals in the house, and though he couldn't begrudge her for it, there were times he still felt as though he'd missed out on something vital growing up.

Maybe that was part of the reason he was already so intent on keeping this pup. To make up for lost time. But he wasn't thinking about that so much as how it might affect Roxie; that it might be enough to pick her spirits up, and keep the fact that they have things to worry about back on the MoI out of her mind.

The pup really was soaking up all of this attention, as was made clear by the muffled half-growl, half-yip that she gave as she practically rolled onto her back, as if hoping for bellyrubs. And at the words that came out of the other's mouth, he found his opening, though he found himself hesitating before he actually said anything. "I'm not sure .. but I was wondering .."

He paused, more nervous than he had any right to be. "What if we kept her?"