[Closed Post: Caught]

[timebethine]

Laertes is in love. He's in love, and he's carrying his whole heart tucked into his coat, held close against his chest. The pup wriggles and squirms and makes little noises that to Laertes's ears are more curious and interested than distressed. "Soon, pet," says Laertes softly as he undoes the lock on the door to his and Sagramore's rooms. Then, louder: "Sagramore! I've brought a friend for thee!"

And he pulls the tiny puppy out of his coat. It blinks ice-blue eyes at Sagramore, then gives an amiable bark.

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[sagramore]

Sagramore grins and clicks his tongue. "What's this? What hast thou done? --I'm going to walk her up to the stable and back, tire her out a bit. If thou'rt cold thou canst stay, I swear I'll be back in time to help thee with supper."

[timebethine]

Much as Laertes hates the idea of leaving his new daughter alone (she won't be alone, she'll be with Sagramore; she needs to get used to being safe when she's alone sometimes), he can at least put himself to some useful employment. "I'll clean our rooms while thou art with her, and put up everything that she shouldn't chew. And I'll fetch some paper to lay on the floor for her." He'd seen some long rolls of soft, pulpy paper in the room with the printing press; those will surely suffice.

[sagramore]

"Thou art divine. Come, Szari, let's amble," with a whistle that makes her prick her ears but not much more. As he takes a step towards the stable path she looks between them uncertainly.

[timebethine]

And oh, Laertes wants to go to her then, to gather her to his chest and to be with her in every moment, to make sure she's never alone again.

He can't. He makes himself turn away and go, returning inside to the work of making her a home.