I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.
https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon
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Chapter 15: A Trip to the Vet
The morning sun streamed through the kitchen windows as Jon sat at the breakfast table, finishing up his last bite of scrambled eggs. Ghost was curled up in his lap, purring softly, while Manny scrolled through his phone, and Gloria bustled around the kitchen.
Jay sat across from him, sipping his coffee. "So, what's the plan for today?"
Jon scratched Ghost behind the ears. "Taking this little guy to the vet."
Gloria beamed. "¡Qué responsable! He needs his check-ups."
Jon nodded. "Yeah. Looked it up last night—vaccinations, deworming, general health check. Figured I'd do it now rather than later." He pulled out his phone and called Sam.
After two rings, her voice came through, bright and happy. "Hey, handsome."
Jon smirked. "Hey, beautiful. You busy?"
"For you? Never. What's up?"
"Think you can drive me and Ghost to the vet?"
"Of course!" she said instantly. "I'll be there in thirty."
Jon chuckled. "Thanks, Sam."
"Anything for my boyfriend," she teased before hanging up.
Jon leaned back, a grin tugging at his lips. He didn't think he'd ever get used to the feeling of having a girlfriend, especially one as incredible as Sam.
Jay, who had been listening, set his mug down. "Girlfriend?"
Jon shakes his head, still smirking. "No, we haven't put any labels on it, She just likes to tease me. But we are dating."
Jay raised an eyebrow. "That fast, huh?"
Gloria clapped her hands. "Oh, Jon! This is wonderful! I can't wait to meet her!"
Manny, who had just taken a sip of his orange juice, nearly choked. "Wait, you have a girlfriend?"
Jon gave him a flat look. "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence."
Manny grinned sheepishly. "No offense, it's just… You're, like, an enigma. I didn't think anyone could crack you."
Jon just chuckled, scratching Ghost's chin as the kitten stretched in his lap.
Half an hour later, Sam's car pulled up to the driveway.
Jon opened the front door just as she stepped out. She was wearing fitted jeans and a black tank top that hugged her athletic frame, her long dark hair cascading down her shoulders. The sunlight made her tanned skin glow, and her bright green eyes locked onto Jon with excitement.
"Hey, boyfriend," she said teasingly.
Jon smirked. "Hey, girlfriend." said in a sarcastic dry tone.
Sam's face lit up at that, and Jon couldn't help but feel something warm settle in his chest.
"Come in," he said, stepping aside. "Might as well meet the family before we go."
Sam entered, looking around curiously as Jay, Gloria, and Manny all turned to face her.
Gloria was the first to react, gasping dramatically. "Dios mío! You are stunning!"
Sam laughed. "Thank you."
Jay, on the other hand, was squinting at her like she was a rare species. "So you're the one dating Jon?"
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Is that so hard to believe?"
Jay considered it. "No. Just… unexpected."
Manny, still processing, muttered, "She's way out of your league."
Jon rolled his eyes. "Manny."
Sam just smirked, wrapping an arm around Jon's. "I like Jon. He's smart, funny, and actually listens when I talk."
Manny sighed. "That is rare."
Jon shot him a look. "You're terrible."
Gloria clapped her hands. "I approve! She is beautiful and has good taste!"
Jay muttered, "At least he's not dating a weirdo."
Jon smirked. "You sure? She's dating me."
Jay gave him a look but said nothing.
Sam laughed. "Alright, alright. I'm officially approved?"
Gloria nodded. "Approved! Now, where is the kitten?"
Jon crouched down and scooped up Ghost, holding him up for Sam.
Sam's eyes widened. "Oh my God, he's adorable!" She reached out, scratching behind Ghost's tiny ears. "He's so soft."
Jon smirked. "Meet Ghost."
Sam grinned. "Perfect name."
With introductions done, they said their goodbyes and headed to the car.
As she drove, Sam held Jon's hand in hers, refusing to let go.
Jon didn't complain. If anything, he squeezed her hand back, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin.
Sam had always been independent, not the kind of girl who fawned over guys or got swept up in romance. But with Jon? It was different. He wasn't just some random crush—he was Jon.
And seeing him cradle Ghost in his lap, gently stroking the kitten's fur while murmuring soft reassurances, made her heart melt.
At a stoplight, she glanced over and caught Jon smiling as Ghost playfully batted at his fingers.
Damn it, she thought, how does he make everything look so effortlessly attractive?
She had half a mind to pull over and kiss him senseless right then and there.
But, unfortunately, they arrived at the vet.
Reluctantly, she let go of his hand.
At the Vet
Jon had already booked an appointment, so they didn't have to wait long.
The vet, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, carefully examined Ghost. Jon, despite his usual unshakable confidence, was visibly nervous.
Sam found it adorable.
"Relax," she whispered, nudging him. "He's in good hands."
Jon exhaled, watching anxiously as Ghost received his vaccinations. The kitten let out a tiny squeak, and Jon visibly winced.
When it was over, the vet smiled. "He's in perfect health. Just keep up with his shots and feeding schedule."
Jon sighed in relief. "Good."
After paying for the visit, Jon browsed the pet store next door, picking up a small cat bed, some toys, and a few other essentials.
Then, to Sam's surprise, he grabbed a keychain—a small, silver cat charm—and held it out to her.
"For you," he said simply.
Sam stared at it, then at him. "You bought me a keychain?"
Jon shrugged. "Figured you should have something to remember today."
Sam's heart swelled.
She took it and smiled. "You're too sweet for your own good."
Jon smirked. "Don't tell anyone."
She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Your secret's safe with me."
The drive back felt shorter. Before Sam knew it, they were in front of the Pritchett house again.
Jon unbuckled his seatbelt, about to get out, when Sam grabbed his wrist.
"Not so fast."
He raised an eyebrow. "Sam?"
She pulled him in.
And then she kissed him.
Not a light peck, not a quick goodbye kiss—a deep, slow, passionate kiss that sent electricity down her spine.
Jon reacted instantly, cupping her face as he kissed her back. Their lips moved in perfect sync, his warmth, his scent filling her senses.
Minutes passed, neither of them willing to stop.
Eventually, Sam pulled back, breathing heavily, her forehead resting against his.
Jon blinked, slightly dazed. "Wow."
Sam grinned. "Yeah."
Jon chuckled, pressing one last kiss to her lips before finally stepping out. "See you later, Sam."
She sighed happily. "Can't wait."
As she drove off, she glanced at the new keychain hanging from her rearview mirror and smiled.
How the hell did a simple trip to the vet turn into one of the best days of my life?