Author: Regency
Title: Popsicle Love
Summary: When Maxie’s puppy wanders
away from home, Spinelli finds it. He makes a new friend in the Oreo-coat and
maybe even finds love with someone new.
~~
Spinelli slunk toward Stone Cold’s penthouse at the dead of night. It
was windy out and he’d forgotten his jacket at Kelly’s. To quote
someone long forgotten tale, “it was the loneliest night of the year” and appropriately the Jackal was alone.
He felt safe in the streets, shrouded in his oddity, isolated by sheer biology.
Their concrete lines of transit were symbolic of his real sanctuary, a place that was not so easily distinguished or
invaded: the World Wide Web. In that sense, the tenuous silken threads were his
home, these roads were his shelter. And he would never belong anywhere else.
Cloaked by an indigo sky, the flesh and blood reality of his body was not so intimidating. In these times, the Jackal did not struggles, he basked. The
evildoers ducked their heads into their hidey holes and alleys to let him pass. As
he did not acknowledge them in return, all kept face. They remained skulking
baddies out to harm the innocent while he was simply the Jackal, master of the cyber world and Jason Morgan’s adopted
younger brother. Yes, he liked the dark this way.
He continued to stride bravely into the night, inhaling the invigorating smog.
He had a long night ahead of him, business, of course. He was one of Sonny’s
men now.
Maybe his promotion had also made him skittish. His skin nearly took leave
of his frame at the swishing of a quick wind about his feet.
Still, it hung tight and he lived. No minions of damnation. Just a puppy. It was a hairy, sprightly thing, black and white
eye patches and spots, floppy ears that seemed to perk up at Spinelli’s obvious attention.
Spin waved a little. The furry guy seemed sweet; he hadn’t attacked
so far. The human of the pair crouched down to say hello.
“Greetings, my four-legged friend. What brings you to the Jackal
this fine evening?”
Notably, the canine did not respond, preferring to settled on his haunches and pant.
“Ah, the strong, silent type, I understand,” he patted the
dog’s snout. “I’m one of those, too.”
Doggie whimpered and licked Spin’s face with evident affection.
“It’s nice to meet you as well. My name’s Spinelli and
I think I’m all alone out here, too.” Spin ruffled soft fur. He was warm, the dog was. Inviting and
soft. “You shouldn’t be out so late.
Somebody’s gotta be desperately seeking canine. Who do you belong
with?” He sought out and found the puppy’s collar and tag, a small
copper thing in the shape of a dog bone. Inscribed on it were a few words. Popsicle Jones-Spencer. If lost, call…
The Jackal
nodded in comprehension. “You are a lost one, young Popsicle. Let us got forth to Stone Cold’s lair where I shall contact your keeper.” He stood up, signaling Pops to do the same. “After you,
Pup.” Regally, the wee dog strode ahead.
“You are a righteous hound. Righteous.” He could only follow obediently.
Popsicle appeared to have a keen sense of where Spinelli was headed. It
wasn’t long before the brick monolith rose in the distance. The Jackal
heaved a grand sigh--it was great to be home--and scampered towards the door, shaggy companion in lead.
After a somewhat terse exchange with Jason’s doorman, they began a steady ride up to the penthouse via elevator. Finally, they had arrived. The Jackal
crouched down once again at Popsicle’s side.
“This the moment of truth, loyal canine. If Stone Cole hands down
a verdict of ‘nay,’ we’re in deep dog-dog, no pun intended.”
The pup whimpered anxiously and dropped his head.
Spin’s belly tightened. He knew that feeling, maybe this home wasn’t
really the right place, maybe they wouldn’t want you either. His four-legged
buddy was terrified of rejection.
“Hey there, Patch, don’t worry. The master is infinitely fair
and infinitely compassionate. He won’t say no to this cute face. Trust me on that.” With one last fur ruffle for luck,
Spin led Popsicle into the Penthouse.
He found Stone Cold out cold on the sofa. He also found a very content
Jacob Morgan Webber gurgling on his chest. Jason had fallen asleep holding his
son in a secure embrace while Jake had decided he rather liked being awake.
Spin waved at the newest member of his adopted family and was rewarded with a toothless grin for his efforts. He was the Little Stone Cold.
He led His Bowwowness across the room, careful not to disturb the sleeping force.
He led Popsicle up the stairs and was nearby home free when…
“Spinelli, is that you?” Stone Cold called to the tune of
Baby Cold’s cooing. The Jackal momentarily paused in slight panic. Surely, the Mighty One was not so mighty that he could sense the innocuous presence
of the Loyal Little Sister’s household pet. He couldn’t be.
“Affirmative. The Jackal has mad his nightly return to the lair.”
There was a brief pause. “Yeah.
Okay, I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Indeed. Sleep well, Stone Colds Junior and Senior.”
He could hear the subtle shift in the air as both father and son were rendered silent by the power of the yawn. “You, too, Spinelli.”
Without further interruption, Spin nudged the clandestine oreo-coat into his “regrettably pink room,” where
he found a suitable spot to curl up and nape upon entry. The Jackal didn’t
have the heart to disturb his peaceable slumber for a second glance at his tag, so he settled down for sleep himself. There’d always be the morning to reunite doggy and parent. Besides, he sort of liked having the clever pup around. One
could never have too many pals.
Next Part
