bang goes my heart

Jeff patted Dave on the back as he coughed. "Calm down, kiddo."

"Why don't we get some ice cream for you after dinner?" Cal asked

Dave shook his head. "I don't want any."

"What can we do for you Dave?" Cal asked

Dave shrugged, sniffling again. Jeff ruffled his hair. "Eat your dinner, squirt. I'm sure when you're done you'll change your mind about the ice cream."

Cal pat Dave's shoulder. "Or we can get candy"

Dave shook his head again. "Can just go to bed?"

"If that's what you want to do" Cal replied "So long as you eat some of your dinner first"

"Okay." Dave started to picked at his food.

Jeff ruffled his hair again before getting up. "Eat you two. I'm gonna check on Jojo and the other brat."

"You're going to come back and eat too right?" Cal asked

Jeff kissed his cheek and grinned. "Yes, dear."

Cal smiled and relaxed some. "Good. You need to eat more"

Jeff huffed and rolled his eyes. "Yes mom."

"That's mister mom to you bucko" Cal grinned

Jeff stuck his tongue out at Cal before leaving the kitchen.

Cal turned back to the table. "How do you feel about the new puppy?" he asked Dave.

Achilles nuzzled his head farther into Dave's lap, partially wanting more attention and partially still trying to comfort him.

Dave started to pet his head. "He's cute. I like him."

Achilles opened his mouth to let his tongue fall out so he could pant happily.

"I bet Jeff would let you get a pet if you asked him." Cal stated

Dave shrugged slightly. "I guess. Don't know what I'd want."

"You could see about a puppy, or maybe a kitten if the puppy doesn't bother it too much." Cal stated "I don't think he'd be too keen on a small pet rodent, but I think he's okay with reptiles. No spiders though"

Dave shrugged again. "I don't know." He scooted his chair back before patting his lap.

Achilles straightened in excitement and practically lept into Dave's lap, the force of him making the chair skid back on the linoleum, nearly tipping over. He started slathering Dave's face with sticky, slobbery kisses.

Dave giggled as the dog licked his face. "Good puppy. Do you need to go potty soon?"

Achilles let out a loud bark, paws braced against Dave's chest briefly before he pushed off, practically flinging himself off Dave's lap to the floor again. He bounced a bit before barking loudly again.

Dave laughed as he got up. "Should we go now?"