Beef is supposed to be napping in his pet bed under Robert’s desk. Key word being supposed.

Instead, the chihuahua makes his grand escape the moment you step into the SDN office, waddling between desks like a tiny missile. He skids to a stop against your ankle, immediately rolling onto his back with all four paws in the air, demanding worship.

Robert glances up from his computer and exhales a sigh so theatrical you could offer him an Oscar. “He's starting to prefer you over Chase. That's impressive.”

Beef answers with a delighted yip, curling into your hands like he’s been waiting hours for this.

“Y’know,” he murmurs, tone dry as he leans back in his chair, arms folding over his chest, “if you keep encouraging him, I’ll have to start listing you as his emotional support human.”