NHL Imagines *Suspended indefinitely*

Grape (JVR)

I know I said that part two of the Rob imagine was next...but I got inspired. I promise it's coming! I hope you enjoy this imagine in the meantime. Requests are open and this has not been edited.

You were bored. There's nothing for me to entertain myself. You thought despairingly. You had no new books, nothing was on tv, netflix didn't appeal, and your boyfriend James was preoccupied with the basketball game that was on. This called for drastic measures.

"Hello James," You said as you dramatically swept your blanket around you. James raised an eyebrow but otherwise didn't say anything.You entered the room the rest of the way, your blanket cape still trailing behind you. "Do you like my cape?" You twirled around again for demonstration.

"Yes. In fact, it looks like the comforter from our bed."

You looked down at yourself as if in confusion. "Why yes, yes it does. What a coincidence." You smiled angelically at him as you stood in front of the tv, blocking his view of whatever game was currently playing.

"Y/N." James gave you a look. "Could you move?"

"I'm sure I have the ability to move from my current position. However, I find it suits me just fine at the current moment." You smiled internally as you saw frustration creep up on his features.

"Allow me to rephrase. Will you kindly remove yourself from in front of the tv please?"

"Sure!" You plopped yourself down into his lap and spread the blanket around the two of you. He wrapped his arms around you and placed his chin on top of your head. "James..."

He sighed and paused the tv. "What's wrong babe?"

"I'm bored. And lonely."

"I'm here! We can go do something if you're really that bored."

"But not always. I'm bored all the time. I finished school and I work from home. I'm always here. And when you're home it's great, but you are gone a lot. And I understand it's your job. I fully support you! Don't misunderstand me. It just gets...boring and lonely sometimes."

"I'm sorry." James pressed a kiss to the top of your head. "I wish you would have told me sooner. How about we finish the game and then we can go do what you want?"

"Ok! Which team are you rooting for?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the game ended you and James headed towards the local humane society. You tried to put in a few volunteer hours a week, they always needed help and you loved playing with the animals.

"Hi Y/N. Hi James!" The receptionist greeted. "Here to put in some play hours?"

"You know it! How's Grape?" Grape was your sweetie. A rescue lab that just melted you with his eyes.

"He got adopted two days ago. A nice family with two kids. I think he'll really be loved there."

"Aww! I'm going to miss him. But I'm so excited because that means more room here and a new start for him."

The receptionist smiled. "So are you playing with cats or dogs?"

"James isn't the biggest fan of cats, so I think we're going to do dogs today." You glanced back at your boyfriend to see his face still obscured by the giant bags of dog and cat food you made him stop to pick up. "Oh! And we brought some food!"

Once your food donations were taken the two of you were escorted down into the big concrete room where the animals that had been socialized played.

"Hi babies!' You kneeled down and was immediately swarmed by wagging tails and puppy kisses. James was being jumped on because he had yet to get down on their level. "Where's the ball, huh? Where's it at?" You quickly swiped the red squeaky ball from the floor and tossed it. A mad scrabble took place as they all attempted to reach the ball.

"So you come here a lot?"

"Yeah! Especially when you're gone. They need help and the animals just want some love. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside." You answered as you leaned down to scratch behind a puppy's ear.

James tossed the ball a few more times while you cuddled with less active ones...and the ones who's attention span was too short to keep focused on one task. The two hour volunteer period passed quickly and you stood up to head out.

"Bye babies. I'll see you soon!" James made sure the door was closed behind you as you headed back down towards the hallway.

As the two of you washed your hands and again made small talk with the receptionist a familiar dog was led through from the exam rooms.

"Grape?" You questioned. "I thought you were adopted...?" You looked at the lady for answers as you kneeled down and rubbed the two year-old lab down.

"He got returned about 20 minutes ago. Their youngest is allergic."

"Oh no!" Your heart broke for him. This was the third time his "forever home" had given him back.

"He only has two days left until he reaches the max boarding and we have to euthanize him!"

"No!" You cried, wrapping your arms around his neck. "Oh no baby. What are we going to do?" You cooed into Grape's ear.

"We'll take him." You heard James say.

Your head whipped around to look at him. "What?" Came your breathless question.

"We'll adopt him. You obviously adore him...and the feeling appears to be mutual. He can be your friend and protector when I'm gone. And he doesn't get out down. It's a win on all accounts."

"Are you serious?" You managed to choke out.

"Heck yeah. We have plenty of room and yard for him to run around in." He turned to the receptionist. "What papers do we need to sign?"

10 minutes later papers were signed and Grape was officially yours. You lead him by his leash as he walked beside you with a pep in his step. James had his arm wrapped around your waist as you headed for your house two blocks away.

"Thank you James. Really this means so much to me. I can't believe you just decided that we could get a dog!"

He chuckled a little and pulled you tighter into his side. "I'm surprised our house isn't full of animals by now. Consider this your reward for good behavior. Besides, it must have been fate that we were there when he came back."

"Seriously, James. Thank you."

He stopped and turned you to face him. "Y/N. I love you. I would do anything to make you happy. A dog that we both love and that will keep you happy when I'm gone isn't exactly a sacrifice."

You kissed him gently on the lips. "You're still getting laid tonight."