Buried in the work above him as the radio provided a canvas of white noise, Marius’s soft voice didn’t make it far enough under the truck for the stoic grease monkey to hear him. Instead it was the slumbering log of black velvet rolls that perked up immediately at the sound of someone’s foreign voice calling from upfront; causing her to grunt and wheeze as her solid little body thrashed around to roll herself back onto her legs. Instantly bounding out of her bed the moment her paws hit the ground in a wake of excited grunted breaths, as she ran inside to greet the newest pair of hands to pet her. A happily strangled sound crying out of ajar jaw the moment she spotted Marius waiting at the counter for someone to notice him, before wiggling herself around enthusiastically at his feet for him to love on her; eventually rolling herself ungracefully onto her back with her stubby legs pointed out in every direction to give him her belly to rub.
At first, no one answered his call. Aquamarine gems washed over each visible corner of the garage, looking for any sign of movement or presence. What he thought he heard was the jingling of keys, but was surprised to find that it wasn’t keys at all, but dog tags. A black mass of fur rushed around the counter to greet the mer, who took a step back from the sudden outburst. It was a little dog, not too big, one that he could tolerate and doesn’t mind. If it was a big dog, he would’ve backpedaled and cowered in hear. He was afraid of them, and preferred to keep away from if he could help it. But this little fellow was ecstatic to see him, and even rolled over on her back and asked for belly rubs. Marius couldn’t help but indulge the adorable little thing.
“Aaw, what a cutie! Hello, my dear! Yes, you want belly rubs,” he squeaked, gently scratching the dog’s exposed abdomen with vigor and excitement. “You can have belly rubs. Aaww you like that, don’t you? Such a good baby!”
While he was occupied with the dog, someone had heard the noise and appeared from underneath the car. The mer saw two boots come into his field of vision, and he immediately straightened out, regaining his composure. Except, what stood before him didn’t help at all. He was aware of the stereotype that those in careers such as construction, plumbing, mechanical, and landscaping sometimes worked without a shirt, but not once did he think of that in this moment. So it came as a slight shock to him that caused a light shade of pink to cover his cheeks and nose, and a stutter in his speech.
“Oh, um, y-yes, I…I was wondering if I could book a shirt–I mean appointment! Ahaha–Sorry, I’m…I’m looking to book an appointment.” Smooth. Marius mentally slapped himself for the Freudian slip. He did everything he could to keep from staring at the man before him. Platinum white locks, cool ice, toned muscles covered in a thin layer of sweat, chiseled jaw, and a native Australian accent–something he discovered quickly that he has a weakness for. Neptune help him to not make an idiot of himself. Just get in and get out.
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