Art by  spartanpanda!

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Art looked at the stack of trays in the middle of the table. "I am so glad this is an all-you-can-eat sushi bar."

Venti held up a piece of salmon. "The best part about nigiri sake is the slice of lemon." He then placed the piece in his muzzle, slowly sliding out the chopsticks. He chewed, and while he did so, a reverent look was on his face.

"And here I thought you were all about chicken and rice for your diet."

Venti shook his head. "Nope, I'll eat anything but fast food. Gotta pack on the pounds if I'm going to get big."

Art smirked, folding his arms across his chest. "You're already big."

"This is true." Venti gave Art an appraising look. "I still can't believe we're out on a date."

"Why not?"

"You always acted as if my flirting was unwanted."

"It was, to be honest. I was totally turned off."

Venti arched an eyebrow, feeling curious. "So what changed?"

"You coping with the breakup. Seeing you so vulnerable, almost to the point of tears, made me realize you were more than just a musclehead." Art looked over at the stack of trays again. "Though now I think you're a bottomless walking appetite."

"One thing though: Why not just ask me out?"

Art looked to the side, hunching his shoulders and sliding down a bit in the booth they were in. "I was afraid you might say no," he said quietly. "It took a lot to pretend I had a blind date set up for you."

Venti reached over the table, gently cupping Art's chin and turning the lion's head so that they could look each other in the eyes. "Thanks, Art. Though if we're dating..."

"I'm getting transferred next week. So no conflict of anyone's interests."

"I'll miss working with you."

"You might see more of me, depending on how much you like the new Goldduck: 1985 movie."

"I love Goldduck."

Art gave Venti such a smile it left the jackal with a warm feeling down to his toes. "Then you'll definitely see me again."

Venti grinned throughout the entire movie. The best first date ever, he thought.

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