Venti woke to the sound and smell of cooking bacon. He sat up, yawned, and stretched before moving into the kitchen, the blanket wrapped around his waist. Art was busy at the stove, but he looked up once he noticed Venti. "You almost scared me, I didn't hear you coming over here." He turned his attention back to the sizzling meat. "How do you do that anyway? You're what, over half a ton? How do you move so quietly?"

"Practice. My dad used to work midnights, so I'd have to be very quiet during the day when I was home." He sniffed the air, licking his lips. "That bacon smells delicious." He took a step towards the stove, and Art held out the spatula between the jackal and his destination.

"No free samples," Art growled theatrically, playfully baring his fangs. "You'll have to wait until the eggs and biscuits are done. You even so much as try and snatch a piece of bacon I'll swat you." Art waved the spatula menacingly.

Venti held up a hand, as if Art really could hurt him. "Whatever you say sir!" He took a step back, cowering in mock fear.

Art grinned, turning over the strips of bacon. "You can sit on the couch until the breakfast is ready since you've learned your lesson." He didn't even look at Venti as he shooed him away with a gesture.

Venti chuckled. "You're too kind, Art." When was the last time someone made him breakfast? Far too long. He appreciated Art's initiative and thoughtful gesture.

As he sat on the couch, Art's voice came from the kitchen: "And we're going out tonight."

"You think your head will let you?"

"Dunno. I'm not going to let a styrofoam bullet striking me on the head stop me from going out with my favorite sexual harasser."

"I knew you enjoyed my sexual harassments," Venti said, grinning.

"Uh huh. Sure. Keep on believing that."

"Then how am I your favorite sexual harasser if you don't enjoy it?"

"What was that? I can't hear you, Venti. The sizzling is overwhelming your ego."

Venti barked out a laugh. "Smartass," he muttered under his breath.

"I heard that!"

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