"My Mom will probably be making pot roast with garlic mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and green peas. Salads are optional."

"Is it weird that in the time we've been together I haven't met your family?" Venti said, putting away the dishes from their dinner.

Art dried off the last plate, handing it to Venti. "I guess we've been so wrapped up in what we've been doing that I just didn't think about it."

"More like wrapped up in each other's arms," Venti said with a grin.

"Maybe your arms. I can barely get my arms around your waist." Art poked Venti's ribs with a single finger. "How can such a trim waist be so thick?"

"I'm not even going to give you a comeback for that one, only because you poking me is a good idea."

"Oh, great, your mind's in the gutter."

Venti nodded eagerly, causing his mohawk to sway back and forth. "Can't help it, being around such a fine, young specimen of a lion."

"Maybe after I digest dinner. Sex right after eating leaves me feeling funny."

"Sex with me leaves you walking funny too," Venti quipped, winking at the lion, who promptly threw his dishtowel at the jackal.

"So do you want to come with me to dinner with the family Sunday night?"

Venti drew Art close to him, kissing the top of his maned head. "Of course. Your Mom and Dad don't mind?"

"They'd love to meet you, especially the other two moms in the pride."

"Three moms," Venti said, his voice trailing off as he thought about that. "One mom was enough for me. How did you survive three?"

Art shrugged, running his fingertips along Venti's chest. "Who said I did survive? I'm as crazy as a...well, I was going to say a hyena, but your mom is pretty stable."

"She's got you completely fooled, Art. No mom is ever sane, not when they have kids like us."

"I was a perfect child. Always behaved except when I stole the cookies from the cookie jar."

"I was the type to run around the front yard naked, claiming my clothes were out to get me."

Art snickered.

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