Art by  tkd_dbull!

* * *

Venti looked at his living room, vacuum cleaner dangling from his grip. The place was spotless. Not a speck of dust remained. Laundry was in the hamper, everything was put up. "I proclaim this place clean," Venti said, pumping his fist.

"All you needed to do was vacuum the place," Art said from behind him, seated on a chair, resting forward with folded arms on the backrest.

Venti glanced at his boyfriend. "Oh yeah? Well, you're shirtless."

Art blinked, reflexively glanced at his chest, then arched an eyebrow at Venti. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Absolutely nada," Venti replied, putting away the vacuum cleaner in the closet. "I just like to say nonsensical things sometimes."

"Sometimes?"

Venti flipped Art off briefly, then gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Jerk."

Art chuckled. "Singa and Daniel coming over soon?"

"Should be here any minute."

"What? Why didn't you tell me?" Art stood up and moved into the bedroom.

"I guess I was forgetful since I was, you know, doing all the vacuuming while you were supervising."

"Ha, ha," Art called from the bedroom. "Funny jackal."

There was a knock on the door. "I'll get that since you're getting unnaked."

"Unnaked's not even a word!" Art called out.

"Hey you two," Venti said after he opened the door, moving back to let the cheetah and deer step in. "How's it going?"

"Things are good," Singa said, giving Venti a hug. Daniel offered a shy wave.

"Hey guys," Art said as he stepped into the living room.

"What the hell?" Singa exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise when he laid eyes on Art. "Art, you've been working out?"

Venti's eyebrows rose. "What're you talking about?"

Singa gestured at Art. "Art's buffer than the last time I saw him," he replied to Venti. He turned to Art. "You've been working out."

"Every day before seeing Venti."

"I never even noticed, did I?" Venti asked.

Art nodded, grinning.

"And I'm not going to live this one down, am I?"

Art shook his head, his grin widening.

"Well, I'd love to thank whoever's been training you."

"You're welcome," Daniel said with a shy grin.

"I should've known," Venti chuckled.

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