Neutral Territory—

Grinning, Will took a cell phone picture of what he was pretty sure was the introduction of a new member of their family. Don looked bemused. Dragon and Monster were stretched up Don's legs, one set of giant paws on each thigh, one furry head under each hand, both purring enough to rattle Don's teeth.

Dragon was smaller than Monster, but still not small. Monster now weighed a healthy 21 pounds, having gained weight since they got him. Dragon looked like he was 15 or 16 pounds, but it was hard to tell how much was fur. Dragon definitely had some Maine Coon in him, from his size, tufted feet, and thick, soft fur. What were the odds that the cat that decided to adopt Matt and David was also a Maine Coon mix?

"They seem to get along," Don said slowly.

"This is neutral territory," Will said. "Why don't we try him at our home for a few days?"

"Just a few days," Don agreed reluctantly.

Will crouched down. "What do you think, Dragon? You wanna come visit us?"

Dragon dropped down from Don's leg, padded over and headbutted Will in the cheek. Everyone laughed.

"I think that's a yes," Matt said.

Will reached out a hand and let Dragon sniff it before he scratched him under the neck.

"He's certainly outgoing," Don said. "That's good."

Will said, "How about you guys bring Dragon over to our house? I'll make dinner. Then if it obviously doesn't work out, you can take him right home."

"Okay," Matt said sadly. Everyone but Don knew that it was only a formality. Barring a meltdown, Dragon was going to become Don and Will's.

"C'mon, Monster," Don said. "Home."

As they turned to go, David said to Matt, "What do you think about reptiles?"