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Even though Brian was due in that day Paul still went to work that morning; it WAS his job, after all. Brian had also mentioned renting a car so picking up his ex was just one less thing he had to worry about and that meant more energy for focusing on the project or, more specifically, dealing with the job Mr. Howe had given him in finding accommodations for Jason Campbell (plus significant other) in town. The project team was doing well enough that the hotel room was the first thing on Paul's plate that morning.

After about a half hour he had managed to narrow the possible location down to just three hotels. He had remembered hearing from an accountant at one point that businesses liked a high bid, a low bid, and one in the middle so he tried his best to do that with his recommendations. He made sure he had all the information in hand when he reported to Mr. Howe's office late that morning. The door was open a crack and he heard voices coming from within. Rather than letting anyone assume he was eavesdropping the young man courteously knocked.

The discussion fell silent and Mr. Howe called out. "Come in."

Paul pushed the door open and as he entered the Human saw that the executive's other guest was Eizenzahn. While incredibly proud of having been able to handle all of the stresses of the day up to that point having two sets of expectant Canine eyes on him gave Paul a moment's pause. He pushed past that quickly though and stepped into the office. "Mr. Howe, I have the price quotes for you on three hotels for Mr. Campbell."

Eizenzahn chuckled at that and spoke aside quietly to the Airedale Terrier, then fell quiet as Mr. Howe motioned the Human closer. Both Dogs looked at the papers and the Doberman nodded. "Hmm... that is quite some research, Paul."

The Terrier nodded and slid the papers back to the Human. "Very good, Mr. Miller. And which hotel did you select?"

The question caught Paul off-guard. "I... uh... I figured you would--"

Mr. Howe sat up a little straighter. "I trust your judgment, Paul... that's why you got the company expense card. Go ahead and reserve a room for Jason Campbell and JD-- JD's green name is Jack Daniels. As I said before, they'll be arriving Tuesday evening and they will need a room for Tuesday night through Monday morning."

The Human fidgeted, committing the information to memory. "Oh... okay. And... and he's going to be going to some kind of convention, right? So when--"

Eizenzahn answered the question before he could even ask it. "You will have them for the photo shoot all day Thursday."

Paul nodded succinctly at the information. "Alright... and have you figured out the final model you want for the shoot yet, Mr. Eizenzahn?"

The Doberman shook his head. "No, Paul... not yet. I have settled on an arctic breed but there are very few professional Husky or Malamute models and those who are in the business are usually kept very busy. I will keep you informed when I locate one. We may have to settle on a Samoyed, though market numbers suggest that--"

Not usually one to interrupt someone of authority, Paul surprised himself. "You already recruited Tanner... why not his boss, TeeSee? He's a Husky."

Eizenzahn glanced to Mr. Howe. "TeeSee?"

The Terrier shrugged. "The senior tech from Harrison Pacific. He's IS a Husky, but I would have to check with his employer to make sure it doesn't affect our contract with them."

The Doberman stroked his muzzle in thought as he continued looking at Paul. "Do YOU think he would work for the shoot, Paul?"

The request for his opinion caused his mind to blank. "Do -I- think?"

Mr. Howe chuckled. "You ARE the team lead for a reason, Paul. Alric and I both respect your opinion, so, yes... do YOU think he would work for the photo shoot?"

His answer sounded less than convincing even to himself. "I... uh... yes?"

Eizenzahn looked to Walter and the Terrier looked back at him. The Doberman nodded. "Very well then. If you believe TeeSee will be acceptable then I will take your opinion to heart. If he will accept the offer and his employer gives leave then we will have found our final talent."

Mr. Howe smiled. "Alright, Paul... ask him when you see him next and send me an email to let me know if I should contact the account executive at Harrison Pacific with the request."

With little more to be said Paul gave some quick farewells and made his way out of the office. He meandered down the hall back toward his cubicle wondering how something as simple as presenting three quotes for hotel rooms could suddenly be made so complicated.

He stopped at the end of the hallway before stepping out into the reception area and he came up with the obvious answer when his cell rang; Brian's phone number was on the caller ID. "Oh right... it's MY life."

Hitting the talk button, Paul almost held the cell up to his ear before he remembered it was still on speaker mode due to the ear piece being broken. He kept the phone at sternum level as he spoke. "Hey, Brian. I'm at the office. How's your morning going?"

Brian's response was as light-hearted as ever. "Come and gone, Miller. It's afternoon here. Time zones, remember?"

Paul rolled his eyes. "Oh... right... okay... well, what's up?"

"I'm just about to board and figured I'd give you a rundown of my itinerary... you gonna be available for dinner tonight?"

Paul glanced down to his phone as he walked along the hall back toward his cubicle. "Dinner tonight? Like... when?"

Brian laughed. "You know... 'tonight'. Some time after this afternoon but before tomorrow morning. THAT tonight."

"I meant what TIME."

As long as Paul had known Brian, the best friend from his youth had a knack for turning any answer into a lengthy story. The phone call was no exception. "Well, I'm flying into LAX since it was the most reasonable ticket price. After that I'll pick up the rental car and drive your way. Any idea how long it'll take to get there from Los Angeles?"

Paul did not. "I haven't been to LA yet so I--"

Brian was quick to interrupt. "Never mind... just Google'd it. Maybe a late dinner at 8?"

That would give him plenty of time to get home and get changed and make sure Tanner was ready too. "Sure, I guess. What kinda dinner were you thinking?"

There was a pause from the other side of the phone for just a moment before the reply came. "How's the Mexican food out west?"

Paul rolled his eyes. "It's Mexican food so I don't think it changes much from state to state. The Mexican food in California is still Mexican food like we have in--"

"I mean regionally, Paul. I've had Mexican food in Florida and in New York and it isn't the same. You're saying the food there in California is JUST like what you'd find back in--"

Paul sighed. "No... not EXACTLY. I mean, they have the same kinds of dishes... it's just a bit more bland here... I think they're afraid of flavor."

Brian, as usual, was good with nostolga. "That's because they haven't had their taste buds blasted by great Midwestern dishes like lutefisk."

Smirking, he didn't even have to hesitate in finding a reply. "No... but I think everyone here has a fascination with ghost peppers."

The response gave his ex a moment's pause. "Ghost peppers? What're those?"

Paul found his grin growing. "I'll show you when you get here. Let's plan on Mexican then. There's a really good place not too far away called 'Como Abuela'... Tanner and I go there pretty often with friends."

"Como Abuela? So it's called 'Like Grandmother'?"

Shrugging despite Brian not being able to see it Paul responded blandly. "Dunno... I don't speak Spanish."

Brian laughed in response. "Right. Got it. Okay then, Miller... I'll meet you guys at Como Abuela tonight around 8?"

"Sounds good. Give me a call when you get off the freeway and I can give you directions."

His ex laughed again. "Like I said, Paul-- I already Google'd it. I have directions already so I'm all set. You and Tanner, yea?"

Paul swallowed a knot in his throat and dedicated him to a course of action he'd decided upon the prior day. "I think Casey's coming along too."

There was a pause from the other end but when Brian spoke up his tone was not easily read. "The Dalmatian model, right?"

"Yea... that's him."

Brian's next tone was blatantly playful. "You're not thinking of playing matchmaker now, are ya, Miller? I DID tell you I--"

Paul sighed. "You're a Leasher, yea."

"He's a Burb Dog, isn't he?"

Fidgeting, Paul took a seat at his cubicle. "I guess. I mean... I haven't ever actually ASKED him, but I--"

It was Brian's turn to interrupt. "Alright... but if we hit it off then I'm placing the blame wholly on you."

Paul rolled his eyes. "Yea... so will I. I'm still at work, B. I'll catch you tonight."

Brian gave a similar farewell and they hung up. Paul was just starting to get back into his work frame of mind when he was surprised by an inquiry from the entryway into his cubicle. It was Ben. "We found that last model yet for the project, Dakota?"

On that note his brain switched fully into office-appropriate and he responded professionally. "I had a meeting with Mr. Howe and Mr. Eizenzahn this morning about it. We should have something in place by the end of the week."

Ben, all business, simply nodded. "Good. 'Last minute' is usually lower in quality. Mr. Burke mentioned that we'd be doing the shoot next Thursday. I told him that Tuesday or Wednesday would be a better idea but it sounds like it's scheduled already."

Paul nodded. "That's the day Mr. Campbell is available so it's the day we're doing the shoot."

The black man grunted, running his thumb across an uneven section of wood on the cubicle's entryway. "Well then we'll do it on Thursday. Let me know when we have the final model picked out and I can finish prepping wardrobe production."

The young man picked up his cell. "Thanks Ben. I'll get some answers as soon as I can."

He waited until Ben was heading off before he began texting. His first order of business was finding out if TeeSee would be available. Paul pulled up Tanner's contact info and messaged: DO YOU THINK TEESEE WOULD BE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN THE PHOTO SHOOT? EIZENZAHN SAYS HE WANTS AN ARCTIC BREED REPRESENTED.

Spending a few minutes organizing some loose papers into a file folder Paul waited patiently for a reply. It didn't take very long. HE SEZ HE NEVER THOUGHT BOUT IT AND DOESNT KNO IF HARRISON PACIFIC WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM.

It was a perfectly reasonable answer and Paul considered himself a perfectly reasonable individual... but he was also under some specific sets of instructions and he needed something a little more concrete. He sent a text back. IF IT IS CLEARED THROUGH HARRISON PACIFIC WOULD HE ACCEPT A SPOT ON THE SET?

Paul banished the screen saver from his computer screen and started pulling up some of the talent management companies to do his own research in case Teesee ended up as a 'no can do'. The first site was loading up when he received an incoming text from TeeSee. IM GAME IF MY BOSSES DONT HAVE A PROBLEM.

The text was good enough for Paul and he closed out of his browser before opening his email. He composed a quick message to Mr. Howe and cc'ed Eizenzahn explaining that TeeSee said yes as long as it gets cleared through Harrison Pacific. It was a win for Paul, even if it was a small one and he considered the issue closed... and that left the question of a hotel.

Pulling out his company card, Paul looked at the three quotes; he could go high due to Jason Campbell's popularity or go low and save AHB some money. In the end he decided that a compromise would be best and called up the middle choice. He reserved the room with the company card and was ready to call the issue complete when the receptionist finished the call with the reminder that the card would have to be present at the time of check-in. Paul was ready to object but she disconnected, most likely having moved on to 'other issues' of her own.

The young man toyed with the idea of updating Mr. Howe but before he got a chance his phone rang. He checked the caller ID and saw that it was Tanner. Placing his cell on the desk, Paul hit the talk button. "Hey Tanner. What's up?"

The Shepherd's voice was chipper. "I just noticed on my eCalendar that Brian touches down today. Did you plan on meeting him?"

Paul smiled; his boyfriend thought of everything. "Yea... actually I was gonna talk to you about all of us getting together for dinner at Como Abuela."

He could tell Tanner was smiling in his vibrant response. "Sure-- that'd be great! TeeSee and I are heading out to another work site after lunch but it's close to home so we can meet at the condo then you and I drive over together. Sound like a plan?"

Paul cleared his throat. "Uh... sure... but we also gotta pick up Casey on the way."

The Shepherd sounded confused. "Casey?"

"Yea. Casey's been having trouble being a third wheel but Brian'll be there so that makes four of us... shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Paul could clearly hear the smirk in the Dog's tone. "Are you setting those two up on a blind date, Paul? I had NO idea that you could be SO devious."

The Human fidgeted. "It's not like that."

Tanner pressed the issue. "Sure it isn't. Sounds like you're deciding to play match maker... isn't that right, Cupid?"

Despite the Dog's badgering Paul laughed and his boyfriend joined him. The two chatted on other various topics for a few more minutes before they each had to hang up; Paul needed to address a few more projects to get done before lunch while Tanner had to join TeeSee on the road. They parted ways with acknowledging that they both looked forward to that night; Paul was eager to see Brian again and Tanner was just eager to see if Casey would make a fool of himself in front of a new 'eligible bachelor'.

The rest of the work day came and went with Paul keeping his nose to the grind stone. He powered through the various reports and paperwork with constant interruptions from his project team. The majority of the questions were simplistic and straight forward... certainly nothing compared to locating a hotel for THE Jason Campbell or securing an inexperienced model from a company that specializes in technical support. Thankfully before he closed up for the day he received an email from Mr. Howe that acknowledged Harrison Pacific's approval of using TeeSee on the condition that it counted towards the billable hours of their contract.

As Paul closed down his computer for the night he was joined in his cubicle by Ray. The Human had just started gathering his things when the golden furred Dog rapped his knuckles on the cubicle entrance. "Hey, Paul... got a minute?"

Paul nodded, stuffing a few papers into a file folder before tossing it into his desk. "Sure... just getting ready to head out; I'm meeting Tanner back at our place so we can get ready for dinner with a visiting friend."

Ray's tail swayed back and forth pleasantly. "Oh... no problem, Bud. Just wanted to make sure that Michelle and I get some time with you guys on Friday."

The Human paused as his mind did some mental jumping jacks trying to figure out his calendar for the week. "Friday?"

The Lab nodded. "Dinner night? Michelle and I discussed a follow-up double date last week before you and Tanner headed home."

Paul nodded. "Right. Right. Sorry... had a lot on my plate lately, Ray. Friday at Como Abuela, right?"

Ray nodded, his tail picking up speed. "Hopefully the rest of your night can stay free too-- Michelle wanted to make sure you guys'd be up for drinks at our place afterwards. We have a pull out couch if we end up having too many."

The Human chuckled. "Wow... drinks back at your place? That makes it sound serious."

Ray smiled, his tail slowing down just a little as he picked at the golden bracelet chain he wore; Michelle had gotten it for him in lieu of an engagement ring. "Well... we DO have a lot to discuss and we figured drinks and a nice quiet night would be a great way to do it."

Paul managed to keep his smile up despite the faintly ominous-sounding news. "Oh... that IS serious then."

The Dog winked. "Don't worry so much, Dakota... it's all good stuff."

Paul was about to add something to the conversation but at that moment his phone went off. Ray excused himself with a simple 'goodnight' followed by a nose bump as the young man opened his phone and held it up to his ear after hitting the TALK button. "Hey Tanner."

He remembered he was still using speaker phone at the last minute and quickly pulled it away before Tanner's response deafened him. "Did we discuss attire for tonight? Casey says he plans on going 'date-casual'."

The Human paused at that. "Attire? 'Date-Casual'?"

The playfully condescending tone from the Shepherd returned. "Remind me again why you don't consider this a blind-date for those two?"

Paul hesitated in his answer. "Well... you know... I don't think WE should consider it a date, but I... I MIGHT have dropped a few hints for those two--"

"So you ARE setting them up."

The Human smirked. "I more just 'propagated the idea'... kinda... a little... somewhat..."

Tanner changed the topic. "And Casey says he'll drive himself so we don't have to worry about picking him up. Are you still at work?"

Paul passed the reception desk, giving a farewell wave to Candy, who had just returned that morning from her honeymoon. She called out a 'goodnight' to him as he walked out the door. "Just leaving. I'll be home in a bit."

Tanner was fast enough to return to the cajoling. "So whadda YOU think? Should we dress 'date casual' too then?"

The Human rolled his eyes, pressing the unlock button on his key ring as he approached the car. He grinned to himself as he thought up a suitable answer. "Let's just go full-on date-night-with-date-morning-planned-afterward dress code."

Tanner picked up on that fast enough. "On a work night? Wow. I'm game. So... easy-to-get-out of with nothing underneath?"

Paul smirked, starting up the car. "Since when have you ever considered wearing underwear?"

The Dog was quick on the uptake. "I was talking about you... just wanting to know how long it'll take to get you naked once we're home."

The Human rolled his eyes. "Exactly. Anyway, I'm on the road. I'll see you when I get home."

The two said their farewells and Paul's attention returned to the road; it was already shaping up to be an especially exceptional night.

* * * * * * *

Paul hadn't needed much time at home to get ready and Tanner had already changed. They got into Tanner's car and the Shepherd had just put it into reverse when a text came on Paul's cell. He looked at his phone and saw that it had come from Brian. WHATS THE PH# FOR CASEY?

The Human looked at the message then glanced at his boyfriend. "Apparently Brian wants Casey's cell number."

The Dog looked his way briefly before pulling out and putting the car into drive. "Why?"

"Good question."

Paul quickly typed out those three exact letters and hit send. A few moments later he got a very succinct response. BECAUSE.

Paul rolled his eyes and began typing it out the number. He spoke to Tanner as he did so. "He says 'because'."

The Shepherd laughed. "So you're sending it?"

The Human shrugged. "Yea... I mean, they're gonna see each other at dinner anyway."

It was the end of the discussion and a short time later they arrived at Como Abuela. Casey's car was already there in the parking lot and the Dalmatian hopped out of it, tail wagging profusely. He was upon them by the time they got out. "Oh my GOD! Brian is cute!"

Before Paul could ask specifics the Dalmatian had his cell passed to Paul; on it was a picture of Brian dressed up in his scrubs and doctor's coat posing candidly in a combination of a stance that suggested both professional and casual. "Brian sent you a picture of himself?"

Casey accepted his phone back, nodding vigorously. "Yep! He texted and said that he's already seen me in ads so it's only fair that I get a chance to see him at work too before we meet."

Tanner smirked playfully. "And ruin the surprise?"

The Dalmatian didn't respond, rather he took a step closer to Paul and gave him a light nose bump. "I'm SOOOOO glad you decided to hook us up, Paul."

Tanner crossed his arms with mock indignance. "Oh... so it IS a blind date."

Casey turned and gave Tanner a nose bump as well. "Why? Jealous much?"

Paul was perfectly content to stay out of the drama (and attention) as the two Dogs followed him into the restaurant, constantly working at their verbal one-upmanship. He politely informed the hostess that they'd need seats for four. By then his two companions had quieted down. Tanner finished off the discussion by giving Casey a light elbow as he spoke quietly. "Just think how it's gonna be for me and Paul-- both of our exes meeting up."

It was only then that Paul realized that Brian was right behind them, looking at Casey. "You're an ex of Tanner?"

Casey was the first to turn around and he let out a distinctly discernible 'whuff' in pleased surprise. "Yes. And YOU are even better looking in person."

Brian chuckled. "Wow... pretty forward, aren't you."

The Dalmatian winked. "Well... when I see something I like--"

Paul cleared his throat uncomfortably and took a seat; Tanner sat next to him. Brian gestured to the booth and Casey sat down while the second Human was the last to join them. "Last time I checked Paul prefers things a little lower key in public."

Paul leaned forward slightly across the table. "And last time I checked Brian doesn't need someone to try so hard."

Both Casey and Brian responded with an indignant "Hey!"

Things were definitely off to a good start. Despite his initial misgivings, after managing THAT reaction from the Dalmatian and his ex at the same time Paul had a feeling that dinner would go just fine. Surprisingly, it did.

Drinks were ordered right away followed by appetizers and when it came time to order actual meals they were having so much fun talking they simply doubled up on appetizers. Paul had a chance to talk about his upcoming meeting with Jason Campbell (both Casey and Brian expressed an interest in meeting him as well), Brian took the opportunity to discuss his upcoming interview at the Weidtman-Honey Institute, and Casey conveyed all of the wonderful experiences he'd had during his modeling for Mein Hund (conveniently leaving out any discussion of the more 'intimate' moments of his stay with the recording studio in Los Angeles).

The discussion of the music career was the last topic to pop up that evening and it was one that Brian took an instant notice of. "You sing too, huh?"

Casey grinned, sliding just a little closer to him. "With the right inspiration, yea..."

Paul heard the Dalmatian's tail beating against the booth a mile a minute. Recognizing the signs that Casey was overdoing it he immediately stepped in. "He was discovered by a record label at a karaoke party AHB was hosting for us after one of our project's success."

Brian glanced at Paul then to Casey. "Really? That simple, huh?"

The Dalmatian's ears reddened slightly and he pulled back, just a little more reserved. "Well... everything just happened to be in place with it. After Paul sent my dancing clip on to the Mein Hund executives the next obvious step once they realized I had rhythm was to see if I could sing... and apparently I'm not too bad."

Tanner chuckled. "Modesty, huh? That's a new side of Casey."

Casey stuck his tongue out at the Shepherd. "So is forgiveness... so you won't have your tires slashed for that."

Tanner didn't relent. "Oh... you're just showing off for Brian."

Brian raised an eyebrow, smirking behind his raised glass. "Oh he is, is he?"

The Dalmatian withdrew even more, self-conscious as he glanced between Tanner and Brian. "Just a little tipsy, probably... I do silly things when I'm buzzed."

The Shepherd laughed. "You've really become a lightweight if you're getting drunk of of non-alcoholic beer."

Brian did a double-take, looking at Casey. "You've been drinking non-alcoho--"

Paul interjected, shooting a glance at Tanner. "Well, he IS driving himself home. If he's had six I'd hope to god they were non-alcoholic."

His boyfriend apparently picked up the cue. "Right. Kitten Chaser's already outgrown his reckless youth, haven't you, Casey?"

If Brian would have had Dog ears Paul was certain they would have perked up. "Kitten-Chaser? That your Green Name?"

Casey nodded, offering a sheepish grin. "Yea... mom gave it to me."

Brian chuckled, giving the Dog a light elbow. "Cute."

The Dalmatian looked for a moment as though someone had spoken some secret passcode that changed him from full grown Dog to crushing high school puppy and, in part, perhaps that WAS what happened. Casey somehow managed to keep it together and responded with a very simple, very giggly "Thanks."

Normally it was Paul who was the wet blanket for any gathering but he was so absorbed in the slice of Burb-Dog culture going on in front of him that Tanner took over. The Shepherd rested a paw on his forearm and noted quietly "It's almost eleven, Paul... we still have to work tomorrow."

Paul pulled out his cell phone and glanced at it; Tanner was right. "Ten fifty four? Geez oh Pete... we've almost been here for 3 hours?"

Brian smirked, raising up his glass as he toasted. "Time flies when you're having fun, eh?"

Both Paul and Tanner watched as Casey inched a little closer to Brian as he raised his glass to meet the Human's. It was Tanner that spoke. "Apparently Casey blinked and missed most of it."

Rather than wilt and blush Casey decided instead to go on the offensive. "Remember what I said earlier?"

The Shepherd's ears raised. "Huh?"

The Dalmatian smirked. "Then let me repeat myself: Jealous much?"

It was finally time for Brian and Paul to share a laugh and, as Paul and Tanner excused themselves Paul took the opportunity to accept an embrace from his ex. It was strangely familiar and yet, at once, an entirely alien feeling. He and Brian had broken up on uncomfortable terms and Paul didn't know if their friendship was able to be repaired but, during that evening together it felt, for once, a lot like old times. It was with that comforting thought that he left with Tanner, leaving both Brian and Casey, both of whom he'd considered friends and with both of whom he'd experienced physical intimacy, in one another's company.

* * * * * *

Paul awoke to the sound of his cell ringing. It was a full twenty minutes before his alarm was set to go off but he groggily answered it, holding the phone to his ear. The blaring voice of Casey did a better job of banishing the sleep from his head. "Heya Paul."

The young man had to do a double-take; yes... the caller ID said Brian's cell. He moved the phone away from his head, setting it on the night stand instead. "Casey? Why are you calling from Brian's phone?"

The Dalmatian giggled, then spoke as if revealing a secret. "We stayed at the restaurant another hour until they closed and then I went back to his hotel room with him."

It wasn't entirely unanticipated but it still caught Paul by surprise. "So... the two of you... even after what you'd said before about--"

Casey was very forthright in his denial. The following words were spoken with a vibrant giddiness, and very quickly "No! That's what was so great! We didn't do ANYTHING. We stayed up until, like, two o clock just talking and hanging out. We ended up going to bed and we snuggled until the sun came up. I think we slept a little somewhere in there but it wasn't much, but I feel AWESOME! Paul... we didn't have sex and I feel AWESOME!"

The Human chuckled softly, and paused when he heard Brian's voice in the background. "Well... sounds like you're still there."

Casey's voice was filled with a smile. "Yea... we're getting room service. That's what I called about."

Still slightly bleary, Paul still couldn't resist the chance at humor. "Sure... um... I'll take bacon and eggs with a big glass of OJ."

He could hear the Dog's raspberry. "Brian has to get up to Sacramento for his appointment... I was hoping you'd be able to pick me up on the way to the office and then after work get me a ride back to Como Abuela for my car."

Paul smirked. "What? So now I'm your private chauffeur?"

A comment from Brian wasn't quite comprehensible on Casey's side of the conversation but the Dalmatian quickly related it. "Brian says that you can count this against one you owe him."

The young man snickered. "Last time I checked HE owed ME."

He heard Casey relay that and Brian responded with a chuckle. The Dog repeated the words into the receiver. "He says he'll owe you another one."

A sudden thought sprang to mind, inspired by a good mood and being awoken early. "I'll be there in about an hour. In the meantime, ask Brian how he feels about being a background model."

Paul hung up before Casey could find out an answer and he closed his phone. Snuggling back down into the covers he grinned all the more as Tanner's furred arm slid around his midsection. The Shepherd spoke into his pillow but was still decipherable. "I told you introducing them would only cause you more problems."

The Human let out a deep breath, closing his eyes as he reveled in snuggling up with the Dog. "Maybe I'm starting to get used to 'more problems."

Tanner nuzzled the side of his face. "Gaining a martyr complex, are ya?"

Paul turned and met his boyfriend's muzzles with his lips. "I suppose we'll have to wait and see."