It wasn't a great apartment. Clarise mostly dealt with larger spaces in tall 
buildings at the center of the city- those with 70$ a yard white carpets and Jacuzzis in the 
bathroom. Living rooms with chandeliers and spectacular views. This was not her thing. 
She was showing him an apartment that was surrounded by trees- they could hear dogs 
barking and smell families having barbeques outside. She liked the change of scenery. 
This area was much more homey than most of the real estate she dealt with.
	Karl Rool was looking for something inconspicuous. He didn't like publicity or 
high-society bullshit. She was actually surprised that he would come to her. Or that he 
would choose this city. Most of the residents were mice- other species were few and far 
between here. He was a fat alligator- no, that was an understatement. He was truly 
massive. He had trouble getting through doors and had to veto several apartments 
because of the size of the bathtubs and showers- or the lack of size. This last one was 
handicap access, so she was pretty sure he could get around here.
	"This one is very nice."
	"Yes, and it can be purchased for a song."
	"Money isn't a problem."
	She knew it wouldn't be. She had heard of him, but she was not familiar with 
him. He was a king of some sort- she didn't know what he was the king of.
	"I do appreciate your finding so many places for me to look at."
	"It was no problem. This is what I do, after all."
	"I still must thank you."
	"Well, I need to get started on the paperwork. I'll call you soon. There are a 
thousand things for you to sign, and my fee is ten percent-"
	"Actually-" Karl got a sheepish look on his face. He stared downward, towards 
his feet (if he could even see them.) "Maybe we could meet for dinner?"
	"Sure, that sounds wonderful. As long as it isn't one of those really hoity places. 
I'm getting really sick of the chefs spending more time making the food look pretty than 
actually making it taste good."
	"Sure, do you like Japanese? There is the great little place I know of, about three 
blocks from here . . ."
	"I know the place. How about tomorrow evening at six?"
	"Sounds perfect."

	Dan put his trumpet down. It was a slow night. The others in his band all looked 
tired and drained. In fact, it was only Barbara who actually showed any interest in the 
music. She sat at the table closest to them, drinking her third martini, smiling broadly at 
him. He returned the smile and came to sit next to her.
	"You having a good time?'
	"Yes, I love jazz."
	"It is kind of a slow night."
	"I like it better that way. Not as crowded or loud." She grinned at him, her golden 
fur was so pretty, and her smile was to die for. "Let's go to the bar, I need another drink."
	They walked to the bar, Barbara leaning heavily on him. They sat at the edge, and 
the bartender came up to them. She was a very heavy mouse, her huge breasts resting on 
her corpulent midsection. Her arms were remarkably thick, and her clawed fingers were 
very chubby indeed.
	"Hey, Diana, right?" said Barbara, slurring her words.
	"You two know each other?" Dan asked.
	"Yes, Barb works at the hospital where I volunteer." Diana said as she shook up 
another martini.
	"I'll just take a ginger ale, Di"
	"Hey, Dan, I need to hit the ladies room. I'll be right back.."
	"Sure thing, babe." He gave her a peck on the lips, and she gave a drunken look 
back at him as she walked away.
	"What do you think of her?"
	Diana looked down to grab a glass. "Yeah, she's a great gal."
	"What's wrong?"
	"Nothing."
	"Bullshit, you are a very bad liar. You can't look me in the eye and say that, can 
you?"
	To his surprise, Diana looked him straight in the face. "Nothing's wrong, Dan."
	"Are you jealous?" he said, giving a mocking grin.
	"You are never serious, are you?"
	"Nope. Honestly, when are we going to get it over with?"
	Diana sprayed him with water from her spigot.
	The drenched trumpeter mouse laughed. "I've had better. Are you going to call 
me tomorrow?"
	"Go away, Dan."
	"I have to anyway. We need to start playing again. Catch you later."
	Diana gave a halfhearted smile as he left the bar.

	Karl was sitting at a table in the back. Clarise had to take a minute to find him. 
His portly green shape was facing her. He waved a fat arm to her.
	She elegantly weaved her way in and out of the tables to theirs. She wore a very 
expensive dress she had attained the day before- and several of the males in the restaurant 
watched her out of the corner of her eye. She did, however, carry a large ladies briefcase.
	She took her seat across from the rotund figure. "How are you,  Karl."
	"I am doing quite well, Clarise, how are you?"
	The waiter interrupted their pleasantries with their miso and salad. When he left, 
Clarise skillfully picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of the lettuce.
	"You look ravishing tonight, Clarise."
	"Why thank you, Karl. My boyfriend and I are going to a get-together after this."
	Karl nearly chocked on his green tea. "B..B..Boyfriend?" he stuttered.
	"Yes. Come to think of it, you look rather spiffy yourself. Got something 
important after this?" She said between bites of her salad.
	"Umm, yeah." He said, brushing his nice waistcoat down in the front. "It's kind of 
. . ."
	"Political?"
	"Yeah."
	"I understand. You are a king after all. Oh, yes, I talked to the owner today- he 
requires a six month lease up front, and there is a rather hefty security deposit . . ." She 
reached down and fished for some thing in her briefcase as she spoke.
	"Yeah, I figured there would be. Could you excuse me for a second?" Karl got up 
without waiting for her to respond. The poor thing bumped into at least three tables trying 
to reproduce her route. She looked away, not wanted her client to know she had seen him 
in such an embarrassing state. She had expected him to go to the bathroom, but he 
grabbed the waiter, who was headed out of the kitchen carrying a champagne bucket. He 
began to converse with the waiter, oddly enough in a very fluent Japanese. She hadn't 
expected that. The waiter headed back into the kitchen.
	Karl then came back to the table.  "Sorry about that."
	"That's no problem," she said, just as she sipped her miso. She handed over a 
contract. "You have to pay the first and last month's rent in advance . . ."
	
	Dan had just taken his very drunk date to the car. She ran her hand across his 
cheek. Her muzzle twitched, and she leaned forward to kiss him. He received the kiss, 
and relished the feeling of their whiskers brushing against each other.
	"I've got to run inside real quick. Stay here, k?"
	"Anything for you, sexy."
	He smiled and closed the passenger door. She leaned her head against the window 
and closed her eyes. He would probably have to wake her up when he took her home. He 
went back into the bar.
	Diana was wiping up the bar, and the owner was sweeping the porch outside. He 
came up to her, and tapped her on the shoulder.
	"What's up?" said the plump mouse.
	"What was going on earlier?"
	"You want the truth?"
	"Yes."
	"She is not good news. She changes boyfriends very quickly. She likes the idea of 
dating a jazz musician, I would bet anything she doesn't care who it is. I've seen her do it 
before. She just jumps from mouse to mouse whenever she gets bored."
	"I didn't know you were going to be that honest."
	"I'm sorry. Look, I wish I was wrong about this . . ."
	"Don't be. You are allowed to have your opinions, we've disagreed before."
	"I just don't think she is good enough, well, for you. You could . . ."
	"I could what?"
	"You could have someone . . . someone who cares about you."
	"Look, you may be right. But I won't just cross her off because of this."
	"I didn't think you would. Go, your date is waiting."

	The two of them were sitting on the couch eating a box of Oreos when they heard 
the knock.
	"Go get the door." Lupine said.
	"You're closer," rebutted Reggie.
	"You're lighter," said Lupine. Reggie couldn't argue with that.
	As Reggie opened the door, he was met by the very big figure of Karl.
	"Hello, Clarise," Reggie said in his raspiest voice.
	"Yeah, don't do that." Karl said with a dead look in his eyes.
	"Oh, geez, it didn't go so well?" said the fat wolf on the couch.
	"No." Karl walked past Reggie's pudgy form and flopped down on the couch next 
to Lupine. It was long enough for four, but all the room was gone between the two of 
them. As he sat down, one of the buttons from his coat flew off into the room. Karl's hips 
pressed up against Lupine's.
	"Reg, since you are up, get the phone. I have a feeling we are about to have a 
calorie-fest."
	"Absolutely. Give me those." Karl grabbed the box of chocolate covered Oreos 
from Lupine and stuffed three into his mouth.
	"What's on the menu tonight? Chinese? Fried chicken? Sushi?" Lupine said
	"And pizza."
	"Definitely pizza . . . defin . . .definitely pepperoni pizza." Said the pleasantly 
plump fox as he dialed. Normally Reggie's shenanigans could always bring a smile to 
anyone's face, but Karl was in the darkest mood.
	"You want to talk about it?"  Lupine asked
	"I don't know." Bits of Oreo flew out of his mouth as he spoke.
	"Look, it always feels better to get it off you chest. You told us you asked her out 
earlier . . ."
	"She didn't even know it was a date. I went the whole nine yards- new outfit, nice 
quaint restaurant, most expensive champagne I could find. She shows up with her 
briefcase, it's just a client meeting for her. Turns out she's got a date right afterward. 
Boyfriend she's been seeing for months."
	"Don't you want somebody to love . . . don't you need somebody to love . ." 
Reggie muttered, as he called for more takeout.
	"Not HELPING!" said the tubby wolf, raising his voice. Reggie gritted his teeth.
	"Look, you can't very well blame her. It was an innocent misunderstanding."
	"I don't know. I mean, I don't mind the extra pounds. I actually rather enjoy 
them. I can eat whatever I want, I feel good about myself. But of course, she doesn't 
think it's a date. It can't be, I'm not the media created hard body, so I am out of the 
dating pool."
	"Not everyone can be open to new things. I don't know her personally, but she is 
Glenn's sister. She's a prestigious mouse. She can't very well deviate from the life she's 
led all these years."
	"She just seemed like she was above all of that. I mean, she has the killer body, 
but I'm not that shallow. I just got this vibe from her- I could look at her and listen to her 
talk and I didn't feel like I had to make sure she was cool with it. "
	"I am." Reggie said. He was now standing behind the couch.
	"Me too," chimed in Lupine.
	"That's why you are my friends."
	Lupine looked up at Reggie. "Get him some chocolate. Lets get those endorphins 
running."
	"Get the man some Hershey's, STAT." Reggie yelled as he ran into the kitchen. 
He returned a second later with a box of chocolate bars. "Charge to three hundred 
calories." He said as he tore the wrappers off two bars. "CLEAR!" he cried as he tried to 
cram them into King K. Rool's mouth.
	Lupine noticed Karl trying to smile beneath the chocolate.

	Michael was the last to arrive. Clarise, Nila, Dan, and Glenn were all sitting 
around the living room, each with a glass of wine.
	Clarise rose and gave her boyfriend a kiss. The two sat down together on the 
couch. 
	"You are late." Nila gave him a stare.
	"Sorry, I had to run home and change."
	"Its alright, Mike. Nila's just being Nila." Glenn nuzzled her as he spoke.
	Michael turned to Dan. "I thought you were bringing a date."
	"She couldn't make it. She had to work."
	"Well, now that we are all here, we can start dinner. Clarise, hun, would you help 
me set the table?" Nila asked.
	"Sure thing."
	Dinner was consumed slowly, there was quite a bit of talking going on. Glenn was 
royally disappointed. He liked to scarf down his food as quickly as possible. After dinner, 
they once again sat around the modest living room, each of them with yet another glass of 
wine.
	Glenn reached into his pocket when the conversation died down. He removed 
three cigars and held them up. "I was hoping to share these."
	Clarise stood. "Then shall we adjourn outside? It is a lovely evening."
	Michael broke in. "Men only. No girls allowed." He stuck out his tongue.
	"We don't need them, do we Clarise?" Nila said, grabbing the bottle of wine. 
"Let's go to the kitchen and get drunk while they suck on those nasty things."
	The three male mice stepped out on to the back porch to smoke. Clarise and Nila 
went into the kitchen.
	Nila waited to make sure the males couldn't hear them. "So, what is this I hear 
about you seeing someone else on the side?"
	"Excuse me?" Clarise gave a quizzical look to Nila.
	"I'm sorry, too personal?"
	"I have been very faithful to Michael. I have no idea what you are talking about." 
Clarise was a bit surprised at her question. The two weren't that close, and this seemed 
like something way out of their scope of conversation topics.
	"I just heard on the grapevine that you went on a date with an alligator named 
Karl Rool."
	"No, Nila, I didn't. Karl is just a client of mine . . ." She stopped for a second. The 
nice clothes, the waiter carrying the champagne, Karl's nervous demeanor- somehow it 
had taken her until now to realize it. "Oh, he thought . . ."
	Nila nodded.
	"Oh, my god, I feel so terrible. I thought he just wanted to meet to discuss 
business." She sat down at the table while she spoke. She looked back up at Nila. "How 
on earth did you know about this?"
	"I know everything, Clarise. I have friends- so does Glenn. Karl told Lupine right 
after he asked you out, Lupine told Roofus, Roofus told Rooby, I just got off the phone 
with her before you arrived."
	Clarise shook her head. "The poor guy."
	"Just out of curiosity, why didn't you go on a date with him? I mean, besides 
Michael."
	"I don't know, he's just not really my type."
	"Is it because he is fat?"
	Clarise didn't expect this coming from her. She felt rather defensive now. "Yes, 
that's part of it."
	Nila sat down in front of her. "You know, that isn't exactly a bad thing."
	"Is this why you are dating my brother?"
	"As you said, that's part of it."
	Clarise shook her head again. "I don't know. There is Michael to consider, and I 
wasn't even interested in . . ."
	"Come off of it, Clarise. Things are stagnating between you and Michael."
	"You sure know how to get to the point when it comes to girl talk."
	Nila cocked her head to the side and refilled both of their glasses. "Look, maybe I 
have no place to say this, but I have met Karl once or twice. He seems like a very good 
catch. And Michael, well, he is just a typical male. He likes sports, beer, etc. I don't see 
you clicking with him."
	"I can't believe I am talking to you about this."
	"Look, I'll shut up if you want me too. But I can read people well. I think the 
magic is gone between you and Michael."
	"Well, the chemistry has faded . . ."
	"Nothing's faded between me and Glenn. When I kiss him, I can still feel the 
sparks fly between us. We are different, too. He wants to take care of me, I like to remain 
independent. But we keep going because the chemistry is still there. "
	The two continued conversing about their respective relationships.

	Glenn passed a lighter around the porch table. The cigars were expensive, and 
were probably very good. But Glenn had no taste for smoke. He had bought them to be 
more sociable. He knew Dan liked cigars, and had a good feeling that Michael would, 
too. The rotund mouse leaned back in his chair and stared at the sunset.
	"So Glenn, what's you secret?"
	Glenn looked at Michael. "Meaning?"
	"How do you keep your relationship running smoothly?"
	"I'm not sure, it just does."
	"They are perfect for each other. Nila's a fabulous cook, and Glenn just loves to 
eat." Dan said. He playfully poked Glenn's soft side. "But you already knew that."
	"That's not everything, Dan. We look out for each other, we can converse. We 
enjoy each other's company. We have intelligent discussions. We make sure to never let 
the other become bored."
	"Is that it? Geez, I do that with my female friends. Is that the secret to a successful 
relationship? Good friends plus sex?" Dan rambled.
	"It's a bit more complicated than that, Dan. But you do have to get to know a 
person. Maybe you could take a lesson from us. Your relationships always seem to be in 
the birthing or dying stage."
	Dan was ever light-hearted about serious talk. "Maybe you are right."

	They all stood in the living room- it was getting late, and the party would have to 
end. Dan shook Michael's hand, and then opened the door for him. Surprisingly, he 
exited.
	"Dan, you do remember that you live here?" Glenn asked sarcastically.
	"Yeah, there is something I need to take care of tonight."
	Clarise pulled Michael aside. They both watched Glenn and Nila retreat back into 
their duplex and Dan drive off. She put her hands on his cheeks and brought his face to 
hers. Michael deeply kissed her back.
	"Did you feel it?" She asked
	"Feel what?"
	"I didn't think so." She removed her hands from his gray-furred face.
	"What are you trying to say?"
	"I don't think I can drag this out any longer, Mike."
	He turned away. "I figured that is what you meant."
	"I'm sorry, I just . . ."
	"Yeah, I've known this was coming for some time now."
	"I didn't mean to hurt you, Mike."
	He shook his head. "You're right, lets not drag this out any longer." He turned 
and slipped into his car. She watched after him for a minute, and then got into her own 
car.

	Dan knocked hard on the door for the seventh time. She was home, her car was 
here. He impatiently shifted his weight from one foot to the other and knocked again. She 
finally came to the door.
	Diana rubbed her eyes. "Dan, what the fuck are you doing here? It must be after 
midnight." She was wearing her pajamas, they were unflattering to her size.
	"I could be with you, right?"
	"What? Are you drunk?"
	"That was what you were going to say earlier, wasn't it? I could be with you. 
With someone who cares about me."
	"Come inside."
	He stepped into the modest house she lived in. It had been quite a while since he 
had visited her.
	"Why are you here?"
	"I thought all night about what you said. You have feelings for me, don't you?"
	"Yeah, I do. There, I've said it. We've been friends for years- and I've always had 
a crush on you. Now that I have humiliated myself, why don't you go?"
	Dan grabbed her chubby face and brought it to his. He opened his mouth to kiss 
her, but he was struck by her hand moving at an amazing speed. 
	"What the hell is wrong with you?" Diana was outraged.
	"I thought this was what you wanted. It's what I've wanted, I just didn't know it."
	"Did she dump you? Are you just putting that rebound charm into overdrive? You 
know you can get it here, fat girls are easy."
	"No, its not like that. Barb passed out when we left the bar; she never even went 
to the party. I don't want her, I want you."
	"Screw you."
	"I mean it Diana. I mean it this time, I'm being serious."
	Diana kept her eyes on him. "No, Dan. I can't do this. I can't trust you."
	"Yes you can, Di, you know you can trust me."
	A tear trickled out of Diana's eye and ran down her muzzle. "Go away, Dan."
	Dan but his bottom lip. This wasn't going to happen. He turned to the door.
	Instantly, she was on him. She spun his body around and kissed him. Instantly all 
fours hands tore away at clothes. He exposed her gigantic breasts and enormous stomach.
	Dan looked at her for a second, and Diana pulled away from him. "I'm just too fat 
and ugly, aren't I." She said beginning to sob
	Dan silenced her with a kiss. "No. You are beautiful."

	Karl and Lupine hadn't moved from the couch the entire time. Reggie was now in 
the armchair across from them. Karl had shed his waistcoat to make room for his 
distended abdomen. Lupine sat rubbing his enormous furry gut, and Reggie sat in his 
chair moaning. Empty cartons of take-out littered the floor and coffee table.
	"I feel twenty pounds heavier." Karl said, rubbing his bulging belly.
	"You look twenty-five." Lupine said. "Wow, that was impressive. You sure can 
pack it away."
	"Thanks. You weren't bad yourself. But then again, you're a veteran much longer 
than me. How you holding up Reg?"
	"He's such a cute little lightweight." Lupine said.
	"You forgot to mention FLUFFY!" Reggie said in his best nasal Stitch 
impersonation. The fat red fox was obviously in the most discomfort.
	Their post-gorging chat was interrupted by a knock on the door. 'Reg, you are 
closest this time."
	"I . . . can't . . . move . . ." he groaned.
	"I'll get it," said Karl. He had some difficulty getting up.
	Clarise stood outside, still wearing the number she had dazzled him with earlier.
	"Um, Clarise, what on earth are you . . ."
	"Hello, Clarise." Reggie said from his chair. Lupine threw an empty box of 
Peking duck at him. Karl closed the door behind him.
	"How did you know I was here?"
	"You said you were staying at this address for a few days."
	Karl was unsuccessfully trying to suck in his massive stomach. He could tell she 
noticed, but she tried her hardest to pretend that she didn't.
	"I, ummm, I owe you a date." She said, looking at her shoes. She looked even 
more radiant in the moonlight, with the half a dozen different shades of her fur each 
taking on a different hue.
	"I don't know what to say."
	She kissed him without warning.. "Did you feel it?"
	He was stunned. "I felt so many things."
	She smiled. "Pick me up tomorrow at seven."
	"Yes ma'am."
	Clarise turned back to her car. He watched her go. As she opened the driver side 
door, she blew him a kiss. His heart skipped a beat.
	He stepped back into the room when she had disappeared from sight.
	Lupine narrowed his eyes. "You have lipstick right here." He said, tapping his 
snout.
	"GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!" screamed Reggie.

	Nila got up from the bed. "That's it, big guy."
	Glenn groaned and slowly stood. She had just finished feeding him the rest of the 
leftovers. He was slightly off balance, seeing as he was stuffed beyond imagination. He 
rubbed his tremendous tummy. Nila stepped into the living room. Glenn trotted into the 
bathroom
	He stopped to admire his reflection. He was much fatter than he ever thought 
possible. His gut protruded way out in front of him, his chest slanting downward to 
accommodate it. His gut didn't hang over his waistline unless he was sitting down; it 
simply continued to stick out. Clad only in his boxers, he smiled and began shaking his 
fat. I'm so fat and squishy, he thought. How could anyone not love being like this? He 
stepped onto the scale.
	"Nila!"
	Nila appeared from his room. "What is it, butterball?"
	"It's finally happened, I'm too fat to see the numbers."
	"Heehee, just a minute." She bent down, her head beneath the curve of his 
stomach.
	"Two hundred ninety-two." She said.
	"Wow, I really am getting tubby."
	"What's this 'getting?'"
	"I think I need some dessert."
	She smiled. "What were you in the mood for?"
	"I bought some Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream yesterday."
	"I'll go get it."
	Glenn followed a few steps behind her as she went off to the kitchen, but he 
stopped in the doorframe between the living room and kitchen.
	He watched Nila garb a spoon from the drawer, watched her open the freezer 
door, grab the carton. He saw her look quizzically at the strange bulge in the top of the 
carton. He saw her peel back the top.
	Nila screamed and dropped the carton on the floor. She knelt down and pulled the 
ring from the ice cream. She turned her head toward him.
	"Glenn . . ."
	"Will you?"
	She put the ice cream-covered ring on her finger. "Of course I will!" she yelled 
running up to his nearly naked form and throwing her arms around him.