The six month old gave her a cheery little grin and cooed, then saw Mmlon trying to crawl into Victor's lap too and laughed out loud.

"No, Lonnie," said Ben, pushing the alien baby away gently. "You hug Victor, we have this side."

Mmlon squeaked and chirped, then wrapped himself lovingly and gently around Victor's shoulders so that all three of the humans were enclosed in soft purry warmth.