A soft spot

You begin your journey to the Court of Seasons, the loose council that rules over the forest kingdom of Ellon. Daigo bid your party farewell, heading back to his village. Ruka and Maya walk in front of the group catching up and sharing stories. Fairly often, you see Maya whisper to Ruka, which is usually followed by giggles and glances at you.

You chuckle. Ruka seemed very similar to Maya, it’s no wonder they were such close friends. Your mind wanders as you walk, picturing things they might get up to now that they’re reunited. You’re startled out of those pleasant thoughts by a heavy hand dropping onto your shoulder.

Uzume chuckles as you jump in surprise. “Sorry Josh! Didn’t mean to distract you from your thoughts of a threesome with those two.”

You grin sheepishly. “Is it that obvious?”

Uzume smiles. “Yeah, you’re almost drooling. I wouldn’t worry though, Maya’s already got that sexy dryad panting over you. You seem to have that effect on women around you.”

“Even you? Last I heard, you were waiting to see if you felt anything about me.”

Uzume grins. “Yes, even me. All that baby stuff was just too cute, and you’ve got all these girls drooling over getting the same treatment. Leaves girls like me and Sadie feeling a little left out. This Ruka will too, she’s a spirit like Sadie and I.”

You smile. “Well, I’ll do my best to make you three still feel happy. I don’t want anyone feeling like I care about them less.”

Uzume laughs. “Dont worry, we’ll be less jealous once she starts puking every morning, or has to start sitting out of fighting. I would hate to have to miss out on your war once we start crushing demons!”

She looks around then says in a lower voice, “I bet you’ll make beautiful children to play with auntie Uzume.”

You smile. “You really like kids, don’t you?”

You can’t tell with her red skin, but you’re pretty sure the Oni is blushing as she chuckles. “I do. They’re so sweet and innocent. So fun and inquisitive, and being able to watch them grow and change is a secret dream of mine...”

You smile, taking her big hand in yours. “You’ll get your chance, Uzume. I want you to be able to hold my children, to laugh and play with them, and to help us all raise them together. One of the reasons we are doing all this is to make a world where that can happen.”

Uzume stares at you for a moment, seemingly speechless. Then she squeezes your hand and says quietly, “You really are something else, Josh. How are you able to say exactly what I need to hear?”

She lets go of your hand and smiles. “If those two don’t jump you tonight, you better expect me to...”

You both laugh, drawing looks from the other girls. You wink at Uzume.