Catching up

With all the excitement of the past few weeks, it’s understandable that you hadn’t had time for much beyond your work and your family. But after Dakota’s night, you get a call from Dave, who wants to have a drink with you. It’s been a long time since the two of you hung out like you used to. In fact, the last time was way back when he gave you the advice to check out the AWIO, all that time ago.

And so, after work the next day, you head out to the local bar to have a few beers. When you arrive, you find Dave there already, waiting at a table with a drink in hand. He spots you as you walk in, and waves you over with a grin.

“Brian! I just ordered a beer for ya. How’s it going?”

You sit down, just as your drink arrives. “Honestly? I’ve never been better. It’s been a wild couple of weeks.”

Dave laughs. “So I hear! Engaged, huh?”

You grin. “I didn’t take you as someone who would follow the gossip…”

He shakes his head. “Me? Never. But with Saya working at the cafe, we get plenty of updates. You’re kind of a big deal right now, bud!”

You shrug. “I dunno, it’s not that big of a deal.”

Dave laughs again. “Not that big of a deal? My man, you and your family are essentially the owners of the first monster girl business. And now you’re engaged to them as well? It’s by far the most high profile relationship like this out there. It may not have gotten a lot of attention yet, but believe me, it will.”

You nod. You honestly hadn’t thought about that aspect of it before. There had been engagements and marriages between humans and monsters, but up till now it was rare and kept fairly quiet, for obvious reasons. Now, though, you’re likely to end up with a spotlight on you, for better or worse.

You sigh. “I suppose so. I just wanted to take our relationship to the next level is all.”

Dave nods. “Unintended consequences. It happens. Don’t stress over it too much, though. I know how much you care for your girls. You made the right decision.”

You chuckle. “Oh, I wouldn’t take it back for anything. Plus, Kenna would kill me if I stopped now. She’s next in line.”

He grins. “Yeah, probably not a good idea to piss off the dragon. But I bet she’s a lot of fun to keep happy, huh?”

You laugh. “You have no idea! I certainly can’t complain about being a dragon’s mate. Or any of this, honestly. I’ve never been happier.”

Dave nods, finishing his beer. “So. Set a wedding date yet? Gonna need all day for it.”

You shake your head. “One step at a time, man. Still gotta propose to Kenna and Sirona, after all. It’ll be a bit, most likely.”

“Well, when you do, let me know. I wouldn’t want to miss this.”

You nod. “Wouldn’t be the same without you and your family, either.”

Dave chuckles. “All right then, so when’s the pregnancy announcement happening?”

You practically spit your drink out. “What? No. I can’t imagine that happening. It’s crazy enough right now!”

Dave shrugs. “Why not? I’d wager that at least one of your girls has thought about it.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Speaking from experience, are we?”

He shrugs. “Maybe. We’re thinking about it.”

You lean forward, interested. “Yeah? Who, exactly?”

He smiles. “Lisa, mostly. Saya isn’t ready for that, and Katie…well, without going too deep into biology, slime girls don’t reproduce like humans.”

You laugh. “Fair enough. I won’t pry into that one. Still, exciting times for both of us.”

Dave nods. “Exactly. That’s why I wanted to get a drink. Lots to catch up on.”

You grin. “I’ll drink to that!”