Close friendships

You sit down with Dave to have a bite to eat, and Sirona comes to join you. You introduce her to Dave, and surprisingly, she seems to get along with him immediately. The conversation turns to recent events, as you explain to Dave what has happened with Kelly. His reaction is exactly what you expect.

“I mean, it’s great that she’s tried to fix things, and I hope she’s ok, but with everything she put you through, it’s hard to have sympathy for her. She was a pure bitch for years. I dunno, seems like karma to me.”

You nod. “I feel a bit bad about it, but I’m kinda feeling the same way. But still, I hope she wasn’t kidnapped or anything.”

Dave smiles at you. “You’re a good guy, Brian, and you’ve always wanted to see the best in people. I expect that’s why all the girls like you so much.”

He glances at Sirona, who smiles and nods. Looking back to you, Dave shrugs. “It’s probably why you’re doing so well at the AWIO. You’re an empathetic and caring guy.”

You chuckle. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

Dave waves a hand to dismiss your thanks. “Anyway, enough of that crap. Where did everyone go, the food is done, and half the girls have disappeared to do who knows what!”

Kenna, who has finished eating and is now lounging in the sun, chuckles as she answers. “If you don’t know what they’re doing, I can probably educate you, Dave…”

Dave rolls his eyes. “I swear, all monster girls are professionally sarcastic. Except maybe Saya, she’s just a cinnamon roll, like your Ellie.”

As if called by their names, the two green women join you at the table, Ellie beside you and Saya beside Dave. Dave is not a small man, but Saya still towers over him. Despite appearances, though, she’s as gentle and quiet as anyone here. Still, she’s an intimidating presence if you don’t know her.

Dave looks like he’s about to say something, when the door to the house opens. Dakota and Lisa emerge, with Dakota grinning and Lisa looking a bit more disheveled than usual. Dakota, with her usual energy, bounces over and gives you a big kiss, and you can definitely taste an unusual flavor on her lips. She giggles and winks at you.

You laugh, shaking your head. “You have the look of the cat that ate the canary, Dakota.”

She giggles again. “Well, it was more of a kitty getting eaten, but yup!”

Lisa actually blushes as she sits down beside Dave. “Sorry we’re a bit late, we were…catching up.”

Ellie giggles now too. “Is that w-what you’re calling it n-now?”

Lisa sighs, shaking her head. “You too, Ellie? Dakota is a bad influence, it seems.”

Both Sirona and Saya are stifling laughter at this point. You feel like Kenna would join in, but she’s asleep in the sun. Dave rolls his eyes.

“I thought we agreed we weren’t gonna do it this time.”

Lisa shrugs. “We agreed that we weren’t going to repeat last time’s fun. This is different, it’s girl time!”

She kisses his cheek. “Don’t worry, babe, we’ll make it up to you later, right Saya?”

The orc flashes a toothy grin and nods. Everyone around the table laughs, and starts grabbing food. The atmosphere is somehow even more relaxed than usual, and when Mazzy and Katie finally emerge, also looking worse for wear, no one makes a comment beyond a few amused looks.

The rest of the afternoon is simply a pleasant visit, though you do notice a lot more innuendo in the various conversations throughout. You have a feeling that next time will be very interesting. There’s no more sneaking off this time around, though, and soon it’s time to say goodbye.