Friendly advice

Ria was proved right, as she usually is. Evie and Gabby are able to cheer Kael up, though he doesn’t share the details of what happened on the mission. Simply knowing that it went poorly is enough. The four of them have a pleasant evening, and naturally the bed ends up quite crowded. Though no one seems like they want to complain.

The next day, as Kael and Evie make breakfast, there’s a knock on the door. Ria and Gabby are still in bed, so Kael answers, expecting a messenger from Lord Greyheart, but he’s surprised to find Orin there instead. The younger champion is subdued, at least by his standards, and looks nervous, but Kael invites him inside.

Orin sits in a chair in the living room with a sigh, wringing his hands. Kael settles on the couch, and soon feels Evie’s hand on his shoulder, as she stands behind him. He pats her hand affectionately as he waits for Orin to gather his thoughts.

Orin looks at Kael and Evie, and shakes his head. “How do you do it, man?”

Kael’s brow furrows. “Do what?”

Orin waves a hand at him. “The little touches. The easy show of affection. You do it so effortlessly. You should see the way Evie looks at you.”

Orin sighs. “It’s all so…easy. For you. But when I try…”

Kael looks at Orin curiously. “What’s going on?”

Orin shakes his head. “I just…I’ve never felt for someone like I do Lyssa. But I’ve never been able to show her. Sure, the sex is great, and we get along, but…I want what you have here. The affection. The little things.”

Just then, Ria emerges from the bedroom, her red hair still a mess. “It’s not something that happens overnight. And not everyone expresses it in the same way.”

She flips down on the couch, putting her feet on Kael’s lap. She gestures towards Evie. “Evie is a delicate little princess. She’s such a sweetheart, so this is how she shows it.”

Evie blushes and nods. “I like the gentle touches from master. It makes me smile.”

Ria grins. “Meanwhile, I just beat the crap out of the big guy.”

Kael rolls his eyes. “You’re lucky I kinda like you.”

Ria laughs. “You love it and you know it, big guy. Anyway, then there’s Gabby. She just walks around with her tits out.”

Kael laughs. “To be fair, they’re very nice.”

Just then, Gabby walks out of the bedroom, wearing only a pair of pants. Sure enough, she’s topless. “My ears are burning. You guys talking about me?”

She stops short when she sees Orin. “Oh, sorry…should I put a shirt on?”

Ria laughs. “Don’t bother. It’s just Orin. He’s seen tits before.”

Orin shakes his head. “I guess I see what you mean. Not about Gabby, but about…all this.”

He waves a hand, encompassing everyone. “But what should I do? How do I show Lyssa I care?”

Kael smiles. “I’m betting you already do. She’s free now, remember? She doesn’t need to stay.”

Ria nods. “But if you want more than that, just talk to her. Share your feelings. It’s important to communicate. We talk a lot, here.”

Kael chuckles. “Constantly.”

Ria kicks him, laughing. Kael grins at her, and continues. “She’s right, though. Just talk to her. She’ll set you on the right path.”

Orin seems thoughtful, then nods, standing up. “Thanks. I’ll try it. Sorry for interrupting your morning. I appreciate the help.”

He smiles, still deep in thought as he heads out the door. As soon as the door closes, Ria laughs.

“Oh, he’s got it bad!”

She grins. “He barely even looked at Gabby’s chest. That’s not the Orin who used to hit on me daily!”

Kael chuckles. “Well I wish him luck.”

Ria giggles. “The lamia tamed him! That’s kinda cute.”

Kael laughs, and pushes her feet off his lap. Ria fakes a pout, but can’t hide her grin as he gets up and heads back to the kitchen with Evie.