Friendly plotting

Despite the fairly constant teasing and joking, everyone keeps their clothes on during the cookout. The girls all get along wonderfully, which isn’t really a surprise. You and Dave spend some time chatting with Kenna, finding common interest in sports. She claims to be not much of an athlete, despite her size, but she enjoys watching others.

The oddest combination is Ellie and Saya becoming fast friends. It turns out that Saya is actually pretty shy outside of private life, much like Ellie is. The two of them sit in quiet conversation for quite some time, occasionally laughing together. They both are smiling, happy to have found a friend that’s so similar in temperament.

What’s more worrying is the combination of Lisa, Mazzy, Dakota, and Katie. Those four have their heads together, clearly plotting something. The occasional giggles and glances towards you and Dave are as unsubtle as it gets, and before long you leave him and Kenna to their animated discussion of hockey to go find out what’s happening.

You grin as you approach. “So, what exactly is happening over here? You all look like you’re planning some trouble.”

Mazzy laughs. “I have no idea what you mean, love! We’re all innocent here!”

Lisa nods. “Yeah, it’s just girl talk.”

You shake your head. “Lisa and Katie could probably fool me, but I know Mazzy and Dakota better than that.”

Dakota winks. “Yeah, you know me really well…”

You laugh. “See what I mean?”

Katie giggles. “Fair enough, Brian. But we’re not going to share our secrets with you just yet.”

Mazzy nods. “I’ll tell you later, darling. I promise it’s nothing bad.”

Dakota grins and glances at the others. “Well, it’s bad but naughty bad, not horrible bad.”

Lisa laughs. “That’s a good way of putting it! Like I said, it’s girl talk. That means no boys! Shoo!”

She waves you away, and you leave them be. You hear them giggle and whisper as you walk off, and you can’t help but chuckle a bit yourself. You head over and sit down beside Ellie, who smiles at you. Saya smiles as well, and nods in greeting.

You gently pat Ellie on the head. “I’m glad you two are getting along so well!”

Saya shrugs. “It’s nice to have a quiet moment. Ellie is nice to talk to.”

Ellie nods, leaning against you. “Yeah, the o-other girls are great, but sometimes I w-want to calm down a bit.”

You chuckle. “I get it. I just didn’t expect you two to be so similar, is all.”

Saya smiles. “I’m unusual for an orc. It’s partially why I’m here, and not in the old world. But I think I’ve found my place here with Dave and Lisa. They’re both so kind and loving, I’ve never been happier.”

Ellie smiles, hugging your arm. “That’s h-how I feel too. There’s nowhere else I would r-rather be than right by daddy’s side.”

Saya chuckles. “The daddy thing I don’t really understand.”

Ellie shrugs. “It’s m-mostly just Dakota and me. For h-her it’s playful, mostly about sex. For m-me, it’s comforting. Brian makes me feel s-safe, protected. I know n-nothing can h-hurt me when daddy’s here.”

She giggles, glancing up at you. “And sex stuff t-too…”

All three of you laugh. You shrug and smile at Ellie. “It’s nice to be a source of comfort. And yes, the sex is good. But in the end, it’s just ways of expressing our love for each other.”

Saya nods. “I can understand that. Seeing you two together, it makes sense. It’s a mirror of how I feel when I’m with Dave and Lisa.”

You smile. “I’m glad you’re happy here, Saya. Hopefully everyone can find that happiness.”

Saya smiles back. “I agree. It’s a good feeling.”