Lunchtime chat

It’s not long before your mom comes back, and right behind her is your dad, carrying a plate of burgers. Much like your mom, he is in his early fifties, with greying hair and a big smile on his face. Unlike your mom, he has no hesitation when he sees you, setting the food down and sitting across from you and the girls.

“So! Hello, ladies. I’m Jack, Brian’s dad, and it’s a pleasure meeting you!”

Mazzy grins. “I’d say the same! It’s nice to be welcomed so warmly!”

Ellie just nods, still holding your hand. The little goblin is still obviously nervous, though the warm greeting helped. Your dad chuckles and shakes his head.

“Not what we expected, honestly. We read some wild stories about monster girls, but you two seem just adorable.”

Your mom brings in the rest of the food and sits down. “I agree. But let’s hear the whole story, I’m very interested in how this happened.”

As you eat, you and Mazzy take turns explaining what has happened up to this point. Your parents listen closely, clearly interested. When you mention Dakota, they both look a little surprised.

Your dad laughs. “I never expected this sort of thing from you, Brian, but I can’t say I’m upset. So, where is this mysterious girl?”

You smile. “She’s working today. We all figured that this was weird enough as it is, anyway.”

Mazzy nods. “We wanted to make a good impression, not that Dakota’s bad or anything. It was originally just going to be me coming with, but then Ellie joined us.”

Ellie blushes. “S-sorry…”

You chuckle and give her hand a squeeze. “You don’t need to apologize. I’m happy you’re here.”

Ellie smiles at you, and nods. Meanwhile, your mom and dad are sharing a smile as well. Your mom speaks up first. “We agree. It’s obvious how much you care for each other. Next time, we want to meet Dakota as well!”

Mazzy grins. “We’ll bring her, for sure! She’s probably going to move in soon anyway.”

Your dad laughs. “Brian’s house isn’t that big. You guys aren’t too cramped?”

Mazzy answers before you can. “Nope! Ellie and I are small, and Brian has a big, comfy bed!”

Now it’s your turn to blush, and your parents burst out laughing. Your dad gives you a thumbs up. “I won’t dig too deep into that, but well done, son.”

You chuckle and shake your head. “I knew this would happen at some point.”

Mazzy giggles. “I couldn’t resist! It’s fun to tease you sometimes.”

You glance over at Ellie, and see that she’s hiding a giggle behind her hand. “You too, Ellie?”

She smiles. “It w-was funny!”

You roll your eyes and go back to the story. Your parents, clearly amused, listen to the rest without comment, although when you get to the plans for the cafe, they seem surprised. After you finish, your mom nods.

“It sounds like everything is going pretty smoothly! So, we have to ask, how big do you expect your…family to get?”

You chuckle. “Well, it’s not really entirely up to me. The girls seem to have plans…”

Mazzy interrupts. “We want more! At least one more girl.”

Ellie nods. “W-we talked about it. One m-more, for sure.”

You shrug. “There you have it. I certainly can’t complain.”

Your dad laughs again. “I bet not! It seems like a pretty good deal for you.”

Your mom shoots him a look. “Don’t get jealous, Jack!”

He smiles. “I can’t help it, at least a little.”

Your mom rolls her eyes. “You boys are all the same.”

Mazzy giggles. “That’s why we’re in charge!”

Ellie nods, and your mom laughs. “I really like you two! You better treat them right, Brian.”

You laugh. “Of course. You taught me well.”