Mixed reactions

The next week or so goes by very quickly. You have a big smile plastered on your face, and the guys at work tease you relentlessly about it. Dave in particular is amused when you tell him about Ellie, but completely supportive. His own home life has been wonderful, with Katie fitting right in. The slime girl is apparently extremely affectionate, but between him and Lisa she is content.

When you tell him about Dakota and Mazzy’s plans, he chuckles. “So much for keeping a low profile, huh? Well, good luck, bud. If you have the backing of the AWIO I think it’ll be fine.”

You thank him for his support, and he shrugs it off, easing the conversation back towards your growing ‘harem’. Though he teases, you can tell he’s happy for you. It feels good to have a friend who agrees with your decisions.

The same can’t be said for your boss. Later in the week, you get called to the office, and you dread what it could be about. Sure enough, once you arrive, he fixes you with a stern look. He always thinks of himself as an authority figure, but doesn’t seem to realize how out of touch with his employees he is. This is no exception.

“Brian. Some things have come to my attention that I find upsetting. You know that all our employees are representatives of this company, correct?”

You nod, but inwardly you sigh. He has always been obsessed with ‘decorum’ and his company’s image, as if anyone cares about the image of a construction company.

He shakes his head. “So, I’m hearing rumors about you, Brian. About you having one of these ‘monster girls’ hanging around. Is this true?”

You hesitate for a moment. You can’t lie about this, it would only make things worse when the truth inevitably came out. Plus, it doesn’t feel right to deny Mazzy and Ellie like that. Instead, you shrug.

“I don’t see why that matters one way or another, boss.”

He sighs. “Look. I can’t have my employees running around in public, showing everyone that I hire deviants. Whatever this creature is, get rid of it. Take it to an animal shelter or something, I don’t care. Otherwise we’ll have a problem.”

You have to restrain yourself from slapping the man. You know that would only make things worse, but it would definitely be satisfying. Instead, you take a deep breath, and nod.

“Whatever you say, boss.”

He stares at you a moment, and then shrugs. “Good. Now get out.”

You leave, knowing you’ll never agree with what he says. You resolve to either find another job, or find some way to make this work. After all, there’s no way you’re going to abandon the girls now.

Though this dampens your mood, your spirits are lifted immediately when you go home and are immediately buried in hugs and kisses. Both Mazzy and Dakota are there, and Ellie even joins in, though she blushes continuously. Dakota has spent more and more time at your place over the course of the week, to the point where she practically lives with you now.

The three of them drag you over to the usual place on the couch, with Mazzy and Dakota on either side of you, and Ellie in your lap. Dakota leans against your shoulder affectionately, as Mazzy excitedly tells you her news.

“The AWIO called me today! They found a place for our restaurant! They said it’s only a matter of weeks before the building is ready, and there’s a bunch of girls excited to help out!”

You smile and kiss her happily. “That’s great, Mazzy! I’m excited!”

Dakota nuzzles your neck and laughs. “Soon we can support you instead of the other way around!”

You chuckle, thinking about your troubles at work today. You decide not to bring things down by mentioning it. Instead, you just smile at your happy little family and nod.