Party time

After unloading the car, you start setting everything up. It’s hardly anything elaborate, but there’s enough to make for a special evening. You even purchased a couple cakes, which you stow away in the fridge for the moment. You put up some decorations, mostly simple things like streamers and balloons, and you make sure everything is in order for the girls to come home and relax.

Dinner is a bit more difficult. Dave once described your cooking as a ‘war crime’, and if you’re honest with yourself, he was being kind. Even with what you learned watching over Mazzy’s shoulder, you don’t trust yourself to make a meal for the girls. Instead, you order a variety of takeout foods, making sure there’s options for everyone. A couple of pizzas, some Chinese food, some pasta meals, even some seafood. Hopefully everyone can find something that they enjoy.

The final preparations you make are for the obvious end result of a celebration. In addition to a couple of bottles of wine, you make sure that there’s plenty of room for other activities. You set out candles, to be lit once everyone has eaten, and you grab some extra pillows, knowing that things won’t make it to the bedroom tonight.

You’re just finishing up when you hear Dakota’s car pull up. You can hear the girls laughing and talking as they walk up to the door. You wait just inside, a bit anxious now that they’re home.

First through the door is Mazzy, who stops short, a bit surprised to see you standing there. Before she can react to anything, though, you lean down and kiss her. She reacts to that immediately, and you can sense her happiness as she returns the kiss. As you stand back up, she looks at you curiously, but doesn’t say anything just yet, as the rest of the girls are following her inside. You greet each of them in the same way, and they all react similarly, with mild confusion and happiness.

By now, Mazzy has noticed the decorations. “Hmm, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say we’re having a party, Brian!”

You laugh. “We are! I got a bit of a reminder that I’m incredibly lucky to have all of you around, and so I thought we’d celebrate that a bit!”

Dakota grins, sliding closer. “Parties are great! Now is this a party, or a…party?”

You laugh. “Well, it’s the first one, but I’m expecting it to turn into the second, knowing you girls.”

Mazzy puts on an innocent face. “I don’t know what you mean, Brian! We’re all very good girls, we wouldn’t do anything naughty…”

You laugh and shake your head, but before you can answer that, Kenna interrupts. “We all know we’re going to be in a big pile by the end of the night, but that’s not important yet. For now, I smell food!”

Ellie looks at you with a worried expression. “Y-you didn’t cook, right? N-not that I want to be m-mean, but…”

You laugh, and gently pat Ellie on the head. “No, you’re safe. I got takeout. I know better than to give you food poisoning!”

All the girls laugh, and Sirona nervously speaks. “I…I haven’t been here that long, it feels…weird to be part of this.”

Mazzy answers before you can. “Oh hush! Brian is your chosen mate, right?”

Sirona nods, and Mazzy smiles. “There you go! You’re one of us, and part of the family.”

Ellie nods in agreement. “Y-yes. It d-doesn’t matter how long you’ve b-been here. We all care a-about you, Sirona.”

The manticore blushes, but smiles as well. “Thanks…that means a lot.”

Dakota claps her hands excitedly. “Enough mushy stuff! Time for food and fun! And then a different kind of fun!”