Fireside chat

That evening you make camp, having covered a few miles already. Julie seems to be getting along with the others quite well already, and you occasionally catch her glancing your way with a smile. Everyone agrees to take it easy tonight, as tomorrow will be a lot of hiking.

As you settle by the fire, you’re unsurprised when Julie sits down beside you. The two of you watch the fire for a little while before she speaks. “I just want to say thanks for taking me in. And for being so nice to me already.”

You smile. “Why wouldn’t we? You seem like a great person, Julie.”

She shrugs. “It’s not something I’m used to. And I expected…I don’t know, some weird harem thing. You know, half naked women, a sleazy dude. That sort of thing. My plan was to use you to get to the city and split.”

You shrug. “We try to be good to each other. Maybe there’s some groups like that, but most monster girls wouldn’t put up with being mistreated.”

Julie nods. “I suppose it would be hard to make someone like Marin do anything she didn’t want to do!”

You laugh. “That’s true, but she’s a big softie under that hard exterior.”

She smiles. “I guess what I’m saying is…I like you guys so far. I’ll hang out a while.”

You nod. “I’m glad. I like you too, Julie. And I think Naia might kill me if I let you leave at this point!”

Julie giggles. “She’s so cool! And her sister is…gorgeous. Are all the girls this pretty?”

You laugh. “Well, I’m biased, but yeah. I’m extremely lucky.”

She shakes her head. “Don’t sell yourself short, Greg. You’re a handsome guy yourself, even if you’re a little older. And obviously you’re keeping them all happy…”

You chuckle. “I do my best. I spend a lot of time tired!”

Julie laughs. “I’m guessing you’re not complaining. I suppose that’s all I wanted to say. Thanks. I plan on sticking around for a while.”

She leans over and kisses your cheek. Smiling, she walks over to her tent and crawls in, leaving you alone by the fire. You watch the fire for a while, a smile on your face.