Big day

You wake in the morning still holding Ellie. The goblin clings to you, smiling in her sleep. You’re glad to see how safe she feels in your arms, and despite your reservations about bringing her here, you already can’t imagine not having her around. As you gently rub her back, her amber eyes flutter open, and she blushes slightly, though she doesn’t let go.

You smile at her. “Good morning, beautiful. Sleep well?”

Ellie nods. “I l-like when you hold me. I feel warm and safe. T-thank you.”

Just then, your bedroom door swings open, and Mazzy comes bouncing in. Leaping onto the bed, she immediately joins the cuddling. “Morning Brian! Big day today!”

You chuckle, and give her a kiss. You look over and see Dakota leaning in the doorway, smiling. She shakes her head. “You three are just adorable! Is it like this all the time?”

You laugh. “As much as possible. Can you blame me? Look at these cuties!”

Dakota grins, moving to sit on the bed. “And normally I’d join the pile! But we do have plans, and the sooner we start, the sooner we can get back here to celebrate properly!”

Mazzy giggles. “We might have had a little warm up celebration last night…”

Dakota nods. “We did! Mazzy is very…talented.”

Ellie nods. “S-she is! We used t-to keep each other c-company.”

Mazzy smiles. “I taught her everything I know! I can’t wait to get back here, I’ll go make breakfast!”

Dakota laughs as Mazzy bounces back out of the room. “She really is something, isn’t she?”

You chuckle. “Definitely. But all of you are.”

You kiss both Dakota and Ellie, leaving both girls smiling. Then the three of you get out of bed, and begin to prepare for the day. When you’re finished, Mazzy already has breakfast ready, just a simple meal of eggs, toast, and fruit.

The most noticeable thing at the breakfast table is that Ellie is becoming more and more comfortable. She’s joining in conversation without being prompted, and her hesitant stutters are becoming less prominent. You get the sense that it’ll never fully go away, but seeing her openly smiling as she eats is enough for you.

Dakota and Mazzy, meanwhile, are going full speed, making plans and discussing ideas. They talk as if it’s already a forgone conclusion that this is happening, and you can’t fault their confidence. You mostly just listen, as they plan out the ‘best’ choices for the various roles in a restaurant. Mazzy even agrees that getting some extra help in the kitchen will probably be important.

As you finish breakfast, the girls are practically vibrating with excitement, and the three of you pile into your car. You only hope that the people at the AWIO are as excited about the idea as the girls are.