Encounter at the diner

Eventually, Kenna takes your order, and heads off to the kitchen. Meanwhile, you and Dave relax, and you get him updated on all the things going on in your life. He listens closely, and chuckles as you explain how Kenna came literally crashing into your life.

Afterwards, she shakes her head. “Isn’t it a little crowded at your place now? With five of you there?”

You chuckle. “It’s not too bad, really. Mazzy and Ellie are tiny, and even Dakota is small for a human, so it’s really just Kenna. And they all like cuddles, so it works out for everyone!”

Dave laughs. “I suppose so! We discovered something similar with Katie. It turns out that slime girls can basically become a blanket, and it’s the best sleep Lisa and I have ever had.”

You raise an eyebrow. “I won’t ask about what else that means in the bedroom.”

Dave grins. “Just ask the girls. Lisa was never shy, but with Katie she’s even less so. I can’t complain, though, it’s a lot of fun, and we’re just a happy family now.”

You nod. “I know the feeling. So, thinking of expanding the family, then?”

Dave shrugs. “If it were up to me, I’d do it right now. I mean look at her!”

Dave is seated facing the door, and gestures towards Saya. “It’s not often I see a woman who looks like she could pick me up one handed. And gorgeous, as well. But I need to run it by the girls first.”

You smile. “I have the feeling they’ll be on board.”

Dave nods. “Me too. They’ve been hinting at adding another girl recently. In fact, they…”

He trails off, looking at the door. You’re about to tease him for being distracted by Saya, when you hear a voice you definitely didn’t expect to hear.

“Of course you’re just sitting here. It’s like you’re trying to cause me as much trouble as possible!”

You grimace, and turn, recognizing Kelly’s voice. However, when you see her, you’re surprised. Kelly always prided herself on her appearance, and made a point of looking her best at all times. But as she approaches the table, she looks disheveled, almost ragged. There’s dark circles under her eyes, her hair is loose and obviously a mess, and her clothes are wrinkled. It’s like she rolled out of bed, after not sleeping, in the clothes she slept in.

When she reaches the table, she looks between you and Dave, and sighs. “I told you, I can’t let you do this to me! The people I’m with now won’t stand for it!”

Dave rolls his eyes. “Hi Kelly. Pleasant as always.”

Kelly ignores him. “Well Brian? How much further are you taking this deviance? This won’t end well, you know!”

You stare at her. “What the hell are you doing here? Go away, Kelly. My life has nothing to do with yours anymore!”

She pauses, and for a moment you see something undefinable in her eyes. Fear? Worry? Sadness? Whatever it is, it’s gone in an instant, replaced with anger.

“I told you! I’m tainted by association with you! You need to change your path, or someone will change it for you!”

Before you can ask what that means, shadow falls over Kelly. “Excuse me. Do not harass people in this restaurant.”

Kelly grimaces, and whirls around angrily, only to come face to face with Saya. Or rather, face to chest, as Saya is at least two feet taller. Kelly looks up at the massive orc, speechless.

Saya crosses her muscular arms. “I’m going to ask you to leave. Now.”

Kelly seems to find her voice. “And if I refuse?”

Saga’s eyes narrow. “Then I will remove you. Now get out. And never come back.”

Kelly seems to consider, right up until Saya uncrosses her arms. Then she simply shoots you a venomous glare, huffs, and walks out, followed closely by Saya. As she goes, you shake your head.