Return to anticipation

After a while, the two of you finally separate. In the darkness, finding your discarded clothes is a bit of a challenge. Sirona’s underwear is lost, and both her dress and your shirt are torn, though fortunately her dress is salvageable. Your shirt is less so, and she blushes as you show her the way it’s been torn open.

“Sorry…I did warn you…”

You laugh, gently kissing her. “It wasn’t a complaint, Sirona. I just don’t see that side of you often.”

She helps you pack up, still blushing cutely. “It’s…it’s an echo of what I would have been. How the…others were. The normal manticores.”

You place a hand on her shoulder. “Well, you’re perfect, just how you are.”

She blushes more, and you chuckle. “Hell, I don’t know if I could survive it if you were always so…aggressive. But it’s a nice change for once in a while.”

Sirona giggles, a smile lighting up her face. “I’ll keep it in mind, my mate!”

The two of you make your way back to the car. You abandon your shirt as a lost cause, tossing it into the back seat. The drive home is quiet, with Sirona resting her head on your shoulder, humming tunelessly. This is, by far, the happiest you’ve seen her, and you bask in the feeling of warmth that seems to radiate from her.

Pulling in at home, you’re unsurprised to see a light on in the living room, and through the window you see that everyone is waiting for your return. Sirona sees it too, and blushes as she holds onto your arm on the walk up to the door. Despite that, however, the smile never leaves her face.

Once inside, you’re greeted with cheers and whistles as the girls see you. Dakota is the first to call out. “Damn, just going topless now? I approve!”

Kenna laughs, eyeing you and Sirona. “Looks like she did a number on him, hmm? I knew you had it in you, Sirona!”

Sirona giggles, shrugging, which only encourages the teasing. Thankfully, it’s all good natured, as you’d expect, and Sirona is so happy that she’s hardly embarrassed at all. Also, when she eagerly shows off her ring, the other girls all pile in with hugs and congratulations.

Afterwards, once everyone calms down, Mazzy looks at you curiously. “So, the proposals are all done…what now, mister big plans?”

You chuckle. “It’s a secret!”

Dakota rolls her eyes. “That means he hasn’t planned anything yet.”

Ellie giggles. “D-don’t pressure him. He’s d-done so well!”

Sirona, who is still snuggled close to you, nods in agreement. “I’m sure…I’m sure he’ll get to the next step soon…”

You smile, nodding. “I have some plans, but they’re murky yet. You just need to be patient. After all, we just finished this part!”

Kenna grins, showing her sharp teeth. “Ahh yes, my mate, dragons are well known for their patience. And not being greedy…”