An Announcement

The scent of sizzling steak and buttered vegetables filled the small apartment, mixing with the occasional clatter of dishes and low murmurs of conversation. The six of you sat around the cramped dining table, plates full, the warm glow of the overhead light casting a golden hue over the room. It was a rare thing—everyone home, no duties calling you elsewhere, no interruptions. Just dinner. Just you and your unorthodox family.

Morgana sat at you right, her long purple hair cascading down in slimy tendrils. Her amethyst eyes shimmered with something knowing, something only the two of you shared. Across from her, Lisbeth sat with perfect posture, her arms crossed under her chest as she poked at her plate, her meal entirely vegetarian as always.

Cerena leaned back in her chair, tearing into her steak with an eager grin, her fiery eyes glinting as she enjoyed her meal. Beside her, Kiri was using her arms openly at the dinner table, signifying her comfort with her current company. With graceful precision, she speared a piece of steak with one bladed forearm, while the other neatly sliced it in half. It was rare for her to show her natural appendages so casually, and you found yourself smiling at the sight.

Lexi, as always, was the picture of indulgence, swirling her wine in one hand while her tail flicked idly against yours under the table.

You already knew what was coming. Morgana and you had confirmed her pregnancy earlier in the day, but now came the part where she shared it with the others.

She set her fork down with a soft clink, drawing everyone’s attention.

"I have an announcement," she said smoothly, her voice carrying the effortless authority that made her the de facto head wife. She cast a brief glance your way—just a flicker of amusement in her glowing amethyst eyes—before she smiled.

"I’m pregnant."

Silence.

It was only for a second. Just long enough for the words to sink in.

And then—

Lisbeth gasped, covering her mouth, her freckled face lighting up with joy. "Morgana! That’s wonderful!" She pushed back her chair, moving around the table to pull Morgana into a warm embrace. "Oh, sweetheart, I’m so happy for you!"

Morgana purred, leaning into her touch. "I thought you’d approve."

Cerena’s ears perked straight up, her tail thumping once against the floor before she let out a short laugh. "Damn, you really work fast." She smirked at you, but her voice was warm, her usual gruffness softened. "That’s amazing news."

Kiri paused mid-bite, blinking. Her antennae twitched slightly. "Gestation for slimes is rapid. Has the core begun forming?"

Morgana nodded, shifting slightly as she placed a hand over her stomach. "Yes. The bud is already taking shape within my core. In a few weeks, our child will be ready to emerge."

Lexi let out a low, knowing chuckle, setting her wine glass down with a clink. "Well, well. This may be our first little one." She stretched, shooting you a teasing smirk. "You sure you’re ready for fatherhood, Master?"

You ran a hand through your hair, exhaling. "I guess I better be."

Lisbeth finally pulled back, but not before resting a gentle hand on Morgana’s stomach, as if she could already sense the life growing within her. Then, as if realizing something, she turned her gaze toward you, her freckled cheeks slightly pink.

"I want one too."

You nearly choked on your drink. "Wait—what?"

Lisbeth placed a hand on her hip, her expression calm but unwavering. "I’ve wanted children for a long time, Jim. I just… didn’t want to push you too soon." She smirked slightly. "But now that Morgana’s beaten me to it, I won’t hold back."

Lexi giggled, draping an arm over the back of her chair. "Ohhh, this is getting interesting."

Kiri adjusted her glasses. "I would also like to bear my husband’s offspring."

You blinked. "What?"

She tilted her head, her expression as unreadable as ever. "The strongest mate should spread his lineage. Our husband is strong. It is logical to want your children."

Cerena let out a sharp hah, shaking her head. "Damn, Kiri, you don’t mess around." Then she turned to you, eyes gleaming. "But yeah, I want my own litter too."

You groaned, rubbing your temples. "You guys realize this isn’t some casual thing, right? Kids are—"

"—A natural part of this," Lisbeth finished for you, stepping forward to rest a firm hand against your shoulder. "And none of us are saying it has to happen right now. But Morgana’s news just made things real. We’re a family, Jim. And families grow."

Lexi purred, tapping a claw against her wine glass. "Oh, Master~ you know you’re not getting out of this, right? I will be carrying your child too…if I’m not already."

You let your head thud against the table.

Morgana chuckled, rubbing small circles against your back. "Don’t worry, darling. One step at a time."

Cerena grinned. "Yeah. For now, we just need to celebrate the fact that we officially have a kid on the way."

Lisbeth smiled warmly. "Agreed."

Kiri nodded. "We should begin preparing."

Lexi raised her glass. "To our growing family, then."

The others echoed the toast, voices blending together in warmth and excitement.

And you just sat there, staring at your plate, wondering how the hell you had gotten myself into this.

…But despite your exasperation, you couldn’t help but smile.