Surprise visit

The next morning, you have the day off, so you’re relaxing at home with the girls who aren’t at the cafe. For today, that’s Ellie, Kenna, and Sirona. Sirona is snuggled on the couch with you, watching some tv. The manticore has been all smiles this morning, for obvious reasons. Ellie leans against your other side, absorbed in a book. Meanwhile, Kenna is seated on the floor her back against your legs, as she munches on some food, as usual.

There’s a knock at the door, which startles all of you. Ellie volunteers to go check, and hops off the couch. After a few moments, you hear her open the door, and then you hear your parents voices. Before you can untangle yourself from Sirona and Kenna, a grinning Ellie leads them into the living room.

Your parents laugh when they see you, and your mom gestures for you to stay seated. “Don’t worry about it, you look comfortable!”

Your dad, making himself at home, drags a couple of chairs from the dining room for them to sit in. He manages to snag himself a beer as well, causing your mom to roll her eyes. You settle back again, noticing that Sirona is holding tightly to your arm now. Glancing over at her, you can see she’s nervous. You realize that, somehow, this is the first time she’s met your parents!

Your mom notices Sirona’s nervousness too, and has a friendly smile on her face. “Don’t worry, sweetie, we’re not here to cause problems!”

Kenna swallows her mouthful of food. “They’re good people. You know that’s true because they raised a good man.”

You find yourself blushing at that. “I do my best, just like they taught me. But all that aside. Sirona, meet my parents. Mom, dad, meet Sirona.”

Your dad chuckles. “You’re really drowning in beautiful women, aren’t you.”

He sips his beer, and your mom rolls her eyes. “Mazzy sent some extensive messages. So we’re all caught up, but it’s nice to put a face to the name. Also, congratulations!”

Your dad nods. “Not just on your engagement, either. Your new job, the cafe, your family…we’re proud of you, son.”

You’re a bit taken aback by the praise. “I…thanks, dad. It’s really the girls’ doing, honestly. They’re all just wonderful.”

Kenna pipes up again, her mouth full this time. “Don’t let my mate sell himself short. He did a wonderful job on the proposals. He’s amazing!”

Ellie and Sirona both nod in agreement, and your parents smile. Your mom nods at Kenna. “I had a feeling it was like that. Like we said, Mazzy told us a lot. And we approved, heartily. We stopped by to congratulate you all, to meet Sirona, and to welcome you officially to our family.”

Your dad smiles, finishing his beer. “We also want to offer any help you need in planning your ceremony! And to steal a beer.”

You laugh, shaking your head. “I think with the whole group here, we’ll have it handled. But if we need anything, we’ll reach out.”

Your parents stand, and your mom laughs. “We’ll get out of your hair, then. It was nice to finally meet you, Sirona. And…”

Before she can finish, Sirona stands, and without a word, walks over and hugs your parents, one arm and wing around each. You hear her speak, softly. “Thank you. It means…a lot to have my mate’s parent’s approval. You’re…very kind.”

You see your mother whispering to Sirona, and the manticore nods. After a few moments longer, they separate, and your parents smile as Sirona returns to snuggling with you. Your dad chuckles. “Take care of her, Brian, she’s a good one.”

You nod, smiling at Sirona. “She is. I will.”

Sirona snuggles closer, and your parents laugh. Your mom takes your dad by the arm, pulling him towards the door. “Like I said, we’ll get out of your hair. Enjoy your time together!”

And with that, they’re out the door. You can’t help but smile, and the girls are all smiles too, save for Kenna. The dragon girl is looking mournfully at her now empty bowl. After pouting for a moment, she looks over her shoulder at you and grins a sharp toothed smile.