Tales and teases

Author’s Note; It’s been several months since I wrote in this branch, so please bear with me as I get rolling again! The chapters will get longer as we go, promise!

That evening at dinner, you can’t help but share the tale of your day at work. The girls all listen with interest as you explain the unusual relationship you saw, and you get the expected teasing when you mention the naked mermaid.

As you finish telling the story, you see that, for once, Kenna isn’t devouring every bit of food in sight. Instead, she and Dakota have their heads together, whispering. You raise an eyebrow, and both girls laugh.

“Nothing to worry about, my mate. Just girl talk.”

You roll your eyes. “Right. Because you girls never have ulterior motives…”

Dakota grins. “I don’t know what you mean, daddy…I’m pure and innocent!”

Everyone around the table laughs at that. Mazzy is the first to comment. “If you’re innocent, then I’m seven feet tall!”

You laugh, nodding to the little halfling. “Exactly my thoughts. But I know they won’t tell me, so I won’t pry. Yet.”

More laughter. Still grinning, you turn to Sirona, who smiles back at you. “Speaking of plans. Sirona, tomorrow night.”

The manticore’s pink eyes go wide. “Really? Already?”

You chuckle. “Yeah. And don’t worry, it’ll be much quieter than the others. I know you don’t like crowds.”

Sirona blushes, nodding. “Yeah…thank you…”

Ellie reaches out and puts a hand on Sirona’s soft forearm. “You’ll l-love it, I know. Brian is s-so thoughtful.”

You shrug. “I do my best.”

Mazzy smiles at you. “Your best is amazing. We all love you, Brian.”

It’s your turn to blush, which leads to another round of teasing. It’s done with love, of course, and soon it devolves into laughter and conversation.