The Wake

Mark and Sam sat on the couch finishing the movie and cuddling. When Sam got a text. She put off checking her phone until the movie was done. She just leaned into Mark making sure not to poke him with her new horns. As the credits rolled Sam was nearly in tears from the movie evoking her own memories, and checked her messages to distract her.

Allie: Hey Sam, Isabella and I were wondering if you could swing by the library real fast shouldn’t be more than say five minutes. We want you to tie down a book.

Oh good I could use a distraction. “Mark, how would you like to swing by the library for a bit. Apparently Allie wants me to tie down a book.”

“Sure, that’s fine by me.” The two made the short walk over to the library. Upon entering they found Allie and Isabella, struggling to hold down a book to read it. “Hey you two, need a hand?”

Allie shook her head, “No Mark. We got this. Watch.” Allie and Isabella let go of the book and while it tried to fly off the rope around its binding was pulled tight and it couldn’t get free. The two pulled the rope to bring the book back down. “Sam we would like you to retie the knots though so they can't slip loose overnight. Also for this book in particular we think you should bind the book shut. We’ve read a good chunk of it and from what we can tell. It doesn’t seem like it will be relevant.”

Sam walked over and quickly retied both knots they had made and magically bound them closed. “There you go. Now what’s the book about? I want to know before I seal it away from everyone else.”

Allie whispered into Sam’s ear. “Adding someone to the Harem.”

Sam quickly bound it closed and sealed the knot. “That's all you needed?”

Isabella replied, “Yeah, though it wouldn’t surprise me to find out that Flora was bringing a few books up soon that you could tie down as well.”

“Why would I do that?” Flora questioned. “I don’t want to overly clutter the space up here with books flapping about.” Merida was following close behind Flora.

Isabella pursed her lips. “I thought you said we are supposed to be cooperating? Shouldn’t you be sharing info?”

Flora thought about that for a moment. “Alright, fair point. Here Sam would you mind tying down these two books they keep trying to fly out of my satchel bag.” Flora pulled out ‘Isabella’s Spicy Fantasies’ and ‘A Detailed List of Isabella’s Turn Ons’ “Isabella you wanted me to share info right? So we should definitely have these tied down up here for everyone to read… Right?”

Isabella flushed. “Okay sorry. I get your point. Please don’t tie those down.” Flora put them back in her bag. “You would ask for anything that might somehow help Astrid to be tied down though, right?”

“Absolutely.” Flora replied. “Well, I'll be going.” Flora grabbed Merida's hand and walked through the portal to town.

Allie smirked, “Isabella, you do realize that Flora was teasing you, right?”

“What do you mean?”

“Flora just walked out with those two books about you which means they wouldn't have flown away. Also she's definitely going to be reading them.”

Isabella's eyes went wide as she dashed through the portal after Flora.

Allie shook her head. “I guess I should get going too.” Allie moved over to Mark and Sam and kissed them both before leaving as well.

“Well I guess that was quick. I kind of want to read this book now.” Mark said as he moved to pull the rope down.

“Stop Mark. You of all people shouldn't read that.” Sam said, putting a hand gently on his arm.

Mark looked down at her then nodded. “Okay if you say so. Let's head back to the suite.”

When they got back Sam lay down on the bed. Mark sat next to her and asked, “Sam what's wrong?”

“Wrong? What do you mean?”

“Sam you were trembling earlier and I could see your eyes watering during the movie. So what's wrong?”

Ah so he noticed that. How do I explain? “Mark, it's just that the movie reminds me about my dad. He was dealing with health problems and the mom dealing with them in the movie just reminded me of him.”

“Care to tell me a bit about him? He seems like such an important person to you that I feel like I should try to get to know about him. I also think it might help you grieve.”

“I’m okay, Mark.”

“I sincerely doubt that.”

“Oh? Don’t tell me how I feel Mark. You wouldn’t understand.” Sam closed herself off and looked away from Mark.

“Wouldn’t understand what? The loss of a father? The massive aching emptiness in your chest from their absence in your life? If so, I can tell you, I do understand those feelings. I lost my father to cancer. I’m okay now. I can tell you with certainty that I wasn’t actually okay for years because I didn’t take the time to properly grieve.”

“I… I didn’t know. I’m sorry.”

“Sam, it’s fine. I’m just worried about you. As far as I can tell you haven’t taken any time to grieve. I sort of guess that our date today was to help share a bit of your dad with me, maybe to say goodbye a little?”

Sam nodded weakly and tears were forming at the corners of her eyes.

“So, tell me about him.”

Sam opened her mouth to speak but only a sob came out and once the tears came they wouldn’t stop. She leaned against Mark and cried into his shoulder. “I just miss him SO MUCH (SOB)... I would talk… (SOB) talk with him… almost everyday. (SOB) Now, now I’ll never get to talk with him again.” Sam just kept crying into Mark’s shoulder for a bit as he gently held her in his arms, and stroked her hair to comfort her. After a few minutes Sam was able to regain her composure. “God… I didn’t even get to go to the wake… What will my mom think about me missing it.” Sam was hyperventilating.

“Sam slow your breathing.” Mark took in a deep breath for her to mimic and slowly let it out. “It might be possible for you to still go to the wake.”

“Huh?” Sam looked up at him confused, as she wiped her eyes

“Well, time is weird here. Plus I know at least one season that has used time travel. Cassandra might be able to let you or us go to his wake.”

“Wait! Really?!” Sam exclaimed in hope.

Mark nodded. “I don’t know what date the wake was but Flora was **** the day before I was but showed up after me, and Allie was **** just after me and showed up first. Isabella was **** the same day as me but it had been several hours.”

“The funeral and wake were on May 9th.”

“So… the same day I was ****. Hmm…” Mark got out his phone.

Mark: Cassandra could you pop by?

~Pop~

“What’s up Mark?”

“Could Sam and I go to her dad’s wake?”

Cassandra looked at Mark skeptically. “You realize that’s a lot to ask for, right? Also that you won’t be able to actually escape the show, and Sam will have to figure out a way to explain her appearance. Did you think that through?”

“Yes, to all three.” Mark nodded. “Is it something that we can even do though?” Sam looked at Cassandra hopefully clutching her chest tightly.

“Yes it is.” Cassandra confirmed and was glomped in a tight hug by Sam the next second.

“Thank you.” Sam half sobbed.

“You did hear me? It won’t be free and how will you deal with your appearance? I doubt you want to try crashing the wake like you are now. You have three TFs affecting your appearance, so without Mark spending BP it isn’t happening now.”

“What about the date?”

“It being your date night is the only reason I’d let you go. Mark asked if he could go with you, that's why this is being talked about.”

“No, I meant purchasing the 8 hour date of my design that stops time on the show. Couldn’t I ask for that to be in the real world and that either my TFs be suppressed for the date or that no one but Mark will notice anything odd about them? The date is supposed to be of my design.”

Cassandra considered that, tilting her head to one side. “I suppose that would work.”

“Can I purchase that then, like now? Please. I know we normally have to go to the BP store but please.”

Mark chimed in, “Cassandra I would be more inclined to accept that you want to help if you said yes.”

“Sure. So, go to your dad’s wake. Temporary reality alterations so no-one will think anything is odd about you like this. Anything else? I doubt the wake will last the whole time.”

“Can I make that determination later?”

“It’s your date.” Cassandra shrugged. “Have fun.”

-5000 BP Sam -> 175 BP

Mark and Sam found themselves standing in an alleyway across from an Irish pub, O’Cleary’s. Mark’s clothes had been replaced with a black suit, white shirt and black tie. Mark did a quick change to Mary and found she had a formal yet somber black dress on. After returning to being Mark, he looked at Sam, while she still had her blue hair, horns and tail, her attire was much closer to that of a normal US Navy Officer uniform, including pants, if perhaps quite a bit tighter in places than regulations would normally allow. “That looks really good on you Sam. I hope you get to keep it.”

“Thank you, Cassandra.” Sam said, looking up to the sky. “They aren’t normal pants but I’ll take them.”

“Sam, would you like me as Mark or Mary? Also who do I say I am if anyone asks?”

“I think Mark, and…” Sam took in a sharp breath to steady herself. “You’re my boyfriend here to support me.”

“Okay, if you’re sure. I just don’t want to cause problems with you revealing your new boyfriend to your mom at your dad’s wake.”

“That’s fine, I already have a story for that.” Sam grabbed his hand and walked across the street to the pub. As they got to the door, they saw a sign ‘Closed for private event’ on the door. As they entered they were greeted by raucous laughter of a large crowd, followed by a cheer, “To Rear Admiral Irving” which the crowd replied in kind.

Mark noticed a small sad smile crossed Sam’s face at that. Then an older small Asian woman walked up to the two of them and embraced Sam in a tight hug. Sam leaned into and hugged the woman tightly back, closing her eyes. They remained like that for a good while, which was when Mark noticed that the noise in the room had dramatically decreased. He also noticed a few eyes looking their way but people were mostly giving the women space. Sam parted from the woman and said, “How are you holding up, mom?”

“I’m doing okay Samantha. All of your father’s friends, colleagues, and their wives have been checking in with me. Making sure I’m not lonely. I wish Beth, Jason and Cindy could be here, but everyone grieves in their own way. I’m glad you could be here though.” Sam’s mom placed a hand affectionately on Sam’s cheek. “Now, young lady care to introduce this tall glass of water?”

“Mom!” Sam blushed.

“Oh? I was just being playful.” Sam’s mother turned toward Mark and craned her neck up at him. “Are you my daughter’s boyfriend?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m Mark Garret, you have my condolences. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances but I thought Sam could use my support today.”

“Direct, respectful and caring. Good. Samantha I approve, so would your father. Mark, my name is Satsuki Irving, but most people call me Sue.”

“What would you prefer I call you?”

“Hopefully one day mom.” She said with a teasing grin.

“MOTHER!” Sam shouted, going beet red. Causing Sue to laugh and smile from ear to ear.

Sue replied, “Sue is fine for now though. Please come in, and thank you Mark for being here for my daughter.” Sue led them to a large table near the center and two men in naval attire immediately got up to make room for Sam and Mark.

Mark was feeling a little out of place as one of a few men not in a military uniform but a suit and tie, and getting some assessing stares from the older gentlemen and a few pointed glares from some of the men around his own age. An older gentleman in a suit, seated next to Sue said, “So, Samantha, would you care to share some stories.” The man gestured to the stage, with a stool and microphone on it.

“I’ll need a minute.” Sam grabbed Mark’s hand under the table tightly. “I will in a bit though.”

The man replied, “Okay, let me know when you feel comfortable. I just thought you should have the next opportunity if you wanted it.”

“Thanks Sean.” Sean glanced at Mark and then looked back at Sam. “Sean, this is Mark. Mark, this is my uncle.”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” Mark said slightly, inclining his head.

Sean looked at Mark skeptically. “Care to help me get the ladies drinks lad?” Sean stood up, and Mark could tell by his tone it wasn’t a request.

“Sure.” Mark placed a hand on Sam’s shoulder to reassure her he was fine, as he noticed she was about to object. The two walked over to the bar, not seeing a bartender Mark asked. “I suppose we can just serve ourselves?”

“Aye, the owner is a family friend. He’s over there.” Sean pointed. “Now Mark, why is this the first time we are hearing about you at all? My brother’s funeral of all things.” Mark noticed that Sam was glancing his way while talking with her mother. While some guy took to the stage and started telling another story about Sam’s dad.

“Well, as far as why Sam hasn’t told you about me, you should be asking her that. We haven’t been dating that long but I would be a pretty shitty boyfriend if I refused to show up when she asked for support, when going through a hard time.”

“Boyfriend? So, you don’t see this as a fling?”

“No, I don’t” Mark walked behind the counter and pulled out four glasses. “I know what Sam wants, what would you like Sean and what would Sue like?”

Sean looked at Mark appraisingly, “Oh, you know my niece that well already?”

“Yep. Coincidentally we have our favorite drink in common.”

“If that’s true then make four of them. Samantha and Brian, her dad, shared the same favorite drink too, we can raise a glass for him.”

Mark noticed an empty spot at the table Sue and Sam were at besides his own and Sean’s. Mark pulled out a fifth glass and made five amaretto sours with three cherries and a slice of lime.

Sean looked slightly impressed, but asked. “What’s with the fifth glass?”

“For Brian, I see a seat is being kept open for him. Thought to pour him a glass too.”

Sean cracked a grin at that. “Okay, Mark. You’re alright. Now before we go back, since my brother isn’t here anymore it falls to me to tell you this. You hurt Samantha and you will be sorry if not dead. She’s had enough pain in her life already. You’re the first guy she’s dated in years so don’t fuck this up.”

“I know. I have every intention of making her as happy as I possibly can.” Mark glanced at her affectionately.

“Shite, don’t tell me you are already in love with her.”

“What if I am?”

“Mark, even if you are really in love with her, which I doubt. Samantha isn’t just going to fall head over heels for you. She’s going to take things slow. She’s been hurt badly in the past. I don’t know the full details, but I can guess. Don’t expect her to reciprocate that feeling anytime soon.”

“Sean, thank you for caring about Sam. Look, we haven't been together that long but we are in love with one another.” Mark held up a hand to stop Sean from interrupting. “She’s used the term herself, this isn’t me making assumptions.” Which got raised eyebrows from Sean. “I am aware of her history as well. Sam isn’t made of glass but I know exactly what happened and that has left lasting harm. You can rest assured I will not hurt her.”

“She opened up to you? Well, fuck. Guess I should tell Sue to expect an engagement if that’s the case.” Which got Mark to raise his own eyebrows. “I’m not pressuring you Mark but if she’s opened up to you about her trauma then she’s more than just putting her toe in the water. Like I said I don’t know all the details but Brian said it was bad. Bad enough that he might need to rely on me to take care of his family if he wound up in prison. Mark, if you help her with that, you’ve made a friend for life in me. Even if things don’t work out. If Samantha proposed, would that be a problem for you?”

“Right now? Yes. Eventually, no. Like I said, I love her. We actually knew each other a bit in college, so it isn’t like we are starting from scratch in knowing each other but we are way too early to get married.”

“Fair enough. Now let’s get these drinks to the ladies.” Sean picked up two glasses while Mark picked up three. They walked back over to the table, Mark placed two glasses down for Sam and himself and then walked to the open seat and placed a glass down. Mark then sat down next to Sam again.

Sue turned to Sean, “Heh, thanks for making Brian’s favorite Sean.”

Sean shook his head. “Not me, I didn’t tell the lad either.”

Sue turned toward Sam and Mark, Sam said, “It’s just one thing Mark has in common with dad. Like I was saying mom, you’ll like Mark once you get to know him. Mark, thank you for pouring a glass for my dad.” Sam kissed him on the cheek.

Sue was surprised by Sam’s response, “Fine, now Samantha I think you should tell a story or two about your father.”

Sam took a deep breath in, nodded and stood up. She walked up to the stage and sat on the stool. The room went quiet, “Hello everyone. I know most of you know who I am but for those that don’t I’m Lieutenant Samantha Irving. For many of you, he was Rear Admiral Irving or Brian. For me he was dad. It’s hard to come up with a story that encapsulates him for me. He was the best man I knew. When things got rough he was always there for me. I know many of you saw a stern, strict and stubborn man. He was definitely all of those things, much to the annoyance of any boy I brought home.” That caused a round of laughter. “But those weren’t who he was to me. Compassionate, dependable, protective. These are the words I would use. He was my safe harbor. The port in the storm that I could always count on.” Sam’s voice caught for a moment. After taking a deep breath she continued. “He was the best dad a woman could ask for. He was so excited to learn he was becoming a grandfather. I just wish he could have met my niece or nephew.” Sam paused. Or eventually my kids. Sam bit her lips to keep from sobbing. She raised her glass, “To my dad. I miss you.” Everyone raised their glasses. Sam downed hers and then got down off the stage. She placed her glass down on the table and then weakly said, “I’ll be right back.” Sam went off to the ladies room.

Sue glanced at Mark, “You aren’t going to go after her?”

“No. Sam is more than willing to talk to me and ask for my support when she wants it. She asked for me to be here.”

Sue slid into Sam’s vacant seat and whispered, “What are your intentions towards my daughter? I want you to know I’m not pleased that I am learning about you for the first time today of all days. I was being polite earlier, because Samantha brought you, but how do I know you aren’t taking advantage of her?”

“Well, I apologize we are meeting under these circumstances. They aren’t what I would have chosen for sure, but I’m here because Sam asked me to be here, and I’m not leaving while she wants me to be here. As for your other questions: Sam is smart and strong, and could easily kick my butt if I tried anything she didn’t want. As far as my intentions, we are a couple.”

Sue looked partially mollified but pressed Mark, “Yes, but will you marry her? Do you want a family? What if she doesn’t want those things?”

“Yes eventually, again yes eventually, and while I would be disappointed I would stay with her anyway.”

It was at this time that Sam snuck up on Mark and Sue and hissed in between the two, “Mother! Stop harassing my boyfriend about how he is treating me. I love him and I asked him here today both for his support and so he could learn a bit about dad. Please stop giving him a hard time, and can I have my seat next to him back?” Sue scooted over to her own seat again.

“I’m sorry, Samantha. I don’t want to fight. I’m just concerned.”

“I know mom. Thank you, but Mark is a good man. Honestly I don’t think I would be handling things so well without him. So, could you wait to play twenty questions with Mark until later.”

“Fine, but don’t think you are getting out of answering some pointed questions. You either, young man.”

Mark and Sam sat and listened to stories about Sam’s dad for a few hours. Sam and her family added commentary whenever they felt like it. As things went on Mark could tell some of the weight Sam had been carrying lessened slightly. People were saying goodbye to Sue and Sam, as the wake was winding down. Eventually it was just five people: Sue, Sean, Sam, Mark and Mark was pretty sure O’Cleary. Sean said to O’Cleary, “Finnigan don’t worry I’ll lock up when we go okay?”

“Sure Sean, you know where the keys are.” O’Cleary patted Sean on the shoulder and gave Sue a hug. “Bye Samantha, and Mark I believe.” O’Cleary walked out the door.

Sam partially stood up when Sue said, “Don’t even think about it young lady. You have some explaining to do.” Sam sat back down. “What were you thinking, not even telling me you were bringing a guy to the wake.”

“Mom, could you…”

“No, don’t mom me. I’m upset. Mark seems like a decent guy so why not tell us about him? Why not tell your dad? I know you didn’t tell him, that isn’t news he would have kept hidden. So why?” Mark opened his mouth to respond. “Mark, I highly suggest you close your mouth and keep it closed while I talk with my daughter. Assuming you want me to continue to like you.”

“Mom, it’s complicated.”

“So complicated that you couldn’t pick up a phone and call me? Just a ‘hey so I’m bringing my new boyfriend to the wake for support.’ That would have been enough. But no warning, just a complete stranger walks in with you? So explain.”

“I don’t think I can in a way you would believe me.”

“Why don’t you try us kiddo.” Sean said.

“Mark, can I even tell them?”

Sean replied first, “What are you two hiding? Wait… Mark… Samantha, are you pregnant?”

“NO!” Mark and Sam replied rather forcefully. Mark continued, “As far as telling them, I don’t see why not. I can explain if you want but you are right it will be hard to swallow, without evidence.”

Sue was getting impatient. “Alright out with it, what are you two hiding?”

Sam got out her phone.

Samantha: Hey Cassandra, assuming I am allowed to tell my mom and uncle about things could you deactivate the reality adjustments.

“HOLY SHITE!” Sean exclaimed, and Sue flinched back as they finally noticed Sam’s transformations.

Sue asked hesitantly “Sam? What… what just happened to you?”

“Like I said, it's complicated mom. Don’t freak out more but I would rather you have an open mind.” Sam transformed into a full dragon and then returned to her humanoid form. “I didn’t tell you about Mark because before the funeral, we weren’t together but stuff has happened. So just let me explain.” Sam launched into a brief explanation of the show, ignoring the more macabre aspects like eliminations and not mentioning that her sister Beth could be in danger as not to freak her mother out more.

After another hour of explaining Sue finally had questions she wanted answers too. “Okay, that is… rather a lot to believe. Though it is hard to argue when I saw you turn into a dragon. I did see that right Sean?”

“Yes, I saw that too.”

“So, you are less Mark’s girlfriend and more like one of his victims.”

“No! Mom, do not talk about him like that. As I was saying Mark is being **** into this too. I’m… I’m also dating Mark’s fiancée. Which is most certainly not required. Please mom, just be happy for me.”

“Happy? You’re happy, you are being **** to have sex with this man?” Sue said with a mixture of disbelief and outrage.

“We haven’t had sex like that. Mark is very respectful of me, he would never **** me to do something I didn't want. Mom, I feel safe with him okay. I know dad never told you exactly what happened in college because I made him promise not to. I was **** by three others in the ROTC program.” Sue’s eyes went wide in shock while Sean closed his and nodded clearly having an idea that was the case. “Mark and Allie, are the first people I’ve been able to tell the whole story to besides dad. I know you always wondered why dad told you to stop setting me up with people—that’s why. I couldn’t handle being intimate with someone. So yes, I’m happy. I’m not completely better but I feel like with the two of them I will be one day. It’s weird sharing Mark with the others but I don’t care. This is far more than I ever thought I would get.”

Sue sat there flabbergasted. Sean on the other hand was more pragmatic. “Okay, you’re happy. Good. Sue just let me finish before you go biting my head off. Samantha, you have danced around it but I assume there is a consequence if you refused to be with Mark. I don’t care about that exactly. I want to know though: are you safe? Like assuming you and Mark continue to be together for this twisted show, will you be coming back to us?”

Sam hesitated so Mark responded. “Sean, I won’t lie to you. Not completely and yes. As you can see, and as she has mentioned Sam’s been changed. She’s now a literal dragon. She is going to be changed more. I don’t know how, but she will be. In the end though we will return here to earth.”

“Okay.” Sean nodded.

Sue exclaimed, “OKAY!? This is not okay Sean. Sam you are coming home with me you aren’t going back to whatever this cult is. End of discussion.”

“Mom I can’t. Even if I wanted to, which I don’t, I can’t end things with Mark. It would be bad mom. Not because of Mark but what the show would do.”

“Sean, help me get Samantha to the car we are taking her home.”

Sean placed a hand on Sue’s arm. “No. Sue, they are avoiding telling us how bad things are to avoid scaring you. Samantha seems happy, at least with Mark, and this Allie girl. It is clear that he likes if not loves Samantha. So sit down and just be happy for them. Now I do have one other question. Will Samantha be able to lead a normal-ish life? Clearly you two did something so we wouldn’t notice your changes.”

Mark spoke up, “Probably. There’s magic to make things like her horns and tail aren’t seen as odd. It is possible though that won’t be the case though. Regardless, she will be well taken care of and provided for.”

Sean nodded, “Fair enough. Can you tell me is there anything we can do to help, or how long before this shite is over?”

“I don’t think there is anything beside accepting Sam for who she has become and any changes she’ll go through. I don’t know how long it will be but it’s been more than two weeks for us even though it has been only a few hours here.”

Sean nodded, “First is easy enough, Samantha is family and nothing is changing that. Sounds like you will be too. I’ll be a bit miffed though, if the next time we see the two of you you are already married.”

Mark chuckled, “I can promise that won’t be the case. Engaged maybe, but if a wedding is happening, family will be there.”

Sue looked like she was about to explode. Sam reached a hand out to her mom and said, “Mom, I’m making the best of the situation I’ve found myself in. It’s strange but honestly not bad. I can tell you that dad would have liked Mark. So please just be happy for me.”

Sue had taken her daughter’s hand but didn’t seem to be calming down. So Mark changed into Mary to distract her.

Mary said, “I suppose you should see me like this too. Wouldn’t want you to mistake me as Allie.” The frustration had left Sue’s face replaced by bewilderment. “Sue, I do love Sam. Like she said, I'm not participating voluntarily either. She’s helping me get through this too.”

Sean asked, “So what do we call you like this? Because it clearly shouldn’t be Mark.”

“It’s Mary. Also Sean you seem to be taking things remarkably well.”

“Well, someone has to since Sue isn’t.”

“Why should I be? Samantha was **** and bedeviled. I’m calling your siblings to come talk some sense into you.”

“NO!” Mary and Sam both exclaimed in distress.

Sean raised an eyebrow but their response just increased Sue’s resolve and she reached for her purse. Sean stopped her though. “Sean, let go of me before I slap you. Bethany and Jason will talk some sense into Samantha here.”

“How about you stop Sue, and trust your daughter’s judgement like Brian would have instead. They are concerned FOR Jason and Beth, not about them and you would realize that if you weren’t so distraught. Mary, thank you for bringing Samantha to the wake. I think you two should head out while I talk with Satsuki here about respecting her daughter’s wishes.” Sue was glaring daggers at Sean who was still holding her arm in one hand.

Sam got up and hugged Sean briefly and then moved over and hugged her mom tightly for a long time. “Mom, I love you but Sean is right about this. I’ll be okay.” Mary stood up and switched back to being Mark.

Sam grabbed his hand and walked out of the pub, and kept walking down the street. Mark said, “So that was an experience. I’m glad I got to hear about your dad from those who knew him. Sean seems like a good uncle. I don’t think I made a good impression with your mother though.”

“No, you made a great impression. I know it might seem like you didn’t but trust me, she’ll be pleased with how you handled everything later.”

“I’ll trust that you know her well enough. So what now? By my reckoning you have around three to four hours left, before we have to head back.”

“I’d like to know that too.” A woman said from behind them. Causing Sam’s blood to run cold. Sam turned her head slowly, and saw her best friend behind them.

“Uh… hi Brooke. Nice to see you, sorry we didn’t get to talk at the wake.” Sam said sheepishly.

Brooke was standing by her car with the driver side door open. “Both of you get in the car. We are talking. Sam up front. Big guy, I saw what you did in the pub, shrink down and get in the back.”

Sam nodded to Mark. So Mark swapped into Mary and they got in the car. Brooke got in the car and started driving. They rode in silence for a minute when Brooke asked. “Okay little lady, can you explain something to me? I’m not gay but why do I find you so attractive?”

Mary groaned in annoyance. Sam answered for Mary, “It’s magic Brooke. All women find Mary back there attractive.”

“I see, now want to explain why you look like you are one of those girls at a comic con?”

“Also magic.”

“You know I want a better explanation than that Sam.”

“Fine but pull over I don’t want you crashing.” Brooke obliged. “Okay, so long story short. I was **** by a witch, **** to compete on an interdimensional reality show, for a position in Mary’s harem. Refusing or quitting aren’t viable options and Mary is being **** into this too. On the show I and the other contestants get transformed each round, to better suit Mary’s tastes at least to some degree.”

“Sam… you do get why that is hard to believe.”

“Yes, Brooke I do. I also know you can tell I’m not lying. Just look in the back seat. I’m willing to bet if Mary just asked to take you home at a bar you would say yes.”

“That is some compelling evidence. The fact you are a dragon is as well. Now care to tell me why it looked like you saw a ghost when you saw me?”

“I was rather hoping to avoid you meeting Mary or Mark.”

“Why? Afraid I might try to steal her from you?”

Sam evasively said, “Not exactly…”

“I was joking Sam.”

Mary spoke up, “She’s concerned about you getting added to my harem. It’s the same reason we both did not want her mom calling her siblings.”

Brooke turned around in her seat and stared at Mary, “Is that likely to happen?”

“If Sam gets eliminated from the competition, I would say it's a 50/50 between you and her sister. That won’t happen if I can help it though. I think you could be added though on the Host’s whim though. Honestly the longer this conversation goes on the more likely it is to happen.”

“Wow this situation is messed up. Alright Mary listen up and listen well.—”

Sam interrupted, “Brooke, thank you but that isn’t needed. I’ve already told Mary about what happened in college.”

Brooke’s head whipped towards Sam so fast a popping sound could be heard. “I see…” Brooke slowly turned back to Mary. “In that case you have my approval. If Sam can open up to you about that, then you are alright in my book. How serious were you about me getting added to the harem?”

Mary replied “Very. Sorry to tell you that, but it is a real possibility.”

“Well, it sounds like it isn’t up to any of us here in this car. So whatever. At least you’re hot, if it happens and I could help Sam if it does too.”

Sam said, “Brooke you are taking this a lot better than I thought you would be.”

“Sam, you needed help. I was planning on dragging you to therapy sessions if I had to after today. I was seriously concerned you would end up hurting yourself after losing your dad. So if it took you getting **** and magic to deal with your issues then fine whatever. Tell me who I send the flowers to as a thank you. If I get **** into this as well… I won’t be happy about it but being a sister wife to Sam wouldn’t be the worst, plus Mary is hot, same as a guy. Is there any way for me to help?”

“Not really.” Mary shook her head.

“Okay, fine. When will I see you two again?”

“No clue. Could be a few hours for you, could be days or weeks. Time is flexible on the show.”

Brooke leaned over and hugged Sam. “Take care of yourself. Also Sam, I love the hair. Now get out, as I would rather not increase the chances of me getting added to the harem.” Sam and Mary got out and Brooke waved at them. Then she drove off.

Sam bleakly said, “She just moved to the top of the list didn’t she?”

“Not quite but yep, fairly high.”

“Shite!”

“Sam, I need to ask. Was Brooke right to be concerned about you like she was?”

Sam took a long time to respond, which was fine for Mary; she just took Sam’s hand and held it. “Maybe. I wasn’t in a good place. I did feel miserable and like I had nothing to look forward to.”

“You’re speaking in the past tense there.”

“Yeah.” Sam smiled. “I have plenty to look forward to now, and I’m in a much better place, emotionally. I can’t believe I am saying this but I agree with Brooke. I think I should send Cassandra some flowers as a thank you.”

~Pop~

Cassandra appeared next to them. “Well how sweet. I’ve already sent some on your behalf. They are really nice. So thank you. What would you like to do now? Mary was right earlier, you have just over three hours left now.”

“Don’t suppose I could get a partial refund could I?” Sam joked. Seeing Cassandra’s expression she said, “Yeah, I didn’t think so. Honestly I’m good Cassandra. We can head back. I’m exhausted, but seriously thank you both for letting me come here today and for helping me.”

“You are most welcome.” Cassandra said with a genuine smile. “I’ve told you all this before. I truly do want you all to get a happily-ever-after.” Cassandra waved her hand and Mary and Sam found themselves back in the palace suite.

+1750 BP Sam (Partial Refund) -> 1925 BP

Sam noticed the notification on her phone, “Thanks again, Cassandra. Now Mary, let’s go to bed.” The two got changed into nightgowns and slid into bed with Sam holding Mary tightly. “Thank you. Thank you so much for today, for being there at the wake with me.” Sam kissed the top of Mary’s head and just held her as they fell asleep.