>>5669926With your kids having all they need to succeed, you raise your right back to your forehead, teleporting back to New Salda at your wife's side. The rest of the day is uneventful, you and Meloka talking to the twins before heading off to bed yourselves. The next day, Tatsu and Tomi tell you both that they're going with their team on another mission, you wishing them luck as well before they head off with their team. Chaya heads of as well, going to do something for Dreadzone. But then, for the rest of that day, you notice the missing hole their absence leaves in your daily schedule. With six of your children gone, leaving only you and your wife, Caulifla, Broly, Okira and Karn Jr your table that evening in the ship's mess, it feels quite empty. Something everyone else notices as well.
“Wow. It's really quiet, huh?” Caulifla asks after you all finish eating, the uncomfortable silence hanging over the room. “It's usually a lot louder.”
“Yes. At first, getting used to your large family was rather difficult.” Koriand'r adds in, clearly happy to chase the silence away. Before looking back to Broly, a gleam in her eyes. “But I am rather glad I did. Thank you again for taking me in.”
“Of course.” you reply, then after a moment's thought add in. “Speaking of, have you been meeting with Ticho?”
“Yes, she's quite the quick learner!” Kori adds, expression brightening. “My niece is rather talented, she's far above where I was in competency at her age! Watching her development has given me quite the encouragement.”
“Encouragement?” you ask, Broly suddenly jumping a bit and his cheeks reddening a bit. You aren't sure what she did to him under the table, but then you understand what she means. “Ah. I see.”
“Dad...” Broly says, his face brightening as he's clearly embarrassed by this. But the youngest two don't understand, looking from you to Broly and back, clearly confused. But Meloka surprises you the most by reaching out, laying her hand atop Kori's and meeting the young woman's gaze.
“I'm sure you will make an excellent wife and mother, when you decide the time is right.” your wife says gently, you hearing a slight hint of pain in her voice. Meloka's clearly not over her own loss, no longer being able to have children of her own. But the others clearly don't hear it, Kori beaming to your wife.
“Thank you. From such an exceptional mother like you, such words are high praise.” Kori says seriously with a smile. “When I do, I shall work hard to make sure I'm worthy.”
cont
