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thecandywrites · 6 years ago

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The Perfect Magic Touch

ya’ll I have an obsession. Modern orcs. I have A MIGHTY THIRST for them. So here I am trying to sate my own thirst and if ya’ll like it too, that’s a bonus.

So- this is Rox- A CEO, a divorcee, a single dad trying to do his best to raise his son with his own dramatic and tragic backstory. Oh yes. All the cliches. And Zara a poor widow who had life do her wrong and has had to pull herself up by her own bootstraps, which again, CLICHE. I know but I don’t care. So enjoy.

Rox and Zara- The Perfect Magic Touch

You walked into the large office building, your specialized massage chair rolling behind you- a specialty item that had cost you a fortune but that you felt was worth the investment, it was made out of a titanium alloy that was both ridiculously light while also ridiculously strong and wildly adjustable so that you could work on the smallest midget dwarf or the largest orc and accommodate both and everyone in between.

Everyone smiled happily and waived and greeted you excitedly. You were a massage therapist and you had the sweetest gig ever. You came into the office and gave 5- 15 minute treatments to the office workers, usually you’d set up your chair on a floor and treat everyone on that floor that day which kept you very busy since it took you three weeks to get to every floor of the 15 story office building and you got paid in cash at the rate of a dollar a minute and you treated up to 20 patients every hour so you made about fifty dollars an hour plus tips which pushed you into the 75-100 dollar an hour range and you worked on average of 6 hours a day from 9-3 - five days a week at the office and then out of your home on Saturdays and you were making bank. You were incorporated yourself and you were insured yourself and you made your own hours while still being able to care for your daughter Audrey and yourself really well.

And the reason you were exceptionally successful was that you had what your teachers and clients called “the perfect touch” or “the magic touch” or combined and used most often “the perfect magic touch”. You weren’t actually magic but you had a gift and a talent as a massage therapist and your touch was considered to be the holy grail of perfect. You spoke the language of the body long before you had gone to college to learn it formally. You had the kind of touch that was both therapeutic and relaxing while balancing medically corrective, a skill most massage therapists spent years honing but that you just naturally had a knack for knowing and using. And it’s what made you so sought after.

Plus you made each client feel like you came all the way just for them and you seemed to remember everyone and their names and their spouses names and kids names and pets names and what was going on in their lives because you genuinely cared. And it was because you were genuine that your perfect magic touch was even better.

Even your Saturdays, when you chose to work them in your house, you were booked solid, you felt like a psychologist while you were a massage therapist because you heard everyone’s story and you had the whole picture of what was going on because you got everyone’s side but you never repeated what you heard from your clients and you earned their trust and confidence.

Your first stop after graduation was to this office building and to Mr. Rox Mikael’s office who was the new CEO of Kaziki Enterprises who he himself had only gotten that position a few months prior to your own arrival to the company. And every Friday, your last hour of the day was spent working on him and over the course of a couple of months you got to befriend him and were on very friendly terms with him. You were one of the privileged few who really got to know him as a person rather than just ‘the boss’ a feared and respected one at that. He was a divorcee himself with a son, Atris, only a couple of months older than your daughter and they were in the same grade in different schools, your daughter went to public school while Rox could afford to send his son to a private school. And you two bonded over the shenanigans your kids got into. Atris was always getting hurt playing sports or playing roughly with his friends and Audrey was Extra and Dramatic and you felt like your life with her was part soap opera and you both dreaded and feared her teenage years and you forbid her to date until she was a decade older than she was simply to save you and her some headaches and heartaches.

But today was a little different, today you were a little out of sorts because today was a certain anniversary.

“You ok?” Rox asked as he stripped his dress shirt and under shirt off because you treated him in the comfort and privacy of his office and he got you for a whole hour so he got a full upper body massage and he always took his shirts off so you could have all the access to his magnificent body you wanted before he came over to your massage chair but paused to look at you while you seemed deep in thought getting your lotion prepped on your hands. And to be honest, him stripping out of his shirts was usually your favorite part of the week. He was built like a god and he had no right to be as gorgeous or magnificent as he was. He was a half orc himself, half orc and half elf which meant his skin tone was much lighter and brighter than other orcs, your favorite color- turquoise, he had cheek bones and a jaw line you could cut a pussy on along with these tusks that while they weren’t as large as others, something about their super bright pearly whiteness banded and inlaid with gold in these gorgeous designs really popped and those big Bambi brown eyes he had made you swoon and he was just as broad as other orcs and just as well muscled and despite his office and desk job and was just naturally thicc in the best way. He had the best ass you’ve ever seen in your life and had gotten the pleasure of working on that you just wanted to sink your teeth into and he had pecks you wanted to motorboat and abs you could wash all your laundry on when you weren’t fantasizing licking the trail of hair that went from his belly button down and you felt you were gifted my the gods themselves when he would “accidentally” sport a boner but he did his best to hide them but you knew one when you saw one and he was packing. And he had a wonderful tuft of super dark brown, almost black- curly chest hair across his chest and it formed the happy trail from his pecks, to his belly button to his groin and god you just wanted to lick and kiss it all and his actual hair on his head was this gorgeous head of hair groomed impeccably well except for a single, big fat braid in the back of his head, which was the tradition of most orcs in this area was to have a single long braid in the back to put all their beads on.

He was your favorite client here. On top of being gorgeous, he was actually, genuinely nice, incredibly respectful, thoughtful, kind and generous. You could not understand how he was divorced. You couldn’t understand how any sane woman in her right mind would ever leave Mr. Perfect for anyone else. It just wasn’t fair and he had fueled so many lust filled fantasies you’ve been having especially since you met him. You were actually interested in him but you held back because you were a larger woman and a human elf mixed person yourself and you didn’t think he would find you attractive.

Because being half elf, meant you got the amazing eyes, great cheek bones and the half pointed ears. But that’s where your elf heritage ended for you personally. From the neck down you were very much human, you had larger breasts but coupled with a gut and butt and thunder thighs and it didn’t matter how much you tried to starve yourself, or go on diet after diet, the weight stayed with you. So after a while and a lot of therapy you simply learned to accept yourself while also really throwing yourself into really good food because if you were going to be big, you were going to enjoy it. Most people assumed you were half orc actually just without the tusks. Your sisters, no they got the more lithe body types and bone structures in their faces that leaned more towards elves, they just didn’t get the eyes. There were many days you’d give up your gorgeous rich and deep turquoise eyes if it meant you were half the size you were simply to keep people from treating you like garbage because you were ‘fat’.

Meanwhile Rox’s ex wife might as well be a super model and you definitely were not, at least in your own opinion, you felt like the moment you hit 30 there was nothing about yourself to be desired anymore. So it stayed a lovely fantasy.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’m just having an off day, everyone has those.” You tried to dismiss with a shrug of your shoulders as your face stayed downcast but he seemed very reluctant to let it go.

“What’s made it an off day?” He asked, his voice surprisingly soft and gentle as he didn’t move from his spot.

Truth be told he had actually become fiercely protective of you since you started here, hell since the moment he met you. He was so proud of your zero flirtation policy because you were a legitimate masseuse and he highly respected you for your skills especially and he would not hear of anyone talking bad about you or gossiping about you or heaven forbid talking licentiously about you. One poor soul actually had the nerve to proposition you for a “happy ending massage” and when Rox overheard it as he was walking by and nearly went into a rage. After that moment Rox changed your contracted agreement so that the company technically subcontracted you out so that you were protected by HR from any and all sexual harassment and even gave you health insurance along with a retirement plan which was the greatest thing ever and so you technically got a paycheck in addition to being paid in your traditional way but you were under no one’s authority but your own, not even Rox could ever boss you around, not that he would but still. And when you started working here- the call off rate dropped significantly on Mondays and Fridays and he could literally track which floor you had worked on the day before because suddenly the performances and productivity spiked the day after you came since the day you were on that floor, it lulled because people were distracted in anticipation of your treatments but the productivity spikes more than made up for it. People did so much better in their presentations because you were there to give them a few moments of treatment before their presentation and gave them pep talks during their treatments which means they usually did magnificently. You were the epitome of sunshine, bright, cheerful, funny a literal joy to be around so to see you down was bothersome. Especially to Rox.

“Well...” You began before you took a deep breath and looked away, weighing whether or not to tell him. “Rox, this is your time, you should enjoy it. What has made my day an off day is not something you or anyone else can fix.” You tried to circumvent with a halfhearted but brave smile but there was a sadness in your eyes that was killing Rox, like a knife to the heart, liver and kidneys that was slowly being twisted.

“It’s your time too, if you need to vent, I’m all ears.” Rox invited and you caved.

“Today is my wedding anniversary to my late husband, he died a year and a half ago, today we would have celebrated 15 years of marriage. I was a stay at home wife and mother for most of that time and when he died, he didn’t have much of a life insurance policy and by the time I paid for his funeral and paid off all our debt, which there was a lot of, there wasn’t much of anything left. So I split the last of it to pay for living expenses for Audrey and I- and to send me to college and to support us both while I was in college so I wouldn’t have to keep down a job and be a full time student and this career is something I’ve always wanted since I was in elementary school but I just never got a chance to pursue it before now, and with today being our anniversary..it’s um...it’s difficult. Because a small part of me misses him and a bigger part of me is still mad at him for dying and leaving me in the lurch, the last few months before graduation were really tough because my savings dwindled down to nothing and it felt like it was just me and my daughter against the world, you know? So...it’s just a lot of mixed feelings today, throwing me off kilter.” You informed him as he blinked in surprise. You wore a silicone wedding band while you worked and an actual wedding ring when you didn’t work, everyone just assumed you were married and while you usually always talked about your daughter, he realized, you had never mentioned your husband, or lack thereof before and he felt like a dick because here you had been talking and been friends for months and he didn’t know that about you. And he felt he should have.

“I’m so sorry,” he murmured as his shoulders literally sagged.

“Thank you, so, it’s a very good thing I’m here today, I’m the kind of person that needs to stay busy and keep distracted and working is both.” You sighed tiredly with a brave smile that didn’t reach yo eyes, which you felt was your only redeeming quality. “So have a seat and let me do that and keep this poor widow from having to tell you her sob story.” You gently teased as you nodded to the chair with another forced smile and maybe your eyes were deceiving you but he seemed incredibly torn, like he wanted to hug you or hold you or something.

“Is there anything I can do? Any way at all I can help? At all?” Rox asked as he sat down into place, you were right, there wasn’t much of anything he could do to fix that and he felt surprisingly powerless and helpless- he hated those feelings, because of his own life experiences, he had worked incredibly hard all of his life to be where he was so he would never have to feel that way again, and here he had spent all this time being jealous of a dead man who had a beautiful, talented and wonderful wife and hoping and wishing and praying that he appreciated you and come to find out, he hadn’t, that bastard. Any man who failed to take care of his own, even in death, was a dishonor and a disgrace. Part of orc culture was that male orcs weren’t allowed to get married unless they could afford a good life insurance policy on themselves so that even in death they could care for their mates and partners for years after they died, usually at least ten. To not have enough to take care of you properly so that you could grieve properly because if his math was right, you would have had to go right into massage school within days, weeks at the most after loosing your husband, even the whole time you were in school you should have been mourning, you shouldn’t have had to worry about anything but getting yourself and your daughter through that emotionally. So to know that you had done so much more purely out of survival- that was unthinkable to him and he was outraged and outright offended, he was furious with your husband for leaving you in the lurch too. He only wished he had known you sooner and would have been able to do something sooner and saved you that hardship. But he would be damned if you ever encountered it again. However, what he hated even more was the see the light and fire in your eyes practically die out, even for the briefest of moments.

You were a trusted friend, one he had learned he could talk to and keep your confidence and he kept yours and you were the highlight of his week. Even getting his own paychecks didn’t compare to the solid hour of undivided attention from you. Because of the situation with his ex wife he had tried to swear off women, thinking they were all the same but you had proved how wrong he was to think that and put faith that maybe he just had gotten a bad one and that good women still existed in the world and that he shouldn’t give up hope that maybe he still had a chance of getting a good one, who would see him for him and not see him a stepping stone to bigger and better things that he couldn’t provide now matter how hard he worked. But you, you worked hard and you didn’t pull any punches and you went after what you wanted and had a fulfilling career on top of being a great mom, he admired you and admired your character and your work ethic, hell just your ethics in general he admired and inspired him to bolster his own. Even your size and shape was especially appealing, his ex wife had simply appealed to what he thought he should want since every other guy said that his wife was perfect. But he knew that she was far from it. She was as shallow as a puddle and so vain and so full of herself and he doubted she ever really loved anything, not even their son like she should. The only thing she ever loved was the money he made and what it could buy her and she was as fake as they came.

But you- no you were real, you were fun with an excellent sense of humor. You were charming and just a general delight to be around. You even cooked. Like cooked cooked, should have been a chef kind of cooked. He lost track of how many times you had brought him food, new recipes you were tying out and he had been ready to try to steal you away from your husband because the food alone was worth trying but he did not want to disrespect you or your own marriage vows and so he withheld himself but it only seemed to fuel his own jealousy while also fueling his own fantasies of pining you down to his desk and feasting on you properly.

So to see you so down actually hurt him and he was surprised at how much it hurt him. Like his heart was taken out of his chest and trampled on all over again. But at the same time, part of him also wanted to pin you to his desk and make you forget you ever had a husband and show you he could take care of you, in every way possible. He mused you could take him, hopefully comfortably. He was willing to bet he could fuck you right out of your funk and make your day a whole lot of better. But that could wait, now he just needed to focus on you.

“Not really no, but thank you for offering. I’m taking my daughter out to dinner tonight, just the two of us, we have a six o’clock reservation at Pappadaux’s, it’s our favorite restaurant besides Red Lobster and that will give me time to go home and get cleaned up and get her off the bus and get her cleaned up and her hair curled and put a tiny bit of makeup on her, just a light shimmering eyeshadow and a bit of mascara and some lip gloss because she’s 8 and she doesn’t need to be dolled up dolled up. But enough that she feels extra pretty and special and last year when we did this we had fun and we only cried a little as we reminded each other of the fun times we got to enjoy since we lost him. Hopefully tonight, we won’t cry at all.” You smiled fondly as you started working on his neck as your own voice cracked as tears began to flood your vision but you willed them away, not wanting to actually cry on Rox. That would be unprofessional. Because the gods knew you just wanted to cry into his chest before asking him to help make you feel better than you ever did...by fucking you senseless. But no, he would never go for that and you’d ruin everything by even asking, even as a joke.

“I hope it turns out that way. That sounds...like a nice way to spend the evening.” Rox murmured as his own voice was thick with emotion and he willed his own eyes not to shed tears either, because he didn’t want to be unprofessional either but still, you were a trusted friend and his instincts were screaming at him as his mind worked into overtime, grasping at straws and trying to think of a way to make it better anyway. And he was just so close to throwing professionalism out the window and make this personal. Well, more personal than it already was. Fuck this was frustrating.

“It will be nice. I get both of us some pretty flowers and we dress up and we get each other some jewelry, it’s lovely.” You nodded as your smile grew more genuine and the tone of your voice got lighter as your tears dried up as Rox’s ear’s literally perked up. Flowers and jewelry, he could do that, he could work with that. That was easy and it was a start and that’s all he needed.

“What do you usually get yourself? Jewelry wise...I’m just..curious.” Rox asked, hoping he wasn’t being too obvious or transparent.

“Oh, necklaces, usually pendants and earrings, I have very sensitive ears, so I need to either get stainless steel or 24k gold, nothing with nickle or zinc in it, I can’t even do 925 silver.” You answered casually as you finished with his neck and started with his shoulders and once done with those you worked on his back and once done there you brought a chair over and worked on his- well frankly- impressive arms that were like tree trunks, you were pretty sure he could heft you up with one arm if he wanted to. Oh hell you had had fantasies of him picking you up and throwing you over his shoulder to fuck you against a wall or on his desk because he was surely strong enough for that. Focus Zara. Job at hand, job at hand.

Because let’s be honest, Rox was..perfect. By any standard. He was gorgeous, he was tall and broad and very well muscled and intimidating when he wanted to be. And he was your favorite color. Even though he was very quiet in the beginning of your treatments, once he got used to you, he opened up and let his hair down so to speak and you two shared a comfortable ease with each other and got along really well and became fast friends and were on first name basis with each other and while you both tried to remember to stay professional, that didn’t mean you couldn’t have fun and you had often told him of the antics of your daughter or other fun things you found on the internet since you saw him last, in fact you usually stayed a whole 10-15 minutes late just sharing funny memes you found on the internet or funny videos. Rox was a very good father, at least that’s the impression you got from him anyway, Rox’s own father was amazing and he was determined to be a good father to his son despite his ex wife who was and who his own mother was, by all accounts, a bitch and had left him for his former boss who was now retired and he had gotten this job thinking his wife would come back to him but she had simply gave birth to a son then gotten plastic surgery to make herself hotter than hot and super model skinny and moved on to ‘greener pastures’, gold digging tramp that she was and was usually on the hunt for sugar daddies since she didn’t work besides fucking said greener pastures.

And you couldn’t understand how she could ever use and then leave Rox, he was actually genuinely nice and kind and thoughtful and so sweet and generous- at least when he was with you otherwise he was revered, driven and focused. He commanded attention and respect everywhere he went, and he worked incredibly hard and led by example and you could do nothing but highly respect that. He dressed really nicely, he groomed himself spectacularly well, he worked out and took care of himself. But even as intimidating as he was, for you, he might as well be putty in your hands because you could bring him to his knees with just the squeeze of your hands in the right spots. But he loved it. He loved it when ‘hurt him so good’ and attacked those knots in his body that he got from working out or bad posture and it cracked you up to hear him whimper and hiss and whine, teasingly accusing you of enjoying hurting him. ‘I’m not sadistic or masochistic either, a little pain now means more pleasure later.’ you had told him a time or two. That and you ended each treatment you gave him with a really good hard back scratch, easily memorizing his ‘itchy spots’ he had. And the groaning and growling he did as he playfully kicked his legs like he was a dog cracked you up and left you laughing quite hard, sometimes to the point of crying and needing to use his private bathroom so you wouldn’t pee yourself. Even scratching his scalp, which he didn’t mind redoing his hair because the scalp massage and scalp scratching was divine and you loved to watch his eyes roll into the back of his head and wondered if he had the same expression when he came too.

“So, would you and your daughter simply like to go alone or would you mind some company?” Rox finally gathered the courage to ask as he debated the last few long minutes whether or not he should even ask. But he felt like this was his one opportunity and he had to take it. He just had to.

“As in you?” You asked curiously as you paused massaging his arm as you bent over to see his face and give him a curious look.

“Well, me and Atris.” He corrected before you sat back up and continued to work on his forearm.

“Does Atris even like seafood? Pappadaux’s is an expensive seafood restaurant. And nose bleed expensive at that. Audrey and I only go for really special occasions.” You questioned as you realized, if anyone else had asked you would have told them no but Rox...Rox was different...he...he was friend and technically was in your situation and you two had bonded over being parents, he just didn’t know before today that you were both single parents. You had known he was a single parent, you had actually listened to him talk at length about his mother and especially his ex-wife and how he felt uncomfortable trying to date with a son his age and how he felt he had to be picky for his son’s sake but feared his own pickiness was going to lead to his everlasting being alone. And you had never felt more kindred to him than in those moments because you felt the exact same way. And you simply reminded him that he should stay picky because it was better to hold out for a good one than to settle out of desperation and be disappointed again, which is exactly what had happened to you. You yourself never mentioned that you were single because you didn’t want to appear to be a gold digger like his ex-wife, only going after him because he was the CEO and you cherished your friendship with him so much you didn’t want to ruin it. Plus he was an orc, his ex wife was an elf/human hybrid just like you only she got the best of both worlds, she was gorgeous and you worried that he would never look at either humans or elves or any combinations of that kindly because of her. That and you were just a curvaceous, fluffy masseuse, he was a CEO big shot who deserved arm candy half your size and twice as beautiful as you to be his trophy wife. You were no trophy. You felt weren’t even a prize and as close as you were, was as close as you were ever going to get to him. He deserved better. But him asking to go out to dinner with you and your daughter and actually include his son? His precious Atris? Almost too much to hope for. Maybe he was just being nice. He didn’t mean that in a romantic way, he meant that in a friendly manner. Which was very sweet of him.

“Yeah,” Rox confirmed.

“Well let me ask Audrey and see what she thinks and I’ll either call you or text you her answer.” You offered, trying to remind yourself that your daughter was the most important person in your life and she needed to be ok with having your usually private dinner alone open to others.

“Ok.” He agreed as you moved to the later parts of his treatment, a really good back scratch and his scalp.

“There we go, all better?” You asked as you wiped your hands off on a wet wipe.

“Yes, much,” Rox nodded as he got up and put his shirts back on.

“Next time next week?” You asked as you went to your calendar with a pen.

“Absolutely.” Rox nodded and you nodded and put his name in that space as he dug into his wallet and pulled out two one hundred dollar bills, he was usually your most generous client, often gifting you a hundred dollar bill for the one full hour on him and gave them to you.

“Hey, there’s two, did they stick together?” You said as you tried to give him the other bill.

“Nope, just in case I don’t see you again in a few hours, dinner’s on me tonight.” Rox explained.

“So if you do end up coming, do you want it back then?” You asked as you hesitantly and slowly brought your arm back into your body.

“Nope,” he shook his head no with a victorious grin.

“Ok, well thank you very much.” You thanked him as you put the money into your pocket as you broke down your chair and put it back together in it’s suit case form again.

“Hey Zara?” Rox asked as he put his tie back on as he watched you appreciatively, a thousand and one things whirling in his mind and heart to ask you, to tell you and couldn’t decide what to go with first.

“Hmm?” You answered as you paused to look up at him.

“Not to be weird or overstepping boundaries, well anymore than I already did inviting myself and my son to dinner, did you need or want rather..um, a hug?” He asked awkwardly and you couldn’t help but smile. He only ever seemed to be awkward with you. Otherwise he was cool and collected and smooth. It made you appreciate the fact that he was just a normal person just like everyone else.

“I would love a hug.” You nodded as you met each other half way and hugged. You sighed contentedly and happily as he squeezed you, oh this was heavenly. Shit, fuck. Well, might as well go for broke. “Ok, I need a favor,” you said, your words muffled by his shirt. Not wanting to ever leave his embrace. Ever. Again.

“Anything.” Rox returned.

“Ok so I’m gonna put my arms around your neck and I need you to lift me without hurting yourself and squeeze around me in like my bra strap area to crack my back.” You requested before he pulled away just enough that you could do that and you could feel him smile as he stood to his full height, both arms wrapped tightly and securely around you to keep you securely to his chest so you didn’t have to hold on for dear life and all the weight from your hold around is neck, just enough to give your back some relieving stretching and cracked your back. And not just that area, he changed his hold a couple times to get your whole back. It was magnificently epic. And this time it was your turn to make those pleased growling groans which made Rox rumble a deep chuckle as he just hugged and held you for the briefest of moments but mentally chided himself for relishing every precious nano second of your embrace before he set you back down. Oh yeah, having worked out with way more weight than he estimated you to be just paid off.

“Thanks Rox, you’re the best.” You thanked him graciously and kissed his cheek super quickly but sweetly all the same as you let go and walked back to your chair. “See ya.” You called after him over your shoulder, your bright smile returning and the fire in your eyes lighting up the room again, not noticing how he seemed to be frozen in place, barely breathing, his big Bambi brown eyes never leaving you until you actually left his sight before he seemed to come back to his senses and shake his head out of his stupor before the largest smile plastered itself onto his face.

He had a date. Oh he was so happy and excited. He immediately left work and surprised the babysitter by coming home on time to get his son off the bus at his apartment since he had his son on the weekends.

“Hey Dad, you’re home early.” Atris noted as he got off the bus and walked towards his Dad curiously.

“Yeah, listen, I’m waiting on a call or possibly a text and we may have plans for dinner so I need you to go get changed out of your uniform and get dressed in something really nice and even if I don’t get the text, we’re going out to eat for dinner.” Rox informed his son urgently because even if Audrey wasn’t cool with company, he wanted to try to sit close to you and pay for dinner anyway even if he had to do it from across the restaurant and hoped that wasn’t creepy as Atris simply gave his dad a curious look but obeyed as they went into the apartment building up to Rox’s apartment, the loft apartment all the way at the top and got dressed out of his school uniform into some nice clothes, suitable for going out to a fancy restaurant.

“So who are we going out to eat with?” Atris asked as he emerged from his room in a nice polo shirt and a pair of slacks. Hoping this was nice enough.

“Zara Oliver and her daughter Audrey.” He answered as he kept refreshing his phone and turned his ringers all the way up to make sure he didn’t miss the text or the call. Trying to give you time to get your own daughter off the bus and ask Audrey while you helped her with her homework.

“Who?” Atris asked, not recognizing those names.

“Zara is my massage therapist.” Rox supplied.

“Like actual massage therapist therapist or “massage therapist”.” Atris asked for clarification with air quotes as Rox narrowed his eyes and gave his son an unimpressed look.

“Medical massage therapist, legitimate, she has her degrees and certifications and everything and before you ask, no this isn’t a date date. Today is Zara’s wedding anniversary, but her husband died over a year ago so we’re just going to keep her and her daughter company for the evening, you will behave and you’ll be charming.” Rox commanded his son firmly.

“Ok, what’s this Zara like anyway?” Atris asked.

“Lovely.” Rox answered as he turned back to his phone as a grin broke out on his face.

“What’s her daughter like?” Atris asked.

“Dramatic.” Rox snorted a laugh which got Atris to snort one too. “Oh so normal?” Atris teased.

“I guess.” Rox shrugged before you texted.

“And how old is Audrey? Do I get to babysit her or something?” Atris asked.

“She’s a few months younger than you so no but it would be nice if you conversed nicely with her.” Rox answered.

“I’ll try but if she talks about My Little Pony or Littlest Petshop, or something else super lame, I’m playing Candy Crush on my phone.” Atris warned his dad. Who spared him another warning look.

“Or not.” Atris gulped.

‘Audrey said yes, I already called the restaurant to change the reservation for four so I’ll see you there at six.’ Rox shook his fit in victory.

“Yes!” Rox cheered. “Ok, we gotta go, we gotta pick a few things up.” Rox informed his son as he seemed to spring into action and quickly took his son to the florist, to the jewelry store and to a chocolate store before they headed to the restaurant.

“So, let me get this straight, we’re not going on a “date” date but yet you’re giving this woman and her daughter, flowers, chocolates and jewelry…?” Atris asked as he sat in the passenger seat of his dad’s car and held everything as he scarfed down from his own box of chocolates.

“...Yes. Ok, I’ll level with you. This woman that we’re meeting tonight, is the single most attractive woman I’ve ever met, she’s amazing and gorgeous and even if her daughter is the biggest hellion brat, I would still give my left nut to just go on one date with her and if this is my one date, I’ll take it. Everyone in my company tries to flirt with her but she has a zero flirtation policy and so far she’s dropped clients left and right for even trying to cross the line and so even I don’t flirt with her while she’s working. We’ve kept things friendly and professional and I’m praying I don’t screw this up because if I do, I’ll have to find another massage therapist and no one compares with her. She’s human and she has these beautiful tiny delicate hands and she could bring me to my knees, has brought me to my knees crying because she’s a medical massage therapist and her treatments are painful but medically corrective rather than ‘relax make you feel good’ massage. Ok? So yeah I know, it’s overkill and a bit much, but this is my one shot and I gotta go big or go home you know? I didn’t even know she was single or a widow until today when she told me it was her anniversary with her late husband and she told me she was going to spend it alone with her daughter and I couldn’t... accept that so I offered for you and I to accompany her and her daughter for dinner and she accepted and I think she only accepted it as friends. I didn’t ask to do this under any other circumstances.” Rox explained.

“Oh so she friendzoned you like everyone else and you’re trying to get out of the friendzone.” Atris realized with a grin.

“...yes.” Rox huffed as his shoulders slouched as he grumped at his windshield.

“Ok,” Atris nodded in understanding before they sat in silence for a while.

“What are the chances her daughter is cute?” Atis asked.

“100%” Rox answered without hesitation.

“Really?” Atris blinked in surprise as a little grin grew on his face.

“Yeah, she’s shown me pictures, Audrey is gorgeous just like her mother.” Rox admitted.

“Like how gorgeous are we talking here?” Atris asked curiously.

“Long blonde hair down to her butt, bright turquoise eyes, gorgeous.” Rox recalled.

“Ooh,” Atris oohed.

“Yeah and we’re both going to be perfect gentlemen got it?” Rox urged.

“Got it.” Atris nodded and grinned giddily.

Once at the restaurant, Rox and Atris both stopped in their tracks when they saw you and Audrey relaxing on one of the couches in the little garden area by the fountain as the air in both of their lungs crashed from them and left them both breathless. Rox had only ever seen you in your scrubs with minimal makeup and your hair up in either a pony tail or a messy bun. Now, you were in this beautiful flowing blouse and leggings and your long hair was down in ringlet curls and your make up was full on ethereal goddess and even Audrey looked especially darling. He was not worthy. Don’t fuck it up Rox. He thought to himself.

“Dad, please tell me that’s her.” Atris murmured to his father as he looked from Audrey to his dad.

“Yeah, that’s them.” Rox confirmed as he willed his body forward and tried not trip over his own feet as he suddenly felt extremely clumsy and awkward like he did when he first met you.

“Hey, you guys made it.” You greeted cheerfully as you turned your head and saw them, their movement catching the corner of your eye as you and Audrey found your feet to greet them.

“You must be Atris, hi, I’m Zara and this is my daughter Audrey, thank you guys so much for joining us tonight.” You introduced as you held your hand out for him to shake as he finally tore his eyes off of Audrey to look up at you as Audrey half hid herself behind you shyly.

“Hi,” Atris greeted but his voice cracked something awful and his cheeks instantly blushed a deep green as he shook your hand and then pulled his hand back and you could tell he was embarrassed.

“Atris, it’s ok, my husband was well into his thirties and his voice still cracked. Even my voice cracks from time to time in fact it did this afternoon when I was talking to your dad so it’s ok, no need to be embarrassed.” You reassured him as Rox smiled gratefully at you.

“Thanks.” Atris mumbled before he offered the flowers in his other hand towards Audrey. “These are for you.” Atris said as Rox seemed to remember he was holding flowers too and handed them to you along with the gift bag that had the chocolates and the jewelry in it to you as well, the jewelry being slipped into the bag from the chocolate store.

“Aww, thank you.” You smiled happily as you graciously took them from him as Audrey mirrored you.

“Thank you.” Audrey said softly as she happily took the flowers and smelled them. “So how do you know my mom?” Audrey questioned Rox directly. “Do you pay her to hurt you?” She asked pointedly as you burst into laughter as both of you blushing as he was laughing too, albeit a little nervously while Atris was all kinds of confused.

“Baby, again, you can’t say it like that. Yes I treat him with massage therapy but when you say it like that- it makes it sound like an innuendo like I’m a dominatrix who specializes in actually inflicting pain with hot wax, gags, whips and chains and things like that, and I definitely do not do that, so you need to stop asking everyone that. Because when you do you can embarrass them and me.” You explained. Even though Rox was now envisioning just that with you in a black leather corset with fishnets and thigh high heels and a riding crop with himself gagged with his hands tied behind his back as he whimpered around his gag for mercy and release as his cock would be hard enough to fuck through steel and having the hardest time not physically reacting to that. Oh fuck, too late, uh, dead puppies, dead kittens, grandma naked, his ex wife fucking a ninety year old man geizer, there, that killed his boner.

“Ooh, so that’s what a...” Atris began to say before Rox reached out and pinched the back of Atris’ arm to keep him from finishing that sentence as he gave his son a warning look and sharp shake of his head ‘no’ as he cleared his throat as you bit your lips as you realized you may have been inappropriate yourself.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to uh..?” You apologized with a grimace to Rox who waived it off before the buzzer went off that your table was ready and the four of you made it inside, Atris getting the first door as Rox got the second for you all as you went to the podium and handed in your buzzer and were shown your table.

“Woah! Look at those lobsters!” Atris marveled as you passed the giant lobster tank that had lobsters of various sizes, mostly large 7, 8 and 9 pound ones.

“I know! How hungry are you? Could you eat a whole one of those?” You asked as you held Audrey’s hand and led her to the table where all of you sat down at the table, you and Rox sitting kitty corner from each other as Atris and Audrey did the same, both Atris and Rox pulling out your chairs for you and Audrey which made you and Audrey smile brightly before they themselves sat down.

“I don’t know.” Atris shrugged.

“Have you ever had lobster before?” You asked Atris thoughtfully.

“Have I?” Atris asked his dad who shrugged as he looked over the menu. As your eyes got wide, oh gods, what if he was actually allergic to shellfish? Some kids were so picky they never tried seafood until they were in situations like this.

“You’re not allergic to shellfish are you? Have you ever had shrimp before?” You asked Atris carefully.

“Yup, they’re really good.” Atris nodded yes and you blew out a breath of relief as Rox simply grinned, seeing you so concerned for his son was just heart warming and just endeared yourself to him further. His ex wife wouldn’t have cared enough to ask or remember.

“Good, well shrimp, lobster and crab are in the same family called crustaceans so if you’ve had one of those three and weren’t allergic to it, you’ll be able to eat the others without too much trouble. Now they have something here called crawfish, which is like a lobster that’s the size of a shrimp but they do all the work of cracking them open and taking the tails out and frying those so you eat them like popcorn shrimp and those are our favorite.” You explained as you gestured to Audrey and yourself as Rox nodded in understanding to that and stored that little fact to his memory along with all the other information he was able to glean from you and continued to look at the menu for a moment before the waitress came and got your drink order, yourself getting the sweet sangria as Audrey ordered an IBC rootbeer which Atris got the same thing, wanting to match her and mirror her so she would like him as Rox got a mixed drink too and then surprised you with getting a few appetizers for all of you after you put in an order of the alligator since that was one of Audrey’s favorites as Atris lit up at the prospect of getting to try alligator, which to him was very cool and so far even Audrey was cool and he liked her immediately. His dad had been right, Audrey was beyond cute, she was gorgeous.

“Thank you, you ordered my favorite.” You smiled at Rox who lit up at that. His own eyes dancing in delight.

“Yeah? Which one?” He asked giddily, barely able to contain an excited giggle even though inwardly he was cheering and jumping for joy.

“The fondeaux, it’s in the app trio.” you specified as you pointed to it on his menu.

“It sounded delicious.” Rox nodded before Audrey started talking about her new Tik Tok video she watched that she liked as Atris lit up, really loving Tik Tok videos too as they eagerly and excitedly started talking about their favorites as Rox and yourself listened and watched as Rox noticed you were leaning in your chair towards him slightly which he liked very much as he debated whether or not to reach out and try to hold your hand under the table or not as you and him simply shared your favorite vines.

A few moments later your server came back with your drinks and got your dinner order and you got your favorite, the Pappadaux’s platter with broccolini and weren’t surprised when Rox ordered two entrees, the prime rib with a whole 7lb lobster along with the Texas red fish Pontchartrain or when Atris ordered the shrimp and cajun chicken tenderloins entree with french fries because orcs had really big appetites because even Audrey had a big appetite when she was going through growth spurts since she got the fried shrimp and crawfish platter with broccolini and dirty rice. You noticed Atris small look of disgust when Audrey ordered broccolini before he looked up and that look disappeared from his face in an instant as Audrey asked him excitedly if he had ever had it before and he admitted that he hadn't but seemed tickled that she was going to share some of hers with him because sharing food was seen as an intimate gesture to orcs and humans alike.

“Hey if it gets him to eat vegetables,” You murmured to Rox who snorted a laugh. Atris was typical because he hated vegetables. Audrey was different because she loved vegetables, you and her always had a vegetable garden together every summer and grew your own and she loved broccoli, since she could eat solid food broccoli and broccolini were her all time favorites along with green beans and peas and carrots and corn.

When the appetizers came, you all passed them around, getting tastes and bites of each one as the conversation turned more towards the mundane and what was going on in school and things and you couldn’t help but feel like you were a family sharing a meal together, it was nice. Like a whole family rather than two splintered ones. Not that you were any less legitimate or valid or whole as a family or that Rox’s family with his son was either, but since your husband’s death you felt like your family was less whole without your husband being a part of it. And you knew Rox kinda felt the same way with his own son. But he couldn’t help who Atris’ mother was.

And after a couple of drinks both you and Rox seemed to relax and cut loose more and the gentle teasing and laughing really flowed as dinner was served and then it was quiet as everyone dug into their food before the sharing began since you all got something different as you continued to pass plates around until you got to try a little of everything from everyone and then when the dessert tray came though your jaw dropped when Rox ordered one of everything and then asked for one check for all of you which you blew out a small breath of relief for because two hundred bucks was not going to cover this, hell you didn’t think four hundred would either.

“Thank you Rox for dinner.” You thanked Rox as you nudged Audrey under the table to thank him too.

“Thank you Rox.” Audrey repeated pleasantly before Audrey excused herself to go to the bathroom before Atris got up and ‘escorted’ her to make sure she made it there safe which left you and Rox at the table which you were grateful for. Because you had wanted to really talk with him openly and couldn’t do that with your kids there.

“Alright, you and I need to talk.” You informed him as you turned in your seat and turned towards him as you saw his eyes widen a smidgen as he gulped and immediately clasped his hands together in his lap anxiously.

“You’re not in trouble, I just want to make sure we’re on the same page.” You reassured him when you saw how tense he suddenly became. Those knots in his shoulders were not going to be fun getting out.

“Are you trying to impress me?” You asked gently and delicately.

“Yes,” Rox admitted guiltily.

“Ok, you don’t need to do that, you really, really don’t need to blow what will probably be 500 dollars on one dinner to try to impress me or my daughter, that’s more than we spend on groceries in a month, I’ve seen you shirtless, trying to hide a boner and made you beg for mercy and ask for help, that’s all the impressing I could ever want or need, not that I’m shallow and after you for your looks which I’m not but I’m very attracted to your physical person in addition to your personality which is more important to me because who you are as a person should outweigh what you do for a living and how much you make doing it. Next, please don’t try to buy me off or buy my daughter off,” you pleaded as you picked up the jewelry box from the bag from the chocolate shop for emphasis before you put it back. “All that will do is make both of us feel cheap because any woman who can be bought isn’t worth having to begin with- also I don’t want to send the wrong message to your son thinking all he has to do is shower enough gifts, attention and kindness into any girl he wants to get what he wants from her like she’s a vending machine or something and I don’t want him thinking that myself or Audrey are those kinds of girls either, second I don’t want to send the message to my daughter to simply hold out her own affections and only bestow them for whoever can get her the latest and greatest and the bigger and the best. She’s already been approached by modeling agencies as was I when I was her age before I grew old and fat and I was younger than she was and I have done what my mother has done and turned them down because my mother didn’t want me growing up thinking that my looks were more important than anything else, more important than being a well rounded person with intelligence, morals, ethics, integrity and a depth of character deeper than a puddle and I am doing all that I can to teach the same things to my daughter.” You explained calmly and simply as Rox seemed to be a bit embarrassed as he realized what kind of impression he just gave you and Audrey and wanted a redo. He had blown his chance and missed his shot by a lot.

“Now, because I know you and I know you probably didn’t mean any of that and the fact that you’re not arguing with me or trying to justify yourself which tells me you see my point and accept it and because I genuinely like you, I’ll give you a do over how’s that?” You offered and smiled wider when he seemed to finally exhale in relief.

“Yes please, thank you. I didn’t even...realize..” Rox tried to tell you before you saw the kids coming back and you reached over and simply squeezed his arm.

“Don’t worry about it. You just probably fell back on the habits you acquired when you were courting your first wife right?” You guessed as Rox blinked in surprise as he didn’t even realize that about himself as you saw the lightbulb go off in his head.

“Yeah, I’m not like her- in hopefully any way and I didn’t want you thinking about tonight and rehashing and come to that realization on your own and then suddenly suspect me of being anything like your ex either.” you offered with a meaningful look.

“Thank you.” Rox smiled appreciatively at you as he gently squeezed his hand over yours before stealing a very quick kiss from the back of your hand right before the kids came back and sat down just as all the desserts came. And that kiss, although small, was huge. Because HOLY SHIT ROX WAS TRYING TO COURT YOU OMG. And you were beyond happy and excited about that. You wanted him to. But you wanted him to understand that things were complicated because of kids, especially impressionable ones and you had to walk a fine line.

After dessert you and Audrey opened your gifts, Audrey being totally thrilled and tickled that she got a really nice cat ear headband along with a unicorn one too and you were actually impressed at the gorgeous jewelry set he got you and you were also impressed because he obviously was listening when you talked about chocolate because you recognized all of your favorites in the boxes, one for you and one for Audrey even though you couldn’t really eat them because you both had stuffed yourselves with dinner and dessert but you thanked Rox and Atris for them all the same before you went your separate ways but not before you made plans to hang out the next day at a jump park.

“So...how did that go?” Atris asked his father as they rode home even though he didn’t see you hug or kiss his dad and thought that his father perhaps struck out since to him, you were standoffish. Polite but standoffish.

“It went exceedingly well.” Rox smiled happily as he drove them back to his place.

“How...could you tell? She didn’t even hug you or kiss you or anything.” Atris pointed out.

“And she was right in not doing so.” Rox nodded in agreement as his smile just got brighter.

“What?” Atris blinked in surprise.

“Ok, let me explain something, just because you give a girl or woman or what-have-you, a gift, she doesn’t owe you a damn thing in return, least of all affection or attention, all she owes you a simple word of thanks.” Rox grinned happily. “Remember in Daredevil when Nelson Fisk was asking Vanessa out on a date and when she told him that she couldn’t go that evening, he simply and very respectfully withdrew and simply said ‘another time then’ and she was surprised that he didn’t “try harder” by trying to buy out the gallery so she could get off early?” Rox tried to get his son to recall.

“Yeah.” Atris frowned in confusion.

“Do you remember what he said to that?” Rox instigated.

“No.” Atris frowned deeper.

“He said ‘A woman who can be bought, isn’t worth having.’ So he was being very respectful in declining even trying to see if she had a price such as buying out a whole gallery because he wanted to make sure she knew that she was priceless and worth while because he was going to put forth effort in courting her rather than figure out how much stuff it would take for her to like him because no one should be liked because of what they can give the other and affection should never be measured in stuff either.” Rox explained. “And what you saw tonight was a prime example and perfect example of how a really classy woman handled that and should handle that. Because I went overboard and it gave the impression that that’s what I was trying to do and she saw through it and saw through me, just like she has since day one and while she was polite and gracious, she made it clear that she wasn’t that kind of woman that could be bought or charmed for the price of flowers, chocolate and jewelry and she’s doing everything she can to teach her own daughter to not be that kind of woman either and everyone should respect that. You’d think I of all people would appreciate that the most and I do.” Rox just shook his head and grinned wider and prouder.

“But you didn’t mean that did you?” Atris asked.

“Nope, I sure didn’t mean any of that but and that’s what she saw, she simply saw that I was trying, that I went about it wrong but that I was trying and the second chance she’s giving me to get it right is tomorrow when we get together then. And it’s really important for you to understand that she’s not after me because of what I do for a living or how much money I make or anything like that, she doesn’t need anyone or anything because she’s a self made woman and those are the best kind there are.” Rox praised.

“Yeah, no, I got that, she was polite and nice about it but she didn’t go for it. I respect that. Same thing with Audrey, she seemed grateful but she’s weary of you because she sees what’s going on too because the reason we took a little while is because she pulled me aside and asked me if you were trying to date her mom.” Atris informed his dad.

“And what did you say?” Rox asked his son.

“I told her the truth. That you were.” Atris answered. “Then she asked me what your deal was. Which I gotta respect her for being straightforward and not pulling any punches.” Atris grinned.

“And again, what did you tell her?” Rox asked worriedly.

“That you were divorced but that this was the first “not a date” that you’ve been on since the divorce because you’re picky as hell about who you let be around me. Which I wish mom was that way and she seemed appeased by that answer.” Atris retold. “Was I wrong?” Atris asked.

“Nope you got it,” Rox shook his head and blew out the breath he had been subconsciously holding.

Meanwhile in your car.

“So, what did you think of Rox and Atris?” You asked nervously yourself as you did your best not to hold your own breath.

“I like Atris, I don’t like Rox.” Audrey sustained.

“Why?” You asked in surprise.

“Because he was trying to buy your love by buying you stuff and you have taught me to stay away from guys like that.” Audrey insisted as she gave you a meaningful look as you bit your lips.

“I have taught you that. But I hope I also taught you to be understanding of other people and other cultures. Remember how some things mean something different to different people? Like how the orcs you go to school with give each other beads and how that means something to them and how each bead means something?” You recalled.

“Yeah.” Audrey nodded.

“Well, honey, I’m not an orc, the way orcs court each other is different than how humans do or elves do or even dwarfs and Rox and I are both mixed so we both have blendings of different cultures. He was trying to be orcish with his approach because that’s mostly what he is and the one person who he dated who he ended up marrying, that’s what she liked, she liked it when he bought her things. So that’s all he’s known.” You tried to explain as Audrey seemed to consider that.

“What do you know about the woman he was married to?” Audrey asked warily.

“She is a very selfish, self centered woman, she’s what I would call, a gold digger because she was only with him because he had a good job and could take care her and treat her like a princess and Rox did that and he did it very well but it was never enough for her. But she didn’t take care of him in return. What she did was simply give him a son and thought that’s all she had to do to be set up for life, she didn’t know how to clean her own house and instead of learning, she hired someone else to do it. She got a nanny so she didn’t have to stay home and take care of Atris so she could go shopping all the time without a stroller and she spent much more than Rox could make and got him into debt over his head without telling him. She went to a plastic surgeon and made herself as pretty as she could be on the outside and then she did the worst thing a marriage mate could do to another, she cheated on him and didn’t cheat on him with just anyone, she cheated on him with his boss, and left him for someone who made a lot more money than he did because to her, that’s all that matters. She hurt him and betrayed him and was unfaithful to him and when they got divorced, she got custody of their son, solely for child support payments which she doesn’t even spend on Atris, Rox buys all of his son’s clothes and pays for him to go to a private school and pays for his tuition and school supplies. When he gets home from school through the week, he has a nanny to take care of him and he sees more of her than he does his own mom and his mom doesn’t even know how to cook and never wanted to learn. All the “cooking” she does is cookies because she can spoon some dough from a tub onto a cookie sheet and make it look like she can cook. Otherwise she has a personal chef to cook for her. And while that sounds like a nice life, it isn’t. Do you want to know why?” You asked her.

“Why?” Audrey asked.

“Because the guy she’s with, while he may take care of all her bills financially, he demands that she look perfect and act perfect all the time. She’s not allowed to have a bad day, even a bad hair day. He expects her to always agree with him whenever they talk about anything and even when he’s mean and he’s in a bad mood, it’s her job to cater to his every whim and make him feel better, whatever it takes to do that and when he tells her to jump she’s expected to ask ‘how high?’and then jump twice as high as he tells her to jump, metaphorically speaking. She’s not allowed to tell him no, ever. So when he wants sex, even if she’s not in the mood, even if she’s mad at him, even if she’s sick or not feeling well, she has to have sex with him anyway and she’s not allowed to fight back or stand up for herself in any way. She’s not her own person, he owns her and all she is- is property to him and he treats her as his slave and she isn’t allowed to have self respect or dignity unless he’s the one to give it to her and tell her it’s ok for her to have it in very small increments and for very brief amounts of time and he literally embarrasses her every chance he gets, he makes fun of her all the time and she’s the butt of every joke she tells and she’s not allowed to get mad about it, she’s expected to laugh along with him and go ‘you’re right sweetie, of course I’m a stupid whore who only knows how to spend money and can’t even do simple math’,” You twisted your voice to sound like a valley girl which made Audrey frown.

“And how I know this is because I’ve seen her at that office when I first started there, she and her current guy were picking up something and the way he treated her filled me with rage. And I can tell you right now that Rox never treated her that way, Rox has never even treated me that way. He actually respects me as a person and a human being and on days when I’m having a bad day, he’s the one to ask what he can do to make it better. These chocolates that he got me? Are all my favorite kinds, which means when we’ve talked about chocolate, he listened, and paid attention and paid enough attention to remember to get them for me. And these flowers? Again, my favorites. He didn’t have to do anything tonight, he didn’t have to buy dinner and he didn’t have to order half the menu. He only did it to try to help because of what today was. He was the only one who noticed I was having a rough day today because it’s my anniversary and Daddy isn’t here to celebrate it with me and he was the only one who cared enough to notice I wasn’t normal and ask about it and then asked if there was anything he could do to help and coming to dinner tonight was the first thing he thought of so that you and I wouldn’t have to be alone. He cares because he’s my friend. He has been since the beginning. And I know he went overboard and went about everything all wrong because he likes me and he’s allowed to like me and he wants to date me and I want to date him but I didn’t say anything before because I didn’t want him to think that I’m anything like his ex wife and please understand that I didn’t ask him to do anything, I didn’t ask for anything from him- he just gave because he’s generous and because he could. So when you went to the bathroom I explained to him that I am not like his ex wife and that I didn’t need all of that. But I understood that he was just trying. And just the fact that he tried his best was enough just like I keep telling you that at school, as long as you tried your best and gave your best effort, that’s all I’ll ever ask of you. I never ask that you get straight A’s. I do my best to never ask more from you than what you’re capable of giving but that you continue to grow and learn. So think of this as a learning exercise for all of us. I’m glad that you like Atris though. He seems like a good kid, even though he has a challenging home life and I know Rox does all he can with him to be a good father just like I do all I can and do my best to be the best mom to you that I can be. So how about you cut him some slack and let him try again and don’t write him off just yet. Give him another chance. I know that if our positions were reversed, he’d do the same for me. Everyone usually gets the first time they try something new- wrong. And if he’s going to do his best to try again, then we are going to be gracious and accept that.” You insisted.

“Is that what you did for Daddy?” Audrey asked softly as she finally dug into her chocolates.

“So many times I lost count. I gave Daddy all the tries he wanted or needed until he got it right and helped him get it right too.” You nodded.

“Ok, fine.” Audrey caved as you grinned victoriously.

“Plus, I mean maybe my eyes were deceiving me, but did you and Atris actually...you know...get along?” You gently teased.

“Maybe we did, maybe we just were trying not to be as awkward as you and Rox were.” Audrey sassed back.

“Oooh, really?” You laughed heartily.

“It was almost as awkward as a school dance.” Audrey giggled.

“Wow!” You cackled. “Yeah, well would you rather I fall all over him? Hugging him and kissing him and making googly eyes at him? I could totally blow obnoxious kisses at him too.” You teased back as Audrey made a sound that was half way between gagging and like she was a cat that was dying.

“Nooo!” She howled as you both dissolved into giggles. “Come on Mom!” Audrey pleaded. “You’re not gonna do that tomorrow are you?” Audrey asked with a wincing grimace.

“I don’t know, depends on Rox doesn’t it?” You put to her. “Just do me a favor and keep trying to get along with Atris and if it doesn’t work out between Rox and me, hopefully you’ll gain a friend in Atris either way.” You shrugged.

“That would be nice.” Audrey nodded in agreement.

“And if you could give Rox the benefit of the doubt and try to get along with him too, I would greatly appreciate it.” You requested.

“We’ll see.” Audrey huffed.

“And I feel I need to make something clear- you will not use Rox or gods forbid Atris- to get what you want, don’t see Rox trying to date me as your chance to ask for anything and everything you could ever want, like he’s a genie and will grant you any wish you make, like toys or whatever. You will not sell your pleasantness and niceness to him for stuff. Ok? Because girls who do that, especially at your age, end up like his ex wife and I will be damned if that ever happens to either you or me. You’re better than that and you’re not a spoiled brat. If anything I hope you’ve learned that you need to work for what you want and get it for yourself and earn the things you want.” You insisted sternly.

“Ok,” Audrey agreed.

#exophilia #orc #Modern Orcs #modern orc love story

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