Buns in the Oven

Footsy was being played under the table. Jenjen and this summoner batted at each other as she grinned seductively at him fluttering her thick lashes. I was only aware because I was the occasional mistaken recipient of Zerokb’s attempts to push Jenjen away as nonchalantly as possible. She seemed quite taken with the hume. I just wanted him to go away and let things be as if nothing ever intruded. I didn’t want my beautiful plan ruined.

“We should keep him.” Jenjen smiled.

“We should not.” I retorted.

“Maybe I should get home.” Zerokb said as he tried to rise. “Thank you for..”

He was interrupted as Kjarbo slammed a bowl of vegetables down on the table in front of him. “No, please, stay.” Kjarbo smiled wickedly with his hand on the summoner’s shoulder pushing him back into his chair.

I pulled Kjarbo over to me and whispered to him. “You’re not poisoning him are you?”

“No. Should I?” he smiled as he kissed my head.

“No!” I exclaimed a little louder than I meant to and Zerokb raised an eyebrow at us.

I smiled back at him sweetly. “Sorry, Kjarbo is just protective with our first baby on the way. Please forgive us if we get a little carried away. We’re new to parenting.”

Kjarbo choked on his drink and spit it all over his sister. Pounding his chest a little and reaching for a cloth to wipe up his mess he seemed maybe a little surprised. I held my breath as I watched his reaction. Maybe I should have mentioned my idea to him before I blurted it out, but out it was, same as his drink. There was no taking it back now.

“Ummm yes, I’ve always wanted to be a father. I love babies.” He smiled as he raised his glass cheerfully before taking another drink his eyes never leaving me. “Sweetheart, can you help me? The buns in the oven may need buttering.” He took my hand and pulled me out the front door.

“The oven is in there.” I said as I looked back.

“I lied about the bread.” He said. “Are you sure about this?”

“We can let him go and tell everyone the baby is yours and mine and no more worries.” I explained.

“I have not questioned you at all while you have been here but I feel like I should better understand what you are thinking, what you are planning, and what I am going to do to help. I only ask because I think it is important for me to know if I am going raise this baby with you.” He paused before continuing. “Who is the father and why do you want people to think it’s me?”

I pursed my lips as I gathered courage to try to convince someone again.

“I’m honored and thrilled to be asked. I really am. It’s just…”

I spoke over him. “Brodie.” I blurted.

He thought for a moment without looking away from me. “He’s hume.”

I had to chuckle a little to myself. He said this as if I didn’t know; same reaction as his sister. “It’s true.” Taking about five minutes I gave him the quick explanation including what moogle had told me. He just listened wide eyed and quiet.

“I am at your service and by your side as long as you’ll have me my lady.” He said humbly with a little bow.

Jenjen poked her head out of the house. “So how are those buns doing?” she called.

“Still baking.” Kjarbo called back. “We should go inside and finish dinner with our guest.” He said to me quietly.

“Letting Zerokb tell everyone that we are having a baby together should satisfy any suspicions that might have put us in danger.” I said almost as a reassurance to myself. I grasped his wrist. “Thank you for being so perfect about everything. You’re my hero.”

He smiled warmly and I felt good about the direction things were going in my life. Maybe things were starting to go my way again.