Dreamed This Up (Dreams, Book 1)

Chapter 15: Facing the Music

(If anyone's willing to photoshop this image let me know. The hair's all wrong :P) 

Once they arrived home, Sophie stepped down lightly. Rofin held their bags, and guided her in the building. Upon opening their door, she sighed happily. "HOME!"

He stepped close behind her. "Good to hear you say that." Reaching around, he pulled her close. "Somehow I was worried something might happen all the way here, but this is our retreat."

They stood still a few moments, savoring one another's presence until "Oof! Rofin, I'm sorry, he just shifted, ow!" She sucked in a breath. "I think I need to sit. ah, on second thought," and she fled for the bathroom.

He put away their things. A moment later she reappeared and smiled. "Dinner?"

"I put some things out for you." She stretched to give him a kiss and then flitted into the kitchen. He marveled at the lightness of her step, even as her shape changed.He followed her into the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Helping?" he shrugged.

She swatted at him with a towel and then waved. "Would you start the vegetables then?"

He grumbled, "Rabbit food," but set to work.

She laughed, "Shouldn't have taken in a rabbit then!"

"Mm. I think we do well."

Later, as they ate, she asked, "What did your father want?"

"Eh, he has an idea to help us. He wants me to go to some former colleagues of his and appeal to them, before making a formal statement of compatibility. He's worried there may be some backlash."

She was quiet, picking at her dinner, "Like with Loklin?"

He placed his hand on hers. "Yes. But eat your dinner. If I can choke down these vegetables for your sake, you can too!"

***

So things returned to something of a schedule. He continued to make his rounds each day, Sophie in tow. One day, about four weeks after the family visit, she asked, "You don't go to the Races anymore."

They were walking to the market. He tilted his head to look at her. "No. I'd actually been considering retiring when you attacked me. That settled it. No more wild harac for me."

"Ooooooh, you!"She thumped his side with her fist. "But really, you don't get called in?"

"No. And I'm glad I don't. I think you'd be jealous."

She shrugged. "I would. Plus it's just wrong. But you already know how I feel."

He sighed unhappily, "I know. But you know, once we start the processes for baby here, it will improve things for all your people."

She frowned, but linked her arm through his again. "Still wrong. Did you send in those letters yet?"

"I did. Now that you're a bit farther along, I put in a petition to speak to some of the higher ups. Once I've gotten some backing, we can petition the council for recognition."

"Mm. I hope they hurry. I want to help as well. I am sure there are others."

****

Not two weeks later Rofin received word to come in. He dressed in hie finest, and asked Sophie to do the same. He chose his best dark tunic with the black shirt beneath, and a short cape, because the weather was getting cooler. Sophie brought out a flowing cream dress, explaining that nothing else felt comfortable with her increased curve. "Won't you be cold? At least wear a wrap."