Nightfall strolled next to me at a leisurely pace, his legs being a lot longer than mine.

Part of me was going to miss the time we’d had together at the university, but I was also excited to get on with the next stage of my journey. I didn’t know quite where we were headed next, but I wanted to go somewhere where Brick and Bruiser felt more comfortable.

I was a little nervous about how the relationship dynamics were going to work since I was romantically involved with three out of five of the party. Nothing from my previous life had prepared me for this kind of situation.

But then I saw Brick’s large back in the street and my heart soared. I knew it had to be him. There were no other orcs in the Citadel, but even if there were, Brick’s stature was taller than the typical orc.

I paused in thought, watching his silhouette as it walked ahead of us. His ears pointed straight upwards as well, although most orcs’ ears were tilted out to the side.

“What is it, my love?” Nightfall asked.

“With all your research, do you think it’s possible… Do you think Brick might only be half orc?”

Nightfall followed my gaze and considered it for a moment.

“Yes, it’s very possible. Although whatever the other half is would take some analysis in the lab. It’s unusual for orcs to breed outside their species.”

“I suppose it hardly matters. He’s still Brick to me, either way. But he might want to know. Come on, let’s catch up with him.”

It took a few minutes of pushing through the crowd and I held Nightfall’s hand to keep us from separating. His skin was warm to the touch now, and it filled me with satisfaction to know that the change he’d experienced regarding his body heat seemed to be a permanent one.

“Brick!” I called out, and he turned. He met me with a grin, and I let go of Nightfall so I could wrap him in a hug, but he was holding a large box, so I crept around and hugged him from behind. I kissed him between his shoulder blades and let out a laugh.

“Hey, my gorgeous girl,” Brick grinned down at me over his shoulder. “Does this mean you’re done already? We weren’t expecting you for a few days!”

“All done! I’m a mega brainiac now,” I beamed at him. “Which means, according to our agreement, I’m allowed to kiss you in the street now.”

“Who am I to resist your charms?” he chuckled, his eyes shining with happiness.

He shifted his package so he could hold it with one arm and reached around my shoulders and slanted his mouth across mine in a playful kiss.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“I missed you, my sweet one,” he said, his voice husky.

“What’s in the box?” I asked.

“A surprise,” he grinned. “I’ve been practicing every day, and today is the first time I’ve gotten it right.”

He lowered the box and opened the flap. I gasped when I saw the display of baked goods. Almond croissants. Custard tarts. Cinnamon rolls.

“You made these?”

“I tried your resume trick. Went up to the local baker and wouldn’t take no for an answer until he taught me how to make this stuff,” he said, his voice thick with affection. “Had to hit him across the head with my resume a couple times, but it did the trick. I wanted to make you happy. There’re more treats like this in the Citadel than small towns like Isekai or Market Town, but I knew you wouldn’t want to live here, and I didn’t like the thought of you going without. So long as I’ve got a kitchen and the ingredients, I can make these for you now.”

“You are amazing, Brick. I can’t believe you did this for me.” I shook my head in wonderment.

“Let’s get back to The Postman’s Keg and we can sit down and try them.”

Brick and Nightfall gave each other an awkward up-nod in acknowledgement, and we walked the last block to the inn. As I moved to open the door, Nightfall stepped in and did it for me, holding it open for both Brick and me to step inside.

Brick led the way to his room and placed the box down on his bed. I sat by his pillow as he picked out one of his creations for me to taste, but before I accepted it, I noticed an envelope on his bedside table.

“Is that from Bastion?”

He handed me the croissant and took the letter, frowning.

“This is odd. He never writes notes.”

He unfolded it and read it through twice, his green skin turning pale and his expression contorting with concern.

“He… he’s gone.”

“He’s what?” I dropped the croissant back in the box and grabbed the letter to read it myself.

The door burst open with a bang, and Jackal rushed into the room, panting.

“Been… looking for you… Brick…” he spluttered in between gasping breaths. “Bastion… Bruiser… Bonaparte… They all left.”

“We know,” Brick said, taking a seat next to me and shakily putting his head in his hands. “I don’t know if I can save him this time.”

I dropped my eyes to the letter.

Brick,

Bruiser caught wind of some concerning stuff with the necromancers. The birds said the last two of them are at war over something, and he fears if we leave them to it, whoever wins will become too powerful to stop. I’m going with them to better the odds of success. I want you to be happy with Emma. One of us should get a happy ending at least. I’m sorry I’ve been such a burden to you these last few years. I don’t expect to survive this, but I had to try. I hope you get your Happily Ever After.

Your brother always,

Bastion

“We have to go after them,” I said with determination.

“Emma, I can’t have you going near necromancers,” Brick resisted. “You don’t know what they’d do to you if they got your hands on them.”

“They don’t know what I’ll do to them,” I argued. “We can’t just leave Bastion and Bruiser. We’re going.”

“I… Okay.”

I looked to Nightfall. “You in?”

“I will always be by your side,” he reminded me. “Even if you wish to face down necromancers.”

“Good,” I nodded, then turned to Jackal. “What about you, Jackal?”

“Is this another date?” he asked excitedly. “Are you asking me on another date?”

“If you call saving lives and murdering assholes a date, then sure,” I snorted.

“Yuss!” Jackal fist pumped, then pointed at me and told Brick proudly. “She’s my girlfriend.”

“…Same?” Brick answered him with a confused look.

“Pack your bags boys, we’ve got some ass-kicking to do.”