>>6259804
Finally returning back home, you all arrive at Baba’s place again. And the moment you send her a telepathic message that you’re here, Cocoa almost bolts at you and hugs you tight. “Welcome back, Peppa.”

You hug her right back. “Thanks, Cocoa.”

Izzy walks over to Baba, commenting, “Still want me to give the Ghouls a solo run?”

“Another time. I actually would like you to come check on the… grub.” the elderly witch requests. “It’s been behaving oddly.”

She gives a tense look. “Ah. Okay. Yeah should… go do that.” And your cousin hurries off.

“Gonna head back home. Let me know if you need anything.” Gohan says, before letting out a “Kai Kai.” and teleporting away.

With Cocoa holding your hand, she asks, “So, where to next, Peppa?”

“Part of me just wants to take a nap for the next few hours, and a different part of me is too wound up with… everything I just learned to even begin to attempt sleep. It’s been a lot.” You rest your head on her shoulder. “Actually, you mind if we go check on both Basileas and Princess Misa for a bit? Might… be helpful getting some perspective in raising up a half-demon… third-demon…? …Partial-demon kid.”

“Sounds fair.” Cocoa agrees. “You know, you are taking to trying to be a parent pretty quickly.”

You rub the back of your neck. “Part of it might just be the nerves and how it’s come at me so sudden, but… it’s also genuine. I wanna do right for our daughter.”

She kisses you on the cheek. “All right.”

“That… and I know Basilea’s going to find this hilarious, and might as well get that over with.”

(cont.)