Home again

The drive back to your apartment is interesting, with Lili bouncing happily in the seat beside you. She chats with you along the way, though mostly she seems like a bit of a blank slate. You wonder how much of that is intentional, and how much is a result of her simply not experiencing much outside of a lab. Either way, she’s pleasant and very happy, and excited to get to her new home.

As you park your car, she hops out, still full of energy. “This is home, yes-yes? I’m so-so happy we’re here!”

You chuckle, taking her hand. Lili smiles, leaning against you affectionately. You recall hearing about how Hybrids imprint on their ‘owner’, and it seems obvious that Lili is already quite attached to you. As you bring her in the building, she holds your hand with both of hers, biting her lip as you bring her to your apartment door. You unlock it, and bring her inside.

As you walk in, you’re greeted by Emi, who smiles at you before turning to look at Lili. You see a bit of worry in the catgirl’s mismatched eyes, as she looks at the new arrival. You wonder yourself how the little harpy will react to another Hybrid. Lili, however, seems to have no such hesitation.

“Ohhh! Another one, yes-yes? Sister! Yay-yay!”

Without warning, Lili jumps forward and hugs Emi. The catgirl looks startled for a moment, but then puts her arms around the feathered girl. She looks at you questioningly. You shrug, walking over and kissing Emi on the cheek. Her smile returns, and she gives Lili a squeeze before the two separate.

Emi turns her questioning gaze on Lili. “Sister? That seems…sudden.”

Lili shrugs, tucking a lock of hair behind her pointed ear. “I don’t think so, no-no. We’re both Hybrids, right-right? And we belong to our master! So, we’re sisters, yes-yes!”

Emi looks at you. “Master, hmm?”

You shake your head. “Lili, just call me Andy. Master seems…demeaning.”

Lili nods. “Whatever you want, yes-yes!”

She looks back to Emi, and her eyes widen slightly. She touches the side of her face, where Emi has her scars. Emi notices immediately, and speaks up.

“No, he didn’t do this to me, do not worry. Andy has been the kindest, most wonderful person to me. You’re safe here.”

Lili nods, relief on her face. “I’m glad, yes-yes. It is good to be safe, and happy-happy. But what happened?”

Emi sighs. “It’s a long story. Why don’t we sit down and talk for a while, there’s a lot to discuss.”

Lili frowns, but only for a moment. A small smile creeps back onto her face. “Only if I can sit in Andy’s lap, yes-yes?”

Emi laughs. “You’ll have to share him!”

You chuckle and shake your head. “It’s a good thing you’re both small. Come on, we’ll sit on the couch.”