No

I shake my head at her. "I think, maybe, slowly would be best," I insist. "Once you prove that you can handle the responsibility of tidying up after yourself for a full month, we'll start to explore what's behind those filters."

Aisha pouts at me, but doesn't argue. I'm honestly shocked - I half expected her to go into a rant about how she should get what she wants, or something.

"Anyway, let's talk about some more fun stuff!" I flop onto her bed, and stretch a bit. My knees pop a little, but not painfully.

Aisha audibly gasps, and is quick to get on the bed next to me. "What kind of fun? Are we skipping to the next reward?"

I roll my eyes. I suppose I did frame that poorly.

"Nah, I mean like games and music and shows and shit," I clarify. "I've been here for months, but I feel like I still barely know you."

If Aisha is disappointed, she doesn't show it. Instead, she rolls onto her side next to me, and cuddles into me with a small sigh.

"I'm sorry." Her apology catches me off guard. "I know we haven't talked much... the other day when we talked about your home was the most we've spoken so far. It's just..." She blushes furiously.

"I...I didn't know how to start a conversation like that with you. Or with anyone, for that matter." She sighs deeply, averting her gaze. "I still kind of don't..."

I place a gentle hand on her cheek, smiling sadly in sympathy.

"I understand," I inform her. I pull her a bit closer. She nestles into me, relishing in the c

loseness, her embarassment and anxiety slipping away.

Looking down at her resting form, I can't help but feel a pang of deep affection for her.

We spend the rest of the afternoon discussing our pastimes. It's a bit sad, for me, but I enjoy getting to know her better.

A/N - From here on, when there are moments where there will just be light conversation, I'm going to give an option to skip it and go to the next day - it also allows me to come back and write that stuff later, so win/win