Lunchtime wakeup

You’re awoken some time later by Emi gently shaking you. When you open your eyes, she smiles briefly, before gesturing towards your phone, which lies on the arm of the couch.

“It was buzzing. And…I’m a little bit hungry again…”

You laugh. “Well, it’s about lunchtime anyway. I could make us sandwiches if you’d like?”

Emi shrugs. “If it’s not a bother. I don’t want to be a burden on you.”

You reach out and gently pat her head, and once again she seems to practically melt. The smile reappears, which once again gives you a warm feeling inside. You slide your hand down to caress her scarred cheek, and she blushes, putting one of her hands on yours as she leans into your touch. You smile at her for a moment, and then let go, reluctantly.

“I’ll check what’s going on on my phone, then make us some food, ok?”

She nods, sitting back on the couch and watching the tv again. You see her touching her cheek where you did, and smiling to herself. Picking up your phone, you see it’s simply an email notification. It seems you have a response from CompanionCorp already! Opening the mail, you read through.

Mr. Stevens

Thank you for your interest in the CompanionCorp Hybrids product! We have processed your information, and your preference is noted. Currently, all of our Fantasy line of Hybrids are in preorder, and we have no slots available. If you wish to change your preferences, please visit our website and do so. Otherwise, we will inform you if a preorder slot becomes available. Thank you!

You put your phone in your pocket. Nothing to worry about right now, especially since you weren’t actually planning on ‘buying’ one of these so called Hybrids. The concept of buying a creature that’s essentially human seems odd anyway, especially after spending time with Emi. You’re sure others will have no such qualms, as shown by the fact that the preorders are full.

Shrugging, you head off to the kitchen to make some lunch. You call out to Emi, who is still sitting on the couch.

“Hey, is there anything you can’t or shouldn’t eat?”

You see her shake her head. “No. As far as I know, I can eat anything humans can.”

You smile. “Good to know.”

You set about making some simple ham and cheese sandwiches, and grab a bag of chips as well. Once you finish, you bring the food out to the living room, and hand Emi a plate. She shows none of the hesitation she did this morning, immediately beginning to devour the food. She finishes well before you do, and you offer her the rest of the chips, which she practically inhales as well.

Watching her, you laugh. “You seem to be enjoying that.”

Emi nods, a smiling on her face. “It’s so good…”

You laugh again. “If a simple sandwich has this effect on you, I can’t imagine getting you some actual good food!”

Licking her fingers clean, she looks at you. “Actual good food?”

You nod. “I’m not much of a cook, but…here, I’ll show you. There’s always a cooking show on somewhere.”

You flip through the channels, and sure enough, there’s a cooking show. Emi immediately is enraptured, watching the delicious food being cooked. You set the plates aside, and she scoots over next to you. You put an arm around her shoulders, and she leans against you, hugging your hand to her chest once again. The two of you watch, speaking only occasionally, and simply enjoy being close to one another.