A simple disguise

You find yourself relaxing at the table as once again Emi devours every scrap of food you put in front of her. She clearly was underfed before coming to you, and you’re happy to see her getting what she needs. She pauses in her eating to cough quietly, then immediately goes back to eating, her tail flicking back and forth behind her.

As you watch her, an idea forms in your mind. Standing, you go to your hall closet and rummage around, until you find what you’re looking for. Emi looks at you curiously as you come back to the table, and you smile as you set a winter hat down next to her plate.

She swallows the food in her mouth and looks at you in confusion. “What is this for? I don’t need a hat.”

You chuckle. “Well, we need to get you some more clothes, but we also can’t let people know what you are, at least not yet. The hat will hide your ears.”

She furrows her brow. “But what about my eyes? And my tail?”

You shrug. “It’s a big enough city that there’s people who wear tails sometimes. People may look at you a little funny, but it won’t make them call the authorities. And as for your eyes, that’s even easier. People will assume they’re contacts. Hell, with the scars, people may even assume it’s a costume of some kind.”

Emi gently touches the scarred side of her face. “People won’t be scared of me? Of…this?”

You shake your head. “Of course not. Emi, you’re beautiful, and the scars don’t change that. But I won’t make you go out if you’d rather just stay here.”

She smiles at your answer. “So…I can go with you? Go…out?”

You smile and nod. “That’s the plan! I want to buy you some new clothes.”

Her smile grows, and she claps her hands excitedly. Bouncing up from her chair, she comes over and hugs you tightly. “I’m so glad you found me, Andy! I’m so lucky!”

You chuckle and hug her back, gently petting her head. Her three ears flick as your fingers brush against them, and she squeezes you even more. You feel once again that warmth inside you as she nuzzles against your chest. When she finally releases you, she looks at you with wet eyes, a big smile on her face.

“So, umm…when can we go?”

You laugh, looking around for your keys. You grab them, and the hat, and smile as you put it on her head. Stepping back to look at her, you nod. While she looks a little odd in the orange dress and black winter hat, she could easily pass for a college student now. Even her tail doesn’t seem that unusual. Taking Emi’s hand, you lead her toward the door, and you can see the excitement on her face.