Named

You get a flash of inspiration. “How about Lili?”

She grins, clapping her hands again. “Yes-yes! That’s so cute, I love-love it! I’m Lili!”

She springs forward again, hugging you tightly. You can’t help but smile, once again stroking her soft, green hair. Lili coos, squeezing you and nuzzling against your chest. Though it’s very sudden, you certainly don’t mind the outpouring of affection she’s giving you. Gently, you detach her, putting your hands on her shoulders. She doesn’t seem to mind, smiling brightly up at you. She’s still practically vibrating from excitement, and her red eyes sparkle as she looks at you, expectantly.

You smile back at her. “Well, now that we have a name for you, are you ready to come home, Lili?”

Lili nods excitedly. “Yes-yes! Lili is so-so excited to come home with her new master! Can we go now, please-please?”

You nod. “Of course we can. And I’m sure Emi will be happy to meet you too.”

Lili cocks her head curiously. “Emi? Someone else to meet, yes-yes?”

You smile. “Yes. Emi is…my girlfriend.”

Lili claps her hands, bouncing on her bird like feet. “More friends, yay-yay! Lili is excited to meet this Emi, yes-yes! Do you think Emi will like-like Lili?”

You laugh. “I don’t see how she couldn’t. But there’s only one way to find out.”

You reach out and take Lili’s hand, and the excitable little harpy seems ecstatic. As you walk her to the door, she beams at you, practically skipping alongside you. When you walk out, you find Annette waiting for you. She looks between you and Lili, and smiles.

“I trust that you’re satisfied, sir?”

You nod. “She’s lovely. I think she’ll make a wonderful companion.”

Annette nods. “Excellent. Unless you have any other questions, you’re free to take her home.”

She hands you a packet of papers. “Here are care instructions, as well as contact information. Be sure to get her to the required medical checkup within a week. Otherwise, on behalf of CompanionCorp, I hope you enjoy your Hybrid.”

You take the packet. “That’s it? I can just take her home?”

She nods, as Lili giggles. “Of course! Once you’ve adopted your pet, she’s yours. We’re simply here to provide support, should it be necessary.”

You clamp down on your response to calling Lili a ‘pet’. Though it feels wrong, now isn’t the time for that argument. Instead, you simply offer a handshake.

She shakes your hand, and gestures towards the front. You smile. “Thank you. Hopefully we won’t need anything more. I’ll be sure to take good care of her.”