Affection and audience

When you arrive back at your apartment, you’re greeted as usual by a naked, well rested harpy. Lili is in good spirits as always, and it never fails to brighten your day to see how happy she is that you’re home. You can definitely understand the appeal of the Hybrid program, even if its origins are horrible.

Emi is cheerful as well, if more reserved, and more clothed. The stress of yesterday seems to have faded, and she’s her usual collected but quiet self. As you walk in, you find her sitting on the couch, reading, and you sit down beside her. Immediately, she leans against you, though she only looks up from the book for a moment. The smile on her face tells the story, though, along with the contented sigh she makes as she gets comfortable.

Lili, of course, hops into your lap, wrapping her winged arms around you and nuzzling her face against your chest. She takes a deep breath of your scent, and smiles.

“I’m happy-happy you’re home, Andy! I wish you didn’t have to work-work.”

You chuckle. “That’s the dream, Lili. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening anytime soon. But I’ll always come home to you two.”

Lili cheers, and Emi smiles, though she still doesn’t look up. She does speak, however. “So, a good day, then?”

You shrug. “It was a day. I had a lot on my mind. Yesterday was…an experience.”

Lili nods excitedly. “Yes-yes! I got to dance, and meet other Hybrids, and it was so much fun-fun! Can we do it again soon-soon?”

You laugh, patting her head. “Of course we can. There’s another meeting in a couple weeks.”

Lili bounces excitedly, and hugs you tighter. “Yay-yay! You’re so good to me, yes-yes!”

Emi laughs as well. “Maybe this time it’ll be less of a stressful night, hmm?”

You nod. “Yeah. And speaking of that, I think I should call Harold. We need to know what’s up with him.”

Emi sighs. “Yes, I agree. Hopefully he’s…friendly?”

You shrug. “He seemed sympathetic, at least. But I think he knows more than he let on.”

Emi nods. “You should call, then. Find out what he wants.”

You free your arm from Lili’s embrace, and pull your phone out, along with the strange card he gave you. You dial the number, and it’s only a moment before it’s picked up, though it’s a female voice that you don’t recognize.

“Hello, Albright residence, how may I help you?”

You hesitate, realizing that you never got Harold’s last name. It’s not even on the card he gave you. “Uh…hi, I’m calling for Harold? This is Andy.”

“Of course, Mr Albright is expecting your call. Just a moment.”

There’s a click, and a pause, and after a few moments, you hear Harold’s voice. “Andy! I’m glad you decided to call. How are you doing this afternoon?”

You shake off your confusion quickly. “I’m good, thanks. Just got home from work, and figured I should call you.”

“Excellent! I hope last night wasn’t too traumatic for miss Emi?”

You glance at the cat girl. “It seems like all is well, yeah. I wouldn’t mind talking about it with you some more, though.”

“Of course, of course. That’s to be expected. But I’d rather not discuss it over the phone. If it’s not too much trouble, could I invite you to dinner tonight? I can promise a good meal, Sylvia is a fantastic cook.”

You glance at the girls. “We can probably do that, yes.”

“Splendid! I will send you my address. Dinner is at 7, show up any time. I will speak with you then, and I look forward to seeing Emi and Lili once more.”

With that you say goodbye, and hang up. A moment later, you receive a text message with an address. You chuckle, setting the phone down.