Food, friends, and future

Dinner is as delicious as it looks. Though you’re distracted a bit by what Harold has told you, you eat well. Sylvia notices, and smiles at your enjoyment of the meal, clearly happy that you like the food. Meanwhile, Emi is just picking at her food at first, more affected by the story than you were. Surprisingly, it’s Lili who notices first, and gently teases the cat girl until she manages to get Emi to eat something. Glancing over at you, Lili flashes a smile, and goes back to her own meal, humming happily as she eats. Though she isn’t a genius, it’s easy to underestimate the happy little harpy, especially when it comes to reading other’s moods.

Harold is watching the byplay with interest, a small smile on his face. As he finishes his meal, he nods to you. “It’s nice to watch the three of you interact. You clearly all really care for each other.”

You nod. “We’re a family. A strange one, sure, but yeah, we get along pretty well.”

Lili giggles. “Andy is the best, yes-yes! We get snuggles and food and sexy time, and he lets me be naked-naked! I love-love him, and Emi too!”

You blush slightly at Lili’s forthright exclamation, and you see Harold and Sylvia share a smile. Sylvia covers her smile with her hand, her shoulders shaking in silent laughter. Emi looks at you and smiles, swallowing the bite of food she’s eating.

“I feel the same as Lili, although I’d probably use different words. I never dared dream I would be so happy, until Andy rescued me. And if this is a dream, I’d rather not wake up.”

She reaches over and takes your hand. “I love them both, and I never want anything to happen to them.”

Harold smiles. “Beautiful. I’m so glad I met you three. And I’m so glad that Emi was found by such a compassionate person. Tell me, how many other people know about her?”

“Just one, a doctor.”

You explain to Harold about your concerns about Emi’s health, and your plan to find a doctor. He listens closely as you tell him about how you ended up with Lili, and your meetings with Sam. You don’t go into too many details about your relationship, but he seems to pick up on the fact that it’s more than just professional.

Harold looks at you with a raised eyebrow. “This doctor, you can trust her?”

You nod. “I would say so. We’ve gotten…close.”

He laughs. “I won’t pry into that. She’s risking a lot, though. I should meet her some time. I expect we could learn a lot from each other. Especially if she’s as interested in the escaped Hybrids.”

He grows more serious. “But that brings me to the real reason I asked you here tonight, beyond sharing my story. I think there’s more going on behind the scenes than just the Hybrids, and I want to get to the bottom of it. But I can’t do it alone. I’m not as young as I used to be, and I’m too well known by the people in charge.”

You look at him, curious. “I suppose, but where do I fit in with that? I’m just an average guy.”

He shrugs. “I’m not asking you to go on a spy mission or anything. I simply want you to keep your eyes open for any others in your situation. It’s difficult for me to search without attracting undue attention, because of my past, but if I support you doing it, it gets easier. Especially if your doctor friend is as trustworthy as you say.”

You think for a moment. “And that’s all you want? For me to look for other people harboring runaway Hybrids?”

He nods. “For the time being, yes.”

You think for a moment, looking at Emi. She looks back at you expectantly, seemingly willing to go along with whatever you decide. Lili, meanwhile, seems a bit bored, just humming and bouncing in her seat.