Reservation and resolve

The meal is fantastic, as expected, and it seems like Sam is getting along well with Harold. Nothing serious is brought up during the meal, but you can tell that both Sam and Emi are thinking about the mission you’ve been given. Lili is, of course, simply happy to be around you, and cheerfully eats and chats throughout the meal. Once everyone finishes eating, you say your goodbyes, and Harold says that he’ll be in touch.

The four of you head out to the car, ready to head back home. As you’re getting in, you pause. You could swear you saw something in the woods outside the compound, but looking again, you can’t spot anything. You shrug, figuring it’s your mind playing tricks on you, with everything that’s happened so far. No need to be paranoid.

You drive home, and aside from Lili singing along with the radio, it’s quiet. Both Emi and Sam are deep in thought, and you’re much the same. There’s no question in your mind that you’re moving forward with this, but your brain keeps running through the possibilities of what could happen. Especially everything that could go wrong. Soon though, you’re pulling in at your apartment building, and the four of you head inside.

You all find your way to the couch, with Lili taking a moment to shed her clothes before jumping into Sam’s lap. Sam laughs, and hugs the harpy, much to Lili’s delight. Emi snuggles up next to you, and for a moment, everyone is quiet.

It’s Sam who speaks first. “So. I guess you have a mission.”

You nod. “I do. Hopefully it goes smoothly.”

Emi squeezes you. “I’m nervous. Do you think they’ll be friendly?”

You shrug, rubbing the cat girl’s back. “Not at first, they’re probably scared of getting caught. But with you there, I think they’ll listen, at least.”

Sam sighs. “Just, please, be careful. You never know what a frightened person will do.”

You smile at her. “What, are you worried about me? That’s so sweet!”

She laughs. “Nah, I’m more into Emi. I’m just using you to get to her!”

Lili pouts. “You like me too, yes-yes? I want to be part of the love-love!”

Sam kisses the harpy to silence her. “Of course, Lili. I don’t think anyone would ever dislike you, you’re adorable. And sexy!”

Lili giggles, clapping her hands happily. You chuckle, shaking your head. “Master manipulator at work there. Lili knows exactly what she’s doing.”

Sam nods. “Of course she does. Not that any of us mind. Seriously, though. Please be careful, Andy. It turns out I kinda like you.”

You smile. “I’ll be careful. We’re just going to talk, right? If it gets weird, we’ll bail out.”

Sam smiles back. “Good. Now, how should we spend the rest of the day? Any ideas?”

Lili gets a huge smile on her face. “Ohh-ohh! I have a good-good idea! No clothes, yes-yes!”

Sam laughs, looking at you.