Out in public

Sure enough, you find yourself in the car, heading towards a local ice cream place. Sam is riding in the front seat, looking very proud of herself, and in the back seat are Lili and Emi, singing along to the music on the radio. You smile to see them so happy, even if it’s a momentary distraction.

Sam smiles at you, leaning over to kiss your cheek. “I’m glad you agreed to this, Andy. Emi needed it, wether she admits it or not.”

She glances back at the two Hybrids in the back seat. “She’s doing her best to keep a strong front, but I know that she’s a bit shaken after that meeting.”

You nod. “Yeah, it makes sense, she went through a lot. I wish I could do more.”

Sam reaches over and pats your thigh. “You’re doing great, just keep being there for her. That’s the important thing.”

You chuckle. “You say that as if I was considering anything else.”

Sam smiles. “I know. I’m just saying, don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re doing great. And they both love you dearly.”

She blushes slightly. “And if I’m honest, I’m pretty fond of you myself.”

You glance at Sam with a smile. “That’s one way to put it. Well, the feeling is mutual, Sam.”

She grins, and kisses your cheek again. “Anyway, don’t let all this stress you out too much. Like I said, I’ll see what I can do.”

You nod. “Just be careful.”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re repeating yourself. Yes, I’ll be careful. Now, get us to the ice cream!”

You laugh, shaking your head. It’s not long before you pull into the parking lot of the ice cream shop. It’s not terribly busy, as most people are at work, but there’s still a few people there, mostly parents with children. You’ve decided that there’s no reason for Emi to hide what she is anymore, so she’s dressed normally, without any sort of disguise. She’s wearing a simple pair of shorts and a white t-shirt, nothing particularly eye catching. Lili, meanwhile, is as scantily clad as ever when **** to wear clothes. She is wearing shorts as well, but hers are skin tight, and barely cover her backside. The crop top she has chosen is also at the limit of decency, just barely covering her bouncing breasts as the excitable harpy bounces on her toes.

Naturally, your quartet draws attention, particularly from children. Lili in particular, with her skimpy outfit and winged arms, gets a lot of looks. Thankfully, her bright smile and air of childish innocence turns those looks into smiles pretty quickly. It’s very obvious that she’s not trying to be seductive or crude, she’s just a carefree, happy person.

Interestingly, Emi doesn’t get much attention at all. Despite her extra ear and obvious scars, people don’t seem to give her more of a glance than any pretty woman would get. Still, she sticks close by your side, holding tightly to your arm. It’s obvious that what Sam told you is true; Emi is badly shaken by what happened. You’re glad you decided to stay, she clearly needs you close.

The four of you make your way to the counter, where a bored looking teenager takes your order. She doesn’t seem to care about the Hybrids one way or another, which you’re pretty happy to see. Once you all have your ice cream, you find a table outside, and have a seat.

The sun is warm, and the ice cream is cold. You can hardly think of a better way to spend a summer afternoon. The girls seem to agree, and the conversation around the table is cheerful. Even Emi seems to be in a better mood than she was when you arrived. You’re interrupted a couple times by children running over to talk to Lili, who seems delighted to interact with them. They’re gathered up by apologetic parents quickly, but you make it clear that you don’t mind. And Lili seems to love the attention.

All in all, this has been a good trip.