Shopping distraction

Over the rest of the weekend, you have to endure some good natured teasing from Emi and Lili. You’re glad they don’t feel threatened by the flirting that happened with the doctor, but you’re surprised by how they seem to be almost pushing you towards her. If you’re completely honest with yourself, you’re not entirely sure what Sam’s motivations are here. She’s taking what must be a huge risk, but why? And why agree to do it so quickly? Is she actually flirting, or is that just her personality? And if she is flirting, what caught her eye?

For now, there’s no answer to those questions. You file it all away as future concerns, and try not to let paranoia take over. For now, you’re thankful she seems to be on your side.

To help distract yourself, you take the girls shopping again. Despite her preference for nudity, Lili loves trying on new outfits. More to the point, she loves showing them off for you. Every time she twirls in a new dress, or dances in a new pair of shorts, the smile on her face is radiant. Even onlookers can’t help but smile at the little harpy’s relentless positivity. Hybrids are still a rare sight in public, but no one seems to mind seeing Lili, her happiness is just infectious.

Emi, meanwhile, is less interested in clothes, though she’ll try on a few things to placate Lili. Instead, the cat girl has developed an insatiable appetite for books. Fiction or nonfiction, any genre, Emi doesn’t seem to care, she simply wants to read everything. You bring her to one of the few book stores that are still open, and her mismatched eyes go wide at the rows and rows of books. The smile that spreads across her face warms your heart, and you end up buying far more than you intended. You offer to get her a tablet or an e-reader so she can just download all the books, but Emi refuses. She says that she prefers the physical book, as the tablets are too reminiscent of what she saw in the facility.

Emi is still disguised, of course, and no one seems to think anything of her beyond being an attractive woman. She actually gets several compliments on her unusual eyes, something that makes her blush. One overly friendly clerk asks about her scars, and Emi mumbles something about a car accident. You quickly step in to change the subject, and Emi gives you an appreciate look. The clerk takes the hint, and drops the topic.

By the time you get home, everyone is worn out, and you order a pizza for dinner instead of cooking. The three of you lounge in the couch and watch television as you eat, and it’s not long before Lili falls asleep, curling up on your lap. Emi doesn’t last much longer, laying her head against your shoulder and closing her eyes. You chuckle as she actually snores softly, something she only does when she’s exhausted.

Careful not to wake them, you slide off the couch. Smiling to yourself, you carry them to the bed, first Lili, then Emi. Climbing in yourself, you notice that they both subconsciously snuggle closer, even in their sleep. Pulling up the covers, you smile and close your eyes as well.