Simple pleasures

You stand up from the couch, looking around the apartment. You eye your computer, wondering if she would understand how to use such a thing. You also look at the television, knowing there’s always plenty to watch. Emi watches you curiously, her hands folded in her lap.

You smile at her. “Well, unfortunately we’re a bit limited to what we can do in the apartment. I don’t think taking you out is a good idea just yet, since you stand out a little.”

She reaches up and touches her ears. “Yes, I don’t want to scare people with my appearance.”

You shake your head. “No, that’s not it at all. You’re very pretty, Emi, but I’m saying people will notice the ears and tail, and if the word gets out to the wrong people, they may try to take you away.”

She nods. “I don’t want that. I like it here. You make me happy. I like you.”

Something about how she says that makes your heart jump. You hesitate, but continue on. “Thank you, Emi. I feel the same, already. But until we know you won’t be taken away, it’s probably better to keep you out of public view.”

She tilts her head, regarding you curiously. “What you say makes sense. Thank you.”

You smile again, and on impulse, you reach out and pat her head. Emi closes her eyes, leaning into your touch, much like an actual cat. Gently, you scratch behind her ears, and a small smile grows on her face again. You come to a decision, and sit back down on the couch, grabbing the remote.

“I suppose it’s easiest if we just find something on the tv to watch.”

She doesn’t respond, instead laying herself on your lap. You rest your hand on her head, and you feel her shiver slightly. Smiling, you turn on the tv, and begin flipping through channels, trying to find something interesting. Emi watches quietly for a while, and then you hear her speak softly.

“Can you…pet me?”

You look down and see her looking back up at you. “Pet you? Like a cat?”

She nods. “Yes. Please? It feels nice. Safe. It makes me happy. I like it.”

You gently begin to stroke her soft, dark hair, and she sighs happily, turning back to the tv. Finally, you settle on a channel, some sort of reality home renovation show, and simply pet her as you watch. After a bit, she reaches out and pulls your other hand down, resting her cheek against it. Softly, you feel her kiss the tip of one of your fingers, sending a shiver through you. Hugging your arm, she seems to be comfortable, as you continue petting her. Both of you sit in comfortable quiet, watching the television and enjoying the closeness.

After a while, you feel tiredness set in. The long night, along with a rather exciting morning, have taken a toll, and your eyelids grow heavy. Emi’s warmth is comfortable, and even as you drift, you unconsciously keep stroking her head.