Workday chat

The next day, you have to head back to work. Emi assures you that they’ll be fine at home, but it’s still hard for you to go. Lili gives you a big hug on your way out the door, and the affection you get from both of them puts a smile on your face as you drive to work.

Almost as soon as you walk out into the shop, one of your coworkers comes up to you. It’s Jane, a woman a couple years older than you. She’s always been friendly, though you don’t know her particularly well. She has a big grin on her face, and she’s holding out her phone.

“Hey, Andy! Check this out, I got something great over the weekend!”

She shows you a photo on her phone. It appears to be a muscular, shirtless man, grinning at the camera and flexing. You’re about to question why she’s showing you this, when you notice the horns, and floppy, cow-like ears on his head. Whoever this is, they’re a Hybrid.

Jane continues to talk. “I named him Sean. He’s really strong, that’s why he has those marks on his arms.”

You look again, and sure enough, the bull man has markings on his arms, wrapping around his bulging biceps. They look vaguely similar to the markings Lili has. You suppose that makes sense, since from what you learned, they’re essentially indicative of the Hybrid’s specialization.

Jane grins, putting her phone in her pocket. “He’s really useful to have around, and so affectionate, if you know what I mean!”

Jane winks, and both of you laugh. She shrugs. “He’s not super bright, but that’s ok. It’s nice to have him around. You ever think about getting one?”

You chuckle. “I don’t think I want a bull man in my apartment.”

Jane rolls her eyes. “No no, I mean a Hybrid. It’s like having a pet and a boyfriend rolled into one. Or a girlfriend, I suppose. Either way, Sean is great! A couple other people got Hybrids too. I know Brian over in shipping got a goat girl, she’s pretty cool. I know there’s one or two more, everyone is talking about it.

You think for a moment. There’s probably no harm in mentioning Lili. You got her legitimately, there’s no reason to hide her. Though talking about her like a pet feels odd to you.

You smile at Jane. “Well, I actually have a Hybrid too.”

Jane smiles. “Really? What do you have?”

You shrug. “I don’t have a picture, but she’s a harpy. I named her Lili.”

Jane nods. “I like that. You should get some pictures, though, people will want to see her! A harpy, huh? Like one of those mythological creatures?”

You nod. “She has wings for arms, and bird feet. To answer your next question, yes, she can fly.”

Jane shakes her head. “My next question is what marks does she have? Sean has arm markings because he’s really strong. Brian’s girl has markings on her legs, she’s fast and can climb well. Where’s…what did you name her? Lili? How is she marked?”

You blush slightly. “Ahh…on her stomach.”

Jane raises an eyebrow. “Stomach? Is she a big eater?”

You shake your head. “No, not exactly.”

Jane’s eyes go wide. “Oh. Oh! Well, aren’t you a lucky guy! Now I really need to see a picture!”

You both laugh again. You’re about to say more, but the bell rings, marking the start of your shift. Jane grins, punching your shoulder lightly. “We’ll talk later. See you, Andy!”