You take the girls inside.

"Who the hell was that!?"

You give Ashley an apologetic look. "That's our neighbor, Annabelle. I hope she didn't freak you out too much. I guess walking in on me and Tibby relaxed some boundaries for her."

"She walked in on you? Can neighbors just barge into your apartment whenever they want or something?"

"No. I guess she didn't walk in on us so much as she was invited in by Tibby while I was-" you cut yourself off. "You know what, it's a long story."

"Ooookay. As long as I don't have to worry about her walking in while I'm here-" You confirm that she doesn't. "-I'll get myself ready. But I expect to hear that story at some point."

Since you don't have a full-length mirror she makes do with the one in the bathroom. You give her some time to herself, but then decide the open door means she's ok with you being in in there. Joining Ashley at the sink, you put a hand on her back and ask her how she feels.

"Embarassed. Nervous. But excited too. You're not going to make me do stuff are you?"

"Stuff? What do you mean?"

"You know, like, sex stuff." Ashley blushes. "I've seen enough to know what you and Tibby are doing, even if you hadn't just confirmed it."

Turning her around gently, you take her hands. "Ash, you're my best friend. You know I'd never hurt you, right?"

"Of course I know that. I just... despite reading so much about pets, I feel like I have no idea what I'm supposed to do here."

"You're not supposed to do anything. Yeah, Tibby and I have sex. But it's not like that's the only thing we do, I don't start plowing her the moment we're alone."

The corners of Ashley's mouth twitch up. "Oh yeah? Name one non-sexual thing you've done with her."

"Why just the other day-"

"You've only had her for one day."

"Ok, well still. We don't have to do anything, we can just hang out."

And that's exactly what you do, sitting down on the couch and tuning into one of the shows you and Ashley like to watch together.

At some point Ashley gets up to use the restroom. On her way back she notices how Tibby is snuggled into you, and when she sits down she mirrors her pose, resting her head on your right shoulder.

You spend most of the afternoon like that, absentmindedly petting and stroking your girls as you cuddle in front of the TV.

All too soon, Ashley gets up and excuses herself, telling you her mom expects her home for dinner.

"Don't forget to take off the ears this time," you remind her. "Oh, tail too."

"Nah, I'll leave them on," she says flippantly. "Mom didn't react too badly last time. I wonder what she'll say when I tell her I'm quitting my summer job so I can spend more time with you."

You look at her in surprise. "You're doing what?"

"John, I only have a month before college. I need to figure myself out before then, so I don't want to waste any time."

Opening the door, she gives you a kiss on the cheek. "That's for being there for me. Maybe next time you can make me do sex stuff."

And with that she's gone, the last thing you hear before the door closes is her peal of laughter.