Chapter 16: Sanctuary

Dave’s heart pounded as they ducked into the abandoned Chungo's, a fast-food restaurant chain that had gone out of business last year. They'd run through the woods until they came to this place, in an abandoned strip-mall on an unused road, scheduled for demolition sometime next year. The scent of mildew and decay was thick in the air. The once-bright signage was now faded, the windows shattered, and the booths covered in a layer of dust. Liki moved with her usual grace, her feline-like eyes scanning the area for any potential threats. Dave, on the other hand, was a mess—his shirt clung to his sweat-soaked skin, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

“We’re safe here,” Liki said softly, her voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through them both. She turned to him, her green-gold eyes locking onto his. “For now.”

Dave leaned against the counter, trying to steady his breathing. “Safe? They were shooting at us, Liki. Shooting. What the hell is going on?”

She stepped closer, her small frame dwarfed by his broad shoulders, and placed a hand on his chest. “I don’t know everything... But I know you’re scared. I can help… if you let me," she said, trying to sound serious.

He looked down at her, her face upturned, her expression soft yet intense. Her touch was warm, grounding, and for a moment, he allowed himself to forget the chaos outside. “Help how?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Liki’s lips curved into a slight smile. “By showing you that you don't have to be scared of me. That you can trust me.” Her hands slowly moved down his body, her meaning clear.

Dave swallowed hard, his mind warring with his instincts. She was dangerous—he knew that. She had been engineered for infiltration, for manipulation. He'd watched her (probably) kill a man, and she may have been involved in the death of at least one more. But the way she looked at him, the way her touch made his skin burn, it was hard to remember why he should resist.

“Liki…” he started, but she cut him off, pulling his arms and directing him to sit on a mostly intact bench. She was so small, so delicate, yet her presence was overwhelming.

“Dave,” she whispered, her breath warm against his neck. “I can smell that you're scared. You're scared of those men, but you're also scared of me. Let me show you that I don't want to hurt you. Let me help you to feel safe... the only way I know how."

Her words sent a shiver down his spine, and he felt himself giving in, the tension in his body slowly unraveling. She reached out, her fingers tangling in his hair. She moved closer and closer until their lips met. The kiss was intense, a spark igniting between them that neither could ignore. Liki’s hands slid up his chest, over his shoulders, and down his arms, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. When she broke the kiss, her eyes were dark with desire, her breathing as ragged as his.

“Do you trust me, Dave?” she asked, her voice husky.

Dave hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “I... I think so.”

Liki took his hand, her fingers intertwining with his, and led him deeper into the restaurant. They passed the empty kitchen, the rusted fryers and broken equipment a stark reminder of the world they’d left behind. She pushed open a door to the break room, revealing an old couch that had seen better days. The room was dimly lit, the only light was a beam of moonlight coming from a cracked window, but it felt oddly intimate, like a sanctuary in the midst of chaos.

Liki turned to him, her eyes searching his face. “Do you really trust me?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Dave cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks. “Yes, I’m sure.”

She stepped back and started unbuttoning the oversized work shirt she was wearing until she stood before him in only her panties. The tied t-shirt she'd been wearing as a skirt had been lost somewhere in the dark woods. The sight of her bare skin, pale and perfect in the dim light, took his breath away. She hesitated for a moment, her hands resting on the waistband of her panties, then she slowly slid them down her legs. She stood before him, completely bare, her body trembling with anticipation.

“This is the only thing I could think of... Are you still scared of me?” she whispered, her voice trembling with vulnerability. She sounded so uncertain, and it tore at something deep within him.

Dave smiled softly, a gentle warmth spreading through him. He closed the distance between them, his hand reaching out to touch her face. “I’m a little scared…” he murmured, his voice low and steady. He knelt down to meet her at eye level, his gaze locking with hers. "I'm scared of how beautiful you are right now."

Dave couldn't believe that he'd just said something so cheesy. But as the tears appeared in Liki's eyes he realized that it wasn't cheesy to her at all. She smiled through her tears, a soft, genuine smile that made his heart ache.

Naked and vulnerable before him, Liki’s gesture was simple yet profound. Her trust in him had melted away the last traces of Dave’s fear, leaving only awe in its place. He couldn’t help but admire her gentleness and kindness, her desire to make him feel safe. It may have been the only thing she could think of, but it had worked, and Dave suddenly realized that it wasn't his words that mattered to her. She had smelled the men before they even broke down his door. She said they smelled like 'bad people'. She could smell his emotional state. She could smell that he was no longer afraid.

Liki stepped close to Dave, who was still kneeling, her small hands cupping his face as she pressed her lips to his in a deep, lingering kiss. Her small tongue swirled into his mouth, and Dave gently sucked on it. His hands instinctively settled on her hips, pulling her closer as he kissed her back with a hunger that surprised even him. Now it was his turn; he pressed his tongue forward, exploring her warm, wet mouth. She giggled softly, a sound that was both innocent and intoxicating, as she tugged at his shirt. Breaking the kiss only briefly, she pulled the shirt over his head and tossed it aside with a playful flair.

Her hands moved lower, her touch both confident and tender as she unbuckled his belt. Dave didn’t stop her, as she slid his pants down his hips. He stood up, letting her remove them completely. Now they were both naked under the moonlight. She held out her hand, and Dave took it without hesitation, her grip warm and reassuring.

She guided Dave to the old couch and pushed him gently onto the worn cushions, her body following as she straddled him. Her movements were tender and deliberate, her eyes never leaving his as she positioned herself above him. Dave’s heart throbbed in his chest as she reached down, her fingers wrapping around his hardened length, guiding him to her entrance. "Is this okay?" she asked.

Dave nodded.

Their eyes locked as she slowly, teasingly, lowered herself onto him, her warmth enveloping him. Dave’s hands returned to her hips, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his rough fingers. Liki paused for a moment, letting them both adjust to the sensation, her breath shallow. Dave ran his hands up her sides and back down, tightening around her waist.

Then, with a soft moan, she began to move, her hips rolling in slow, deliberate circles. Dave sighed in response, his own hips rising to meet her rhythm. The pace was unhurried, almost reverent, as if they were savoring every moment, every touch, every shared breath. Liki’s hands rested on his chest for balance, her fingers digging into his skin as she leaned forward, her lips brushing against his. “Dave,” she whispered, her voice a mix of plea and promise.

Dave’s hands moved upward, tracing the curve of her spine, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together, her breasts against his chest. Their rhythm quickened as the intensity built, the sound of their breaths and the creak of the old couch filling the small room. This was real, Dave thought, his mind overwhelmed by the sheer intimacy of it all. Not just the physical connection, but the way Liki looked at him, the way she moved with him, the way she made him feel like he was more than just a survivor in a broken world.

It was a collision of need and desire, a merging of two souls that had been searching for each other in a world that had tried to tear them apart. It no longer mattered to either that one was a human and one was... not. Liki’s soft moans filled the room, her hands clutching at his back as she neared the edge.

Dave’s grip on her hips tightened as he felt the tension building in his body, the pleasure coiling tightly in his abdomen. He leaned forward, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “I’m close.”

Liki’s breath hitched, her body arching into his as she managed to gasp, “You are.” Dave wasn’t quite sure if she’d understood what he meant, but her movements became more urgent, her rhythm faltering slightly as she teetered on the edge.

Dave’s voice was low, almost teasing, as he murmured, “Let’s go over the waterfall together.”

The absurdity of the phrase, so out of place in the heat of the moment, caught Liki off guard. A soft, breathless laugh escaped her lips, her body trembling with the effort to hold back. But the laugh was enough to push her over the edge. Her head fell back, her moans filling the small room as her body convulsed around him, her release crashing over her like a tidal wave.

Surrendering to the sensation, Dave’s own climax followed, his body shuddering as he held her tightly, their hearts pounding in unison. For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist, the chaos and danger fading into the background. There was only the two of them, connected in a way that felt both fragile and unbreakable.

Liki’s body leaned forward, her forehead resting against his chest as she struggled to catch her breath. Her laughter had subsided, but a faint smile still lingered on her lips.

For a long moment, they lay there, their bodies entwined, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the room. Liki’s hand rested on his chest, her fingers tracing idle patterns on his skin. For a few seconds neither of them cared that they were naked and sweating on a dirty couch, on the run from unknown killers.

“Dave?” she whispered, her voice soft.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

He turned to look at her, his heart swelling with nameless emotions. “For what?”

“For believing me. For trusting me.”

Dave sat up, brushing a kiss against her forehead.

"Dave?" she whispered again.

"Yeah?"

"You said that thing weird thing that made me laugh... What does 'Let's go over the waterfall together' mean?" she giggled.

"It's like... I dunno, it's just a romantic thing to say, I think," Dave answered seriously.

“Mmhmm,” she murmured, her voice teasing but tender.

"It was from a TV show, and it was a really romantic TV show, ok?" he said with mock indignation in his voice as he ran his fingers up her sides, tickling her.

Liki squealed and squirmed but didn't try to escape his fingers.

Chapter 17: Succor

Dave’s fingers stilled, and Liki let out a contented sigh, curling up against him on the old, dusty couch. The remnants of their intimacy lingered in the air, a warmth that contrasted sharply with the cold, abandoned fast-food restaurant around them. Dave glanced down at her, his heart swelling with a mixture of affection and unease. She was so innocent, so trusting, but the events of the past day had shaken him to his core.

“We should get dressed,” Dave murmured, running a hand through his tousled hair. Liki nodded obediently, though her eyes lingered on him with a soft, longing gaze. They both stood, picking up their scattered clothes from the floor. Dave’s jeans were stiff and damp from their earlier escape, but they’d have to do. Liki slipped her panties back on and buttoned up the work shirt she'd taken from Dave's closet, the fabric loosely draped over her small body both comically and adorably.

As they finished dressing, Dave patted his pockets, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach. “Shit,” he muttered. “My phone’s gone. Must’ve left it in the house when we ran away. Well, we can't go back there. They might be waiting for us.”

Liki tilted her head, her expression worried. Without words, she conveyed her concern through her wide, questioning eyes. Dave sighed, running a hand over his face. “No way to call for help, or even a drone ride. We’re stuck here.”

Then, an idea struck him. “Wait… Precog Foodz. If I think about food, my chip will send out an order. They’ll track my location and send a delivery. It’s our best shot.”

Liki blinked, her curiosity piqued. Dave closed his eyes, focusing on the thought of a specific food—Crickers, the blue-flavored cricket protein wafers he liked. He imagined the taste, the texture, and visualized his current location: the abandoned Chungo’s restaurant. If my brain chip’s signal is strong enough, they’ll send someone by tomorrow evening, he thought.

“Alright,” Dave said, opening his eyes. “Now we wait.”

They found a relatively clean corner of the restaurant and huddled together for warmth, sitting on one of the cushions from the old couch. The night passed slowly, the silence broken only by the occasional creak of the building settling. Liki’s body pressed against his was a small comfort, her warmth a reminder that they were still alive, still together.

*

When morning came, the sunlight filtering through the grimy windows, Dave woke to find Liki already awake, watching him with those striking green eyes. “Morning,” he mumbled, stretching stiffly.

Liki smiled softly, her fingers brushing against his arm. She seemed calm, but Dave could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her gaze kept flicking toward the windows. She’s as on edge as I am, he realized.

To pass the time, Dave began humming a tune—one of those ridiculous Chungo’s jingles that had been stuck in his head since last night. He sang under his breath, his voice a low rumble. "Put the Chungo's in your mouth. Taste the Chungo's. It tastes good. Chew the Chungo's with your teeth. Here at Chungo's, we sell food." It was one of those semi-ironic, ultra-factual type of commercials that were so popular lately.

Liki’s head tilted, her ears perking up. “What… is that?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dave froze, staring at her. “It's the Chungo's commercial from TV.”

She gazed up at him, her expression one of pure fascination. “It’s… beautiful,” she said, her voice trembling with awe.

Dave’s chest tightened. Has she never heard someone sing a song before? Of course she hasn't, he thought bitterly. She's only, what? 5 days old? He forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s just a dumb commercial song. But if you like it, I’ll keep singing.”

And so, he did. The hours dragged on, marked by the rising sun and the occasional sound of distant traffic. Liki stayed close, her head resting on his shoulder as he sang and talked, telling her stories about his childhood, his favorite foods, anything to keep their minds off the danger lurking outside.

Finally, around 5:30 pm, the sound of a vehicle pulling into the parking lot made them both freeze. Dave peeked through the window, his heart pounding. It was a Precog Foodz delivery drone, and exiting from the rear cargo door was Mia, the delivery girl who usually brought his orders. Her cheerful demeanor was a stark contrast to the tense situation they were in.

“Stay here,” Dave whispered to Liki, though he knew she wouldn’t listen. He stepped out of the restaurant, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. “Mia!”

Mia’s eyes widened as she took in his disheveled appearance. “Dave? What happened to you?”

"It's... it's a long story. But basically, dangerous people broke into my house," Dave said quickly, his voice low and urgent. "They’re after Liki and me. We barely got out alive." He glanced over his shoulder, half-expecting to see their pursuers emerging from the shadows. We’re not safe here, he thought, his pulse quickening. "I lost my phone when we ran, so I can't call for help or for a ride."

Mia’s eyes widened, and she took a step back, her usual cheer replaced by concern. "What? Who are they? What do they want?"

Dave shook his head, his jaw tightening. "I don’t know exactly, but they’re not the kind of people you want to mess with. They’re armed, dangerous, and they’re looking for Liki. She’s… special. They want her back... I think."

Mia glanced at Liki, who stood silently beside Dave, confidence in her green eyes. "Back? What do you mean, back?"

Dave hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "It’s complicated," he said finally. "But they’re not going to stop until they find her. We need to get out of here, now."

Mia frowned, her expression torn between worry and curiosity. "Dave, if this is serious, you should go to the authorities. They can protect you."

"The authorities?" Dave laughed bitterly. "These people might be the authorities. They might be military. Trust me, the best thing we can do is disappear for a while. We need to get somewhere safe, somewhere they won’t think to look."

Liki spoke up. "They had guns and they shot at us and we ran away until we came here to Chungo's. They used to sell food here, but not anymore..." Liki looked down sadly, and Dave pulled her closer.

Mia’s eyes widened, her mouth opening slightly in shock. "Wait, you can talk?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. She looked from Liki to Dave, her brows furrowing. "But… I thought Wimils…"

Dave exchanged a quick glance with Liki, who met his gaze calmly. "Yeah," he said simply, unsure how much to explain. "She can talk... Like I mentioned the other day, she's special," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. "Right now, we just need to focus on getting out of here. I promise to tell you all about Liki another time."

Mia nodded slowly, though her eyes lingered on Liki with a newfound intensity. "Right. I can call a ride for you," she said, her voice steadying. "Let’s get you two somewhere safe."

As she pulled out her device to call the autonomous taxi, Dave felt a wave of relief. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “You’re a lifesaver. We don't need the food in my order, you can keep it. I just picked something random so that you'd show up. Oh, and don’t go to my house again or respond to any order from my account unless I order something specific. They might be watching the house. When I order... uh, what's that terrible brand of artificial celery?”

"Celerefol?" Mia suggested.

"Yeah, when I order Celerefol, you'll know it's safe to send deliveries to my house again."

Mia smiled, though her eyes lingered on Liki with a mix of curiosity and something else—something Dave couldn’t quite place. “No problem. What’s in this order, by the way?”

“Crickers,” Dave replied. “The blue-flavor ones."

“Oh my god, I love those ones,” Mia said, her enthusiasm genuine.

Mia stayed with Dave and Liki, asking questions about the deepening mystery as they waited for their ride. Ten minutes later, a notification appeared on her device that the autonomous taxi was arriving. As the Atax car pulled up, Liki tugged on Dave’s shirt. “Can you… pick me up?” she asked softly, her green eyes pleading. “I want to talk to Mia.”

Dave hesitated, glancing at Mia, who was still standing nearby, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. “Uh, sure,” he said, lifting Liki into his arms so she was at eye level with the delivery girl.

Liki’s small hands rested on Dave’s shoulders for balance as she turned to Mia. “Thank you for helping us,” she said, her voice quiet but sincere. Her words were carefully measured, as though she were testing their weight in the air.

Mia smiled, though her eyes flicked to Dave for a moment, as if asking for silent permission. “You’re welcome,” she replied.

Then, before anyone could react, Liki leaned forward, putting her hand on Mia's cheek as she pressed a soft kiss to the delivery girl's lips. It was brief but deliberate, a gesture that caught both Dave and Mia completely off guard. Mia froze, her cheeks flushing faintly, while Dave’s grip on Liki tightened instinctively. God, this girl loves to kiss, Dave thought.

Liki pulled back, her expression calm and unreadable, as if she had simply been stating a fact. “Thank you,” she repeated, her voice steady.

Mia blinked, her usual composure shaken. “Uh… you’re welcome,” she stammered, clearly unsure how to respond. "I... I still can't figure out that smell... is that some certain brand of perfume, Liki?"

"No, it's just me," she said, enigmatically.

Dave set Liki down, his heart pounding for reasons he couldn’t fully explain. “Let’s go,” he said quickly, his voice a little rougher than he intended. Liki nodded, her hand slipping into his as they turned toward the waiting Atax.

Dave helped Liki into the backseat, his heart racing as he glanced around the parking lot, half-expecting their pursuers to appear at any moment.

“Thank you, Mia,” he said again, climbing into the car. “We owe you one.”

Mia waved, her smile fading as she watched them drive away. Dave settled into the seat, Liki’s warmth pressing against his side. The car sped off, leaving the abandoned Chungo’s behind.

“Where are we going?” Liki asked softly, uncertainly.

Dave hesitated. "Where do you want to go?" he said.

"With you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Chapter 18: Accommodation

The city skyline was ablaze with neon lights as the autonomous taxi pulled up to the curb of the downtown hotel. Liki pressed her face against the window, her eyes wide with wonder at the towering buildings and bustling streets. Dave couldn’t help but smile at her childlike awe, even as the weight of their situation lingered in the back of his mind.

“Stay close,” he said, opening the door and stepping out. Liki hopped down after him, her hand immediately gripping his for reassurance. Her touch was warm, anchoring him in the chaos of the city. They walked into the hotel lobby, its opulent decor a stark contrast to the shabby place they’d been hiding in. Dave had stayed at this particular hotel a few times before when he had to go into Philly for big work meetings.

The concierge, dressed in a crisp uniform, eyed them with a polite but wary expression. “Welcome. How may I assist you?”

“We need a room,” Dave said, trying to keep his voice steady. He thought about how they must look. He was wearing only his work pants, black socks and a white t-shirt. Liki was wearing Dave's baggy work shirt and nothing else.

The concierge’s gaze flicked to Liki, who was tugging at the hem of the big shirt. “I’m afraid we have a strict policy against pets and bio-pals,” he said, his tone apologetic but firm. “too many uh... toilet accidents on the floor...”

Liki’s ears perked up, and she stepped forward, her chin tilting defiantly. “I’m not a pet,” she declared, her voice surprisingly confident. “I'm a F-7 series and I can use a toilet all by myself, just like a real person. Bring a toilet and I'll prove it!”

The concierge blinked, momentarily speechless. “Look, we’ll find somewhere else,” Dave said blushing. He grabbed Liki’s hand and steered her toward the exit. Liki stuck her tongue out at the concierge as they left, her indignant defiance making Dave chuckle despite himself.

"Wow, you're a little mongoose,” he said, laughing.

“No, I'm a Wimil,” she replied, squeezing his hand. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and for a moment, it was easy to forget the danger they were in.

Dave smiled as they stepped out onto the bustling sidewalk, the cool night air brushing against his face. He glanced down at Liki, her hand still clutching his, and couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. “You know,” he said, his voice warm, “You really stood up for yourself back there.”

Liki’s ears twitched, and she looked up at him, her green eyes wide with curiosity. “I did?”

“Yeah,” Dave said, squeezing her hand gently. “You didn’t let that guy talk down to you. You were strong, clear—it was your voice. And you meant it.”

She blinked, her expression thoughtful. “I just… didn’t want him to think I'm not a person just because I'm a Wimil. I’m not a pet. I’m your… partner.” The word came out hesitantly, as if she was still getting used to the idea.

Dave’s heart swelled at her words. “You are,” he said firmly. “And you sure showed him. You’re more than just a regular Wimil. You’re smart, brave, you know exactly what you want and you keep trying until you get it… You're amazing. You didn’t let him win.”

Liki’s cheeks flushed pink, and she looked down at her bare feet, a small smile playing on her lips. “I just wanted to make you proud.”

“You did,” Dave said, stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to turn and face her. He cupped her chin gently, lifting her gaze to meet his. “You're full of surprises.”

She leaned into his touch, her eyes soft with affection. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I want to be strong—for you, for us.”

“You already are,” Dave said, his voice steady. “And I’m lucky I met you.”

For a moment, they stood there, the city moving around them as if they were the only two people in the world. Then Liki’s smile widened, and she tugged his hand, pulling him forward. “Come on,” she said, her tone playful.

They found a smaller, less fancy hotel a few blocks away. The front desk was manned by a young dark-skinned woman with a bright smile and curious eyes. Her nametag read “Jenoa.”

“Hi there!” Jenoa greeted them cheerfully. Her gaze immediately landed on Liki, and her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my gosh, is that a Wimil? She’s adorable!”

Liki tilted her head, her cat-like eyes studying Jenoa with interest. “Hello,” she said, her voice soft but clear.

Jenoa gasped. “She can talk? I’ve never met a Wimil that could talk!”

Dave stepped in, trying to keep things moving. “We’d like a room, please.”

“Of course, of course!” Jenoa said, still staring at Liki. She handed Dave a tablet to complete the check-in process but kept her attention firmly on Liki. “So, what’s it like being a Wimil? Do you have, like, favorite foods? Can you read? Do you sleep like us, or do you just, I don’t know, recharge or something?”

Liki blinked, processing the barrage of questions. “I… I like cuddles,” she said finally, her tone earnest. “And I sleep. I dream, too.”

Jenoa’s jaw dropped. “You dream? That’s amazing! I mean, I knew Wimils were advanced now, but that’s just… wow.”

Jenoa’s eyes sparkled with fascination as she leaned over the counter. “So, what kinds of dreams do you have? Are they like ours? Do you, like, see colors and stuff?”

Liki tilted her head, her ears twitching as she considered the question. “I dream about Dave,” she said simply, her voice soft but steady. “And I had a dream about flowers. I like the way they smell.”

Jenoa clasped her hands together, her excitement almost palpable. “That’s so cute! You’re like… magic.”

Liki’s cheeks flushed, and she glanced up at Dave, her hand tightening around his. “I’m not magic,” she said shyly. “I’m just… me.”

“You’re amazing,” Jenoa gushed. “I’ve been saving up to get a Wimil of my own someday. Do you think… do you think I’d be a good owner?”

Liki hesitated, her green eyes flicking to Dave as if seeking guidance. He gave her a small nod, encouraging her to speak her mind. “If you’re kind,” she said carefully, “and if you pay attention to them and take good care of them… then yes. But a Wimil isn’t a pet. Wimils are people. They can be your friend and they can love you.”

Dave swallowed hard. He'd bought her as a luxury item. Something soft to hold at night. Now here she was teaching him how to be human. He glanced down at Liki, her hand still in his, and a pang of guilt tightened his chest. A week ago Wimils were just fancy pets to him—adorable, intelligent, sure, but still pets. Now, as she stood there, her green eyes filled with determination and her voice strong enough to challenge a stranger, he couldn’t help but feel ashamed of himself. Has Liki ever thought about that? he wondered. Has she realized I'd once seen her as something... less?

His grip on her hand tightened unconsciously. If she figured it out, would she think less of him? Would she see him as just another human who’d underestimated her, even if he’d changed since then? The thought gnawed at him, a quiet dread settling in his stomach. Liki was so much more than he’d expected—stronger, smarter, and more determined to carve out her own identity. Would she still care about me if she knew the truth?

Dave glanced down at her again, his heart aching with a mix of love and fear. He didn’t want to lose her, not now, not ever. But he also didn’t want to hide a anything from her. She deserved to know everything, even if it meant risking what they had. Because she’s not just a Wimil, he reminded himself. And she deserves the truth.

For now, though, he pushed the thought aside, focusing on the warmth of her hand in his and the way she leaned into him, as if he were the only safe place for her, an island in a dark sea. Dave broke from his thoughts and snapped back to reality.

Jenoa was still talking to Liki. Her smile softened, and she nodded thoughtfully. “You’re so right. I’ll remember that. I won't become a Wimil owner... I'll become a Wimil friend. Thanks, Liki.”

Dave cleared his throat, trying to steer the conversation back to their immediate needs. “We’d better get settled in,” he said, offering Jenoa a polite smile. “Thanks for the room.”

Jenoa pulled her attention away from Liki and nodded, handing Dave the keycard. “Of course! You’re in Room 604. Elevator’s to your left. And, Liki—thank you.” Her eyes lingered on Liki for a moment longer before she turned back to her work.

As they walked toward the elevator, Liki looked up at Dave, her expression thoughtful. “Do you think she’ll be a good Wimil partner someday?” she asked quietly.

Dave smiled down at her, his hand resting on her shoulder. “If she takes your advice, yeah. She’ll do just fine.”

They stepped into the elevator, and Dave pressed the 6 button. Liki clung to Dave’s arm, her body tense. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice gentle.

Liki frowned, her ears twitching. “This room… something's wrong with it. It makes me feel weird."

Dave chuckled, ruffling her hair. “It’s called an elevator. It moves us up and down. You’ll get used to it.”

She nodded, though her grip on his arm didn’t loosen. When the doors opened, she stepped out cautiously, as if she expected the floor to disappear beneath her. "The hallway changed!" she exclaimed, amazed.

Dave led her to their room, a modest but clean space with a king-sized bed and a small window overlooking the city. Liki’s mood shifted instantly. She bounced onto the bed, her laughter filling the room. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched her. Despite everything, she still found joy in the simplest things. It was a reminder of why he’d fallen for her in the first place.

He sat down on the bed and she leaned into him, her body warm against his. “Dave… what happens now?”

He hesitated, his mind racing. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But we’ll figure it out together.”

Liki looked up at him, her green eyes searching his. “Promise?”

“Promise,” he said, his voice firm.

"Good! We'll do it together... If we both do our jobs, we can escape from the bad guys!" she exclaimed gleefully.

"Our jobs? What's my job?" said Dave, genuinely curious.

"You make the plans and buy the stuff."

Dave laughed, "And what's your job?"

"I protect you," she whispered. She took hold of his hand and held it tightly to her chest.

Chapter 19: Bubbles

Dave sat on the edge of the hotel bed, his mind racing. Without a phone, we’re practically invisible in this city, he thought. His hand instinctively reached for the empty space in his pocket where his device used to be. He needed to figure out what to do next—clothes, a new phone, maybe even some way to disguise themselves. And then there was work. He’d have to contact his boss soon, explain… something. What exactly, he wasn’t sure yet. But it could wait. For now, they were safe, and that was enough... almost. They needed food. Dave turned on the TV and started ordering food from the room service channel. Liki watched him for a while, fascinated. When he finished, Dave put the remote control down and said "We've got a real bed, so I'm going to take a quick nap. Let the room service guy in if I'm asleep when he gets here, ok?"

"Okay!" she chirped. Dave climbed all the way onto the bed and closed his eyes.

Liki wandered into the bathroom, her bare feet padding softly against the tile floor. Her eyes lit up when she saw the massive Jacuzzi tub. She tilted her head, studying the faucet intently, then reached out to turn the knob. Water gushed out, steam rising as it filled the tub. She danced, spinning in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection. The oversized shirt that she took from Dave's closet to play dress-up hung loosely on her petite frame. She collected the loose material at her waist and balled it behind her back, tightening the shirt-dress. She admired the slimmer fit for a moment, then let it go and started to get undressed.

“Dave!” she called out, her voice echoing slightly in the bathroom. “I’m taking off my clothes! Come see!” She wriggled out of the shirt and her underwear, letting them fall to the floor. She stood there for a moment, her skin glowing under the soft bathroom light. She looked over her shoulder, expecting Dave to appear in the doorway, but the room remained silent.

Poking her head out of the bathroom, she saw Dave still slumped on the bed, his chest rising and falling in the rhythm of deep sleep. She padded over to him quietly, her feline grace making no sound. A small smile tugged at her lips as she grabbed a pillow and gently lifted his head to slide it underneath. He’s so tired, she thought, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. He's working so hard to keep me safe. But I’ll keep him safe too. She laid down beside him and rested her eyes for a while.

As she lay next to Dave, she heard the water in the bathroom automatically shut off; the tub was full. She got up, and saw Dave was still asleep. She tip-toed back into the hot and steamy bathroom, but a sudden knock at the door startled her. Her ears twitched, and she froze for a moment, her instincts on high alert. She glanced at Dave, still sound asleep, and decided to answer it herself.

Cautiously, she opened the door to reveal a young man with black hair and a crisp hotel uniform. He had a cart with several covered trays on it. His eyes widened when he saw Liki standing there completely naked, and he quickly averted his gaze, his cheeks darkening with embarrassment.

Liki tilted her head, studying him with curiosity. “Who are you?” she asked, her tone innocent but tinged with suspicion.

“I-I’m from room service,” the young man stammered, his voice cracking slightly. “Your, uh, your owner ordered food.”

“Owner? Do you mean Dave?” Liki echoed, her brow furrowing. “Do you know Mia? She brings food to Dave’s house.”

The young man blinked, clearly flustered. “I don’t know a Mia, miss. I’m just delivering the food your friend ordered.”

Liki narrowed her eyes, her instincts kicking in. “Are you one of the bad guys?” she asked bluntly, stepping closer to him. She leaned in, sniffing the air around him. He doesn’t smell like a bad guy, she thought. But that doesn’t mean he’s not one.

“N-no, I promise!” the young man said, holding up his free hand as if to ward her off. “I’m just here to deliver your food.”

Liki stared at him for a long moment, then nodded. “Okay. You can come in. But if you try anything, I’ll protect Dave.”

The young man swallowed hard and quickly grabbed a covered tray and a plate from his cart, setting the tray on the table and the smaller dish beside it. He tried to avoid looking at Liki, his face still flushed, as he hurried to finish his task. Dave remained asleep, completely unaware of the interaction.

As the young man turned to leave, Liki remembered the male concierge from the other hotel and she suddenly spoke up. “Wait,” she said, her tone challenging. “If you're one of those humans that thinks I can't use a toilet, you're wrong! I can use the toilet just like a human can. I can prove it.”

The young man froze, his eyes widening in horror. “Uh… um, no I believe you,” he said quickly, visibly blushing.

Liki put her hands on her hips, her expression defiant. “Are you sure? I'm better at it than you, I bet. I've used a toilet lots of times!”

She was lying. She'd used the toilet exactly five times in her whole life, but she couldn't let this human who probably doubted her toilet skills know that.

“I-I’m sure,” the young man stammered, backing toward the door. “Have a nice evening!”

He practically bolted out of the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Liki smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. Another human who underestimated me, she thought with satisfaction. But I showed him.

She turned her attention to the food on the table, her nose twitching from all the unfamiliar smells of the human food. For a moment, she considered waking Dave, but he looked so peaceful. He needs the rest, she decided, leaving the food untouched.

Recognizing a smell, she looked under the cover of the smaller plate that the food man had left on the table. Her eyes lit up when she recognized the familiar Wimil pellets. She grabbed a handful and pushed them all into her mouth, the familiar taste making her realize just how hungry she was as she chewed.

Carrying the plate with her, she returned to the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection. She tilted her head, studying the way her hair swirled as she shook her head and the way her skin gleamed under the soft light. She took another handful of pellets, eating them slowly as she continued to observe herself.

Her gaze traveled over her form, from the curve of her hips to the slope of her shoulders. She turned slightly, catching a different angle in the mirror, and smiled. I’m beautiful... and strong, she thought, a sense of pride swelling within her. She could talk like a human, and use a toilet just like a human.

"I'm the best at using the toilet. No one can beat me!" she growled into the mirror, trying to look tough.

She reached up, running her fingers through her hair, then placed a hand on her hip, striking a playful pose. Her damp skin caught the light, making her appear almost ethereal. She took another pellet from her plate, popping it into her mouth as she continued to admire herself.

Her reflection stared back at her, those glowing green eyes filled with determination. Her image reminded her of something she'd seen on the TV when Dave was at work. She wrapped a towel around herself like the woman in the commercial.

"I’m not just here to survive... I’m here to thrive. And I’ll do it my way... with Peridax pads! Number one in absorbency," she recited confidently.

For a moment, she considered waking Dave to show off her confidence, but he looked so peaceful sleeping on the bed. I’ll show him when he’s awake, she decided, a small smile playing on her lips. She turned back to the mirror, striking another pose, then throwing off her towel. "Poor Dave, I'm naked again and he's missing it," she said, as she shook her head sadly.

With one last glance at her reflection, she set the plate of pellets on the ledge of the tub and climbed into the bath, the warm water enveloping her. She leaned back, letting the bubbles and heat soothe her body, her mind at ease. She stretched out, letting the heat soak into her muscles, and closed her eyes.

Her mind drifted as she lounged in the tub, the events of the past few days swirling in her thoughts. The chase through the woods, the abandoned fast-food restaurant, the sudden intimacy with Dave—it all felt like a whirlwind. But here, in this moment, she felt safe. Protected. And I’ll protect him too, she thought again.

She reached for a bar of soap on the edge of the tub, studying it with curiosity. It smelled faintly of lavender, and she brought it to her nose, inhaling deeply. The scent was soothing, and she began to lather it between her hands, running the soapy foam over her arms and shoulders.

Her gaze shifted to the doorway, where Dave still slept soundly. She felt a pang of affection for him, a warmth that spread through her chest. Dave is MY person, she thought, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe.

The water around her bubbled, and while the warmth of the tub relaxed her body, it did little to calm the thoughts swirling in her mind. She couldn’t shake the memory of the young man from room service, his reaction to her body both amusing and puzzling. Humans are so funny, she thought, tracing a finger along the surface of the foaming water. Why do they act so embarrassed about something that's just normal? Everyone is naked under their clothes, even that food man. Dave loves to see me naked, but the food man smelled like he was scared. Maybe I should be more careful about who sees me naked if it makes them scared?

Liki shifted in the tub, the bubbles swirling around her as she tried to find a more comfortable position. She slid forward a little, her body suddenly hovered over one of the jets. She froze as a strange sensation suddenly coursed through her. A low, involuntary purr escaped her lips as the water pulsed against her most sensitive spot.

She leaned back slightly, and the sensation intensified. What is this? she thought. She shifted her weight again, letting the jet press more firmly against her, and a shiver ran down her spine. Her hands gripped the edge of the tub as waves of pleasure spread through her body, making her toes curl and her tail twitch. Her face turned bright red as she continued to let the powerful water jet push against her.

Liki’s purr grew louder, vibrating through her chest as she let herself sink deeper into the feeling. She rocked her hips slightly, experimenting with the pressure, and a soft moan slipped past her lips. This is… amazing, she thought, her mind hazy with pleasure. She had never experienced anything like this before, and she was utterly captivated by the sensation.

For a moment, she glanced toward the bedroom, wondering if Dave could hear her. But he remained silent, still lost in his deep sleep. Part of her felt a pang of guilt for indulging in this pleasure without him, but another part was too caught up in the moment to care. She leaned her head back, letting the water lap against her skin as she moved with the rhythm of the jet.

Her body tensed, the pleasure building to a crescendo, and she bit her lip to stifle a louder moan. She clutched the edges of the tub and her legs trembled, the waves of sensation crashing over her until a final burst of pleasure engulfed her mind. She squeezed her eyes shut as the feelings rocked her small body. When it finally subsided, she slumped back against the tub, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

Liki blinked, a dazed smile spreading across her face. That was incredible, she thought, her mind still reeling from the experience. She glanced down at the jet. I’ll have to show Dave this later, she decided. For now, though, she leaned back in the tub, content to let the warm water and bubbles soothe her once more.