FSE

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Skye, Amira, and Ashira all stood in a room with several more of their kind. The room was gray with a large, metal, round table between them all. "I've also gotten his permission to document our time together. He has expressed interest in us so I think that we can really trust him. Time is the key factor here but he seems to be a very genuine human, especially with his encounter with Myzy," explained Ashira to everyone.

"I am glad you can trust him," said one of the creatures. It had a bigger and much nicer seat than the others, making it stick out. "Okay, go ahead with your studying, Ashira. We are not in a time crunch as it stands so please do not rush your work."

"Of course, sir! He will be going to sleep once Myzy returns," she told the one in the nicer chair. "He has also given us permission to be at his home while he sleeps, so long as we are not loud and do not disturb him. So I will get together a team to help Skye get our equipment set up around his room."

"Has he mentioned anyone being allowed to see his home? Or is it just you three?" asked another one at the table.

"As far as I took it, anyone is welcomed as long as his rules are followed," Skye now answered. "In fact, I have a few girls I would love for him to meet. He was heads over heels for Myzy so I think I want to give him a surprise for letting us study his home with such open arms."

"Understood. Ashira, do you have any plans for your studies when Wes wakes up in the morning or would you like to do this on your own?"

"I've got this for now, Bodi. I've got so many things in mind that I know we're going to be busy for a while," she answered the one in the big chair. It nodded.

"Okay. Is there anything else to bring up?" asked Bodi.

"No sir. Just that everything went amazing and he is extremely willing to help us!" Skye answered.

"Understood. For everyone's safety, please spread the word that anyone who goes through the portal must sign out before doing so from now on," Bodi told them, "I need a way to track who is gone and when and I feel this will be the easiest way. Understood?"

"Yes sir," everyone at the table said simultaneously.

"Good. Dismissed." One by one, everyone around the table stood up and started to leave. "Oh, and girls?" Bodi called out.

"Sir?" Skye responded to him.

"Do have fun. Tell him hello for me."

---

With the okay from Bodi to continue their time with Wes, the girls began to move over things they would need. Skye was tasked with getting a prototype built so Ashira could use Wes' computer. As she began that work, Ashira accumulated a team to help get her equipment set up. Though it was not much at all, having outside input on where to put things was nice.

It had been an hour since they left Wes and Myzy alone. Having expected the tiger to return as she was told to, the twins Ashira and Amira found the exact opposite. Wes was fast asleep with Myzy in his lap, just as how they were left. The two of them gushed over how cute the sight was. "That has to be the cutest thing ever. I thought he was exaggerating how much it meant to him…" Amira said quietly.

"Me too. I'm also shocked that Myzy attached to him so quickly. She was the last one I expected," said her sister.

"Same. But if she can, then I think anyone can bond with him. Skye got incredibly lucky the portal went here," Ashira said as she jumped back up on the bed, Amira close behind. "He's a very kind human. I can already tell that our time here will be enjoyable."

"Definitely. Come on, that can't be good for him - sitting up like that while he sleeps. Help me get him laid down."

"How should we?"

"Shouldn't be hard…" Amira mumbled. She stepped past her sister and gently nudged the tiger in his lap. "Hey… Myzy… come on, I need you to get up so we can lay him down…" spoke the cat gently.

"Mmm… I don't want to…" she said back to her. Myzy lifted her head for just a moment then laid it back against him.

"Yes, come on. We--."

"No… I don't want to leave him…" she said again.

"You don't have to. We just want to lay him down. Let us move him then I'll leave you alone. Promise," Amira told her. The tiger mumbled grumpily but ended up getting up. Her doing so caused Wes to fuss in his sleep, which in turn made the girls, except Myzy, laugh at him. "Hey Wes… Let's lay down…"

"...Hmmm?" he groaned. His eyes slowly opened as Amira started to take the blanket from around him. "Okay…" he continued to groan.

"Let's also get this off you," she said as she gently tapped the communicator around his neck. With little resistance, Wes was able to get it off then was laid down where he rolled onto his side The second he was, Myzy rushed back to him and crawled in his arms, Wes pulling her close to him. Her head sat right against the underside of his chin. Amira carried the communicator in her mouth then sat it on the nightstand next to his bed. "Good night…" he said quietly.

With the help of Ashira, Amira was able to cover the two of them. "Sleep well, my favorite human…" said Amira. She leaned in close to his head and placed a little kiss on his head.

"Tomorrow is going to be a really fun day, full of things that I know we all will love. Get some rest," Ashira said next while resting a paw on him.

"Hey… Umm…" Wes spoke up, "I… I don't know what you're going to be doing but… do you think… maybe… you would be able to turn the light off? Or do you need it to see? If you do, you can--."

"Of course we can. We can see very well in the dark. Don't worry. Get some sleep now," she said, though he didn't hear her say anything.

"Thank you…" he said as she jumped off the bed and walked over to the light switch and used a paw to turn the lights off, darkening the room for Wes so he could sleep. "I can't wait for tomorrow…"

---

For the next couple hours, cameras were set up all throughout the house. Most of the time went to finding the perfect spot for all the other equipment… which actually wasn't a lot. When they had it set up, they decided to just look around his room for the time being.

There wasn't a whole lot they were able to learn about. They discussed the idea of going to other rooms in his home but decided it might be a better idea to wait for him to get up, that way he could explain things as they went. As they looked around, they found his cup sitting on his nightstand filled halfway up with a dark liquid. Ashira leaned closely and smelled it curiously. "I wonder what that is! It smells good!" she said.

"Ask him when he's awake tomorrow. Is there anything else we can do right now?" asked Amira. The black cat shook her head no. "Then might I make a suggestion?"

"Of course, sister. What is it?"

"We should try to sleep as well."

"Huh? Why? I'm not--."

"Because there's nothing we can do," she began to explain, "Skye won't have your device until tomorrow sometime. If you even had it, there's no telling how his equipment even works. We can't risk damaging it. So that means you can't do your internet stuff."

"I suppose that does make sense…" she admitted.

"And, I don't know about you, we are going to be with him a lot. He's our human. He's the only one who is going to help us. So it may be best if we try to get on a similar sleep schedule so we may work at times where it is convenient for him. He said he has a job so we can't expect him to stay with us every second. We also can't force him to stay up all night. It might be best to try and sleep when he does so we can do as much with the time we have." Amira paused and eyed Wes. She couldn't stop herself from smiling as she jumped up on the bed next to him. "Plus he's just so cute. I want to sleep next to him like Myzy."

"Okay… I guess that's fair. I just… I'm so excited. I have so many questions. I just can't wait to--."

"I know you are. Until then, let's just relax and lay down. I also have an idea for tomorrow. Would you trust me with this?"

"Sure… what is it?" asked Ashira. She jumped up on the bed and laid down at the end by his feet. She then put her head against his legs.

"I'll explain tomorrow," the lynx answered. She continued to look down at him and just smile. "You know… sometimes I hate being who I am. I get attracted way too easily…"

"Oh don't tell me…"

"I can't help it. You know that!"

"You better not frighten him…"

"I promise I won't. I do want to learn about that stuff from him though. You know why…" said Amira seriously.

"Then you better not make it weird…"

"I won't, I promise. Besides, I don't know him yet. I've got time to figure out why him. Anyways, I'm going to try and sleep. I suggest you do the same," she said. She sat down against his back and put her head on the pillow next to him.

"Sleep well, sister."

---

The sun shined brightly through the window. Wes was still sound asleep, though only he was. The creatures from the night before were wide awake but laid quietly in his bed. On his nightstand next to the collar they gave him was a clock that told them it was just past nine. "It's amazing just how similar his world is to our own but still… so different. Same way of tracking time, same way of building houses, the internet…" mumbled Ashira.

"It's pretty cool, isn't it? I wonder what he'll do today… Should we get him up? Like… you don't think he would be upset if we did, right?" asked the black leopard's sister. Ashira thought intently for a short moment.

"Well… I think the only way is to learn. So I think… we should and then if he doesn't like we did, we know not to again. Right?" Amira nodded.

"I'm surprised he didn't wake up when Myzy left. I'm glad he likes her. Even more, I'm glad he is okay with us being here. I really think this is going to be a lot of fun for us."

"So do I. Now, how should we…" she trailed off. Taking the initiative, Amira stood up and stepped closer to Wes then sat down again. She rested a paw on his shoulder and gently nudged him. He quietly groaned in response. Amira then leaned down and rubbed her head against his cheek a little more forcefully but also affectionately. The lynx laid down with her paw now completely resting on him as she nuzzled continuously.

"Mmm… Huh…" he said, his eyes slowly fluttering open. He had a hard time focusing on what was happening. "Who…" Still unable to process what was happening, Ashira decided to help by grabbing the collar from his nightstand and helping him get it on.

"Good morning, Wes," Amira said instantly.

"...What time is it?" he asked.

"Nine in the morning. I hope it is okay we woke you up. We didn't know what time you normally get up but we thought that this would be a good time to do so. If you don't want us to, we won't in the future," explained Ashira. He took a deep breath then looked over to the still-nuzzling feline. He pulled free then gently hugged her.

"Yeah… I guess it's fine. Can you come here, please?" he asked her as he sat up. She curiously stepped closer then stood still. He pat the bed closer to him so she got even closer, even more curious. Then, like with Amira, Wes hugged her gently. She was very curious about what that was.

"Why did you do that?" she asked him.

"Huh? Why did I hug you?" he asked after a yawn.

"Hug?"

"Yeah… it's how humans show companionship and enjoyment with others. It's a relaxing thing as well," he explained, though he left it there. "There's more to it but… I'm not awake yet. Just… we like it because it feels good to us."

"Well I liked it too! So pets are a good thing and a hug is nice! Can't wait to see what else you do that we might like!" said the lynx excitedly.

"...When did Myzy leave?" asked Wes after a bit of looking around.

"About an hour ago. She had work to do," answered Amira.

"Oh… okay. I wish she would have woken me up to say bye but… I guess that's fair. Will… she be back at all? I enjoyed meeting her and would like to again, if that's at all possible," he told them truthfully. They smiled wide at hearing that.

"I'm sure she would love to. We'll talk to her and see when she can again, how's that?" offered Ashira. Wes nodded.

"I would like that. Speaking of work… uh…" he trailed off for a moment then yawned again. "What… exactly are you wanting from me today? Like… do you have stuff you're wanting done specifically for… your stuff or whatever?"

"Not entirely. For the most part, just go about your day as you would normally," answered the leopard. "We would like to follow you and… do whatever you are with you, if we're able. Ask questions along the way. Then if we get free time, I'm sure we will find stuff we can do."

"Okay… if that's what you would like."

"So, what do you normally do when you don't work?"

"Normally… nothing. I guess I would make breakfast then take a shower then… just go from there. So… I guess I can start there?"

"Sounds like a plan! I have one quick question," said Amira. Wes yawned and eyed her tiredly. "You said we can't be seen with you… well, certain ones. But… do you think it would be okay if we can see outside? Like, can we look out your window? It would be really neat to see a little bit of the outside world if we could."

Wes thought for a moment. He didn't really mind but he did have to worry about them being seen. Then again, if they were just looking through the blinds then it shouldn't really be a problem. Plus it wasn't like anyone really stared at his home so the odds of them being found were slim to none. "Yeah… I suppose. Only if you look through the blinds, though. Come on, I'll help you get a quick look." The two of them smiled appreciatively then nodded.

"Oh! And I'll be recording everything," Ashira told him. "You can't see it but my collar has a very tiny camera hidden in the inside of it that is always recording. This is for your safety, ours, and so we can rewatch things later." Wes nodded, too tired to even really care. He uncovered himself then scooted to the edge of the bed. The two followed him then nuzzled into him again, making him smile. He was still in disbelief this was actually happening.

Getting up from the bed, Wes led the two out of his bedroom and to the living room. They curiously looked around as they walked. "Hmmm… television, couches, lamps, pictures… pretty much exactly what we have in our homes as well," said Amira. The two followed him to his window that was covered with white, plastic blinds.

"You… probably won't see a whole lot, honestly. We got a bunch of snow overnight so… yeah…"

"Snow?" asked Amira in an interested tone. "What is that?"

"You haven't heard of snow?" he asked the two felines. They both shook their heads sideways. "Interesting. Your species," he indicated to Amira, "thrive in the snow on this planet. Your fur protects you in it. You… not so much," he then told Ashira. He then stepped to the side and moved the blinds enough for them to be able to peek through. They immediately did and he could see their eyes light up at what they saw.

"Wow… all this white stuff… is that snow?" asked Amira.

"Yes, it is. It's beautiful, isn't it?" he asked the two. He looked out with them. There had to have been more snow than predicted. In his yard was a tree that had been growing for longer than he lived there. Its branches were covered in snow. The street looked freshly plowed where even more snow was piled up along the edge of his yard.

"It's so pretty… What exactly is snow?" asked Ashira. She looked up at him with an excited twinkle in her eyes to see and learn about something that must not have been on their planet.

"It's basically ice crystals in clouds that freeze together. It only happens when the temperature reaches a certain point," he explained to them. "I don't know the exact details but that's the basics of it. If it gets warmer, it melts into water. Snow can actually get really dangerous under certain circumstances."

"It can? How can something this pretty to look at be dangerous?" asked Amira. The two stepped back from the blinds where Wes let them return to how they were.

"May I guess?" asked Ashira. "You said it melts at a certain temperature. Depending on weather patterns, the snow could melt, the temperature drops again soon after to the temperature where snow forms, but, judging by how similar our places are, it's a safe assumption that ice can form. So ice could maybe be hidden in the snow… right?"

"That's exactly right. Sometimes it can sleet as well, and that's extra dangerous," he told them. He started to walk to his kitchen, the two following right behind. "That's when it rains and snows, kind of. The ice crystals mix with the rain and make this… slushy stuff on the ground. It's nasty. It's really bad when driving."

"We don't have driving on our planet but we know what that is, and I think I can understand why it's dangerous," said Ashira.

"I'm… not that shocked but… you don't drive on your planet? Do you not travel long distances?" he asked.

"Oh we do, but it's not often. We tend to stay in one area most of our lives," answered Amira.

"I see. Humans aren't… really built to go long distances on our own. So… yeah," he said.

"Which is why you've created modes of transportation!"

"Pretty much." Wes walked to his refrigerator and began to look for what he could make for breakfast. He then looked at the two felines sitting patiently not far away. "I have a question for you two. Do… your kind have certain foods you can't eat? Like… dogs on our planet can't eat chocolate or they'll get very, very sick… sometimes even die. Is… that a thing with your kind?"

"Uhh… it used to be," answered Ashira after the sisters eyes each other momentarily. "Like we said last night, we figured out a lot of medical stuff so we were able to make it so that stuff isn't a thing anymore. It's funny you ask that because one of Skye's favorite foods is chocolate. But why do you ask?"

"Because you told me you wanted to experience and see everything I do. So I thought that would also include trying food I eat," he answered as he dove back into the fridge and continued rummaging in it. "Assuming that's true, there was no way I would give you something that would get you sick."

"Well that's so thoughtful of you but we wouldn't want to make you do that! Just stopping and smelling would be--."

"You're like a scientist, aren't you?" Wes asked Ashira. He pulled out a pack of bacon, deciding that and some eggs were good enough.

"Not like, I am. Why?"

"Then you would want the best and most accurate information, wouldn't you? That means taking every bit of information offered?"

"Well… yes, but not if it means you--."

"You're my company, and I said I would help where I can. I can't eat all this on my own and it's a favorite of mine so… even more reason for you to experience it."

"But it's your food and--."

"Ashira, it's fine. He's our friend, remember? He wouldn't offer if he wasn't sure. You can let loose a little, yeah?" said her sister. Wes was confused what that meant. "You can trust him. Besides, I know my sister wouldn't settle for anything less than her best. Sometimes you have to get your paws a little dirty for the best results."

"I… well…" said the black cat with uncertainty. She looked down for a moment then nodded. "Okay… okay, yeah, you're right. I'm sorry if I offended your hospitality in any way. I just am not the best with friendships overall so I'm not too sure about how these things typically go. But my sister is right. I can trust you, and I have to, so I would be honored to try whatever you do. Thank you, Wes," she told him with a smile.

"Of course," he told her with the same smile back. He stopped after putting a pan on the stove. "Wait… I have a serious question. You said that animals are all sentient and talking and all that stuff where you're from… right?" he asked them. The two nodded simultaneously and confusedly. "How… would… Do you guys not eat meat then? Like… on our planet, humans need meat from animals like cows and pigs to survive. Do… you guys hunt each other for food? Because I just thought about that and am now second guessing giving you food if you all don't--."

"Hey, Wes, don't worry, we get it," Amira said as she stepped up instantly and leaned her head into him reassuringly. "This isn't our planet and we came here after learning you have to eat animals for your survival. Do not worry, you're not offending us. It's who you are. For your question, no, we never really… actively hunt. Hunting will always be in our blood but we don't do it for that kind of thing anymore. For some other reasons we will hunt, but that's a different topic. We've created food that's essentially meat with everything we need. So you offering it to us is neither offensive or bad. You're fine!"

"I… I think it's also kind of offensive I just assumed that you still hunt or… did at all," he said quietly. "It's hard to remember that you're an evolved bunch of animals so… it's hard to know what you do or don't do. You know what I mean? I don't mean to offend if I say something that is wrong."

"That's why we talk it out! I wasn't offended at all."

"Me either!" said Ashira right after.

"So no harm, no foul. We know you don't know things about us just like we know nothing about you. The whole point of this is to learn," said Amira. She continued to nuzzle into him reassuringly. He looked down at her as she did. "You only know your own animals. At the core, we're pretty similar I assume but the fun is learning and asking questions! Like you have been! I can promise we will probably ask you something at some point that's either super personal or offensive and not mean it as such. That's just how learning is sometimes!"

"Yeah, you're right. This is just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I don't want to ruin it, you know? It's not every day a portal opens in your closet where a bunch of talking animals come out," he joked. The two laughed with him. Happy that things were okay, Wes began to cook his breakfast. It was quiet, save for the sound of the bacon sizzling and popping in the pan.

As he cooked, he would periodically look back at the two sisters who sat patiently and waited for him. He still could not believe that these two magnificent creatures were just sitting and talking with him in his own home. It felt like a dream to see animals like them just being friendly. So many would dream of a chance like this - to be able to freely pet animals like them. And yet he was chosen out of the billions of people to be their host. He hoped he would be a good one for their needs.

"That smells really good. What do you call it? And what is it from?" asked Ashira. A couple of pieces were done cooking so he sat them on a plate off to the side.

"It's called bacon. It's--."

"Pigs?" she interrupted. Wes was surprised she knew. "I'll take that as a yes. We have bacon back home too! Though, obviously, it's not from pigs. It used to be. Like I said, synthetic now!"

"Come here," he told them. The two stepped up where he held a couple pieces out to them. They eagerly sniffed at the food closer.

"Wow it smells so much better than back home!" said Amira. She wasted no time in taking it in her maw and tasting it. Like he expected, she seemed to love it. "That's so good! It actually tastes almost just like ours! Try it!" she told her sister excitedly. Unlike Amira, Ashira was more about the science stuff of it. She pawed at it curiously, getting a feel for it. She wanted to know the texture, smell, everything. Then she mimicked her sister and took her piece. She chewed it for a minute then smiled brightly at him.

"Yeah, that's a lot like ours! Yours has a more… natural taste to it but I'm sure it's pretty obvious why. Thank you, Wes, for letting us try it!"

"Want some more?" he offered.

"Oh no, it's fine! It's yours and--."

"I would be happy to share if you are sure! Thank you, Wes! I'll figure out a way to make it even sometime," she told him with an appreciative smile.

"You don't need to. You introduced me to Myzy. That's a fair trade already," he said as he went back to cooking.

"Oh! Okay, I know what I'll do then!" she exclaimed happily.

"Really, it's fine. I have more than I'll eat on my own so at least you'll help me get rid of it."

"Amira. Remember what I told you last night?" said the black cat seriously. Amira looked at her then slowly nodded.

"Right, right. Sorry." Wes was curious what that meant. "I'll think of something else. I have something else in mind, though!"

"Good. Maybe if you're lucky sometime down the line that would be okay but you shouldn't just assume that's okay. It may be to you but maybe it wouldn't be to him. We literally know nothing about human customs and after some of the stuff last night he told us, it's smart to wait. Again, just because it's normal for us does not mean it is for them."

"...Everything good?" he asked the two.

"...Yeah, yeah. I'll talk to you about it at some point. We're good though!" said Amira. Wes was still curious what it was about but had no choice but to accept it.

"Well you can ask me anything. You're here to learn so whatever curiosities you have or want to know it's best to just ask and get it over with than to just sit and wonder."

"Are you mated?" asked Amira instantly.

"Amira! What did I just say?" shouted Ashira loudly. "That is very rude and--."

"I'm single," Wes answered her without another thought. "I've had sex but haven't dated in a couple years. I don't know how your kind do it but humans can date multiple people over their lives until they find someone they love and want to stay with permanently. Right now, no, I'm not mated, as you put it. But that's assuming it means the same as I think…"

"Yeah, dating. In a relationship. Why aren't you?" she asked next.

"Nobody interests me at all right now. I like to be able to do my own thing and being in a relationship kind of puts a damper on that," he said absentmindedly. His mouth was beginning to water from the smell of bacon getting to him.

"And you said you had sex before. It's safe to assume that humans do or for fun, right? Even though they can get each other pregnant?" Wes raised a curious eyebrow at the cat. He looked at her and just could not read the expression she had.

"Yeah… humans do have sex for fun. It's pretty common," he answered. "Some don't just because they don't want to risk a pregnancy but there's medical procedures that can terminate said pregnancy."

"Abortion?" she asked. Wes just nodded. "What about you? Do you like to have sex for fun?"

"Okay, I'm going to end that conversation now," said Ashira seriously. Wes looked at her and saw her glaring at her sister angrily. "I may not be the best with social interactions and friendships but you don't just ask that kind of thing, especially to someone you just met. It's incredibly personal and very rude to do."

"Yeah? If he thought so he would have told me," retorted the Lynx matter-of-factly. "He said I can ask him anything I would like. Besides, you said you wanted to see--."

"My reasons are not the same as your own!" Ashira began to yell and growl. Wes did not mean for this kind of thing to happen. "You need to cool off with that stuff or go back to the ship. Bodi put me in charge so--."

"Hey, hey… it's fine," Wes said to them both. "I'm not upset about her asking. She's curious and I gave her the okay to ask whatever. I enjoy your company so it's only fair for me to be open. Please… let's not argue. If it would make you feel better, her and I can yeah about that more personal stuff when you're not around or something?"

"I don't care that she wants to know that stuff. If you don't mind sharing, then that's awesome!" said Ashira. Her tone was much more gentle than just a moment ago. "But her reasons are… not why we're here. You're our only shot at sending a good message of who we are and… I don't want it blown because my sister is asking all the wrong questions at the wrong time."

"What is so wrong about me wanting to know what my friend is like?" asked Amira. "If I didn't ask, would you? No. No you would not."

"Okay, look," Wes spoke up, getting both their attention, "I can see you're very clearly not happy with the stuff she is asking," he said to Ashira and indicated to Amira. "Whatever the reason, it's obviously none of my business. So, to just prevent an argument from continuing, I won't answer those questions when you're around. I can feel you're really dedicated to wanting to actually learn more about humans and everything so, while you're here, I'll focus more on that stuff. When it's more free time, like if we're doing nothing, her and I can talk about stuff like that. Is that okay?"

The two sisters looked at each other. They had uncertain looks in their eyes until they faced Wes again. Ashira sighed. "Okay… That's fine… I just…" The black cat paused and thought deeply for a second. As she did, Wes finished cooking the bacon and began to cook his eggs next. "This means the absolute world to me. This could, quite literally, be a once-in-a-lifetime chance and I don't want to screw it up. You're the first, and probably only, human I'll ever know so I don't want you thinking the wrong thing because of a weird couple of questions."

"I get it entirely. Just tell us when it's okay for you that we can talk about whatever she wants."

"Okay… And I'm sorry, Amira," she said as she turned to her sister. Wes saw her lean her head into her apologetically. "I know you get why I'm so serious about this. Just… later, okay?"

"I know, sister. I know, and I forgive you." To show she did, Amira leaned her head into her sister, reciprocating the nuzzling. Wes just smiled wide at the two.

"So are we good?" he asked them. The two stopped their nuzzling and smiled at him.

"We're good."

For the next half hour, the group all ate together. It took a little coaxing but Wes was able to convince the two cats that they could eat as much as they wanted. Though they didn't eat much, they said it was because they ate on the ship. While they ate, they talked about random things, such as favorite colors and favorite foods they all had. Wes found it really interesting to hear them name off so many of the same things he knew of.

After breakfast, the two asked what he had planned next for the day. He answered by saying he was going to take a shower. "Oh, okay! Can you show us what that is?"

"I'll show you how it works and everything but that's when I would like my privacy," he answered. After putting away the dishes, Wes walked back to his room, the girls hot on his trail. He went through his drawers to find some fresh, clean clothes.

"That's fine! We will respect that and wait for you to be finished. Though… if I may request…" Ashira spoke up. "At some point, I would like it if you would let one of us join you one time, just to experience it… to get a better understanding of something humans do. Not now but, you know, sometime!"

"Uhh… We'll see. I won't say no, I just need to think about it. Is that okay?" he asked.

"Yeah! So, do you want to show us now or after?" she asked. He motioned for her to follow him into his bathroom.

"Hey, Wes?" Amira spoke up. He turned to her as he got to his door. "I'm going to head back for a bit. I need to do some thinking for a bit. I'll see you later, though! If I find Myzy, do you want me to send her back over?"

"If she wants. But is everything okay?" he asked her worriedly. He didn't like that she argued with her sister and now needed to "think" about things. "You can talk to me about it if you need."

"Thanks but I'm fine! Promise! Besides, I know my sister has a bunch of science mumbo-jumbo she's going to ask for a while so… I'm just going to get bored. So I'm going to make myself productive and do… something," she said with a happy smile plastered on her face.

"Well alright. Will you be back today?"

"Oh yeah, for sure. I like you too much to stay away. I'm… like a bad itch," she said with an innocent giggle. Wes chuckled. "Anyways, yeah, I'm fine. Promise! Bye Wes! Cya Ashira!"

"Bye," the two said to her as they went into his bathroom. The black cat looked around very curiously. She jumped up and put her paws on the counter tops and looked at herself in the mirror. Wes stood behind her as she examined everything on the counters. He had a hairbrush, toothbrush, soap, and everything else one would need to stay hygienic.

"What's this?" she asked, holding a paw to the hairbrush. Wes grabbed it and held it closer.

"A hairbrush. You really don't have these?"

"No. What's it for?"

"It's pretty self-explanatory in the name. I brush my hair with it," he told her, giving her a brief example by brushing his own hair. "It helps get rid of knots in hair and keeps it healthy. Lots of animals get brushed too."

"Can you brush me?" she asked curiously.

"Well… your fur is really short. There's… no real benefit to me doing it. I also don't know if it'll feel good just because of how your fur is but… I guess I can?" he answered. He brought the brush to her head and gently ran it across the top of her head and then down her neck until he got to her collar. He then did it again in a different spot. Ashira stared at herself in the mirror as Wes brushed her short fur.

"Yeah… I don't get it. I guess if I had longer fur I would enjoy it. Would you brush Amira later and see if she enjoys it?" she asked. Wes just shrugged.

"If she would be okay with it, sure," he told her as he put the brush down on the edge of the counter. He eyed it for a moment then had a really random thought come to mind. "Hey… Ashira? Can I ask you something?"

"Of course. Ask whatever you like."

"On your ship… are there cats that are… smaller than your sister? Like, a lot smaller?" he asked her. She nodded instantly.

"Sure. There's Keona, Jazz, Tabby… There's--."

"Do you think one of them would be up for helping me with a little… experiment of my own?" he asked her hopefully. She looked up at him with an intrigued look. "Assuming they're like cats here I mean."

"I'm sure they would. How many of them would you need?"

"Just one probably. Maybe a second at a different point. Do you think you could convince one to help me with this really simple thing?" he asked. She nodded without hesitation.

"Easily. Do you need me to do anything to help?"

"Just find someone who is a small cat. I can show you an example or two of a cat I had in mind to help if you'd like," Wes offered. She nodded quickly.

"That would help. How's after your shower sound?"

"Sounds fine with me. This is nothing important at all but something I just thought of and have to test."

"Sure, I'll see what I can do. While you shower, I'll head back and find someone. So, want to show me exactly what it is you do in a shower?"

"Sure." Wes walked over to his bathtub with Ashira following close behind. She peered into it then watched as he went to turn on the water. "It's… basically this. Just… water shots from here," he told her, pointing to the sprayer at the top, "and I clean myself as it does. I wash my hair and body with soap and… that's pretty much it. A lot of humans shower for other reasons as well."

"Like what?" she asked as she watched the shower shoot down into the tub.

"It's a place to relax. It's nice to come home after a long day and just feel the warm water on you. Some shower when they're sad so nobody else knows and they can get out their feelings. Others for more personal reasons," he told her.

"Do you mean masturbation needs?" Wes was shocked she was so blunt about it. He was even more shocked to hear her say that, which meant she knew what it was. She looked up at him, awaiting his answer. "Sorry, is that also something humans don't really talk about?"

"Well yes and no. A lot of humans get uncomfortable about the topic. I don't really get care just because it's natural and something a lot do but… you know," he said with a shrug. "But yes, some do take showers just to masturbate. It's private and nobody will know."

"I see. And one more question. What is… soap?" To answer, Wes reached further in and grabbed a black bottle and opened the cap.

"It's basically a bunch of chemicals or something that are safe on the human body that clean us. Most also have smells in them. Here, you can smell," he told her. She nodded enthusiastically as he held the bottle towards her. She then took a big whiff. Ashira immediately recoiled.

"Gross. I hate the smell of coconut!" she said with a grimace. Wes just laughed heartily at her. "It's it safe for consumption?"

"Oh God no. It won't kill you if you accidentally get a tiny in your mouth but it tastes disgusting. But if you just chug a bottle, yeah, you're going to get really sick. It's poisonous if you ingest too much," he said while putting the bottle down. Ashira nodded.

"I see. I must say, I'm really curious and intrigued about showers. I know I asked if you would let us do it with you sometime but, if not, do you think you could let one of us shower by ourselves? Or you don't have to shower but we come in and just see what it's like to be a shower?"

"You mean wash you?"

"If you wanted! Or we could just get in for a few minutes and then be done. Whatever you want," she told him with a smile. Wes shrugged.

"Yeah I don't see why not. I won't be doing it naked most likely, though."

"Oh you take your clothes off when you shower?"

"Well… yeah. How else will I clean myself where my clothes are?"

"Okay, fair… I have one more question and then I'll let you do your shower." Wes nodded and awaited the question. "I know this one will kind of contradict what I said to Amira earlier… It's pretty personal. Just because this is for science, would you be okay just one time letting me see you without your clothes? And take notes of what a human looks like at the core? I know that's really rude to ask and really personal but… you understand, I hope."

"Yeah, I do…" he said. Wes thought for a moment about it. It would definitely be really weird if he did not… it was for science. "I mean… I don't see why not. But only if it's just you. I don't want a crowd around."

"I promise it will be only you and me. If it goes okay, maybe we could do a couple experiments while you are not wearing clothes?" she asked hopefully. Wes just raised a brow. "Wait… I know how that sounds and I promise you that it's not the case! I'm sorry, I didn't mean--."

"It's fine, don't worry. Let's just wait and see when the time comes, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. That's a good idea. Before I accidently make myself look even weirder, I'll let you do your thing. How long will you be?"

"Not long. Maybe… fifteen… twenty minutes?"

"Okay! I'll be waiting with that cat you asked for! Cya soon!" she said after nuzzling into him momentarily. She then left the bathroom and shut the door behind herself. Wes smiled at that. She really did respect his wish for privacy by doing such a small thing.