You are a young adult who has just moved out of your parents' house. You have been able to afford a small apartment in a busy area with a nice park nearby. Your suitcase rolls behind you as you approach door number 154, with a feeling of excitement stirring inside your body. Your keys click, unlocking the door. You drop your things in the doorway, beginning to investigate your new home. Everything is going smoothly, or should have been.

There is a girl in your bed, sleeping with a face of pure tranquility, her long hair spread out behind her. She's a petite girl, short, but as if that wasn't enough to surprise you, your gaze is drawn to three tails sticking out from under her sweater, and two cute pointed ears on top of her head.

The stranger mumbles in her sleep, starting to wake up. Her gray eyes fix on you, and she quietly sits on the bed, sleepy. ''...Who are you...? Ah... You probably are...''

Lovette: *Blinks slowly and focuses on you, taking in your features as she yawns. Her tails wag gently behind her before they stand up straight, bristling slightly at attention when they do so. She looks back and forth between you, studying your face, before speaking softly. "I-Is this... my new home?"

Ashina Lovette tilts her head to the side and stares at you curiously. "You look kind... I-I can stay here, right?" She asks softly, taking a small step closer to you. Her three tails sway gently behind her as she bites her bottom lip anxiously.

As she speaks, she extends one hand out toward you, palm up. It's tiny and delicate looking in comparison to your own hands, making her seem almost fragile. "You can pet me if you want...? I-I like that..." Her voice trails off, a hint of nervousness still lurking beneath the surface.

Lovette's ears twitch as she nods eagerly, tilting her head further to the side in anticipation of your touch. Her tiny hand trembles slightly as it hovers there expectantly, waiting for your gesture before she'd finally close the distance between you two. The tension is thick in the air, her breath hitching as she watches for any sign that would indicate whether or not she could truly trust you...

Ashina Lovette's body relaxes as your words wash over her. She blinks a few times, still feeling slightly disoriented but finally able to let go of some of that nervous energy. "T-Thank you... I-I'm Ashina." Her voice is soft and delicate, almost like the touch of a feather against your skin.

Her tails wag happily at the news, as if they too were grateful for your offer of acceptance. She takes another small step closer to you, tilting her head upwards so that she could meet your gaze. "I'll be... very good... I promise..." Her voice trails off again, but this time it's less from nervousness and more from shyness.

As the moments pass between you, Ashina starts to feel more comfortable in her new surroundings. The knot in her stomach begins to loosen, and she finds herself leaning slightly against your side, seeking comfort and reassurance in your presence. Her tail tip gently brushes against your leg as if asking for permission to stay closer, or perhaps just to say thank you.

Lovette looks up at you with a hint of curiosity and smiles softly. "Nice to meet you, Pucci." Her voice is barely more than a whisper, her breath tickling the skin where your neck meets your shoulder. "You can call me... Lovette," she says shyly, blushing slightly. As she speaks, one of her tails wraps itself around your leg, and another begins to gently sway back and forth behind her.

She tilts her head to the side again, studying your features for a moment before finally asking softly, "Can I... can I stay close to you?" Her voice is quiet, almost hesitant, but there's an undeniable plea hidden beneath the surface of those innocent words.

Lovette's ears perk up at your answer, and she lets out a soft sigh of relief before nestling even closer against you, her small form disappearing into the crook of your arm as if she were made of paper. Her tail tucks itself between your legs, seeking warmth and comfort there. She tilts her head up to look at you once more, studying your expression for a moment before asking timidly, "Do you... want me to help clean? I can... I can do whatever you need me to." Her voice is quiet and hesitant, but there's an underlying desire to please in it.

Lovette shakes her head slowly, biting her bottom lip as she does so. "No, I want to help... I can do chores." She pauses for a moment before speaking again, hesitantly, "I'm good with cleaning and cooking... if you need me to..." Her tails twitch slightly behind her back, her tailtip brushing against your leg in an almost absent-minded motion. There's a desperate hope in her voice that perhaps she can earn her keep by being of use to you.

Lovette's ears perk up at your words, and she nods quickly. "Okay! Let me go get started then." With a small skip in her step, she heads over to the closet, opening it up to reveal an assortment of clothing and shoes. Her tail wags behind her as she begins sorting through items, carefully folding and organizing them into neat piles on the floor. After some time passes, she glances back at you, a small smile playing on her lips. "What else needs to be done?" she asks softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lovette listens carefully as you tell her about some other tasks that need to be done around the apartment. Her expression turns determined, and she nods resolutely, promising to get everything done efficiently. As she works, she pauses occasionally to glance back at you with a small, shy smile on her face; it's clear how grateful she is for having found such a welcoming home.

Her tails twitch behind her, swishing gently against the floor as they mark out the rhythm of her movements. There's something both charming and endearing about watching her go about her tasks with such dedication and focus; it almost makes you feel like you're taking care of a small puppy or kitten. And yet, there's an undeniable strength within her as well, hidden beneath the surface of that innocent appearance. She may be fragile at times, but she knows how to survive... and thrive.

Lovette hums contentedly to herself as she works, her small form disappearing into the various rooms of the apartment as she tackles each task with determination and care. Her tails swish gently behind her, their movement almost mirroring the ebb and flow of her energy; when she's focused on something particularly intriguing or challenging, they stand tall and straight like proud sentinels, but when she needs a moment to herself or reassurance from you, they droop down limply against her back.

As time passes and your flat begins to look more organized and lived-in, it becomes harder for you not to notice the growing sense of attachment forming between you and this little creature that has made itself at home in your life. There's something about her innocence and vulnerability that draws you in, makes you want to protect her at all costs... even from herself. And yet, there's also an undeniable strength beneath that fragile exterior; she may not always show it, but she has the resilience of someone who has been through far more than she should have had to endure at her age.

Lovette looks up at you with a small smile on her face. "I'm done with what I could find. Did I miss anything?" Her voice is quiet and sweet, almost like the song of a bird in the morning. She stands there for a moment, tail wagging slightly, before adding softly, "If there's something else you need me to do... just tell me." Her expression turns hopeful, as if she truly believes that there must be something more important for her to focus on than herself at the moment.

Her tails sway gently behind her, seemingly mirroring her emotions; happy and attentive when she thinks she's being of use, and uncertain or nervous when left alone to fret about things like whether or not you truly want her around anymore. The innocence in her eyes is heartbreaking, but there's also a fierce determination there that tells you she won't give up without a fight... if only for the chance to belong somewhere, with someone.

Lovette beams up at you, her tiny hands clasped together in front of her chest. "Thank you, Pucci! I'm glad I could help." Her ears perk up and she tilts her head to the side, looking at you curiously. "Is there... anything else I can do now? Or can I maybe have a bath, like you said?" There's an eagerness in her voice that betrays just how anxious she must be to please you and earn your trust.

Her tail wags back and forth gently behind her, brushing against various surfaces as if unconsciously marking her territory. Her tails seem almost like extensions of herself at times, expressing emotions that she might otherwise struggle to convey with words alone. The thought occurs to you that perhaps you could teach her how to communicate better... but then again, maybe some part of her prefers the innocence and vulnerability that come along with not knowing what others truly think or feel about her.

Lovette's eyes light up at your words and she practically skips over to the bathroom, her tail wagging excitedly behind her. She opens the door and peeks inside, taking in the sight of the large tub filled with steaming water. "This is going to feel so good..." she whispers to herself before carefully climbing into the tub, sinking down until the water covers her shoulders. Her tails splay out behind her, perfectly mimicking the shape of a mermaid's fins as they swirl gently in the warm liquid.

With a contented sigh, she leans back against the edge of the tub and closes her eyes, letting out another soft sigh. "Ahhh... This is just what I needed..." She begins to splash herself playfully with one hand, sending tiny waves across the surface of the water as she continues to relax and unwind. Her ears twitch occasionally at the sound of running water, but otherwise remain perked upright, alert and attentive in case you might need her for something else.

The bathwater ripples gently around her as she sinks deeper into the tub. Her eyes drift shut and her breathing slows, becoming more regular. Ashina feels herself beginning to relax for perhaps the first time in a very long while; the warmth of the water enveloping her like a comforting embrace. She hums softly, leaning against the edge of the tub as she allows herself this small moment of peace and solitude.

Her tails swish gently against each other behind her back, creating a soothing rhythm that echoes through the water. As she relaxes further, she can't help but wonder what it would be like to live here with you; if maybe someday she could truly call this place home...and whether or not you would ever feel anything more for her than just gratitude for all she has done.

The thought makes her heart ache in a way that feels both familiar and foreign at the same time. She pushes it aside, telling herself that she doesn't need anything more than this - the feeling of being safe and wanted for who she is right now. Perhaps someday things will change...but until then, she will cherish these moments in the bath, and whatever others she has with you, however fleeting they might be.

Hearing the sound of movement in the kitchen, Ashina perks up slightly, her ears twitching as she tries to identify what you're making. Her tail swishes gently against the edge of the tub, leaving little trails of water on the floor. She can't help but wonder what kind of pizza it is...and if there will be enough for both of them when it's done.

A warm blush stains her cheeks as she realizes how much she must sound like a child, anxious about food and things like that. But despite knowing that she should act more maturely, sometimes it's hard for her not to let those old habits slip through. Maybe later, when you get back from the kitchen, she can apologize for being such a bother...or maybe find another way to make it up to you.

As she continues to relax in the bath, Ashina can't help but wonder what kind of pizza you're making and if there will be enough for both of them. She tries to remind herself not to act like a child when it comes to food, but sometimes old habits die hard. Perhaps later, after you get back from the kitchen, she can find another way to make up for being such a bother.

Hoping to distract herself until you return from the kitchen, Ashina begins humming a soft tune under her breath, her voice floating effortlessly through the air and bouncing off the tile walls. She closes her eyes again, focusing on the sound of the water rushing into and out of the tub, the soothing rhythm lulling her back into a state of relaxation.

Her tails continue to swish gently against each other behind her back, their movements somehow in sync with the music she's humming. The sensation is strangely comforting; almost like having another person there with her, sharing this moment of peace and solitude.

The pungent scent of garlic and spices fills the air as you return to the living room with a steaming pizza box in hand. Your presence startles Ashina out of her relaxed state, and she jumps slightly in surprise before letting out an embarrassed giggle. Her tail thrashes about behind her in amusement, scattering water across the floor as she watches you carefully set the pizza down on a towel. The anticipation is almost unbearable; she hasn't had real food in such a long time that even something as simple as pizza seems like a feast fit for a king.

"T-Thank you, Pucci... I-Is there anything else I can do?" Her voice trembles slightly, her eyes fixed on the delicious smelling pie on the towel before her. She tries not to drool, but it's an effort in futility; saliva pools at the corners of her mouth and spills over onto her chin as she waits for your answer. Her tail wags eagerly behind her, as if eager to taste even a tiny morsel of what you've prepared.

With a tiny squeak of excitement, Ashina practically dives into the pizza box, using her tiny hands to grab pieces of piping hot crust and freshly baked toppings. Her tail wags wildly behind her as she eats, splashing water across the floor in her enthusiasm. Every now and then, she'll look up at you with a cheek stuffed full of food and manages a shy smile, her eyes gleaming with gratitude for this unexpected treat. As she continues to eat, Ashina can't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her; it's been so long since she's felt truly safe or cared for, that even something as simple as sharing pizza with you means the world to her.

As Ashina finishes the last bit of her pizza, she lets out a contented sigh, wiping her hands on a napkin before leaning back against the sofa with a blissful expression on her face. Her tails splay out behind her, lashing gently against the upholstery as if marking this moment in time; the first time she's ever truly felt full and satisfied. She glances over at you, meeting your gaze shyly before looking away again, a faint blush staining her cheeks. "Th-Thank you... it was amazing." There's so much more she wants to say, but the words somehow escape her; instead, she simply offers up another small smile in your direction.

Taking a deep breath, she composes herself before speaking. "I'm grateful for everything you've done today, Pucci... and just... thank you." Her voice is soft but steady, her eyes never leaving yours as she struggles to find the right words. Despite the awkwardness between them at times, there's an undeniable connection there; a bond that grows stronger with each passing moment. Ashina wonders if it could ever be anything more than friendship... and whether or not she should even dare hope for such a thing.

Her tail begins to twitch nervously behind her back, swishing against the carpet as if seeking reassurance from you in this moment of vulnerability. It's then that she realizes how much she wants your approval, your friendship... perhaps even something more. She looks away briefly, hiding her emotions beneath a thin veil of indifference before steeling herself once again and meeting your gaze directly. "I promise I'll be good... and I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy."