>I stretch and roll out of bed. Thankfully I've finally managed to kick that whole habit of slamming my head into the floor. Thanks partially to Mia's constant mockery. Speaking of I glance back to her, still asleep.
>I'm on the cusp of just fully moving in now. I spend several days a week here in Mia's apartment. I'm considering bringing this up to her today, even.
>I quickly check my phone for the time. Six am sharp. Thank you, Navy training. I sigh and make my way to the bathroom. I sigh and do my business, thinking about life so far. Still living month to month on those disability checks, nothing really going on there but at least I'm not just waiting for death to take me in that little Skin Row apartment.
>I flush and rinse my hands off in the sink, returning to the warm comfort of Mia and our little bed. I snuggle in and catch an elbow to the ribs.
>"...letting the warm out."
>A devilish idea creeps into me.
>I tuck my cool hands right under her armpits.
>"GAH!" She flinches awake and whips around in bed.
>"You bastard!" I chuckle as I catch another elbow, this one with intent to wound.
>I rub my sore spot as I cuddle in again, she's a bit hesitant to let me but I'm warm enough that I'm allowed.
>Both of us pretty awake now she speaks as I turn into a human shaped space heater for her.
>"We doing that date tonight?"
>"Mhm." I gently grunt back.
>"Cool." I feel her settle and relax. Now's the time to ask.
>"Hey, Mia?"
>"Whatsup?"
>"I'm tired of paying for that shitty skin row apartment."
>"Live on the street then." man it's like second nature to her. No effort at all to be snarky.
>"I was thinking...Can I pay half the rent here, instead?"
>A shuffle as Mia flips over, having to lift herself to tuck her tail under as she does.
>"You serious?" She's a bit more awake now
>"I'm here more often than I'm not. Why not?"
>She pauses. "Alright, sure. Ain't got much room for your shit but I guess you can just pick some empty corner to drop it."
cont.