บท 742: Treasured Gesture

Ash looked mighty abashed with herself. 

I opened my door, and she was standing there looking as if she was hoping that I wouldn't, and that now that I have, all her plans had just gone completely out the window.

"Should I ask why you're out here?" I said, watching her squirm in cluelessness. "Or would you like me to guess instead? Got a pretty good hunch, actually…" 

"Master," Ash fell back to what she knew best, sinking her head down in a familiar bow. "I… well… would you… would you happen to be alone tonight, perchance?" 

"For the time being," I said, unable to help myself but grin at the sight of her twitching ears."But not for very long, I suspect. Not if you can help it, that is." 

Ash didn't seem to appreciate my teasing tone. "May I come in?" 

"Of course. Not sure why you're even asking permission," I added,  stepping off to the side. "Unless you feel like you're doing something that you shouldn't."