[Introverted fox girl looking to join an existing Accord & Anarchy group. New to the system but I pick up games quickly and promise to bring something to the table. Disclaimer; willing to play nano-surgeon.]

 

That was the easy part done; now I could wait for replies and decide which groups I liked the most. Best case scenario, I satisfied the conditions for sloth and had something to do away from Miss. Worst case scenario I broke down in front of strangers and could try again later. I placed the terminal into my backpack and waited for Miss and Ratio to return.

 

I was sitting on a bench outside the pet café, dangling my legs and watching sophonts pass by. At first, it was quite nerve-wracking; with many glancing in my direction, some openly pointing. I initially wanted to flee but Miss told me to wait and so I did. At some point, I opened up my audio, curious as to what people were saying about me and was surprised by what I heard. “She’s so beautiful.” “OMG I want tails like that!” “She’s like a goddess.” I chuckled at that last one and quickly realised not a single person had a bad thing to say. By the end, my head was held a little higher and I deduced maybe the general public wasn’t so bad. Miss returned with Ratio, the latter still high on her pet drugs and nomming on the former’s vines as if it was the best chew toy in the world.

 

“Is she going to be like that for our meet-up?” I asked.

 

“No, the counteractive agent will have fully kicked in by then. She’ll be awake in time for your playdate.” Miss reassured me. She ran her vine down my neck and arm, which I gently held onto, closed my eyes and leant into; allowing all the feel-good vibes to flow through me. If my eyes were open, I would have noticed Miss looking down at me with knowing and loving warmth. “Star, shall we head off?” Miss asked.

 

I let go of her vine and jumped off the bench, giving a quick enthusiastic “Kay!” and followed closely behind.

 

 

“You’ve changed,” Lucia noted.

 

I finished slurping my ramen noodles and placed my chopsticks into the half-empty bowl. “In what way?” I asked, genuinely curious.

 

“You’re more confident I think?”

 

“It’s the shoulders,” Sebastian added. “They’re more relaxed and your head isn’t drooped forward. You look more comfortable and at ease compared to the first time we met.”

 

“Yeah, exactly that!” Lucia said, pointing her chopsticks at her partner. “It’s nice to see! I take it things are going well with you and your Mistress?”

 

They were, but I wouldn’t admit that. “Who knows?” I replied.

 

“Sis, you have to be honest, remember?” Ratio said.

 

Ugh! Ratio, read the room! “It’s going at an acceptable pace,” I added.

 

“Sis…”

 

I huffed. “Fine! It’s going well. We’ve set up some personal boundaries, but for the most part, I’m starting to enjoy my time around Miss and my stress has been relatively low.” I bapped Ratio on the head. “Happy?” She beamed in response and nodded her head before going back to her dish.

 

Lucia and Sebastian exchanged a sly glance but opted not to push the subject. Wanting to fill in the void I took the initiative. “So, what’s new with you two?”

 

“Oh, nothing much. Only got engaged,” Lucia said as if it was the least important thing in the world and casually revealed a ring she had been hiding. I looked at Lucia dumbfounded and then at Sebastian who blushed, revealing his ring. He began fidgeting and looked at Lucia who was watching him with amusement. She took his hand and his fidgeting died down.

 

“Congratulations!” Ratio yelled, drawing the attention of some of the nearby company.

 

I was a little more reserved. “C, it’s been what, 4 weeks of you both being together? Don’t you think you’re moving a bit fast?”

 

Lucia’s face turned to one of slight annoyance. “I thought you’d be happy for me?”

 

“I am! I just… 4 weeks C. That’s not a long time.”

 

“I know it’s quick, but we realised we’re deeply in love with each other and don’t want to be separated,” Sebastian added.

 

Lucia smiled at her partner and held him close. “He makes me happy Zei. This is what I want.”

 

I could see that she was serious. Sometimes Zeitha, you have to acknowledge other people’s decisions and be there to support them and pass less judgement. This is probably one of those times. I smiled in their direction. “Okay okay. If you’re absolutely sure it’s what you both want then you have my blessing. Congratulations and I hope your days together are long and filled with happiness.”

 

The two returned my smile and Lucia reached her hand out and squeezed mine. “Thanks, Zei.” I resumed tending to my dish.

 

“Out of curiosity, how does that work with your ownership dynamic?” I asked.

 

“Owners first, engagement second,” Lucia said. “We’ll also be entering a joint domestication contract and be reassigned as pinnates.”

 

“I see.” I split my egg with the chopsticks and devoured one-half whole. “Sounds like you won’t have much time for external company,” I added dejectedly.

 

Ratio, sensing my unease, pulled closer and rested her head against my shoulder. I gave her my right hand which she held under the table.

 

“You’re my best friend Zei, I’m always going to be making time for you,” Lucia said. I gave a slight smile, reassured by both of the girls. “Zei, I have something important I want to ask you.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Will you be my maid of honour?”

 

My hair went bright blue and orange. “Me?” I asked incredulously.

 

“Who else!?” Lucia insisted.

 

I tumbled over my words with what followed barely constituted as intelligible. The three sophonts laughed at my performance and embarrassment started to take root. I took a deep breath, squeezed Ratio’s hand, and let it out. “I’d be honoured too!”

 

The remainder of our time was spent conducting small talk and enjoying each other’s company; the way friends typically do. The meet-up was short but sweet and I found myself longing for the type of relationship the two partners shared.