"She seems a decent sort. Anxious, but then all roses are. And she has better reasons for it than most."

"I don't see what you two see in her. She seems pretty boring to me."

"Tsk. And here I thought you knew, Aya."

"Knew what?"

Tasha takes one of Aya's big fluffy ears in hand and strokes it softly. "She's my alt."

"Oh. So then..."

"Not just any old rose."

"It's probably too much to hope for her to spread her wings, but perhaps she'll be a berry by the time she leaves."

"She was willing to listen to the arguments I had in favour of our side."

"And she's working on her trauma regarding her little kink. If she can just get past her anxiety, we'll make a berry of her yet." 

Aya sighs. "Just don't get too attached. She has what, eleven more days?"

"And the attention of two escorts and a therapist."

Kumi looks down at her right wrist, where the emblem of a winged blackberry nestles against the heel of her hand. 

"All we can do is hope and help as best we can. In the meantime... Best to rest."

Ishaza leans her head into Kumi's petting hands. "Tired, are we?"

"I haven't slept in weeks."

"That's what dyne is for, darling."

"I know, I know. But I miss it. I just want to curl up in someone's arms and drift away..."

"You really are tired, aren't you. How many hours have you been out front these past few days?"

"Mmmmmmmmnotsure. Sixteen?"

"In how many days?"

"One." Kumi has the good grace to look sheepish.

"No wonder you're exhuasted. Aftercare potions are not a substitute for real snuggling, darling."

"Mhm. Which is why I'm back in the city and planning to stay for a day at least."

"Good for you."

"What kind of shenanigans required you to be front for sixteen hours? Did you start chaining roses, or did a couple berries have their way with you very thoroughly?"