"I'm on it!" A certain hazel-eyed girl barked angrily at her boss as he slid a pair of filled glasses onto the counter. Fiammetta Barone, in attire completely unlike her, stormed over and snatched the Ale, scowling at her boss as she did. Giving a huff, Fia's scanned about the place for the table she'd been designated, the borderline-alcoholic mustering some willpower to not be lulled in by the alluring scent of the ale in her hands.

She looked over the late afternoon crowds, consisting mostly of work groups treating each other to rounds of booze after a tough day. Most of them were merchants, along with spatterings of some working-class guests to the pub. There were even a few guards about, which Fia took a wide berth around.

The Barone, clad in waitress attire, set her gaze on a table of two merchants, each of them laughing heartily as they regaled each other with old stories of glory days. She breathed in, mustered what effort she could to put on her best friendly smile. The result was more of a grimace than anything, causing the merchants to give her a somewhat confused look as she set down their pints.

"Here ya go~" Fia attempted her cutesiest voice, which came out strained with anger and only prompted further confusion from the merchants. Waitresses were supposed to friendly, right? Who was she supposed to appeal to?

The delinquent girl walked away from the table, internally cursing herself for taking up this job. Then again, she hadn't had much choice in the matter, with how few places were hiring part-timers, and how desperate she was to earn some money for her and her girlfriend's endeavors...

Fia sighed as she approached the counter again, getting back to work and praying her shift would fly by, and she could go back to the hospital where Esperia was recovering from a recent coma. Hopefully, the thought of seeing her afterward would get her through the day, and the clientele. Though she wasn't the best when on the drink herself, Fia wasn't terribly interested in dealing with drunkards for much longer. Espescially the ones that got flirty or handsy...

Then again, hopefully, all of them wouldn't be so bad. The bar was anyone looking for a nice drink, after all.

If she was being honest, Fia didn't at all dislike the Boar Hat Pub, though that wasn't to say she had the most particular of tastes. To call the young woman crude would be hitting the nail right on the head. Her low standards aside, Fia had found a lot to love in that pub.

She found its gaudy and whimsical design amusing, its raucous and chaotic crowds endearing. It reminded her of home, of Baldo's awful sense in furnishing and the cacophony of the dinner time rush. When it came down to it, there wasn't a terribly big difference in a crowd of drunkards and a herd of excited children, at least to not to Fia. Even the stench of alcohol and cigarettes had an air of familiarity about, every whiff she took reminding of her own father, of his collection of alcohol and horrendous smoking habits.

There just some sort of odd nostalgia to the chaotic pub, and that sensation helped distract Fia from just how unenjoyable the actual work was, and how unsuited a temperamental girl like her was for dealing with the pub's clientele.

Of course, they weren't all bad, as the steam punk would soon find. While delivering another pint of Bernia Ale, the pub's most popular drink, Fia overheard a much less boisterous voice request some whiskey. Hazel eyes shot toward the source, widening at an unexpected sight. A maiden with hair white as snow, a single spot of elegance among the ruckus. Calling her out of place would've been an understatement.

A quick look at her co-workers told Fia that no one else had heard the beauty's request, and so she gave in to her curiosity and decided it her responsibility. Weaving back toward the bar, she'd begin back toward the white-haired girl with her poison of choice in hand.

Fia stuttered somewhat in her approach, her eyes falling on the imprint on the maiden's hand. She was more curious than ever now, reminded of something Esperia had told her about Blue Pegasus, and how Fia might benefit from the jobs they provided.

Hesitating a few more moments as she made sure her co-workers were preoccupied, the brown haired girl set focused eyes on the white-haired woman's table. Wordlessly, she strode over, placing the whiskey glass down with some force to grab the woman's attention, were it elsewhere.

"You wanted whiskey, right White?" Fia said flatly, concocting the nickname on the spot. The young Barone wasn't the most creative of people. Hazel glanced side to side, making certain that she could afford a few more words with the customer.

"That's uh, a Blue Pegasus mark, right?" She asked more than a little awkwardly, realizing she didn't really have a gameplan here. Leaving a few seconds for awkward silence, Fia suddenly realized her pathway into a proper conversation, desparate though it may have been.

"Know someone in there myself. Esperia, her name is. Short girl, funky-lookin' eyes." The young woman was doing her damndest to play things coolly, but just the mention of her lover had her expression softening. "A-Any chance you know 'er?" Another awkward query in this already odd situation. Fia might have been confident, arrogant even, but social graces had never been and would likely never be her forte.

There was something about 'White', something that had Fia inherently curious about the maiden. It was more than just her apparent status as a Blue Pegasus, or Fiammetta's attraction to elegant women. There was just a kind of nobility to the woman's demeanor, a beauty, and intelligence that seemed out of place in their current environment. It reminded her a bit of the doll-like Esperia, if she was being honest.

As she set down the whiskey glass, Fia noticed the haste with which 'White' consumed the lovely liquor. The hazel-eyed girl suppressed a chuckle, somewhat amused by the apparent taste for alcohol this dainty young woman had. Of course, Fia was a pretty heavy drinker herself, and couldn't deny a bit of envy as she watched the white-haired maiden enjoy the powerful alcohol. Working as a waitress in the pub continued to prove an unwise choice.

Though, on the bright side, it had given her yet another opportunity to meet an acquaintance of Esperia's. The cold maiden apparently did know the raven-haired trickster, and even more than that, had been the one to recruit her to Blue Pegasus in the first place. Fia tried to hide the grin forming on her face, feeling a bit giddy at the possibility of meeting another one of Esperia's friends.

"That so, huh? Wonder how ya convinced 'er to join..." Fia mused out loud after White's reveal, as it occurred to her she'd never really heard Esperia's reasons for joining Blue Pegasus. Only, that they were a useful group for a traveler like her. She'd also heard that they might be useful for someone like Fia, who was so desperately in need of the funds working with a guild could provide.

That, however, wasn't something the dark-haired girl could bring up just yet. Fia still wasn't even sure if she was bothering the maiden, the snow-haired girl's sparing responses giving the impression that she wasn't all that talkative. Though, she did have a few more words to spare on Esperia herself.

The steam-punk felt herself tense up a bit at the other woman's words, knowing fully well that Esperia certainly wasn't where she wanted to be right now. Fia gulped down, checking she wasn't needed elsewhere in the pub before continuing, and telling the truth that this apparent friend of Esperia's ought to know.

"Yeah, she, uh, met that friend of 'er's..." Fia stammered out a little awkwardly, looking away from the girl and scratching the back of her head. "As fer her travels, can't really say she's at where she wants to be right now."

Recalling the events left a bitter, burning taste in Fia's mouth, not unlike White's whiskey, but without the following elation. "Espy's been in the hospital fer the past few days. Recoverin' from injuries." Her fist clenched, anger boiling as she took a breath. The girl's next words were strained with anger. "She... Got attacked by some damn dog fuckers... Er, Lycans, sorry." Catching herself, Fia regained a bit of composure ans straightened up in front of the girl who was still her customer. She couldn't afford her usual lack of niceties.

"She's doin' aight now, though. On the mend and all that. I, uh, 'pologize that ya gotta hear it through me." Fia fiddled uncomfortably a bit, fully aware how she'd damaged the mood of the already awkward conversation.

"A home? Yeah, guess I can see why she'd be lookin' fer one." Fia remarked, raising a curious eyebrow at the white-haired girl's answer. Given what she herself knew about Esperia's family, and how she'd lost them, it wasn't at all surprising to hear the girl was in search of a 'home'. It even occurred to here that, in spite of Esperia's outgoing demeanor, there was bound to be some deeper loneliness in her, with what she'd been through. The fiery lass could only hope she was able to rectify that.

With her eyes still on her customer, Fia was beginning to notice the apparent taste the noble maiden had for alcohol. It had eyebrows raised once again, that such a dainty figure was so readily gulping down the amber fluid. Her lips opened a moment as 'White' finished her cup, about to inquire if she was alright. However, she decided against it before any words actually came out. Something about this girl's frosty aura had Fia thinking it was better to leave such a subject untouched.

Seemingly in an effort to surprise Fia even further, the girl asked for another whiskey, prompting an impressed look from the hazel-eyed lass. "Comin' right up, White." Fia remarked amusedly, briefly wandering off to retrieve another whiskey. She didn't think she'd seen anyone so enamored by the drink. Well, aside from her father. The old man used to say it was medicinal, a mental painkiller of sorts. Fia wondered if that was the snowy-haired maiden's prescription too.

After returning with some more amber intoxicant, Fia continued to hold a reserved yet steady conversation with the other girl, despite the serious subject matter. It wasn't easy, telling her about Esperia, partially because Fia didn't feel like she was supposed to be the one delivering the news. Despite reassurance from her girlfriend, Fia still wasn't quite sure she could be in the same social standing as the obsidian haired trickster...

Such worries were somewhat dulled by the gratitude of the other girl, who seemed just as concerned about Esperia as Fia herself. It wasn't too surprising to her, she was certain Esperia had a fair few friends that were worried about her. The young delinquent smiled as 'White' asked how to visit her, glad there would be more than just her and Liana to keep the recovering girl company.

"She's at the hospital, the one run by Doc Gerard, if ya know 'im." Fia explained simply, her face scrunching up a little as a thought came to her head. "Actually, my shift's almost over, so I can take ya right over there, if ya want." The brunette offered with a casual tone, just as she noticed some of her co-workers give the loitering waitress a bit of side-eye.

"I, uh, I was gonna head over after anyway, sure Princess won't mind the extra company." Fia reassured a little awkwardly, still not entirely comfortable with the social interaction. So uncomfortable, in fact, that she didn't even realize she'd let slip her affectionate nickname for the girl.

Fia felt like she was starting to get the hang of the whole 'having a regular conversation' thing. Sure, she was still stumbling along the social interaction, but fortunately, the other girl was more than accommodating. It certainly helped that they'd a mutual interest in Esperia, whom they both clearly cared about to some degree. Though Fia had yet to elucidate the full extent of her own connection.

Nevertheless, she was glad to have this patron along with her, who herself seemed to be quite keen on the idea of visiting Esperia. It wasn't at all surprising. The raven-haired girl seemed to have quite a knack for making friends and allies, so Fia had already expected to have more than a few in her own guild.

"A-Alright then. I'll come get ya once my shift is over." Fia responded with a poorly hidden grin. She watched as the fair-haired maiden retrieved some jewels, eyes wide as the woman paid for her drink and then some. Fia was about to open her mouth and point out the overestimation of price, before realizing she'd actually received a tip. Certainly a rare occasion for the usually unfriendly and reserved waitress.

Fia gave a nod of thanks, as the other woman finally revealed her actual name. A stifled chuckle escaped Fia's lips before she spoke up again. "Hold up, yer tellin me I've been callin' a girl named Snow... 'White'..." Immature as she was, it was highly amusing to her, and she chuckled a few more beats before actually returning the introduction. "Oh, uh, right. The name's Fia. Nice an' simple, so don't forget it."

With their late introductions finished, Fia gestured for Snow to wait a moment before making a few last rounds before her shift finally ended. After getting changed out of her uniform, she'd return to her newfound companion wearing her usual deep-purple loose pants and long jacket, along with sarashi on her top. Her attire was cheap, but it got the job done.

"Aight, oughta' get goin' now. Doc ain't happy when I stay past visitin' hours." Fia would explain to Snow as she walked back, gesturing for the other girl to begin following her. With hands deep in her pockets, the hazel-eyed girl would lead her out into the cold outside air.

"So, uh, what's Blue Pegasus doin' in Baska anyways? Come across a lot of yous recently." Fia would inquire as the traversed the busy streets of the merchant town, in an attempt to fill the time with some idle small talk. Throughout the walk, Fia didn't stop once to check directions or doubt her route, a clear indication this wasn't her first time making that exact journey.

Soon enough, they were at the hospital, luckily still within the usual visiting hours. Fia was still taking the lead, and after a brief talk to the hospital's receptionist, the dark-haired girl signaled for Snowflake to follow her once again, until they were by Esperia's own room. Should Snow look to Fia, she might already see the soft smile forming on her expression.

At the door to Esperia's room, Fia wordlessly knocked before entering, her grin huge as she announced her presence and lead Snow into the room.

"Hey there Princess. Brought some company."

If there was one feeling that most younglings in the hospital shared, then it was likely that feeling of boredom. Perhaps it was her energetic and chipper nature, but Esperia often found herself growing bored from the lack of activities she could do while inside the hospital. Certainly, she understood the importance of needing to rest and recover, but at the same time the young Eisenberg did have the benefit of the fact her body was recovering at an unnatural rate, courtesy of the power of the demon lord that dwelled inside her.

Even the rehabilitation, something that usually was akin to a torturous experience for most, seemed to be going smoothly for the girl, too smoothly even as Doctor Gerard was left in bewilderment about his patient. Still, it did give her plenty of opportunities to relax and think about the future. Where would she go after she recovered? Obviously, it would be a trip with Fia by her side, but what about Liana? She had not seen or heard from the girl since she had been an important factor in ensuring she would safely recover from her injuries.

To be honest, she was a bit worried about the absence of her best friend. A soft sigh escaped the girl's lips as she remained to lie down on her bed.

At least there was still Fia, and her daily visits were one of the few things that kept her from going insane from boredom, just the presence of the girl as they talked about the events they had experienced each day being enough to help keep the girl in high spirits.

Speaking of which, she was expecting Fia to arrive any moment now, and it was for that reason the girl was once more about to get into high spirits as she hummed softly.

Of course, if it was up to her she would have rather worn some pretty clothes instead of the white patient gown that patients wore, but at least she would hopefully be discharged soon enough, the idea of being able to go on a date with Fia already stirring a little girlish giggle from her.

Nonetheless, when she heard the familiar footsteps approach her room Esperia pulled her body upright, almost with the same innocent excitement as a child might have had when that familiar voice resounded from the nearby doorway leading into her room. "Fia~" Esperia exclaimed with a smile, but the words that followed as the duo entered her room caused Esperia's eyes to widen in surprise. "S-Snow?"

The momentary surprise on her expression turned into an innocent smile as she looked at her guild master, a light wave of her hand following as she declared in an amused tone. "Hehe~ It's a surprise to see you here~ I was hoping to do something more heroic before contacting you. Instead, it seems you already found out about how I lost to a meany Lycan. A One-Hit KO!"

A weak laugh escaped her lips as she shook her head lightly and turned to look at Fia, a slight tilt of her head being made sideways in confusion. "But this is an unusual combination~ A Fia and a Snowflake, almost sounds like a story in the making~ so tell me~ What brings you two to my humble temporary abode~"

A playful wave was made with her hand, and the room indeed was quite humble. There was her bed, to the side of it were some chairs for visitors, and even a small table with a basket of fruits and snacks, courtesy of Fia, and the more healthy shenanigans being provided by Doctor Gerard himself.

"There's been a few of 'em." Fia would begin to answer Snow's query, a little surprised the other girl wasn't aware of the guild's strong presence. Of course, she wasn't really aware of the details of the guild's inner functions, so had perhaps overestimated how much each member know about one another. "First was Esperia, then I met that friend of 'er's, Liana. Apparently, she got roped in too, and I've 'eard her and Esperia mention this other member that got 'er into the guild... Name was... Lisa, or somethin' like that." The fiery girl continued, still finding it a bit odd she was able to make such casual conversation. A combination of a very attentive partner and her experiences with Esperia, it would seem. "After that, ran into this lil' punk named Elk. And then, well..."

Fia gave a one-handed gesture to the fair-haired maiden beside her, shrugging and grinning a little. "Ran into yous. That's 'bout it, but I'm guessin' there's plenty more." The hazel-eyed girl concluded, continuing to lead her guest along. Their journey continued, the frequency with which she took the trip making it feel rather short to Fia. However, this time, it did feel a bit longer, thanks to the company. It was funny, really, how the two girls got along, in spite of being pretty close to polar opposites. Perhaps it was that mutual connection to Esperia that allowed them to so easily enjoy one another's company.

Idle chat filled the time, and soon enough, the pair of females was at the door of their mutual connection, Fia eagerly opening the door to present them to the girl within. Despite how often she'd visited Esperia, Fia never stopped being overjoyed by their encounters.

Her girlfriend's innocent and gleeful exclamation had painted a huge smile on Fia's face. After watching Esperia struggle for survival over those hellish weeks, seeing the same girl so bright and full of life made her feel nothing short of blessed. Esperia was her light, reignited and shining brighter than ever, and she loved her for that.

She would've moved forward to embrace the girl right then and there, did they not have other company who Esperia was currently surprised to see. As the two Blue Pegasus members likely exchanged a few words, Fia took a seat on a small chair beside Esperia's bed, the same one she'd sat in for nights on end during the other girl's coma.

Esperia acknowledged the unusual combination, prompting a grin and little chuckle from Fia. "Actually met 'er durin' my job. Noticed she was a Blue Pegasus, asked 'er if she knew ya, and, well..." A small was given as she gestured to the fair-haired maiden. "She asked where to see ya, so I figured I'd bring 'er along. Thought you might want more company, seein' as Liana hasn't, uh..."

Fia stopped that train of speech there, coughing awkwardly to push that thought aside. Her hand moved to Esperia's, holding it tenderly and reassuringly as she spoke up again. "Anyways, you been doin' aight? Heard from Doc that yer recovery's been awesome."

The concerned and slightly scolding tone of Snowflake's voice made Esperia smile briefly at her while she replied in a more cheerful tone. "Hehe~ guess I should have been more careful~" Still when Fia inquired about her recovery the girl had to admit she felt a bit nervous to reply on the matter. While it was true that her rehabilitation had been going remarkably well, it was undeniable that her rapid recovery was thanks to the power of the demon lord within her. "Mhmm~ the doctor said that with just a few more days of rest and I'll be able to leave the hospital."

Nonetheless, perhaps this had been an opportunity to talk to Snowflake about that secret she had recently uncovered? "Honestly, the reason I was attacked was likely because of 'that'..." She paused for a moment, closing her eyes as she took a deep breath before continuing. "Remember, my family was murdered by a Lycan pack... the one who attacked me belonged to that pack. It appeared they were looking for some sort of artifact that is considered sacred among their kin, and when I told them the truth, that I didn't know of any artifacts like that... things escalated."

The girl sighed softly before trying her best to cheer herself up with a little chuckle. "Nonetheless, I'm almost ready to bounce around again!" Playfully flexing her arms as if to make proof of her statement the girl continued her explanation. "But this unnatural recovery is likely contributed to a certain situation I'm in... You see Snow... After I regained consciousness I learned that I am also a vessel for a certain being called Asmodeus..."

She tilted her head slightly to the side, seemingly pondering about something. "But I'm really glad you both came to pay me a visit, it's so boring to be stuck in the hospital all the time~"

The white-haired maiden seemed content with Fia's listing of the Blue Pegasus members she'd met. She didn't seem to have to much say on the matter, or seem to recognize the names much, but she seemed nonetheless... Well, content. It made Fia wonder a bit more, on what it must be like, being in a guild. Then again, if they were like families, maybe it wouldn't be such a new experience for the Barone girl. But, time would tell.


Fia wasn't at all surprised to hear Snow's light scolding of Esperia. Hell, she even grinned a little at it. She herself had been feeling much the same at a point during Esperia's coma, at one of her many emotionally vulnerable states over that time period. The hazel-eyed girl even let out a small scoff of agreement as her girlfriend nonchalantly stated she should've been more careful. An obvious sentiment, if there ever was one.

Snow, like Fia, grabbed a seat beside Esperia's bed, listening silently as the young delinquent detailed their meeting, before offering a small statement that surprised Fia a little. Flattered her, even. While Fia hadn't really done much, hearing Snowflake so grateful to have met her gave Fia an elated sense of usefulness, one long forgotten since Esperia's coma and her various blunders following.

"No problem, White." Fia would mutter a little proudly in response. Esperia gave more detail on how her recovery was going, only widening Fia's smile. "Seriously? That's awesome, Espy!" She proclaimed excitedly at the news of Esperia's eventual release from the hospital. Though Fia had adapted to the routine visits, being able to actually go out and about with her lover, and having the privacy of her apartment, were things she'd been sorely missing.

But the soothing bliss of that good news quickly dissipated as the subject matter became a bit more serious, with Esperia explaining to Snowflake the details behind her... Encounter... With the Lycans. On instinct, Fia's hand grasped a little more tightly around Esperia's, a comforting move during her retelling of likely harrowing events. Fia was silent throughout, not having much more to say on the matter that was anything more than shouting expletives about the Lycans, or 'dog-fuckers' as she'd so eloquently described them in the past.

Esperia's clear attempts to make things a bit cheerier were seen through by Fia, but caused the dark haired girl to smile softly nonetheless. Both of them had been putting on tough acts, but it got them through this twisted situation, so she didn't mind. But what did surprise Fia, however, was Esperia's sudden decision to reveal the true reasons behind her speedy recovery...

Though, that surprise quickly faded after some thought. Although was doubtlessly not something to tell just anyone, Snowflake had already proven someone trustworthy and capable and Fia's eyes, so she'd trust Esperia's judgement on the matter.

A little grunt of agreement was given to Esperia's remark about how boring the hospital was. "I'll say. Place is depressin' as hell." She grumbled, speaking partly on her own experiences in staying there. "They oughta put in a... Iunno, a fuckin' pool table or somethin'" Perhaps not the wisest suggestion, but it was Fia's honest if misinformed opinion on the matter. It was becoming clear, how more relaxed and casual she was in Esperia's presence. For better, or for worse.

"Then again, I don' exactly mind comin' in to keep ya from gettin' bored. I'm sure White 'ere's the same. So, maybe this place ain't all bad." The hazel-eyed girl gave one last musing, grinning slyly at Esperia.

A little nod was made by the girl as Snowflake inquired about the name she had just mentioned. It was a bit embarrassing to admit it, in the end... who wouldn't get flustered when they learned that they were the vessel for the Demon Lord of Lust? That was a shortcut straight toward being the most perverted person in the whole of Fiore! "Well, to be honest... I don't know that much about her, but past tales seem to describe her as one of the seven powerful demons that frequently appear in stories... She is the Demon Lord of Lust, Asmodeus... Albeit, I'm not sure why she is a she when she is supposed to be a 'lord'..."

Tilting her head slightly to the side as she tried to figure out the answer to the matter she had just voiced, the young lady soon gave up on the matter and simply shrugged it off with a smile. However, when Snowflake asked Fia about whether she visited the girl daily the obsidian-haired trickster's smile brightened even more as she exclaimed happily. "Mhmm~ She visits me every day~"

She better did! Else she would have had to deal with a super clingy girlfriend when she was finally discharged from the hospital! But then again, she truly was grateful that Fia visited her every day, it made the recovery period a lot more durable than normally. "Then again, I'd be quite a sad 'Princess' if she didn't visit me~"

A sheepish giggle followed afterwards as she clearly was in high spirits.

It was a little surprising, just how much Esperia was willing to divulge to Snowflake in regards to Asmodeus. Put simply, it wasn't exactly the kind of topic you discussed with just anyone. So the dark-haired trickster's openness around Snowflake indicated to Fia that her girlfriend clearly trusted her fellow guildmate quite a lot. And if she was being honest, Fia could understand that. Though she knew close to nothing about the leadership dynamics within Blue Pegasus, and where Snow fit within that, Fia was nonetheless certain Esperia was making the right choice in trusting her. It almost odd, really, how quickly the steam punk had formed a positive opinion of the frosty girl, who was close to being her polar opposite.

Of course, that didn't mean Fia was quite as ready herself to be completely open with her, on account of the hazel-eyed girl's own social inability. So the question posed by the snowy-haired maiden had Fia's face slightly reddened by the prospect. "A-Ah, well..." She muttered out at first, glancing away and scratching her cheek as she tried to figure out how to answer the question. While the answer itself wasn't embarrassing, it was the implication that had Fia a bit flustered. It was more than just implying she and Fia were in a relationship, no, that part she could've admitted. It was the revelation that it was such a relationship that Fia would visit her daily that Fia felt posed a threat to the tough and thuggish image she tried to maintain.

Of course, Fia's own hesitance was irrelevant in the end, as Esperia quite eagerly gave Snowflake her answer, prompting a heavier blush from Fiammetta. But, in the end, she was not displeased with Esperia's words, and her girlfriend's assurance that she'd be sad if Fia didn't visit painted a dopey smile on the girl's face. She was being stupid, she realized. Her thuggish image was one thing, but around good people like Snowflake, she was better off showcasing another facet of herself. The Fia that did her best to make Esperia happy.

"What can I say? Don' think I'd manage not bein' able to see ya... It's why I come every day." An attempt at a smooth yet horrendously cheesy line was made by Fia, to affirm her confidence in this facet. Though, her reddened cheeks diminished this somewhat.

"A-Anyways, I'm sure you can come whenever ya want too, White." Fia stammered as she turned attention back to the snowy-haired maiden, who surely got the full picture of their relationship by now. "Doc's pretty good about visitin'. He let me stay here a lot when Espy was still in a coma, still lets me go past visitin' hours sometimes."

She sounded truly grateful as she spoke of the good doctor Gerard. The man had helped both of them through a lot, and was practically responsible for their meeting in the first place. Truth be told, Fia wasn't sure she'd ever be able to repay the man.

It was a little embarrassing for the "rough and tough" Fiammetta to admit her rather serious relationship with Esperia, she didn't at all regret doing so. There were few people she'd been so honest about it with but, then again, there were also few who'd earned her trust quite as quickly as Snowflake. Being mutually acquainted with Esperia helped a lot on that front.

"Come anytime, aight?" Fia would utter with a small grin as Snow assured them she'd visit as much as she could. She was kind, this girl. Genuinely so, that much Fia could see. It seemed that, unlike her name implied, there was a definite warmth to the snowy-haired maiden.

Alas, that was warmth she would grace them with for any longer, as Snow announced she would have to make her leave. It was fair enough, Fia thought. Unlike her, Snowflake likely had others waiting wherever it was she stayed her nights. The steam punk watched with a soft smile as she and Esperia shared a hug. Normally, the occasionally petty young delinquent would feel a bit of jealousy at such an act, and yet, there was inexplicably 'sisterly' vibe from Snowflake that prevented such a feeling.

"Ditto, White. Thanks fer taggin' along."" Fia would return the frosty maiden's smile, a long with her sentiment, waving goodbye to the newfound friend.

With her and Esperia left alone, Fia would turn to her lover, holding her hand a bit more tightly than before, as she leaned down to give Esperia the peck on the lips she'd been wanting to ever since she'd entered. Leaning back up, she'd offer one final comment on their guest.

"That White, she's a nice gal, huh?"

/EXIT

"Mhmm~ I'll make certain to be better again in no time!"

Esperia declared cheerfully as she was hugged, a gesture that made her grin sheepishly and after her release she waved a hand gently at Snowflake. "Bai bai~ Have a safe trip." Upon her departure she felt Fia's hand gently hold her own, the gesture making her look at the feisty lass with a more tender smile, one that brightened ever further when moments later their lips met in a tender kiss. There was something about such a gesture that always worked wonders in lifting her spirits, to the point that she couldn't help but grin even more intensely at her lover. "hehe~ Indeed, although you really got a creative choice of nicknames, don't you Fia?"

Making a teasing reference to the 'white' that Fia had chosen as the nickname for Blue Pegasus' guildmaster, Esperia couldn't help but giggle softly before leaning her head gently against the taller lass, humming softly. "I hope I'll be discharged soon, so that we can go on adventures again~"

There was so much she still wanted to do, so many things she still wanted to show and tell Fia! But for the time being she would have to take comfort in the fact that Fia was at her side, and wasn't going to change that!

Nonetheless, if only she could have known that those events were all just a peaceful silence before the storm, one that would shake up Fiore as a whole! But for now, it was time to rest and recover for the days ahead...

[EXIT]