FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The morning passes by in a blur. Leftover breakfast, some quick cleaning, and then all that's on my mind is my outfit. Something more casual, more approachable than when I was the office lady who wound up on Clover's couch. Work dress, work skirt, cardigan, no... ah, here we go. A simple cable-knit sweater in a vivid red, with an undershirt to help with the cold. Pair that with a close-fitted pair of jeans, winter boots, and thick wool socks, and... there! A nice, relaxed look that practically draws in conversation as warm as the outfit feels. Hehee... ooooh, I can't wait~

I make sure to stop by the fridge to grab a container of leftovers for dinner. ...well, two actually. Clover deserves something from me for that night rather than just making something from her own food, even if she... w-well, she really, REALLY seemed to like it, hehee... I can almost feel her reassuring hand on my shoulder, even still. ...although, let's tuck that pleasant thought away for a daydream or three, Bonnie, the city buses wait for no one and who knows how long you'll be standing here if you keep thinking of... of, well! That! Get goinnnnnng, you airhead!

After saying goodbye to Penn and grabbing my coat, I head out the door, walking with more of a stride than normal. Full of energy and ready to go, perfect for today. I even wind up reaching the bus stop faster than I expected. ...which doesn't really change anything because the bus gets here at the same time, regardless. Uhhh, whoops... still, maybe I can use this somehow? A way to relax, get myself in the mindset of diving into the unknown, or maybe even- ...ooooh, a better idea. A warm, familiar smell passes under my nose, reminding me of what exactly is just across the street. I know exactly what needs to be done here.

As I enter the bakery, those smells I recognize from my trips to work only grow stronger, more relaxing, and absolutely blissful. I can't believe I never gave in to the temptation to come here before. The orange feline attending the counter waves and welcomes me, and I respond in kind before letting my gaze be drawn to the display cases full of wondrous creations. Dark bread with chocolate chips and cherries, a wide loaf absolutely loaded with herbs, an entire rainbow of differently-decorated and flavored cupcakes, and that's only the tip of the iceberg. It's almost overwhelming, but I'm on a schedule, so I make sure to focus and find what I'm looking for. A minute or two later, and I've spotted the perfect choice: individual slices of cake, layered with lemon cream on the inside and coated with buttercream on the outside, pointed into swirls on the edges. I'm pretty sure a bakery that sells cake by the slice is uncommon, and they sell out fast for the day; it's not even noon, and this one's already half-gone. I'll have to let Clover know where I got these once I reveal the surprise, this is absolutely need-to-know information for her.

I place my order, watch the pair of slices be carefully boxed, then quickly get them paid for, bidding the attendant farewell and a hearty thank you. With a few minutes to spare, I'm back at the bus stop, practically vibrating with excitement at this point. Today's going to be wonderful, I can feel it. The bus ride passes in what feels like an instant as I spend the time thinking of what's to come, and I begin the walk towards Clover's place. I was right about the landmarks; everything sticks out so vividly from yesterday that I can walk with brisk confidence. The place with a few letters missing or rearranged on its sign, the surprisingly green area with a few odd-looking bushes... everything feels so much more unique than being deep in the city near my workplace. By the time I know Clover's house is less than a minute or two away, I'm breathing a bit heavily from keeping the pace higher than normal. ...i-is my tail wagging a bit again? Oh dear.

I ring the doorbell, awaiting my entrance. As I stand out here, I notice a window or two below the level of the porch. I guess that means she does have a basement. That'd certainly explain where she came from yesterday. I wonder how roomy the place is with that taken into consideration. ...well, I'll be finding that out myself, shortly, since I can hear the door being unlocked. My time as a proper guest begins here.

"Bonnie? A bit early, aren't- uh, wow. What's up with the box?" I can see her eyes locked onto it. She knoooows~

"Yes, Clover, the walk here from the stop went pretty quickly. As for the box, well... there was this place across from the bus stop and I, well, I got you something. Maybe I should come in first, though?"

"...okay, fair. We'll address the rest of this in a minute, wow." Hehee... she's going to love it, I can tell. One little walk through the front entryway, past the living room and into the kitchen, and I set everything down, beginning my little presentation.

"First of all, I had no idea how long I was going to be here since... well, I-I didn't actually ask about the game for today, so I- I, um, brought dinner. Leftovers, for both of us. It doesn't put me out at all, since I missed dinner at home, and I had some of yours, so it's only fair I-" O-Oh. That warm look again, paired with a slight smile. I remember it... I remember it VERY well from yesterday.

"...a-ah, hehee..."

"Heh. You know you didn't have to do that, Bonnie. Is this how it usually goes with you, though? Because I'll admit, I could get used to it, big gal. And the other box?"

"O-Oooh, hehee, well... like I said, there's this one place I've seen across from my bus stop a lot. A place I hadn't thought to bother entering until today. A bakery." Oooooh, I saw her ears twitch; eyes got wide, too. Now, for the main event...!

"So I browsed around in there, and managed to find something truly exceptional. I hope it's to your refined taste for dessert, Clover~" With that, I lift the box lid, revealing the two slices of lemon cream cake, sitting beside each other and pointed in opposite directions to save space. It's rather pleasing to look at for me, so I can only imagine the thoughts racing through Clover's mind as she takes it all in.

"So... what do you think?"

"Is- Is that lemon cream? And they seriously sell this stuff by the slice? Right near your place?"

"They were running out by the time I got there, even. It must be popular, and I can guess why. I can put dinner in the fridge for later, but these... well, would you care to join me in this fresh discovery, Clover?"

"...you really went all-out for today, huh, Bonnie? I'm not really... used to treatment like this, but I can't complain. Much. You still oughta think of yourself a bit, silly."

"Well, that's what the second slice is for, isn't it~?" What's this feeling? It sort of reminds me of Kylie... smug, I guess it's called? Whatever it is, the expression I can feel myself making must be exuding it. I wonder if this is how Kylie and Clover feel so often.

"Well, that's not what I- ah, whatever, I surrender. How about I get the plates and stuff while you find a place for the leftovers in the fridge?"

"Gladly, Clover!" With that, we set to work. Clover has the table set up by the time I get back from the fridge. She must be as excited for this as I am, likely moreso. We each carefully grab a slice using a fork for assistance carrying them, then begin to dig in. The body feels light and easy to cut through, but still substantial, especially considering the lemon cream. I bring the first bite to my lips, and suddenly, my mouth is awash in flavor; the fluffy cake, the smooth,tart lemon cream, and the firm buttercream icing... it's all wonderful. I see Clover's having a similar experience, though she's... well, I suppose it's to be expected, but she's practically slumped in her seat, staring blissfully at the slice she's just taken a bite out of. Gosh, I... I don't think I can get enough of that look. I may find myself being responsible for her putting on several pounds if I keep drawing this reaction out of her... and I very well might.

As we chip away at our midday dessert, I field a number of questions from Clover about the bakery. When those run dry, I bring up the bits of her old game I looked up. Even aside from the silly impressions we throw at each other, it feels wonderful to hear her so passionate about it, emotional even. It sounds like the community got her in contact with several of her connections at work today, which seems to be... game development? I'll admit, I hadn't expected that, but it does line up with being able to set her own hours, so long as the work gets done. I share my own tales of managing the office's projects in turn. Somehow, she doesn't seem surprised to hear what I do. Is... does it just suit me, or something?

After what feels like an eternity of conversation carried out in front of empty plates, Clover reminds me what I came here for; it's time to descend to the basement, where her computer rests. The staircase down seems to be tucked away in a short side hallway near the entrance, so I guess that's how I missed it. After a few seconds walking through a much chillier section of the house, we reach her bedroom, which thankfully has the heating vents the rest of the basement lacks. It's a little messy, but I'm not sure how to describe the feeling I get from it. There's books and memorabilia on the shelves organized in a way only Clover could explain, the bed's on the other side of the room, and in the middle there's a few things on the floor next to the desk, including a pill bottle and the contents of a spilled tin of pencils and pens. Clover seems to notice them, and sheepishly, she gathers it all up and sets them back where they belong on the desk, next to a pill case.

"Sorry about the mess, I just- ...work kept me up later than I thought. Things happened, had to fix them. By the time I was done, I just wanted to crash in bed." She can't seem to look me in the eye over this... I can't say I understand why. It's not that big a mess, and it was out of the way. ...perhaps I shouldn't pry further on that.

"It's no trouble, Clover, really. Now, what was it you were going to show me?" She breathes a sigh of relief, then sets to work starting her computer, logging in, and pulling up some sort of program.

"Alright, here we are. Since you're new, we'll have to get you an account. Don't worry, it's the free sort, they mostly make their cash through cosmetics and stuff." As she says this, she wheels the tall office chair out, beckoning me to sit. It feels a bit strange to be in someone else's space like this, on their computer, but I can't say it's unenjoyable. I work at filling out the basic info necessary, mostly a username and password. I get stuck on the former for a bit since my idea has some variants taken, but settle on "X-Bone," meant to be said like "crossbone." As everything finally goes through, Clover navigates through the client for me and mostly gets me ready. From what I can see on this screen, I'll be playing as... some sort of cute little blue spirit?

"Alright, this is a normal, quick match. Now, I said no guidance, and I meant it, but we ought to go over some basics. You ready, Bonnie?" I nod, hesitantly wondering what I've gotten myself into. The little creature looks so cute; just what sort of game lies behind its disarming visage that she has to take her teaching so seriously?

"Okay. So, in this game, you're facing off against seven other players. You're all trying to draft an army from a randomized shop that rerolls every turn. Each turn, you'll either fight some weak, unaligned enemies, or you'll fight another player's current army. There's a bit of a trick, though; you can't control any units directly, only their starting positions. They'll all fight on their own, attacking the closest thing in their range, building up energy for a spell, and then casting immediately once the bar's full, following any rules attached to their spell's targeting. For example, a unit could be attacking the closest enemy while building up energy, but once they cast their spell, the spell might have a rule where it's targeted at the farthest enemy. All you can control is who you draft, where they start the fight, and what you give them. Make sense so far?"

"Y-Yes, oh my... you... weren't kidding. It sounds simple enough, but this is all just basic information, yes?"

"Oh yeah. We'd be here a LONG time if it were practical to go over everything. Just enter a match and you'll see. There's some curveballs you'll run into, like shared drafts, items, and team upgrades, but just buy what you like and things should be fun, at least. Last thing to keep in mind is that if you buy three of a unit, it'll be upgraded. If you then get a total of nine copies, aka three of that upgraded unit, it'll become the strongest it can be. If you want some info on a unit, its spell, or those items I mentioned, just right-click them. The best way to learn this stuff is by doing, though, so get going!"

"R-Right!" I queue myself up for a match. Seeing as I'm completely new, I wonder if the other players will be like me, or at least as close to new as possible. It takes a bit to load, but I make it in. A lot of the other players are using the blue spirit as well, but a couple have some different ones, like a penguin with a tiny sword, or a quadruped lion. Everything's in a very chibi style for these avatars, and it only makes me wonder more what the game actually plays like.

As we drop in, everyone is encircling a ring of... MUCH less chibi-looking characters pacing around it. They all seem to be holding items of some kind, like Clover said. She informs me of how to move via right-clicking, and I begin shortly before the wall separating us from the ring of characters falls; I grab the one I'm closest to. It's some sort of owl with a red and purple hooded outfit, carrying a staff. As we're thrown into portals at the end of the time limit, we reach what I suppose is my own board. Seems I'll be fighting tiny cloaked figures at first. I drag my unit to the board and right-click him. I can't make heads or tails of any of these stats I'm being shown right now, but I can check these little tags he has, at least. "Cultist" and "Mage." If I understood the descriptions right, I need other units with those tags to get any sort of effect. Three each, to be precise, and more to make them more powerful. Seems the draft is pretty important. I glance back over at Clover before the countdown for the round begins, and she just smiles. Can... can she tell how much I'm trying to think this through? Or is she just looking forward to seeing me learn? Either way, it's time to see how combat plays out.

As it begins, the owl begins throwing attacks... cards, if those sounds are any indicator. He's outranging the little guys at first, but they move in quickly to strike back. Seems his energy meter goes up when he attacks and when he's hit, though the latter is much less efficient. Eventually, though, it fills up, and he pivots to the other enemy, throwing three much bigger cards in a cone. They completely miss the one he was fighting initially, though these two are weak enough that this doesn't seem to be an issue. He finishes off one, then the other. The second one drops a blue orb, labelled conspicuously with a question mark. Only one thing to try, I guess. I go pick it up, and it drops a glove item, added to my inventory. I'll... think about these later, that's a bit much right now.

The next preparations begin. Another round of the little guys, but there's another one, dressed like a mage. I also have access to the shop Clover mentioned. There's other options besides getting units, but again, let's not right now. What I'm immediately drawn to is two copies of another Cultist unit, a fair bird of paradise with spider legs flanking her wings. ...can't say I would've thought of that, yeesh. Still, it's a way to work towards that trait tag, so I buy both copies and put one of them on the field to assist the owl. Nothing else looks that interesting right now.

One round of combat and a loot orb containing a chain vest later, and I've realized the rather grotesque fact that the bird of paradise drops the "half" from "half-spider" after casting her spell. She seems to become a better frontline unit in that state, though, so I guess I can't complain. The owl's spell is much better off with someone keeping the enemies away from him, too; the cone spread lets him hit quite a few enemies if it lines up well. At the start of the third round, though, something catches me off guard; the game has presented me with three options. I can't really make heads or tails of them, and Clover's made it clear what her stance is on this for now. I pick one that seems to heal my units when they deal damage, as it's the most understandable of the lot. Then, in the shop, I'm fortunate enough to find one last Cultist unit, some sort of masked, scarred otter brandishing a knife, though he's more expensive than the first two. I'm beginning to notice that the first tag of a unit seems to generally line up with their aesthetic and color scheme; every single Cultist unit has favored blood-red, white, and sometimes light purple. That's one way to tell at a glance what someone's army is like, I suppose.

As I field the last one, I don't notice a change yet besides a sigil appearing beneath all of them temporarily. When combat begins, however, they gesture towards the side of the board, summoning a colossal avian statue. It doesn't really do anything, but maybe the fight ended too quickly to matter. On top of that, the otter surprised me by jumping across the board as the fight began, but a look at his tags explained that; "Assassin," among other effects I'm not really parsing right now, allows its units to jump to the backline at the start of the fight, even when deactivated. One final loot orb drops from them, but it's... white? And a lot smaller. I open it, and it contains a few gold pieces and... awwwwww. A tiny little red panda with a blowgun! His outfit's color scheme is adorable, too, a mix of pinks and faded blues. There's no space to field him right now, but I'll keep him around; Clover said I should play what I like, after all. Either way, it seems like the next fights will be against other players, so it's a good thing the next shop had another copy of the spider. It seems like the upgrade gave her more health? Perfect for a frontline. As I'm trying to figure out what the otter does, my opponent is warped in and the fight begins.

My first opponent seems to have a golden monkey and a lion clad in red and gold in the front, with a javelin-wielding cougar dressed similarly in the back. The otter leaps to challenge her, though she seems preoccupied with fighting my spider alongside the others first. I can imagine that if we had direct control, the enemy would be having their frontline fall back to deal with the invader, but that's how it goes when you've got minimal control. Besides, we all have to play with those rules, so it's an even playing field. The spider's trying to buy time, but her health is getting whittled down, and the enemy frontline isn't taking much damage from anything besides the owl's cards. The cougar tried to throw something, but it just hit my otter in the face, doing little damage; I get the uneasy feeling it would've been much worse had it not been stopped early, though. Just as I'm worried we're going to be chipped down, the vicious little otter's meter fills, and it quickly dashes towards and through both frontline units, with an afterimage following it. Not only does the afterimage do a fair chunk of damage on its way through those two, both of them appear to be stunned for a few seconds, and they're now dealing with concentrated fire from all three of my units. Hm... quite a team we have here. It's still slow going, though, and the lion has unleashed some sort of spinning strike upon regaining his senses, turning the tables now that more than my spider is next to him. Just as it looks like things are going to go from bad to worse, I notice the statue on the sideboard has leapt off its perch, and a sigil has appeared behind the lion and monkey. With a crash, it lands, stunning them again, and suddenly I'm outnumbering my opponent, too. The statue is no slouch after the initial attack, either; its punches do far more than any of its comrades, and it even slams in an area occasionally.

With all this going on, it's not long before we clean up the opposing units with minimal casualties. My spirit and the army then deal damage to the opponent, though not much. Seems like this will be going on for quite some time. ...and that worry is confirmed, since the little marker at the top of the screen shows at least four more fights in the current stage of the game. Oh my. I look back to Clover, somewhat concerned, but she just shrugs smugly, reclining against the back of the chair I'm sitting on for a better view of the action, chin resting on her arms. It seems I'll have a captive audience.

Several fights and another draft later, and I've upgraded most of my troops. I noticed some people had bigger armies than I did, and realized it was tied to my level, so I read the shop options more closely and took the chance to spend a bit for another level. With my army cap at five, I field the red panda alongside a red-and-gold clad dragon with a large spear, who shares a trait with the spider that shields units around them at the start of the fight. His spell seems to be the inverse of the otter's, a disrupting dash to the backline, so careful positioning lets me essentially juggle a line of enemies.

After fighting a group of beetle-like rock creatures, I've got a surplus of items in my bag. Other players have been using those items, and they seem to really give them the upper hand, so maybe I should consider a few. I don't really know who to commit to for damage, but... I suppose the owl already has a staff equipped. I check what I can combine it into, and ultimately decide on setting fire to enemies hit with his spell, dealing damage over time. It mentioned something about reduced healing as well, but I don't even know where healing would come from, so that's just a bonus. The rest gets dedicated to making the spider more able to take a hit, or as best as I can arrange that, anyway. Leftover damage components stay in the bag, awaiting a proper wielder.

Thankfully, one losing fight into the next stage of the game, I find that wielder: a masked sheep archer in bright blues and pink accents, similar to my tiny sharpshooter and flanked with a floating wolf spirit. Upon investigating her ability, it seems she sends out the wolf to do a heavy chunk of damage to her target while leaping away from the rest of the enemies. On top of that, with her and the red panda's shared trait, they cause the whole army to attack faster, accelerating their spellcasting. This... could be fine. Okay, even. I'm falling behind in the lobby, but gearing up this girl may help me contend with them better. Another team upgrade choice is soon too, so... we'll see then.

After a close fight where I managed to come out on top this time, I'm given another choice. This time, it's a clear choice to take the upgrade that has my team count as having one more Cultist unit and grants an extra copy of the otter; I was short one to upgrade him, and I'll be looking to increase my team size to get the next tier of that trait, at six Cultists. I've found some sort of vengeful wolverine in yet another mask that matches the trait. She doesn't really fit my team at the moment, but I'm keeping her on the bench for when I find a sixth; the dragon will be an okay option to drop for that... if I get that far. I'm still pretty low on health, and my fights have felt like coin flips as to whether I'm strong enough. It feels like everyone else is almost sprinting ahead of me, even though I'm pretty sure I've spent all the gold I've gotten, so... what else can I do? ...based on Clover's slightly scrunched-up face, there must be something I'm not aware of. Something, perhaps, that she was unaware of when she started as well. It's certainly painful enough watching someone new at the office go around trying to figure out procedures you've handled for years. This may be no different...

One full stage later and a few more items for the graceful archer and her vicious wolf, I find myself close to death. Someone else has already been eliminated, so I at least did better than them. I can't seem to find a sixth Cultist unit, though, and I've got some leftover items on my bench I have no idea what to do with: a belt, a teardrop of some sort, and a glove. I need to check my options or I'm going to die with these sitting uselessly here. Let's see... some sort of hybrid damage and healing item? No, I filled out the archer's slots already. A healing aura that reduces area of effect damage? Maybe, but my units tend to spread out after the fight starts, and I've honestly been having more trouble with debilitating effects. The archer can do plenty of damage if given the chance, but she's been getting tagged with stuns and disarms pretty frequently at the start of the fight, losing us our tempo. And this final item probably won't- ...wait a minute. A different aura? One that negates all of a single spell's effects and a bit of damage, per unit. And because it's an aura, I can place it on my owl and just have the archer stand next to him. I can place the red panda on the other side, too, so he can cast his spell early and disarm a few opponents. Anything to buy time for my archer and the statue.

In the next fight, I'm pitted against another player who's one loss away from elimination. As for the aura, it's just as I'd hoped; the enemy frontline crane dancer wielding numerous floating swords sends them out in a disarming volley, but it does nothing to stop my backline. With our tempo in stride, we actually manage to defeat most of the frontline before the team's health falls low enough to call the statue, and because it seems to aim for the most enemy units possible, it suddenly prefers to crash down on the clumped enemy backline, stalling them for long enough that my own frontline cleans up the enemy's and begins to advance on the rear. Seconds later, they're all picked apart, and I've eliminated the player, securing another placement for me. Another player was defeated as well, so that makes... fifth place, at least? From what I've seen of the other players, I don't stand much of a chance, but maybe this was a good attempt for my first time.

As I'm pondering my defeat though, I look behind me and see Clover's eyes have some sort of clarity to them, with a blank, gentle look on her face. Is... is she impressed? Did I do well? I-I... oh my, that feels... really, really good.

One round later, and even my extra time from the aura isn't enough. The enemy army is just far more upgraded, larger, and has more potent active traits. A couple of their team upgrades seem like they were rather potent, too. I died just before we would've gotten the third upgrade, but I'd wager that was because those players up top were rather aggressive; they'd been on a win streak for most of the game, and whenever someone lost to them, they'd have so many units left that the damage they dealt was immense. I found myself on the receiving end of that too many times for comfort. I sigh, wheel the chair back from the desk, and take in the results screen. Fifth place. A little recap of what everyone had on their board, too. And with that, I turn to my soon-to-be mentor and wonder what she'll say.

"So... h-how was that, Clover?"

"...I'ma be honest, I fully expected you to go bottom four, and well, you did, but... wow. Fifth place, on your first go? With no help from me to keep you from pissing away all your gold? That's damn impressive. Oh, fourth and up is what's considered a win, for context. And don't think I didn't notice that little reactionary item you built near the end, that move secured you several placements in a tight spot. You did great, Bonnie. ...or should I say, X-Bone? Just Bone, maybe, way easier. Kylie's got the right idea, there, don'tcha think~?" Another smug smirk, mixed with proud admiration. I... o-oh, I'm a giggling mess, hearing she's so proud of me along with likely hearing that nickname from her in the future, it's all just... overwhelming. And lovely. ...I can't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, she's called me that before, but... when? It should be pretty obvious whether she's called me that or not, but I just... can't shake this uncertain, bubbly feeling about it.

"T-Thank you. Thank you so much, Clover. I was just looking all around for any information I could, grabbing what seemed nice at the same time, and I- ...oh wait. What exactly did you mean by pi- ...erm, wasting my gold?"

"Oh, that. Yeah, if you save up gold, you start earning interest on it. You noticed you couldn't keep your upgrades or level up to par with the leaders, yeah? They knew about interest. There's a lot more intricacies to how you manage your economy throughout the game, but that'll be way easier to explain after you try experimenting with basic interest management. Just know that it's one gold earned for every ten gold you have, up to fifty stockpiled."

"Oooooh, okay. ...yeaaaah, that would've been nice to be able to find the one last Cultist I needed for that upgrade."

"Ha, yeah, the only ones left you could find were super expensive ones, and rolling those in the shop is... not ideal at lower levels. You'll get to play with those expensive units more when you get better with your economy and leveling pace, and oh boy, with what you could do from behind, I'd love to see what you can do while keeping up. ...that said, I need to take something right about now, and- ah, shit." Clover's reached past me for the pill case, but it seems she's come up empty for today. She quickly grabs the pill bottle next to it, takes a single, large, white pill from it, and puts it back. She glances around until she finds another pill bottle, but she holds on to this one instead of taking anything from it.

"I'll be back, Bone, my pill cutter's in the bathroom. I'll only be a minute or two, then I'll be back to take these, 'kay?"

"Oh, of course, Clover. I'll be fine." She nods, then saunters upstairs to the bathroom, leaving me alone in a chair with my thoughts. Though, amidst the lingering bubbly feelings from her assessment of my performance, a new thought is surfacing.

Clover seemed rather concerned with those pills. She takes them regularly, and they're hardly any allergy medication if she needs a pill cutter to portion one of them, so... is she living with some condition? I... I didn't know. Is there anything I can do for her? Could I even bring myself to ask her, though...? With that thought, I slowly swivel the chair around to the desk, staring at the pill bottle. I could read it, right there. There's no telling if I'd learn anything, but it'd be a lead. Clover, though... even if I meant well, I don't think she'd like someone prying. She knows plenty about me, and I feel like I know her well, but that doesn't mean I get to just seek this stuff out without asking. I-I just... what do I-

"...s-so, uh... you wanna, uh, talk about it? Or something?" ...oh god. S-She's back. And I'm staring right at the pill bottle. I- oh no.

"C-Clover, I just- I'm so sorry, I, I just, I didn't know there was something you were living with, and I, I! I-If there's anything I can do, I just- I should! You've been wonderful, and I just- please, if you can trust me with that, let me help, okay?!" Please, please don't be mad, I- ...w-what? She's smiling? And... laughing???

"Heh, you know what, Bone? I came into this expecting a really awkward reaction to what those meds are with how you were staring. But that? That was adorable. Precious, even. And considering that reaction, I'm not sure you even read the bottle yet. So go ahead. Give it a once-over."

"Wait... r-really?"

"I mean it, Bonnie. Take a look. See if you recognize it, and if not, I'm right here. I've got a good feeling about how you'll take it at this point." Well... let's see, then. Pharmacy phone number, dosage, name, and- ah, here we are.

"C- Cyprotec- C-Cyper, I- um. Okay, so I don't think I've heard of this one...?" Gosh, this is embarrassing. And she's laughing even harder now. Hnnnnnnnnn-

"Cyproterone, big gal. And if you don't know what it is, it's a T-blocker. As in, testosterone blocker. And the smaller pills are estradiol, or rather, estrogen. Get what's happening here yet, silly girl?" ...oh. I feel... really silly, now. I made a huge deal out of this for nothing. Probably gave her a heart attack just staring at the bottle, too. I've never met someone like this, but I understand the basic idea, at least.

"I'm, I'm so sorry, Clover, this whole thing was stupid of me and I just- so you're, I mean-"

"Yes, Bonnie. I'm trans. You can say it, you know. It's pretty clear you mean no harm. Quite the opposite, even. But I'll tell you right now, as much as you wanted to help? Not much I can really recruit for on this one. It's just pills and some skin care nowadays, and how that second bit's handled is... a bit much to ask someone else to do." ...wait, now SHE'S blushing? What skin care? ...no, I can guess, and I should stop guessing, so STOP guessing, Bonnie, before you're as red as she is!!

"Ah... okay, Clover. This really is the kind of thing you have handled, huh? Still, is there anything else I should know? Anything at all?" She's headed over to her bed now, taking a seat on the warm, plush covers with a gentle smile on her face.

"Well... how about you take a seat next to me? I'm happy to explain whatever you want to know about all this, if you're unclear on anything." Wait, so she's- I can really ask? Anything? I mean, it's no big help to her, but... I'd like to get to know her better. And something like this is just- how much does she trust me, to be so open about all this? I couldn't dream of refusing her.

"Okay... alright then, Clover. I feel like I'm going to ask something stupid occasionally, so do feel free to give me all the grief I deserve."

"Oh, I think you'll do just fine, Bonnie. Heck, I'll get the most awkward question of them all out of the way for you right now: no, I haven't had surgery, and I'm not considering it. It's quite an ordeal in multiple ways over something that doesn't really bother me right now. Does that help?"

"Oh, I-I- ...well, yes, Clover. Thank you." W-Well, admittedly, I was thinking about it, but she's right. I'd have been too embarrassed to ask. Probably would've been stuck in my head for a while, too, just stewing. I need to be better about this...

"Now, c'mere. Your little interview awaits~" At her beckoning, I rise from the chair and walk to her side, sitting on the bed as well. What follows is a long, long series of questions, back and forth. It all feels so new to hear from someone in-person. Like hearing about new life breathed into them, long ago, as they bask in how far they've come.

Does this even change how I'd think of her? It's hard to come up with anything that'd be different for me; any documents and the like would all be on her side. I've always known her as this charming, beautiful woman. I'd like to think that even if I knew her before, I'd think no different from that. ...honestly, the only thing that could possibly be different for me personally is that I'd sort of know what to do if we-

...what.

What.

WHAT.

WHAT was THAT?! Where did THAT one come from, BRAIN?! W-What- what am I THINKING, I just...! Right there, just ramming right into the front car of the train of thought! Why that thought? Who knows! I SURE DON'T, AAAAAAAAAAA-

"...uh, Bonnie? Earth to Bone, you in there?" ...o-oh. Right. She's still here. And I'm here. Freaking out over nothing. I'm sure I look great. Not resembling Jill that one time at Ladies' Night at all, I'm sure.

"Yeah! Yeah, I'm great! Just great! No intrusive thoughts whatsoeverrrr, that's for sure, I um! A-Anyways, did you wanna... teach me through another match? We've pretty much covered anything new I could think of about you for now, and I'd kind of like to be able to keep up with the lobby instead of flailing around. Sound good?" She raised an eyebrow at that first part, but it seems like she's shrugged it off. Looks like I'll be getting back in the commander's seat, with my trusty advisor behind me every step of the way. And you know what?

This new discovery didn't change that. So I'll continue to enjoy her company, bask in her praise, and prove I've got what it takes to be a little spirit commander worthy of her time and effort to train.