Amber had only just finished work; she'd finally earned a short break.
She'd heard about Stelle's meteorite case—the Knights of Favonius took it seriously, and much of her recent busyness stemmed from those sleep-inducing meteors.
She'd figured Stelle wouldn't come home tonight—yet there Stelle was, shortly after Amber herself arrived.
"Star!" Amber sprinted up to Star, sprang, and dove straight into her arms.
Star's eyes narrowed; she'd expected this. She caught Amber neatly and let the momentum roll through her into the floorboards.
She spun once, then gently set Amber down.
Amber nuzzled Star's chest with her forehead before peeking up.
"Star, you're back. And this is…?" She eyed the stranger behind Star—Mona.
She'd noticed Star had brought someone unfamiliar, yet she'd still flung herself into Star's arms.
"She's—"
"Wait, I think I know."
Star started to explain, but Amber pressed a hand over her mouth, cutting her off.
Amber studied Mona, glanced back at Star, and her gaze turned resigned.
"A-hem…" Star couhed awkwardly into her hand and looked away toward the sofa.
"H-hello," Mona greeted Amber, voice strained.
She knew Amber had sensed her bond with Star; she could feel the same indefinable something between Amber and Star at a glance.
It felt surreal—Mona couldn't describe it. Amber didn't feel like a stranger, more like a sister she'd known for years.
Was this another side-effect of Star's peculiar constitution?
That would be absurd.
Still, it wasn't bad—no awkward first meeting, and harmony ahead.
"Hello, I'm Mona." She steadied herself and offered her hand.
"Oh, hi! I'm Outrider Amber!" She let go of Star and shook Mona's hand warmly.
"Miss Katheryne told me about you—said you're a genius astrologer."
"Hmph, indeed—more precisely, a once-in-a-century prodigy." Mona was never modest about that.
Yet prodigy or not, she still worried about rent and groceries.
"Amber, Mona has nowhere to stay tonight. Could she sleep here?" Star asked, relieved they were getting along.
"Of course!" Amber chirped, then paused and shot Star a curious look.
"So… the three of us in one bed tonight?" she asked cautiously.
"Hah?!" Before Star could answer, Mona yelped.
"Don't you have a guest room?!" Mona's cheeks blazed as she glanced at Star—was that her plan?
Not that she'd refuse… but she wasn't mentally prepared!
Though she might not mind… she still needed time!
"W-well, we do…" Amber rubbed her head, embarrassed, then looked at Star.
Star blinked, then understood Amber's implication.
She hadn't intended it, but Amber's suggestion planted an idea.
Back in Jean's office she'd considered throwing a big party—
gathering everyone.
But after being worn out that day she'd dropped it; her strength wasn't enough yet.
Now, though… things were different.
Neither Amber nor Mona could rival Jean or Eula; Star could easily pin them down.
The thought made her gaze smolder; she unconsciously licked her lips.
As though tasting them already.
So far she'd only tried a foursome with the sisters Jean and Barbara—others were uncharted.
"If you two are willing, I don't mind. Amber's bed is big enough for three…"
---Early next morning---
Star woke to Amber and Mona's mischief.
She kept her eyes shut, eavesdropping on their whispers and enjoying the moment until she couldn't take it and flipped them over.
The pair had been naughty—helpless together last night, yet daring while she slept.
Too bad; asleep they could toy with her, but awake the tables turned.
"W-we're meeting Lumine today!" Mona curled up, kneeling on the bed, clutching a pillow for cover.
Exhausted Amber had dozed off again; seeing her fate, Mona surrendered.
"They won't arrive early; afternoon is fine," Star said, licking her damp fingers clean.
Their blended taste was novel; perhaps she should ask Diona for cocktail tips—
she might craft a delicious "drink" of her own someday.
Mona flushed, unable to speak; she'd helped make Star's fingers that way.
"Afternoon's still… no good, I need to prepare—mmph?!" Mona's protest died as Star leaned in.
The pillow slipped aside, her strength melted, and she could only let Star have her way.
Mona had finally paid the proper price for her morning prank.
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