"Nina you're experienced with entertaining people right?" asked Marihea one sunny afternoon. "I suppose I have a bit of experience...people come and listen to me play. Why do you ask?" questioned Nina sipping from her mug. "Well...I was thinking of doing a bit of side work to earn some extra cash while Felix and I are in the area. I DID mention to him to join a guild...but he's admant he's not ready and enlisted in an imperial academy for some training..." complained Marihea rolling her eyes, clearly annoyed. "...you want me to join you for a bit to have a bit of company right? Heheh" chuckled Nina. "N-no it's not just that! I don't want him to know about it as knowing him he'll feel like he's being a burden. Also...I'm kinda embarassed because of what happened the first few months him and met." blushed Marihea twirling her hair.

"W-wait what did you do Mari? You're all red! What happened did you two fight or something?!" asked Nina in frantic concerned tone. "No...we didn't fight...we kinda...ended up doing something during my last heat cycle...B-BUT I DIDN'T MEAN FOR US TO....IT JUST HAPPENED ALRIGHT! DON'T YOU EVER TELL A SOUL!" continued Marihea in a flustered tone as she pressed her finger to Nina's lips. Nina stared at her gobsmacked at what she was referring to, "He's HUMAN MARI! How did you even...you know!? N-no wait don't tell me... I don't want to know what weird things you were doing!" replied Nina in a disappointed tone.

Nina shook her head, quickly devoured a doubled chocolate biscuit and took a large glup of her tea before sighing deeply. "Let me get this straight you want me to work in a cafe with you for 'emotional' support. Correct? Or are you afraid you might jump him again in your outfit if he visited you while you work? Heheh" giggled Nina opening one eye, grinning ear to ear. "I'll NOT be jumping no human, Nina. It was a moment of weakness and he was still recovering from his wounds, nothing more. So will you join me? There's still a spot free and it's only for a few days a week. I promise it'll not eat into you practice sessions!" begged Marihea hugging her friend tightly. "Ok OK! Fine...I don't think I'll look good in the outfit though..." smiled Nina meekly.

However...along with Marihea, the cafe had some of it's busiest weeks when the pair were on shift due to their popularity. "Good afternoon sir would you care for some of freshly made tea? Perhaps my collegue and I could tempt you with some chocolate or cinnamon biscuits? Please forgive my slow service as I'm still rather inexperienced at this..." asked Nina to group of customers that pushed to get inside. Needless to say tips were numerous and many other young Alterisian woman lined up to learn the ropes together with Marihea and Nina.

Character Nina ©  Mari274
Art  yuichi-tyan