I let Blossom indulge in her enthusiastic greeting for a few more minutes as I rest on the wooden floorboards with the fervent dog-kin girl lying on top of me, her warmth a stark contrast to the cold realities that await us outside this little safe haven. Her eyes, bright and overly trusting, remind me that tonight will be the final hurdle of Operation Fluffy Liberation, after which this wonderful person will legally be mine. She won't have to worry constantly about a rogue spell detecting her ownerless status and becoming hunted.
After a few minutes of affectionate play, I disentangle myself from Blossom's embrace. We stand, brushing ourselves off and exchanging knowing glances. I meet Ayame's gaze and I see a plethora of unarticulated emotions hiding in there.
