Hot Springs Talks

The bathhouse's entrance was decorated with lanterns casting a soft, warm glow over the door. Inside, the quiet ambiance and the faint scent of cedar and jasmine hinted at a well-deserved escape. The two of them approached the counter, where a host of attendants were busy preparing supplies for customers.

While they waited, Strawberry noticed the room starting to fill with other players, many of whom were eyeing her and Quinella with clear interest. She tried to ignore the attention, shifting her weight as she focused on the attendant preparing their supplies. Quinella, on the other hand, was used to the attention and watched the scene with amused curiosity.

It wasn't long before a small group of players gathered around them. Two girls and three guys approached confidently, each of them sizing up the pink-haired figure standing beside Quinella. Mistaking Strawberry for a boy, the girls focused on her, flashing flirtatious smiles.

"Hey there," one of them, a tall brunette with sparkling eyes, said with a grin, inching closer. "You new around here? Have you been to the bathhouse before?"

Strawberry's eyes widened, her cheeks coloring as she struggled for a response. "Uh… yeah, kind of."

The second girl, a petite blonde, leaned in, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "Well, if you need someone to show you around, I'd be happy to volunteer," she purred, her hand resting lightly on Strawberry's arm.

Quinella stifled a laugh, watching Strawberry's obvious discomfort as she squirmed under the attention. The two guys, meanwhile, had their eyes on Quinella, attempting to join the conversation with cheesy lines that she pointedly ignored.

One of the guys, a tall player with an attempt at a charming smile, leaned a little too close to Quinella. "So, what's a beautiful lady like you doing here alone? Wouldn't you prefer some company?"

Quinella brushed him off, her attention fully on Strawberry's growing blush and stammering responses to the girls around her. She couldn't help but find Strawberry's reaction… surprisingly cute knew Strawberry was a girl, but the way she reacted to the attention from the girls around her made her seem even more flustered, and it was… charming.

The second guy continued his attempt to flirt with Quinella. "You know, I bet you'd enjoy the hot spring even more with a bit of company," he said, giving her what he probably thought was a winning smile.

Quinella barely glanced at him, a faint smirk on her face as she looked back to Strawberry, who was doing her best to fend off the two girls crowding around her. One of them had leaned close, whispering something that made Strawberry's face flush even more.

The growing frustration Quinella felt was surprising, but she recognized it for what it was. Annoyance at seeing other girls hitting on Strawberry so openly. She didn't like it—and somehow, that was refreshing. It was a feeling she couldn't quite pin down, but she knew she didn't want to leave Strawberry to fend off the attention alone any longer.

Making a quick decision, Quinella pushed gently away from the two persistent guys who were still vying for her attention. She stepped forward, catching Strawberry's hand and squeezing it lightly.

"Excuse us," Quinella said smoothly, her tone leaving no room for argument as she steered Strawberry toward the attendant, who had just returned with their bathing supplies.

The group watched in surprised silence as Quinella led Strawberry away, the girls pouting and the guys frowning. Quinella didn't look back, but Strawberry's hand was firm as if staking a silent claim.

Once they were out of earshot, Strawberry looked up at Quinella, her face still flushed. "Thanks for the save back there. I didn't know what to say to them."

Quinella gave her a half-smile, a glint of amusement in her violet eyes. "I noticed. Though I have to admit, seeing you blush like that was… cute."

Strawberry blinked, her blush deepening as she looked away, focusing on Muffin, who peeked out from under her hood with a curious chirp.

Quinella chuckled, releasing her grip as the attendant led them down the hallway to their private hot spring room. As they entered, she realized how surprisingly refreshing it was to feel a bit possessive, and she tucked the thought away to consider it later. For now, she was content to enjoy a relaxing evening with her companions, grateful for both the peace and the strange new feelings Strawberry seemed to bring her.

The attendant led them to a private hot spring room, a peaceful oasis hidden away from the bustling bathhouse. The room was dimly lit by softly glowing lanterns, their light reflecting off the surface of the steaming pool in gentle, flickering patterns. The scent of cedar and jasmine hung in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of mineral-rich steam rising from the water.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Quinella released Strawberry's hand, though her fingers lingered for just a moment longer than necessary. She turned to set down the small basket of supplies the attendant had given them, but a faint smile lingered on her face.

Strawberry, still red-cheeked from the earlier attention, quickly busied herself with Muffin, who had wriggled out from her hood and was now curiously sniffing at the edge of the pool. The little furball let out a contented chirp, clearly pleased with the warmth of the room, and Strawberry gently scratched his head.

"Think you'll enjoy this too, Muffin?" she murmured, grateful for the distraction.

Quinella, now settled on one of the benches by the side, glanced at Strawberry, still clearly amused. "You know, you handled all those boss fights with absolute confidence, but the moment a few girls started flirting, you looked like you were ready to bolt."

Strawberry huffed, rolling her eyes as she set Muffin down on a dry patch of stone. "Bosses, I understand. I've trained for them. But flirting? That's… different."

Quinella chuckled, sliding her gaze to the softly rippling water. "Well, you can relax now. No persistent admirers here. Just us—and Muffin, of course."

As they prepared to enter the spring, Muffin attempted to climb up onto Strawberry's shoulder, clearly intrigued by the water, but she gently nudged him back, keeping him safely away from the edge. "Sorry, Muffin. This one's for us."

The little bunny gave a tiny, resigned huff, settling down on a fluffy towel nearby. Strawberry smiled, glad to have a moment of peace at last, and slipped into the warm water with a sigh, feeling her muscles unwind almost instantly. She closed her eyes, sinking down until the water reached her shoulders.

Quinella eased into the water beside her, letting out a contented sigh of her own. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the warmth of the spring melting away the aches and tension from their journey. The quiet hum of the water, combined with the gentle fragrance of the room, felt like a small slice of paradise.

"Thank you, by the way," Strawberry murmured after a while, her voice soft but sincere. "For stepping in back there. I know I probably looked ridiculous."

Quinella turned her head to look at her, a slight smile playing on her lips. "It wasn't ridiculous. Just… unexpected. I think I rather liked seeing that side of you." She paused, her tone turning thoughtful. "You're usually so focused and in control, it's nice to see you a little more… real."

Strawberry glanced away, feeling another blush creep up her cheeks. "Well, maybe I'm not as composed as I seem," she muttered, half to herself.

They sat in silence again, but the air between them felt different now, a little softer, a little closer. Quinella watched Strawberry from the corner of her eye, noticing how the pink strands of her hair clung to her cheeks, dampened by the steam. She found herself wondering why the usually composed, tough-as-nails player beside her seemed even more interesting in her moments of awkwardness.

Quinella watched as Strawberry shifted slightly to reach Muffin, lifting him from his towel to give him a quick scrub. She hadn't really taken the time to notice before, but under the soft glow of the bathhouse lanterns, she could see the faint definition of lean muscle across Strawberry's arms and shoulders—a testament to the hours spent fighting, climbing, and training.

Quinella was impressive by the way every line of muscle seemed crafted for agility and strength. A subtle warmth crept into Quinella's cheeks, catching her off guard. She quickly turned her attention to Muffin, watching as Strawberry ran her hands gently over the little bunny's fur, giving him a soft, careful wash.

"Hold still, Muffin," Strawberry murmured, her tone soft but insistent. Muffin squirmed a bit, chittering in protest, but she kept her grip steady, rubbing the water through his fur and making sure his tiny horns were clean.

Quinella couldn't help but smile, both at the bunny's reluctant cooperation and at the gentle patience Strawberry showed in handling him. "He's really attached to you, isn't he?"

Strawberry glanced up, a small smile tugging at her lips as she held Muffin under the warm water, gently rinsing his fur. "Yeah. I didn't expect it, but he's been a good little partner. Keeps things… less lonely."

Quinella tilted her head, watching the way Strawberry's fingers moved with careful precision, smoothing over Muffin's fur with soft, rhythmic strokes. She found herself lingering on the sight, captivated by the easy strength in Strawberry's hands.

"You know," Quinella began, her tone almost casual, though she could still feel a slight blush warming her cheeks, "I never really noticed just how… athletic you are. I suppose it's easy to see why you managed to handle those bosses alone."

Strawberry chuckled, giving Muffin a final rinse before setting him back on the towel. "It's all about preparation and practice. If you're going to solo bosses, you have to be ready for anything."

Quinella nodded, still feeling the flush on her cheeks but masking it with a smile. "Well, you're definitely look well prepared, that's for sure."

Strawberry didn't notice the slight embarrassment in Quinella's voice, focusing instead on drying Muffin with a small cloth, his fur fluffing up as he squeaked in protest. "There, all done. You look ever the handsome bunny," she said, ruffling his fur one last time.

Muffin gave an indignant huff but settled down, clearly content with the attention. Strawberry grinned, brushing a damp strand of pink hair from her face and leaning back against the edge of the spring.

As they sat together, Quinella found her gaze drifting back to Strawberry, her blush returning as she caught herself noticing details she hadn't before. The easy confidence in Strawberry's movements, the warmth in her gaze when she looked at Muffin, and the faint smirk that always seemed to hover at the corners of her mouth—it was all unexpectedly… charming.

After a while, Quinella couldn't help but speak up again, breaking the peaceful silence. "Strawberry, have you ever… considered letting more people get to know you?"

Strawberry raised an eyebrow, glancing over with mild surprise. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you're so good at putting up walls, at keeping things strictly about the game and keeping everyone at arm's length." Quinella shrugged, her gaze thoughtful. "But maybe it wouldn't be so bad to let someone in once in a while. Like you said, bosses are easy. Maybe it's people who are the real challenge."

Strawberry leaned back against the edge of the pool, feeling the soothing warmth of the water seep into her muscles. Quinella's words echoed in her mind, stirring up thoughts she usually kept buried. She'd always considered herself a solo player—independent, focused, and determined to reach her goals without relying on anyone else. It had been a part of her nature, and until recently, she'd never thought of changing that.

But things were different now. Muffin had been a constant, loyal presence by her side, and Quinella had become a steady companion, reliable in battles and easy to talk to. Quinella's calm confidence and perceptive gaze had a way of drawing her out, making her feel like maybe she didn't have to carry the weight of her ambitions alone.

Still, trust wasn't easy. She'd learned the hard way that trust was a dangerous luxury—a lesson carved deep by the actions of two people she'd once trusted with everything. Her best friend, Zev, and her ex-girlfriend, Aubrie. They'd ripped her life apart, literally, betraying her in ways she'd never thought possible, shattering the innocence with which she had once approached her relationships.

'I bet they're in SAO too,' she thought, the corner of her mouth twitching up in a dark smile. 'I should find out where they are and start planning. They don't know I'm alive here, which gives me the perfect advantage.'

The thought of it filled her with a quiet, bitter satisfaction, and she felt a flicker of glee at the idea of watching their lives fall apart. They'd never see it coming.

Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Strawberry glanced over at Quinella. She didn't want to get lost in the memories right now, not when things felt… good, sitting here, talking quietly about trust and companionship. But Quinella's presence, her interest and honesty, made Strawberry feel compelled to share a piece of herself, just a small sliver.

"It's hard for me to trust people," Strawberry said slowly, her voice softer than usual. "Letting people in… it's not something I do easily anymore. I got burned, badly, by two people I thought I could trust with anything."

Quinella looked at her, her expression compassionate but not pitying. "I understand. Trust isn't something you can just give away. But maybe, here, we can create something different—trust, without the strings of the outside world."

Strawberry nodded slowly, the warmth in Quinella's voice grounding her. She knew Quinella couldn't understand the full weight of her betrayal, but hearing her acknowledge it without pushing made something ease inside her. It felt like the beginning of something steady, something she could rely on.

"Thanks, Quinella. I… appreciate that," Strawberry murmured, letting the silence fall between them once more.

They sat in the soothing quiet, a newfound understanding settling in as the soft ripples of the pool reflected off the walls. And for a brief moment, Strawberry allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she could start to let someone in again.