CHAPTER 249: CHAPTER 249 - JUSTICE TAKES DIFFERENT SHAPES FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE

A/N: A bit more LGBT+ in topic this Chapter, rather than my usual L take. I mean, because I focus on the Yuri, not because I’m a lose-

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I spent the time on this third photo mostly trying to accent whatever stickers she placed. Honestly, I couldn’t get my first sister-in-law’s criticisms out of my head - and it made every stroke far too hesitant for this limited time window.

For the final shot, she convinced me to make some sort of ’kawaii’ pose with both our arms that was unlike the suggested silhouette... one that felt and sounded absolutely ridiculous but somehow ended up looking natural enough in the preview.

Making this world’s symbolism of a heart with someone else does feel a bit much for only meeting together twice. But those eyes she gave off when I started to refuse were like I’d kicked her!

For this one, she played with the ’beauty’ filters a bit. Giving us cartoonish blushes and so many other effects that the pose itself felt irrelevant. And I absolutely made her smash the buttons and pull the sliders to change my hair and eye color when I saw that was possible.

Ending up with something that would never pass as a facsimile... but did look a bit more like I used to. I nodded at it and gave my deep approval.

"...Hm, it will do."

"Yes, these are perfect! Now we wait for them to print. See? This is what I tell people all the time. You can embrace the sillier sides of life without losing your dignity."

Pulling out her phone, she quickly scanned a QR code on the screen before the option disappeared entirely. Apparently these things are everywhere, now that I really pay attention... it gives her access to digital versions of the photos that she sends to me in a message.

Somehow I feel like I’ve been tricked into giving my contact in the same way I did to Zoé...

"I think you look better with your rich black hair, for what it’s worth. But I’m biased, look at this beautiful blonde!"

A similar booth image - maybe even this same one? - with Ellie and an... unfortunate chested woman actually kissing is shown to me. The beaming werewolf looks at me like I’m supposed to compliment, so I try.

"Yes... she’s... her hair is very straight and very flaxen."

"You realize you are patting your own chest like you are incredibly relieved it is actually there, right?"

"Am I? Perhaps I just have some heartburn."

The woman crossed her arms in front of me defiantly. Her phone gripped to her sleeve. I feel like this is what they would call navigating a mine field?

"There’s absolutely nothing wrong with flat."

"Certainly. I never said there was."

"Then why aren’t you meeting my eyes?"

Sighing, I cross my own arms under my chest and meet her little turquoise flickers. I really was not trying to upset the silly wolf.

"Because my matter of opinion should have no bearing on your own. You enjoy what you enjoy, I enjoy what I enjoy. People are allowed to be themselves. At least, ideally."

Her stiffness dropped and her thumbs began to fiddle with her device. Damnit, she’s making those sad eyes again!

"Hmm... well, you’re right. Sorry for getting defensive. I’m just unhappy that she isn’t happy with herself..."

I really didn’t want to ask more. Not when I’d seemed to get out of the tangle successfully already. But for an extended moment, I couldn’t shake | Mother’s Intuition |. It felt like she needed someone to confide in that might understand.

Why is she expecting someone as vain as me to fill that role? Or rather, why am I expecting myself to...

Vrika had no answer to that, only agreement on the first question that sort of annoyed me. But my uncertainty must have shown on my face. She looks up and smiles awkwardly.

"I mean, you roleplay as a fox, right? So you know what it’s like to want to be different than you were born as."

There are so many things wrong with that statement - and right with it. I did at times wish that I’d never been the Princess. Frustrating that revealing anything true to her feels unwise whether she believes me or twists it again... but I still can’t help myself.

"I’m not roleplaying as anything."

"Right, I forgot how serious you took... anyway, that was a stupid comparison because it’s not like she is roleplaying as a woman. The first time we broke up was even because I didn’t understand that."

My eye twitches at being taken serious as ’not serious’. But her mood has tanked so much that I can’t bring myself to be mean, even if I don’t understand what she is going on about. Or how someone can go from such highs to such lows.

No, I do not do that too! I admit that my moods can fluctuate, but like this?

Stepping forward, I give this stupid tall wolf a small hug - even in these heels, why are these women all so tall?

"Look, I don’t know what you’re getting at. But if you’re expecting any sort of relationship advice from me, then you may have made a life mistake somewhere I’m afraid."

The need to console someone that I think could be older than this body, but not older than I was in my kingdom... is just a little baffling. I hear the woman sniffle then tense, before pushing away gently.

"No, I wasn’t really- okay, maybe a bit. But it’s your fault! I was having a good time then you asked me all about her!"

"I did no such thing?!"

"Well you brought up if I was seeing someone..."

Certainly, I did do that much. Curse this wolf! If it had just left me alone with its jealousies, none of this would have ever happened.

"The thing is... medical science for our kind has been making lots of gains in the last decade or two, but those big firms of Lunarizon mostly specialize in fertility."

"So I’ve heard."

I try not to think about how I’d personally seen a device at the women’s clinic with their logo on it. At least, I try not to show it on my face.

"Mm... well, transitional surgeries for our kind aren’t really high up on the ’important’ list for their research. You understand?"

Seeing my confusion, she chuckles and shakes her head. Dark bangs flop side to side before she sighs with some sort of acceptance.

"No, it’s probably not on any list of anyone in charge at all. Don’t worry about it. Lets just do a reset, okay?"

I feel like I’ve disappointed her by not understanding. But when she uses words and terms that I can’t parse so often, how is it only now that I get that look?

She strolled over to a certain part on the outside of the booth and retrieved something. One set of the photos is handed to me... and I had to admit they were oddly charming in this little form.

"Alright. I feel like you owe me - I did pay for these."

"And I granted you a hug. Who owes who?"

Her mouth opens and closes before chuckling and grabbing my arm at the elbow again. Really, I’ll have to vigorously spray myself down a second time... won’t it be just as ’bad’ if I need to ask for more of the stuff so soon?

"Shut up, just come with me. Every fan, new or old, needs to try basic cosplay at *least* once in a public place!"