*This story takes place after the event of Chapter 3 of the main story of the game.*

After the blimp incident above the Ballet Twin Towers. The people boarding the blimp, including the Cunning Hare (aka Gentle House) lives were saved. Thanks to the help of the proxies and Victoria Housekeeping. However, despite their lives being saved, Nicole's thoughts wander elsewhere as she begins to worry about something…

-Cunning Hare's Apartment-

7:30pm

"Wow! Really!?" A young cat girl said with sparkles in her eyes.

She leaned on the small coffee table as she watched the tall android-like figure who was standing in front of his friends.

The android figure body was gray and white. Despite his android feature he had spiked white hair that flared up above his head. He wore a red leather jacket over his torso and black jeans.

The cat girl who was on the floor with her elbows on the coffee table. Her most distinguishable character trait is her cat ears that sprout from top of her head. And her twin cybernetic tails that sprouted from behind. She had black hair that was tied in a pony-tail. She wore a red and white outfit with a kimono covering her top chest.

Sitting on the couch eating a burger was a young woman with white hair and had yellow eyes. She wore a small black skirt and black stocking. On top of her head, she wore black headphones.

Sitting next to the white hair girl, but not paying much attention to the story, was a young pink haired woman. She wore a small black leather jacket with a white t-shirt underneath not hiding her buxom feature. Black shorts and black boots. Her mind drifted elsewhere as she leaned her cheeks into her fist.

"Ah man you should've seen him in action! His boots gave him some sort of boost! Propelling him up the building!" The tall android man said as he was gesturing the same move as he was describing it. "He used his claws to cling onto the building. Climbing all the way to the top building! Once he reached the top and 'whoosh'! He jumps high into the air!"

The cat girl's mouth hung wide open. "WOW! And then did he make it!?"

The tall android stopped. He scratched the back of his head with a nervous expression. "W-Well…not really. He was close but didn't make it."

The cat girl expression fell. "Huh? So then…how did he make it then?"

"Oh! Yeah!" The tall android bounces back up. "So when he jumped off the building to reach for the blimp, I caught him in a nick of time! And wow, talk about a close call though, I literally thought we were gonna die there for a moment."

The white hair young woman took another bite from her burger as she glanced over at the pinked haired young woman who thought was still elsewhere. Her expression showed concern then interest.

"Well, either way. He sounded really amazing." The cat girl said.

"You bet Nekomata! He was really incredible! Almost too amazing!"

The white-haired young woman swallowed her food. "Looks like Billy's failed respiratory module saved the day in the end."

The tall android figure flinched. "H-Hey! Don't say it like that! It at least all worked out in the end!"

Nekomata only held a blank expression at the android. "More like it was an accidental feat more than just being lucky."

Billy felt hurt. Stomping his foot on the floor he looks at the cat girl. "I-I! Come on guys! It wasn't all bad! Look, in the end, we were saved by both the managers, Rain and the Victoria Housekeeping! And I contributed as well!" He pointed to himself with his thumb.

"Yeah, yeah. No need to boast about yourself." Nekomata teased.

Billy crossed his arm across his chest. "You're just jealous because you were knocked out by the gas and didn't get to see any of the action."

"Sure~. Maybe I'm a little jealous. But who was the one who brought the cheap black market knockoff respiratory module and couldn't switch back to intake mode." She said with a sly smile.

Billy started to fume out all sorts of incomprehensible languages. "We don't talk about that!"

"Huuh~? But I thought it was that module that saved the day in the end." Nekomata teased.

While it was next to near impossible to see if Billy was pouting, his angled eyes showed that he was mad. His eyes then switch to plea as he turns towards the white haired young woman. "Anby! You get it right!? It wasn't because of some accident! R-Right!?"

The white-haired swallowed her food. "Well…you did save us in the end."

"See!"

"However," Anby continued. "It was due to the cheap respiratory module you brought and couldn't switch back to intake mode in the end. So yes, I don't think we can call that all luck. But more of just an accident on your part."

Nekomata snickered at Billy, who only got under his skin. He then turns to the pink-haired young woman. "N-Nicole! What about you! Surely you don't think this was an accidental feat, right!?"

Nicole didn't answer as her mind drifted off.

"Geez, Billy. Calm down. Why are you being so sensitive about this?" Nekomata said.

"I-I'm not! I just don't like how you guys are making it sound like it was some coincidence!" Billy said. "A-Anyways, Nicole! What about you!?"

"..."

"Nicole?"

The group looks at the pink-haired young woman whose mind was still absent. Thinking in her own little area.

Billy, somewhat concerned, walks over to Nicole who looked frozen in place. Not even looking his way as her eyes drifted to the side with a frown. He waved his hand in front of her face.

"Nicole? Hey boss! Hello?" Billy asked.

Anby looks at her friend who was too busy to even notice Billy was waving in front of her. She used her one free hand and touched Nicole's shoulder.

"!" Nicole gave out a shock gasp as she looked at Anby who held a concerned look.

"S-sorry. Y-You were completely out of it and…" The green clad young woman said.

Nicole blinks as she looks at the rest of her friends. Both Nekomata and Billy wore worried expressions on their faces. The pink-haired woman shook her head as she forced a smile. "U-Um! Sorry! M-My mind was elsewhere! S-So wh-what was the question again!"

Billy blinked as he looked at the pink haired young woman. "Um…w-were you even listening to the story?"

"Y-Yeah! O-Of course I was! Um…" Nicole felt a small bead of sweat dripping against her cheeks. "Y-You mean how both the proxies and the Housekeepings saved us from the blimp incident! R-Right?"

Billy was rather concerned about Nicole's behavior. "Um…y-yeah. I wanted to ask about the respiratory module. You know, the one I bought and I couldn't switch back to intake mode."

"O-Oh…um…well…" Nicole pondered hard on the question. "I mean…well…i-it doesn't matter in the end. Both you, the proxies and the Housekeeping saved us right? So don't take it so personal…"

"Um…yeah…" Billy said with a baffled expression.

Anby looks towards Nicole. "You've been staying quiet for a while now, is everything okay?"

Nicole raised both her hands in defense. "O-Of course~! Why wouldn't I be!"

"Because you haven't said anything." Anby said.

"Yeah and you haven't joined in on picking on Billy!" Nekomata chimed in.

"HEY!"

"O-Oh…well…" Nicole trailed off for a moment. Her eyes downcast for a moment. Biting down on her lips. "H-Hey…Anby? You remember what you said…about the proxies…not wanting to work with us anymore?"

Both Billy and Nekomata look towards each other before looking at Anby with baffled expressions. "Yes?"

"W-Well…I was…thinking…what if…to say that the proxies WERE to, you know, not work with us. Because of what you said? A significant difference in service…y-you wouldn't think that they WOULD work with them instead of us, r-right?"

"WHAT!? THEY'RE NOT GONNA WORK WITH US ANYMORE!?" Billy screamed as he grabbed his head with a panic.

Nekomata had both of her hands on the table as she held a similar expression to Billy. "W-WHAT!?"

Anby, not panicking, looks towards the two. "Calm down. I was just thinking if the scenario were to happen."

Billy waved his hands frantically. "I-WELL THEN WHY DID YOU HAVE TO GO AND THINK OF SOMETHING SO TERRIFYING LIKE THAT!?"

Anby sighs to herself. "Billy, like I said. I was only making a 'what if' scenario. But even so, my concern still stands. You saw how professional the Victoria Housekeepings were in contrast to us."

All three of them looked towards Nicole as she loudly cleared her throat. "A-Anby! I'll have you know we're FIRST-CLASS! Us! The Cunning Hares! And on top of THAT! We have a long relationship with the proxies! The Victoria Housekeeping? They're new!"

Billy nodded his head with two thumbs up. "That's right! We've been friends for a long time! We go a long way back! The proxies would never abandon us!"

Despite the two positive ways of thinking (somewhat). Nekomata and Anby looked at each other before looking at Nicole and Billy. "Even if we know them for a while, that still doesn't mean there's a chance that they may not work with us anymore."

Nicole bit her lips in frustration. "O-Okay. What makes Victoria Housekeeping so different from us?"

"The one major factor is that they're more professional than us." Anby said.

Nekomata put a finger to her chin as she thought to herself. "Well, can we say that? I mean I don't mean to throw her under the bus and all. But Corin seems more like a rookie than she does a professional."

Billy snaps his metal finger. "Oh yeah! There was also that shark girl! Ellen, I think her name was! She may look strong, but she didn't seem too professional."

Nicole smiled a little. "Yeah. See Anby? Nothing to worry about?"

Anby closes her eyes for a moment before answering. "Aside from those two. I am speaking about the wolf thiren and the other maid who manage to sneak up behind me. Not only that, according to what Billy was describing about how the proxies worked with the victoria housekeeping. I can't help but to worry."

Nicole waves her hand frantically with an attempted smile. "N-No! No! You're overthinking it! And you're forgetting one major factor! WE, the CUNNING HARES! Have a long STANDING relationship with the proxies!"

Nekomata poked her fingers together with a nervous frown. "Um…but…do you think that would really matter to them? And besides, you…do kind of…haggle with the payment. Which is the reason why we have such a large debt with them in the first place."

Nicole flinched, her cheeks lightly blushed. "T-That shouldn't be the major problem! Besides, even if I do (which I will) pay them, we just…happen to be low on money every now and then. Financial issues couldn't possibly be the real reason for them not working with us…r-right?"

Billy raised his finger. "Well, I mean you do-" Billy froze on the spot when he received an angry glare from the pink haired young woman. "B-But I mean it's true though! ONLY to an extent!"

Nicole crossed her arms under her breasts as she glared the other way. Even though she was blushing to herself. "U-Um…even IF that was the problem! I still pay them! Plus, as I said. The relationship between the proxies and the Cunning Hares is strong! And on top of that, they're good people!"

Anby was still not convinced. "Even good people have their limits."

Nicole bit her lip once more. Trying her best to keep her cool. She looks at Anby with a questioning glare. "Care to explain?"

"Do not get me wrong. They're good people. And I believe that. But even if they are good people and we have a long standing relationship with the proxies, people do have limits on how long they manage to put up with us. You can't just rely on relationships and how good people are alone, you must also factor in other possibilities of what will happen if you're too careless."

Nicole's finger twitched as she narrowed her eyes at the white haired girl.

Billy notices how Nicole was reacting and tries to intervene. "N-Now hold on a sec, Anby. Don't you think you're going a little too far."

"I'm only making a scenario. Good people like the proxies must have a limit. If they see a major difference in service, they won't want to work with us anymore." She said with a bit of regret in her tone.

Nekomata looks between Anby and Nicole. Her ears lowered down as she shrinks further behind the coffee table.

Nicole gritted her teeth. "W-What are you trying to say?"

"I'm sorry Nicole…but often or not…it feels like we're taking advantage of their good nature." Anby said as she looked the other way with guilt written on her face.

*Thud!*

"THAT'S NOT TRUE!" Nicole slams her fist onto the couch. She glares at the white young woman. "I don't take advantage of their good nature! I care for them just as much as the next person!"

"U-Um…" Billy slowly raised his hand. "But wasn't your motto, 'the Cunning Hare only cares about money…not caring about others' right?"

Nicole's lips trembled a little. "Y-Yeah, that WAS my motto, but I didn't sell them out that time!"

Nekomata timidly raised her hands. "U-Um…b-but you still don't pay them as much."

Nicole shook her head as she spring to her feet. "No! You're all wrong! There's no way in hell that the proxies will abandon us! I know this for sure!"

"Based on what?" Anby asked.

Nicole tried to come up with something to say. But so far she was panicking in her mind. All the words that Anby had said only made her feel sick in her stomach. Small beads of sweat dripped against her skin bringing her finger to her lips, her heart was pounding against her chest. Her eyes lit up.

"Ah!" Nicole snaps her finger. "I'LL PAY THEM!"

"HUUUUH!?" Billy and Nekomata said at once.

"B-Boss! You're gonna pay them!? That isn't like you!" Billy said.

Nicole gritted her teeth as she comes over and chops Billy on the side of the head. "Don't say it like that! I just happen to have some left over from our last commission. It may not be much, but consider this my payment to them. Besides, I promised that I would repay them back before we left for the court case…even though it never happened. B-But it should be enough…r-right?"

Anby looks at Nicole with an unconvincing look. "You think it's enough."

"Huh? Yeah! I have enough to pay them back!"

Anby shook her head. "That's not what I meant."

"Huh?"

"What I mean is…is it enough to have them to still work with us?"

"..." Nicole bit her lip. Narrowing her eyes at the white haired young woman. She was having a bit of a hard time breathing. She shook her head. "N-No! You're wrong! It will be enough! It HAS to be enough! In fact, I'm going over to their store right now! Just you watch, I'm gonna pull the rug right from under their feet!"

"You're going now?" Nekomata said as she watched the pink haired young woman walk over to the door.

"Want us to come?" Billy asked.

"Nope! I can go by myself!" Nicole said.

Nekomata held an unconvincing look. "You just don't want to see how we'll be right about the proxies leaving us, don't you?"

Nicole flinched once more. Snapping her head over her shoulders. Her face almost flustered. "N-No! I just…I'm going now!" She said as she left through the door.

Leaving the group to themselves. Billy scratches the back of his head. "Man…I don't think I've ever seen her like that…"

Nekomata looks towards Anby who holds a guilty expression. "S-So…do you think that…they will abandon us?"

Anby didn't say anything as she looked at the door where Nicole just left. "...I hope I'm wrong."

-Sixth Street-

7:40pm

Walking down the small street. Nicole held her hands close to her chest, looking forward with a determined look.

"Damn it, can't believe I lost my cool there," Nicole thought to herself. "But why did Anby have to go and say that? The proxies, leaving us for the Victoria Housekeeping! There's no way! The Cunning Hares are first-class! We're just as professional! S-Sure we're small and sometimes our plans don't go well. But still…t-that shouldn't affect our partnership with the proxies."

As she continued to walk down the somewhat bustling street. Passing by some shops, not paying mind to them as she walks. Her eyes slowly cast down to her feet, her pace slowing down. She starts to twirl her hair around with her one finger.

"I-I mean…there just…n-no way. We've known them for so long and all and…" Nicole shook her head as she slapped both her cheeks. "Ugh! No! Come on Nicole! Snap out of it! The proxies and the Cunning Hare will always be together! E-Even despite how much I owe them, i-it can't cut our bond…r-right?"

She tries to keep a cool head. Trying her best to keep positive of the issue. But so far those ugly thoughts keep coming back…she remembers Anby words…

"It feels like we're taking advantage of their nature."

"Nng." Nicole grunted as she held her stomach. Still on autopilot to the store. "Why…do I really take adva-OOPMH!"

Nicole suddenly walked into someone's back. Causing her to lose balance and fall on her own back.

*Thud!*

"Ow…"

"Hm? Ah. Forgive me. I wasn't aware of my surroundings."

She hears a deep male voice. Looking up, she spots a rather tall built white wolf towering over her. Wearing a black and white butler outfit. With all the completed accessories that go along with his character. With the added cybernetic leg wear and his left eye being covered with a black leather patch. Looking at her with his orange angular eyes.

Nicole was stunned for a moment looking up at the wolf who bends down and extended his hand to her. Offering to help her up. "Are you alright, young miss?"

"H-Huh? O-Oh. Um…" Nicole cheeks lightly flushed for a moment before she grabs his hand. Feeling his soft fur on hers. "I-It was my fault. I wasn't…um…paying attention."

"Hm? Is something on your mind?"

Nicole crossed her arms across her stomach as she grabbed her arms comforting herself. "J-Just some…stuff. Don't worry about it…um…"

The wolf looks closely at her, making her shrink a little.

"U-Um…i-is there a problem?"

"Ah. Now I remember. You are Miss Nicole. Leader of the Cunning Hare's. Am I correct?"

"Hm? Oh! Y-Yes! That's me! And you're…that Fluffy Housekeeper, from Victoria Housekeeping?"

The wolf blinks with an almost stunned expression. She swore she saw a slight wag of his tail before he switched back being more composed. "Y-Yes. My name is Lycaon. Leader of the Victoria Housekeeping. And is a servant of the master of the Ballet Twin Towers."

"R-Right…now I remember. I only noticed because Billy said you saved us from the blimp incident with the pro-" She covered her mouth as she looked at her surroundings. "I-I mean, the managers, right? I uh…don't I ever thank you…thank you for saving us. And also taking care of Rain as well."

"It is my pleasure." Lycaon bowed in respect.

Nicole blinked for a moment. Looking at the wolf. "Wow, the others weren't kidding. He really is a professional. I bet he can take on dozens of ethereals in one fell swoop."

"Is there a reason why you're here, Miss Nicole?"

Nicole blinks as she twirls her pig tails again with an embarrassed look. "W-Well. I'm here to give the managers something in return. I-Is there a reason why you're here as well?"

"Yes. Mistress Belle and Master Wise called me here because they wish to speak with me about something."

Nicole's eyes widened in shock. That pain in her stomach kicked back in. The pounding of her heart raced. "T-They called him here!? C-Could it be true that their…NO! Stop thinking like that! They wouldn't just abandon us…please I have to be right."

"Miss Nicole?"

Nicole flinched when she found Lycaon right near her face. He put his hand over Nicole's forehead. "Huh!?"

"Are you alright? You seem to be developing a slight fever."

Nicole jumps back waving her hand frantically. "N-Noo~! No! No! I-I'm fine! Don't worry about me~!"

Lycaon blinks as he looks at the pink haired young woman with a slightly cautious expression. "Miss Nicole. If anything is wrong, please let me know. Seeing how we are both agents and know about the managers. I believe it's necessary for us to form a companionship between our factions…that is if you wish."

Nicole blinks for a moment. Looking at the wolf who bowed respectfully. "Partnership…w-with us?"

"Well, if it's alright with you. I was only stating an idea."

Nicole stared at him for a moment before shaking her head. "R-Really. I'm fine. Don't worry about me. S-So, should we go inside now?"

"Ah. I have almost forgotten. Seeing how we're both here. Let us go inside." Lycaon said as he turned around and walked forward towards the door.

Nicole stood behind as she looked at Lycaon. "Tall, strong, respectable. And even caring too. I can see why anyone would want to hire an agent like him. Including phaethon."

"Miss Nicole?"

"Oh! Sorry! Coming!" Nicole said as she ran towards him.

-Inside Random Play-

Nicole and Lycaon enter the video store. The store was stacked with dozens of videos on the wall and shelved within the shelfs. With the counter towards the side of the wall. Behind the counter they see two figures standing behind the counter with one small rabbit-like robot sitting on the desk.

One was a young man with short gray hair. Wearing a blue and orange jacket with a black shirt underneath and wore blue jeans.

The other was a female with short blue hair. She wore a white and orange jacket with a dark blue sweatshirt underneath. She wore a gray skirt and black socks that barely reached up to her knee.

Both of them look up at the two agents.

"Oh. Lycaon you're here. And…Nicole?" The young man said with a baffled expression.

The girl crossed her arms as she wore a confused look on her face. "Nicole? Why are you here?"

Nicole felt both of their eyes on her. "Um…w-well…"

Lycaon spoke up for her. "Forgive me. I encountered Nicole in front of your store. It seems she's here for another reason."

Both the figures look at each other before coming to a conclusion. The young man sighs to himself while the young woman could only roll her eyes.

"Let me guess, got another commission for us where you don't pay?" He joked.

Despite his laid back tone, Nicole felt her heart twisted a little. Her eyes looked from side-to-side, trying to find an answer. "U-Um…n-no. I'm…" She stuttered a little.

The two and the little bangboo exchanged looks with baffled expressions. "Nicole?"

Nicole shook her head as she slapped both her cheeks, getting a reaction from the two. "U-Um…no. I'm here for another reason…but I'll let Fluffy Housekeeper here take care of his business first."

Lycaon blinks curiously as he looks at the young woman. "Are you certain Miss Nicole?"

She pats the wolf thiren on the back. "Come on! Go right ahead! I can wait! I-I'll just be over here looking at the movies! Oh! But don't mind me! Just ignore me!"

The two store managers were beyond confused about her strange behavior. The male looks at Nicole. "Hold on, Nicole. What's going on? Why are you acting weird?"

Nicole only waves her hand at the young man. "Nothing~! Nothing at all~! Go on, go on!"

On that note. Nicole returns to looking at the movies that were put on the shelves. Pretending to browse through the movies. Despite getting odd looks from the two store managers, Lycaon walks over to the counter.

"Well, if Miss Nicole doesn't mind. I guess I should start first. I believe we didn't properly greet each other," Lycaon said before clearing his throat addressing their attention. "Hello, Master Wise and Mistress Belle."

The two managers smiled with Belle giggling to herself. Wise chuckled. "Hello Lycaon. Don't think I can get used to that whole 'master' bit."

"I think I can~!" Belle joked.

"Of course you…"

Belle picked up the small bangboo. "You remember Eous, right?"

"Eh-na!" The small rabbit-like robot raised its stubby hand.

Lycaon pokes his finger at the bangboo. "Hello Master Eous."

As the four were interacting with each other. Starting with proper greetings. Nicole listens from the sideline. While exchanging several glances over her shoulders. Her expression shows she is worried.

"Calling them 'master' and even 'mistress' and such a way of greeting them as well!? They're practically friends by this point!" Nicole shook her head frantically. "Calm down Nicole. Don't jump to conclusions! I-It was just a proper greeting! It doesn't mean anything…please let me right." Nicole said as she covered her mouth with both her hands, her expression showing great concern.

"I believe you two called me here for something you wish to discuss about?"

Wise smiled. "Yeah. We really wanted to thank you for your assistance back at the ballet twin tower. We really appreciate it."

"It is no trouble. We were simply doing our tasks of helping you save Miss Rain."

Belle nervously laughed. "Yeah, but then got out of hand with the blimp incident. Sorry about that."

Nicole flinched a little in the back at the mentioning of the blimp.

"It is no trouble. As mentioned before, we were just doing our tasks."

Wise cleared his throat. "Okay, let me get straight to the point."

Nicole's heart raced, feeling a bead of sweat dripping against her skin. "Please let me be wrong! Please let me be wrong!"

"We were wondering if we have any commissions in the near future…"

Nicole started to breathe heavily. "C-C-Calm down Nicole! G-Get a hold of yourself! Stop worrying!"

"-we would like for you to work with us. That is, if you're available that is."

Nicole felt her stomach twisted inside. Her eyes are about to tear up. She was starting to lose balance. "No…n-no…"

Lycaon smiled. "It would be our honor."

*CRASH!* *THUD!*

They hear loud thud noise. They looked over and spotted Nicole with her hands over her mouth as she looked at all the movies that knocked onto the floor.

"H-Hey! Nicole! What was that-" Before Belle could finish her angry rant at the pink haired young woman.

"I'M SORRY! I SWEAR I WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION! I-I'LL PICK IT UP RIGHT AWAY!" Nicole suddenly shouted in a state of panic that took the two managers off guard.

They couldn't help but linger their stare at the young woman who was frantically gathering the scattered covers on the ground. They were rather baffled by her state of mind.

Lycaon took a step forward. "Would you like for me to help, Miss Nicole?"

"N-NO! NO! Please! Don't mind me! Just continue on with your conversation!" Nicole frantically said as she finished gathering the movies before pushing the shelf straight up.

The two managers looked at each other with worried expressions before continuing their conversation with Lycaon. "Just ignore her. So you agree then?"

Lycaon faces the two with a smile. "Yes. If we are available. We would lend you a hand."

"That's great!" Belle said as she clasped her hand with a sparkle in her eye.

"Eh-Na!" Eous raised its hand.

Wise smiled. "Thank you, Lycaon."

"You are welcome. The Victoria Housekeeping will heed to your call." He said.

"Great…"

Belle leaned on the desk. "Hey, since you're here. You wanna watch a movie together?"

"I would love to. But I must go back. I need to go pick up groceries and make dinner. Can't exactly leave Miss Rina with the preparation. If you know what I mean."

Both Belle and Wise flinched at that. "See what you mean…go on and do your business then. See you around Lycaon."

"Yeah, see you around!" Belle happily said.

Eous waved goodbye to the wolf thiren as well. Lycaon bows respectfully. "Now then, Miss Nicole, I believe that-"

Just as Lycaon turns around. He took notice that the young woman was not here. The spot she was at was absent.

"Huh? Miss Nicole?"

"Where is she?" Belle asked. "She was there a moment ago."

"Geez, she's been acting weird as of late. Not sure what's going on with her." Wise said with a baffled expression.

Lycaon narrowed his eyes with a hum before looking towards the two. "I believe I should take my leave now. Goodbye."

"See ya around." Wise said as both of them waved goodbye.

As the wolf thiren left. Belle twirled around as she looked at Wise with a smile. "Hehe~! Looks like we know who we'll be calling!"

Wise chuckled. "Yeah, but let's not try to milk it, okay. I don't want him thinking we're taking advantage of him."

Belle's expression soon changed as she now wore a worried look. Looking at the spot where Nicole was last. "Speaking of 'taking advantage of' where's Nicole? Did you even see her leave?"

Wise narrowed his eyes. "No. I don't think I did, what do you think she was here for in the first place?"

Belle sighs to herself as she rolls her eyes. "Possibly to have another commission for us and not pay in return. Or running away from some debt collector."

"Yeah. That does sound like her. But I highly doubt it was some debt collector. Because she would've stayed here and freeload off of us. But just to be safe, try texting her to see how she's doing."

Belle nodded as she reached for her phone in her pocket and started texting Nicole.

[Belle]: Hey, where are you? You just left without even telling us.

[Nicole]: …..sorry.

Belle blinks. 'Sorry'? An apology from Nicole?

[Belle]: Did you just apologize to me?

[Nicole]: ….I wasn't feeling well. So I left."

[Belle]: Are you sick?

[Nicole]: ….I'm just not feeling well. Oh, before I forget, let me pay you guys.

"HUH!?"

Wise and Eous jumped at Belle scream. "B-Belle!?"

"WISE! ARE WE EXPECTING A STORM TOMORROW!?" Belle yelled as she pushed her face up against Wise's face.

"H-Huh? Hold on. What's going on?"

"NICOLE IS GONNA PAY US!" Belle said.

Wise blinked as he looked at Eous who only shook it head with a sigh. Wise just looks back at Belle with a chuckle. "Now I know you're seeing things. You sure you're not miss reading it. This is Nicole we're talking about here, there's no way she'll-"

He stops when Belle shows him her phone. Showing him the bank account. The recent activity showing more money was added. Wise took the phone as he pushed his face in closer to the screen. He hands Belle back the phone and reaches for his own. Typing away at lightning speed.

[Wise]: NICOLE! WHAT'S GOING ON!? ARE YOU FEELING ILL!?

[Belle]: Are you being held at gunpoint!?

[Wise]: Did you get evicted!?

[Nicole]: …there's no need for both of you to jump on and tease me. -_-

[Nicole]: But don't worry about me. I just wanted to pay you guys because I wanted to show how I appreciate you guys for working with us.

"There she goes again with that. Just like how she said back when we were trying to save Rain." Belle said.

Wise narrowed his eyes as he typed away.

[Wise]: Nicole. What's going on? This isn't like you.

[Nicole]: Nothing. I'm just showing my appreciation. Listen, I just wanted to say I'm sorry if it feels like I ever took advantage of you guys. You two are some of the best proxies I have ever worked with. Caring, kind, you really are good people. I know it doesn't seem much coming from me now, but I really do appreciate you two and Eous. Thank you…really.

Both Belle and Wise finished reading as they just looked at each other with baffled expressions. Unsure of how to even respond to this.

[Nicole]: ….anyways. I'm going home for now. Again, thank you for putting up with the Cunning Hares and I wish you luck on your future endeavor…thank you…and sorry.

Belle and Wise look up at each other worried expressions. Now they're really not sure how to respond to this new Nicole…

-Cunning Hare's Apartment-

8:00pm

"Gah…where's Nicole? She's taking forever to get back." Billy said as he sprawled his body on the couch with an exaggerated sigh.

Nekomata looks at the android with a blank expression. "Billy, it's only been a couple of minutes."

"Yeah! But it's still so long though! I'm getting anxious here! What about you!?" Billy said as he pointed at the cat girl.

Nekomata blinked rapidly as she looked the other way with a blush. "N-No! I'm not worried! I have full confidence that the managers will continue to work with us!"

Billy's eyes narrowed. "Now I know that's a lie! Don't think I saw you over there sitting by the door!"

Nekomata's face flushed red as she glared at Billy. Her tails flaring up. "H-Hey! Shut up! At least I wasn't moping in the corner repeating 'please don't leave us, please don't leave us'!"

Despite the comeback, Billy could only be happy. "Ohoho! So you admit it."

"Oh put a sock in it, Billy!" Nekomata said as she pouted the other way.

Anby who was sitting on the couch looks their way. "Would both of you be quiet? I'm trying to watch the movie."

Both Billy and Nekomata look at Anby with blank expressions.

"Um…Anby…the TV is not even on." Nekomata said.

The two looks between the TV and Anby whom was too busy looking at the blank screen. "No. You are mistaken. I am watching a movie. In fact, I'm just getting to the sad part of the film."

Billy narrowed his eyes with a deep thought. "Um…and that part would be?"

"The part where Nicole comes home distraught. And the proxies will cut their partnership with us."

Billy's eyes widened. "WHAT KIND OF MOVIE IS THAT!? ACTUALLY NO! THAT'S NOT EVEN A MOVIE AT ALL!"

"It still is something that happens in movies though. The scene where friends cut their ties with each other and go their separate ways." She simply said.

Nekomata lips pushed together forming a scowl. "D-Don't lump in movie logic to real world logic!"

"Doesn't matter. It still happens." Anby said as she looked back at the TV.

Billy and Nekomata sighs at Anby antic before the tall android looks back at the door. "Wonder when Nicole is coming back? I'm really starting to worry."

"I-I'm sure she's out pulling on one of those gacha machines." Nekomata tries to sound reassuring.

"Y-Yeah. M-Maybe…I guess." Billy said, unsure of how to answer.

*Creak.*

They hear the door knob turning. All three of them look towards the door and spot the familiar pink haired woman who had her face down cast to her feet.

"Nicole! You're back! Oh man, are we glad to see you!" Billy jumped in joy as he didn't waste time rushing over to his boss. "So? How did it go? Did you pay for them! Did…um…"

He took notice of how Nicole was completely out of it. Her bangs covering her eyes, her lips pushed together with a slight tremble.

Nekomata cautiously looks at the pink haired young woman. "N-Nicole?"

"H-Hey…hey boss? A-Are you okay?" Billy asked.

Anby got up from the couch and approached Nicole. "Nicole?"

Nicole sucked in some air before exhaling. She snaps her head up with a smile. "Yeah! Everything is fine~!"

The three however look at each other with concern before looking back at Nicole. Anby spoke up first. "Nicole? How did it go?"

Nicole's lip quivered a little before putting on a fake smile. "E-Everything is fine~! Nothing to worry about! I paid the proxies and everything is okay now~!"

"...they don't wish to work with us anymore, do they?"

Both Billy and Nekomata look at Anby before looking at Nicole. Her fake smile wavering with her eyes frozen still as she was looking at the white haired young woman. "U-Um…n-no. It's nothing like that, A-Anby. Don't worry about it~! Really, it's fine~!"

"Nicole. I know you're lying." Anby said with a stern look.

"N-No! No! Everything is good~! See this smile~! Everything is good~!" Nicole said as she pointed to her forced smile.

"Then why are you crying?"

All three of them look back at Nicole. A single tear shed from her eye. Dripping down, against her cheeks. Her lips were slightly apart with her lower lips trembling. Forcibly biting them down didn't help from stopping her to shedding even more tears. She wrapped her arms around her stomach as she looked the other way. Trying her best not to look at her friends.

"I-I…I'm not…I-I…" Nicole stuttered.

"Nicole?" Anby asked her face showing concern.

"I-I'm…too tired for this." She said almost out of breath before wiping her tears away. "I'm going to bed."

She walks past the three and heads straight to her room.

"Huh? H-Hey! Boss! Nicole!" Billy called for her.

"Nicole!" Nekomata followed suit.

But nothing worked as Nicole turned in for the day. They hear the door slamming from the hall. Leaving the three to themselves. Nekomata ears cast down. She felt a soft metallic touch on her shoulder. She turns to see Billy who gave her a reassuring look.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm sure she just needs some time for herself." Billy said.

"But…"

"Billy's right," Anby spoke up. "We can't do anything for the moment. For now, we give her some space to think for herself. If anything comes up, we act. Got it?"

Both Nekomata and Billy nodded in response. However, their concern still linger as they look back towards the hall she left towards.

-Nicole's Room-

Taking off her boots, she allows her own body to drop on top of the bed. Taking a deep shaky breath. More small tears shed from her eyes, dripping against her cheeks. She looks towards the top of the dresser next to her. Stretching her hand out, she makes a grab for the picture that was laid on top of it.

Looking at the photo that had Nekomata holding the camera with her giving her the peace sign, she herself leaned against the table smiling for the camera, Billy and Anby posing from the side. Behind them were Belle and Wise smiling for the camera with the blue-haired girl giving Wise bunny ears.

Nicole looks longingly at the photo. More particularly at Belle and Wise. She sniffled a few with more tears shedding from her eyes. Her lips trembled uncontrollably, biting down on her lips to stop herself.

*Beep. Beep. Beep.*

She hears her phone going off. She reaches for it and flips it open. Looking at the screen. She found some familiar names and avatar icons.

[Wise]: Hey, it's us again.

[Belle]: We wanted to check up on you. Is everything okay?

Nicole wipes her eyes before replying to them…

[Nicole]: I'm good. Please, don't worry about me. I'm good.

[Belle]: You sure? Don't push yourself.

[Wise]: Is there anything you want?

[Nicole]: Nooo~! I'm good…really I am. Thank you for worrying, but please don't worry. I just need to take a rest.

[Wise]: If you say so…

[Belle]: We'll be here in case you need something, okay?

Nicole took another shaky breath, but allowed a soft smile gracing her lips.

[Nicole]: You two really are good people, you know that, right? Thank you.

[Belle]: Aaaah! What is going on with you today!? You're never this nice! If I check the forecast I swear I'm gonna see a storm coming in tomorrow morning!

[Wise]: Setting my overdramatic sibling aside, what's going on with you Nicole? Are you sure you are doing okay? You didn't eat anything poisonous did you?

[Belle]: Oh wow, who's being overdramatic now, huh?

Nicole stifled out a chuckle.

[Nicole]: I'm fine guys, I just need some rest.

[Belle]: Well, if you say so. If anything is troubling you, please stop being a stranger and contact us, alright?

[Wise]: If you don't pick up. We'll just contact Anby and get the story from her.

Nicole rolled over on her back as she held a small soft smile.

[Nicole]: I'll make sure to keep in contact with you guys, please don't worry too much about me. Anyways, I'm tired, I'm going to bed now.

[Belle]: Okay, get better soon.

[Wise]: Don't overdo it. Night.

[Nicole]: Night…and really….I appreciate you guys a lot…thank you. Night.

She closes her phone and hugs it towards her breasts. Letting out a shaky sigh. Allowing more silent tears shed from her eyes and drip against her skin.

"They really are nice people…and then there's me…who just thought of making a profit out of them…" The thought of her using them made her sick to her stomach. "Nicole…you stingy cheap fool…"

She closes her eyes, rolling over on her side, silently falling asleep with tears continuously dripping against her cheeks.

…..

And that's a wrap. Nicole starts to reflect on her behavior around the proxies through the past years they've been together. With it now just dawning on her that they could leave the Cunning Hare and work with the Victoria Housekeeping. She starts to slowly question herself and her relationship with the two siblings? Does she really see them as precious friends or just a profit gain for her own selfish needs…

My first ever Zenless Zone Zero fanfic! The game is still freshly new so not much to go around. But so far from what was provided, especially the first 3 chapters with each chapter focusing on a different faction. There is one bit with chapter 3, where Anby voices her concern of the proxies (Wise and Belle) not wanting to work with the Cunning Hare's anymore and instead work with the Victoria Housekeeping. While Nicole shrugs it off, she later sends a message, clearly showing a more gentle side to herself. This led to Belle and Wise becoming a little worried and confused about her change of behavior.

While I'm sure that the game will explore this in possibly the interlude chapter 3.5 or maybe later, I wanted to explore this story element with my own take on it. I'm fully aware Nicole is not a bad person overall, there are moments that show she's a good person at heart and it's that trait from her character is the reason why I wanted to write this short story that explores more of her character. Both a strong leader, (kind of a dork XD) stingy and greedy with money sure, but deep down does have a heart of gold. I think I'm confident that I got their characters down right, with of course some development flare to the mix. Of course other characters will have their time in the spotlight, but Nicole will be the main character for this fic.

This will be a short story, possibly expanding to at least maybe 3 chapters. This is just a little idea I had in mind and wanted to share it before the game possibly picks it up.

Thank you for reading, leave a review for feedback, stay safe and I'll see you all in the next chapter!