Rose took her time to look around the house as she walked towards the dining table seats, an act that only served to increase Julianne's own incertainty.

She was an alien, she thought. Just like her, so.... what could she want?

Rose: I really like your place, Mrs Hunter.

She was so busy in her mind that the comment caught her off guard.

Julianne: Oh... uhhh.... thank you.

She pulled a seat up for Rose.

Julianne: Have a seat.

Rose: Thank you, Mrs Hunter.

Julianne: No problem.

Every word she said was filled with uncertainty. Just what on earth could she want?

Julianne: Can I get you anything, Rose?

Rose quickly and politely shook her head.

Rose: No. I'm fine.

Julianne: Alright then.

She herself took a seat across the table from Rose, staring directly at her, with her cup of coffee

Was she here to attack her? Unlikely. After all, why would she? And even after that, she could stop her. She was a sirenite, and Julianne Hunter was well aware of how dangerous their species was. Psychic powers were no joke.

But, being a protonite, her own mind couldn't be read, and so she had no reason to be worried about that. However, that answered no questions... Why would she be here?

A moment passed, with her heart burning with questions. Rose herself seemed to be happily looking around the house.

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And so, Julianne Hunter decided to take the moment by the reins.

Julianne: So, Rose, what did you want to chat about?

A little too direct for her tastes, but given the situation, anything could happen. Although, she did flinch after hearing what she herself said. Was she truly that uneasy?

Rose: Oh.... well....

She slowly begun to recoil into unease herself, much to the older womans shock.

Rose: I was... well.... if it's not too much to ask...

Julianne Hunter waited patiently, hanging on every word. This was it. What she wanted the whole time.

Rose: Could you... tell me a little about being an alien on Earth.... and (shyly and quietly) about protonites?

Julianne Hunter paused.

That was it. That was all of it. Surely, there had to be more to it. After all, given who they were, given all that had happened... surely...

She replied in shock, partially not to reveal her own disbelief, partially because she was genuinely interested in knowing what she was about to say.

Julianne: About... being an alien?

Rose: Well...

She suddenly became a little embarrassed and emotional, speaking loudly as though in a short panic.

Rose: ... I just figured that... well... you know? Since you're older than me and since you've been here for a while.... well....

Still perturbed, even being unable to take a sip of her drink, she watched her continue to talk.

Rose: .... I was just hoping you'd have some.... advice?

She seemed really unsure of herself.

Julianne: Rose...

She couldn't help but feel for the girl. For one thing, she seemed sincere. And on top of that, she, too, was once an alien on earth. She knew how tough it could be.

Rose: I mean... if you're busy...

Julianne: I see.

She cut her short. She needed to think this through.

In spite of all that had happened, she, without hesitation, walked straight to her house and walked in. She didn't seem to be on guard. No, not in the slightest. If she attacked her now, she wouldn't expect it.

So, in all likelihood, she was probably having a really hard time. But even then, she wouldn't come here so quickly and freewheelingly.

It had only been two days.

So, could it be...

Rose had frozen in silence as she watched Julianne Hunter think it through.

Rose: Is... somethi....

Julianne: That's no trouble at all!

Julianne's face showed a smile, but internally, she was conflicted. On the one hand, she didn't want to let her guard down. On the other hand, this girl....

Rose: Oh! Thank you, Mrs Hunter! I really appreciate it!

Her eyes gleamed with a beauteous glee. She was genuinely happy.

Julianne: No problem, really.

There was a chance that this was all a game to get something from her, and so Julianne Hunter was ready to play this game. After all, she was an expert.

But, what if she was wrong?

Truly, this was going to get interesting.