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“I think she’s finally lost it,” Cecilia muttered, Gigi nodding solemnly next to her.
The two watched as Elizabeth groaned, her body sinking into the couch. It was an unusual sight, but one that was becoming more frequent as of late. Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame was a proud woman, one that boasted immense power, unfaltering confidence. It was one of the reasons why Cecilia and Gigi had followed her without question. In their minds, if there was ever a moment of insecurity or doubt, Elizabeth would be there to guide them. She was their fearless leader, the one that brought them together despite their constant bickering, the light that would shine even through the darkness. When all else seemed to be lost, it would be the scarlet queen that would stand amidst it all.
At least, that was usually the case. The pair said nothing as Elizabeth sunk further into the couch, hands covering her face as she released a long exhale.
“I’m almost tempted to leave her here and see how far she can go into the couch,” Cecilia muttered, eyes not once leaving the redhead. Gigi gave a small laugh, taking a seat next to their leader as she poked her arms. Elizabeth didn’t react, too absorbed in her own thoughts. Cecilia sighed as she took a seat on the other side.
“Aw, c’mon Liz, what’s got you all worked up this time?” Gigi asked as she pried Elizabeth’s hands from her face. A pair of red eyes met her own. Dark circles had formed on her face, and concern was beginning to well up in the other girls. For Elizabeth to be so distraught, this might actually be a serious matter.
“It’s Nerissa.”
With that, all concern that had been building up promptly left. The automaton let out another exasperated sigh as Gigi smiled.
“Of course it is. It always is. God.”
Let it be said that Cecilia Immergreen loved Elizabeth. She was family at this point, and the automaton would gladly give up her life for the other woman if she asked. However, as with all families, there was only so much foolishness one could take before they blew a fuse. The fuse inside Cecilia was already lit and dangerously near its end.
“Don’t be like that Cece! Let’s hear our poor girl out.” Gigi turned to face her companion, eyes ablaze with enthusiasm. Cecilia felt her heart stutter at the sight but chose to ignore it in favor of the woman before them. She would deal with that later. One thing at a time.
“Alright Liz, what is it this time?”
“I think…she might be flirting with me.”
Silence filled the air as Elizabeth’s words sunk in. Gigi stifled a laugh as she put a comforting hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder. Cecilia could feel the fuse inside her fizzle out, anger ready to explode. The automaton opened her mouth to speak, interrupted by Gigi covering it with her hand.
“Oh? Tell us, why do you think so?”
“Well…”
For all their shenanigans in the company, at the end of the day, Justice was still a crime fighting organization. As such, there would be times when the girls would be sent out on covert operations. Tonight’s outing was simple: the four would be disguised as party goers, attend a gala, gather intel on the host who was supposedly using the event as a cover for his nefarious schemes, then get out. They would have been assigned with his arrest, but considering the group’s past record (and the numerous apologies Elizabeth had to give on Gigi and Raora’s behalf), another team would be given the task.
Elizabeth grumbled as she smoothed out her clothes for what felt like the thousandth time. Raora had insisted on dressing her up, claiming that the better she looked, the more likely she was to strike a conversation with someone. A deep maroon dress shirt unbuttoned at the top, form fitting black slacks, neat black shoes laced tightly. Her outfit would be complete (and her frustration gone) if she could only figure out how to tie the tie Cecilia had given her.
“Terrible thing you are,” she whispered, adjusting its length before undoing the knot altogether. She scanned the crowd, hoping to see the host and sighing when he failed to come up. To the side, she could see Raora chatting with a group of people, the pink cat effortlessly blending into the crowd. Past her, she could see Gigi and Cecilia talking to a well dressed couple, the former introducing the automaton as her lovely wife and throwing a joke that made the other pair laugh. At the very least, her girls were doing well. She couldn’t interrupt them now.
“Need some help?” Elizabeth perked at the familiar voice, eyes glancing upwards as a familiar black haired woman made her way to her.
“Perhaps. But may I ask, what is a gorgeous lady like you doing here?” Elizabeth greeted as she took the other woman’s hand, planting a kiss as she chuckled.
“Shouldn’t you know? After all, aren’t you monitoring me?” Teasing, devilish, and just a bit mysterious. The woman before her knew, just as much as Elizabeth did, how alluring she could be. Like a siren calling in the night, she craved attention, sought it out from whoever dared listen. Today, like so many other days before, Elizabeth would answer. Nerissa Ravencroft would never fail to capture her.
“Alas, forgive me. My mind’s a bit occupied with other matters.” Elizabeth felt herself grow comfortable, the banter between the two familiar. As much as she wanted to continue to question the demon of sound on why she was at the gala, her first priority was gathering intel. She couldn’t be distracted on the job.
“Mm, and here I thought I was the only thing on your mind.” Nerissa chuckled as she took the tie from Elizabeth. The redhead watched as a pair of magenta eyes took in her form, eyes lingering when they reached the unbuttoned part of her shirt. Elizabeth ignored the way her heart stuttered. Ignored the way Nerissa’s tongue licked her lips. Ignored the implications of it all. She was here on a mission, the temptress before her be damned.
“A bold assumption. Who’s to say I’m not here for someone else?” Elizabeth obediently exposed her neck to Nerissa, patiently waiting for the demon of sound to help her with the tie. Her eyes scanned the crowd once more, catching a glimpse of the host as he frolicked and mingled with the other party goers. In doing so, she made eye contact with Cecilia. The two nodded at one another, unspoken understanding between them as the automaton excused herself to try and trail the man.
Elizabeth didn’t startle when she felt the fabric around her neck. She did, however, release a noise of surprise when both ends of the tie were pulled roughly. Her face was jerked towards Nerissa’s, forcing her to make eye contact with a pair of magenta eyes.
“Who?” The question was asked lightly, but Elizabeth could sense the honeyed word had more underlying it. Nerissa’s grip on the tie was firm, her eyes boring into Elizabeth’s as she patiently waited for an answer. Briefly, an image of a wolf in sheep’s clothing crossed her mind.
“Can’t tell you love. I’m here on business.” Elizabeth shot what she hoped was a charming smile, shoulders relaxing a bit when Nerissa’s grip loosened. As much as she wanted to engage with Nerissa, she needed to get a move on. If Cecilia couldn’t strike up a conversation with the man, there was no telling when their next opportunity would be.
Her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her mission, Elizabeth didn’t notice the tie now hanging neatly from her collar. Elizabeth gave a hum of thanks: Nerissa had worked quickly, and the redhead made a note to thank her properly when the mission was over. For now, she had other pressing matters to attend to.
“Thank you, love. I hate to do this, but I do have to leave.” Elizabeth took one of Nerissa’s hands, planting another kiss as an act of appreciation and farewell. “Enjoy the rest of your night.”
Returning to her full height, the redhead turned to enter the crowd. Before she could take another step forward, she felt a tug on her shirt. She paused, turning back to face Nerissa.
“Hm?”
Before she realized what was happening, she felt a pull on her tie, forcing her to come closer to the black haired woman before her. With one hand gripping the fabric and the other shooting to Elizabeth’s cheek, the redhead was firmly locked in place, magenta eyes staring into her own. Their lips were only centimeters apart, and Elizabeth could feel Nerissa’s breath on her.
Elizabeth was powerful, make no mistake. She had bested literal gods before. She had climbed the tallest mountains, crossed the deepest seas. There was no doubt about it, Elizabeth was a strong woman. But staring into Nerissa’s eyes with the taller woman gripping on her tie, she couldn’t help but feel as though she was prey caught in a predator’s trap. Her heart skipped a beat as her words failed her, her knees beginning to grow weak. A tremor of fear passed through her.
Nerissa smiled.
“Don’t you dare let anyone else occupy your mind, business or not.”
Velvety, sugar sweet, and dangerous. A thinly veiled threat. The thorns of the stem of a beautiful flower. The siren was demanding her attention under the threat of sinking her ship, and Elizabeth would have to be a fool to not recognize it. She dumbly nodded, releasing a breath she didn’t know she was holding as Nerissa finally let her go.
The redhead finally turned to enter the crowd when Nerissa threw out one last statement.
“Come find me again when you’re done, darling.”
Elizabeth could hear the sickly sweet venom oozing from her words. She hurried off, worried what would happen if she kept the woman waiting.
“You’re stupid. Oh my god, our leader is stupid.” Cecilia resisted the ever growing urge to smack Elizabeth. The poor woman had been embarrassed telling the story, once again sinking into the couch as Cecilia berated her. Gigi paid the automaton no attention, helping to bring Elizabeth up to a proper sitting position as she patted her back.
“Okay, well,” Gigi began. “That explains why we had to take Nerissa back that night.”
“...there’s more.”
“Of course. Of course there’s more.” Cecilia groaned in her hands, exasperation filling her voice. “Okay, go on. Tell us.”
Another excruciatingly hot day. Elizabeth felt disgusting at that point: sweat was profusely going down her body, and there was only so much clothing she could take off before she committed a crime. Today just also had to be the day where the air conditioning broke down, the Justice compound slowly turning into a furnace as the sun continued to rise in the air.
“Gigi, get out of the fridge,” Raora muttered, staring at the gremlin nestled in between the condiments.
“Can’t. I’ll die.”
“Gigi, we keep our food in there.”
“I also happen to be a snack, thank you very much.” Raora stood there, contemplating for a second before sighing. The pink cat opened the freezer, taking a seat on frozen dinners as she and Gigi cooled down.
Normally, Elizabeth would say something about the unsanitary aspect of the two sitting on their food, but she couldn’t find herself to care. She was half tempted to join herself.
Cecilia made her way into the kitchen, perfectly dressed with her face morphed into disgust as she took in the sight before her.
“...I’m not going to ask.” She stood before the others, hands on her hips as she gestured to her phone. “We got invited to go to Advent while they work on our air conditioning.”
“Do they have AC?” Gigi asked, readjusting herself to not squish the eggs. “I’m not leaving unless they have cold air.”
“Yes, they have AC you doofus. I was telling Shiori about how you all are dying, and she graciously invited us. You can thank her when we get there.”
“I don’t get how you’re not dying.”
“I’m not a biological being stupid. I always run cold.”
Gigi’s eyes lit up. “Cold you say?”
…
After successfully prying Gigi off Cecilia and opening a portal to Advent’s base, Elizabeth was starting to feel more like a person again and not like a melted scoop of ice cream on the hot concrete floor. She sighed in relief as she stretched her body, her tank top riding up as she did so. Raora was laying flat on the floor, body splayed as if she were making a snow angel as she purred in delight. Gigi was laid on top of Cecilia with her eyes closed, and the automaton was flushed red.
“Feeling hot Cece?” Elizabeth smirked. The automaton gave her choice of finger to the scarlet queen, and Elizabeth laughed as she settled back in the chair.
“Hey, can one of you guys help me in here?” a voice sounded from the kitchen.
Elizabeth glanced at her girls. Raora made no effort to move, Gigi curled tighter onto Cecilia, and well. It wasn’t looking like the blonde could move anytime soon. Elizabeth rose and made her way to the kitchen, opening the door to be greeted by a familiar demon of sound. The redhead froze as she stared at the other woman. Black hair that was usually cascading down her shoulders was tied in a neat ponytail. Her top (or lack thereof) was from the previous summer: dark blue and white stripes on a simple bikini top, the raven wearing no shirt to cover it. Her shorts showed long, pale legs and ended dangerously close to what Elizabeth dubbed the “public safety” zone.
The room felt like it was growing dangerously hot.
“How can I be of service?” Elizabeth finally let out, tearing her eyes away from the gorgeous woman before her. Before Nerissa were clear cups filled with ice. In her hands was a pitcher, filled to the brim with what Elizabeth could only assume was lemonade.
“Just help me bring these out. Biboo made this earlier when she heard that you guys were coming over, and what kind of hosts would we be if we let you guys stay dehydrated in this heat?”
Elizabeth hummed in acknowledgment, watching as Nerissa began pouring the drinks. She tried desperately not to stare at the other woman. Tried not to notice how Nerissa’s tongue slightly poked out as she concentrated on not spilling. Tried not to trace the sweat that started at her nape and rolled down her back. Tried not to feel her heart panic as she watched Nerissa take a sip of the lemonade, some of the liquid missing her mouth and trailing down her chin, past her neck, and below. Tried to ignore the call of the siren that was before her.
Tried and failed.
“Liz?” Broken out of her stupor, her eyes snapped back to Nerissa’s face. The other woman looked at her with a glint in her eye, and Elizabeth could feel her face heat.
“I seem to have spilled some lemonade on me. Can you be a dear and help me clean this up?”
“Yea, where do you keep your towels?” Elizabeth wandered around the kitchen, opening cabinets. Each cabinet didn’t have what she needed, and she was beginning to feel a pit in her stomach. With each new door opened and closed, realization had begun to dawn on her. She had fallen straight into the trap.
Nerissa watched with amusement. “Don’t have any.”
Elizabeth paused.
“Um, rags?”
“In the wash.”
“...we could use water?”
“We could.” A step taken forward. “But I’d just hate for the lemonade to go to waste like that.”
Elizabeth gulped as Nerissa approached. Her back against the counter, Nerissa continued to move forward, eyes hungry as she approached. The scarlet queen felt more like a sheep being circled by a starving wolf. Faintly, Elizabeth wondered if she had made that comparison before.
“How should we…clean it then?” Elizabeth tried not to peer down. Tried not to see where exactly the lemonade drops had ended, but she knew very well it didn’t stop at Nerissa’s neck. Tried not to notice the other woman using her arms to prop her chest up, leaving Elizabeth with a view she couldn’t describe to others. Tried not to feel like she was melting again.
“You know, the lemonade is really good,” Nerissa whispered, ignoring the question posed. Elizabeth swore that she could feel the temperature in the room rise. “Do you want a taste?”
Any and all thoughts that were in Elizabeth’s mind had fled. While she wasn’t an automaton like Cecilia, she was sure that she was short circuiting. Nerissa’s eyes were glued to Elizabeth’s mouth, and the implications of her gaze had Elizabeth feeling feverish.
Her thoughts quickly came back when a cool glass was pressed to her cheek.
“Ack?!” The cold abruptly brought her back to reality, and Nerissa’s giggle sounded through the air.
“Take a sip darling. You look like you’re about to overheat.” Elizabeth obliged, face cooling down as she drank.
“...it really is good.” Nerissa laughed as she grabbed two glasses, making her way to the other Justice girls. Alone in the kitchen, Elizabeth took a moment to recollect herself before doing the same.
She didn’t even realize they never cleaned up the lemonade.
Cecilia cocked her fist back, ready to strike. Gigi was clung around her waist, tears streaming down her face as she cackled. Elizabeth was on the couch, pillow in front of her as she yelled.
“I’ll kill you!” Cecilia struggled against the smaller girl, Gigi pleading with the automaton to relax.
“This is her first time alive, she can’t help it!”
“Why?! Why are you trying to attack me?!” Elizabeth shrieked, nimbly dodging to the side as Cecilia jabbed the area she had been. The pillow left behind concaved from the impact.
“How are you this dense?! Were you born stupid? Were you always like this?” Another punch was thrown, and Elizabeth dodged once again. Cecilia was more than angry: she was furious. Was this really the woman she trusted with her life? She loved Elizabeth, truly, but there was no way the woman was this oblivious. “Tell me you’re more than your physicality!”
Hearing all the noise, Raora entered the room. Cecilia was flailing against Gigi, her eyes screaming murder as she threw punch after punch. Gigi was cackling, out of breath as she held the automaton back, screaming. Elizabeth was dodging to the best of her ability, shrieks in the air as she moved from side to side. Upon taking in the scene, the pink cat turned around and left.
“Wait, wait!” With outstretched arms, Gigi placed herself in front of the scarlet queen and pleaded. “Let’s hear her out!”
“No! I’m tired of listening to this lovestruck fool!” Cecilia raised her hand once again, only to be tackled by Gigi. The smaller girl wrapped her body around the automaton, restraining her to the best of her ability.
“Liz, for the love of god, please tell me that you have at least one story where you’re actually not sure if she’s flirting,” Gigi huffed out as Cecilia struggled.
“Frig, okay!” Elizabeth scrambled, mind racing as she tried thinking. “Here’s one.”
A sweet every now and then never hurt. In fact, it was good to have the glucose in your system! After all, sugar had energy, and your body needed the energy in order to function and perform its daily tasks. Therefore, Elizabeth was justified in indulging herself as a reward for a job well done.
She unwrapped the lollipop in her hand, humming in delight as she placed it in her mouth. Fuwawa and Mococo really did know their way around sweets, and she made a mental note to thank the pups later. The redhead had been in the studio for the majority of the day, recording vocals for a song that was going to be released later in the month. It had gone by swimmingly: she felt like she had been on her game, and now she had the rest of the week to relax.
She sang softly as she made her way through the halls, exiting the building with a pep to her step. The sun was beginning to make its way down from the sky, and the streets were filled with people making their way home. Elizabeth took in her surroundings, letting the crowd flow past her as she smiled. The city was bustling, and Elizabeth loved that she could be a part of it.
She started the trek back home when a familiar voice called out to her.
“Liz!” Nerissa jogged up to her, the redhead’s smile widening as she paused.
“Oh? An even better way to end my day I suppose.” Elizabeth greeted Nerissa, chuckling when the demon interlocked their arms and began to walk.
“You just finished up at the studio?”
“Yup, was just about to head home when you called out to me. And you?”
“I just finished up too when I saw this enchanting woman walk past me. Figured I should shoot my shot and ask her to take me to her home when she walked by.”
Elizabeth snorted. “Oh? Don’t let me keep you from her then.”
“Of course.” Schooling her expression, Nerissa faced Elizabeth as they walked. “Hello enchanting woman, will you please take me to your home?”
Elizabeth barked a laugh, and Nerissa quickly devolved into a fit of giggles. “Oh my. Yes, also enchanting woman, I’d be glad to take you back to my home. I’m sure the others won’t mind, we can help prep dinner before they come back.”
Nerissa shot a smile to Elizabeth, a sight that left the redhead breathless.
“I love being domestic with you.”
“Domestic? I’m simply putting you to work since you’re more than likely going to freeload in my room.” Elizabeth grinned as Nerissa smacked her elbow.
The two continued to walk towards the Justice compound as they talked, catching up on the other’s week. Elizabeth couldn’t help but fiddle with the lollipop in her mouth, the stick moving from side to side as she spoke.
“Hm? I didn’t take you as a sweets kinda gal.” Nerissa watched as the stick continued to move, Elizabeth’s words somewhat muffled as she spoke.
“I deserve a sweet treat every now and then. Besides, Mococo and Fuwawa recommended this brand to me, and I have to say, it’s absolutely delicious.”
Finally making it to the compound, Elizabeth paused to find her keys in her pocket. Nerissa watched with mild interest, eyes still stuck on the stick inside the redhead’s mouth. Seeing the raven’s interest in her treat, Elizabeth dug into her pocket with her free hand, brandishing another sweet for Nerissa to take.
“Want to try?” She held the lollipop for Nerissa to take, the other hand still searching for her keys that were now seemingly lost. Elizabeth grumbled, mouth slightly open as she sorted through her pockets. She missed the way magenta eyes darkened.
“Don’t mind if I do.”
The sweet taste that had been on her tongue disappeared, her mouth now empty as Nerissa took the treat from her. The search for her keys was abandoned. The lollipop that had been in her hand dropped to the floor.
Her eyes were locked as Nerissa took a slow lick from the lollipop, eyes glued to Elizabeth’s. She watched as a small, pink tongue savored the treat, roaming around what little was left. Neither spoke, the only sounds coming from the diva’s enjoyment of the sweet. Finally, after what felt like an agonizing century, Nerissa popped the rest of it in her mouth.
“Tasty.” Nerissa grinned, an all too familiar devilish glint in her eye.
Elizabeth stood frozen for a second. Tried to ignore the sirens blaring in her head. Tried to ignore the way she knew her face was heating up. Tried to ignore the knowing look Nerissa shot her as she finally, finally, found her keys and unlocked the door. Tried to ignore the way Nerissa caressed her arm as she made her way in, the skin she touched erupting in goosebumps. Tried to ignore the fact that she had once again answered the siren’s call.
Tried and failed.
Silence filled the air as the last of the story was told. Cecilia had stopped struggling against Gigi, and the automaton laid worryingly still as Elizabeth nervously glanced at her. Gigi laid with her mouth open, and the redhead began to wonder if she had said something wrong. The three sat in complete silence, and Elizabeth could feel the sweat roll down her face.
“...was that today?” Cecilia finally asked, green eyes locked onto red.
“Yes…?”
Cecilia sprung up, grabbing fistfuls of Elizabeth’s shirt as she violently shook her. Gigi reacted a second too late, trying her best to pry the blonde off their leader as she screamed for help.
“You fool! You absolute imbecile! I’m going to kill you!”
“Why? Why, why, why?!” Elizabeth cried out, hands on top of Cecilia’s as she tried releasing her grip. It was a futile effort, they both knew. Once Cecilia had set her mind on something, there was very little anyone could do to stop her.
“‘Why?’ You’re asking me why?!” Cecilia yelled, dragging Elizabeth’s face to her own. “Are you insane? Stupid? She’s not even giving you hints at this point, she’s yelling in your face! And you have the audacity to ask us if she’s flirting?!”
“I’m sorry! It’s my first time being alive!” Elizabeth pleaded as Cecilia shook her.
“It’s true! Sometimes people are just dense when it comes to people they like!” Gigi tried interrupting, still pulling at Cecilia in an attempt to save the redhead.
“You don’t get to talk! You’re no better than her!” Cecilia roared, hand smacking Gigi’s face as she pushed the gremlin off. She continued shaking Elizabeth but faltered when the redhead stopped screaming. A knowing smirk instead replaced her terrified yell, and Cecilia had half a mind to smack her then and there.
“Huh?” Gigi asked, brushing her face as she sat perplexed on the floor. “What do you mean I’m no better?”
Cecilia paused. Elizabeth’s smirk grew, and any fear she had of dying on that couch was quickly replaced with a teasing smile.
“Yes Cece, whatever do you mean by that?” Cecilia felt her face flush, equal parts of embarrassment and anger coursing through her body at the redhead’s teasing.
She released Elizabeth’s shirt and stood menacingly in front of the smaller girl. Elizabeth watched with rapt interest as Gigi nervously looked up.
“Cece…?”
“You’re idiots. You’re both complete and utter idiots.” With that, the automaton’s hand shot out and grabbed Gigi’s shirt, bringing the two to eye level with one another. Before anyone could respond, Cecilia crashed their lips together in a chaste kiss. Elizabeth gasped from the couch.
Cecilia pulled away, almost pushing Gigi off her as she turned to Elizabeth. “She’s flirting with you,” she deadpanned. Glancing at Gigi with a blush on her features, she continued. “And I’ve been trying to flirt with you. Good night, and thank you for dinner.”
Elizabeth and Gigi sat stunned and speechless as Cecilia made her way out and upstairs to her bed.
The room was eerily still.
“I, um…I think I’m gonna go call Nerissa,” Elizabeth murmured softly after a few minutes, rising from the couch as she left.
Gigi nodded, stuck in place.