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Once upon a time, there was a lonely girl trapped inside an ivory tower.
Elizabeth remembered the day she met Gigi with perfect clarity.
It was one of her very first missions, freshy appointed head of the Justice unit of this era, once the last of them had passed due to old age.
Her first mission was a simple one, locate and contain a cursed artifact that had wound up in the collection of some rich bigwig, and to be extremely careful that no one touches it.
When she had arrived at the manor, it had been to the sight of one of the most pompous middle-aged men she had ever met, one who was angry that his collection was being disturbed but could do little more than complain in the face of her authority.
“You should get everyone in your house to a secure location, just in case. I assume there is house staff that needs to be rounded up?” Elizabeth had requested, idly adjusting her brand new coat, ‘befitting of a leader,’ as she had been told.
“But they’re busy with their duties-”
“I wasn’t asking. This artifact is incredibly dangerous, we need to have everyone accounted for and safely away from the bloody thing or someone might get possessed or die. Your sculptures being dusted or your dinner being made isn’t more important than human life.” Elizabeth had said firmly, glaring up at the man.
He had scoffed and done as he was asked, his wife and staff all migrating to the outside, away from any potential danger.
All while Elizabeth felt the pressure of being watched. By what, she wasn’t sure…
“Is this everyone?” Elizabeth asked, glancing around the small crowd.
“Yes, it’s everyone. Now get that blasted thing out of my house!” He had scoffed, seeming at his wits end with the whole affair.
“Alright… Cecilia, guard them while I investigate and seal the artifact.” Elizabeth turned to the Automaton she had been assigned. She gave a small nod, utterly silent. It was quite eerie. She had been told she wasn’t much of a talker with strangers…
Elizabeth had entered the mansion, stalking towards the display room with quick purposeful steps, sword at the ready-
Only to hear something shattering. She had rushed towards the sound, finding the cursed clay doll in pieces on the floor and bleeding dark ichor…
And footprints in said ichor.
Elizabeth had raced after the trail, had come to a locked door. Had kicked it open without a second thought.
…
Found a girl on the other side of the door. One that couldn’t be much younger than Elizabeth was at the time, maybe a year or two.
She was covered in ever-shifting textures, almost like paint, dress stained with a patchwork heart that was beating wildly out of control, held together by glue and spite as the girl giggled in utter mania.
Elizabeth had immediately grabbed at the bandoleer of holy water she had been given for this mission and doused the girl with it. The paint-like corruption washed away, tried to congeal into the demon trapped inside that clay doll but was easily contained with a simple spell and shoved into the seal-covered jar she had been given for this exact purpose.
…
Leaving the girl limp and pale on the ground, blonde hair marbled with brown, teeth far sharper than they had been, and a one-eyed tail poking out from the back of her dress.
Elizabeth had gently carried the girl out of the building. Had been utterly furious to discover that this was that wretched man’s child, that he had forgotten her.
Had only felt more rage when the girl came to and he began shouting at her, vitriolic slop that no child should ever hear from their parents. A rather stupid thing to do in front of the authorities, really.
But, Elizabeth had instead proposed taking the girl with them for monitoring. The girl had seemed afraid at first, but seemed far more afraid of being left with her father.
So, she had left the scene with the girl still in her arms, mission accomplished and feeling more than a little guilty at its outcome.
“What’s your name?” She had asked the girl.
The girl had hesitated. Had paused to think about it, as if unsure of what name to give.
“...Gigi.”
“That’s a lovely name. I’m Elizabeth, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
It had been years since then. The girl wound up joining Justice once she learned how to utilize her new superhuman strength and speed in a safe way, but…
Well. Elizabeth found herself wishing she had arrested her father more than once.
Elizabeth hated how setting a cup down too hard made her flinch. How any time she raised her voice, Gigi shrunk back like a scared child.
But, even so, she was healing. She had been quiet and skittish when she first joined, but had grown into a rather sociable and excitable person, now that she was free to be whoever she wished.
That didn’t mean there wasn’t backsliding though.
It had been a standard mission, securing a suspect that had been dealing in contraband, the dangerous and magical kind.
Now, Gigi had been excited about this mission, as she tended to be whenever chasing was involved. She loved using her superhuman abilities to run really fast on all fours, something about a show about werewolves she’d found herself liking?
However, this time, overexcitement was… Not ideal.
The target had conjured up a few small imps using one of the contraband magical items, leaving Cecilia to deal with the pests while Elizabeth and Gigi pursued the target themselves.
Elizabeth had lunged to tackle them to the ground right at the second they pulled out a new weapon. A magic staff topped with a skull and made of winding dead wood. They had pointed it at Elizabeth, had shouted something in a language she didn’t understand as an eerie green glow pulsed from it-
And Gigi had shoved her out of the way.
It struck the gremlin, the green clinging to her body and leaving her gasping in pain on the ground as her skin began to take on a gray-white cast.
Elizabeth wasn’t angry.
She was furious.
She had immediately surged forwards and plunged her blade into the suspect’s leg. Had twisted it in pure rage and kicked them off the sword so she could punch them right in the face as hard as she could.
Had heard a cracking noise as they went limp.
Elizabeth didn’t care.
She had grabbed the staff and smashed it, the ancient bone shattering into dust within seconds, the glow around Gigi vanishing immediately.
“What were you THINKING?!” Elizabeth had shouted in anger, flame burning bright as she turned to the shorter girl.
Gigi flinched.
“They- T-They were g-gonna hurt you-”
“That’s on me for not paying attention, you shouldn’t throw your life away on a whim!” Elizabeth huffed, sheathing her sword and teeth grit.
“Just- Just go get Cecilia, we need to get this bloke to our superiors.” Elizabeth sighed heavily, glancing down at the limp suspect.
…Gigi’s tail was between her legs as she slinked away.
Elizabeth’s heart sank.
The trip back was silent.
Gigi had gone straight to her room after they got home. Elizabeth thought to give her some space, but concern and guilt were the victors in the end…
“Gigi? It’s… It’s me. May I come in?” Elizabeth asked softly, knocking on the door.
It was silent for several moments, and Elizabeth couldn’t help but frown at that. She slowly turned to leave-
“...Yeah…”
…
Elizabeth slowly opened the door, finding the curtains drawn and the room mostly dark. The gremlin was huddled on her bed, knees pulled up to her chest and face hidden in them.
“...I’m sorry.” Elizabeth said immediately, not daring to step any closer. Gigi slowly lifted her head, pink eyes gazing at the queen with nothing but guilt in them.
“I- I’m the one t-that screwed up, Liz, it’s- It’s my fault-”
“No, it isn’t.” Elizabeth interrupted, moving to step closer, but pausing.
“...May I come closer, Gigi?” The queen asked softly.
…
Gigi nodded.
Elizabeth slowly made her way to the bedside, taking a seat, still trying to give Gigi her space if she needed it.
It was quiet for several moments, Gigi not quite making eye contact.
“Love, can you look at me?” Elizabeth prompted softly, tentatively scooting closer to the gremlin. It took a few moments, but… Eventually, pink met red.
“I wanted to apologize for yelling. Please let me finish before you try to make this your fault.” Elizabeth prompted, holding up a hand to pause the dirty-blonde when she opened her mouth.
“I shouldn’t have yelled at you, especially knowing how much that upsets you. Regardless of the reasoning, it wasn’t the proper reaction to the situation, and for that I’m truly sorry.” Elizabeth spoke softly, shifting slightly closer to the gremlin on the bed.
“I…. I j-just wanted to protect you….” Gigi whimpered.
Elizabeth’s heart ached.
“That’s exactly why I was so upset. I want you to be safe, love.” Elizabeth breathed, expression softening.
…
“Wait… You… Y-You aren’t mad?” Gigi asked slowly, cautiously, as if expecting a catch.
A fact that made Elizabeth’s heart ache even worse.
“Not even a little bit. I wasn’t upset at you, I really wasn’t, I just…” Elizabeth trailed off, voice growing quiet.
“I… I was deathly afraid that I would lose you.”
The weight of those words hung heavy in the air, as Elizabeth regarded the dirty blonde with nothing but warmth in her eyes.
No one had ever looked at Gigi this way.
No one cared.
No one loved her.
…
But Elizabeth did. For once, someone cared. Someone wanted her to be safe and happy. Someone loved her.
And really, what else was she to do but immediately surge forward and wrap their leader in a tight hug?
Elizabeth didn’t seem all that startled at the movement nor at the touch, pulling the gremlin into her own arms and holding her with gentle love and care.
“Don’t worry, you aren’t g-getting rid of me that easy.” Gigi half-joked, voice a warbled attempt not to cry.
“I hope I never do.” Elizabeth murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
The soft thump of Gigi’s tail wagging against the bed put a smile on her face, snuggling in closer to the smaller girl with a warm smile.
Something about being cuddled together like this felt… Right.
Neither of them quite wanted to put a finger on why. Gigi had an idea as to why she felt so safe and warm in the queen’s arms, and Elizabeth had a few inclinations as to why she was hesitant to let go.
Something that would take years to manifest.
Let’s skip ahead, shall we?
It had been years. They had gained a new member, a panther with something called ‘god eyes.’ Someone the automaton had taken a notable interest in, much to Gigi’s endless amusement.
It ended up being quite a good thing, considering their current mission. Infiltrating the party of a rich ‘collector’ who had their hands on a great deal of things no mortal should. A plus one was required, and it wasn’t hard for the newly joined couple to play that part.
…Leaving Gigi and Elizabeth as a pair.
Gigi had opted for a suit and a magic charm to hide her tail, while Elizabeth wore a nice wine red dress with her flame hidden. The other two had a similar choice, though Cecilia was the one in a suit, something Raora was quite enthused about.
It was quite comical, how far down Elizabeth had to lean to put her hand in the crook of Gigi’s arm to sell the lie a little better. Still, they got in without a hitch, leaving them an easy path to their target.
However, before any of that, they had to blend in. So off they went to mingle with the guests, Gigi being careful not to stuff her face with too many hors d'oeuvres to look like she didn’t belong there, also grabbing a glass of champagne whilst Elizabeth sipped on wine. Not enough to be a problem later, but enough to look like ordinary guests enjoying the festivities.
“So, come here often, beautiful?” Gigi giggled up at the redhead, taking another sip of her champagne.
“Ha ha, very funny. Try not to get too distracted, alright?” Elizabeth chuckled, eyes trailing over the crowd, keeping an eye on both her girls and the target.
“There’s a pretty lady in front of me, how am I supposed to focus?” Gigi gasped in faux offense before devolving into giggles, throwing back the rest of her champagne and setting it on a passing waiter’s serving plate.
“...You seem a lot more comfortable in this environment than I thought you would.” Elizabeth commented with a tilt of her head.
Gigi’s smile suddenly didn’t reach her eyes.
“...W-Well, I did grow up with this, you know. I don’t have to worry about my parents getting mad at me for taking too many horse divorces and I get to hang out with my best friend though, so it’s all good.” Gigi shrugged, smile turning a lot smaller.
“...Did you just call the hors d'oeuvres ‘horse divorce?’ …Regardless, I’m just glad you’re doing okay.” Elizabeth sighed with a shake of her head and a fond smile.
“Well, again, I got you right here with me, that’s loads better than when I got dragged to stuffy parties.” Gigi handwaved it, glancing over at the dance floor.
“Wanna dance after you finish your drink?” Gigi suggested as the music continued to play.
“Hm… I don’t see why not.” Elizabeth chuckled, taking another sip of her wine-
Quick footsteps.
Elizabeth immediately slipped her spare hand into Gigi’s, just in case.
…
…..
…….
“Genevieve? Is that you?”
Gigi went stock still. All color drained from her cheeks.
Elizabeth didn’t have to look to know who that was. Immediately set her wine aside and pulled her in closer, protective.
“You must be confused with someone else.” Elizabeth answered for the frozen dirty blonde, voice filled with false cordiality.
Before them was none other than Gigi’s parents. Elizabeth wasn’t shocked they were buddy-buddy with a smuggler, but that didn’t make this situation any better.
…She wasn’t shocked to learn that ‘Gigi’ wasn’t her ‘real’ first name either.
“No, I’m quite sure-” A pause, a closer inspection of the queen, “Ah. It’s you.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t follow. Again, you must be confused, sir.” Elizabeth lied smoothly, wrapping an arm around the smaller girl’s shoulders and tucking her into her side.
“Are you telling me I don’t recognize my own daughter? Even if she’s gone and put on a suit and looks like a tramp, I know my child.” The man scoffed, looking insulted by her very existence.
“Now that’s not a very nice thing to call a stranger, now is it?” Elizabeth huffed, hold on Gigi growing more protective.
“Stop lying to my face, witch-”
“Don’t you DARE call her a witch.”
Elizabeth’s eyes darted down to Gigi who was looking very angry now, sharp teeth grit as she glared daggers at her father in nothing but blood.
“Did you just talk back to me, Genevieve? The years really have done nothing for your awful manners.” He scoffed, glaring down at the girl.
“I’m not Genevieve. I’m Gigi. Say whatever you wanna, but you don’t scare me anymore. I have people who actually care about me now, which is a WILD concept for you, I know.” Gigi growled, hands in fists.
“How DARE you-”
He raised his hand as if to backhand her.
Gigi caught his wrist. Gripped it so tight it could break.
“Fuck. Off.” Gigi glowered, letting go and shoving him away from her.
“Shut up, you ungrateful-”
“Oops.”
He turned just in time for Elizabeth to splash her glass of wine onto the bastard, completely ruining his suit.
“Oh no, looks like you’ll have to leave, unless you want to look foolish in front of your ‘friends,’ if you know the meaning of that word.” Elizabeth tsk’d, setting the empty wine glass aside.
He spent several moments glaring at his daughter, looking moments away from causing a scene.
Was pulled back by his wife. Realized there were several eyes on him now.
Silence.
“If you want to burn this bridge, fine.” The man huffed.
“There wasn’t a bridge to begin with, dickwad. I want nothing to do with you, so get lost before I hit you for once, and you don’t want to find out how good I’ve gotten at punching assholes like you.” Gigi growled, pupils narrowed to a point.
…
“Fine. We’re leaving.” He said firmly to his wife, turning to leave.
…She paused for a moment. Looked between the two of them.
“I hope you’re happy where you are now, Genevieve. And… I’m sorry.”
Gigi nearly flinched at such a small thing. Well wishes, an apology.
And then they were gone.
Gigi let out the breath she’d been holding, entire body slumping and looking completely drained.
“You did such a good job, love. I’m proud of you.” Elizabeth whispered, pulling the smaller girl into a hug that she immediately melted into. A quiet ‘thank you.’
They stood there like that for a few minutes, until Gigi’s shaking gradually subsided.
“So… How about that dance?” Elizabeth asked softly.
“I t-thought you’d never ask.” Gigi tried to smile up at her, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Well, let’s not keep the dance floor waiting.” Elizabeth said softly, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek.
“L-Liz?!” Gigi immediately flushed, mouth agape.
“What? We’re each other’s plus ones, remember?” Elizabeth chuckled, glad that her impromptu plan to snap her out of that stupor succeeded.
“One of these days I should k-kiss you randomly, see how you like it!” Gigi huffed, but, nevertheless, took her hand and guided her to the dance floor.
“I look forward to it, darling.”
It had been months since that day. Things were just starting to return to normal…
And was about to be turned on its head.
“Alright, do you think you can reach the peanut butter, love?” Elizabeth asked over her shoulder as she looked over the recipe.
“I yabba dabba do!” Gigi gave a mock salute and a bright smile as she rushed to do exactly that. The other two were out on a movie date, and they had decided to make cookies while they were gone, just for a nice surprise when they got home.
…And because Gigi wanted cookies, that too. Elizabeth found herself struggling to deny the girl anything these days, so here they were.
“All we need after that is an egg and some sugar, I’ll be sure to grab those.” Elizabeth nodded to herself as she moved to do exactly that.
“You sure this isn’t gonna end up a pan of melted peanut butter?” Gigi asked as she got on her tippy toes to grab the peanut butter jar.
“I’m sure, Lady Mumei sent the recipe, apparently she made them for Promise and everyone enjoyed them. …Well, at least, most of them did, Lady Fauna didn’t have any for obvious reasons.” Elizabeth explained as she got the mixer ready.
“It’s always so weird when you address them all formal-like, I mean, we all know they’re just a polycule of dorks.” Gigi chuckled, finally managing to emancipate the peanut butter jar from its place on the top shelf.
“True, it just feels odd to refer to Gods so informally.” Elizabeth shrugged, starting to measure the sugar out.
“Yeah yeah… Anyways, o’ lady Bloodflame, I hath freed lord goofy goober from peanut butter jail!” Gigi grinned, setting the jar next to the mixer.
“What a brave knight you are, hm?” Elizabeth giggled, then, without thinking, leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek before turning the mixer on.
She didn’t regret it considering how Gigi turned pink and started stammering.
“N-Not cool! You gotta warn a guy before you do something like that!” Gigi whined, pouting.
“What, like this?” Elizabeth just grinned, kissing her other cheek and only grinning wider at just how red the gremlin got.
“H-Hey, knock it off, or I’ll give you a taste of your own medicine!” Gigi huffed as Elizabeth turned back to the mixer, measuring out the peanut butter and putting it in.
“Oh no, dreadful, however shall I-”
Two things happened.
One, Gigi leaned up to kiss the queen on the cheek in revenge.
Two, Elizabeth turned her head towards the gremlin to make her quip.
…Which ended with Gigi’s kiss instead landing on the queen’s lips.
Immediately she pulled back with a squeak, red to her ears and eyes wide. She began stuttering out excuses and apologies, tail between her legs.
Elizabeth just stood there for a moment, heat rising in her cheeks.
…Something about that felt… Right.
So, against her better judgement, Elizabeth quieted down the rambling with her own kiss. One that had the gremlin freezing for a moment before she melted into it, leaning into the kiss with a soft happy hum, tail wagging.
It was brief. They pulled away far too soon for either of their tastes, but it felt far too uncertain to keep going.
“...W-Woah.” Gigi mumbled, eyes wide as she idly touched her lips with wonder.
“Was… Was that okay?” Elizabeth asked softly, nervous.
“Okay? Liz, that was awesome! Do you know how long I’ve wanted to kiss your pretty face?!” Gigi almost seemed to throw her hands in the air in exasperation.
“Ah… I uh, didn’t think you saw me in that light.” Elizabeth murmured, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly.
“What?! In what world wouldn’t I? You’re drop-dead gorgeous, have an equally beautiful singing voice, and an even better heart. You’re the sweetest person I’ve ever known and you’re always so patient and kind with me, you’re the first person who’s ever cared about me. What else was I supposed to do except fall in love with you?!” Gigi listed off, sounding baffled at the notion of not being in love with the beautiful, kind-hearted woman in front of her.
“Well, y-you’re awfully sweet too. Funny, brave, considerate, handsome… I can’t really imagine not finding myself enamored either.” Elizabeth chuckled softly, smiling down at the shorter girl.
…Gigi looked like she could cry from the honest compliments. Elizabeth just smiled and kissed her forehead, wrapping the gremlin into a hug.
The dam broke, the dirty blonde starting to cry into her chest, wrapping her arms tightly around the queen.
“What is that joke you like making? You are loved, this is a threat?” Elizabeth joked, pressing another kiss to the top of her head.
“L-Love you too…” Gigi managed to get out between hiccups and tears.
Elizabeth knew better than most why this was such a big deal. Why Gigi was falling apart at the notion of love and care.
…
“I hope I can give you all of the love you deserve, because it’s long overdue.” Elizabeth whispered, gently carding her fingers through dirty blonde hair.
Gigi just held her tighter.
…Then the oven’s preheating alarm went off. Elizabeth sighed heavily, giving the girl one last squeeze before she finished mixing the ingredients.
“I think some fresh cookies would be a great way to mark this momentous occasion.” Elizabeth chuckled softly, glancing over at the gremlin.
“I mean, I wouldn’t s-say no.” Gigi tried to smile, though it was vulnerable, shaky around the edges.
Soon the cookies were in the oven, and even sooner, they were cooked and ready to eat. They were just as delicious as Elizabeth had been told they were. They sat, eating and joking back and forth, utterly giddy.
…Until, after around four of the cookies were gone, Gigi turned to Elizabeth, tail whisking behind her.
“So… Can I call you my girlfriend now?”
Elizabeth just giggled and nodded with a smile.
“Then… Can I kiss you this time?” Gigi asked tentatively, sounding shy.
“Any time you’d like, ‘darling.”
“Playing a dangerous game there, Liz, I might just kiss you all the time.” Gigi warned with a jokey smile, stepping closer to the queen.
“Well, I can’t say I’d mind that.” Elizabeth just smiled down at her.
“I mean, neither would I!” Gigi’s tail wagged at that, a bright smile crossing her features as she got up on her tippy toes.
And this time, Gigi kissed Elizabeth.
It was soft and gentle as the gremlin wrapped her arms around the queen’s neck. It was everything Gigi had imagined and more, shivering as Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her waist, humming softly into the kiss.
Something about this felt… Right.
And now they both knew what that something was.
Once upon a time, there was a lonely girl trapped inside an ivory tower. One day, a knight of flame came by and saved the girl from the dragon’s keep, and whisked her away to something better.
But really, freedom and liberation were not found by leaving the tower.
It was found in the eyes of the knight that had saved her.
For once in her life, the girl felt cared for, felt loved.
And that’s all that mattered.
The End