Chapter 38:

  Mutual Understanding

  (Lucas's POV, Three Days Later)

  "E-Ellie..." I blinked, realizing that something was...off, "Uhm..."

  I gnced to my left. Elizabeth's sleeping face met me, her face snuggled against my shoulder. [Von Angeal] had worn off, and so she appeared as I had known her before she revealed herself to me. She currently wore nothing, her skin against mine. The st few days had been a blur, but we had gotten more comfortable with each other after...well, I couldn't help but blush at the thought of everything we did.

  However, there was one thing in particur that had happened at some point during the height of our passion. Which, at the time, I had thought was just delirium. Elizabeth was...very persuasive. My mind was hers, as were all my senses. Which is why when I saw two Elizabeth's, I had simply believed it was my imagination.

  The thing was, as I y here this morning, I finally had my senses back, and when I turn from my left to my right...the face of a happily sleeping Elizabeth was there as well. Which meant I was caught between two, very naked, Elizabeth's. I mean, it was heaven, but at the same time, my worst hell. "H-How...do I deal with two of them!?" The thought was overwhelming, but exciting.

  "Mmm..." the Elizabeth to my right stirred, tightening her hold on me.

  At the same time, the one to my left also made a move, tightening their hold on me. It was hard to ignore the sensations I felt as I was further wedged between them, but with a few steady breaths, I was able to resist them...if only barely. I couldn't really compin, but...I had to use the bathroom, badly.

  "E-Ellie..." I repeated, trying to shake her...them(?) awake, "Come on...I gotta..."

  I tried escaping the hold, struggling to free my right arm, and after very careful maneuvering I was able to finally do it. Before I could celebrate my minor victory, I discovered that this was a mistake as the Elizabeth to my right took this as an opportunity to snuggle closer, resting her head on my chest. I now found myself holding her instead.

  "Son of a bitch..." I muttered in horrified defeat, "Ellie..."

  I grumbled, gncing to either side of me. It wasn't like I was uncomfortable, save for the obvious, and over the next few minutes, I fought a desperate, losing battle of trying to free myself. Every move I made, she somehow countered despite being fast asleep. Usually, I would think she was messing with me, but I could tell that she was thoroughly enjoying an incredibly deep sleep.

  I mean, I would hope so after everything that happened. She had a lot of pent-up desire. Even so, the reason I could tell that she wasn't just messing with me was something she did only when she was deep asleep, which I found incredibly adorable. She snored. It was a sound she couldn't replicate when she was awake, or normally asleep, and so I always knew.

  It wasn't rough or gravely. It was soft and gentle. Like the murmur of a slow moving stream. Like a whisper on the wind. Content and rexed. On top of snoring, the entire weight of her body pressed against me. She was completely rexed. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that she was comfortable enough to sleep so deeply. When she got like this, I truly couldn't win.

  I mean, how could I disturb her? Their faces were so peaceful, albeit...she was drooling a little on my left side, but that didn't bother me. It was only a little bit, and with more careful maneuvering, I wiped it clean. She subconsciously smacked her lips together softly as she adjusted mouth before the full weight of her head fell back upon me.

  "She's too adorable!~" I practically squealed to myself. There was absolutely no way I could disturb. I mean...she pushes herself so much for my sake. What was a full bdder compared to that? No, I resigned myself to my fate.

  Though, secretly, I did hope she woke up soon. I didn't know how long I could st.

  -----

  (Lucas's POV cont., A Long While Later)

  There gets to be a point in your life when you really have to go, and no matter how hard you fight to hold it in, it's just impossible. You begin to think of nothing else. Counting seconds into minutes. Minutes into hours. Slowly, you feel like you're going insane.

  I had to hold on. I couldn't disturb her, and I sure as hell couldn't escape. Not while she was like this. I had to wait, I had to...!

  I felt soft lips upon my face, both sides. In unison, I heard such a sweet, angelic voice whisper in my ears.

  "Heeey~," they cooed, "Sleep well, my love?"

  "Mhm!" I nodded, trying everything not to think about my current predicament, "You?"

  "Wonderfully~," they practically purred, tracing their fingers along my chest.

  The sensation would have been enjoyable, if not for the fact their fingers brushed a bit too low, reminding me of what I had to do. My eyes widened in distress, and it was at this point she finally realized something was wrong.

  "Lucas, what's...!" the one to my right inquired softly in concern.

  At that moment, both of them loosened their hold on me, propping themselves up to look at me with worry. I saw my moment and I took it. Leaping from the bed, I was faster than I had ever been in my life.

  "Everything's fine, be right back!" my words came quickly, barely a pause between them.

  The bathroom door opened and closed. I had never been so happy to see a toilet in my entire life. "Sweet, sweet bliss..." I found myself relieved in a matter of moments, the pressure finally released. I made sure to wash my hands and flush before walking out, a look of pure satisfaction on my face.

  "Finally..." I muttered, looking towards the two women on the bed.

  They looked at me with an apologetic amusement. I returned a look of pyful admonishment.

  "Honestly, I'm gd I could exhaust you like that," I told them, a blush appearing across both their faces, "However...we gotta make some rules, cause that was torture."

  I could see that they were both trying not to ugh. The one who was to my left when I was ying down sat up, the bnkets falling away from her. My eyes lingered, but only briefly, before catching a glimpse of the ring I gave her on her left hand and then meeting her gaze. She had a smirk upon her lips, but her eyes were apologetic.

  "I'm sorry, my love," she sounded genuinely remorseful, "How long were you waiting?"

  "...It's fine," I replied tartly, dread washing over me as I recalled the answer.

  "Lucas..." she coaxed, not buying it, "How long?"

  "It's fine," I repeated, but my resolve was broken as both of them gave me the most unfair puppy-eyes I had ever seen, "...God damn it. Two hours and thirty-three minutes. That's if the clock is accurate and I counted correctly."

  Immediately, her demeanor broke with sympathy as they both rose from the bed, my face going red as they approached me and took me into their embrace.

  "I am so sorry," they both whispered, and it would have been endearing if not for the fact they were both still trying not to ugh.

  "Mhm, that's why you want to ugh, huh?" I asked, enjoying this new reality of mine while also trying to stand my ground, "Cause you're sorry?"

  "I am," they repeated in unison, "Here, let me show you how sorry I am."

  A mischievous air filled the room as I found myself suddenly in a dangerous situation.

  "W-Wait...!" it was too te by the time I got the word out.

  I recalled vaguely the multiple kisses of the past couple of nights, but now I was fully aware as their lips found my face as they pnted many, many marks of affections upon it. I was completely smothered, and only after I pleaded with them, giving my forgiveness, did they finally relent.

  Breathless and outnumbered, I could only look between the two of them from where I sat on the edge of the bed. It was truly fascinating. There wasn't a single thing out of pce between the two of them. I had no idea she had a skill like this...if it was a skill.

  "She's not...your twin, right?" I asked, pointing between the two of them, though I was unsure who to ask, "I mean...you have the ring, so that...fuck."

  I realized that both of them had identical rings on. In fact, everything about them was identical. From her facial expressions to the color of her eyes. The way she moved and held herself...and even the beauty marks across her body, which looked like little freckles that painted a canvas of stars. Every single one was the same.

  "Okay, you're going to have to expin this one to me," I held my head as it began to hurt, "How...did this happen?"

  Both of them smiled, and as they did, the one to my left flickered for a moment before becoming ethereal. She took on a fiery, ghostly form of blueish-green. The one remaining appeared solid and normal, draping an arm over me as she sat upon my p. She motioned towards the fiery version of Elizabeth.

  "My love, meet my double," she spoke proudly as the fiery form of her bowed her head before becoming corporeal again, once more resembling Elizabeth perfectly, "She may look after you when I can't. Aside from Maya, who better to trust your safety to than myself?"

  I couldn't argue with that logic, but this was incredible. I saw there, arm around Elizabeth's waist as she expined everything about her [Living Mirage]. She spoke with a deep fondness of the skill, and though I was curious, I didn't ask why. She seemed to be avoiding the topic, and anytime I thought to bring it up, my head would hurt something awful.

  I could only deduce that it had something to do with our past, and for now, that was good enough for me.

  "So...how do I tell you apart?" I asked honestly, "Not that I don't mind the double trouble, ha, but...I'd rather not embarrass myself."

  Elizabeth smiled coyly in my arms, shrugging nonchantly. At the same time, her double gnced away mischievously. Narrowing my eyes at the both of them, I swore under my breath.

  "God damn it..." I shook my head and spoke so they could hear me, "Alright, alright. Have your fun then, but when I mistake your double for you...you better not get jealous."

  Elizabeth pulled me close with the arm she draped over my shoulder, nibbling upon my ear teasingly as she whispered into it.

  "Oh, don't worry," she told me tantalizingly, a shiver running through my body, "I feel everything she feels. I hear what she hears. See what she sees. By all means, my love...have fun."

  I didn't know what to say, let alone think. I could only stare dumbly between the two of them, most likely with my face completely red. I was surprised I had turned into a tomato yet.

  "...You'll be the death of me, I swear," I muttered teasingly, then immediately sobered up as I realized how fucked up of a thing that was to say to a regressor, "I-I mean, that's not what I-"

  Elizabeth's lips found mine, instantly shutting me up. The kiss was soft and gentle. I felt no malice, only love within. As she slowly pulled away, she gazed into my eyes with an eversting, ever burning obsession. I saw in them something that stole my breath and stopped my heart.

  She was content. Her smile was loving, and as she stroked my cheek, I felt the fondness in her touch.

  "No," she whispered with conviction, "I'll be the reason you live."

  I had no reason to doubt her. In that moment, I didn't care about all the other lives. I saw how hard she fought to get to where she was today. How determined she was, and I...fully believed her. Not that I had ever doubted her before, but there was something in how she said it that really made me believe it.

  Reaching up towards her face, I cupped her cheek and returned a fond smile.

  "I know you will," I responded with full sincerity, "I'm sorry. I only meant-"

  She kissed me again, her fingers gripping my hair from behind, pulling me closer. This kiss was more passionate and left me wanting more as she pulled away again. It was then I saw that devilish glint in her eye.

  "I know what you meant, my love," she assured, fussing with my hair tenderly as she released it, "I love seeing you flustered, but I want you to know...if you are to die, it will be of old age in a world that is at peace. Perhaps...maybe from a little heart failure."

  She stuck her tongue out and winked at me, then embraced me once more. I felt the embrace of her double as well, and once more I was blissfully between them. I returned the hug in kind to both of them, holding them close. I kissed the real Elizabeth's neck and spoke softly in her ear.

  "A little heart failure never hurt nobody," I chuckled, which earned a ugh from her, "I'm stronger than I look."

  "Ha, you are, but also oh so fragile," she reluctantly pulled away, returning to affectionately caressing me, though a cold air rose up as I saw the possessiveness take hold of her, "Don't think I forgot about the other day."

  I swallowed hard as I felt the domineering presence of both Elizabeth's towering over me despite them never moving. Their hands were gentle, loving...with a sinister undertone.

  "I-I thought you forgave me?" I asked nervously.

  "Oh, I did," she assured, smiling warmly, which was somehow more terrifying in that moment, "I could never stay mad at you for long, but...I can't have you doing such foolish things again. So, could you do me a favor? It'll bring me peace of mind."

  I grimaced, caught in the trap that she made for me. She knew I couldn't refuse her, especially as she looked at me with such tender eyes, and especially after I had said what I said. She had caught me in a trap that used my love for her, and my bleeding heart, against me. She knew very well how much I wanted to make her happy.

  "...Fine," I sighed, feigning a pout as I looked at her, "What is it?"

  Her whole demeanor brightened as the weight of the pressure lifted from me.

  "From now on, please never go anywhere without me, Maya, or my double," she expined, resting her head against my chest, the top of her head resting against my chin as she spoke quietly, "I don't want to lose you, Lucas. You'll have to get a little more clever with your surprises."

  I felt the desperation in her words, and the sorrow that came with her long life.

  "No more dangerous stunts, alright?" she asked, though I heard the plea underneath her calm tone.

  My heart broke for her just as it went out to her. I loved her more than anything, and I knew what I did was foolish. Wrapping my arms around her, I held her tightly to me.

  "Trust me," I told her, "I never want to do something like that again."

  There was a bit of a haunting fear to my words as I remembered jumping from our bedrooms terrace, gncing towards it warily. Even just looking in its direction after that made my stomach lurch and body feel weak. Shaking myself free of the feeling, I kissed the top of her head and rested my face against it. Me and heights did not get along, and I was in no rush to do something like that again.

  "I promise, Ellie," I said earnestly, "Though, I'd still like to take a shit by myself."

  She ughed at that, which made me smile. I was gd I could still get her to ugh.

  "I don't know if I can promise that," she replied with teasing uncertainty, "Are you able to even wipe yourself, or will you fall in?"

  "Hey! I am perfectly capable, thank you!" I retorted, feigning hurt to my pride.

  "Mhm, suuure," she jokingly stated, though was visibly more rexed.

  We stayed like that for a while, just the two of us...well, the three of us, as her double greedily took what was left of me that she hadn't monopolized. It felt like everything was right in the world. I knew it couldn't st. Elizabeth would have to go back to work again soon, but I had hope that she had a little bit of time still before then.

  Until that time, I endeavored to enjoy every little moment I could with her. I was truly content in the moment, happy that I had finally proposed and we had spent our first night...well, nights, together. More were to come, and I could only hope I was more prepared by then.

  I never knew that my body could hurt so much...even the things you'd least expect. Like, with every movement of my hair, I could feel it groan in exhaustion. My hair. Not my scalp. My hair. Let that sink in. How was that even possible?

  I learned something new everyday.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV, the next day)

  She couldn't have been happier. The st few days had been wonderful. She had finally been able to indulge herself, and Lucas was as accommodating as always. He truly was wonderful.

  That being said, she did feel a little guilty. She understood how suffocating it could be for him when she doted on him constantly, but how could she not? He deserved the world many times over. If she could provide for him the perfect life, then she would.

  She knew he was always worried about the costs, but that would never be an issue. She could only hope he would get used to it. Until then, she would try to be a little more reasonable, but reasonable wasn't exactly in her vocabury when it came to spoiling him. Even now, as they sat at the kitchen table, she was fussing over him.

  "...I haven't lost the use of my hands, love," he bemoaned as she fed him a strawberry from her fork, "I'm perfectly capable of...mmm...eating myself."

  Despite his compints, he continued to open his mouth for the food she fed him, much to her delight. He spoke between chewing and swallowing, which was adorable. At times, he appeared like a chipmunk, waiting to swallow the food before speaking again.

  "Look, I already had you two fussing over me..." he grumbled, gncing over at Maya who had returned that morning with Azure in tow, "Is it really necessary to have your duplicate as well?"

  His gaze turned to his other side where her duplicate had their arm wrapped around his and was attempting to feed him some of the alfredo Maya had made for lunch. Again, despite his compints, he opened his mouth obediently, though his eyes told her how much he loathed and also loved being pampered. It was such a cute contradiction.

  She knew he loved it, but he also loved to compin. As for Maya, Elizabeth gnced at her with a kind smile. She wasn't angry with her for their part in Lucas's pn. She knew how convincing he could be, and she had been compromised. "Heh...that was quite the way to put it," she thought amusingly, catching Maya gnce at Lucas with a familiar flicker of light in her eye.

  "I'm surprised as well, El," Maya gnced at the double curiously, taking a bite of her own food before continuing, "You never did tell me why you had to stay at Orion's Folly, but congratutions are in order. With this, you'll never be far from Sir Lucas."

  Despite Maya's kind, genuine words, Elizabeth caught the hint of despondency. For a brief moment, she looked dejected before it disappeared. She was always good at hiding her emotions. It was how she was raised, and because of that, and her own reluctance to accept that she deserved a good life, she continued to diminish herself and the efforts she put forth. It was truly tragic.

  Elizabeth always hated the world and the people in it for what they did to Lucas. To kill one of their own just because they were in love with a monster...it angered her. Elizabeth had never done anything wrong except live. It was only Lucas who saw through her appearance and into her very heart and soul. His kindness had ultimately won her over.

  She was insanely protective and zealous when it came to Lucas. He was hers and hers alone...however, there was an exception. Maya.

  Of all the people in the world, Elizabeth had grown incredibly fond of the woman over the years. All the lives she lived, Maya had been there. It may not have always worked out as Elizabeth had hoped, but...she saw a bit of herself in Maya.

  Perhaps for that reason Elizabeth was more rexed around her than any other. Trusting Lucas's safety to her had always been a goal of Elizabeth's. Besides herself, Maya was the only one capable. There was only one problem..."If only this Orchid could bloom," Elizabeth thought to herself, watching Maya with a feeling of endearment.

  "Don't worry, Maya," Elizabeth leaned against Lucas's shoulder, smiling over at her with a teasing glint in her eye, "He's still in your care, so I trust you'll continue to stay by his side?"

  A slight blush came through her stoic expression. "How cute..." Elizabeth mused.

  "Of course," Maya answered in that professional tone of hers, "Should he still wish for my protection, I will continue to-"

  "Oh, for fucks sake..." Lucas excimed suddenly as the cttering of something dropping drew their attention, "Son of a bitch, you gotta be kidding me."

  Everyone looked to him, concerned and surprised, only to see that he had dropped his spoon and the bowl of soup he had been trying to eat from. He was staring at it in dejected disbelief. The three women, Elizabeth's duplicate included, all exchanged quiet, amused looks with each other. Before any of them could say or do anything, he held a finger up as he continued to stare at the mess he made.

  "Not. A. Fucking. Word," he stated, causing Elizabeth to ugh.

  "I'm sorry, my love," she chuckled, "I can't help it...Maya, as you can see, he needs all the help he can get."

  Maya's expression softened, smiling with quiet amusement.

  "What did I say!" Lucas excimed in dismay, pyfully hitting her in the arm as she defended herself half-heartedly, "This is your fault! I've forgotten how to eat! You must pay for your crimes!"

  The atmosphere, despite the accusations being thrown, was lighthearted and warm. He was jesting, of course, and as they pyed around, a surprisingly delightful sound hit her ears. It was mesmerizing. Maya was ughing.

  It wasn't like she never heard her ugh before, it was just...never like this. As Lucas's hand came down gently on her arm, the two of them looked towards Maya as she hid her mouth behind her hand delicately. The look of pure, unfiltered joy as she ughed was enough to cause Elizabeth's heart to flutter, if only briefly.

  "Lucas has really had a positive effect on her..." Elizabeth was in awe, catching a glimpse of Lucas's face, and that's when she knew...this life would be different. The way his expression softened as he looked at Maya...it was a look she was quite familiar with herself. He just didn't know it yet.

  "I see..." Maya finally calmed down, clearing her throat as she blushed in embarrassment, "Well, I will do my best. For now, perhaps you should change? Leave them outside of the room so I can clean them."

  Lucas nodded as Elizabeth released him, watching as he stood and walked away. "Seeing him go is always sad, but the view...well, it's not so bad," she mused, motioning for her double to follow. Silently, her double nodded, leaving Elizabeth and Maya there alone. While Maya tried to py it cool, Elizabeth could feel that there was a little awkwardness hanging in the air.

  "So..." Elizabeth said as she began to pick up the bowl and spoon that had fallen, "You seem a lot more rexed."

  Maya perked up, her face hardening as she tried to hide her embarrassment.

  "Miss Falcrest, I can-" she began to stand to take over the cleaning, but Elizabeth raised a hand, motioning for her to sit down.

  "I can do this much, Maya," she assured with a light chuckle, "And what happened to 'El'? Back to Miss Falcrest?"

  She avoided eye contact, pouting slightly.

  "Please don't tease me...El," she gnced cheekily at Elizabeth with a smirk.

  Elizabeth smiled, shaking her head as she stood and took the dirty dishes to the sink. There was a palpable silence that fell between them, and Elizabeth felt like she should say something.

  "I meant what I said earlier, Maya," she spoke calmly, walking back to the spilled food with cleaning supplies, "He needs you. I need you. Please continue looking after him."

  Kneeling down, Elizabeth began to clean the mess. Since she couldn't see Maya's face, she wasn't sure what she was thinking, but she didn't have to wonder for long.

  "...Do you?" Maya finally asked quietly, her tone almost somber, "You're incredibly capable. I'm just a mur..."

  She paused for a moment, cutting herself off. Elizabeth knew what she was about to say. "She believes herself a murderer...well, she isn't the only one with blood on their hands," Elizabeth thought as she wiped up the spilled soup, taking in her own hands as she did. How many had she killed? For Lucas...she'd kill anyone.

  Yes, they weren't so different, Maya and her. Gncing in Maya's direction, Elizabeth saw her feet from under the table shift for a moment, as if she was a little...shy? "Lucas's influence, again?" she wondered, and sure enough, Elizabeth's sharp ears caught Maya muttering to herself.

  "He doesn't care..." Maya's tone was touching, and Elizabeth agreed. Lucas saw past all of that to who they truly were. He had lines that shouldn't be crossed, but it was easy so long as you remembered one rule when it came to him. Never kill for no reason.

  He was incredibly forgiving. Truly, he was too good for this world. Someone they had to protect. After muttering to herself, Maya raised her voice so that Elizabeth could hear her more clearly.

  "Regardless of what I am..." she said, shifting once more as Elizabeth got the st bit cleaned up, "I can't help but wonder...are you not upset? I've spent more time with him than you. Surely, you're-"

  "Jealous?" Elizabeth pced a hand on the table, finishing her sentence as she pushed herself to her feet, "You know me well, Maya. Of course, I'm jealous. I want to spend as much time as I can with him. That's the entire reason I'm doing this."

  Maya's eyes widened before her expression fell and she returned to her more passive, mencholic state. "That won't do..." Elizabeth sighed, smiling gently at her dearest friend, sitting down across from her.

  "Listen, Maya..." she leveled with her, being as honest as she could, "You know who I am. What I stand for. Do you think that if I had a problem with you being close to him...that I'd allow it?"

  Maya went rigid for a moment, her face scrunching adorably. Elizabeth saw her slowly beginning to understand. The two of them were more alike than most might think. Leaning on her elbow, face rested in her hand, Elizabeth smiled charmingly.

  "Do you get it now?" she inquired, eyes twinkling with mirthful mischief, "Let yourself blossom. Embrace who you are. I know he will."

  She winked, causing Maya to blush vividly and hide her face behind her hand.

  "You're...incorrigible, El," Maya mumbled, gring at her, "You're going to give that poor man a heart attack."

  Elizabeth let out a soft chuckle.

  "He said something simir," she mused, shrugging as her mind grew distant...somber, "Better than the alternatives, Maya. Better than the alternatives..."

  Maya's expression dropped, matching that of Elizabeth's as she slowly nodded in agreement.

  "I can agree with that," Maya stated with a small smile, "We'll just have to make sure he has the chance, but...about what you said..."

  Maya seemed hesitant, exasperating Elizabeth slightly. This was why it was so hard in the past. Maya was stubborn. That, and she had never been this close to him.

  Rolling her eyes pyfully, Elizabeth stood and threw away the mess she had just cleaned up before approaching Maya from behind. Pcing her hands firmly on her shoulders, she could feel the woman's tension, but with a bit of encouragement, she began to rex.

  "Blossom, Maya..." Elizabeth repeated, leaning down towards her ear, "I trust you. This life will be his best. Whatever that means and whatever it takes. I will keep him safe, but I only trust you. Should I not?"

  Maya gnced at her from the side with her typical impassive nature, but her eyes...her eyes assessed her with an intense defiance. As if to say she was offended at even the thought that she shouldn't trust her. It was a good look.

  "El..." Maya spoke solemnly, pcing a firm hand over hers on her shoulder, "I have always been yours from the day you saved my sister and given me the freedom I've desired. However..."

  She looked down towards the way that Lucas had gone. Her expression, though she tried to hide it, was full of a desperate desire. More than that...there was a deep, unwavering tenderness. Elizabeth's smile deepened mischievously, feeling rather pleased. It was a look that someone she chose to stand by Lucas's side with her should have.

  Even if it didn't turn romantic between the two of them, it was enough to know that Lucas would have someone like Maya by his side. She was a good friend to him, and he to her. Though, Elizabeth believed, and didn't mind, that they could become more.

  "I've never felt more free than when I am here," she whispered, speaking fondly of Lucas, as well as Elizabeth herself, "We...like the same things. I feel calm when I'm by him. I find myself...happy. Happy, El. What the fuck is with that?"

  Elizabeth ughed, knowing how difficult it was for Maya to admit such things. She was always so professional. Always putting her sister's happiness, and Elizabeth's own, ahead of herself. After everything Maya has been through, in this life and those of Elizabeth's past, she deserved to rex and feel happy in this one. Something that she was sure Lucas would agree with.

  "I never thought it possible, but..." Maya sighed, her expression softening, "I suppose...it's the same for you."

  She met Elizabeth's gaze then, and the two shared a deep, mutual understanding. Elizabeth, for her part, had never been so attracted to another person that wasn't Lucas than in that moment. That same obsessive desire Elizabeth had to protect what was precious mirrored within Maya. A truly kindred spirit, ready to bloom. All she needed was a little push. Some proper nurturing.

  "How can one person be so accepting?" Maya asked, though Elizabeth didn't have an answer, for it was something she never understood either, "I know that, no matter what, he will continue to support me. Do you know how many skills I had to use to keep a straight face while you were gone?"

  Elizabeth raised an eyebrow in curious amusement as she asked the question.

  "Five, El. Five," Maya stated in exasperation, "[Mask], [Ice Cold], [Zen State], [Focus], and [Perfect Bance]."

  "Damn," Elizabeth whistled, impressed, "How did that work out?"

  "How do you think?" she cast an annoyed gnce at her, muttering in disbelief, "Completely. Fucking. Useless. Are you sure he's not a Pyer? Cause...I don't know how the hell he does it."

  "That's been the greatest mystery of my life, honestly," Elizabeth admitted with a ugh; his unwavering kindness and acceptance has been the only thing she's never been able to figure out.

  By all accounts, it didn't make sense, and she never knew if it would. Not that she needed to. All she needed to know is that she loved him and would do anything to live a proper life with him.

  "That aside..." Elizabeth sighed softly, fondly thinking of Lucas, "Yes, I'm sure he's not a Pyer. At least...not anymore."

  Maya silently understood and said no more on the subject, but did add something that was rather humorous.

  "Do you think he just has that effect on people like us?" Maya wondered, raising an eyebrow in thought, "Those with certain...tendencies?"

  "Hmm, maybe," Elizabeth shrugged, removing all but one hand from Maya's shoulders as she stood next to her, "However, he's only for us. I'll accept no others."

  "I don't know if he-" Maya began, but Elizabeth would hear no more of it.

  Pulling Maya to her, she held the woman close. She was Elizabeth's dearest friend, and if she didn't want her close to Lucas, she would have never seen even a single strand of hair on his head.

  "Don't you worry about that," Elizabeth assured her, "The only thing you have to worry about his keeping him safe...and staying close to him."

  Elizabeth gnced down at Maya, satisfied to see that she was smiling warmly, rexing into Elizabeth as she closed her eyes contently.

  "That's a given, El," she told her as if it wasn't even a question, "Orchid isn't just a delicate flower. It was grown with blood and knows how to bite."

  -----

  Nikushimi