Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Firefly received a message, not from one of her Hunter companions but from the Astral Express, inviting her to a party on the newly acquired Radiant Feldspar. She’s been to parties before, but almost always as a front for whatever job Destiny’s Slave has put them up to that time around. But this was the first time she received a completely innocuous and genuine invitation to such an occasion, and it was specifically addressed to her, with a signature from the Express’ newest crew member right at the bottom. Well, if you can call the scribble a signature, but the effort put forth forced a shy smile and giggle out of the Hunter with the second highest bounty of their faction.

Relishing the opportunity to return to Penacony as her true self, and getting to see Stelle again, is enough to put a skip into Firefly’s step, as she thought about what to wear to such a gala. The event will be formal of course, being hosted on the largest airship in the Land of Dreams. Nothing but pure opulence would be expected from such an event, but knowing that she gets a chance to show off without worrying about being tracked down by the IPC made her heart skip a beat. She gets to show off to Stelle. Picking an outfit is a solitary endeavor for her, as her companions tend to be no help when it comes to anything “stylish”. The only one with any real fashion sense is so enamored by her coat collection that Firefly feared she’d end up going to the party looking like a poor attempt at cosplaying Kafka.

She eventually settled on a pale green knee-length dress, with a gray shrug over it to cover her arms, down to the middle of her palms. A pure white belt and handbag completed her look, contrasting well, and reminding her of her armored alter ego, eliciting another small giggle. She slipped on some sheer tights, leaving her pale skin visible but obscuring the scars lining her legs. Her arms are similarly marred, hence the shrug. The lowest amount of skin showing, the better for Firefly. Closing the clasp on pale green mary janes, matching the tone of her dress perfectly, she's ready for the night.

Arriving on the main deck on the Feldspar brings the same sense of wonder and joy as every other time she came to the Land of Dreams. Horizon packed with a bright city skyline, neon signs flashing, advertisements appearing and disappearing in the sky as if it's all one big billboard. Snapping herself back to attention to the ship beneath her feet, it's filled with partygoers all mingling with one another. IPC members, intellitrons, pepeshi, and others all swirling about their business, but are of no interest to Firefly. There's only one person she really wanted to see tonight and it didn't take long for her to spot her. Pretty easy, really, when she has such a striking head of silver gray hair, and is at least a head taller than almost all of the partygoers.

Stelle was wearing an almost ankle length sleeveless dress, a dazzling metallic gray that matched her hair so well the dress seems like a natural extension of her form. Her hair pulled into a single clean ponytail, reminding her onlooker how long her hair actually was. Layered gold necklaces droop down her neck, providing some coverage to her otherwise shockingly bare chest, leading Firefly’s gaze to drop a bit lower before shaking herself back to attention. Stelle’s bare arms are wonderfully toned, covered from bicep to finger tip with lacy gloves. Her similarly toned legs are easily visible through the slit on the side of her dress, going up so high up on her leg that the bright blue strap on her leg is easily visible, letting Firefly’s mind wander before reminding herself not to stare.

Gaze firmly locked onto her target, Firefly watched as Stelle hopped from person to person, treating them all like they're the center of the world as she went. First is tall…cowboy? Well that hardly feels like proper attire for a party like this, but if he was invited then it doesn’t seem like something to be hung up on. What did draw some ire from the girl was when the cowboy loudly laughed and punched Stelle in the shoulder. Firefly winced as that was definitely a metal arm she just saw hit her… friend, but she's clearly much more bothered than the receiver of the blow as she returned it right back throwing her head back in a cackle, turning on her heel and saying her goodbye to this guest, and moving on to the next.

Firefly watched as Stelle found the pair of Stonehearts chatting to each other, with some playful touches between them. Hmm. Both turned their attention to Stelle as she approached the suited women. The shorter, white haired woman was wearing a striking red suit and white undershirt, hugging her figure beautifully, an intricate red and gold bowtie at her neck that matched the bowtie on the bottom of the little Trotter that was being cradled in Stelle’s arms. The taller pink haired woman was in a matching style of suit, but with the dark purple suit jacket draped around her shoulders, showing her more alluring blouse, cleavage barely covered by a long tie with a serpent motif. Stelle held the conversation while aggressively nuzzling the little creature, whose owner covered her laughs with a closed fist, while her companion looked down at her longingly, idle hand lightly playing with the smooth white hair, looping it behind an ear before waving Stelle off as she continued her mingling.

Firefly continued to watch from afar, feeling a warmth build up in her that was different from the all encompassing blaze she's used to when she fights. She couldn't be quite sure what emotions she should be feeling at any given point, and it's not like her companions were any help. Blade seemed to find death-seeking to be a fulfilling hobby, Silver Wolf was perhaps the most blasé person Firefly has met, except when it came to games, and Kafka literally could not experience fear and as such had a skewed perception of many emotions. But whatever Firefly was feeling right then, she liked it.

It's a comforting warmth, and she felt it most in Stelle’s presence.

Firefly continued to admire, as the host of this event so smoothly traveled to each group of guests and treated them in such a way it’s like she had known them for her entire life. A pair of foxed eared individuals next, the white-haired one was loudly laughing along with Stelle as the dark green haired woman was lightly looped around the other fox’s arm, slightly giggling whenever her companion laughed. Then an extremely imposing large blue robot in a winter jacket, accompanied by a short girl in a very cutesy red dress. Stelle greeted the robot with respect before turning her attention to the little girl, who jumped into a hug, hair getting tousled by the impact and by the gentle fingers of the older woman. Stelle set her down gently, and continued on. She recognized the next pair, Acheron and Black Swan almost immediately. Black Swan, even from this distance, was clearly teasing the somewhat clueless ranger, who snapped to attention when Stelle walked up to the two. Their conversation was briefer than usual, and seemingly ended with Acheron handing Stelle a…peach from out of her suit’s sleeve. How did it even fit in there? Stelle and Black Swan turned to look at each other, laughed a little, then turned back to the ranger. This cycle continued with all manner of guests, all getting their own personal version of Stelle.

Feeling somewhat ashamed at her ogling, Firefly headed off the deck of the ship, feeling a chill from the cold high-altitude air, into the lounge area. She decided to at least get some artificial warmth in her belly while she waited for the chilled air to roll off her, and so Firefly found the bar. Behind it was a tall woman with short messy blonde hair, tending to her patrons with care and precision. Firefly found a stool and slumped into it, glad that there are far fewer people inside than out. Never liked crowds. Firefly’s brief introspection was interrupted by the bartender positioning herself directly in her view, slapping her hands down on the bar, and asking in a calm, slightly gravelly voice,
“What can I get you for you, lovely lady?”

“Oh! Um,” flustered somewhat by the complement and the sudden movement, “what would you recommend? Sorry, I don't drink very often.” Firefly said, looking up at the strikingly handsome woman in front of her.

The bartender let out a small, gentle chuckle, “Guess I can help with that, eh? Tell me how you're feeling tonight and I can mix you up something just right.” she said with a careful point in Firefly’s direction.

“Well…,” Firefly trailed off slightly, thinking about how she spent most of her night vicariously living through what seems to be the most well connected person in Penacony, if not the whole of this star system “Lonely, I suppose. I don’t know most of the people here, so it's a wonder I was invited at all.” She said as she began drooping down, averting her gaze from the woman across the bar from her. A loose fist caught the underside of her chin, as the bartender gently lifted her head to look at her once again.

“Oh, invited eh? Well a friend of the Captain is a friend of mine! No need to be so down on yourself, cutie. I would be surprised if anyone could actually match the charisma of the host of something like this,” she said while vaguely gesturing to the surrounding lounge. “Tell you what, next few drinks are on me, and you're gonna tell me your story. I’ll mix it up as you go so the drinks match you perfectly, sound good?” Firefly blushed at the mentions of Stelle, and at the continued compliments from an extremely good looking woman. Before she could even start talking, a light blue and purple cocktail slid her way, with a wink from the bartender.

“Name is Siobhan, by the way. What's yours?”

“Firefly, good to meet you.”

“Of course, cutie. Now, tell me how you came to know the captain of this here vessel. And what's got you down enough to come to a bar alone at an event like this.”

“Oh right, of course…,” Firefly couldn't exactly tell the person in front of her that she’s actually Stellaron Hunter Sam, so she had to quickly spin a series of half truths to keep that particular part of her identity secret.
”Well, when I first came here to Penacony I was feeling a bit lost, and Stelle came to my aid pretty fast, without even knowing who I was. It was nice.” Firefly couldn't help but smile at the thought of her.

“We got to know each other really quickly that night. I wasn’t really used to having that much freedom, and so having someone guide me along was very appreciated. She took my hand and helped me browse shops, we shared a meal, and laughed at each other's jokes. It was such a lovely night.”

“Sure sounds like it, I’m glad you got to see her care first hand. Looks like you finished your first drink just in time, here’s your next one.” Siobhan smoothly took Firefly’s empty glass from under her and replaced it with a full one, green and yellow this time. “So, what happened next?”

“We had another lovely day. Ran into people that she seemed to know, some even asking if we were on a date.” Firefly couldn’t help but flush at the memory, a smile on her face.

“Well, if I saw two beauties like that together, having a good time, I would think the same thing. What would you call it?” Siobhan asked with a grin, chin held up by her arm, now resting on the bar, flustering Firefly even further.

“Um, I would call it a date…” Firefly said, barely above a whisper. A quiet laugh from the bartender acted as an unspoken I told you so. “Anyways, ahem, things were going well till we ended up getting…separated.” Firefly sighed.

“Ah, trouble in paradise, I've heard it often. Couldn’t have been all bad though, given you're here right now, am I right?” Siobhan took the second empty glass away from the girl, and yet again replaced it with a fresh cocktail, a grapefruit pink color.

“No you’re right, it did get better. These drinks are really good by the way.” Firefly blurted out, alcohol maybe hitting her harder than she expected, but embracing the warmth of the drink, and the comfort of being able to finally air out her experiences.

“I didn’t get asked to come here just cuz I'm pretty,” Siobhan remarked with a shrug “I also know how to make a good cocktail.”

“So, we were separated from each other, I had no idea where she went and when we finally met back up there were… complications. She had already met other people in that short time I was gone, and I was really happy to see her again but it also hurt, I almost felt like I could die from it all.” Firefly neglected to mention that she did in fact, “die” during this interaction. “I almost felt like I was replaced. No longer special.”

Siobhan looked at the girl with clear sympathy, gave the top of her head a quick pat, and the hand that wasn't tightly gripping her glass a small squeeze. “That sounds very hard on you. I’m sure there's more to this though?” She asked, raising an eyebrow quickly.

“Right, right yea, there is. I was probably being dramatic, sorry,” Firefly quickly stammered. Siobhan just lightly shook her head, urging her to keep talking. "We met back up and it was great. She made me feel so special again, but I felt so guilty for harboring any negative thoughts about her that I came clean about everything, and I mean everything, that I at all considered secret. She just quietly absorbed it all, my hands in hers, reminding me that I wasn't alone.”

Siobhan decided that the best thing for the girl in front of her was water, and so she gently took the mostly consumed cocktail out of her hand, and replaced it with a clear glass of water. Firefly was appreciative of the gesture, silently nodded, and took a drink, tilting her head back enough that Siobhan could see the quivering lip and slight redness in the eyes meaning that this girl was fighting back tears. A light pat on the shoulder, before she spoke up again. “You don't have to keep going if you don't want to, I didn't want this to get too heavy. We are at a party after all!” Siobhan chuckled to herself, before putting her gaze back on the tipsy and upset girl in front of her.

Firefly remembered that, yes she is in fact in public, at a party no less, and got self conscious of her baring her heart out to the woman she just met. She quickly analyzed her surroundings to gauge how embarrassed she should have been, thankfully noting that the few people in the lounge were all too involved with their own chats to notice the world around them. All except for one girl, looking right at her with a creepily wide grin across her face. Oh. Her. The brown haired girl upon being noticed widened her grin even more, hopped onto her feet, and skipped over to the bar, landing right next to Firefly.

“Friend of yours?” Siobhan asked, giving a very inquisitive, almost accusatory look at the girl who looked Firefly dead in the eyes.

“Oh, Besties!” the girl said with a giggle, draping her arm around Firefly’s shoulders, pulling her in for an awkward side hug.

“Right. Well, miss, can I get you anything to drink or are you just here to yank around my patrons?”

“Oooh, can I have what she was having?” She asked giddily.

“Sure, was personalized just for her, but I'll mix you up a fresh one.” Before Siobhan could even finish speaking, the girl snatched the mostly empty cup holding the leftovers of Firefly’s third cocktail and downed it in a single gulp.

“No need for a fresh one, that one hit just right!” followed up with another giggle, and a sideways glance at Firefly, arm still firmly around her.

The look Siobhan was giving the girl tightened even further at this, but she was an experienced bartender, she had seen much, much worse than a handsy girl who likes to share.

“Ok then, miss…”

“Sparkle!”

“Alright. Miss Sparkle, are you going to actually order something this time?”

“No I think I'll be just fine with that, but Firefly here looks like she could go for some fresh air, do you mind?”

“Be my guest,” Siobhan gestured towards the doors. “Just be sure to keep a good eye on her, okay? I don't want anything bad to happen to a guest of the Captain.”

“Um, yea that does sound kind of nice…Thanks Siobhan.” Firefly barely whispered out, before being tugged by her arm away from the bar and out the doors, back onto the deck of the ship.

Once she got her bearings back somewhat, Firefly realized the absurdity of the situation, and the absurdity of who it is proudly standing in front of her, arms planted on her hips.

“Spar…Fool. Why are you even here?” Firefly hissed out, equally surprised at this girl's presence as she is concerned it will end with another bomb threat.

“Awww, aren't you excited to see your bestie and number one wingwoman?” Sparkle said with a wink, while running a hand down from Firefly’s shoulder down to her hands. She shivered at the contact, and slightly pulled away. "You look really cute by the way.” Sparkle added with a small laugh.

“Wingwoman? Cute? What are you even talking about?!” Firefly sputtered out, too flustered for her own good.

“Oh honey, if you're this flustered to see me, how are you gonna ever talk to your starlight without literally exploding? Would be a tragic way for the story of Sam to end, that's for sure.” The Fool laughed heartily, booping the still bewildered Firefly on her nose.

“Starlight? Who are you talking…about.” Firefly trailed off, as she spotted exactly who the Fool meant, too far away to notice the conversation unfolding. She’s relaxed, leaning her back against a railing of the ship, talking with March 7th. Blush started to completely overtake Firefly’s face, almost matching Sparkle’s attire in hue. She watched as in the middle of talking, March rolled her eyes, groaned with her whole body, but then looped her arm around Stelle’s, resting her head against her shoulder.

Firefly froze up, trying to process what she was seeing, interrupted by weight on her own shoulder as Sparkle pulled her down to her level and whispered into her ear “This is exactly what I meant, hun. Can't even see her touch someone else without freezing, how are you gonna approach her if you can't even move right now?”

“Approach her? What are you even talking about? And you never answered my question, why are you here? HOW did you even get here, I doubt she would have invited you.” Firefly’s mouth worked faster than her brain, and said all of that without thinking much, before yet another statement from the Masked Fool to her side stopped her in her tracks.

“Invite? You don't know? You're the only one on this whole ship that Little Miss Captain over there invited personally. Rest of us nobodies had to hear it from the grapevine, or accidentally overhear March or Pom-Pom blabbing too loud for their own good. But you?” Sparkle jabbed a finger into Firefly’s shoulder to put greater emphasis on her statement “You're the captain's special guest.”
“Oh.”

“So, clearly, there's something going on between you two that the rest of us are unaware of, but I want to help you. Think of it as my way of repenting, since you clearly hold a grudge against me” Sparkle said, crossing her arms and giving a clearly exaggerated pout.

“Help me? How are you supposed to help?”

“Oh, there’s all sorts of ways I could help.” Sparkle said with an incredibly wide grin, bringing her mask up to her face.

“I could make her jealous?” with a flick of her wrist she transformed into a picture perfect March 7th.
“I could distract her?” another flick the other way, and now Miss Robin was in front of her.

“Or I could help you practice?” With a final flick, she was Stelle, dressed in the stunning outfit that Firefly instantly was enamored with, but with a grin that is decidedly not her own. Firefly was in stunned silence as she literally saw double of the person that she held in such high regard, her heart pounding out of her chest.

“NO! Turn back into yourself, I'm not gonna use any tricks to get with Stelle.” Firefly’s face continued to burn red-hot.

“Aww, you're no fun. But you did just say you want to get with her, hmm? I guess I appreciate the honesty.” Sparkle sighed as she turned back into herself, now armed with the knowledge that it is very easy and very entertaining for her to mess with Firefly. “But unless you want what's happening behind me to keep happening, you're gonna have to step up and do something about it.”

Firefly felt ashamed that all it takes for her to buckle under pressure is one woman. She had faced down countless threats of a world ending scale, saw so much carnage and ended it with her own hands, and been pursued by so many factions that wanted nothing more than her downfall, and yet the thought of being friends, or more, with one single person completely stopped her.

“Ope, never mind what I said about what's happening behind me, looks like that already stopped on its own. Lucky you!”

Firefly couldn't help but whip her head in the direction Sparkle was pointing, seeing that Stelle had completely vanished, leaving just March alone at the railing, looking out wistfully. Ignoring the Fool in front of her, Firefly started confidently walking towards the lonely cotton candy colored girl.

“You’re welcome, don't forget my offer!” Sparkle yelled out after her, vigorously waving her hands. This yell was loud enough to catch the attention of March before Firefly could reach her, but her gaze fell on the person approaching her and not the source of the noise. A slightly sad smile greeted Firefly.

“Hey March, it's good to see you. Everything okay?”

“Oh, Firefly! Didn’t expect to see you here, especially since the announcement was through official IPC channels. Didn’t stop Boothill from showing up though so.” March shrugged while trailing off.

“Oh, um. Stelle invited me actually, I assumed everyone was here on her behalf. Am I wrong?” Firefly asked, trying to get a more concrete answer than whatever a Fool told her. “Speaking of, where is she anyways? I thought I saw her go this way.”

“An invite from Stelle? Didn’t know she sent any, she’s the one who wanted this party, but she never told me why. Just burst into the main cabin of the Express, yelled something about “why aren’t we using that bitchin’ airship we have now, come on lets party!” and then walked away before Welt and Pom-Pom could scold her for her language.”

March had put on her best Stelle impression, a far departure from her usual voice, that Firefly couldn’t help but laugh. The blush from before calming down but not leaving her face from the fact that against all odds, Sparkle wasn't lying. Something special was going on between Stelle and Firefly.

“She was just here though, with me, she probably went mingling again. Probably missed someone with how many people are here and want to talk to “The Illustrious Captain of The Radiant Feldspar”.” March dryly chuckled, lightly rubbing the arm that was previously in contact with Stelle.

“Everything okay, March? You don't seem your usual self. I saw how you were…touching her. I didn’t know you two were…like that.” Firefly choked out, struggling through the thoughts swirling in her mind, cut abruptly off by what she could only describe as a shriek from March.

“YOU SAW?! I mean, right, we are in public, of course someone saw, it wasn’t what it looked like though. We're not together, well not right now. UGH! Why does that damn trash panda have to be such a womanizer?” March rambled in frustration, taken off guard by the hearty laugh from the girl to her side.
“What's so funny? I'm being serious!” March squeaked out, clearly not holding her own laugh in very well.

“For being such an illustrious captain, I didn't expect you to call her a raccoon so easily, you could be put in the brig for that.” Firefly laughed while saying, struggling to put on her best pirate voice for the last piece, making herself laugh even more. March joined her, breaking the composure she barely had. After a good few seconds of laughter between the two women, they came to their senses and Firefly asked the burning question “What did you mean when you called Stelle a womanizer?”

March was immediately taken aback by the phrasing before realizing it was her own words reflected back at her. Her eyes dart around looking for the right words as if they’re physically flying away from her, or as if she’s looking for someone to bail her out of the hole she instantly dug for herself.

“Well, you know, you've been around her. She seems to attract every woman in a 100 mile radius to her. Look at this crowd, sure there’s some people already involved with someone, like Topaz over there, or even Acheron somehow, but she is just like a magnet for lesbians. And she's so dense that I don't even know if she realizes how much people are thirsting after her on a daily basis,” March said in a very exasperated tone, before quickly mumbling. “me included.” She then straightened out her back and rubbed her hands together, clearly deep in thought. “I shouldn’t call her a womanizer, because that implies a level of intention with how she acts. I don't think she understands how desirable she is. And I don't just mean in a physical sense, everyone wants her involved in everything they do. Did you know that she was a coach for a boxer taking part in a swordsman tournament?”

Firefly interrupted quietly, mostly saying to herself. “Oh that's why she randomly texted me about trashcan imposters fighting with my name.”

March continued, not realizing how flush her face was getting, “Yea! And then she just keeps going as if it's no big deal that she does all these things, not realizing it just keeps making her hotter and hotter to more and more women around the whole damn star system! I just, UGH, I can't with that woman.” March punctuated the end of her rant with a loud hmph as she pushed herself back into the railing that she slowly paced away from.

Firefly had a lot to process now, and she was working through it in her head, but one thing stood out to her, from even before the rant. “Not right now” is how March described her and Stelle. Were they together at some point, was March just hopeful, are they on a break? As if sensing Firefly’s questions and doubts making her stomach sink at the many possibilities, March piped up.

“Hey, sorry about all that, just been on my mind you know? Anyways, we're not a couple, if that's what you were thinking. Himeko made sure to drill into my head when Stelle first joined the crew that “there will be no workplace romances, too much paperwork”, since I was really, really obvious with my crush. The whole thing earlier,” March said while gesturing to her now empty left arm. “That was me just using her to chill out a bit. Crowds can be a lot for me, especially since I feel obligated to remember so many people. And who wouldn't want to play damsel with someone like Stelle?” She shot Firefly a knowing wink, chuckling to herself.

“Okay, that makes sense, I suppose. That's good.” Firefly said, not fully realizing it was her turn to fall into a hole dug just for herself.

“That’s good? What's that supposed to mean, huh?” March squinted her eyes so hard at Firefly; they may as well be fully shut, neck stuck out so forcefully she made a noise at the effort. “Nah, I'm just kidding with ya. I know you've got the hots for her, who doesn't. But I also know you two went through a lot here. She was really excited to see you at this party, almost feels like she threw the whole thing as an excuse to reunite with you without any goons or disasters to interrupt.”

Firefly looked out to the crowd, still just as busy as when she first arrived, searching for that familiar and lovely crown of silver. She deflated a bit when she couldn't find it, but wasn't left to linger too long when she felt a quick jab from March. “Just go ask Black Swan, she’s scarily good at knowing where Stelle is at all times. Dunno how she does it to be honest.” March says with a hint of smugness, as she lightly shoves Firefly towards the seemingly impenetrable crowd.

“Go get’er girl.”

Firefly took March's advice to “go get her”. It wasn't hard to locate the elusive Memokeeper, she was literally floating after all, bobbing up and down as she giggled to whatever her serious-looking companion was saying, volume making it clear whatever she's saying was just for her ears. Firefly broke this very sweet moment with a very timid cough.

“Oh, little soldier, you made your way here, hm?” Black Swan said in such a calming hum, it was as if she was singing every word.

“Yes, I did, I was wondering if you knew where Stelle is right now? I've been looking for her all night.” Firefly fidgeted slightly, grabbing at the fringe of her dress and slightly crumpling it, nervous at the thought of actually finally seeing her “starlight”, as Sparkle put it.

“Oh, no need to fret so much, give me just a moment and I'll know where the star at the center of this little system is.”

The Memokeeper shut her eyes and began to focus, a small set of cards fluttering in the air briefly, creating a halo around her head, before coming back to rest in her open palm.

“Found her.” Black Swan hummed quietly. “You'll find her in one of the private lounges on the second floor, it seems our little star needed a break from all the noise. Though I'm sure your intrusion will be more than welcome, dear.”

Firefly shyly nodded her head, mumbled out a thank you to the woman, before setting out to finally find the person who she had been looking for the entire night. The only reason she came to this party to begin with. Her “starlight”.

Firefly made her way back inside the airship, trying to find either stairs or an elevator to take her to her destination, but she got turned around and realized quickly she was lost. Not an impossible maze, she thought to herself, but an annoying one. At least she was away from all the crowds and noise, finding Black Swan wasn't hard, but getting to her was a surprisingly tough challenge. Well, as Firefly it was. As Sam, she could have easily marched through the crowd without a second thought, could have even flown up and over them if needed.

But Firefly realized, perhaps way too late in this outing, she did not actually bring the device that allows her to call Sam at will. She wasn’t defenseless by any means, but suddenly wielding a glowing green sword would be conspicuous, to say the least. She shook off that thought. She wouldn't need to use force anyways, just her overly anxious brain getting to her, she's about to meet Stelle after all. The Stelle. Her Stelle. While she was in her own head about all this she didn't have enough time to dodge the man in her way. She bumped into him head first, right into his spine pushing him slightly.

The man turned around, ready to be irate before he looked and saw who it was that dared bump into him. A gross smile crept onto his face as he saw a girl. He was clearly drunk as he swayed, eyes unfocused but clearly glaring at Firefly trying to figure out what his next move should be. He finally settled on the ever suave, incredibly slurred out,
“Hey baby, you here alone?”
“Um, yes I am, could you-” before she could finish he reached over to her and grabbed her shoulder, pushing her lightly into the wall
“How about, hic, how about me and you get a drink…? I know, a GREAT place near here.” he could barely stand up straight, but he seemed to be pointing in the direction of Siobhan’s bar.
“I don't think you need to drink anymore, sir.” Firefly quietly stated. She also doubted a bartender like Siobhan would actually serve someone clearly drunk off his ass.
“I can, urgh, always drink more if it's with a pretty thing like you.” he tried to tilt up Firefly’s face to look at him, but she swatted away the hand before it could touch her.

“What was that for, bitch? I'm trying to be a gentleman and treat you nice. Are you not the drinking type? How about you come, hic, back to my room and you can get to know me better?”

Firefly was screaming internally that she didn't bring her device now. Oh how she wished she could suddenly turn into a 10 foot tall suit of armor and teach this drunk bastard a lesson. Her brain was turning all of this noise into static, hoping he just passed out or something and left her alone. Her senses were so dulled that she didn't hear the stomping footsteps approaching her and this awful person, heels loudly clicking with each furious step. When Firefly looked up again, she saw a jet black baseball bat shoved under the man's chin, shoved so close to his neck that he couldn't even swallow the hard lump as he realized he screwed up.

“What’s your fucking problem man? I'm just trying to talk to this nice lady and you swing a weapon at me?” He barely choked out.

A calm, but furious voice responded, almost monotone in her delivery, “One, I didn't swing my weapon, if I did, your head wouldn't be attached where it currently is, spewing bullshit. Two, learn some boundaries, because this “nice lady” is clearly wanting to crawl out of her skin at you even breathing in her direction. Three, you do not talk to the Captain OR her guests like that. Are we clear?”

The man backed off of Firefly, bat still shoved against his throat, hands up in the air in surrender. He nodded quickly, clearly intimidated by the display.

“Good, get out of here then.”

The woman spat on his shoes as he sprinted away, surprisingly agile for how he could barely stand up straight moments earlier. Before he could even make it to the closest set of doors, the woman spoke into an earpiece, “Boothill, doors 12A, brown suit, drunk off his ass, you know the drill.” The pair of women then looked in the direction of the filth that ran away, just to see Boothill, the iron cowboy from earlier in the night burst through the doors, punch the man clean in the gut, and throw him over his shoulder, flashing a shark-toothed grin and thumbs up before walking away with the unmoving lump of man to who knows where. Maybe Firefly was accidentally correct about there being a brig.

“Are you okay, Firefly?” The woman reached out a black lace gloved hand that Firefly took in her own and helped to stabilize herself. Once she had gotten over the adrenaline rush of the situation, she finally looked up at her savior and realized.
It's Stelle.

After all this time searching, following her without realizing, Stelle was the one to come to her. Firefly almost fainted at this realization, perhaps not fully over the rush, prompting Stelle to catch Firefly under the armpits, and moving to support her with a shoulder.

“Firefly, hey are you okay? Can you talk to me? He didn't hurt you, did he?” Genuine concern and panic spread across Stelle’s beautiful face, inches away from Firefly’s own. She really is pretty no matter what she does, remembering all the things March was “complaining” about earlier. Before she could formulate a coherent thought, Firefly managed to whisper out a simple “Hey Stelle.” And her vision went blank.

When Firefly came to, she was in a room she didn’t recognize, but was clearly still on the Feldspar. Still bleary eyed from whatever just transpired, she could see the silhouette of Stelle, ponytail and dress flowing oh so smoothly behind her as she frantically paced around the room. Making out bits of the conversation, Stelle was in a panic talking on the phone, with pauses from the other side attempting to calm her down.

“I don't know what to do Kafka, she just passed out. Does she do that? Is this part of her condition she didn't tell me about before? Yea. Okay. Yea she's safe now, I didn't let her fall down. No, she didn't hit her head at all. I dunno if she drank anything, she seemed fine before she fell. Yea the bastard is gone, I made sure myself, best guy for the job on it already. Yes, I trust him Kafka, you know I wouldn't just let someone hurt Fifi like that. Yes, sorry I didn't mean to get upset. Yes, I'm…I'm fine, I'm not the one who just suddenly collapsed. Ok. Yeah. I'll keep an eye on her. Thanks Kafka. Love you too, bye.”

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Stelle collapsed on the sofa across from the one Firefly was laying on, eyes closed the whole time, not noticing that Firefly may have seen and heard that whole call. Firefly stirred slightly, realizing that Stelle's normal everyday overcoat is draped over her as a blanket. It smells like Stelle, and that just made Firefly curl into it more. This movement was perhaps too loud or sudden, because Stelle practically leapt up and in front of Firefly, keeping space so as to not overwhelm the now conscious girl.

“Oh my, you're finally awake, are you okay Firefly?” Stelle was nearly on the edge of tears, such a far cry from the stoic knight in shining armor that saved her not long ago.

“Yeah I'm alright, Stelle. How long was I out?” She asked, rubbing her eyes to see the woman crouched in front of her more clearly.
“Um only about 30 minutes I think, it was all kind of a blur once I realized what he was trying to do, and I was just really worried, and I’m sor-” Stelle’s emotional blubbering was interrupted by Firefly putting a single finger up to her lips, laughing softly.

“It’s ok Stelle, take a second to breathe. I'm the one who collapsed, not you, remember? I’m sorry to worry you like that. But I’m fine now. Better even, since I get to see you.” She said softly, tilting her head to the side and smiling ever so gently at the woman who saved her.

“Right, yes. You're good now” Bright red blush spread under those bright yellow glowing eyes, like miniature stars in a glassy dome. Extra glossy as she squinted out tears, that Firefly deftly wiped away with the sleeve of her shrug. Seeing Stelle so flustered on her behalf gave her a tinge of accomplishment, knowing she does care.

Firefly sat up on the couch, still tightly gripping the jacket draped around her, but scooched so that Stelle could sit next to her. She gingerly patted the seat next to her, signaling where she wanted her knight to sit. Stelle quickly obliged like a puppy being trained, smoothing out her dresses folds and fidgeting somewhat. Blush still overtaking her face, she quickly said “I've missed you Firefly.”

“I missed you too, Stelle. You're beautiful.” Firefly mumbled out, clearly not fully awake yet. As she stated this she flopped over onto Stelle’s smooth, supremely toned shoulder, loosely curling her arms around Stelle’s.

“Oh, um thank you Fifi, you're um… looking very cute as well.” Stelle stuttered out, welcoming the contact and comfort of the girl that she specifically invited to this party. Right, Stelle invited her. And this is how she got treated. A wave of shame started to wash over Stelle, but before she could formulate any sort of apology, the door to the lounge was practically kicked open by March 7th.

“Stelle, I heard what happened! Is Firefly- Heh.” March stopped in her tracks and mid sentence when she spied Stelle sitting up straight as a beam, leg jittering, as Firefly was wrapped around her covered in her jacket. Her chest softly rising and falling as she slept, peacefully this time. March couldn’t help but chuckle, quietly shutting the door behind her and taking a place on the couch across from the pair.

“So, is this how you expected your grand Penacony party, planned just to welcome your girlfriend back, to go? I guess it is pretty successful, if you count this.” March said very pleased with herself, a finger stuck out of her crossed arms to point at the peacefully sleeping girl laying on the other, arms having migrated to be across Stelle’s chest and around her waist, practically no pressure being placed on the upright woman’s body. Stelle looked down and swept a strand of hair away from Firefly’s eyes. A small shudder and a deep breath from the sleeping beauty, but she didn’t wake.

“She isn't my girlfriend, probably, and even if I am happy about this,” Stelle gestured lightly towards the girl wrapped around her. “I don't like what led to this. The IPC should have a better handle on the behavior of their employees if they are gonna force themselves into our events.” Stelle pouted as she placed a gentle hand onto the small of Firefly’s back.

“Okay, my bad, I should have phrased that better. I know how much she means to you. Sorry.” March gave a small apologetic smile before continuing to speak. “So do you know what caused this?”

“No, my best guess is just a lot of nerves hitting her at once, extreme fight or flight response, you know? I spoke to Kafka-”

“You called Kafka?! Oh, Himeko isn’t gonna like that.” March shook her head gently, mulling over how that conversation may go.

“Yes, I called Kafka, who else am I supposed to call if something happens to her? I know she and Himeko don't have the highest opinion of each other right now, but she practically raised me, and I still see both of them as my moms. I’ll deal with the fallout myself, it isn't Kafka’s fault that I defaulted to calling her.”

“Okay fair points, sorry for being so worked up about this. You just. You know how Himeko gets when we talk about her ex in front of her.” March still looked concerned about what this meant for the safety of the Express’ coffee supply, but she believed in Stelle more than she needed coffee.

“Thank you March. I'm glad you understand. I’ll make it up to, how does some Startaro tea sound?” The mention of a delicious and cutesy drink perked her up immediately, almost enough to forget how dreadful of a smell there would be in the Express main cabin.

“Deal. Do you want me to leave you two alone here, or?”

“You don't have to leave March, I’m still a bit shaken up from the whole thing, talking to you should help me calm down a bit.”

“Where would you be without me?” March said with a lilt in her voice, shaking her head while clicking her tongue.

The two Nameless talked quietly about whatever came to mind, being sure to not disturb the rest of the second most dangerous Stellaron Hunter. But she wasn't Sam. Right then she’s Firefly, and Stelle is Stelle. And that was enough to lull her into a peaceful sleep.

Firefly had a dreamless sleep, as always. Her mind a blank unchanging canvas for what feels like an eternity until eventually she gets a message for the Hunters about their next job, or Silver Wolf absentmindedly pushing into her room to ask her about whatever game she has on her phone, or Blade demanding yet another sparring session that he takes way too seriously. But that night was different. That night she was uninterrupted in her slumber, the usual disquieting void filled with quiet whispers of her crush and her fellow Trailblazer, eventually two voices became one, as the higher pitched one faded away, and presumably headed back to the Express. The deeper monotone kept talking alone for some time, sometimes directed at the sleeping individual, sometimes just talking for the sake of it. It helped her to know that someone is looking out for her. And it helped even more that it was someone like Stelle.

When Firefly woke up once again, she was in yet another unfamiliar room. She should really stop doing this, it can't be good for her sense of orientation, she thought before stretching out. A quick realization hit her that she was under the covers of a large bed, queen at the very least. Blankets and pillows had a familiar shade of brown and yellow, the Express and Stelle. Completing her stretch, she additionally realized she was still clutching Stelle’s jacket, and presumably was holding it all night long. Blush filled her face as she thought that it should have been the owner and not just the jacket in her arms. Oh right. Stelle was there. It didn't take her long to see her, in a simple hoodie and sweatpants, sleeping on a couch nearby, the dress from last night unceremoniously thrown over a nearby chair. She looked like she threw herself on the couch, but somehow still serene. Pretty even when she is sleeping, it seems.

“You really make everything look good, huh?” Firefly mused quietly to herself.

Firefly slowly and quietly rose from the bed, saw her handbag on the bedside table, rummaging through it briefly, finding her phone inside. Sometime last night, probably when she started talking with Siobhan, she turned it to silent. Perhaps a mistake, because as she opened up her phone, her messaging app caught up in an instant, about 80 messages from Kafka and some from Silver Wolf asking if she was “up for some duos later”, whatever that means. She quickly breezed through the concerned texts from Kafka, all with a similar level of urgency that she would have expected, sighed, and texted back a simple “Good morning, I'm doing well” followed by a chibi illustration of Sam giving a thumbs up. She briefly wondered who even made these stickers but decided not to linger on that for too long.

She switched to the chat with Silver Wolf, and sent,
F. “Sorry, didn't come home last night, so no “duos” for you” not even a second passed before she got a response,
SW. “lol ok, L for me i guess. did u at least hit?”
F. “What do you mean “hit”? :(“
SW. “LMAAOOOO dont worry about it, tell stelle i said hi ;)”

Bewildered at whatever her Hunter friend meant, she can’t help but blush that she seemingly knew she would be with Stelle, as if that was a given. She looked over to the couch to see that Stelle had woken up, and purposely or otherwise, had struck quite the lounging pose, staring right at Firefly.

“Morning.” Stelle moved to get a glass of water, sat back down and looked at her companion, starting to take a drink.

“Oh, Stelle, good morning!” Blushing at the fact that her crush had been staring at her for who knows how long “Right, Wolfie says hi. Um, she also asked if I “Hit”? Do you know what that means?”
Stelle did a full spit take, coughing up what little water had made it down her throat. Concerned, Firefly rushed over and started to pat and rub her back, hoping to relieve some of whatever just came over her crush.

“I swear to gods, I'm gonna kill that girl.” Stelle said under her breath, wiping her chin off with her sleeve.

“Oh, don't fight please, I don't think it's that serious, should I ask Kafka instead?”

“NO!” Stelle nearly started another coughing fit, finishing with “Please do not ask Kafka that. I’ll… I’ll explain later.” finally through her sudden agitation, Stelle relaxed, breathed deep and actually took an uninterrupted drink of water. Once she had composed herself, she asked.

“How are you feeling Firefly? A lot happened so I want to make sure that you're not just putting on a brave face for me.”

“I was definitely shaken by the whole thing, so much so that it all blurred together shortly after it all started. I don't even really know what happened, I didn't do anything wrong did I?” Firefly quickly said, starting to ruffle the end of her dress again, nerves building up. Stelle placed a steady hand over Firefly’s fidgeting hand, the contact immediately making Firefly’s skin flush and stop her rambling.

Stelle’s warmth. Comforting. Safe.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Fif–Firefly. He was a creep with no boundaries, and I stepped in to make sure he didn't do anything he would regret. Simple as. You can’t blame yourself for the actions of others like that. Ok?” Stelle looked up at Firefly with pleading eyes. Like the eyes of a sad, wet raccoon. Firefly couldn't help but start giggling at the mental image, that giggle turning into a full belly laugh very quickly.

“What? Did I say something wrong?” Stelle asked, confused, just adding to the glimmering, innocent sparkle of her eyes.

“No, nothing wrong at all. Thank you. I’m glad you were there for me. Really. I can’t thank you enough. That does remind me though, Black Swan told me you'd be in the second floor lounge, yet you were right there ready to stop that guy on the first floor? There aren't any cameras right?”

Stelle lightly shook her head. “Black Swan was right, I was in the lounge taking a break from all the partying. Can be rough even on me.” Stelle said with an exaggerated flex and small laugh. “There are camera systems, but I didn't have access to them at the time, it was the weirdest thing though. I had settled into one of the couches about to take a quick nap, when there was a really violent knock on the door. I rushed over to see what the fuss was about, but when I opened the door there was a note on the floor. No one was anywhere in the hallway, so I picked up the note and it just said”

“Batter needed right below. Go now!
-#1 Wingwoman <3”

“Sparkle…” Firefly groaned, but relieved that someone was looking out for her, even if it was a Fool.

“Wait, Sparkle wrote that note then? How are you so sure?”

“Before I met up with Black Swan, I was talking to March and Sparkle. About you. Sparkle offered to help me and called herself my number one wingwoman, among other things.”

A dry laugh came from Stelle, before she leaned back and spread out on the couch. Firefly
followed, getting off the floor and lightly nuzzling into Stelle’s outstretched arms.
“Yea that sounds like the Sparkle I know and tolerate. Weirdly selfless at random times.”

“That's a Masked Fool for you” Firefly giggles, muffled by Stelle’s sweatshirt sleeve.

“So I had something to ask,” Turning her gaze towards her knight, her starlight. “ I didn't say or do anything embarrassing while I was all loopy, did I? Like I said, it's all a blur.”

Stelle looked away from the girl for a few moments to collect her thoughts, nose scrunching up at times, brow furrowing at others, before eventually she fully relaxed, and turned back to the ball of woman under her shoulder. “Hmmm, you did say I was beautiful. And you clung on to me, a lot like you are right now.” Stelle says it with a small smile.

Firefly went full blush yet again, before quietly mumbling out “Well, it's true.” As she said this, she hesitantly and gently looped an arm around Stelle’s waist, before giving a slight squeeze, and retreating back into herself.

“ I wasn't much better in the embarrassing department though. Can't believe I said such cheesy lines instead of just whacking the guy right away. And I panicked like a lot afterwards. I think you were asleep for that part though.”

Firefly decided to keep her lucidity during the call with Kafka a secret for now. It won't hurt Stelle if she doesn’t know. “Oh, speaking of what happened while you were asleep, March came to the room right after I got you laid down safely, surprised she didn't wake you with how loud she was at the start. She mellowed out right after though, and we talked for a few hours before she got sleepy and headed back to the Express.” Stelle leaned back and muttered under her breath “Oh gods I still have to tell Himeko.”

She straightened back out and resumed talking like that aside did not occur. “Once she left I debated staying here with you or bringing you back to the Express, but decided there would be a LOT less questions if you weren't on the train in the morning. Who knows what Pom-Pom would do seeing a random stowaway on one of the public couches.” Stelle laughed at this, and felt a shared laugh on her side, as Firefly resumed her nuzzling during Stelle’s open mouth thought process.

“Thank you for telling me all this. And for saving me of course. I think it went much smoother than if I tried to solve it all myself. I don’t have Sam ready to go right now, you know?”

Stelle’s expression changed to something resembling surprise, mouth agape. “I didn’t know you could function without Sam on standby, is that even safe for you to do? Why did you do that to yourself?” her emotion was more clearly shock and concern at the well being of the girl now under her protection.

“Oh it’s not that severe. I can’t call on him for combat of course, but the only major downside is I get a little weaker than a normal person would be for a while. That’s the magic of Penacony for you.” She says with a weak smile. “Also I don't think you would have liked whatever aftermath my sword would have left in your ship's halls, if it came to that, Miss Captain.” Smile morphing from weak to a bit mischievous, a finger running up Stelle’s forearm.

“Please don't call me that, it’s funny when some people do it, but with you it's… Weird.”

“Oh, Illustrious and Gracious Miss Captain of the Radiant Feldspar.”

“Ok, I get it!” blush fully overtaking her features, as she laughed off the light ribbing.

“That was some of the best sleep I’ve had in a long time, by the way, maybe even for years. Especially since I don’t sleep much.”

“Oh, you're welcome, I suppose. I don't think I did anything too special for you though? I just took off your shoes and tucked you into my bed here on the ship.”

“No, it was very special. Because you were there for me. You know how I can't dream right? Well, all of last night, instead of the usual inky black nothing, there was a bit of light and noise. You talking pierced my veil, and so I knew you hadn't left my side the whole time. I knew you could protect me, no matter what. So thank you.” She punctuated this sentence with a quick peck on Stelle’s closest hand, leading to an elongated silence as both women simply looked into each other's eyes, faint blush creeping up on their faces.

Warmth. Rest. Protection. Peace.

Chapter Text

Firefly was only used to being around the other Hunters in the morning, so Stelle’s routine and morning care were completely new to her. She didn't just get forced into the next job to fulfill her script. She wasn't forced to spend her sleepless night planning tactics on the best way to overcome whatever obstacles she has upcoming. Instead she simply got to relax and chat with Stelle. Conversation between the two came easy, as Stelle tied her hair in a bun and started cooking them both breakfast. Firefly was somewhat distracted by this change in hairstyle, but welcomed it. It gave Stelle a more refined, almost domesticated feel, in contrast to her usual fluffy mane that's endearingly feral.

“I like your hair done up like that, it’s really cute.” Firefly mumbled out, not fully meaning to say her thoughts aloud. Stelle simply accepted the compliment with her usual calm demeanor, nothing like the protective and sensitive mess that she was last night. Firefly didn't mind, she liked all the Stelles she's seen; Protective, blubbering, silly, confident, calm, combative, eloquent. A complete package.

Despite the unexpected events of the previous night, Firefly’s main goal was still achieved. She went to an event and was seen just as herself with no ulterior motives. She got to experience a (relatively) normal night out without judgment or wannabe bounty hunters, and all with the bonus of sleepy cuddles with her crush and a pretty decent omelet made by her in the morning. She couldn’t even remember the last time someone has shown her this amount of care, if it has ever happened. Firefly’s introspection was interrupted by Stelle breaking from their topic of choice and stating,
“I'm really glad I got to see you again, Firefly. How about we go out again, just the two of us, in a few days? I'll let you pick what you want to do and it'll be my treat, to make up for any hard feelings you may have about all this.”

Firefly didn't even have to think before replying “Oh there’s no hard feelings, not against you, but I will take you up on that offer. It sounds lovely.”

“Alright then, it’s a date! I'll text you to smooth out the details? I should probably be getting back to the Express soon to let everyone know I'm alright, and let you get back to…wherever you go when I'm not around.” Stelle said, beaming at Firefly so warmly that Firefly couldn’t help but smile right back.

“Kafka was going to meet up with me here in Penacony sometime today anyways, so I'm not actually heading back to “wherever I go” just yet.” Firefly giggled at the phrasing before continuing. “But I'll be sure to let you know once I have our day planned, okay?”

“Sounds great, do you need me to walk with you?”
“No, I should be ok, it doesn't seem too far from here actually. I’ll get out of your way so you can wake up a bit and talk to everyone.”

With that, Firefly left the room they were in, giving Stelle a small wave before shutting the door behind her. Stelle returned the wave and didn't say anything, as she stuffed her mouth full of eggs and toast in a very Stelle way. Firefly got a few steps away from what she noticed was the Captain’s personal suite, before a realization hit her.

A date.

Stelle and her just agreed to go on a date.

Firefly couldn't contain the giddy energy that gave as she stomped rapidly in place, taking all her effort to not scream a little, jump in the air, anything to release this joy without alerting Stelle. Once she caught her breath and composed herself she walked away from the suite with a skip in her step and a flutter in her heart.

—

Firefly arrived at the agreed upon meeting location she had set up with Kafka earlier that morning. A small café, tucked away in a random corner of the street, with very little in the way of foot traffic passing, or business within. It didn't take her long to find the woman, given she was the only patron in the entire establishment. A small wave from Kafka to get Firefly’s attention, and the two were seated across from each other in a comfy secluded booth.

“I hope you don't mind that it's just me here to meet you, Firefly. Bladie was meditating back at base, and I didn't want to interrupt him. Wolfie had some other matters to attend to that I'm sure you'll hear about later.” Kafka said in her mature, lilting voice, the slightest of smiles on her face.

“Oh that's quite alright, it's good to not be around so many people for a bit. It’s kinda crazy how well connected the Express is.”

“Mmm, that’s for sure. Did you want anything while we talk? The lattes here are divine.”

“No thank you, Stelle made me breakfast so I'm actually feeling pretty good right now” The mention of Stelle piqued Kafka’s attention, a quick raise of the eyebrow.

“Great to hear, tell me more about this party. It was a bit of a surprise seeing you leave so suddenly dressed the way you were, I don't know if I've ever seen you be quite so excited for anything before.” Kafka’s unchanging vocal tone betrayed her clear interest in the topic, especially given her sudden reaction to the mention of Stelle.

“Well, it was all quite intimidating really. There were so many people there and I knew so few of them. I ended up mostly just staying on the sidelines watching the crowds and saw as Stelle chatted with like half of the guests. I eventually decided to go inside and warm up, and talked to a super nice bartender, turns out she was also a friend of Stelle’s. We talked for a while about her, and eventually a mutual…friend of ours got a hold of me. She was as weird as usual, but then I talked to March for a bit and it was a good return to normalcy. She had a lot to say about Stelle. Then all the stuff you already know about happened. Woke up and had breakfast with Stelle and now I'm here!” Firefly rambled with no pushback from Kafka, just allowing the girl to let her thoughts run free.

“Firefly.” Kafka stated with a stern turn to her voice, sending a shiver down Firefly’s spine.

“Yes, Kafka?!”

“I have never heard you talk about one person so much.”

“Oh, uhm. I suppose you're right.” a nervous laugh escaped from Firefly’s mouth.

“Firefly. Are you trying to date my daughter?”

“WHAT, I MEAN Y-NO, why would you ask me that so suddenly, Kafka?!” Firefly blushed so intensely that it reached her ears, a shaky smile across her face. “Is it a problem if I say yes?” She just barely managed to whimper out. Kafka’s intense gaze remained on her but softened somewhat seeing this reaction. Is this what Kafka wanted to see? Firefly can’t help but wonder.

“Oh there’s no problem at all. Not from me at least. I'm glad you can see all the potential my little nova has, and you're no slouch yourself. I just wanted to test you a little. Your life is yours to live, Fifi, and Stelle’s her own.” Kafka stated with her smile growing and her tone softening even more.

Firefly squinted at the usage of this nickname again, though the first time she heard it was from Stelle last night when she was in a panic. She slumped her head into her arms resting on the table and sighed.
“Are you where that nickname comes from, Kafka?” The sudden question elicited a quiet laugh from the other Hunter.

“Oh no, that one's a Stelle original. I just find it quite cute. Fitting for you two.” Kafka stated while tilting her head, all sternness from earlier replaced with affection for the girl across from her and the one in her thoughts. A sudden, light cough from her brought Firefly back to attention.
“I’m not really the one you should be worried about though, I must admit. Your biggest worry, now that should probably be my lovely fireball of a wife.”

—

“YOU CALLED MY EX-WIFE AND DIDN’T ASK ME FIRST!?!” Himeko yelled at a cowering Stelle, seated on one of the seats in the main cabin of the Astral Express. The pair were laser focused on each other and their argument as Himeko paced back and forth, fuming about this seeming slight against her. The rest of the crew were powerless to stop what was occurring, so they stood a safe distance away from the commotion and observed, with Dan Heng, Welt and Pom-Pom on one side of the room, and March 7th alone on the other.

“Who else was I supposed to call, Himeko? Kafka is around Firefly more often than me. If she had a change in her condition she would know what to do.” Stelle adamantly stated, arms crossed as she stared down Himeko, whose face was almost the same shade as her hair.

“I understand that! That's not my problem with this. My problem with this is that SHE is a Stellaron Hunter. The most wanted of all of them, need I remind you, and you call HER instead of ME when it comes to the issue of comforting a single girl.”

“Himeko, please, I didn’t know what was happening, I panicked and thought she was hurt and needed help, I didn’t know that she just passed out from nerves and exhaustion. If I knew that's all it was I would have called you instead. Does that make you happy?”

“But that isn't all this is, is it? You threw a party and purposely sent an invite exclusively to a Stellaron Hunter, using OUR name and titles. Do you have any idea how much trouble that could have gotten us into with the IPC? With literally anyone else who was at that party?”

“I didn’t send it to a Hunter, I sent it to her. The human, her alias, whatever you want to call it. Not to Sam, but to Firefly. I don’t really see what the problem with that is, she was well protected on our ship from any prying eyes. I really doubt any of the low level lackey’s or Stonehearts know or care who she is anyways.”

"Oh my- STELLE, how are you not getting the problem with this…” Himeko and Stelle continued on in this fashion for a while, captivating enough that March 7th didn't even notice the bright blue hologram of Silver Wolf appear right besides her.
“Wowww, I would REALLY not want to be Stelle right now.” The Hunter laughed to herself as she leaned against the railing in front of her.

“AAH! When did you get here?” March asked, surprised not just at the appearance of this guest but also her identity.

“Oh, just a second ago. Kafka sent me here to make sure things don't get too nuclear here on the Express. Could be bad for all of us, ya know? Regardless, I am totally gonna record this and send it to Firefly later.” Silver Wolf chuckled to herself as she pulled out her phone, aiming it at the pair of heated debaters.

“Hey, that's rude! Stop that!” March tried to take a swipe and grab Silver Wolf’s phone from her hands, uselessly passing right through it.

“Did you really already forget I'm just a hologram? Whatever, I was just messing with you about recording it. Well, with my phone at least.” She said with another laugh.

“Ugh, you are so annoying. If you're gonna watch, just do it quietly, please.”

“With pleasure, princess.” Silver Wolf said with an eye roll, as they both returned their attention to the arguing duo, still very much at it.

“Mom, I–”
“Don't you ‘Mom’ me right now young lady, especially not when we're talking about Kafka.”

“Mom,” Stelle repeated in a hiss. “I really just wanted to show Firefly a good time. She really, really needs a break from what she’s gone through. I was not intending on involving Kafka in the slightest bit. Honest.” She said while raising her arms in the air, as a show of innocence.

“I don't appreciate you going behind our backs to infiltrate the Hunters. Not without mine or Mr. Yang’s approval.” Himeko said while pointing a finger in Welt’s general direction. Dan Heng and Pom-Pom could hear him softly sigh and say under his breath “please don't include me in this”
A reassuring pat on the back came from Dan Heng.

“And I don’t appreciate you calling my romantic encounters “infiltration”. That's like, super weird, Mom. I'm an adult. Even if I wasn't, that's still a super weird thing to say.”

“How else would you like me to refer to it, hmm?”
“A date? Escapade? Flirting? Fun? Not infiltration. You were married, you should know this.” Stelle said with a scoff.
“YOU. Do not speak like that to me, do you understand?” Himeko pointed an accusing finger at Stelle, genuinely seeming upset at that statement.

“My bad, that was uncalled for, I'm sorry. Actually sorry. Can you please just like, give me permission to date her or something. Please? I will involve Kafka the absolute minimum amount necessary. You will be my number one on the call list if I ever have girl problems. You've helped me through plenty already so I know I can rely on you.” Stelle said as she stood up, and slowly approached the still noticeably mad Himeko, arms crossed, eyes shut and facing away from Stelle. She released a heavy sigh, before talking again.

“Those conditions are acceptable. And you are forgiven. But we will talk about this again if there's EVER a similar incident, understood?” Himeko huffed out another deep sigh.

“Understood. Hug?” Stelle asked, slowly opening up her arms to fully accept the agreement in the ceremonial way her and Himeko’s arguments always end.

“Hug.” Himeko agreed, and pulled Stelle in to be forgiven fully.

“I love you, Mom”

“Love you too, my little nova. Now get out of here and let me drink my coffee.” Himeko said as she ruffled Stelle’s hair and gave a small kiss on her forehead.

Despite the very touching nature of the scene, and March’s initial inclination to let out an “aww”, she was interrupted by a certain intruder making her presence known once again.

“Ooop, this is my cue to leave, cya princess.” Silver Wolf flashed a peace sign as she vanished into thin air, as if she was never there to begin with.
March, somewhat torn on what to feel given the very mixed emotional stimulus, decided to deal with the physical person walking her way.

“Hey Stelle. That went… well?” March said with an uncertain smile, hoping to coax out something from her fellow trailblazer.

“Oh yea, way better than expected to be honest. I could barely eat in front of Firefly cuz my stomach was turning, thinking of all the bad ways that could have gone.”

“I mean not only did you not return to the Express on time, you called Kafka, had a Hunter in your bed, and nearly beat a guy senseless. Getting a hug and a veiled threat is like, record breaking patience from Himeko to be honest.”
“Glad to have gotten your approval in apologizing, Miss March. Can we go to your room for a while? I need to chill for a bit. Hug a plushie or something.”

“Sure,” March responded with a giggle “let’s go get you plushed up.”

Shortly after the pair of women settled into March’s overwhelmingly cute room, with March laying on her bed and Stelle in a beanbag chair, ferociously snuggling a Pom-Pom plush, their calm was interrupted by a bright blue flash, as hologram Silver Wolf appears sitting on March’s desk chair.

“Yo.”

“Aeons, when did you get here?!” Stelle asked in a shock.

“Hey Wolfie.” March stated dryly without even bothering to look up from her phone, not seeing the bewildered face of Stelle ping ponging between the two girls.

“Oh I was there for most of your argument back there,” Silver Wolf said pointing behind her with her thumb. “Real touching stuff you Express folks get up to.”

“Why are you even here?" Is the better question, I assume it's not just to scare me shitless.”
“Pffft, nah. Kafka sent me here so I could keep an eye on the situation here on the Express, to make sure her wife didn’t murder her kid. Normal stuff, ya know?” Silver Wolf said while barely holding back a laugh.

“I appreciate the concern I suppose, but a spat like that shouldn’t be worth being spied on. Family arguments happen all the time.”

“Yea, well this one doesn’t just involve your family, does it? It also involves our “family”, cuz ya know…mwah.” punctuating the end of this sentence with pushing her hands together with an exaggerated kissing sound.

“Yes, I get it, my dating life is apparently worth intergalactic attention. Did you have anything else you needed to tell us or are you just here to mess with me?” Stelle said while blushing profusely, clearly flustered by how much attention a single half-date brought her, dreading what the upcoming full one would do to her.

“Mostly just to mess with you,” Silver Wolf replied with the biggest shit-eating grin possible. “But I'm also invested in Firefly’s well-being. Don’t stand her up, alright? Or else I'll sic Blade and Kafka on your ass so fast.” Following up this threat, Silver Wolf did an exaggerated "I'm watching you” hand motion before laughing and starting to disappear again “Bye now, Stelle, keep in touch.”

Shaking off some of the fluster, Stelle hugged the plush even tighter and looked over to March for some semblance of support after being harassed by the little gremlin of a Hunter.

“So you're going on another date with Firefly, huh? Good on ya!” March said with a grin.
“Yea, actually, thanks for the reminder, I was gonna text her before we got so rudely intruded on.” Stelle said with a chuckle. Snuggling into the beanbag and plushie on her lap, settling down to work up the courage to plan their first genuine date.

—

Not long had passed in the chat between Kafka and Firefly, when Firefly’s phone started to blow up on the table, alerting both women.
“Mm, that's probably Wolfie now, if I had to bet.” Kafka hummed out while lightly pushing Firefly’s phone towards her. “Go ahead and hear what she has to say. I’m curious too.”
“Alright, I will.” Firefly nodded and turned her attention to her phone.

SW “OMMGGG why did kafka never tell me her break up was so messy, i thought stelle was gonna be ripped apart lol”
F “What happened, is Stelle okay?”
SW “oh yea shes fine now, but being between such insane moms must be a pain in the ass lol, when were u gonna tell me u 2 are going out?”
F “Me and Stelle are not going out, she invited me out for a date and I agreed.”
SW “so ur going out lmao, im glad u found a hottie for yourself. just dont end up like kafka and himeko lol.”
F “What is that even supposed to mean, Wolfie? Anyways, thanks for the update, I should get back to talking to Kafka. Byebye :)”
SW “Yuppp, tell kafka ill send her the vid later, she knows what im talking about.”

“So, what did our little Wolf have to say?” Kafka asked, back to her usual demeanor.

“She said she was gonna send you a video? And wished me luck on dating Stelle.” her face became flush at this admission of intent.

“Hmm, well I agree with her there. I'm happy to see my little nova hasn't lost her light.” Kafka allowed a small smile to grace her face as she patted Firefly’s empty hand reassuringly. “How about you come back with me so you can get ready for your next date, mm?”
“That sounds nice, thank you Kafka. Just don't force me to wear any of your coats.” Firefly laughed.

“Tsk, suit yourself, I think I have great taste in coats.” Kafka laughed alongside her, faking offense at her statement. Before they could get up and be on their way, Firefly’s phone pinged one more time getting her attention quickly, hadn't Silver Wolf already said all she needed?

S “Heyyy bestie, how'd your romantic night in the starlight go?”
F “Sparkle, is that you? How did you get my number?”
S “Oh, I'm hurt. What's wrong with your friend having your number? I just wanted to wish you luck in all your endeavors. Unless of course, you're not planning on meeting Stelle anymore?”
F “I'm meeting Stelle, yes, but I don't see how that's your business. I will at least thank you for pointing her in the right direction to help me last night, you saved us both a lot of trouble.”
S “Hmm, that's more like it, praise me more! You really know the way to a girl's heart don't you? If you're not careful you're gonna woo me and not Stelle, you know.”
F “I'm going to act like you didn't just say that, and I'm going to text Stelle instead. Goodbye, Sparkle.”
S “Oof shut down so fast. Good luck on your date hun! <3<3”

Firefly shoved her phone into her bag with a huff, and sped up to catch back up to Kafka.
“Who was that?” Kafka asked, noticing the fluster in the girl's walk and face.

“A fool, but a helpful one, I suppose.” Firefly sighed, genuinely trying to figure out how she feels about Sparkle after last night.
There seemed to be a lot of moving parts to the blooming romance that she has found herself in, which excited and scared her in equal parts. Firefly enjoyed this newfound attention in some ways, she is wanted but not in the way she’s used to. The warmth and fluttering in her chest felt much nicer than the blaze of combat and the shudders of anticipation from an incoming blow. She could feel the harshness and tenseness being replaced with anticipation for whatever the next day brings.

Chapter Text

Finally the day of Firefly and Stelle’s first proper date had come, and Firefly had never felt so nervous in her entire life. Kafka helped her prepare and calm down so she wasn’t a complete wreck when she met Stelle. They both decided that simple was best for today, and that Firefly didn't need to wear anything special. A basic brush through her hair and smoothing of any ruffles in her clothes was all it took before Firefly was sent out to meet up with Stelle. On a date, something that was still hard for her to believe, with Stelle of all people. She was beyond overjoyed and could not stop silently thanking whatever Aeon must be watching over her to grant her this kind of happiness. It didn’t take long after arriving on the street they agreed to meet for Firefly to see Stelle, sitting alone on a bench playing on her phone.

“Hey Stelle!” Firefly called out, closing the distance to her companion.

“Firefly! There you are!” Stelle caught Firefly in a light hug, pulling back slightly but keeping her hands on Firefly’s forearms, barely a foot of space between the two women. “Shall we go?”

“Yes, I didn’t sleep last night thinking of all the things I wanted to do with you today!”

“Fifi, you don't usually sleep at night.” Stelle said with a chuckle.

“Yea I know,” Firefly giggled. “I just wanted to see if you'd catch that. So that nickname stuck, huh?” With that they separated from their half embrace and started walking to their first destination, snacks.

“Do you not like Fifi? I can try to think of something new but everyone usually hates the names I come up with.” Stelle stated, brow already furrowing trying to cook up suitably cute names to call her companion.

“No, I really like it, it was just kinda surprising hearing Kafka say something so cutesy out of nowhere.” Firefly said while a blush started spreading across her face, no doubt the first of many today.

“Then Fifi it is! Oh, but shouldn’t you have your own thing to call me, it's only fair.”

“How about…Starlight?” Firefly asked with a small smile, turning towards Stelle to watch her reaction.

“Perfect.” Stelle stated with an extra shine in her eyes, clear adoration for the one who bestowed her a new nickname to her weirdly long list. This one is near the top of her list though.

“I'm glad you like it!” I am never going to tell her this name came from Sparkle, she thought to herself. I can’t give that Fool the satisfaction.

The pair kept walking, light banter between the two, any distance between them quickly closing till their shoulders continued to bump, not bothering either in the slightest. Light brushes brought a small blush to both parties, sometimes causing a brief hitch in their conversation from the flutter in their chests. 

They eventually reached the snack cart of their choice, grabbed something to eat and drink before they went on to their next destination, clothes shopping. Firefly silently wanted to use this as an opportunity to dress Stelle up in cute outfits and ogle without consequence. 

As was always the case in Penacony, advertisements are ever present and can easily overwhelm the senses if you slip for a second. Maybe it was her excitement to be with Stelle, maybe her hyperfocus switched targets at the wrong time, maybe it was something else entirely, but for a moment Firefly kept absentmindedly walking not even realizing that Stelle was not right beside her. This brief haze was shaken off by a yell and a flurry of motion.

“FIREFLY WATCH OUT!” Stelle shouted as she grabbed the unfocused girl and tugged her towards herself and into a tight embrace. Fractions of a second later a vehicle screamed by, missing Firefly by mere inches. Firefly shook off the haze and refocused, but now a new sensation overtook her attention. Or rather, the lack of one.

Firefly has held many people close to herself during missions, her ability to fly and leap great distances coming in handy in almost every situation she found herself in with the Hunters. Holding someone close to her body, even through SAM she could feel one constant, and that was a heartbeat. Kafka’s was always steady due to her lack of fear, Silver Wolf’s changed often, and Blade’s was slow but consistent. In the brief moments that Stelle hugged her, saving her from being hit, Firefly felt nothing. 

Stelle doesn't have a heart. Not in the critical sense, but literally. Firefly had no choice but to just keep this information to herself for now, the middle of a Penacony street was no place for a sudden heart-to-no-heart.

“Hey, Fifi, are you okay?! You nearly got hit.” Stelle asked, double checking Firefly for any obvious signs of damage.

“Huh, oh, um yea, I’m good. Sorry to spook you like that, just spaced out a bit. Should we keep going? Your snacks are gonna get cold.” Firefly said with a slight chuckle, trying to sort out the thoughts in her head, starting to walk away before a hand snatches her wrist.

“Wait! I don't want you to space out again and get hurt. Here.” Stelle said while opening up her palm, a clear invitation for Firefly to take her hand in hers. She obliged, taking a moment to slide her hand into place, feeling the fine contours of Stelle’s palm before stretching out, brushing the full length of her fingers, then intertwining their fingers, another moment sliding over to feel the space between her knuckles, and yet another moment to create enough space to draw circles in Stelle’s palm with her thumb.

Firefly could feel herself burning up from blush at this intimate contact and looked up to see Stelle looking at her with an equally flushed face. The pair quickly averted their gaze from each other, but the handhold stayed firm. After a brief moment that felt like an eternity, they silently agreed to continue their night out, walking towards the next destination, hand in hand.

“Where to next? You were pretty vague about what it was you wanted to do today.” Stelle asked with a chuckle.

“Right, the main thing I wanted to do was try on clothes with you. I think you'll make quite the wonderful model for my vision.” Firefly giggled, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Sounds great, as long as I get to return the favor. I have some visions of my own you'd be perfect for.” Stelle returned the mischievousness two-fold, sending Firefly into a deep fluster not expecting her own tactics to be turned against her. Never had she faced such a crafty opponent, truly worth learning from.

Finally, after light ribbing and some walking, the closely entwined pair made it to their boutique of choice. One major advantage of technically being a dream was that they don't have to worry about sizing or inventory issues, they’re free to treat each other as personal dress up dolls to their heart's content.

Firefly had her turn first, overwhelmed by choice for what would look good on the unassuming beauty in front of her. After a moment of pondering, she eventually decided. Simple first, an outfit reminiscent of workout gear, very fitting for Stelle’s toned physique. Her lean but muscular legs were hugged tightly by leggings, and her arms exposed by the sleeveless top. Firefly’s gaze lowered slightly and locked onto Stelle’s abs, rippling and toned like the rest of her, but fully unexpected as Firefly has never gotten even a glance at Stelle’s tummy. It was taking every bit of her willpower to not try and run her fingers along those smooth valleys and hills. A hand snuck down from the owner of her current fixation, blocking her view.

“Hey, I'm gonna have to charge you if you keep staring like that,” Stelle said with a quick wink. “Though for you, Fifi, you'll get a steep discount.”

Using the pet name now of all times, so unfair.

The next outfit was a play on the dress that Firefly adored seeing Stelle in, a far more puffy ball gown. Having much more coverage than the previous outfit and her other formal wear disappointed Firefly some. Goodbye abs, it was good to know you. This outfit made Stelle look like some kind of aloof princess in a drama romance series Firefly had no desire to read, except maybe the romance parts.

Next outfit was a surprise to both parties, as Firefly picked a masculine style dinner suit, fitting well on Stelle’s slightly broad shoulders. Firefly decided it needed an extra touch and so she helped Stelle to tie her hair into a long ponytail reminiscent of the one she had during the party. This rounded out the outfit perfectly, lending Stelle the air of a refined bodyguard of a VIP celebrity.

“Oh I could get used to this one.” Firefly purred out, almost taken aback at her own boldness.

Falling fully into character, Stelle went into a quick bow “How may I be of service, Madame Firefly?” The sudden acquiescence to this persona sent Firefly into one of her most intense blushes yet, unable to deal with the charisma coming from the usually tousled woman in front of her.

“You may be of service by changing out of that and not embarrassing me so much.” Firefly stated with a coy giggle.

“Right away, Madame Firefly.” Stelle dryly stated while still deep into a bow, before shooting Firefly a smirk and turning on her heel to reenter the changing room, a laugh echoing from behind the curtain.

The next few outfits came and went, a mixture of casual and formal, of risque and classy, all to Firefly’s liking, no doubt because of the woman inside the outfits. The suit though, now that had some real potential for her. Eventually Firefly realized she ran out of planned outfits and it was now Stelle's turn to turn the tables. Stelle seemed to realize this too, as with a wide grin she sat down in the chair next to Firefly, gestured towards the changing room and whispered. “Madame?”

Stelle started with surprisingly conservative choices given the attitude she started this with, opting to give Firefly various sweaters, hoodies, and long sleeves to pick from. For bottoms, it was mostly what Firefly would have paired with the tops herself, skirts and leggings of various cuts and colors. All of these outfits were simple yet cute, and were being given kind, approving nods from her onlooker and designer.

“Ya know Starlight, not that I’m complaining, but I expected something more…extreme from this exchange.” Firefly exchanged a glance with Stelle, who with this statement widened her grin even further, stood up and closed the distance between her and her companion.

“Oh this was just the appetizer, the extreme comes now, Fifi.” Stelle said while brushing hair out of Firefly’s face and rubbing her cheek in the process.

“Hehe, ok.” Firefly was suddenly far more nervous for what that meant than with the sudden contact.

“I’m just messing with you Fifi, you don't have to wear any of the next set if you don't feel comfortable with it, but I did pick them cuz I think you could pull them off. I'm excited to see which ones we agree on.” The quiet graceful smile returned to Stelle’s face as she returned to her seat, putting Firefly’s mind back at ease. Right, Stelle would never force her to do something she's not comfortable with, not in an overbearing way but in just the way Firefly likes. 

Returning to her own place behind the curtain, a renewed sense of confidence in her companion, Firefly looked at the list of outfits and-

“Oh my gods, Stelle, really?!”

A loud laugh came from the other side of the curtain, Stelle’s plan finally coming to fruition. A crafty opponent never to be underestimated, taking advantage of Firefly’s heart like this. Firefly deeply sighed, and picked up the first outfit.

A bold piece that she would never pick herself for a variety of reasons, Firefly stepped from behind the curtain wearing a crop top with a black mesh shirt over top, meeting at the waist with a black pleated skirt, multiple pointless chains connecting to various parts of the beltline.

“Looks good on you, but somethings missing.” Stelle mused to herself, observing the slightly squirming Firefly.

“Yea, a shirt, I feel so exposed.”

“Aha! That’s what's missing, you need to be meaner to me.”

“What.”

“Ya know, lean into it, be mean to me like someone who wears that would be.”

Half genuine and half playing into Stelle’s desired character, Firefly scoffed and turned her head up and away from the seated girl, “Pathetic, asking so much of me,” She marched over to her seated companion, arms crossed as she looked down at her, eyes half lidded. “Can’t believe you’d ask me to wear something like this.”

It’s at this moment that Stelle would normally laugh off Firefly’s attempt at rudeness, but something else caught her eye that she never noticed about the woman standing above her. Her eyes quickly flitting to all over Firefly’s exposed skin, Stelle noticed scars of all shapes and sizes on her arms and legs, dents on what would be a flawless masterpiece of a person. But Stelle didn’t mind, and even found them charming in a way. Tucking this memory away for later and returning her gaze to the unmarred face of Firefly, a single word coming from Stelle’s lips.

“Beautiful.”

Suddenly extremely flustered and breaking out of her character, Firefly sputtered out “It's hardly that good looking of an outfit, I'm going to put on the next one now!” With a loud huff she returned behind the curtain, certain that Stelle couldn't see her burning red face buried in her hands.

“I meant you, not the outfit.” Stelle almost mumbled out, still in awe at how effortlessly pretty her Fifi was.

“Just shush and wait for me to come back out, I won't be long.” Firefly said while removing the outfit to put on the next of this embarrassing list. Oh the things she does for Stelle. The sudden shift in mood was quickly forgotten, and they fell into the same rhythm as they started, Stelle providing approving nods or reassuring shakes of the head at the various outfits. 

A schoolgirl type outfit, both agreed, was a little odd looking on the surprisingly tall Firefly.

A suit next, which seemed to make Stelle realize the appeal that Firefly saw in it.

A flurry of more outfits, more subdued than Firefly expected given how this “Extreme” section began came and went, Firefly feeling especially good in some of the flowy and modest dresses in the selection. Stelle has good fashion taste it seems. A small noise from Stelle made Firefly perk up from putting her regular clothes back on, expecting the gauntlet to be over.

“Um, Fifi, if it's not too much trouble, there’s actually one more outfit I want to see you wear before we head to dinner.” Stelle said this with an unexpected softness to her voice that caught Firefly off guard, it was almost a plea but she could tell that this request from her starlight was a genuine one, no more tricks or jokes.

Waiting for Firefly in her changing booth was an immaculate wedding gown. Her jaw dropped, head swirling with what this is implying, mouth opening and closing silently as she tried to find the right words. As if reading her mind, Stelle broke the silence.

“This one is really selfish of me, I know. I just saw it in the list of the clothes and couldn't stop thinking about it this whole time we've been here. You don't have to put it on if it would be too much for you to handle. I'd understand.” As Stelle was shaking her head preparing a thousand apologies for overstepping a line, approaching the changing booth, she caught a flash of white in her vision as Firefly stepped out already in the dress.

Delicate lace covered Firefly’s shoulders and neckline connected at her cleavage to a simple bodice providing some support for her chest. A sleeveless design, besides some ornate epaulets pinning the lace into place, draping just barely over her biceps. A small distance of bare skin before she was wearing matching lace gloves. Back to her body, the waistline was tied with a pale green ribbon, and the dress flowed to the floor, edges of the fabric lined with lace, with a relatively small train behind. Her hair held up with a pure white headband with white roses adorning one side, half of a veil draping over one side of her face. The lace all had a matching rose and butterfly motif.

Stelle and Firefly had no choice but to wordlessly stare at each other, neither willing to break the moment of awe. An overwhelming blush on Firefly’s face stood out against the pure white of the dress. Stelle simply admired silently at all of Firefly’s features being perfectly framed by the dress, despite the girls fidgeting and slightly tugging at the dress. Stelle eventually, wordlessly, closed the already miniscule distance between the two and placed a gentle kiss on Firefly’s forehead.

“Thank you, Fifi. It’s perfect, just like the person wearing it.” Stelle said as she's lightly pulling Firefly into a hug, nuzzling into her hair. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome, my Starlight. But this seems a bit sudden?”

“Yeah, I bet it does, I'll explain over dinner. You can get back into your regular clothes, and I'll double check our list of what we want to buy, sounds good?”

“Sounds perfect, I'll just be a minute.”

Stelle does as she said and started to check some things they wore to add to their cart, crossed off others as duds or simple jokes. She hesitated once she hovered over the wedding dress Firefly just stunned her into silence with.

“Too much too soon.” Stelle whispered to herself as she marked it off, removing it from their purchases. The rest of her decisions were easy and quick, finished just in time for Firefly to exit the changing booth, finishing touches adjusting her headband back into its proper place. A quick smile at Stelle as she held her hand out, mirroring the earlier invitation, which Stelle grabbed with no hesitation. 

They made their way to the clerk of the store, a thin girl with long black hair and bright blue eyes, a wide grin on her face as the couple approached.

“Find everything okay?” the clerk took their purchase list and started ringing up all the clothes they wanted.

“Yes, it was really refreshing getting to try on so many cute clothes with this beauty here.” Firefly said as she squished her face into Stelle’s shoulder, a look of admiration on her face.

“Good to hear, I'm glad the small things can bring you elation. Now am I billing The Express or the Hunters for this purchase?” The clerk asked with a familiar wide grin, looking between the couple.

“Oh, bill me directly, I'll get my phone out to pay,” Stelle said, not thinking much of the recognition. “Can I have those sent to my suite on the Feldspar?”

“Of course, ma’am, I’ll be sure your order arrives in a timely manner. Thank you for your patronage.” She leaned into a polite bow, wide grin never leaving her face for a second, not even wavering.

The couple left the store, Firefly ensuring the door was shut behind them before frantically asking, “Aren’t you worried that she knew who we were? There’s no way she could have just luckily guessed our identities, right?”

“Calm down Firefly, me and you are practically celebrities in Penacony. I’d be more surprised if someone didn't know who I was at this point.”

“But she knew I was a Stellaron Hunter, what if she tries to report me?” her grip tightening on Stelle’s arm and hand as she said this.

“Relax, Fifi. The people here really appreciate all we've done, it would be really rude to report one of the saviors of your planet just cuz she went clothes shopping, don't you think?”

“Yeah, you're right. I'm so used to having to be under the radar, I'm not used to all the positive attention. Even if it does feel good getting it.” Firefly sighed and relented to her companion.

“That’s my girl, I knew you'd come around. Now let's go get dinner.” Stelle said as she tugged Firefly closer to her, hand in hand, arm around arm down the sidewalk to their next destination.

They entered their restaurant of choice, and were seated in a private booth, away from prying eyes and ears. Not that they really needed that level of privacy, but it did help Firefly take some of her paranoid edge off from the previous recognition. The couple shared a bottle of wine and some appetizers, chatting away before Firefly was reminded that she did have something to bring up to Stelle.

“Hey Starlight, you said you would explain the wedding dress thing over dinner. Is now a good time?” head resting on an open hand, other hand lightly swirling her glass of wine, looking quizzically at the woman across the table from her.

“Oh yea, I will. Hopefully I didn't spook you too much with that, I just didn't want to explain it out in the open like that,” Stelle said, quickly finished her glass, and poured herself another. 

“So, like I said, it’s a pretty selfish desire. Basically, I wasn't sure when or if I would ever see someone I know wearing something like that. I don’t see March or Dan Heng getting married anytime soon, neither have partners and definitely aren’t into each other. Himeko and Kafka were already married when I came into the picture, and you already know how that is. Mr. Yang doesn’t seem interested in anyone romantically, ever. And Pom-Pom doesn't count.” 

A quick sigh and glance at her partner before she continued. “Sorry if you feel used at all. I'm just glad I got to see something like that at least once. Thank you, Firefly, really.”

A brief silence hung between them for a moment before Firefly reached her hand across the table, fingers spread out as yet another invitation. Stelle let go of her drink and she took Firefly’s hand in hers before looking back up at her.

“I could never be mad at you over something like that, my Starlight. I'm glad that you trusted me enough to be let in onto something so special to you. And I promise that it won’t be the last time you see something like it, you have a lot of life left to live.” Firefly was beaming at her partner, hoping to put some joy back into her slightly deflated companion. It worked, as Stelle perked up like a dog smelling their favorite treat.

“It’s a promise then. And you’ll be there with me for it?”

“Mhm, if that’s what you want. Dressing up is always fun after all.”

“Alright. It’s a plan and a promise. You ready to get out of here?”

“Lets. I need some fresh air.”

The couple left hand in hand yet again, walking in silence for the first time in the night, before coming along a small park area and sitting in one of the many vacant benches. Silence continued for a few beats, until the pair suddenly locked eyes with each other. Firefly immediately blushed and turned her head away as Stelle’s glowing gaze stayed on her face. She eventually turned back to see Stelle's eyes glow even brighter as her eyes flicked up and down, alternating focus between Firefly’s eyes and her slightly quivering lips. Firefly began matching the motion, between the two luminous orbs gazing at her and Stelle’s lips, connecting the dots in her head as to what was about to happen.

“Firefly, do you-” Stelle trailed off, but saw an affirming nod from Firefly, no need to fully spell out what she wanted at that moment.

Stelle put a hand under Firefly’s chin, lifted it slightly, and their lips finally met. The pair spent a single moment in this simple, chaste kiss before it evolved. They allowed themselves to melt into each other under the golden light, the boundary between them now nonexistent. Firefly parted her mouth slightly to take a quick breath, but was interrupted by Stelle taking a gentle bite of her lower lip, hitching her breath before going right back into the passionate kiss, moving her hands to Firefly’s back and thigh to pull her deeper in. Firefly reciprocated by wrapping her arms around Stelle’s neck allowing herself to droop down some. Stelle took the cue to lean in even further so that she had almost pushed Firefly onto her back. They continued to push the boundaries up to the point where Firefly’s tongue was about to intertwine with Stelle’s before the woman on top pulled back, leaving Firefly’s tongue to drop and hang in the air for a moment. The two gasped for air, having not stopped this embrace for even a moment once it began. Their senses somewhat returned, Stelle pulled Firefly back up before she scooted slightly further away and caught her breath.

“Wow.” Firefly simply stated, a small hitch still in her breath, surprised by how quickly that had gone from romantic to sensual. Her heart was beating so hard she could feel it in the rest of her body.

“Yeah.” Stelle agreed. The pair sat without talking for a moment, agreeing they needed to take a second before anything else could be handled.

“So I had something to ask you.” Both women state at the exact same time, causing laughter between them.

“You first.” Stelle chuckled as she gestured towards Firefly, who caught Stelle’s open hand in her own, giving it a light squeeze.

“So when were you going to tell me you don’t have a heart?” she dryly stated, but with no malice intended in her question.

“Pfft, and here I was worrying it was gonna be something way worse. I'll tell you, but it'll have to be somewhere more private. My place or yours?” Stelle asked with a raise of an eyebrow.

“Well, considering my room here is shared with Kafka,” Firefly paused dramatically, a finger on her chin. “I’m gonna have to go with…Yours.”

“Good choice. Shall we?” Stelle pointed with her shoulder to get them up off the bench and on their way to the Feldspar. Firefly agreed, taking a slight tug from Stelle to get her up and off the bench. They made their way to their end goal in a comforting quiet, focused entirely on their intimately intertwined fingers and arms, both taking this time to rub small circles on the other.

Back in the somewhat familiar space of the Radiant Feldspar’s lounge rooms, the intertwined pair made their way past all of the small lounges and to the captain's personal suite. Stelle unlocked the door, let Firefly inside and both took off their coats and shoes, placing them onto a nearby rack. 

A fairly large package with the logo of the boutique they visited earlier sat in view and caught Stelle’s attention.

“Go ahead and make yourself comfortable Fifi, I'll be with you in a second.”

“Of course, Starlight. I’ll just let Kafka know where I'm at real quick.”

Stelle walked over to the large package, noticing a smaller package in elaborate red wrapping paper, bundled up with rainbow ribbons. A small tag attached that took no effort for Stelle to yank off and read.

“Thank you for your patronage, we hope this bonus gift will bring that extra bit of joy you desire.

-Hanabi Fashions <3”

Curious at what the bonus gift that they did not request could be, Stelle tore off the wrapping paper, tossed it in the nearest trash, and gingerly opened the thin box. Inside was an incredibly raunchy set of lingerie and a bunny girl one piece. She slammed the box shut, blush spreading over her entire face as she tossed the box into a nearby drawer. As she did a small note fluttered to the floor, simply reading.

“For the lovely newlyweds who graced my establishment.” With a small illustration of Sparkle blowing a kiss. Stelle threw it in the trash immediately, and finally came over to find Firefly sitting down on top of the covers of the bed.

“What was that all about?” Firefly asked, nothing but innocence in her tone.

“Just…just checking the receipt to make sure we got everything. It’s all good, we can go through all of that later.” Stelle said, suppressing as much of the blush as she can, sitting down next to her partner before it flared back up at Firefly’s next question.

“So why did we need to come here to talk about your heart? Or, lack of one I guess.”

“Ah that. Well, because a thorough explanation will require me to strip.” Stelle said with a chuckle. Her nonchalance at this shocked Firefly, sending a wave of blush over her more intense than Stelle’s.

“Well, I have a guess what your question was about, so I will need to strip too. Fair is fair, I suppose.” Firefly nervously laughed before turning to Stelle, who was patiently waiting for Firefly’s approval before they both elaborate. “So, me or you first Stelle?”

“I’ll go first, mine should be quick. Relatively speaking at least. Also I don't mind if you watch me change, considering what we're about to do.” Firefly silently nodded in agreement, and watched intently as her partner hoisted her baggy shirt up and over her head, tossing it aside and giving her hair a quick shake out of her eyes. 

Firefly could already see part of the answer to her question. A large circular burn scar covered almost a fourth of Stelle’s otherwise perfect skin. Much of the burn was covered by her bra, so she looked to Firefly for permission to disrobe further, met with another silent nod. Stelle unclasped her plain bra, slid it off, and let it drop to the floor before turning back to the staring Hunter.

“So, you might be already putting the puzzle together here, but I'm willing to answer any questions about…this” Stelle stated while gesturing to her own chest. 

“Can I touch it?” Firefly quietly asked, Stelle nodding and holding out an open palm. Firefly reached out to meet her, and Stelle grabbed her by the wrist to guide the shaky hand without too much discomfort to herself. Stelle first guided her fingertips to her sternum, where Firefly noticed a small, lightly pulsing yellow glow coming from inside Stelle’s chest, perfectly in time with her chest rising and falling with every breath. A small shudder from both women as first contact was made. "This is where the Stellaron inside my body is resting now.” 

Her hand now lightly dragged towards the center of the burn on her left side where a nipple should be, but instead perfectly smooth but discolored, scar tissue covering the entire area giving the appearance of a mispainted doll body. She gently pulled the hand into herself, Firefly’s hand instinctively gently cupping the damaged breast. “This is where Kafka forced the Stellaron into my body, and where my heart used to be.”

Another light drag of the hand towards the other side of her chest, unscarred. Firefly recoiled her hand slightly before Stelle gave her a small smile and nod, a silent affirmation of consent. Firefly placed her hand onto Stelle’s unscarred breast cupping it just as gently, but eliciting a small moan from the woman in front of her this time. Stelle’s now slightly erect nipple between Firefly’s thumb and index finger. “And this is just to prove my heart didn’t move, but is fully gone from my body. Oh and also my tits!” Stelle said the last part with a laugh, letting go of Firefly’s wrist which hovered near Stelle but eventually dropped to the bed.

“When I heard that you had a Stellaron inside your body I could only imagine what kind of havoc that would wreak on the body but you seem perfectly fine. I just… don't get it.”

“To be honest, I don't fully understand it either, but I guess I just have to thank whoever out there is looking out for me, letting me live a free life.”

“Yea. May I… may I listen?” Firefly said, clear disbelief and relief in her voice.

“Of course Fifi, c’mere.” Stelle said as she opened up her arms to embrace the girl and allow her room to wriggle into the most comfortable position. After some time to settle in, and some giggles from Stelle as Firefly’s soft hair tickled the various parts of her chest, they became entwined in the most intimate way so far. With her ear pressed into Stelle’s chest, she felt a small warmth, hotter than just skin to skin contact should be and could hear a low, barely audible thrum. It’s surprisingly comforting, such a low and consistent noise. Especially combined with Stelle gently running fingers along the top of her head and through her hair. Almost enough to lull her to sleep, but she had to uphold her side of the bargain. Reluctantly she separated from her partner, looking up and seeing Stelle smiling down at her so gently. Adoration and welcoming another person to know this aspect of herself.

“Before I share my part, who else knows about this?” Firefly asked, genuine concern in her voice.

“About the Stellaron? A handful of people. The physical toll it took on me, only you.” Stelle said, a gentle smile not leaving her face.

“Oh, ok. Thank you for letting me be the first. What I'm about to share, you're the only one privy to as well.” Firefly blushed before starting to remove her own clothes. Stelle shot her hands up to her eyes so she wouldn’t peep, but Firefly playfully smacked her hands. “You don't have to hide, silly, I'm keeping my underwear on for this. Look all you like.” With consent given Stelle dropped her hands and patiently watched as Firefly slowly got undressed, peeling off her layers until she was down to her shockingly racy underwear. A silent eyebrow raise from Stelle prompted Firefly to preemptively defend herself, “Kafka said it's good to wear fancy underwear on a date, in case something happens.” Blush aggressively spreading at her statement, Stelle’s staring, and her own exposed state.

Thank you for this gift, Mom. Stelle thought to herself. 

“So, ask away,” Firefly said while spreading her arms out not for a hug but to give Stelle a clear view of what she was most curious about. “I’m an open book for you, my Starlight.”

“May I touch, Fifi?” Firefly nodded at the request and watched as Stelle gently ran a finger over one of the scar marks. “You have so many scars, how did you get all these? Is SAM not protective enough?”

Firefly shook her head, “He’s plenty protective, so much so that I barely felt it when I got most of these. We’re so closely linked to each other that any nick or dent he receives gets reflected on my body too. I have never once fought outside of SAM, and yet my flesh is scarred by combat.” To emphasize her point she summoned one gauntlet of SAM’s armor and showed Stelle that the scars and dents lined up perfectly, Stelle running a finger along the smooth metal surface of Firefly’s life support and greatest weapon, though a crag in the armor.

Stelle seemed lost in thought, hands off of Firefly and on her own chin and lap as she came to an epiphany. She gently leaned in towards Firefly, and before putting her hands onto her, waited for approval which was swiftly granted. Stelle lifted up Firefly’s arm, found a scar, and lightly rubbed it.

“Where is this one from?” Stelle asked.

“Firefight with the IPC, one of them surprised me and fired from behind. I couldn’t dodge so I shielded my vitals with an arm instead.” As she finished explaining, Stelle planted a gentle kiss on the center of the scar. A shiver through Firefly’s spine. Stelle traveled to the next scar, closer to the shoulder.

“Fragmentum monster, rookie mistake in letting it close distance.” Another kiss and another shiver.

The opposite arm’s wrist. “The Swarm. Got caught in a cloud of Stings.” Another kiss.

That arm's bicep. “A…Fellow firefly unit sacrificed herself to destroy a Swarm Mother. A piece of her armor pierced my own as shrapnel.” A deeper kiss, for a deeper hurt.

Down to the inner thigh, a shiver before a kiss was planted. “Oh my. That was a failed assassination attempt. Bounty hunterrrr… tried to hamstring me. Don't think he realized that’s not how robots work” A giggle at the tickling sensation of Stelle’s finger running along the length of the scar turned into a full moan as she used her tongue instead. Switching to planting multiple kisses on the path she paved with her tongue. Stelle fully sat up to meet Firefly’s gaze head on, both faces full of blush. Stelle was about to speak up when she noticed one final scar worth her attention.

Right on Firefly’s neck.

A light touch after another consenting nod, and Firefly was a stuttering mess trying to get her words out but eventually she steadied herself enough to blurt out,

“Uh that one, ahaha, funny story. That one is… from you, Stelle. When we first fought and you didn’t know I was SAM, you swung your bat so hard at his neck that it actually chipped it. Couldn't look around for a week after that without it hurting.” Firefly chuckled, somewhat nervously that her partner had left a permanent marker on her body without realizing.

“Oh, if I left this one, I have a better idea of what to do about it.” Stelle’s grin turned frighteningly devious, as she lunged for Firefly’s neck mouth-first, latching on directly to the scar.

“Stelle, what are you-” But Firefly cut herself off with a moan, as Stelle kissed, and bit, and sucked at the skin around the scar, hoping to leave a new kind of mark in its place. Firefly couldn't help but shiver and purr at this sudden affection, hand tangling into Stelle’s hair just to have something to ground herself with. Once Stelle was satisfied with her work, she pulled back, pecked Firefly on the cheek, and observed her work while wiping the spit from her mouth.

“Now THAT is a mark I can be proud of and claim as my own.” Stelle proudly proclaimed.

“Holy shit Stelle…that was…insane.” Firefly was left a panting heap just from this one sudden show of attention, but her heart still fluttered at the care and love she was being shown through the whole process. “Why did you do all that though?” Firefly barely managed to gasp out.

“Oh simple, scars are a permanent reminder of things that can be painful, physically or emotionally. I just thought I'd try and give you something new to associate them with. Something sweeter. Did it work?”

“It definitely did something for me. Might have to try a few more times to make sure it stuck.” Firefly responded with a sudden confidence and a mischievousness to match her partner.

“Be careful what you wish for there, Fifi. I just barely released my inner beast ” Stelle said with a clawing motion and a fake growl, which forced a laugh out of the girl who has now recovered from being a heap.

“You are truly something else. You must be tired though, do you want to rest up now? I’ll stay with you until you're asleep.”

“Aww, don't just leave me in the middle of the night Fifi, not after all our fun tonight.” Stelle stated while slipping her baggy shirt back on and her skirt off, making do with these impromptu pajamas.

“I won't leave you entirely alone. I just won't be asleep. You're welcome to use me to sleep better yourself, alright?”

“Deal. Get over here.” Stelle said to the still nearly naked Firefly while motioning for her to get into a hug.

“Oh, one sec.” Firefly hopped off the bed, skipped over to Stelle’s jacket, slipped it on over her underwear, then skipped back to the bed. “OK, all better now.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you're the cutest woman in the world?” Stelle asked as Firefly snuggled into her embrace under the covers of the bed, warming herself up with the blankets and her partner.

“Hmmm, I dunno, maybe?” Firefly faked obliviousness as she gave Stelle a quick boop on the nose. “Why don't you tell me more sweet things and maybe I'll believe you in the morning.”

“I’ll tell you for as long as it takes for you to realize I’m telling the truth.” A quick kiss to Firefly’s forehead.

“You better.” Firefly returned it by popping her head up and planting a more deliberate kiss onto Stelle’s lips, then retreating back into the embrace.

“Mmm, no fair. Goodnight Fifi.”

“Goodnight, my Starlight.” I love you , Firefly wishes she could add but opts to just snuggle in a bit closer to Stelle, her starlight.

Chapter Text

Firefly does not sleep most nights due to her altered biology. Even though she should have felt exceedingly tired after her and Stelle’s activities , she found herself a different kind of restless than usual. Taking extra care to not disturb Stelle, who was sleeping soundly while having Firefly in a full spoon, Firefly crawled out of her grasp and out of the bed, slipped on her shoes, and made her way onto the deck of the ship. This late into the night, no one was around but her, but to avoid getting too cold she zipped up Stelle’s jacket that was still draped around her. 

She walked around silently on the deck, dragging a finger along all the railings, lost in thought. Only one thing to do in a situation like this, she found a spot on the deck that was hidden but had a decent amount of open space. She rummaged around in her pocket before finding the device used to call on SAM, half-heartedly lifted it above her head and practically whispered.

“Sam, activate.”

With a flash of green and orange fire, the intimidating mecha appeared behind Firefly immediately scanning for threats.

“Sam, stand down, I just wanted to talk to you for a bit.” Firefly’s voice had been completely drained of excitement, everything coming out quiet and monotone.

“Understood Operator Firefly. This unit will stand down. Query: What does Operator Firefly desire to discuss?” 

Firefly slumped down, holding her legs up to her chest. Moving to match, SAM sat down across from her, legs criss-cross and awaited further input from his operator.

“I want to talk to you about what I'm feeling right now.”

“Affirmative: Now assessing the operator's health condition.”

“No, not like that,” Firefly dryly chuckled. “What I'm feeling here.” She said with a pat to her chest.

“Affirmative: No threatening conditions to the operator's heart are detected. Query: Does Operator Firefly mean this “Non-literally”?”

“Yes, I do. I don’t know what I'm feeling around Stelle, or what she feels around me. It's frustrating.”

“Query: May this SAM unit access the emotional database. Additional Query: May this unit speak candidly after accessing the database.”

“Permission granted, go on Sam.”

A small moment passed as Sam accessed his internal database of human emotions while comparing it to the cataloged health data of Firefly and Stelle during their previous activities some hours prior.

“Data compilation completed. Permission to Speak, Operator?”

“Granted.”

“Statement: My scan shows the most common ‘feelings’ shared between Operator Firefly and Target Stelle are; Trust, Compassion, Lust, Attraction. Candid Statement: This unit believes that the Target has fallen for the Operator’s seduction tactics, and is thus ‘in love’ with Operator Firefly.”

“I did not use any seduction tactics, but thank you for your analysis Sam.” Firefly laughed at the clinical description of a date.

“Query: Was listening to Compatriot Kafka’s suggestions pre-altercation not preparing these tactics?”

“I don’t think your dry scientific way of seeing things would be able to understand what she was telling me.” Firefly blushed at her actions being put so plainly.

“Analysis: Operator Firefly’s blood flow and heart rate has been altered just now. Statement: This same phenomenon was recorded during all interactions with Target Stelle, an increase of over 300% when compared to the average day of the Operators life.”

“You mean blushing, Sam?”

“Affirmative.”

“Okay, what data do you have on Stelle then? How does she compare?”

“Analysis: Target Stelle does not possess a heartbeat, and thus comparing data is exceptionally difficult for this unit. If this unit had to extrapolate, Target is likely encountering similar phenomena to the Operator.”

“What level of confidence in your analysis, Sam?” Firefly asked plainly, used to dealing with the autonomous functionality of her other self.

“Approximately 86%, Operator.”

“Understood, thank you Sam.”

“Of course, Operator. Does the Operator have any further queries?”

“What should I do about my feelings for Stelle?”

“Please give this unit a moment to process your query.” True to his word, Sam fell quiet, visor dimming to show the reallocation of his resources. What a human would call thinking hard.

“Processing complete. Statement: Further seduction of Target may have advantageous outcomes for Operator Firefly and Employer Elio. Suggestion: Continue down this course of action, as it poses limited physical risk to the Operator compared to the potential gains. Query: What does the Operator feel about this analysis.”

“I don’t want everything I do to center around Elio and his script. This isn’t about work right now, Sam.”

“Affirmative. Please discard that section of this unit’s analysis. Continued seduction of the target may reap benefits for the Operator, outside of the Employer’s interest.”

“So is that your way of approving of me dating her, Sam?”

“Affirmative. Statement: Operator’s brain function and mental health has improved noticeably since the reintroduction of the Target into the Operator’s life. Further analysis may be sent to Operator as more data is made available.”

“Understood Sam. Thanks for this, I just needed to clear my head a bit. I just… really hope Stelle doesn’t get too upset if she hears about my lifespan issues. I shouldn’t have promised so much for her future like that. I’m setting her up to hate me.” Firefly said this as she dropped even further into a ball of limbs. 

“Permission to speak, Operator.”

“Granted.” 

“Statement: Use Target Stelle’s information network to find a solution to the entropy loss. Deceive the Target as needed, if it would help the Operator’s mental state. This unit will not disclose any unwanted information to outside parties.”

“That’s…actually not a bad idea Sam. I don’t like the deception part, but I understand where you're coming from. Thank you.”

“Of course Operator. Do you require any further assistance from this unit?”

“No, thank you. You are dismissed Sam.” SAM obliged, standing up, and disappearing into a burst of flame the same way he initially appeared. Firefly, now back to being alone on the deck, started to feel a chill wash over her mostly nude body, taking for granted the amount of heat that SAM was providing to her. 

Firefly mulled over who she could contact in silence for almost an hour, completely lost in her own head to the point that she hadn’t noticed a figure looming over her. Upon realizing that they weren’t going to get an immediate reaction out of Firefly, they leaned on the railing next to her, waiting for the girl to eventually snap out of whatever she was going through. The figure didn’t have to wait long, as Firefly stood up and perhaps unintentionally said aloud the first person on her list to ask, “Jade!”

“Yes, can I help you?”

Firefly jumped at the sudden sound and only now noticed the presence of the woman to her side. Panic flooded Firefly’s features, but Jade returned it with a small, sinister smile.

“Well, can I? It’s not often I have women suddenly shouting my name at 3 in the morning.” A light yawn escaped her slightly curled lips.

“How long have you been standing next to me?”

“Well, that should hardly be your first question, but only 15 minutes or so. Decided to get some fresh air and take a break from working before I saw you and thought you’d be far more interesting than the work I left behind.” Jade’s eyes took a moment to eye up the now standing Firefly and her borrowed clothing. Jade reached out to fix Firefly’s collar and quickly licked her lips.

“Now, I can pretty easily tell who you're here with, but you're going to have to tell me why you're here. Let's go back to my office, hmm?”

“Alright. I was going to check if you were there in a minute anyways, but you gave me a heart attack first.”  

“My apologies, you were apparently so deep in thought about me that you couldn't even notice my approach.”

“I wasn’t thinking about you. Well, not only you.”

“Mm, that's a shame, I do love to be in the heads of cuties like you.”

“Um, Miss Jade, aren’t you and Miss Topaz, ya know, together?”

“Yes, of course we are, but I can’t resist teasing you when you make it this delectably easy.”

The pair of women made their way to Jade’s office, one party significantly more uncomfortable with this situation than the other. The interior of Jade’s office on the Feldspar was kept immaculate, but everything was tinged a deep purple, matching her usual attire. She sat in her chair and motioned to Firefly to sit down across from her, and Firefly obliged. 

“So, if you don’t mind me asking some questions of my own before we get to yours?”

“Yea, that’s fine.”

“Splendid. Now as I alluded to earlier, I can tell you're here with the Captain, but do you mind explaining what your relationship to her is? Or would you like to leave it entirely to my imagination given your current state?”

“I’m not fully sure what we are at the moment, to be honest. I know how I feel about her at least.”

“Well, I'll fill in the gaps myself, and give you the free information that you're the first person she has shown this much interest in, and I promise you I did my research.” Jade scribbled something in her notepad after this exchange and prepared her next question, that sinister smile curling her lips once again.

“You do realize how much of a mess you look like right now? You should probably try to cover up some more before you leave here, especially right here.” Jade poked her own neck with one end of her pen, leading Firefly to smack herself and feel the bruised skin that Stelle had marked her with a few hours prior. Her face blushed fully in an instant.

“Oh, um thanks for the advice I suppose.”

“No problem dear, I can tell you're new to that sort of thing. Just looking out for a fellow woman with a girl who fucks like a beast.” Jade pulled down her collar slightly, showing she has her own marks, but in a more hidden location. “These things come with practice.” Not a single hint of blush had covered Jade’s features during this exchange, leading Firefly to feel even more flustered. 

“So, with my questions done, what can I help you with?” With that, Jade put the pad she had been writing on, and brought out a different one, ready to hear Firefly’s request.

“Alright, I’ll explain any further if you need but I'll get right to the point. I'm dying. Quickly. An incredibly stupid failsafe was put into my body when I was made to only be a weapon. But now that I'm trying to just live my life, I realize there's so much to see and I just won't have the time to do it all, and I'll inevitably be leaving behind so many people that care. I want a way out. To not have this shadow of my previous life over me anymore.” Firefly began to choke up at this candid admission of her mortality, but before she could continue Jade cut her off.

“This is because you love Stelle, isn't it? You want to live your life with her but are worried her unique biology will grant her longevity far past your own, am I wrong?” Jade’s twisted smile began to stretch further at this pointed question.

“No, not at all.” Firefly just looked down in her own lap, ashamed at her own selfishness. Her chin was soon lifted by the end of Jade’s pen, forcing eye contact.

“Now normally I charge a VERY high price for my services. More than anyone seeking me out realizes before it comes back around and bites them in the ass. But for you, dear, I'm feeling uncharacteristically generous.” Jade lightly scoffed before continuing. 

“It’s also incredibly tantalizing, getting both the Express and the Hunters in my debt from a single transaction, so I am going to cut you a deal. I’ll help you, free of my usual charge, but your two organizations will essentially hand me a blank IOU.” Jade returned to her serpentine grin and gaze locking onto Firefly’s wavering eyes, before slowly opening her palm. “Do we have a deal?”

“Yes, Jade, I believe we do.” Firefly said, locking hands with Jade in a firm handshake. Jade quickly leaned into the contact, putting her mouth up to the ears of the still incredibly nervous Firefly, and whispered.

“Don’t regret this.”

The words sent a shiver down Firefly’s spine, and she released her grip on Jade’s hand, with the other woman releasing shortly after.

“Now, if you don't mind, I can draw a vial or two of blood from you, and I'll report my findings to you in…let's say a week? I’ll be sure to put my top IPC bioscientists on it. Don't want to squander the opportunity you've given me. Oh, and don’t worry about telling the higher ups about the IOU’s. If you want that to be a secret between you and me, I will keep it as such.” 

Jade’s features looked the most serpentine in this moment, as Firefly splayed out her arm to give Jade the best access to her vitals. Jade rummaged around in her desk before finding the syringe and vials she needed, drew the blood, swirled around one of the vials looking exceptionally pleased with herself, before capping them off and placing them in a secured box. Firefly turned to leave, considering their business concluded, not bothering to say another word to the woman who was still seated at her desk.

“A pleasure doing business with you, Firefly.” Jade hissed out.

Firefly started walking back towards Stelle’s suite, more tired now that she had lost some blood and had to deal with someone so exhaustingly professional for so long. A small chime played in her head signaling that SAM wished to say something to his operator.

“Speak, Sam.”

“Query: is it safe to trust such a manipulative serpent? They are traditionally depicted as duplicitous creatures, and symbols of deceit.”

“I know what I'm doing Sam, when dealing with a serpent, you have to mind its fangs. She didn’t play me nearly as hard as she had hoped.” Firefly was putting on a brave façade for her alter ego, afraid that if she showed too much fear or apprehension he would take matters into his own hands, however that materialized.

“Understood Operator. Query: Are you returning to bed with the Target?”

“Correct Sam, you're dismissed. I need some quiet, if you wouldn't mind.”

“Understood. Have a good night, Operator.” Firefly simply let out an affirmative grunt at this, finally getting back into the Captain’s suite. She quietly shuffled off her boots, crawled back under the covers as gently as she could, and snuggled back into Stelle’s embrace, regretting ever leaving it and vowing to not let her catch wind of the deal she had just made with a snake. Before falling into a light slumber, Firefly whispered so low only she could hear.

“I love you Stelle. I’m not gonna let you lose me.”

Chapter Text

Firefly was not the only one of the duo with a strained relationship with sleep. Stelle had become used to it over time, leading to her being able to outwardly appear in a peaceful sleep no matter what, but inside her mind she suffered every night. Every single night without fail she would have endless nightmares of the worst possible outcomes coming to pass throughout her adventures. These only escalated after the Stellaron became a part of her being. 

What would have happened if Welt hadn’t knocked her out? Stelle witnessed as she was the sole survivor of a disaster of her own creation, her potential energy bursting forth and dooming the entirety of Herta Space Station, killing her new Express companions within an hour of meeting.

Death by Belobogian firing squad, due to mistreating the Supreme Guardian and her daughter, said daughter heading the squad herself. Or being picked off and being picked apart by fragmentum monsters in the frigid wastes of the outskirts, helpless as Dan Heng and March fell before she could help them. The icicle through her chest that in reality gave her greater power being fatal, body split apart at the force of the attack.

The Xianzhou guards execute them for associating with a criminal, Kafka fully betraying them or even slaying her adoptive daughter with her own hand. The Lord Ravager’s plans come to fruition and all aboard the ship perish.

Worst amongst these nightmares are the ones where Stelle slays the crew with her own hand, without even knowing why. Their blood on her hands, staining her clothes and skin a dark hue. And now she has a new fear, a new nightmare.

Killing Firefly.

What if she had tried harder in her fight with SAM, what if she pierced his armor and unknowingly killed the occupant, the closest friend she had encountered thus far. 

What if?

What if?What if?WhatifWhatifWhatifWhatifWhatifWhatif

The thoughts kept harassing her, beating her down and not letting her few moments of rest be peaceful, fitting of someone who would mistreat and murder the way her dreamself often did. Stelle would always have these nightmares, long before she was adopted or before any of these adventures. Seeing more just meant more fuel for the fire. More people meant more victims and more—

Awake.

Stelle had woken up suddenly, more agitated by her dreams than usual. Her mind raced to separate dream from reality, not helped by her equally sudden realization that Firefly was gone from her bed. Eyes darted to scour every inch of the room to ensure her worst nightmare didn't come true.

Clock? Time is early in the morning, maybe she just stepped out?

Clothes? Still on the ground and bed, she couldn't have gone far.

Shoes? By the door, no way she left then.

Couch? Empty, she had to have been in Stelle’s arms for most of the night.

Bathroom? The lights were on and the door closed, Stelle felt a sense of relief but her panicked mind would not allow her to rest easy with just that information.

Tears started to well in Stelle’s eyes as she stumbled out of bed, and went to the door of the bathroom, her waking mind still filled with worst case scenarios that haven’t been disproved. Her hand reached down to the knob but was interrupted as it opened and glided away from her. Behind the door was a freshly showered Firefly, opening the door to see Stelle on the verge of mental collapse.

“Oh hey Ste– What’s wrong, why are you crying?” Firefly prioritized her partner, rushing to cradle Stelle as she started collapsing to the ground in heavy dry sobs.

“Shhh, it’s ok, my Starlight. I’m right here. I didn’t leave you.” Many quick kisses landed on Stelle’s forehead and hair, as soothing circles were rubbed into her back. The couple stayed in a crumpled pile on the ground for a few minutes, Stelle eventually returned the embrace and nuzzled even closer into Firefly, seeking comfort and proof that her lover was real and not a cruel figment of her imagination. The sobs from Stelle subsided over time, and her grip loosened until her arms were completely slack on the ground, all her weight resting on Firefly’s chest and shoulder.

“I'm so sorry Fifi I’m sorry I hurt you I didn't mean to I wasn't in my right mind” Stelle barely choked out from the sobs still trapped in her throat.

“You're okay Stelle. I'm right here and I'm not hurt. Let's get you back to bed, okay?” Firefly lifted the limp girl up off the ground and practically dragged her back to the bed. She set the still stunned girl down and took a seat next to her, hand placed over Stelle’s to provide an anchor. The pair sat in silence, the worst of Stelle’s fit having subsided, her breathing shaky but no longer frantic.

“I'm sorry you had to see me like that, Firefly.”

“You're okay, really. Do you want to talk about it? I’m here for you no matter what.”

“I have night terrors. They get really bad sometimes, and I just… saw so many bad things happening to you and my family, and I had to prove it wrong somehow. Make sure it hasn't happened.” 

“Is there anything I can do for you? You know I'll help however I can.” Stelle had kept her gaze averted, down towards the ground, unfocused. Occasionally she stole glances at Firefly but had to avert her eyes again when she saw the emotional hurt and concern in her partner. Pain that she caused.

“I don't think so. I mean, last night was actually really peaceful but then suddenly in the middle of a normal dream, it all turned…bad. Violent. It eventually stopped, and I saw nothing for a while, but then right before I woke up it all went bad again.”

Firefly’s mind immediately connected the dots that the times that Stelle had the worst of her terrors were most likely the times she was not in the bed. Her talk with Jade and her getting up to shower lined up too well for it to be a coincidence.

“I can’t relate to the dream part but I think. I think I'm why your dreams got bad, Stelle. I’m sorry.” Firefly admitted feeling extreme guilt built up inside.

“Hey, don't blame yourself. How are you so sure that you're the reason my dreams took a turn?”

“You said you had two particularly bad bouts of terrors?” Stelle quickly nodded. “Well, I left the bed two times last night and the time of your terrors matches when you weren't holding me. So I think me leaving the bed triggered something in you. Sorry.”

Stelle’s face visibly changed as she started thinking if Firefly’s explanation made sense, and couldn’t find any flaws. Firefly was an extremely calming presence for her in waking life, so why not in sleep too? A furrowed brow deep in thought slowly relaxed, teary eyes calmed, lip stopped quivering, and Stelle turned to Firefly.

“Well, sounds like you’ll just have to sleep with me more often. I see that as an absolute win!” Stelle proudly proclaimed, back to her usual self leaving behind the dour mood and prompting Firefly to giggle at the sudden shift.

“Yes, it does seem that way doesn’t it, and I agree,” Firefly laughed even more. “This is a win, for both of us. You actually help me sleep better too.”

“Then you’re officially now my cuddle buddy, congrats!” Stelle said with nothing but joy on her face, all her previous pain washed away by the promise of embracing her lover more often. 

It was unconscious for Stelle, and remained unspoken but that was what Firefly had become to her, her lover. Stelle welcomed this change of perception, as she had never felt this close to someone before. She came close, of course, with March, Ruan Mei, Natasha, and even Kafka before she realized she was married already. But this level of intimacy was new and exclusive to Firefly. She was not going to just admit that out of the blue though, she had already decided that Firefly got to decide the pace of their relationship, her comfort and consent key to any decision made that affected the couple.

Unknown to Stelle was that Firefly had her own reservations about “advancing” the relationship though the connection was clear. She didn’t want her looming mortality to affect Stelle in any way but she had already allowed passion to lead them to the point that they were sleeping together and Stelle confidently was leaving conspicuous marks on Firefly. That reminded her to bring up,

“Hey Stelle, you do realize how hard it is going to be to cover up this mark you left, right?” It only got worse overnight.” Firefly pointed to the now very clear hickey on her neck where Stelle decided to “replace” the scar. A nice gesture, Firefly thought to herself.

“Hehe, yea I did do that, huh? I think one of us bought a turtleneck yesterday, that should work if we can dig it out.” Stelle’s face held no shame about her actions. An unrepentant racoon to her core. Firefly moved to the still unopened box of clothes sitting in their room, and started rummaging through it to find her clothes for the day, somewhat decided for her. Sure enough, after some digging she found the turtleneck, and some leggings to go with it. She also figured that since Stelle “decided” her outfit she would pick Stelle’s, going with a casual androgynous look of some slim jeans, a plain shirt and a hoodie over top.

After they got cleaned up and ready for the day, they shared a breakfast and decided that they both just needed something simple, and a museum or aquarium would fit the bill just right. There weren’t any physical ones near them so the next best thing was to use a shared dream bubble, which at least removed the threat of crowding or being recognized. 

Before they could get on with their plans, they passed by Jade leaning on a wall outside her office, reading through some documents. She noticed the entwined couple passing by and gave a small smile and waved their way. Stelle returned the gesture happily, while Firefly was more hesitant. After they moved by her, Firefly heard the familiar chime.

“Operator, danger behind.”

Firefly turned around to see Jade practically staring a hole into her, and as soon as their gaze met, Jade gave a wink and a far more sultry wave. Firefly quickly whipped around to stop looking at her, physically shaking off her blush.

“Everything okay Fifi?” Firefly gave Stelle a quick nod in response, the faint sound of Jade giggling at the casual use of a pet name seemingly only noticed by her.

“Yea, must just still be a little sleepy, let's pick up our pace a little?”

“No problem, I'm excited too!” The pair scurried away from the airship, making their way to their dream bubble emporium of choice. Taking a browse through the selection, they selected one that would be suitable for their date as planned. They held hands tightly and pressed their foreheads into the bubble, diving into the vision at the same time.

Maybe it was due to Stelle’s presence or because these were more memories than true dreams, but Firefly could actually experience them. She relished the opportunity to have secluded time with her partner, taking in the sights they would struggle to experience otherwise. The pair found themselves in a twisted, nonsensical but beautiful aquarium with exhibits and creatures as far as the eye could see, weaving and intersecting in such a way that it was almost impossible to tell which side of the glass they were on.

Making their way through they observed and interacted with whatever caught their eye, petting the fish and deep sea creatures, getting positive responses all around. They joined schools of fish and swam with them, patted the smooth shells of crab-like creatures, and let small fish and starfish climb them like they were walking reefs. They were even able to climb onto a large whale-like creature and ride it around through the aquarium for a while, the whale letting them hop off whenever they wanted to float around in a particular environment for some time. The couple stayed in this bubble for a few hours and shared many underwater kisses, a new stimulus for both parties. Upon realizing how much time had passed, Stelle spoke up.

“Hey Fifi, do you wanna get out of here? I thought of something special we could do for part two of the date.” It took Firefly a second to realize they weren’t actually underwater and could breath and talk normally. After taking a few test breaths she responded.

“Of course Starlight. Where are we going?”

“That’ll be a surprise, let's get out of this bubble and go back to the ship. We're gonna need to pack.” Stelle said while taking a firm grasp of Firefly’s hand. “Ready to go?”

With an affirming nod, Stelle removed them from the dream bubble. She had to pick Firefly up off the ground since she collapsed from suddenly not being weightless, but the pair laughed it off and brushed off the dirt, making their way back to the shared suite they had been using. No sign of Jade made Firefly a bit more comfortable as they slipped back into the suite. Firefly felt a heat rising up in her realizing that she was in a private space with someone she’s shared many intimate moments with, but that heat was not embarrassment or fluster. 

It was desire. 

Firefly hurriedly rushed up behind Stelle, grabbing one of her shoulders and spinning her around.

“Something wro–” Stelle was interrupted by Firefly pulling their faces together, forcefully locking the pair into a kiss, far deeper than any they shared that day. Stelle was quick to catch on, pulling Firefly into an embrace and wrapping her up in her toned arms. Firefly had one hand on the back of Stelle’s head and the other around her torso, ensuring she couldn't get away. Stelle reciprocated the extreme want for proximity by picking Firefly up with a quick motion, eliciting a small yelp from the now elevated girl. Stelle placed an arm around Firefly’s butt as Firefly locked her legs around Stelle’s waist. Now completely entwined all they could focus on was the pleasure and desire between the two.

Firefly, mid taking a breath, decided to make the kiss even deeper, her tongue hitting Stelle’s lips. She enjoyed what she tasted, but wanted more and Stelle was happy to oblige, opening her mouth to invite Firefly in. Taking her offer, their tongues started swirling and twisting around each other, neither pulling back except for quick small breaths. Small moans came from both parties, giving a pleasant hum within their mouths onto their partner’s tongue. Stelle broke away fully from the kiss first, Firefly making a disappointed moan as she pulled away. Stelle’s eyes were a burning yellow, glowing so bright they were like spotlights on Firefly’s breathless face.

“Why’d you stop?” Firefly said with a whimper, a hitch in her breath, her eyes more than half lidded looking down at the glowing, hungry eyes of her lover. Stelle opened her mouth slightly, revealing her teeth. Firefly was so kiss drunk that she vigorously nodded, assuming Stelle was just taking a break before returning to their melting embrace and asking for permission to continue. What she didn't expect was for a hand to shoot up to her collar, yank it down with force, and for Stelle to latch onto her neck and collarbone. Light kisses scattering on the soft unscarred skin.

“Oh, fuck Stelle, yes!” Firefly moaned out breathlessly, becoming an almost scream as Stelle fully bit into the same pliant flesh she was just treating so gently. She started biting and kissing and sucking all over Firefly’s neck and down her chest as far as she could reach. Firefly decided two can play unfair and snuck a hand under Stelle’s shirt, grabbing a hold of Stelle’s unburnt breast, massaging and lightly pinching the erect bud she found between her thumb and index. Stelle’s biting only became more hungry from this contact, a deep moan right into the crook of Firefly’s neck. 

Stelle unlatched from Firefly’s neck, quickly observing all the marks, saliva, and even some spots where the sharpest of her teeth drew blood, small rivulets of crimson against the smooth cream of her skin. Firefly kept her massaging and pinching going as Stelle fully caught her breath, hitches whenever a sweet spot was touched. Firefly eventually slowed her touch and withdrew her hand completely, laying her arms slack around Stelle’s neck. The pair took an unspoken few moments to catch their breath, Stelle keeping a firm hold of Firefly as they both slumped onto the ground, a far more pleasurable mirror of the morning's impromptu cuddle. 

“Hey Firefly?” Stelle asked between pants and leftover moans.

“Yes, my Starlight?”

“I love you.”

Oh. Firefly had imagined a more grandiose occasion for their first uttering of this, but she was overjoyed nonetheless.

“Of course.  I love you too.” Firefly lifted her head up off of Stelle’s soft, broad shoulder and looked her in the eyes. “I love you so much.” A passionate but considerably more chaste kiss on the lips this time.

Perhaps only a few seconds were spent in the afterglow, perhaps it was minutes. The couple didn't know or care, they just cared about the person in their embrace. Stelle was first to break the silence.

“So, about packing…” Stelle chuckled at the complete divergence from what she had originally planned for this chunk of time.

“Right, packing, you did mention that. We might have gotten a little side tracked.” Firefly began to stand up and off of Stelle’s lap, her wobbly knees helped by Stelle acting as a sturdy object to lean on. Stelle quickly followed after Firefly, seemingly no end to her endurance as she didn’t even seem winded from doing all of that while lifting Firefly off the ground.

“You're gonna wanna pack warm. It’s really cold where we’re going and you're not going to be able to just bust out Sam as a personal space heater. That could complicate things.”

The pair packed light but warm, mostly for Firefly since Stelle knew they had to take a stop to the Express first and she could grab her warmer clothes then. They made their way out of the suite with just a few packed bags, Stelle neglecting to actually mention their immediate next destination was the Express. Firefly was left guessing and confused since Stelle just carried normal conversations, hand in hand, as if nothing was wrong, and so Firefly decided to place her trust in her lover and accept what came. 

She wasn’t expecting that trust to land them in front of the Express’ main cabin door, with a very cross looking Himeko blocking the entrance.

“And where do you think you're going, young lady?

“Oh hey mom! I was gonna take Fifi on a date to Belobog, there’s some stuff there and people I think she’d really like!” Firefly nervously broke her gaze off of Himeko just to see Stelle with one of the most genuine and gleeful expressions she’s ever seen on a human. She couldn't help but blush at the extreme nonchalance of using her pet name, yet again. 

“Were you now?” Himeko started, walking towards the couple eyes now locked onto Firefly, nervously huddled into Stelle’s arm. “And I presume this is the ‘Fifi’ you speak of.”

Firefly gathered all her courage, since she was suddenly being brought home to the family when she expected this to just be a regular date with Stelle.

“Hello again, Miss Himeko. It’s a pleasure to see you again. Your daughter has treated me very well.” Firefly dropped her head into a quick bow, and then shot her hand forward for a handshake, brain rapidly searching for what kind of etiquette she should be using right now. Himeko delicately grabbed the outstretched hand, giving it a curt shake.

“Charmed. Good to hear she hasn’t been too much of a pain to handle.” Himeko quietly said before quickly looking at her daughter and scowling. “How about you get on the Express now Miss Firefly, I have something to say to my lovely child. In private.”

“Oh of course, Miss Himeko. Thank you so much, I'll see you both in a moment.” Another quick bow and she scurried onto the Express, abandoning Stelle to whatever fate she had made for herself. As soon as Firefly was out of view, Himeko swiveled around, locking eyes with Stelle.

“So, were you going to tell me you were bringing her here, or was that a secret you were trying to keep from me?” Himeko’s arms crossed, foot tapping, waiting for an answer from her daughter.

“Did I forget to text you, I swore I told you my day plans and you approved them,” Stelle quickly flicked through her text messages, brief horror on her face as she realizes she never sent that text, but the night before saying that she ‘might’ bring Firefly with her on the Express. 

“Wait, mom, before you get mad let me explain. I had a really bad bout of night terrors this morning, and so it probably slipped my mind in my panic. I’m sorry.” Stelle hung her head in apologetics, and Himeko let out a long sigh, as she can’t stay mad at a reason like that.

“I’m sorry to hear that honey, are you feeling better now?” Himeko asked while opening her arms for a hug, which Stelle accepted.

“Yes, much better. Being around Fifi has helped my nightmares immensely, and she helped me stop panicking this morning too.” Stelle admitted while Himeko ran comforting fingers through Stelle’s mane. 

“I’m glad you two are getting along so well, truly, but,” Himeko stopped brushing Stelle’s hair and lightly grabbed the scruff of her neck, whispering into Stelle’s ear. “You should really work on your discretion, I could tell what you got up to last night as soon as you walked up. You will not be having sex with her while on the Express, do I make myself clear?”

Stelle flushed at her mother scolding her on her habits, but understood not to disobey a direct order from Himeko. That didn't stop her from trying to defend herself though.

“Don’t worry mom, we haven't had sex yet. Hell, we're not even dating yet.” Himeko was somewhat taken aback by that statement, equal parts surprise at the obvious couple not being a couple and shock at how they were seemingly getting up to some freak activity without being a couple. Oh how the youths have changed, Himeko thought to herself.

“Glad you agree with me, but may I ask, are you absolutely sure you two aren't dating?”

“I’m letting Firefly pace our relationship, so until she says something, we are not girlfriends. I respect her boundaries and will abide by them fully.” Stelle confidently stated, determination to stay true to this sparkling in her eyes.

“That’s my girl, I’m glad I raised you right.” Himeko said, ruffling Stelle’s hair. Internally she was thinking ‘oh my gods these idiots are never gonna get together without a heavy push’. Himeko was not going to be that push however, and so she just helped Stelle get her bags into the Express.

Firefly was in the main cabin of the Express, leg bouncing from nerves waiting for Stelle and Himeko to return. While she did she saw Dan Heng and Welt going over some documents together, giving her a brief but kind wave when they noticed her presence. March was on her phone on the couch across the room from her, she gave a much more excited wave before returning to her phone. The coldest reception was from Pom-Pom, who was staring daggers at Firefly from about two feet in front of where she sat.

“Um, can I help you Pom-Pom?”

“Yes you can. You can help by explaining to Pom-Pom why there is an uninvited guest on MY Express.” Pom-Pom said while placing paws on their hips and pouting, leaning in towards Firefly. 

“Calm down Pom-Pom, she’s Stelle’s girlfriend, she probably just brought her to bring her on a date or something. She’s an allowed guest by our rules.” March piped up from across the room.

“Is this true? Did Stelle invite you here?” Pom-Pom continued their glare, but it lessened somewhat at March’s intervention.

“Um, yes, we're not dating, but Stelle did bring me here for a date. Well, to get to a date.” March’s eyebrow shot up at Firefly saying they aren't dating, but decided to keep her mouth shut unless she needed to calm down Pom-Pom again.

“Well then, why didn’t you just say so earlier. Welcome aboard the Express, Miss Stelle’s Girlfriend. I hope you have a pleasant journey!” Pom-Pom waddled away, satisfied with having done their job, and began sweeping around the cabin. Firefly’s face flushed full red at her sudden name change, but it did make her feel good being recognized as someone's significant other. She wasn’t going to admit she wanted to take that final leap and make their relationship official, but was holding herself back.

She didn't have to dwell on these thoughts for long though, as Stelle and Himeko eventually came through one of the sets of doors. Himeko went straight for Pom-Pom, leaned down, whispered into one of their long floppy ears, leading the little bunny to waddle away as fast as their little legs could take them. Stelle waved at the other other crew members before flopping onto the couch Firefly was on, head landing on her lap with a thump. Stelle took a second to roll around on top of Firefly to get comfortable, her hair tickling the thighs she was using as a pillow. Eventually she settled, and was looking straight upward at Firefly.

“Did I miss anything?” Stelle asked, reaching for Firefly's hand to hold and snuggle in further.

“Nah, just Pom-Pom interrogating me on if I should be here or not.”

“The verdict?”

“I'm allowed cuz I'm your girlfriend, according to the rules and March.” At her name being mentioned, March flashed a lazy peace sign. “How'd your talk with Himeko go?”

“Oh, well. Um, here, lean in closer.” Stelle gestured for Firefly to lean over so she could whisper in her ear, which Firefly obliged. “She told us not to fuck while we're on the Express, but besides that nothing major.”

Firefly couldn't hold back her laughter, momentarily drawing the attention of the rest of the crew who were relatively silent but they all quickly went back to their own activities. Before Firefly moved away she whispered to Stelle “We'll just have to do it off the Express then.” This bold statement sent a rush of flush over Stelle’s face, as Firefly laughed again and started petting Stelle’s head with her free hand.

They stayed in this peaceful moment before Pom-Pom’s voice came over the intercom. 

“Attention all passengers, our next stop will be Jarilo-VI, prepare for jump in 3 minutes. I repeat, prepare for jump in 3 minutes.” 

“Wait Stelle, we're going to a different planet?”

“Surprise!” 

Chapter Text

Firefly began to panic at the thought of being on a different planet unexpectedly. She wouldn't be able to stay as herself for long, Penacony was special in that she was able to freely be herself. 

‘Stelle knew that so why would she take me somewhere I can't be myself but also can’t just turn into Sam and rest? She can’t be stranding me like this, not after how much care she showed me the last few days. Something is up, I just don't know what it is.’ Firefly’s internal monologue raced to make sense of what was happening.

Firefly’s panic was evident to Stelle, who sat up and pulled her closer and whispered in her ear,

“Hey, you alright Firefly? We don't have to go on this trip if you're uncomfortable.”

“No no, I want to do this, but surely you remember I can’t be out of Sam for that long? Only in Penacony can I–” She was interrupted by Stelle bringing a finger to her lips, physically shushing her.

“I know about that, I wouldn’t leave you in a vulnerable position like that. Anytime you need a rest, you can always come back to the Express and there will be no prying eyes directed at you. Also, the people we are gonna meet are pretty open minded, they might even be fine with you turning into Sam once they know you a bit better. Same with anytime I'm confident it will just be us two, feel free to change.”

All of Firefly’s internal doubts were assuaged so easily, as if Stelle was looking right into her mind and stomping the doubts one by one. She snuggled further into Stelle’s embrace as the Express started its jump.

“How long is this trip going to take by the way?”

“Probably a few hours, why? What's up?”

“Is it ok if I rest up a bit now? Before we meet everyone, in case they are not fine with Sam.”

“Oh of course Fifi, just don’t sit on one of the couches in Sam, I think he’s too heavy for that.” Stelle said with a giggle.

“Fine by me.” Firefly stood up, took a few steps into the center of the cabin, and held up her device. She was instantly enveloped in the familiar green-orange flames and in her place stood the imposing figure of Sam, Stellaron Hunter. She turned to look down at Stelle, still lounged on the couch as if a war machine wasn’t in her presence. Stelle simply waved her back over to the couch.

“I thought you said not to sit on the couches?” Firefly asked, though her voice was now the grumbly male voice of Sam. The change of voice seemed to briefly take the occupant off guard too, as she quickly added “Do you want me to turn off the voice changer?”

“I don't care what voice you use dear, just get over here and sit down. Rest.” Firefly obliged, slowly walking over in front of the couch and sitting down on the floor in front of Stelle, armored back resting on the front of the seats, with a few clumsy thunks as she positioned her much larger body in a way that would be comfortable for both parties. After she settled on the floor, Stelle flopped over face down on the couch and draped both arms over the shoulders and around Sam’s neck.

“Is this okay?” Firefly asked, taking care to not move her body and disturb or hurt Stelle.

“Perfectly fine, now hold my hand and take a nap. Or shut down. Whatever it is you do in this body of yours.” Stelle punctuated her statement and request by slapping Sam’s metallic pecs lightly and playfully. Not that she could actually harm Sam barehanded, but it's the thought that counts.

Firefly very carefully lifted one of her heavy hands, and slowly entwined her fingers with Stelle’s. Heavy metal and wires mixing with flesh and bone, her armored body dwarfing that of Stelle. Firefly put basically no pressure behind her handhold, fearing she could damage her lover without meaning any ill will. Stelle countered by gripping tighter, squeezing the cold hand much harder than any contact she’s ever given Firefly’s true body.

Something started welling up in Firefly’s stomach as she glanced down through the visor, seeing Stelle and her alter ego entwined like this. It wasn’t jealousy at Stelle “holding someone else's hand”, no that isn't possible since Sam is nothing more than an advanced weapon. There’s no person behind his actions besides Firefly herself, being jealous of Sam would be like being jealous of something you do in a dream. It was something close to shame, or disgust. She felt ashamed that she could only ever be treated like a normal girl in a land of dreams. Ashamed that Stelle had to deal with something so antithetical to what she probably wanted out of a relationship. Shame that her upsetting existence just can’t exist alongside Stelle’s radiant light.

Disgust that her body was so weak that she needed an aid like Sam to reach a facsimile of a regular life. Pride for her martial prowess but that prowess just seemed to place her even further from someone like Stelle. Disgust and hatred for the dead civilization that decided the course of her life for her, treating her as nothing more than a tool for their ends. Her mind started to go fuzzy with all of the negative feelings swirling in her head, interrupted by two simultaneous stimuli. 

The chime of Sam wanting to speak to her and Stelle moving her free hand to stroke the top of Sam’s helmet, metal and void space between her and the head of hair she wished to reassuringly pet. Sam’s comment within her head came first however.

“Operator, I have noticed an influx of negative emotions and they have started to affect your mood and health. Suggestion: Stop thinking about whatever you currently are and address the Target directly.”

“Sam, how do you even know it’s Stelle I'm thinking about? We may be talking in my head but you can’t read my mind.”

“Statement: I was able to extrapolate that information based on a combination of external stimuli and referencing historical health data to deduce that you only undergo these conditions while in the presence of the Target, or while discussing her.”

“Can you please speak plainly, Sam, I’m too tired for the technical version.”

“Understood. The Target has been the only thing you think about recently, and it’s affecting you negatively. You should just talk to her about whatever is bothering you instead of bottling it up.”

“Since when were you my therapist, Sam?”

“Analysis: I am not a licensed professional but–” Firefly silently muted Sam, reminding him of her request to speak plainly before she unmuted him and allowed him to try again. “Apologies Operator, I will speak in your parlance until otherwise requested. I am concerned about you potentially making yourself feel worse by just keeping all the negativity to yourself. The Target has proven she cares about you, and would have no trouble sharing in your burden.”

The emotionless AI was somehow making sense about human emotions, which upset but also somewhat entertained Firefly at the absurdity of being coached by a literal voice in her head. Sam had a point, the pair had already entrusted a lot of sensitive topics to each other, keeping this one strictly off the table would make it clear that Firefly was avoiding the topic, even if the only person who was bothered by that was the AI core of her armor.

“OK fine, Sam. You win. I’ll ask her about it.”

“You should probably wait till later, it appears the Target fell asleep stroking my armor plating.”

Sure enough, when Firefly re-enabled the full suite of Sam’s sensors, Stelle’s rhythmic patting of Sam’s head had ceased and her breathing had slowed immensely. Firefly sighed heavily, her large metal frame creaking slightly from the motion. She noticed March not so subtly staring at the couple before she lifted up her phone and pointed it at them. Perhaps Firefly momentarily forgot she was in Sam, because as March went to take the photo, she held up the hand not holding Stelle’s up in a peace sign by her visor. March couldn’t hold back her laugh as the camera flash went off. 

“Wow, never thought I'd get a picture of the fearsome Stellaron Hunter Sam flashing a cutesy pose like that, especially not with a crew member draped over him like a cape.”

“You’d better not share that picture online!” Firefly protested, sounding much more aggressive than intended when said in Sam’s voice

“Calm down there big boy, I was gonna ask who you wanted it sent to, not just blast it out there. The IPC would be on our ass so fast otherwise.” March laughed throughout the sentence, the absurdity of the situation fully hitting her. If Firefly wasn’t in a mech suit, her blush would be extremely clear.

“Send it to me and Kafka, please.” Firefly requested meekly, averting the visor down to the floor. 

“You got it Sammy!” March happily tapped away on her phone, Firefly got a ping on her own phone shortly after, but also suspiciously heard Stelle’s vibrate behind her.

“Why’d you send that to Stelle?”

“Don't have Kafka’s number, but I know she does.” March said, sticking out her tongue, trying to get a playful rise out of the Hunter.

It worked.

“You're so annoying, you know that?”

“Yup but that's why you and Stelle love me!”

Firefly couldnt refute it so she just huffed loudly to herself, trying her best to ignore the cotton candy annoyance across from her. As Firefly shifted around to be more comfortable but not disturb Stelle, Himeko came up to her with a smile on her face as she approached her sleeping daughter.

“Not to interrupt your very important discussion,” Himeko started with a small laugh. “But we will be arriving in about two hours. If you were going to sleep at all Firefly, now's your chance. I'll wake you both when we arrive and everything is settled for your trip. Have a good rest.”

“Thank you, Miss Himeko. I will take you up on that.” With that statement, Firefly turned off all of Sam’s functions, all lights and flames dimming until he looked like a very odd statue in the middle of the Express cabin. And true to her word, she rested for that last leg of the journey.

—

Firefly didn’t end up needing Himeko’s wake up call, stirring slightly first and eventually waking up fully. The first thing she did was turn on the visual sensors, and saw a wide expanse of snow out the window across from her. March and Himeko were passing back and forth in front of her taking care of luggage and going through unspoken checklists of all the stopping procedures before anyone could depart. Firefly immediately whipped her head behind her to see where Stelle was, but didn’t find her on the couch she fell asleep on. She didn’t have to search long, as March must have seen the frantic movement of the still armored Firefly.

“Don't worry, she’s just in another part of the train getting ready for your date. She got up a minute or two before you did,” March gave a quick nod in the direction of the train car that Stelle was in. “Oh and you should probably go back to being yourself. People might gather around the Express soon. Wouldn’t wanna spook the locals before you even step foot on their planet.”

Firefly nodded, and stood up, taking very few steps in her armor to get to the center of the cabin once again. “Sam, status report, how long do I have without you?”

“Approximately 9 hours, Operator.”

“Understood, thank you Sam.” With that confirmation, Firefly dismissed the armor, gently floating down to the ground in a burst of flames. Her boots only just touched the ground and she could already feel a deep chill run through her, a sign that Stelle was telling the truth about dressing warm.

“Oh yeah,” March glanced at Firefly before she fully had her bearings. “I appreciate all the theatrics but did you have to say all that out loud?”

“How much did you hear?” Firefly flushed at the possibility that the entirety of her inner monologue was overheard by anyone on the Express.

“Just you asking about time or something, do you usually talk to yourself out loud?”

“I was not talking to myself, I was talking to Sam. And no, I usually just talk to him in my head.” Firefly said, not realizing that made her sound even more deranged, and even more prime for March to pick on. A wide grin on her face as she prepared a comeback. 

“Oh great, I'll be sure to tell your girlfriend that your armor talks to you in your head and only you can hear it. I'm sure she will be simply overjoyed to hear this information.” March snorted, too focused on teasing Firefly that she didn’t notice that Stelle was standing right behind her, a very unimpressed look on her face.

“I would appreciate it very much if you didn't tease my Firefly quite so much, Miss March,” Stelle said while sending a quick elbow jab into March’s side. “Teasing her is my job, after all.” Stelle finished with a wide grin, no attention paid to March reeling in shock and (exaggerated) pain.

“I don’t want either of you teasing me, to be honest. Is it really that weird that I talk to Sam sometimes?” Firefly also paid very little attention to March’s acting. “I mean, he’s like, literally hardwired into my brain and stuff. I can’t avoid him even if I wanted to. His circuits are linked to my nerves. The least I can do is have a cordial relationship with him.”

Stelle couldn’t help but take and absorb that tidbit of information, concern quickly playing across her face, but so quickly that no one caught on to it. She could only imagine the health ramifications of having something like Sam wired into a nervous system, but she was no engineer or doctor and she had her own share of nontypical biological features to grapple with anyways.

“Anyway, we're all set to depart. Besides some quick check-ups and restocking, the rest of the crew is going to stay aboard, meaning we will have free reign for our time here in Belobog. We should probably meet up with the Supreme Guardian first so she knows we’re here, in case the other crew members are needed for something.”

“Sounds good, lead the way.” Firefly happily bounced to Stelle’s side, wrapped her arms around one of Stelle’s as they went to leave the train. Before they could depart Himeko held an arm out to block their exit, silently holding out a heavy jacket to Firefly. She took it and put it on with no fuss, then went back to entwining with Stelle.

“Now that you’re dressed properly, you two have fun,” Himeko stepped aside and let the pair exit, only getting a few steps away before she added. “Oh, and girls? Keep the PDA in check please.” Stelle immediately went flush at this preemptive scolding.

“Mom! You can be so embarrassing sometimes.” Stelle shook her head.

“I know. You're welcome.” Himeko retorted with a wide grin and a light laugh. She waved them off, and they walked the short distance from where the Express landed and the city. Himeko figured the Supreme Guardian and her guards wouldn’t like a train suddenly landing in the middle of the town square, and opted to park a few minutes away instead.

When the pair made it to the city, Firefly took a moment to absorb her surroundings. This place was nothing like the shiny glitz and glamor of Penacony. Every building and fixture on the street was purely utilitarian and rustic, including a large building that Stelle informed her was a theater. A light dusting of snow covered the streets, sidewalks, and rooftops amazed Firefly, speechless at the piles of petit prisms. She continued gawking, being practically dragged along by Stelle to their destination, the office of the Supreme Guardian. 

The interior of Qlipoth Fort was just as rustically beautiful as the buildings around it, but with an extra air of regality. Stelle took Firefly straight through the fort and through the large doors into the Supreme Guardian's office. Upon entering Firefly noticed three occupants, surprisingly one was a familiar face; Topaz of the Ten Stonehearts. The other two were side by side, a woman with long white hair sitting in the desk chair, with a purple haired woman sitting on the desk, the pair passing documents between each other. Simultaneously all three (four if you count Numby who was gleefully honking and squeaking as it rushed towards the new friends) turned towards the door. The pair lit up at seeing Stelle, and Topaz’s eyebrows shot up at seeing Firefly before quickly dismissing the phone call she was on. 

“Trailblazer! It’s been a while, for what do we owe the pleasure?” The white haired woman said, standing up from her chair and lovingly assisting the purple haired woman off the desk. 

“Oh nothing major, just taking my…,” Stelle hesitated while looking for the right word to use for Firefly in polite company, not wanting to overstep any boundaries. “Close friend, sightseeing. She’s never been, so I wanted to show her some of the nature and culture of the area. Couldn’t miss out on introducing her to my friends here either.”

“Oh, where’s my manners? I am Bronya Rand, Supreme Guardian of Belobog. This is my lovely wife, Seele.” Bronya tightly pulled Seele in by her waist at the mention of her name, before gesturing towards Topaz. “And the woman over there is Mrs. Topaz.”

“Actually I already knew Topaz, but it's a pleasure to meet you both. I’m Firefly.” Firefly held out her hand for a formal handshake. Bronya took it and gave a gentle, refined shake as expected of the leader of a city (Planet? Aeons, Stelle was really well connected), then followed up by an extremely curt, informal shake from the Guardian’s wife, which elicited an eyeroll and a playful smack from the Supreme Guardian.

“Congrats on your marriage by the way, I’m sorry I missed the ceremony. We had some urgent business on the Loufu.” Stelle interjected as she gave a polite smile towards the couple, an arm wrapping protectively around Firefly’s shoulders. 

Topaz was suspiciously silent, watching the exchange carefully. The closeness of Stelle and Firefly, the hesitation on what to call Firefly, the watchful eye when another woman reached out to touch her, and of course…

“Good to see you both again. My wife had a lot to say about you recently, Miss Firefly.” Topaz jumped in, gaze narrowing in on Firefly, a slight mischievous tone in her voice. Firefly looked incredibly confused, trying to parse what anyone had to say about her and who Topaz’s wife was.

“Wait, you and Jade are married?!” Firefly blurted out. Topaz just laughed while holding up her left hand, showing a silver woven band adorned with many small emerald gems surrounding a single large polished jade teardrop. 

“Yes, I am in fact married to the ever-mysterious Jade. Not that you’d ever hear it from her, she’s surprisingly reserved about our relationship.” Topaz continued laughing, paying no mind to Firefly’s instant blush as she connected the dots that Jade’s extremely unreserved display in her office was a result of Topaz. “Oh, by the way Stelle, Serval and Natasha should be around here. Why don't you pay them a visit?” Topaz suggested with a quick sharp glance in Stelle’s direction. Bronya raised an eyebrow at Topaz’s sudden request.

“Oh, alright, I was hoping to chat with you three some more but sure, I’m always happy to see those two as well. Come on then, Fifi.” Stelle started to turn around and walk back out the door, pulling Firefly with her but Topaz very quickly grabbed her by the wrist.

“How about you go on ahead, Stelle? I have some questions for Miss Firefly here.” Stelle looked between the Stoneheart and Firefly confused. Bronya shared in this confusion. Seele did not, predicting something fun was going to happen, and quickly moved to physically push Stelle out of the office.

“Madame Rand is just going to have some words with your friend here, we will let you know when you can come pick her up.” Seele said with a grin and a glint in her eye before she slammed the office door in Stelle’s face and locked it. In any other scenario Stelle would have attempted to break down the door separating her from Firefly, but she trusted Bronya and Seele, and sort of trusted Topaz. She just sighed and accepted that something was going to happen in there that she would not be privy to for whatever reason.

—

Inside the Supreme Guardian's office, now sans one occupant

“Mrs. Topaz, do you mind explaining what you're doing to my guest?” Bronya asked, genuinely confused by the flurry of motion that just took place.

“Simple, really. We're gonna figure out how truthful my wife was about these two dating.” Topaz plainly stated, eyes locked on Firefly.

“Hah! I knew this was gonna be funny.” Seele chuckled, walking back besides her very unamused wife.

“Seele, my babochka, did you really have to be so forceful about it?” Bronya asked her wife, the concern for Stelle’s wellbeing evident in her voice.

“You know as well as I do how stubborn she can be, I did us all a favor by tossing her out. Besides, not like she's all alone out there, like Topaz said, Nat and Serval are out there somewhere. She’ll entertain herself somehow.” Seele nonchalantly said while draping herself over her wife.

“Come everyone, let's have a seat and discuss this like the civilized women we are.” Topaz gestured to a nearby table. Seele let out a quick scoff, walked to the table and scooted the chairs so that three were on one side, with a lone chair on the other. She held her hands out for the group to sit.

“For the guest of honor.” Seele said with false reverence, while gesturing to the lone chair. Firefly silently nodded and sat down. The three married women took their place across from her, Topaz on the left, Bronya in the center, and Seele to the right. Firefly awkwardly and quietly fidgeted in her seat, one hand slightly twitched on the table and the other played with the hem of her skirt. Topaz noticed the discomfort in her gestures and placed a gentle hand over Firefly’s.

“Hey, you're not in trouble, alright? Jade just told me some stuff she saw and heard and I wanted to clear up my confusion. Don’t let Seele’s demeanor fool you, we’re all capable of giving you some advice I have a feeling you're gonna need.” Topaz stated with genuine care in her voice.

“Pffft, speak for yourself, I'm great at giving advice.” Seele shot back.

“I know, that's what I said.”

“Oh.”

“Anyways.” Topaz continued with an eye roll. “Like I said, we aren't here to interrogate you and you're not in trouble. Just answer some of my questions and we can answer any of yours, deal?

“Alright. That sounds fair to me.” Firefly said, her fidgeting stopping, Topaz’s affirmations being enough for her to calm slightly.

“How long have you been dating her?” Bronya blurted out, before gasping and covering her own mouth, blush covering her face and ears almost instantly.

“We aren’t dating.” Firefly sighed, somewhat wistfully. “How much did Jade tell you anyways?”

“Right, that will get these two up to speed as well. We both heard about the commotion at the party the night it happened, he was technically one of Jade’s subordinates, and so me and her both agreed to punish him as much as we could within our power.” Topaz flipped up one finger, visually counting along with each piece of info from her wife. “She mentioned she saw you wearing Stelle’s jacket and nothing else. She saw you two leave and enter the same bedroom a few times. You talked to her in her office and, oops…” Topaz cut herself off, realizing she may be heading into sensitive territory for Firefly.

“No it's ok, you can keep going. Just, only the parts about Stelle, please.”

“Right, of course. She told me it was really obvious that Stelle gave you hickeys,” Seele loudly laughed at that, while Bronya clasped her hands together in front of her mouth, poorly holding in her loud gasp. “And finally, she told me that you do love Stelle, but don't want to commit for your own personal reasons.”

“Yea, that about sums it up, time for your questions I take it?” Firefly was putting on a certain amount of deadpan to her voice, betraying the blush creeping through her face.

“She any good in bed?” Seele quickly asked before Bronya elbowed her in the side full force.

“Babochka, you can’t just ask that! Have some class, please.” Bronya shook her head, let out a deep sigh, then turned to Firefly with an apologetic look in her eyes, even as she asked. “Well?”

Firefly couldn't help but laugh at the disparity in her face and actions, hardly fitting of a Supreme Guardian. “Hahaha! Well, we haven't had ‘real’ sex yet, but yes she has treated me very well so far.” All of Firefly’s nerves were replaced by the light mood of the banter.

“Ok, so my first real question,” Topaz shot the Belobogian couple a playful glare before continuing. “Is what Jade told me about your reason for holding back true? It concerns your…health.”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Do you intend to tell Stelle the full extent of your issues?”

“No, she already has a lot to deal with, I don’t want to be yet another burden for her. She already knows a lot about my condition, just not the issue I believe you're speaking of. I’m sorry for keeping this so vague to you two, but it’s deeply personal for me.”

“Understood, Miss Firefly. I will not pry if you haven’t even disclosed it to Stelle.” Bronya reassured her. “Thankfully we are already very acquainted with her so you don’t have to explain all her merits.”

“Second question, do you feel like your line of work and Stelle’s will clash at any point?” Topaz asked, a more serious look on her face.

“We’ve already physically fought with and alongside each other, and Mrs. Topaz, you know the full meaning of that.”

“Yes, I understand. Your employer's relation to the Express is tenuous but it seems positive enough to support this endeavor of yours.” Topaz relaxed at the answer, their vagueness giving the other two interviewers very little to work with. “Do you two have anything you'd like to ask before I continue?”

Seele started to open her mouth before Bronya slapped a hand over it, expecting another non sequitur. Seele calmly removed the hand, and showed a face of genuine intent to Bronya and Firefly, proving she wasn't joking this time.

“Do you love her? Truly and with your whole being?”

“Yes,” Firefly began to answer with no hesitation. “I felt we had an immediate and strong connection, and that feeling has only gotten stronger the more challenges we went through together.”

“Good. I wouldn't forgive myself if I let you or her just jump into something like this flippantly. Do you think she feels the same about you?”

“I hope so. That would make me the happiest girl if it were true.”

Seele nodded in approval at this, then looked to her wife, silently asking if she had anything to add or ask. Bronya shook her head and looked towards Topaz, who did have another question ready.

“Do you actually intend to make a deal with Jade? I realize it may sound odd coming from her wife, but I don't know if your circumstances warrant such drastic measures. Her deals can come at a heavy price that you may not want or be able to pay. To be perfectly honest, I hope you reconsider, but if you go through with it I promise to do everything to temper her costs. It's the least I can do for you and Stelle.”

“I will reconsider her deal if possible, but thank you Mrs. Topaz. Guess it’s my turn for questions then?” The trio across from her all nodded in unison. “Alright. Do you think I should just get over myself and ask her out?”

“Yes!” All three women nearly shouted out at the same time, the table of four bursting into giggles from the unanimous decision.

“Listen, we won't sit here and force you to do it, or act like we're in perfect relationships and that our word is gospel. But everything that has happened to you and Stelle to bring you to this moment, to become the people you are now, and for you to still find each other and connect in this way. You should seize it, I thank the Aeons every day that Seele and I were able to.” Bronya said while interlacing her fingers with Seele’s, rings clinking lightly as they held each other.

“My printsessa said it better than I ever could. Having patience is important, and can be the deciding factor for many things in life. But other things, you just have to go for it when the opportunity is there. I think this is one of those times.” Seele returned Bronya’s hand locking, pulling her in for a kiss and a hug, as best as she could in their sitting positions.

“Alright, I’ll do it. Well, I will as long as you three help me plan it, of course.” Firefly said, genuine joy creeping onto her face.

“Oh please, I've negotiated with entire planets as the stakes, I can handle winning over one girl no problem.” Topaz said with a laugh, which spread to all the other co-conspirators. “Bet you’ve never planned an operation like this, huh, Firefly?”

The operation to win over Stelle was officially in the works, four revolutionary minds on the case of how to convince a lovestruck girl to accept the obvious reciprocal feelings of her crush. 

—

Outside the Supreme Guardians Office, just as Stelle got kicked out

Stelle had found herself rudely separated from her partner, whom she had hoped to spend more of the day with. She trusted the trio in the room, Bronya more so than the others, but she couldn’t help but feel disappointed that her date got derailed in such a way.

Stelle left the fort for some fresh air and to hopefully meet up with some of her other Belobogian friends, almost immediately spotting Natasha and Serval chatting out front of Serval’s shop. She approached the women, both noticing her and waving to greet her.

“Stelle! It’s so great to see you. What brings you here, no trouble I hope?” Serval asked while quickly pulling Stelle in for a quick and polite hug, mirrored by Natasha shortly after.

“No, no trouble, just a date.” Stelle wistfully looked at her Firefly-less side. “Though as you can see, my date is not here. Bronya and Seele took her and locked the door behind me.”

“Well, was the date at least going well before you got separated?” Natasha asked.

“Would you believe me if I told you that was our first stop?” 

Serval and Natasha started laughing, with Stelle joining them shortly after.

“Sorry to laugh at your pain, but it is surprisingly bold of our Guardian to do something like that. Let’s go in my shop so we can talk a bit more privately, warm you up while we wait for the ‘hostage’ to be freed.”

And so the trio went inside, Serval led them to the nearest coffee table and they all sat.

“Actually, I don't want to be too much of a drag on the mood, but you two are actually the perfect people to ask something that’s bothering me.” Stelle stated,  her tone shifted to a more serious one than they had outside.

“Of course, dear. I’ll answer to the best of my ability and I’m sure Serval will do the same. What’s troubling you?” Natasha asked with concern spreading across her face.

“Ask away Stelle, we’re here for you.” Serval lightly patted one of Stelle’s hands, a tight smile on her face. 

“So Firefly, that’s the girl I’m with, she has a health condition that’s really closely linked to her main weapon she uses. I have some concerns that it isn’t very healthy for her and even got some more information this morning that the wiring for her weapon is connected directly to her nervous system. You two have skill sets that could help with potentially solving this but I wanted to ask if it even seemed problematic to you two.”

Both of the older women were silent in thought for some time while they both went through their respective knowledge bases on all the possible drawbacks. Serval was the first to break the silence.

“What kind of weapon is it, if you don't mind me asking? If it was something like my electricity based weaponry I could see a lot of issues with having those sorts of currents running that close to sensitive organs.” Natasha nodded in agreement at Serval’s observations, making similar ones in silence. Stelle thought on the question for a moment before answering.

“How best to describe it? Imagine if parts of Svarog’s wiring were directly placed into Clara’s body, allowing her to summon him at will out of thin air. The circuitry in Firefly also allows her to communicate in some way with her weapon, which has its own basic intelligence.” Both women’s eyes widened in shock, much of their theorization rapidly changing from the new information provided to them.

“Having a system like that would be so detrimental to the health of the user, do you know of any side effects?” Natasha sputtered out, mind racing to piece together a prognosis as quickly as she could.

“She can’t dream, and she gets weak if she’s outside of the armor for too long.”

“So it’s somehow connected to her brain? Oh that is really, really bad.” Serval muttered to herself, Natasha sharing in the panic that brought on.

“We don’t have the tech required to perform such a complex operation here in Belobog, not to mention the massive amount of health risks with removing something like that brings. If we messed up, or didn’t fully understand how it works, it could be like we surgically removed all of her nerves or veins.” Natasha quickly stated, with Serval jumping in to finish the thought. 

“That’s not even factoring in the mechanical side of things, if I were to make a wrong move it could short circuit her whole body. Removing it would also probably trigger some sort of defense mechanism, an anti-tampering type deal. I can only imagine how dangerous that would be since Svarog was your first comparison point. If she’s close or over how strong he is, that response could be immense. How strong is she anyways?” Serval was near rambling, Stelle barely able to keep up with all of this information.

“Her weapon is very strong, but manageable for me. His greatest strength is his user, so if they were to be separated I'm confident I could beat him. Even if all I needed to was just distract him for enough time for an operation, I know I could do it. I would do it for her, no matter the cost.” Stelle stated confidently, no hesitation in her voice.

“It’s good to hear you're so devoted to this. I'm gonna have to think about this for a while, text you when I make any breakthroughs. I’ll consult Nat too of course, keep her in the loop so she can fill any holes in my knowledge.” Serval’s tone evened out and Natasha nodded in agreement, both calming down from the flood of information going in and being absorbed. 

“It makes me happy to see you so willing to protect your wife, Stelle. It’s a wonderful quality, truly.” Natasha said, an affectionate smile on her face.

“Oh, uh, not to burst your bubble Nat, but we're not married. We aren't even dating actually.” Stelle sheepishly stated, averting her gaze from Natasha. Before Nat could process that, Serval burst out laughing.

“Oh you young people and your way of doing things is so hilarious. You’re just like Bronya and Seele, rushing to be each other's knights without realizing how adorable it makes you. Don’t you worry Stelle, before you leave Belobog, she will be yours. I was engaged to Cocolia, I’m sure I could get you with pretty much anyone at this point.” Serval proudly stated, prepared to play matchmaker without ever having met one half of the pair.

“Serval, I don’t know if you should be boasting about nearly becoming the wife of a tyrannical leader who tried to kill Stelle.” Natasha said, genuine concern for the quality of advice about to be administered by the genius mechanic of questionable romantic ability.

Stelle just laughed at the shift in mood, appreciative of the support in both her dating and in saving the life of Firefly, but couldn’t shake the bits of dread over how dire the pair made it all seem. Stelle decided it would be more beneficial to move on and just take things as they came, and work behind the scenes to help Firefly, all while enjoying the time she had with her beloved. 

Just as Stelle got introspective her phone buzzed, snapping her back to reality. A simple text from Firefly read: “Everwinter Monument in 5.”

“Well ladies, it seems my date is back on. It was lovely to get your help, and I’ll be sure to keep you posted.” Stelle stood up and exited the shop with a bit of a skip in her step, ready for whatever the day brought to her next.

—

True to her word, Firefly arrived at the large concentric monument exactly five minutes after sending the text to Stelle, who she saw looking up at the lightly glowing statue. Stelle was so focused on watching the glow that she didn't notice that Firefly snuck up behind her, only becoming aware of her pursuer when Firefly grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into a hug.

“Hello there, my Starlight.” Firefly said while nuzzling in between Stelle’s shoulder blades. Stelle jumped slightly from the sudden contact but calmed once she knew the source.

“Oh, hey Fifi. How was your talk with Bronya and them? Hopefully they weren’t too overbearing on you.” Stelle wriggled in Firefly’s hug, spinning around to return the affection.

“Oh no, they were wonderful to me. Very courteous and gave me some very helpful advice.” Firefly fidgeted slightly, and hoped that Stelle wouldn’t notice the slight nervous tremors going through her body.

“Good, I knew I could trust them with my little Fifi. Was there something in particular you called me here for or was it just that you were done chatting?” Stelle parted them from their hug, and looked down at Firefly. Stelle looked down at Firefly with a pure and joyful smile, now noticing Firefly’s small shakes from nerves, and perhaps the cold.

“Everything ok Fi–” Stelle was interrupted by Firefly grabbing her by the shoulders, and pulling her down into a kiss. Firefly was relentless with her lips and tongue crashing into Stelle’s. Not even stopping to breathe, she pulled Stelle’s head even closer, hand tangling into the soft gray mane. Stelle recovered from her initial shock quickly, and held Firefly closer to herself and allowed her body to melt into Firefly’s, giving everything that her lover wanted. They pulled away for a moment, hot breaths hitting each other's lips before returning to the kiss with just as much vigor. Small puffs of breath fogged between them whenever air escaped their lips, a visual for any onlookers of how hot this pair was running. Firefly eventually decided to break it off, separating from the kiss with a long, shiny thread of saliva left in the space between them.

“I love you Stelle, I’m sorry I left this unsaid for so long. Too long, so I'll make it up to you now. Stelle, will you be my girlfriend?” Firefly held Stelle’s hands in hers, her sunrise eyes meeting burning yellow, searching for anything, positive or negative. Stelle silently and firmly pulled Firefly into a hug.

“Of course Firefly, of course I'll be your girlfriend. I was letting you take this step and I’m so so happy you finally did. I love you too.”

The couple stayed in this moment for a while, blind to the outside world, simply taking in each other's warmth and their more cemented bond with each other. They had felt sparks before, all of their interactions in Penacony had some flitting about, but none were as strong as what they felt in this moment. If all of their dates and touches and kisses before were sparks, this was an all encompassing blaze, enough to ignite even the seas. And the warmth was addictive. 

Addictive enough that they didn’t notice a camera flash from one side of them, and someone standing only a few feet away on the other. They were snapped out of their beautiful bubble by Topaz clearing her throat, trying to get their attention. 

“Truly sorry to interrupt you two, but you’re making a bit of a scene here,” the three of them looked around, and sure enough there was a small crowd around them, not necessarily focused on them, but definitely distracted by the extreme public display. Amongst them was Pela, who was fully staring, face completely awash with a deep red, and her phone clutched in her hands as if it were the most precious thing to her. “Also, Madame Bronya asked me to catch up and give you this, since I presume you won't be sleeping on the Express tonight.” Topaz ended with a wink, handing Stelle a slip of paper. It was a note of recommendation to allow Stelle and Firefly to stay in the best suite of the Goethe Hotel with all expenses paid.

“I’ll be sure to text Bronya later and thank her for this. Also I have a feeling I’m about to receive something from my mom.” Just on time with her prediction, Stelle’s phone pinged twice.

1. “STELLE.”
2. “WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT PDA”
3. “I have a hunch, but how could you possibly know what I’m up to?”
4. “Pela sent me this.” Attached was an image of Stelle and Firefly in the middle of their intense make out, both visibly a mess. 

Stelle turned around and stuck her tongue out at Pela who returned the gesture, before both women laughed and Pela continued to lead her students on the class Stelle accidentally intruded on.

1. “Sorry mom, you can scold me all you like when we get back to the Express. Oh btw, we're gonna stay at the goethe tonight, so I’ll see you in the morning, k?”
2. “I expected as much from you two lovebirds. Don't have too much fun alright? I don't want to pay the fines for any noise complaints you might incur.”
3. “Love you nova, see you tomorrow.”
4. “Love you too mom!”

“Anyways,” Stelle resumed her thought. “Thank you for this Topaz, be sure to say hi to Jade for us.” Stelle and Firefly had begun to make their way away from the plaza and to their hotel for an early night in, before Topaz spoke up again.

“Of course, and congrats you two, you're a very cute couple. Have fun~” Topaz turned away, already back on a phone call with who knows who.

And so, the pair of girlfriends made their way to the hotel, sheepishly handed over Bronya’s note and made their way to their secluded room (which already had their luggage, Himeko informed the staff they were coming) and got settled as best they could before a mood hit both of the women. Stelle tried her best to ignore it, reclined on the bed and stealing glances in her girlfriend’s direction, occasionally making eye contact with an extremely flustered looking Firefly. Firefly squirmed and played with the edges of her clothes, whatever she could grab. Firefly eventually had become too flustered and flung herself backwards onto the bed.

Firefly was looking up at the ceiling with all her limbs spread out, heart beating out of her chest, breath caught whenever she got a glance of Stelle or a small whiff of her scent, a light mix of vanilla and lavender. Once she reached her boiling point, she mumbled out a simple request.

“Stelle, please come here.”

Stelle obliged, scooting closer to Firefly, moving close enough that she could wrap her arms around Stelle’s waist if she wanted. But Firefly made it clear that it wasn’t what she wanted.

“No. Come here.” Firefly repeated, slightly frustrated sounding, while patting her thighs. Stelle raised an eyebrow but obliged yet again, slowly and carefully positioned herself above Firefly. Stelle’s knees were at either side of Firefly’s waist, and her hands next to her head. Stelle wasn’t treating Firefly as fragile, but simply wanted to ensure everything was done to Firefly’s desires.

“More.” With the simple request, Stelle pulled her knees in. Now fully straddling Firefly, Stelle removed her arms from the bed and slowly lowered her body until she was seated on Firefly’s waist. With this light pressure a small moan escaped from Firefly’s lips, which she promptly slapped a hand over her own mouth in a failed attempt to retract the noise she made.

“You’re so cute, Firefly.” Stelle said in a hushed tone, her voice a bit huskier from the desire building in her.

“Not as cute as you, Starlight.” Firefly mumbled out, another moan slipping out as Stelle lowered herself to whisper right into her ear.

“It’s not a competition, dear. Tell me what you want me to do, and I will.” Stelle punctuated her sentence with a small kiss and nibble on the ear.

Firefly whined at the brief contact and care already being shown to her, but she managed to compose herself long enough to make a request.

“Take your clothes off, please.”

“All of them?”

“Leave your underwear.”

“Of course, dear.” 

< — >

Stelle did as she was asked, but made a show of it. She lifted herself back up to an upright position, lifted her feet and slowly removed her socks before tossing them away. She shrugged off her jacket with a few back and forth motions to wave her hair around a bit, before tossing that elsewhere. Her shirt was next to go, removed quickly, but slow to drop onto the floor. With her shirt removed, Firefly could see the beautiful and intricate black lingerie Stelle was wearing. It framed her body wonderfully and did not hide much of her scar or her toned stomach. Finally with a playful and quick gyration of her hips directly onto Firefly’s crotch eliciting another moan, Stelle quickly removed her skirt, leaving the bright blue strap on her thigh as the sole remnant of her usual outfit. She settled herself back down onto Firefly’s waist after her little show concluded.

“Like what you see?”

Stelle’s unexpected bit of showmanship left Firefly immensely flustered, barely able to process what was in front of and on top of her. Stelle leaned back down towards Firefly’s face making the woman on bottom arch her back a little, reaching to meet Stelle’s lips in a kiss. Stelle dodged the kiss and started to kiss all along her chin and down her neck, hands snaking up Firefly’s body and finding the uppermost button on her outfit.

“Oh uhh, right let me just, right uhm.” Firefly mumbled out as she quickly sat up, face bright red. She quickly and clumsily removed her outermost layers without any style, frantically getting the job done so she could be closer to her girlfriend. After unceremoniously disrobing, Firefly was left in the same green lingerie she had worn on her first night sleeping with Stelle. As soon as she was done stripping, Stelle pushed her back down onto the bed and straddled her tighter than before. 

As Stelle did this, she felt an unexpected warmth and bump collide with her panties. All it took was a quick glance down to confirm her suspicion but before she could say anything, in a fluster Firefly started to try and push Stelle off her lap. Stelle held her ground, and so Firefly tried words instead.

“Oh aeons Stelle, I'm so sorry, I never told you, this must be awful. I'll get dressed right away.” Stelle just held a finger up to Firefly’s mouth to shush her.

“Fifi, I never said I disliked this. I love you no matter what. Hell, March is the same way, you know?” Stelle had a taste of her own medicine as Firefly threw a finger over Stelle’s mouth to shush her back.

“Don’t talk about any other women right now. Kiss me. Now.”

Both women retracted their fingers, and slowly placed their hands where they felt right. Stelle held Firefly’s waist with one hand, and cupped her face with the other. Firefly nuzzled into the hand as she put one of her own draped over Stelle’s neck, the other placed so she could stroke her abs with her thumb or whole hand with a flick of her wrist. Both women’s breathing slowed, pupils dilated, as they approached each other for the most intimate kiss yet. With no one around to witness, all their inhibitions left them as they collided lip to lip, tongue to tongue. 

Stelle was slow and cautious, being sure to not overpower the woman underneath her. Firefly was hungry, bucking her hips into Stelle’s as she sought to deepen the kiss even further, wanting to explore every inch of Stelle’s mouth with her own. Firefly’s tongue hit against Stelle’s slightly parted teeth, so Stelle opened her mouth further. Immediately upon gaining entry, Firefly moved her tongue like she was trying to tie their tongues together, locking them in this embrace forever. The deep kiss combined with the grinding of their hips, nothing but two pieces of sheer fabric stopping their heat from colliding fully, drove both of them to moan into their partner’s mouth. 

Stelle couldn’t hold herself back anymore and broke from the kiss, Firefly whining incoherently from the lost contact. She completely lost focus as Stelle shot up to her favorite place, and started planting kisses and bites into Firefly’s neck. Her whines and moans turned into a full scream as Stelle found her mark, the bucking of Firefly’s hips increased in desperation. Firefly clawed at Stelle’s body, leaving marks and even drawing blood at her desperate attempts to find any purchase, something to distract her from the immense pleasure she was feeling. Stelle eventually unlatched from Firefly’s neck, pulled her head back and gave her girlfriend some room to breath.

After a few moments of panting between them, Stelle’s entire body was shakily lifted by Firefly’s ragged breaths. She moved with the uneven rise and fall, calmed by its rhythm. 

“What next?” Stelle asked, still allowing Firefly to lead their pace. Firefly’s face flushed an even deeper red, preemptive embarrassment for her next request.

“Can you help me with…that?” Firefly meekly asked, finger pointed down at her now impossible to ignore erection straining the fabric of her panties.

“Of course, Fifi. How do you want me?” A seductive innocence laced Stelle’s question, simply eager to please her girlfriend during both women’s first time. 

“Your mouth, please.”

“As you wish.” Stelle slid off of Firefly’s lap, and laid down so that her head was hovering above Firefly’s eager cock. With a swift motion, Stelle tugged down on Firefly’s lacey green panties, releasing the tension and causing Firefly’s cock to lightly bump into Stelle’s chin. “Well hello to you too.” Stelle gave the head a quick kiss that caused Firefly to loudly gasp.

“Don’t tease me Stelle, please…” Firefly begged.

“Oh I never intended to tease you. Are you sure this is what you want, Fifi?” Firefly wordlessly and furiously nodded. With clear consent given Stelle kissed the head again, but more deliberately before opening her mouth and letting her tongue drop down. She carefully took the tip into her mouth, savoring the burning heat as she worked her way down the shaft. Burning yellow eyes peered up at her lover through the entire process, though Firefly’s eyes were slammed shut in a desperate attempt to avoid overstimulating herself any more than she was already feeling. Moans escaped her lips with every minor movement.

Stelle reached the base of Firefly’s cock with relative ease, and started back up the length. Upon reaching the tip again she swirled her tongue around it, causing Firefly to moan even louder. Stelle lightly hummed at the positive response, the vibrations in her mouth making Firefly gasp again. Stelle did not let Firefly rest long, as she began a constant rhythm, bobbing her head up and down the length, moans came from both women. Firefly’s arms spasmed lightly at her sides from the pleasure, before they shot up and she tangled her fingers through Stelle’s hair. Beyond just letting her feel more of her lover’s body it also granted her the slightest control of the pace. 

Moans continued from both, with Firefly’s twitching getting even more noticeable with each movement of Stelle’s head or swirl of her tongue. Stelle took pleasure in causing these tremors in her lover and took her free hand and snuck it into her own panties, feeling her own heat and slick building up the moment a finger reached beyond the waistband. She refrained from pleasuring herself and continued the offensive on Firefly. Firefly’s spasms grew more intense and her breathing more ragged, a climax coming very soon and both women knew it. Stelle braced herself by relaxing her throat a bit more, just in time as Firefly pulled Stelle’s head hard onto her cock. 

“Stelle…Fuck, cumming!” Firefly barely squeaked out in between intense moans. Stelle let the moment take her, as she felt a wave of thick heat hit her mouth and throat. Firefly bucked her hips, savoring every centimeter of contact she had between her and Stelle as wave after wave released into Stelle’s mouth. After Firefly dropped back onto the mattress, Stelle slowly dragged her head up and off Firefly’s dick with a quiet, wet pop. She took a moment and swallowed all that Firefly had shot into her. Once it was all gone, Stelle quietly cleared her throat and lightly massaged her slightly sore jaw. 

“Was that good for you, Fifi?” Stelle asked, being able to assume the answer from the collapsed pile of woman on the bed below her. Never hurts to double check. Firefly just wordlessly rolled her head over to look at Stelle, her eyes barely focused from the intense pleasure. Stelle slowly crawled back up to the straddling position she was in before the blowjob, and slowly removed her bra, tossing it aside. She lowered her hips down to meet Firefly’s bare skin.

“Ready for the next part?” Stelle asked. She took immense pleasure in the state she had put Firefly in, and was excited to see it go even further. Stelle felt Firefly’s half-erect dick twitch in anticipation, bumping into a wet spot on Stelle’s panties. 

“There’s more?” Firefly slurred out.

“Yes, there’s more. Don’t worry, I'll be gentle.” Stelle planted a soft kiss on Firefly’s nose before she found her discarded skirt, rummaged around for a moment and took out a few condoms. Firefly’s eyes widened in surprise and understanding and her erection returned fully. Stelle quickly tore one of the packages open with her teeth and rolled the condom onto Firefly in one swift motion. Ever the gentlewoman, she asked clearly.

“Do you want this too, Firefly?”

Firefly responded by grabbing Stelle’s hips with both hands, and roughly pulled her entire weight down onto herself. Stelle appreciated the eagerness, but the clumsy movement did not succeed in bringing either woman relief. Stelle pulled herself back up, positioned her body to be hovering just above Firefly’s crotch. She slid her panties to the side, letting a thin thread of slick drip down onto the tip of Firefly cock. She lined up her entrance, then allowed Firefly to slowly push her hips down, finally making their two bodies one with a loud moan from both.

“Fuck, Stelle, you’re so tight! It feels so good.” Stelle began to rock her hips in a gentle up and down motion, letting both women get accustomed to the sensations shooting through their bodies. Stelle desperately grabbed one of Firefly’s hands and held it tight, pinned onto the bed, and dropped her body to kiss Firefly hungrily.

“You’re so hard for me, I love you Firefly!” Stelle gasped into her lover’s mouth before she slammed their mouths back together. Loud moans vibrated their mouths, Firefly’s whole body twitched in pleasure, and Stelle struggled to keep her composure as she switched movements to hit sweet spots, grinding desperately on Firefly’s hips with her entire length inside her as deep as it would go. 

“I love you too!” Firefly screamed out as Stelle peppered kisses all over her face, and neck, and ears, before she fully sat up to allow herself further control of her gyrations. Stelle moved far more vigorously, ass slamming into Firefly’s thighs as she sought to bring both more and more pleasure. Both continued making small changes to their movements, seeking a climax that was soon to come. Firefly was first to make it extremely clear, her legs started to tense and spasm more with each movement of Stelle’s hips and tightening of her pussy. 

“Stelle…I’m, I’m gonna cum!” Firefly whimpered out, holding back the release for as long as she could manage.

“Me too, I’m so close,” Stelle leaned down to Firefly’s ear and whispered. “Cum for me.”

At this loving command, all restraint vanished. Firefly’s entire body tensed up, she desperately grabbed Stelle’s hips and pulled her down as far as she could go. As soon as she bottomed out, her cum shot out, perfectly in time with Stelle’s pussy clamping down and squirting. Stelle could feel the thick warmth press against her walls, held back by the thin rubber. After both let the waves of pleasure flow through them, Stelle lifted herself up and off of Firefly’s cock, letting it flop down and onto the owner’s thigh with a small, wet slap. Before she completely collapsed in pleasure, Stelle removed the condom, tied it off, and admired the quantity that her lover provided for her. Tossing it aside, Stelle rolled over onto the bed already missing the pleasant warmth her partner provided to her insides. 

“I love you so much Stelle.” Firefly whispered.

“Hehe, I know. I love you too, Fifi.” Firefly rolled over and embraced her girlfriend, which Stelle accepted and squeezed back before pushing Firefly away, much to Firefly’s changrine as she audibly whined. “We gotta shower and clean up, we’re all gross and sweaty now. I’m not going to sleep like this.” Stelle chuckled as she scooted up and off the bed, moved to her bag of clothes, grabbed her pajamas and went to the bathroom, leaving Firefly an overwhelmed mess on the bed. 

< — >

Stelle shut the door of the bathroom, and soon after Firefly heard the pipes shudder in the walls as Stelle started running a shower. She was left to her own thoughts with just the hiss of the shower and Stelle’s occasional hum and singing audible through the walls. As she lay there, she felt the ping of Sam wanting to speak.

“Sam, I am not talking to you right now. Please add Stelle to my list of trusted users, then please do not bother me until I call upon you next. Thank you.”

“Understood Operator. Confirm the change in privileges for ‘Stelle’.”

“Confirmed.”

“Order received. Apologies for any disturbance I may have caused.”

Firefly did not get a long break from social interaction, as she heard her phone buzz on the nightstand. She audibly groaned, nearly a yell as she rolled over to grab it to see who is bothering her in her afterglow. A text from Silver Wolf and Sparkle greeted her on her lock screen, making her already regret checking. Sparkle first.

S. “Oh, you two didn’t tell me you left Penacony! How rude. >:(“ “

F. I don’t have to keep you updated on our every move, you know.”

S. “Is that any way to talk to your bestie? Are you and your starlight having fun at least?”

F. “I don’t have to answer that either.”

S. “Hmph, so stingy. Send me a pic right now.”

F. “No.”

S. “Then I know exactly what you two are up to ;)” Firefly rolled her eyes, but realized that the Fool was correct.

F. “Doesn’t matter. Did you have anything else to say?”

S. “Not particularly, just checking up on you :).”

F. “Noted. Thank you for helping us get together, Sparkle. Genuinely.”

S. “Of course, have a goodnight Firefly!”

With that she switched over to Silver Wolf’s chat, which just held a single message of warning.

SW. “I know u and Stelle are busy, but u 2 should be careful tomorrow.”

F. “Why? What’s wrong?”

SW. “I don’t know specifics, just b ready for smthing”

F. “Okay, thank you Wolfie.”

Firefly put away her phone, just in time for Stelle to get out of the bathroom, still drying her hair. She decided to keep the messages a secret for now, not knowing what kind of trouble Wolfie could possibly be hinting towards.

“Hey Fifi, you should probably shower now while the water is still hot. Takes a bit to warm up here in Belobog.” Firefly quickly and quietly took her up on the offer, grabbed her own sleep clothes and rushed into the bathroom. After both women were cleaned up they settled into bed, cuddling and chatting until they both fell asleep. Both slept extremely peacefully, more so than they ever have. Stelle was free of night terrors, and Firefly didn’t feel the need to wake up and activate Sam. Being in each other’s arms was a simple but powerful thing that helped both women greatly.

—

Morning came and neither woman woke until the sun broke through the curtains, warming their faces. They leisurely woke, changed into clean clothes (Not the ones from the previous night of activities.), and tidied up the room a bit. Stelle wanted to make Firefly breakfast, but was eventually convinced by Firefly’s insistence on trying local cuisine. They went down to the main floor of the hotel and ordered some breakfast and coffee. While they munched and chatted over breakfast, Stelle’s phone buzzed with a call. It was Himeko.

“Hey mom, what’s up? Something wrong?” Stelle asked, quickly finishing chewing her food. Himeko never liked her talking with her mouth full, and she didn't want to add any other potential scoldings.

“Come back to the Express. Now. Both of you.” Himeko stated with some venom in her words, though Stelle could tell it wasn’t directed at her.

“Ok, we’re finishing up breakfast then we will be on our way. Love you.”

“Love you too. Be quick, please.” With that, the line went dead, and Stelle pocketed her phone with a bit of uncertainty. 

“What was that all about?” Firefly asked, feeling a tinge of regret in not warning Stelle as per Silver Wolf’s message.

“Mom just asked us to come back to the Express. Something is wrong, but she didn't say what. Ready to go?”

“Yea, let’s not keep her waiting.”

The pair got up, paid the bill for their breakfast, and headed out hand in hand to get back to the Express as fast as they could. Stelle waved at any of her friends she passed by, insisting she couldn’t stay and chat right now. All of them allowed her to walk by, and it wasn’t long before they had made it back to where the Express had landed. The couple could see on their approach, a familiar head of red hair quickly pacing in front of the door, periodically kicking at the snow in frustration.

“Mom? Is everything okay?”

Himeko didn’t say anything, just pointed at the door of the Express and sighed heavily. Stelle helped Firefly up the steps and followed right behind, with Himeko a few seconds behind.What greeted everyone was quite unexpected. Sitting on one of the couches was a very familiar woman, calmly sipping some coffee. Her gaze met the couple and her eyes lit up a bit.

“Hello, my nova. And hello Firefly.” Kafka said, slight mirth in her voice.

Chapter Text

Stelle immediately understood what was making Himeko so nervous and unwilling to talk, whereas Firefly was just bewildered at how her ‘boss’ got here and why.

“So, do either of you have a good explanation for how she got here?” Himeko averted her gaze completely from Kafka, doing her best to not focus on the distraction she caused her.

“Himeko dearest, you don’t have to act like I’m not here. If you want to know how I got here just ask me directly.” Stelle and Firefly both watched as Himeko’s face went flush, neither sure if it was from embarrassment or anger.

“Ahem, if I may just ask so we can get this settled, how did you get here?” Firefly asked, lightly pulling Stelle along as she sat down on the couch near Kafka but not within arm’s reach. Himeko stayed standing, looking down at the other three.

“Oh, Fifi. You know exactly how I got here. You get one guess.” Kafka stated, switching her gaze off of Himeko’s pouting. Before Firefly could even open her mouth to answer, the Express speakers crackled to life.

“It’s me, hi, everyone’s favorite hacker.” Silver Wolf’s voice came out the speakers, punctuated with a giggle. “Don’t worry too much about the Express’ security, it’s actually pretty airtight. Oh, and don't worry about me interrupting any more, strict orders from the boss lady down there. Bye Bye now!” Everyone but Himeko seemed completely unsurprised at the revelation that Silver Wolf was to blame for Kafka’s sudden appearance. 

“Okay, so that’s the how, but what about the why? It’s not like you to just show up like this, mom.” Stelle asked. Himeko visibly cringed at Stelle calling Kafka ‘mom’.

“I’m not here to steal away your sweetheart with her next script, if that’s your worry. I’m just here to check up on you, my little nova. And to make sure Firefly’s health is of no concern.”

“Would you like me to have Sam run a diagnostic on me? I can do that right away.” Firefly asked, tense from the energy Himeko was giving off, desperate for an escape.

“That would be lovely, Firefly. Why don’t you and Stelle scurry off somewhere and do that in private. I believe me and the navigator have some things to discuss.” Kafka’s hollow eyes locked onto Himeko’s blazing orange. A sinister smirk met a seething grimace. During this momentary showdown, Stelle and Firefly scooted away without a word, Himeko glaring at them as they left.

“Hmm, I’m glad our nova is still such a good listener. Firefly too. Don’t you agree, dear?” Kafka drawled out with heavy emphasis on ‘dear’.

“Why are you here, Kafka? Your real reason.”

“It’s like I said, I'm here to check up on Stelle and Firefly. Don’t believe me?”

“Quite frankly, no. I don’t believe that you’d show up on the Express in the flesh for no good reason. Especially not since we've been separated for-”

“Three years, five months, and twelve days.”

“Yes, thanks for the reminder,” Himeko hissed. “We’ve been separated for that long and not once have I seen you in person. Yet here you are.”

“Here I am indeed. Is it a crime to want to see our daughter bring home her first partner?” Kafka shrugged, a hint of genuine emotion breaking through her demeanor.

Himeko couldn't push back on that and could hear the hurt in Kafka’s voice. Stelle was always their shared weak point and it would be downright cruel of Himeko to prevent Kafka from sharing in the joy that motherhood brought them. With a huff and a grumble, Himeko dropped herself down on the couch Kafka was on, seated as far away as she could manage. 

“No, it’s no crime. I just… Sorry. She’s your daughter just as much as she is mine. You raised her alone for all those years before we got together. Her memory loss in the middle was rough on me, since it lined up with me taking over as her primary mother figure. I don't deserve to steal away memories from you two.”

“No need to apologize, honey. It was rough on me as well, and I am sorry I could never make time to try to properly reconcile with you. Things keep happening, and unfortunately our nova always seems to be right in the middle.” Kafka let out a light chuckle, and Himeko joined in after a moment.

“Truly embodying the Trailblaze. Wouldn’t have her living any other way.” Himeko said, fondness oozing from her words. Kafka moved slightly closer to Himeko. 

“That she is, and she’s happier than she ever was when she was with the Hunters. I have no shame in admitting you always were more suited to the caretaker role than me.” Another movement closer.

“You’re better than Blade would have been, that’s for sure.” Himeko dropped her head backwards, letting herself relax a bit more. Kafka moved a bit closer yet again.

“Oh, dear, I brought a bottle of your favorite. Care to drink with me?” Kafka asked as she pulled a bottle out of her bag, Himeko’s favorite red wine, matching her hair perfectly.

“That sounds lovely. I don't remember the last time I was able to actually relax and drink some. Stelle and her Trailblazing spirit really puts a toll on the Express and its navigator.” Himeko got up, found the closest available glasses and set them down for Kafka to pour. Unconsciously, Himeko sat closer to Kafka than before, now close enough to touch each other. 

‘Kafka is so lovely from this-’ Himeko had to break herself from that thought before it advanced any further, flush taking over her features. 

“Oh dear, you're already so red in the face and we haven’t even started drinking yet. You haven’t become a lightweight in my absence, I hope.” Kafka let out a quiet, husky laugh as she handed Himeko her glass. Himeko quickly snatched it and took a sip, hoping the glass would cover her face some. Kafka took a drink as well, a small drop running over her lips that she licked up, painfully slow.

‘Red looks so good on her…’ Himeko couldn’t stop the thought this time and her flush got even more intense.

“This wine is just as good as I remember. Thank you, Kafka.”

“No problem at all, dear. Think of it as a bit of a peace offering. Sign of my good intentions.”

“I will. Oh, should we invite the girls to come have some? I bet Stelle would love it.”

“Honey,” Kafka started with a laugh. “I don’t think you’re gonna want to interrupt them for a while.” 

Himeko’s eyebrow shot up in silent question, before they furrowed as she realized what Kafka meant. 

–

Stelle and Firefly, were in fact, sloppily making out elsewhere on the Express, much to the chagrin of Sam who really wanted a clean set of vital readings. At least he could confirm her libido levels.

–

Kafka decided enough pleasantries had gone between them, if Himeko’s proximity was anything to judge by, that she could spring the real purpose of her visit. 

“Himeko, dear. I am sorry but I lied a tiny bit. I was contacted directly by someone with news that I think you’ll be interested in.”

“I figured as much. Something you didn’t want Stelle or Firefly to hear about?” Kafka silently nodded. “Then let’s hear it. I won’t treat this lightly, since you're hiding something from our daughter.” Himeko finished off her first glass, and immediately poured another, preparing for the worst.

“Jade of the Stonehearts contacted me directly. I expect if you didn’t already hear from her, you soon will. I guess behind all our backs after that party of Stelle’s, she found Firefly and convinced her to make a deal.”

“The price she paid?”

“Two favors. One from the Hunters, and one from the Express.” Himeko clicked her tongue, annoyed that they got roped into more IPC nonsense. Kafka patted Himeko’s shoulder in an attempt to calm her. It worked. “Part of what she told me is that Firefly specifically asked it be kept from Stelle.” 

“You're asking me to lie to our daughter then?” Himeko bristled at the idea before even getting an answer.

“No, honey, I'm not asking for that. I think that Firefly is hiding it from Stelle because she doesn't want her to worry, but I think Stelle already knows something is wrong and is thinking up solutions. You know how determined our nova can be once she finds a problem she wants to solve. I just want you to act like I never told you this, and help her along with solving her girlfriend’s problems. I trust you can do better than me.”

Kafka decided to be bold, and snaked an arm around Himeko’s waist, and rested her head on her arm. Himeko sighed and cuddled into the embrace, putting an arm around Kafka. 

‘It’s been a long time since I’ve had any physicality. I can afford to indulge just this once.’ Himeko’s internal thoughts did their best to rationalize cuddling with her ex-wife.

“Alright. I can do that. How do you know she will even come for me to help though?”

“Darling, you're one of the best engineers and comforters in the universe. She will come to you.” Himeko flushed at the compliment, not helped by Kafka nuzzling into her shoulder.

“When did you get so cuddly? Not very fitting of your spider-assassin thing you have going on.”

“It’s been a long three years dear. Just let me have this, please.” And so Himeko obliged, not hating the contact at all. At least no one else on the crew was–

Just as the thought crossed her mind, one of the doors opened and Himeko froze.

“Hey Himeko,” March 7th walked in, eyes glued to her phone, yet to notice the scandalous scene. “Pom-Pom was asking me where something of theirs was, and they said you’d know.”

March looked up from her phone and finally saw Kafka and Himeko entwined on the couch. Instantly her jaw dropped and she slapped her hands over her eyes. “Oh! Im… I'm so sorry to intrude Miss Himeko, I'll be getting out of here right away.” She sprinted to the doors she came out of, slamming the door behind her with a final ‘Sorry!’.

“Kafka.” Himeko growled through gritted teeth.

“Yes darling?” Kafka said, saccharine admiration in her voice and eyes as she looked up at Himeko.

“You could have said something so she didn’t get the wrong idea.”

“And what idea is that, dearest?” Kafka’s genuine emotion turned mischievous, clearly trying to get a rise out of her ex.

“Ugh, I’m not even going to bother explaining. You’re lucky this wine is so delicious or else I’d consider dumping it out on you.”

“Ha! That’s the fireball I missed.” Kafka laughed, as Himeko just scoffed and continued drinking the wine. Kafka untangled herself from Himeko and just stared at her.

“Oh, so now you decide to stop cuddling up to me?”

“Can you blame me for wanting every second of affection you’d give me? And now I can also see your beautiful face.”

“Your sappiness hasn’t gone away in the slightest I see, my dear spider.”
Kafka was slightly taken aback by the term of endearment, which Himeko caught and winked, only making Kafka blush harder. 

‘How long has it been since I blushed?’ Kafka thought to herself, before regaining her composure.

“Ah, I did mean to ask, before we got so carried away. What do you think of the blooming couple between our two factions?” Kafka asked, no hint of her previous embarrassment left in her voice.

“Oh, Firefly and Stelle? I could tell during all that happened on Penacony that something was going on between them, just wasn’t sure how far either would take it. I will say, I didn’t expect Firefly to be so bold. Every time I've seen her during the last week she has some new bite or kiss mark from Stelle.”

“What do you expect? They're young lesbian idiots in love. Don’t act like we were much better in our youth.” Kafka smirked as Himeko scoffed and blushed.

“Shut up. Anyways. I support it, I just hope your boss doesn’t get in the way of them too much. Personally I have no problem with it, I just don’t want Stelle to lose her love too soon. Be that from Firefly’s health or some stupid fight Elio has planned for her.”

“I think you’ll like what her script says for her. But I'm not at liberty to say what that actually entails. But I understand if you don't trust me fully on this. At least, please believe me that I think what will happen is best for Stelle.”

“Oh that's such a dirty trick, bringing up Stelle right now.” Himeko was caught off guard by Kafka cupping her cheek with one hand.

“Honey, I know we’re nowhere near ‘fixed’ but please. I am not and would never use our daughter as a weapon. Can you at least believe me about that?” Kafka gently pleaded, and Himeko realized how close their faces were.

‘I could kiss her right now’ was the main thought in both Kafka and Himeko’s minds, drowned out by their common sense screaming at them to not do that.

After a few seconds, Himeko realized what was happening, and gently grabbed Kafka’s hand, removed it from her face, gave her knuckles a quick kiss and palm a squeeze, finally letting the hand drop onto her lap.

“Alright, Kafka. I believe you. I do hope we get more chances to catch up. It’s been a very long three years. And make sure you bring more ‘peace offerings’. I really missed this stuff.” Himeko smirked as she finished the last of her glass, saving the last of the bottle for Stelle and Firefly. As if on cue, a knock came from the same door March nearly threw off in her panic. 

“Hey moms? Can we come in? Firefly finished her check up.”

Kafka and Himeko took a moment, silently nodded to each other and put a little bit of distance between them. Enough for plausible deniability. 

“You may, little nova.” Himeko called out. Shortly after, Firefly and Stelle entered, noticeably disheveled and poorly put back together. Himeko sighed and Kafka just shot an eyebrow up as the pair approached. Kafka leaned over and whispered ‘I told you so’ which earned her a light slap on the shoulder from Himeko.

“So, how are you doing Firefly?” Kafka asked, ignoring Himeko’s playful glare. 

“Clean health, as expected. Slightly elevated heart rate here and there. Sam pinged an issue with my nerves but I think it’s just from the cold. Nothing major. I'm going through a minor recurrence, but I can rest up in Sam at any time now.” Firefly listed off, not noticing the gasp and dusting of blush on Himeko as she connected the dots as to what those symptoms meant. 

“Hmm, a recurrence? Why didn’t you rest in Sam last night?” Kafka asked, a smirk growing as blush overtook Firefly’s face. 

“Um, we weren’t sure if room service or something could accidentally come in. So, I… slept normally, as best I could. That’s all.” Firefly barely mumbled out. In embarrassment she spun around and nuzzled into Stelle, trying to burrow away from her boss. Stelle just wrapped her arms around her girlfriend, doing her best to support her. 

“Mom, please don't be so mean to her.” Himeko notably didn't cringe at Stelle calling Kafka ‘mom’ this time. “She had a lot of emotions yesterday, don’t purposely upset her.”

“I'm sorry , Fifi.” Kafka said with a small chuckle. “Wasn’t trying to be so rude. Congratulations to you two on officially being a couple. How about a toast?” Himeko quickly grabbed two more glasses, as Kafka filled them all. Himeko cleared her throat, preparing for her quick toast.

“To love, to life, and to whatever the future may bring!” The four women clinked their glasses together and took a sip. At that moment, a horn noise that sounded like it was deflating played over the Express speakers, followed by Silver Wolf’s very bored sounding “Yayyyyyy!”. Giggles and laughs came from the group before Silver Wolf signed off for good, claiming she had raids to get to.

After a few minutes, March joined in with the impromptu festivities. She continually gave Kafka and Himeko suspicious glances, flinging her head away whenever Kafka looked her way. She couldn’t handle being the only one with the accursed knowledge she held, and pulled Stelle to the side.

“Stelle, don’t panic or anything,” March whispered to the hunched over Stelle. “But I understand where you get your clinginess from. Your moms are just like you.” Stelle laughed, louder than she intended, before leaning back down to whisper back.

“I had a feeling I got it from somewhere. Didn’t expect it from those two today though. Was that what the door slamming was all about? Me and Fifi saw you rush around looking like you were about to explode.” March just nodded, a bit of blush on her face. “Alright, cool. Let’s get back over there, thanks for the intel.” With another chuckle and a small slap on the back, they rejoined the group.

The motley crew of women continued drinking and chatting for a few hours, time passed easily in good company. Every so often, one of the other crew members would walk through the main car and get dragged into the fun. Dan Heng initially fought back, but seeing March and Stelle have so much fun eventually convinced him to join for a while. Pom-Pom simply reminded them to keep things clean and orderly or else they would be in charge of cleaning duty instead of the little rabbit. Welt joined without much fuss but sat to the side, quietly observing the fun and occasionally butting in with some dry humor. 

After longer than expected, cups ran dry and energy ran low, so the party had to end. March was the first to retire, going to her room after giving Stelle and Firefly quick hugs and congratulations. 

Kafka went next, claiming she had to go to the bathroom. She gave Stelle a deep hug and an ‘I love you’. Firefly got a less intimate hug, and Kafka set out. Stelle silently noted that she walked in the direction of the bedrooms and not the bathrooms. 

Himeko was the last to leave, pulling both girls into a hug.

“Sorry Firefly, but Stelle’s room is still under construction, so you’ll both have to sleep on the couches.”

“They're actually way more comfy than you'd think.” Stelle chimed in.

“And Stelle, remember what I told you before?” Himeko asked, a mild threat in her voice.

“Yes mom, I remember. Good night, I love you.” Stelle responded with a laugh.

“Good night to both of you. I love you, my nova.” With that, Himeko turned and left towards her bedroom, flicking the light switch on her way out.

Stelle was experienced with sleeping on the Express couches, and she proved that by pulling a compartment on the seats out, and quickly assembling many pillows and blankets into her own makeshift nest bed. She presented her work to her girlfriend with a proud smirk.

“Very good, my Starlight. Let’s get some rest. I’ll be on top tonight.” Firefly said while pushing Stelle down onto the couch. Stelle’s face erupted in blush as she fully processed what Firefly had said. “No, not like that, you perv. Is it fine if I sleep on top of you?”

“Oh! Yea, yea that’s completely fine by me.” Stelle stammered out, fluster not fading as she nestled into her blankets with Firefly looming above her. Once she was comfortable she held her arms out, ready to accept her girlfriend in a sleepy embrace. 

Firefly accepted it, straddled herself around Stelle’s body to get comfortable, and before they fully fell asleep, she bopped Stelle on the head with a pillow.

“Hey, what was that for?” Stelle asked, somewhat incredulous in her sleepy and tipsy state.

“For your mind being so far in the gutter.”

“Okay, that's fair. Good night Fifi. I love you so much.” Stelle pulled her even closer.

“I love you a lot too, Stelle. Good night.”

And so the pair slept, a much more peaceful night than the previous.

Chapter Text

As expected of a soldier, Firefly woke far before her girlfriend did, but she stayed mindful of the issues of the past. Her request to lay on top of Stelle was entirely utilitarian. Once she woke she was able to roll right off and quickly take in her surroundings. In all the windows, Firefly could see the great empty expanse of space, stars twinkling, nebulae swirling, and planets turning. A brief moment was all she allowed herself to take in that beauty before she took quick and quiet steps to the center of the train car and silently activated Sam. 

Once she was back into her armored cocoon, she sat down in front of Stelle and lightly dropped one of Stelle’s arms around her now heavy and metallic shoulders. Firefly hoped that would be enough to stem Stelle's night terrors and returned to her own form of sleep. She was awoken by a light rapping on Sam's forehead. Slightly surprised but knowing it wouldn't be dangerous she dismissed Sam altogether instead of activating his sensors.

In front of her was Kafka, her hair extremely disheveled, her glasses nowhere to be seen, and her usual clothes completely discarded in favor of just wearing what appeared to be Miss Himeko's overcoat. She held up a single finger to shush the barely awake Firefly before extending a hand to help her stand. Firefly dared not to defy her boss but gestured towards the still sleeping Stelle, a silent question of if leaving her now would lead to her suffering terrors again. Kafka just lightly wiggled her fingers and nodded, which Firefly took as permission enough to stand and walk with Kafka. The pair walked to a corner of the car a bit further away from the sleeping Nameless before finally chatting.

“Good morning Firefly, hopefully I didn't interrupt your rest too much? I know you said you've barely been in Sam lately but I felt I should tell you what's happening the next few days.”

“I slept well enough, I'll have Sam run a diagnostic while we chat now. What do you have to tell me, Kafka?” True to her word, Firefly started the diagnostic while checking her phone to see that it was indeed technically morning in the star system they were now in.

“Don't worry, no changes to your script and no official mission for you. Just a bit of housekeeping that you and Stelle can come along for. Find some fun along the way, I imagine. Stelle has always been quite good at finding fun and trouble wherever she roams.”  Kafka said with a shrug before crossing her arms and looking down at her fellow Stellaron Hunter. 

“Okay, no official mission. That's great, but where are we going? I keep being carted around places with no warning.” Firefly relaxed immensely upon knowing she could continue being casual around Kafka, something that was very rare for her any time she was amongst the other Hunters. 

“We are going to Herta Space Station. I need to have a talk with the good Madame who owns the place and I think it will go much smoother if I'm accompanied by some amount of the crew of the Express.” 

“Not to be rude Kafka, but didn't that place nearly explode last time you went there? How do you know we won't be attacked on sight for being a threat to the station?” Firefly asked with concern flitting across her face before locking onto the forever calm Kafka. 

“That's what the crew will be for. If I went alone it would be guaranteed to end in a fight, but with them there not only will some of the good will they've built on the station rub off on me, but the guards won't have to be concerned about the safety of the station, since I'll be escorted by extremely trusted and powerful Trailblazers.”

“Alright, suppose that makes enough sense. Anything else I should know, or are my orders to just enjoy time with my girlfriend?” Firefly asked, slight suspicion in her voice at the random benevolence of her boss. 

“Couldn’t have put it better myself, i do truly hope you and my nova can enjoy yourself. You both deserve a good break and unfortunately I haven’t been able to give you much of one in an official capacity.” Firefly silently thought to herself and realized that in her entire time in the Hunters, she has never had a break. It was self imposed but she never stopped, barely ever dropping the guise of Sam unless it was needed for a mission. 

She treated herself as a weapon for so long that she had only just realized how good it felt to be treated as an individual. 

“I… thank you, Kafka. I do need to take a break, don’t I?”

“You do, and Stelle will be happy to know you’re letting yourself relax. I don’t know if you realized this yourself but i think the only time i saw you stop being so physically tense was once you got some wine in you last night. Let yourself relax, and let others take some of the weight off your shoulders.” 

“Okay… I’ll do that. I’m gonna go and try to sleep again for a bit. Thank you. Oh, and nice coat.” 

With that, Firefly drowsily turned on her heel to return to her spot by her girlfriend while Kafka lightly chuckled to herself before finding Pom-Pom and informing them of the next destination for the Express. After multiple reassurances that the request came from Himeko, the little rabbit plodded off to make the right preparations and divert the Express.

Firefly and Stelle continued their slumber undisturbed by the diverting course of the Express, comfortable in the half embrace they enveloped each other in. They continued to sleep all the way until the Express pulled into the spot in Herta Space Station’s hangar that seemed made just for it, and even slept through the hustle and bustle of the landing procedure. They were both finally awoken by the gentle rousing of March 7th shaking them by the shoulders.

“Hey, sleepy little lovebirds. You two alive?”

“Yea yea, stop shaking me March,” Stelle said, lightly brushing her friend's hand away, before placing her own hand on her girlfriend’s head and giving the soft white hair a quick tousle.

“You awake, my love?” Stelle gently hummed out, rolling over slightly to get a better view of her partner’s face.

“Yes, I’m awake, my starlight. Good morning to you too, March.” March beamed brightly before plopping herself down on the coffee table in front of the couple. “I assume we have arrived then?” Firefly questioned the cotton candy woman who enthusiastically nodded her head.

“Herta Space Station, system time who cares, it's the morning, and I guess we're here for you and Kafka to do some sort of errand. Himeko wasn’t too clear about it, and to be honest I wasn't sure if she was really happy or pissed off this morning. Either way, her and Kafka are right outside waiting for you two. The rest of us will just be doing some check ups and maintenance on the Express while we have more helpers.” As March was listing off everything, Stelle groggily rose up from the couch and stretched.

“Well, let’s not keep my moms waiting. You ready Fifi?” As Stelle asked she reached a hand out to help pick Firefly up off the ground, which she took with no hesitation. 

“Yea, ready enough. Let's go.”

The pair walked outside, and as promised the two older women were awaiting them. Kafka was inspecting her blade and ammunition, while Himeko scowled at her, with her own weapon neatly folded up and resting behind her.

“Hey you two, good morning. Why does mom have her guns out?” Stelle asked through a yawn, snaking a hand down Firefly’s arm to hold her hand.

“Well, after we do our little diplomacy mission for her, we're gonna do some training. You're more than welcome to join or do whatever else. Just don't make too much work for Arlan or the other staff, alright?” Himeko preemptively scolded, eyes flipping between Stelle and Kafka, the latter meeting her gaze with a small smile.

“Alright then, lead the way moms.”

The pair of couples began the walk from the Express to Herta's office, with many personnel wanting to greet the Nameless before realizing the Hunter they had in tow, and averting their gaze or sprinting away fully. Some security team members approached them but were quickly waved off by Himeko, who deeply sighed every time.

“Aeons, this would be so much easier if you weren't so highly wanted.” 

“I know you want me, dear, but I think most of them are scared off by your sour expression. We're on a lovely mother-daughter outing and you're scowling so hard.”

“Kafka! I do not…” Himeko’s face flushed a bright red to match her hair. “Ugh I forgot how exhausting it was dealing with you like this.”

“Like how? You’ll have to be more specific, dear.” 

Himeko just silently glared daggers at Kafka, with a few quick hand motions towards Kafka, her neck, her face, before giving up and just slumping over in defeat.

“Kafka, stop laying into her for now please. We're here to smooth stuff over with the station, not torment their VIPs.” Firefly chimed in, gaining her an appreciative look from Himeko and quiet chuckle from Kafka. Stelle tightened her hold on Firefly’s hand before quickly pecking her on the cheek. A silent ‘thanks for breaking up the mom fight’. Some of the confused onlookers gasped at the display of affection, but none made an effort to approach for clarification. 

After a short walk, with even more jabs between the older women, they arrived at the office of Madame Herta. Inside was the diminutive doll form that the owner of the station often used, chatting with the head researcher. Both turned to look when the doors opened, Asta sprinting over to Stelle upon seeing her. The other couple let her pass and went to talk to Herta.

“Stelle, you're finally back! Why didn’t you tell me?” Asta moved to take both of Stelle’s hands in her own but stopped when she realized one of the hands was occupied. She gave an inquisitive look towards the occupant. “And who is this?”

“Asta, this is Firefly. My girlfriend. Firefly, this is Asta, head researcher of the Herta Space Station, and one of the first people to really help me out of a pinch when I started this whole trailblazing business.”

“Pleasure to meet you, thank you for helping out my starlight!” Firefly held out a hand for Asta to shake, which was taken somewhat hesitantly. 

“Girlfriend…right. Nice to meet you.” The researcher seemed distant for a moment before snapping back into her usual demeanor. “I hope you have a pleasant time on the station, be sure to let me know if there’s anything you need while you’re here.”

“Of course, thank you so much for all you do Asta. We should probably go make sure the diplomacy over there is going alright.” Stelle quickly remarked. 

“Please do, you're one of the only people capable of dealing with Madame Herta. I’ll be over here, still need to finish the task I was working on before you all got here.” Silently and quickly, Asta retrieved many folders of documents and started flipping through them while groaning to herself. 

The couple then walked over to the others, who all three stopped talking and looked at them.

“So, how are discussions going over here?” Stelle asked, hoping to make them all stop staring at her. 

“Completely fine, turns out Madame Herta doesn’t really care about what we did on the station. She mentioned Wolfie might need to have a talk with Screwllum to squash whatever beef they have but me and Firefly are free to come and go as we please.” Kafka stated, showing a small amount of surprise by how easy the negotiations went. 

“Yup, if you don’t have something relevant to the Simulated Universe research, I don't really care. Not like I need the bounty money.” Herta said with a shrug.

“Actually, me and Himeko worked out a deal with the good Madame here, we’re gonna do our training in the Simulated Universe as a bit of repayment to her. Care to join us?”

“Hold on, I think I might get more interesting data if you split up in groups of two. Do you mind doing that for me? So the married ones and the dating ones paired up with each other. Good? Good. Thank you.” Herta said in a deadpan voice, before turning around and typing away at the console near the platform.

“We are not married!” Himeko immediately blew up and protested, as Kafka lightly dragged her onto the platform.

“Don’t care, have fun.” Herta said as she slammed the button to send them into the simulation. 

Stelle and Firefly burst out laughing as soon the bickering pair were sent away. Once they recovered some, they both noticed the Herta doll staring at them emotionless. 

“Dunno why you two are laughing so much, your turn to get in there. Go on. I’ll give you some more guidance since it’s your first time in there, I assume.” She said while pointing at Firefly.

“Don't worry, I’ll be right there with you too Fifi.” Stelle gave Firefly’s hand a reassuring squeeze before leading her onto the platform. 

“Alright, see ya soon.” Herta said as she pressed the button yet again. “I don't understand couples.”

A flash of light and the couple were in a digitized version of the Belobog underground, Herta gave Firefly a few explanations as she acclimated to how it felt to move around in the simulated space. Stelle helped her with some more hands-on pointers from all her experience in the Simulated Universe, as well as Screwllum’s twist on it. Once Firefly had her bearings, Herta chimed in yet again.

“So, though you’d probably be more comfortable fighting as yourselves, part of the test I'm running between you and the other pair is what happens if I force you to switch places. Stelle, in a minute you're going to become Firefly, and Firefly you'll become Stelle. Stay put until the swap happens. You’ll keep your memories and all that, the only thing that’s swapping is your combat ability. Enjoy and I await good results.”

In a flash of blue light, Stelle was blinked away and replaced by a picture perfect replica of Firefly. Seconds later, the same happened to Firefly, gaining a few inches and now looking down at herself. 

“Alright, download and data swap successful. Stelle, you know the drill. Fight stuff, encounter events, blahblah. All on you two now.” Herta said before signing off.

“Sounds good, let’s go Fi…Stelle, hehe.” Stelle said before activating SAM in order to get a feel for how he functioned. Firefly just adjusted Stelle’s hat on her head, confused how she actually used it as a weapon. 

“Ugh, I can feel the Stellaron burning in me. Do you always deal with this?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Don't worry, it won't be doing any damage to you in battle. Just fight like we always do, I know you've paid attention to me enough to have a pretty good handle on how I use that particular artifact.”

“Alright. Let’s get this done. I do feel like I could do with a bit of stress relief.”

The pair fought in near-perfect unison, used to each other's combat styles like they were designed to fight by each other's side. Whenever Firefly would stumble, Stelle would pilot SAM to catch her and set her back on her feet, going back to deliver brutal hits to whatever targets were chosen by the boomeranging hat of the Nameless. Explosive punches and stomps, flowing beautifully with the pale green flaming sword slashes leaving nothing left but scorch marks, as the couple flowed in a dance of violence feeling the abilites of their partner become as natural as their own.

In between fights Stelle disengaged SAM to walk around as Firefly, the couple occasionally taking the time to kiss or embrace before continuing to fight. After fights with nameless monsters and soldiers, the final fight came and it was a familiar face. Kafka stood in a dark aura, even more emotionless than usual.

“Uh, Starlight, is that who I think it is?”

“Yea, mom is in here as an enemy, I’ve fought her in here a ton, this’ll be a breeze. Just follow my lead and it’ll all be fine.”

Firefly did as instructed, and followed Stelle into battle with her Hunter compatriot. All was going perfectly to Stelle’s plan, until a neon purple thread wrapped around SAM’s neck successfully charming him.

“Hey, starlight, is everything okay?” Firefly asked, but was just met with the cold, iron gaze of SAM’s visor staring her down. “Hey, say something please? What’s happening to you?!”

SAM in an instant rocketed towards Firefly, a flaming fist reeled back and ready to annihilate the target in front of him. Not knowing what to do and not wanting to hurt her girlfriend, Firefly braced for impact as best she could in Stelle’s unarmored body. She closed her eyes and…

But the attack never came. She opened her eyes and saw the flaming fist stopped millimeters away from her face, before the flame extinguished. 

“I. Will. NOT. Hurt her.” Stelle gritted out as SAM’s arm reached up to his neck and gripped with full force. A burst of flame ignited the neon thread, and Kafka’s control over the mecha was gone. “Sorry about that Fifi. I'm normally much more resistant to mom’s charms. Let’s finish this.” 

Without turning around Stelle leaped into the air, landed behind the digital Kafka, drew a flaming sword and drove it through her chest. The facsimile of her mother faded away, leaving just her sword hanging in the air and the portal to leave the Simulated Universe open behind her. Stelle collapsed onto the ground with a loud metallic clatter, before dismissing Sam. Firefly rushed over and helped pick her girlfriend up off the ground. Without a moment to themselves, Herta chimed back in.

“Thank you so much for this very interesting data, sorry for not warning you about switching you back to your normal selves. The other two are also done, so just walk through the portal real quick and we can review the data.” 

The couple did as instructed, Stelle using Firefly as a crutch in exhaustion. Once back in reality, the pair dropped onto the stairs leading up the platform, getting settled before Herta started rattling off all the data she was able to collect. No one fully followed all the talk of physics and Aeon based philosophy she rambled about. Firefly noticed how flustered Himeko looked, tapping her foot, stealing glances at Kafka’s face and body, and groaning quietly to herself. 

She then shifted her focus to Stelle, who simply waved off Firefly’s concern, whispering a promise to explain later to her in private. Accepting this, Firefly took in the scenario, and what little she could understand of Herta’s lecture. 

She felt exhausted from the sudden fight, but in a way relaxed. Blowing stuff up seemed to work as stress relief. Maybe Blade was on to something with his fight seeking.

Chapter Text

Stelle always tried her best to be upfront and honest with those around her and those she loved, but coming out of the Simulated Universe after swapping bodies filled her with an immense pain unlike anything she had felt before. Cocolia stabbing her didn’t hurt as much as what she felt right now, the sensation of flames coursing through her nervous system mixing with electrical shocks in all of her muscles was an unbearable mixture that led to her waving off Firefly’s concerns while just trying to regain whatever composure she could manage. 

Her senses were so dulled she couldn’t hear Firefly’s increasing concern by her side, couldn’t feel her shakes attempting to snap her out of whatever she was going through, and couldn’t see Herta walking up to her and snapping her fingers in her face, before walking away and making a call.

Himeko and Kafka shared similar looks of concern in Stelle’s direction but were assured by Herta that someone was on the way that would be able to fix whatever was wrong, before going back to typing at her terminal, taking glances every so often at Stelle, noting down everything that seemed relevant to her research. 

Before long, the door to Herta’s lab opened up and a figure clad in a dark blue dress walked in gracefully, but with urgency in her steps. The moment the door opened, all of Firefly’s senses sprung to life, SAM automatically activating every fight response available.

“ALERT: Swarm activity detected! Eliminating!” The internal communication between SAM and Firefly was all warnings, but the only thing in front of her was a normal looking human. 

“Sam, stand down, there's no threats, please stand down!” Firefly pleaded with the mecha but without her input, one of her arms was covered in flaming armor plating and was rocketing towards the woman who was mere steps away from Stelle. 

Firefly desperately tugged at her own arm to prevent it from colliding with the woman, shutting her eyes in anticipation of the violence that would be senseless and blamed on her. Who would believe that the robot in her head made her do it, no, her bounty would rise even higher from this needless death. 

But the impact didn’t come, no screams of pain. 

When she opened her eyes, Firefly saw the woman calmly holding the armored fist in her hand, soft blue light and a cold sensation overtaking the flames of the gauntlet until they were fully extinguished. The armor dissipated on its own, Firefly’s now slack arm dropping right into the woman’s open gloved hand, the blue light being gently pressed onto her wrist before it was withdrawn completely.

“Your vitals are mostly normal, felt quite the unique sensation though. If you would please move to the side, I assure you I am only here to help Stelle.” The woman spoke in a calm, measured tone, just as gentle as her touch. 

“Sorry, of course, I'm so sorry for that. Sorry.” Firefly apologized constantly while she slumped onto the floor out of arm's reach of the woman and Stelle. Her voice barely a whimper as she apologized a few more times, likely only audible to herself.

“No need to apologize, I can understand wanting to be protective of someone you care about. Now let's see here…” The same blue light on her fingers, the woman pressed on many vital points of Stelle’s shuddering body, a small quizzical expression on her face. “I don’t believe we’ve ever met, young lady. I am Ruan Mei, an acquaintance of Stelle. A collaborator of Madame Herta’s as well.” Herta chuckled at the last statement.

“Collaborator isn’t exactly the word I’d use for our relationship, but sure, let's go with that.” Herta remarked before handing Ruan Mei a note. Ruan Mei quickly scanned the note, nodded, and handed it back to Herta before rummaging through a small pouch she had brought with her. She pulled out a small green vial, checked the label, swirled the liquid a small amount, before handing it to Firefly. 

“You are clearly very close to Stelle, all you need to do is make her drink this. The way her condition and vitals are right now, I don’t think she would be receptive to my care. She needs someone who cares about her deeply to do this.” 

Firefly silently nodded, gently took the vial from Ruan Mei and positioned herself in front of her suffering girlfriend. Firefly opened the vial and then lifted it to Stelle’s lips, as she did she wrapped her free arm around Stelle’s back. 

“Please get better, I love you.” Firefly whispered, softly kissing Stelle’s forehead while tipping the vial into her mouth. In between shaky breaths, Firefly could feel Stelle swallowing the mixture bit by bit. Slowly, the shuddering breaths grew quiet until Stelle was completely silent. Firefly was then suddenly pulled into a tight hug by Stelle, and could feel tears soaking into her shoulder.

“I love you too, Fifi. That was… awful. I think that… You, me, Herta and Ruan Mei need to talk. I have some ideas about what just happened. I just need a minute to breathe and then we can figure this out.”

“Honey, are you sure you’re okay? That seemed very intense.” Himeko asked, Kafka holding her in a half embrace trying to comfort the concerned mother. 

“Yea, mom, I’m alright now. Just…wow that was awful. But I guess I’ve survived being stabbed and such. A bit of whatever this was isn't that bad, comparatively.” Stelle said with a chuckle, quickly turning into a cough. “Ow. My bones hurt, I think.”

“I promise if I had normal emotions, I would probably be just as much of a wreck as Himeko here, but alas. I’ll take her back to the Express so you kids can talk to the literal geniuses instead of us moms. I trust you two won’t cause too much trouble for our nova and Fifi, mm?” Before Himeko could protest, Kafka was already pushing her out the door with a quick kiss on the top of Himeko’s head, flustering her doubly. 

With a hiss and a thud, the door closed, shutting behind the bickering older couple. The silence in the room as the other four occupants watched was deafening, before Stelle and Firefly started giggling about the absurdity of the “mature” ones behaving in such a way. After giving those two a moment to make sure they were away from the doors, the other four started walking towards a new room where they could discuss what Stelle wanted to talk about in private.

Reactions of the space station crew members were about as surprised as it was when it saw the group entering the station, but now instead of it being two Stellaron hunters and two Express crew members, it was two Genius Society members and what appeared to be just a regular couple. Firefly noticed a pair of red eyes that seemed somewhat familiar but paid them no mind. After a short walk with no interruptions, the group was in a deeper, far more private section of the station where Ruan Mei had been working. Sam’s warnings of swarm activity were constantly active in this part of the station but Firefly continually shut them down. They found themselves in a small office and settled down at whatever tables and chairs that they could find within. After they were settled, Stelle started the conversation by addressing Herta directly.

“When you made me and Firefly swap bodies, I think I was under the effects of her entropy loss syndrome. I think the reason why I was affected by it was because of my Stellaron allowing me to so easily adapt to new people's abilities. As soon as I came out of the simulated universe it hit my real body. Despite the swapping being simulated, I felt all the same sensations that I'm pretty sure Firefly feels. It was awful. It was incredibly painful, but I think I know how we might be able to cure Firefly. It will not be easy and I don't think we can do it with just Ruan Mei, but I think I know what needs to be done now.”

Herta and Ruan Mei fell into a thoughtful silence about their respective fields, while Firefly turned to Stelle in pure disbelief. 

“Wait, Stelle, are you serious? You… you think you can cure me?” Firefly grabbed Stelle’s arm in a tight hug while asking, a small attempt to ground herself. Stelle slowly nodded and pulled her girlfriend fully into a hug.

“I do. Not personally, but I think I can organize enough people to make something work. I love you, I’d do anything to make sure you live your life to its fullest.” Stelle squeezed Firefly a bit tighter, then the two kissed briefly before being interrupted by Herta’s monotone voice.

“Ok, I’ll admit that I am very interested in the fact that a simulated disease affected your real body, but I fail to see how curing it involves me.” Ruan Mei quickly and lightly elbowed the puppet in the side, eliciting a quiet ‘ow’. “Ok I guess thinking about it, Ruan Mei, Screwllum, and I probably owe you at least one favor from how much you’ve helped along our research.”

“And for cleaning up some of our bigger messes for us, saving lives, and fixing more than we can really list.” Ruan Mei added on, making the clinical statement by Herta less so. “Your contribution to the station has been astonishing, really. But yes, the research potential here is quite fascinating.”

“Wow, this is a lot. Give me a minute to think?” Firefly asked, with the other three women giving her a nod and letting her go out into the hallway. She almost immediately slumped onto the ground, a mixture of shock and relief washing over her. Without prompting, Sam activated, walked to the opposite side of the hallway, and dropped to the ground with a loud thud. 

“Operator, I detect a mixture of emotions in you. Would discussing with this unit assist in any way?”

“I'm conflicted, Sam. Of course I want to be rid of this stupid failsafe of a disease that would take me away from Stelle and living my own life. But if I'm cured then I’ll probably be separated from you and the Hunters. A peaceful life in exchange for forsaking the family I've found.”

“Query: Would this unit not be able to continue working with the Employer independent of Operator Firefly? As long as I am provided the correct maintenance, I can perform most tasks autonomously with no operator piloting me.”

Firefly took a moment of silence to think over her options, all of the pros and cons of each scenario, before asking a question. 

“Have you been able to operate independently this whole time, Sam?”

“Negative. It is not an intended function of a SAM unit. It appears that over time, being separated from the Glammoth mainframe has allowed this unit to gain functionality in order to better serve the needs of Operator Firefly. Example: the semi-stasis state that Operator Firefly can enter, what you call “sleep”, while inside of the SAM unit is not intended to have any major benefits for an operator. However I have been able to replicate the stabilizing and healing properties of the vats that operators would be stored in when not deployed. Analysis: this unit’s unintended enhancements are what has staved off the death that the Empire intended for all operators.”

“So, if I'm cured of entropy loss, I wouldn't need to rest in you periodically?”

“Affirmative. Though your combat capability would diminish significantly, your life expectancy would be drastically increased. Reliance on this unit would no longer be a factor in Operator Firefly’s life.”

“Alright. I’ve made up my mind. Let's go back inside.” With that, both stood up but before Sam could dismiss himself, Firefly cancelled the action. “You're coming. Curing me affects you too.”

“Understood, Operator.” The pair reentered the room, Sam having to duck in order to fit through the frame. Sam positioned himself directly behind Firefly, visors locked firmly onto Ruan Mei.

“Hey there Fifi. And hi to you too Sam. Not often do I see both of you.”

“Greetings, User Stelle.” Sam spoke tersely, visor never leaving Ruan Mei.

“Me and Sam discussed some things and I've decided. You need to cure me.” The three women slightly nodded at her decision, Stelle pulling her girlfriend into a hug.

“I'm glad you trust me, Firefly. I already got in contact with some of my friends from Belobog, but wasn't able to get in touch with the ones from the Xianzhou. I trust them all immensely, and I'm almost certain that with all of them collaborating, along with Herta, Ruan Mei, and Screwllum you can be cured.”

“Operator, I do not trust this woman who has the stench of the Swarm. Extreme caution is advised if you insist on colluding with her.” Sam spoke evenly, the lack of emotion in his voice deceiving the malice in his words. 

“Sam!? She is one of the few people who has ever given me the slightest lead and you have done nothing but try to hurt her! I am not colluding with her, I am trusting a medical professional to do her job. Honestly, I dont give a shit what ‘stench’ she has, I don't see any wings or mandibles or any of that. The Swarm isn't here, just people who want to help me, and I'm going to get this help whether you approve or not. Okay?!?” Firefly punctuated the end of her tirade with a loud huff and a punch to Sam’s chest, not moving the armored suit at all. 

“Permission to speak, Operator?” Sam spoke slightly quieter, attempting to not agitate Firefly further. 

“Permission denied! You can't change my mind.”

“But I…” Sam started to speak but stopped as Firefly took a shaky step away from him. Not even two steps away she started to collapse fully, but was caught by Stelle before she hit the ground. Sam reached out an arm but retracted it after seeing she was caught by her girlfriend. 

“Firefly! Fifi dear, what's wrong?!” Stelle blurted out, panic washing over her. She looked around at the others in the room. Herta showed some concern, Ruan Mei a lot more so, and then her eyes fell on Sam. “What’s happening Sam?” 

“Permission to speak, User?” 

“Granted.”

“Operator Firefly’s condition has worsened immensely. By this unit's calculation and estimation, the time to cure her is now or never. With no medical intervention, the operator will pass away shortly.”

Chapter Text

“What do you mean, Sam? She’s going to die?!”

“Affirmative.”

“How are you being so casual about this?! Ugh, whatever. Where is the operation going to happen, we’re starting immediately.” Without any exertion Stelle lifted the lifeless Firefly, and followed close behind Ruan Mei as she led the group to her research base in the lower sections of the station. 

“Herta,” Stelle spoke quickly and seriously, a tone she very rarely used. “Contact Himeko for me, tell her to full throttle back to Belobog. I'll make sure the right people are there to meet them. Also let Kafka know how Firefly is doing, and that I have the situation under control.” 

“Of course Stelle, right away.” Herta’s puppet, just as instructed, efficiently and quickly making the two requested calls, and a third to Screwllum explaining the entire situation. The group walked as quickly as they could, with Stelle taking extra care to make sure Firefly didn't get shook around by their hastened pace. The usually goofy and chatty Stelle was stone faced and silent, just staring straight ahead. She quietly whispered reassuring statements to her unconscious lover, one part to help her, and another part to help herself.

It didn't take long for the group to get to Ruan Mei's lab. Before Stelle could even make a request, Ruan Mei swiped an arm across a table, clearing all the papers and research implements off, then gesturing for Stelle to lay Firefly down. Following doctors orders, she did just that, took a half step back and collapsed to the ground sobbing. Ruan Mei glanced down at her sadly, but without much hesitation began doing what she could to keep Firefly stable. Two more Herta puppets arrived, giving three assistants to help the impromptu medical procedure. Stelle stayed a motionless lump on the floor, silently sobbing with the occasional sniffle, hiccup, or shuddering breath. 

Stelle lost track of time, her mind a blur. She was able to stay strong and calm enough to get her here, but the weight of the consequences dropped on her like a falling meteor. She could lose her girlfriend. The choice of a now ancient military could cost the life of someone who just wanted to live, who wanted to love and be loved, who was step by step attaining the goals that she had set for herself and Stelle could do nothing but hope that the various experts she befriended got to the station in time to save Firefly. None of her powers could heal, only harm. She had to simply be a useless spectator to the real professionals, unable to help at the time she was needed most. 

She stayed in this cycle of self doubt until her solitude was interrupted by a metallic hand tapping her on the shoulder. She looked up and saw the dapper silhouette of Screwllum standing above her, gloved hand held out to help her off the ground. They clasped hands, Screwllum taking care to not make any sudden movements towards the upset woman. “Pleasure to see you again, Stelle. My apologies that we must meet again under dire circumstances. Do you mind filling me in a bit on what's happening, so that I may properly put my skills towards assisting you and your companion.” Screwllum very gently placed a hand on Stelle's shoulder, led her to a chair and sat her down. The two chatted for a while, Stelle summarizing all she knew about Firefly's condition and unconsciously slipping in details about how much fun they had and how much she loved her. At the first mention of Silver Wolf, Screwllum motioned for Stelle to pause talking.

“I remember her. Her skills when it comes to tech are quite impressive. Could I trouble you to contact her for me? Knowing her, even as a hologram she will be indispensable in curing her family member's condition.” Through bleary eyes, Stelle nodded and pulled out her phone, typing a quick message asking for her to show up at the station. The ‘now typing’ bubble appeared and disappeared repeatedly before Silver Wolf appeared right in front of Stelle. 

“Not often I get invited right back to places I've had to hack before, what's the occasion?” Silver Wolf said in her usual bored tone. She turned and saw Screwllum sitting there and raised an eyebrow. “Wow, even got the VIPs of the station here, did you set me up Stelle?”

“Miss Wolf, I personally lowered security to allow you to come here. It's probably best if Stelle explains from here.” Screwllum stood up and started making his way towards the operating table, and Silver Wolf's eyes followed him, ending on the unconscious Firefly. Her eyes shot fully open and she started to walk over as well.

“Wait!” Stelle’s shout barely left her lips, throwing a hand out to catch Silver Wolf's shoulder, passing through uselessly. The hologram turned around anyways, extreme shock on her face. 

“What's wrong with her?!” Silver Wolf shouted, breaking her usual tone. 

“Wolfie, calm down, please. It's her syndrome, flared up really bad. I sent the Express to get some of my friends who are experts, but I couldn't  get a hold of some in a different place…”

“Names and locations.” Silver Wolf said, anger boiling up.

“What? you mean my friends?”

“Yes. Anyone who could help, I'll go there and get them for you. I can't let something like this get Firefly.”

“Right. On the Loufu, find Bailu and Lingsha. If you can get them here, great, but even their advice could save her.”

With just a nod, Silver Wolf vanished leaving Stelle alone again. She wandered over to where Firefly was laying, gently brushing some of Firefly's hair to the side and lightly rubbing behind her ear. She was jolted to attention by Ruan Mei lightly tugging her sleeve. 

“Don't worry too much about her for now Stelle. Me and Herta have stabilized her. She'll be asleep for the foreseeable future, but she isn't in any danger of regressing further. I know it may be hard but please just trust us and rest a bit. You can stay down here, close by, just do your best to not disturb her. Waking her now could undo some of our work. Herta and I need to go submit some paperwork and grab supplies. Screwllum will stay here and we wont be far if something happens. He can call us in at a moment's notice. Oh, also, she was tightly gripping this while we were working, but eventually her hands loosened up enough for us to move it. I think you should hold onto it for now.” Ruan Mei slipped her hand smoothly into Stelle's open palm and then stepped away with the puppets following behind. In Stelle's hand was the device that Firefly used to call on Sam. 

“Why, Fifi? Why did this have to happen now?” Stelle turned the device over in her hand multiple times. Rubbed her fingers through the grooves and gashes, committing all to memory. Her eyes were glossy from the tears that had been flowing ever since they arrived in Ruan Mei's lab. She was so unfocused, wracked with grief that she didn't hear Sam stomping towards her.

“User Stelle. Permission to speak?”

“Huh?... oh, right. Yeah, granted.”

“Please refrain from exposing that device to direct moisture. That is all.” Sam attempted to walk away, but was stopped by Stelle grabbing him by the shoulder and managing to spin him around on his heel. The sudden burst of strength surprised both parties. 

“What is your problem, Sam?! Do you not care that Firefly might die? All day you've been so flippant about her health. You even tried to kill Ruan Mei the moment you saw her. I just… don't get it.” Stelle deflated after finishing, her grip on Sam's metallic body loosened entirely, arms slack at her side. 

“User Stelle. I am not programmed to perform most of the functions that Operator Firefly asks of me. Compassion is not included. I am useless in this scenario. YOU are also useless. This unit's recommendation is to simply find somewhere to rest while others do their jobs.” Sam then walked away to a corner of the room, dropped down without a care, all lights dimming to a dull grey. 

With no other options, Stelle listened begrudgingly to what Sam told her. She slumped into the chair. Her eyes locked onto the lifeless Firefly making her quickly get misty-eyed, before she fell asleep with her exhaustion amplified by grief and anger. 

Her sleep was plagued by the night terrors she thought were a thing of the past. Death, destruction, hopelessness. All this horror and negativity centered on Firefly. Either Stelle was left to face some threat or issue alone, or she was the cause of the issue and Firefly had to stand against her. Her light was extinguishing with every second that passed. Just as her dream self  was about to bring her lance down on Firefly, she jolted awake. Draped over her was Screwllum's jacket and a blanket embroidered by Ruan Mei. Firefly's device stayed tightly gripped under the blankets. Next to her legs was the hologram of Silver Wolf, quietly sitting and staring at the bustle around the operating table. She noticed Stelle's stirring and looked up at her.

“Hey Stelle. Hope your rest was good. Your Belobogian friends arrived while you were out. The ones from the Loufu are on the way as well. No one wanted to disturb your rest but I wanted to keep an eye on you. You should probably go check in on all of them.” Stelle didn't have time to dwell on how uncharacteristically quiet Wolfie was. Her approach was interrupted by Serval catching her in a tight hug.

“Stelle dear, finally awake. Me and Nat have been helping out as much as we can. The Geniuses did a good job stabilizing her but just like you told us there's a deeply rooted mechanical component to what's wrong with her. It's so good you called for me and not just Nat. Me, Screllum and Miss Himeko will definitely have the combined expertise needed. I dont wanna jinx anything but, I think once the friends of yours that hologram called in show up, we should have this in the bag.”

“Thats… really good to hear serval. I trust all of you. and now I’m trusting my love's life to you too. Is there anything I can do to help?” Stelle thought to herself, ‘Please let me be able to prove Sam wrong. Please let me not be useless.’ As if reading her thoughts, Serval spoke up again.

“Screwllum had an idea of something you may be able to do. Only you. You have the thingy that Firefly uses to call her armor, right? Take that to a deeper level in the station and wait for us to contact you. I know you wouldn't really want to leave her here, but please trust us on this.”

Serval let her arms drop, releasing Stelle from the comforting hug and letting her walk towards Firefly. Stelle placed a single kiss on her forehead and whispered, “I love you Fifi. Be back soon.” Stelle then turned on her heel and walked out of the room, resolute and devoted to her lover.

It took a few minutes of walking and recalling the station's layout, but Stelle eventually found herself in the large circular room where she had eliminated Ruan Mei’s biggest mishap. With nothing better to do, Stelle alternated between mindlessly turning her phone on and off and randomly making her weapons appear just to poof them away again. She opened her phone yet again and opened her camera roll. Perhaps it was a bit of March rubbing off on her, but ever since joining the Express she found herself taking pictures of just about everything. Before the last few months, her pictures were predominantly random cute animals, tasty meals, or just her messing around with her friends. Now it was all Firefly. Dates with her, meals with her, relaxing with her, photos of all types with the singular shared thread of her beloved girlfriend. 

Nestled in the center of all of these pictures were a few that stopped Stelle in her tracks. Unknown to Firefly, Stelle had been looking at rings and took pictures of the pairs that she thought would suit them best. She didn’t know when or how, but she knew that would be the next step for them. It was supposed to be, before this regression and the ensuing panic. Now even the most basic parts of their relationship were in danger. Stelle was quickly knocked out of her spiraling by a notification on her phone from Silver Wolf simply saying “luofu is here, be ready.” 

Stelle’s attention lingered on the picture of the rings for a few beats before she roughly pocketed her phone and walked to the center of the room. A heavy tension was spreading through her body, so she stretched a bit in hopes that she could be just that little bit more prepared for what was to come. The intercom system in the room hissed and crackled to life, Serval’s calm voice breaking through the harsh noise.

“Stelle, can you hear me?” Stelle held a thumbs up towards the ceiling.

“Perfect, now I need you to listen to me very carefully. Do you still have the device?” Stelle rummaged in her jacket for a moment before pulling it out and holding it up above her head.

“Okay, here’s where the hard part comes in. On my signal, you’ll need to activate it to summon her armor, and then you'll need to beat it in a fight.” There was a flash of shock on Stelle’s face, but she quickly composed herself and threw another thumbs up Serval’s way. 

“So this is what you meant by something only I could do.” Stelle muttered to herself. She gripped the device even harder, its sharper edges digging into her palm. “If it takes defeating the other You, then that’s exactly what I’ll do. Time to make a choice I won’t regret.”

“Alright Stelle, everyone is ready. On my mark, the procedure will begin and you’ll summon Sam…”

Three. Time to fight.

Two. Time to prove your worth.

One. Time to save your love.

Now! “It’s time, Fyrefly Type-IV activate!” With a determined thrust upwards, the device shone to life, its metallic wings extended, and a burst of blue and green flames fell a few feet ahead of her. Before the smoke and dust cleared Sam’s visor flashed on, four thin slits of light locked firmly onto Stelle, her weapon in hand.

“User Stelle, this is highly illogical. Your betrayal of Operator Firefly has been recorded, and will be told to her upon her waking. Do you have anything to say in your defense?” 

“Nope.” 

Stelle rushed towards Sam, her baseball bat pulled back and ready to strike. As she approached, Sam braced for a blow to the torso, arms in position to block, but Stelle stopped her swing inches away from hitting. The attack was a diversion, giving her an opening to sweep his legs out from under him. He fell to the ground with a loud crash, helmet ricocheting off the metallic floor. Stelle brought her bat down onto his neck, slamming down with enough force to push his head into the floor and leaving a dent in both. She lifted her bat to bring it down on him in a relentless result but he used his flight boosters to roll out of the way, Stelle’s bat lodging itself into the floor. As she wrenched it out of the ground, Sam tried to press the advantage. 

His jet boosted punches were pushing back Stelle with every impact on the bat’s surface, despite her desperate attempts to dig her heels in. Punch after punch met their target, glowing cracks spreading further and further on the bat. Sam then used a jet boosted knee to send Stelle’s bat flying out of her hands, the bat dematerializing midair. Utilizing his momentum, Sam straightened out his lifted leg in a brutal kick that sent Stelle flying backwards. She tumbled and rolled a few times before she brought out her lance, planting it into the ground and using it as leverage to bring herself back to her feet. 

‘My turn’ Stelle thought to herself before rocketing forward, blazing lance leading her path. A veil of flames prevented Sam’s visual and thermal sensors from pinpointing Stelle’s position, just enough of an opening for her to capitalize on. The pain when she came out of the Simulated Universe may have clouded her senses, but not her memory. She had learned firsthand how Sam fought, and how to disable that explosive power. Now was the time to put that knowledge to use. Sam’s blind attempt to block was focused on his core, but Stelle knew better. When she burst out of the flame wall she was extremely low to the ground, and in a blink her lance was embedded into Sam’s left leg piercing straight through the boosters on the calf. 

“Target Stelle, I have to admit your situational awareness would have made you a wonderful addition to the Iron Calvary.” Sam coldly stated.

Stelle just growled in response, teeth bared and her eyes glowing a bright yellow, leaving a trail wherever her head moved. Her stellaron heart was heating up out of pure instinctual rage, the harsh glow visible through her white shirt. She was not willing to cede any ground to her opponent, holding the lance in place still stuck through the robotic leg, placing her foot on an edge and pushing down like breaking ground with a shovel.

Crunch…Crack.

Sam fell to one knee from the force of the molten lance being jammed through his leg. More metallic creaking screeched out as the entire left leg from the knee down crumpled underneath his weight. Stelle attempted to continue her feral assault with a horizontal slash, but Sam caught the lance in both hands and shoved her back. As Stelle slid backwards, Sam attempted to stand up. 

He fell back down immediately, as his left leg was dangling on by just a few wires. He grabbed what was left of the leg and placed it back where it should be, before his hands and leg were enveloped in a blast of flame. This was enough to instantaneously weld the leg back in place, but almost all mobility was lost. Successfully standing, Sam stiffly strode towards Stelle and began viciously striking her. Some blows were blocked, others met flesh with a crack of bone and the sound of flames billowing towards her. 

Just as she was able to catch her breath between blazing jabs, Sam threw an uppercut straight to her ribs.

Thump…crunchsnap

The punch knocked the wind out of Stelle, a cough full of blood forced out of her. A few of her ribs instantly shattered on impact with a sickening noise. Stelle’s body burned in pain, from the flames wrapping around her body, and from her Stellaron heating up more with every passing second. But she still pushed on, determined to fight until everything about her burned to ash. Stelle needed a better position to finish this fight, feeling her strength and focus slipping away as she lost more blood and heat. She stumbled backwards, and Sam simply watched her.

“Target Stelle, you continue to act highly illogical. Are you not concerned for the Operator’s health? Why do you fight?” Stelle straightened out, spit out blood, and flashed a smile.

“I fight… to live!” Stelle materialized Mikhail’s hat, placed her hand upon the brim, then threw it directly at Sam’s visor. “I fight for HER to live!” 

The hat hit Sam in the face, blocking his view entirely. In the moment where Sam couldn’t see, Stelle materialized her lance and threw it viciously and precisely at Sam’s torso. He tugged the hat off and tossed it to the ground just as the lance pierced his armored chest. He grabbed the lance with both hands and tried to tear it out of his body but it was lodged in too firmly. He began to take a readied combat stance but Stelle had already closed the distance with her bat ready to strike. She reeled back and, with perfect home run form, struck the handle of the lance. It was forced through Sam’s body and sent flying to a far wall, lodging itself in. Another moment later and Sam’s body dropped, almost entirely bisected with just a few wires and shreds of metal left hanging uselessly. 

“Well…done…Stelle. Take good…care of her, please.” With that final statement, Sam’s visors dimmed to a dull gray and all of his flames extinguished. Stelle’s bat clattered to the floor as she slumped down against Sam’s deactivated body. With her part done she just let out her feelings, screaming and crying as her pain and fears washed over her. 

“Did…did I do it? Did I save her?” Stelle gasped out, seething from pain. She was left on her own for a few minutes, before the intercom hissed to life yet again. 

–

“Now!” Serval shouted the command through the microphone, signaling Stelle to begin her fight and for the professionals to begin their assigned jobs. Lingsha lit an incense to calm the nerves of all around and to ensure Firefly stayed unconscious for the duration of the operation. Natasha made an initial incision under the guidance of Himeko and Serval. Careful, precise lines were cut into Firefly to give best access to her nervous system and the mechanical facsimiles replacing parts of her sensory organs. 

Lingsha lit another incense to steady hands and dull all pain. Under Firefly’s skin her body modifications were glowing an intense blue-green pulsing with her heartbeat, colored shockwaves rippling through her body coinciding with what a Herta puppet confirmed to be 

Sam’s physical actions. Natasha and Screwllum cooperated, Natasha working to separate flesh and Screwllum to unfuse metal. Carefully and methodically, they unraveled the twisted threads within Firefly’s body. Bailu stood nearby, ensuring the physical unraveling did not affect her soul at all, delicately separating fragments of Sam from the whole of Firefly. Medical, mechanical, and mystical all combined to tear the biological failsafe out of one girl.

As mechanical components were removed from her body, Ruan Mei synthesized and weaved new biological pieces in. Serval and Himeko ensured that whatever pieces Screwllum handed them were deactivated, before passing them off to Bailu and Lingsha as they used them as a vessel to store the fragments of Sam’s soul. As the fight and operation continued, the blue-green glow dimmed more and more even on the pieces still embedded in her flesh. 

A bright flash of red light suddenly came from the one component still in her body, before all glows ceased. Moments later, the final component was removed and her body swiftly stitched up by the multiple medical experts. Lingsha lit her final two incenses, one to remove tension and aid in healing and another to rouse the sleeping. Everyone except Screwllum let the tension leave their bodies, the procedure was finished. All that was left was for Firefly to wake and for Stelle to return victorious. Serval pulled a chair up near where Firefly lay and plopped herself down. She grabbed the microphone, and a pale hand turned on the device.

–

But instead of Serval’s voice…

“My Starlight, are you there? The operation was a success. I’m awake now, just barely. I… I don’t feel Sam anymore. I can’t imagine it was an easy fight but I’d really like to see you as soon as possible. I love you, Stelle. Thank you.”

“I LOVE YOU TOO!!” Stelle shouted out, hoping her voice would miraculously reach her girlfriend. Filled with renewed vigor, tears of joy welling up, she picked up and pocketed a chunk of the shattered bat before hoisting Sam’s deactivated shell into a fireman’s carry. All the extra weight made her take longer to return but as soon as she got back to the lab she dropped Sam with a thunderous crash and rushed over to the table where Firefly still sat. 

“FIFI, I’m back! You’re okay! We're finally okay.” Stelle shouted as Firefly caught her in an embrace, doing her best to hold her despite still being on a table, petting the now messed up and lightly burnt mane of silver hair buried in her chest.

“I’m right here Stelle, and I’m not going anywhere,” Firefly peeled Stelle off of her in order to get a good look at her face. Battered, bruised, bloodied, and eyes puffy from crying. Despite it all, she’s still beautiful. “Now how about you ask one of your many friends here to get you checked up, I severely doubt you fought Sam and made it out unscathed.”

“Of course, love. Of course.” Stelle, ever the charmer, spent the next few minutes chatting with all of her friends while they were all gathered in one place. Eventually from the verbal (and physical) convincing of Natasha and Lingsha, she sat down to be examined properly. A wide, genuine smile crept onto Firefly’s face as she watched. She was finally free to live her life. 

Well, not quite free yet.

Silver Wolf approached Firefly, moving in front of her vision.

“If I wasn’t a hologram, I would be hugging you so hard you dumbass.” Silver Wolf said with a huff, not noticing the clicking of heels from behind her. 

“Language, Wolfie. But I agree wholeheartedly, c’mere Fifi.” Kafka said as she pulled Firefly in for a hug. Firefly gladly partook of the rare affection shown by Kafka.

“Ugh, no fair. I wanted to hug her first…” Wolfie protested, blush on her face visible even through the hologram. 

“Now now, no need to hog your sister all to yourself. Anyways, I have an important topic that needs discussing. It can wait until you’re back on your feet but…” Kafka pointed a gloved finger  towards the thoroughly demolished body of Sam. “The Hunters are down a member, for now. Don’t worry though, this was in his script. Yours as well. If I may give a bit of a spoiler, you’re now free to live your life as you wish.” Firefly and Wolfie’s jaws dropped at this info as Kafka pulled her into another hug. 

Firefly could only think one thing.

“I’m finally free.”