Work Text:
Seraphine knows not everyone is a fan of her. She’s opened her private messages plenty of times, only to be met with vulgar comments regarding her. How she looks, how she sings, what she does or doesn’t do.
It took her some time to get used to just how mean people can be. But she’s gotten alright at handling it. Yeah, it hurts, a lot. But she doesn’t know them and their words don’t determine who she is.
Besides, not everyone is mean to her. She has fans. A lot of them. Some of them can be pushy, tagging her in every single comment, dedicating entire pages to her. It flatters Sera, but it can be a little much at times.
She has fans who have been there for her since the first cover she posted. Seraphine recognizes their usernames, smiles whenever she reads their sweet messages. At her lowest points, they were there for her.
It didn’t take long for mean messages to appear either. She remembers some of the first ones. They were so random, stating that all there is to her is her pretty face, nothing more. Seraphine wasn’t sure if she should feel offended about that one.
Seraphine tries to reply to fans whenever she can. So a big part of her day is scrolling through her messages, sending hearts in reply. Rude messages she ignores, simply deletes them from her inbox.
She frowns as she notices a username. Ironmaiden123. Where has she seen that before?
With a little shrug, she opens the message.
Ironmaiden123: Hi you probably don’t even recognize me but... I want to say sorry. When you were a lot less popular I used to spam you with super rude comments. I can’t justify myself for that. All I can say is that I was insecure about myself and my sexuality. I took that out on you.
Ironmaiden123: You aren’t even going to reply to this, probably not even read this but I put it out there. I used to be a big hater. Now I honestly call myself a Seraphine stan.
Ironmaiden123 sent you a picture.
Seraphine taps the picture to enlarge it. She gasps. Looking at the camera is a seemingly young woman, giving the camera an awkward thumbs up with one hand, while she points down at her shirt with the other. She is wearing a t-shirt with Seraphine’s face and autograph on it. That one is a limited edition, Ironmaiden123 must have looked hard to get that shirt.
She taps the username and goes to the woman’s profile. ‘ Rell, 20, bi’ is readable in her bio.
Rell. That’s right! Seraphine remembers now. She’d comment under her posts with the name Ironrell123, a lot. She was the one who called her only a pretty face. That was years ago now, probably when Rell was in her teenage years.
Seraphine chuckles. She gets it. There were times where Seraphine was scared to admit to herself in the mirror that yep, she’s bisexual. Sometimes she even acted like a bitch towards girls she secretly fancied, just to feel better about herself. Can’t have a crush on a girl you just called a whore, can you?
She taps the read button. Might as well let Rell know it has been read.
But immediately after she does, Rell’s profile picture pops up. Rell is online and she’s seen the notification.
Ironmaiden123: Oh fuck you actually saw it
Ironmaiden123: Well sheesh, that's embarrassing. Hi Seraphine, I love you!
Seraphine smiles. That’s so cute-
Ironmaiden123: If you ever need a chair, my face is here for you.
Seradotwav: Okay omg thats enough!!
She nervously chews on her nails. Sera knows she should just have left it at that, and ignored Rell. But god, she is a sucker for pretty girls wearing her merchandise.
Ironmaiden123: Sorry, saw the chance and took it. Uh, how are you?
Should she reply? Oh fuck it, her managers don’t have to know about this.
Seradotwav: I’m good, what about you?
Ironmaiden123: Perfect, talking to an incredibly gorgeous and talented girl
Seradotwav: You changed a lot in the way you talk to me huh
Ironmaiden123: Just got over myself and my insecurities and embraced the fact that girls are cute as hell. Sorry again, for being such a douche to you.
Seradotwav: I get it. I wasn’t always nice to people either. And I feel you, girls really are cute as hell.
Should she have said that? Even though she’s out to her friends and family, the public isn’t aware of it. Sure, Seraphine has made some comments about how all women are queens and that she wouldn’t mind dating Ahri. And covered All The Things She said. But say: ‘Hey, I am pretty gay!’ wasn’t something she had done in public.
Ironmaiden123: Spitting facts. Btw, are you doing a livestream tonight?
Seradotwav: Planning on it!
Ironmaiden123: Sweet. I’ll leave you alone then. Was so cool talking to you!
Seradotwav: Same here. See you at tonight’s stream :)
Streaming is something Seraphine has gotten used to just as much as hate. She’ll check herself in the mirror, make sure she doesn’t spoil anything and just roll with it. It’s a great way to connect with fans, just like chatting with them via messages.
But tonight Seraphine feels giddy. Should she let her hair down, or just put it in a casual pony-tail? No. She shouldn’t think about it so much. And her make-up is perfect, no need to remove her lipstick and settle for lipgloss. Seraphine isn’t nervous because Rell is going to watch her, goddamnit.
Her phone buzzes. She picks it up and watches the display.
Ahri: Girl you’re late for your stream get your ass on here!
Typical Ahri. At first she was so intimidating, so perfect. But Seraphine discovered the cracks Ahri has. Or more, the crack-head energy she displays towards her close friends. It’s never a dull moment with her.
She should really get online though. Seraphine posted about doing a stream at eight, no way to avoid it.
Setting up her phone for a good angle, Seraphine sits down on her couch and starts up Instagram. People have already commented on her post, asking where she is. Be ten minutes late for once, and the crowd goes wild.
Seraphine starts the live, and smiles at the camera, giving a little wave.
‘Hey, sorry for being late. Sweet Bao really wanted some alone time with me!’ Seraphine greets, hoping they’ll buy the lie. On que, Bao jumps onto her lap and bumps his head into her chin.
‘We just spend time together Bao, it’s time for your nap now.’ Seraphine laughs as she shoos Bao away.
She readjusts her blouse and picks up her guitar. ‘I was thinking of letting you guys hear my updated version of POP/STARS. Ahri was begging me to release it, so I’ll give you a little sneak-peak now.’
As she casually strums away, she glances at the screen. Comments are flying by at a rapid pace, way too fast. Seraphine bites her lip. She hopes she’ll catch a glance of a certain username, but she is no super-human. Just highly sensitive to other people.
When she finishes the song she sets aside her guitar. She smiles into the camera. ‘Hope you enjoyed that. I am going to release a studio version soon, with actual background vocalist Ahri. Can’t believe she allowed me to take the spotlight from her!’
Seraphine laughs along with the comments, and grins when she sees Ahri comment something about how she has a stick stuck up somewhere. She blows a kiss at the screen and winks. ‘Love you Ahri.’
And at that moment she sees it.
Ironmaiden123: SERAPHINE IS THE PRETTIEST I LOVE YOUUUU
Now that is a different kind of Rell. Over text she sounded so polite. Or well, the chair comment wasn’t appropriate but besides that, Rell was nice. She grins. She actually managed to catch Rell’s comment.
‘Okay now about this show I was watching…’
Seraphine is still up late at night. She knows she should put down her phone and try to catch some shut-eye, but she isn’t feeling it. It also doesn’t help Bao has been having an episode of the zoomies for an hour now, running around her apartment and knocking over objects left and right.
‘Bao!’ Seraphine hisses, sitting up. ‘Stop it now!’
Bao replies with a string of meows and grunts. Seraphine flops back down, grumbling with annoyance. She loves the cat, she does. But sometimes she wishes she had stuck with a pet rock.
Her phone buzzes. But it isn’t Ahri, nor any K/DA member.
Ironmaiden123: You looked tired in the live and you are still liking posts. Sorry, I sound like a stalker. But you good?
Seraphine sniffles. She had been feeling under the weather for a few days now. But she thought she was doing a decent job at hiding it. Apparently not, if Rell was able to notice it.
Seradotwav: Think I’m gonna get sick, a cold probably. Sweet of you to notice.
Ironmaiden123: It’s almost one in the night in Los Angeles, right?
Seradotwav: Yeah. What state are you in?
Ironmaiden123: New York. So we are five hours apart.
Seraphine frowns. If it’s one here, then it’s six over there.
Seradotwav: If I am up late, what are you doing up so early?
Ironmaiden123: Work calls. I work at a steel factory.
Seradotwav: Sounds like hard work, good luck.
Ironmaiden123: Thanks :)
Ironmaiden123: I’m about to board my bus now. Sleep well, Seraphine.
‘Hey, earth to Seraphine!’
Seraphine is startled by Akali snapping her fingers close to her ear. She flinches, leaning away from the source of noise.
‘I’m listening!’ Seraphine tries.
Akali rolls her eyes. ‘No you aren’t. What’s up Sera? It’s not like you to be so out of it.’
From across the room, Evelynn humms. ‘Yes. It is odd. You are usually so upbeat. Restless night?’
Seraphine tries to suppress a yawn but fails. ‘Yeah. Just couldn’t fall asleep.’
‘Woah, did Sera finally bone?’ Ahri asks as she walks into the studio, drinks in her hands.
‘No!’ Seraphine immediately replies, cheeks flushed. ‘I was just feeling tired, but couldn’t sleep.’
Ahri grins as she hands Seraphine her drink. A frappuccino. ‘Just pulling your leg, Sera. Relax.’
‘But if you ever do bone,’ Akali begins. ‘Please tell us. We want to know.’
‘No we don’t,’ Kai’Sa interrupts, finally having arrived as well. ‘I don’t know what this is about, but I heard something about boning and wanting to know, and I don’t.’
The tall woman pulls Akali into a hug, pressing a kiss to her cheek. ‘You did good at dance practice yesterday, didn’t get the chance to tell you that.’
Akali smiles, giddy from the kiss. ‘Thanks, Kai. You’re just a really good teacher.’
Evelynn, who has been keeping a low profile for almost the entire conversation pipes up with a: ‘Oh you two totally boned.’
Seraphine groans. ‘Okay enough about boning, seriously!’
Then, she plays with the bracelet around her wrist. ‘But like, hypothetically speaking,’ she murmurs. ‘What if someone really cute slid into your DM’s and the two of you sort of hit it off?’
Ahri squeals. ‘Omg, it’s happening guys, Seraphine has a love interest!’
Akali shifts in her seat, uncrossing and recrossing her legs. ‘Is he like,’ she glances over at Evelynn, ‘Twisted Fate level cute?’
Evelynn picks up a pillow and throws it at Akali. Akali catches it with ease and hugs the pillow tight. ‘But he’s cute?’
Seraphine scratches the back of her neck. ‘Uhm. She’s cute, actually.’
Excited clapping comes from Kai’Sa. ‘Yes girl, good for you. Bisexual validation here, Evelynn join me and Sera in a bisexual dance!’
Evelynn rolls her eyes, but struts over, wrapping her arms around both of them. ‘I’m pan, but it’s fine. We can do a little dance.’
After their little celebratory dance, Seraphine is pulled into Ahri’s lap. She yelps, but soon finds comfort in her arms.
‘So, tell us about her,’ Ahri purrs into her ear. ‘Do we know her?’
‘No,’ Seraphine sighs. She pulls out her phone and shows the texts to Ahri. ‘This happened yesterday.’
The other K/DA members pool around Ahri and read the texts with her. Gasps echo throughout the room now and then.
‘She was an anti!’ Akali exclaims. ‘And now she is a stan! Still a better love story than Twilight.’
‘She’s cute.’ Evelynn confirms after having taken a closer look at the selfie Rell added to the conversation. ‘And bisexual, according to her bio.’
Kai’Sa cheers. ‘Sera, what are you waiting for? You think she’s cute, she already confessed her love to you!’
Seraphine sighs. ‘It’s not that simple. You guys know how awkward I can get around people I like.’
Akali snorts. ‘Oh yeah, it was so funny when you had a crush on like, all of us.’
‘I was hoping you forgot about that,’ Seraphine murmurs. ‘That was embarrassing, not funny. You guys didn’t even let me know that you knew!’
‘We were very flattered.’ Ahri ensures. ‘But seriously, Sera. Just keep talking to her, see where it goes. And maybe don’t let your manager know you broke the rule of sending more than one message to a fan.’
Ironmaiden123: Another day of work. Another day of suffering. Can’t believe I am twenty and already nagging like an old lady.
Seradotwav: Lol I get that. I used to work full-time at a coffee shop, it was hard work. I only pick up shifts when I am asked to now.
Ironmaiden123: Did you end up falling asleep?
Seradotwav: I did actually. Had to wake up seven hours later, too short for me. But I managed!
Ironmaiden123: Proud of you!
Ironmaiden123: Yeah so you might have seen it on my profile but I’m Rell. Might as well properly introduce myself!
Seradotwav: Yeah I saw but, hey Rell :)
Ironmaiden123: sktglbegtgbvbeb
Ironmaiden123: Sorry but it’s still just so crazy, I am actually talking to you, holy crap
Seradotwav: No worries, I sounded like that when I first started chatting with Ahri too.
Ironmaiden123: Yeah, Ahri. I am glad she recognized your talent. Collaborating with K/DA really helped kick-start your career. Not that you didn’t have one before!
Seradotwav: Haha yeah, I am glad too. They are amazing.
Ironmaiden123: You are amazing.
Seradotwav: Enough with the flattering, you’re making me blush!
Ironmaiden123: No, I am serious. You’re amazing. Even though people give you a lot of shit, you still keep going. You chase after your dreams. You inspire a lot of people. Be a douchebag sometimes, Sera, let the people know that you know you’re amazing.
Seraphine sighs, reading the text over and over. Rell is seriously too sweet. Even though she has an intimidating vibe to her, from her profile picture alone. A shot of her face, at sunset with a fire sparkler close to her.
The pictures she has up on her profile are basically all in the black and white filter, blurry selfies and pictures from afar. Seraphine likes the aesthetic she has going on. And yes, Seraphine sure did scroll through ninety-two pictures, dating back five years!
Ironmaiden123: Sorry that was a bit much, wasn’t it
Seradotwav: No no no!
Seradotwav: That was… really nice to read, actually. Thank you.
Ironmaiden123: I’m glad. I am actually gonna try to sleep now. Work and all that. I’ll talk to you later :)
Seraphine has started to spend less time sending hearts to fans. She is now a little more occupied with something else. Something that is someone. She is texting Rell daily, having conversations with her about anything.
Ironmaiden123: And that video basically explains why cats are superior to dogs.
Seradotwav: I agree, cats are superior. Can’t imagine walking outside when it rains because my dog needs to go. I don’t want that responsibility!
Ironmaiden123: I grew up on a farm in Texas, actually. A kettle-keeping farm. We had dogs there but they were more wild, did their own things. I worked with the horses we had a lot.
Seraphine grins as she tries to imagine a young Rell, sitting atop of a horse.
Seradotwav: Ohhh so you are a horse girl?
Ironmaiden123: I mean
Ironmaiden123: Yeah? I know how to ride.
Ironmaiden123: Horses, cars, faces
Ironmaiden123: ;p
Seraphine chokes on the piece of bagel she just bit off. That caught her off-guard.
Seradotwav: kltehwh lwl b
Seradotwav: No! Bad Rell!
Ironmaiden123: Lol sorry, again, saw the chance.
Ironmaiden123: So I am not sure if I should ask you this but could I have your number, maybe?
Ironmaiden123: I promise I won’t do anything bad with it! I just think it would be easier to talk that way.
Bad Seraphine. Don’t give the cute girl on the internet your number.
Be gay, do crimes, Seraphine.
Seradotwav: Okay, it’s …
‘Oh my god, Sera, get off your phone for once!’ Ahri exclaims as she snatches the device out of Seraphine’s hands. She glances at the screen and then looks back at Seraphine with a smirk. ‘You exchanged numbers with Rell, nice.’
Akali cheers on the couch. ‘Go Sera, go!’
Someone ruffles Seraphine’s hair. She looks up and sees Evelynn, smiling down upon her. ‘Nice, Sera.’
Kai’Sa claps her hands together. ‘Yes, we are all very proud of our little star. But we should really get back to practice.’
‘Boohoo,’ Akali whines. ‘Kai’Sa, no, my back hurts.’
‘Then you shouldn’t hook up with Evelynn in her expensive cars,’ Kai’Sa dryly remarks. ‘Better to do it in a truck that actually has space to move around in.’
Ahri raises a brow. ‘Kai’Sa, you drive a minivan.’
The tallest member sticks out her tongue at Ahri. ‘Exactly, Ahri.’
Seraphine pushes herself off the worn-out couch in the practice room. ‘Okay, the conversation is going somewhere I don’t want. I’ll put down my phone and we can get back to practice.’
She shoots a quick text to Rell first, obviously.
Me: hey really gotta focus on practice kaisa is having my ass for it
Rell: Okay good luck <3
Rell: and dont share that ass thats mine ok
Seraphine nervously giggles, catching the attention of Evelynn who has been stretching next to her. Evelynn takes her phone away. What is it with K/DA and stealing phones?
‘Oh, she’s bold. I like her.’ Evelynn comments. ‘And she apparently likes ass. Very respectable.’
Kai’Sa claps again, desperately trying to regain the attention. ‘Please! No talking about ass now, that can come later, practice!’
‘Can I eat your ass later?’ asks Akali with a small voice. Kai’Sa gives her a dirty look. ‘Okay fine.’
It’s been a little over a month since Rell first texted Seraphine. And now they are at the stage where they exchange hearts and kiss emojis almost daily. It started out as a joke from Seraphine but Rell rolled with it.
Me: Hey you still up?
Rell: Yes, it’s Friday evening. Out with the boys and girls.
Me: Ohh, having fun?
Rell: Yeah, just watching two dickheads trying to out-drink each other.
Seraphine chuckles. She remembers those days in college. Fun in the evening, hell in the morning.
Me: Not competing with them?
Rell: Nah, I am the designated driver. Just sticking to two beers.
Me: That explains why you’re texting me and not going crazy with your buddies.
Rell: Nothing more fun than texting a pretty girl like you :)
Rell: Plus they convinced me to go for it and send you an apology
Me: They sound like good friends.
Rell: Good friends that are about to start puking, not having that anywhere near the car. Text you later <3
Seraphine shakes her head with a smile as she puts away her phone. She should start to get ready for bed. Tomorrow is a day with K/DA, which means she needs all the rest she can get. Things tend to get chaotic with them. Their energy can make her feel light-headed.
Right as Seraphine is about to step into the shower, her phone buzzes repeatedly. She is getting a call.
She picks up the phone and checks the screen.
Incoming call from Rell
Seraphine gasps. This is so sudden. Her heart isn’t ready for this. But what if Rell is calling for a reason? Maybe something happened to her and one of her friends is calling to her, for help or comfort?
She answers the call with a wavering voice. ‘Hello?’
The line is silent. And then, ‘Holy shit! That’s actually Seraphine’s voice!’
Seraphine flinches at the loud voice. ‘Who is this?’
She hears rummaging on the other side and frowns. Did someone steal Rell’s phone?
‘Fuck off, Katarina!’ someone exclaims. Seraphine’s heart flutters. Could it be?
‘Hey, Seraphine,’ the same person says. It’s Rell. ‘I am so sorry. As I was holding back someone’s hair Kat stole my phone.’
Seraphine lets out a sigh of relief. ‘It’s okay. It’s more than okay, actually. To hear your voice.’
‘Oh,’ says Rell. ‘I wish our first call would have been a little different.’
The only thing coming through the phone’s speakers are the noises Rell has going on in the background. Then Seraphine hears her clear her throat, laughing nervously.
‘I must be the luckiest fan in the world,’ she says. ‘Being able to text you and now call you.’
‘I am lucky,’ Seraphine replies. ‘That someone like you is supporting me.’
‘Someone like me?’
She’s gonna say it. Go for it, Seraphine!
‘Someone as pretty as you. And nice, and cute. Just, you.’
Rell coughs. And coughs.
‘Rell?’
‘Sorry. That caught me off-guard.’ Rell mutters. ‘I, thanks? I hate to cut off the conversation here but I should get these clowns home. I’ll text you later. Bye.’
And the call has ended from Rell’s side. Seraphine looks at the dial screen, still covered in only a towel. Did she just ruin it with Rell?
Rell is usually the first one out of them to text. But by the time Seraphine is out for lunch with the girls, she still hasn’t heard from her. Seraphine sighs for the nth time as she checks her phone again. No new messages. Or at least, not from Rell.
‘Okay, that’s enough.’ says Evelynn. Everyone looks at her. Evelynn peers at Seraphine over her shades. ‘You’re ruining the mood, Seraphine. Your essence smells sour. Not nice at all.’
Ahri hums in agreement. ‘I wouldn’t say sour, just bitter. Sour is saying she stinks.’
Evelynn scowls at Ahri. ‘You get what I mean, Gumiho. No need to rain on my parade.’
While Kai’Sa shushes them in an attempt to control the situation, Akali continues to slurp down her ramen. She winks at Seraphine when they make eye contact. She is obviously used to this.
‘Okay so I am bitter,’ Seraphine says, garnering the attention. ‘I called Rell last night. Or well, she called me. A friend of hers started the call. We talked.’
Akali fist pumps. ‘Nice!’
Ahri wets her lips. ‘Any, adult talking?’
Seraphine groans. She loves them but sometimes they are useless. ‘No! We barely talked. I ruined it.’
Kai’Sa frowns. She takes Seraphine’s hands into her own. ‘Why, how could you ruin it?’
‘She told me how she felt so lucky, for being able to talk to me. And then I said “No, I am lucky to be talking to a pretty girl like you” and then she coughed and ended the call.’
‘Sounds like you scared her off.’ Akali offers. Thanks Akali.
‘That’s like that time when Kai’Sa was talking to a fan,’ Ahri says. ‘Sivir? You actually flirted back once and she was gone like the wind.’
Kai’Sa sighs. She squeezes Seraphine. ‘Don’t listen to them Sera. They are just trying to bully you. Yeah, Rell might have gotten freaked out. But if she’s been flirting with you too, I don’t think you ruined your chance entirely.’
Seraphine nods. ‘Yeah. She told me to be a douchebag sometimes.’
Ahri coughs. ‘A douchebag?’
Evelynn furrows her brows. ‘Is she one of my people?’
‘Stop it,’ Kai’Sa hisses. ‘Let the girl talk.’
This time Seraphine squeezes Kai’Sa, thankful for the assist. ‘As I was saying, she said I should acknowledge my worth sometimes. I am going to do that.’
Managernim: Seraphine why did you post a sad picture with a sad caption that sounds like you just broke up with someone?
Managernim: Seraphine you can’t just do that, think of your public image!
Seraphine rolls her eyes as she deletes the messages. Her sweaty manager can come for her another time. She was right to post that. Rell will see it and hopefully get the hint.
Right on time, her phone buzzes.
Rell: Seraphine why are you shitposting
Rell: Is that about me?
Me: Maybe.
Rell: Can I call you?
Seraphine chews on the inside of her cheek. Should she?
Rell: Fuck it I’m calling.
Her phone buzzes. Might as well get it over with.
‘Hi,’ Seraphine greets.
‘Sera, hi.’ Rell replies. She sounds nervous. ‘Look about last night-’
‘It’s okay,’ Seraphine quickly interrupts. She doesn’t want Rell to say the words. She’ll just take them out of her mouth. ‘You’re not interested in me like that, I am just dumb.’
Rell clears her throat. ‘You’re not dumb, Seraphine. I am just the douchebag this time. I got really freaked out, okay?’
Seraphine picks up Bao from his bed and pulls him into her arms. She needs comfort. ‘Freaked out?’
‘Yeah,’ Rell sighs. ‘From the fact you actually like me. Can I assume you like me?’
‘I like you,’ Seraphine eagerly confirms. ‘A lot.’
A chuckle comes from Rell. ‘Wow, okay. Uhm, at first I just viewed you as a celebrity crush. But ever since we started talking, actually talking, I have started falling for you. That sounds so dumb. Fourteen year old me would have a heart attack.’
Seraphine giggles and allows Bao to escape her arms. ‘Shocked at the fact you actually like me?’
‘Young Rell would be horrified,’ Rell confirms. ‘Utterly demolished.’
They laugh together. Seraphine notices clattering in the background from Rell’s side.
‘Where are you right now?’
‘At the gym,’ Rell confesses. ‘My music got interrupted by a notification. The notification that you posted. I couldn’t let that slip.’
Rell at the gym. Rell being busy with working on her physique that was already close to a goddess’.
‘Interesting,’ Seraphine manages. ‘I never knew you worked out.’
‘I like to go once a week. Working at the steel plant is hard work, this helps me with staying in shape. Also good to blow off steam.’
Seraphine reaches out for her cup of tea. ‘Cool.’
Rell seemingly moves to a quieter place, the sound clattering growing fainter. ‘I am just going to get changed now. But before that. What does this all mean?’
‘Does what mean?’ Seraphine asks, knowing exactly what Rell means.
‘Are we,’ Rell hesitates, ‘Dating? Or in a relationship?’
Seraphine punches the pillow beside her, scaring off Bao. ‘I mean. That would be nice.’
‘Shoot that wasn’t romantic at all.’ Rell murmurs. ‘Wait.’
Sera’s phone chimes.
Rell has requested a video call
She hurries to accept it. And by the cosmos, she’s not prepared. Rell looks at the screen with intent, sweat still dripping down her temple. When she sees Seraphine’s face, she smiles brightly.
‘Hi, wow. Goddamn.’ Rell says.
Seraphine snickers. ‘Same, girl. Excuse my language but you’re hot.’
‘I am,’ Rell says jokingly. ‘The gym’s airco is broken. That should be illegal.’
‘Poor you. Not feeling bad for me though. Just gonna take a screenshot real quick.’ Seraphine says, actually going through with what she says. Rell gives her a smirk as she screenshots, making for a gorgeous wallpaper.
‘Okay. As I was saying before,’ Rell says, running a hand through her bleached-blonde curls. ‘I wanted to be more romantic than that just now. So, Seraphine.’
‘Yes?’ Seraphine replies, doing her best to hide her shit-eating grin.
Rell wets her lips nervously. ‘I have never been with someone online before. But I’d be stupid to let you go. So, Seraphine, would you please be my girlfriend?’
Seraphine squeals. ‘Hell yeah!’
The smile Rell gives her, melts her heart. The girl looks so happy with that dopey grin that Seraphine wishes she could pull her in for a hug. Right. They are still five hours apart and on the other side of the country.
‘I actually should get changed now,’ Rell says with a sigh. ‘Kat, the one who hijacked my phone, she’s picking me up. And she hates waiting. I’ll text you when I get home?’
‘Please,’ Seraphine says. ‘Talk to you later.’
Rell blows her a kiss. ‘Later, girlfriend.’
Me: So.
Ahri: So what?
Akali: 가시 돋친 게, so what?
Evelynn: Akali don’t quote K-Pop lyrics at us.
Akali: :3
Kai’Sa: What’s up, Sera?
Me: I might have a girlfriend?
Ahri: Fuck.
Me: ???
Evelynn: Ha! You owe me twenty bucks!
Ahri: You literally bought the mansion for us, you don’t need twenty bucks!
Evelynn: I love money.
Me: You guys placed bets on me?
Kai’Sa: I tried to stop them…
Akali: I supported them!
Me: Not cool.
Ahri: Sorry Sera. But so, you and Rell?
Me: Yup
Evelynn: Nice.
Akali: Nice.
Kai’Sa: Nice.
Ahri: Nice.
‘My supervisor, Samira, such a dick.’ Rell complains. ‘I swear she likes to pick on me.’
‘Oh, you poor baby.’ Seraphine coes. She watches as Rell continues to drop items into her shopping cart.
Rell sticks out her tongue at the screen. ‘You try arriving at work, seven in the morning and leaving at six in the evening. Only to have a douchebag nag at you for picking up an extra break.’
‘I thought you liked douchebags?’
Rell gives her a disappointed look. ‘Seraphine, no.’
‘Sorry, saw the chance and-’
‘Took it, I know. You learned from the best. Also known as me.’
Seraphine smiles. ‘Exactly. So what are you having for dinner?’
Rell reaches into her cart, pulling out a cup of instant ramen. ‘Can’t go wrong with this bad boy.’
The older girl furrows her brows. ‘That can’t be very healthy.’
‘No worries, I am also stir-frying some veggies.’
‘You send me a picture of a bowl of ramen like two days ago, Rell. You’re living off of those things, aren’t you?’
Rell pouts. ‘Okay, fine. I just like them, okay? And my pay-check is coming Friday. So then I can get some decent food for two weeks, before going broke and eating instant crap.’
Seraphine sighs, laying down on her bed. ‘If I was there with you, or you here with me, I’d cook us dinner. Not to brag but Kai’Sa called me a good cook, so that means something.’
‘I would like that,’ Rell says. ‘I’d hug you, first of all. And take you out on a proper date. Taking you with me on video to do groceries shopping isn’t a date.’
‘I think it’s nice,’ Seraphine tries. ‘Every supermarket has different goods.’
Rell shoots her a look. ‘Sera.’
‘Okay fine. I’d love to hang out with you too.’
'It’s going to happen,’ Rell promises her. ‘Maybe even sooner than you expect.’
Seraphine is in the middle of making someone an iced coffee when her ringtone fills the coffee shop. She shoots the customer an apologetic smile and fishes her phone out of her apron.
Rell has requested a video call
She waves over her boss, begging him for a short break. He gives her the go ahead and Seraphine hurries out through the backdoor.
‘Hey,’ Seraphine greets, sliding down against the brick wall. ‘What’s up?’
Rell smiles nervously. ‘Hi, Sera. So, a funny thing happened. Remember when I told you about how I was going to visit childhood friends in Texas?’
‘Of course. Did something bad happen?’ Seraphine asks, worried now. Rell doesn’t look hurt.
‘So. I might have borrowed a truck for a little road-trip.’
Wait a minute, Seraphine recognizes the building Rell is parked in front of. Suspicion grows. ‘Rell, where are you?’
‘I might be in Los Angeles.’
‘Rell!’ Seraphine exclaims, jumping up. ‘You daughter of a bitch!’
Rell chortles. ‘Not wrong there, my mom is a bitch.’
‘Now is not the time for jokes, Rell.’ Seraphine says, pinching the bridge of her nose. ‘I know where you are. Just stay there, I’m coming over.’
She ends the call and marches back into the shop. She taps her boss on the shoulder. ‘Hey, something important came up. Is it cool if I step out early?’
He shrugs with a smile. ‘It’s not exactly crowded right now,’ he says, gesturing around the half-empty shop. ‘Go for it.’
Seraphine hurries towards the nearest bus stop, checking the route on her phone. This is crazy. Rell did tell her about her trip a week ago. But she wasn’t expecting Rell to do anything like this.
Normally the bus ride is twenty minutes. It’s the same time now but it feels so much longer. Seraphine continuously checks the announcement screen and her phone. She feels giddy with excitement, her knees bouncing up and down.
Holy crap. It’s settling in. She’s meeting Rell. They’ve been talking for a total of three months, one of those months with them dating. She’s meeting Rell. Her girlfriend.
She is so immersed in her thoughts she almost misses the stop. She manages to get out at the last second, shouting a sorry at the driver. From here it’s only a short walk to the building.
Seraphine sees her. Leaning against a beat-up truck is a tall, slender figure. And she’d recognize those bleached-blonde curls anywhere. Seraphine can’t stop herself and breaks out into a sprint.
‘Rell!’ she exclaims.
Rell looks up, startled. And then she smiles, jogging towards Seraphine.
‘Hi,’ Rell manages. They look at each other, awkwardly grinning.
Seraphine breaks the silence. ‘Shit, I didn’t realize you’re this tall.’
‘Oh, yeah,’ Rell giggles. ‘Got one foot one you.’
And holy crap. Rell is so pretty, Seraphine might pass out. The way she talks with her hands, awkwardly plays with her hair. And her laugh. Seraphine is smitten.
‘I am sorry for showing up like this,’ Rell apologizes as Seraphine climbs into her truck. ‘I should have given you a heads up, at least.’
Seraphine takes Rell’s hand. Her hand fits perfectly in Rell’s bigger hand, like two puzzle pieces. ‘It’s okay. And aren’t you tired? It’s a pretty long drive, right?’
Rell puffs out her chest as she strikes the back of Seraphine’s hand with her thumb. ‘Was alright. My phone said twenty hours but I did it nineteen.’
‘Did you even sleep?’
‘Took a little nap of an hour on the side of the road,’ Rell sheepishly says, noticing the worry in Seraphine’s voice. ‘I did fine, I am used to being up for a long time.’
Seraphine shakes her head. ‘Nuh-uh. We are going to my apartment first.’
‘Woah, cutting to the chase already?’ Rell jokes, maneuvering her car onto the road. She yelps as Seraphine hits her on the arm. ‘Okay, sorry.’
With directions from Seraphine and the gods of traffic by their side, they manage to get to her apartment complex within an hour. Rell rubs her eyes as she puts the truck in reverse and squeezes into the parking lot.
‘How did you even get this far with this piece of garbage?’ Seraphine questions.
Rell grins. ‘Let’s just say that I am good with steel.’
‘Alright, keep your secrets.’ Seraphine says as she helps Rell take her bags out of the truck. ‘You only brought two bags.’
‘I can’t stay for long,’ Rell says with a pained expression. ‘Two days at the max. Kind of didn’t tell Darius I was borrowing his truck. He called me twenty-eight times.’
Seraphine bumps her hip into Rell’s. ‘You’re bad, Rell.’
‘I know. But you still like me.’
‘I do.’ Seraphine agrees. ‘You know, I am a little offended you aren’t wearing my merch right now.’
‘I took it with me,’ Rell says. ‘I kind of want my girlfriend to sign my limited edition t-shirts.’
Seraphine punches in the code to the apartment. ‘Wow, so honored.’
'Hey, I can’t help it that my girlfriend is a super popular singer-songwriter!’ Rell says, raising her hands in defense.
‘Just come inside.’ Seraphine says, opening her front door.
Immediately, Bao races out of the bedroom, meowing loudly. His tail shakes with excitement as he sees not only his favorite human, but also a new human. He rubs up against Rell’s legs, eager to mark her with his scent.
‘So this is Bao. We finally meet,’ Rell greets, crouching down to scratch Bao behind his ears. ‘God, you’re a fat little guy, aren’t you?’
‘Lift him up,’ Seraphine recommends. ‘It’s my type of work-out.’
Rell hooks her arm underneath Bao’s belly and lifts him up, grunting in surprise. ‘Yeah no kidding, he’s a good twelve pounds.’
Bao seems perfectly happy with the attention this new human is giving him. He purrs, tilting his head to lick Rell’s cheek.
‘He’s friendly,’ Rell concludes as she sets him back on the ground. ‘Fat, but friendly.’
Seraphine smiles. ‘He hates Ahri and Evelynn, actually. I think he knows that they’re not entirely human.’
Rell raises her brows. ‘Wait, they are actually what they claim to be?’
‘Yup, those tails and lashers are real.’
‘And those things Kai’Sa has with her?’
‘Real too, Kai’Sa had a crazy childhood.’ Seraphine says, starting up her kettle. 'Akali is actually a ninja, but a human.'
Rell hops up on the counter next to her, watching her work. ‘And what about you, Seraphine Song, are you even a human? Is my girlfriend actually three blobs wearing a flesh-suit?’
Seraphine’s nose scrunches up with disgust. ‘Ew. No. I am just really good at reading other people, their emotions and all that.’
‘That’s interesting,’ Rell hums. Seraphine shivers as Rell starts to play with her braided hair. ‘Try me, what am I feeling right now?’
‘First of all, my hair. You’re thinking “Holy crap it really is as soft as I thought it was” and you really want a cup of coffee. Move over and I’ll get the beans out.’
Rell’s jaw drops in amazement. ‘That’s spot on. Seriously, what conditioner do you use?’
‘L’Oréal, because I deserve it,’ Seraphine says as she flips her hair over her shoulder. ‘And like, a lot of patience.
She pokes at Rell’s stomach, trying not to get lost in the feeling of some serious abs. ‘Come on, I’ll make you a real good cup of coffee.’
‘Right, barista.’ Rell says. ‘Is it cool if I use your bathroom? I could use some freshening up.’
Seraphine points to the right. ‘Go for it. Be careful with the sink, the water will take a while to come out and then just explode if you open the faucet too wide.’
‘Gotcha.’ Rell says, making way towards the bathroom.
As soon as Seraphine hears the door lock she picks up her phone.
Me: Omg guys sos
Akali: ahri and i are about to get busy, better hurry it up
Kai’Sa: Gross!
Evelynn: Kai’Sa don’t pretend you don’t like to know that.
Evelynn: What’s up Sera?
Me: So Rell is in my apartment right now…
Me: She drove over here from Texas to see me and idk where to go from here, advice?
Ahri: BONE
Akali: BONE
Evelynn: Bone.
Me: Kai’Sa?
Kai’Sa: … bone :)
Seraphine groans in annoyance and sets aside her phone. She loves them, she does. But sometimes she wants to strangle them and leave them in a ditch somewhere, consequences be damned.
She hears the toilet flush and gets back to her coffee. The brew is almost done and the water has boiled. She takes a look inside her cabinet with tea. Should she go for Matcha? Dangerous. Better play it safe with some black tea.
‘You weren’t kidding about that faucet,’ Rell says. ‘I played it safe and it still caught me.’
Seraphine turns around and immediately turns back to her tea. Rell is standing at the couch, wearing nothing more than a sports bra. The abs she felt before are definitely there and very easy to spot. ‘Did it now?’
‘Got my t-shirt soaked.’ Rell complains. ‘I’ll take a look at it later. I’ll teach the pipes a lesson.’
‘Great.’
After spending an extreme amount of time stirring her tea, Seraphine turns around with the coffee and tea. Luckily for her, Rell has gotten dressed. And as she said, she brought her Seraphine merchandise with her.
‘Aw,’ Seraphine swoons. ‘It looks great on you.’
‘You do look great on me,’ Rell says with a cheeky wink. Her grin grows into a smile as Seraphine sputters. ‘Sorry.’
‘Right,’ Seraphine says as she straightens out her skirt. ‘I think it’s good if you take a nap after our drinks. We can go out later tonight.’
Rell hums while taking a sip from her coffee. ‘Oh that’s good, barista.’
‘Thank you,’ Seraphine says in a sing-song voice. ‘My pleasure.’
They settle into a comfortable silence that is broken every now and then by the sipping of hot liquid and the blowing on said liquid. And Bao. Bao who is rummaging around his litter box.
‘Does he do that a lot?’ Rell asks, glancing at the box. Bao’s tail is sticking out.
‘Every fucking night,’ Seraphine says. ‘He refuses to go outside.’
‘Spoiled shit.’
‘Literally.’ Seraphine agrees.
They chuckle, exchanging glances. And Seraphine remembers something.
‘I don’t have a spare bed. And I think you’re too tall to lay on the couch.’
Rell shifts, checking if Seraphine’s suspicions are correct. They are, as Rell’s feet dangle off the rail. ‘Yep.’
‘So,’ Seraphine says, cheeks flushed. ‘You can sleep in my bed.’
‘I think I’d end up in there eventually.’ Rell says, trying to sound casual. But Seraphine can sense Rell is nervous.
Seraphine gets up, taking her empty cup to the kitchen. ‘I’ll change the sheets and I’ll just sleep on the couch tonight. I fit perfectly.’
But Rell makes a noise of protest. ‘No! I mean, nah. You don’t have to do that. We’re,’ she shyly rubs the back of her neck. ‘We’re girlfriends, aren’t we?’
Seraphine’s cheeks flush red. ‘R-right. I’ll just leave it be then. I’ll be here in the living room if you need me. Might do a live.’
Rell finishes her coffee and nods. ‘Okay. See you later.’
Before she wanders into the bedroom she turns back around and walks to Seraphine. Seraphine looks up at her, brows furrowed in confusion. Wait, is Rell going to kiss her?
Rell wraps her arms around her, hugging her tightly. Seraphine stiffens and then relaxes. She sets her hands atop of Rell’s hips, relishing the embrace. It feels so nice to be in her arms. She feels safe.
But then Rell lets go of her. ‘Okay. See you later.’
‘Later,’ Seraphine manages by the time Rell has shut the bedroom door behind her. ‘God, I am so gay.’
‘I hope everyone is having a good day. And if you’re not, it is going to be okay eventually.’ Seraphine tells her screen. She smiles as she watches comments of support and ignores those filled with hate.
‘I am having a great day,’ Seraphine shares. ‘The weather is good and I have a surprise visitor that makes me happy.’
She reads out a comment: “Boyfriend????”
‘Who knows,’ she says, bringing her finger to her mouth and shushing. ‘Can’t let the manager know that, can we?’
The comments overflow with exclamations and sad emotes, complaining about how their queen got taken. Well, they’re only wrong about the boyfriend part. She is indeed, very much taken.
‘For now I am just going to play the guitar. I have some ideas I want to put down on paper.’
Seraphine spends the rest of the hour playing around, humming along with the melodies she is creating. Her thoughts are all filled with her, Rell, who is just several feet away. Yup, she has it bad.
All goes well until Seraphine is too focused on her music to pick up on an aura entering the living room.
‘Sera, your bed is god tier.’ Rell says, announcing her presence. ‘Oh, you’re still streaming.’
Seraphine turns around with wide eyes, trying to keep her cool at seeing a half-naked Rell, again. Then she glances back at her phone. She forces herself to smile sweetly.
‘And that is my que to end the stream, bye guys!’ Seraphine hurriedly says as she shuts down the stream, heart racing in her chest.
Rell has just finished putting on a tank-top when Seraphine turns back to her. She gives Seraphine a little smile. ‘Sorry, I should have checked first.’
But Seraphine shakes her head. ‘No. It’s okay. They probably think you’re just a friend anyway.’
‘I am not just a friend though,’ Rell points out. She crosses her arms. ‘But I get it. You’re not out to the public and I am cool with that. I just don’t want to go back into the closet just to be with you.’
Seraphine stands up and steps in front of Rell. She senses how tormented Rell is feeling. She wraps her arms around Rell’s waist, pulling her close to her.
‘You don’t have to,’ Seraphine promises. ‘Bare with me a little longer.’
‘Okay,’ Rell whispers, pressing a kiss atop Seraphine's head. ‘Now, I think someone promised me a date?
Even though Rell lives in New York she still seems amazed with the crowd of Los Angeles and the city lights. Seraphine has actually linked their arms together just so she stays with Rell when she wants to wander off to investigate.
‘Rell, are you sure you’re not a moth? You have to take a closer look at every source of light we come across,’ Seraphine says. ‘It’s cute but wow.’
Rell glances down at her and grins. ‘Don’t worry, you’re still the brightest light to me.’
‘So corny,’ Seraphine mutters. ‘Keep these compliments going though.’
‘After I take a picture of this bridge. This is some good steel.’
Seraphine watches as Rell jogs away from her. Rell struggles to find a good angle for her picture. Rell is seriously adorable, fangirling over something like a steel bridge. Seraphine takes out her phone and takes a zoomed in picture of Rell.
When Rell gets back she pockets her phone. She has three missed calls from her manager but she’ll deal with that later.
‘Got the picture?’ she asks as Rell takes her hand.
‘Yep. Though we might need to contact maintenance, the steel isn’t happy with how it’s being treated.’
Seraphine frowns. ‘The steel is what now?’
Rell gestures down at their feet. ‘The nails aren’t right for the bridge. If this keeps going it might collapse within two years.’
‘No I meant, you know what the steel feels?’
‘I do,’ Rell says as she nervously licks her lips. ‘So the thing is, why I am working at a steel factory and got an old car to go so far… I can manipulate iron, steel, all that good stuff?’
Seraphine stops dead in her tracks and stares up at Rell. ‘You’re not entirely human either?’
Rell’s shoulders slump. ‘Nope. My mom liked to do experiments when she was pregnant and I came out like some sort of Marvel baby.’
‘That’s,’ Seraphine shakes her head. ‘I mean fuck your mom-- And not in the nice way-- but that’s pretty awesome to me.’
‘You think so?’ Rell asks, not buying it.
Seraphine squeezes her hand tightly. ‘I can feel the emotions of people, you of metals. Seems cool to me. We’re just both a little different.’
Rell sighs and nods. ‘You’re right. Thanks for being so cool about it. Not a lot of people know about this. Because for one, I don’t want my mom to track me down and second, it freaks people out to see me bend an iron bar that weighs a thousand pounds.’
‘Oh that is freaky,’ Seraphine says. ‘In a good way. Also I feel dumb. You literally have Iron maiden in your username.’
Her girlfriend grins. ‘Yeah, it's in there for a reason. Now how about we grab a bite?’
The bar isn’t crowded and definitely not above a two star. But Seraphine knows the bartender and knows the kitchen is filled with good people. It’s also a plus that people that don’t care about her come here.
‘It’s not the most fancy,’ Seraphine starts, ‘But it’s become a home for me.’
Rell examines the bar and hums. ‘I like it. They have a Pentakill poster up so it must be good.’
Seraphine notices the poster too and grins. ‘Pretty sure they did a concert for a wedding here once.’
‘Damn, if Pentakill is not playing at my wedding, I am not coming.’
‘I know Pentakill.’ Seraphine says, gratefully accepting the glass of water she is handed. The bar is great but it’s always hot like a sauna.
Rell grabs her hands, looking into her eyes with a serious expression. ‘Seraphine, when is our wedding?’
Seraphine tries to play it cool, pulls her hands free. ‘I want a ring first.’
The way Rell replies to that is… unique. She grabs a beer bottle-cap off of the counter, stares at it and actually bends it. The cap folds in half between her fingers, and opens up in the middle until a perfect ring is formed.
‘That’s impressive,’ Seraphine manages to say. ‘I thought you were a superfan of me, not Pentakill.’
‘I am loyal to you, trust me,’ Rell promises. ‘But Pentakill basically shaped me, was there my entire childhood. Getting to marry you and seeing Pentakill perform live is a win.’
Seraphine snatches the ring from Rell and pockets it. ‘I’ll hold onto this until you want to marry me for just me, not Pentakill.’
Rell grins. ‘Fine.’
Several beers and shots and bites of junkfood later, they make their way back home. When they cross the same bridge as before, Seraphine stops.
‘What’s up?’ Rell questions, glancing back at her.
Seraphine looks at Rell. She sees how her hair is moved around by the soft breeze, admires the soft and hard lines of her body. Squints when she sees her lips. She catches herself before she is entirely lost in Rell.
‘Let’s take a picture together.’
‘Okay,’ Rell agrees. She scoots close to Seraphine, wrapping her arm around Seraphine’s slender shoulders. ‘Is this okay?’
‘Very,’ Seraphine promises. ‘Now say cheese.’
The camera flashes while they both smile brightly. Seraphine examines the picture. It’s fine. But she wants something more. ‘Another.’
This time, before the camera flashes, she presses her lips against Rell’s cheek. And takes a photo.
Rell is still sputtering nonsense when Seraphine examines the picture. Rell looks at the camera with a bright grin while Seraphine kisses her cheek. Perfect.
‘Hey,’ Rell says, grabbing the phone from her. Great, now it’s not just K/DA that steals phones. ‘You can’t just do that and play it off!’
Seraphine smiles. ‘Sorry.’
‘If you’re really sorry,’ Rell mumbles, pulling Seraphine closer to her, ‘You’ll kiss me for real.’
Rell is so close. She’s right there. She is not texting her, calling her or face-timing her. Rell is here. And Seraphine kisses her.
The first kiss is short. Just a second of their lips touching. Like that would be enough. Seraphine tip-toes, kissing Rell again. And again when Rell wraps her arms around Seraphine’s waist. And drops her phone.
Drops her phone.
‘Fuck!’ Seraphine exclaims as she hears the glass shatter. Rell is startled but doesn’t let go of Seraphine. She glances down and shrugs.
‘I’ll find a way to fix that later,’ she promises. ‘Now where were we.’
Seraphine giggles as Rell’s lips find hers again. Rell and her fit together so well.
After what seems to be several minutes, Seraphine gently pushes Rell away. ‘What would the bridge think of this?’
‘Get it girl.’ Rell replies, smirking.
Seraphine hits her in the arm. ‘Let’s head back home. I want to see how you fix my phone.’
So Rell cannot fix her phone. The girl seems genuinely upset over it.
‘I swear, I could reshape glass one time,’ she says, desperately squeezing the phone. Seraphine flinches as her entire phone seems to be bending. ‘I’m sorry, Sera.’
‘It’s okay,’ Seraphine promises. ‘Just keep my card from getting crushed up and I’ll get another phone. This model is outdated anyway.’
Rell notices what she’s been doing to the phone and releases her grip. ‘Oops. It’s hard to control sometimes.’
Seraphine sits down at the dinner table with Rell. She noticed before, but it seems like Rell has the faint outlines of either old scarring tissues, or a very old tattoo.
‘You said your mom did experiments when she was pregnant with you. Did she experiment on you when you were born?’
Rell sighs, putting away the wrecked phone. ‘Yeah.’
‘You don’t have to talk about it.’ Seraphine offers.
‘No, it’s okay. Basically, mom was part of this secret government organization. The only reason she got pregnant with me was to figure out if she could manipulate me in the womb. Around three years old I started to display I actually could use certain materials to my own will.’
Seraphine shivers. ‘And that didn’t go well.’
‘It was horrible,’ Rell whispers. ‘There were other kids like me. All from experiments. And, and I don’t know how, but they put those kids inside of me. In here.’
Rell lays her hand on her arm, scratching at a faded tattoo. ‘Their powers increased mine. I broke out when I was ten and have been on the run from mom and the organization ever since.’
Seraphine freezes up. ‘Do they know what you look like?’
‘I mean, they probably have a vague idea. Why?’
Seraphine takes the phone and desperately tries the on button. No use. ‘Because I just posted our pictures online.’
Seraphine chews on her nails as she gets chewed out by her manager.
‘You broke several rules, Seraphine! I should have checked your account sooner, but I trusted you. And here you are, dating someone, a girl!’
‘I know, I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you but I didn’t know how,’ Seraphine tries. ‘I just really need you to delete those pictures.’
Her manager grunts. ‘You bet I already did!’
‘Did it have a lot of likes, comments? Anything weird?’
‘A lot of people were calling you an icon. Nothing that I’d say is weird.’
Seraphine sighs and leans back into the couch. She nods at Rell who has been fidgeting with some screws. Rell deflates too, relieved.
‘How long was the post up?’ Seraphine continues.
‘Fifteen minutes,’ he says. ‘But it’s already getting reposted all over the internet. People are eating up the fact that you put “With my girlfriend” in the caption.’
Fuck. Of course people are reposting. She should have waited with posting. But she was just so excited and happy. ‘Is there anything you can do about that?’
‘No. We can only wait it out, post an apology, explain the situation and wait for a few weeks, months maybe.’
Seraphine goes pale. ‘Okay, thanks, bye.’
She ends the conversation and sighs. A sob escapes her lips as she sees how worried Rell is, and the anxiety that is coming from her.
‘I am sorry,’ she whimpers. ‘I am a shitty girlfriend.’
Rell leans in, kissing her on her cheeks, forehead, lips. ‘It’s okay. You didn’t tag me. I deleted my accounts and wiped my telephone. Before they know where I live, I’ll have it figured out. If they even see the pictures and realize who I am.’
‘You’re not mad?’ Seraphine asks, her eyes bleary.
‘The time of me being mad at you is long over,’ Rell promises, wiping the tears from Seraphine’s eyes. ‘It’s gonna be fine. And if not now, eventually.’
Seraphine giggles. ‘Are you quoting me?’
‘I rewatched your livestream when you were getting ready,’ Rell admits. ‘That was some inspiring stuff.’
‘I have been feeling inspired lately.’
‘Have you found your muse?’ Rell asks, biting her lip to stop herself from smiling like a fool.
Seraphine leans forward, kissing Rell. ‘Maybe.’
Rell kisses her back, then grins. ‘Now, I thought you were going to sign my merch?’
‘Oh, I hate you!’