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London looks emptier from above.
Gigi swallows the lump in her throat. Maybe it’s the soft orange glow of the streetlights, or the wind blowing in her ears.
Perhaps it’s the quiet humming and laughter from behind. The sounds of friends and co-workers alike. Moments she never felt a part of.
Her hands crossed over the railing of the balcony. Fingers trembling, a sore reminder of her old habits. A soft breeze swaying her bangs to the side.
Gigi’s knee bounces up and down.
Suddenly, the glass balcony door slides open. Snapping Gigi out of her pitiful display.
“What are you doing out here you dweeb?”
Gigi stifles a laugh.
“Excuse me?” she snaps, “Can a girl not appreciate a pretty view?”
“No, no, you’re right—” Cecilia chuckles, her head peeking over the railing, glancing down. Then, with casual ease she leans her back on the railing, facing Gigi. “The view is very pretty from up here.”
Gigi rolls her eyes. Dork.
“But I know that’s not all of it…” Cecilia sighed, a weary expression on her face.
Gigi frowned.
It’s as if Cecilia saw right through her and her pathetic attempts of hiding from the crowd.
She hated how vulnerable Cecilia made her feel. As if her mind was a room with the curtains drawn—and if Cecilia were to push them open any further then she might find the little imperfections.
The way she yearns for touch, but backs away from it. The way she seeks silence in the loudest of places. Things she could never admit to doing. Yet something tugged at her to do so.
“I got you a drink.” Cecilia mumbled. “And before you ask,” she started “it’s because you looked like you needed one.”
Gigi smiles, taking the glass from her hands, followed by a silent look of defeat.
“You’re looking over London like you’re auditioning for Batman.” Teased Cecilia and Gigi nearly spat out her drink.
“What the hell?”
“Am I wrong tho? Look at you!” Cecilia bumps Gigi’s shoulder with hers. “All you need is the bat-symbol shining up ahead.”
Gigi shakes her head, taking another sip.
Cecilia’s eyes widen, snatching Gigi by the shoulders. “Gigi Murin from Hololive EN Justice! Your people need you! Gigi Murin!—”
Laughter erupts from both of them, drowning the silence. Gigi raised a finger to her lips, attempting to shush the automaton. “Oh my God, shut up!”
Their laughter slowly dies down. A silence—not uncomfortable, just a stretch of space that doesn’t need to be filled.
It’s times like these where Gigi realises how much freedom Cecilia allows her.
They don’t need meaningless small talk or comments. Just them, the blues of the night and passing glances.
It’s real, raw, and quiet in the way honest things often are.
Gigi let out a sigh. Not out of exhaustion or anguish, but relief.
“You feeling better?”
“Sorry?” Gigi’s head perked up.
Cecilia’s arm found its way around Gigi’s waist. A soft, encouraging action. As if it were a silent invitation.
A pause.
“Before… you seemed so out of it.” Cecilia muttered. “I was looking everywhere for you.”
“Right, sorry I um,” Gigi coughed. “I needed a breather.” She croaked out.
“I see.”
Cecilia’s head tilted just so. The blues and oranges hitting her face at just the right angle. Gigi leans in, just a little.
“I don’t—I don’t get it.” Gigi began. “It’s like you’re torturing me.”
She looked away once more on an attempt to catch her tongue. On an attempt to stop herself from spilling.
Cecilia didn’t speak. Only waited.
“You’re beautiful.” Gigi hummed, slowly tossing her arms over the automaton’s shoulders. “You see me like no one else.”
Cecilia smiled. Still holding Gigi by the waist, she guided her closer. Faces inches away from each other.
“Gigi I—”
“Wait, let me finish.” Gigi interrupted. Her tail curling around Cecilia’s leg, almost possessively.
“You’re so soft with me.”
Gigi groans, shoving her face in Cecilia’s collarbone.
“You reel me in with that gorgeous smile and then—and then you’re so patient with me. Like, hoooww?” She whines, dragging out her syllables.
Cecilia giggles, her nose scrunching. “Well, I mean—” she starts.
“I’ve fumbled so many baddies, man!” Gigi yells, but it comes out muffled. “And now like, you’re telling me you want me?” she pauses. “Like, like, REALLY?”
“Yes!” Cecilia laughs out. “Yes, I want you.”
Gigi pulls her head back, lifting her heels. Then, Cecilia unravels one hand from her waist and brings it up to Gigi’s cheek. Gently tracing a thumb over it.
“That’s what’s been bothering you?” Cecilia murmurs.
A huff, then: “God, you’re such an idiot sometimes.”