Chapter Text
It happened again.
Someone got too close. Casually, almost like it was on instinct, her hand slid over, barely ghosting over Cecilia’s nape, exposed from the green, knee length, off-shoulder dress that she was wearing. Her hair was done simply today, with only a silver white braid hanging off it.
“Sorry,” an easy smile. Dressed in the finest silk that Raora’s textiles had to offer, the tuxedo hugged the bodyguard’s frame and accentuated her lean muscles, complete with an orange bowtie. Her dirty blonde hair was partially tied high, giving her a rugged appearance that Cecilia found her gaze lingering on more than once. The smile infuriated the celebrity, but alas under the hundreds of lights that shone upon them, appearances cannot be tarnished. “She’s in a rush.”
And then once she was led away, the smile would instantly disappear when they were no longer under the scrutiny of the people, replaced with an unreadable expression that angered the actress to no end.
“You love protecting me, don’t you?”
“Just part of the job.” Gigi brushed off her shoulders as she trailed behind Cecilia. “You know how it is.”
“There’s an uproar of rumors because of this y’know,” Cecilia pushed open the grand doors, leading her to the massive auditorium easily capable of holding at least a thousand people. “Even the managers are starting to get concerned.”
“Is that so?” Gigi dryly answered. The band on her ring finger gleamed in the light. An aching reminder. A promise long broken and forgotten. “Well, it won’t blow out of proportion so long as I keep my distance.”
That's the thing! Cecilia wanted to scream. What signals are you even sending if I don’t even understand them?!
Fortunately, Cecilia wasn’t able to speak her mind as a staff member quickly ushered them to their seats. Gigi sat on her left, and on the other was another celebrity — Kiara. Her flamboyant orange hair made it very easy to recognise her. The way Kiara’s eyes lit up when her gaze met green eyes, and she came rushing over, a childlike expression of joy on her face. One that made Cecilia’s worries melt away, at least temporarily.
“Cecilia!” Kiara said cheerfully as she reached out for a hug. Cecilia reciprocated it instantly, a warm smile on her face. “It’s good to see you!”
“You too,” the young actress grinned as they both sat back down. “I’m glad you were nominated!”
Kiara blushed, tucking her already perfect hair behind her ear. “I think the others in my category are really capable too! It’s hard to tell, but no matter what, I’m glad I could come here too.”
“You deserve the stage, Kiara. And I mean it. You’re a natural.”
“You too!” Kiara playfully slapped her shoulders. “You’re the hardest worker I’ve seen! Maybe a break after this should be done~” A devilish look was in her eyes, and Cecilia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. She knew what was coming.
“If it's the Maldives, it's still a no.”
Kiara pouted, making a sad puppy-like face despite being a more cat-like and cat person. Cecilia’s breath quickened as her voice got caught in her throat, the words almost slipping out but was thankfully interrupted by Gigi’s exasperated snort. “Still trying, huh?”
“Never gonna give up!” Kiara chirped cheerfully. That instant expression change terrified Cecilia more than she would admit. The lights dimmed, and it was only then did Cecilia realise that the venue was almost fully filled now. When did that happen?
“It's starting!” Kiara excitedly exclaimed. A pink haired announcer, dressed to the nines in a tailored black suit took the stage, one that made Kiara swoon. She was beautiful and handsome in a certain way that only a lesbian mind could comprehend, which Cecilia solemnly agreed with.
“Good evening everyone! My name is Mori Calliope, and I’m your host tonight for our annual Star Awards! We have once more invited our professional judges to help determine our winners for this year, but that’s not all! We have also—”
It was a blur.
She must have spaced out. It happened more often recently. She should probably get that checked. She hummed in acknowledgement when spoken too. She gave half nods. She wasn’t sure she was fully there.
She wasn’t sure if she deserved to be there.
“Hey,” Gigi nudged her once more. The fourth time that night? She didn't know. Kiara seemed unaware of what was happening, her eyes fixed intently on stage, more specifically at the pink haired announcer. “You probably want to pay attention to this.”
Just as Cecilia was about to ask why: “And the award for the Rising Star Award goes to…” Calliope slowly opened the card, the entire audience holding its breath in anticipation.
It probably won't be me… it would be like Liz or someone else. Just not me.
“Cecilia Immergreen!”
Thunderous cheers and applause. The woman herself froze as her name flashed in green behind the announcer on the big screen, playing a clip of the drama she starred in. Her green eyes grew as wide as sauceplates.
The way her eyes in the drama instantly dropped when the bad news — concerning Cecilia’s brother in the show — was delivered to Cecilia by her fellow older and more experienced co-star, Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame. The micro-expressions of the younger actress’s face — perfection according to the judges. Then came the hyperventilation of desperation of a person who couldn’t believe her brother was dead. They couldn’t believe she had barely started her acting career, with a lot of them saying that she had the skills of a veteran, which wasn’t an easy feat.
She wasn’t expecting the award. The competitors were equally as talented as her: Ouro Kronii — capable of flipping expressions in a flash; Elizabeth — fitting perfectly into any role thrown at her despite the later start in her career; and Shiori Novella — whose ad libs always made the show infinitely better than what was written in the script.
“You should probably head onto stage,” Gigi whispered into her ear, snapping Cecilia out of her trance. “They want to see the star.”
Star?
Star?
She had to bite back a bitter laugh, and the tears that were forming in her eyes.
Acting was the only thing she had. So why?
Why fail now?
“Hey.” An actual touch. A warm hand over hers, soft pink eyes peering at green. She leaned in close, causing an uproar in the audience as her tail blocked the cameras, preventing their faces from being seen. Cecilia froze.
The distance between them was a far away dream she thought to be unreachable after that day.
“You deserve this,” she interlocked their fingers, causing Cecilia’s breath to hitch. Her expression was gentle and kind, not letting go even when her breath started to come in short bursts. “More than you realise.”
It was as if a light bulb flicked on in her head as she stood up almost robotically, cheers increasing tenfold as she made her way to the stage, the trophy presented to with a kind smile from the announcer. “Congrats.” Calliope whispered with a devious smirk as she stepped aside, allowing Cecilia to take the stage after handing her the microphone.
Bits and pieces of the speech were in her mind. She remembered thanking the staff —the directors and producers, her friends and her fans — for always supporting her.
She remembered when her eyes inevitably drifted back to the seats. There was only one that she stood on stage for, all this time. Even if it had changed for the other.
“All of this couldn’t be possible without the support I got early on in my life, encouraging me to always pursue what I wanted—” She trailed off as her eyes flickered towards Gigi. A moment too long.
Her eyes didn’t meet hers. But there was a roar of cheers when she paused. Then pink eyes lifted and met hers, and Cecilia forced herself to look away. She focused on Kiara instead, who gave her a thumbs up.
“Passion could only take me so far. What gave me the true push was myself. If we don’t take the leap of faith, how else will we succeed?”
And then I can tell myself
What the hell I'm supposed to do
And then I can tell myself
Not to ride along with you
“Both of you are trending on social media,” Yuki, Cecilia’s manager, noted. They were both at the actress’s modest house. Simple plain walls, along with even simpler, black and white furniture. In truth, even Cecilia found it dull and unwelcoming. Yuki had added small, fake potted plants here and there in the past, but it always wound up lost somewhere in her house during cleaning. She was grateful to Yuki for trying, but she couldn’t find it in herself to care. It wasn’t like she was sharing the house with anyone else anyway. “Normally I would be concerned, but it seems to be more of a positive thing right now.”
Cecilia raised a brow as she switched her phone on, swiping the screen and clicking on a blue bird icon. A picture of Cecilia and Gigi was the first thing she saw — the moment where Gigi blocked the cameras with her tail, shielding the two as she leaned in close.
If she was part of the audience, sharing such an intimate moment, she would have been suspicious as well. She opened the comments section, and it was just about what she expected from the fans.
@justanotomo(1D ago)
WAIT AUTOFISTER IS REAL?????
>@chattino8008(2h ago)
But she didn’t personally thank Gigi…
@willowyhands33(8h ago)
I KNEW IT! WHOEVER DOESNT SEE THEIR RS ATP R JUST GASLIGHTING THEMSELVES
@lizzzzzlover(4h ago)
These bitches gay frfr g4y
@maskedsheep(1h ago)
Guys we shouldn’t be making any assumptions. Please be respectful to their privacy.
Read more…
Clicking her tongue, she switched her phone off, sprawling out on the couch in a way that was unbecoming of a lady. Another reason she was grateful to Yuki—someone she didn’t have to put an act in front of and didn’t care for her habits. Much. “Don’t see anything wrong.”
Yuki sighed, running her fingers through her hair, twisting them into knots. “Just be careful, alright? The internet is a powerful tool, and it always serves the loudest voice.”
“Yeah, yeah. I took that internet safety course,” Cecilia waved Yuki off. “I’m sure it will be fine.” And besides, it wasn’t something she wanted to think about.
But wouldn’t it be good if it even made whoever Gigi's partner was just a little jealous…? Perhaps—
No.
To an innocent person who could give Gigi all that happiness? She was acting just like—
“Cecilia? Are you alright?”
“Yeah,” the actress responded a little too quickly. “Don’t worry about me.”
Yuki’s lips were pressed tightly together. It was hanging in the air with awkward silence and Cecilia tensed, excuses already forming in her mind. But with a sigh, the manager instead produced a green card from her pockets. “By the way, the producer called. Said they wanted to hold a ball.” She handed Cecilia the invitation, her name written in italic, gold letters. “You’re invited.”
She skimmed through it. Just buttering her up, guaranteeing she would have a lot of fun if she attended. She tossed it back to Yuki, who barely caught it and gave Cecilia a glare in return. “Wouldn’t it be better if I skipped it?”
“For more work?” Yuki scoffed, crossing her arms. “We’ve been working for a while now Cecilia, and I don’t like forcing you into doing things, but can you even remember the last time you took a break?”
“That time at Denny's counted.”
“No, it did not.” Yuki said firmly. “And that was almost nine months ago.”
Fuck.
“But… I don’t like talking to the people thereeee…” Cecilia whined, drawing out the last syllable. “He won’t be there, right?”
“Yeah, that’s the first thing I checked. And you’ll have Gigi,” Yuki pointed out. “And you always seem to do just fine with her there.”
Gigi?
Gigi?
“Hey, she cares for you, y’know.” Yuki's sharp voice brought her back from the depths of her mind. “She’s way better than the previous one. Really, I don’t know how you endured with that other one for so long with how she treated you…”
Right… no one knows… except for her and me.
“Yeah… yeah you’re right.”
Silence engulfed the space the two women shared. Yuki’s face flickered with uncertainty, but no words were uttered from her mouth. She sighed(Shes doing that a lot recently… maybe I should bring her to the spa or that massage parlor), making her way towards the entrance of the actress’s house. “So you’ll be there?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m making sure Gigi has a spare key.”
“You’re clearing my schedule aren’t you?”
The manager didn’t even bother to look at Cecilia as she slipped her feet back into her flats. “Its a simple request.”
Cecilia groaned in defeat. “Two hours.”
“Three.”
“Two and a half.”
“Three and a half and if you bargain more I’m taking away your privileges to that Chinese restaurant.”
“FINE!”
Yuki left with a triumphant look on her face as Cecilia clutched her head in her hands. What did I get myself into?
She ran her fingers through her hair, straightening it as sat back up straight on the sofa and pondered her options. Putting aside the fact that it was a formal event so she would be forced to put up appearances… her fellow co-stars like Elizabeth would definitely attend. That woman would never want to miss a party. Perhaps Raora? Maybe showing off her latest designs in the process.
Her gaze then lowered to her hands as she flexed them, fixated on her bare ring finger.
Gigi… where did I go wrong?
Gigi… her best friend in her childhood. She was her neighbour, who lived across the street. The one who had indulged in her ideas no matter how crazy they were. The one who had stuck with her throughout her highs and lows. The one who offered her respite and shelter when things were bad at home. She could confide anything to her, and nothing would ever change between them. She loved that, and she wished she had treasured it more when she was younger.
Why…
Why did she have to leave?
There was no explanation. Not even a letter, note or call. When she went to her house for their daily four pm playtime, she was greeted with a red sign: “FOR RENT”
She ran around her neighbourhood until it was past her bedtime, screaming for Gigi. Even when it became raw and it hurt to even speak, she didn’t stop. The other neighbours heard her and tried to help, but there was nothing. It was as if she vanished off the planet. When she tried to call the numbers Gigi's parents passed onto her, she was met with: “Customer is unavailable, please try again later.” Every. Single. Time.
If it happened when Cecilia was older, she would have torn the world apart to find her. Any nook or cranny wouldn’t have been safe from her. She would have hired the greatest, most stubborn detective she can find in order to make sure she was safe and brought back to her. And if there was even a scratch on her, she would have hunted them down and sued them from hell to back.
But that was an ‘if’. An ‘if’ that would never exist. The ‘if’ that she wanted would never be.
She never got her way in her youth. All the times when she wanted to pursue her passion, all met with denial and dismay as she was shoved more math and science textbooks. Told to study instead of pursuing the nonsensical arts. Denied the request of using the television. Denied the request of surfing the internet. It might as well have been a prison. A hellhole she was born in and managed to crawl out and survive only thanks to an amazing twist of events — where in high school her Drama teacher saw her talent and signed her up for a local competition — with a chance to participate in the international one if she wins. She still remembered the words the teacher gave to her that day.
Often, the one who wins, is the one whose intentions are pure. There is a sort of acting that cannot be faked, and you my dear, have that.
And win she did, kickstarting the change to her life as she began navigating her way through sets as an extra. Gradually growing, earning money — enough to finally be able to rent out a room somewhere far away and closer to her dreams. The taste of freedom had never felt so sweet. Even throughout her initial difficulties that came with being alone, she pushed through. She didn’t fight tooth and nail to just stop there.
Then came the international competition. She finished in third — still a win in her books, and she took a page out of the winners’ as well, learning and studying with them. She even managed to get their contacts and stayed in touch even till this day — at least getting a meal with them if they were in the area to catch up. With all that on her plate, it was a miracle she managed to juggle both the acting and high school, managing to graduate with flying colours before dedicating the rest of her time into her acting career.
Now here she was, thinking about how to deal with the ball accompanied by Gigi in less than three days. If she had told her younger self this would come to pass, she was sure that she would have gotten beaten up and buried six feet under with an endangered flower planted on top of her pitiful grave. Maybe even getting spat on for good measure.
Perhaps it was from suppressed emotions, or because she had to constantly pretend she was alright when she was younger, that it got to the point where it was hard to separate what was real from Cecilia Immergreen. Cheerful one moment, dark the next. It was easier to just take on more jobs. Keep herself busy and focus on the present moment, not giving herself the time to think. About the past. About the effort. About Gigi. She caught herself missing the gremlin more than once — sometimes even entertaining the thought of how she would like now, hair long instead of short? Still skinny? Taller? — however it always ended with her forcing it back down, looking over a new script as her eyes darted to her phone displaying ‘1:08 am’.
She was suggested therapy once, but she politely refused. She wasn’t blind, but she didn’t want to burden others with her own problems. It was something she wanted to figure out on her own.
She was starting to wonder if that really was the way she should do things when Gigi came back unannounced in her life. No announcement, no warning. Yuki had just said she was changing security to someone more experienced and well-behaved, and there at the door frame in her home was a dirty blonde girl, her hair slicked back and in a low ponytail, stray strands framing her face — dressed in a well tailored black suit, minus the blazer. The formal shirt and vest was perfect for her frame, the actress still able to make out the size of her newly grown muscles— Cecilia dug her nails deep into her palm, tearing her gaze away and focused on Yuki. She had grown. In more ways than one.
Stunned was putting it lightly.
“This—” Yuki gestured to the woman, a nervous smile plastered to her face as she gave a small wave. There was a ring, weathered and worn. On her ring finger.
Don’t tell me—
“—Is Gigi Murin. She will be your personal bodyguard from now on.”
Something akin to a strangled noise was choked out of Cecilia’s mouth.
“Is there a problem?” Yuki tilted her head inquisitively, worry all over her face. Gigi’s however… Was that a… frown? “If you don’t think—”
“No! I mean it's fine!” Cecilia blurted, waving her hands up exasperatedly in denial. Fuck, why now? “I’ll just—” she took a deep breath, forcing her breathing to even out. “I’ll show her around.”
Yuki gave a quick thumbs-up before leaving to answer a phone call. Cecilia turned back to Gigi. Her crooked smile — replaced with a serious expression. Her usually dishevelled hair — combed neatly. Even when she was nervous, tapping her foot incessantly and her tail swishing behind her — gone. How did Cecilia tell she was still nervous? Her eyes.
The only thing that hadn’t changed. Still soft. Still patient.
My room isn’t clean. It was on display.
Cecilia froze. Gigi squeaked in surprise as she bumped into her, taking two steps back almost immediately with a hasty apology, but Cecilia heard none of it. “Uh, Miss Immergreen?”
“Sorry,” the actress’s hands reached to her temple, grimacing. “Maybe we could do this another day?”
Gigi stiffened, her tail wrapped around her leg. “Alright. Please take care of yourself, Miss Immergreen.”
“Cecilia is fine.” Cecilia held out a hand to Gigi, the other taking it after a second of hesitation. The hand with the ring, its lustre catching her eye, taunting her. The skin wasn’t soft. Wasn’t the one she remembered holding. “Nice to meet you.”
There were many things that Cecilia hated. Her upbringing was one. Helpless and weak. Too afraid to be bold yet too meek to change.
She wanted to hate the gremlin.
Why?
Why couldn’t she do it? Wasn’t that emotion supposed to come easy? After all these years, it was supposed to.
The door to her pain, forced open because of her greatest weapon. Forced to endure the torrent of emotions that came rushing back. FORCED.
Forced to face what she buried. After all…
Wasn’t it easier to act like it had never happened?
She’s even more uneasy than usual today.
How could Gigi tell even though she wasn’t allowed into her room? The pacing of her feet inside locked doors. Soft, muffled by the carpet. But definitely there.
Gigi wrung her hands together as she tried to relax back down onto the soft couch, her hands glossing over her ring. Did she even— did she just… forget?
They were kids, and it was over ten years ago. It was entirely plausible. It might have been thrown out. It was stupid. Childish.
What she did… what she had done…
Her train of thought was interrupted by soft clicks. Gigi shot to her feet when the door opened, revealing Cecilia Immergreen in a beautiful white strapless evening gown that reached her knees, hugging her figure in all the right parts, a modest slit up to her thigh. It was paired with white evening gloves with an intricate silver lining that reached up to her biceps. Her makeup was light, giving her a regal look and her hair…
Done up in a simple bun with braids leading to it. The room went up by a thousand degrees as Gigi had to force her eyes towards the lamp at Cecilia’s side. Yes, the bright lamp. That was turned on.
She could feel a fire forming in her gut as she clenched a fistful of her ironed slacks, feeling underdressed with her three piece black suit, complete with an orange tie and handkerchief. She could probably blind herself with how much she stared at it.
“You seem happy.” Cecilia passed her, and Gigi caught a whiff of her perfume. Flowery. Light.
Their last day together. Finding that colourful flower field by chance. Running through it, their giggles the only thing the two could hear. A gentle breeze sent a palette of colors towards them, and covered them in the seven colors of the rainbow, playfully pushing each other before Gigi fell down and Cecilia soon followed. Their limbs tangled together but it only made them laugh even harder as they threw petals at each other.
Was she teasing her? Gigi wouldn’t be surprised. Her mood had fluctuated a lot lately, though never once did she take it out on the bodyguard. Gigi had heard rumors from Yuki that she sometimes did — unintentionally, and so the manager told her to never take it to heart. Yuki insisted that if Cecilia did step out of line though, Gigi had to report immediately to Yuki, and it wasn’t something that could be negotiated.
While she was grateful the manager was looking out for her, Gigi was used to the actress’s angry outbursts, and allowing her five minutes to rant her heart out often solved Cecilia’s problems. But it had been happening more often recently, and Gigi was troubled by it. Which is why when Yuki approached her with the request of accompanying Cecilia to the ball, she was more than happy to accept.
It must be the stress, Gigi thought as she followed her to the door. Her back from her neck to her waist was bare. Spotless. Light reflected off it, making it shine.
She was somehow even more beautiful than that day at the award ceremony — that green knee-length dress, more flowy with the puffy off-the-shoulder sleeves. It matched perfectly with her hair, and Gigi wouldn’t even hesitate to call her beautiful.
But this… this—
“Gigi?”
“Huh?”
“You’re blocking the way.”
Gigi didn’t even realise she was standing in front of the actress’s shoe cabinet. Her cheeks reddened as she stepped out of the way, mumbling an apology.
If Cecilia heard it, she didn’t show it. She began digging through the cabinet as she took out various sized boxes, slowly piling the floor until it was littered with shoes. Gigi counted at least fifty options to pick from. “Which to choose…”
“The white heels.” Gigi blurted.
To Gigi’s surprise, she actually picked them up, scrutinising them before putting them on. Looking over herself in the mirror, Gigi couldn’t help but marvel at her once more as she helped put the shoe boxes back to their original position.
If Aphrodite truly existed, she was fortunate to even be in her presence.
Their height difference was definitely noticeable now, but it never bothered the bodyguard. She could still do her job fine despite being the runt of the pack, and she would continue to do so no matter what. It was what she trained for, and if someone even dared to lay a hand on her—
“Yuki told me this would only be three and a half hours.”
“You’re keeping track?” Gigi took a step back in surprise. “I thought—“
“It was a deal.” Cecilia replied coolly, looking over herself one last time. “For my rights.”
Gigi paused. Opened her mouth, then closed it. “To that Chinese restaurant?” Gigi asked dubiously.
She nodded gravely.
“You know, you can just ask if you want me to introduce you to others. There’s one where the flavour had never changed for over twenty years.”
“… the one by Old Chang’s?” Cecilia asked quietly.
She remembered?
“Ye…yeah…” Gigi stuttered. I thought—
Suddenly the room seemed much smaller than before, suffocating silence enveloping the space which neither attempted to break as they awkwardly met each other’s gaze for a second before darting away. Gigi tugged her collar. Why did it feel so hard to breathe?
“They must be older now,” Cecilia said, turning her back, a hand on the knob of the door. “They had kids, right?”
“Yeah… they're still the owners, but it's mostly passed down to the kids now… But the taste is still the same, which I consider to be quite a feat—“
“We should go there.”
“I’m—I’m sorry?”
“It would be nice.”
Gigi was taken aback. After all this time? Aren’t her parents…? “Are you sure? I mean—“
Cecilia didn’t give her a response as grabbed her purse, pushing open the door and leaving behind a flustered and scrambling Gigi. For someone in heels, she could walk surprisingly fast.
The car was waiting patiently in front of her door, with Cecilia pulling the door to the back open and shutting it before Gigi could enter.
Did… Did I make her upset?
Not one to play with fire, she reluctantly made her way to the front, climbing into the soft plush seat, cold air immediately blasting at her face. This is nice.
“To the Tower of Justice, correct?”
Gigi politely nodded as the driver started the engine, turning out and into the main road.
At times, Gigi would catch Cecilia’s eyes in the rearview mirror. A far away gaze that seemed to be beyond what was outside of the car, hugging herself at times as she ran her hands up and down her upper arms. Gigi started peeling her jacket off, but a sharp and harsh glare met her eyes as she looked into the rearview mirror once she got a sleeve out.
Has it always… been this cold?
The bodyguard withered under the gaze and slipped her arm back into her blazer. Her thoughts began to drift as she looked out of the window, seeing nothing but buildings after buildings and the occasional person going about their day. Inevitably however, it started drifting towards a certain actress. Gigi may not be the sharpest tool in the box, but even she could tell that Cecilia’s reason for going to the ball seemed weak.
Cecilia had a habit of avoiding things whenever it stresses her, and it made her a people pleaser, much to her detriment. Gigi tried her best to tell her it was ok to say no when they were younger, but it seemed like it was another thing she had forgotten. Of all the things that she could forget too…
This promise… Gigi rubbed her hands together. The ring was at a freezing cold temperature thanks to the car’s state of the art’s cooling system, seemingly the same as Cecilia’s state of heart right now.
Remember why you are doing this. You, as Gigi the guard. Not Gigi, the childhood friend. Duty first, above all else.
But she couldn’t help it. Not when they knew each other more than they knew. Even if she had forgotten— Gigi didn’t. And those memories were the only thing that kept her sane throughout the years they had been separated. Those years of being bullied for always being the smallest, the easiest target. Even when she stood up for others, no one took her seriously. Even when she was taught to resist and to ignore — how could she just turn a blind eye?
She was thrown into an orphanage when she was ten with no explanation, and her world might as well have crumbled right there and then. She tried to escape — to run. But time and time again she was caught, forced back into the unfamiliar environment with cruel and devious eyes all on her.
She spoke. She tried. But why was it when words were used — it was all answered in the form of jeering? Even the adults, those she thought could be trusted, turned a blind eye? So she ran. She ran into a dark corner, which happened to be the kitchen.
Those who helped her… were the cooks. Giving her sanctuary. They taught her. They protected her, stood up for her when no one else would. It gave Gigi essential skills — learning how to cook and take care of herself, and even building muscle because she had to constantly move heavy items.
She remembered the first time she stood up for herself — she was grinning ear to ear despite the scratches and bruises on her arms. Despite a stern scolding from the head chef, he still made her favourite dessert, chocolate covered strawberries and helped bandage her wounds.
“Remember Gigi. Not everything can be solved with your fists.” He ruffled young Gigi’s hair as he tended to her wounds, the young girl hissing as the ointment made contact with her injuries. “Don’t be like me. Remember that your words are just as powerful as your strength. You’re a good kid. Use it for righteousness.”
“Like a hero?” Gigi asked, her eyes full of wonder and hope.
He chuckled, patting her head. “Like a hero.”
From then on, whenever a new kid showed up, Gigi would be the first to reach out and teach them. Whenever a kid decided to call them out, Gigi would be the first to their defense, refusing to resort to violence unless she saw no choice. She never takes it too far and only subdues those who cannot be reasoned with. She was sent to the director’s office multiple times because of that, but they always let her go after hearing numerous witnesses' testimonies.
Then came the letter when she was fifteen.
She could barely recall it. She ripped it to shreds after all.
She had no inheritance. Had no family. Her parents were criminals, which was why she was thrown into the orphanage in the first place. Because they were stupid and got themselves arrested in a heist.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, they died in the massive prison breakout that they led. Twenty one prisoners escaped, but only seven had made their way back to their cell at that point of time. Till this day, she wasn’t sure if the rest were ever recaptured.
That was when she learnt that every action had a consequence. And sometimes, people don’t ever think about what happens afterwards.
Her parents definitely showed that.
She clenched her fist tightly as the memories creeped up in her mind, taking a shaky breath. It only served as a reminder of the sinner’s blood that ran through her veins. The day her life shattered once more and she had spent every single day picking up the pieces that were left behind. She had to learn. She had to be strong. Or be devoured in the endless swirling abyss of self-pity, selfishness and negativity.
It weighed her down more than she would admit.
On that day when she received the letter, one of the other senior cooks found her, sitting at the top of a four metre tall tree, gazing out at the descending sun because she didn’t show up for dinner.
Her small size was her advantage on numerous occasions, as well as her agility. It allowed her to slip away easily, avoiding hits or blows and returning them in kind. It also allowed her to go unnoticed.
The chef climbed up the tree and kept her company as she bawled. She was inconsolable for a considerable amount of time and even passed out from the overwhelming emotions. She wished it was all a dream. That when she opened her eyes again, she would see green eyes, her arms already open for a hug, her lips already curling into the devious smile she yearned to see again every single day for five years.
She missed her. She missed when they just had fun without a care in the world. When they would play pretend to save a made-up world. When they shared things each other learned. Nothing else mattered, just her. Her smug grin, her beautiful laugh and her quips.
Another wave of sadness crashed onto Gigi as she sobbed into the blanket that the chef left her, alongside a pillow, pulling it close to her chest and hugging it tightly.
She didn’t know how those days went, going by in a flash as she tried to block the thoughts in her mind, failing miserably every single time, feeling herself sink deeper and deeper as the currents tried to tear her apart. Eventually she returned after finally calming down, by her own accord, to the kitchen. The cooks and her didn’t talk at first, until the head cook presented her with a chocolate drizzled cake, complete with a little drawn grem — the old worn plushie she fixed and cleaned after finding it in the orphange’s attic, abandoned but now was on her bed in her room — in chocolate and strawberry frosting.
“Happy sixteenth birthday, Gigi.”
Then she became inconsolable again.
The head chef pulled her aside after the small party that was held for her, gifting her a red, thin scarf. “No matter what happens, you’re always Gigi Murin. You are you. And you are and always have been a good kid. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
And she grew. She grew to be better, more mature. At times the snaking voice, dripping with poison, whispered in her mind whenever she tried doing good — insisting that she was only pretending — but the gentle smiles she received and the kind words, thanking her — told her otherwise.
Eventually she was let go from the orphanage by a recommendation from the director, much to Gigi’s surprise. A company was interested in hiring her as a bodyguard, and she passed their test with flying colors when they came to assess the gremlin.
With her newfound freedom, she first went to where she and Cecilia once lived — bouncing with excitement and nervousness. But when she knocked on the doors, it wasn’t someone she recognised, and the smile was immediately wiped from her face.
They told her the previous owners moved years ago. Didn’t have the address of where they lived currently. Gigi was disappointed, but it wasn’t something she didn’t expect, it had been years after all. She just had to be patient.
The next day, she was assigned the simple task of escorting with a senior guard. Despite just being a helper, she was still paid a hefty sum. After putting aside money for rental bills and expenses, she finally got her first phone with her first paycheck.
The new phone hummed out a delightful tune as it turned on. She had used phones before, but she had never owned one because she didn’t have the money. She immediately opened the search engine, and her heart stopped, her blood running cold.
YOUNG ACTRESS FROM IMMERHEIM TAKES THIRD PLACE IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION!
And attached was a face that was all too familiar. A bit older, her features sharper, her eyes still green, but dimmer. Tired. Her hair is still white with green highlights, in a shaggy short wolf cut. Different, but still very her.
She pressed on the link with unneeded aggression. It can’t be—
Cecilia Immergreen, a nineteen year old actress, has taken third place in this famed competition drawing young actors and actresses from all across the world! In this exclusive interview—
Read more...
She punched in Cecilia’s full name and hit ‘go’. Immediately her eyes were shown various images of Cecilia. Casual photos, formal photos and pictures of iconic landmarks — like the Eiffel Tower, with her posing cutely in the picture.
She clicked on the first result.
Cecilia Immergreen has begun her acting career after taking third place! The nineteen year old shared that her success was greatly attributed to the support of her friends and teachers—
Read more...
Gigi shut off her phone. She would have thrown it if it wasn’t for the hefty sum that she just paid for it.
The then twenty year old newbie bodyguard had to wonder: “Would she still remember me?”
The ring that had kept her company throughout these ten lonely years was cold. Bone-chilling cold. Gigi opened her phone and frantically looked through the pictures, hoping to spot even a gleam on her fingers, zooming in on every single one.
Nothing was worn.
“You promise?”
“Pinky swear.”
Maybe because it was the words of two kids who barely had a conscious mind of what's going on around them — that she just forgot and never again brought it up. After all, why would she wear a stupid friendship ring — dull and plain — to something as grand as this?
Gigi Murin knew she was a fool. But she always took it in stride.
But not like this. Not when it came to this friendship. The one that kept her sane.
A childlike sweet dream, crushed in an instant.
She wouldn’t want to mix with you. Your parents are criminals, and you have their blood.
You can’t mix with her.
You WILL ruin her.
The years after that became a blur as she continued to work. Sometimes with a little more aggression than needed or an additional snarky remark or two. Her heart felt empty. Her head swarmed with thoughts until it became numb to the loudest. She couldn’t feel her hands.
Until that day. They held an internal competition in the company. Said it was for PR.
She didn’t want to participate, but she was forced to by the boss, who said he had high hopes for her. The fights were a blur too. She didn’t feel any blows dealt to herself. Have they always been so weak?
But did it matter to be the strongest now?
“Congratulations Gigi!” Someone else, a woman’s voice. Not one she recognised. “You’re going to be the new bodyguard for the talent I’m managing. She’s a bit of a stoic one, but trust me, she’ll warm up fast.”
“Just…” Gigi sighed as she stripped the bloody wraps on her fists. “Was there really a need for this fighting?”
She was tired. The ring wasn’t on her finger. She had to remove it to prevent it from getting damaged, but now that she thought about it, she realised it probably wouldn’t have mattered with how old and fragile it has become. She hesitated to repair and reinforce it, not wanting to destroy their last connection.
If it even counted for one that is.
“I needed to hire the best for my talent, and I know you held back too. Don’t lie to me. And I’ve talked to your previous clients, they all found you nice and charming.”
“Just…” Gigi sighed once more as she picked up her bottle, unscrewing the cap . “I don’t need you telling me all the praise I got — it's just cheap words. Just get to the point. Who is it?”
“Have you ever heard of the name, ‘Cecilia Immergreen?’”
Time seemed to halt to a stop. Gigi’s heart rate spiked upon the mention of her name, choking and spitting out her drink. She half-expected the woman to look at her in disgust, but instead her eyes were intently observing her actions. Gigi felt her cheeks growing hot, but… but…
Cecilia?
Her Cecilia?
The one who spent a good chunk of her childhood with?
“The Cecilia Immergreen. The one that won that competition internationally a while back. Taking third place. Now working on various other dramas. Voted for Rising Star actress. That Cecilia Immmergreen?”
“My, my, you have done your research!” The lady chuckled, seemingly unaware of Gigi’s plight, her mind struggling to control itself as thoughts continously sprouted wildly in her head, but it all drowned out when a question was forced to the front of her mind.
Would she…
Would she still want to see me?
“Does she know about this? That a new bodyguard is going to be hired?” That its me? Gigi wanted to add those three words, but the words were not uttered when it was at the tip of her tongue. Wouldn’t the bodyguard tarnish her reputation? She had everything now! And she was just some kid who came from an orphanage because her parents were convicts and stupidly got themselves arrested!
“Oh yes, in fact, if you agree right now, I think I can bring you over to her house to introduce the two of you!”
This was all going too fast. At a speed she knew wouldn’t be safe for her heart, and she tested that limit plenty of times. Both on-field and off-field.
Murmurs around them were barely heard as Gigi’s mind scrambled for options. She knew she wanted to do it. But not a single one seemed good to her. She couldn’t just leave her. Not when she had the chance now.
Not again. She won’t.
“I’ll take the job. Just give me ten minutes to get ready.”
“Wonderful! I'll meet you at the pick up point, see you later!”
With a firm handshake, the woman introduced herself as Yuki, and after saving the newly hired bodyguard’s contact information, they parted ways and she went straight to the meetup place. As Gigi headed into the shower stalls, she wondered if she had just made her greatest mistake. Or her greatest redemption.
Could it wash it all away? Could they be free once more?
They barely had five minutes together before Cecilia requested her to leave.
Of course she wouldn’t remember you! Gigi chastised herself. Why would she when she has more important things on her mind? She must have done everything to get up here after all…
But for some reason, Gigi couldn’t let go. She stubbornly held on, wearing her promise every single day, in hopes of her remembering. But the actress never gave a second glance at the bodyguard, giving her a cold shoulder and stare whenever their eyes met.
But Gigi didn’t give up. She made sure she was also at arms’ length in order for her to shine while she protected her in the dark.
She couldn’t be there for her before. But she certainly could do it now. She’s not going to give up.
She’s going to make sure she shines. Even if she doesn't know.
Even if that promise was long forgotten by her, it wasn’t by Gigi. If she stopped now, she wouldn’t get anywhere. So long as that fiery determination burned bright, she couldn’t stop here. Back then she couldn’t control the events. She was helpless, scared.
But now, things were different. She was different. She liked that she was different.
She couldn’t say the same to her oldest friend.
They arrived at the ball uneventfully. Gigi sped out of the car to try and open the door for Cecilia, but she was shoved aside by a man dressed in a dark blue suit, a crooked grin on his face. “Miss Immergreen!” Just as his fingers were about to graze Cecilia’s back, Gigi used her tail to block his face, forcing him back as she used her body to block his way to the actress, a growl erupting from the gremlin’s throat.
“I do appreciate it if you could be a little more polite to Miss Immergreen,” Gigi stated firmly as she took Cecilia’s hand, shielding her with her body. “I think she herself would greatly appreciate that.”
The man wrinkled his nose, annoyance clear on his face. But before he could open his mouth, his lips curled into disgust as Gigi felt warm hands slipping through her arms, feeling her cheeks lighting up like christmas lights. “She’s just looking out for my best interests, director.”
This man is the director?! Wait, I thought Yuki told me he wasn’t going to be here. No wonder she–
Before something foul could be blurted from Gigi’s mouth, the two were saved by the roar of a red sports car pulling into the driveway. The door swung open on its own, revealing Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame in a beautiful and gorgeous red sparkly dress with a dangerously high silt, midnight blue evening gloves draped with silver bangles and rings, and those— Gigi kept her eyes on her red hair instead of her… voluminous chest.
“Cece!” She called out cheerfully, a white faux fur shoal draped on her arms trailing behind her as she pulled Cecilia into a hug, the younger actress’ eyes bulging out comically as she was pressed closed. "It's good to see you again!”
“You… too…” The bodyguard could barely hear Cecilia’s muffled voice. Gigi was considering to step in politely before her client got crushed by her hug(She debated asking Elizabeth to allow Cecilia to swap places with her just to feel— not on duty!), but thankfully Elizabeth pulled away before the actress became two dimensional in more ways than one.
(She would never admit it… But Gigi was glad she didn’t change. Much.)
“Is this your date to the ball?” She asked, her voice practically dripping with smugness. Gigi felt her face grow even hotter as she tugged at her collar once more. Before Cecilia could open her mouth in rebuttal, a muffled noise began playing as Elizabeth’s hands shot towards her handbag. “Sorry— you go on ahead, I’ll join you later.”
Elizabeth shot Gigi a knowing look as the red head turned to the director, waving in his direction and blocking him, pointing at her phone, loudly demanding to get the money he borrowed from Elizabeth back.
I like this woman. Gigi decided before Cecilia wrapped her arms around the gremlin’s biceps once more. Her hands felt clammy, curled into fists in her pockets as Cecilia politely waved every so often, greeting people.
“Are you sure?” Gigi whispered, catching a few odd stares — their piercing gazes felt like they were undressing her piece by piece. She shifted uneasily. How did Cecilia deal with all of this on her own? “I mean… there's a lot of people…”
“Are you afraid?” Cecilia spared a glance as she continued her polite waving. Gigi felt her face hurt from the polite smiles she had to give. How does she even survive if I'm already feeling this tired?!
“More of concerned.” Gigi corrected, her lips curling. “The rumors–”
“Won’t matter. Let them spread.” Cecilia cut her off instantly. “If I’m supposed to have fun tonight, then I’m going all out. Can’t believe he still managed to snake his way through though… stupid connections…”
Connections? Gigi chewed her lip. It wasn't the first time she had to cover Cecilia. Probably won’t be the last either.
“Make sure she has fun.” That's what Yuki told her when she left the spare keys with Gigi. But Gigi couldn’t be sure if Yuki knew what Cecilia’s definition of fun meant. There was a dangerous twinkle in her eyes that Gigi recognised, and Gigi wasn’t sure if she was ready to live through that again. The last time they did this call and dance, Gigi was an inconsolable mess for three days straight because Cecilia thought it was a good idea to explore the abandoned house down the street to find out if ghosts were real.
“All in the name of science!” Yeah, at the cost of Gigi’s innocence. She wasn’t able to sleep properly for the next three days.
“Come on.” Cecilia dragged her to the refreshments, causing Gigi to stumble and almost fall flat on her face were it not for her tail balancing her and pushing her back upright. The actress took a shot glass off a passing waiter’s tray and immediately downed it in one gulp. Gigi wrinkled her nose at that sight.
“I rather not deal with a drunk person today.” Gigi said dryly as she reached out for the cucumber and egg sandwich, offering one to Cecilia.
Cecilia pushed it away, instead taking another shot glass and downed it instantly.
Gigi frowned. “You skipped lunch, didn’t you?”
Cecilia looked away, instead taking a nibble of a ham and cheese sandwich. “You should know better than anyone else that at least one person goes home drunk at every party.”
“And that person shouldn’t be you.” Gigi hissed, her voice low as she waved the waiter off with an apologetic smile. Turning back to Cecilia who had the most carefree expression in the world, playing with the empty glass, it made her blood boil. “And you’re just going to throw away what you've built here?”
“Since when do you care so much about my reputation?” Cecilia sharply cut in, her voice an octave higher.
“I thought we had an understanding about this.”
“Did we now?” Her voice was definitely rising now, attracting stares. Gigi tried to manoeuvre and cover the two, gently grabbing Cecilia’s hand that was jerked away with an accusing stare. “Were you just… reduced to this? If you want fame, or money — you just need to ask!”
Gigi took a tentative step back, flabbergasted. “That was never what I wanted. What even made you think I wanted any of that?
Cecilia then began to laugh hysterically as Gigi stared on in confusion, her body wound up like a coiled spring. “I thought— I thought— I don't know what I thought and why… Why are you like this?”
Gigi could feel her heart drop to her stomach. “What? But i was only—”
“Don't finish that sentence Gigi.” Cecilia snarled, her hand flying to her forearm as she gripped it painfully tight. Gigi bit down and swallowed the pained cries. Though she couldn’t tell it it was from her heart or arm. “Who paid you? Was it them? Did they want more? All their fucking greed when they didn’t even support my fucking dream and passion!”
Is she even hearing herself? I just wanted to help her protect what she loved! Why is she so…? “Cecilia I really think we should–”
“Should what Gigi? Should just walk away from it all once you got what you wanted? Like what happened before? Is that it?”
Gigi’s eyes narrowed, trying to pry off Cecilia’s hand. “That’s not what—”
“Don’t give me excuses Gigi!” Cecilia slammed her fist on the table, the force causing it to shake. There was definitely a crowd now. And Gigi's mind was scrambling as she thought of ways to salvage the situation. This was not what she expected on the menu today. Luckily Cecilia also seemed to notice it as she took a few deep breaths, composing herself as she asks in a calmer voice, but still noticeably tight, “If it's not any of that, then what?”
One second. Two seconds. Three seconds. She could feel the stares of everyone piercing into her, especially from those green eyes, tearing apart those pieces that she thought she had fixed.
Those green eyes that meant everything to her, now gaze accusingly into her soul. For the answer. But the answer?
She knows the answer she wants is not the answer she wants to hear.
“I just want to protect you,” Gigi whispered, lamenting how weak she sounded, but she continued, “to keep our promise.”
Gigi wished she could’ve seen the blow coming. But even if she did, she wouldn’t have retaliated. She knew that.
She wouldn’t hurt Cecilia Immergreen. Even if she was, of course, hurting her.
She would have just taken the blow with no complaint. Why would she upset the girl of her dreams?
She staggered, not falling. Her cheeks felt extremely warm as she quivered, her right stinging. Shame flooded her being as she met green eyes, welled with tears. The actress retrieved her purse and stormed off, the click-clack of her heels the only thing that could be heard in the vast and now silent ballroom.
Gigi could hear whispers. Questions about Cecilia. Mostly neutral. More silthered into her ears. Negativity mostly when it came to herself. Reflecting badly on the actress.
But did she care?
Gigi was known for doing stupid things in her youth too. It wasn’t only Cecilia.
How else did the two get together and become fast friends? Growing inseparable yet separate. Open yet secretive. Close yet held back.
So Gigi did the only thing she knew how to.
She ran.
I had all and then most of you, some and now none of you
Take me back to the night we met
I don't know what I'm supposed to do, haunted by the ghost of you
Oh, take me back to the night we met
The rhythmic click-clack of heels was the only thing that could be heard in the endless corridors of the mansion. She had been wandering aimlessly for at least ten minutes now. What she did…
Foolish? Probably. Impulsive? Definitely. Emotional? Needed.
She had been wanting to get those words out, and those two shots of tequila gave her the courage she needed. She wondered how the rumor mill would paint it. Truly, anything that came out of there tomorrow morning, she could already imagine her own laugh of disbelief that she did all that. Towards Gigi.
Worst case scenario, she gets cancelled. Been there, done that. Yuki would definitely have her ass the next day. Probably even having a draft of an apology already prepared.
“Cecilia! Wait!”
Cecilia groaned. Curse her sense of direction! It didn’t help that there weren’t any signs, and her terrible short-term memory really affected her more than she knew. She began to walk faster, as fast as she could with her heels at least. But it was still too slow.
She could feel Gigi’s looming presence, and she took the first door on the left, throwing open the doors to a dark room — moonlight the only thing illuminating it. The windows were open, making the curtains flutter as it revealed a piano at the side, as well as a desk in the middle of the room. Some sort of office Cecilia guessed. There was a cabinet at the side, and Cecilia hid beside it
It didn’t take long before Gigi ran in, barely breaking a sweat. Her head turned left and right as she entered the room. “Cecilia,” Gigi whispered. “I know you’re here.”
Cecilia stayed silent. She tasted iron in her mouth. She bit her lip too hard when she heard Gigi’s voice again.
“I’m not hurt by what you did,” Gigi started, inspecting each nook and cranny at the piano first. “But I was being honest. I swear that all I’ve done was because I was looking out for you — for that promise we made.”
The promise? The promise that you broke first?!
She seethed, but remained silent. With luck, she would give up and leave. She was in a pretty good spot where the moonlight didn’t reach.
“Throughout all those years apart… only the thought of seeing you again was the thing that kept me going. I… I wasn’t living a good life. And I've tried to contact you! But it never got through…”
Excuses. Just. Excuses.
Each step she took was light, springy. Ready to run at a moment’s notice as she approached the desk. “But now, because of Yuki — I was given the chance to protect you. I’m not allowing myself to leave your side. Not a second time.”
The actress could feel herself at her breaking point, anger surging into her being once more, threatening to spill like hot magma. Answers. She wanted answers. Would it give her clarity? Probably not. But she’ll feel better than pitying herself. “Then why?” Cecilia growled, stepping out of the darkness. “Who is it?”
Gigi whipped her head in the direction of Cecilia’s voice, taking a tentative step back. Her cheek was still red. It almost made Cecilia feel bad. Almost “Who is… what?”
“You heard me,” Cecilia replied, voice dangerously low. “That promise we made. In that flower field, exactly thirteen years ago today. You barged into my life unannounced three months ago, wearing that… that ring—”
“It's the promise for you!” Gigi growled back. “Where’s yours? I didn’t even see you wear it!”
“Don’t bring me into this, this is about you. You, Gigi.” Cecilia snarled, her finger pointing accusingly at the bodyguard. “You, who left without a word thirteen years ago. I didn’t know if you were alive or —” Cecilia’s breath hitched as she felt it coming. Raw. unfiltered. “I suffered. I suffered because of them, because of societal pressure. And without you I could feel myself succumbing to the dangerous voices. There was no escape. Not until high school, and even then it was a by chance thing! If that didn’t happen, I wouldn’t be standing here right now!”
The gremlin opened her mouth to say something, but Cecilia never gave her the chance.
“So no, Gigi. You can’t tell me you’re standing here right now because of that promise. The ring… whoever it is…” Cecilia says begrudgingly, turning her back on Gigi. “Whoever it's from… they’re lucky to have you. And you should be with them, instead of me.”
“What— Cecilia I had never—!”
“I’ll have Yuki compensate you for the trouble.” Cecilia began walking out of the door. “It was a mistake to drag you into this—”
Cecilia was yanked backwards with a scream of surprise, right into Gigi’s arms. “I don’t know what story you had spun up,” Gigi snapped, pulling the ring off her finger, holding it up for inspection. “But I have worn this for every single day since I’ve got it. The cheap paint has chipped off over the years, but you’re still able to tell the ring was orange at some point in time—”
Sure enough, Cecilia could still see the flakes of orange still on the ring. “Then what about–”
Gigi flipped the ring, where a large, dull grey scratch was. “Its a miracle that this could be fixed after so many years.” Gigi laughed in dismay. “Do you still remember how this happened? Do you?!”
“The rings were dropped before we opened them. The one meant for you was damaged when we got them.” Cecilia’s voice grew weaker as she recalled the events, shrinking into herself. Was she…? “That means…”
“Yes!” Gigi exclaimed exasperatedly. “All this time, it was you! I wore it to keep others away, because the only one that had been in my heart, even if she had forgotten about me or the promise, was you!”
“I thought— I thought you were married to someone else, and when you kept trying to protect me—emphasising my reputation above all else…”
Truly… who was the real fool here?
Gigi pursed her lips. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to make sure you live out this life you have right now blissfully. I don't want them to come after you again and I know how much you—”
Gigi’s eyes flickered, her expression changing from soft to fierce in an instant as she bared her teeth, her voice hushed. “Get behind me.”
“Someone is here.”
Cecilia froze, just for a second before Gigi gently shook her hand, a worried look all over her face. Green eyes trembled, ever so slightly before glazing over and hardening. “Reporter?”
“Think so. Right by the doors.”
Colorful words popped up in Cecilia’s mind, but that unfortunately needed to wait. “You think he heard us?”
“I doubt it. We were loud, but not his level of loud.”
It likely meant they didn’t hear about a past only known by two former best friends. But he was still here. Still seeing the two ‘argue’.
“Should we just try to confront him?” Gigi asked, her fists clenched so tightly Cecilia could see the knuckles turning white.
“No, that would be… very bad.” Cecilia responded quickly, genuinely concerned for the reporter if Gigi actually came to it and had to subdue him. She had took a peek at Yuki’s laptop when she left it once at Cecilia’s place, and it made her shudder as she remembered the video where Gigi was merciless to the person who tried to harm her client — the cold look on her face paired with the slow walk away, her fists dripping crimson. She couldn’t tell if it was the assilant’s or the gremlin’s.
To be fair… he did swing his fist aggressively at the client, and Gigi did only what was necessary, but if Cecilia was being honest, it scared her how such the once gentle girl she hung out with could turn into something like that. Cold. Unemotional.
Yet this same girl completely poured out what was in her head just moments ago. To her. And she didn’t get hurt despite being the one yelling at her. Suddenly it struck Cecilia how much self-control Gigi has. The slap she gave her could have easily ended with the actress being sent to the hospital instead. Because if she was in Gigi’s place she was sure she would have tried violence to make the other listen.
She was…
She was taking her for granted this whole time.
Is this why Yuki hired her? Peace of mind that she would actually be safe…? She… she…
She needs to repay her someday. But she wasn’t sure how. She still wasn’t very good at expressing her true feelings and—
“Cecilia?” Her hand grabbed Cecilia’s. Calloused. Warm. Grounding. Threading through them with ease, like it was a key to a lock. “Talk to me.”
The actress shook her head, trying to clear it but to no avail. Her mind was too much of a scattered mess but an idea began forming in it. Risky, and probably stupid.
But never once had her stupid plans failed. “Do you still trust me?”
“Of course—”
By no means was her grip gentle. She yanked her arm, forcing Gigi's stunned gaze on her. Like a deer in headlights.
Trust me. She hoped her eyes were able to convey the message as she surged forward, her lips meeting Gigi’s thin ones.
“Mmph?!”
Ignoring Gigi’s confused squeak, she tried her best to make it look convincing, shifting Gigi ever so slightly as she leaned down. Her hands slowly creeped its way to her back, gently pressing them even closer. Cecilia could feel her own turning feverishly hot, and it took all her willpower not to shudder at the contact. The contact that she had been desperatedly searching for years was just as she remembered. Where none of the others she found was the same. She missed this. More than she thought. Gigi was as still as a statue, which made Cecilia’s job a lot easier. She was expecting the guard to squirm, but she never ran from her touch.
Some things never change.
She was sure that shots were captured as she pulled away, lipstick staining Gigi’s mouth as she wordlessly stared at Cecilia, dazed. It wasn’t how she expected her first kiss to go — but really, did anything go as planned when she’s with Gigi?
“We should leave,” Cecilia clasped her hands, entwining them with Gigi’s. “Look natural.”
That snapped Gigi out of the trance she was in as she fumbled with her words. Blabbering excuses as she led Cecilia out of the room. Catching a glimpse of the reporter disappearing at the end of the corridor with hurrided, echoing steps.
“Looks like someone is definitely in a twist. Tomorrow is going to be interesting.”
JUST WHAT EXACTLY IS GOING ON BETWEEN CECILIA IMMERGREEN AND HER BODYGUARD?
In the private ball held yesterday by the esteemed director, there were both rumors and pictures circulating around with the twenty two year old actress and her bodyguard. The first we have is a picture of Cecilia slapping the blonde woman before leaving in a rush. Rumor has it that the two despite having such a close relationship it seemed like the bodyguard was only using Cecilia for her reputation, causing an angry outburst from the young actress that led to the picture you see here.
But wait! It gets even spicier! Our exclusive correspondence caught them together once more, sharing what seems to be a tender kiss! So what exactly is going on between the two?
@autofistertruther(9h ago)
guys. they’re just in the tsun phase. they’ll be having passionate sesbian lex in no time.
@gremian_tales(6h ago)
I hope that they at least made up…
> willowyhands33(6h ago)
theres no way they didnt, look at cc’s face! tats like pure affection right there! wtv they’re fighting about im sure it wasnt that srs
@bovelite(6h ago)
Thats kinda gay
@autofistertruther(4h ago)
Yeah whatever idc 🙄 just continue being gay nothing to see here
@hooman2003(3h ago)
The fuck? Which is real?
>maskedsheep(2h ago)
STOP LOOKING INTO IT OH MY GOD
@arneeeee(1h ago)
what in the tsundere romance is this? this looks exactly like the fanfiction i was reading last week…
Read more…
Yuki slammed her phone onto the countertop table at Cecilia’s house. Gigi flinched at the noise, but Cecilia barely spared a glance at the manager. The bodyguard stayed over at Cecilia’s insistence, the actress claiming that it would be safer if she was around. Gigi hesitated at first, but with Cecilia’s puppy dog eyes, it took less than five seconds before Gigi caved, and was now wearing one of her spare shirts that was definitely beyond oversized for her, which Cecilia found cute.
“I left you alone for one night,” she started, her knuckles turning white from gripping the table top. “One. Night.”
“I’m really sorry Miss Yuki, I didn't know she would—”
“Hold Gigi, this isn’t your fault.” Yuki continued her thousand yard death stare. “What do you intend to do now, oh so impulsive Miss Immergreen?”
“Stay low. Don’t say anything.”
Yuki face-palmed, letting out a long drawn out groan. “Where was any of that last night?!”
“Gone, along with the tequila I drank.”
She looked like she was about to blow her top with how unfazed Cecilia was, and the celebrity’s facade almost cracked under it with guilt the more she stared at her — almost spilling the entire story to her. But she didn’t. The wounds were still too fresh. She however made a silent mental note to one day do anything Yuki wanted. She needed the break as much as the actress did.
Yuki sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. “I must say, it was good thinking on your part. You managed to at least prevent an actual storm. But this stunt is definitely going to end up with you being bombarded with questions.”
“Gigi can protect me if any reporters get a little… too insistent.”
“I don’t doubt her capabilities, but this will certainly have backlash,” Yuki gave a final look of dismay to Cecilia before taking her phone out of her pockets and begun tapping away. “Whatever, I’ll try to handle it. Gigi—”
“Yes ma'am?" Gigi asked meekly.
“Make sure this rascal doesn’t get into more trouble.” With a nod and a stern glare at Cecilia, “I’ll see the both of you tomorrow.” With that, the manager left.
Cecilia heaved a breath she didn’t know she was holding in. “Thank god. I was expecting her to bash me more.”
“Were you always this…?”
“No. I just grew rebellious because it was fun.”
Gigi gave a pointed glare. “She’s already sprouting white hair.”
“I’ll recommend her a good salon.” Cecilia then reached over, gently clasping the guard’s hand as she produced a felt box from her pocket. It still feels odd. That her hands were no longer as soft as she remembered.
But they were still warm. Real.
“Here.” Cecilia pushed it towards Gigi.
Gigi opened it, revealing only a tiny cushion for a ring. “For you to store the ring better.”
She produced another box, but this time, a silver green ring sat inside. The paint was partially chipped away, but the color was still recognisable, unlike Gigi’s. Cecilia did her best to maintain it, but she unfortunately wasn’t able to salvage all of it.
“Why didn’t you wear it?”
“I didn’t want it to be more damaged than it already was," Cecilia's eyes softened, unable to maintain eye contact with the gremlin. “I… truthfully I thought all hope was lost when you showed up with that silver band. I was ready to throw the ring out. But I just—” she wrung her hands together, guilt festering at the pit of her stomach. “—I just couldn’t do it.”
“I’m glad you didn’t.” Gigi picked it up and inspected it, glinting in the light. “I… I’m sorry.”
“What for? We both avoided the topic, almost dancing around it at any turn. If anything I should be the one sorry. For making assumptions and acting on them. And got you…” I got you on the bad side of the media…
“But acting on them is what made us realise the truth… and in truth… I probably wouldn’t have said anything if yesterday didn’t happen…”
“We’re both idiots. This all could have been avoided if we came clean on day one.” Cecilia gave a dry laugh. “Nothing has changed. We’re still the same old, bumbling idiots trying to navigate the world.”
A blanket of silence then enveloped the two, but it wasn’t unwelcome. A comfortable, soft silence that both of them appreciated. “What now?” Gigi asked, taking a sip of her water.
Cecilia pondered for a moment. “Be my girlfriend.”
Gigi choked, spitting out her water. She seemed to be doing that alot recently. “Wh–what?!”
“We’ve already kissed.”
“Th–thats…!”
“So you don’t want to?”
“No, but like—isn’t there steps before this!?”
“We already made a promise to each other when we were kids, and that’s what you’re concerned about?”
“Isn’t it going a bit too fast?” Gigi squeaked, trying to collect herself, her cheeks as red as Elizabeth’s hair.
“We don’t have to do anything like last night, or anything you don’t want to,” Cecilia’s eyes flickered to the rings before going back to Gigi. “It will still be the same, except the affection… carries more meaning now.”
“I— I don't know. A—are you sure? With my background—”
“Will be a justification on why you should work with me and stay with me, and why I fell in love with you. You commit, you don’t run. You want me to shine and take the stage. If anything, that alone could have swept many girls off their feet.” And truthfully, I’m glad it was only me.
“But you’re not just any girl.” Gigi argued. “You’re the girl who broke all expectations, who rose beyond what was possible and I can’t possibly—”
“Stop.” Gigi’s breath hitched as she turned to the actress, her expression was one Cecilia didn’t recognise. But Cecilia knew exactly where she was coming from, after all her face had her famous look of desperation. The signature move that got her the award. She was thinking: What if Gigi walked away from her? What if she… something happened to her? While working for Cecilia?
The actress would have never, ever be the same afterwards. That pure, raw emotion came out once more. But this time, it was harder when she didn’t have a proper script to get the words out. “You… are the stupidest, most stubborn person I know and I don’t know what you went through but you’re still here. That means you’re strong, Gigi.”
“Cecilia…”
“Stop, let me finish,” Gigi froze as Cecilia’s hand caressed the gremlin’s cheek, tears running down Cecilia’s. “And you’re still so kind throughout it all… even when I blamed you, you just…” Cecilia sighed, her voice softening. “I don’t deserve you.”
Gigi immediately reached out for a comforting hug, and Cecilia could feel the tears threatening to spill out at full force. Back when they were kids. It was exactly like this. “Don’t say that about yourself. We both shouldn’t. Let’s bring ourselves up, ok? We both have endured enough negativity for a lifetime.”
Ah there it was. Even if she said she wasn’t smart multiple times, she always knew what to say to reassure her. Like it was ingrained into her soul.
“Can I kiss you?”
Gigi hesitated. Five seconds at least went by before giving a slow nod.
For a second Cecilia paused, her gaze lingering at her lips. But instead she shifted and gave her a forehead peck, which seemed to make her instantly melt into her touch.
“You’re like a puppy, did you know that?” Cecilia chuckled, wiping her eyes.
“A puppy guard dog?”
“You said that, not me.”
“Cute yet ferocious.” Gigi mused. “I like it.”
They were invited to another event. A masquerade. Gigi herself was dressed in a white collared shirt, grey waistcoat and black blazer, paired with matching slacks and loafers with an extra inch of height. She draped a red, thin scarf around her shoulders. She grinned as she tied her hair into a loose, low ponytail and looked over herself in the mirror, finger-gunning her reflection. “Oh yeah you look amazing today!”
The house was much more messy now that Gigi had moved in. The once clean and neat house had become cluttered and honestly a little ugly with how many colourful items littered the floor. But in truth, Gigi thought it gave it much more flair and uniqueness.
Gigi spun when she heard the soft clicks of a door, Cecilia emerging from her room. She wore another white, strapless knee-length dress, but this time it hugged her frame more tightly than the last one, accentuating her curves nicely. It was lined in silver, intricate gemstone designs swirling at the hem, shaped like a moon. Her hair was done the same as that day, bunned with braids. Gigi could feel her mind slowing as the actress stepped closer towards Gigi, until they were centimetres apart. Gigi’s breath hitched when Cecilia tilted her head up for a kiss. Tender. Warm
Real.
“We should re-do that day,” Cecilia said, licking her lips as she pulled away. Gigi almost followed her movements before stopping herself, her cheeks turning red. It didn’t go unnoticed by Cecilia, a sly look in her eyes as her hands trailed up the bodyguard’s biceps. “Now that things have changed.”
“Wouldn’t you like to rub it in those damned reporters’ faces~”
“Partially,” Cecilia gave Gigi another peck on her cheeks, which Gigi counted as a win. “But mostly, we should have fun. A good time for a break.”
Gigi hummed in agreement.
Once more, they reached the venue without much trouble. This time Cecilia allowed the door to be opened by Gigi, taking her hand as the gremlin helped her out of the car. The actress then slipped her arm around Gigi’s, pressing them close, her tail protectively wrapped around them.
There were already hundreds of reporters, cameras shining directly at Cecilia’s face. Bright, unrelenting. But she took all of them in stride.
“Miss Immergreen! What do you think about this ball?”
“Miss Immergreen! Smile, please!”
“Miss Immergreen! Is that the same bodyguard that you kissed?”
With a sly smile, she gave a wink towards Cecilia who rolled her eyes, scoffing despite having a playful expression on her face. Gigi turned her back, towards a single reporter’s camera.
“Sorry, she’s all booked~” She smirked, placing her hand on her left shoulder, making sure her back was never in perfect, full view. The ring on her fingers was now changed — coated in silver, their initials engraved inside, while the outside had carvings of flowers.
Blue Himalayan Poppy. White evergreen. Daffodil. Lotus.
It definitely did the trick as hundreds of lights were instantly shone upon them, and Gigi had to stifle a cackle. “Do you want to do anything?”
“Depends on your definition of ‘anything’.” Cecilia murmured suggestively, her fingers grazing Gigi’s nape, drawing out a hiss as they continued walking forward on that red carpet.
“Well I certainly can—” Gigi stopped as soon as she saw that man once more, anger filling her being. “You—”
“YOU—”
Cecilia had to pinch Gigi to remind her. That didn’t stop her from baring her teeth and her tail being raised like an angry cat. “Sorry Mr Director, she’s here for my personal safety. Can’t have what happened last time repeat itself, right?”
His eyes blazed with fury as his hand curled into a fist. “What makes you think—”
“You know the answer as well as I do.” Cecilia says in a low voice, the dark look on her face enough to silence the man. “She’s with me, understand? Now scram.”
She was also wearing the ring. The exact same on her ring finger. The director clicked his tongue in distaste as he walked forward, a phony smile on his face as he faced the cameras with a wave. “This isn’t over.” He hissed through clenched teeth, low enough to only be heard by the two women.
“Who invited him to the party?” Gigi wrinkled her nose in distaste as they began to follow the director at a distance.
“He is a famed director after all. He has connections, and that's probably what keeps him afloat despite his disgusting behaviour.”
Gigi cringed. It didn’t take long before they reached the doors to the massive ballroom, two butlers stood on either side of the entrance, checking invitations. She could see masked people dancing and drinking, boisterous laughter echoing inside.
In truth, Cecilia could care less about the people and the formalities. There was only one person she wanted to impress tonight. One person that she wanted to enjoy life with again. That brought colour back to the monochrome spiral she trapped herself in.
“You ready?” Gigi asked, giving the actress’ hand a gentle squeeze.
A flower field. Playful dancing. They both led underarm tucks before the gremlin lifted and spun Cecilia around — with the younger girl shrieking the entire time. They fell into the grass and Cecilia punched her, but there was no ill intent behind it, sprawled out in the grass with a bout of giggles, interlocking hands that bore green and orange.
“As I’ll ever be.”