Archive of Our Own

In a perfectly sunny day at Advent HQ, Advent decided to hang out together! They had been stressed about work lately and decided that it was a good time to unwind everything and play some games. Playing, how fun! Veeery fun! Fun until Shiori decided to completely beat Nerissa and the Twins. and it was now up to Bijou to beat her and claim the win. Well... you could say it is a close match but in the end, Shiori completely catches Bijou off guard and used the same skill she used to beat Nerissa and the Twins to knock Bijou off the match.

"Hey that's not fair!" Bijou yelled at the person next to her.

"Oh come on, You we're right there and I just had to hit that move. And besides, haven't you seen me use that move on Rissa and Fuwamoco already, Beebs?" Shiori snickered back at the jeweled one.

"Cut it out you guys, and please don't tease her too much, Shiori." Nerissa snickered, holding in her laugh. 

"Hey! you're laughing too!" Bijou shot back at Nerissa who finally broke down laughing at the scene in front of her. "Okay that's enough, you tried your best Beebs." As Shiori said that, she moved towards Bijou. Wha- hu- Bijou close her eyes and felt warm hands rest on her head. 

"There there.." Bijou's face instantly felt hot, every time Shiori does this, she cannot help but to be flustered. Dang it, she's teasing me again. "Are you feeling alright, Beebs?" Shiori asks her with those kind eyes she always uses on Bijou. "Y-yeah, I'm good now." She shyly looks away from Shiori and enjoys the headpats in silence. 

"You know, you two look good together." "Yeah! you guys would probably make a good couple." The silence was interrupted by the Twins, Fuwawa and Mococo.

"WHA- SHUT UP YOU TWO!" Bijou screamed at the Twins and lunged at them to shut them up. Shiori watches this and can't help but laughs and tells the Twins to stop teasing Bijou. "Alright girls, let's not get too fired up now." Nerissa separates Bijou and the Twins apart and also scolds them.

"I'm going back to my room!" Bijou runs off flustered from what the Twins said to her. "See? you guys scared her off, please think before you guys say stuff or else it's gonna turn into a fight. Now go apologize to Biboo" Nerissa scolded the Twins and the Twins both chase after Bijou to talk to her and apologize to her. 

"Those two should be careful of what they say, Are you alright, Shiori?" Nerissa took a glance at Shiori and can't help but smile at the state Shiori was in. "Oh? getting flustered from what the twins said now?" Nerissa can't help but tease Shiori.

"Oh shut up, They're just saying stuff." Shiori huffs and looks to her side where Bijou was sitting. 

"Aren't you gonna confess? It's obvious you like her back. So why not just confess right then and there and you can both be happy?" Nerissa advised her. "It's not that simple Reese, I can't just come up to her and say 'Hey Beebs I like you, would you go out with me?' " And besides, I'm curious on what Biboo would do if she decides to confess first. 

Nerissa catches Shiori with those calculating eyes she's used to seeing and decides to comment on it. "It seems like you're planning something there, though." Shiori realizes she was making her calculating face again and instantly drops it.

"Nah, not really. Just thinking about something else." Nerissa squints her eyes as she sees through the lie, but she continues as if she didn't notice. "Hey, I'm just trying to help, okay? I know you've been into her since forever and I want you to be happy, I want all of us to be happy." Nerissa stares into Shiori's eyes and gives her a reassuring look, a look that only says "I will support you no matter what."

"Alright alright, I get it, Rissa.. I'll think about it later." Nerissa looks at Shiori with a hint of determination and reassures Shiori. "Listen, you can always ask me for anything, an advice or whatever, just let me know. You helped me with getting together with Liz so I think it's my turn to help get you two together." Shiori realizes at how determined Nerissa is to help her and nods.

"Alright, I'll count you on that when I need it." Shiori replies with a reassuring smile.

"Of course, Anything to get you and Biboo to get together."

"Mhm.. It's getting late so we should probably rest up for the day, Hopefully Biboo and the Twins already made up with each other."

"Yeah, but I think we shouldn't be worried, I have a feeling they've made up already." 

Nerissa reassures her again, they both stand and goes to their own roome and get ready for bed. Once Shiori was back in her room, she can't help but to think back on all that's happened the past years with Advent and how they all found family in each other.

She sits at her table and she sees the picture she took with the rest of the girls, she couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia hit her as she reminisce about the time before they became as close as they were now. "It was a hard time for all of us back in the day, huh. I don't know what I would do, or what i would be like if I hadn't met Advent at that time.."

As she reminisced about Advent, her eyes moved to look at Bijou. she was always fond of her even before they got along, She was small and adorable. She always saw Bijou as someone special, as someone who understands her.

Shiori always had a weird curiosity of wanting to know everything, to wanna know the origin of said things or how things just work in general, she is the Archiver after all, she always loved collecting and archiving unknown things, it was a hobby of hers. But never in those years had she felt something close to what she is feeling when she thinks of Bijou.

She always looked at a lot of things in a way a scientist discovers something and needing to dissect it and learning more about it.

But she quickly realized that isn't the case for this one special person. She realized that this curiosity and fondness she feels towards Bijou is that of love. She didn't understand it, she couldn't have. Because that was one of the only things she couldn't understand back then.

"I should head to bed" Shiori placed the picture back on the table. She glances and smiles at the picture again before turning off the lights and goes to sleep. "Goodnight."

Before Advent had their current lives, They had been wanted fugitives on the run. They were locked away for 9000 years for crimes they either did not do or didn't mean to do. After their breakout, A certain group of law enforcer were ordered to chase and capture them, The group called themselves "Justice" led by Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame. Everyday felt so suffocating for the girls. It felt like they were always being chased constantly.

And while it had been a hard time for the girls at the time, They found new footing and new goals for themselves. They decided to confront Justice to tell them about the false accusations that were given to them and after years or trying to convince Justice they were not evil, they eventually helped each other and to rid of the false accusations given to Advent.

It had been 10 years since then and both groups had really good friends with each other. Even Nerissa fell in love with the Scarlet Queen herself and started dating after some time, of course, Shiori helped with that too.

Shiori had always felt like the mother of Advent, she was caring and was always the one that would be most concerned about her friends if they were to get in touble. She always knows whether or not someone feels down and always comforts them. She always was the perceptive type. Even the slightest change of mood, Shiori can sense that and she's always quick to act and does what it takes to comfort her friends.

Koseki Bijou on the other hand, had always known this about Shiori, as the Jewel of Emotion, herself, she knows more than anyone how the human emotion works and the intent behind them. But it all changed after Shiori, Bijou did not know when or how these feelings started to bloom inside her heart. what's worse was that she was the Jewel of Emotion, able to perceive and change an individual's emotions at will, but she can't seem to get a grasp of even a peek at Shiori's emotions. At first she saw the sincerity in her eyes, but the more Shiori did for her and the other girls, the more these feelings in Bijou's heart started to bloom.

Bijou runs to her room, embarrassed from Fuwamoco's earlier remark about her and Shiori. "Why'd they have to say that!" Bijou exhales after going into her room and locks her door.

"BEEP this feeling! I can't read her at all!" she looks at the gem rested above her chest with a perplexed expression. "..Why is it only her that I can't read?"

*knock knock*

a few knocks could then be heard outside her door and Bijou jumps at the sudden sound. "Biboo.. can we come in for a bit? we're really sorry for what happened earlier there.."

The voice came from the Twins, they sounded dejected and regretful. "What do you want." Bijou hesitantly answered back at them with a cold tone.

"We just want to talk, Biboo. Can we come in?" the Twins now sounded sad and Bijou felt bad that she answered them coldly. but she knew that they had no ill intention when they said that in the living room.

"Fine, you guys can come in." Bijou reluctantly unlocked and opened the door to see the 2 pups with a dejected expression, She let them in and closed the door.

"Sit wherever"

"Alright"

"So what do you guys want to talk about" Bijou says with a little pout

The Twins both put up their hands together apologeticaly. "WE'RE REALLY SORRY ABOUT EARLIER!" 

"I'm sorry if it offended you, Biboo.."

"But we swear we didn't mean to put you on the spot!"

"If anything, it was Moco-chan's fault for bringing it up first."

"HAEH?! You also said the same thing!" Mococo fired back.

Bijou sat there and watched the two pups bicker. "I- I'm also sorry for just rushing out of there all of a sudden too.."

"Wha- You really don't have anything to apologize for, Biboo. It was entirely our fault"

"Yeah but I know you guys have been trying to help me and Shiori get together for a while, but please don't say stuff like that in front of her" Bijou says bashfuly.

"Yeah! and we really meant it when we said you both would look good together"

"Thanks Mococo, but I can't really just come up to her and say I like her you know" she said while looking dejected.

"Why is that?" Mococo fired back. "Yeah, we've seen how you act around each other, there's no way the feeling isn't mutual" Fuwawa questioned her too.

"I- I just can't okay? I'm.. scared.. What if she only sees me as family and turns me down? or what if we do start going out, what would happen to us if we started fighting?"

As the negative thoughts keeps invading her mind, a tear streaked down Bijou's face. When the Twins saw the scene in front of them, they both instantly embraced Bijou in a warm hug.

"I know these things can be scary.. Even if me and Moco-chan haven't experienced anything like this yet." Fuwawa reassures Bijou while stroking her head to calm Bijou down.

"Yeah, but even so, we want to help you in any way possible, Biboo." Mococo answered as well.

Bijou looks at the both of them and wipes her tears. "Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. But I don't know how to ask her out.."

"I have always been able to tell what emotions someone has, doesn't matter the person." Bijou thinks back on the times she tried to take a look into Shiori's emotional spectrum but always failing to figure anything out.

"It would be so easy to just tell if she has feelings for me too or not.." 

"But wouldn't that defeat the purpose? I think for me, Love is uncertain and that uncertainty is what makes love, love." Mococo also nods along to her sister.

"That's right, Biboo. You can't take anything for granted. Think of how you would feel if your hard work of trying to win her over succeeds?"

"But what if he rejects-" Before more can be said, Mococo shut her up by putting a finger on Bijou's mouth. "Stop being negative, Biboo. we've seen how Shiori looks at you and we are 90% sure she's likes you too. If anything, she loves you!"

"Yeah, Biboo.. You can't be negative all the time, it'll take a huge toll on you. What if you accidentally say something to Shiori and she takes it the wrong way?"

"But-" The worried look she saw on Fuwamoco's face made her stop her words, She ponders about what the Twins had said to her, she knows they're right.

"Yeah.. You guys are right.. Thank you both for talking to me, I think I feel a lot better now.." The twins smiled at each other and gave Bijou another warm embrace and Bijou reciprocates it by hugging them back.

"Of course! we're happy to help!"

"Yeah! and don't forget to come to us if you need any help alright?"

"Mhm, I will" The twins start to tighten their embrace Bijou and she squints. "A-ack, too tight! too tight!" The Twins let go and all three laugh it off before heading to their own rooms and clock out and rest for the night.

At Advent HQ, a sweet aroma fills the halls and a voice can be heard calling. "Girls! Breakfast's Ready!" Nerissa's voice could be heard from the dining table as she has just finished preparing breakfast for everyone. And not a few minutes later, a footstep could be heard right outside the room and Nerissa perks up.

"Sup, Girlie. You're up early as usual." The first to come down to the dining table was Shiori. Nerissa only took a glance at her face but she could tell Shiori probably hadn't slept well.

"Hard time sleeping? You seem out of it girl." Shiori's eyes widen at the comment, shocked but also kind of expected that Nerissa would see through her.

"Was it that obvious?" Shiori asks her back.

"I mean you looked pretty groggy when you walked in here, and you were rubbing your eyes for quite a while too which was unusual." Nerissa thinks back to what she said to Shiori last night and connected the dots herself but asks Shiori anyways. 

"Did what I say last night bother you? sorry if that's the case."

"Nah, don't worry, it's not that, Reese. I was just thinking on how I should approach Biboo from now on."

"Oh? finally trying to make some progress I see?" Nerissa can't help but let out a chuckle and Shiori started to glare at her. "Yeah actually, I have some ideas for how I want to approach her from now on." Nerissa looked shocked at the statement. "Wow, you're being quite honest there." 

"Yeah well I did actually think about a lot last night, so much so that I couldn't sleep much." Shiori couldn't help but release a yawn. "I'm gonna go to the bathroom real quick, my face probably looks like shit so I should wash it. Also can't let Biboo see me like this." Shiori snickered before she walks to the bathroom and clean herself up. After a while, Nerissa perked up at what it sounded like two pairs footsteps, one seemed a lot more groggy than the other though.

"Good morning, Nerissa!" The twins peeked out of the doorframe and Fuwawa greeted Nerissa in her usual energetic tone. Mococo on the other hand though..

"Good morning Fuwawa, and good morning to you too Mococo." 

"Morning... bau bau.." As usual, Mococo wakes up with a low energy compared to her Sister.

Fuwawa scanned the room and realized someone was missing. "Where's Shiori? I thought I heard you two talking earlier while trying to wake Moco-chan up." Fuwawa wonders as she tilted her head and asks Nerissa.

"She's in the bathroom." Nerissa then lowers her voice to a whisper. "She was saying how she didn't want Biboo to see her morning face." She and Fuwawa can't help but chuckle at the thought.

"Haeh..? What are we talking about? and what are you two whispering about..?" Mococo realized she was out of their conversation and got lonely, poor Mococo.."

"Anyways, where's Biboo?"

"I'm here...." As Nerissa wondered where Bijou was, she unexpectedly came into the dining room looking like she didn't sleep a wink."

Nerissa turned and whispers to Fuwawa. "Did you two say anything to her last night? Shiori was also seemed really out of it earlier when she came." 

"Yeah we encouraged her a little bit, but I guess she probably ended up thinking about it too much and couldn't get much sleep." Fuwawa said in a whisper, then Fuwawa realized what Nerissa had said about Shiori and perked up. "Wait, what do you mean by 'Shiori too'?" Fuwawa whispers back to Nerissa.

"Oh well we talked a bit after last night too" Nerissa admitted to Fuwawa.

"What are you guys talking about?" Bijou was staring and wondered what Nerissa and Fuwawa was whispering about and she seemed to noticed it was about her and the realization couldn't help but make her face turn red for a bit. Fuwawa noticed she was staring and getting flustered and reassured Bijou that it was nothing, It was time they eat breakfast anyways.

"I'm back." And just as they all sat down around the table, Shiori's voice could be heard from behind them. "Welcome back Shiori, you took quite some time in the bathroom, are you feeling alright?" Nerissa asked teasingly at her. Shiori notices the teasing tone and paid it no mind.

"Nah I'm fine- Oh everyone's here already." Shiori's face slightly brightened at the sight of Bijou and quickly claims the seat right beside her and quietly scoots closer to her. "Morning Beebs." Bijou was caught off guard by Shiori's sudden closeness. "Did you not get a good sleep? you look tired." Bijou nearly flinched when she heard Shiori. She sounded so concerned about her that she almost feels like she could melt into Shiori's kindness. Bijou didn't realize she was staring at Shiori's face, How pretty.. She thought to herself.

"Beebs? you okay?" Bijou snapped back when she heard Shiori's voice and had just realized what she was doing and shyly looks away. 

"Y-yeah! I feel as great as ever!" Shiori was now more concerned because of how fast she looked away from her. 

"Are you really though? You know I can see through you so if you need anything, be sure to talk to me okay?" Shiori reassures Bijou and she feels her heart beating faster and faster, her face feels warm now.

"Yeah.. Thank you Shiori.." she shyly smiles at Shiori before silently eating her food. Shiori seemed satisfied with her response and started eating as well.

The exchange was seen by the three spectators that were also present at the dining table. It seemed like that also woke Mococo and the thee of them looks at Shiori and Bijou with a deadpan expression and they seemingly thought of one thing. JUST START DATING ALREADY!!

It was now evening and Bijou has been silently watching a show on the TV out of boredom, she hadn't expected anyone to be there because everyone seemed busy that day and only she was entirely free for the day. Even the ever so chaotic Advent can be pretty quiet and chill for once, except for the sound coming from the TV of course. 

"BOOO!!" a voice suddenly screamed out and Bijou screeched in horror and fell off the couch she was lounging on as she didn't hear or see anyone come in. 

Shiori instantly flew into panic after Bijou unexpectedly fell off the couch and instantly rushed to her side. "Oh no! Are you okay, Beebs? I didn't expect you to fall off the couch, Sorry about that" She knows that voice, It was her favorite noise in the world after all. She opened her eyes and was shocked to see Shiori's face so close to her face looking really concerned, Bijou instantly looked away and seemed to notice on what looked like a gift next to Shiori and probably had just bought on the way home.

"OH UHM- HI SHIORI! I'm okay, I just bumped my butt on the carpet." She stumbles with her words. and scratches her head. "Though, I didn't expect you to come home early."

"Hmm? I thought I told everyone that I would be home early." Shiori replied back, looking confused.

"Huh? did you? sorry I guess I missed what you said" Bijou tried hard to recall her memories when Shiori said she would be home early but the thought never came.

Shiori saw the expression Bijou had, probably trying to remember when she said she'd come home early. "Yeah, I said it this morning when we were all eating breakfast."

Bijou seemed to had been so out of it that morning that she didn't register a lot of the words that were spoken at the dining table, and it definitely didn't help that she was way too focused on how close Shiori was to her and what she and the Twins talked about last night.

"Sorry, I had a hard time sleeping last night..." Bijou confessed that she hadn't slept well the other night, and while she kept thinking about the conversation she had with the Twins, she didn't notice that Shiori was getting closer, and before she knew it, Shiori picked her up and sat her on the sofa and she also followed by sitting next to her, but what caught Bijou off guard was that Shiori was unusually close. Usually they sit at a reasonable distance but today seemed like Shiori was deliberately keeping herself close to Bijou. 

Bijou held her breath out of shock. Shiori looks up to Bijou's face with a concerned look. "Oh so you did have a hard time sleeping? Were you staying up late to play your games again? please don't push yourself too hard."

Bijou looked closer into Shiori's face and seemed to realize she looked different today, she didn't have her usual concerned look, but instead it looked a lot more like an.. affectionate one, Like she was looking at a treasure that is destroying itself and is trying very hard to prevent that.

Shiori notices the silence and moves in closer. "Beebs? Are you okay?" Shiori looks at Bijou with those eyes and cups her cheek with her right hand. Bijou jumps at the gentle touch. She needs to say something, has to say something, but she can't, she doesn't want to let go of this warm feeling.

Bijou opened her mouth but decides to close it again and just nod.

Shiori seemed understanding and moves to give her something. "Oh! here, I bought you something." Bijou looks at her, surprised. A gift? just for me? she bought everyone something right? no way she bought something only for me. "I saw this while I was on the way home and I saw this and it kind of reminded me of you, so I bought it" Shiori slides the gift out of the bag, onto Bijou's hand. Bijou snapped out of her daze and took a look at what she gave her, It was a.. Cat Plushie? It was a white colored cat plushie with purple accents and somehow it does resemble her quite a bit.

"A plushie? It's cute but what's the occasion? you usually don't buy gifts for no reason.." Bijou asked shyly and Shiori perked up when she saw the blushing face in front of her. Oh you are so cute, I just can't help but wanting to tease you all day. She smirked at the thought. 

"Oh, well I just saw this plushie that oddly and weirdly resembles you and thought you might like it so why not? And of course I can buy gifts for no reason, especially for you." Bijou's face was burning up even more after hearing that, she can't help but shove her face into the plushie that Shiori gave her. "W-well thanks, I guess." she glances at Shiori and replies shyly.

"Of course, anything for you, Beebs." Bijou thought that was the end of it but she could not have been more wrong, Shiori seemed to be.. getting closer to her? WHY IS SHE GETTING CLOSER!!?  Bijou thought to herself. Shiori's head leaned onto Bijou's shoulder and the act surprises Bijou even more than she already was.

"Can I rest here for a while? I'm pretty tired from all that walking.." Shiori admitted. "Let me just close my eyes for a bit.." but not long after, she eventually starts to doze off.

"U-uh, yeah sure, go ahead." Wait, walking? I thought she didn't need to walk much at work and her workplace and our place isn't that far of a walk.. As Bijou was wondering about what Shiori had meant, the moment she looked over at Shiori again, she was already fast asleep. She's so pretty when she sleeps.. but this really is bad for my heart! Bijou couldn't help but thought about the sleeping beauty on her shoulder.

Somehow, Instinctively, Bijou's hand slowly drifted towards the top of Shiori's head, intending on giving her a head pat. But before her hand could reach Shiori's head, a voice could be heard. "We're hooome!" Bijou flinched at the voice and moved her hand away, but she realized another thing, Shiori was cozied up on her shoulder. Crap what do I do? I can't let them see us like this! "Shiori wake up! Rissa and Fuwamoco are he-" and before she could say anything further, Nerissa was already in the room and gasped at the scene. "Oh my~~ Biboo~ What do we have here~" Nerissa can't help but tease her and Bijou couldn't help but look away in embarrassment. 

"You look really comfortable there, Biboo." It was Fuwawa's turn to comment on the predicament Bijou got herself in and was followed by Mococo's laughter. "Oh shut it you guys, and don't be too loud or you'll wake Shiori up." Bijou says while glaring hardly onto Nerissa and the Twins.

"Oh? even though you tried waking her up just before we caught you guys like this?" Nerissa fired back and Bijou couldn't help but be embarrassed at what Nerissa said because it was the truth, she did try to wake Shiori up because she didn't want Nerissa and the Twins to see her and Shiori cuddled up on the couch like that.

Bijou then quickly thinks of a way to get out of there and escape the teasing she will get. "Whatever, I'll go take her to her room, It's getting late anyways and Shiori said she was really tired." Bijou picks Shiori up and carries her in a princess carry style and starts to walk out of the living room towards Shiori's bedroom. "Wooow, so considerate and strong~" Meanwhile Nerissa's voice and Fuwamoco's giggles could be heard behind Bijou.

While walking to Shiori's room, she can't help but notice how snuggled up Shiori was in her arms, even though she was the smaller girl, Shiori seemed to be really comfortable there. Guess she was really tired, huh. Bijou reaches Shiori's room and opens the door to see a well organized room, aside from the stack of books she has on her table, she does like reading and collecting books after all.

Bijou walked up to Shiori's bed and laid her down and covered her with her blanket. She took some time and watched Shiori's face as she sleeps, then unexpectedly her eyes start to twitch and opened a bit. Bijou was slightly taken aback to see her eyes opening. "Go back to sleep Shiori, It's already late and you seemed really tired." Bijou said to her in a calming and soothing voice. Shiori nods at the sound and utters something under her words. "Thanks, Beebs.. love you.." and she then drifted back to sleep right after.

Bijou then walked out of Shiori's room and starts walking to her room, and when she reached her room, she locked her door and was now deep in thought. What. the. hell. just. happened. Shiori was acting unusually clingy today.. Is she just teasing my like usual? But something about her felt.. different.. She even gave me a present and me alone which was rare since she usually buys gifts for everyone. And what she said before she went to sleep.. Did I hear that right? she said she loved me?? that has to be a mistake right? it has to be in a 'I love you as a family' way, yeah! no way she actually likes me.. right? 

Bijou ponders on those thoughts all night. To her, it didn't make any sense, why did Shiori suddenly get clingy like that? the only conclusion she could come up with that night was that Shiori was extra tired and sleepy that day. She didn't think any mor of it and thought that this wouldn't happen again and went to bed while replaying the scene of Shiori mumbling "Love you" to her.

But the next few days felt like hell, or heaven, in a way. After what happened that night, Shiori began to act extra clingy around Bijou every day. She would always find an excuse to be together and closer to Bijou and she notices the change right away. And even when Bijou tried to get away from her one day pretending to be sick, Shiori instead got closer to Bijou and in the end Shiori never left Bijou's side that day.

Back in Bijou's room late at night, she thought back on the way Shiori has been acting these past few days. Isn't she getting clingier and clingier by the day? I can't keep up with all of this! As she thought about Shiori and her recent clinginess, a knock could be heard right outside the door. "Biboo? can I come in for a bit?" It was Neriesa and she seemed to have caught on with what was happening to Bijou and Shiori for the past few days and had a feeling Bijou was overthinking about it way too much, which she was right. Bijou opens the door and lets Nerissa in.

Nerissa sat on the edge of the bed and Bijou follows and sits right beside her. "You alright there, Biboo? I can't help but think that you're trying to get away from Shiori."

"I mean can you blame me? Imagine your crush suddenly getting so close and is practically clinging to you every single day for no reason.. My heart can't handle it!" Bijou clutches her head as she says that to Nerissa.

"I guess I understand, If the person you liked started to suddenly get close to you, you'd probably freak out" Nerissa answered back, seemingly having similar experiences before she dated Elizabeth.

"Exactly! and that's the problem I'm having right now, and frankly, I just don't know how to act around her when she's being all cute like that around me."

Nerissa puts a hand on Bijou's shoulder and gives her a deadpan look. "Biboo.. have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, Shiori likes you back?"

"What?! No way that's true right? I mean she always was attentive to us when we were still wanted criminals." Nerissa can't help but to sigh at the reply.

Nerissa was now holding both of Bijou's shoulders and force Bijou to face her. "Yeah but everything is different now, don't you see that Shiori has been treating you way differently than the way she treats us? and frankly, it has been quite a sight to see" Nerissa chuckles looking back at the way Shiori has been behaving for the past week.

"I- I guess that's true.. But I still have to figure this out myself!" Nerissa finally lets go of Bijou and seemingly understands what she means.

"Well I suppose you can take your time, but don't make her wait too long or she might get bored of you, you know." As if though, she has been interested in Biboo for at least 3 years by now.

"I know.. but it's just- I can't keep my composure when I'm around her and my heart always feels like it will pop out of my chest at any given moment." Bijou ponders a bit and thinks about what to do. "Just- just give me some time okay? I really want to figure things out on my own."

Nerissa backed down but reassures her. "You can ask me for advices too, you know. I really don't mind helping you in your love game."

Bijou saw the sincerity in Nerissa's eyes and smiles faintly. "Thank you, Nerissa.. I suppose I could ask you for advices from time to time."

"Mhm, and when you two get together, do tell me all about it, kay?" Nerissa can't help but to grin and couldn't wait to hear about how it went when Bijou and Shiori finally start going out.

"Yeah.." Bijou replied looking sheepish. Nerissa looked at the time and realized it was getting late and then saw the sleepy expression on Bijou's face. As she looks at her, Nerissa can't help but to think. Yeah this girl is way to dense, I hope she comes to realize that Shiori also feels the same way about her. "I think it's about time we head to sleep, it's getting late after all" Nerissa gives Bijou a pat on the head before settling her down on the bed so she can rest.

Nerissa stood up to get back to her room. "Goodnight, Biboo." she says to the sleepy Bijou. "G'night, Nerissa.." Bijou replied back with a tired voice.

Nerissa walks out of the room. I really hope it goes well for these two, Honestly, you two are so stubborn when it comes to this. Before heading to her room, she decides to make a quick detour. "Shiori? you still up?" she knocks on Shiori's bedroom door. It was nearing midnight so she didn't expect her to still be awake, but the door to her room opened and Shiori peeked out from the crevices of her door. "Sup girlie, something you wanna talk about?" 

"Yeah, It's about Biboo." Nerissa answered. "Alright, get in here." Shiori lets Nerissa in and closes the door behind her. 

Shiori looks at Nerissa. "So, what's up? did she say anything about confessing to me?" Shiori can't help but smirk at the thought of her beloved Gem confessing to her.

"Kinda? She just talked about how hard it was being around you when you're acting so clingy and stuff." Nerissa admitted.

"O-oh, did she think it was annoying? Maybe I should stop after a-" As she says that, Nerissa instantly saw the dejected expression on Shiori's face. "NO!" she realized she was screaming and closed her mouth with her hands. "Sorry, I mean no, you don't need to stop, and frankly, I think it's working really well."

"Oh Thank God, I would genuinely cry if she thought it was annoying" She was relieved when she heard that. "But maybe do tone it down a little? if you do too much she might actually die on the spot, you know." They both can't help but chuckle at the thought of Bijou passing out because Shiori was being too flirty.

"Yeah.. I did think I was doing a little too much.. But I really do just want to cuddle with her every possible time." Shiori admits her desire. "Then why don't you confess to her? You know she likes you, and you like her back, What's the harm in you being the one confessing?" As she said that, Shiori's face started turning red from embarrassment.

"W-well, I mean-" Shiori can't help but to fiddle around her fingers while looking away from Nerissa. "You both are helpless when it comes to this man.. and weren't you the one that kept on nagging me to confess to Liz too when you knew the both of us liked each other?"

"Th-that's different.." Shiori can't help but look dejected at the fact that was thrown at her. "Different how, exactly?" Nerissa asked back, now glaring at Shiori.

"Well.." Shiori shrinks in defeat as she admits to having no answer to that. "Alright I'll stop nagging you about this, but please think about her feelings too, you know. She seriously thinks you're just teasing her and nothing else." Nerissa scolds her.

"Yes, Ma'am.." Shiori answered while cowering in defeat, not knowing what to say.

It was a sunny day outside and Bijou had decided to go out for a walk to clear up her mind, she would have invited either the Twins or Nerissa but it seemed they were busy with their own stuff so she decided to go on her own. Though, she had a hard time turning down Shiori's offer to accompany her since going with Shiori would be really awkward. Man.. she looked so sad when I said I wanted to go alone, I should make it up to her by getting her something. As she walked aimlessly around town, she couldn't help but observe the nearby shops that looked interesting. 

Bijou didn't exactly have a plan on what she wanted to do since she decided to go out on a whim, it was also an excuse to not be alone with Shiori the whole day. She thought about going to the arcade but that wouldn't be fun since she's alone. Maybe she could go to the library and pick out some books Shiori liked, she has a lot of collection though and Bijou doesn't know what she has or what she doesn't have, It'd be embarrassing to give something the other person already had too so that was out of the question.

As she continued to walk through the city, her mind seemed to be clouded with only thoughts of Shiori and didn't seem to be paying attention to where she's walking and not a minute longer, she bumped into something. "Ouch!" It was a metal pole. she looks around to see if people saw and looks down in embarrassment. Dang it, I was supposed to take a walk to get my mind off Shiori for a bit but it seems like she's like I could think about.. I should find a cafe nearby to clear my mind. 

As Bijou continued to stroll through the city looking for a nice and cozy cafe, she hears a familiar voice coming from right across the street. "BIBOOO!! HEEEY!" she sees two girls, an orange and green combo. The girl with the orange palette shouting her name and waving both her hands and the other tries to shut the smaller girl up. "Gigi! Ceci!" Bijou's face brightened and walked up to the couple in front of her.

"Well if it isn't Autofister" Bijou greets them happily. "I prefer CCGG, thank you." Cecilia flicked Bijou's exposed forehead and corrected girl. she never was fond of the name.

"Sup, Biboo, don't usually see you out alone, you're usually either stuck in your room playing games or you go out with Advent. Are they busy perhaps?" Gigi asked. "Y-yeah! and I was just clearing my mind too, and it's pretty nice outside too." Gigi noticed the stutter in Bijou's voice and how her face is turning reddish. "What about Shiori?" Gigi said teasingly.

"Wha- what about her..?" Bijou jumps at the mention of Shiori. "Stop bullying her, Gigi." Cecilia interrupts and shuts her girlfriend's mouth with her right hand. "But I am curious though, Shiori usually is free this day." The couple took a glance at Bijou's face that was turning redder and her shy demeanour. The couple looked at each other and instantly connected the dots.

"Oooohh." the couple says at the same time. "Oh shut up, I can't help it okay? and I'd be too embarrassed if we went out together with just the two of us.." Bijou couldn't help but admit. "Wait.." Cecilia ponders on what Bijou means by that for a second and before she could say anything, she was interrupted by Gigi. "Are you two still not dating yet?" Bijou flinched at Gigi's question and turns away from the couple. "N-no.."

Gigi looked at Bijou with a confused expression. "Wait why? Haven't you liked her for at least a year already? Surely you two have made some progress already-" Before Gigi could say more, Cecilia interrupted them both. "We should move from here, we're kind of being a nuisance standing here and speaking pretty loudly in the middle of the road." The two small girls realized they we're still standing in the middle of the road and decided to move.

They move to a less crowded sidewalk to talk. "Let's go to a nearby cafe, I know a good place." Cecilia suggests and the two smaller girls follow Cecilia to a relaxing looking cafe. The cafe had a very welcoming atmosphere that made people want to stay as long as they want, there is a lot of greeneries and such. Even the air felt different somehow.

The three girls finds themselves a secluded spot at the corner of the shop and they order their food and drinks. "I hope I'm not intruding on your guys' date." Bijou chimed in after ordering her food. "Oh it's fine, we're almost together at Justice HQ anyways, and we could always find time for dates some other time. Right, Ceci?" 

Cecilia nods and turns to Bijou. "Enough about us, what's with you and Shiori? I thought you'd already be dating by now" She asked while pointing her fingers at Bijou. "..Well it's complicated. I can't exactly come up to her and say I like her." Bijou answers while fiddling with her fingers looking embarrassed.

Cecilia now glaring at Bijou. "Complicated how? we see how she looks at you and it's obvious she likes you back" 

"It's just.. I can't seem to act straight around her recently" Bijou admitted while still looking away from Cecilia. "Of course you're not thinking straight, you like girls-" Gigi joked but was quickly stopped by Cecilia nudging her sides with her elbow using a not so gentle force.

Cecilia scolds her girlfriend before turning her attention back to Bijou. "Did anything happen recently? even when you first admitted your feelings to us, you weren't as uptight as now. Before, you we're pretty honest and now you're stuttering a lot when Shiori is mentioned in a conversation." Cecilia asked.

"W-well, the truth is, Yeah.. I guess something did happen.." Bijou answered timidly and looks down at her thighs. She looked back at her friends and decides to tell them the truth. Bijou talked to them about the recent events regarding how Shiori seemed to be getting more clingier and clingier, how she seems to be paying attention to her way more than she did the past 3 years and how she can't keep her composure when Shiori acts way to sweet to her.

Cecilia and Gigi listens to Bijou with a weird look on their faces. "Yeah she likes you." Cecilia quickly replied back with a deadpan expression. "Agreed" Gigi nods, thinking the same thing.

"But-" Cecilia immediately puts a finger in front of Bijou to shut her up. "No buts, Biboo." Cecilia quickly interrupted. "Come on, you have to realize that she likes you" Cecilia now wore a perplexed expression.

"I- But even then.. I don't know how to act around her.. should I just ask her out? I don't want to just ask her out of nowhere.. I want it to be a special moment!" Bijou ponders for a bit before asking the couple in front of her a question. "This might sound a little bit too sudden, but how did you two get together? I don't think I've asked you two yet, if you don't mind me asking of course.." 

"Why?" Cecilia questions her. "Yeah, even if we tell you, I don't see how that has anything to do with you or how it can help you" Gigi couldn't help but question Bijou as well. "Just tell me! Please?" Bijou pleads to the couple. "I need to know what you did so i could probably take some references"

Cecilia and Gigi looks at each other and sighs before answering the small girl in front of them. "Well it's a lot different for us than whatever you're having with Shiori.." Cecilia answered with a perplexed expression. "Well I guess for us, it just kind of happened?" Gigi continued.

The couple thinks back on how they ended up together. "I think for us, we just got along well and next thing we know, we realized we both liked each other and we just went with the flow I guess?" Cecilia answers. "Yeah I guess so, we really just hung out a and then the next moment we're dating!" Gigi also answered.

Bijou looked at the couple, confused. "Yeah but how did you two exactly get together though?" The couple thinks for a bit, looking very puzzled. "Now that I think about it.. I don't think any of us actually did ask each other out." As the memory comes back to them, their faces start to get a little flushed and Bijou was intrigued to know what could have possibly happened for these two to get together.

Gigi was the first to speak. "I guess we were just hanging out in my room like we usually do on our Friday nights when things just got kind of.. out of hand." Bijou thought of many possibilities on what Gigi could have meant by that, and the moment she realizes what Gigi meant, her face turned bright red. "S-sorry for asking then.." Bijou says shyly at the couple in front of her.

"N-no, It's alright.." Cecilia stammers and regains her composure. "But back to you, Biboo. How long are you just gonna stay like this? I'm sure Shiori would love it if you made a move on her."

"Yeah yeah! You gotta be more confident in yourself." Gigi replied back. Bijou looked at her friends and saw the certainty in their eyes, She's really grateful to have friends she can count on like this. "Alright, I.. I think I've made up my mind!" Bijou looks at the couple with motivation in her eyes. "I'll talk to Shiori!, and maybe I'll ask her out on a date.." Bijou says the last part with a shy tone.

"That's the spirit!" Cecilia cheered. "Be sure to tell us about it afterwards!" Gigi continued. "Yeah, Thanks you guys.." Bijou thanked them gratefully. "Of course, What are friends for, right?" The three of them laughs at the comment. "Anyways, we should quickly finish up our food, It's gonna get cold if we keep on talking like this." Cecilia broke the laughter. "Right, we talked quite a bit, huh." Bijou realized they were talking for quite a while. "We sure did." Gigi says while chuckling to herself.

The three of them quickly finished each their food and talked some more about other things. "I'll pay for your guys' food, You two did help me after all." Bijou offered them and the couple exchanged looks and decide to accept Bijou's offer.

"Are you not coming, Biboo?" Gigi asks Bijou who was still sitting down while she and Cecilia were getting ready to leave. "N-nah, I have.. plans.." Bijou answered with a shy expression. The couple immediately understood Bijou's intention. "Oooh.." Gigi smirks at Bijou and covering half her mouth. "Alright then, goodluck, Biboo." Cecilia replies looking supportive at Bijou.

"Alright take care, Biboo. Good luck and don't forget to give us an update!" Gigi replied, looking forward to the progression that is happening. Bijou waved at the couple as they walk out of the cafe arm in arm. She sees this and can't help but think if she'll be able to do that with Shiori.

Bijou gathers all her courage for a good minute, thinking of conversation topics, then she picks up her phone and opens up her messaging app and messages Shiori.

"Biboo: Hey."

"Shiwowi: Sup, Beebs. Need me to pick you up or something?"

"Biboo: Nah, just wanted to ask. have u eaten yet?"

"Shiwowi: Nope, I was gnna to cook smth tho. Wassup?"

"Biboo: Well.."

"Shiwowi: Well..?"

"Biboo: I found a comfy looking cafe and thought that maybe we could eat together?"

A few seconds pass without Shiori replying. Bijou worries she's bothering Shiori but a second later, a notification popped up.

"Shiwowi: Sry, dropped my phone. so where's the cafe? im coming asap."

Bijou's face brightened at the message. She quickly sends the address to Shiori and waited in the cafe until she arrives. And after a little over 30 minutes passed, Bijou gets another message from Shiori.

"Shiwowi: This it?" Shiori attaches an image to the message.

"Bijou: Yeah, just come in. im at the far corner."

Bijou waited nervously for Shiori, and a few seconds later, she feels a poke on her shoulder. She looks at the direction and was instantly stunned.

"Sup." Shiori greeted her with a soft smile. "What? did i stunlock you?" Shiori can't help but chuckle. And of course Bijou was stunlocked, she didn't expect that Shiori would dress up like she's going on a date. Which isn't that far off from what's currently happening.

Bijou snapped out of her daze when she realized she had been staring for too long. "Y-yeah.. you look.. pretty.." Bijou admitted. It was now Shiori's turned to be stunlocked, She very much did not expect Bijou to be so straight forward and honest like that, she focuses herself and sits down in front of Bijou. "You're being unusually honest today."

"Y-yeah.. Just felt like it.." Bijou says while fiddling with her fingers. "So what's with the sudden invitation? Oh but don't take it in the wrong way, okay? I'm really happy you invited me." Shiori questions with a happy expression. "I- I guess I just wanted to be with you.." Bijou answers and Shiori couldn't help but to blush from the cute answer.

Bijou took another glance at Shiori. "I didn't expect you to dress up though. Really caught me off guard." Bijou admitted. "Yeah well, I did try to look as casual as possible though." After saying that, Shiori saw how Bijou was acting and decides to comment on it.

"You feeling nervous, Beebs? seems like you're out of things to say." Shiori can't help but chuckle. "Well.. yeah I guess.. I did just invite you on a whim.." Bijou answered. "This is a really nice cafe though." Shiori comments. "Ah yeah, I bumped into Autofister and Cecilia took us here." 

Shiori deadpans. "Eeeh, so this isn't the first time here?" She says with a disappointed tone. Bijou caught it immediately and started explaining what happened before being interrupted by Shiori's laughter. "I'm kidding I'm kidding! I didn't think you'd take it so seriously though." Shiori couldn't help but laugh at Bijou's cute reaction.

"I don't mind, really. And it looks like something changed about you, probably because of Ceci and Gigi." Bijou was surprised on how sharp Shiori was. "Guess I can't hide anything from you after all, huh. But yeah I guess they did help me with something that's been troubling me for some time." 

"Ah!" Shiori now looked shocked. "Is it me? Was me being close to you bothering you after all?" She says with a worried look. "What? No! That's not it! I'd say it's more of a me problem.." Bijou quickly shot down Shiori's thought and Shiori instantly showed a relieved expression. "Anyways, you should order something, the food here's pretty good. I'll probably order something light though since I already ate." Bijou offered and Shiori immediately browsed the menu and they both ordered something after a while.

After ordering their food, they continue to talk about some trivial things until their order arrived and they eat together. Bijou looks at Shiori and can't help to think how easy it is to talk to Shiori right now. "So." Shiori interrupts the comfortable silence. "I might be wrong but, Did you have something you wanted to tell me?" Bijou looks at Shiori, surprised. "I- Yeah.. you're not.. wrong." Bijou admitted.

"Thought so. So is it something related to what you talked about with Ceci and Gigi?" Shiori curiously asked. "Yeah.. I guess talking to them made me sure of something." Bijou admitted. "Oh? and what would that be?" Shiori asked.

Bijou continued. "Well... please correct me if I'm wrong but.. Do you.. have feelings for me, Shiori?" Shiori nods and can't help but chuckle. "Took you long enough to realize, huh." She smirks at Bijou, whose face is now beet red from embarrassment. "Did asking that really embarrass you that much?" Shiori can't help but laugh at Bijou's cute reaction after asking her question.

"Hey! Can you blame me, though?" Bijou can't help but raise her voice out of embarrassment. "And technically, it's your fault in the first place being all sweet and cuddly like tha-" Before she could say anything more, Shiori suddenly got up close to her without Bijou noticing and without warning, Shiori pressed her lips against Bijou's. "Let's get outta here." Shiori said fondly after breaking the kiss, before paying for both their food and dragging Bijou outside the cafe.

The sun was going down, and the city lights were starting to glow, lighting up Shiori and Bijou as they walked side by side. Bijou was still in a daze after what happened at the cafe. Of course she was, she just got kissed by her crush, after all. The first to break the silence was Shiori. "You okay over there?" she said, glancing at the small girl beside her, Bijou couldn't say anything and just nodded.

As they both walked, Shiori took a glance at the smaller girl's hand and thought it looked appealing. "Can I?" she asked while lightly touching Bijou's hand, and the smaller girl answered by holding her hand. "Oh, you are so cute." Shiori smiled as she intertwined their fingers together, causing the smaller girl to stiffen. Bijou's heart was now in a state of panic. First, her crush kissed her, and now they were walking side by side and intertwining their hands together. This did not go unnoticed by Shiori, though, and she decided to break the silence. "Sorry, is this too much?" The taller girl asked with a worried tone. Bijou glanced up at the taller girl. "What?! N-no... it was... it was just... unexpected, I guess." It wasn't like she didn't like it. In fact, she loved it a lot and would love to do more. Shiori smiled fondly at the small girl beside her as she heard those reassuring words. "Hey, wanna hit up the convenience store for a bit?" The smaller girl nodded and they both head to the Convenience Store.

"Did you buy anything?" They were now outside the convenience store, and Shiori asked the small girl beside her, who was being unusually quiet. "Just some onigiri, Thanks for paying for me though..." Bijou finally looked at the taller girl and thanked her. "I really appreciate everything you do for me," The smaller girl said to Shiori, grateful. "Of course. Like I said before, Anything for you." Bijou smiled at the taller girl beside her. "Should we head home?" Bijou stood there for some time, pondering about the question. She wanted to just say yes to the question and get everything over with. But deep down, she knew she still had something she needed to do and say to the girl in front of her. "No.." Bijou then took the taller girl's hand and faced her. "Let's- let's go somewhere for a bit. Somewhere... private." The taller girl, shocked at the words the smaller girl said couldn't help but to be stunned and her cheeks turned a slightly red.

The moon in the night sky was now shining bright upon them as they walked hand in hand. Bijou took the taller girl to an empty nearby park. The taller girl couldn't help but to feel somewhat thrilled about going to the park late at night with the person that was most dear to her. Bijou scanned the area, looking for a nice spot to sit at. "Let's sit over there." She pointed towards a bench beneath a city lamp. They both sat down together, hands intertwined in comfortable silence and just enjoying each other's presence. Minutes passed without either of them speaking before the silence was inevitably broken by Bijou. "I- I'm really not good with these things..." Shiori looks at the smaller girl she was holding close. "Me too," The taller girl admitted. "But I want to make this work.. I want-" Shiori waited patiently for the smaller girl to continue. "I want... You." the smaller girl looked up at the taller girl with a sweet, and gentle expression. The taller girl was stunned at the words but quickly regained her composure. 

"Biboo.. I-" Before she could say anything further, Bijou's face moved in closer to her face, closing in the distance finally ending with a kiss. Shiori, surprised at the act, decide to lean closer into the kiss. Their lips part for a second before going in for a second kiss, and a third, and finally a fourth before they finally parted completely. They looked at each other for a few seconds before Bijou broke eye contact by leaning herself against the taller girl, her face now buried in the taller girl's shoulder. "I like you... I love you." The smaller girl finally uttered the words that has been hanging in the back of her mind for a long time. "I have been for years now..." As she said that, the smaller girl suddenly felt tears rolling down her face. 

Shiori hears the sniffles coming from the small girl beside her, she cupped both her cheeks before wiping her tears and kisses away the tears she missed. "I know. Thank you for telling me, and I love you too, Beebs. I've always loved you ever since we first met." Shiori confesses to the smaller girl in her arms. "Even though I didn't understand it at first, though." She chuckled. Bijou couldn't hide her shock and chuckled. "Hehe, It seemed obvious now.. I wonder why I didn't confess to you sooner.." She says with a loving smile. The two then locked their gazes and they met each other's lips once more beneath the moonlight, turning that day into one the two would never forget for the rest of their lives.