Renee stared at her feet trying to reel in her anger at herself. How could I be so selfish? She berated herself.*Selfish is an understatement. How could you expose her to the darkness of the void just to protect her?!* Natalie and Nox were discussing the game changing tactic that Renee had used by pulling Natalie into the phase. *You're being aimed at.* Renee's head lifted and caught caustics glare. "How could you put Ms. Paquette's life in danger without knowing the consequences?" He all but shouted at her. "She didn't cause me any harm; she saved me." Natalie tried to defuse the situation. "Didn't cause you any harm?! You were bleeding!" Renee venomously replied. Natalie flinched as Nox stood up, "You will suffer a fate worse than death if what you did causes irreversible damage to her." He ground out. "Mon amie, We have to study this further. What a benefit this could be in battle." Natalie started to ramble different scientific terms.*We told you that you're just another science experiment for them. We warned you that feelings are pointless.* The voices' weight made her sink into herself. I am nothing. She felt her heart shatter at the implication that the last several weeks were nothing. The drop ship docked and Renee immediately took off once the door opened holding her hand to her chest trying to conceal the crackling of the void.
She stood underneath the water of the shower looking down at the consistent crackle of void energy around her hand. I can't believe I…. All of this was for science. "I should have known." She whispered to herself as she got dressed in her grey sweats and a black tank top. She looked at her bedroom door before deciding to go for the living room instead. I'm so tired. She thought to herself as she laid back on the firm leather couch. She relaxed as sleep's promise to numb everything started to pull her away. She frowned as a steady knock could be heard from the front door. I am going to fucking kill him. She rubbed her eyes as she yanked the door open to a worried Natalie. "What are you doing here?" She grumbled out. Natalie's eyes softened, "I was worried about you." Renee lightly shook her head. "I don't see why." Renee answered. "May I come in?" Natalie asked as she fidgeted at the door. Renee nodded and stepped to the side. "I'm fine, really." She tried again. Natalie bit her lip, "Why did you phase me if you are regretting it so much?" Natalie asked quietly. "I...I don't... Nat." She replied running her hand through her dark hair. "Then why are you so upset?" Natalie tried again. A blush spread across Renee's face unfortunately it didn't go unnoticed. "Mon cherie, just tell me what it is, so we can move past this." Natalie tried again. *Stop!* "I...don't...I...just…can't." Renee couldn't make her words come out as her brow furrowed. *You are in danger!* Natalie looked down. "You regret what happened. Oui?" she sadly asked as she stepped back. Renee's eyes shot up and in one swift movement Natalie was pushed against the wall. She gasped as Renee's lips found hers. It took only a moment before Natalie melted into the kiss. The world faded away for both women, relishing the taste of the other. Renee started the kiss, and she ended it, "That's why." Renee whispered against Natalie's lips.
The next morning Renee woke up with a smile. The evening was more than Renee could have ever imagined. Natalie left shortly after their kiss, but arranged to meet up at Elliot's bar. I can't believe she kissed me back. Renee walked into the kitchen to start her coffee. I think I'll ask her out on a date. She smiled to herself. *This isn't going to end well for anyone involved.* The voices made her flinch. "Nobody asked." She ground out as she turned to get ready for the day. The day went by with a blur. She took a steadying breath as she grabbed for the handle of the door to Elliot's bar. You can do this. She walked in and saw Natalie sitting at the bar surrounded by other legends. Shit. She thought as she walked up. "Hey Renee." Natalie smiled as she stopped a few feet away from her. "Hey, Can I talk to you for a second...In private?" Renee asked looking at the audience around them. She grimaced as Elliot picked up a clearly already clean glass to start polishing it, slowly moving towards them. Great. She rolled her eyes. She took a deep breath. "Natalie, would you like to umm you know…" She could feel the blush begin to spread around her face. Fuck! Her confidence was waning as she looked around at the expectant faces of the other legends in the bar. She swallowed thickly as Natalie cocked her head slightly waiting for her to articulate whatever it was she was trying to say. "Do you um...eat out?" Elliot stopped polishing the glass, obviously staring at the horror show in front of him. Anita snorted flinching as Ajay elbowed her side. "Shhh. You'll ruin the moment." Ajay whispered. Natalie smiled, "I do eat out." She winked at the crimson skirmisher causing Elliot to drop the glass he had. She couldn't possibly mean... The shade of her face turned tomato red. She immediately tried to hide her embarrassment and pulled the scarf over her face with just her eyes poking out. Someone just kill me. "Mon amour, would you like to go on a date with me?" Natalie asked with mirth. Renee awkwardly held her thumb up in agreeance rushing from the bar to escape further mortification. Natalie turned around surprised to see everyone staring at her. "Did I say something wrong?" Anita finally let out the laugh she was holding back, tears rolling down her face as Elliot ducked down to pick up the glass trying to stifle his laughter.