AN: Surprise! I have a good opportunity to get lots of writing done this weekend, so I decided to post an early chapter, as well as the usual Monday. Thank you all so much for your kind reviews, I appreciate them so much! I'm glad you're all enjoying it, but I must say I already have an awesome story to go off of as well as awesome characters. To the authors out there creating amazing original content and characters, you tha real MVP! Anywho, here is chapter 8, happy reading :)

Chapter 8. The Confrontation

8 pm was drawing near, and Maya was a mess. She must have tried on four different outfits, body suits, leather jacket and pants, t-shirts and shorts, she had no idea what look was most appropriate for a bar because she had never really been to one. There were no bars on Athenas, except for the breweries where only the Brothers could drink. Brother Sophis always told her "you must not cloud your mind with alcohol! It is prohibited, you are meant for great things Maya, you mustn't lose focus!"

And she didn't. Not until the day that the incident happened. Sure, she came to Pandora because she wanted more from life, and no longer wanted to follow The Order. But at the same time, after what happened, she didn't really have a choice. After that day she went to the brewery and got into the brothers stash just because she could. She stopped giving a fuck after that.

But never a party, never a bar, never for fun. She sighed and looked over the outfits again, when her eyes went to her closet. She saw the grey and black jumpsuit with the large hood. The outfit she first met Lilith in. She was definitely over thinking this, she should just go with her signature look. It just radiated everything she was. It was her. She pulled on the jumpsuit, zipping it in the back and putting on her hood. The material was like a black leather that hugged her whole body, with silver markings accenting her shoulders, waist, and up the sides of her thigh. Her one arm was covered in the black leather leading all the way up to a gloved hand, while her other arm was bare, to show her Siren tattoos. Her large hood was a bright yellow on the inside, as well as the sweeping cape that hung loosely down her back. Her blue hair flowed down her shoulders to rest around an ample amount of cleavage. She had done her makeup, her deep blue lips and dark eyeliner and mascara, creating a smoky effect to compliment her silver eyes. Maya knew she was beautiful, she just hoped Lilith approved of it.

Ugh why? Why do I care?! Probably just cause she always looks so awesome…

As though on cue, there was a knock at the door and she nearly jumped out of her skin. Oh my god she's here! Fuck! Suddenly Maya was very nervous, but one look in the mirror gave her her confidence back, and she opened the door.

There stood Lilith in all her cocky glory, leaning in the doorway. To Mayas relief, Lilith too had gone with her signature outfit. A red tank top- that shows off her hips…-with her brown leather shoulder vest, with brown leather pants with one leg leaving a space to show off the Siren tattoos that ran up her body. She's so beautiful…I kind of want to reach out and touch her?

But Maya had the better sense to not do such a thing. She didn't need Lilith thinking she was crazy. She hadn't realized she had been day dreaming and noticed Lilith had been speaking.

"Huh? I'm sorry, what was that?" she said, shaking her head.

Lilith chuckled. "I said, you look beautiful tonight."

"Oh…ohhh," Maya said in a daze, her cheeks flushed. "thank you, I just threw this on hehe, I'm really nothing special."

"I think you are."

God what is she DOING to me? My face is melting! She tucked a loose strand of blue hair behind her ear and simply smiled at Lilith.

Lilith pushed herself from the doorway. "Shall we go?"

Maya nodded and tried to calm her heart as she followed Lilith outside. Between these strange feelings and her excitement, she was unsure what to expect for the night, or how long she could last like this.

Moxxi's was bumping when they arrived shortly after eight. Maya could feel the base pumping deep within her chest. There was pink neon signs displaying "MOXXXIS" all around, matching the red décor. There were the slot machines to the left by the entrance, with tables places all around the room. In back was where Moxxi stayed along with certain suitors she took with her most nights. The place was pretty crowded, word had spread through Sanctuary of the crimson raiders victory against the bloodshots and Hyperion, as well as the heroic rescue of Roland.

"There she is!"

"She blew it up with a rocket launcher, how bad ass is that?"

"I heard she faced Jack himself, and here she is still alive!"

Lilith smiled at Maya. "looks like you're pretty popular. Going to have to keep an eye on you"

Maya just shrugged and looked to her feet. "I was just doing my job, it's really nothing to go crazy over. It is sweet for everyone to say though."

Lilith nodded and looked to Moxxi, polishing a glass behind the bar talking animatedly with her patrons. The people of Sanctuary loved Moxxi's bar, but most of them came here for Moxxi herself. Lilith could honestly see the appeal, she wore tight skimpy outfits, showing off her large breasts marked with a distinct heart, her makeup always done to perfect with hair to match. She was also a bonafide badass, known for her lust for violence, bloodshed and sex. In no particular order. She herself was quite a skilled fighter years back, and she is still famous for her Underdome fight rings. All of that aside, she was also a very reliable, compassionate friend. Moxxi had even tried to take that further with Lilith, but the Siren was never interested in her that way. Moxxi could barely fathom why, and still bugged her from time to time.

"I'm going to go get us drinks. I can see Axton and the gang back there," she said, pointing to a table at the back of the bar. Lilith said close to her ear, so she could hear her over the music.

"Thank you!" Maya yelled back, and went to find their friends.

Lilith sauntered over to the bar, slapping her hand down on the polished wood. Moxxi turned from her conversation. "Well hello there sugar," she spoke in her ever-sultry voice. "Congratulations on the big win today. Shame you cant let a girl give you a reward though. You're missing out."

"Sorry Moxxi, perhaps a different time, different place. You and I are too alike, it would never work out."

"Its just sex sweetheart, sex always works out. But I digress, it looks like you need a drink. Isnt much of a party without a little lubricant, right?"

Lilith chuckled. Moxxi was always right. "Two whiskeys, no ice, and keep em coming"

"Hmmmm I wonder who this second drink might belong to. Why don't I take a wild guess? It couldn't possibly be that super sexy Siren you had on your arm coming in here is it? The one with the piercing silver eyes, incredibly long, beautiful locks of hair, full lips and tight curves?" Moxxi practically moaned. "give her my number will you sugar?" she added with a laugh.

Lilith looked to Maya, she couldn't help but smile at her and Axton laughing heartily, Maya waving her arms around dramatically as she told the funny story, her expression so carefree. "I do like her Mox, but I don't know if she's really interested. Besides I wouldn't want to push things. If she wasn't into it, it could make for pretty awkward work conversation."

Moxxi thought for a moment. "Well, what do you know about her now? I'm sure there must be something you can work to your advantage." She drawled. Lilith looked to her with mock horror, "Moxxi! I don't want to take advantage of the girl. I want her to like me all on her own accord, unable to resist my infamous charm!" She joked.

"it is quite charming if I do say so myself," said Moxxi, eyeing her up and down.

Lilith waved her hand, "alright alright, anyway, I don't know very much about her to be honest. She's from that planet, Athenas? You know, the one that's ran by those religious monks, The Order if I'm not mistaken."

"Oh dear."

"What?"

"I just couldn't imagine living a life like those folk in The Order, I mean it's just awful! They aren't allowed to even have sex, the thought! No violence, no partying, no cute outfits. It's all quiet and dull and dead."

Liliths jaw dropped, looking back at Maya who flashed her a smile, then back at Moxxi. "Wait, so she's a virgin you think?"

Moxxi shrugged. "if she was with The Order, I can only assume?"

Lilith suddenly felt kind of like a shitty friend for not bothering to ask more about where Maya came from and what her life was like. Here she was, so caught up checking Maya out like a piece of meat, she failed to stop and think of Mayas feelings and how her actions may affect her. Thankfully, Maya didn't appear to notice Liliths flirting, or at least it didn't seem it bother her. Lilith hoped that Maya wasn't carrying around some sort of secret resentment towards her.

"I wouldn't worry," came Moxxi's voice snapping her out if her thoughts, "virgins can be a TON of fun. Just think of the things you could show her vault hunter."

That statement made Lilith feel kind of uneasy. She didn't want to see Maya as some sort of conquest, they were friends. Maya has done a lot for the crimson raiders, herself included, and she cared for her.

"I'd rather take this slow and help her sort through her…feelings in the proper way. Besides I don't even know if there are feelings to be sorted! I'm just gonna leave her be."

"Suit yourself, but can't promise I wont get to her first!" said Moxxi, and with that she handed Lilith the two drinks. Lilith put money on the bar and said her thanks, before heading back to their table. The group had pushed a few tables together to accommodate the numbers of crimson raiders that night, and the large group let out a cheer as Lilith approached the table. "Now now guys," she said with a smile. "The real superstar of the day was Maya, her quick thinking saved the mission from turning into a real shit show. I'll drink to that!"

There was a loud cheer of agreement, before everyone started slamming their mugs and bottles together, smiles and laughter spreading all up and down the table. Tonight was going to be a good night. She took an empty space next to Maya, handing her the drink.

"Thanks Lil" she said, flashing her another dazzling smile. God she felt weak. She quickly downed it in one gulp. "Moxxi? Another please!"

"I'm going to go get us drinks. I can see Axton and the gang back there," Lilith said, pointing to a table at the back. Maya followed in the direction she was pointing and saw a smiling Axton waving her over. "Thank you!" she shouted back and made her way over to the table.

"There's the killer herself in all her glory!" Axton boomed, clapping her on the back. "Hey, guys! This is the badass Siren I was telling you about. Tell the story tell the story!"

The rest of the crimson raiders seated at the table all turned to her, their faces eager. She felt a little put on the spot, but hey, if they wanted to hear it, might as well!

"Okay, okay. So there we were…"

She continued her story, speaking animatedly with her peers about the thrill of the fight. She loved battle, it felt good targeting those who deserve it, knowing she was keeping others safe who desperately needed protection.

"And I swear, the fucking explosion that thing gave off just threw me off the building!" she exclaimed, gesturing with her hands. "let me tell you, it fucking killed!"

Everyone let out a cheer and a laugh, a couple crimson raiders clapping her on the back and raising their glasses. She looked to the bar, suddenly aware of how long Lilith had been gone. She spotted her red hair through the crowd, she was at the bar and was leaning in close to Moxxi; the two seemed to be having an intimate conversation.

Maya was suddenly overcome with a strange sense of loss, and she was hoping Lilith hadn't forgotten about her and their drinks. Get over it, Maya. She looked back to Axton briefly, but was drawn back to Lilith, who was now looking in her direction with a strange face. Maya just smiled back nervously, and she swore she saw a blush dusting the Sirens cheeks before she turned back to Moxxi. Once again, there was that creeping sense of loss.

"Maya, have you been feeling alright? I just uh, noticed that you've been looking at Lilith an awful lot," came Axton's voice. She turned to him, opening her mouth to say something, but she was at a loss for words.

He sighed, "listen Maya, I know that on Athenas you never…uhm…experienced a romantic connection with anyone before. Correct?"

Maya nodded, looking away.

"Uhm, and you're sure you've never had even a crush on anyone else that lived there? Ever?"

Maya bit her lip. "Well, I cant be sure sure I guess…but I've never felt what I'm currently feeling when it comes to her. I don't even know how to describe it. But honestly, I think it just has something to do with her powers. I-I mean that makes way more sense to me." She stammered.

"Maya, it's okay, I know this might be confusing but you don't have to be afraid-"

Brother Sophis' voice came to her, probing and ugly, "You must never act on such urges! Never "involve" yourself in such a perverted way. You must remain pure, or your powers will be stripped by the God, and you will perish for eternity! The cost is too great!"

"I-I'm not afraid! It's nothing I swear! It must be our powers reflecting off of each other. That's why there is never more than six Sirens at any given time! Yeah, the power would just be too great, it could be destructive o-or something."

Axton saw right through her, she was sure of it, but to her relief he dropped it. He smiled, not quite genuine.

"I could see that, I mean fuck it's hard enough just dealing with you!"

She rolled her eyes and gave him a shove, just as a loud cheer shouted down the table, turning her attention to who just arrived.

"Now now guys, the real superstar of the day was Maya, her quick thinking saved the mission from turning into a real shit show. I'll drink to that!"

Maya blushed at Liliths praise, keeping her eyes on the table as she felt Lilith sidle up beside her.

Lilith handed her the drink, a brown liquid she could only assume was whiskey. At least it's what I'm used to. She looked to Lilith and smiled, God above is she ever something-"thanks Lil."

Mayas eyes widened as Lilith suddenly downed her entire drink in one go. Without so much as a face, she slapped her hand on the table, "Moxxi? Another please!"

Lilith then turned to Maya, "your turn killer. Send it down the hatch and get ready for another!"

Maya, wanting to keep up with Lilith, raised her eyebrow and slammed the drink back, never breaking eye contact. Lilith whistled lowly, "that's what I'm talking about," she said quietly, eyeing Maya up and down.

She thinks she can do better than me? "You haven't seen nothing yet."

To her success, Lilith looked impressed, "then let's go Siren, show me what you're made of!"

Together they downed another, Maya waving down a waitress before it was even gone.

The night was quickly becoming a blur, but Maya couldn't remember a time where she had more fun. Despite the chaos that surrounded them, despite the loss and the tragedies, they had come together as a true family in celebration of their victories. These were the people she could lean on no matter what, that she could literally trust with her life. Right now in this moment, Maya wouldn't have it any other way.

They had played countless games of pool and darts, Maya was now at one of Moxxi's slot machines, seeing if she could win some cool loot but having fun regardless if she did or not. She heard Axton in the background, "MARCUS you fat fuck, one more game! I'll kick your ass!"

Maya chuckled drunkenly to herself, putting money into the slots and was about to pull when she heard an angelic voice over her shoulder, "Win anything yet killer?"

She smiled over her shoulder at Lilith, "not yet, hoping you could maybe be my good luck charm?"

Lilith just smiled and put her hand over top Mayas, resting on the lever. "We'll see."

Lilith applied pressure and the slots started to crank and spin, but all Maya could focus on was Liliths warm hand on hers. Her face felt equally warm, though she was hoping it was just the alcohol. A loud *ding ding ding!* rang in her ears, and out popped a rare handgun. "YEAH! I guess I am luckier with you after all," she said to Lilith, smiling. Lilith shook her head and laughed, "I think it's safe to say I'm the lucky one."

Mayas face grew ever warmer with that comment, but the alcohol was suddenly making her feel bold. She leaned in closer to Lilith, turning her head to say something in her ear, "Lilith, I-"

The sound of a door slamming cut her off, and she looked to the front door. There stood Roland, scanning the bar before his eyes finally settled on Lilith. His eyes narrowed slightly, then he looked to Maya with his jaw set. Maya gulped, what the fuck did I do?

He stared a moment longer, before walking up to her and Lilith. "Excuse me Maya, Lilith can I please speak with you outside?"

"No."

The whole bar had turned to stare at them, the music was still pumping but no one said a word. Even Moxxi stopped her flirtatious conversation she was having with a rather muscly crimson raider to watch the situation unfold. Roland looked uncomfortable. "Lilith, please don't do this…"

Lilith scoffed. "I am trying to have a good time. This is a night for celebration. I'm not here to discuss our drama in front of everyone."

Now Maya was the one feeling uncomfortable. She slowly tried to back away, back to the safety of their table, but Lilith rested her hand on Maya's forearm, turning to her and mouthing it's okay.

Roland looked from Maya to Lilith with contempt, before sauntering off to the table where Axton and the rest of the group sat. Slowly, the life returned to the bar, and the buzz of conversation filled their ears once again.

Lilith turned to Maya, "did you want to step outside? I could use some fresh air after that encounter."

After seeing how pissed Roland looked at Lilith for not wanting to go outside with him, Maya felt a bit nervous agreeing to go outside with her, but the alcohol in her system didn't have a care. She felt herself nodding and following Lilith outside into the cool night.

Lilith sighed as she leaned against the wall in the side alley of the bar, lighting a smoke. "I'm sorry you had to see that. Things have been…tense, between us ever since the breakup. But honestly, he broke up with me and I've moved on, apparently the same cant be said for him."

"If he broke up with you, why is he so upset about all of this?"

Lilith took a long drag of her cigarette. "that's just it, he shouldn't be. Guess he expected me to wait around for him…"

Maya could see the pain in Lilith's eyes. She saw how hard Lilith tried to make sure everyone was okay, keeping sanctuary safe and nearly killing herself in the process. Lilith was a good friend, with a kind soul, and Maya was beginning to think that no one ever really took the time to make sure she was okay.

Maya cleared her throat. "you deserve happiness too Lil, probably more than anyone else here."

Lilith smiled at that, "we all deserve happiness, including you. I'm already happy just having met you, you make me feel rejuvenated in a sense I suppose. I cant explain it."

Maya felt those familiar feelings bubbling up inside her again, I cant explain it either.

Maya watched Lilith closely, the effects of the alcohol still pumping through her veins, "what are you doing to me?" she asked.

Lilith laughed, turning to Maya only to see that Maya wasn't smiling.

"What are you doing to me?" she asked again.

Liliths smile disappeared. "Maya-"

"Every time I look at you, I get these strange feelings…In here," she said, placing a hand on her abdomen. "and every time I think of you, I find myself unable to stop. I feel like I know you, or rather, I want to know you. It's like you plague my mind, and my body starts to buzz. I feel hot, and flustered, and I can't seem to think straight. I've never had trouble maintaining focus, until you."

Lilith said nothing, unsure of what to say.

Maya gulped. "I-I told Axton that, it must just be your Siren powers ha

ving an effect on me. Right? He said that I'm…I'm attracted to you…but I don't even know what that means. Is he wrong or…Am I?"

Lilith was again silent. "Lilith," Maya pleaded, "please…"

Before she knew it, Liliths strong arms had wrapped around her middle, one of her hands pressing gently into Maya's lower back, the other snaking around the back of her neck. She leaned in, pressing their foreheads together. "Maya…"

Maya's head was swimming, the hot flashes were back with a vengeance, and she could feel her heart hammering in her chest with the strength of a thousand badass Psycho's. Her stomach was in knots, and there was a hot pressure building in her core, filling her with a need she couldn't describe. If the blood weren't pumping in her ears, she might have heard Brother Sophis' disapproving voice.

She stared into Liliths eyes, which were nearly black with dilated pupils, except for the orange she could see was blazing like fire. Liliths breath was hot on Maya's lips, and suddenly Maya wondered what they would taste like, how they would feel if they would just come a little closer and press onto her hot skin.

Luckily, she didn't have to wonder for long. Lilith leaned in, ghosting her lips on Maya's own trembling ones, before closing the distance and taking Maya's lips into her own.