Welcome to Gaia! ::

Dear Doctor Kyou and the staff at Lab 305,

First and foremost, allow me to apologize for the lateness of this report. My daughter Ebony was apparently suppose to write something of this nature quite awhile back, but I suppose it somehow slipped her mind. Actually that might be a bad phrase considering our family’s current situation, but perhaps I should start things from the beginning.

As you all are aware of, Cordelia suffered some sort of emotional/mental breakdown sometime ago due to learning the true nature of her soul, that of a great Basilisk. To this day, I’m still not sure when exactly or how she came to be privy of this knowledge, but I assure you Ebony had every intent on telling Cordelia herself. I, of course, was told upon entering the household, but felt it not my place to say anything and to respect my daughter’s wishes. I urged her not to wait too long, but Ebony always said it wasn’t the right time or she wasn’t old enough yet to understand. But I suppose by now it’s a moot point. After Cordelia turned to stone and the longer she remained as such, Ebony’s mental and emotional states slowly declined. Eventually she would disappear, ironically the same day as Cordelia’s return.

While the police were searching for Ebony, I concentrated on Cordelia’s well-being and recovery. It was a bit touch and go there in the beginning. Her body didn’t seem to like being in a physical state for too long and she’d turn to smoke every now and then without warning, but that was preferable over stone. Little by little I saw her gain control over this ability, of which she now likes to flaunt every chance she gets. Aside from her physical well-being having returned to normal, I have noticed a great change in her personality wise though.

Cordelia is still somewhat a sociable creature, but the way she goes about it is completely different than before her incident. Before, she loved to go out any chance she could and mingle among the masses, hopeful to make new friends. But now she’s become a little more reserved, not as keen to jump the gun like she use to and often stays cooped up in her room playing games and such on her computer. Though I like that she’s taking an interest in technology, I fear she’s becoming too reliant on it for her social interactions. Hopefully our new shop will remind her what it’s like to have a real face-to-face conversation and relationship with others.

In more recent months, Ebony was found, but due to extensive injuries of mainly unknown origins, she fell into a coma. Cordelia was having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that her real guardian had returned. I don’t like to think she was unhappy with Ebony being found, more that she wasn’t sure how to be now that she was back. Since it has been such a long time, I think Cordelia’s had a lot of time to think about how they had left things off, so I think if nothing else, Cordelia just wants to bury the hatchet. Unfortunately, that is somewhat of an impossibility at current.

Ebony awoke from her coma not long after the New Year, but is suffering from amnesia. The doctor said this is actually the best we could have hoped for as she’d suffered major brain damage. He was worried she would have cognitive issues or worse, be in a vegetative state. We are happy she’s back, but it’s unfortunately a little bittersweet. Though Cordelia won’t admit it, the shock of having Ebony truly not recognize her has the girl all torn up inside. I really wish she would confine in me more or even just vent, but I suppose some things just aren’t that easy to talk about with an old man like me. It would be nice if she had someone closer to her own age to talk with, but it seems a lot of her close friends from before her incident have disappeared into the woodworks themselves. Though she did have a group of brothers she was hanging out with regularly until awhile back. Something must have happened between them and her though since Cordelia never brings them up anymore. Honestly, I don’t want her becoming more like Ebony or I. And I’m sure if my daughter could remember, she would agree. Her and I have spent most of our lives trying to distance ourselves from others, for one reason or another, but it’s not healthy. I see that now in my old age. People were meant to be with other people.

In ending, I hope I have made sufficient efforts in giving the Lab some insight into Cordelia’s current well being. If there is anything else I can contribute or if you have any advise or guidance you could provide, I would gladly appreciate it.

Best Regards,

Adrian Shade

Irritation. That would probably be the closest word to describe Cordelia’s current state of emotions. Ever since she’d returned home from her ordeal with LuLu awhile back, things had just never really settled back to normal for the smoke Frei. Tch, normal? What exactly did that even look like? Normal people don’t get kidnapped and used as pawns in a psycho’s sick love game. Normal people have friends, of whom they actually spend time with. Normal people don’t go round and round wondering if they’re normal, they just are.

Delia sighed deep as she continued wiping down cups and glasses behind the bar, her grey eyes idly taking in the entirety of the Silver Fox’s main floor. It was still a bit early on a weekday and thus there weren’t that many customers in just yet, so things were kind of slow for the moment. Honestly, her job here was the only thing probably keeping her mentally grounded most days. Her eyes briefly met with Ebony’s on the floor as she was chatting with one of their regulars and before the girl could fully look away, she saw the human flash her a warm smile. That was going to cost her.

As the snake gripped the glass in her hand tighter, she grimaced in discomfort. The situation at home was not getting any better. In fact, Cordelia could safely say it was probably getting worse. The holidays had been pretty tough for her to get through, Christmas in particular. That one had always been one of Ebony’s very favorite times of the year. Adrian begged, pleaded and even tried to bargain with her to be less combative and help out since he wanted this year to be the best since all Shades were finally accounted for. She scoffed light, cracks beginning to form in the glass she was holding so tight then. Her grandfather was wrong, as not all members of their family were there, not completely anyway. Thus with every decoration that went up, a memory flaring hard in her mind with no one to reminisce with, it wasn’t long before the Raevan’s patience wore thin and she could no longer play along with Adrian’s wishes for a “merry” Christmas. She spent that day, as well as the eve and day after, alone in her room, sulking.

“Miss Cordelia!” exclaimed a slightly frustrated male voice. Nigel, one of the café’s AIs, finally garnered the Basilisk’s attention by physically projecting himself directly in front of her, most of his body obscured by the bar which made it seem like he was fused with it.

“s**t!” The poor glass Cordelia was gripping had finally gave way at the sudden surprise of a perturbed blonde before her eyes and cut her hands. Annoyed by the glass and Nigel, the Frei shook her hands as they turned to smoke, watching the bloodied shards that had previously imbedded themselves into her skin fall to the counter with tiny tinks. Once she was satisfied that all foreign objects were gone, she returned her hands to a normal state and sighed. If only she could restore the integrity of them as well when changing forms, but alas that was not the case as the cuts were still very much there and very much bleeding.

Moving to retrieve the first aid kit, the smoky girl growled at the AI, “What the actual ******** Nigel? You have a two floating in your code or something?!”

“I am programmed to remind you to please watch your language while on duty Miss Cordelia.” Re-projecting to a more convenient spot next to her, the AI adjusted his glasses. “However, I will apologize for your injury. Though it was my intent the whole time to prevent such an act from occurring.”

Rolling her eyes as she bandaged up her hands, “Yeah, great job on that. Next time, just say something.”

“I had been calling to you for the past fifteen point five seconds beforehand with no avail, thus I deduced a more direct method would yield better results. I did not account for the degree of distraction and absentmindedness that you were experiencing, thus I do apologize. After all, your safety is one of my top priorities.”

“Translation, sorry your own stupidity caused you pain. Got it, thanks.” The girl replied with bitter sarcasm as she made to return the first aid kit to its original spot.

Frowning, “That is not at all what I said or meant Miss Cor-“ Nigel abruptly stopped mid-sentence as an unusual sight caught his ice blue eyes. “Apologizes, but I do not understand why Miss Shade is displaying such strange behavior as of moment?”

“What?” Confused by his words, Delia searched for her guardian and found her near a table towards the center. The woman had her back partially to them, blocking most of the view of the customer she was currently engaged with. Though she was smiling cheerfully for the person, the Raevan could plainly see how strained it was as well as the flagrant way she was trying to wave them down while trying not to have the customer notice. “Ugghhh, again?!”

With great effort as well as reluctance, the smoky girl pushed herself from the bar and began her trek to the table. Since the beginning of the year as well as after much negotiating with Adrian, Ebony had started helping out at the café. It was great since they could always use the help and Ebony really seemed happy to finally be getting out of the house more. Yet, it was also not without its downfalls as well. Without her memories, Delia’s guardian had become too soft and gentle of a person. She was always too eager to please and never wanted to inconvenience others if possible. And that was precisely the reason why she always seemed to get herself into these awkward situations with some of their male clients.

“Excuse me, but Ebony, you’re needed at the bar.”

“Oh! Okay, thank you for telling me. I’m so sorry sir, but I have to go. Have a great day!” said the dark haired woman as she all, but dashed away like her life depended on it.

Delia had to keep herself from rolling her eyes then and instead refocused on customer service. Giving a slight bow, “My apologizes sir, but if there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know. My name is-“

“Cordelia...” said a familiar sounding voice.

Confused, the Frei looked up and finally took a good look at the customer before making the most displeased face ever. “Cameron?! Ugh, what are you doing here? Aside from sexually harassing my mother that is?”

“Yeah, nice to see you too Dells." Obviously not enthused at all about the way he was just greeted, the demi-human gave her an equally displeased expression. Of course that look didn’t last too long once his mind caught up to what the Raevan uttered last. “Wait, what?! Mother?!” he replied in shock as he looked between Ebony back at the bar and Cordelia in front of him now. Leaning back, “Huh, guess that explains why I was so smitten with her at first glance. You know, for being adopted, you two look an awful lot a like. How is that?”

“And now you’re harassing me. Great. Please do show yourself out and never return. Thanks.” Was the tart reply Cordelia extended to the man before turning to return to the bar.

“Delia, I’m sorry, please wait!” Cameron exclaimed as he jumped up and clasped onto her slender wrist.

The action garnered a low growling hiss from the snake and slight rattle of her wings. This b*****d was so lucky they were inside the Silver Fox right then. “Look, for my family’s business, I’m trying really hard to stay composed right now, but you are really trying my patience. Let. Go.” Cordelia said in a low restrained voice as she jerked her arm out of his grasp and straightened her uniform.

Cameron quickly backed away some with his hands up in show of him respecting her wishes, to an extent that was as he was obviously not leaving just yet. “Okay okay! Sorry, just, please listen.” The gorgon took a deep breathe before continuing. “You’re probably thinking my coming here wasn’t by coincidence and you’re right! Word’s been getting around about this place like crazy and when I heard your gramps was the owner, well then, I figured it would be my best shot at finally seeing you again.”

As he said those last words, the drummer tried to reach a hand out to caress her cheek, but annoyed and angered as the snake was, Cordelia was quick to shut down whatever quaint moment he was concocting by slapping it away. “Fine. You’ve seen me. Now leave.”

A little shocked by her outright hostility and albeit a tad saddened by it, Cameron held his hand brief before allowing it to fall to his side. “I just wanted to apologize. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do for months, but you weren’t answering any of my calls or texts. No, not just mine. You weren’t talking to any of us. I know Seth and I put you through some real s**t, we deserve your hate. But to cut ties with Evan and Gideon as well? That was pretty cold, even for you.”

She was silent, but Cordelia’s deepening frown was more than enough to show how much she had regretted that choice. Yet, the brothers were so close that it wouldn’t be easy to be friends with some without seeing or hearing of the others. At the time, it would have been too much for her heart to handle. In a sense, it was still too hard to be face to face with Cameron right then even after all this time apart. The Basilisk opened her dark lips, only to shut them almost immediately, unable to give words to her thoughts and feelings just yet.

“C-Cordelia…” the demi-human stuttered. “Can’t we start over? Please? I…they…we miss you.”

The snake could feel the tugging of her heartstrings and it was most uncomfortable. She wanted to forgive, but there was also a part of her that was unyielding in that department. She’d been terribly hurt, by people she considered friends. Suddenly she was hyper aware of the glancing stares they were getting from the other customers and staff as they tried not to seem completely interested in the two’s heated conversation. Rubbing her face in a most frustrated manner, “If I say I’ll consider it, will you please leave now?”

His dulled eyes suddenly sparked with hope and the spiky haired male quickly nodded his agreement. He had also tried to clasp her hands in his as he did so, but to no avail as Delia once more swatted him away. “All right then! I’ll think about it. Now go!” Of which Cameron did so, but not without flashing the happiest of grins her way with a wave.

The dark Frei sighed heavily as she held a hand to her shaking head and finally returned to her duties at the bar. Picking up another glass to clean, Cordelia could feel Ebony’s grey eyes on her and how she was practically bursting at the seams with questions. Growling towards the human, “What?”

Bounding with excitement that Cordelia was actually acknowledging her for once, Ebony gave the girl an amused sort of smile. “Thanks for your help.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever.” the Raevan grunted as she continued on with her work. “Also, stop being so accommodating to the creeps who hit on you. It’s annoying.”

The British woman’s smile dropped slight at being scolded, and rightfully so. Hanging her head a bit in shame, “I know. But well…they are customers. And-“

“The customer is not always right.” The Basilisk quickly interjected, her point being driven more to home with her banging the glass she was cleaning onto the counter. The likes of which made Ebony jump slight. Stormy eyes narrowing some, “You’re a Shade, and as such, an owner of this establishment. Our standards are high, staff and clients alike. The sooner you realize that, the better.”

Ah yes, there it was, that damn awkward silence between them once more. And yet again, it was Cordelia whom had pried the gap between them even wider. Why did she keep doing that? It wasn’t like the woman had said anything particularly wrong. Perhaps she was just annoyed with the whole Cameron thing and was projecting her frustration onto her guardian? Maybe a little, but Delia knew it was so much more than just that.

Though Cordelia was mentally kicking herself, Ebony wasn’t done trying yet. With a small smile, “You’re right. I’ll do better next time, promise.”

Delia frowned as that wasn’t exactly what she wanted to hear, at least not in that sad sounding voice with that equally heartbreaking expression. Frustrated with herself, all the snake could reply with was, “Yeah, well, see that you do.”

Another moment of silence passed between them before the Brit braved a question. “Was that boy a friend of yours?”

At first it didn’t seem like the Frei would answer, but then a smoky wisp escaped her lips. “It’s complicated.”

Surprised that Cordelia had actually answered, Ebony pursued the conversation in earnest. “Were you dating?”

Banging yet another container on the counter, the Raevan had finally had enough and made her way upstairs. “Break.” she uttered painfully.

“Oh…okay. Enjoy.” She said as she watched the snake disappear. Ebony sighed in defeat. It seemed she had pushed her luck too far, too soon. Half jokingly, “One step forward, five steps back…”

The café had been non-stop busy since the beginning of the month and for once in a long, long while, Cordelia could honestly say she was looking forward to spending a weekend off at home with her guardians. Since the Silver Fox’s debut, steady business had been pouring in, mostly due to Cordelia’s diligent online presence and of course word of mouth. A little cocky at their family’s minor success, the smoke Raevan had decided on her most daring promotion yet, a Valentine’s Day special! Running from the first up to the very day itself, the café hours would offer limited, romance themed bento boxes. These all came in a custom, reusable container, which would make them highly sought after to collect. But of course, Delia had to add much more of an incentive as the boxes had a gatcha attached to them as well. Most had Nigel or Glitch, the café’s resident AI’s c** mascots, as cards inside with a special note on the back to make it feel like they were the ones that made the meal for the customer. The rares would be ones with Ebony, Adrian or herself. As for the club hours, they’d made a few virtual versions of old party games some would remember from when they were teens, such as ‘Spin the Bottle’ and ‘Truth or Dare’. Adrian had even created special drinks for the holiday promotion, dubbing them his ‘Love Potions’. Though she’d been excited to do this Valentine’s event and pretty happy with all the positive feedback on it, Cordelia hadn’t expected just HOW popular it would be. The bentos sold out almost immediately everyday and when they switched over at night, the bar was always packed with requests for the specialty drinks.

After the current rush had ended and Cordelia had handed over the last of the bento boxes, the Basilisk couldn’t help but physically dissolve into a Raevan-shaped heap behind the bar with a deep sound of exasperation mixed with relief. Ebony couldn’t help the escape of a chuckle as she witnessed the scene. Although somewhat worn-out herself, the dark-haired woman was still able to manage a warm smile. “Just one more day. Or rather, half a day now I suppose.” she joked. Seeing as there was no one else for them to wait on currently, the Brit decided it would be fine if she joined Cordelia on the floor for just a few moments.

The smoky girl gave the other an arched brow, but said nothing about her sudden companion behind the bar. The two Shades sat like that for a couple moments in silence, but for once it wasn’t an awkward one, in fact one could say it was rather nice and relaxing. Indulging in the rare moment, Cordelia rested the back of her head against the bar and closed her eyes. Eventually, a soft humming reached the Frei’s ears and due to its familiarity, Delia couldn’t help but hum along. It was a song she hadn’t heard in a long time. Something her guardian use to sing to her when she was younger, something to soothe the soul…

“Ebby!” the snake exclaimed suddenly as her hands grabbed hold of the woman’s shoulders. Her grey eyes bore into Ebony’s shocked ones, begging the question, had the Brit’s memories returned!?

Somewhat startled by the outburst, the other female wasn’t sure how to respond. She thought maybe the girl wanted to say something, but when she didn’t and the atmosphere began to take the awkward route once more, Ebony gave a nervous sort of smile, “S-sorry Delia. Did my humming bother you?”

The odd hope that had fluttered into her chest quickly abated, her hands slipping from their grasp of Ebony’s shoulders and returning once more to her side. It wasn’t the response she’d wanted, and yet…what sort of response was the snake hoping for once her guardian’s memories returned? If they returned at all that is.

With a defeated sigh, for she was far too exhausted to be her usual moody self, Cordelia looked away and replied, “No…it was actually…nice…” She allowed the silence to fill the space once more since the memory of the song was both lovely and bittersweet.

Ebony was sensing that perhaps the good moment had passed and decided not to tempt fate anymore than she had and began to rise to her feet. It surprised her when Cordelia reached out to grab her arm, as if to say ‘don’t leave’. Grey eyes blinked questioningly as she tilted her head to the side in thought at the girl’s action.

“Uh, sorry!” Delia uttered as she quickly let go of Ebony’s arm, her mind having caught up with the moment. The Raevan blushed, a bit embarrassed since she hadn’t meant to do that at all. In a rush to cover up her faux pas, “I-I meant to ask what you wanted for your birthday? I mean, what you wanted to do!? Since you know…we’ve been so busy here to actually plan…” She left out the part about how Adrian had been purposely postponing planning it since he was a bit gun shy after last year’s debacle.

In an effort to suppress a laugh, as Cordelia was being awfully cute then, Ebony brought her hand to her chin as if deep in thought. When she knew she could finally answer without worry of bringing forth the Frei’s rage, the Brit flashed the brightest of smiles. “I don’t need anything fancy. A day off with my family is gift enough.”

Though touched by the sentiment, Cordelia couldn’t help being just a tad bit sassy. Muttering lowly with a pout, “…Even so, it’s your birthday…should be a little greedy…”

Dusting her pants off as she stood, Ebony replied, “What was that?”

“Nothing!” Cordelia exclaimed before rising from the floor as well.

Before either female could get another word out, a group of extra loud customers came charging straight for the bar.

“Scram Cam! I got here first!”

“As if Seth! You’re the one brother she doesn’t want anything to do with! Save yourself the trouble and get gone!”

“Oh for the love of…are you guys four? We’re in public you know, can you not be so embarrassing?”

“Butt out Evan!” the two older Medusa brothers shouted at their younger sibling as they continued to glare and shove one another.

Shuffling side to side, not really knowing what she should do to help ease the situation, Ebony meekly said, “Now now, there’s no need to be so rowdy. What seems to be…” The woman trailed off as she sensed a great tension next to her grow ten fold. Nervously, she backed slightly away when the low hissing started.

“What the ******** are you three doing?”

All at once the noise stopped as all three brothers stole a look at Cordelia and gulped. The Raevan already had a dangerous sort of look to her given the nature of her soul and fel essence, yet when she was truly pissed, that aura only seemed to intensify. Though it was taking everything she had not to cause even more of a scene, Cordelia’s pupils had dialed back to mere slits and her hair was doing that eerie, floaty smoking thing. Folding her arms far too precisely, “Well?”

At first, no one dared to move or make a sound, too afraid of what the Basilisk might do. Things quickly changed when they saw her narrow her eyes further towards them and her hair began dancing wildly, showcasing the Raevan’s ire at them not answering her. All at once, Cordelia found a bouquet of red roses and a huge, heart-shaped box of chocolates presented towards her, both Cameron and Seth looking somewhat flushed in the face as each one held out an item to her.

Like the deflating of a balloon, Cordelia’s eyes went wide with surprise as her hair fell back into its normal state. At a loss for words, the dark femme merely asked, “What’s all this?”

Both still looking somewhat embarrassed, the singer and drummer mirrored one another then by sighing deep and frowning at her response. Really, did they need to spell it out for her?

Luckily (or not so, depending on whom you asked) Evan was there to help things along, all the while poking fun at it of course. Holding his sides as a peel of laughter burst forth, Evan exclaimed, “Oh my god Cordie! Did you forget it was Valentine’s Day!? Obviously they came to woo you!” That earned him not only a smack to the back of the head, but a good punch in the arm as well. Mouthing the words ‘worth it’, Evan took up a stool in front of Ebony, of who quickly offered to get him something for his ‘punishments’. “Nah, I’m okay. Happens all the time. But I would love to try that special milkshake you all are promoting!”

Meanwhile, Cordelia was sort of dumbfounded as the two older half-gorgons continued to hold out their trinkets of affection towards her with obvious anticipation glinting in their eyes. What were these idiots thinking? Were they just expecting her to accept these gifts? And for what purpose exactly? Acknowledgement of her forgiveness? As if! She may be on speaking terms with them once more, but that did not mean she’d forgotten!

Sighing, the girl pushed the gifts back at the two men. “Look, it’s sweet and all, but I can’t accept these.” Cordelia had been terribly hurt by both Seth and Cameron, something she was willing to try and work past so that they could all remain friends, but if it was going to cause problems like this, perhaps she should bow out now once and for all. “Guys, I don’t want to cause trou-“

Slamming his open palms on the counter, Cameron interrupted. “You are NOT trouble Delia!”

“For once, Cam and I agree. If anything, we’re the problem…” Seth sighed as he looked away, fingers running through his hair. “But you’ve got to understand. It’s not easy, trying to ‘just be friends’.”

The drummer nodded his head quickly in agreement, “Obviously we both came here thinking we could use Valentine’s as a way to convince you to pick one of us to date. And judging by how things are currently going…probably the worst idea either of us has ever had. But can you blame us for trying?”

“Cordelia, I know we’ve hurt you and should just count our blessings that you are even willing to speak to us again, but…” As Seth spoke his expression soften and he gently smiled towards the Frei, a finger tracing a caress upon her cheek.

It could have been a very nice moment, had Cameron not intervened by grabbing his brother’s wrist sharply then. Grip tightening as his face tensed, the drummer tried not to lose his cool again. “Hey Bro, what the hell do you think you’re doing right in front of me?”

Yanking his arm out of the death grip, Seth’s golden eyes immediately returned the slight ferocity his brother’s were aiming at him in that moment. “I can do as I please. I don’t answer to you.”

“Oh!? Looks like someone needs to learn how to respect his elders!”

“Older or not, I don’t respect jackasses!”

As the arguing started up once more, this time with a lot more hissing involved, Ebony and Cordelia exchanged looks before looking to Evan for help. But of course, the youngest Medusa brother would be no such help, only delighting at his brothers predicament as he sipped happily upon the milkshake Ebony had made him. The Basilisk sighed heavily as she shook her head. She should have known the only reason the blonde was there was purely for his own amusement.

Ebony lightly tugged on the Raevan’s sleeve, “S-should we call the cops?”

Another sigh, “That’s our last resort.” Quickly, the snake’s phone was out, a number already dialing. “Hey Gideon, it’s Delia. How fast can you get to the Silver Fox?”




“I’m terribly sorry for all the trouble my brothers have caused you and your family.” A tall, dark-haired male said as he bowed his head in shame.

“Now now, don’t beat yourself up too much. Here, have some tea.” Ebony said as she presented the young man with a warm cup. “Besides, not like you can really control the actions of others. Though we do appreciate you coming down to help diffuse the situation.” Spying another customer needing help, “Ah, excuse me.”

After her guardian attended to the café’s business, “Seriously Gee, you got here pretty fast, I can’t thank you enough. Though…I hope we didn’t keep you from anything important.” The Raevan looked a bit sheepishly at the demi-human then. She knew he was awfully busy with work, school and the band, so would hate it if they had inconvenienced him in some way.

Blowing light on the steaming cup before taking a sip, “I was just helping our dad with some things. He understood completely when I had to leave so abruptly as it was my brothers.” Gideon frowned as some errant thought crossed his mind before speaking again. “Are you sure you still want to associate yourself with us?”

The Frei was taken aback some by the sudden question as she hadn’t actually expected any of the brothers to just straight out ask that aloud, let alone have it be Gideon of all people. Though she probably shouldn’t have been so surprised as he had always been the type to never pussyfoot around things. With being a man of few words, he liked to be straightforward and direct about his queries as well as his statements. Still, when it came to any of the emotional stuff, he tended to shy away. So this was a bit unusual and awkward.

Cordelia fidgeted a bit as she wasn’t quite sure how to answer, yet when she saw how the other’s face held a look of intense anxiousness as he patiently awaited her response, the snake’s heart tugged slight. Here was this normally poker-faced guy looking as worried as a new father-to-be in a maternity ward of a hospital. Expression sincere, Delia reached a hand out to place atop his in reassurance. “You shouldn’t worry so much, it’ll give you wrinkles.” She smiled at her own slight jest, “Besides, I don’t blame you or Evan for anything. And I really do want to try and make this work. For everyone’s sake.”

At her words, the anxiety the bassist held just seemed to evaporate, leaving his face with a content sort of smile. Placing his other hand atop hers now, Gideon replied warmly, “I’m glad to hear that.”

The warmth of his hands added with the tenderness of the moment caused Cordelia to blush. She very much wanted to pull her hand away, yet felt it not only rude, but that perhaps Gideon wouldn’t allow her even if she tried. Awkward, the dark Raevan grasped at conversation that would lead them away from this oddly developing scenario. With a laugh, “Huh, you know, I think this is the most you’ve spoken to me in one sitting ever.”

Embarrassed, the eldest Medusa brother removed his hands to hide them under the table and mumbled, “I talk to you…”

Seizing her opportunity, Cordelia gave a smug grin, “Of course you talk to me, but usually it’s more along the lines of ‘yeah’ or ‘okay’. This is the closest to an actual conversation that we’ve gotten to like ever!”

“That’s because…” Gideon began before trailing off. Yet before Delia could ask him to elaborate, his phone rang. ”Sorry, it’s my dad. I should probably go…”

“Oh, yeah, of course! No no! I’m sorry for bothering you when you’re so busy. Thank you though!”

Getting up to leave, Gideon managed another small smile, “We’ll talk more. See ya later Delia.”

Cordelia covered her mouth to stifle a laugh at the gorgon’s choice of words then. Had he meant to do that on purpose? Was that his attempt at a joke!? Somewhat awkwardly, “Mhmm, yeah, later!”

After the other had left, the snake rolled up her sleeves and began clearing the table, resigning herself to getting back to work. It was a whole minute before she had to stop and glare at the two idiots burning holes into her with their staring. “I swear, if either of you start…”

Ebony shared an offended look with Glitch, the AI having joined the other to spy and speculate quite a time ago. “We didn’t say anything!” Though her memories weren’t as they had been, the Brit had lived with the Basilisk long enough now to know when to keep her mouth shut about touchy subjects. Glitch on the other hand…

“So which brother are you gonna pick, Cordie?”

“Glitch!”

“What?”

“You can’t ask that!” Ebony exclaimed, worried about making Delia explode.

“Why not?” the AI pouted, thoroughly annoyed at being told ‘no’ and not getting an answer.

While the two prattled on at one another, Cordelia merely massaged her head and sighed. Would this day never end?




“Finally!” the Raevan exhaled as she floated up the steps to the Shade homestead. Today had been a day to end all days given the chaos of the holiday, though despite her exhaustion, she was content with the fact that their event had been a big success.

“Maybe too successful…next year could be a pain…” Cordelia mumbled as she rubbed the back of her neck and unlocked the front door. A rustling sound caught her ears and curiously the smoky Frei looked down towards its source. Tired silver eyes widened exponentially as she floated down to take a better view. Nestled delicately in cellophane and tissue paper was a lovely bouquet of green and black roses. Picking up the most unusual arrangement, Cordelia wondered whom they were for.

‘Granddad wouldn’t just leave them out here like that…’ Delia thought silently to herself as she looked the item over. She was surprised to find a card with her name on it. Curiously, the Raevan flipped the small card over, perhaps it would reveal her mysterious gifter. Alas it did not, however, three other words were in its place.




Such straightforwardness was enough to make the snake blush. She wasn’t use to getting such compliments and in such a sweet manner at that, but it was most welcomed after the day she had experienced. Smile gentle and thoughtful, Delia brought the bouquet inside. “Too bad it wasn’t signed…”

If it had been, the Frei would have liked to thank them as soon as possible. Yet, she had no way of knowing that the responsible party already knew of her gratefulness then as a shadowy figure disappeared from their hiding place nearby.