Sunset ^beta

Mona adjusted her waistcoat a final time before running a hand through her hair, fretting over making sure she was presentable. Her suit for the evening was one she had rarer excuse to wear- the terracotta tones complimented by the dark blue tie she was currently checking, lips pursed as she tried to convince herself she looked acceptable. Acceptable for seeing clients, for her daily work and haunts? She could believe that. But tonight was not exactly a client visit, and there was a personal desire to put her best foot forward- wearing her best shoes, the sole of the brown leather tapping in her only outward display of nervousness.

She let a soft, frustrated sigh leave her lips, jumping a bit at the sudden clicking of her sister’s claw against the floor.

“You preen so much. Laughter.” Helena’s presence, curled in the corner of the room, tail flicking gently as she watched on, bemused by Mona’s difficulties. “Which of us is the Archaeavid? Laughter. Laughter.”

Mona’s hand moved to her clickplate, not bothering to turn to face her revered sister in a small show of annoyance as she tapped out her response. “Your habits are growing on me. Perhaps I’ll begin eating your rats as well.”

Helena’s clicking laughter stopped abruptly, the immediate silence such a stark difference Mona couldn’t help but snort, finally shaking her head and turning from the mirror, her sisters teasing enough encouragement to stop trying to find fault and begin trying to enjoy her evening. She stepped out of her apartment, giving Helena a quick click goodbye, heading down the stairs. Her journey down was quickly arrested- freezing to a stop on the final step as she caught sight of Olesya, relaxing with her feet on the offices desk, leaning back in the chair.

Her lovely light blue hair shifted as she glanced up from her paper and turned to Mona. She couldn’t hold her indifferent expression for more than a few moments, chuckling as she sat up, slipping her legs off the desk. “God, you look like I caught you sneaking out.”

Mona could only manage an awkward smile, her foot finally touching the first floor as she broke out of the spell Olesya had cast over her to approach, keeping her voice even. “I was just- surprised to see you. I’d thought you had already stepped out to speak to Shirin.”

“Hah, I wanted to wish you luck before I headed out. I just didn’t expect you taking so long to get dressed up.”

Olesya looked over the handsomely dressed Mona standing before her, giving a short, approving nod.

“Hm, good choice. She definitely wants to flaunt some of that wealth with some ostentatious restaurant, so you have to be properly eye-catching. Are you sure you don’t want a scarf?” Olesya did a bit of fussing with Mona’s tie, which Mona acceded to gracefully, glancing at her companion’s focused expression.

“I’ll be fine, Tanya should be able to drive me. And I’m glad you approve.” She kept the statement open-ended, but Olesya’s immediate snort made it clear she’d caught the tone in Mona’s voice. She didn’t dignify it with any further response, seemingly satisfied with Mona, stepping back to sweep her gaze one last time and giving a single assured nod.

“You’re good to go. Enjoy your night on the town.” Olesya finally gave a warm, straightforward smile that made Mona’s heart twinge in her chest, stepping forward to erase the distance Olesya had created between them.

“I’ll be back soon.” A hand reached out, taking Olesya’s and giving a gentle squeeze.

Olesya’s smile softened and she leaned in enough that Mona was able to feel her breath against her lips.

“Don’t worry. I know you’re coming home.”

They held this position for a few moments, Olesya’s lips brushing hers- before Olesya stepped back, waving her hands to shoo Mona away.

“Go, go, I’ll never hear the end of it if you end up keeping her waiting because of me.”

Mona chuckled, her heart feeling lighter. She gave a small nod, turning away to make her way out the door. Breathing in the crisp air of Novograd, shivering a bit in the evening chill as the Inquiries & Actions door shut behind her. The sun was still out, but the streets were quieter than usual, with many keeping warm and comfortable in bars or clubs. Shirin’s Urumqi must’ve been doing some good business, the strange early cold that had come over Novograd leaving the grass of the city frosted over and crunching beneath boots.

Overheard again and again on the bustling streets these past few weeks were the bursts of visible breath between companions while they hurried to classes and businesses, all shocked and affronted by the unexpected chill.  The conversations were common and unceasing, every citizen shocked that the ever-changing city had changed in a way many were unprepared for, and how winter boots, jackets, and scarves had all been sold out before winter stock had been prepared.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts; her shoes had been tapping against the road as she followed the familiar path to a reliable friend even while lost in her curiosities about the city and its people. Novograd was many things to Mona, but even cold and quiet, she found a great deal of warmth in approaching Tanya’s garage, her outer chill shaken off by the sound of an engine turning over.

“Tanya Igorovna!” Mona waved a hand, clenching and unclenching it a few times to lessen the hold of the chill on her as she bent to slip under the shutter door, propped partially open by a wheeled shelf with a few precarious cans stacked atop.

"Boss?” Tanya twisted around in the front seat of the Phaeton, a bit of a smile forming as she caught sight of Mona’s clothes. “Spiffy! Special occasion? Where do you need to go?”

“Mhm. I’m meeting a… friend at a restaurant in the Evros district. I was hoping I’d be able to get a ride.”

“Of course, of course! I just got back home a few minutes back, engines still warm. Hop in, I’ll lift the shutter up right quick!” Tanya leapt into action, pulling herself out of the car- giving Mona a view of Tanya’s own suit- and how her tie appeared only loosely tied, while her hair was a bit more disheveled than Tanya’s usual handsomely combed fluffy curls. Were those some lipstick smears at her neck-? Chuckling a bit, Mona got into the middle seat, quickly joined by Tanya returning to the driver’s seat.

“You’re looking spiffy yourself. Date went well?”

“Jeeze, Boss! No wonder you’re a detective, I thought I cleaned up pretty well.” She started up the car, wasting no time pulling out of the garage and hitting the road. “Ah- sorry, Boss, I was just about to fix one of the window cranks, my date hadn’t used one before and messed it up. Gonna be a bit of a chilly drive.”

“That’s fine- but it must’ve been a really good date to make you forgive some damage to your Phaeton.”

Mona didn’t get a chance to tease her driver much more thanks to the building chill as the car began to pick up speed, cupping her hands over her ears. As she began gently massaging them, she settled in for the ride- catching sight of how Tanya had pulled on a colorful, furry set of earmuffs over her head, the strap styled with fluffy material shaped like Shimii ears. Tanya caught Mona’s expression in the rearview, breaking into a shameless grin.

“She said she was so worried I’d freeze my ears off driving at speeds like that with my window stuck and wouldn’t take no for an answer- really cute, honestly. I kept telling her it was an easy fix, but it’s tough to turn down a girl intent on something. And they’re real cozy!”

Mona laughed, patting Tanya’s shoulder before returning her hand to protect her ears once more. She gave a few more directions as they gradually slowed to a stop before a bright, ostentatious Gaulish restaurant lit by electric lamps, decorated with painted greenery- perhaps an effort to resist the whims of winter. Mona gave Tanya her rubles, waving off an expected offer to wait.

“No, it’s fine. She’ll insist on getting me home herself, you should go and warm up.”

“Don’t worry about me, Boss! I’m real warm.” Tanya gave a grin and tap to her earmuffs, a final wave goodbye her last motion before hopping back into her Phaeton. Mona watched as the speed she was picking up was immediately arrested to aid a bundled-up horned woman with her arms full of shopping bags. Shaking her head, a smile on her face, Mona turned and left Tanya to her misadventures.

Stepping through the double doors and savoring the warmth of the restaurant, Mona barely had time to adjust her suit jacket before she was nearly bowled over by her date for the night, Regina Matton wasting no time to wrap her arms around Mona’s arm, eyes sparkling as she looked up at her.

“Mona! I was starting to worry- you have a way of keeping a woman on edge.” She leaned in, planting a chaste kiss upon Mona’s cheek and immediately pulling back in shock.

“Privet, Regina, I’m still early, you had no need-”

“I have plenty of need! You’re frozen solid! Did you walk from your office!?”

“One of Tanya’s windows was stuck down, it’s fine, I’ll warm up in-”

“Hmph! Darling, before this evening ends, we’re getting you a scarf and earmuffs! I can’t believe she let you ride without making sure you were properly bundled up- what’s that smile about?”

Mona cut off her chuckle, her arms holding Regina close- enjoying the warmth of the cozily dressed elf despite her protests. “It’s nothing, it’s nothing. Whatever you say, Regina. This is your night.”

Regina, still looking a bit suspicious, nodded firmly. “That’s right! I chose the restaurant- you wouldn’t believe how hard it is to get a reservation here; it’s been full-up for months- so you couldn’t mix business and pleasure…” Her voice became more critical. “again.”

Mona lifted her hands up, making a conciliatory expression to Regina as she spoke in a gentle, affectionate tone. “Of course. Don’t worry- I don’t have any jobs right now, everything’s quiet, Olesya’s having-” She stopped as Regina’s finger met her lips, an overly sweet smile crossing her elven features.

“Dear, it’s rather rude to bring up other women on a date.” There was a dangerous edge in her voice that Mona, despite having recently been torn apart by otherworldly limbs, was loath to meet.

“I’m sorry, Regina, that was thoughtless of me. Tonight is all about you. So- I should say, you look beautiful.”

Regina gave a satisfied huff, her fancy black evening gown showing off her gentle features, the fluffy hat and coat folded over an arm complimenting the glittering material of her dress and heels. After hanging her coat, she wasted no time to lean into Mona’s embrace once more- although the two of them were interrupted by a not-so-subtle cough from the host, standing impatiently as the two of them fussed over each other in the entryway.

“So, just the two of you then?”

Mona stepped forward, hooking Regina’s arm and giving an apologetic smile. “That’s right, two, under… Matton, yes?” She glanced at Regina, who gave a little nod, happily resting her head on Mona’s shoulder.

“… Great. Please follow me.” Remaining toneless, the host took two menus from behind their stand, leading them to a private table, already set. Mysia, as their nametag read, set the menus down, giving a halfhearted bow. “Your waitress will be with your shortly.” They promptly turned around, heading back to their podium.

Mona pulled out Regina’s chair, her date happily sitting down and resting her chin in her hands as Mona undid her jackets buttons before sitting across from her. The window seat they sat near made the contrast of the comfortable warmth with the visible frost outside even more sharp; the warm lightning of the restaurant revealing the ornate decorations inlaid upon the tables and chairs around them- Mona glancing down to see several forks and knives of different sizes along the sides of her plate, alongside several wine glasses. It was a bit overwhelming, so she settled for simply taking the napkin and laying it across her lap.

The pair sat in an awkward silence together for a few moments before they laughed in unison, shaking their heads.

“I think this is the first time we’ve been together without any crisis in the making.” Regina chuckled, idly rubbing the corner of her napkin between her fingers, becoming a bit shier after the awkwardness.

Mona couldn’t help but feel a twinge in her heart- keeping an even expression as she leaning closer and laid her hand over Regina’s.

“I’m all yours tonight. Nothing could distract me from you, Regina Matton.”

Regina’s cheeks flushed a bit, her palm twisting to intertwine her fingers with Mona’s, glancing away. “Your hands are still cold… I suppose I could help a sleazy detective like you warm them up.”

Mona winced at the insult, but didn’t withdraw her hand, glancing up as a waitress arrived. Mona shifted her free hand to pick up the menu, but Regina snapped it up from the table in a single smooth motion, handing both to the waitress with an easy smile.

“We’ll both have the full course. I believe the l’aperitif comes with the house champagne? No need to do the long sell, thank you.”

She received a polite nod as the waitress promptly stepped away, Regina turning back to Mona with a playful expression.

“I’m treating you, darling. You said we lived in different worlds- and hearing that… frustrated me. So tonight, I’m inviting you into mine. Hmph. Throwing my name around for invites and tables isn’t my usual way of doing things, so you’d better appreciate it, detective.”

Mona felt truly warm for the first time since she’d left home, her free hand lifting in defeat as she gestured to their plating. “Thank you, Regina. I’ll cherish this world of yours, simply because of your presence in it. But I may need some assistance with all of these… different forks.”

Regina snorted, withdrawing her hand to properly arrange her napkin in her lap- although a faint flush was visible on her cheeks.

“What? It’s totally simple- start outside and work your way in with each course. Ah! Not yet! I’ll let you know.”

Mona froze, nodding with an intensity that made Regina laugh out loud as she carefully set the fork she’d taken up back where it had been placed.

It was only a matter of moments until the waitress returned, uncorking and pouring them both a glass of champagne and setting small bowls of olives for each of them atop their plates, setting the bottle close to Regina. Regina wasted no time in lifting her glass and sipping, closing her eyes in a contented squint- Mona could swear her ears were wiggling gently.

Mona lifted her own glass, sipping the bubbling wine and blinking in surprise at the unexpected sweetness. The fizzy sensation over her tongue was strange, but the fruity taste felt rather refreshing. Mona ending up taking a longer sip than she had intended before she set the glass down.

“Mona, Mona, try some olives. They’re yummy!~” Regina leaned forward, plucking an olive from her bowl and extending it towards Mona. Without much hesitation, Mona leaned in, parting her lips to receive her dates proffered olive.

As Regina’s fingertips met Mona’s tongue, she immediately could taste the herbs- garlic and thyme melding perfectly with the saltiness of the olive, with the more subtle tastes of pepper and lemon coming through as she bit down. Mona swallowed, beginning to lower back into her seat- but the expectant look on Regina’s face brought her to a stop. Plucking an olive from her bowl, she returned the favor- shivering a bit as Regina’s soft lips met her fingertips, tongue pulling the olive free- Regina holding eye contact with Mona the entire time she chewed before the pair finally broke apart. Mona took a hurried sip of champagne to regain her composure, Regina snacking on olives.

“Ah, Regina?” Mona spoke up and lowered her nearly emptied glass.

“Mhmm?” Regina tilted her head, hurriedly swallowing the olive she’d been chewing on.

“I was curious if-” Mona paused as the waitress returned, refilled her champagne, and left once more with a quick bow. “Sorry, I was curious what else you know about the food here. I haven’t ever been to a Gaul restaurant like this before.”

Regina stared for a moment before a teasing smile began to grow, “Oh?~ Well you are in luck, darling Mona. I may not eat here all that often, but I promise you that the Matton family raised me with extravagant knowledge of Gaulish food and dining practices! So get ready for a lovingly curated guide through our food, just for you! Savor my guidance and attentions, for I promise no one else has gotten such a thorough understanding of the culture of fine dining!”

Mona smiled, popping an olive into her mouth and leaning in expectantly as Regina cleared her throat before gesturing to the small bowls before them.

“They, uh, marinate the olives in spices for a time.” Regina nodded authoritatively. Mona waited for her to continue, leading to the silence stretching on for a few more awkward moments before Regina awkwardly lifted her champagne.

“And they ferment this, ah, twice to add bubbles.”

Mona blinked, watching as Regina downed her entire glass before putting her elbows on the table, resting her chin in her hands, giving Mona a soft, warm smile as a new thought seemed to pop into her mind.

“Mmm, oh! Here’s something fun- even though the food’s Gaulish, we’re eating it à la ruthe- in the Ruthenian style. A bunch of Gaulish chefs used to go for ‘wow’ factor of serving everything at once, but the more- hic-, pardon me, curated, slowly presented courses preferred among Ruthenian nobility allowed for much more control over diner’s experience. And it’s- hic- rather elegant, isn’t it?”

Mona was drawn out of Regina’s explanation by noting the rather intense flush on the girls’ cheeks, giving a quick gesture that stopped a waitress’s approach to refill her wine in its tracks.

“Thank you, Regina, that’s fascinating.”

“Hmm hmm, praise me more!”

“You look gorgeous, and your company at my table tonight is worth more than all the Gaulish- or Ruthenian- fine dining in the world.”

Regina giggled a bit, the flush deepening as she broke eye contact, unable to completely wipe the smile from her face.

“God, Mona, you’re too serious by half, that’s so direct! I-I’m happy you’re here too. Thank you.”

Mona nodded her acknowledgement, sipping champagne to keep from saying anything that might detract from Regina’s mood- surprised as the waitress came upon them, wasting no time removing the emptied bowls of olives before setting small plates bearing their second course atop the larger plates at their table. Clearing her throat and making sure the attention was focused upon her, she introduced the dish.

“Mussels upon tartlet crust, seasoned with powdered pepper and lemon juice, on a bed of caviare.”

She spoke authoritatively, leaving them after setting a pair of patterned spoons upon their plates.

The course itself was extravagant, a firm crust filled with shimmering beads reflecting the light of the restaurant, almost seeming to glow. Mona could recognize this as caviare, with a single oyster in the center of the small fish-egg garnished tart, the meat glistening with a few flakes of pepper. Regina hummed happily, picking up the small spoon and wiggling it at Mona.

“Mother-of-pearl~ Because, Mona, most other spoon materials would affect the flavors…” She wasted no time scooping a small spoonful of caviare, squinting with pleasure as she tasted it.

Mona followed her example, tasting- and was immediately hit by the fragile saltiness, the sensation of the beads popping in her mouth making her eyebrows knit- the unexpected eggy taste softening the pearls. It wasn’t bad- but felt strange, setting her spoon down and savoring the slight aftertaste.

Looking at Regina, she found her previous expression of joy replaced with a contorted face, her fingers plucking the shell from the center of the tart, meeting Mona’s eyes.

“Ah- I know it’s, good but… It’s a bit slimy, right? Perhaps not my favorite Archaean delicacy… I may just stick to the caviare.”

“Oh? Feel free to have some of mine, if you’d like, then. I’m not quite sure if caviare is my dish.”

Mona glanced down at her own oyster as she replied. The meat within the shell was rather… unappealing. Raw and glimmering with juices, Mona raised her eyes from the sight and gave Regina a slight smile, wasting no time lifting her own shell from its tart and gesturing as if to toast.

Closing her eyes and pressing the edge of the shell to her lower lip, she lifted it in a single smooth motion. Mona was hit by the briny, lemony taste of the liquid first- immediately followed by the sensation of the meat between her teeth, surprisingly less slimy than she’d expected. Rolling it onto her tongue, the brininess made her feel as though she’d swallowed a mouthful of seawater, biting into the firm- but not unpleasant- texture.

Chewing and swallowing, Mona set her oyster down, Regina looking at her with an expression of disbelief. Slowly, in a single motion, she nudged her plate across the table, offering her still uneaten oyster- although there wasn’t a bite of caviare in sight.

“Well- since it seemed like you enjoyed it so much…”

“Thank you, Regina. It’s not an experience I’ve had before at all, any of this.”

“Hm! I’m glad you’re enjoying the efforts I’ve gone through.”

Mona lifted the oyster, sipping the liquor before tipping the meat into her mouth, setting the shell down and sliding the plate back to Regina.

Regina leaned forward, a slight smile on her face as she knit her fingers together. She seemed to be turning over some thoughts in her head, staring thoughtfully at her handsomely dressed date. It seemed the initial flush from the champagne had mellowed, although her cheeks still had a pleasant redness.

“Mona Alexandri…”

“Mmm?” Mona hurriedly finished chewing, swallowing and sitting up straight at Regina’s change in tone and bearing.

Regina had a serious expression on her face, waiting for a beat as their plates were cleared away.

“So- at the gallery.”

Mona felt an immediate desire to occupy herself with the champagne label, eyes shifting away from Regina’s expression. That smile seemed far more frightening than it had been mere moments ago.

“Yes?”

“You were stringing me along. For your… case.”

“That’s not- I… Regina, you know it was important, we had to help Marian-”

“I know, I know! It was more important than us, and I’m glad you were able to save her. I’m not heartless.” Regina threw her hands up, huffing as she gave Mona a conflicted look.

“But that’s what it always feels like. Cozying up to me for the sake of something more important. I-I wanted to try and bring you into my world because it feels like you use our differences as an excuse to pull away, but I keep feeling like I might have gotten all ahead of myself, or you’re just humoring me. Or you’re actually on some case!” Regina’s voice hitched a bit, and she cleared her throat, trying to relax and regain a bit of composure.

Mona’s initial discomfort rapidly faded away as Regina spoke, reaching out over the table- intending to take her hand, but Regina’s hands lifting to rub at her flushed cheeks from her outburst reduced Mona to impotently resting her hand between them. She swallowed again, Mona feeling a precipice that she didn’t feel prepared to climb.

Her relationship with Olesya was based on- implicit understandings, unspoken desires, and intimacy chased by the looming weight of Mona’s goals. Regina wasn’t simply a rich heiress Mona was taking advantage of, but expressing her thoughts felt… difficult, in new ways for her.

“Regina.”

“Mhm?”

“I-” Excuses and plots of dancing around the truth fell apart on her lips, Mona letting out a quiet sigh, looking Regina directly in the eyes, and- slightly- letting the mask of The Detective fall away.

“I’m not… very good at this. Talking, or being with people- I-I grew up rather sheltered. Most of my conversations with… my teacher had a goal, something to achieve or learn. I bring that… here, too.” She gestures vaguely for a moment before her hands returned to the table, a finger beginning to idly tap as Regina sat silent, giving her time to collect her thoughts further.

“I have things I need to do, and they’re important to me. You are- and Olesya is too- but I am always thinking in relation to those goals. Experiencing new sights, sounds, tastes- they’re all steps on that path too. But… I’ve been trying, to make time for us, and I want to spend time with you and experience more with you- for me.”

Mona sighed again, vision straying from the girl sitting across from her, into the chilling darkness drawing in upon the streetlamps outside.

“I’m always on a case. Two, actually. But tonight, they aren’t what I’m focused on. It’s just you and me, Regina Matton. If you’re still willing to share the rest of the night with a sleazy Detective.”

She found herself hesitating to turn back to Regina, to see the look on her face. Wondering if she could think of ways to step back from the leap she had taken, ways of damage control or honeyed words to bring her back in. So Mona was startled by the warmth of a hand wrapping around her own, gaze brought back- the radiant sight of Regina’s soft, loving smile drowning out all of the icy night around them.

“Mona. Thank you. Detective and all, you’re… it’s you, as you are, that I-”

The soft chime of metal-on-metal stopped her as both turned to stare at the waitress began to remove their dishes in preparation for the next course, seemingly startled by the put-out expressions Mona and Regina shared. With a soft ‘hmph’ she introduced the course, four dishes laid before the pair- two holding several small, golden rings of a rich dough coated with crumbs of bread still glistening with oil and garnished with cheese, while two plates of a clear, fragrant amber broth were placed upon the service plates before them.

“Consommé a la Mediolaniase. Macaroni quoits alongside chicken consommé.”

With another bow, she left before the pair could respond- Mona and Regina sharing a look and a slight awkward chuckle, withdrawing their hands and preparing to dine.

“Ah- Mona, dear- now you can use the cutlery laid out. The one spoon and outermost fork.” Regina spoke warmly, the awkwardness from their earlier conversation now replaced with a very earnest affection.

“Thank you, Regina.” Mona’s voice had a similar tone, the clear ease with which Regina had accepted her putting the Detective’s unsteady heart at peace.

Following Regina’s practiced motions, she sipped the consommé- startled by the strength and flavor of chicken in the simple soup. Impaling a macaroni upon her fork, Mona was similarly awed at the sweetness and cheesiness of the dough, the crunch of the fried breaded dough and the layered flavoring of the rings heightened after the brine of the entrée.

The pair dug in without delay, momentarily sharing fond looks between bites and sips, enjoying each other’s quiet presence and middle ground they’d found to share this night.

It didn’t take long for both to finish savoring the delectable course, and for it to be taken away, their champagne glasses removed, and a sherry poured instead to be drank alongside the upcoming course.

Regina wasted no time laying her hand at the center of the table, palm up. With all of their plates cleared away, Mona had plenty of room to rest her hand upon her dining companions.

“Mona- we were interrupted earlier, but I do want to thank you… for letting me into your world as well.”

Mona found that straightforward smile and those lovely eyes quite distracting, unable to put together a response for a long moment- eventually managing to mumble out a soft, “It’s the least I could do.”

The fish course passed in a companionable silence, remains of the buttered trout taken away as the core of the meal was savored by the couple. Mona’s initial concern about Regina’s weakness to alcohol was eased as the heiress seemed to spend most of the meal looking fondly at- her.

The Detective and The Heiress had a few moments between courses to bring their hands back together and wasted no time in doing so. The chill of outside had long been forgotten, Mona’s hand warmed by Regina’s palm as the other girl spoke idly, eyes wandering the restaurant.

“You know, I don’t wish to jinx us, but I feel we’ve had quite the lovely date- and without your type of chaos pounding down the door and pulling you back into it.”

The sweet tone of voice made Mona take it as the lighthearted slight it was intended as, huffing and raising an eyebrow.

“Am I so unreliable to you that you think I can’t take a single night off? That I am so busy and loaded with paperwork Helena and Olesya both won’t let me step foot out of the office?” She gave an exaggerated shake of her head. “I’m not so henpecked as that, Regina Matton.”

Regina’s eyes narrowed, leaning in a bit and using her free hand to poke in Mona’s direction.

“That’s a new name- who’s this Helena girl that’s hanging about your office? Another woman at the mercy of your reckless charms?”

Mona laughed out loud, unable to stop herself as she defensively waved her own unheld hand.

“No, no, it’s my older sister, it’s nothing like that! I’ll take you to meet her sometime, I think you two would get along.”

Regina let out a huff at Mona’s outsized reaction, grumbling a bit as the waitress returned, placing new service plates before them both and naming the course once more.

“Côtelettes a la Murillo. Lamb cutlets with mushrooms and cheese.”

As she left again, Mona returned her gaze to Regina, inquiring.

“…How many courses are there?”

“Oh-ho? Getting tired of me already, sleazy detective of mine?”

“No, not at all- but I am beginning to get full.”

Regina let out a soft bark, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.

“My, I’ll let the Ruthenians know how unimpressed you are with their dining preferences-!” Moments later, however, she smiled sympathetically and dropped the exaggerated tone.

“Don’t worry, this is the main- all that’s left afterwards is th-”

She hesitated as Mona’s gaze flicked elsewhere in the restaurant, but her question was stifled by a look.

“Don’t mind me- thought I saw something. Would you like to do anything after dinner, Regina?”

Regina’s eyes lit up and after a moment to steel her nerves, she cleared her throat before beginning to make her pitch.

“Ah- I actually was thinking, since it’s so cold, and you don’t have a ride, would you.. maybe be willing to relax at my place for a b-”

Now she was interrupted by Mona standing with a clatter of the chair, eyes wide as the previously relaxed and lounging detective stormed past a chest-high divider in the restaurant. The scene drew the attention of the other diners, Regina’s shock and confusion rising as she stood, following after Mona.

And found her, a cold look in her eyes… and a small, cheap-looking camera in her left hand, the host who had let them in gripped firmly by their lapel in her right. Regina felt a bolt of cold run through her.

“M-Mona…”

“I thought I’d heard a click. And- I believe this Mysia might be moonlighting selling gossip to rags about town.”

Mysia gave a nervous shrug, seemingly unable- or unwilling- to defend themselves, weakly attempting to wriggle out of Mona’s grasp without any sign of success.

Their waitress and a few other staff approached the scene, and upon seeing the details began profusely apologizing, begging forgiveness and offering to waive the bill out of this shameless breach of trust.

Regina’s hand gently met Mona’s shoulder, drawing that smoldering look away from the sweating Mysia back to her.

“Ah- Mona… l-let’s just go, okay? This… sucks.”

Mona blinked, giving a slow nod and- just as Mysia was letting out a sigh of relief- dropped the camera and brought her foot down on it hard. Forcing them to watch as the device splintered beneath her nicest shoes.

Mysia’s whining was ignored as Mona dropped them completely to wrap her arms around Regina, ushering her to the doorway and attempting to read the sudden shift in her attitude.

“Regina, are you alright? We can finish our dinner if you’d like- or do anything else, it’s-”

She was cut off by a stifled sob, Mona’s alarm only growing as she slumped against the detective.

“I-I’ve been giving you a hard time about your job, and your work, and your world all night but… It was mine that led to… this.” Tears were already smearing some makeup, Mona’s thumb gently brushing one away.

“Regina, I’m still here, and our night isn’t over. Come on, let me take you home and get you cleaned up.”

Still sniffling, Regina nodded and let Mona help her pull her jacket back on before the pair stepped out into the evening chill. They were out of the restaurant for only a moment before a sudden lurch in Mona’s stomach paired with a throb in her chest set her on alert once again.

“My, my, does your lovely assistant know what you’re getting up to?” Came a voice, immediately recognizable- alongside the urge that arose in Mona’s body, a thrum of heat as she twisted to face Eris, instinctively moving between her and Regina.

“M-Mona!? Who’s this, what’s-” Regina shifted to look past Mona’s shoulder, the sight of the bundled-up woman in front of them drawing no recognition.

“Oh? Mona, dear, won’t you introduce us? Why, we can have some extended introductions- I had my chauffeur bring me here for dinner, but helping my sister and her lovely date home must take priority, of course.”

Regina’s confusion only grew- the fondness in Mona’s earlier tone when speaking about her sister at odds with how defensively she was facing off with the woman who claimed kinship. Mona’s heart was pounding, finding it hard to draw her gaze away from the hot breath that spilled from Eris’s lips with every word.

Small mercies, Mona supposed, that Eris’s name hadn’t come up when explaining Marian’s ‘manager’ situation. But she stayed on guard, eyes narrowed at the other woman, clad in fluffy ostentatious winterwear, a mean little smirk on her lips. Unfortunately, her dedication to this being a ‘night off’ also meant she had been left without her keyring.

“Regina… this is… my… little sister, Eris. Eris, this is my dear companion, Regina Matton.”

She spoke hesitantly, as though daring Eris to chime in or make things worse, but all she did was give Mona a teasing little wink, gesturing towards the car behind her- chauffeur, hurrying to get around and open the door for the trio.

Mona glanced at Regina as she leaned close, hiding her mouth behind her hand.

“Mona, dear- I-I’m not quite sure what’s going on, but… if you need, we could get another car, or-”

Mona’s decision was made then, Regina’s voice still trembling, tears still unfrozen on her cheeks. Giving one more glare to Eris, she wrapped an arm around Regina, whispering into her pointed ear in turn.

“No, no, I said I would get you home, and I don’t want you out in this cold. A Detective doesn’t break her word.”

Regina’s ears twitched from the sensation of Mona’s lips brushing against them, the heiress composing herself a bit more and giving Eris a nod of thanks as she made to go slip into the car. Mona stood outside it for a moment longer, gaze boring into an innocent-seeming Eris.

“Truly a coincidence, revered older sister, I promise! This seems to be a popular spot these days~ But making a girl cry on a date? How ungentlemanly! How- weh!”

She let out an undignified little noise at Mona’s invasion of her personal space, the Detective’s own urges writhing around her insides as she spoke, very firmly, very softly, and with an expectation of utter obedience from the Damsel.

“I am taking Regina home. You won’t involve her in anything with your Futurists or harass her or her artists any further.”

“Hmph. I told you already, our war has a different goal.” She shrugged carelessly. “If she doesn’t know anything of Euphemia, she doesn’t interest me in the slightest. Now- come on, come on, it’s freezing!” She pushed Mona away, the Detective’s eyes never straying as she slipped into the middle seat of the car, squeezed between a bewildered Regina and moments later an effusive Eris.

“You’ve told the driver your address? Wonderful! Off we go! Oh, Regina, dear, I must say- that gallery you put on recently was spectacular. I was enthralled by some of the artwork there!~”

Regina, forced to immediately transition to a more public persona, did so with aplomb, nodding her appreciation and noting her thanks. However, at the sight of Eris and Mona’s apparent coldness, her curiosity was finding it difficult to resist poking at them further.

“Mona, dear, are you and your sister close…?”

Eris giggled and laid her head against Mona’s own, the scent of her hair and body making Mona’s hair stand on end. Was it some expensive soap- surely the scent of Eris's body wasn't this distracting!? Digging her nails in her palm, Mona managed to regain control of herself just as her younger sister gave a teasing response.

“Oh, we’re so close! After that gallery of yours, Mona dear and I had some quality sisterly bonding! In fact- speaking of how close we sisters are- I have a wonderful idea for finding out how close you two are!”

Mona gave a grumble that could possibly be interpreted as dissent, but Eris’s limitless enthusiasm took hold of the conversation even further, extending a hand. After a few moments of difficulty with her oversized, furred mittens, with the evening lights of the city speeding by around them, Eris had found her intended target. Wriggling a gleaming golden band off her index finger, she plucked a single bright red hair from her own head, tying it around the ring.

“This is the latest and greatest in scientific discovery, Regina, it’s called Pendelforschung- a scientific method for divining much in the world. Similar to astrology, if you’ve heard tell of it?”

“Ah- my sign is Sagittarius, if that’s what you’re looking for?” Regina answered immediately, while Mona’s own turmoil of feelings were being mellowed by utter confusion at what Eris was even doing.

“Driver, slow down, please, I need some stability for this.” She spoke up, and as the car slowed to a crawl, she pressed her middle fingers together, holding the strand of hair with a ring dangling at the end between them.

“Regina, here, put your hand out! This science uses a golden material as a medium to read Oleum and identity imprinted in all sorts of things.”

Regina, finding herself enjoying Eris’s eagerness to show off her trick, slid her palm beneath the ring- and as Mona rolled her eyes, the three noticed a slight motion of the ring, wavering gently between Eris’s unmoving fingertips.

“Perfect! An excellent result! The elliptical motion here, Regina, means your feminine energy is quite strong to be read so clearly.”

“Oh, wow!”

“… was it really an elliptic?” Mona spoke up for the first time in a few moments, the extended exposure to the strange feelings Eris provoked making her willingness to play along nonexistent. However, when both Eris and Regina turned to her with a pouting expression, she found herself on the defensive immediately.

“I’ll have you know this process is EXTREMELY scientific, and-”

“Mona! It’s just fun, come on, stick your hand out, please!”

“I just said it’s not for fun, it’s scientific! There’s evidence! Papers!”

“Monaaaaaaaa!”

Faced with both of them whining in her ears, Mona let out a huff, and stuck her hand straight out, forcing Eris to lean over her, Regina watching excitedly as the ring-on-a-string began to twitch.

“Ah! It’s moving! Is it different? What does that mean, Eris?”

“Good eyes, Regina!” Eris’s voice became coyer now, tugging the string up and snatching the ring back in a single smooth motion, leaning over Mona to confer with Regina.

“Now, Mona’s presence resulted in the ring turning in a circular pattern, which is scientifically proven to represent a ‘masculine’ energy which would pair perfectly with your feminine, Regina!”

Regina gave an excited glance to Mona, a light flush on her cheeks. And Mona, despite her discomfort, couldn’t quite ignore the profound effect the distraction had brought about in Regina’s mood. So she managed a wan little smile to Regina, glancing over at Eris.

“Thank you…. Sister.”

“Oh, and- just so you know~” She leaned in conspiratorially once more, whispering to Regina loud enough for Mona to easily hear.

“My energy is a strong feminine as well, which also makes me a good match for Mona! So watch out, Regina!~” She giggled, and Regina laughed along with her- provoked a confused expression on Eris’s face.

“Well, of course you two would pair well, you’re sisters! I’m sure you both get along great!”

Mona and Eris’s eyes met in mutual bafflement- before both of them turned away in a huff, provoking another laugh from Regina. Eris grumbled under her breath about ‘taking science seriously’ while Mona shifted a bit closer to Regina, taking her hand. The car grew a bit quieter for a few minutes before slowly pulling to a stop before Regina’s abode.

Eris got out and gave a gentle bow as Mona helped Regina out of the car after, Regina sharing a quick word with Eris, both of them smiling in Mona’s direction. Mona tapped her foot against the sidewalk, feeling a building frustration at how easily it seemed these two had begun to get along. It was… worrying. Even moreso that their main point in common seemed to have something to do with her.

“That’s enough, that’s enough, I’m sure Eris has things to do, important places to get to.” Mona spoke through gritted teeth, Regina laughing again and slipping her arms around one of Mona’s.

“Yes, thank you for the ride, Eris! Goodnight!”

Eris gave a careless wave and another complex look to Mona before slipping back into the car- which immediately sped off into the dark, cold night.

Regina sighed softly, snuggling up against Mona, their breath standing out as they began to head inside.

“Mm, I have to find a cute pair of earmuffs that will look good on you.”

“Hm? Oh.” Mona remembered with a start- and hoped whatever pair Regina picked wouldn’t have Shimii ear accessories.

The pair walked into Regina’s home, arm-in-arm, the Detective and the Heiress overjoyed at the discovery that their worlds able to meet- with some interference from a Damsel.