Krystal and Siren sat on a bench in the main hall of the building, scrolling on their phones.
“Man, can't wait to see what people's reaction to the meeting was,” Krystal said.
Siren scrolled, seeing comments about Aurelia's statements and Zakiya's responses to them. Meanwhile, Krystal was already at the main event: the craze about Dolores.
“11 million views already?!”
“On what, Krys?”
“The clip of Dolores just walking up to the stage. Crazy shit innit!”
“Oh I can't say I'm surprised. Are they going ham in the comments?”
“Hell yeah!”
Krystal pointed at her phone, and Siren leaned in to view the comments.
"Check this out. He called her the hottest woman in the room and said he'd pay all his life savings just to sniff her chair!"
Siren burst out laughing again, almost doubled over in laughter. "Sniff her chair? That's just...wow, I can't even."
Krystal clutched her stomach, still giggling. “Hey, never underestimate the power of someone with an anime profile pic."
“Ah shit, right. I thought typical anime fans were repelled by melanin like a vampire is by the sun.”
“Yeah, but if Dolores was a gacha game character…”
“...That company would make a billion overnight easy.”
"I know, right?"
A second later, they heard footsteps approaching and looked up to see Dolores herself walking towards them.
"Hey guys," Dolores greeted them, her usual composed demeanor still intact despite the chaos surrounding her. “What's so funny?"
Siren snickered and looked at her. "Oh, we're just enjoying some of the... interesting things people have to say about you.""
Krystal chimed in as well. "Yeah, like that one guy who said he'd give up his life savings just to sniff your chair."
Dolores raised an eyebrow, but her expression remained neutral. “Sniff my chair… That's all it takes for these people, just a few molecules of bodily odor.”
“Molecules?” Krystal questioned with a wrinkling of her brows.
"Are you serious...? You don't know how a molecule works? ...I can explain it in simple terms, if you’d like.”
“Hey hey, I'm always open to learning new stuff.”
Dolores began in a patient tone. "All right. The basics: a molecule is the smallest piece you can break a substance down into and still retain all of its chemical properties. So when you smell something, what you are smelling are molecules being released from the source of the odor.”
Krystal nodded, scratching her chin as she absorbed the new information. “Aha, I getcha…so that means if someone were to sniff your chair…?” she asked, drawing out the last word as if expecting an answer.
As Krystal finished her question, Dolores rolled her eyes and gave a small shrug. "Then they would be breathing in a small fraction of the molecules that make up my skin. Sweat, oils, and other bodily fluids. Not exactly the most hygienic or pleasant thing to do, but apparently, it's enough to send some people into a frenzy.”
Siren, who had been listening in, couldn't hold back another chuckle. "Oh wow, the mental image of someone sniffing a chair in the hope of getting a whiff of you. It's equal parts hilarious and disturbing.”
Dolores let out a weary sigh. "It's more than just hilarious and disturbing. It's also dehumanizing. I'm more than just a body and pretty face. My research, my work, my intelligence - all of that matters more to me than any fleeting compliments on my appearance.”
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“Fair,’ Krystal agreed. "Can we blame ‘em though? You did kinda walk into this one. Wearing that skin-tight outfit in front of a room full of nerds and degenerates. It's no wonder they're all losing their minds.”
Dolores sighed, her expression turning more serious. "I wear these clothes for functionality, not to draw attention to myself. The fabric is heat-resistant, water repellent, and flexible, making it perfect for working in the lab. And as for the form-fitting nature, it provides greater ease of movement and prevents loose material from getting caught in any equipment. It's purely practical.”
"Practical, eh?" Krystal teased, "Then why not just wear a lab coat and pants?"
Dolores replied with a shrug. "Lab coats would be too hot and uncomfortable for the work I do, and pants would restrict my movement. As for the tightness of the outfit, it's also necessary. Looser clothing could pose a safety risk in the lab. It wouldn't exactly have the desired effect if I were to accidentally get caught in some machinery.”
"Ah, I guess that makes sense," Krystal conceded, "But then why does it look like it was painted on? Does it have to be that tight?"
"It's not supposed to look tight. The fabric is simply following the contours of my body due to the form-fitting design. The material itself is surprisingly flexible, despite its appearance.”
"Flexible enough to move easily, but tight enough that it leaves little to the imagination," Siren chimed in, a sly smile on her face.
"Yes, that's right," Dolores confirmed.
Krystal let out a low whistle, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm telling you, Si, there's no way that outfit wasn't designed with the intention of making men lose their minds."
Dolores rolled her eyes again. "Trust me, it wasn't. The design of my work clothes was primarily focused on functionality and safety, not aesthetics. Any reactions from others are purely incidental."
"Well, whatever the reason, it definitely works," Siren chuckled. "I mean, the internet's going crazy over you. People can't seem to get enough. Especially that clip of you walking onto the stage. 11 million views in MINUTES and climbing.”
Dolores raised an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and annoyance in her expression. "11 million... That's an absurd number for something as simple as me walking onto the stage. It's ridiculous that people are so fixated on such trivialities.”
“I dunno, girl, the way those cheeks jiggled as you walked up there was downright diabolical.”
“Also,” Krystal piped in, still giggling. "Don't forget about that moment when you bent over to adjust your microphone. The internet went even more berserk over that."
Her expression unchanging, Dolores shook her head. "That moment was simply part of the normal setup process. I wasn't trying to deliberately draw attention to myself.”
Krystal and Siren exchanged a knowing glance. "I think you're just underestimating your own assets," Siren chuckled. "I mean, you've gotta admit, you've got a lot to work with. And on top of that you're a whole scientist, so people can ACTUALLY say that they like your ‘personality’ if you get what I mean.”
Dolores rolled her eyes and replied with a dab of sarcasm, trying to shift the conversation back to the initial topic. "Oh yes, because nothing says 'genuine admiration' like drooling over a person's physical appearance. I'm sure all those comments about my 'curves' and 'ass' just happen to mention my scientific research as well.”
"Aww, come on, Dolores,” Siren replied with a grin. “You know people are shallow morons. Of course they're not going to appreciate the depth of your intellect. They're too busy gawking and drooling over your appearance."
Krystal chimed in, adding, "But hey, don’t let it get to ya. You're not responsible for how people react. You're just out there living your best life, looking good and being smart. It's their loss if they can't see past the surface.”
Dolores let out another sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I know, I know. It's just...frustrating. I've worked hard to get where I am, to have my research recognized. And then all anyone cares about is how I look in a 'tight' outfit.”
Siren put a reassuring hand on Dolores' shoulder. "Hey, it won't always be like this. You'll get your recognition eventually. In the meantime, try to just ignore the BS and keep doing your thing.”
“Exactly,” Krystal chimed in, nodding. “You’re a smart and capable woman. Your value isn’t determined by the attention of a bunch of internet creeps. You know how brilliant you are, and that’s all that really matters.”
Dolores managed a tiny smile, giving a slight nod in response. "Thanks, you two. You're right, I know I shouldn't let it get to me. But sometimes, it's hard not to feel like nobody cares about anything but my looks.”
Siren gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Hey, we care. And we know there's more to you than just your gorgeous looks...though that is definitely a cherry on top.”
Krystal chuckled, adding, "Yeah, you've got the brains, the beauty, the whole package. But don’t worry, we appreciate the whole you, not just your curves.”
"Thanks, I appreciate it," Dolores replied, some of the tension in her shoulders easing. "I guess I just need to remind myself that the people who matter will see beyond the surface. It's not worth wasting time on those who are focused on the shallow aspects of who I am. I'm afraid I must take my leave now, I'm grateful for your time and this…eventful discussion.”
…
“Speaking of eventful discussions,” Uni began, hanging with Trixie beside Yuki's stand. “That meeting was a doozy, eh, Trix?” she ended with a teasing smile.
“It definitely was. So many strong personalities present, especially Aurelia and Zakiya.”
“Tell me about it. I'm just surprised they didn't throw hands."
“Me too. I wonder how Zakiya'd feel if she saw you up there. I mean, I'm no history buff, but the Martinko Clan's past history with Yushalia is…not the best, to put it lightly.”
Uni smirked, her hands on her hips. “Oh, EVERYONE hates my bloodline. Can't blame ‘em though, I do too. That's why I distance myself from them and try my best to make a name for myself, hence why I joined the Alliance. But of course people love to lump me in with them. And when that happens, I just turn my head and keep it moving.”
“Huh, that's the best thing anyone could do. I heard Zakiya's mom is a mess too so I'm not surprised her daughter ended up the same way. Even with the Aurelias, Zakiyas, Zakiya's moms, and Martinkos there are in the world, just let assholes be assholes. I admire Zuri for keeping Aurelia in check.”
“You said it. Unlike Zuri, Zakiya and I, you're new to the game. The game of racist moms.”
Trixie gave a halfhearted eye-roll after Uni's comment. “Not a game I wanna partake in.”
“Mhm. Anywho, speaking of the Alliance and all that good stuff… How's Meteor Corp for you? I heard you're their top agent.”
Trixie blinked at the mention of Meteor Corp, her head dipped in thought as she considered a response to the question.
“Please be careful not to reveal too much,” Piper's voice sounded, her tone tinged with concern.
Of course, Trixie thought.
“Oh, it's a doozy to say the least.”
“Pfft, I know that. But how did you join? How does it all work?”
“I mean…the simplest way I could put it is… My boss took me in when I was very young and trained me in the arts, that being combating the abuse of technology and crime. I was her favorite, a rising star with straight A's across the board. I started off as a field agent, then I became an infiltrator, or spy if you will. Then I became a super agent, and now I'm a part of the special operations team. I get priority over everyone else on missions.”
“Oh, like how we have the Ace Ops,”
Before Trixie could say anything, Uni broke out into laughter. “Hold on, the way you described the ranks sounds like a Ponzi scheme. The relationship you have with your boss sounds like a pyramid scheme, oh boy-”
Uni snickered once more before continuing. “You get all the priority…the whole thing kinda sounds sketchy to me, don'tcha think?”
“You're…onto something. Anywho, I have a new mission I should jump on, so see ya around at the Alliance.” Trixie ended, stepping away from Uni with cautious steps.
“Whatever ya say, Trix. Just stay safe out there.”
Trixie waved and kept going without looking back.
That was close… Trixie thought.
“Indeed,” Piper agreed. “It's best that people don't know too much.”
As if on cue, Trixie's phone rang. She picked it up and saw Sarolta's name on the screen.
…I hope I didn't speak that into existence, Trixie thought.