Bliss
What Roxanne felt was bliss. Peace. To be pampered by one
so small, the four-inch beta at her feet, was a luxury she didn’t think she
could partake in. For years she had scavenged and fled from those a hundred
times her size. She had heard stories of giants that were spoiled by betas. Used
as accessories or as servants. And while Roxanne considered Six neither of
those things she finally found herself in a position where she was able to take
advantage of her larger size.
The beta pushed into the giant’s stocking-clad foot with
all his might, working to edge out any visible pleasure he could from his
gigantic caretaker. It was difficult work. Though he could now be seen as a
beta on the superior spectrum of size, Roxanne’s foot was still a considerable
scope compared to him. He was still a far
size smaller than her foot, which itself was a force of nature all on its own.
The heat that radiated off of it was a clear sign that the larger beta had been
on her feet for the majority of the day. And the perspiration that came from
the cloth covering it showed that she was in constant motion. Six’s arms were
soaked only after a few minutes of work. And he couldn’t even consider himself
halfway done. Whatever effort he did give though was clearly felt, as Roxanne’s
groans were only growing more intense.
“Oh…oh fuuuuuuuuuahahaaaa that feels nice…” Roxanne felt as
though she were in heaven. She’d been on her feet for so long that even the
smallest of stimulations was without description. Even Six’s small hands were
akin to those of a master with how sensitive her soles were. She had to reframe
herself from clenching her toes at several intervals. She wouldn’t want to hurt
her little friend.
But it sure was difficult to hold herself back. So difficult in fact that at
several points she failed to reframe from using her full strength. Unconsciously, her foot would push forward
and into the four-inch beta. He held no illusion that he could force back the
appendage, and so took the full brunt of the hit. It didn’t hurt but it
certainly was enough to knock him on his ass. Yet, even after that type of
humiliation, he wasn’t angry. He just laughed softly to himself and stood back
up.
Six reached for Roxanne’s toes, his first touch having an
immediate effect as they curled around his hand. It was quick. Too quick for
Six to react. And even if he could pull his hand away he’d likely dislocate his
arm with how tight the grip was.
He was about to tell Roxanne that she had unwittingly
gripped his hand with her toes when her other foot came in from behind, pushing
him into the sole of the first with more force than necessary.
“Please, keep going…don’t stop now…” From just having her
foot massaged Roxanne felt any tension throughout the rest of her body ease up.
It was beyond simple alleviation. “This feels divine.”
The feeling was not mutual for Six. Currently, he was being
sandwiched in between Roxanne’s sole and bride of her foot. Her stockings
chaffed his skin. So much so that his now previously pale skin was being marked
red. No open wounds could be felt, thankfully, though he was more than certain
that he was very much bruised.
He found the situation funny. Not even dangerous. A year
ago, such abuse would have been more of an annoyance. Now, he actually suffered
from it. He had wounds. And it made him laugh. Not from him enjoying it, but
from the fact that he could actually experience it again. For over five years
he could feel nothing of similar stimulation. Now? This was the closest he’s
felt to normal in what may as well have been ages.
He did not scream. Instead, he tapped Roxanne’s sole as
lightly as he could without showing that he was in danger. While this did have
the desired effect of gaining his caretaker’s attention it also shared the
consequence of tickling her. A consequence that quickly made itself known when
the pressure increased tenfold. Enough that what came next was audible to
Roxanne.
A crack rather than a crunch. Something had popped, and the
mere thought of what it could be filled Roxanne with dread. She immediately
stopped caring for her massage and allowed Six to drop to the floor as she
pulled her feet back in fright.
“Six!” fear filled her. She must have hurt him, surely. A
crack that loud. Something must have broken. No. Something must have shattered!
“Six! I’m sorry! Oh god!”
The beta lay on the floor, motionless. Roxanne couldn’t
tell if he was breathing or not. She wanted to pick him up but was scared,
terrified, that she may have irreparably harmed him. He wasn’t invincible
anymore. She forgot she had to be careful. Now, she may have very well killed
him!
“Please please PLEASE be alive…” Gently the titaness poked
the beta’s motionless body, as to test the waters of if he were still conscious.
Nothing.
“Six…” Her finger rested on the beta’s chest, waiting to
feel the rise and fall of his breathing. Again, nothing.
“No…please no…” Conflicting emotions flooded Roxanne as she
grew horrified over the prospect of having killed Six. Someone who she
considered a friend. There was, of course, the extreme guilt she felt. She grew
careless and thus forgot the difference in power between the two.
Then there was worry. Without Six the plan on gaining
information from Lynette would fall apart. Lyza would be left with nothing
useful. And worst of all, she’d know who to blame.
The designer’s threat did not dissipate over the course of
the year. Rather, the fear of it only grew. Without Six there was nothing
keeping Lyza from handing Roxanne over to Maya. One bloodied treat for the
psychopath.
But even with that growing threat, Roxanne couldn’t take
her eyes off of Six’s body. It was her fault that he had gotten hurt. And now
it was her fault that he had gotten killed. Lyza’s possible fury didn’t even
matter too much now, in the face of having taken the life of someone she
actually cared for.
She moved her index finger from Six’s chest to his face,
caressing his cheek as well as she could.
“Six… oh Six… I’m so sor-”
And before she could react her finger was bitten by the
beta that she had been scared for. He had been playing possum and playing it
rather well. He was growing lightheaded from holding his breath though, so when
Six saw the chance to make it known that he was alright he took it.
Roxanne pulled her hand back in surprise. The bite didn’t
hurt, being more akin to a sting. It was the fact that Six pulled off such a
cruel joke that hurt more.
“You…you…” Roxanne was at a loss for words. “You…bastard!”
She wasn’t sure if she was mad, relieved, or both. But the emotions were enough
that she was still willing to raise her foot overhead, the urge to bring it
down on the smaller beta very much there. Even with that sort of threat in
front of him, Six did not apologize. He didn’t even beg. He just smiled,
holding one limp arm with his hand.
Roxanne saw this and, reluctantly, lowered her foot. In
front of Six, sure, a reminder that if she really wanted to hurt him she could
do so much worse.
She pulled herself off the couch and knelt in front of the
beta, her towering frame only growing the slightest bit shorter. Though there
was still some anger in her red eyes it was mostly overtaken by concern. “How
badly did I hurt you?”
Six gestured towards his arm. It had come loose from its
socket. It hung like a thread of meat.
“It sounded worse than it actually is.” And over the years
he’s been through events that could have caused worse. Considering who he was
with prior to all this, it could have been much worse. Something like
this didn’t bother him one bit. But that did nothing to relieve Roxanne of her
worry.
“Look, I know you didn’t mean to…”
“Please, Six, not a word.” Roxanne didn’t want to hear it.
Even if he’s suffered worse he still suffered again, by her hands. Or
rather…feet. It was rather harrowing, the reminder that she could hurt him so
easily. And she wasn’t even trying. That’s how easy it was. That’s how fragile
he was now.
She didn’t even want to look at him and be reminded of that
fact. “Please, just let me set your arm in place.” She lowered her open palm onto
the floor and waited patiently for the beta to step on it.
Six just patted her waiting fingers. “No need to worry
about that, I can fix it myself.”
Roxanne was puzzled until the smaller beta grabbed his
dislocated shoulder. Confused at first her expression quickly changed the
moment she realized what he was doing.
“Nonono Six, don’t even think about it that’s disgusting!”
Without warning the beta forcefully pushed his arm back
into its socket. There was a sickening crunch as Six’s arm was put back into
place. Roxanne fell back in shock, the force of her nearly landing on her back
more than enough to throw Six on his own rear. She looked at the beta in shock,
amazed he could even endure something like that.
“You’re insane!” she claimed. “You are actually insane
ohmygod!”
“I lived with a serial killer for years.” Six reasoned. “I
went through more hell than most people could even dream of. You think I can
afford sanity? Hell no.”
“But seriously, that?” Roxanne felt herself close to throwing
up. “That was sickening!” How someone could pop their arm back into place,
without causing themselves further injury, was unheard of. How much trouble Six
must have gone through to even develop that sort of skill was staggering in
itself. But the fact that he was comfortable doing it right in front of her was
another story. “You couldn’t have done that elsewhere?”
“It wasn’t like you were going to give me much of a chance
to go anywhere, with how worried you were.” The beta reasoned. “Besides, it’s
fine.”
“It really isn’t.”
“It is, Roxy. I’m fine.”
The larger beta stood up and began pacing around the living
room. She was breathing far too quickly for her liking, a result of going
through so many emotions so quickly. She felt rage, relief, wonder, and
astonishment. “God damn Six, you’re going to give me grey hair and split ends
by the end of the year. I should just step on you for that…”
Once more she raised her foot over the beta, who once again
didn’t even look worried. She wanted to scare him, just as he scared her. She
wiggled her toes for emphasis, the red polish upon her nails clear even through
her stockings. No reaction of terror. No fear. Six was well beyond that sort of
emotion given what he’s endured. So, Roxanne relented.
“God, and I was worried too.” Roxanne found herself
embarrassed over the fact that Six was so easily able to fool her. Slowly
though, that embarrassment turned to soft chuckles. And eventually, that turned
into full-blown laughter. Adorable mirth with the occasional snort in it.
Even after a minute her laughter didn’t stop. It was so
much that Roxanne was forced to fall back onto the sofa to catch herself. A bit
too far to the left though and she would have landed right on Six’s house.
Thankfully she did eventually manage to compose herself. “You’re a little
asshole, you know that?”
Roxanne just sat there, allowing the relief of Six being
fine to fill her body as she thought about what to do next. Continuing her
massage was out of the way, as she’d now be opposed to the idea for obvious
reasons. The most she could do right now was offer aid. “I suppose I should help with those bruises. Set
up a little ice pack for you, to help with any swelling should that occur. But before
I do that I think I should make us dinner. As for you…” Roxanne overlooked
Six’s sweat-stained shirt. It was her perspiration that covered his body,
clinging to it like oil. She grimaced over the possible scent he carried. “You
should probably take a shower before you eat.”
“That’s probably for the best.” The smaller beta agreed.
Luckily he needed no help with that task. His portable home held a shower for
him to use. Per Lynette’s promises.
“And make sure you use cold water.” Roxanne instructed.
“It’ll help with the bruises.”
Six offered no sort of resistance to the recommendation.
While he kept a brave face, he was actually in a fair amount of pain the longer
he stood around. Enough that he could only nod rather than say okay. It was
enough for Roxanne luckily, the titan of a woman rising from the couch to make
her way to the kitchen. Six imagined he had at least a few hours before the two
ate. That’d be plenty of time to rest his body.
Though this life still had its hardships it was far better
than the one he had before.
An hour after she had begun cooking, Roxanne still couldn’t
get the previous events out of her head. They hung over her like a cloud. While
she was still grateful for the fact that Six was fine, or as fine as one could
be after taking on tons of weight from a giant foot, the feeling that things
could have taken a turn for the worse was not absent. It was still very much
here.
She fidgeted with her feet as she relived the memories.
Even if it wasn’t her attention, the pressure she placed upon Six helped in
releasing the stress of the day. It felt good, the sensation of rolling the
small beta between her lowest of extremities. With his whole body, he was able
to knead out any building pressure far more effectively than with his arms. It
almost made Roxanne eager to do it again.
Almost being the keyword.
She blushed at the thought of how she would do it.
Previously, she had asked if Six was up to the task. Next time, she could very
easily force him to comfort her soles. She had already shown that she possesses
more than enough power to dominate him while still being completely oblivious
to the ordeal he was enduring. Oh, the things she could do to him were they
both fully aware of one another. It made Roxanne shiver.
She bit her thumb in arousal, only to quickly pull away as
she just remembered she had been touching raw ham for hers and Six’s dinner.
Ham and cheese croquettes. Roxanne’s favored dish from when she was a child.
Not terribly difficult to make, just requiring a fair bit of store-bought
ingredients. Mashed potatoes to have the ham mixed into, an abundance of sharp
cheddar cheese, and finally parsley. For that extra bit of flavor.
Top off the mix with a little dab of salt and pepper and
everything was ready to mix, shape, and fried. Working in the kitchen was
almost as fun as working in the lab for the large beta. That thought was enough
to make her realize that much of the apartment was a mess, a result of her
constantly experimenting with any bit of technology she could.
“I should really clean up after cooking.” The titaness
mused. She then smiled softly. “If I’m able then maybe I can convince Six that
I’m tired enough for another massage?” She’d be gentler, of course, but it
certainly was a tempting idea. Roxanne laughed it off though. Six had gone
through enough today and needed a rest. Some food and a relaxing movie were all
the two of them needed.
She’d pick what they’d watch this time though. Six always
chose some action movie and Roxanne wasn’t going to sit through another one of
those.
Midway into shaping the croquettes, a knock came from the
door. Loud enough that Roxanne nearly dropped the lump of food she was sculpting.
Catching it mid-air, she accidentally crushed the whole thing. Yet another
reminder of how often she forgot to hold herself back. Had that been a beta
then things would have been much messier.
The knocking continued in rapid succession, giving Roxanne
a clear idea as to who was there. Aside from only ever getting one visitor,
that one guest always made it their job to make their presence known. Quickly
washing off the squished cooking from her hand Roxanne made her way to the
door, teeth clenched the entire time as the knocking grew louder.
“Yeah yeah, I heard you the first time!”
Lyza didn’t relent. Even when Roxanne went through the now
all too familiar process of opening each of the locks she had placed on her
door. By the fifth lock, her hand was beginning to hurt rather fiercely. Yet
still, there were a dozen more in place. When finally the door did open she was
met with a rather annoyed gaze, courtesy of Roxanne.
“Do you HAVE to do that each time you come here?” the large
beta asked in frustration.
“Just making sure you remember to get rid of a few locks,
Roxy.” Lyza insisted while shaking her sore hand. “I mean, how many was that?
Seventeen? A bit excessive if you ask me.”
Roxanne scoffed, not amused by the designer’s antics. “It’s
precautionary. I was shrunk for a reason. I knew too many secrets in regard to
the beta epidemic. You don’t think if someone recognized who I was I wouldn’t
have a hit on my head by the end of the day.”
Lyza laughed, already picturing one person who’d probably
try and kill the former scientist. “Well, I’m sure Maya would jump at the
opportunity.” Lyza stepped forward. Though she was only taller by a few inches
her presence alone was enough to make it feel as though Roxanne were getting
smaller. Before long it seemed as if she was in the designer’s show, awaiting
judgment. “That is if she had a reason to do so.” Lyza’s amber eyes met
Roxanne’s crimson. Both knew the only reason why Maya hadn’t reached for the
scientist’s throat yet was because of her lover. Roxanne still had a great many
uses, but if she messed up then she’d be the serial killer’s next plaything.
“So, anything you’ve done that would give her a reason. Roxy?”
Roxanne gulped, the fear she felt very real. This was a
reminder. Of the threat given to her. A promise of what would happen were she
to disappoint Lyza. She was almost too afraid to answer. At least, that was the
case until the designer gently placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled. Any
sense of dread they exuded prior dissipated. The shadow Roxanne had found herself cast in
had shrunk away until she was once more face to face with someone to who she
was relatively similar in height.
She wasn’t small. She wasn’t like every other beta on the
street or cowering behind desks from larger beings. Though she knew she still
had Maya to fear, at this moment, with Lyza, she had nothing to be scared of.
“Relax Roxy, I’m only joking.” Her grin was genuine, even
after the cruel joke. From their reaction, it was clear Roxanne hadn’t taken to
it as well as Lyza would have hoped. Sure, she wanted to scare the large beta,
but the color from their face practically drained away when she fake threatened
them.
Lyza actually would have felt bad if she wasn’t trying to
keep herself from laughing.
This did not go unnoticed by Roxanne, as the scientist
placed a hand upon her forehead, lightheaded from having her emotions toyed
with not once but twice. First from Six and now Lyza. The company of those who
she’s chosen to have around her was certainly not the best for her mental
health. That said, she wasn’t perfect herself and as such allowed herself a
quick laugh too.
“That’s…a relief. Roxanne allowed herself to sigh, having
held in her breath the entire time Lyza had been speaking. Remainder fear prevented
the scientist from easier breathing. It wasn’t until she exhaled that she was
forced to place her hands on her knees to keep herself still. Two cruel jokes
in one day were more than her body could apparently take it would seem. “First
Six and now you? Oh, well, this is simply wonderful. You do realize that the
two of you have a SICK sense of humor, right?”
“Hah! As if you’re any better.” Lyza threw her arm over the
still relief-filled beta. For a few moments, she playfully twirled their ashen
hair, which was long enough to reach halfway across their back. “I’ve seen how
you look at other betas. You don’t see them as people, even if that’s what you
try to tell others. I can only imagine how often you think of stepping on them.
Crushing them. Maybe even dominating them. Hell, I’m willing to bet, so long as
it isn’t Six, you’d gladly kill one.”
Roxanne would not deny that. She couldn’t. Lyza had her
figured out there. The reason why she had aided in creating the chemical that
makes a beta who they are was due to an age-old sense of superiority. There
were few she’d consider her better. Back then, it was Josephine Minerva. Since
then, she’s been humbled on several occasions. She was more open to considering
others around her as equals. But someone who was so small that they’d fit
comfortably under the ball of her foot? Yeah, that was far-fetched for her.
The one exception to this though was Six. He was important
to her, not just because she had a hand in his creation but also because she
genuinely viewed him as a friend. An ally that would have her back when it was
against a wall.
The memory of her wounding him, almost killing the beta,
returned, and a cold bead of sweat formed on her brow. She quickly wiped it
away, but by then it was already too late. Lyza had noticed the droplet.
Rather than inquire, the designer’s smile grew wider. It
became clear by Roxanne’s sudden reaction that something had occurred between
the two betas. Surprisingly, she grew amused at the thought.
“Oh? Then again, the year isn’t quite over yet, now is it?
Who knows what sort of accidents the two of you might have?”
Roxanne wished to say something. She wanted to at least
deny that. If she could help it she’d much rather not hurt Six. Yet when she
tried to talk nothing came from her mouth. Once more, she was caught in her
doubts. Her voice had caught in her throat. All that she was capable of moments
after was a very shaky “R-right…”
Lyza chuckled, before pointing to the scientist’s still
food-covered hands. “Want me to help while you talk about it? Helps to vent,
you know? And if not, we can discuss other matters. Nothing important, except
perhaps…if you two have figured anything out with my sister.” It was best to
change subjects now rather than later, as it was becoming clear that Roxanne
didn’t have any real desire to talk about what she did. And though Lyza wasn’t
aware of the severity of the scientist’s actions, she knew they were enough to
make her lose her voice.
That said, she was still hopeful of some progress from the
two betas. However, but still expected, Roxanne’s only response was silence. Lyza
wasn’t even surprised at this point. Nearly a year and no results. She was
considering actually scrapping the whole idea altogether just so that she can
do things herself. But, that’d take more time than she had on hand these days.
So she pulled her hair back and let her frustration subside. Getting angry
wouldn’t solve anything.
She shrugged off the matter entirely. “That’s a shame.”
“You’re not upset?” Roxanne asked.
Lyza thought about how things could devolve but once more
threw caution to the wind, She was still concerned, true, but not quite as much
as she was earlier. They’ll cross that bridge in time. You can’t rush matters
such as this.
“Let’s be honest, we both know what would happen if I was
upset.” Lyza reminded with a glare. The same dread from earlier returned,
forcing Roxanne to avert her gaze. Thankfully, Lyza relented in her psychological
assault and shrugged. “For now let’s just say we’re even. I meant to buy you
and Six a veggie wrap. I did but ended up eating them both. You and Six were
meant to bring me useful information. But neither you have even found anything
of worth. So even. For now anyway”
A strange way to compare what constitutes even, but it
wasn’t something Roxanne was going to complain about. Just meant her skin was
saved.
“We’ll just wait for something to pop up,” Lyza decided as
she rolled up her sleeves, already preparing herself to help Roxanne in the
kitchen. “Not like we can do anything other than wait.”
That caught Roxanne’s attention. The fear left her body as
a solution began to take shape. A risky but potentially salubrious answer to
their problems. Throughout the year, as she’s worked for both Lyza and Lynette
she’s also worked on many experiments. Most of which could be considered
failures, but there was always a diamond to be found in the rough. Some of
which were capable of giving Lyza the much-needed edge she sought.
“Well…we might not have to wait forever,” Roxanne
explained. “In fact, if you’re willing to listen, I can tell you what I’ve been
cooking on the side.”
Lyza perked up, finally pleased to have been given some of
the good news. That in itself was worth talking about as the two prepared the
food.