What's that thing they say about a rose by any other name?

Chapter 11: The Gorgon Gets a Suprise

A/n: I just wanted to show off this picture

Yumie's P.O.V:

I was pacing around in my room and biting my nails as I felt my snakes coming out. I don't understand. I don't know why. I thought I had my emotions under control, but ever since I went to those damn ruins, my snakes are coming out more. I even feel my own body changing. My mouth is growing snake-like fangs, and I have scales in patches on my body. I don't like this. What's going to happen next? AM I GOING TO HAVE A FORK TONGUE!?!?

I sighed before going to the bathroom and stopped biting my nails. I just need to wash my face and try to stay calm. I turn the sink on and splash the water on my face before I grab a towel to wipe my face. I look in the mirror but back up, scared. My face has changed. I knew that, but I didn't expect to see it. My once purple eyes are now blood red, my icey blue hair with my snakes fully out, moving freely, and the scar over my left eye is still there, but now I have a scar on my right cheek.

"Gem, are you ok? May I come in?"

I jump, hearing Pantalone's voice through the bathroom door. Shit! He's probably checking on me. I can't let him see me like this. My snakes nuzzle my face, and I let out a hiss before I cover my mouth. Did... I just hiss like my snakes?

"Gem, open the door."

"O-one minute," I said before opening the door slowly to a crack, and I saw Pantalone there smiling. I gulp slowly and let out a nervous laugh. I guess he's not upset with me for not opening the door right. "S-sorry. I was trying to calm my n-nerves."

"Is that so? Then you're not against me taking you out for a quick lunch date?"

I'm dead. I don't want to go out in public, not like this. I know he wants me to, but I can't. Not like this!

"I... I would love to but-"

"Then we'll go to a nice restaurant I've rented. I'll be waiting for you downstairs. And don't worry, Gem, nobody will see you in all your beauty. That's my pleasure to see only. Don't take too long." Pantalone said before leaving the room, and I looked into the mirror. Me, a beauty? Yeah right. All I see is a monster- nothing beautiful at all. I sighed, and I went to the closet. I better get dressed. I don't understand why he wants to take me out now. I thought he had meetings today.

I grabbed a black sleeveless shirt with a hood on its back, dark blue pants, and a purple ribbon. I put it on with the purple ribbon around my left arm to hide the snake scales, making sure the hood was over my head, pushing my snakes in the back, and putting on the black sandals. They feel weird. I have noticed that lately, I have preferred to be barefoot. It makes me feel more connected to nature.

What's happening to me?

A little bit later

I hate this. I didn't know why Pantalone wanted to take me out, but I understand why now. I pull the hood down more to hide from Zhongli's gaze on me, Childe glaring at me, thinking I told Pantalone about them dating, and Pantalone smiles at him. I want to go home and not be here.

"I'm glad my gem helped you with the rite of passing, Mr. Zhongli. I didn't realize you were my coworker's friend. Childe seems to find such inserting friends."

"It was my pleasure to have worked with Miss Yumie. To watch her craft such a beautiful bouquet for Rex Lapis." Zhongli said, drinking his tea. I looked at Zhongli as I pushed my snakes back and pulled my hood down more. They want to come out so bad, but I can't have that. I don't know how he would react to them. "Miss Yumie, are you alright? You seem uncomfortable."

"Huh? Oh, I'm okay, Mr. Zhongli. Don't worry about me." I said quickly and tried to stay calm. I can't let him see that I've changed physically. He nodded, and I looked at Childe, who seemed calm. "I'm just surprised to see you here. I didn't think we would meet again."