Story: For Mature Audiences (chapter 3)

For Mature Audiences (3)

BY Allaine

Takes place prior to X-Men #10-11

Feedback: Certainly. I'm dealing with a part of the X-universe that I'm not entirely familiar with.

Rating: PG-13

Mojo hadn't called them back for shooting in three days, which was probably for the best. Neither woman would have been able to act properly. After three boring days spent largely alone together, Storm and Spiral should have been close to behaving like two cats in a sack. But the incident on stage had created an awkward tension in the atmosphere. Storm wanted to forget what happened entirely, but it wasn't going to happen. She'd become Spiral's savior as well as her prisoner. Spiral, meanwhile, was not in a talkative mood. She just gave Storm speculative glances, suspicious grunts, and Cheshire Cat grins. It was unsettling.

The fourth day, when a new, double-length script for their brand-new two-parter was delivered to their quarters, Spiral sighed and tossed her copy aside. "I say we talk about this," she said. "I can't concentrate like this. The possibilities are just too intriguing."

Storm blinked. "Like what? What possibilities?"

"I keep wondering why you want me alive."

Storm groaned.

"What do you have in store for me?" Spiral asked thoughtfully. "Whatever you think you're going to do to me, it's not going to - "

"Oh, for heaven's sake," Storm said, her hands over her face. "Is that what you've been obsessing over for the past three days?"

"As if you haven't been fixated on me?"

"Fixated?" Storm leaned forward. "I'd be happier if we'd never met."

Spiral grunted, which Storm naturally interpreted as agreement.

"That being said," Storm said slowly, "the fact remains that for all your needling questions, your refusal to respect my privacy, and your position as my captor . . . you have been fairer to me than I would have imagined."

Spiral stared at her. "Excuse me?"

"Almost anyone else in this place, I suspect, would have been ten times worse."

"I suppose I need to play catch-up now," Spiral grumbled.

"In any event, while I highly doubt your continued commitment to the success of this television series has anything to do with you wanting me to live," Storm added, "it is true that your efforts have shielded me from physical harm. So - I find myself unable to wish harm upon you in turn."

Spiral was surprised. "Really? THAT'S why you saved me?"

Storm nodded. "Not that I had time to think about it, but I do not think it was merely instinct."

"I'm disappointed."

Not the reaction Storm had been expecting. "You're what?"

"I thought this was the start of some clever manipulative ruse you'd cooked up," Spiral explained. "You're too much like your character on the air. You're a straight-arrow hero and all-around nice person. For a minute there I thought you were more devious than that. Or, even better, more . . . well, it doesn't matter now. You're just another hero. Too bad."

Storm rolled her eyes. "Sorry I haven't begun sinking to your level yet."

Spiral frowned and twiddled her thumbs - four of them, anyway. Then she brightened. "On the other hand, this COULD be part two of your clever manipulative scheme - an attempt to deceive me as to your true intentions. You could be showing a hidden taste for dishonesty as well as plotting.

"Think whatever makes you happy," Storm muttered.

"Well, since that's still a possibility, I'll tell you something too - I suppose I've learned to respect you enough over these weeks that I'd rather not see you terminated because too few Spineless Ones saw you the same way."

Storm was even more astonished than Spiral had been. "I did not think you could have ever felt that way."

"Well, don't get mushy on me," Spiral said. "Just because I respect you doesn't mean we're friends."

"That is something I most certainly wouldn't dream of."

"Although," Spiral mused, "I really don't ask friendship of my lovers."

"Keep it in the script, Spiral," Storm warned her.

Spiral just gave her another of those sly smiles and opened her script.

Both women winced. "You've decided to let me get back to my old job?" Spiral asked hopefully.

"You're a celebrity now, Spiral," Mojo reminded her. "Your life has changed forever. You won't be able to just walk into a supermarket without drawing attention, you know!"

Storm didn't bother to point out the other six reasons Spiral would draw attention anywhere.

"We're still the top-rated show in Mojoverse," Mojo went on, "but we have to maintain our position. And the one thing the audience keeps clamoring for is - "

"I thought we'd gone through this already," Storm said, exasperated. "If you give them what they want, they'll watch it and then never come back!"

"I'm just giving 'em a taste!" Mojo shot back, grinning. "They'll want it twice as much:

"So we're what, kissing? Going all the way?" Spiral asked.

"Oh, of course not! I'm still saving the big sex scene for the final episode, may that day never come!"

His stars agreed with him.

"BUT," he added, "until now the attraction your characters feel for each other has been in the minds of the audience. We haven't given them any sign that they're right. Well, now we are. Everyone'll be talking about it! From now on, you're BOTH going to have feelings for each other, but you'll be too afraid to admit it!"

"Oh, boy," Storm thought.

"WHY would we be attracted to each other?" Spiral asked. "We've never expressed any such interest on-camera before."

Mojo grinned predatorily, and Storm realized Spiral had stepped into some sort of trap. "That's where you come in," he said. "The two of you are going to have to come up with your own reasons for wanting each other. So I want you two to go back to your rooms, and don't come back out until you know why you're attracted to each other."

"But we're NOT!" Storm exploded.

"You're actresses! It's a hypothetical! IF you were attracted to Spiral, it would be BECAUSE . . . " He gestured with his hands. "Fill in the blanks. Since you've basically been playing yourselves this entire time - don't bother to deny it, Spiral, you're the same person on-camera as you are off it - all you need to do is find it in yourselves, and the rest will come naturally!"

Storm rubbed her temple. "But we're not going to act on these feelings, right?"

"Isn't that what I said? Sex on the last episode! Then we won't have to worry about jumping the whale!"

"Shark."

"Whatever."

"Not really," Spiral replied as she sat down casually. "I don't think words like that really apply to him. I mean, trust me - he's not interested in watching humans having sex. Neither are most Spineless Ones. They find your species repellent. Human sexual behavior is generally viewed as a source of physical comedy."

"If we're so repellent to the Spineless Ones," Storm retorted, "then why are our ratings so high? It is nearly impossible to enjoy our series without having an emotional attachment to our characters. And certainly they wouldn't be detecting sexual tension that isn't even there!"

Spiral smiled coyly at that, but said nothing.

"What?" Storm asked, by now being highly sensitive to Spiral's body language.

"Oh, nothing," Spiral said. "Just that they're not entirely deluded. I mean, I'd be surprised we're not 'getting it on' on and OFFstage too."

Storm stared at her. "Excuse me?"

"What, beyond the fact that we've been sharing living quarters all this time?" Spiral asked slyly.

"You know perfectly well that was not my decision! Or yours, for that matter!"

"I suppose not. But our audience doesn't know that, Storm. What they know is that I occupy a special place in Mojo's organization, and that you do not live with the rest of the cannon fodder we refer to as 'actors'."

"I would prefer not to be reminded of that," Storm said coldly.

"Sorry," Spiral said, but her tone said she didn't care. "But the Spineless Ones probably think we're lovers, and that only fans speculation about our relationship on the show. And really, Storm - is it that crazy an idea? I mean, when Mojo told us to come up with reasons we might be attracted to each other, unlike some people I didn't obsess over how unfair Mojo was," she added sarcastically. "I started thinking about it."

"Always a good soldier," Storm shot back.

Spiral shrugged. When she did so, she did it with all six arms, and it was odd to see her entire upper body moving. "Human relationships are about the physical, the mental, and the emotional," she went on. "Those are the reasons people are attracted to one another. Physical, well, that's easy. You're a beautiful woman, Storm. Your hair and skin color complement each other perfectly. Your physique is excellent. I'd even be willing to overlook the fact that you've got just the four limbs," Spiral added, grinning wickedly.

She wasn't the first villain, or the first villainess for that matter, to tell Storm she was beautiful. Usually they were very clinical about it, as if they were evaluating a piece of meat or a purchase at the art gallery. Spiral was the first one to say it with lust in her voice, however.

"You're intelligent," Spiral went on casually. "I can talk to you about things OTHER than what Mojo aired last night. And as for our personalities, well, I wouldn't exactly say that we bonded easily, but they do say opposites attract, don't they? And I haven't dismissed the notion that you saving me was only the first step in an elaborate web you're hoping to ensnare me with. Spiders are usually on the other end of the web. The new experience is almost - thrilling. It lets me imagine all the other things you've kept hidden from me."

"You're actually serious!" Storm burst out.

Spiral chuckled. "Let's just say that I'm an actress who found her motivation. So what about you, Storm? Am I completely repulsive to you?"

"Utterly," Storm snapped.

"Ouch," Spiral said, putting a hand (or two) over her heart. "And after I flattered you outrageously. Come on, Storm, you might as well try to enjoy it. It won't end with our characters confessing their feelings to the audience, then suffering in silence, you know."

"There might not be a final episode for a long time," Storm said weakly.

"Mojo's been watching soap operas, Storm. He's been getting ideas. Tell me if this sounds at all plausible. First we admit our feelings to ourselves. Then one of us confesses to the other. The other is shocked and doesn't know what to say," Spiral said, sounding pleased with herself. "Then the other admits she feels the same way, probably after a tense, life-threatening moment, just when the one has given up hope that her feelings will EVER be reciprocated. Then they share a kiss. Then they pull back and agree it would interfere in their working relationship, and it can never happen again. Then there's another kiss. Another. Oops, sorry, but we must remain strong. Then there's some alcohol and some jazz music, and one of us runs to the other's apartment and we have passionate sex." She folded her arms below her breasts. "All spread out over several weeks of episodes. Now, what do you think are the odds of Mojo writing THAT?"

Storm frowned and looked down. The possibility of having to act out romantic scenes with Spiral for Mojo's twisted "vision" was quite strong indeed. Not that she had anything against the material itself - she was a modern woman from a civilized America, and she had no qualms about being affectionate with another woman if it was merely acting out a scene. Her problem had always been with her partner. How could she possibly pretend to be in love with Spiral?

Still, she acknowledged as she looked back at her permanent shadow, Spiral had never been enthusiastic about the idea herself, and she was able to get into character for this. Surely she wasn't going to let Spiral scare her?

"Come on," Spiral said. She clasped two hands behind her head, arched her back so that her breasts were pushed forward over her still-folded arms, and put the remaining two hands on her hips. "I dare you to tell me I'm ugly."

"You're not," Storm admitted. "The additional limbs take getting used to, but you have a body most men - "

"And most lesbians," Spiral added.

"Would be attracted to," Storm went on, ignoring her. "And it's true, opposites can attract. I suppose 'Sandra' has, by now, learned to appreciate 'Devon' for the spontaneity she's brought into her life. Devon makes her feel alive."

"What about me?"

"You could be accused of many things, but never of being boring. Irritating, but not boring."

Spiral grinned. "And the sparks keep flying."

"Sorry, last-minute script change," Mojo said, himself all smiles and cheer. He handed both actresses a couple blue pages, then straightened his director's beret. "I'll give you ladies a few minutes to learn your lines, accept what's about to happen, and then action!"

"Wait, what do you mean 'accept what's about to happen'?" Storm demanded, but all she got was Mojo's retreating back.

"Kissy-kissy time, roomie," Spiral said. She held up one of her pages.

Storm grimaced. "Any way I could convince you to let me fly out of here?"

"Aw, come on, won't you enjoy this just a little?"

"My being attracted to men is a bit of a stumbling block, Spiral."

"I'm attracted to men too, but I'm not going to let that force me to be miserable during this shot," Spiral said. "Especially if Mojo decides he wants a take two."

Storm looked at her script addition. This was no chaste kiss on the cheek. This required Storm to show passion with her acting. Storm still didn't think she could manage that when it was Spiral kissing her.

"Oh, look," Spiral sighed. "If you want I can cast a little spell on you. You'll be physically attracted to me for a few minutes, and then it fades."

"I don't think so," Storm said. "You've cast enough spells on me already." Before Spiral could make any other 'suggestions', she headed off to the set to be alone for a minute.

Just as Storm was beginning to feel like she could do this, Spiral arrived. "Mm," she said. "Let's get this started." And she trailed a hand up Storm's arm.

Storm jerked it away. "What's gotten into you? The scene hasn't started yet!" she hissed.

Spiral smiled lazily. "Oh, I cast the spell on myself instead. Might as well get the maximum thrill from this, right?" The look she gave Storm was positively scandalous.

Storm stiffened. She was incorrigible! She was determined to enjoy the kiss AND her discomfiture at the same time! Well, Storm wasn't about to let THAT happen. If Spiral thought Storm would be so uncomfortable during this scene that they'd have to shoot it over and over . . . "Oh, very well," she growled. "This spell - it lasts only a little while?"

"You'll do it?" Spiral chuckled. "Why Storm, I just knew you had secrets! Yes, it'll hardly last long enough for a second kiss even."

Storm folded her arms. "Then do me," she muttered. An instant later she resisted the urge to smack her forehead. Best not giving ideas to the woman with the magically-induced lust!

"It'll take a minute to kick in," Spiral said as she danced a step or two backwards, waving her arms hypnotically. "No need to worry about ignoring your lines entirely and throwing yourself on me right away."

Before she could retort, Storm saw spots as a sudden flash of light hit her in the eyes. "Careful!"

"Sorry," the unrepentant sorceress said.

"Action!"

"Thanks again for tonight, Devon," Storm said, reading her lines from memory. "I realize we've said - things recently that could have made the evening uncomfortable, but - "

She was unable to continue as Spiral, in what could only be described as a blatant improvisation, grabbed her with all six arms, turned her about, and kissed her forcefully on the lips. Two arms slid down and pinned Storm's arms to her sides, while two more rested on her hips as the hands met behind her.

Storm's eyes widened with surprise. "Mmmph!"

Spiral pulled back briefly. "You talk too much, Sandra," she said before Storm could speak, and then renewed the kiss.

Instinctively Storm wanted to repel the advances, but Spiral's arms made defense or retreat virtually impossible. And besides, 'Sandra' wouldn't WANT to retreat. She would reciprocate. If Storm didn't return the kiss, Mojo would make them shoot it again and again and AGAIN. And Spiral would love every second of it!

So Storm got into character and kissed Spiral back, even allowing her probing tongue to slide between her lips. Slowly, she let herself enjoy the moment.

She'd never been kissed this way by a woman before. It wasn't altogether surprising - women, by nature of their bodies, were bound to feel softer, smoother. What was surprising was how good it felt. "The spell works," she thought absently. Spiral's hands began sliding up and down her back, and that felt good too, confirming the spell was effective.

The two women were about the same height, and as Spiral pulled her even tighter, their breasts rubbed against each other. Storm would have expected this to be uncomfortable, but instead it was a pleasurable, even soothing experience. "Might as well enjoy it," Storm thought, silently acknowledging the truth to Spiral's words earlier, and she started using her tongue more insistently. She could tell from the way Spiral's body trembled that the sorceress liked that.

"You want to quit it? I said 'Cut' ten seconds ago."

Storm and Spiral suddenly pulled away from each other, startled by the voice of Mojo. Storm stared at her as if she'd never seen her before. Spiral looked back defiantly.

"Ever heard of a script, Spiral?" Mojo's voice asked over the speakers.

"I was ad-libbing. Tell me you won't use the footage."

Mojo didn't respond, and Spiral laughed.

"This can never happen again," Storm said, the magic flooding away as she felt her attraction and - gods, arousal - subside.

"You can stop reading your lines," Spiral replied. "The scene's over."

"I meant it," Storm shot back. "Never."

"There'll be more scenes like this."

"Perhaps, but not with your spells, Spiral," Storm said. "I almost let myself get carried away a moment ago."

Spiral just snickered. "What spell?"

"What - the spell you cast on me! And you! You nearly blinded me with it!"

"What, that? That was just a flash. I can't actually MAKE you be attracted to me. Don't you think Mojo would have ordered me to cast such a spell on you from the beginning if I could have?" Spiral shook her head pityingly. "I told you I was going to enjoy myself. Typical X-Man - you just needed the excuse to do the same."

Storm gaped at her.

Spiral just grinned. "I guess now we know why you were so terrified of this scene. Your subconscious knew it would happen. Who knows? Maybe it's why you saved me. I told you there was another, better reason than wanting to manipulate me. You just wanted me for yourself." She laughed again as she headed for the door.

Suddenly infuriated by the smug, scheming witch, Storm grabbed a rotary phone from 'her' desk and swung it, braining Spiral over the head with it. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell forward onto her face.

Storm was sure Mojo called something to her at that point, but she didn't notice. All she wanted to do was get more than one hundred yards from there. Although one hundred miles from the woman who had turned her world completely upside-down would be better.

But she couldn't fly down, obviously, and if she just placidly waited for the elevator, she doubted she'd get away. Damn Mojo for building a skyscraper for a set! A monstrosity that was ten times as tall as the one destroyed by a prop from the next set over!

That did give her an idea, however. She ran for the elevator doors and, with some effort, ripped them open. Her adrenaline kicked in as she heard noises outside. They sounded hostile.

She really hoped the elevator shaft went deeper than one hundred yards.

To be continued . . .