Tuesday, September 11th, Dean Rosewood's office 4:27 pm There came a knock at Dean Rosewood's door; she bade them enter; it was Leena. "You wanted to see me, Stacie?" "Yes. Sit down, please." The Finnish woman glanced around Rosewood's office as she approached the nearest chair and made herself comfortable. The difference between this room and Fitzgerald's was stark: his was somber, regal, and earthy; Rosewood's walls were bright and bare, with a halogen lamp in one corner and a large plant in the other, fed by sunlight from two windows, On Rosewood's desk were pictures of her family, her military circle, and a group of men and women that, if Leena had known who they were, it would've surprised her to know the Head of the school shared acquaintance with. Stepping into Fitzgerald's place gave you the impression of entering a monk's cell; Rosewood's office felt more like an observatory, emptier and less practical but somehow more pleasant. "I'll be with you shortly," she murmured as she scribbled her way through several papers. "Unfortunately, I'm a very busy person, so most of my time is not my own. But I've tried to sequester some hours for myself today, and that thusly leads me to the purpose of my call. Ah, there. You said you were married to a student, correct?" "Yes, but this is her last year." "Oh yes, that's right. And a woman. I was once in a rather 'questionable' marriage myself," she grinned: "I fell hopelessly in love with a subordinate officer and ended up giving him twenty years of my life and two beautiful children. Have you two ever thought about starting a family?" "It's never come up in conversation before," she admitted. "I think we're in agreement that we're both too busy right now. But if and when we do, I'd really like to adopt." "I could help you out if you'd like," she offered warmly. She stiffened a little and adapted a more businesslike tone. "But that's not really why I called you here, is it? Well. Now to the purpose of this meeting. First off, let me tell you how impressed I am at your team's victories. I'm sorry to say that I actually doubted them for awhile, but seeing them play against Anolis and Lovelace turned my faith around. You're certainly living up to your reputation as a miracle-worker." "I didn't know I had a reputation like that," she smiled humbly. "My methods really aren't so unique. It's the players that deserve the credit." "Yes. Second, and most important, I'd like to inform you of a regret. Aside from missing time with my children, the thing I regret the most is not acquainting myself with you and your team. I'm ashamed to say that, except for a few small details, and a few I've interviewed personally, I really don't know any of them. I was hoping that we could all have an informal dinner together, you and I and the team. Of course, I'd like to meet each of them individually, but none of us have the time for that, and besides, I don't think I'd be able to understand the whole team dynamic that way." "It sounds like a great idea," Leena said. "Let me run it by the girls and see what we can organize. When do you think you'd like to have this?" "On a weekend, most certainly. Perhaps a Saturday, if possible." Leena made a face. "It'd have to be sometime next week. The girls are all going over to our team manager's house this weekend to celebrate their victory." "Oh," she mumbled sadly, "I'm going to be busy next weekend, and every other one after that. This was the only time I could have an entire day off. How about this Thursday? Would that be any better?" "I guess that could work," she said. "Let's see how they take it first. I mean, I like your idea, and I totally agree, it's just...the timing of it all." "Yes," she whispered wistfully. "I would be grateful, Leena. Do call me when you have an answer." "All right. Thanks." They smiled and waved to each other; Stacie glanced at her calendar once the younger woman had left the room. She put a large question mark on Thursday the thirteenth, then glanced at her next few weekends. On each one was marked, in bold red letters, "M & J". In this wide world People you're meant to meet can be seen Beyond the window, beyond the rainbow I think you're aware of them Take off that restrictive weight Let your feelings go Now keep your ears open and wait for that time Awaken now Cherish the little dream you've drawn in the vast sky If you do, you can always become happy It's certain, whoa whoa! "Potpourri" Retired General, Dean Anastasia Rosewood was an attractive, intelligent, patient woman in her early fifties, born in England and raised in two worlds. The first was a world of propriety, decorum, wealth, education, dignity, and esteem; the second was the world of the military. Although most people saw her as she had been in her first world- a prudent, polite, wise woman who rarely raised her voice and always treated people professionally- she excelled in both. Even during her career as a General, first for the British Army and then for an "undisclosed pocket of independents", she rarely moved out of this world and always made sure to use her voice and her heart and her mind instead of force. But woe to those she used this final measure on: she vigorously kept her military training every day, and could best most people half her age. When she entered the Lily Club and found the table reserved for her and her seventeen guests- they all decided to dine there, since they felt it was the one place they could relax and "be themselves" (except Shannon, who preferred steakhouses)- a lot of people paused to stare at the graceful woman. Rosewood was gorgeous for a woman in her fifties: she had long dark hair she kept tied up in braids at the back of her head, fair skin, penetrating eyes that could be warm caresses one moment and steely daggers the next, a figure most women half her age would kill for, and a hushed gray business dress. She looked nearer forty than fifty, and her British accent was like a clear rushing river, enchanting and rich. On the other hand, she was a workaholic, and it showed in her eyes and her face and her gait even as she smiled and joined the team. "What a marvelous place!" she exclaimed as she sat. "I feel so horrible for neglecting this campus. I really should take a week off and just tour the place. Ah- yes, hello, good afternoon. I'm sorry for making you all wait like this, but my duties are rather pressing. But maybe now we'll have some time. Let us make introductions: I am Anastasia Rosewood, pleased to meet you." She tried to memorize the other names announced, adding an occasional, "Ah, so you're that person," and, "Yes, I remember you now," but in the end, she was forced to give everyone nametags. The woman named Felicity waved at someone, and Rosewood turned her head to see a cute-looking girl in glasses with a Rainbow Bright t-shirt approaching. "Hey, kitties! Is this your team?" "Uh, yeah, every last one. Do you need me to introduce you?" "No thanks," she grinned, "I can read. Um...so which one of you two is the Coach?" "That's me," Leena waved. "This one is the Head of the school, Ms. Rosewood." "Oh yeah, the former General. Awesome! Can I have your autograph?" "I'm afraid to say my celebrity retired with me," she smiled. "Aww. Well, eighteen gorgeous women gathered in my place! Must be my lucky day. How can I serve you ladies?" Everyone made their order and the woman wandered back to the kitchen. "A friend of yours?" Rosewood asked. "Uh, yeah, that's Gardenia. She owns the place." "Flower girl wonderful boss," Nadia chirped. "She seems like a nice person. Why don't you all tell me a little bit about yourselves while we're waiting? Miss Berkeley, why don't you start? My son and daughter have told me a lot about you." "Your son and..." She trailed off, trying to remember when she had ever made and impression on two junior Rosewoods. It wasn't until Stacie identified them did she understand: "Oh, you're Mary and Jerry's mother? But your names are...uh, I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude. It's just that I didn't know..." "It's no offense," she said. "Rosewood is my maiden name; Belfiske is my married one. I had it changed back ten years ago, when my husband passed on. That was also around the time when I was promoted to General, so I like to think of it as a way of protecting my children." "Oh, I see. Well then, something about myself? Oh, Ms. Rosewood, there's really nothing there. I'm not special at all." "Eleeza modest," Nadia grinned, giving her a flirty shove. "Eleeza best on whole team- very sweet, so pretty, awesome player, good at music. Am loving her deeply." "Nadia, please," she murmured, turning red. Rosewood waved dismissively. "It seems your friend has a high opinion of you. There's clearly something about you that attracted Leena so much." "You mean my athletic skills? Oh no, ma'am, I'm a living disaster. You saw the way I acted during our first practice game. I nearly ruined everything." "I apologized for yelling at you, didn't I?" Fausta grumbled. She turned to Rosewood and said, "The truth is, Elisa's too self-depreciating for her own good. But she's incredibly gifted and smarter than most of us put together." "Fausta, honestly..." "I can see why my son and daughter like you so much," Rosewood grinned. "And being English certainly helps out." "Actually, ma'am, I'm almost certain I'm Irish." "Well, regardless, you seem like a wonderful person, and a good addition to the team. Now- you, uh, Miss Khovansky. Did I pronounce that correctly? Ah. Tell me about yourself." "Not too much. Have crazy Babushka that will flirt with you if give chance, so pleaze have careful." "Wouldn't be the first time," she muttered wryly. "Um...also have been in Enkland for short time, but family move to America. We've been to many place. Sorry if language iz not so good. Have not lived there long." "You have a very charming dialect," she assured her. "Now- who else? You, Miss Ofdensen, I know a little about, as I do Miss Nazario and Miss Howlet. But I'd like to hear a bit more. How are you all faring now that you've actually experienced all this? No regrets, I hope." "Uhh, here and there," Lauren gestured. "But overall, it's been pretty cool." "It's different, I'll say that," Fausta smirked. "Tell me about it," Rain muttered. "Don't tell Mr. Fitzgerald, but honestly, I like it here better. I didn't...I didn't have friends before, if you know what I mean. And I've never felt like I was part of the circle until now." "You spent plenty of time around us before," Fleur indicated. "As I recall, you seemed to waste a lot of your time, and the Chairman's, with these vagabonds." "I can't help it," she grinned goofily. "Fencers may be sexier but soccer girls are more fun. Even you're more exciting than some of the stiffs I've run into." "How flattering," she said bitterly. The food came around that time, borne by three employees who were working over Nadia's and Felicity's shifts. Fleur, as usual, had very little on her plate, and she ate it slowly, like it was her last meal. She smirked at Rosewood and wondered how she viewed the world. Se gave off the impression of being an altruist, even a deontologist, but the distant, professional haze in her eyes led Fleur to ultimately conclude she must be utilitarian. "So, Ms. Rosewood, just what is your relationship with the Chairman?" "I've answered all the questions I needed to," she replied gently. "I will say, however, that I trust him and admire him, though we rarely agree. Miss Lacroix, how about you? What is your role in all this? I've begun to notice a camaraderie in the group that you seem to lack." "Is that wrong? I'm just cooperating with them," she replied. "These are not my friends and this is not my group. I'm only here because it concerns the team- I have a soccer world and I have a social world. Kind of like you and your military-slash-professional career. You keep them segregated, don't you?" "Yes," she replied evenly, "but do you really want nothing more than a professional relationship with these women?" Fleur shrugged as she chewed her broccoli. "I might sleep with a few. My mind's just as open as anyone else's." "Except to being happy," Lauren muttered. Fleur gave her an expression that, even though she was smiling, could be interpreted as pure cold bitterness. "My dear Miss Ofdensen, you cannot say that and call yourself a psychologist. Surely you must realize that every human being craves pleasure: it's a universal truth. I am no exception. My interpretation is just different than yours. You're a hedonist and I'm a nihilist. You like pleasure for pleasure's sake while I derive my happiness from...more experimental ventures. Even a masochist equates pain with pleasure; you'd be hard-pressed to not want it." Lauren hadn't expected such an intellectual attack on herself, and didn't know whether to retaliate or keep her mouth shut. She decided not to respond for her team's sake. "It seems you have another very intelligent woman on your team," the Dean smiled. "But not everything is as dark as it seems, Miss Lacroix. There must be one pure thing in your life." "Everything pure has been stained. There is no good, only spoiled goodness." "And the sex?" Rain said. Fleur gave her an unreadable expression. "Egoism, my friend." "Okay, enough of this!" Freya chirped, trying to lighten the mood. "Ms. Rosewood- ah, guten aben- I was wondering what your view on human sexuality was. You see, I noticed you didn't even bat an eye when Fleur said she wouldn't mind sleeping with any of us, and you seemed perfectly at ease at the idea of Nadia's Babushka coming after you. I must admit that this is rather exceptional." "Is it?" she murmured. "I simply had many friends and subordinates who were like that. They were always just people to me, Miss von Hohenheim: nothing less. Getting to know the person convinced me there was nothing wrong with their choice. Of course, my own sexuality I must keep a secret, save that I am a mother of two and fiercely loved my husband while he was with me. Miss Velur, you've been rather quiet. Why don't you change the subject for everyone?" "There has actually been something I've been thinking about lately," she confessed. "I don't mean to play the part of the downer here, but I'd really like to know what you and Leena think the future of our team will be." "Ah!" she exclaimed. "I was wondering when the conversation would lean that way. Very well: I suppose all pleasures must be dulled by business at times. Now that you are an official team, you will need to play official games. Football is an outdoor sport and the weather's still in your favor, so I'd advise you to get some games in while you can. Not a practice match, I mean: a real game. If you doubt your readiness, perhaps I can relate the scores of your previous games to you, and my opinion regarding your performance." "So the shit has finally hit the fan, huh?" Lauren grumbled. "Nothing so drastic or crude as that," Rosewood muttered, imperceptibly disgusted. "You all knew this would be inevitable when you won that last game. You must now be placed against other teams for the right to participate in the national championship, as many games as possible, weather and time permitting. However, your opponents will be nothing like the imbalanced teams you've previously been thrown against. Fitzgerald organized those to put you through the ultimate test, and now that you've passed, it will be up to Leena, and perhaps myself or some other liaison, to arrange more appropriate rivals." "Such as?" Kasumi said. "As I said, giving you superior opponents all the time would be fatal, but it would be just as grave giving you very easy teams to play against. In order to bring out your fullest potential, and in the interest of fair play, you must play against your inferiors, your equals, and your superiors. Not immediately, of course- no one expects you to jump back into the game so quickly after your victory- but quite soon down the road. As a matter of fact, it would behoove me to start on that immediately, so you must all please excuse me as I regrettably leave you for duller pastures. It has been a great pleasure and I have been honored to meet you all. I shall make an attempt to return here, when I can, but do not seek me out for chatter or idle social matters unless the matter is of great importance. You are in College now, and I cannot hold your hand. That task rests on your family, your friends, your teammates, or yourselves. Have a good weekend, everyone." She smiled politely and paid for everyone's meals, with plenty of change to spare for a tip. Just like that she was gone, leaving everyone to stew in her own reactions. Felicity looked sheepish, worried that her concern had caused this sudden icy change, while a few of the others had the life drained from their eyes. They tried reasoning that even though the last two games were difficult, these next few would not be- but that didn't untie the knots in their stomachs. Few seemed excited or even at ease, but those few helped brighten the others with their morale. "So, our first official game as a team," Valencia said with a smile. "I can't wait! If we can fight Anolis and Lovelace on equal footing, just think how we'll do against the others!" "A few victories don't win a war," Fausta warned her sagely. "Leena, what do you think about the future of our team?" "Weren't you listening? Rosewood said that she'd have someone take care of your games. Relax: this weekend is all yours, ladies. You've earned your fun. But you had better enjoy it while it lasts. Day care has ended- boot camp is about to begin." - Arina Essylt, Favorite color: red; team psychologist/reserve- Someone casually driving along the road late Friday afternoon would see a cavalcade of cars coasting down the other end, perhaps wondering where such a group was headed. It was no funeral procession: the mood inside was festive, for they were going to finish a business they started earlier that week and relax for three consecutive days in the comfort of their manager's home. They quickly left the small city behind them and penetrated into the heart of the wide open country, rolling a few windows down to ventilate their cheer. Coming to meet them was Freya von Hohenheim's three-story estate, which only Amy had seen before- yet even she was still stunned by its wonder and beauty. It was one of those great old homes people rarely make anymore, but you can find in Europe just about everywhere, especially with the upper class. There were gardens, trails, a stable, a riding track, and even a small forest out back, its leaves bursting gold and orange in an autumnal flame. Although the garage was only big enough for Freya's car (or rather, Shiki's), there was plenty of room on the gravel for everyone else. "Aw, sweet!" Lauren exclaimed, voicing everyone's opinion as she stepped out. "Freya, this is a pimpin' crib! Shit, girl, you got everything here!" "I wouldn't say that. We're missing a launch pad. All right, everyone, this is it: your new home for the next three days! Take a gander." Freya's house towered over them, both inviting and intimidating. Everyone had managed to put some time away to come here, except for Leena, who said that she had had enough fun, and she would probably only get in everybody's way. Shiki and Maria were already inside preparing everything, but Ida, the only other resident and Freya's cousin, dashed out of the house to hug her older relative. "Mama! Vilkommen!" "Oh- guten tag, liebkind!" "So kawaii," Nadia grinned. Freya introduced everybody and Ida stated she was very happy to see them. "Now before we go inside," she pointed, "there are a few rules I'd like for you to abide by. You all are my friends and my honored guests, but please bear with me. First, please take off your shoes before going inside; there are cubbies you can store them in. Second, although you're free to eat anything you see in the kitchen, I'd like for you to ask for it first. Also, we'll be catering tomorrow and having a cookout the next day, so don't fill up too much on what I have here. The third rule is that although you may explore at will, if you break or lose something, please be honest about it. Fourth, I have no rules regarding swimming attire, but for everyone's courtesy, please don't think this applies to the rest of the house. Fifth, I believe there are enough guest bedrooms and bathrooms for all of us, but...uh, if you want to share a room...or a shower...you are, of course, free to do so, providing you remember rule number four." "Sweet," Nadia grinned. "Oh, before I forget, please ask Shiki to assist you if you'd like to go horseback riding. This is for your safety as much as anyone else's. And try not to wander too far out in the woods behind our property, particularly at night. Uh, let's see, what else? If you're going to stay up late and watch TV or play video games, I have plenty of headphones you can use so you don't disturb anyone else. Finally, the most important rule at all: DO NOT LEAVE THIS PLACE WITHOUT HAVING A GOOD TIME!!!" "I like that rule," Terra smiled. "So when's the pool going to be open?" "I'll open it just as soon as I get there, and I'll be closing it when we all leave on Monday morning. So you can swim just about anytime you like." "I'm there," Ran blurted as she dashed inside. She kicked her shoes off, flung her shirt, and hopped out of her jeans, laughing and stumbling. "But you don't know the way!" Freya exclaimed. That didn't seem to matter: Alice and Lauren were fast on her heels. "Shit...wait for us, Howlet!" Girls' clothes littered the ground as they raced for the pool; Freya grunted as she bent down to pick up some socks. "I probably should've told them to pick up after themselves. I guess that's my fault, isn't it?" "What can you do?" Fausta shrugged. "Some people are too infantile to listen. I think I'll go for a horse ride. If anyone else wants to come, I'd be glad to have the company." "Finally, something I can enjoy!" Elisa said zealously. She looked over at Nadia, who was predictably struggling out of her clothes. "Um, honey..." "Swimming time!" she squealed, flinging shirt and bra away. Freya and Elisa both cried after her. "Hey, not in the house!" "But you already brought a swimsuit!" Nadia's shirt settled on Valencia's head. "Whoa, who turned out the lights?" Freya's indoor pool turned out to be a lot bigger than everyone anticipated. Although not Olympic-size, it was sufficient for a few laps, had a deep end of two meters, (which barely surpassed Alice's height), a shallow end where most everyone congregated, and even a small hot tub a few steps away. Rain and Alice were already playing tug-of-war with a Styrofoam tube; Lauren jumped in and started splashing wildly. Nadia stripped down to her bikini bottoms and leaped off the deep end, shamelessly exposing herself for all. Freya was a little more restrained when she joined them some minutes later, slipping out of her clothes into a gold one-piece. "Aww, Frey-Frey's not showing her naughty bits?" Lauren pouted. "Maybe later," she giggled. "Just once I want to swim with a suit on." "We should seriously come here more often," Rain said to Alice. Hawthorne agreed. Valencia came by later still, in a sizzling red-and-white bikini, dragging Kasumi by the wrist as she bounced energetically. "Come on, shy girl, into the water! Hey everybody, how ya doing? Listen, my girlfriend here's a little bashful. Can we make her feel welcome, please?" "I've just never swam with other people before," she muttered. Valencia smiled at her sweetly and embraced her. "You are so cute. Listen, why not show off that gorgeous body of yours? You've got nothing to be ashamed of. We're all women here, Kasumi- and besides, some of them are going au naturel. D'you think they're ashamed?" "Hell no!" Lauren cried. Even Freya was smiling at her, so finally, Kasumi crumbled under the peer pressure and undressed, revealing an ample endowment clasped by a solid blue top. She kept her shorts on, however, choosing to mix men and women's swimwear. Everyone whistled and Alice caught herself drooling; stars were in Valencia's eyes. "See? That wasn't so bad?" They kissed gently; Kasumi felt like melting. "Yeah...but this is!" She hoisted her girlfriend into the air and dumped her in the drink, then jumped in after her and splashed her until she submitted. Fleur cringed as she stepped in the room: her bikini was skimpier and looked like something a professional model would wear. "Really now, grow up! Ah, a hot tub! Mind if I indulge?" "No, go right ahead. Say, do you all want some drinks?" "Beer please?" Lauren begged. Freya laughed and got out so she could use her pool phone (yes, a phone specifically built for the pool room). "Why not? Shiki, hi! Could you please bring...four, five, six...a wine cooler to the pool room? ...Uh, just a little bit of everything, would you? And maybe some snacks. ...Thanks, you're a dear. Oh, and you may join us once you've taken care of that. Thank you." Freya smiled, hung up, and said, "It is done." "I love you," Lauren purred as she slipped back into the water. "You're like the best manager ever." "But you're not old enough to drink, Freya," Alice observed. "Hardly any of us are." "Don't be ridiculous! Alita and Gauss buy me adult drinks all the time. We usually save them for special occasions, though. Besides, I'm German, remember?" "Right, you guys don't have that rule. ...Do you?" "I had my first brew when I was Ida's age. Fleur, don't you want to come join us? Free drinks." "No way Captain Bring-down's ruining our fun!" Rain snickered. She stuck her tongue out and Fleur waved. "I'd prefer the hot tub. It's okay if I take my suit off, right?" "Sure, release your inhibitions! Just please get dressed when you go back outside. And please, you all, pick up your clothes. Shiki is my maid, not yours." "That sounded kinky!" Kasumi chortled. Valencia swam over to her, smiling seductively, and slipped underwater; Kasumi joined her and the two stared at each other in the murky depths. They kissed and resurfaced, their hair clinging to their faces. Shiki came by soon with a cooler full of "adult-flavored beverages", most of them imports from Germany and Japan. Everyone got a glass and raised a toast to their team and their host, and kicked back as Shiki fully undressed and dove into the pool. She swam up and started playing with Freya's skin-tight outfit. "Hmm, you know, you actually look sexier with this thing on." "Oh, really? I'll have to remember that. Where's Mari-chan?" "With Ida and a few of the others, playing video games." "And what about Fausta? Don't tell me you left her out there alone." "No, Berkeley-san and Nguyen-san are with her. They're quite exceptional riders. I figured they could handle themselves." "Ah. So everything's been taken care of." "Almost," she hissed, putting her mouth on Freya's neck as her hand wandered. The golden-haired girl felt hazy as she let out a pleasurable sigh, but blushed as she realized they had company. "Oh, I don't think they'll mind," Shiki grinned wickedly. It didn't take her long to peel off Freya's shoulder straps, exposing her soft supple bosom. "Hey, stop staring," Valencia said, giving Kasumi a gentle smack. "Or should I just take mine off as well?" "Everybody go naked!" Nadia squealed. "I'm in favor of it," said Fleur from the hot tub. She stepped out, naked and dripping, as uninhibited as an animal as she waited for her body to cool. "We're all adults, right? And none of us are particularly ugly. Well, Lauren could stand to lose some weight." "Hey, this is pure muscle, bitch. But I guess you wouldn't know what it looks like, huh? Shit, I'd've smacked you weeks ago if I wasn't so scared I'd break you in half!" "Like I'd really want ugly man-muscles," she snorted as she thrust her feet inside. Freya's pool wasn't necessarily cold, but it came as a shock after boiling in the sauna for awhile. Fleur eventually slipped inside, wading around and smiling at everyone. Alice and Rain were the only ones that joined her. "What is her freakin' problem," Kasumi sighed. She smiled wearily at Valencia, then turned purple as she saw a red and white striped bikini top dangling in front of her face. "Uh, hey, you didn't have to do that..." "But what if I wanted to?" she chuckled, swimming around to Kasumi's back. She kissed the tomboy's pale muscular shoulders, her endless acres of skin, her firm spine and waist, fumbling with her top. Nadia saw the fun and waded over to help, and soon they had stolen her bikini top, hoisting it up like a battle-trophy. "Hey, no fair! Give it back! Hey- no! Damn it, you guys, stop playing around! I mean it, seriously!" "Woo-hoo, nice knockers!" Kasumi fumed as she submerged up to her chin. They eventually threw it to Alice, who took one look before tossing it out of the pool, near the door. Just then, Felicity came by, curious to see what the pool looked like. She didn't even own a swimsuit, and had meant to buy one, but with school and work and all... "What's all the ruckus?" she said. Velur froze as she noticed a gaggle of naked and half-naked girls thrashing around in the pool- Nadia among them- and a bikini top at her feet. She made a face and looked away as she knelt down to retrieve. "Umm, okay, uh..." "Over here, Felicity!" Kasumi shouted, thrusting her arm up. "Don't you dare!" Valencia giggled. "Take it and run! Run fast and far away!" "Come on, Felicity, I'm your roommate! Gimme a break, will ya!" Felicity didn't want Kasumi to be embarrassed: she was a good friend and a good roommate. Not that she wasn't curious, of course... "I'm just going to throw this back in, so..." She hurled it amongst protests, and waved feebly as she headed out the door. Nadia quickly scampered out and, covered only by water and her bikini bottoms, caught up with her coworker and grabbed her arm. "No, pleaze, be staying with us! Kittiez not been having any fun. Very poor for Velur health. Promise we are not to biting." "It's not that I don't want to!" she blurted, trying to keep her eyes averted. Sweet Sappho, Nadia had a beautiful body. "I didn't bring my suit! I don't even own one! Besides, I...I just ate, and I was going to ride with Amy, and- " "Bring kitty new girlfriend here for bouncy fun!" Nadia squealed. "Yeah, it doesn't matter if you don't have anything to wear!" Freya cheered. "Just come on in! Don't be bashful! Even Kasumi came out here!" "Yeah, only to have my top taken away!" "Oh hush, dear, you loved it," Valencia purred. It seemed like Felicity had no choice: her inhibitions were melting and Nadia was dragging her. But she had only swam nude once, and that had been with a trusted friend. How could she ever expose herself like that in front of everybody? "But I don't really...I mean, I was going to- WHOA!" "No whining! Bombz away!" Nadia threw her inside, clothes and all. Felicity screamed and swore revenge once she had surfaced; everybody laughed as she flung water everywhere. To make up for her mischief, Nadia gave Felicity a drink, and they toasted again: to the wondrous lack of a dress code. - Jennifer Andre, Favorite color: green; left midfielder- There are nineteen of us here, including me: sixteen women on the team, two who act as our staff, and one presently in the custody of our manager and hostess. She is too young for alcohol and too young to swim naked with us, although some of the women get dressed for her sake, and clean up their language, and flash their charms less. During the duration of our stay, the pool rarely goes without some use. By day, it's filled with screaming, laughing, splashing barbarians; at night, lovers come here to caress each other under starlight and moonlight. Even I slipped in once, though I observed the rules of propriety and covered myself. I have the shabbiest swimsuit of them all, but it's sufficient for my purposes- and anyway, I'd much rather spend my time elsewhere. I do my best to keep with small crowds while I'm here. These people want to pass themselves off as my friends, but I don't know who I can trust and who is just using that word casually, like they say hate and love and kill and sex. They'd think I was crazy if I told them I trusted Fleur, but it's because she's so honest about herself, so unflinching about her beliefs. She may not have a good heart, but she admits it; she's almost proud of it. We talked and rode horses together, and she invited me into her bed for the night. I declined. I wanted my first to be with someone I loved. I do not know if I can find that in this group. It's not like I'm all that desperate; I just have my doubts. Right now, Arina is taking a walk through the woods, and I join her. She smiles but keeps silent, and I return the favor. We stay there for many of the morning hours, just exploring in silence, curious about our boundaries, about who we really are and what we're really doing here. We never say a word during the long time we spend together- parting only to satisfy our hunger as the catering arrives- but I think I have connected more to her than I have to anyone so far. I mean, I like Terra, but she's kind of two-faced. She can be quiet and withdrawn one moment, and- when she was invited to swim later on- she jumped right in. She even acted like an animal when we gathered around the television to watch video games. She was a whole other person and I felt separated from her. Fausta and Elisa were brilliant riders, but I suppose the rich have that sort of time on their hands. Freya and Valencia solidified my theory, and I wondered if Alice or Felicity were any good. I had gotten a lot better and could nearly race the others, but I, like Elisa and our hostess, was content to trot and explore, to listen and to observe, to be the woman filling in the background, occasionally looked at and referred to, but never a participant. Felicity joined us later and I couldn't help but smile at her. She has always been beautiful, in my opinion, but lately she had grown radiant, attractive, and warm. I had wondered before whether or not this was the person I could devote myself to- whether or not I could love her- I felt giddy just by thinking about it. When you've led a life of suffering like I have, you get a sixth sense about people, about whether or not they've shared your pain, if you can relate to them or not. I could most definitely relate to Felicity. I don't know what her problems were, but she seems to have conquered them, and for that, I envied her. I knew she was serious about dating me when she asked a third time. The first, obviously, I took as a crude joke, since plenty of men (and a small number of women) have said the same, only to jerk away at the last minute, laughing. Oh, that's right. I don't dress like you and I don't talk like you, so it must be funny, eh? I get it. But look: I can't do anything about my wardrobe; besides, these clothes seem to reflect my personality. They're comfortable. And don't tell me you'd walk away sane after hearing that your family's been obliterated in a Triad gang war. I was lucky. I found someone who actually cared. You know how rare that is these days? Terra...I think she does care, a lot really, but I can't see the real Her. I know Fleur doesn't care, even though she's honest. Felicity... The second time was when we were in the pool together. Elisa had too much to drink and was singing with Nadia, while Fausta was going on about fashion with Valencia. Shannon was in the hot tub with Kasumi and Arina, holding a fairly normal conversation, and I was the only one there actually trying to swim. I saw Felicity sail over to me, doing a backstroke, borrowing one of Maria Maethers's outfits. She righted herself, smiling, leaning against the side. I decided to take a break and studied her. She was recklessly beautiful- and radiant- and I felt nervous just being around her. It was sort of like how I felt with Freya- and once this thought crossed my mind, I raised my guard and crossed my arms. No way was I going to be fooled a second time. "You having fun?" she asked. I nodded my head. "Good. I'm having a lot of fun. This is probably the first time...well, the second since yesterday...that I've really let myself go, and not been ashamed about it. It makes me feel dizzy. Um...so anyway, we didn't have a lot of time to talk yesterday after we left that karaoke place, and I was wondering if...well, you know. If you gave what I said any more thought." I couldn't believe that she was actually nervous and stuttering. I know I intimidate a few people with my size and strength, but she looked even happier than before, like she was actually serious about this, and merely unsure of my reaction. Well, I remembered, and to be honest... "I hav-ven't given it m-m-much thought," I muttered. She made me dreadfully nervous. That's all I could force out. O Buddha, why did that swimsuit have to cling to her like that? "Uh, that's okay," she said frantically. "I mean, just...if you're not interested, it's cool. I just thought... Hey, everyone! Look who finally decided to come here!" Terra had returned and the girls threw her into the pool. I lost Felicity's attention and decided to get out and dry off. I went to the kitchen to finish off more of our catered meal, and was joined by Fleur, who was wearing a towel. She gave me a paralyzing smile and hunted for something to eat. "I normally don't snack, but swimming builds up such an appetite. Ah." She took a single strawberry and savored it like it was a work of art. My heart pounded in my chest. I liked Fleur for her beauty and her realism, but not for much else. She was good enough to take care of me, and I had felt a powerful surge as our lips met, but she was not the one. I would much rather be with a poor woman with a good heart than a wealthy girl that's morally bankrupt. Like I'm one to judge, right? "You know," she said, casting her face to glance out the kitchen window, "I actually like it here. I'm really enjoying myself. Freya has a good maid with her, and Maria's designs have really given the place some character. It's too bad she's such a goody two-shoes. Freya's exactly the kind of person I could like. But...ugh. And that cousin of hers! What's with the whole 'mommy' charade? It's really repulsive. I envy you a lot," she stated suddenly, facing me again. I didn't know what she meant by that. "Wh-what do y-y-you mean?" "Your family's all wiped out, aren't they?" she said flatly. "You're the last one left. That's what I envy. I wish my family would just go to Hell and never come back. Not...not my mother, I mean. She...god, Amy, if you tell anybody this, I swear...but I guess you won't. Heh, I can trust you." Her smile was sharp and sinister; I nodded in agreement. "My mother's the only person I still like in this world. Her and Rain. Well, and you, maybe, but only because you don't talk much. That's the problem with people. But my mother was good, and I wouldn't want anything bad happening to her. Nothing she didn't deserve, anyway. But my father..." She grinned and I stepped back, frightened. How anybody could look like that when they mentioned their own parents... "You know, when I heard he was slaughtered in prison...I said, 'That's nice,' and went about my day. You don't even have a family to mess you up. You can still think of them in a positive light, like they really were the loving people you saw them as. Very few of us are that lucky, Amy. I wish to God my father had died sooner. But it's probably for the best, right? Through all this pain comes clarity, I suppose. You're just not a person until you've suffered." She smiled at me and relinquished her towel. I had seen her body before, but not like this, not like this. I looked away and she laughed. "Now I wonder what parental nonsense is making you deny your instincts. You're not looking away because you're repulsed. You've got a deontological fear of immorality: you only act good because you're afraid of the consequences. But what would really happen if you followed your instincts? Would it be so bad to sleep with me?" We were touching now. Her hand was on my face. She kissed my mouth and I stepped back. "Y-yes," I hissed painfully. "I d-d-d-don't love you." And I walked away before she could tempt me further. Felicity asked me if I had given her offer any more thought on our last day, as we went horseback riding together. I took her to a secluded spot and said that I would love to go out with her, and together we dismounted and spent many quiet hours alone in the forest.
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