She had never heard of valerian root before a liquidized version of it was set before her in a steaming mug, the earthen aroma of the freshly crafted brew weaving its way through her senses and registering as a pleasant one. The appearance of the mild drink enticed her, its thin layer of wafting steam pleading like a beckoning finger for her to come take a sip. Instead, Fleur simply curled her fingers about the handle and let the saucer sit peacefully upon her palm; this calming treat would need to settle before she plundered its depths.

Besides, she was plenty occupied with the enjoyment of her current company.

“Let me know what you think of it,” Twilight said, settling into her recliner with a filled teacup of her own in hand. “I haven’t had valerian tea in a long while, so I don’t know how it’ll be.”

“It certainly smells lovely,” the beauteous woman remarked, a flowing sense of tranquility coursing through her body as she breathed in more and more of the woody scent.

“Funny to think, too, seeing as the actual plant smells terrible,” Twilight said. “I honestly can’t believe someone decided to make a tea out of it.”

Fleur couldn’t imagine a scenario that would bring such a thing about either, but was glad to share it with the woman she cherished. It had become their little ritual to end the evening, the two spending the dying hours of the day in the solitude of Twilight’s dorm room with a nice cuppa to help soothe the stress and worries of their collegiate world. They would study together, talk with one another, relax together, or Fleur would simply flirt with Twilight until the poor girl blushed red. She enjoyed herself, at the very least. Twilight was lovely company in just about every way: cordial, engaging, and so very appealing to the eye. And the more time Fleur spent with her, the more she enjoyed the remarkable woman’s soothing presence over the nigh-constant freneticism of her own dorm. Here she could think clearly, and the feeling was a treasured one.

“You should be able to start drinking now,” Twilight said. “It kinda needs to settle for a little while before the flavor will intensify, so…”

“Cheers, Sweets,” Fleur said, a wink to her companion and she raised the steaming cup to her lips alongside Twilight, the two taking a slow, full sip of the brew within. She allowed it to settle on her tongue, the heat and flavor intermingling and firing their effects upon her senses. What was she tasting? Hmmm… Fleur looked over at Twilight, and Twilight’s flat gaze turned itself to Fleur; in an instant, they both pulled a face and swallowed with clear and obvious dissatisfaction.

“OK,” Twilight remarked. “That was… yeah, that wasn’t so good.”

Fleur regarded her cup and saw just how much left she would have to swallow down if she were to drain the contents within to empty, an idea no longer all that appetizing. “It was worth a try, at the very least,” she said. “But I think I would have to agree.”

“It’s supposed to really help you sleep, too. I figured it’d be a nice way to close out the day, but…” Twilight sighed and went to the sink, pouring out her contents with an air of severe disappointment. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be, Sweets. You only wanted to try something new, it’s hardly your fault it didn’t work out,” Fleur soothed, coming to her girlfriend’s side as she echoed Twilight’s act. “I certainly appreciate the gesture.”

“I’ll try to grab something else tomorrow, then.” Twilight pondered in her own thoughts for a moment before adding, “There’s that tea and spice shop down near the market. I know they have a really nice lemon flavored one that I liked, I’ll probably go get that instead.”

“I hope you don’t mind me tagging along,” said her graceful companion. “I haven’t been to the market in quite a while, I’d love have you there with me.”

Twilight immediately began to nod- and then her expression became suspecting, scrutinizing Fleur’s offer. “Fleur?”

“Yes?”

“You’re not going to try and buy it for me, are you?”

“Mmm… and what if I find that fun?” Fleur teased, making no effort to hide her intentions. “I just might like it. I just might like you, too.”

“Fleur, you can’t just keep doing that,” Twilight protested. “Come on, I’m grateful you want to, but- don’t just spend all your money on me, OK?”

It was true that the beautiful heiress had been the one footing the bill for every date they’d had, not once minding that Twilight’s fare was thrown her way; she had money to spare. What hadn’t occurred to her was the idea that Twilight might not appreciate the continued generosity. “But I like doing it. I really do, Twilight,” she countered. “You don’t think I’m trying to show off or anything, do you? I promise I just want to be kind.”

“No, I don’t think you’re showing off, I just… you just don’t have to do it every time, OK?” Twilight said. “It’s alright to let me spend a little money, I swear.”

Fleur knew that Twilight meant no malice with her words. She was a fair-minded person, after all. But to say that the great beauty did not take them as a wound would be untrue; after years and years of holding her fondness for this lovely woman inside, she’d relished the opportunity to lavish her affections upon her in every manner she could achieve, whether it be through gifts and monetary means or the simple acts of physical affection that were a prize to her own spirit as well. To think that Twilight might not want them…

The fun was being sucked out of the evening and she could feel it, the contentment she had felt only a short while ago evaporating like the morning mist. Fleur had done her best to ignore the issue, but Twilight never seemed to be comfortable with any romantic gesture Fleur gave to her, almost a fear whenever such an act came about. The eager heiress had tried her best to not be overwhelming, to let her love run wild- she certainly wanted to ravish Twilight, but had done her very best to be a little more subdued. She hadn’t gone overboard, had she? Pushed Twilight away instead?

The lavender-haired woman stifled a yawn and surveyed the deepening darkness that swept across the world outside her window. “I’m sorry, Fleur, but I’m super tired tonight. I think I’m gonna go to bed. See you tomorrow?”

“You certainly will,” Fleur assured her, cupping that lovely face in her hands and bringing lips together for the kiss she craved. Gentler than their first, sweeter and meant to be soft; she could feel Twilight’s weariness lessen, a small amount of her own will pouring into the gesture through the moment. As though her own desire was being intentionally kept subdued…

“Ooh…” Twilight came away from the kiss with mists within her eyes, staring up at Fleur with a strange expression of confliction on her intelligent features. Hands that had been held to those of her lover were slow to relinquish themselves, a weakening of separation that came about by hesitancy. “I…”

“Good night, Twilight,” Fleur breathed, more than a little unhappy that she couldn’t just stay the night. Twilight’s bed looked so comfortable, and just the right size for two to share and cuddle close. She so desperately wanted to ask…

“Y- goodnight, Fleur.” Twilight’s movements were mechanical, forced, but she was free. And in a few moments, the two were separate.

Why did Twilight never initiate any act of affection herself? Fleur tossed and turned throughout the night, sleep constantly interrupted by the bombardment of emotions that came by grappling with the question. Perhaps it was immature girlishness that had pushed to this point, but she knew for a fact that she loved Twilight. They’d only been dating for a month, true- but what was she supposed to do? Not adore her? Not admire that brilliant mind that excelled so effortlessly? To not melt at the sight of the smile that adorned that lovely face? Not to cherish the sound of her voice, the feel of her, the continuous warmth that felt like the softness of candlelight?

Fleur loved Twilight- and hated the thought that it might not really matter. Twilight never initiated contact with her, was always the recipient but never the benefactress. Consistently friendly, but never flirtatious or openly romantic. She hadn’t objected to their relationship as of yet… but she never seemed to make anything of it. The thought was hurtful; Fleur wanted to feel Twilight, she dreamed of that woman reaching for her and loving her. Did Twilight think she couldn’t be adequate in that regard? A stupid thought, if she believed it; Fleur would be in raptures if Twilight gave her something so simple as a kiss.

But if Twilight just didn’t actually like her very much- that one would hurt.

Her daily schedule of classes came to an end and Fleur took temporary residence in the lane between buildings, an always chaotic thoroughfare of human presence and chatter that never faded until late into the night. She knew that Twilight’s last class still had ten minutes to go, and so she waited and let herself be soothed by the deepening coolness of the fall. It was a sunny day out, but not even the bright star above could bring a greater warmth to the briskness that chilled her skin. Not yet cold, but she rather liked this intermediary between the two. Not to mention, the fall fashion was always so fun to wear! Scarves had always been an enjoyable accessory to her tastes.

A flash of the familiar on the stairs above and Fleur started- a smile blooming to life as she saw Twilight making her way down towards her, hands full as she sorted through her notes and let her mind be consumed by the information inscribed upon them. Knowledge of any kind, like an unconquerable vortex, always found a way to envelop her thoughts. It was a primacy of the mind that could always fascinate her attentions in a way little else in the world could hope to equal.

Fleur, however, didn’t mind the challenge. The distraction already set in place, a swift pace to meet the occupied woman at the bottom of the stairs was all that was needed, she there to meet Twilight the moment her foot set upon the path once more. A hand that came to that lovely face and the unsuspecting girl gave a start and a small sound of surprise that was soon made muffled by eager lips finding their pair. So she was in public, endless pairs of wandering eyes able to see her grace the woman she adored with affection- so what? Let them stare all they wanted. If anything, she wanted them to know full well just to who she belonged, and vice versa. Let them be jealous.

Twilight came away from Fleur’s kiss of greeting with a pink flush to her features, gaze wide and somewhat starry from the suddenness of the movement. “Oh- hi,” she said, perhaps a little breathlessly.

“Hi,” Fleur said, slithering her way to the young woman’s side and seeing their arms interlocked. “Have fun in class?”

“I did. How about you?”

“Not a bit. I wasn’t with you,” she said. “But now that that’s remedied…”

Twilight couldn’t fully stand under the weight of Fleur’s attentions, the shades of pink that still possessed their places upon her features turning a deeper shade, but now softened by a bashful grin. “Stop, oh my gosh. We’re in public.”

“Mmm, I know,” Fleur whispered, a kiss on the cheek to heighten the moment, feeling the probing eyes of those about them that only seemed to spur her on. “It’s too bad for them; they didn’t try to get you when they had the chance.”

The soft giggle that came from her lips did little to speak of ease. “I don’t think I’m the one they’re staring at,” Twilight mumbled.

The answer was, as much as Fleur wished otherwise, probably true; she knew full well just how many people were willing to look at her, to carry on with gawking and lustful stares. But she would not cede ground entirely, a small Hmph! to scoff at the degrading remark. “They’re looking at both of us, of course! And who could blame them? We’re the hottest item they’ve ever laid eyes on.”

Twilight looked as though she wished to protest but instead let the words die before they escaped her lips, an expression of unusual melancholy instead being born upon her face. “I- we should get moving,” was her only reply.

“Alright, then. Would you mind if we stopped by my room for a bit? I’d like to drop off my things before we go.” Her messenger bag wasn’t particularly weighted down, but why bring along anything unnecessary?

“That’s fine.”

The walk through campus somehow became all the better in the presence of such lovely company. The sun’s rays felt a little warmer, the natural things of the world became all the more beautiful, each sound and sight of the ordinary now something special that was there to be enjoyed. Fleur loved it, at last content in the presence of the woman she’d craved since she was a teenager; how many people could claim that sort of happiness? She rather wondered if perhaps she should pinch herself and ensure it was not indeed a dream.

“I’m guessing the girls are done with class for the day?” Twilight asked as they entered the residence hall, immediately pressed upon by the cacophony of sound that came from the countless souls within. “Indigo and the others?”

“At least for now. Zesty has an evening class because she hates mornings,” Fleur answered. “It’s why she might fail her History class, it’s at eight in the morning and she just naps through it.”

“Yes, that… that sounds like her,” Twilight said. “We’ll be really quick, right?”

“Of course! Thanks for being patient with me, I didn’t want to drag this thing around.” A quick slide of a card and the door light flashed green- unlocked and ready to be opened.

As per usual form, Fleur strode through the threshold of the dorm room and found her roommates occupying their usual spots: Lemon Zest entranced by the chaotic action of a video game that raced by on the TV, Sugarcoat typing away on a laptop with her back to the door, and the light in Fleur’s room gave away the presence of Indigo lounging quietly within. It was not until the door closed that any of them gave notice to the new arrivals, Sugarcoat turning from her work for the briefest moment to give recognition to the pair with a small wave before promptly resuming her typing. “Thanks for the biscuits this morning, Fleur,” she said.

“You’re welcome. Sorry if they weren’t my best,” Fleur replied.

Sugarcoat shrugged. “Not like I wasn’t gonna eat them.”

Lemon Zest, distracted from her favorite pastime by the sound of conversation behind her, turned about to see what was the matter. “Look who’s here! Hey, Twilight, long time no see. Man, you look like you’ve got something on your mind for sure.”

“Hey, Lemon Zest,” Twilight said, an even tone to her words; it was a subtle movement, but Fleur felt the gap between she and her widen, a slight shrinking of Twilight’s form as though crumpling under pressure. “Doing alright?”

“As always. Still way too much into books and school? You always did want to be freaky smart.”

Twilight could only nod to that; there was a strangeness in the air now, Fleur left mystified as to the reason why. “We’ll only be a minute, just dropping by bag off before we head to Market Street. Would you girls like me to bring anything back?”

“Mountain Dew-”

“Market Street, not the grocery, jackass,” Sugarcoat cut in-

“I’m good, thanks.”

“And me too, Fleur,” Sugarcoat added. “Appreciate the offer, though.”

A nod, then a quick dip into the seclusion of her bedroom, Indigo residing atop her unkempt bed as she rocked to the rhythm of an unknown beat that poured from her headphones, a small start as she caught sight of the two women entering to the room within, a relaxed expression transforming into one of deep discomfort. “Oh, Twilight… hey.”

“Hey…” Neither of the two could seem to look the other in the eye, the pressure in the room rising like steam caught in a pipe; As Fleur unpacked her bag and began to put her things away, both Indigo and Twilight remained rooted to their respective places, unable to break the tension that kept them bound nor capable of resuming their efforts of before. Twilight bit her lip and kept her eyes absolutely fixed on her girlfriend, unwilling to put her gaze elsewhere. Indigo would not dare to lay eyes on a single soul, seeking out the inanimate and giving them her fullest focus rather than anything that moved and breathed.

“Alright, that’s everything,” Fleur said, wiping her hands free of any dust and turning back to her beloved. “Ready to go?”

“Mhm.” Twilight’s response was prompt, swift. “Umm… see you, Indigo.”

“Uh- later...” Indigo could still face no one, not an eye in their direction until they were at last out of sight.

As they made for the door to depart, Lemon Zest turned from the TV and called, “Wow, that was quick. Have fun, Twilight! Hold on to her while you can!” Fleur would have sworn she felt a fire ignite somewhere in her brain, snapping about to give her roommate a ferocious glare that left no doubt as to what she thought of such a statement; Her gesture was of no avail, as Lemon Zest simply shrugged off whatever criticisms the besotted beauty had to offer and returning her attentions back to the TV.

Their shopping trip seemed to carry an aura of gloom about it, despite the shining rays of the sun that fell down to meet them. Fleur’s anger was a rare sight, and often slow to awaken; Lemon Zest’s departing barb had roused it fully to life, however, and the heavy fire that now burned was not apt to be so easily extinguished. In contrast was Twilight’s cold silence, a total lack of emotion affixed to her normally relaxed form. Fleur’s memories of youthful days not so far gone felt a dim flicker of recognition, comparing it to the young girl she’d first fallen for in high school: those slumped shoulders, that emptiness of spirit- it all looked terribly familiar to days when she had been at Crystal Prep.

Dammit, Lemon Zest, how could you? Fleur snarled mutely. Unbelievable, so cruel. As if I’d leave Twilight at the drop of a hat! She couldn’t decide which wild side of her emotions was going to win out- her anger at Lemon Zest, or her sympathy for Twilight’s spirit. She hated the idea that Twilight might have actually believed what had been cast her way, too. But then again, Fleur thought as the pair perused through the shop’s assortment of teas, it would be rather fun to make sure she knows that.

“Fleur?” Twilight’s voice was quiet, deflated.

“Yes, Sweets?” Fleur’s anger was dissipating, washed away by the excitement of a brand new idea that turned her tone to a honeyed sweetness.

“Are… how long have you been friends with Indigo and the others?”

“Oh, for a few years,” Fleur answered, leaning in to read the miniscule print on a teabag, “Are they any different from how you knew them?”

Twilight grimaced. “Not really, no. Well- maybe a little bit, though.”

“I hope you don’t think I’m the same silly girl I was in high school,” Fleur drawled. “Heaven knows I barely had any sense to me.”

“You were fine, I think. I guess I really didn’t know you all that well back then.”

“You could always get to know me a little better,” was the reply, Fleur giving the shop a swift look-over to see who was where: the sole employee present had just turned to head back somewhere behind the counter, leaving them alone. She definitely couldn’t resist now. “A little more personally?”

“What do you-” Twilight turned to face the cause of her confusion and promptly began to splutter; fingers slipped beneath fabric and tugged, Fleur rolling up her top to reveal a braless pair of voluptuous breasts that not even the gods could have hoped to match. Splendidly busty and perfect to the eye, a tantalizing offer of carnal pleasure for the girl who now could only stand stupefied by the bidding that lay there for her to claim. “I- umm. Uhm.”

“You don’t have to look if you want,” Fleur purred, her free hand taking Twilight from her comatose state and guiding her hand to the perfect place for a good fondle. “I’d rather you touch instead.”

“We’re in public.” Twilight somehow managed to choke out the words from a tightened throat, growing more red and breathless by the second.

“Mmm, I know.” Fleur pulled the speechless woman in closer to her hungering form, those lidded eyes aflutter and beckoning for Twilight to give her that carnal release. “Why don’t you take me somewhere so we can be alone? Get to really know each other…”

Twilight ogled Fleur’s pristine mounds, as though her sight was bound to their presence alone- and then suddenly came to life, pulling back and away from the eager offering. “We’re gonna get caught!”

She’d rushed away from Fleur’s offered body so quickly. Instantly, almost with a force behind the action. “Twilight, I was just-”

“Just stop, OK? Please?” Twilight looked stricken, somehow more upset from Fleur’s actions than she had been my Lemon Zest’s parting jab. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Without another word she departed, heading out the door only to come right back and return the teabag she had accidentally held onto before truly leaving both shop and a very heartbroken Fleur de Lis behind.

It wasn’t something her mind could hope to understand. What had Twilight even been upset about in the first place? Fleur had meant every word, every gesture. She’d been craving the feel of Twilight upon her for so long- and then to have the pleasure denied her! The memory was sickening to her spirit, her stomach put to a knot that felt impossible to unravel. She half-wondered if she might be ill.

Fleur returned to her room after a fashion, quietly shutting the door and simply laying down upon the bedsheets in a heap. She felt dispirited, drained, and just about every other negative emotion in the book. Twilight had quite blatantly rejected her, even after a month of a steady relationship. Had she felt forced into it, perhaps? Fleur had tried her best not to be pushy, despite her eagerness for such a thing. Was this why Twilight never seemed to reciprocate all the hugs and kisses she gave, didn’t ever initiate herself? Did Twilight just not like her at all?

A month ago, that thought would have been painful, but at least bearable; now, it would be soul-crushing.

“Are you sure you don’t want any help?” Indigo remained across the room on her bed, keeping an eye on her disconsolate roommate. “I’m really sorry, Fleur. Honest.”

“I just don’t get it,” she said in a flat voice. “I thought we were doing fine. But she didn’t want to-” Just trying to say it hurt.

Indigo shuffled in her seat. “Look, umm… I- I might know a reason why she backed off. Just maybe.”

“How?”

“I mean… me, Sugarcoat, Zest- we were her friends once. And now we’re your roommates.”

“So?” Fleur asked. “I don’t get it.”

Indigo rocked back and forth in her place, avoiding looking Fleur in the eye. “I mean- nevermind.”

The beautiful girl frowned; the fretfulness of Fleur’s spirit was not keen on letting her rest peacefully. She’d initially tried to simply sleep away the pain and instead was granted little more than a gnawing in her stomach. Even speaking about what had transpired to the only other truly mature person in the dorm wasn’t offering much relief. The only person who could resolve the issue was the one who’d walked away from her in the first place, and she wasn’t at all sure of whether or not Twilight would ever even talk to her again. But she most definitely did need to know.

“I’m going to her place,” Fleur declared, popping to her feet in a snapping motion from her seat atop the bed.

Indigo was taken aback by the sudden decision. “Wait, what? You’re going- Fleur, are you serious?”

“Do you not want me to be with her or something?” the words were as much a challenge as they were a question.

“Not what I mean. It’s kinda close to midnight at this point, don’t you think it’s a bit late?”

“I don’t care. I can’t just sit here and wait, I’m sorry,” Fleur said, shuffling through clothes as fast as her fingers could trace the fabric. “I’m going to go over there and then…”

“Uh, do what, exactly?” Indigo asked, almost fearfully-

A hand at last settled upon a chosen garment, summoning them forth and letting them be displayed in all their glory-

Indigo didn’t know whether she should applaud or groan. “So much for subtlety.”

The coat she now wore was a necessity, the sun’s warmth long gone from the world of night. Fleur’s stride was hurried, purposeful, but not yet a run despite her inclination to do so. It was a fair point that this spur-of-the-moment decision wasn’t exactly a stellar one, but she just couldn’t take it. She needed to know, and she needed to know now. It was more than just Twilight that concerned her, but just something so much worse. Not her, too. Please, not her, too.

To little surprise, the residence hall was rather darkened and dimly lit, halls empty and more or less bereft of life as she walked down the way towards Twilight’s door. Fleur possessed no speech, no words prepared, but knew exactly what she wanted to accomplish. Politics and politeness be damned, there was no way she wasn’t going to get the point across! Her knock against the painted wood was hurried, even frantic-

“Please, it’s late!” Twilight’s voice came through muffled but still audible, her displeasure and anxiety at this sudden rush of attention to her quarters not at all welcome. “Is it an emergency?”

“Twilight, it’s me. Fleur?” She tried not to sound pleading, but the effort wasn’t exactly her best. Emotions had a way of undoing her supposed poise.

There was silence- then the door swung open in a flash, Twilight standing there in her pink pajamas and staring at Fleur in no small amount of shock. “Fleur, what on- why are you here, it’s past midnight!”

“Can- can we talk, please?” Fleur asked, squirming where she stood. She ached at the sight of this girl, heart melted and turned to mush at the sight of her so serene and sweet.

“I- I guess,” Twilight said, making way for Fleur to enter and trying to stifle a yawn. “Are you OK, is something wrong? Are the girls mad at you for someth-”

Fleur turned on Twilight the moment the door swung shut. “I want to have sex with you.”

“Did they try to tell you to break up with- wait, what?” Twilight looked as though she couldn’t actually believe she’d heard Fleur correctly.

“I want to sleep with you right this instant, Twilight.” A pull of the sash about her coat and it was dropped to the ground to reveal-

“Fleur- oh wow.” Twilight gasped at the sight of Fleur garbed in fine lingerie, purest white and so beautiful to the eye that it had transformed the beautiful woman into an angel. Lines of lace across them, long stockings that led to frilled garters, bound to an exquisite bustier that was made of thin filaments of silk, perfectly see-through and only just hiding the magnificent body from unblemished view. “Uh.”

“Please, Twilight. I am desperate for you right now,” Fleur begged, whatever dignity she possessed now long forgotten. “Do whatever you want to me, I promise it’s fine!”

“Umm.” Twilight was struggling with herself, clashing between obviously inflamed desire and an unknown emotion that Fleur couldn’t recognize. “Fleur, I just-” She squeezed her eyes shut and forced a single intake of breath. “Where is it?”

Fleur was left nonplussed. “Where’s what?”

“The camera,” Twilight said. “The phone, whatever it is you’re using to record this.”

“Record? Twilight, darling-”

“Why do wanna do this to me? Just point, laugh, and be done with it, please!”

Fleur was horrified, disgusted by the suggestion of subterfuge. “Twilight, please…”

“No, Fleur. Just- no!”

She’d been rejected at last. Her last, desperate, monumentally stupid attempt at romance had sputtered off a cliff and died. Fleur had tried to be as rational as possible, maintain a sense of dignity and not let her emotions run away with her good sense. But that had been ages ago, and she was nowhere near inclined to be sensible. So crying sounded like a great idea.

Twilight heard the tears before she saw them, her sealed gaze opening and turning to horror as a pair of fat tears rolled down Fleur’s now-crumpling face. “Oh no.”

“Do you just not like me at all?” Fleur asked, swiftly transforming into an absolute mess as her deepest desire went up in smoke. “Twilight, did I force you into something you didn’t want?”

“I didn’t- Fleur, oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean-”

Dammit, I did. “I’m sorry,” Fleur said thickly, trying to find the door through the blur of her vision, “Of course you didn’t, I messed up. Not like anyone ever has.”

“Whoa. Hey, Fleur! Hold on,” Twilight blocked her from departing, taking Fleur by the hand and guiding her away from her nearest goal. “Look, it’s- umm- don’t leave. I promise, don’t leave. Just… try to calm down, OK? Can you do that?”

Fleur most certainly could not do that, obviously not OK and in need of turning her wracked emotions into something a little more tangible. As Twilight led her elsewhere, she continued to sob away her sorrow, her senses not yet recognizing that her companion had yet to relinquish the grip that was held fast upon her hands. She cried further until she felt the worst of it begin to pass by, like a great wave that seeks out ships to sink. When she felt like she could manage a calmer, more tranquil breath, she took in oxygen in a rattle, at last able to see clearly and recognize her surroundings. Oddly enough, it was Twilight’s bedroom. And she was on Twilight’s bed, with Twilight right beside her, seeing her as though Fleur really was someone tangible and real.

“It’s not fair,” Fleur mumbled. “No one’s ever actually liked me.”

“That’s just not true,” Twilight protested. “Of course people have liked you. Loads of people!”

“They like how I look!” Fleur spat. “They think I’m pretty and then that’s all they care about. Right to bed, not a word said, everything about how I look. No one actually likes… me.” She gave a dampened sigh, struggling against her sorrowful state. “No one ever even tries to get to know me. All the girls couldn’t believe it when I told them I could actually cook. Lemon Zest laughed when she found out I liked you. Not even my friends care about who I am.”

Twilight kept her hands upon Fleur’s continuing to give them small, tentative squeezes, her smile both guilty and sympathetic as she sat there beside her beautiful companion and listened.

“I really like you, Twilight. I didn’t mean to force you into anything you didn’t want,” Fleur said in a small voice. “Please don’t be mad.”

“Be mad? No, of course not!” Twilight replied, putting her arms about Fleur and cloaking the downcast woman in affection that was a salve to her spirit. “Fleur, I am so sorry. I- can you let me talk for a little bit so I don’t seem like such a jerk?” When she received a nod in return, the poor girl gave a quick exhale and shook herself into composure. “I… wow, this is going to sound really bad- I actually didn’t think you were serious when you said you liked me.”

That wasn’t the answer she’d expected. “Beg pardon?”

“I was friends with Indigo. And Sugarcoat, and Lemon Zest. When we were kids, I mean,” Twilight explained. “I mean, they weren’t really my friends then, and I- they made fun of me a lot. And so when I saw that you were friends with them, I sort of thought that, you know, they’d egged you on to this. To pretend that you liked me so they could make fun of me some more. Because why would someone as pretty as you like me?”

“As a joke? Twilight!” Fleur gasped. “No, not ever! I swear, they couldn’t keep me from you if they tried! I’ve meant every word, every kiss, and I most definitely meant what I said tonight.” She refused to let Twilight be set free from her embrace, keeping Twilight atop her lap and directly in her gaze. “If you don’t feel the same, that is perfectly fine. But don’t you ever doubt a single thing, I have been infatuated with you since I was in high school.”

“But- I mean, Fleur, are you sure? I really do like you, but I get it if you think I’m just a nerd.”

“I am absolutely sure I- say that again, please?” The hunger that had laid dormant in her breast began to thrum back to life, a heady pulse in her chest that threw Fleur into a trance. Twilight felt wonderful in her arms, and now appearing especially pretty to her lusting eye.

Twilight, perfectly settled in Fleur’s lap, began to blush a shade of pink, a smile coming unbidden and in the form of something bashful. “I really, really do like you a ton. Like, oh my gosh, so much. You’re fun to talk to, and you’re really smart with people. And- and you’ve been helping me branch out and try a lot of new things, and it’s been a lot of fun. I mean, it helps that you’re beautiful, but you’re always so patient with others and-”

And what else that Twilight had on her mind was to be said another time, Fleur not allowing another word to escape from those lovely lips before she ensnared them in an absolutely ferocious kiss. Hands ran themselves across body as the heat of the moment overcame her, driving the incensed woman deeper and deeper into her own fiery lusts. Fleur could not hope to restrain herself, continuing to kiss Twilight with every ounce of her being, delving further and further until she was glued by the mouth to the women she’d craved for so many years-

And Twilight was kissing her back! Perhaps unable to fully match Fleur’s frenzied emotions that supercharged the moment, but she returned each kiss with a press and sensation of her own; delicate hands wove their way to the awaiting bosoms that were only barely concealed by fine silk, pausing there for a time before weaving through hair and across smooth skin. She no longer held back, no longer restrained by fear of a lie, Twilight happily kissed the woman with whom she was wound. Their eagerness began to grow frenzied, insatiable-

“Wait!” Fleur forced herself to relent in her amorous conquest, yet unable to prevent herself from enjoying one last nibble of Twilight’s lower lip. “Are- I’m not going too fast, am I? You’re OK with this?”

“Why’d you stop?” Twilight demanded, appearing absolutely scandalized by the utter lack of romantic contact that had suddenly materialized in their midst.

“I just wanna be sure-”

“Oh my gosh yes, just keep going already!”

“Thank God…” Fleur’s inhibitions were cast aside like dirty laundry, plunging deep into Twilight’s willing mouth as the force of her passions cast the two down onto the bedsheets, little more than a tangled mess of tongue that could not seem to hold themselves from one another. Twilight was more than willing to surrender to her beautiful lover’s wild assault, muffled sighs of unrepressed delight swatted away by plundering tonguestrokes that lathered her worship wherever it could manage to lick. Arms about Fleur’s neck, two bodies pressed fiercely together and giving in to the desire to grind, more sounds of frenetic movement and utter desire growing all the more potent.

But there! Twilight felt fabric pushed aside, the light sensation of her pajamas across her waist a forgotten feeling as fingers plunged greedily below and found her unsuspecting folds. It was a delight of the senses even her willing mind could not have prepared for, Fleur attending to her in every conceivable way that romance could offer. That flawless figure pressed so fiercely against her own form, those exquisite lips unwilling to relinquish their place upon hers, that silken, delectable tongue licking through the insides of her mouth in a way she couldn’t even hope to rival- and now those graceful fingers! Twilight was overwhelmed, turned senseless as Fleur’s prying digits plucked at her folds as though she were a musician, bringing the brilliant girl’s heart to notes of song that were devoured by the lips that still dominated her, unwilling to not let her feel anything but relentless, sensuous ecstasy in all its fury. She couldn’t help but squirm, her body throbbing with an agony that was wondrous to endure, impossible to endure- Wait, no! Too soon, not yet! She felt her body begin to quake, shivering as the inevitable came to its conclusion. She wanted to hold on, it still felt so good-!

Twilight gave one heaving shudder and even Fleur’s constant caress of her tongue could not hope to keep the deepened sigh of relief from awaiting ears. She felt her body quake, juices bubbling to the surface and pouring out onto delicate fingers that had plied their trade, an overflowing well that had been so ravenously conquered. She felt her breathing at last begin to slow, hurried pants that begged for air now heavy and laborious from exertion. Fleur no longer continued in her ravishing of Twilight’s body but instead examined her now-slickened fingers, staring at the juices that covered them so as though it were a marvel.

“… Sorry,” Twilight managed weakly.

Sorry? Fleur whipped around as though it were the most shocking thing she’d ever heard. “No! Don’t you dare be sorry!” she breathed, her attentions now turned to the viscous liquids that coated her skilled hands. “I’ve waited so long to do that, I- let me take care of it. It’s my mess.”

“Your mess-? Fleur, it’s… oh.” Twilight’s protests quickly quieted as Fleur descended from her place atop her body and down to the soaked skin below, her intent obvious. With slow, delicate laps did the luscious beauty begin her work, cleaning up Twilight’s ravished juices with the same tonguework that had so easily entranced her partner. Those first few licks were gentle, tentative; Fleur wished for her efforts of love were to be seen and enjoyed, not yet a full act of feeling. But the more of Twilight’s fluids that she found, the more parched she seemed to become, drinking away madly as though those viscous juices were the waters of life. And the feeling! Twilight felt her heart shake at its core, the soft, damp smoothness of Fleur’s tongue a wondrous sensation on her body, even more than it had been against her own pink muscle. She could feel every lick that wiped away the juices from her thighs, reveling in the tingling that came whenever Fleur would kiss her folds; every part that felt so good was something she encouraged, delighted coos escaping her lips so as to encourage the act further. This beautiful, magnificent woman had fingered her wonderfully, and now eagerly lapped up the results of her handiwork? The thought was like a fire in her brain, pushing her own sensual desires to seek release. She’d wanted that body since the moment Fleur had appeared at her door in that dress- she’d be damned if she didn’t have her tonight.

Fleur’s last, slow slithering of tongue wiped away the last droplets that dotted Twilight’s sex, peering up to seek out the eyes of her beloved; Twilight was gazing at her hungrily, biting her lip so as to hold back words from flowing out. “How was that?” Fleur inquired.

“That was… so hot,” Twilight whispered, her voice strained. “Oh my god- you’ve got to let me return the favor.”

Twilight wanted her body. Could life be any more perfect? Fleur came to a kneeling position, arms cast wide as though she were an offering, the fullness of her unrivaled form there for Twilight to take. “Feel free to unwrap your present,” she said.

Twilight glowed at the words, first casting aside her own clothing so as to equal the offer; a slender figure, well-lined and graceful to the eye, that classic loveliness to her form that Fleur had always suspected. What she hadn’t expected, however, was a rather marvelous pair of breasts that added to her already-pleasurable figure, just the perfect shape and size for hands to come and caress them with loving care.

“Oh my,” Fleur said, inching closer to her girlfriend and promptly performing a physical assessment of Twilight’s mounds. “You’ve been hiding from me, you naughty girl. You look perfect.”

“Do you mind letting me see yours again?”

Fleur did not mind in the least, raising her arms high and allowing Twilight to unhook the clasps that held bustier to body, at least freeing her form and leaving only the stockings to still adorn her skin. Those splendid hands sailed across Fleur’s body, gentle patterns that were intent on feeling every inch of flawless skin until she knew the sensation by heart; her initial explorations satisfied, Twilight at last took to the wondrous breasts that Fleur possessed and gave them the fullness of her adoration, loving upon them with a wondrous affection. It was a surprise, albeit a delightful one, to find that Twilight was not at all inexperienced in this particular act of carnal affection; kisses that played their way around the nipple, slow latherings of tongue across titflesh that excited the skin and set electric currents through Fleur’s form- even a small nibble to add to the excitement, a flourish of skill that seemed so out of place, yet most definitely welcome. The graceful woman tended to each breast in kind, ensuring they were lovingly treated and adored, leaving Fleur positively melting from this gracious outpouring of love.

“Twilight, you’ve been keeping secrets from me. Now where did you learn to do that so well?”

Twilight gave a smirk that could not quite overcome the slight tinge of color on her cheeks. “I… may have been- studying. How to please a woman,” she answered cheekily. “Just in case you actually wanted me that way.”

Fleur wanted to laugh, stunned that the seemingly pure and perfect Twilight could seemingly do something so devious. “Why, you minx! You certainly are a fast learner… how about showing me what else you learned?”

Twilight grinned and plunged for Fleur’s lips, the surprise gesture setting them back against the pillows as she took to a cavalcade of kisses, the two women soon entangled as their harmonious affections united. In her initial assault of ravenous desire, Fleur had dominated her partner out of sheer lust; this new union of lips was something different, a more equal effort between them than sheer overpowering that had come prior. Twilight could kiss! Wonderfully so, marvelous in feeling; and just when Fleur wondered if she could be any more surprised, there came a wondrous sensation of her own tongue being caressed by its mate- and pulled out into the open air, only for Twilight’s lips to capture it in between, a slow, tender suckling of tongue, her newest act of love. Fleur gave a dreamy sigh, losing herself in the moment. She did not want to feel anything but Twilight upon her, perfectly content to let this blissful caress of her tongue continue ever on; Twilight sucked and kissed her tongue, lathering her saliva upon it until they intermingled and were indistinguishable from the other. Bonds of liquid held them together as hands plied across body, the two women becoming more and more entangled until it was impossible to know one form from the other.

“Oh my god, Twilight,” Fleur gasped, having to escape this perfect woman’s sapphic clutches before she went mad. “Why did you make me wait? And for so long!”

“Sorry. I hope I can make it up to you,” Twilight replied, more than a little coy and clearly interested in intensifying their engagement. “There was one thing I wanted to try. Just a little- if that’s OK. Something a little more fun?”

Fleur bit her lip to prevent the escape of delighted laughter, relishing every moment of this long night. A kiss of Twilight’s lips, a soft gesture that continued to trail along her cheek and down to the neck, a swift press upon the edge of her breasts before turning to her ear and whispering, “Surprise me.”

Twilight’s eyes gleamed with excitement, eager to initiate yet struggling to decide on how to begin, her hands held to Fleur’s side as though wishing to guide her movements. “If we could- I guess it’ll sound a bit weird to say it, I’m kind of wondering how-”

“I’m alright with anything you want to try,” Fleur cut in, trying to help focus her charged companion. “Go on ahead.”

“Umm, can- just go and lie down, please? And I’ll be atop you, like this…” As Fleur was slowly laid to rest against tussled bedsheets, she couldn’t contain the wide grin that came from realization of the intended gesture. Twilight’s naked form came atop her own splendid figure and took a reversed position, her petite rear end fully encompassing the beautiful woman’s vision. Just above the salivating lips of Fleur, like a delectable fruit hanging from the branches, was Twilight’s sex, sparkling clean and eagerly awaiting another manufactured mess to be made.

“This- you’re OK with this, right?” Twilight asked once more. “I mean, are you comfortable and ever-”

Fleur’s patience was at an end, a deep dive of tongue in between folds that was forceful and slow, a veritable onslaught of presence that made the uncertain girl quiver at the potency of the sensation. “Don’t keep me waiting,” Fleur said, holding back no longer and joyously diving into her awaiting feast. She took to Twilight’s folds with a fervor, wishing to turn this lavish prize into an overflowing paradise that would swell by her actions. Fleur wanted to relish her time within and at first began slow, allowing herself to become familiar with the tastes she continued to discover, the feeling that came as she swirled her tongue about. She was here at last, delving into Twilight’s depths for as long as she wished; the very thought made her spirit sing! After all this time spent waiting, Fleur knew she would have to make it worth both their whiles, a sensation that Twilight would forever hunger for, and an act that she herself would relish giving. A tonguestroke that slid on the outer lines of her folds- oh my god, I’m in heaven.

Fleur had expected this dreamed-of moment to be good; what she hadn’t considered was how perfect it would feel when the very same gesture was given in return. Twilight’s own mouthwork was gentler, more tentative, but carried all her careful intent and effort that she gave to everything she did. While Fleur’s own caress was exploratory and curious, Twilight’s continued laps were thorough; every ounce of Fleur’s own delicacies were to be tended to, not a single inch of her left untouched. This splendid woman cradled Fleur from beneath, hands giving her ass an occasional knead as though to heighten the effect. The feeling of that slick muscle massaging her own sweetness, combined with the fingers that plumped her plush bottom, was intoxicating. Twilight felt excellent already, and would only become all the more so with time and familiarity.

The moan that escaped her throat was instinctive, unbidden; Fleur couldn’t restrain the sapphic sound from leaving her, Twilight’s attentions to her lower portions not something to easily ignore. She’d waited so long for this, and now it felt so good… she was trying to hold on and enjoy the ride, but the pure pleasure of it was stronger than her will could manage to restrain for long. Twilight was going to make her cum, and she didn’t even know if she could prevent it! Fleur willed herself to hold on, forcing her senses to focus solely on Twilight’s own glistening folds rather than any of her own senses. She plundered deep into their depths, her soothing movements now becoming ravenous. Anything to make the moment last longer, just so long as she could keep on feeling Twilight’s pleasures within her! It felt joyous, wondrous, so worth every second of waiting-

Oh yes! Fleur could feel the first wave of orgasm approaching and she drove herself into Twilight’s very core, pulling at the labia in the hopes of hanging on a little longer. The cry that came from her partner was like music to her ears, the unexpected mixture of delight and mild pain on such sensitivity taking Twilight by surprise. Do it again, again! Fleur allowed herself to become a little more voracious, a roughness to her action that Twilight seemed to enjoy, pushing the poor girl to her limits-

The great wave crashed onto shoreline and Fleur was forced to release. She felt herself flow outwards, pouring directly onto Twilight and setting senses to the realms of the electric. But even as she felt her own mind become overwhelmed by delight, Fleur beseeched that she continue; her efforts needed to bear fruit, and quickly! Taking the energy that came from orgasm and pouring it out in return, she razed Twilight’s flower with a great fire that made the poor girl pause in her works and suffer through the agonizing joy. The shiver that came was more akin to a quake of the earth, the tremor coursing through body and reaching a crescendo; Fleur opened her mouth wide and soon found herself swimming, Twilight’s juices flowing about her and turning this long-cherished dream into reality. The flavor was superb, the feeling of it about her glorious; the two women had gone to conquer and had been conquered in return, leaving them both a delighted but thoroughly messy pair of exhausted forms so deeply entangled together.

Fleur felt the weighted presence atop her begin to dissipate; Twilight was leaving her straddled position and falling to the bed, her efforts expended and turning her into a gasping heap of ravished loveliness. Her own mind still consumed by the thoughts and sensations that came by sexual instinct, Fleur slowly crawled to her beloved’s side and simply lay there, the two women taking their time to recover from their loving, eager efforts.

“Fleur?” Twilight began.

“Yes, Sweets?”

The bedraggled girl turned her head to face her beauteous partner, a faint smile on those wearied lips. “Are you sure you really like me?”

Fleur gave a start so great that it shook the bed, utterly taken aback that Twilight could still even have a solitary doubt- then promptly bursting into laughter. Their voices intertwined just as their forms had once been, the silliness of the joke now shared between them in fatigued mirth, their throes of passion leaving them as little more than heaps of spent emotion and physical mess, both body and bedsheets ravaged from the night’s pleasantries.

“Just making sure,” Twilight said, trying to stretch and instead grimacing at the fatigue that now wracked her frame. “Oh my gosh, I feel like a mess.”

“Maybe we should take a shower?” Fleur suggested, just as tired yet forcing herself to rise from her fetal position. “You’ll feel better if you get cleaned up.”

“Uh- as in together?” Twilight asked.

“If you don’t mind sharing,” Fleur added. “I hope it’s alright if I stay the night.”

Twilight looked around her secluded quarters, perhaps marveling at the numerous changes of both life and presence that had consumed it in just a short time. “I- wow… Why on earth would I mind spending the night with you?”

~Three Months Later~

The dorm room was exactly as they’d left it when they had departed for winter break, the same mess and chaos that had been their world now coated in a fine layer of dust that had settled in their absence.

“Oh joy. Back to the cult of academia,” Lemon Zest moaned, tossing her bag onto the couch and lying next to it in an unhappy heap. “Please tell me we’re almost done with this.”

“You’ll be done sooner than you think if you don’t bother trying in your classes this semester,” Sugarcoat said. “Jeez, do you enjoy being on probation?”
“I’m just here so I won’t get fined.”

Sugarcoat rolled her eyes at the pointless remark, long past caring deeply about her roommate’s cavalier attitude. “And she even has student loans… hey, where’s Fleur’s things?”

Lemon Zest perked up from her place on the couch and looked about the dorm room; more than a few items that had once been commonplace were now mysteriously absent, chunks of kitchenware missing from counter, cupboard, and drawer in more than one place. Even the flower calendar that had marked the wall was gone, cast away somewhere they couldn’t imagine.

“What the hell..?” Lemon Zest muttered. “What happened to her shit?”

“She moved out,” Indigo answered, appearing from her now-solitary dorm room with a slight grin on her features. “Took an apartment a little outside of town, from what she told me. A nice place.”

A horror that had once been left unnamed now began to grow in Lemon Zest’s mind, taking root and flourishing with nightmarish speed. Fleur had moved out: no free meals, no free dishware, no microwave, no reminders of her schedule- “Wait a minute!” she cried. “Moved out?! What for?!”

Indigo stared at the incredulous girl. “Are you serious?” she asked. “Who do you think she moved in with?”

Sugarcoat bit her lip to stifle laughter, waiting for the ticking time bomb that was Lemon Zest’s mind to catch up to their current circumstances. They could see the thoughts moving through like a horse-drawn carriage, or a man on a Sunday stroll.

And then-

“Wait, she moved in with that nerd?!”

Author's Note

This one chapter is longer than I thought the entire story would be. Sweet hell.

Enjoy, I guess. Shit; still don't feel like I got it quite right.