This is a work of FICTION, made by and for adults 18+. The following chapter includes depictions of cfnf and fainting through energy loss. Reader discretion is advised.

Nothing mattered to Aileene but the comfort under her head; the supple pillow was perfect for her to rest. “Aileene?” She groaned and shifted before finally looking up to find Mera.

“Oh, hello.” Turning up, Aileene recalled their last amorous activities and flushed. “H-how are— you?”

With a careful smile, she answered, “I’m fine. How are you?”

Aileene heaved up to hold Mera. “I’m just fine. I…” She tilted back to gaze into Mera’s eyes. “I— really enjoyed… being one with you.”

Lightly flushing, she shyly looked away with a coy grin. “I, uhm… I enjoyed it too. We…” Mera glanced back. “We can… do it again… sometime.”

“I,” her smirk widened as she came nearer, “I’d like that.”

She leaned in and pecked Mera’s cheek. They looked to each other before embracing but, as Aileene’s lips were pulled, she hesitated to reciprocate. “Is something wrong?”

“Oh, uh, it’s nothing…”

“Tell me.”

Shyly looking down, Aileene confessed, “Well, I’m having a lot of fun with you, but… I— I want to do some of the things I enjoyed when I was alive… if that’s possible.

“Of course! What would you like to do?”

“Well… I’d really love to dance, but… it’s so cold outside…”

“Why don’t you dance inside?”

Looking around the wide bedroom lined with cabinets, mirrors and wardrobes, Aileene lamented, “I don’t think there’s enough space.”

“The basement is open.” She perked up. “There’s no furniture down there, and it’s wider than any other room in the house.” With a quick nod, Mera led her out of the bedroom. As they came downstairs, Aileene spotted her white robe hanging off a sofa.

‘Huh, I’m actually not uncomfortable. It’s strange, I’ve never been naked for so long, but it feels— comforting around Mera.’ Down another set of stairs, Mera opened a pair of double doors to an enormous chamber with black wooden floor and ceiling, edged by dark red walls. Aileene stepped in first and realized, “This is perfect! Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome. I hope you are able to enjoy yourself.” She nodded before walking to the center of the room. As Aileene looked back to Mera, though, her heart dropped. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just,” she held herself, “it’s just… the last time I danced… someone was watching without me knowing. That’s… how I died…”

“I’m so sorry. I can leave—”

“No,” Aileene interrupted. “No, I— I want you to watch.” Looking forward, she held her arms out before halting. ‘Come on.’ Aileene flinched. ‘It’s just… one foot in front of the other, and—’ With a final flex, Aileene stepped and danced once again. Though her steps began clumsy on the smooth floor, she soon found her feet and spun in fluttery orbits. While she continued, though, Aileene became distracted by strange sensations; her legs were growing sore, a thin layer of sweat was forming, and she was nearly out of breath. After completing another circle, her foot slipped and she fell towards the floor.

“AILEENE!!” With a gust of wind, Mera caught her. “Are you okay?”

“I…” Exhausted, Aileene peered up to Mera’s raven wings—only half the span of Sammy’s—before they vanished into her back. “I’m— okay… I’m just… tired.” She held Mera’s arm. “I never— used to get— tired…”

“Does it have to do with Brigit’s gift?”

Taking a few deep breaths, Aileene admitted, “I think so… I used to— be able to dance— all day long… I’m so tired…”

“I’m so sorry. It was beautiful, though.”

“Thank you… My mother taught it to me. It’s meant to be a— bonding ritual, where partners spin around with each other… I remember my mother and I getting so dizzy we’d fall over laughing.”

“That sounds fun. Maybe you can teach me someday.”

With a faint smile, Aileene reflected, “That would be nice.” Her eyes became heavy. “I’m going to take a quick nap.” Before she could hear if Mera answered, the waking world began to slip away and Aileene fell into a deep slumber.

—Spoiler—

I’m glad Aileene felt comfortable enough to do what she loved after it led to such an untimely demise. Hopefully this is just the start of Aileene opening up to Mera’s presence, but what does she really think of her mistress? Ailenee takes the time to reflect upon her situation in Chapter 11: Reflections.

—End Spoiler—