Mrs. Ashcroft is thriving.

The feeling of hot water on their sore muscles was amazing. Claire drew in a deep, steamy breath and closed her eyes. Rachel slowly exhaled, feeling the spray on her face and chest.

As they scrubbed their flawless skin, Rachel reflected on their time together. After an awkward week or so, they had finally gotten the hang of thinking and communicating as one. What was frustrating became irritating, then awkward, and finally deeply enjoyable. They could think and speak and act interchangeably, slipping in and out of roles like jazz musicians trading solos. Claire smiled at the metaphor, one that never would have occurred to her.

That was one of the best parts of the new arrangement, though. Claire learned to love jazz and fancy cocktail parties and modern art just as Rachel learned to love tough workouts and sitcoms and hiking. Their enjoyment, like every other aspect of the two women, was transferable. Rachel washed her arms, now toned from months of weightlifting. She would have been bored senseless at the gym beforehand; now she enjoyed it through Claire.

She stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel. It didn't hurt that she could outfit a home gym with the best workout equipment in the world. She had been worried about Danielle's reaction to her new composite personality, but it went over more smoothly than she could have imagined. Danielle fully supported her new interests and hobbies and was delighted to see her take an interest in exercise, among other things.

As she began to put on her clothes, Rachel smiled. Before this, she would have been mortified by this simple combination of a blouse and shorts. She routinely went out wearing minimal makeup and casual clothes, much to her family's chagrin. Claire wasn't used to wearing makeup but she soon grew to enjoy the art of enhancing the natural beauty she now co-owned.

"Ready for lunch, dear?" she called out to Danielle as she descended the stairs. Danielle greeted her at the landing with a kiss and a nod. Danielle went to the fridge and pulled out the two salmon salads she had prepped earlier.

"Good workout?" Danielle asked between mouthfuls of salmon and kale.

"Very good. I pushed myself a bit more today," she replied.

"I'm so proud of you, sweetie. These last months, you've done so well for yourself! You just seem happier, like you're somehow-"

"Complete?"

"Exactly! It's like you're suddenly whole. You've become a well-rounded person." Danielle's gaze shifted downward. "Very well-rounded. Did you push yourself too hard for a little post-workout treat?"

Rachel smiled. Danielle always got turned on after she worked out. "Of course not. I always leave room for dessert..."

As they stepped away from the empty salad bowls, Danielle took her hand and whispered conspiratorially into her ear. "You know, I don't mind if you wanna do the voice..."

Claire gave her a sultry look. "You mean where I talk like some low-class bitch who just wants to suck on your pussy till you squirt in my face?"

Danielle's breath caught in her throat and they quickly disappeared up the stairs.