Time To Get To Know One Another

Mark was lying back down in his bed. Damn, I should have gone after her. Maybe I should send her a message to apologize. No, that would seem cowardly. Call her? No, same problem. I’ll just have to apologize the next time I see her. Why was she so insistent? That doesn’t seem like her. Also, what was my problem? I mean, I get why Freya would accept that deal. She’s also hot. So what was my problem with agreeing for her to join my harem in that scenario? Mark thought about this for a while and had an answer, but he didn’t feel like it was quite right. Because I want her to be with me, because of me, and not simply to save her sister. So I’m just selfish… Crap. I really need to apologize to Aubrey. But if I go running after her right now, it will seem insincere, and I have my date with Merida tonight, so it can’t be later today. Tomorrow morning then…

Mark got out his phone and sent a message over to Freya.

Mark: Hey, Freya, could you please make sure I don’t forget to apologize to Aubrey tomorrow morning? Nag me until I do okay. Don’t let me get sidetracked on this. It is important.

Freya: Not a problem, Sir. I have added it to your schedule.

Mark: Actually, Freya, could you stop by the suite? I would like to talk.

Freya: I am on my way.

Mark could hear her heels approach and open the door before she had a chance to knock. “Please come in.”

“How can I help you, Sir?”

“Please let’s sit. I made some tea.”

Freya had a look of consternation on her face, not sure what Mark was doing. Nevertheless, she complied and sat at the dinner table, and Mark poured her some tea. “Master Mark… I am—I’m confused. I had assumed you asked me here to talk about my sister. Forgive me, Sir, but I wouldn’t say you exactly take the time to think things through. Even when asked.”

“That’s a fair critique. But not why I called you here.” Mark took a sip of his tea, savoring the aroma. “I had two reasons. The first is, I was wondering if you could give me some advice. The second is that I would like to get to know you a bit better.”

“Well, for the first, I will do my best to advise you as long as I believe I am capable of doing so, Sir. And if I don’t believe I can, I will recommend someone whom I think can. For your second reason.” Mimicking him, taking a sip of the tea, and breathing in the aroma. This is actually really good. The magic doesn’t get it this good. She glanced at the kitchenette and noticed an actual kettle on the stove. Huh, must have made it himself… “Well, I thought I made myself clear earlier, Sir. I am not interested in pursuing anything with you at this time.”

Mark was about to correct her misunderstanding before he remembered she knew the intent behind his words, and saw a small smirk on her lips as she took another sip of tea. She’s messing with me. Mark’s pensive expression actually made Freya lose her composure as she laughed a little

“I’m— heh — Sorry, Sir. Heh heh —Really, I mean it, Sir.” She did not look sorry in the least.

“Sure, I believe you.” his voice dripped with sarcasm. Shifting to a more serious tone. “Now, about the advice. Are you able to access the Master Only BP store?”

“Only if you give me permission to do so, or ask me to perform a task that requires access to it.”

“Perfect. I give you permission for complete access to the store, but you can’t spend my BP. I’m not sure if that last part was needed or not, but I would rather cover my bases.”

“I couldn’t spend it without your consent anyway. What is it you would like help with?”

“Well, I still have 10850 BP to spend down to 8140 BP, or Cassandra gets to spend it all.”

“Actually, that is incorrect, Sir. Due to the halving, you actually have to spend down to 4070 BP.”

Mark sighed. “Just great. I guess I am spending less than if my BP wasn’t halved, so that’s good. Either way, I would like to get the number as close to 0 as manageable before the Challenge day. I was wondering if it would be possible to have a list of recommendations made. Things you would find interesting or helpful for me, or the girls. I do know that there is a lot in the store, though, so I don’t want to overwhelm you or anything. I did have an idea. I’m just not sure if it is actually helpful or even something that can happen.”

“Well, I can most certainly create such a list, though I won’t be able to go through the whole store on my own in your requested time frame.”

“That’s where my idea comes in. First, I apologize if this is insensitive. I was wondering if Astrid might be able to help in this regard if she had access to the store as well. I saw the others come out of a store yesterday, not long after we did. A store that I assume contains an ASTRID body. Which would mean that she has some level of parallel processing if she is able to interact with both parties at the same time. I don’t know the specifics of her condition, so I don’t know if what I’m asking is cruel or if I’m asking something reasonable. But if you don’t like the idea, forget I mentioned it, please.”

“Astrid would be capable of going through the store if given access. I am also not offended. You simply saw a beneficial use of a horrible transformation. That doesn’t mean you approve of it. The issue is that her recommendations will likely still be a bit eclectic, but I can certainly have her narrow down the choices and give recommendations from that. Do you have any specific criteria?”

“Not really? I’ll trust your judgement on this. Also, do you have any immediate recommendations for Let’s Give It A Boost?”

“Hmmm, Master Mark, I do not think I would be helpful in that regard. I’ll answer you if you want to know what I would do if I were in your place, but I don’t think that is something you would do.”

“Freya, would you prefer not to answer that question, or is it really that you just don’t think it is helpful to answer the question?”

“Mostly the latter, Sir. I am… just concerned, you would judge me poorly for what I would do in your place.”

“Then I don’t need to know, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, and I’m not going to **** you to divulge your thoughts. If you change your mind, though, let me know. Now I know you were teasing me about it earlier, but I really would like to get to know you a bit better. Since we’ll be together for the rest of our lives.”

“I apologize for teasing you, Sir. But that doesn’t mean you have to tease me back, you know. Very well, what would you like to know?”

“Can you tell me what you think is important about yourself?”

“Well, Sir. As you know, I have five sisters; they are the world to me, and the only family I have left besides Cassandra and Smug. I’m not from your earth. That’s all that I would like to share in response to that question, Sir.”

Okay… so she’s asking me not to push. Fine. “Okay, can you tell me a little about how your version of Earth is different from mine?”

“Well, we have magic everywhere, though nowhere near as strong as what Cassandra can wield. Our technology is far more advanced than yours, to the point that seeing someone with a body like Astrid, while not common, is something that, if you live in a city, you will see eventually. Our society has more structured social castes than yours; they are similar in general, but there is no pretense of equality. I can’t think of much else that is really different that I could also explain in a context you’d understand.”

“Okay, so a few questions. If they are considered rude where you're from, please don’t answer unless you actually want to. Do you have magic, then? Where were you in the social hierarchy? And do you know if there are versions of you and your sisters in my world, and will it be an issue?”

“Thank you for your courtesy, Sir. And yes, the first question is actually quite rude in polite society, but I will still answer it. A little, all six of us do, with Maja being the standout, and Astrid was a close second. I won’t bore you with the structure, but we were well off, not the top but fairly high, think multimillionaires, or nobility. Not Billionaires or Royalty. As for whether there is a version of me on your Earth? I don’t know, but it also shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Okay, last question.” Freya raised an eyebrow in doubt. “I promise, okay. Do you have any pet peeves, things that really bother you? I don’t want to be asking for something that annoys you, that you are either too polite to say something about, or worse, you can’t speak up about because of your position. Actually, assuming I can give this to you, I am. You have my blanket permission to speak freely or not to me, in whatever manner you so choose. I am specifically saying any limits on your speech that I can free you of, I am.”

“Thank you. Thank you very much, Mark. That was very kind of you. A little foolish, but very kind. You do realize I could lie to you now, right?” Mark immediately noticed a change in her cadence, and her demeanor seemed to become slightly less formal and cold.

“Don’t care. Lies are sometimes helpful and kind, and some things shouldn’t be said. Can you pass that along to your sisters for me as well? Or do I have to actually do it myself?”

“I am able to relay any instructions to the rest of your staff directly. And seriously, thank you, Mark.” She smiled at him and finished her tea. “As for pet peeves. Tardiness and timidness. If there is nothing else? I’ll take my leave.”

“I think that’s all, have a good day, Freya.”

“Thanks, you as well, Mark,” and she walked towards the door. Aubrey’s words and question came to mind as he watched Freya go. Damn, those legs and butt are fine. He liked watching them walk out the door.

Laura was basking in the afterglow; she felt wonderful. She also felt a sense of fullness inside her, right where her mana was stored. This was great. I want a few more minutes of this before getting up to go find Chloe. She lay there, and Sam and Flora had actually fallen asleep in her arms. After just lying there for a while, she slowly extricated herself from underneath the two. They grumbled at the loss of their magnificent pillows, but Flora simply slid over to Sam and pushed her back into her to cuddle. Laura smiled down at the two women, noticing Sam absently nibbling on one of Flora’s lion ears. Time to go find Chloe. She walked out the door, heading toward the Boudoir.

She knocked on the door, waiting for someone to answer, hoping she had gotten here before they left and before Aubrey came here. Laura, stop doubting yourself. I decided to go with my gut and trust that Cassandra isn’t horrible and means well. I might not be happy with her right now, but she has generally been accommodating and kind in her rules. Also, this impulse seems like helping instead of a betrayal. I just have to time it right. Merida answered the door in an oversized t-shirt going down to her knees.

“Laura? I'm fair beat, an' Chloe's still fast asleep, bless her. Can it no' wait a wee while?”

“Sorry, Merida, I didn't mean to disturb you. I just wanted to check on people. I also figured this is where Aubrey would come after leaving Mark’s with the day she had yesterday.” Which, while true, wasn’t the only reason she thought Aubrey would be coming here.

“Ay, straicht on through. But keep it quiet, will ye? Chloe's spark oot, an' the pair o' us were up till a' hours yestreen. Wasnae much gabbin', truth be telt, mair juist deep thocht.”

Laura stepped inside and saw the room for the first time. This is nice, kind of wish I got to stay here. That nice open space would be great to work out some. Guess I will after my date with Mark. She went over to one of the chairs in the room and sat down. Merida went to get changed. Just throwing on a pair of yoga pants, a sports bra, and a t-shirt.

“No, outfit today?” Laura asked quietly.

“Nah, the twa o' us, we coudnae be bothered taeday. On top o' that, I've got ma date wi' Mark taenicht, an' I’m **** tae go as masel', aye? Hoo aboot yersel'? whit's goin' on wi' that collar on yer neck?”

“Uhh…” Laura started a little evasively, “Just a bit of fun with Flora and Sam is all?”

“Ach, ye juist coudnae wait for Mark, could ye? Ye had tae go get in afore him wi' thae bonnie lassies, eh?”

“What, it isn’t like that. I wasn’t trying to beat Mark, and it isn’t like Flora, and I really did anything together anyway.”

“Haha, easy tiger, I’m only pullin’ yer leg. But I did see ye only said Flora, no’ Sam. So, whit got intae ye an’ the fair Lieutenant this mornin’, eh?”

“I thought you weren’t interested in women, so why would you want to know?”

“The lassies arenae for me, aye, but I’m interested in findin’ oot the lie o’ the land, so tae speak.”

“If you must know, Sam helped me relieve some tension I have had building up that last couple of days.”

“Och, I've nae doot she did. Ye're fair chuffed, sittin' there in the efterglow.”

At this, they heard a grumble followed by a pillow flying by their heads. “Some people are trying to sleep,” Chloe grumbled and put her face back into her pillow. Realizing it was too late now, that she wouldn’t get back to sleep, she got up and looked at the two. “One of you better have coffee.”

“Sorry, no, didn’t bring any,” Laura replied regretfully. Coffee sounds great right now.

“Well, you owe me one for waking me like this. None of us had a good evening, and I’m exhausted.” Chloe’s eyes went wide as she realized what she had just done, putting a hand up to her mouth. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Hey, Chloe, it’s okay. It’s just coffee. We can go and get some in a bit. I figured Aubrey would come here when she leaves Mark’s this morning, as I messaged Freya saying we weren’t all meeting up for breakfast. Wanted to make sure she was doing okay. So, how about this: we wait for her and then go into town and grab some coffee and breakfast. My treat.”

“Breakfast is free…” Chloe glared.

“All the better. I’ll have you know, I’m a cheap date.”

It was at this point that they heard another knock at the door. Merida got up again to answer it.

Seeing Aubrey at the door, Laura said, “Speak of an angel, and she shall appear.”

“Umm…” Aubrey blushed and perked up a bit at the compliment, but was still clearly not in a good mood. “Thanks? I guess. You were talking about me?”

“Aye, Laura popped ower, reckonin' ye’d land here efter lea’in’ Mark's place. If I’m bein' honest, I kinda expected Mark tae be wi' ye. Whaur's he at?”

“We… we had an…” She thought over the choice of words in her mind. “A heated disagreement this morning.”

Fuck! Laura shouted in her mind. Please don’t be about Freya, please don’t be about Freya.

“What about? After yesterday, I’m assuming it was about ASTRID, but I can hardly believe he would try to tell you not to help her.” Chloe mused. “So what then?”

“I mean, sort of, we were talking to Freya about her, and I had asked what she was willing to accept to save her sister. She straight-up said that while any of the sisters would trade places with her, they wouldn’t accept someone else being in a similar situation. She said she’d get me a list of things that she and her sisters have already talked over.”

“Okay, but I can’t see Mark really getting mad about that. That is a totally reasonable question, if a bit blunt. Honestly, I’m glad to hear that response; it means that they are good people.” Chloe responded. “So what was the fight about?”

“I… I sort of asked Freya if—if she would join Mark’s Harem if that’s what it took to save ASTRID. It sort of turned into an argument, and I kind of **** him to promise he would accept Freya’s choice in the matter.”

FUUUUUUUUCK! Laura tried her best to hide her wince. I’ll just add it to the list of things to smooth over and talk with Mark about, I guess. Fuckity, fuck, FUCK! At least this next impulse should make up some of it to Aubrey, and I doubt Chloe will mind.

“Ah, did he explain why he didn’t want to accept that?” Chloe pushed a bit.

“No. No, he didn’t… because I wouldn’t let him. I explained why I asked and cut him off when he tried to respond, and just kind of yelled at him, explaining why he needed to just accept this. Then, when he said he would think about it, I treated him like a child, saying that wasn’t good enough, and even when he said ‘Fine’, I told him I wanted to hear a promise from him. Then I got up to leave, and if not for the mirror in his room, I would have pretty much just stormed off. I still pretty much stormed off afterwards, though.”

“Eh? Mirror? Wha' kinna mirror? Spill it – is there somethin' we dinnae ken?”

“Apparently, it gives glimpses into likely futures or something, but they end up sort of hazy afterwards. Cassandra apparently told Mark it is to help get to a better future we are happy with, or something. I don’t know, it felt off, like I had gotten everything I had asked for, and I was content, but I wasn't, like, truly happy in that future. Like something needs to change, if I really want to be happy in the end.”

“Aubrey…” Chloe looked at her best friend and saw defeat in her. Then an idea, an impulse sprang into her mind. I should take her on a date right now, to cheer her up. She sprang out of bed and quickly went to her wardrobe with a determined stride, like she had a mission and she wouldn’t be stopped. “Hold on a sec, I’ll be right back.” She went into the bathroom, changed outfits, checked her hair, put on some light makeup, came out, and strode over to Aubrey and took her by the arm. “I’m taking you on a date, today, now. We are going to go have the date you should have had with Mark. Whatever it was you were planning, we are doing it now. I’ll cover any expenses. I’m not taking no for an answer. Aubrey, I like you and want to see if we can work as a couple. I don’t care if we never get physically intimate with one another. You are already family to me, and I think you feel the same way about me. I want to explore this. Before now, I never had the courage because I didn’t think there was a chance. Things have changed. We are going to be in each other's lives forever now because of Mark. You’ll be able to have children with him, so he can give you what I can’t. I don’t want to always wonder what if, and I want to try before the show pushes and changes us too much. But even if you don’t want this to be a romantic date, and please tell me if that is the case, I am still taking you out on a date right now as a friend at least.”

“Chloe… I kind of just want to rest.”

“Nope. We are going to go get coffee and a nice breakfast. Laura and Merida will be joining us, at which point you are going to explain what you were going to do with Mark, and we are going to go do it. If you want to try to see if there can be something between us, then it will just be us, and if you don’t, Laura and Merida WILL be coming along as well. Those are your choices, Aubrey.”

“Great, I know this voice. This is the: I have decided and I will get my way Chloe, and you can either get on board the train or get dragged along behind it. Fine. Let’s go. But I want to put on something else. I chose the first thing from the closet to get out of there quickly.”

“Aye, an' I'm bettin' we've nae say in whit's happenin' here, hae we then?”

“Sorry, but no, Merida. Aubrey needs this, and if she doesn’t want this to be a date, then you are coming along to make it an outing.”

“Aye, fine then. I s’pose we could dae wi' a wee bit o' cheer efter yestreen.”

When Aubrey had changed, they all went off to breakfast, Laura feeling a bit better, but still guilty about what she had done to Aubrey. I hope Aubrey will take Chloe up on the date. That way, I can go see Mark to fix this mess I made.