What Starts in the Bath...

The Following Morning

MJ tried to suppress a yawn as she followed Rera down the hall. Along the way, she tried saying “good morning” in Tamaranean to anyone who they passed. While Rera couldn't find anything in the library, she did elect to teach MJ a few common phrases to help her while she stays, and MJ had spent the better part of the remaining day practicing them. While she still had a ways to go, it was better than nothing, and judging from the other's reactions, she was off to a good start.

However, as a result of her lessons, she had missed dinner with her hosts, but MJ was just a little relived about that part. Even with Rera teaching her, she couldn't quite get Kori out of her head. When her helper/teacher tried asking what was wrong, she managed to brush it off. However, she could tell that Rera didn't buy it.

Now, she was leading MJ to the royal baths. Hopefully, this will help clear her head. Rera stopped at the bath entrance, turning to MJ. “Go ahead,” she said, “I will be back with soap and a towel for you.” MJ nodded and stepped inside.

The room was rather large, with at least three large bath tubs in the floor. There was a large window facing the wilderness, and stream floated through the air. However, MJ noticed that there was someone else here. That someone quickly turned out to be none other than Kori, taking her sweet time bathing herself.

MJ should have immediately turned away and left, according to common sense, and yet she couldn't look away from the sight. Kori's nude body glistened as she washed her hair, her toned muscles, huge breasts and tight ass in full view.

MJ was enraptured, until Kori opened her eyes and noticed her staring.

“Good morning, MJ,” Kori said casually, “Come on in, the water's still warm.”

MJ, however, was flabbergasted. Didn't Kori see her gawking at her like a pervert? She managed to put on a fake smile and give an awkward “Good morning.”

Just then, Rera walked in, carrying a towel. She saw Kori, and quickly greeted her in Tamaranean with a bow. Kori greeted her back, and the two had a short conversation, with the fact that the princess standing there butt naked apparently having no impact on it.

Rera turned to MJ, handing her the towel and soap. “I believe I am needed elsewhere, so I shall leave you in peace,” she said as she left the baths, with MJ alone with Kori.

MJ looked at Kori, who just smiled at her and motioned for her to come in. She hesitated for a second, before speaking up. ”It's okay, I'll wait until you're done,“ she said, turning around.

Kori looked confused for a moment, saying “I'm sorry, have I done something to offend you?”

“No, not quite,” MJ replied, “I don't know about Tamaran, but on my world, anyone who walked in on somebody while they were in the bath would have been kicked out by now.”

“Why?”

“It's, well, complicated, but basically we kind of have this taboo against nudity.”

“I see,” Kori said, not really understanding what MJ was saying. Nevertheless, she would be a good host. “Well, if you truly feel repulsed by my lack of clothes,-”

MJ quickly responded “No, no, it's not I'm repulsed, it's just...”

“Just what, MJ?” Kori said, now more confused.

MJ bit her lip, trying to think of what to say. Kori looked on, unsure herself, before she spoke again. ”I understand I may be overstepping here, but would the two of us bathing together be so terrible?”

“No, no, I'm sorry, it's just complicated. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Can you turn around while I get ready?“

”Of course.“

As she began undressing, MJ took a few breaths, trying to keep herself calm. _Okay, you're about to take a quick bath, then get out. This is no different from the spa, just keep cool. _She kept repeating this in her head, as she folded her clothes for later, picked up the soap, and stepped into the large bathtub.

“Okay, you can look now,“ MJ said, still nervous.

Kori turned to face her, saying ”If you do not mind, I do not know much about you or the planet you hale from, and I would like to know you better.“

”Really? Okay, where do I start?”

Making sure to stick to just the bare minimum, MJ began telling Kori about her life on Earth while they bathe together. As she went on, Kori didn't really say anything, content to listen, and only asking MJ to clarify certain things. Surprisingly, MJ had relaxed almost completely, growing a bit more comfortable.

She continued the conversation, as they finished and got out of the bath tub. “I'll admit, that wasn't too bad. Helps that the water was so nice,” MJ said, toweling off.

“I'm glad to hear that,” Kori replied.

”Sorry about earlier, by the way. I know I was acting a little weird, but I appreciate you listening to me."

"But of course. As I said before, you need only but ask."

With that, MJ remembered what it was that she really wanted to ask. Well, no point avoiding it any longer.

"Actually, I wanted to ask you about when we met yesterday, about the, uh.."

"Yes, when I kissed you to learn your language,“ Kori said.

”Yeah, I talked to Rera and it turned out that the kiss wasn't really necessary.“

”Was I mistaken about you enjoying it?“

”Well, that's the thing,“ MJ said with trepidation, ”I might have enjoyed it, and that can't be right.“

Kori looked at her with confusion.

MJ quickly replied, “Not that there's anything wrong or that. Fuck, I'm sorry, that came out wrong.”

Kori placed her hand, saying “It's alright, just speak what's on your mind.”

After a moment, MJ spoke again. “Honestly, I've only felt attraction towards men, I think. But then, I came here, and met you, and you just give me the best kiss I've had. You're strong, beautiful, and nice. I know we just met, but I think I'm really attracted to you.”

Kori smiled, saying “Thank you for your kind words, and I feel the same way about you.”

“Wait, really?”

“Yes, when I first saw you, there was something about you that instantly drew me in. I want to know more about your world, your people, and more importantly, you. I understand that these feelings you have are new, and I would love to explore them with you.”

Kori gently took MJ's chin and looked her in the eyes. “However, I want it to be your choice. If you don't want to go any further, simply say so.”

Seeing the gentle warmth in Kori's eyes and the smile on her face, MJ already knew her answer. “I think I do.”

With that, the two came together and kissed. It started gentle, and soon they were lost in it, dropping the towels they had been using onto the floor. MJ still didn't know what this means about her, but she might as well enjoy it.

Rera smiled in satisfaction as she watched Princess Koriand'r and Mary Jane kiss from just outside the bath entrance. She had sensed some tension between the two of them, mostly on MJ's side, and she knew that they just needed some time alone to sort it out. With that, she turned to leave them be, deciding that someone should inform the queen that the princess would be running late for breakfast.