Trials of Friends [Fiction]

[interesting]

I had been living with a guilty conscience for the last few days, and frankly, I was tired of it. The more I waited, the harder it got to tell Sarah what happened between me and Jennifer. I kept hearing her telling me that nothing happened, that it had been innocent and just a game, and while I wanted to believe it, I could not get it out of my mind.

The same night as that incident, when Sarah came to my home, I tried to hide my discomfort but Sarah immediately sensed something was up. I told her I was feeling queasy and she left it at that, but I'm not entirely sure how convinced she was. The fact that she did not insist actually made it harder for me to spill the beans and be truthful. I had not seen Jennifer since then, and I was clearly and consciously avoiding her. Fortunately, the event did not affect my sex life with Sarah and I could cast it aside during intercourse. But afterwards, when we rested against each other, I was left with an uneasy feeling.

It was now Saturday and we were out partying. I had stopped going out to bars when I started working at the college. There had been many reasons, but the main was I no longer had any incentive to go there. All of my former friends were gone, the bar scene had never offered me any form of prospect for relationship and I did not like to drink enough. Going out with Sarah was taking me back ten years, as if I was eighteen again and experiencing the joys of freedom.

For some reason, that night, I was drinking quite a lot more than I used to. It was only me and Sarah, none of her friends were around for that evening. After dancing for a while, we returned to our corner of the room, dimly lit for the purpose of improving intimacy and we drank our liquor. I was still aware of my advanced state of drunkenness, still able to maintain a conversation but too gone to care about the consequences.

The conversation switched from topic to topic, as it usually does, weaving its way into familiar patterns. Eventually, as we were talking about pornography, the conversation turned to Jennifer's recent stint at her photoshoot. I was too drunk to adequately consider where the conversation might lead. As for Sarah's state, I was not entirely sure how far she was gone.

"I like Jennifer, said Sarah.
"I like her too. She's great.
"You know, sometimes I think she pushes the envelope even more than I do.
"You're right about that.
"I'd never agree to have my sex acts publicly displayed on the internet... certainly not if my face was showing!
"From the pictures, the camera was filming something other than her face!"

That comment earned me a light punch on the shoulder before Sarah continued.

"I'm just saying these images... they might come back to haunt her later.
"We all do things we regret..."

My tone must have changed at that point because Sarah picked up on something. She grabbed my hand in hers.

"Jim... what's wrong?
"What do you mean?
"There's something you're not telling me."

I tried to pull away, but my coordination was lousy so my hand went nowhere.

"Nah! I'm fine.
"Jim, you're not fine. You're drinking like you want to forget something. You've been avoiding my home for the week, insisting I go to your place.
"I don't want to talk about it now.
"When then?
"What?
"When can we talk about it? When you sober up tomorrow?"

I looked away, up, down, anywhere but her face. She leaned in and drew my gaze into hers.

"Jim... is this about what happened between you and Jenn?"

I froze and stared blankly. The alcohol prevented me from uttering a single word, which was probably the best thing I could have done.

"What do you mean?
"Jim, don't take me for granted. You've been deliberately avoiding Jenn since last Tuesday, since I left you two alone. Something happened, right?"

There were no ways out of this. My stupor prevented me from gathering my thoughts and coming up with an elaborate diversion to change the subject. I had been wanting to tell her for days, and now that the opportunity was presenting itself, I was almost ready to deny everything.

"uh...
"And Jenn's been acting strange lately. She won't talk about you either. I know her even more than I know you."

Sarah must have seen the fear in my eyes.

"Just tell me. I promise I won't get mad and we'll talk about it."

She crossed her heart as she said so, to emphasize her point. At that point, I realized I did not actually want to resist. It was better to spill the beans and get it over with.

"When you left... we were looking at those pictures of her from her shoot... and she got me undressed and danced around me... then she gave me a... blowjob."

That last word had difficulty finding its way out of my mouth, for two reasons. One, it was difficult to admit it to my girlfriend. Two, it wasn't entirely accurate, but at the moment, it was all I could muster.

"And?
"And... that's it. She put my dick... in her mouth."

Sarah face's was expressionless. She looked away for a moment, then came back to me.

"So that's it...
"Yeah... pretty much... oh and she tied me up.
"Uh-huh.
"Are you okay, Sarah?"

She took her time to ponder my question, leaving me suspended in mid air, wondering if she was going to catch me or if I was going to collapse on the ground.

"That depends. Are you okay, Jim?
"What do you mean?
"Are you... okay, with what she did? Can you live with it?"

I did not understand why Sarah made this about me. I wanted another kind of reaction from her. Compassion or anger, but not redirection. Still, I was in no mood to argue, so I attempted to answer to the best of my inebriated abilities.

"I guess so maybe... I mean, it was wrong but, if you're all right with it, I can live with it, I guess?"

Sarah seemed to ponder my answer even more.

"We can't talk about this here and now. I'm going to take you home and we'll talk about this when you're sober in the morning.
"Are you mad?
"Not really, no. Disappointed, but not mad."

She kissed me on the forehead. We headed out, our party having just been crashed by the truth.

Sarah woke me up early the next morning. She served me water and toast in bed. I was feeling nauseated so I went to the bathroom and emptied the contents of my stomach. I would not have been sick except for the rush of emotions from the night before. When I came back into my bedroom, Sarah was still waiting for me patiently. I recalled most of what had happened the night before and sat on the edge of the bed, away from her. She moved in close.

"Do you remember what happened last night?
"Yes... I'm sorry.
"I know you are. But are you okay with it?
"I honestly don't know."

This time, I gave her more detail, only to be as thorough as possible. She let me finish my story without interrupting.

"Are you still disappointed?
"Yes... but not at you. Not really. I'm disappointed at Jenn. I didn't think she'd go this far.
"You expected something like this?
"Not expected. But she came onto me about two weeks ago... in the shower.
"What?"

She then told me about her own incident, how she'd let Jennifer get close and eat her out some before pushing her away.

"So I'm not mad at you... because I fell for it too. I mean, I let it happen. Look, Jim, a lot has changed in my life since we started being together."

She seemed reluctant to elaborate further, but I felt full disclosure was necessary here.

"Why would she do that? Why would she... work us both?
"So many reasons."

She pulled away from me and got up, pacing around the bed as she spoke.

"We used to be together, a little under two years ago. She dumped me, you know that. But we still hung out, and once in a while, well, since neither of us was in a steady relationship, we'd have sex. We'd take showers together, play games in the nude, massage each other. Since I've been with you, I haven't done these things as much with her.
"You believe she's jealous, then?
"I know she is. She's told me openly. I know she made a pass at you at the New Year's party. When she got you out of the bathroom.
"You know that?
"she told me."

I'm always amazed at the candor of Sarah's answers. I wanted full disclosure, I have it. Sarah took her time before continuing.

"Let's not dwell on what got us here. Do you love me?
"Yes. And I know you love me too...
"I do."

She smiles, before returning to a more serious expression.

"But we have to do something about Jennifer. We have to nip this in the bud, before it gets out of hand. We need to take control.
"I'm all for that, but frankly, I don't know what to do.
"I do have a few ideas... they may or may not be good ideas. We won't know until we test them.
"The first thing we should do is talk to Jennifer. I know she was feeling as badly as I did for what happened, even if she may not admit it.
"I know she's hurting. I would be in her place. But this is about more than her. This is about us. All three of us. Whatever we decide will have to include all of us. I love you, Jim, but I value Jennifer's friendship as much. I don't want to have to choose."

I had been recollecting my thoughts all the while, so I spoke in a decisive but reasoned tone.

"We won't let that happen, Sarah. We'll do what we can to make it right."

It was my turn to smile. Sarah came back to me with a huge hug and I hugged her back. In the back of my mind, random thoughts strayed in, eager to assist me in this new trial. They tried to coalesce into something coherent, but that would take time. It would be difficult to salvage the situation, but there had to be a way. We had to find it. I cared too much for Sarah to let her down.

[interesting]

There we were, sitting at my kitchen table, Sarah and me one side, Jennifer on the other, coffee and tea on the table, trying to resolve our common problems.

At first, Jennifer listened to what Sarah and I had to say. We started out with facts. We told her that we had discussed everyone's encounters and had made sure that all details were known. This had caused quite a reaction in her face, but she had kept quiet all the same. Once the events that had led to this conversation had been spelled out, namely Sarah's encounter in the shower and mine in the bedroom, we had asked Jennifer why she had come on to both of us. Her answer was a question, which sparked quite a conversation.

"Why did you let me?"

It was a way for her to protect herself from our judgement, but Sarah and I had already agreed that we would not judge Jennifer for her actions too harshly, mainly because we had already answered the question she had just come up with.

Sarah was the first to speak.

"Well, for my part... I'm going to have to be honest with you Jennifer. There was... some pity.
"Pity."

The word sounded like a swear word when uttered by Jennifer. Sarah tried to elaborate.

"I've been riding high for months now, and I know you've been alongside me all this time, experiencing my ups and downs. Suddenly, Jim enters my life, and while you're still there... well, you fall back a spot. When you stepped into the shower with me, I realized we hadn't done it for months. When you kissed me, for a moment, I did forget about Jim. I wanted to please you... but I couldn't.
"You led me on...
"Please, Jenn, be reasonable. You wanted this as much as me."

Jennifer silently apologizes.

"I'm not blaming you for what happened; I love you too much for that. I'm trying to understand what happened, why it happened.
"I'm sorry... go ahead.
"I did lead you on, for a moment. I wanted to please you, I wanted to give you what you sought... but I thought of Jim, and suddenly, it didn't feel right. I stopped you before it got too far.
"So it was pity sex...
"No, more than that. I love you, Jenn, you're my best friend, you were my lover when I had no one else. But now I have Jim.
"And he's good enough for you.
"He is where I am right now. Not to be mean to Jim (she looked at me while talking) but I don't know where I'll be a year from now. Jenn, you've been too good to me for me to forsake you. What I want is to make this, our friendship, work."

Sarah turned to me. It was my turn to explain my situation. Before I could speak, Jennifer intervened.

"It's hard, you know. I know, I'm the one who broke up with you, but still, I had... privileges. It's tough letting go.
"I know, Sarah said. Why don't we hear from Jim?"

I cleared my throat. I had thought a lot about what I wanted to say, how I had felt and how the incident had impacted my relationship with Sarah. I needed to be candid with Jennifer, and even though Sarah already knew what I was going to say, it still felt awkward to spell it out loud.

"I've never been in this situation, Jenn. You have to understand, everything about this is new to me. I've never had any female friends... let alone people with whom I was comfortable getting naked around that weren't my partner. When we... got together, I got overstimulated at first, then scared. A lot. Sarah knows I like to be in control, and I lost it.
"Is it because I tied you up?
"No. Maybe. It probably didn't help. It's not like I haven't fantasized about it. I haven't forgotten what you told me in the bathroom at the party.
"About?
"About wanting to... fuck me."

Jennifer smiles.

"It's flattering. Unsettling a little, but you're gorgeous, sexy. You flaunt your sexuality like a second skin. You do turn me on. But I'm with Sarah, and that's a choice, for now at least."

Sarah looks at me and provides support. She knows what I'm talking about and lets me continue.

"The games we played were... some of the most erotic experiences I've ever had. They may seem bland to you...
"They don't...
"...well, to me, they're intense and intoxicating. I'm not at your comfort level, so my emotions play tricks on me. I wanted you to suck me... but then the image of Sarah popped in and... well, you know the rest."

I had said my piece. I had been honest. Jennifer was a hot girl and of course, I wanted to have sex with her, but not at the expense of my relationship with Sarah. I think Sarah felt exactly the same way, but about both of us, which made her situation slightly more intimate than mine. We looked at Jennifer, waiting for her reactions. She took her time gathering her thoughts, as we had. I refilled her coffee cup.

"Here's the thing Sarah... Jim has changed things.
"How so?
"Well... let me give you an example. Remember when we were together, those six months?
"Sure, very well.
"Do you recall, over the summer, that party we had at Claire's place?
"I do.
"We were together, right?
"Yeah, you and me, an item.
"Do you remember swapping partners?
"I do. I went with Cassie, you went with Claire.
"And how did it feel?
"It was great watching you get it on with Claire... and being with Cassie was awesome for me too.
"So what changed?
"I don't get your question.
"Why do you cling to Jim? Why won't you do the same with Jim as you did with me?
"If I remember correctly, you were the one who proposed the swap.
"Actually, it was Claire, and we both agreed. But since Jim's been here, it's only been you two."

I felt I had to intervene, but Sarah made a discreet move to keep me quiet so I let them speak.

"Have you told him about what we did the week before you started going out with him?
"What exactly did we do?
"The thing with me and Tom?
"Oh... not really.
"What about at the mid-semester party, when you were chasing him... with you, Bonnie and Barry in the shower?"

I was intrigued of course, because Sarah had not shared those events with me. I wondered why Jennifer was bringing them up. Even if Sarah had experienced a few sexual encounters, they had happened before we had gotten together.

"I didn't.
"Why? Did you want to protect him from the real you?
"The real me?"

Jennifer seemed agitated. She wanted Sarah to say something and I was not sure what she was hinting at, though I was suspecting.

"Even when you were going out with Brad, you still had sex with other people, and Brad knew about it. He didn't mind. He was there most of the time, watching and appreciating!
"That was high school.
"And now, two years later, Jim comes along, and you shield him from all that. Sarah, I hate to break it to you, but you're not a one-person woman, and if you think you are, you're fooling yourself."

Jennifer's comment took Sarah aback. I placed my hand on her shoulder.

"Are you all right? I inquired.
"Yes... I'm fine."

Jennifer decided not to say anything more for the moment. Sarah was obviously unnerved by Jennifer's comment.

"Have I changed that much?
"You have. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I'm just saying... I don't know what I'm saying."

Jennifer looked away this time. She was sorry for raising her tone and angry at herself for feeling the way she did. Sarah stared at me, inquisitive.

"Do you think it's true? That I... can't be with just one person?
"I don't know. I think... as long as you're happy with someone. But that's me.
"Jennifer is right, to some extent. I am holding back... for your sake.
"Does it hurt to hold back? Does it make you uneasy?"

Sarah took some time to ponder the question. As she did, Jennifer called me out.

"Jim, I like you a lot. I may even love you, whatever that means to me. Sarah loves you, and I would never do anything to hurt her. But... you are, to some extent, in the way. Since you've been in Sarah's life, fully, I have barely seen her. She spends all her time with you... I am jealous. I'm jealous because what we had is now unattainable. I can't speak for Sarah, but I know it hurts me.
"What did you have then, that my presence takes away?
"Shower time... massages, hanging out... having sex once in a while... masturbating in front of each other. We did it at least once a week before. We haven't done it since you've been together. I know this must sound shallow...
"I think I understand the logic.
"And it's not you personally. It might be the same with someone else. I just have to learn to cope with it.
"Well, we are taking chances... I mean, being naked in front of each other all the time can't help, for instance."

Both Sarah and Jennifer agreed. There was such openness to their relationship that I had intruded upon it. They had both managed to integrate me in their routine, but everything was now out of sync. Sarah finally broke her silence.

"I do miss some of the things we used to do, and I have gotten carried away with Jim. But I love him, and I want to spend time with him too."

I wanted to help so I intervened.

"Look, you can still hang out and do stuff together, all three of us.
"But Jim, asked Jennifer, how far are you willing to commit?
"Commit?
"Say... and this is extreme, but just listen... say Sarah and me want to masturbate in front of each other, like we used to. Would you allow it? Would you participate? Three is a crowd.
"I do have limits, Jenn, but okay, I'll humor you. Say you two want to take a shower together, I don't mind. But you have to be able to hold back.
"But what if we can't? Would you forgive Sarah or me?
"You're speculating here, I don't know how I would react. If I sincerely believed it just happened, maybe. It's hard to know without having experienced it. I'm just guessing here."

It was Sarah who spoke. Her words, decisive, settled the argument.

"All right. Let's find out.
"Find out what?"

I was curious.

"Let's find out how far we can go.
"You'll have to be more specific."

Sarah took my hand.

"Jim, you trust me, right?
"You always ask that question when you're going to ask something of me.
"I do, don't I? Okay. Jennifer has a point. I can't simply transform myself overnight. I have been aching for... well... my old routine. My new routine is wonderful too, but I need both, I think.
"What do you propose then?
"I want us to find a way to make this work. You, Jennifer, me.
"A threesome?"

My question must have sounded a little excited and a little worried.

"Well, not really. But I do want to share everything with you. Even Jennifer. She means more to me than I can even let on."

Sarah stared at Jennifer.

"Do you want to give this a try?
"Sure. Anything to spend some time with my favorite girl.
"Jim?
"I'm not saying no, but I need to know more.
"Here's what I propose. We set up a date, where all three of us meet to experiment a little. We set ground rules according to the chosen activity; I even suggest we put one of us in charge of that date, to see what each person comes up with. It will be less pressure on one individual.
"Go on.
"Whoever is in charge gets to plan the event; but of course, anyone can back out at any time if they feel uncomfortable with anything. That way, nothing happens that we don't want to happen."

Jennifer seemed to agree with the idea. There were aspects of Sarah's suggestion which disturbed me, but the notion of being able to back out reassured me. And truth be told, there was a part of me that wanted to experiment. It was more than the notion of a threesome, although I'm sure that idea played itself right into my fantasies. There was a need to make everything all right again, to make Sarah happy, to restore her friendship with Jennifer.

That alone would have been sufficient to convince me. But there was no way for me to predict how things would turn out in the end. Perhaps that was the most thrilling part of it all.

[interesting]

Picture me, on all fours, wearing a tight corset, tight latex pants and a leash tied to my neck. Picture Sarah, kneeling in front of me, wearing a tight maid's uniform, a skirt too short, her cleavage showing heavily, in stilettos, a leash around her neck.

In my craziest dreams, I would have never imagined I would find myself in such a predicament. Yet there I was, in Jennifer and Sarah's room, being led around by a very domineering Jennifer, who was wearing a dark gown open on both sides of the legs, with low cleavage and a nice collar. She held onto our leashes tightly, to prevent us from getting away - as if I was going anywhere looking like this.

The idea of trying to test our limits with Jennifer had first intrigued and inspired me when Sarah had mentioned it. I knew Jennifer was into Sarah and also into me, and it was flattering to get the attention. We had decided that we would try stuff out, see what worked, what didn't, in order to get a better understanding of how we could live together as friends. After some debate, we had decided to take turns planning the activities. We would each have a weekend to plan something and the other two would follow that person's lead for the weekend. Jennifer had been selected to go first.

When I got to their room, Jennifer had planned everything. She explained that Sarah and I were going to be her slaves for the weekend, to do as she saw fit. We immediately set ground rules before getting into the actual play. I would be allowed to get short pauses if I requested them politely, by asking Jennifer, who was to be my mistress. But no more than once per hour. I would be allowed to be liberated as a slave at night, for bed. I would not be asked to do anything in public or illicit, or against my morals. But I would have to obey her commands to the letter. If I failed to comply, there would be punishments : spankings and being tied up mostly.

It was now late Saturday night and I was about to be liberated for the night. I was ecstatic about it. Jennifer had me jumping through hoops all day. At first, she got me to undress, which I did not mind. Then, she asked me to take a shower while she watched, and forced me to wash with an abrasive soap. It was Sarah's turn to do the same. Once we were clean, she had us get on all fours and strut around naked in the apartment. She had us behave like dogs, sniffing our butts (not the most pleasant experience even if I enjoyed Sarah's behind most of the time), and then had us eating out of bowls from the ground with only our mouths. It was hard not to break character. I felt so awkward. Sarah seemed more at ease and I wondered how often she had been the slave in their former relationship. I had always fancied Sarah more as the dominatrix but, looking back, it made more sense to have her as the victim.

I had earned my first pause after lunch, getting some relief from being on all fours. Fifteen minutes went by too fast.

Jennifer then got us dressed in the attire we were currently wearing. She had used us both in turn as stools while watching some television; Sarah had been chosen to feed her grapes with her mouth. I might have been turned on by the sight of them almost kissing as Sarah dropped the grapes in Jennifer's mouth, had I been able to see what was happening. I had been blindfolded.

It had been my turn then to feed Jennifer; I was to chew her food and kiss it into her mouth. The kisses were nice but the exchange of food made me somewhat ill and I had to take another timeout. I forgot to ask politely, so even if she agreed to give me fifteen minutes, I received fifteen floggings before resuming.

I had never been flogged before. Jennifer was gentle with the first few slaps, but then got more into it with the last ones. My behind was still aching, hours after, from the intensity.

Jennifer then got Sarah and me to make out in front of her, which was probably the most satisfying part of the day. She got Sarah to grab my sack (first times were becoming common by then) and slap it a few times. Sarah was gentle with it, and I survived. I had agreed to limited amounts of pain.

Jennifer had then asked me to masturbate into Sarah's mouth. Being given a blowjob was one thing, but to actually intentionally aim for her mouth and shoot into it while she waited was something else entirely. At first, I politely asked for a timeout, and inquired if Sarah was okay with this. She said she did not mind, that it was not really different from a standard blowjob. I decided to go along with it, but my wits were slowly being taken to their limits. I jerked off for a while, under the watchful gaze of Jennifer, who instructed me on how to do it as I was doing it. It took me a long time to build up anticipation and energy. Jennifer's voice felt shrill to my ears, and it felt like a turn off. Eventually, though, Sarah's waiting stare got me into the mood, I forgot about Jennifer staring and I managed to shoot most of it into her mouth. Jennifer told Sarah not to spit or swallow.

I was aware that although Sarah did not mind giving blowjobs, she preferred to quickly move it out of her mouth because of the taste. I was impressed by how much control Jennifer was exerting on Sarah. It was then that Jennifer pushed the envelope farther than I anticipated.

"All right, slave Jim, I want you to kiss slave Sarah and swap your semen into your mouth."

I stared blankly at Jennifer, bewildered. How could she ask that of me? She must have been joking. But like everything else that had happened that day, it was part of the game and it was serious. I was tempted to call it quits completely. Sarah's gaze told me she was willing to continue, and for some obscure reason, that was sufficient for me. I leaned in, apprehensively.

At first, Sarah closed her mouth. Our lips met. I could already taste the salty and sugary texture on her lips. It did not help me with the deed. I closed my eyes, as if that could help. We opened our mouths, and she shoved her tongue and my semen into my mouth. I pulled back, spitting everything out on the ground.

"No... Can't do it. Flog me, I don't care."

So she flogged me. Twenty five times. It was still better than tasting my own semen. Jennifer would have flogged me more, but Sarah said she would take any additional floggings for me, and she did.

After that, Jennifer resumed just having me and Sarah walk around the apartment on all fours until supper.

Right after supper, which we almost ate in bowls using only our mouths, Jennifer gave Sarah and me some time alone. We retreated into her bedroom.

"So... did you used to do this often?
"Frankly, Jim, no. And I don't really know why Jennifer chose this. I don't think this is going like she expected.
"What makes you say that? She's been cold all day.
"Well, she's supposed to be, it's part of her dominatrix personality. Little gratification, a cold shoulder, she portrays someone unattached. The idea is that when she does offer validation, it has more impact."

Sarah's comment hit a nerve on my end.

"I can't imagine she likes doing that?
"How about you? Do you like this?
"Honestly? Not really. You can't have enjoyed it, right?
"Well, some of it yeah.
"You like being dragged on all fours, like a dog?
"Not specifically. But I like... being told what to do, being led around. Think of it like this... let's say we're having sex... which we might get to do later anyway... imagine you're telling me exactly what to do, how to position myself, how you like it... I'm a puppet in your hands.
"I see.
"Well, it's roughly the same thing here. It's liberating to be told what to do.
"I couldn't stand it. Not all the time.
"That's because it's not in your character. It's in mine. Once we're alone, if you want to try it out with me...
"Maybe some other time. You said Jennifer was probably not happy with what was happening. What makes you say that, specifically?"

Sarah took her time to gather her thoughts.

"It has to do with how she's going about it. She's not as into it as she could be, not as imaginative. She's holding back... because of you, I think.
"Yeah, I have that effect on you too.
"You sound bitter.
"I don't want my presence to affect how you are.
"It does. But that's okay. You're slowly getting there.
"What if I don't want to, or can't get there?"

Sarah took my hand.

"Jim, you don't have to. I know I'm eccentric... but I don't have to be. That's not what makes me happy.
"And what does?
"Being with you. The games are nice, but they're not everything. Not even close."

We kissed shyly. Jennifer beckoned to us from the other room.

"Shall we?"

We returned to the living room, where Jennifer was eagerly waiting. We bowed before her. I felt I needed to say something, and since I was still on my pause, I felt comfortable talking openly.

"Jennifer, before we get back into it, I need to ask you something.
"Go ahead, Jim... you can ask in character too.
"It's better like this.
"Okay. What's on your mind?"

It took me a moment to formulate my question.

"What are you trying to accomplish here?
"I'm not sure I follow?
"What's your goal? Is it just to have some fun at our expense? Or does the power give you a rush?
"It's hard to define. It's about control, I think, having it, exerting it, suffering it on your end. Are you enjoying it?
"Truthfully?
"Yes, please.
"I'm not. It feels unnatural."

Sarah felt the need to intervene.

"What Jim is saying, I think, is that you're not really into it either. I mean, you're obviously holding back for his sake.
"Or for yours... answered Jennifer.
"What I'm saying, continued Sarah, is that you need to define what you are looking for. Domination for domination is fine and all, but what does it provide us with, really? What do we all get out of it?"

The question hung in mid air. I realized Jennifer had probably not reflected on this before coming up with her idea. I had done some research on bondage since I had started going out with Sarah. Right now, we were merely playing at being slaves and master; we were not fully into it. Maybe that was why it wasn't doing anything for anyone.

"So... should we step it up a notch?"

My query left Sarah and Jennifer puzzled.

"I'm just asking. My limits are the same as before, but, given the possibilities, I mean, I'm sure there are other things we can do that are reasonable."

Jennifer said she would reflect on the possibilities and get back to us. We spent the rest of the evening playing dogs again, but this time, Jennifer dragged us around the apartment with more force. I had to admit the situation felt more enticing than when she gave us more freedom. I could tell Sarah was enjoying it thoroughly. She had us wash her feet and thighs, and then lick them up with our tongues. She had shaved her legs, for which I was grateful.

She eventually decided to move up a notch. She told us that as dogs, we needed to breed. Sarah had anticipated this and had forewarned me. I wasn't really intimidated at the notion of having sex with Sarah in front of Jennifer - I had already done it several weeks. My concern was over Jennifer's own reaction to the event. I had voiced my concern to Sarah, but she had reassured me that she and Jennifer had a long talk about it prior to this activity.

Jennifer got us to lie still on our backs first. She removed my tight latex pants and the thong I was wearing underneath. It was an uncomfortable feeling being bottomless but still bound in a corset. She moved to Sarah, who was on her back beside me, and removed her panties. From Jennifer's stare, I realized that Sarah must have been stimulated. She has us lie there for a moment, and she went to get gags. She placed one on each of our mouths, then moved back to our bottoms. She placed a hand firmly on my hardening shaft, and slid one hand against Sarah's wet hole. She played with us for a while, then she slapped our genitalia. I didn't particularly like it, but I saw Sarah quiver almost in ecstasy. That did the trick better and I felt myself anticipate the next thing.

Jennifer placed a kiss on Sarah's sex, then one on mine, then she slapped us again, this time with more force.

Jennifer looked at us.

"Do you want to fuck each other?"

We both mumbled positively through our gags.

"What are you willing to do for it?"

I realized that, at my level of stimulation, I was ready to do about anything. Sarah was quick to try to speak through the gag. Jennifer moved to her mouth and ungagged her.

"Anything, mistress... anything."

I realized Sarah actually meant it. This made Jennifer smile.

"All right, I have an idea."

Jennifer returned the gag to Sarah's mouth. She got up and told us to remain immobile. I tried to get Sarah to look at me but she was lost in the moment. Jennifer came back, stark naked, holding a large dildo in her hands.

"Slave Sarah, get on all fours."

Sarah jumped up and set herself up. I was thinking that Jennifer was going to insert it into Sarah, but instead she handed it to her and laid down in front of her, legs apart.

"Slave Jim, kneel behind Sarah and enter here, but remain motionless once inside."

I did as I was ordered to. I had specifically said that I did not want to have sex with Jennifer, and that was being respected. My shaft entered Sarah's pussy. The gags on our mouths prevented us from moaning. Jennifer told me to keep my hands behind my back at all times.

"Sarah, you will now pleasure me with the device. Jim, you cannot release until I have had my orgasm. If you do, there will be punishments."

I could see how wet Jennifer was as the dildo entered her. It took all my will not to pump into Sarah, but I knew my best chance of not coming was to remain as motionless as possible. I was already on edge. My stare kept going back to Jennifer's naked form, and the device manipulated by Sarah, entering her. Sarah was beginning to sway back and forth on me. I had to keep my hands behind my back, so I could not grab hold of her to prevent her from swaying. I saw Jennifer's pussy disappear behind Sarah's face. Was she also licking her? I could hardly contain my excitement as I began to subconsciously join the movement. I closed my eyes, but I could still see the picture very clearly.

I heard Jennifer moan and opened my eyes. She had grabbed hold of Sarah's head and pulled her in. This was all too much for me. The only thing preventing from releasing instantly was the luck of vocal stimulation from Sarah. The gag had been removed; I saw it beside Jennifer's legs. She was definitely eating her out. I was surprised that this did not shock me at all, that I was actually enjoying seeing my girlfriend give oral sex to another girl while I was taking her. Jennifer's moans almost turned to screams; this was too much for me and I emptied into Sarah, pumping as hard as I could. Jennifer fell limp at the same time I did.

It took us a moment to gather ourselves. Sarah pulled up to Jennifer and laid her head on her breasts. I laid on top of Sarah, and my hands grabbed Jennifer's thighs in the process, kneading them without realizing it.

"Sarah... wow."

That was all Jennifer could muster at the moment. I was thinking how the reality of the situation would suddenly set in, how my morals and principles would creep up on me out of nowhere. I was surprised when I felt very little except satisfaction.

"You're crushing me, Jim.

I mumbled sorry through my gag. I moved back out and Sarah straightened herself. Jennifer was still lying on her back, still spent from her own orgasm. Sarah removed my gag and kissed me passionately.

"How are you?
"Better than I expected."

I could feel some resentment and uncertainty as to what had just transpired, but I did not have any retrospect at the moment to make a conscious decision about the event.

"I think we should call it a night. Jenn?
"Sure... I'm... good."

Sarah took me by the hand and led me back to their bedroom, where we removed all of our costumes and laid on her bed.

"Did you mind... what I did?
"Don't think so... It was all I could do not to, well, hold it in. It was intoxicating... I need to sleep on it.
"I'm sure you do."

We laid in her bed, under the covers. She huddled against me, kissed me again.

"I love you Jim."

I nodded, but no words came out. This was a unique experience, something I had never envisioned as really happening. I needed time to assess the event... but that would come in the morning.

That night, erotic dreams of threesomes filled my head.

[interesting]

It had been one week since I had been in bondage with Sarah under Jennifer's orders. I distinctly remembered every vivid detail of the sexual encounter that had happened. I remembered Jennifer's naked form, Sarah's head between her legs as she pleased Jennifer with a device as well as her mouth, as I rode Sarah harder than I'd ever done so. It was not technically a threesome (at least in my mind), but it had been as close as I could ever imagine one.

The initial ease I had felt during the event had subsided the next day, and I had been left with several questions. I had read somewhere that the dominant male fantasy was two women, one man. I had always imagined that did not apply to me. Now that I had been granted the opportunity to live it, I felt unsure as to how to see myself. I had always imagined I was very different from 'normal' guys. My reaction had shattered some of that illusion. I felt ordinary, like I was nothing special anymore. Sarah had done her best to ease my stress, and she had done a wonderful job of it, but the question remained, more of a lingering doubt in the back of my head.

I had been randomly selected among the three to choose our next activity. I had the entire week to prepare something, but it took me until Wednesday to actually start to elaborate a plan. It actually came to me thanks to Sarah. We had been watching a gift she had gotten me two weeks prior. She was aware that I was into the superhero fetish, from her knowledge of the websites on my computer, so she had actually ordered me one video from the site. I had been both shocked and ecstatic. That night, we had watched the video, portraying two female superheroes that were captured by the villain, and forced to perform sexual acts on each other first, then finish him off with a blowjob. During the whole film, I had been having sex with Sarah, staring partly at her, partly at the screen, imagining I was the villain. When the video had neared the end, she had finished me off with a blowjob alongside the villain.

That Wednesday night, I was alone and somewhat into my internal reflections. Sarah had a lot of work to do for classes so I decided I would bide my time by watching the video again. I got naked, plugged the video into my machine and started watching the two superheroines go at it, as I masturbated to it. In my haze, suddenly, the faces of the superheroines changed, and there were Jennifer and Sarah, going at it, and I was the villain, masturbating to them. That orgasm was incredible. Once I had my release, I stopped the video and began pondering the thoughts gathering in my head.

On some level, I knew that the only reason Sarah was preventing herself from still sleeping around - and with Jennifer specifically - was out of respect for my personal limitations. Yet I had recently experienced a strange and satisfying feeling at seeing her please Jennifer; of course I had been participating at the time. It occurred to me that maybe, if the mood and ambiance were right, I would not mind if she and Jennifer got it on more agressively.

That thought kept me awake all night, and in the morning, my mind was made up. That afternoon, I met with Jennifer and told her my plan. She was pleasantly surprised. I told her this would be a one-time thing and not to expect anything more from the encounter. I also told her that we needed to get Sarah's consent. She assured me she would respect all of our decisions.

Talking about it to Sarah was much harder than I had imagined. That night, we stayed home and I plugged the video. We started making out watching out, then having sex more roughly. We let the video play out and our sex come through, then we went into the bedroom to rest. There was no better time to open her up to my idea.

"I know what we're going to do this weekend... if you're game.
"Hit me.
"I want to do video... a private video.
"Go on."

I knew she had videos of her and some of her past partners somewhere; I had never been privy to see them as Sarah believed they belonged in the past. I was the present and the future. That's why I knew she wouldn't mind.

"Here's the thing. It will be you... and Jennifer."

She was a bit shocked.

"We're going to make an erotic superhero movie."

Suddenly, Sarah smiled. It took me off guard.

"I was wondering when you were going to ask me to dress up... but with Jennifer? Are you sure?
"Yes."

I tried to make it convincing. I was definitely unsure of how the actual event would take place or how it would affect our relationship, but the idea was in my mind and could not be expunged.

"Okay then... we can borrow Bonnie's camera. Do you where we can shoot?
"Actually... I do."

And so I explained my plan to her. She let me fill out the details, only interrupting me to get some clarification on details.

"You are asking me to have sex with Jennifer?...
"I am. But it's acting too... I think that will make it okay.
"Jim, I don't want you to do anything that would make you uncomfortable. You know my limits are low... and if you chicken out in the middle... well, let's just say I hate being... forced to interrupt."

It took us a few hours to work out the kinks but we managed to get an understanding that I would let things unfold and work from thereafter, at which time we had sex again, before going to sleep.

On the next Saturday, we took Jennifer's car and headed to Peter's house. Jennifer had contacted her photographer friend and he agreed to lend us his house for the day for our shoot. His only requirement had been to be able to watch the movie once it was completed. We had of course verified that with Sarah. We met Peter as he was getting ready to leave. He commented me on my appearance and told me how lucky I was to have such an understanding partner. I didn't answer anything because he intimidated me.

We walked into the house. I immediately recognized the sets from several photo shoots which I had seen Jennifer in: the couch, the stairs, the swimming pool out back, and the adjacent beach which was an ocean front. Our first part of the shooting would occur there. Jennifer and Sarah retreated into the bathroom to get into costume while I familiarized myself with the camera operations. Bonnie had offered to come along but I had declined. She was not entirely aware of why we needed it and for the moment I wanted to keep it that way.

I was anticipating the day's shooting before it even started. I felt the bulge in my pants and wanted to experience the release before we got things started. There were pictures of naked women on every wall of the house, all models who has posed for Peter. I recognized most of them but a few were unfamiliar. I had no idea so many of these models lived in the region. I played with myself through my pants until the girls came out.

We had found the costumes at local shop and had loaned them for a reasonable price.

Jennifer was Batgirl; her costume was not the traditional interpretation. She was wearing long light blue boots which went above her knees. She wore a light blue mini-skirt with matching panties. Her midriff was exposed, and her chest and arms were covered with a light blue fabric, with the bat logo between her breasts. She wore a simple face mask with edges. She also had light blue gloves.

Sarah was Supergirl; her costume was closer to the modern interpretation. Her knee high boots were red, she was also wearing the red mini-skirt with matching panties. Her midriff was also exposed, and her chest harbored the traditional symbol.

All I could was stare for a moment. Sarah told Jennifer to leave for a moment, and she did. Sarah came over to me and put her hand on my hardening crotch.

"We should take care of that before we start filming."

She unzipped my pants, whipped me out and started sucking on it. My eyes were wandering at the portraits of the naked girls as my girl, my Supergirl, was giving me the best blowjob I could imagine. It did not take long for me to shoot into her mouth. She swallowed everything, then licked me clean. The tension was relieved and I was much more at ease. She pulled my pants up and I zipped them back.

"That way, you can focus on filming."

She smiled and kissed me fleetingly, before heading back to the bathroom to rinse her mouth.

Moments later, we were on the beach for the initial scene. Batgirl calls upon Supergirl's help, asking her to meet on the beach. But it's actually a lure; Batgirl intends to capture Supergirl. I set up the camera and we start shooting. It's a simple dialogue, but Sarah and Jennifer are really into it.

We get to the fight scene. Here the girls improvise. They pull on each other's hair, fall down in the sand, roll around. Batgirl drags Supergirl to the water and throws her in; Supergirl retaliates in kind. The two battle in the water for a moment; the submission scene comes. Batgirl places Supergirl's head under water and holds her there until she collapses. We are a little wary of this scene and film it in multiple sequences. Supergirl is dragged out of the water, unconscious, while Batgirl stands triumphant.

We move inside the house for the next scene. Since there is sand all over, the girls decide to clean themselves and their costumes. It may not be realistic but it is right, since we are in somebody else's home. We place a collar around Supergirl's neck, with a green glass gem, to represent a kryptonite collar.

Supergirl wakes up in the bed, weakened and unable to defend herself, as Batgirl flogs her and teases her. Supergirl is stripped slowly, and Batgirl laughs at the humiliation. Batgirl then produces a green dildo on a strap-on (Jennifer found it while shopping around on Friday) and explains to Supergirl that this kryptonite dildo will drain her powers and transfer them to Batgirl.

We halt the filming at that point. Sarah insists on asking me if everything is all right and if I'm still willing to let Jennifer take her with the dildo. Oddly enough, the entire event is stimulating, and I do not mind at all. Sarah leans over and kisses me. We both notice I'm hard again. This time, she lets it slide and returns to the bed. We resume filming.

Batgirl partially strips, removing her skirt and panties, and she straps on the dildo. Supergirl tries to resist, but Batgirl slides the dildo into her (I'm amazed at how easily it slides in - Sarah must be overly stimulated as well). Batgirl pounds hard, as Supergirl must submit to the orgasm that is being provided for her. Batgirl claims to be absorbing all of Supergirl's powers, as she forces her to orgasm twice. All the while, I'm filming, moving around them, completely detached from the scene. We end that part of the shoot with Batgirl pulling out and forcing Supergirl to lick the dildo that was in her pussy, then abandoning her to her fate. But our story is not over.

Sarah, stepping out of character, asks Jennifer to leave us alone for a moment. Sarah straightens herself, looking straight at me from her naked form.

"Jim... Talk to me, please.
"Why?
"Just... talk to me.
"What do you want me to say?
"Anything."

Sarah's reaction surprises me. She seems to feel uncomfortable and I have never seen that in her. I figure I need to talk, but I have only one question on my mind.

"Did you enjoy it?
"God yes!... so much... having you watch me... film me... it was so unbelievable.
"But?...
"I don't know. I feel odd.
"Do you want to stop filming?
"No. But... could you fuck me, now, please?"

I am already immensely turned on so I agree. I remove my pants and she starts playing with me, before getting on all fours and hinting for me to ride her doggy style. After the two orgasms she has just experienced, she can't be simply looking for physical satisfaction. I proceed to enter her and she moans my name as loud as she can without screaming.

"Oh yes Jim... fuck me good, now!"

I'm only too happy to oblige and I start pounding her as hard as I can. She is almost screaming at the top of her lungs, and I wonder what exactly is going on through her mind. Our love-making does not last for more than a few minutes before I shoot into her; the orgasm I provide her does not even compare to the first two she has just felt. I sense her trembling around me like never before. What kind of emotions and ideas are racing through her mind? I'll need to inquire later.

She collapses on the bed and practically falls asleep. I lean beside her, kissing her neck and trying to keep her awake. Eventually, she stirs and turns around towards me.

"Am I a bad person, Jim?
"I don't think so.
"Because I get satisfaction from other people?...
"We agreed this was all right.
"I know... but. I don't know. Hold me."

I hold her tight. What kind of stress is this experience putting her under? I'm thinking we should call it quits. She eventually recomposes herself.

"I'm fine now. I love you, Jim. So much... you can't imagine.
"I love you too. What do you want to do?
"Let's finish this movie.
"Are you sure?"

I'm amazed that I'm the one asking that question. Sarah confirms she is fine to continue. We gather ourselves and move to the swimming pool. Jennifer is already there, still bottomless, possibly playing with herself. She says nothing. I set up my camera.

Batgirl does her exit into the pool area, still bottomless, holding the strap-on dildo in one hand, setting it aside. She walks around the pool, triumphant, talking to herself about how she defeated Supergirl. Suddenly, Supergirl, still naked emerges and attacks her. Both fall into the pool; during the struggle, Supergirl manages to place the kryptonite necklace around Batgirl's throat, and suddenly Batgirl is weakened. As it turns out, Batgirl also absorbed Supergirl's weakness. Supergirl drags Batgirl out of the water.

Supergirl then retrieves the strap-on and says she is going to retrieve her powers, no matter what. It is Batgirl's turn to be pinned down, as Supergirl slides the dildo into her pussy. Batgirl is moaning, desperately trying to fight back but in her weakened state, she can only submit to Supergirl's forced sexual encounter. The girls move around, assuming several positions as I walk around them, away from the pool to avoid any incidents. Supergirl strips Batgirl of her costume as she is doing her, but leaves her mask on. Supergirl only releases Batgirl after she has had two orgasms, so that the full powers are transferred back. Supergirl then gives a warning to Batgirl to never try this again, or the consequences will be dire. She departs, leaving a humiliated Batgirl beside the pool.

We end the movie on that scene. Jennifer looks thoroughly satisfied. I realize that all the while I was filming, I was seeing the characters and not my friends, and this somehow made the shooting acceptable in my mind. Sarah, on the other hand, seems still a little shaken up about it. We'll get our chance to speak about it, but for the moment, we gather our stuff and order some food. I realize we have not taken the time to eat at all and could go for some food.

My mind races back to Sarah's reaction. What happened in her mind to cause her to snap like that? Something in her past? Something about me? This is definitely something I will need to delve further into.

In the meantime, I'll have to think of where and when I'll be able to do the montage.

[interesting]

I had recently come to an unsettling realization, in my quest to become more open with my relationship with Sarah. We'd each had a run-in with Jennifer, who was clearly into us both, and so we'd decided to experiment with our limits to see how we could live with Jennifer's presence in our midst. Two weekends ago, we'd submitted to some exercise in bondage with Jennifer. While the event had not been that nice for my part, I'd experienced my first sexual encounter with Sarah, while Sarah was pleasing Jennifer. I had been amazed that I had been able to cope with the event and not remain scarred by it.

Then, the previous weekend, in order to test a theory, I had set up a video shooting where Jennifer and Sarah, dressed as superheroines, had sex before me while in character. Sarah had been adamant that I allow things to go on. I had been afraid that I might panic and run off, but I had kept my cool during the entire event, as if the fact the girls were playing characters somehow made it acceptable. The experience had been enlightening.

There had been one element of surprise, and it had been Sarah's almost breakdown after Jennifer had made her orgasm with the strap-on dildo. I had felt Sarah's resistance break and she had insisted I make love to her.

The following day, we had talked about her reaction, back at my place. Jennifer was not there.

"Can you tell me how you felt?
"It's hard to describe, Jim. I wanted it to be you. When Jennifer was riding me... I wanted it to be you.
"Did you enjoy it?
"It was unbelievable. But, there was something missing.
"Me?
"Yes! Jim, I love sex, I always have, but you weren't there, and somehow, despite the pleasure, despite the play... it felt hollow."

We'd pondered the implications for the entire week. We discussed the notion of casual sex, how it could be handled, since we were officially now trying to integrate Jennifer not only in our relationship but also in our sexual play. Since it was Sarah who would be in charge the following weekend, she would have time to reflect on what she wanted out of the three person relationship.

We made our way to the next Friday without incident and we met up with Jennifer on that night. Sarah had come up with her own activity for the weekend.

"Okay... here's the thing. We know now that Jim is comfortable with me being with you Jenn.
"In some contexts, I added.
"Yeah. And we know I'm all right with it, provided that Jim is around so I can share my... good fortune with him."

Jennifer looked at me. She seemed to know where Sarah was going, but at that moment, I was clueless.

"If this is going to work, we need to find out how far you two can be together."

I looked at Jennifer and wondered the same question. I had seen her orgasm at the hands of Sarah many times, once under my own manipulations. I wondered if I could actually have sex with her without affecting my outlook on Sarah.

"So here's what I propose. As of tonight, and until we decide to stop, we are... a trio. A couple with three partners."

I must have looked puzzled because Sarah turned to me to elaborate.

"Think of it as a first date between us and Jennifer."

That made a bit more sense. We would start to include her slowly in our relationship, and see how far we could go with it. And if things didn't work, well, we always had a fallback position.

"And our first order of business is going to the restaurant, and then going out for the night."

So we did. We went to a fancy restaurant, the kind of place you'd take a girl for a first date. We each paid for our own food, as modern dating etiquette entails. It was odd, because I already knew so much about Jennifer; I didn't think I would be able to learn much about her. But I actually did. She talked about her modeling, her work at the shelter, then her dream to become an actress. She said she had always fancied a three-way relationship, to which I blushed. Sarah talked about her goals to become a kindergarten teacher and the long process of getting there. I spoke about my desire to make professor, which would not happen until maybe six or seven years. By the end of supper, we had gotten pretty cozy.

We left the restaurant and headed for a local bar, somewhere we didn't usually go. There was lounge music playing, great cocktails. We danced a lot; it was strange and people must have noticed something, because I was dancing with Sarah, then with Jennifer, then Sarah danced with Jennifer. One guy eventually asked me if I was dating both. I had to answer yes. This apparently got me good reputation among the crowd, and for the rest of the evening, my drinks were free. I tried to moderate my consumption but I was pretty giddy by midnight. Jennifer and Sarah decided we should leave then, so we returned to my place. This being a 'first date', it was decided that it would be better if Jennifer went home (she was driving). We kissed her good night and she went off, while Sarah and I retreated to my apartment. I fell asleep almost instantly.

The next morning, I awoke to the smell of pancakes. I ate with Sarah, then I called Jennifer around noon to see if she wanted to go out this afternoon. She agreed and we met at a local amusement park. There, we hugged as we met and entered the park.

"I really had a great time last night.
"So did we."

Jennifer was really playing along with our idea of a first date and that somehow made me more comfortable with her presence and her overtures. I bought ice cream for both of the girls, and we walked along the promenade, enjoying the sights and the rides. We ended up walking together, all three of us holding hands. It drew quite a number of stares, but somehow it did not bother me, and it did not seem to bother Sarah or Jennifer.

Things got a little spicy when we sat down on the roller coaster ride. I was in the middle, with Sarah on one side and Jennifer on the other. As the cart started wheeling forward, Jennifer's hand landed on my lap. She unbuttoned my pants and unzipped me. I looked at her inquisitively. Sarah turned my head towards her and kissed me. Jennifer managed to wriggle my manhood out of the hole in front of my underwear while I was still kissing Sarah. I felt Jennifer's hand grab hold of my member, just as the rollercoaster started falling.

How Jennifer could work her way around me while we were twirling about at high velocity was beyond me, but the rush was unbelievable. I was screaming at the top of my lungs along with everyone else, the blood rushing into my shaft as Jennifer pumped. The ride seemed to last forever; just as I was about to release, the ride slowed down, returning to its original position. Jennifer hurriedly hid my manhood back into my underwear, and I buttoned it. I felt both ecstatic and queasy. We got off the ride and quickly darted back into the crowd, in case someone had noticed. My entire sex was on fire from the experience. Jennifer dragged me and Sarah towards the women's bathroom and told us to wait there. She went in, then rushed out and pulled me in. We moved into a stall; Jennifer asked Sarah to act as a lookout.

"What are you doing?"

Jennifer just told me to close my eyes and enjoy. I was a bit scared but I let her proceed. Jennifer removed her shorts and panties and hung them on the hook inside the door. She then sat on the bowl.

"Jenn, I'm not sure I want to...
"Be quiet, now. Don't worry about anything."

Her tone was convincing enough that I decided to let her proceed. She unbuttonned my pants and lowered them along with my underwear. I was still hard. She pulled her shirt above her breasts and I noticed she was not wearing any bra.

She slid my shaft between her large mounds and started kneading them. I noticed she slid one hand between her legs and started playing with herself. For a moment, I felt I should stop her - but that moment passed quickly. With her tongue, she licked the end of my shaft. I held back a moan. She whispered.

"Tell me when you're about to cum."

I tried to comply, but the excitation was getting the better of me. I was now assisting her in her endeavour, and I was enjoying every minute of it. It was easy to forget about Sarah on the other side of the stall door, far too easy I would realize later. I suddenly realized I was very near my climax. She slowed the pace down, then put het feet on the bowl and raised herself so her own sex was at the level of my own, her naked behind resting on the upper portion of the ceramic. She placed my hands under her armpits so I could support her; with one hand, she stimulated herself, with the other, she stimulated me.

It took me everything not to moan when I released onto her own sex, on her wet lips, and I saw my semen dribble down into the open bowl. She achieved orgasm a moment later, her moving hand mixing my juices with her own. As I leaned forward, my tip touched her sex. She held me at bay, for I would probably have slid into her, despite having already released and our precarious position. She looked at my shaft, then at her sex and smiled. We wiped ourselves quickly with the toilet paper, then I pulled up underwear and trousers, and she let me out.

It was there I saw Sarah, leaning against the counter. And that was the first moment of stress. She took me by the hand and led me out of the women's bathroom. A woman saw me exiting, but said nothing. We quickly moved some distance from there, just enough to still be seen by Jennifer when she would come out.

Sarah looked perplexed, and I was scared that I might have done something wrong.

"How was it?"

I did not know what to answer. The question felt like a trap.

"Did you fuck her?
"No... No, I didn't. Sarah, are you okay?
"I don't know, Jim."

I tried to hug Sarah but she wouldn't let me close. Her reaction was the opposite of the one she'd had the previous weekend, when after Jennifer had been with her she insisted I be with her as well. Now, she was pulling back. I was trying to make sense of her reaction, but maybe there was nothing to decipher.

"Sarah, talk to me.
"This is going too fast. Maybe.
"We can slow it down."

Remorse was creeping its way up my spine. Sarah's distance from me only made things creepier. Sarah finally managed to find words to express herself.

"I don't get why I should be jealous.
"It's normal.
"Not for me. I've never been jealous before.
"You grow, you change.
"I'm not sure I want to change. I'm happy you had fun, but I'm tormented it wasn't with me.
"All right. Well, we know how you feel here, so that's something, right?
"I suppose."

We saw Jennifer exiting the bathroom, looking for us. Sarah motioned to her. Before Jennifer reached us, Sarah recomposed herself and spoke discreetly to me.

"It has to be all three of us. That's all I know. I can share you, but only if I'm there. I don't understand it, but that's how it is. For now.
"I understand."

I finally managed to place a hand on her shoulder and pull her in. We kissed. Jennifer reached us. She obviously realized something was up with Sarah, but Sarah preempted any question.

"I'm fine."

Jennifer did not insist. Jennifer decided to call our date off. I invited them both to my apartment so I could cook something for them. While I was preparing the food, they sat in my living room. I barely heard their conversation, but it was clear it was about the day's events and our tentative relationship.

After supper, the girls washed the dishes. We talked about our evening plans and we decided to play strip poker. We set up the game and played several rounds. I was the first one naked, but Jennifer was not far behind me, with only her panties remaining. Sarah had been lucky, and had only lost her socks and top. Since I was naked, I started wagering myself in the mix. Sarah set the bet.

"If you lose, you have to give oral sex to the winner."

I agreed. Given the level of intimacy I'd experienced earlier with Jennifer, my reservations had flown out the window. We played the round. I won, so Sarah lost her pants and Jennifer her panties. The bet remained, only it now included if Jennifer lost.

We played another round. I was confident of a win with my two pairs, but Jennifer surprised me with a full house. Suddenly, the reality of the bet set in : I would have to perform oral sex on Jennifer. Sarah removed her panties, remaining only in her bra.

Jennifer told me to lie down on my back, so I did. She lowered her crotch onto my face. I stared at Sarah for a moment, but she gave me the go-ahead. I buried my face inside Jennifer's sex and started working her. I was unaccustomed to her taste, so I had a hard time getting started.

I suddenly felt lips around my own hardening shaft. Sarah was sucking on me. That gave me the incentive I needed and I started working hard on Jennifer. Within moments, she was moaning with pleasure. I had never imagined I was very good at oral sex, but apparently I was good enough for Jennifer. Sarah's mouth around my own shaft was an incredible turn-on.

Sarah pulled away and told Jennifer to turn around. She presented her behind to me as she sat back down. I went back to work. I felt two tongues start licking me. Jennifer and Sarah were kissing around my shaft, and it was driving me crazy.

Sarah pushed Jennifer back up and sat on me, sliding me into her, as I kept working on Jennifer. My mind was blank: a few weeks before, I would never have been able to even imagine such an event. Yet it was happening, and I seemed to be okay with it. Somewhere along the road, my limitations had been altered; my own morality had been diluted. At the moment, I was too engrossed in the event to think anything of it.

Sarah and Jennifer were kissing passionately, and it was all I could not to stare at their beautiful naked forms. Jennifer pushed down on my face and I resumed my stimulation of her, using my fingers along with my tongue and mouth. Her own orgasm rocked my own, and I released into Sarah. There was a loud moan or scream, I was not sure who was uttering it - maybe all of us - and then silence as the two girls collapsed on each other and on me.

For a long while, we remained there, letting the reality of our sexual encounter set in. Sarah pulled off of me while Jennifer slid sideways. Each took a side, Sarah on the right, Jennifer on the left, and we kissed. For a moment, everything was perfect, everything was in harmony; we were content in our three person relationship.

Then, Jennifer spoke.

"So, Jim... any chance I might get to feel you in my pussy?"

For some reason, her comment stirred something in me that shook me all over.

"No... No, I don't think that's going to happen, Jennifer. Sorry."

The bluntness of my answer took us all by surprise.

"It was great. It was unbelievable. Better than I'd ever fantasized. But... I don't think I'll be able to do it on a regular basis. I don't think..."

The words trailed off into silence.

"I see."

Jennifer's voice sounded sad. She got up.

"I think I should go.
"Jenn?"

Sarah got up too. I just laid there on my back.

"Jenn, you don't have to leave.
"I think I do, Sarah. I think... this is it. I don't think it gets better after this."

I was looking away so I could not see their faces. I could hear the resolution in Jennifer's voice and the deception in Sarah's. Something had snapped in me, and in return, I had snapped something in Jennifer. Our dream of a threesome was unraveling.

"It was fun, Jim."

Jennifer was getting dressed. I lost track of their conversation, lost in my own world, lost in my own inhibitions, unable to comprehend my reaction. Had I not just experienced every man's fantasy? Why was I reacting this way? Was it my morality returning, after taking a few weeks ofvacation?

I heard the door close, and then I heard Sarah heading for the bathroom. I just laid there, on my back, in my living room, taking in the world, unable to rise, move or do anything. I was lost, utterly and completely lost. My mind was telling me to go see Sarah and console her, but nothing was happening.

I was broken.

[interesting]

Since practically no one comments my stories anymore (maybe I don't ask for it enough (laughs out loud)), would it be inappropriate for me to comment on my own story? Here is what people could say about my stories!

Great story man, you're the bomb!
- Some random guy.

I love the way the words appear on the page.
- Some random girl.

The Force is strong in this one.
- Master Yoda

I've never read such a pile of manure, and I should know, I am one!
- Some pile of manure

This is really really really really really really really really really really... something else.
- A critic

I have read interesting stories before, and this one is truly interesting.
- Interested reader

Remember to always floss before giving oral sex!
- Educated parent

[LilAngel]

Originally Posted by interesting

Since practically no one comments my stories anymore (maybe I don't ask for it enough (laughs out loud)), would it be inappropriate for me to comment on my own story? Here is what people could say about my stories!

Great story man, you're the bomb!
- Some random guy.

I love the way the words appear on the page.
- Some random girl.

The Force is strong in this one.
- Master Yoda

I've never read such a pile of manure, and I should know, I am one!
- Some pile of manure

This is really really really really really really really really really really... something else.
- A critic

I have read interesting stories before, and this one is truly interesting.
- Interested reader

Remember to always floss before giving oral sex!
- Educated parent

That one, *points* is hilarious. There are also exactly 10 reallys.

This story's awesome!

[Besh]

You are basically forcing me to replying
But what to say? I feel a simple "Great story! Please continue!" is not appropriate.

I remember the discussion if Jim should become a slave. I very much liked the way how you incorporated this wish without letting my fears come true.
And I like that the stories are written with care and "real" characters, as written before.

Still, I feel some unease with somethin happening in the story, but I can get no grip on it yet. I will think about it and maybe tell you after I know what more. However, this might only be after I read more of where you are going with the story.

[interesting]

The next part is undergoing proofreading as we speak, and it does shed some light as to everything that's been going on in the lives of these characters, so maybe it will enlighten your reflection. As for what may be bothering you within the narrative, I can't really help you there. I never have any distance from my stories so I can never tell what works and what doesn't. That's why I always value the insight - provided it's given in a tasteful manner, like you did.

It's never easy to please everyone in an audience, so I do hope the majority enjoys this. I am always eager to improve myself, and that's the main reason why I value input. If you do find out what's 'bothering' you, either adress it openly here or PM me. I'll be happy to look into it. Hopefully, the story will twist itself in a way that is both surprising and interesting.

Thanks for the comments and support.

[jlstockton25]

Can't wait to read the next section, this story has me hooked!!

[rpUral]

What can be said? All your storys have been top notch, and I check every day to see if there's been an update. Just can't wait for each new part....

[erjams]

I find your stories amazing, you describe events as though they are really happening, and--frankly--I find it hard to remember that this is all something you made up. Your stories read like a memory recited, and I applaud your skill. I only hope you continue to write, no matter what it is about. In fact, you may want to consider trying to get something published, it is that good...you are that good.

Amazing

[OffKilterHalo]

Interesting, you certainly are adept at character and imagery. And you deftly dance the line between erotica and all out pornagraphic explicitness. I think perhaps one of the most stunning accomplishments of these works is that you manage to colour your characters so thoroughly while maintaining such a tight focus on a single, albeit dominant, aspect of their lives and interaction.

Each has external stimuli that govern and change their behaviour. In some instances you've hinted at it, other times narrated it and in other situations still, left it entirely in the readers hands. It's an excellent mix though. Falling into a very cliche comparison (that I'm wincing at even as I type it) It's much like the best designed lingerie. The ability to ensnare is often not in the full exposure, but in the artful concealment or partial occlusion of that which is most desired (addressing the higher thought processes and societal decencies), while still highlighting and displaying the very charms that have just been concealed (giving into the baser wantoness of animal instinct).

While I can't address anyone else's concerns or worries about what distresses them, I can comment on my initial thoughts of my own unease. I feel that my first and foremost concern is that I'm only just learning and enjoying my own relationship (as reader and voyeur) with these characters. And, I do enjoy that with (almost) all of them. Also, the general experience when strong emotions in multiple individuals are attempted to all be addressed and accepted... well, it's sadly where the last installment ended. Something breaks. I don't want this to break yet. That's my unease. And, while I know the adage that breaks heal stronger than the original, I still worry.

That said, they're you're creations. And I can respect how sometimes they begin to animate and almost become self-aware, inhabiting their own cosmos in a corner of the writer's mind. Indulge the poor readers. We only get these brief moments with them. You live with them.

(My! And I was only going to clamor for you to please continue.)

[interesting]

Are you... mocking me?

Thanks for the input and insightful analysis. I'm always the one going on with all my theories and fabulations about others' stories, it's nice to get it on mine. And I do understand the concern about things breaking - but you are also correct in another statement.

That which does not kill us...

Stay tuned... there's more to come.

[interesting]

I have been crying for the past few days. I have never been much of a drama queen, but I think right now, crying is all I have the energy to do.

It's better now, because at least I don't cry in front of Jim. I keep asking myself if this is all my fault. I was the one who suggested we try to work out a three-person relationship. The way things have gone, I'm likely to end up in a one-person relationship. Maybe I overestimated Jim's openness. Maybe I underestimated Jennifer's desires. Maybe this whole idea was simply stupid.

It's been a little under a week since Jennifer walked out after our threesome, and so far, I haven't had the chance to talk to her. That's only because she's never at home and she won't answer her cell. If she's mad at me, I'd hope she would just come out and say it, and we could talk about it. If she's mad at Jim, to be honest, I wouldn't blame her. I'm almost mad at him myself. He led her on. Then again, so did I. If I start playing the blame game, it will never end.

I did get the chance to speak to Jim about it, at least. It wasn't very productive but it cleared the air. He told me that he had reached his limit. He did not know it was his limit while we were having the threesome, but Jennifer's question about feeling him inside her made him snap - he realized he was one step removed from an actual affair. And if he did sleep with Jennifer, what was to prevent him from doing it over and over again, whether I was there or not. Why not go out with Jennifer instead, he asked me. He said he felt sorry for taking advantage of the situation, and that's why he needed to set some distance between him and her.

I had explained to Jim that when we started experimenting, we agreed to see how far it would take us, and we never promised each other anything. I told him he should speak to Jennifer about it, but he said didn't trust Jennifer to be calm about it. I've known Jennifer for a while, so I told him that Jennifer will not be the one to make the first move. All Jim answered is that there might then never be another move done.

The worst thing about this whole affair is that it happened right before examination week. My mind is completely bursting from the stress, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to fail at least half of my tests because of it. This may sound egotistical, but my concern is more for my academic future than the survival of my two relationships. I have barely seen Jim this week and Jennifer avoids me. I have not had sex since that fateful night, which is a long time for me. I have not even take the time to pleasure myself. I feel like I'm drifting away from my two best friends and it makes me scared.

That Friday, after my last exam, I call Jim. We talk a little but he says he'll be doing corrections for the whole weekend; I know he's avoiding me and I want to scream at him, but I let it slide. I want to call up Jennifer but she'll just give me the cold shoulder. I end up calling Thomas, and he invites me over for dinner at his place. I get all dressed up fancy, put on some makeup, as if I'm going out on date. Somewhere inside me, I'm hoping to get laid. It's not as if I haven't done a few things with Thomas in the past. But Jim's image keeps popping up in my mind. I'm still technically with him, and I want to be with him.

When I get to Thomas' apartment, I'm an emotional wreck. Thomas opens the door and smiles at me. I try to smile, but I just start crying and fall into his arms.

"Sarah?... What's going on?"

I try to speak, but words won't make their way past the knot in my throat. He squeezes me in his strong arms and I remain there, huddled against his form.

"We did..."

Thomas puts a finger on my lips, closes the door and drags me to his living room. He sits me down on his sofa, then sits beside me and lays my head on his shoulder. I go further and lean in, resting my head against his hips, as he caresses my hair. We remain like that for a long while, the tears finally drying up. I manage to speak.

"I did something bad, Tom.
"Sarah, you can tell me anything."

His smile is so warm it makes me feel a little better. I hesitate for about an instant, then I spill my guts about everything: Jennifer, Jim, the incidents, the dates, the threesome, my heartbreak, my lack of sex. He listens patiently. The weight off my chest is incredible. The knots in my throat and stomach are gone, and I suddenly realize I'm famished. I have barely been eating all week.

"Are you gonna live, Sarah?
"Yeah... I'm... thanks Tom. I love you.
"Love you too. You should eat something."

We move to the kitchen. He's prepared pasta. I wolf down my plate before he even gets to his own.

"Emotions tend to do that."

He smiles as he says it, taking his first bite out of his plate. I laugh and stare at my now empty plate, a metaphor for my current situation.

"Tom... what am I going to do?
"To be honest with you, I don't know. For the sex part, although I'd be happy to oblige, I don't think it would be wise.
"No, it wouldn't."

He takes a few more bites before speaking.

"If it makes you feel better, you're not the only one experiencing heartbreak... I think I'm in love too, and I don't think it's requited.
"You? Who?
"Jimmy.
"Your boxing friend?
"Yeah... something happened a few weeks back and... well...
"What happened?"

He tells me about his encounter with Jimmy in the shower. He is calm about it: he's obviously had time to digest the events.

"Thing is, he seemed to enjoy it as much as I did... but... he's never been gay before. I mean, he's not gay...
"That you know of. Maybe he's bi?
"I don't think so. I don't understand why he did it. He said it was for fun. And it was great!"

I look at Tom and sympathize. When you're in the middle of a situation, it's easy to forget about the troubles your friends have. I'm not the only one uneasy about my feelings for the people I love. Silently, I ponder at giving him a blowjob to soothe his body; but I come to the same conclusion as he does. Sex is not a solution, it's just an ointment we put on the wound that covers it up but doesn't heal it. Still, the thought of sucking Tom's sex makes me all wet. I really need some gratification in the near future.

"I think I can handle Jennifer... if she'll speak to me. I'm more worried about Jim.
"If you'd like, I can talk to Jennifer on your behalf. You should handle Jim.
"Yeah... I'd love to handle Jimmy for you.
"He might like it."

We both laugh. We decide to watch a movie. To avoid temptations, we choose an action flick. In the middle of the movie, my phone vibrates. My caller I.D. tells me it's Brad. I answer.

"Brad?
"Sarah... lovely... you busy?
"Yes and no. I'm with Tom.
"Not with your boyfriend?
"Don't get me started!
"Oh... Sorry.
"Nah it's okay. What do you want?
"I'd like... to ask you out.
"Brad?
"Not like that."

Thomas is looking at me inquisitively. He's paused the movie.

"I need to talk to someone.
"Pick a number!"

Thomas doesn't understand why I'm laughing. He can't hear Brad'S side of the conversation.

"Can Tom come along?
"Sure... I'd be happy to have his insight. I just need... I need my friends.
"Where are you?
"I'm... at the Sea-Side."

I know the place. It's a small bar that lies just beside the beach; it has a beachfront. I ask Tom if he wants to go meet up with Brad. I mention that I think Brad is having his own problems. Tom agrees to go.

"We'll be there in twenty minutes.
"Great. Thanks a lot. See you soon.
"And you. Bye."

I hang up.

"Girl troubles?
"I don't know. Maybe."

We head out. We walk the distance because neither Tom nor I have a car. Besides, the Sea-Side is not that far from Tom's place.

We get there a little sooner than expected and we find Brad sitting on a stool on the beachside. After hugs and kisses, we sit down and the waitress comes over. We order drinks and she departs.

"So glad to see you both."

I stare at Brad. Something is different about him, but Tom is the one to pick it up.

"What happened to your eyebrows?... And your body hair?"

That's the detail. Brad doesn't have eyebrows. He wears short sleeves and his arms are clean, not even a stubble. He's shaved his arms and eyebrows. Maybe more, but we can't see it.

"It's a complicated story, so I'll start from the beginning. You remember Brigitte?
"Well, I answer, we know what you told us about her.
"I've started seeing her again. She's forgiven me for... my past mistakes.
"You got into an accident with her, right?
"And then dumped her!"

Thomas is too enthousiastic about that last remark. I cool him down as the waitress returns with our drinks. We pay and tip her.

"Yeah... well. I've got a lot to atone for. I can't go into details, but I can tell you I'm winning her back. One day at a time.
"She got you to shave, right?
"Yeah.
"Everywhere?
"Everywhere."

I can't help but smile. In the past, I've seen Thomas and Barry naked and shaved; seeing a man's sex clean shaven is so hilarious to me. I'm almost eager to ask Brad for the final result, but I keep my ideas to myself. Tom picks up the conversation.

"Is it going according to plan? Are you gonna hook up with her again?
"We are... maybe."

I intervene.

"How can we help?
"Here's the thing. I really did a number on her last summer so she's making me pay for it.
"And you want to get back with her?"

Thomas is almost shocked.

"You... don't know her. She's...
"Powerful, right?"

Brad looks at me with an intrigued look.

"Can I tell you why it didn't work between you and me, Brad?
"I guess so.
"You're a submissive.
"And?
"So am I. Someone has to take the lead, and in your case, it's Brigitte. Am I right?"

He smiles shyly and looks away. Thomas' eyes widen as he understands.

"Oh! She's got you running through hoops.
"Don't say it too loud. She doesn't want people to know.
"She doesn't?
"Well, it's more like... if people know, they'll understand. She's... humiliating me.
"And you like it?
"I do.
"Have you had sex? I inquire.
"Yes. Well, sort of. She's doing all the work; I'm on the receiving end. How is that relevant?"

I think about his situation, reflecting on mine as much as Thomas'.

"How much control does she have over you?
"Only when we're together."

Brad lowers his voice.

“I'm her slave.”
"That's what I thought. Are you allowed to tell us your limits?
"No. She doesn't want me to.
"Okay. I won't insist."

Thomas looks perplexed.

"I get it. I don't see how we can help.
"Well. When I initially left her, it was... because of Sarah. I wanted to get Sarah back... and I goofed up. Anyway, that's in the past. But... she wants to meet you.
"Me? I'm flattered.
"She wants to know what type of girl could snag me away.
"And me? asks Tom.
"Well, you're here now. This is more about Sarah, but I don't think she'd mind you knowing.
"So she wants to meet with me.
"Yeah."

Tom and Brad stare at me. Ideas are popping into my head, but I'm scared. Last time I had an idea, it backfired on me. I can't afford another mistake. Tom intervenes.

"You're thinking of killing many birds with one stone, right?
"Tom, I'm not sure any idea I have is good.
"Sarah, grow up."

Brad looks puzzled.

"What's going on?
"Let's just say Sarah and I have our own little problems at the moment.
"Oh... sorry to hear that.
"I'm thinking Sarah has a plan, but doesn't want to voice it aloud.
"Why not, Sarah?
"Because last time I had a brilliant idea, it caused the problem I'm in right now.
"You're not alone here, Sarah, Tom insists. Brad and me, we want to help. We need help too.
"I don't need help. I just need Sarah.
"Brad, just go along.
"Okay... fine. What's your idea, Sarah?"

I pause to think. If I voice it out, and Tom and Brad pick up on it, it will happen. Are the consequences of failure worst than letting things stay as they are? I've lost touch with Jennifer, Jim will barely speak to me and wants to avoid confrontation, Tom is aching for a man who may or may not be gay, Brad's girlfriend wants to meet with me (and humiliate him in front of me, I can read between the lines).

"Do you guys have anything planned... for spring break?
"That's next week.
"It is, Brad. Do you?
"No... Well... depends on Brigitte, but technically no.
"Tom?
"I have a match the other Sunday, after the week. Some training but otherwise nothing.
"Okay... Here's what I'm thinking. We invite our friends over for spring break. Hang at the beach. Tom, you get Jimmy and Jenn over. Brad, you tell Brigitte I'll meet her if she agrees to spend the week with us partying. I'll get Jim to go along.
"You two broke up?
"Not really. But... there's trouble. I can manage it.
"And what of spring break?"

I don't want to tell Thomas that I don't really have an answer. My goal is simply to get the people together, have fun, relax and maybe play some games. Try to reconnect the dots.

"What about the others? asks Brad.
"Others?
"Our other friends... Cassie, Claire...
"Those two are going away for the week to Florida. We might invite Bonnie and Barry, but I know they're also going on vacation somewhere... Don't know where though.
"So it would be the... seven of us?"

I did the math and came up with the same number.

"Yeah. Tom, do what you can to get Jennifer to speak to me. If we could speak before Monday...
"Okay... so how do we do it?
"Well, I say we meet up on Monday, around noon, at the beach. Right here."

I point to the beach beside the Sea-Side.

"And then, we see what we want to do for the week. Tom, I'm counting on you.
"Sarah, have I ever failed you?
"No you haven't... sometimes I wish I were a man!
"I wish the same thing, Tom replies."

Brad smiles. We both look at him.

"Well, if you were a man, we'd make one heck of threesome here..."

I smile. I'm glad Brad is over me. When he focuses on someone, he can be downright disconcerting. I'm getting a feeling that this Brigitte woman knows how to handle him. I can't wait to see her in action. I look back to Tom. He's trying to remain positive about this. I've seen that stare in his eyes before: he's thinking of Jimmy now, I know it. I'm thinking of Jennifer and Jim. My best friend, my boyfriend. I need to set things right with both of them. I'll start with Jim. I'll start tonight.

I'll drop by his place uninvited, I'll take him away from his work, I'll play with him, stimulate him, anyway he wants it, anyway he tells me to. I'll have sex with him, hard and heavy or soft and passionate, whichever he's in the mood for. I'll let him grope me, fondle me, do whatever he wants. I'll suck him dry if that's what he wants, I'll let him come into me as many times as he desires (or can). I'll be his sexual slave for the night.

Once he's got that out of his system, once I'll have felt him all over me, then we'll talk. Then we'll really talk about these things, and I won't let him avoid me. I love him. I don't want to break up with him. I'll do whatever it takes. Whatever else now happens in my life, Jim is to be part of it. Otherwise, it's not worth the effort. I never thought someone could mean so much to me. But he does.

He's right. We've both changed since we've been together. It's time to evaluate that change; it's time to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. I only know that whoever I am will be in love with him.

I hope Brad and Tom can find the certainty I'm now experiencing. I hope everything works it. It's the beginning of spring, after all.