ONE WEEK IN DENVER

 

This started out as a little less of a romance, this one. It was supposed to be just for fun! That was my intent, anyway. But as always seems to happen, my characters began to talk to me.

I actually met 'Mika,' and she was indeed tending bar in Denver. Her physical description is accurate, with a bit of poetic license. Unfortunately, my interaction with her only lasted through a drink and a meal, but she left enough of an impression that this story demanded to be written. Now if I could just remember the name of that bar...



I was a troubleshooter. Some people called me a fixer. I was called in to help companies identify their issues and recommend solutions. Sometimes those solutions resulted in layoffs. Most employees hated to see me coming - I was supposed to be incognito, but word always got out. At many of the places I visited, they called me other things. I had nicknames that no one ever dared use to my face, but I usually found out about them anyway. Voices carry, and conference room walls are often pretty flimsy.

The Executioner. The Terminator. The Bitch. I'd learned to live with it. It was my job, and I was good at it, but that person - the one I became - was a façade. A construct. It was not me. This tale is about a week of my life when I got to be me.



I had just finished a long week in Denver with a company that manufactures products for the aerospace industry. I had submitted my findings and recommendations on Friday morning, and the presentation plus the Q&A afterwards took me through the rest of the day. I was supposed to have Friday evening and all day Saturday to relax, before my flight to Tucson for my next assignment, a trip I was NOT looking forward to, it being the middle of summer.

Now all I wanted was a long hot shower to scrub off the residual grime of the previous several days. Feeling refreshed after my long soak, I decided to head into the city, rather than my original plan of lounging around in my hotel room.

I squeezed into a pair of jeans that - if I do say so myself - fit pretty well. I added an equally snug white sleeveless mock-neck top that showed off my arms and shoulders, and slipped on my favourite boots.

Figuring, 'when in Denver...,' I got on Yelp and looked for the best bison burger spots in town. The place I wound up at must have come by its reputation honestly, because it was jammers. The bar area was long and relatively narrow, with a line of high-tops along the wall, with an aisle separating the tables from the bar. I could see a dining area that opened up farther along. Luckily, I was able to grab a seat at the bar, and found the stools were quite comfortable. Padded leather, and sturdy. They felt substantial, as did the bar top itself, which looked to be carved from some medium-dark wood. The bartender came over a few moments later to take my drink order.

I did a proper double-take, then realized I was staring. I looked away quick, trying not to act a proper fool, though I'm sure I failed. After that it was all sneaked glances and half-looks, taking her in, without outright ogling.

She was fierce cute, with an exotic cast to her features. Dark hair streaked with royal blue, and big, up-tilted hazel eyes - perhaps a bit too much mascara, but it worked in the subdued lighting.

What really threw me was the sleeveless Shonen Knife T-shirt she was wearing. Well, the shirt - and what was under it. It hung loose enough to tease, revealing a very fit shape. Definition in her arms, and flashes of ivory skin through the deep-cut armholes. At first, I thought she was bra-less but after a few careful looks, I realized she had on a lacy bandeau that matched her skin almost perfectly.

From my vantage point, I could see a Japanese-style tattoo of a beautiful, vibrantly multi-colored koi running down her ribs on her left side, and it was the spot where the fabric of her bandeau interrupted the tattoo that finally clued me in. When she turned to grab a bottle from the shelf behind her, I saw that her right arm bore a half-sleeve from shoulder to elbow of another Japanese scene - a mountain stream tumbling over rocks and through ginkgoes, past a small temple, and crossed by arched wooden bridges. Two red-crowned cranes stood sentinel. It was extraordinary.

"Your tattoos are amazing!" I blurted. She smiled, and when I saw her face more clearly, I saw definite signs of Asian heritage.

"Thanks," she replied. There was the faintest pause, like she was about to say something - then she just... stopped. Gave me a bit of a look though.

"You're from Japan?" Mentally wincing. Engage filter, Piper.

She nodded, apparently unoffended. "What can I get you?"

I quirked an eyebrow at her. "How about a good ale, I'll trust you on the brand."

She nodded again, and her grin made me wonder what I might be in for.

"Oh, and a menu? Thanks!"

She was back in no time at all with a bottle and a glass goblet. I started to wave the glass away, but she said it was made specifically for this ale. Who was I to doubt her? She poured, dropped off a menu, and with a nod, headed off to her next customer. And was that my imagination, or did she just give me a look? Hmmm.

Her selection was excellent. I was halfway through it when she returned to take my meal order.

"Wow, this is really, really good; what is it?"

"Chimay Red, from Belgium. It seemed appropriate," she smirked, glancing at my hair. "Glad you like it! Ready to order?"

"Ehm, yeah. Can I get the bison burger, on the rare side of medium-rare?"

"Oh, thank God!" she said.

"What?" I was confused.

"Someone who knows how to order. You wouldn't believe how many people ask for well-done." She shuddered theatrically.

I laughed. Tapping my glass, I asked, "Can I get another one of these? It's class, thanks. I'll take it with my meal if that's alright."

"You got it, cowgirl."

"Cowgirl?" I asked, dubiously. There was no way she'd missed my accent.

She kind of hopped up, leaning over the bar with her weight on her elbows. She looked over the edge, down at my boots, then smirked at me.

When did she have the chance to notice them? I wondered. Meanwhile, I was trying hard not to stare at her chest. In the position she was, her arms were pushing her breasts together in a very enticing way, even under her T-shirt. She caught me, stone dead, and I could feel my face heating up. For the umpteenth time, I bemoaned my fair skin that pinked at the drop of a hat. It was a bit of an issue at work, actually... I had to make sure to control my temper, or my face would give away my feelings like a neon sign. I apologized, looking away.

"No worries, cowgirl. I think I'd be offended if you didn't look," she grinned cheekily at me, and with a flip of her ponytail, skipped off to submit my order, leaving me gobsmacked.

By the time she returned with my meal, I was back under control, mostly. As I ate, I watched her work the crowded bar like a maestro, keeping drinks flowing, taking orders, changing from friendly to flirty to businesslike, as the situation warranted. As I mentioned, things were busy that evening, and she personified grace under pressure.

She stopped by to check how the food was, and as it always seems to happen, I had just taken a bite. I tried to smile around a mouthful of burger, and gave her an embarrassed head bob and a thumbs up.

She started to smile, then stopped. Moving toward me and leaning over the bar again, she reached out a hand, the little pink tip of her tongue poking out as she focused.

I froze.

Extending a finger, she wiped away a smear of tomato jam from the corner of my mouth. She held up her finger to show me, then popped it into her own mouth.

I still hadn't moved a millimetre, except for my eyes, which were wide with stunned surprise.

She gave me a wink and moved off to her next patron.

Finally able to move, I let out a long breath. What the feck?

I slowly finished my meal, debating whether to leave more jam on my lip. It was like she could read my mind, and she winked at me again as she cleared my plate. I shook my head at her and grinned, sure I was blushing. Again.

I sat, sipping my drink, and surreptitiously watched her work. She had an easy self-assuredness as she tended to her patrons... it was very attractive. I was trying to think up something brilliant that I might start a conversation with, that is, until some suit slid onto the stool next to me.

"Hey there Red, how 'bout you let me buy you a drink?"

I turned my head about an inch and a half toward him. "Red, huh? Aren't you the clever one! Did you come up with that all by yourself?" I turned away and took a sip of my ale.

Unfortunately, my sarcasm bounced right off him. "Oh, and you're Irish too! Wow, must be my lucky night!"

"You'll have better luck with your own hand." I replied, still not looking at him. "But even that's not a sure thing. Feck off, willya." I was already tired of his attention, not to mention his cologne.

Oh dearie, I might have offended him. He started to puff up, but just then, my guardian bartender appeared.

"Here's your Shirley Temple," she proclaimed, much more loudly than necessary, and started to hand him a glass full of a fizzy, pink concoction. The guy actually started to reach for it, too! But halfway there, she made a comically exaggerated tripping motion, wailed 'oops!' and dumped it in his lap.

I snorted laughter as he jumped up.

Meanwhile, my saviour was being over-the-top apologetic. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm so clumsy! Please, let me get you another, on the house."

"Fuck! This is a $1500 suit, you clumsy bitch!"

That was going too far. "Here now! She said she was sorry," I said in my best board room voice, and stood up. With my boots, I was a good few inches taller than he.

He glared at me.

"What? You gonna have a go at me as well?" I goaded him.

"Bitch," he mumbled as he gave both of us another glare, then turned to go.

"Fecking gobshite," I replied, loud enough for him to hear, and turned back to my new friend. There were a lot of grins and a few chuckles from the other patrons who had witnessed the exchange.

"Piper," I said, extending my hand.

"Huh?"

"I said, 'Piper.' It's my name," I smiled. "Thanks for your help with that eejit." I shook my head. "Guys like him... I have to deal with that shite at work all the time; it drives me mad that it happens when I'm trying to have a peaceful night out as well."

"I hear ya. And don't even worry about it," she smirked. "Piper, huh? That's not a name you hear every day! I'm Mika," she replied, pronouncing it 'MEE-ka', as she grasped my hand and gave it a proper shake. Just once, up and down.

"Mika isn't exactly a name you hear every day either," I grinned at her.

"Maybe not here," she agreed, "But in Japan it's not that uncommon."

"Forgive me, but with those eyes..." They were a striking hazel, and she turned them on me.

"Yeah, my dad was white."

"Was? I'm sorry."

She shrugged. "Shit happens... it's okay, it was a while ago."

"Still." I sat back down, chagrined. "I'm awful sorry. Seems like every time I open my mouth something stupid comes out of it. Asking your nationality, staring at your boobs, then again with your eyes..."

"Hey," she said softly, reaching out to put a hand on mine. "I'm not offended, really."

She held my gaze until I looked away, and mumbled, "Alright. Thanks."

She scanned down the bar. "Excuse me for a moment," and she went to take care of another customer. When she came back, she had another drink for me.

"But I didn't..." I started to protest, and she shushed me.

"On the house. Enjoy, cowgirl."

"Arigato," I replied.

Mika grinned, covering her mouth with one hand. "Seriously?" Her eyes crinkled as she giggled, "Hearing Japanese in an Irish accent... oh my gosh..."

"Sure, 'tis nothin'," I replied, exaggerating my brogue, and Mika laughed out loud.

I lingered over my drink, exchanging a few words as she flitted back and forth taking care of thirsty patrons. I even ordered a dessert, as an excuse to stay a little longer, and asked for coffee. Things had quieted somewhat by then, and when she slid my sweet in front of me, she didn't immediately run off.

"I love your hair," she blurted.

"Ehm, thanks," I replied, reflexively running my fingers through it. I had inherited every last one of my family's Irish genes, and was blessed - or cursed - with a mop of very curly red hair that just brushed the top of my collar. I sometimes wished I was brave enough to cut it as short as my brother's.

"I like yours too. The highlights really suit you."

"So, you're clearly Irish?" she finally asked. "I didn't want to assume," she eyerolled comically.

It was my turn to chuckle. "Born, bred, and buttered."

She blushed, still smiling.

"Sure, it's true," I said, more normally. "Moved here when I was 18 and decided to stay. I had an aunt - well, still have - in Texas of all places and I lived with her while I went to UTSA. But I never really got used to the heat, and moved to Seattle about six years ago. It's much more what I'm used to."

Looking down at my feet, I added, "I like the footwear though!"

She chuckled. "Me too. What are those, alligator?"

"The salesperson said it's caiman? I guess that's basically an alligator, but from South America I think?" The leather was a dark reddish brown that they called "pecan", and the uppers were dark brown cowhide. I wore my jeans down over them, rather than tucked in.

She nodded. "So, what brings you to Denver?"

"Work." But before I could explain, she apologized with another eye roll, and said, "Speaking of work..." and she was off to make her rounds.

And so it went. She'd stop and chat, refill my coffee when it was empty, then scurry off. We weren't quite flirting, but the conversation was... familiar.

I asked her about her T-shirt, and she laughed, saying she had 'borrowed' it from her mother, and somehow forgotten to return it. She asked me again about my job, and I gave her an abbreviated description.

"And that's all I'll say about that; don't think I can't see your eyes glazing over!"

She laughed. I found myself entranced by how her nose scrunched when she was genuinely amused; not the polite, professional laugh she gave to customers.

I found myself leaning toward her, elbows on the bar, each time she came by. Subconsciously trying to get closer to her. When she went to take care of her few remaining customers, I got up to pee.

I glanced back, to catch her eyes following me as I walked toward the ladies'. She quickly glanced away, but then turned back again and gave me a crooked grin. I hid my own pleased smile.

Anyway, after doing my business and returning to my seat, I glanced at my phone and gasped at how late it was! I hadn't even noticed the time passing. I was really enjoying the banter, and didn't want to stop, but finally I had to hold my hand over my cup.

"Sin é, please, or I'll never get to sleep."

She smiled a little sadly, as I asked to settle my bill.

As I added a generous tip and signed it, I said hesitantly, "Umm... Mika, are you working tomorrow?"

She shook her head, her blue-black ponytail swinging. "No, I took the day off. I was gonna go to the Rockies game."

Now it was my turn to be disappointed. But honestly, it was a long shot, thinking that a stunner like her didn't already have her weekend booked solid. I nodded, said, "That's class," and started to get up.

"Do you... do you think you might want to go with me?" I heard her ask tentatively. "I have two tickets for tomorrow's game, but my, uhh, friend... can't make it."

'What's a Rocky?' I thought, but what came out of my mouth was, "Umm, yeah! Sure, why not? Sounds like fun!"

"Great! Awesome. Umm..."

"Do you want me to pick you up?" we both said at the same time.

Laughing, the sudden nervousness dissolving, she offered, "Maybe it's easier if I drive?"

"Sure. Your town." I agreed. "I'm at the Patterson."

"Text me the address? Here, give me your phone."

I did and she entered her number. Then she held it out and assumed a very anime-like pose, with a cheeky smile, winking broadly, one hand held up by her face, fingers in a sideways V. Taking the photo, she then tapped away for another few seconds, adding the headshot of herself to her contact info.

I smiled, then looked up just in time to catch her taking a picture of me. "For when you text me, I can add a photo to your contact too."

"I'll do that as soon as I get back to my hotel. Goodnight, Mika. I'm... uhh, looking forward to tomorrow."

"Night, Piper." From her shy smile, I thought she might be looking forward to it too.



She texted me early the next morning, suggesting that we grab breakfast before the game. We stopped at a place called Snooze, and it was definitely worth the stop. I couldn't decide between the Bread Pudding French Toast and the Bella Bella Benedict. Mika took pity on my dithering and ordered both.

"We can share," she offered.

Over our meal, I admitted that I had to look up the Rockies because I had no idea what sport they played. Mika was aghast, scoffing with mock petulance. I explained that sure, I knew about baseball, but had never watched a game.

She relented and asked about sports in Ireland. So I talked about rugby, which she'd heard of, and Gaelic football, which she hadn't. But when I mentioned hurling, she gave me the same confused look as I had about baseball.

"Hurling? That's a sport? Sounds like something you do after drinking too much."

I tsked. "Nah, nah. It's one of our - I mean Ireland's - national sports! You might think of it as a mix of field hockey and lacrosse. There's a stick and a ball and all that. It's very fast. Pope - my brother - still plays."

"Wow, nice. What about you, do you play any sports?"

"Well, not anymore, but I did. So... hurling is only played by men, see, but for women they have a very similar game called camogie. They're nearly the same, except women can't be as physical as the men. Too delicate, so we are," I muttered, and didn't spare the sarcasm.

"I played up until I left Ireland, then I switched to lacrosse when I came to the States; played on a club team in college. I stopped though, when I started working, and I haven't picked up a hurley or a crosse in years."

"Do you miss it?"

"Ehh... not really. It was mostly an excuse to be around my friends. I wasn't nearly as serious about it as Pope is. What about you?"

"Oh, no... I'm not a sports girl..."

"Well, you're certainly fit."

She glanced at me, raising an eyebrow, and I just shrugged. "It's true!"

She ducked her head. "Thanks. I do go to the gym, but mostly, I love to hike."

Our server dropped off our check and we had a brief tug-of-war over it. I still say I let her win, but she clutched it triumphantly and handed her credit card to the grinning waitress.

"You guys are so cute," she said as she headed for the register. We stared at each other.

"Uhhh..."

"Ehm..."

"We should probably head over to the stadium?"

"Sure."



I didn't realize we were already so close. To the stadium, I mean. We walked two blocks up Park Avenue and turned left onto Blake Street. A few more steps, and she spread out her arms.

"Ta-daaaa..."

Coors Field was pretty nice, I'll admit. Earth colours, and it fit into the neighbourhood really well. My first visit to a baseball stadium of any kind, and my head was swivelling around like a tourist. She escorted me through the entrance, and we meandered around to our seats.

 

The seats were near something that she called a "bullpen" which I figured she'd explain later, and surprisingly, there was a tiny forest, complete with a pool and fountains nearby.

"That's the Rockpile," she explained as we sat down.

"It's lovely," I said, gazing around me in wonder. What a huge space! I sat there, absorbing, as we chatted.

Mika had a big grin on her face. "I love baseball. I love the feeling of being at the ballpark. Ever since I was little. Dad was stationed at Yokota - that's just outside of Tokyo - and he would take me to the Tokyo Swallows games. Mama wasn't a fan, so it was something that just he and I shared."

She was quiet for a moment.

"It... makes me feel closer to him, coming to the games."

Spontaneously, I reached for her hand, and she squeezed it, looking up at me gratefully.

Then, visibly brightening, she turned to me. In mock accusation, she said, "I still can't believe you've never even seen a baseball game." Thinking for a moment, she added, "I've heard people say that baseball is at least vaguely similar to cricket, is that something you've seen?"

"Seen it, sure. But cricket is not so popular in Ireland."

"So what do you do for fun now?"

"Oh, well I travel quite a bit for work, and new places and people are always interesting - case in point," as I gestured at our surroundings, "but when I'm at home, I work out, and run, and I'm learning to rollerblade, and I take the occasional ramble - what you'd call hiking, so we have that in common - and I play a bit of music. There are a few groups in Seattle that I sit in with from time to time. It's hard with the travel. But I enjoy it."

"Wow, you're a musician too? So cool! What do you play?" Mika asked excitedly.

"Ohhh... well, I'm sure you've heard of the pennywhistle? I play that, and the low whistle."

"Low whistle? Never heard of it."

"It's a bit like... oh hell, what's it called..." I grabbed my phone and tapped furiously. "Ah. Here 'tis." I pronounced the word carefully. "Shakuhachi?"

"Ohhh... yeah, okay. Do you play anything else?"

"Ummm... promise you won't laugh?"

She gave me a perplexed look. "Why would I laugh?"

"Coz my main instrument - the one I play the most - are the pipes."

And I waited for it.

But she hadn't got there yet. "Pipes. You mean like, bagpipes?" She was still confused.

"Well, if you're thinking of the highland pipes, then no. Those are Scottish. No, I play the uilleann pipes. They're a bit different."

She was still perplexed. "Illun? What are those... wait."

I could see it sinking in.

"Wait..." she said again, starting to smile. "So you're... Piper the Piper?" She bit her lip, and was trying so hard not to laugh.

I sighed. "Go ahead and get it out of your system, you little dose."

A snort did manage to escape her lips, but she swallowed the rest. "Sorry. Really. But you have to admit..."

"Yeah, I know. I set myself up, I did. But I love it; the sound and the feeling... there's nothin' like it."

"I'd love to hear you."

"Sorry, my girl, but I don't travel with 'em. But I always have a couple of whistles with me."

'My girl'? Where had that come from?

But if she heard me, she let it go, simply asking, "So it's like, Irish music then?"

"Yeah, when I played with my family, it was mostly what ye'd call folk music, I guess. But now I'm here, the others I play with now? We do a fair bit of traditional, but we also play more contemporary songs, coverin' Irish groups... you know, Cranberries, Pogues... Dropkick Murphys... Flogging Molly... stuff like that."

"What the fuck? Flogging Molly? That's a real band? You're kidding, right?" she burst out.

I laughed. "Nah, it's real enough. The lead singer's Irish, but they're based in LA. Here, tell me if you've heard this one," and I sang her a few bars of "If I Ever Leave This World Alive," and she gawped at me.

"Oh my God, Piper!" she gushed, and a few folks around us clapped.

I blushed. "Well, I mighta sung a little bit too, but you should hear my sister Quinn. Now she sings like an angel."

"That's so cool! Like, you play shows?"

"Festivals, mostly... and the occasional pub, that's always good for a laugh."

"Could you... I mean, do you..." For once, Mika actually looked flustered.

"Are you asking if I'll play something?" I asked.

Mika nodded hopefully, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Well, like I said, I always travel with a few tin whistles. But I left my low whistles and my pipes back in Seattle; they're a bit fragile and I was only going to be here for a week. I didn't even bring my practice pipes."

"That's okay, really! I'd love to hear... well, anything!"

At this point, the players were lining up and the announcer was asking everyone to stand for the National Anthem.

Mika was wearing a team jersey, unbuttoned over a skin-tight purple tank top; and when the anthem ended, she cheered loudly, nearly vibrating with excitement as the Rockies took the field.

I felt bad, but it was so fecking boring! But Mika kept me entertained. She was hugely engaged in the game, and when she wasn't pumping her arms, or jumping up and down, cheering and cursing as the team's fortunes ebbed and flowed, she took the time to explain the rules, and what was going on.

I gave up trying to make sense of it and just enjoyed the ambience and being with Mika. When I noticed some activity below us, she explained what the bullpen was, and as she leaned over the rail pointing things out to me, one of the players noticed us.

He looked to be fairly young, as he spoke to his teammates, pointing up at us. Mika pulled her jersey off, mimed writing, and made as if to toss it down to them. They nodded back, and when they threw her now autographed jersey back up, one of them made a phone with pinky and thumb, and raised his eyebrows at us.

Mika smiled sweetly and - to my surprise - wrapped her arms around me, shaking her head at the young men. Eyebrows went up further, and then disappointed smiles appeared. Mika waved, and we returned to our seats.

"Sorry, it seemed like the easiest way to avoid giving them my number. Hope I didn't embarrass you."

"Uhh... no, you're grand. Please feel free to pretend to be my girlfriend whenever you like. But... now I feel like I should tell you something."

I fidgeted nervously. I hated this part. I prayed she didn't walk out on me.

She glanced at me, looked down, then back up. "Well... if you're going to tell me you're gay, I already kinda guessed."

My mouth opened and closed a few times, but nothing came out.

"You have this... vibe? That, and having to leave home... you never said why, but I can guess. It's cool; I mean, I've dated guys and girls, so... I still hope we can be friends?"

"Sure. Friends." I looked down and sighed.

I was leaving tomorrow anyway, so it was probably for the best.



Mika dropped me off at my hotel, and before getting out of her SUV, I thanked her for the lovely day. Then, taking a chance, I asked if maybe she'd like to have dinner.

She thought for a moment. "Well..."

"My treat. Please, I'm having such a nice time, I don't want to end our date." I winked at her, making her smile.

"Okay, why not?" She grinned. "But not in my Rockies jersey!"

"Oof, you're right." I leaned toward her and sniffed indelicately.

"Hey!" she shouted, mouth agape in mock anger.

I chuckled. "Come on up; I'll take a quick shower, maybe play you a tune or two, then I can follow you to your place?"

At the prospect of hearing me play, she said okay.

Once we were in my room, Mika looked around in amazement. "Wow, this is awesome!"

"Yeah, I decided to splurge a little this trip. I was lucky to get a room." Warmly, I added, "You're very welcome here; I'll be right out!"

I showered as quick as I could and emerged wrapped in a big fluffy robe, to see Mika fiddling with one of my whistles. I'd left them on the desk, and she looked up and started to apologize.

"Nah, you're grand. Go on, experiment away!" I sat, crossing my legs, and the robe slipped a little, revealing a long expanse of thigh. I caught her glance, noticed that it lingered for just a moment, then her eyes flicked up at me. There was something in that look, and I felt a fluttering somewhere, down deep. I opened my mouth to speak, and....

My phone rang.

Oh, for feck's sake! I grabbed it up, ready to hurl it across the room, but then I noticed the caller ID.

"Sorry Mika, I have to take this. It's my boss."

"Oh, of course." She looked down.

Was that... disappointment? Or relief I saw?

I walked over to the window. "Your timing is impeccable as usual, Harry."

"Ouch. You don't sound happy to hear from me, Piper. I assume I interrupted something?"

"Nearly, very nearly. How's things?"

"Sorry." He got straight to the point. "Raytheon cancelled."

That's where I was supposed to be headed tomorrow afternoon. Sunny Tucson.

"Christ above. We've been setting that up for months!"

"I know, I know. But what can you do?"

Indeed.

"So... I guess I'll fly home then?" I asked.

"No, no... after the job you did at Barber-Nichols; you deserve some time off. I'll see you Monday a week. I'll let you get back to... whatever I nearly interrupted."

I could hear the smirk in his tone, but he was my boss, so I just said, "Thanks, Harry."

"Good work, Piper."

And just like that, he was gone, leaving me staring at my phone. I looked over at Mika, who was looking a little - well, forlorn might be a bit strong, but...

Anyway, she asked sadly, "You have to leave?"

She'd only heard my side of the conversation.

I gave her a small smile. "The exact opposite, actually. I've just been given the week off."

"Huh? But..." and her sad frown turned to puzzlement, then a small smile that matched mine as I explained.

"Next week's customer cancelled, and my boss told me to take the week off. I don't have to head back to Seattle until next Saturday!"

I grinned and gave her a look. "How much trouble can we get into in a week?"

And she blushed.

Oh, this was going to be interesting!



After ducking back into the bathroom to get dressed, I picked up another whistle - I usually travelled with two or three - and ran a few scales, then launched into "Whiskey in the Jar".

Mika clapped when I'd finished, then asked why it sounded so familiar.

"Well, it's pretty well-known. Plus, Metallica did a cover of it a while back... do you listen to them?"

She did the hand-waffling gesture. "I like metal, but they're not my favourite. I'm more of a Gojira girl," she smirked.

I shook my head. Not going there...

Instead, I began playing another old standard, "Molly Malone". Her mouth dropped open when I set down the whistle and started to sing a capella.

In Dublin's fair city

Where the girls are so pretty

I first set my eyes on sweet Mika Malone.

I winked at her, and she blushed prettily.

And she wheeled her wheelbarrow

Through streets broad and narrow

Crying 'Peanuts and Cracker Jacks - take me out to the show!'

I stopped singing and played a few more bars. I'll admit, I was showing off a bit, throwing in some extra cuts and taps, before tapering off with a little roll.

Mika seemed to be entranced, grinning at my ad lib, and she let out a breath as I finished. "Wow! You're so good!"

"Thanks, but nah... I'm alright. You want to hear 'good', look up Mary Bergin or Joanie Madden. Or Andrea Corr. She's so pretty, too!" I didn't mention she had the same dark hair, the same porcelain skin as Mika. I had a bit of a crush on Ms. Corr, I did. At that last, Mika quirked an eyebrow, and it was my turn to blush.

Trying to change the subject, I asked, "D'ye want to try?" And held out the whistle to her.

"Really?"

"Sure, yeah! Here." I patted the spot next to me.

She sat down, and I showed her how to hold it. She gave an experimental blow, and I giggled at the noise she made - you couldn't call it a note - and she stuck out her tongue.

I apologized, still smiling, and using my other whistle, began to demonstrate proper embouchure. "Here, try without the whistle."

She looked so irresistibly cute, trying to shape her lips as I demonstrated, her eyes on my mouth... that I couldn't. Resist, that is. I darted in and placed a brief kiss on her puckered lips.

I drew back, watching her carefully. When she didn't react at all, I whispered, "Sorry. I don't know why I did that." Mika still hadn't moved, lips still pursed.

"Mika?"

She blinked. "You... kissed me."

"I did." Cheekily, I added, "But come on, it can't be that big of a shock now, can it?"

"But..." was all she got out before I leaned in once more, this time for a longer kiss.

I was kissing her with my eyes open; I wanted to see her reaction. Hers widened, then closed, and she made a small sound, as I licked softly at her lips, gently probing, and her mouth opened to accept me. Our tongues touched, swirled around one another, and then withdrew. I pulled back slightly, and her eyes fluttered open to gaze at me.

"Wow," she whispered.

I reached up to put a hand on her cheek, my thumb lightly caressing. And then her stomach grumbled. Quite loudly.

She blushed crimson, and I burst out laughing. "Come on, let's go and get a bite to eat."



Mika drove us to her apartment in Villa Park, so she could get cleaned up as well. She told me about her roommate, a girl called Courtney, who was never home. "Honestly, I don't know why she needs an apartment. But she covers half the rent, so I'm not gonna complain."

I meandered round the living area while she showered, thinking about that kiss. And imagining her naked body just a few metres away in that shower, I'm not going to lie. I did kinda ambush her, but she seemed into it, and I had a nice warm, fuzzy glow of anticipation as we headed to dinner.

The restaurant, Corinne's, was a treat. As we had done at breakfast, we shared. The appetizer was a spicy tuna bruschetta, and she ordered the salmon for her meal. I had been considering the halibut, but since she ordered fish, I decided to go with the filet. I thought she might be getting a little flirty when she offered a forkful of salmon to me. My eyes were on hers, which were locked on my mouth as I accepted the bite. As she withdrew her fork, she glanced up, saw me looking at her, and blushed. A moment later, with a grin, I reciprocated with a bite of my steak. As her eyes closed and she groaned in pleasure, I laughed and cut the rest in half, sliding it onto her plate. She did the same with her salmon, but examined it carefully, making very sure that I got the smaller piece, the little wagon.

We lingered over a very nice bourbon-caramel bread pudding and coffee, and the conversation flowed easily. She hinted at what my plans were, asking, "Did you really mean it? That you don't have to go back?"

"Well, yeah... I was supposed to be in Tucson, but when it got cancelled, I was planning to go home - but I don't actually need to until the end of the week?" I reached across the table for her hand. "I'm enjoying Denver much more than I expected."

She looked down at our fingers, and asked shyly, "I... I'd like it if you stayed... if you can, of course. Sorry, I have to work the next two days, but... I'm due some time off and the weather is so nice right now; do you think you might like to go on a hike with me? Maybe Wednesday?"

"That'll do rightly. I can use the time to work on my summary from last week," I said, trying to sound casual, though my heart picked up when she asked me to stay. "Though... I don't really have the proper clothes. Just dress stuff, my jeans, and workout gear."

"Should be fine... I know a couple of trails that are really scenic, but not too demanding, gear-wise."

"What, and waste an opportunity to go shopping? Not likely!"



Mika pulled her car to a stop in front of my hotel.

"Come in for a drink?" I asked, and I couldn't hide the desire in my voice. Mika heard it and her eyes locked with mine.

Before she could answer though, I leaned toward her again. Her hand came up to my shoulder, not to push me away, but just rested there, as we kissed. I let my lips drift to her jawline, then her ear, and down her neck, gently brushing, giving little flicks of my tongue. Her head tilted back, allowing me access, and I slid one hand up to her breast, cupping lightly, my thumb brushing over her nipple. She shivered and pressed against my hand, but then drew back.

Sucking in a breath, biting her lip, she said, "You're so gorgeous, and I really like what you're doing, but... I don't think I'm ready to jump into bed just yet, Piper... sorry."

"Nah, nah, it's fine. I... well I really like you too, but I'm good with going slow." I cupped her cheek for a moment, then let my hand fall.

"What will you do tomorrow?" she asked.

"Well, I'll do a bit o' shopping for our ramble, yeah? Then I'll probably call Pope and Quinn, and my aunt as well. Do some catching up."

Mika smiled and nodded. I got the feeling that she was relieved I wasn't upset over her hesitancy.

"What about you, then?" I asked.

"Oh, I guess I'll take care of my grocery shopping, buy some stuff for the hike as well, and then like I said, I have to work."

"All right if I stop by the bar?" My smile got wider.

"You'd better," she shot back.



I was sitting at the end of the bar, legs crossed, idly toying with my beer glass as I watched Mika work. She slid a dirty martini and a glass of white wine in front of a man and a woman who looked like lawyers - expensive suits, for certain - before coming down my way. She rested her elbows on the bar and leaned toward me.

"Whew! Busy night for a Sunday! So glad we close early. Need another?" She nodded toward my half-empty glass.

"Nah, I'm good. Sooo... I'm looking forward to our walk," I said, feeling uncharacteristically vulnerable. Trying to cover, I quickly added, "At what ungodly hour do we need to be up?"

She flipped a hand. "Whenever. The trail's not that far away - I figure if we get there by 9:00, we'll be fine and still have time afterward to get cleaned up and have dinner!"

It sounded a perfect plan to me!

"You're sure you're alright with work?"

"Yeah, yeah, no problem. And classes are good."

"I didn't know you were in school! How have we not talked about that?" I punched her lightly on the shoulder.

Mika pretended to be injured, then grinned. "Dunno! Guess it just never came up. I'm... studying to be a vet tech. Veterinary technician," she clarified, at my confused expression.

"That's brilliant!" I enthused. And I meant it - I was impressed that she was building something.

"Can't be a bartender forever," she said with a little shrug. "And I can't afford vet school yet. So, I figured this would be a good place to start."



Monday and Tuesday were her days at the vet's office, doing practical work, and she had to tend bar both nights. I made sure to stop by for dinner. Monday, I stayed 'til closing and we talked a bit - just two girls having a get-to-know-you chat. And maybe a snog or two. Tuesday, she shooed me back to the hotel, telling me to get my rest for our ramble.

In between, I took in a few of the sights she'd recommended and finished up my report. Harry gave out to me, saying I was meant to be on holiday, though I suspect he wasn't too put out.

Wednesday morning, Mika was waiting outside the hotel. We made short work of the Patterson's complimentary breakfast before heading west. I was looking forward to having the whole day with her.

 

I was nearly vibrating with excitement by the time we got to the trailhead. Despite it being summer, the air was a perfect 24 C, with nary a cloud in sight.

And Mika's outfit was... Holy God.

I was hoping there would be plenty of places along the trail where I'd have to walk behind her!

The car park was quite small and rustic, with room for perhaps a handful of vehicles, although we were the only ones there. It was bordered by dense evergreens, and a weathered wooden signpost marked the start: 'Beaver Brook Trail - 4.6 miles to Windy Saddle.'

We stood beside the open boot of Mika's SUV, and she made approving sounds as she looked over my gear - not that I'd bought much. I'd purchased some very cute cargo shorts, which were perhaps a bit shorter than absolutely necessary, and I caught her throwing a look at my legs. She mentioned, just a little too casually, that I might want to put some sun cream on; explaining that the thinner air at altitude made one more prone to burning... and then pretended not to watch as I took her advice.

I DID tease her a bit by asking if I'd missed any spots, turning my back to her, and looking over my shoulder. Then I cheekily asked if she needed help with hers.

She gave me a smirk that said she knew exactly what I was doing, and that I wasn't fooling anyone. Then she kidded me about the collapsible walking stick the quare cute salesgirl at REI talked me into buying, but she seemed touched when I told her that I'd bought her one as well.

I had also purchased a rucksack to hold my gear. Mika had a slightly larger one that had a rigid frame, and she showed me how to make sure the waist strap was securely cinched.

"That's what carries most of the weight, not your shoulders," she explained, and once I had it secured properly, I had to agree, it felt much more comfortable. As did Mika's hands, which lingered on my hips as she checked the fit.

I had gone back and forth on whether to buy hiking boots, but decided to stick with my comfortable runners, rather than risk new-shoe blisters. Mika had said it wasn't a very difficult trail, and that I should be alright. She looked to be carrying a lot more gear than I, and when I asked, she shrugged it off as 'just being prepared'. She waved off my offer of help, saying she was used to it.

"So gallant," I teased, and she rewarded me with an eye roll.

Gear loaded, packs donned, car locked... we struck out on our ramble!



It was gorgeous. The trail began quite gently, winding through a thick mixed conifer forest of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and Engelmann spruce. At least that's what Mika told me, pointing out the differences.

As we meandered our way along the trail, we found ourselves speaking in whispers, reluctant to disturb the natural hush that surrounded us. The forest floor was thick with fallen needles from seasons past, and there were scattered wildflowers growing in the few patches of sunlight that filtered through the cathedral-like canopy. In the background, we could hear the soft burble of Beaver Brook, and I was thoroughly enchanted.

Reaching out, I took Mika's hand and interlaced my fingers with hers for a few moments. She looked up at me, and I murmured, "So beautiful," looking first at her, then lifting my eyes to the soaring forest above our heads.

Bringing my gaze back to her, I found her looking at me, rather than the scenery, and after what appeared to be a moment's hesitation, she reached up with her free hand and pulled me down for a kiss.

This time I closed my eyes.

Parting too soon, she stroked my cheek with the back of her hand, then took a deep breath. "You are trouble, aren't you? Never mind. Come on, there's still lots to see!"

"Ah, yeah," I leered, and she laughingly made as if to punch me. I held up my hands, chuckling, and we continued along the trail, skirting tree roots and jumping the occasional trickling creek. The sound of running water in the distance, and the soughing of wind through the leaves evoked such a peaceful feeling in me that I couldn't help but smile.

Until the spell was broken by a curious, staticky buzzing noise, almost like an old AM radio dial being spun up and down the frequencies. Rapid, raspy chirps that were all mashed together.

"What the heck is that?" I wondered aloud.

Mika grinned. "Pine siskin." She scanned the trees for a moment, then pointed. "There's one."

I looked, squinted, and looked again. "I don't see... Oh, there? That wee bird?"

She nodded as the tiny bird launched into another bright chattering outburst.

"I'd say he's had his coffee this morning."

As we walked, I heard other birdsong, and even the rapid knocking of a woodpecker in the distance. Mika pointed out some deer footprints, and then in a whisper, "Oh, look! Elk!" I looked up in time to see a huge shape vanish into the forest.

Stunned, I could only whisper back, "Thank you for bringing me, Mika. This is truly wondrous!"

"Of course! It's nice to share it with someone." And she reached for my hand.

We'd been walking for about an hour, and Mika said we'd come a couple of miles. I could hear the brook much more clearly now, and sure enough, it came into view a few minutes later. It bent around a sandstone outcrop before widening into a small pool. There was a sandy shelf where we could have sat and dipped our feet, had we been so inclined, but we decided to keep moving.



Continuing along, we began to encounter rockier terrain and the trail narrowed, descending into a canyon. Reluctantly, I let go of Mika's hand, as we had to walk in single file. The trees were definitely thinning out, and the path began to get a little steeper. We could see higher peaks in the distance.

I was amazed at how isolated it felt, only a few kilometres from civilization! As the trail hugged the gradually steepening canyon walls, I found myself looking down toward the brook. Babbling to itself as it rippled over gravel bars and small ledges, forming small pools here and there, the flow showing the effects of recent rain.

There were occasional narrow ledges that sloped down toward the water, but we kept to the main trail for now. The path was definitely getting a bit more rugged, and after another half-hour, I said something to Mika about a break. She pondered for a moment.

"Umm... I think there's a good spot about a mile ahead. There's a nice little pool that we can soak our feet in, and have some lunch. Sound okay?"

"Sure and all, sounds lovely!" I assured her. "Lead on!"

Something about watching her walking ahead of me, especially when we had to do a bit of an uphill stretch; watching the long muscles of her legs flex as she chose each step. How her shorts pulled tight across her bum when she stepped up to the next foothold. She looked over her shoulder to see how I was doing and caught me dead.

What could I do? I blushed, shrugged, and stuck my tongue out. She shook her head, but then she gave a little wiggle as she pushed ahead. I shook my head, grinning. After a minute, the path levelled out, and I could move up alongside her again.

She re-took my hand - just hooking a couple of fingers around mine - and asked, "Would you tell me more about your family?"

Her tone was tentative, and she glanced at me, then refocused on the path. I thought about what to say, and how to say it. Not that I planned to lie, just... how much I was willing to share. Quite a lot, as it turned out.

"Well... there's Mam and Da, then me and Pope, and my younger sister Quinn. I grew up in a town called Sligo - it's on the west coast. Da's a builder and Mam works in a shop in town.

She was quiet for another minute. I was pretty sure what was coming, and I let her get to it in her own time.

Eventually, she did. "Can I ask... and if it's none of my business, I understand... but what made you leave Ireland?"

I let out a long breath, and looked out over the landscape before us. "The long story made short is that my parents found out about me and another girl."

"Wow. Harsh."

"Ah yeah, 'twas. Exceedingly. I was eighteen. Pope and I had finished school, and I was working as a waitress. It was a slow day, and this woman came in, and we got to talking. Her name was Róisín, and she was a bit older. More than a bit, as it turned out. Anyway, the talking turned to flirting, and before I knew it, she convinced me to have dinner with her, and we went back to hers, and... well.

I shifted my grip on her hand, interlacing out fingers a bit more tightly.

"But honestly, I wanted it. Oh, she was so gorgeous. She was my first, and I just knew I was in love with her. It was so wonderful..." I smiled, remembering.

"Until it wasn't. I came home after spending an entire afternoon in bed with her, to be blindsided by my parents, demanding to know where I'd been and with whom."

"I reminded them that I'd left a message saying that I was spending the day with a friend!"

'What friend,' they wanted to know.

"Well, I wasn't ashamed, so I told them. 'Her name's Róisín. You haven't met her.'"

I paused, looking away from her. What happened next was hard to tell.

"And that's when Da unloaded on me. 'Róisín Walker, would it be?' He yelled. 'Róisín Walker who's 35 if she's a day, and a God-cursed lesbian?'

"I just stared at them in shock. Apparently one of Da's friends had seen us at The Belfry, and called him."

"Fuck," Mika said. "That sucks."

I barked a short laugh. "If that's not the truth. Anyway, I just gaped at him like a goldfish, while he was screamin' that I'd shamed the devil himself, and then he told me to get out.

"When I finally shouted back at him that it hadn't been but a moment since the gay marriage referendum had passed, and how did it feel to be in the minority, I thought he might actually strike me.

"I'm just thankful that Pope wasn't home or he might have..." I shook my head, imagining my brother's anger. "Anyway, when he DID hear, he was all for leavin' as well, but I convinced him he needed to stay and help look after Quinn; she was only twelve at the time, poor little bit of a girl, and reluctantly, he agreed.

"Róisín let me stay with her, but it was clear she wasn't in it for the long term, which devastated me. I was certain that I could make her love me, but... even clouded by my infatuation, I could see there was a sadness about her. She wasn't cruel, not a bit, and I think she really did feel badly when I admitted she was my first. She said I was welcome to stay as long as I needed, but very gently said she was never going to be able to give me the kind of love that I deserved. I got the feeling that she was still hurting from something in her past.

"I did wind up staying with her for a few of weeks, and..." I blushed even more, "It was wonderful, even though I knew we'd soon part. Very bittersweet, my memories of her."

Mika reached out and took my hand again, giving me a tender look. I squeezed back, and interlaced our fingers.

I took a breath. "So... not knowing what else to do, I called Pope - he's my twin after all, and my best friend. I love Quinn dearly, but Pope and I... oh, Mika, I miss him so." I swiped at my sudden tears.

"He's still in Ireland?" she asked softly, stopping and facing me on the path.

"Yeah, him and Quinn both. Anyway, after Róisín, I called Pope and asked him what he thought I should do. It was clear there was no going home, my father would never allow it and my mother... well, she'd never go against him. But Pope remembered that Mam had a sister, Fiadh, who moved to America before we were born."

Still holding her hand, I tugged her back into motion.

Chuckling a little, I continued. "At the time, America seemed like such a fantastical place, so far away! Never did I imagine ever living there! But Pope said that maybe she might let me come visit; you know, just to get away from everything for a little while.

"So, I gathered up my courage, and called her. If that wasn't an awkward beginning! Can you imagine? 'Hello, Aunt Fiadh, I'm your niece whom you've never met; can I please come for a visit?" And I started to cry, right there on the telephone with her.

"Well, after she got me calmed down, and I told her what had happened, she was quiet for a moment. I thought she was going to tell me 'no', and started to cry again, but she only said that she knew exactly how I felt, and did I have a passport and enough money for the flight?

"When I answered 'yes' to both, she just said, 'You're welcome any time, niece of mine. Call me when you have your flight booked.'

"And so I left Ireland and haven't been back. Hard to believe it's been over 10 years."

"That makes you what, then, 28? 29?"

"Yeah, that's right." And I looked questioningly at her.

"I'm going to be 25 in a few months."

"Ahh, you're just a baby," I teased, and waited for an "older woman" comment in reply, but she stayed quiet. Contemplative, perhaps. We walked in silence for a bit, and then she asked, "You haven't seen your family in that long?"

"Oh, no, sorry... I've seen Pope and Quinn. She's not much younger than you, and at first Da wouldn't let her come. So it was just Pope who would visit Aunt Fiadh and me in Texas. But when Quinny turned 18, she put her foot down, and now they both come stay with me in Seattle. But no, I've not been back home," I added sadly.

We walked in silence for a while, enjoying the gradually warming summer air; the smell of evergreen and occasional wildflowers. We could hear the brook quite clearly now, and we picked our way carefully. Then it came into view, a hidden gem where the flow ran over a series of low ledges, like a miniature waterfall, then widened into a shallow basin filled with bright clear greenish water.

"Oh Mika, that's lovely!"

"Right?" she grinned.

Gleefully pulling my shoes and socks off, I waded in, despite the icy chill that instantly numbed my toes. The water was quite shallow, only reaching just below our knees as Mika joined me. Cupping a double-handful, I splashed it over my face. Eyes closed, I turned my face up to the sun, revelling.

Mika playfully bumped my hip with hers. I squawked, nearly tumbling into the water, and I grabbed for her, making her wobble as well. We both slipped and slid, an ungainly dance, holding each other up while trying not to fall.

Finally stable, mostly, our laughter fading, I slid my arms around her waist. She looked up at me, suddenly shy. Which was odd, considering the kisses we'd shared.

I sighed. "Mika, you have to know that I like you. But I'll not pressure you. If it's friends you want, then I'm happy to be your friend. But I'll also not deny that I'm hoping for more?"

"I know," she said, and I could hear the - not quite frustration, but perhaps a bit of indecision - in her tone. She moved closer to me, eyes downcast, her hands on my hips.

"I like you too, Piper, and... shit. It's not like I've never been with another girl before. I..." and she looked up at me again, and I could see the vexation in her beautiful eyes.

"Oh, fuck it," she growled, and sliding both hands into my hair, she pulled me down and kissed me.

It's not like this was our first kiss. But something... something about standing in this stream, the water burbling around our legs... the early afternoon sun overhead, warm and bright... and the girl in my arms.

Her lips felt electric, as they parted and her tongue caressed my own lips. I closed my eyes and pulled her closer, and her arms tightened around my neck. I could feel her breasts pressing against me, just under mine, and I knew she had to feel me too. I slid one hand to the small of her back, pulling her to me, and the other was in her hair, gently massaging the back of her head.

Our kiss deepened, and I felt her hands slide down to grab my arse. I 'mmphed' in surprise, and pulled back a bit so I could look at her.

She grinned and squeezed again. Taking a breath, I started to say something naughty, when all of a sudden, a brownish-grey blur came tearing around the bend, saw us, and changed course toward us. I cried out, my eyes widening, and Mika began to turn. As she did, her hip must have nudged me, and with the already precarious footing on the slick stone, I started to slide.

I windmilled my arms, nearly hitting Mika, and then my left foot went over the edge of the little rock ledge we'd been standing on. My body tipped backward as I dropped, twisting as my other foot lost traction. I started to fall for certain, knowing I was going to land awkwardly, and probably get soaked in the process.

The shock of the icy water hit me immediately. I jumped up, absolutely drenched, gasping like a goldfish.

Mika stood there, hands over her mouth. "Piper! Wh-What the heck happened anyway?" she managed to get out, while trying - unsuccessfully - not to laugh.

I turned and pointed. "Him."

Mika turned to see the biggest damn German Shepherd she'd ever seen, sitting on the bank nearby. He gave a tentative wag of his tail when she looked at him.

"Where the hell did you come from?" she demanded.

When he didn't answer, just sat there, tongue lolling, I shrugged. "Came flyin' around that bend in the trail. Shocked the bejesus out of me. But... Mika? This water is fecking cold." I was completely soaked.

Still chuckling, she reached out a hand, and... deciding she shouldn't be the only dry person here, I gave a tug. Caught by surprise, she tumbled in beside me with a screech. Shocked by my betrayal, she started splashing me with the frigid water, and pretty soon we were in a full-fledged water battle, shrieking with laughter as the dog jumped around on the bank, barking excitedly.

Finally, Mika shouted, "Truce! Truce!" I watched her suspiciously, ready to launch another attack, but she just stood there, dripping. Much like myself. And then we were laughing again, holding each other up as we clambered out of the shallow pool.

"Oh my, that was a laugh," I wheezed. Mika snickered, pointing at my hair, which was a bedraggled mess.

I plucked at it ruefully, then shivered.

"Come on," she sighed. "We should probably get out of these wet clothes."

I grinned. "Not exactly how I imagined this happening, but..." and she swatted me.

"Behave," she mock glared, but she was turning a fetching shade of pink.

I stared at her, standing there, all soft edges and mischief.

"Pushed me in on purpose, did ya?" I teased.

It was her turn to goggle back at me, and I chuckled. "Only messin' w'ya, my girl."

She gave me a look, she did, as I wiggled out of my tank top and then peeled my shorts off. I looked up to catch her staring. I glanced down at myself.

Shite. Why did I think wearing white would be a good idea? My knickers were nearly transparent. You could plainly see my nipples - and more - and that I was a ginger, no doubt. Mika actually licked her lips before coming back to herself, and removed her wet clothes as well.

She had on a sports bra and boy shorts - clearly, she had planned her wardrobe with more care than I - but the cold was still... ehm... evident. As we studiously tried (and failed) to avoid stealing looks at each other, we moved our gear over to a sunny, flat spot where we could spread out our wet things, lie down, and try to take advantage of the sun.

Fortunately, our packs and footwear were dry. Mika had a bedroll which she spread out, and it was much more comfortable than lying on the hard rock. It wasn't very wide, and required that we lay quite close together, not that I minded.

Despite our impromptu bath, I could smell her clean girl scent and felt myself reacting to her nearness. Lucky for me, I could blame any evidence on the cold. And the wet. I closed my eyes and tried not to think about it.

 

And he did look apologetic. 'I'm kinda lost,' he seemed to say. 'Mind if I stay with you?' He certainly didn't seem inclined to leave us. I regarded him, and he gazed back just as frankly.

I shrugged at him, and he seemed to accept that. He kept his spot beside me, his head erect, occasionally glancing at me while he kept watch.

Meanwhile, Mika was holding her phone up, scowling at it.

"Great. No signal," she grumped, then flopped back down beside me.

After our exertion, I think I actually dozed for a bit, coming back to myself with a start. I glanced over at Mika, to find her gazing steadily at me.

"Hey, sorry for falling asleep on you." I turned on my side to face her and brushed away a strand of hair that was plastered to her cheek.

"It's fine," she said, distractedly, and then she reciprocated my gesture, casually running her fingers through my still-damp curls.

"So beautiful, your hair," she murmured, almost to herself. "And calling it 'red' is just so... mundane. A colour like that deserves a much more descriptive word." She pondered. "It's like... fire. There's the red naturally, but orange and even gold."

She played with it, running her fingers over my scalp, letting the curls wrap around and through her fingers. "My fire goddess," she whispered.

I was astounded, but managed to say, "Thanks. It's nice to not be 'Hey, ya pasty ginger' for a change."

Her fingers stilled for just a moment, then resumed their slow wandering through my hair.

"Kitsunebi no yōna kami," she said softly.

"Eh?"

"Hair like foxfire. You're like a kami..."

"Kami. That's like... a spirit?"

Mika half-shrugged, half-nodded. "Yeah, kinda. Since you're Irish, I could have said 'fae', I guess? They're similar. Anyway... now I'm embarrassed."

"Don't be. It's a lovely compliment. And I know I've told you before, but your tattoos are amazing, and they suit you."

I've described them before, but undressed, they stood out quite clearly. The bright colours contrasted with her skin - not as fair as mine, and a somewhat different hue - hers a pale, unblemished, ivory creaminess, while mine looked like watered down milk scattered with a galaxy of freckles.

I told her as much, and she frowned at me. "Don't put yourself down like that. You're beautiful, and I love your freckles."

"Go on now," I whispered.

"Hontō da yo," she replied, and slowly, slowly, moved forward to kiss my shoulder, then my collarbone, then down my chest, freckle after freckle. My chest started to feel a little tight as my heartbeat accelerated. Scarcely believing, I slid my bra strap down over that shoulder, dragging my elbow through. Waiting to see what she would do.

Glancing up at me, she eased the cup down over my breast. Still, I waited, until finally she leaned forward again, and took the nipple into her mouth. So, so softly, she caressed it, first with her lips, then with her tongue... circling it, then applying gentle suction, drawing on it. Then nipping ever so tenderly, before swirling her tongue around it once more. Drawing back, she looked into my eyes. My breath was coming in soft pants.

Capturing her gaze, I hesitated but a moment, before leaning in for...

An eyes closed, fingers buried in her hair, tongue-duelling, whimpering like a scolded puppy, scorcher of a kiss.

I sucked in a breath through my nose as I plundered her mouth. I couldn't get enough. And it seems that she felt the same, the way she was responding.

I rolled onto my back, pulling her atop me, and slid my hands down to cup her bum, squeezing first over her boy shorts, then pushing them down so I could feel her soft firmness without encumbrance. Mika moaned into my mouth as I massaged her cheeks.

Rolling her onto her back, I lay beside her, still kissing her, as I used my free hand to work her bra up to uncover her breasts, tweaking her nipples before stroking softly down her stomach to slide under her shorts. She spread her legs slightly, and - having already pushed them down somewhat - it didn't take much effort to completely uncover her sex. Oh, I could smell her... so intoxicating... her arousal on top of her natural scent... I tucked my face into her neck, sucking gently on the spot where jaw met throat... and then I inhaled deeply. So visceral...

Raising my head, I caught her eyes once more, watching for her reaction as my fingers slid down through the neatly trimmed patch and between her lips. Revelling in the slight gasp, the hitch in her breath, as they parted and my finger began to delve inside. Her eyes locked on mine as I slid deeper. Then closing and her back arching as I added another.

One hand tight around my forearm as I slid in and out. The other reaching up to caress her own breast, pulling at her nipple, then flying wide to splay flat against the rock as I reached, and began a soft tapping against the slightly rough spot behind her clitoris.

It seemed like mere moments before her hips began to jerk, and she started to babble, then cry out, clutching at me, rolling toward me, wrapping her arms around me, thighs clenched around my hand, still inside her. Stroking her back with my other hand, up and down, soothing, murmuring words of affection in her ear. Talking her down as she trembled with aftershocks. A mewl of disappointment when my fingers slid free. A gasp and a look of wonder as I put them in my mouth.

A shy smile as I kissed her, softly, this time. A deep, deep sigh of contentment as her eyes slid shut, and she slept. I watched her, smiling to myself, before joining her in slumber.



"Piper, Piper, wake up!"

I groaned and blearily opened my eyes.

"We fell asleep! It's almost dark!"

I sat up and looked around. She was right. It was nearing dusk. Stretching, I winced.

"Shite, I've gone and got a sunburn."

Mika made a waffling gesture. "It's not too bad, fortunately..."

"Well, no sense worrying about it now. Can we make it back before dark?"

She shook her head. "Trailhead is at least three hours away, and it'll be full dark in a half-hour. Even though this isn't a particularly difficult trail, it's still risky hiking at night." She was getting a little panicky.

"Hey, hey, stay calm now. Let's go through our options."

She took a deep breath. "Well, we really only have two. Try to hike back in the dark. Or... camp overnight and hike out in the morning."

"Can we do that? The second one, I mean?"

She pondered. "Umm... yeah, I think so. It's not supposed to rain, so not having a tent shouldn't be an issue. I've got the bedroll and a sleeping bag... and we have enough water, which is good, because I seriously do NOT recommend drinking from the brook. It looks clean, but..."

I took her at her word.

Rummaging through her rucksack, she continued. "Snacks... check. Matches... Whew, check. We can make a fire." At that last, she sounded much more relaxed. "Yeah, we can do this... maybe move closer to the trees, find a nice spot, get some firewood... yeah, we should be good."

She looked at me gratefully. "Thanks."

"For what, now?" I was genuinely confused. "You're the one came up with the plan, yeah?"

"Well sure, but you talked me off the ledge. I was started to freak," she admitted.

"Nah, nah, you just needed a minute." I stood and gave her a hand up. I looked at her backside, and chuckled. Her boy shorts were still pushed down below her arse, and I gently tugged them back in to place for her. Sure, I didn't miss the chance for a quick fondle.

As she said, it was rapidly getting dark, but I could still see her blush.

"What d'you think, Koda?" I asked. "Sound good to you, so?"

He chuffed in agreement.

"Well, there you are."

Mika rolled her eyes, but reached out to ruffle his ears. "Thanks, buddy."

He seemed to grin at her.

We gathered the rest of our mostly dry clothes and put them on, before heading back down the trail, stopping on the edge of the forest proper. We found a wide, relatively flat spot carpeted in pine needles. Dumping our gear, Mika sent me to gather wood, and said she'd get started on a fire pit.

When Koda and I returned - he seemed to have attached himself to me - Mika had cleared away a four-foot circle and begun to ring it with stones.

Eyeing my armful, she said, "Drop that here," she pointed, "and... sorry... but we're gonna need a lot more. These pine branches burn quickly."

I sighed, saluted, and headed back into the increasing darkness.

I gathered what appeared to be a small mountain of wood before she declared herself satisfied, and I flopped down to watch her assemble the fire. Once she had it going, I felt a little better. It had been getting a little chilly, and I welcomed the warmth. I scooted a little closer.

Mika and spread out her bedroll again, and we each took one end, since Koda decided he wanted to squeeze in between us.

"Cozy, are ya?"

He gave a little 'whuff' and rested his head on my knee.

"Eejit," I said softly, and Mika grinned at us, before turning shy again.

"What?" I asked. "What made you go all quiet?"

"Just thinking about... before... I know I talk a good game, but... Oh my gosh, Piper! I can't believe we did that. Right out in the open, where anyone could just walk up on us!"

"I know, I guess we got a bit lost in it, yeah? But you can't say it wasn't magic." I smiled at her until she ducked her head and nodded.

"You... you make me..." she faltered, turning her head to stare at the fire. Giving her space, I dragged my rucksack over for a pillow, and lay back, looking up at the night sky.

Lying there, under the stars, a memory formed. Paraphrasing just a bit, I spoke it aloud:

'Who spilled these stars across the sky like sparkling dust, like clouds of light?

They pour their milky shine into the deep black bowl above our heads'

"Oh, that's lovely!"

I smiled. "It's from a poem."

Reflecting, I chuckled ruefully. "Funny thing is, me quoting at you? That's what killed my last relationship."

She looked at me curiously. "Really? Tell me?"

I thought about it. "Well... Kelly - that was her name - had this penchant for little romantic expressions that she'd drop from time to time. Sweet as anything, and I told her she should write poetry, but she'd only laugh and change the subject.

"Anyway, I was in fair deep with her, when one night after... you know... she gave this little sigh and whispered to me, 'When you're with me, I'm free'.

"I'm thinkin', 'Oh that's lovely - she deserves a kiss,' when it hit me. It was like a switch had flipped. All the warm, fuzzy, feelings were doused. Instead of romance on my mind, I'm lyin' there thinkin', 'Did you just quote feckin' Creed at me?'

I sang the line from the song "My Sacrifice" to Mika.

"Oh my God, really?"

I nodded. "So, I waited for her to fall asleep, yeah? Then I got up and started googling. Every little phrase I could remember." I gave a little shake of my head. "And yeah, every single one. Songs. Poems. The lot of it."

I snorted. "That slag had been plagiarizing her pillow talk!"

Mika was just staring at me, mouth open.

"After that, well... I knew, didn't I? Now I had my eyes opened, I started to see other things. Caught her in other lies. And it wasn't much longer before it was all over, save the cryin'."

I paused, then added, quieter, "That was... what, eight months ago? And I haven't been on a date since then."

A glance toward her, more vulnerable than I intended. "Well, 'til you."

And a feeling came over me that I couldn't ignore. I rummaged in my pack and found my whistle. Mika looked at me curiously, and I shrugged. "I dunno, when the muse speaks, you answer, and mine's shouting."

She stayed quiet as I warmed up.

"This sounds so much better on the pipes," I murmured almost to myself, "but I'll give it a go."

Eyes closed, I reached for the emotion I needed, and... finding it, the tune followed, soft and slow. It wound through the flickering firelight and into the trees, to be... not absorbed, but... accepted... by the night. And perhaps, if I was lucky, the Aos Sí might be listening...

It was as if my whistle was playing itself, and I was merely a conduit. It was sadness, the music, but... with a thread of hope weaving through it. On, it went, as I poured out my sorrow.

For my lost home.

For my broken family.

For everything I'd left behind.

The tears came, and I let them. God knew how many I'd shed since leaving Ireland, but this time, it felt different. Not breaking. More like a cleansing.

Finally, the last notes faded, and I put down the whistle. Suddenly bashful, I couldn't meet Mika's eye. So I focused on Koda instead, patting my thigh. He came at once, sitting up and resting a paw on my leg as I stroked his head.

In a hushed whisper, tears streaming down her face, Mika asked, "Oh my God, what was that?"

Looking up at the stars through the gaps in the trees, I said, "Táimse im' Chodladh".

"What does that mean?"

I smiled sadly. "I Am Asleep and Don't Waken Me. It's a lament." I hesitated, then went on. "But what I'm feeling... it's more like... let me stay in this dream. With you. Where having my family back still feels possible."

I swallowed, hard. "It means... I'll wake up when I have the courage to try to repair what was broken. When love has healed me enough to try."

"L-love?" she whispered.

I did look at her then. At the stunned expression on her beautiful face. I nodded. "Getting there."

After that, there was not much talking. We both had a fair bit to think about. Mika built up the fire, and I tidied the camp. Then, with some awkwardness, we squeezed into Mika's sleeping bag.

There were some soft kisses, and hands may have roamed a bit, but we were tired and a little grubby from the day. Neither of us pushed it further.

"Good night," she whispered.

"Codladh sámh, mo stórán. Sleep well, my little treasure."

One last kiss. For luck. And we drifted off.



I jerked awake out of a dead sleep, not sure where I was for a moment. Then I heard it, a deep rumbling growl. Koda was standing stiff-legged, between us and the darkness, fur bristling.

I shook Mika. "Something's spooked the dog," I hissed, and we scrambled out of the bag. Mika built up the fire, and when it flared, I thought I saw the reflection of... something... deep in the trees.

Koda's growl deepened, vibrating through the night, and he took short, stiff-legged stomp forward.

"Koda!" I called. One ear flicked toward me for an instant, but that was all the acknowledgement I received. I was worried he might go tearing off after whatever was out there.

"What do we do? Besides full-on panic, I mean," I added helpfully.

"Just keep the fire up, and hope that Koda scares away whatever it is," she replied nervously. She handed me my walking stick, and took up hers as well.

"Well, feck," I said, perhaps not so helpfully, but this was a bit outside my experience. I started putting on my runners.

"What are you doing? You can't outrun whatever that is!"

"Dyin' with my boots on."

And I grinned.

That did it. Mika started laughing, and then I was laughing, and whatever was out there must have decided to go find less-crazy pickings.

Our brave fella gradually relaxed and we were able to coax him back to the fireside.

"Good boy," we both told him, and he basked in the attention.

"I hope we have enough wood for the fire," I mentioned. Just casual, not worried a bit about being in the dark with... whatever that was.

Mika surveyed the wood pile with a critical eye. "I think we'll be okay... just... don't go too crazy. Keep it going for now, and if Koda alerts, we can build it up then.

"Ah yeah, makes sense. Glad one of us has a clear head."

I paused, then offered, "You want to try to get some sleep? There's no way in creation I'll be able, so I can... like, keep watch, or whatever..." Brave words, but what I really wanted was for her to sit with me, hold me, and talk away the fear.

Somehow... she knew.

She moved closer, saying, "Same here. Let's just keep each other company?"

I didn't object.

But after a few minutes of listening to the crackle of the fire, jumping every time it popped...

"Talk to me? I think I need a distraction. Tell me something about yourself."

"Oh, well. I'm not really all that interesting..."

"Beg to disagree. Emphatically."

She ducked her head, then surprised me. I expected to get her family history, but she went in another whole direction.

"Do you remember what I called you? What I... named you? Back at the pool?"

"Kami, something, was it?"

She nodded. "Kitsunebi no yōna kami. It means, 'Hair like foxfire.' I guess in fae terms, it would be like... fairy lights?"

Something caught in me on that word. Lights.

For a moment, I wasn't in the mountains with her at all, but back on the damp edge of a Sligo evening, the air thick and low, the sky as black as the coals on the hearth.

'Don't you go chasin' lights in the dark, girl.'

My Gran's voice, sharp as a switch.

She was a tall, severe woman, my Gran. Warm, she was not. I could see her now, arms folded, eyes that saw straight through me.

I blinked, the trees of Colorado settling back in around me, Mika's voice still there, soft and steady.

"—they show up when you don't expect them," she was saying.

I let out a quiet breath, half to myself. "Ah, we've a word for that sort back in Ireland."

She glanced at me. "Yeah?"

"Spunkies," I said. "Lights in the dark that'll lead you exactly where you shouldn't be going."

Mika nodded at that. "Sounds like we're talking about the same thing."

Then her expression shifted - not darker, exactly, but more thoughtful. Like she'd stepped half a pace inward.

I waited for her to gather herself.

After a moment, she looked up. Eyes distant.

"Kitsunebi are said to be lights that spirits carry. Sometimes they guide you. Sometimes they trick you. Sometimes they just... appear, and you don't know why."

"Sounds about right for anything to do with the fae," I murmured.

"Yeah." She glanced down at her hands, then back out toward the dark trees.

"Of course, Mama told me stories when I was a girl. But there was one... Not sure if it was a legend or a parable. Maybe both. But she said what all parents tell their children - 'one day you will understand'."

"This one felt... like she was passing it down, more than just telling it. A lesson, or... perhaps a warning."

I shifted closer without thinking. "Go on, then," I told her.

"This one was about a water spirit," she said. "A kami that lived in a mountain pool."

I made the jump. "Water. Your tattoos?"

She nodded. "And my name, too. 'Mika' means 'beautiful river'. Mama never did anything without a reason."

Her voice took on a storyteller's cadence.

"The mountain was not so different from any other. High enough that the air felt thinner, quiet enough that you could hear things... not meant for you."

"Halfway up that mountain, there was a spring. Not a river, not even a stream most days - just a pool of water that never ran dry. Cold, clear, and still. People who found it said it felt... aware. Like it was watching you as much as you were looking at it."

"Wouldn't catch me stickin' my hand in it," I muttered.

 

Her voice softened.

"And that is where the water kami lived. She didn't wander, didn't leave. She stayed where she was because that was her place. People came and went. Seasons changed. Snow fell. The kami... stayed."

The night shifted around us, quiet but for the wind in the trees. Koda seemed to be listening intently, his head on his paws.

"Most of the time," Mika continued, "she was content. She liked the stillness. Liked knowing exactly what tomorrow would feel like."

I snorted softly. "Can't relate."

"Yes," she said, glancing at me. "I know."

I absorbed that.

"Then one night," she said, "something came down the mountain. From outside."

"The fire," I whispered.

Mika glanced at me. "Yeah. But different."

She leaned closer, voice low. "What came down - it was a kitsune."

I blinked.

She nodded. "Kitsune are... I guess you'd say 'fox spirits'. They're alive, and they can shape-shift, play tricks... sometimes help you, sometimes mess with you. Kitsunebi is the light they leave behind. The flickers you see at night."

I nodded slowly. Koda's ears swivelled now and again, tracking some unseen creature, but his eyes always returned to Mika.

"So... the fire isn't them - it's a trace of them?

"Exactly. And it's also a warning. Or an invitation."

Gran's voice again. 'Some lights aren't for guiding,' she'd mutter. 'They're for testing.'

I shivered. She was near tonight. As I tried to focus on Mika's story, I could feel her there - listening. Weighing.

I fixed my gaze on Mika, using her like an anchor to pull me back. Her last words echoed in my mind.

"And what does it mean when you see one?"

She hesitated, gaze dropping to the embers. "It means... something has appeared in your life that shouldn't. Something bright, beautiful... maybe dangerous. And you have to decide whether to follow it - or not." Her eyes moved up to lock with mine.

I wanted... wanted so badly... to ask, 'And... what did you decide?' but I couldn't form the words.

The firelight flickered across her face. After a moment, she went on.

"Getting back to the story... fire and water... They weren't supposed to meet," she went on. "That's the part I remember clearly. Things like that... they don't belong in the same place. One will destroy the other."

I chuckled softly. "And yet, they always seem to try."

Mika smiled briefly.

"The fox... it was not the kind that stays anywhere. But the kind that shows up when it feels like it."

"Ah. A wanderer, then. I know a bit about those."

Mika nodded, looking at me.

"The thing is... they're not... safe," she said quietly. "They might look like a light in the dark. Like something you should follow."

Her voice dropped just a little.

"But they're not really meant for you."

The fire popped again, sending a shower of sparks into the night sky.

I couldn't look away.

"And the water spirit? What does she do?"

"That's the thing," she said. "That's the choice."

I studied her, seeing something less playful now. More deliberate.

I felt a calmness. And a fear. Barely audible, I whispered, "She followed."

Mika didn't look away.

"Yeah," she said. "I did."



"You're not tellin' a story anymore." My heart climbing into my throat.

Her expression never changed. She just shook her head.

"Piper, when I saw you that first night... thank God I had time to recover; that you didn't just appear in front of me. But I saw you, literally shining in the light of the entryway as you came in. You had on that tight white top, and your hair... My God, your hair... it glowed like fire under the light, and I knew. Right then, in that moment, I knew.

"The kitsune had found me."

She paused for a moment, stirring the fire, while I processed that.

"My mother was - is - fairly traditional. To her, the world works in a particular way. And her story is pretty clear. Fire and water don't mix."

Then, with the slightest hitch in her voice, "And I'm sorry if you thought I was telling you we don't have a future."

"It crossed my mind."

She nodded.

"They loved each other, my parents, but... they were so different. Dad... he would have understood you, I think."

She smiled.

"And he taught me - every day - just by loving my mother, that it can work.

"This week with you," she said quietly, "I walked into something with my eyes open.

"Piper, you're a nomad. You're so very dangerous. But you're also warm and bright and..."

She looked down for a moment, then lifted her eyes to mine. "...and I'm choosing it anyway."



We awoke cold and tired. The fire was down to a few coals, and Mika carefully built it back up with the last of our wood, just to get warm. We huddled near it, my arm around her, and she leaned her head on my shoulder. Koda pressed against my other side, and I scratched behind his ears. I wasn't going to think about what would happen if we couldn't find his family.

"Should we get movin' then?" I finally asked her.

"Yeah, probably a good idea. I need coffee," she grinned, and I gave her a squeeze before standing and giving her a hand up.

"And a shower," I added.

"Speak for yourself," she shot back, but made no move to release me.

Softly, I said, "I'll look forward to sharin' one with you?"

I loved her blush.

We got packed, piled dirt over the last of the coals, and headed out. But before we'd gone a quarter mile, Mika spotted something beside the trail.

"Holy fuck," she blurted. Crouching down, she held out her hand next to a pawprint in the soft earth. The print was wider than her palm.

"Máthair Dé, is that what I think it is?"

"If you're thinking 'mountain lion', then yeah. Has to be what spooked Koda last night."

"Spooked him!" I barked a laugh. "I very nearly wet myself!"

Pulling out my phone, I snapped a quick photo, after asking Mika to put her hand beside it for comparison. She complied, then stood, looking around, unconsciously rubbing her hand over her butt, brushing off imaginary debris.

Koda sniffed, then gave a sort of sneeze, and peed on the spot. Satisfied, he grinned at us.

"Showed him, didn't you, boy?" Mika said, and he chuffed in agreement. Then we resumed our trek, with perhaps a bit more alacrity! Koda ranged ahead, then came back to trot alongside us, before once more heading off to explore.

The path got easier as we walked, and soon, Mika asked, rather tentatively, "I know you told me your... preference... was why you had to leave home, but... when did you know?"

"That I was gay?" I arched an eyebrow at her, but wasn't really bothered by the question, not at this point in our relationship.

She nodded.

"Oh, well. Since always, I think. Pope and I were close, even when we were young - of course we fought, but woe to anyone who picked on one of us - the other would be there in an instant. Anyway, when Pope started noticing girls... well, I found myself noticing them too. And usually, the same ones he liked! We're twins, after all," I grinned at her.

"Seriously? Oh wow, that must have been interesting!"

"You're not lyin'. Anyhow, we might have been fourteen or so, and one day, I asked if he thought that Shannon Murray was pretty.

"He looked at me a little funny. 'Sure, and why might you be asking?' he said.

"Well, I'm sure I turned red as my hair, and I just remember him grinning at me. 'Piper... do you like girls?' he asked, and before I could turn and run - I was so embarrassed - he just hugged me and told me it didn't matter, I was his sister no matter what. And that's when I think he became more than just my brother.

"I'm not explaining it well - he's always gonna be my brother and I love him, but after he so easily accepted my sexuality - something I was so ashamed and afraid of anyone finding out - he became... well he became my person. He's the one I turn to for anything.

I paused, gathering my thoughts.

"Especially... knowing how my Da was. Very Catholic, and very rigid in his thinkin'. Goodness sake, he named my brother 'Pope', after all."

She reached for my hand, and I gave her a weak smile.

"Anyway, he kept my confidences, comforted me when my teenage crushes went unrequited, and I did the same for him when Shannon - yeah, that Shannon - broke his heart."

She gave me a tender look.

"Anyway, other than that, we had a pretty typical childhood. So... yeah, I guess I've always known. Never had the least interest in a boy."

"Thank you for sharing."

We walked in silence for a bit.

"Did you ever date a boy?"

I shook my head. "No, never. I've not even seen a fella's... you know..."

"Dick?" Mika smirked, and I laughed.

"Yeah, well, not in the flesh, so to speak," and we both giggled. "Just in porn, and... well, Pope. But that was an accident!" I hastily added.

"Wow. Uhh... I'm not judging - but did you and he ever..." she trailed off, looking at me.

It took me a second to realize what she was asking.

"Oh! Nah, nah. I love my brother, but... no, not like that." I eyed her, a little sceptically. "Really, you think?"

"Well, yeah, gorgeous twins together? Forbidden love?" That last bit in a husky voice, with much suggestive eyebrow waggling. "But just as a fantasy." Then, mumbling, "I probably read too much erotica online."

I shook my head at her. "Let's just keep that between us, yeah?" But I didn't forget that she'd called me 'gorgeous'...



Eventually, we got a cell signal. Mika called the number on Koda's dog tag, and put it on speaker.

"Hello?" a female voice answered.

"Hi, are you missing a dog?"

"Oh my God, yes! Did you find him?"

Koda's ears pricked toward the phone and he gave a little 'woof'."

"Koda!" came from the speaker, and he 'woofed' again, a little louder.

There were some unintelligible sounds, and then a male voice spoke. "Where are you, can we meet you?"

"We were hiking Beaver Brook Trail; we'll be at the trailhead in about 15 minutes."

"Thank you so much! We'll be there as soon as we can."

"We can't thank you enough!" the female voice echoed.

"See you soon." Mika ended the call.

We reached the trailhead, stowed our gear, then sat in the open boot of her SUV.

Nibbling on the last of our snack bars, we soaked up the morning sun. Koda lay quietly under our idly kicking feet, but after about 20 minutes, he stood. A few seconds later we heard an approaching vehicle, and then a few seconds after that, a bright blue truck came into view.

It slowed to a halt, and three doors flew open. A gangly blonde girl of about 12 ran toward us, and Koda stood waiting, his tail wagging something fierce.

She was followed by an older version of herself, and then a man, who smiled indulgently at them.

"Koda!" the girl half scolded, half cried. "Why did you run off like that?" She knelt to hug him, and he licked her face.

"We were hiking from the other end of the trail," the man explained, "and he took off after a rabbit. Not the first time," he added with a chuckle and a ruffle of Koda's ears.

"Usually it's no big deal, but this time..." he shrugged. "We looked until we had to go back, and we were planning to head out again this morning when you called. Thank you so much."

"Well, he's a fine dog," I answered. "I'm glad he found us. He's a hero, he is."

They all looked up at my accent, but also a bit puzzled by my words.

"A hero? How so?" the man asked.

I pulled out my phone and showed them the photo of the pawprint. "He chased away... whatever made that track... last night."

"Oh my GOD!" the mom exclaimed.

Mika added, "That's my hand in the photo," and she held it out. The girl, whose name was Lindsay, looked at the picture, then Mika's hand, then back at the picture. Her eyes were huge.

"Weren't you scared?"

"Petrified," I admitted with a grin. "But this brave buck kept us safe."

We were all silent for a moment, and Koda just looked pleased with himself.

To lighten the mood, we told them the story of how we 'met' Koda, and Mika's animated description of how I wound up in the water had them all laughing.

Finally, the man - Hugh - thanked us again, apologized that they had to head out, as Lindsay had a soccer game in a few hours, then asked if there was anything they could do. He offered a reward.

"Nah, nah, not necessary. We should be the ones offerin', after what he's done for us."

I squatted down and reached out, burying my hands in the fur behind his ears, gently scratching. "Ah, I'm gonna miss ya, big fella. Don't be chasin' any more cats, not w'out me, yeah?" I whispered, and he regarded me soberly, as if to ask if I was going to be able to take care of myself. I stood, hoping no one noticed the moisture in my eyes.

After a last farewell, Koda leapt into the back seat with Lindsay, and they drove off. I turned to Mika.

"Well, now," and I sniffed at my armpit, "That's a state. I'm after a shower. What d'ya think?"

She did her own smell check and wrinkled her nose. "Good idea!"



We were quiet on the drive back. Tired, mostly, and we both cracked a few yawns. I reached over to rest my hand on Mika's thigh as she drove, and she covered it with her own, giving me a tender smile. It made me feel warm inside, and I snuggled contentedly into the seat. Stroking her leg gently with my thumb.

I must have dozed, because it only felt like a short while before we pulled into the car park outside her apartment building. Mika eased into her spot, shut off the engine, and turned in her seat to look at me.

Reaching out for my hand, eyes searching mine, she asked, "Piper... what are we doing?"

I blinked at her, fairly taken back. "I'm not sure what you're askin'?"

She looked down. "Sorry. I'm suddenly very nervous, and I'm not..." She looked out the windscreen. "I'm sorry. I'm not good at this."

My heart was in my mouth, and I was determined not to cry. I lifted my chin an inch, and said in a very tightly controlled voice, "So this is you changing your mind? About us?"

Mika's eyes widened in horror. In a panicked voice she blurted, "No! Piper, wait! I didn't mean that! I just..."

My pulse still hammered, but not quite as badly as a moment before. I tried to draw in a calming breath. It didn't work.

"Just tell me." I reached out and stroked her cheek, willing my hand not to shake.

She grabbed it, turning her face to kiss my palm. "Sorry. But I can't help worrying... about how you feel?"

I started to speak, and she interrupted, words tumbling over each other. "I... I just need you to know... I know I talk a good game, but... you have your life, and you have to leave soon, and... if this is just a fling..."

I scooched toward her, pulling her close, so our foreheads rested together. "Shh, shh, mo stóir. I don't do casual."

Mika did start to cry then, and crawled across the console into my lap, her arms around me, tears hot on my neck. I petted her until she calmed.

"I know what you said before... that you were 'getting there'... and I'm sorry if I doubted."

I searched her eyes. "Well, don't."

She nodded and attempted a trembling smile. "Okay." She tucked her head under my chin and let out a long sigh.

"Okay," I echoed, very softly. Then, as I held her tight, I whispered, half in relief, half in reproach, "Don't ever do that to me again, you feckin' little gobshite, you scared the bejesus out of me!"

She started giggling, the little terror.



Once inside her apartment, we dumped our gear in her living room. I figured we could sort it later... there were other, more important matters to hand. And with everything said and settled, I felt lighter, the knot in my chest undone. I began - again - to feel the tingly anticipation of what I thought might follow.

I took a languorous step towards her, and she looked up at me, a coy smile spreading across her face. My hand brushed her neck, then slid up into her hair. I gently massaged, and her eyes closed. My other hand moved to her waist, and I drew her against me. Her breath hitched.

"Mika..." the desire in my own voice obvious, brushing my lips against hers. Breathing each other. "Mo ghrá," I whispered, "Can you feel my heart?"

She threw her arms around my neck, going up on tiptoe, pressing her mouth to mine with sudden desperation. I eased my thigh between hers, and she moaned.

"Piper..."

Eyes shut tight, cheeks flushed. Heartbeats, one upon another.

Some time later, we broke apart, breathing heavily. Her eyes gone smoky with lust, she drew me into her bathroom and fumbled for the shower controls. Dimly, over the pounding in my chest, I heard the hiss of water.

Hesitant and eager in equal measures, I reached for her shirt. Never breaking eye contact, she lifted her arms and I drew the garment up and off.

She kept her arms raised, the message clear. I stroked the back of my fingers down her arms, down her sides, before sliding under her bra.

I looked at her and she held my gaze. Waiting.

I pulled it over her head and tossed it aside. Her breasts were perfect handfuls - I cupped them, felt their weight, thumbs stroking over her nipples. Her head fell back, mouth open in a silent gasp as I bent my head to take one in my mouth.

"Wait...wait," she gasped, and I drew back, questioning.

"Water heater... sucks," she explained, and the tension broke. We pulled at the rest of our clothes in a rush, giggling, nearly tumbling into the shower.

Mika pushed me under the spray, and I luxuriated under the hot water.

"Fuck, you're so hot..." she murmured, as she grabbed the soap and a flannel, and began to wash me. Tenderly, she cleaned my face, then worked her way down my neck and across my chest.

My breasts must have been filthy; the time she spent on them... not that I minded. She spun me around, and began to do my back in slow, lazy circles, drifting lower and lower. She reached my bum, and I leaned forward, parting my legs.

I gasped when the soft, slight roughness of the cloth was replaced by the warm wetness of Mika's mouth.

"Oh, that's a clever tongue you have..." I was able to gasp out, resting my forehead against the cool tile as it flickered over my bum. I spread my legs further apart, and wantonly stuck my arse out a bit farther.

She chuckled, low and lust-filled. "Eager little kami, aren't you?"

"You have no idea! Please don't stop!"

"Oh, I'm just getting started," she purred, making me shiver. She turned me back round, hands on my hips, and looked up at me. I leaned back against the wall, hands reaching for her. She caught my wrists, before turning her attention... lower.

"Oh, Piper, you are a kami!" She was staring raptly at my bits, making me blush. She tentatively reached out and brushed her fingers lightly over me.

"It's the same..." she murmured, almost to herself. "Even here... it's still foxfire."

Something in my chest tightened. Voices from ago, sharp and mocking - firecrotch - whispered behind hands, yet meant to be heard.

"Mika, don't tease."

She stilled instantly, her brow knitting. "Tease?"

I shrugged, a bit too quick. "Kids in school, yeah? Anyone different becomes a target."

Her expression softened, something both warm and fierce in it. She shook her head slowly.

"No," she said, quiet but certain. "I meant it."

Her fingers traced lightly again, reverent, and with more intent.

"She's beautiful." And then... her lips were on me. The world dissolved into steam and half-formed words, into deft lips and fingers, seeking, searching, finding

 

As she had warned, the hot water ran out far too soon, driving us out of the shower. Laughing, we grabbed towels; haphazardly drying each other, reluctant to part long enough to do the job properly.

So it was two slightly damp girls who fell into bed together.

Mika lay on her back, one knee drawn up, arms extended above her head. Me propped on one elbow, looking down at her. My free hand lightly brushed still-wet hair from her face, then I stroked her cheek with the backs of my fingers.

She smiled, and as I leaned in for a kiss, her arms came down to drape around my neck.

As the kiss deepened, her fingers slid into my hair, tightening, holding me to her. I shifted over her, our bodies pressed close. The warmth of her, the way we fit...

Despite everything we'd already shared... done together... somehow this moment felt different.

More.

An eternity later, I drew back an inch, and her eyes fluttered open.

"Oh my God, Piper..."

I could only nod, my glib, teasing self nowhere in sight. We lay there, my eyes searching hers.

"Mo chroí," I whispered, and she drew in a soft gasp.

I leaned in again, our lips meeting... and after that, there was no need for talk.



I woke slowly, whatever dream I'd been having dissolving like mist off the hills. I could see the first hints of dawn through the room's windows, and it took me a moment to remember where I was.

Then I felt the weight.

Dark hair was spread across my chest - and, I noted with a grin - a bit of drool on my left breast. Carefully, I eased out from under her and turned so that we were facing each other. She made a cute little snuffling noise, her brows creasing in complaint. One hand reached out blindly, snuggling closer when she found me, her countenance smoothing.

I watched her for a moment, then gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face and began to press little butterfly kisses on her forehead, her cheeks, her nose... until she began to stir.

Her eyes fluttered open, then widened to find me inches away. A slow smile spread across her face and her eyes, with their slight tilt, crinkled in quiet happiness.

"We're up with the lark this morning," I remarked. Surprised I hadn't slept longer.

"Ohayō... anata..." she murmured, leaning in for a kiss.

I returned it, gentle and closed-mouthed, then leaned back with a crooked smile. "Just warnin' you, my morning breath's likely lethal. Could I borrow a toothbrush?"

She laughed, and we crawled out of bed. I borrowed a robe too, and she threw all our clothes into the wash. The robe fell to mid-thigh on me, showing a lot of leg when I sat at the kitchen table.

She refused my offer of help making breakfast, so I took my revenge by letting the robe slip open a touch more, as I sat watching her cook. She kept glancing over - and down - and I pretended not to notice as I sipped a cup of tea.

Finally, she slid some eggs and toast in front of me, and sat down herself.

We ate a while in comfortable silence.

After we'd finished, and I'd refreshed my tea - and Mika her coffee - I shifted in my chair, leaning forward.

"I was wonderin'..." My accent thickening with my nervousness, though I wasn't sure why, "D'ye think maybe you'd like to tell me a bit more about yerself?"

"Only if you want to," I added quickly, when her gaze dropped to the table.

"No, it's fine. I was just thinking the same thing. I've been asking you a lot, but not really... giving much back. Sorry."

"No harm done," I replied, reaching out a hand. As I leaned forward, the robe gaped a bit and her eyes flicked down.

"Damn it, Piper," she growled.

I followed her gaze.

"Oops," I grinned, but made no move to fix it as I settled back.

She ducked her head, hiding a little smile, then continued.

"I think I told you that my dad was white?"

"Yeah, so you did."

"He was career Air Force and met my mother when he was stationed at Misawa. She's half Japanese, half Chinese."

"Oof," I said. I'd read some history. "Can't have been easy for her. Or for you."

"She never spoke of it. In many ways she was very Japanese. But it wasn't so bad for me, growing up on Air Force bases. Not so bad," she repeated. Like she was trying to convince herself.

"Still," I said gently.

"Yeah, there were moments." A shrug. "But it's in the past, right?"

There was something more there, I could feel it. But I wasn't about to press.

"Too right," I agreed.

"Anyway, they were completely devoted to each other. Both her parents died before she met my dad, and I think she was pretty unhappy. She told me once that he saved her.

"Anyway, we stayed in Misawa for a while, but eventually we moved to Yokota. That was... a big change. Misawa's up north. Yokota is right outside Tokyo. So different. Scary at first, but you know, kids adjust."

I nodded, letting her talk.

"Again, something about dad's specialty, but we were able to stay until I was thirteen. That's where I discovered baseball."

A small smile touched her lips. "Dad took me to a Tokyo Swallows game, and I was hooked. The crack of the bat, the crowd rising all at once... and then settling again, like breathing. He got me a jersey, and I watched the games on TV, and followed the players... we went as often as we could. Mama came sometimes, but she wasn't really a fan."

She paused again, her smile growing softer, touched with memory.

"Dad used to say baseball was... patient." She let out a quiet breath. "That it gives you time. Time to think, time to hope, time to be disappointed and then try again. He said that's why it's beautiful—because nothing happens all at once. You have to stay, and watch, and believe."

Her eyes flicked up to mine, just for a second, then away again.

"So going to the Rockies' games now... sometimes it still feels like I'm sitting next to him. Like if I look over, he'll be there, explaining something I don't quite understand yet."

"That's beautiful. You're a poet," I whispered.

A tear slipped down her cheek. "No... not like you..."

I went to her, holding her as she softly wept. Eventually, she took a breath. Let it out.

"Sorry."

"Nah, nah, don't ever apologize for that..." I kissed her gently, and she smiled. Took another breath.

"Finally, he was transferred to Peterson in Colorado Springs. That was a huge adjustment, let me tell you! I mean, I spoke English already, because of Dad, but the culture..."

She shook her head. "That took some getting used to. But I figured it out. Made some friends and started to really like it here. I joined an Outdoor Club at school who went on hikes, and ski trips, and.... "

"Ahh, you ski too? Lucky you... I've never."

"I'll take you," she promised.

Then taking a deep breath, she continued. "Dad passed a month after my 17th birthday."

"I'm so sorry, mo chailín álainn," I said softly.

She blinked at me.

"It means, 'my beautiful girl'," I said softly, and she came over, sat in my lap, and buried her face in my neck. I held her, rubbing her back.

Eventually, she sat up and wiped her face.

"Sorry. Okay, where was I? Oh yeah. So... there's kind of like a traditional mourning period in Japanese culture? It lasts a year. When it was over, Mama said she was going back to Japan. Actually, she said she was going home. It was her duty to follow her husband, but now... I didn't blame her, but... I didn't want to go back. My home was here, now. I had made the adjustment. I had my friends and my life here, and I was 18."

"That'll do it," I murmured, remembering.

She nodded.

"We argued, but in the end she could see my mind was made up."

Her voice quieted. "It was hard to say goodbye."

She paused, and wiggled a bit in my lap, getting comfortable.

"Being on my own was scary, but I found..."

She was interrupted by a knock. "Oh, for God's sake... Courtney probably forgot her key again." She flounced off toward the door.

I wondered who Courtney was, a sudden stab of jealousy, then I remembered her frequently absent roommate, and relaxed.

But I was surprised to hear a man's voice. "Hey, Mika, sorry for just stopping by; I wanted to..." and then he saw me. His eyes narrowed, shifting back and forth. Mika in her tank and sleep shorts. Me in my (well, her) robe.

"You're cheating on me?" he yelled.

Mika stared at him in shock, and I took a step toward them, putting a hand on her shoulder. Letting her know I had her back.

Then she found her voice. "What the fuck, David? First, way to jump to conclusions! For all you know she could be my roommate! Second, how can I be cheating when we only went out once?"

"I..."

"And then you cancelled on me the second time!"

"I told you, I had..."

But she was on a roll. "And third, how the fuck do you know where I live?"

His mouth opened and closed.

"Just get the fuck out of here, and if you ever come around me again, I'll call the cops and report you for stalking." And she slammed the door in his face.

She turned, and I saw her face, and before she could draw another breath, I had her in my arms. I drew her into my lap as I sat down, as she shook and tried not to cry.

"Oh my fuck, that was scary..."

I brushed her hair away from her forehead and kissed her. "Well, you were feckin' amazing!"

She giggled. "Really?"

"Yeah, you were fierce altogether."

She hugged me before looking out the window, an annoyed expression forming.

"He's this guy... like I said, we went out once, and then... well, he was the "friend" that couldn't make it to the Rockies game. I had no idea..."

"What, that he was a mad yoke?"

She laughed. "I don't know what that means, but yeah, sounds about right."

She slid off my lap and into her chair. "I'm sorry I was less than honest with you, but I really didn't think it was relevant. And since I only dated him that one time..."

"Shh, shh," I hushed her. "It's nothing."

"Thanks."

"Doesn't mean I won't kick his arse if he tries it again, but you don't owe me an explanation."

"You'd do that? Kick his ass?" she asked, wide-eyed.

I nodded soberly. "As long as I have my hurley," I joked.

Puffing out a breath, I pinched her butt playfully, and announced, "Well... we've had quite the morning. How about we go do something fun?"

She blinked, then laughed, a little breathless still from adrenaline. "Fun? After that?"

"Exactly because of that," I grinned. "We deserve a bit of mischief."

Her shoulders relaxed, a smile spreading across her face. "Alright... what did you have in mind, troublemaker?"

I tapped my chin, thinking. "Hmm... maybe something that doesn't involve doors being slammed or creepy ex-boyfriends. Or mountain lions. What d'ye think?"

"Hmmm... I know we just ate, but there's this little café that I love..."

"Mmm, pastries..." I closed my eyes, smiling.

"...and no one trying to accuse me of cheating..." she laughed.

"Definitely a bonus."

"Then after..." she got a little grin on her face, "I have an idea."

I quirked an eyebrow.

"Nope, I want to surprise you! But I am pretty sure you'll love it."

I laughed, standing and offering her my hand. "Then it's settled. Let's go make the rest of this morning ours."



The café was exactly what I'd expected - very Mika. Cozy, warm, walls lined with eclectic local art, and the smell of coffee and fresh pastries thick in the air. Mika practically glowed, like she'd found a secret part of the city that only she knew about, and was eager to share it with me.

We grabbed a table by the window, and I watched her order a ridiculous-looking layered pastry and a latte the size of a small bucket.

I took a tentative sip of my tea. Well, it started off as tea, but now... I tasted the citrus tang of bergamot... the smooth earthiness of vanilla...and the bite of... was that chili? My eyebrows shot up, but as I sipped again... somehow it worked.

"Somebody's hungry," I teased, as she attacked her sweet.

"Hey," she grinned, "I earned it. Survived mountain lions, psycho exes, and you pinching my butt."

I laughed. "I call that a full morning."

Between bites and sips, we people-watched, making up funny little stories about them. It was quiet, simple, and completely ours - a soft little bubble of us.



The Uber dropped us off in front of Mika's "surprise" - a strange-looking building with a multi-coloured marquee proclaiming, Meow Wolf.

"What in the world..." I wondered aloud, while Mika bounced on her toes and grinned like a madwoman.

I let her drag me inside. There were neon tendrils snaking across the walls, and music thumped somewhere deep within. I swear one of the signs winked at me.

"Did you see..." I began, but Mika just laughed.

"You ready?"

"Feck yeah. Lead the way, fearless guide."

With a grin, she took my hand.

It was like stepping into a dream that had been dipped in glitter, turned on its head, and gone completely crackers. Rooms twisted at impossible angles, doors opened onto hallways that shouldn't exist, and creatures - half sculpture, half hallucination - peered from every corner.

Mika's excitement came off her in little bursts - I loved the way her eyes sparkled when she discovered a hidden alcove, or how she'd grab me and point something out.

I laughed, ducking under a doorway that seemed to bend just to fit me. "You weren't kidding. This is crazy - in the best way!"

"Isn't it?" she said, pulling me toward a room full of glowing orbs that floated like slow-motion jellyfish. "And the best part? You have no idea what's going to happen next."

I caught her gaze and saw that little glint of mischief in her eyes, the one that made my chest tighten.

"Then let's go get lost together," I said, and we dove deeper into the chaos, hands clasped, grinning like a couple of eejits.



An eternity later, we returned to sunlight, giddy from our experience. She was right; I loved every quirky, impossible moment, and more than that, I loved sharing it with her.

"Oh, my face hurts from smiling," she sighed. "That was so much fun!"

"Ah yeah," I laughed, stretching a bit as if I could shake the wonder out of my limbs. "My brain'll never be the same... and I'm fairly certain half of it's still in there."

She grinned at that, then nodded down the street. "C'mon. There's a park not far from here."

We wandered along, the city feeling softer somehow after all that technicolour madness. Our hands brushed, then stayed together, easy as breathing. Every now and then one of us would start to say, "Did you see that part where—" and the other would laugh, because there were too many moments to name.

A short walk later, we arrived. By then, the world had settled into something green and open and real again - grass underfoot, trees swaying gently, the distant sound of kids playing.

And then my eyes caught a familiar kind of spectacle - a big, orange sign - except this time it spelled "PACO", bold and playful, like it had been dipped in the same chaotic vibe we'd just left behind.

I let out a slow breath. "Well now... that's a different kind of magic altogether."

"Paco Sánchez Park," said Mika.

At my questioning glance, she explained, "He was a local hero, really. He fought for the parks; wanted to make sure the kids had somewhere to play. Legend has it he taught baseball to half the kids in Denver at some point, could juggle oranges while reciting poetry in Spanish... totally extra, but everyone loved him. I've always admired him. They named this park after him."

I chuckled. "Juggling oranges and poetry and baseball? Now that's a man who knew how to live."

Mika grinned. "Exactly. And now we get to run around in his legacy."

A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh-cut grass and flowers, and the warmth of the sun seeped into my shoulders, lulling me into a state of ease. The bench-lined paths curved lazily, and every so often a splash of colour - a painted sculpture, a mural, a swing swaying empty in the wind - caught my eye.

The faint hum of the city faded into the background.

The place felt... alive. Not in the chaotic, surreal way of Meow Wolf, but a different kind of magic; steady, playful, open. Every sound, every shift of light, even the faint scrape of sneakers on gravel, seemed to invite us into it, to make us part of the space rather than just visitors.

We finally spotted a quiet bench tucked beneath a pair of elms, sunlight dappled across the worn wood. Mika flopped down with a contented sigh, head back, eyes closed, soaking in the sun.

"Such a perfect day..." she murmured, resting her head lightly on my shoulder, fingers lazily entwining with mine. Her touch was easy, and already familiar.

"We should be drinking sangría," I quipped. "Then it would be perfect."

"Mmm."

We sat there, feeling the park move around us, and it all felt stitched together perfectly, just the quiet pulse of being together.

Alas, it couldn't last. I stood, smirking at her groan of protest, then hauled her to her feet. "Come on, my girl. As lovely as this is, my stomach's complaining something fierce."

"Oh my God, you're hungry again?" She rolled her eyes. "We just ate, like..."

I waited.

"Uhhh... breakfast?" she finished hesitantly.

"Yeah, breakfast." My lips pressed firmly together. Then I grinned to take out the sting. "Feed me, Seymour!"

"Huh?"

"What, you've never seen Little Shop of Horrors?"

A blank look.

I threw up my hands and huffed, "Philistine! Come on, ya poor uncultured girl... I'll buy you a hot dog."

And ran away giggling as she chased after me in mock fury.



I let her catch me, laughing as she jumped on my back.

"Alright, alright, you've got me, ya little imp." I twirled her around and she giggled.

"So, what d'ye think for a meal?" I asked, after we caught our breath.

"Hmmm. We could complete the trifecta at Atomic Cowboy?" she suggested.

"Ehhh... maybe something a bit quieter, yeah? Somewhere we can actually talk," I murmured.

Her exuberance softened, just enough for me to see the flicker of sadness in her eyes. I felt like proper shite.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to ruin the mood."

"No, it's okay... I know there are... things... we need to talk about. I just... hoped we could put it off a bit longer."

"Ah yeah," I nodded sadly. "Sorry."

She smiled, but I could tell it was forced. "All good. Come on, I know just the place." And she took my hand.

"Just the place" turned out to be her apartment. She again declined my offer of help, and bustled about industriously.

She moved through her kitchen with quiet purpose, sleeves pushed up, hair tied back. The rhythm of it was easy, practiced - knife tapping steadily as she chopped onions, carrots, potatoes. A pan warmed, a bit of oil, then the soft hiss as the onions hit, releasing that first sweet, savoury scent.

I leaned against the counter, watching her. "You've done this a time or two, haven't you?"

She just smiled, not looking up. "Sō sō."

"It smells a lot better than 'so-so,' I'm tellin' ya..."

She laughed. "Nooo, sō sō means, like, 'yeah, exactly.'"

I nodded my understanding.

The chicken went in next, a sharper sizzle, the smell deepening - rich, warm, something already comforting about it. She stirred, then added water, letting it all come together into a gentle simmer.

I hadn't realized I'd pushed off the counter until I was standing closer. "Alright... that's unfair," I murmured. "What is that? Smells like you've bottled up a whole Sunday afternoon."

She laughed softly at that, breaking the curry roux into the pot. It melted slowly, darkening the broth, thickening it into something velvety. The aroma shifted again - deeper now, a little sweet, a little spice. Something new for me, but clearly, this was special to Mika.

 

It's called kare raisu. It's like... Japanese curry."

I nodded again, committing the words to memory.

"My mother taught me," she added quietly, and something in my chest tightened. I wanted to go to her, to hug her, but she was so in the moment I didn't want to interrupt.

So I stood there like a lump, blinking away the sting in my eyes.

"You miss it, yeah? Miss Japan?" I eventually ventured.

She paused for a moment, considering. "Yes and no. I grew up there, so Japan is home. But even so, I don't particularly want to go back. Maybe to visit." Softer, "I do miss my mom."

I heard the hitch in her breath, and this time I did move to her. I wrapped my arms gently around her and bent to rest my chin on her shoulder.

She stopped stirring and leaned back into me. "I'm okay." She covered my hand where it rested on her stomach.

"Sure? I can keep this up as long as I have to," I murmured, nuzzling the soft spot just under her ear.

She let out a small sound, then scolded, "Stop that or I'll burn our dinner!"

With a chuckle, I stepped back to my spot against the counter. "Well, let me know. Hugs are always free."

She smiled. "Thanks."

After a few quiet moments watching her cook, I said, "I guess I'm like you in that way. Ireland'll always be home... though I don't know if I'll ever go back."

Mika nodded. "Forever is a long time."

I shifted, searching for it. "I'm... strugglin' a bit for the right word, 'cause 'missing' sounds so... small."

She didn't look at me, but I could feel her listening.

"There's a word in Welsh that means exactly what I'm tryin' to say."

My eyes fixed on her hands as she worked.

"Hiraeth. It's... sadness, yeah, homesick too, but more than that. Like... a longing. For a place... or a person... you can't quite get back to."

The words caught in my throat, and I blinked hard, looking away.

She let out a slow breath. "That's it exactly."

Then, after a beat, "You speak Welsh?"

"Nah. My Aunt Fiadh taught me the word. She... well, she knows the feeling."

Mika was quiet a moment, then softer, "She's... like you?"

I nodded. "When I called her that first time, and she said she knew exactly how I felt... yeah."

Another nod as she processed.

"But you do speak... Irish? Or do you call it Gaelic?"

"Depends who you ask... there's some who say 'Irish' and others who say 'Gaelic'. But it gets confusin;' cos the feckin' Scots speak their own Gaelic as well."

Mika snorted with laughter. "What do you have against the Scots?"

I grinned. "Not a thing, not a thing. I just like sayin' 'feckin' Scots'."

"You're weird," Mika declared.

"Ah, you're probably right about that. But as far as speaking the language? Nah, not really... just enough to get me into trouble."

"You? Get into trouble?" she teased, glancing back at me. Then her smile softened. "Quite a pair, aren't we?"

"I hope so."

She gave me a soft look as she ladled the curry over two bowls of rice, the thick, glossy sauce pooling and steaming.

"Alright," she said softly, setting one in front of me. "Moment of truth."

I took the first bite, and my eyes closed in bliss.

"Jesus..." I breathed. "Mika, that's... that's criminally good."

She laughed, a little shy now. "It's just curry."

"Don't you dare undersell this," I said, pointing my spoon at her. "If this is 'just a curry,' I'm movin' in."

She ducked her head, smiling, and we fell into eating.

For a while, that was all there was - the quiet clink of spoons, the warmth of the meal, and the companionship settling into something familiar and real. Every now and then our eyes met, and there'd be a small smile, like secrets we had yet to share.

Finished all too soon, I set my spoon down, staring mournfully at the empty bowl.

Mika giggled. "There's more, you... what's your word? Eejit?"

I gawped at her. "Why, you little dose!"

But we were both laughing by then.

After the giggles faded, she got up again, returning with tea for the both of us. She sat quietly, idly drizzling honey into her cup.

She shifted, leaning forward on her elbows. Her eyes downcast.

"Mika-chan?" I whispered, hoping I'd got it right.

She blinked, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"I know. We need to talk."

"Yeah," I replied, my tone matching hers.

"But... not yet, please? Can we have this a bit longer? You and me?"

I opened my arms, and she came to me.



She was up before me, and I realized that I really didn't like waking up in an empty bed. I couldn't find my shirt from the evening before, so I grabbed another, and pulled on the shorts that I'd somehow lost during the night.

Padding to the bath, I splashed some water on my face and used the toothbrush she'd leant me.

I stared at my hair in the mirror. With a groan, I gave it up as a lost cause and went to find her.

Not being a very big apartment, it didn't take long. She was in the kitchen, with her head in the refrigerator, pulling out breakfast makings. Wearing my shirt, I noticed, and some cheeky panties.

"No clean clothes?" I asked with a smirk, and she jumped, nearly dropping the eggs.

"Oh, you scared me!" She set the carton on the table and turned to me. "Sorry, I hope you don't mind. It smells like you."

I moved to her, claiming my morning kiss. "What's mine is yours," I said, and her eyes widened. Then she squawked in surprise as I boosted her up onto the counter. Her legs came apart as I moved in between, and she bent down to give me another, deeper 'good morning'.

"I kinda like being taller," she admitted in a husky voice. Her hands were busy in my hair, before she wrapped her arms around my head and pulled me to her chest. I let myself be drawn in, returning her embrace. Eyes closed, listening to her heartbeat, as she stroked and petted, playing with my curls.

"Mmm, that feels wonderful," I sighed as her fingers caressed and massaged.

She kissed me once more, before demanding to be let down.

"Sure?" I ran a teasing finger down between her legs. She sucked in a breath, then bit her lip.

"But... your breakfast..."

"...is right here," I finished, as I leaned down to plant a kiss on the inside of her thigh. Then another, and another.

"Piper..." she breathed, hands back in my hair.



A quick shower later, we were once again ensconced in Mika's small kitchen. Although... maybe not so comfortably.

"Time to talk, I suppose," I said, looking at her sadly.

She nodded, and I leaned back in my chair. "Where to start..." I pondered. "My job, I suppose... as good a place as any."

A pause.

"My job... yeah, it kinda sucks for relationships. I'm always travelling." I stared at my hands, my fingers twisting together.

"Sometimes I really hate what I do. I mean, I'm good at it. Companies - the ones that follow my advice, anyway - see the benefit. Sure, sometimes people get fired. But it's never malicious, and it's never unjustified. Still... I never feel like I'm part of something, you know?"

"I get that. I'm lucky, I guess... I like being a bartender. Meeting new people..." She smiled softly at me. "But I know it's not a career."

Then I had to open my big, fat, stupid gob.

"Well... you're young yet."

She stiffened. "Is that what you think? That I'm just some kid, out looking for a good time?"

Piper, you absolute wagon.

I shook my head. "Nah, nah... that's not - ah, feck. I'm sorry. That's not at all what I meant."

"No, I'm sorry... I don't want you to go, so I'm already upset... I guess I jumped down your throat a bit."

"I deserved it. Forgive me?"

"Already forgotten." She sat on my lap and buried her face in my neck. I held her, feeling her breathe.

Finally, she let out a huge sigh and moved to her chair, pulling it closer so she could hold my hand.

"I figure I've got a year, maybe two, before I can move up to something more managerial," I told her.

Mika tilted her head, eyes curious. "That would mean less travel?"

"Yeah, much less. Maybe I'll actually get to feel like I belong somewhere for more than a week at a time."

"That's... important."

I nodded.

"But what's it mean for... for us?"

I knew what she was asking.

"Look, Mika. We haven't made any commitments to each other, at least not yet. But I'll tell you a secret about me. When I'm with someone, I am with them. It's just the way I'm made. I know we aren't anywhere near the promise-making stage, so I'm not asking. I'm just telling you."

I took both her hands. "I'm hopin' you're with me too. But you've got a real say in that, as well."

She squeezed my hands. "I've never met anyone like you, Piper. And yes, at least that's my hope, that we're together. But how could it possibly work?"

I felt her anguish.

"Here, now. That's what we're trying to figure out, yeah?"

She nodded.

"Alright then. I've said before that I plan to stop travellin' as much, probably within the next year or so. I'm going to let Harry know as soon as I get back to Seattle."

A pause.

"So... you've got how long left in school?"

Carefully, she replied, "Another year, if all goes to plan... and if I can keep up with everything."

Another year.

Funny... that was about what I'd just set for myself.

As that little nugget ran through my mind, I could see it hitting Mika too.

"So... we'd have a hard year ahead of us. You with your studies, and me busy with work. But I'd come down as often as I could."

Then I snorted a laugh, and Mika gave me a puzzled look. "Sorry. Just, this old joke popped into my head, about what do lesbians bring on a second date..."

She continued to give me a bewildered look.

"Luggage."

"What??"

"Sorry, sorry... like I said, sometimes my brain gets a wild hair. Just..." I took a breath, moved a bit closer to her.

"Look, I know we've hardly met. Not even a week, yeah? But... I've never... shite. Mika..."

"I don't think I've ever seen you so tongue-tied," she whispered.

"Right?" I gave her a lopsided smile.

"What I want to tell you is, I think you're amazin' and special, and I don't want this to end. I've not met anyone like you, and I'd be gutted if we didn't have a future. There, I've said it."

She was wide-eyed.

"Piper... I... I don't even know where to start." She pulled at her ponytail. "I've never had anyone come at me like that, so direct, you know? Not like... not like anyone has really cared about what I think, or what I want."

Jesus... where did that come from? But I let her continue.

Her eyes traced my features. Like she was committing me to memory.

"I want this. I want... us. But... it scares me, too. A year of school, and work... I mean, I'll try to be flexible, but I can't promise I won't be stressed or tired, or busy."

Her thumb brushed over mine. "And I don't want you thinking I'm just... tagging along, or that I'm taking advantage of you. I need to know we're actually... on the same page."

She let out a small, unsteady laugh. An almost helpless expression crossed her face as her eyes flicked down, then back up. "God, Piper... I like you. I really, really like you. I just..."

I pulled her into a gentle hug, holding her close. "Ah now... don't fret... don't fret..." as I stroked her hair.

After a minute, she gently leaned back, scrubbing at her cheeks. "Sorry, I didn't mean to go to pieces on you..."

"It's nothin'. Don't give it a thought." I paused, then caught her eyes. "I swear to ya - there's no givin' up in me. I'll do all I can to make this work."

"Me too," she said firmly, giving me her brave beautiful smile.

Remembering what she'd let slip a moment ago, I had one more promise for her. "And... a rún mo chroí... what you want? It matters."

And just like that, she was back in my arms.



Mika pulled up outside the terminal, and I slid out, heading round to the boot. I dragged my suitcase out and set it on the path, then grabbed my case and dropped it down beside.

Shutting the boot, I turned back to her. She had come round as well, but slowly - as if she could hold off the moment.

"This sucks," she whispered. "I don't want you to go."

I took a step toward her.

"Come here," I murmured, brushing her hair back. "Ah, don't look at me like that or I'll never be able to let you go."

She clung to me. I had to blink hard a couple of times.

"Here now..." I said softly. "It's not goodbye, is it? I meant everything I said. We'll make it work."

She nodded, eyes down. "I know... it's just..."

"Hey." I tipped her chin up with a finger, resting my forehead against hers. "I'll see you again, yeah?"

She leaned into me, pressing her lips against mine one last time. I held her tightly for a heartbeat longer, then finally let go. Fighting back tears, I straightened and picked up my cases.

I didn't look back. I knew if I did, I wouldn't leave.

By the time I reached the gate, my phone buzzed.

I pulled it out, swallowing hard.

"Come back to me, my kitsune?"

I let out a shaky breath. Just knowing she was waiting - just that - was enough. With the beginnings of a smile, I tapped out my reply.

"Always."



Please, please, please find the YouTube of "Catherine Ashcroft, Táimse Im' Chodladh". It is haunting. The hairs on my arms are standing up even now as I listen to it for the umpteenth time.

Piper's quote at the campsite comes from Barbara Juster Esbensen's poem titled "The Milky Way". It is featured in her collection "Cold Stars and Fireflies: Poems of the Four Seasons".

And if you hadn't guessed already, Mika's royal blue highlights are a nod to one of BrokenSpokes' characters. They don't know me from Adam, but I've thoroughly enjoyed their work. Please check it out if you haven't already.

Much appreciation for duil2 - thanks for all your help and suggestions with Piper's voice. Did your best to keep her from sounding twee. Go raibh maith agat.

And T, thanks once again for your insight.