When Strangers Meet | Sophie & Alana

Part 1

It's a cold morning in Ocean Grove, the air smelling of low tide. Sophie wore her black wool coat to keep warm, but could feel her hard nipples pushing against her bra. She liked it. Her light brown hair descends from a grey beanie. Green eyes shine through red backdrops induced by her morning cannabis ritual. The coat hides her curves, but even so, you can tell Sophie takes care of her body. Her high-waisted jeans reveal enough without being restrictive.

She's up a little later than usual, walking to the local deli supermarket to pick up a few groceries. Sophie had her 27th birthday recently. Although she has some leftover cake, she prefers something fresher for breakfast.

She pushed open the market door, bells on the handle announcing her arrival. To the right of her is the deli counter, with ready-made foods you'd expect to find at any deli. To the left is the supermarket section, where one could pick up the basics to take back home with you. The space between had a long table with benches, where patrons could sit together and eat. It was that odd time between late breakfast and early lunch, and the market wasn't very full. Sophie could smell a hint of roast beef cooking in anticipation of the lunch rush.

"Good morning, Sophie!" the shop owner, Franco, exclaims. "I hope you had a great birthday weekend." Franco is middle-aged with balding black hair, and a body that candidly displays his love of food. Sophie could never quite place his accent.

"'Morning, Franco!" Sophie says back. "Thanks, it was...well, it was, I can say that much. I'm a little over birthday cake for breakfast, thought I'd stop by for a bite."

"And I'm so glad you did!" Franco replied. "Let me cook you a real breakfast. It can be my birthday present to you, yeah? Yeah. Sit down and I'll bring it out."

There was a small back-and-forth of "Oh, you don't have to do that." and "No, I insist!" before Sophie would sit down.

Sophie took off her coat and placed it next to her on the bench. She removed her beanie and shook out her long, wavy brown hair, letting it rest in a waterfall down her back. Her pastel yellow shirt hugged her curves in appreciation.

Franco dropped off some coffee, cream, and sugar, and said that breakfast would be up soon. Sophie thanked him for his generosity, the smell of coffee waking her up a bit. She fixed her cup then took the first sip.

You know that first sip, don't you? The one that passes your lips, caresses your tongue, the warmth of it spreading across your chest. Well, Sophie's first sip was like that. It gave her goosebumps along her arms and collar bone before reaching up the back of her neck. She took another sip then held the coffee between her hands, it's warmth calming her skin. She could feel the pressure on her nipples fade as she warmed up, and wished that the feeling would linger.

As though in answer to her wish, the market door opened and brought a gust of cold air that made Sophie shiver. Her nipples, hard again, pressed into her bra.

Sophie looked over her shoulder at a woman with long black hair standing in the doorway. Sophie's eyes made contact with the woman's own, and she smiled despite herself. Feeling a heat build in her cheeks and ears, Sophie snapped back to face forward. Sure, the woman is attractive, but she doesn't usually blush like that.

At that moment, Franco was coming round with Sophie's breakfast. He proudly placed a platter of bacon, sausage, toast, eggs, waffles, berries with whipped cream, and home-style potatoes in front of her exclaiming "Happy Birthday, Sophie!"

"Wow, Franco! This looks amazing, you've outdone yourself." The tantalizing smell of bacon and waffles filled Sophie's senses. "There's no way I could finish this!"

"You eat to your heart's content, Sophie. Let me know if you need anything, yeah?" and Franco was off.

Distracted by the feast, Sophie forgot about blushing entirely. It came as a surprise when she heard a woman's voice say, "Hey, would it be alright if I sit here?"

Sophie looked to her left and saw the woman that brought a gust of cold air in with her. She held a bag of coffee beans in one hand, and had a dark brown leather jacket over her arm. White pants hugged honest hips. Her chestnut skin seemed to glow against the royal blue of her blouse.

Realizing that she was staring at the woman's chest, Sophie tore her eyes away and met the woman's gaze for the second time. Those large, dark eyes rimmed with long, thick lashes seemed to drink in the light around them.

"Please do!" Sophie replied, remembering the question. "I was just mentioning to Franco that I couldn't possibly finish this by myself. Franco, do you mind if I share my present?"

"It's yours, Sophie, feel free!" Franco responded.

"Thanks." the woman replied with a smile. She placed her coat and bag of beans on the table before taking a seat to Sophie's left. As she sat down, a wave of perfumed air washed over Sophie, bringing orange, bergamot, and spice her way. "My name's Alana."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sophie." Sophie said.

"I heard you ask if you could share your present. What's the occasion?" Alana asked.

"Oh, it was my birthday recently. This is my birthday present." Sophie said, gesturing to the platter of food. "Definitely toward the top of the list of presents this year."

"It was your birthday?!" Alana exclaimed, arching an eyebrow. "Well, then, happy birthday! And I'm honored to share your present with you."

Sophie could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, again, and tried to hide it behind a large drought of coffee. She pushed the platter between them as she did so and said, "Let's tuck in, then.

"Are you visiting or do you live here?" Sophie asked. Ocean Grove is a quiet little town, but since it's on the coast, it has a pull of tourism.

"Visiting," Alana replied. "My aunt and uncle live here. It's a nice change of scenery from what I'm used to. And my aunt and uncle are getting older, so visiting them allows me to help them out a little. I stopped here to grab them some coffee." She patted the bag of beans on the table when she mentioned them, like they were a loyal pet.

"That's nice of you. I work at Lee's bookshop a few streets over." Sophie says, gesturing in the direction of the shop with her fork. "Between my plants, my cat, Benson, reading and stopping here, Lee's is like my second home." Sophie had to stop herself from saying more. She wasn't trying to give Alana her daily routine, and the one she ended up sharing was pretty lame. What was wrong with her this morning?

"I thought you might be a cat person," Alana said with a smile. "I like cats too."

As the two shared the meal between them, the market began to fill with the beginnings of lunch rush. Sharing the meal had a natural feel to it. As they were finishing up with berries and whipped cream, the space between them grew less. They started to bump elbows while sharing the last of the whipped cream.

Sophie looked up at Alana and noticed some whipped cream on the tip of her nose.

"You've got some whipped cream...um...right here," Sophie said, gesturing to her own face.

Alana looked at her skeptically. "Where?" she asked?

"On your nose, like, right on it," Sophie said with a giggle.

"Right here?" Alana asked, wiping her finger to the left of it.

"No, still there," Sophie reported.

"How about now?" Alana wiped just to the right of the whipped cream.

"Dude, you literally just missed it." Sophie relayed.

Alana grinned. "Like, up here?" Alana brought her finger to the bridge of her nose, right above the whipped cream.

"How can you miss it, it's right here." Sophie couldn't help herself. Reaching out with her finger, she wiped the whipped cream off Alana's nose. Alana caught Sophie's hand and stared at the whipped cream on the outstretched fingertip incredulously.

"That was on my nose, huh?" Alana asked, one eyebrow raised above the other.

"Y-Yes, that's what I was trying to help you with," Sophie replied.

Alana regarded the whipped cream on Sophie's fingertip. Sophie watched Alana consider the whipped cream there, as though she was going to bring it to her mouth for a taste.

Sophie's heart started pounding in her chest. The pressure on her nipples was back, but this time she wasn't cold.

"How did I miss that much whipped cream on my face?" Alana broke the silence, and her hold on Sophie's hand. Sophie was surprised at her disappointment. She withdrew her whipped cream covered finger and licked it clean herself.

The market was really filling now. The press of people changed the air, now a mix of colognes, perfumes, bodies, and deli food. Sophie and Alana had to sit pretty close now among the throng. Through it all, Sophie could still make out the scent of oranges and bergamot.

Alana looked around a bit. "Would you be up for taking a walk or something? It's getting pretty crowded in here."

Yes, Sophie thinks, so much yes. Absolutely, yes. So why hadn't she said it yet? She was so nervous around Alana, palms sweaty kind of nervous. Sophie realized she needed to take a breath and answer the question.

"Yeah, I'd like that!" Sophie hoped she didn't sound too eager. "I'm going to visit the bathroom to freshen up really quick."

Alana took one more look around the market and said, "Cool, I'll come with you."

Part 2

Sophie and Alana stood up and retrieved their coats, then made their way to the back of the shop. They passed through a door that read "RESTROOMS" and found themselves in a long hallway. At the end of the hallway were two doors, one to the right and left of them. The door on the right was the bathroom, and the door on the left read "EMPLOYEES ONLY."

The bathroom door opened and a cleaning trolley appeared, followed by a middle-aged woman. Smiling, she pushed herself and the trolley through the "EMPLOYEES ONLY" threshold.

"Awesome, it's just been cleaned!" Alana said, grabbing Sophie by the hand and pulling her into the bathroom. Sophie laughed.

The bathroom door shut and locked behind them, the pair looked around the room. It was a big square, about 8ft by 8ft. Stark white floors and walls dotted with little blue tiles. The mirror and sink were off to the right, with the toilette right next to them. Centered in the wall in front of them was a balancing bar, found in almost every public restroom. The mandatory baby changing table was on the wall to the right.

Alana headed to the sink and began washing her hands. Sophie followed her and started messing with her hair in the mirror. Sophie glanced over to Alana in the mirror and saw more chestnut skin than she'd noticed before. Bent over washing her hands, Alana's blouse hung down to reveal the tops of her breasts in a red bra. She was unaware of Sophie's gaze.

Sophie snapped her eyes back to her own reflection and tried to ignore the fact that she was blushing. Alana finished washing her hands and reached across Sophie for a towel.

"Excuse me." Alana murmured. She grabbed a towel and dried her hands, eyeing Sophie with an amused look on her face. Sophie willed her gaze to stick to her own reflection, un-moving. Alana disposed of the towel in a bin.

"Do you want help with that?" Alana asked.

"Help with what?" Sophie is so nervous she doesn't understand what Alana was offering to help with. Her sanity, perhaps?

"Your hair," Alana replies with a grin on her lips. "Here, let me help you."

Sophie turned toward Alana as she approached. Alana ran her hands through Sophie's hair, gently tousling some as she goes.

Sophie closed her eyes and got goosebumps as Alana's fingers worked through her hair. She could smell Alana's breath, like coffee and lip gloss. When she opened them again, all she could see was Alana's chest slowly rising and falling, and that bemused smile. Alana's fingers stop.

"Sorry, I hope I wasn't being to forward," Alana said. "I forget that some people aren't into others touching them."

The thought of Alana's touch gave Sophie another round of goosebumps.

Alana started to step back from Sophie. Noticing, Sophie took a step forward saying, "It's okay! Thanks for taming my hair," she laughed, "it actually felt really nice..."

Alana smiled and moves closer. Sophie was having a hard time looking anywhere but Alana's mouth. Why couldn't she tear her eyes away from that luscious lip? Alana tucked a lock of light brown hair behind Sophie's ear.

Goosebumps. Sophie could feel goosebumps covering her entire body. She could see goosebumps blooming over Alana's collarbone, the curves of her neck. Her eyes drew back to those lips...

Another smile crossed Alana's lips, her hand still behind Sophie's ear. Alana applied pressure with her fingertips, tilting Sophie's head forward ever so slightly. Sophie's breath caught in her throat as Alana's lips - those lips - came closer...closer...

Sophie closed her eyes when Alana's lips met her own. As their lips parted, Sophie could taste coffee with a subtle sweetness of whipped cream. She placed her hands on Alana's hips and pressed herself closer.

Alana withdrew, biting her lip and sweeping Sophie's hair away from her neck. She placed one hand at the small of Sophie's back, the other gently traced the curves of Sophie's neck.

Sophie could feel her nipples pulse behind her bra. She shivered.

Alana's lips followed the path that her fingers made along Sophie's neck. The hand at the small of her back pressing her body closer.

Sophie's breath shook.

Alana's other hand found a new trail, down Sophie's shoulder, then across her collar bone, then lower.

Alana withdrew her lips from Sophie's neck, and Sophie opened her eyes. Their eyes met, Alana's hand still on Sophie's breast. Her eyes darted from Sophie's lips and back up to meet her gaze.

Sophie accepted the invitation eagerly, leaning forward and finding Alana's lips. She was hungry for them, pressing hard against her. Both hands went under Alana's shirt along her lower back. The feel of skin beneath her palms added to Sophie's hunger.

Alana's hand was blazing a new path, again, heading down from Sophie's breast along her rib cage to her hip. Alana began tracing Sophie's zipper. Sophie's body reacts before she has a chance to think, leaning into Alana's caresses. Sophie can feel Alana smile through her kisses.

Alana began kissing Sophie's neck as both her hands found Sophie's belt - her pant button - were unzipping her jeans. Sophie could feel a wetness in her cotton underwear that she hadn't known was there. Alana's fingers continued their pursuit of underwear, navigating the topography over cotton panties. They found the wet spot Sophie was newly aware of.

Alana withdrew her hand and her lips, looking Sophie in the eye. Placing a fingertip beneath the waistband of Sophie's underwear, she gently drew it along her pelvis. Back and forth, slowly, back and forth.

Sophie couldn't take it anymore. Her lips trembling, she leaned in to meet Alana's lips. At that moment, Alana took her fingertips lower. Finding Sophie's wetness, she used it to trace the features of her body.

Sophie could hardly stifle a moan as Alana's fingers found her clitoris. Alana's fingertips were gentle at first, using Sophie's wetness to her advantage. Sophie became more and more aroused. Alana began to apply pressure, moving her fingertips deftly over Sophie's clit. Sophie couldn't stop herself from moaning this time, and Alana tried her best to quiet her with kisses.

Sophie began rocking her hips back and forth in time with Alana's fingertips. Sophie was going to cum, Alana could feel it. Before Sophie could finish, Alana sent her fingers down from Sophie's clit then up, up inside her. Alana paused, letting Sophie catch her breath. Then, slowly, worked her fingers in and out. She felt Sophie's wetness cascading down her palm.

Sophie thought she was going to burst before Alana changed the tempo. She looked down to see Alana's hand disappear inside her, then reeled her head back with a moan. She could feel Alana inside of her. Could feel herself wrapped tightly around Alana's fingers. Hear Alana's breath quicken along with her own.

"Ssshhhhh," Alana cooed, "we're almost there."

With that, Alana thrust her middle finger up inside Sophie, searching for her g-spot amid the wet-hotness.

"There it is," Alana whispered.

Alana devoted her attention to Sophie's g-spot, applying pressure as she worked.

As Sophie's euphoria built, her eyes shut and all she could do was feel, smell, exist. She could smell her sex, feel Alana's lips on her neck, Alana's hair tickling her skin, Alana's fingers moving inside of her. She no longer knew where she was, or cared. All that mattered was the feeling of Alana's body against hers, hearing their heavy breath in tempo, rocking her hips in time with Alana's movements. Sophie opened her eyes and saw Alana searching her face, enjoying the expressions leading up to Sophie's climax.

Their gaze met and neither could look away. Sophie had her arms around Alana's shoulders now, Alana's free arm wrapped tightly around Sophie's waist.

Alana, with her fingers still inside Sophie, placed her thumb on Sophie's clit, moving it in a circular motion. She saw Sophie's face begin to transform, blooming into pure, raw feeling.

Sophie couldn't help herself as she came. She moaned and bucked against Alana's hand, knees shaking and breath ragged. She noticed Alana smile as she said, "Yeah, that's it. Cum for me, Sophie. Fuck yeah."

Sophie slowly stopped bucking and noticed that Alana stopped moving her hand. The last of the movement had been her own. Alana leaned in and kissed Sophie. She slowly withdrew her hand from Sophie's pants, bringing wetness along with it.

Alana pulled back from their kiss and regarded her hand, glistening in the light. She brought her middle finger to her lips. Turning her eyes to meet Sophie's, she placed her middle finger in her mouth down to the knuckle and slowly drew it out clean.

Alana licked her lips and said to Sophie, "You taste good, too." then turned back to the sink and washed her hands for the second time.

Sophie was reeling, still coming down from her climax. She looked around as her surroundings came back to her; the white and blue tiles, the balance bar, the square room. I'm in a public bathroom, she thought to herself. Her panties were so wet and cold against her sensitive clitoris. Sophie passed a glance over at Alana, who was engrossed in cleaning her hands, before cleaning herself up. She was still catching her breath and a bit shaky.

After Sophie refastened her pants, she turned toward Alana. Alana was looking down at the ground. One arm crossed against her body while grasping the other arm, an uncertain look on her face.

"Are you okay?" Sophie asked.

"Me? Absolutely!" Alana exclaimed. "I worried I came on too strong, made you uncomfortable, or something. I don't know what I was thinking, I mean, we're in a public bathroom! Are you okay?"

For the first time since meeting, it was Alana blushing at Sophie, not the other way around.

Sophie crossed the distance between them in two strides, looking Alana straight on.

"I'm more than okay." She said, legs still a little shaky. "Although, you're right about the bathroom." They both laugh.

Sophie looked down at Alana's belt, then back up again.

"Let's get out of here. How about that walk?"

Part 3

Sophie and Alana gathered up their groceries and left Franco's. Each was shooting awkward glances to the side, their parcels in hand, desperate to break the ice.

Sophie's face burned at the thought of Alana, her fingers, her lips. A gentle breeze soothed her hot cheeks and brought with it the smell of the ocean. Sophie had an idea.

"I bet the view at The End of The World is nice right now." she offered to the air between them. Alana turned to face her, a confused look on her face. She laughed unconfidently, not sure if Sophie was joking.

"Have you ever been?" Sophie asked.

"Wait, you're serious?" Alana responded.

"Yeah, it's a park not far from here," Sophie said. "Want to check it out?"

"Sure, I like a good view," Alana said, cocking an eyebrow playfully.

They made their way to The End of The Word, taking their time and making small talk. It was early afternoon now, and the sun was out warming the day just a bit. Alana noticed the ocean getting closer as they walked, but also lower like they were on a rise of some sort.

When they arrived at the park, an archway of wrought iron greeted them. You've reached The End of The World it announced in elaborate, curly letters. Instead of a dirt trail or cobblestone path, a wooden bridge beckoned them forth. A path continued after the bridge, disappearing into a space beyond filled with trees. A cool breath extended from the shadows, touching the slopes of Alana's neck. Goosebumps.

"It's kind of dramatic, I know." Sophie broke the silence and started toward the bridge. Alana followed, looking between the wooden slats as she crossed. If she didn't know better, she could swear they were crossing a bottomless pit. They stopped in the center of the bridge and looked out toward the ocean.

"The Chasm," Sophie said in a theatrical voice, arms extended to either side of her. Alana placed her hands on the bridge railing and took in the sight.

They were on a cliff, the ocean in front of them. The Chasm was just that, a gash in a rocky face that stretched back, looping around the park. It was wider towards the ocean before condensing to nothing but a crack as it looped. Alana looked down at her knuckles, white on the bridge railing, her heart quickening in her chest.

"Local legend says the whole park will fall into the ocean one day," Sophie said, continuing along the bridge into the park. Alana hesitated for only a moment before following close behind.

The day grew cooler again under the canopy of trees, the thin strip of land creating its own ecosystem. Windy this close to the sea, the current coming up from the cliffs was cool and wet with spray. Ferns along the forest floor seem to dance and laugh in compliment to the breeze. Local botanicals offered splashes of color amid greens and browns. Alana could smell a mix of forest earthiness and cool ocean, hear seagulls crying in the distance. The park itself wasn't very big, but held a monumental energy that made the whole place surreal.

Alana took a deep breath of fresh air, and let it out slowly. Sophie tried not to look at Alana's heaving chest as she did so.

"I didn't realize how much I needed that," Alana said with her next breath. "This place - it just..." she trailed off.

"...makes you feel small and complete at the same time." Sophie finished.

"Yes, that's one way of putting it," Alana agreed. "Thank you for bringing me here."

"You can't stay in Ocean Grove without visiting The End of The World," Sophie said.

The conversation died, and they enjoyed each other's silence for a time. They walked along, light playing tag through the leaves of trees. Every so often they'd brush elbows or arms and blush.

The park seemed empty, save for one person they happened on while walking. Hunched over and furiously scribbling in a journal, a guitar at their side. Preposessed and unaware of the two of them passing, Sophie and Alana gave them a wide berth, not wanting to pop their own surreal bubble.

Alana broke the silence first. "So, how was your birthday, anyway? Tell me all about it."

Sophie's brow furrowed and she peered out toward the ocean, a look of frustration on her face. She brought her gaze back but kept her eyes lowered on the path ahead.

"I," she began, "I don't know where to start, really."

Alana cut in, "I'm sorry, if you don't want to talk about it you don't have to."

"Do you ever lonely, even when you're surrounded by people you care about, and who care about you?"

Alana looked down thoughtfully, then back up at Sophie. She nodded, but stayed silent. Sophie appreciated the encouragement and continued.

"I feel so..." her voice trailed off as she searched for the right word "...disconnected from my family and friends. And not because they've changed, but I did. Which makes me feel like it's my own fault for not feeling happy. For feeling lonely. Does that make any sense?" she asked.

Alana reached out for Sophie's hand gave and it a gentle squeeze. She didn't let go.

"Sorry for the melancholy topic," Sophie apologized. "It's so much easier to talk to you and make sense of things, for some reason."

"I understand," Alana said. "Sometimes it's easier to openly talk to someone you don't know all that well."

They both looked to the side, the space between them growing awkwardly quiet. They didn't know each other well, but knew each other well.

Sophie recovered first, "It felt like my birthday was about everyone else rather than me. Everyone expected...I dunno, something from me, and seemed disappointed when I didn't deliver that something. Like I'm not allowed to change."

Sophie grew quiet. Alana looked over and noticed a sad, worried expression settling on her face.

"Hey," she said quietly to Sophie, "you're always allowed to change. You're allowed to be whoever the hell you want to be. And if your 'friends,' " she said this last word with air quotes for emphasis, "aren't thrilled with who you want to be, then that's on them. Not you."

Alana playfully pulled Sophie's beanie down over her eyes. "Hey!" Sophie laughed, shoving the beanie back up to its rightful place. She shot an amused glance over to Alana. "Thank you," she said, squeezing Alana's hand.

They continued down the path hand-in-hand, occasionally stopping to enjoy the scenery. Sophie found herself looking at Alana more often than the view. Understandable, as the view was nothing new to her. But Alana...

Sun defining every eyelash.

Ocean spray collecting on her cheeks.

Wind bringing life to her long, black hair.

Her lips gently parted as her eyes drank in the view before

them.

Just...beautiful.

Alana looked over and noticed Sophie staring at her. She cocked an eyebrow, "Is there something on my face?" she asked.

Sophie blushed. "No," she replied, "just you."

Alana smiled and took a step closer to Sophie. Sophie smiled back and met her. Alana placed her finger beneath Sophie's chin, drawing her lips closer.

Their kiss was shorter than the one before but more familiar, more passionate. Sophie caught a hint of whipped cream lingering on Alana's lips, along with something else she couldn't quite place. Then she remembered what Alana said at Franco's earlier...

"You taste good, too...."

Sophie pulled back from their embrace. Looking at Alana's mouth before focusing on her eyes, she said, "Want to hang out at my place? I'm feeling like a movie, maybe something to..."

"Are you seriously trying to Netflix and Chill with me right now?" Alana cut in.

Sophie's eyes went wide and she blushed. "I mean - we don't have to, of course." she stammered. "What- um - What do you feel like doing?"

"I'm totally fucking with you," Alana said with a smirk. "I like seeing you squirm, it's cute."

Sophie had a sudden, heightened awareness of how wet her cotton panties still were. Remnants from the last time Alana made her squirm.

"Is your place close by?" Alana asked.

"Not too far, we'll be there in 10," Sophie said.

They continued their journey through the park, making their way to the final bridge. The threshold on this side of the park was a mirror image of the one they entered through. Same curly lettering on the same wrought-iron archway. A bridge connected two sides of a chasm, the side they were on to the rest of the world.

"The Chasm goes around the entire park?" Alana asked, shocked.

"Yep, hence the local legend," Sophie said nonchalantly.

As they crossed the bridge a wave crashed against the cliffs, sending a light mist up through the arch. Wooden planks shook with the impact. Eyes shining with the thrill of it, they both laughed in exhilaration.

The park behind them, Sophie began leading them to her apartment. They walked through town, remarking on a few shops as they went. Each window they passed caught glimpses of smiles and lust.

They reached Sophie's apartment building. It was tall and dark blue, with charcoal trimming and gold detail. The first story was a gardening shop. A sign protruding from the wall proclaimed Soiled Planties in big, bold letters. Sophie pulled her keys and unlocked the door to the upstairs. They walked up, Sophie leading the way until they reached the 3rd floor.

"I'm number 9," Sophie said, "at the end of the hall." They reached her door, number painted in gold on black. Sophie turned the key in the lock and opened the door.

A welcome mat that read Leaf me Alone greeted them as they crossed the threshold. A mountain of shoes squatted to the left, with pegs to hang coats and purses above it. A small side table where Sophie placed her keys was on the right.

"Is your roommate home?" Alana asked.

"I don't have a roommate," Sophie replied.

Alana looked back at the pile of shoes by the door, laughing to herself. "That's a lot of shoes," she said to Sophie.

"I never know what I feel like wearing until I'm about to leave, so that's where my shoes live."

A cat stalked around the corner, white with big, grey splotches and blue eyes. They meow in greeting, rubbing up against the entryway table.

"Benson!" Sophie exclaimed, scooping up the cat in her arms. She attempted to kiss him and the cat placed his paws on her face, gently pushing her away. "This is kind of our thing," Sophie said. Lips protruding, she sent comical kissy noises toward her cats face. The cat didn't look the least bit amused. "He loves it," Sophie said as she released her captive to the ground.

"Make yourself at home," Sophie said with a flourish. "I'm going to put my groceries away really quick."

Alana looked around, noticing the kitchen to the right of the entryway. A modest living room lay directly ahead, packed with plants and natural light. A hallway lead from the living room to the bedroom and master bathroom in the back. The whole place smelled like earth from the plants, and Sophie's body soap. Clean and fresh. Not a single door blocked her path, and the apartment had very open feel to it.

"You don't have a bedroom door, or a bathroom one for that matter?" Alana asks with a confused look on her face.

"Nope," Sophie replied. "It keeps this apartment classified as a studio, somehow, which in turn keeps the rent within my budget."

"Nifty." Alana remarked.

"Tell me about it," Sophie said. She was bent over, the top half disappearing into the fridge, the lower half at the mercy of Alana's gaze. Sounds of a struggle began to emerge from the chilly depths.

"Everything alright in there?" Alana reached for the fridge handle.

Sophie surfaced from the fridge, a plastic cake tray in hand. "This thing is taking up so much room. There isn't a lot left, I should probably throw it out," she says.

Sophie could swear she saw Alana's pupils dilate once they locked in on the cake, eyes going wide.

"Is that...birthday cake?" Alana didn't wait for an answer. She relieved Sophie of her space-wasting burden, and tenderly placed the cake tray on the counter.

"Let's have us an un-birthday," Alana suggested.

Sophie was skeptical, not sure what to say. "Un-birthday? Like from Alice in-"

"Yes, just like that." Alana cut Sophie off, continuing, "Look, birthdays are supposed to be about celebrating who you are, how far you've come, and who you aspire to be. I know your birthday was rough. From my perspective, it sounds like it was about everyone else celebrating you, not you celebrating you. Well, fuck birthdays." Sophie's looked surprised. Alana went on as though she hadn't noticed. "The whole year isn't summed up in one day. It's all about the un-birthdays. You know, the rest of your life that makes up the good stuff. The day of your birth is great n' all, but, why not just celebrate living?"

Alana removed the lid from the cake tray and peered in at the contents, sucking on her bottom lip. She looked over at Sophie, a guilty expression on her face, and confessed, "I have a weakness for birthday cake."

Sophie didn't know what to say. The conversation went from a lack of doors, to cake, then to a philosophical take on birthdays, and back to birthday cake.

She did the only thing she could do. She laughed. She laughed her ass off. It felt so good.

Part 4

"So, let's celebrate. Live a little, or a lot." Alana said with a wink. "I say we take this cake, and-"

This time Sophie cut her off, "What is it with you and birthday cake, anyway?"

Alana searched drawers for forks. "I don't know when it began, but, when I was little, I used to crash birthday parties just to get a slice. My parents would find me at a stranger's birthday party at the park, covered in cake from head to toe."

Sophie tried to imagine child Alana covered in cake, and smiled. She then imagined adult Alana covered in cake, and her smile deepened.

Alana found the forks, placed them in the cake tray, and picked it up. Turning to Sophie, she asked, "Where to?"

"Let's head to the couch. I'll grab some napkins and meet you there."

Once on the couch, they discussed a movie then started on the leftover cake. They sat right next to each other, balancing the tray between them. When the movie finished, scraps of cake and frosting were all that remained.

"I'm so tired from stuffing my face," Alana said. "I have no regrets, though."

"Ugh, me, too," Sophie said with a laugh. "I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a nap."

They heaved their cake-filled bodies off the couch and meandered to the bedroom. The room was spacious and bright. Carpeted floors gave way stucco walls and an open-beamed ceiling. Alana flopped on the bed, the puffy white duvet settling around her curves. Sophie went to the window and drew some mauve curtains. The sun was still up, and light filtering through the curtains made the room blush.

Sophie laid down next to Alana, each facing the other.

"It's been nice hanging with you." Sophie began, "thanks."

"Don't thank me, yet," Alana said, moving in closer.

Their lips met, sending a cascade of goosebumps down Sophie's spine. She wrapped a leg around Alana, drawing her closer. Alana moved her thigh between Sophie's legs, pressing hard. Sophie moaned with gratitude.

Alana moved her hands beneath Sophie's shirt, caressing the slope of her back. She brought her hands down to the hem of Sophie's shirt, then slowly began pulling it up. Sophie raised her arms as Alana lifted the shirt over her stomach - bra - shoulders - gone.

As she removed her own blouse, Alana felt Sophie's hands at her pant button. Smiling, she began undoing Sophie's belt, leaning in for a kiss once the zipper was undone. A tangle of arms and legs brought pants past hips and heels, landing in a pile on the floor.

Both in their underwear and bra, they held each other closer. Sophie could feel Alana's stomach, breasts, pelvis touch her own as they entwined. Hands caressed her back, her thighs, and the spaces between.

Alana reached up Sophie's back to her bra, unhooking and sliding it from her body. Their lips parted, and they both looked down at Sophie's smooth, pale flesh. Alana took her lips lower, to pink nipples, while Sophie watched. Alana moved her hands down Sophie's back, beneath her underwear, and grabbed hold with both hands. While her lips were busy with Sophie's nipples, Alana moved her thigh between Sophie's legs. She ground Sophie against her while gripping her ass.

Sophie's underwear began to soak through. Alana could feel it on her bare thigh, smell the heat of her lust. She pulled herself away, gently, and looked Sophie in the eye.

"I have an idea," she said, "be right back."

Sophie, curious and amused, watched Alana leave the bedroom. While she was gone, Sophie removed her useless panties and threw them to a corner of the room.

Thinking of Alana's lips on her breast, Sophie closed her eyes and began playing with her nipples, slowly bringing one hand down between her legs. She could feel how aroused she was, how hot Alana made her. She brought her hand back up to her mouth and tasted her wetness, teasing her senses and adding to her pleasure.

"I told you you taste good." Alana cut in. Sophie didn't hear her re-enter the room, and noticed she was still in her bra and panties. Sophie, surprised and a little embarrassed, began to blush and stopped touching herself.

"Oh, no, don't stop," Alana said. "I like watching." Alana began caressing her own body, watching Sophie all the while.

Sophie was unsure, at first, but as she began touching her breasts, Alana began touching her own. Crossing her arms over her chest, Alana bushed one shoulder strap off its perch, then the other. She turned around and brought both hands behind her back, unhooking her bra. Letting it drop to the ground, her back still turned to Sophie, she turned to look at her over her shoulder.

"You like watching me?" she asked.

Sophie nodded, biting her lower lip.

"I can't hear you," Alana said, hands traversing her body.

"Yes. Fuck yeah, I like watching you." Sophie said.

"That's better," Alana responded, and with that, she turned around, throwing her arms up above her head.

All Sophie could see were Alana's round, chestnut breasts, their dark, almost black nipples perked at attention. Alana leaned against the wall, both arms above her, looking at Sophie. She was waiting for a cue to continue her striptease.

Sophie realized her hands had stopped moving, Alana's reveal distracting her. Sophie, understanding now, started to trace her breasts with a fingertip. Alana responded in kind. She brought one arm down and first traced her neck, then her collar bone, then her breast, finally teasing her nipple.

"What else, Sophie?" Alana asked. "Show me."

Sophie brought her other hand to her stomach, then traced a path from her naval down between her legs. She gently stroked her wetness, bringing it up to her clit, using it to aid her fingers as they worked.

"Is that what you want?" Alana asked.

Sophie nodded before remembering to speak. "Yes, yes that's what I want. I want to see you."

Alana smiled and brought her free hand to her panties. She turned to the side, one hand still cupping her breast, while the other began to spur her pantie's descent. Alana turned her back to Sophie, again, as her panties relinquished their hold on her buttocks. Sophie noticed dimples before Alana turned once more, fully exposed, panties dropping to the floor.

Alana kicked her panties over to Sophie, missing her, but barely. Alana laughed, then began caressing herself again. Only this time, she brought one hand down to her clitoris.

"You like what you see, Sophie?" Alana saying Sophie's name made her moan.

"Mmmm-hmmm," was all Sophie could muster.

"Want more?"

"Yes! So much yes." Sophie could only whisper.

Alana took a step toward her, then spun on her heel. With her back to Sophie, Alana spread her legs, then, inch by inch leaned forward. She braced herself with one hand on the wall in front of her. The other hand she brought behind her, raised over a dimpled cheek. Sophie held her breath before Alana brought her hand down with a smack, the aftershock reverberating from one cheek to the next.

Alana brought her hand in front of her, then between her legs. She used her fingers to spread herself, exposing wet, pink lips dying to be kissed.

"How about that view, Sophie?" Alana purred. She used her middle finger to penetrate herself. In, out, in, out. Sophie saw wetness build on Alana's finger. She could remember how Alana felt inside of her, how she came, and her heat built.

"Fuck." she moaned. Sophie couldn't resist those lips. She rolled off the bed and onto the floor, crawling to Alana. Alana noticed and began moving, staying just out of Sophie's reach. After a short game of chase, Sophie finally reached her. Placing one hand on each dimpled cheek, she spread Alana's body before her.

With her tongue extended, Sophie traced Alana's wetness, passing over her every contour. Alana's taste was sweet, rich, and with a hint of coffee. Alana's breathing became heavy, her left leg twitching at each pass over her clit.

Sophie pressed herself closer, her lips making contact with Alana's. She dove her tongue into Alana's pussy, dropping and raising her jaw as she did so. She could feel her lower lip massaging Alana's clit. Alana made a high-pitched squeal and began bouncing up and down in rhythm to Sophie's passes. Sophie moaned into Alana's wetness, feeling her own build between her thighs.

Alana drew her body away, dropping Sophie to the floor. She turned and took Sophie's face in her hands. Alana rubbed her thumbs along Sophie's mouth, spreading the distilled passion left behind from their embrace.

With Sophie's face still in her hands, Alana moved closer. Sophie looked deep into her eyes, and brought her hands up between Alana's thighs. Sighs of pleasure urged her on. Sophie, eyes never leaving Alana's, followed her fingertips with her mouth. Alana looked down into Sophie's eyes as she pleasured her, both of them moaning as their passion built.

"Oh, Sophie," Alana breathed, "you're going to make me cum." Sophie took the opportunity to plunge her fingers deep into Alana, her lips still busy. Alana's moans got higher and higher pitched, until there was nothing but silence. Alana came, hard, on Sophie's hand and chin. Knees buckling, Sophie supported her with her face and hands until Alana was spent.

Part 5

Sophie eased Alana on to the bed, then laid down next to her. Reaching out with her fingertips, she lightly stroked the space between Alana's breasts.

Alana turned to face Sophie, eyes half open and lips parted. Sweat shined on her upper lip. Sophie kissed the sweat away, adding a salty taste to her tongue.

As Sophie withdrew, Alana's breath slowed and a smile parted her face.

"My turn," she said.

Alana lifted her chestnut body off the bed and reached for something on the bedside table. The cake tray. She left the room earlier to go grab something, and that something was the cake tray.

"Really, Alana?" Sophie said in disbelief. "I mean, I get it, you love birthday cake but-"

"You have no idea," Alana said. "Just stay as you are."

Alana took her finger and dipped it into the tray, withdrawing it covered in frosting. She used her finger to adorn Sophie's body with fluffy sweetness. Her nipples were first, then the stomach right beneath her breasts. Alana continued, this time depositing a dollop right beneath Sophie's naval.

She dipped her finger into the tray one last time, then brought it to Sophie's lips. She applied frosting like lip gloss, caressing Sophie's lips with her fingertip.

Sophie's nipples were hard beneath the cool frosting, her body pulsing with desire. She grabbed Alana's frosting-coated finger and sucked it clean. Alana bent down and kissed Sophie hard, smearing them both sticky sweet.

Alana pulled up from their kiss. Using her tongue, she cleared the sweetness away from her lips. She looked down at Sophie's body, frosting beginning to melt, and began cleaning up her mess.

First, the nipples, licking and sucking them clean.

Then Sophie's upper stomach, goosebumps replacing frosting as she worked.

She positioned herself between Sophie's legs as she reached the end of the frosting line. Hands on Sophie's hips, Alana made eye contact while lapping up the last of the sweet mess.

Now on to make another, she thought to herself.

Alana looped her arms under and around Sophie's thighs, settling in. She noticed Sophie clutching her bedsheets in anticipation, nipples hard. Sophie's wetness inviting her in for a kiss.

She brought her lips together and sent a gentle current of air towards Sophie's skin. Focusing, Alana brought her breath up and down. Up and down Sophie's lips, slowly bringing her own lips closer and closer.

Sophie shivered at the jet of air touching on her body. She expected something warmer, stronger, wetter...her breath caught in her throat. Before she could think on it for long, Alana made contact. Her powerful tongue worked its way between the delicate folds of Sophie's body.

Sophie's throat released a moan it had been saving, yearning for this moment. She ran one hand over her breast, the other through Alana's hair. Her hand raked Alana's scalp, grabbing hold of a grip of hair, her hips undulating beneath Alana's mouth.

Alana's hold on her tightened, using it as a anchor to Sophie's urgings. They found a rhythm, Sophie's moans coming quicker. Sophie released her grip on Alana's hair and used both elbows to prop herself up. She watched Alana's performance, enjoying the view as much as the feeling.

Alana took one hand from Sophie's body and focused it on her own, pursuing her own wetness. Alana moaned into Sophie, and Sophie responded in kind. She brought her hand up, now, to Sophie's mouth. Sophie greeted the invitation hungrily, Alana's taste filling her senses to the brink.

Alana arose from her task and replaced her fingers with her lips. Their kiss was carnal, both tasting each other in their embrace. Alana's fingers found Sophie's clit for the second time today, stroking with ambition. She broke away from the kiss and looked into Sophie's eyes.

"Can I thank you now?" Sophie breathed.

"In a moment," Alana said.

Alana descended from Sophie's lips, meeting her hand in its venture. She sent her fingers up to Sophie's g-spot, finding it, yet again.

"I want you to say my name when you thank me, Sophie." Alana commanded.

With that, she fastened her mouth to Sophie's clit, fingers massaging her g-spot.

Sophie's breath grew heavier. "Thank you, Alana." She began. "Thank-oh fuck...-thank you, Alanaaaaaaah." Sophie's back stiffened into a perfect arch, hands pulling bedsheets from the mattress. Her moans were deep, almost guttural, as she climaxed.

Alana didn't slow her efforts. She remained consistent and controlled, urging Sophie's climax deeper. Sophie began to squirm, her wetness intensifying on Alana's hand, her chin. Alana hummed into Sophie's clit, relishing in the sweet taste of euphoria. Sophie's whole body tensed, her moans coming in short bursts, before going completely slack.

Alana stilled her movements and withdrew from Sophie. She looked at her, and a glossy, satisfied grin bloomed on her face.

Sophie laid back, breathing hard with eyes closed. Sweat and smeared frosting covered her body. To pad Alana's ego even more, she looked down and noticed a generous puddle left behind from her efforts. She sucked her bottom lip, tasting and remembering.

Alana laid down next to Sophie and admired her handiwork. Sophie opened her eyes and turned to face her, meeting her gaze. "Thank you, Alana." She said with a smile on her face. Alana smiled back and wiped her chin, heat building on her cheeks. She turned toward the ceiling, hoping Sophie didn't notice her blushing.

"That was a lot of fun," Alana grinned.

"You're telling me," Sophie said with a laugh. "I have to change my sheets."

Alana's smile widened.

Sophie sighed, then turned toward her bedside table. "Want a smoke?" she asked, drawing open a drawer.

"You? Smoke?" Alana responded incredulously. "No way, I didn't smell it on you."

"I mean, I don't want to go around smelling like it all day." Sophie pulled out a prerolled cone from the side table and set it alight. The scent of cannabis filled the air.

Alana understood, nodded, and snuggled down closer to Sophie.

"Talk about a happy ending," she said.

They both laugh.

"Happy un-birthday, Sophie," Alana said.

"Thank you, Alana," Sophie replied.