# CHAPTER 1 — LONG WAY HOME Panam had been on the road for twelve days. Twelve fucking days. The truck ate distance with the steady, low vibration of a machine that had already done too much and still had a few hours left in it. Night City was somewhere ahead. Not close. Closer than yesterday. That was enough. The delivery had gone clean. Mostly. Which, by Panam’s standards, meant nobody had shot at her for more than five consecutive minutes and the client had only tried to change the deal once after arrival. She had corrected that misunderstanding. Firmly. The cargo bay behind her was almost empty now. A few tie-downs. Two battered crates nobody had wanted. Tools. Emergency gear. And the new independent refrigeration unit humming along beneath the rear bulkhead. That part she liked. Proper separate system. Own power. Own backup. Own monitoring. No dependence on whatever mood the truck’s primary systems happened to be in. Marco would approve. Which meant he would inspect it for twenty minutes and then say something insulting. Panam smiled. Yeah. He would approve. The road curved through a stretch of country she knew. Not well. Enough. Pines. Rock. Low scrub. Long open sections where the horizon actually existed instead of being replaced by towers, ads and concrete. Then she saw the old roadside marker. Panam slowed slightly. “Ah.” The farm. She had forgotten about the farm. Not completely. Just enough that it took the sign to bring the memory back. Real meat. Actual vegetables. Bread that had not come out of a printer. Wine made by people who would probably stab you if you called it artisanal. The place sat another twenty minutes off the main road. Panam checked the time. Then the route. Then remembered the cabin. Thursday through Monday. Thirteen people. Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, fuck me.” She hit Mai’s contact. It rang twice. Mai answered. “Panam.” “Question.” “That sounds dangerous.” “Fuck you.” “Good afternoon to you too.” Panam glanced at the road. “I’m passing that farm.” There was a pause. “The one with the steaks?” Panam smiled. “Yeah.” Mai’s tone changed immediately. “How far?” “Twenty minutes.” “Stop.” Panam laughed. “I was going to.” “Good.” “I’m asking what we need.” “Everything.” “That is not a list.” “It is with this group.” “Mai.” “Fine.” Panam could hear movement on the other end. Voices. Safehouse noise. Somebody said something in the background. Ace, probably. Then Mai again. “Meat. Vegetables. Breakfast food. Bread if they have good bread. Cheese.” “Wine?” “Yes.” “Cider?” “Yes.” “Fruit?” “Yes.” “Anything else?” Ace’s voice appeared suddenly, much louder and farther from the receiver. “GET THE RED ONE.” Panam frowned. “What red one?” Mai sighed. “Ignore her.” “NO.” Panam laughed. “What red one, Ace?” “THE RED WINE.” “That narrows it down beautifully.” “The good one.” Panam shook her head. “Helpful.” Ace shouted something else that dissolved into background noise. Mai said: “She means the darker red they had last time.” “I know the one.” “Then get it.” “Fine.” Panam glanced at the fuel readout. Still good. “How much?” “Enough.” “Again. Not a number.” Mai named one. Panam nearly missed the turn. “What?” “You heard me.” “That is way too much.” “No.” “Yes.” “No.” “Mai, I have money.” “I know.” “I can buy groceries.” “I know.” “Then why are you sending me that much?” “Because you are buying groceries for thirteen people.” “I am aware.” “And because if I send you what you think is reasonable, you will buy what you think is enough.” Panam frowned. “It will be enough.” “No.” “Yes.” “No.” “You don’t know what I’m buying yet.” “I know you.” “That is not evidence.” “It is conclusive evidence.” Panam barked a laugh. “You’re impossible.” “So are you.” A transfer notification appeared. Panam stared at it. Then stared harder. “Mai.” “Yes?” “What the fuck?” “That should cover everything.” “That should cover a small military campaign.” “Excellent. Buy accordingly.” Panam rubbed one hand over her face. “I am sending the rest back.” “No.” “Yes.” “No.” “Watch me.” Mai’s voice remained maddeningly calm. “Buy better food.” “I was already going to buy good food.” “Buy more.” “Mai.” “Panam.” “I swear to god.” “That sounds expensive.” Panam laughed despite herself. “You bitch.” “Love you too.” Panam shook her head. “Yeah. Yeah.” The call should have ended there. It didn’t. Mai said: “And don’t forget breakfast.” “I said I won’t.” “You forget breakfast every time.” “I do not.” “You bought six steaks and three bottles of wine last time.” “That was dinner.” “You arrived at nine in the morning.” “That sounds like poor scheduling.” Mai laughed. Panam smiled. Then Ace yelled again. “AND MUSHROOMS.” Panam shouted toward the speaker: “I HEARD YOU.” A beat. Then Ace: “GOOD.” Panam grinned. Mai sighed. “Please don’t encourage her.” “Too late.” “I know.” Panam checked the upcoming turn. “There’s one more thing.” “Yeah?” “The refrigeration unit’s running perfectly.” Mai went quiet for half a second. “The new one?” “Yep.” “Independent?” “Completely.” “Backup power?” “Yes.” “Remote alarm?” “Yes.” “Temperature log?” Panam smiled. “You sound like Marco.” “Don’t insult me.” “I’m telling him you said that.” “Do and I’ll deny everything.” Panam laughed. “Anyway. I can leave the food cold overnight. No unloading half the truck just to load it again tomorrow.” “Good.” “Marco is still going to inspect it.” “Yes.” “He’ll inspect the fucking seals.” “Yes.” “He’ll probably inspect the hinges.” “Yes.” “He might lick the thermometer.” “Only if Brenda dares him.” Panam laughed loud enough that the truck’s cabin felt smaller. “Fuck.” Mai’s voice softened. “You almost home?” Panam looked through the windshield. Long road. Trees. Sky. Still hours. “Getting there.” “You okay?” Panam took a breath. “Yeah.” That one was real. “Tired.” “I figured.” “Twelve days is too long.” “Yes.” Panam hesitated. Then said: “Shammy know when I’m getting back?” Mai’s laugh was quiet. “She’s been asking since breakfast.” Panam smiled despite the ache in her shoulders. “Of course she has.” “She knows you’re close.” “That’s creepy.” “You love it.” Panam smiled wider. “Yeah, I do.” Mai let that sit. Then: “Get the food.” “Yes, boss.” “Fuck you.” “Love you too.” This time the call ended. Panam drove another ten minutes. Then her display chimed. The transfer had cleared. She looked at the amount again. “Ridiculous.” A second later she smiled. Fine. If Mai wanted ridiculous— Panam could do ridiculous. She took the farm turn. The road narrowed. Gravel kicked under the tires. The trees opened. Ahead, low buildings spread across a working property that looked like it had been built by people who considered decoration a waste of useful lumber. Perfect. Panam pulled in. Killed speed. Looked once more at the number Mai had sent. Then at the farm shop. Her smile turned dangerous. “Challenge accepted.” --- # CHAPTER 2 — CHALLENGE ACCEPTED The farm shop smelled dangerous. Not chemically. Worse. Bread. Real bread. Hot enough that the crust still carried heat. Panam stopped two steps inside and immediately understood that Mai had made a tactical mistake. She had sent too much money. Panam had access to excellent food. And nobody was here to supervise her. The woman behind the counter looked up. “Afternoon.” Panam nodded. “Afternoon.” Her eyes were already moving. Fresh vegetables in wooden crates. Actual dirt still on some of them. Tomatoes. Potatoes. Onions. Carrots. Peppers. Greens. Mushrooms. Ace’s mushrooms. Fine. Those were going in. A refrigerated case ran along one wall. Meat. Real meat. Not protein shaped into optimism. Panam walked toward it. The butcher looked up from behind the counter. “Need help?” “Yes.” “How many?” Panam thought. “Thirteen.” The butcher nodded. “For one meal?” Panam looked at him. “For four days.” He looked back. Then smiled. “Ah.” “Yeah.” “That kind of trip.” “You have no idea.” He laughed. “What are you after?” “Good steaks.” “All of them?” Panam looked at the case. Then at him. “Don’t tempt me.” The man laughed again. Panam pointed. “Those.” “How many?” She hesitated. Mai’s voice echoed in her head. Buy more. Panam smiled. “Enough that if thirteen idiots decide they want steak twice, nobody starts a civil war.” The butcher considered this as if it were a completely reasonable unit of measurement. “Got it.” “Good.” He started pulling cuts. Panam moved on. Breakfast meat. Smoked. Actual pork. Good. Eggs. Real eggs. That still felt vaguely absurd. She loaded two cartons. Then a third. There were cheeses nearby. Hard cheese. Soft cheese. Something smoked. Something with herbs. Panam picked up one, frowned at the label, put it back. Too fancy. Then picked it up again. Mai said better food. Fine. Into the basket. Then another. She found bread. Bought too much. No. There was no such thing as too much bread with this group. Marco would approve. Probably. Maybe. If the crust was right. Panam looked at the loaves. Bought four. Then two more. A woman restocking preserves watched her. “Big family?” Panam snorted. “No.” The woman glanced at the growing pile. “Work crew?” “Worse.” “Friends?” Panam thought. Then smiled. “Yeah.” The answer came easier than she expected. The woman nodded like that explained everything. It probably did. Panam kept moving. Honey. Jam. Butter. Actual butter. She stared at it. “Jesus.” Into the basket. Then vegetables. Lots. Enough salad ingredients that Mai could pretend they were responsible adults. Enough potatoes that Marco could feed an army. Enough onions to make Brenda complain. Enough peppers to make Ace steal them raw. Mushrooms. A ridiculous quantity of mushrooms. Panam looked at them. “Happy now, shrimp?” She bought them. Fruit next. Apples. Pears. Berries. Something dark red in a small crate she didn’t recognize. She picked one up. The farmer beside the display said: “Sweet.” Panam looked at it. “Actually sweet?” “Yes.” “Not Night City sweet?” The man smiled. “No.” She bought two crates. Then came the wine. That took longer. There were bottles stacked in wooden racks. No glowing labels. No animated logos. No corpo branding. Just names. Years. Handwritten cards. Panam found the red. The one Ace meant. Dark bottle. Heavy. She picked it up. Looked at the price. Whistled. Then remembered the transfer. “Fuck it.” She took a case. Then stopped. Looked again. Mai said enough. Panam took a second case. Someone behind her laughed. She turned. The woman from the counter. “You planning to drink all that?” “No.” “Good.” “Probably.” The woman laughed. Panam pointed at a white. “That good?” “Yes.” “Actually?” “Yes.” “Fine.” Another case. Cider too. Not much. Enough. Then cured meat. Sausages. Smoked strips. Something peppered. Something that looked vicious. Panam bought it. By the time she reached the main counter again, the shop had effectively surrendered. There were boxes. Crates. Wrapped meat. Bags. Bottles. Bread. Eggs. Produce. A quantity of food that would have made a normal group stop and reflect on mortality. Panam looked at it. Then at the total. She smiled. Not enough. The woman behind the register watched her. “You forgot something?” Panam looked around. Coffee. There. A shelf near the wall. Dark bags. Locally roasted. Strong. Probably excellent. Panam took one step toward it. Stopped. Thought. Then shook her head. “No.” The woman raised an eyebrow. “No coffee?” “We have coffee.” That answer felt solid. Responsible. Sensible. Panam turned away. Somewhere in the universe, fate quietly sharpened a knife. She went back to the counter. “How much?” The woman named the total. Panam checked it against Mai’s transfer. Still money left. Not much. Enough to be annoying. Panam frowned. “Add two more bottles of the red.” The woman smiled. “Thought you might.” “And another cheese.” “Which one?” Panam pointed. “The expensive one.” That wiped out most of the remainder. The final total appeared. Panam stared at it. Then at Mai’s transfer. A few eddies left. Tiny amount. Practically an insult. She looked toward a rack of dried fruit. “How much is that?” The woman told her. Panam bought it. Final total. She had managed it. Almost every eddie. Panam smiled. “Perfect.” The woman looked at the mountain of food. “You sure you’ve got room?” Panam smiled wider. “Oh, I’ve got room.” Outside, loading took time. The truck’s cargo bay was mostly empty after the delivery. The refrigerated compartment was not enormous, but it was built properly and efficiently. Panam packed it in layers. Meat low. Cheese. Butter. Produce separated. Eggs secured. Cold items grouped. Bread outside the refrigerated section where it belonged. Wine padded. Nothing free to slide around. She checked the temperature. Good. Backup power. Good. Remote monitoring. Good. Then checked again. Not because Marco would. Because she wasn’t stupid. The system stabilized. Panam shut the rear door. Locked it. Then stood back. The truck looked exactly the same from outside. Which made the entire thing funnier. She pulled out her phone. Took a picture of the open cargo section before closing it fully. Sent it to Mai. No caption. The reply came fast. **Mai:** Good. Panam stared. Typed. **Panam:** GOOD? Three dots. **Mai:** Yes. **Panam:** I spent almost all of it. Pause. **Mai:** Good. Panam narrowed her eyes. **Panam:** You are deeply irritating. **Mai:** Did everyone get good food? Panam looked at the truck. Steaks. Vegetables. Fruit. Bread. Cheese. Breakfast. Wine. Cider. Cured meat. Enough food to make Marco quietly emotional. She typed: **Panam:** Yes. Immediate reply. **Mai:** Then I sent the right amount. Panam stared at the screen. Then laughed. **Panam:** Bitch. A heart appeared. Panam smiled despite herself. **Panam:** Yeah. Love you too. She pocketed the phone. Climbed back into the cab. Started the engine. The truck settled into its familiar rumble. She pulled out of the farm. Back onto gravel. Then road. Night City still waited ahead. Long drive. Tired shoulders. Twelve days behind her. But now the truck smelled faintly of bread. The cold unit hummed steadily behind the bulkhead. And tomorrow there would be a cabin. Panam looked at the road. “Almost home.” --- # CHAPTER 3 — FOLLOW US Della knew something was wrong the moment Brenda stopped talking. Not bad wrong. Worse. Suspicious wrong. They were parked at a roadside service stop far enough from central Night City that nobody came there unless they were going somewhere else. Della sat behind the wheel. Mira sat beside her. Across the lot, Iris leaned against her car. Brenda stood next to her. Smiling. Too much. Della lowered the window. “No.” Brenda looked offended. “I haven’t said anything.” “Exactly.” Mira leaned toward the open window. “What did you do?” “Nothing.” Iris sighed. “She actually hasn’t.” Della looked at Iris. “That doesn’t help.” “It should.” “It doesn’t.” Brenda folded her arms. “You two are fucking paranoid.” Della stared at her. “You brought us to a half-dead service station outside the city and won’t tell us where we’re going.” “Romantic, isn’t it?” “No.” Mira smiled. “Are we being kidnapped?” Brenda brightened. “Oh, that would be fun.” Iris turned her head. “No.” Brenda shrugged. “Fine.” Della looked between them. “So?” Iris pushed away from the car. “Follow us.” Della waited. “That’s it?” “That’s it.” “Where?” “You’ll see.” Della slowly turned toward Mira. Mira looked back. Neither spoke. Brenda pointed at them. “That face.” “What face?” “The one where you’re silently planning three escape routes.” Della frowned. “Only three?” Mira smiled. “Four.” “Show-off.” Iris rubbed her forehead. “Can we go before Brenda gets worse?” Brenda looked delighted. “I can get much worse.” “We know.” Della sighed. “Fine.” Iris nodded. “Stay close.” She and Brenda got back into their car. A moment later they pulled out. Della waited two seconds. Then followed. Mira watched the road. “So.” “So.” “You trust them?” “Yes.” “Same.” Della glanced at her. “That was easy.” Mira shrugged. “Didn’t say I liked it.” “Fair.” The route started ordinary. Then became less so. They left the wider roads. Passed through districts Della knew. Then streets she knew less well. Residential. Quiet. Not rich. Not poor. Just places where people actually lived. No fixer clubs. No depots. No garages with three armed men smoking outside. Mira noticed too. “This isn’t a job site.” “No.” “Not a meet.” “No.” Della’s hands tightened slightly on the wheel. The car ahead turned again. Then again. Mira looked toward the buildings. “Safehouse?” Della said nothing. That was answer enough. They followed Iris through another turn. Ahead, a garage entrance opened. Not dramatic. No armored gate rising from the earth. Just a secured lower-level entrance built into a structure that gave almost nothing away. Iris drove in. Della slowed. Mira looked at her. “You can still stop.” Della glanced sideways. “So can you.” “I’m not.” “Neither am I.” They went in. The garage swallowed them. The door closed behind. Locks engaged. Silence. Della shut the engine off. For a moment neither moved. Mira stared through the windshield. There were vehicles. Tools. Storage. Nothing flashy. Everything intentional. Della breathed out. “Well.” “Yeah.” “They really brought us here.” “Yeah.” Della looked toward the interior access door. Mira unfastened her belt. “Come on.” They got out. Brenda was already waiting. Hands in jacket pockets. Grinning again. “Congratulations.” Della looked at her. “For?” “You weren’t shot.” “Yet.” “That’s the spirit.” Iris walked past Brenda and keyed the interior access. “Ignore her.” “I’m trying.” “You’re doing badly.” “I know.” The door opened. Sound reached them first. Voices. Real ones. Not radio. Not operational chatter. Somebody laughing. Somebody swearing. Something clattered. Marco’s voice: “If you touch that before tomorrow, I will break your fingers.” Ace: “You say that like it’s ever stopped me.” “It should.” “It hasn’t.” Then Lena: “She already stole one.” Marco: “I know.” Della stopped. Mira did too. Brenda glanced back. Saw it. Said nothing. That was almost worse. Iris kept walking. They followed through the controlled interior access. And then— Home. Not headquarters. Not operations. Not a secure meeting room pretending not to be one. Home. Shoes near the entrance. Jackets. A mug left somewhere it probably shouldn’t be. A blanket thrown across the back of a couch. Books. Actual books. Food on a counter. A charging cable abandoned across one chair. A weapon case near a wall because apparently even domesticity had limits. Ace sat on the kitchen counter. Mai stood between her knees. Marco was cutting something. Lena was laughing at him. Kiro had one foot tucked under herself on a chair. Shammy was near the table, restless in a way Della had never seen before. Reyes wasn’t there yet. Panam wasn’t there either. That registered later. First came Ace. She saw them. Lit up. “There you are.” No suspicion. No test. No pause. She jumped down. Mai turned. “Finally.” Della almost looked behind herself. Like maybe they were talking to somebody else. Ace walked over. “Drinks are in the kitchen. Shoes wherever. Brenda lies about everything.” Brenda shouted from behind: “Fuck you.” Ace smiled. “See?” Mira laughed. It came out softer than intended. Mai noticed. Of course she did. Della looked around again. Not at the security. Not at exits. At the stupid little things. A half-finished mug. Something Shammy had apparently dropped on a chair. A stack of folded laundry. Marco’s knife on the cutting board. Lena swatting Ace’s hand away from food. The kind of things nobody stages for visitors. Della’s throat tightened. Shit. Mira looked at her. Her eyes were wet too. That made it worse. Iris came up beside them. Quiet. Not making a production of it. “We thought it was time.” That was all. Della looked at her. “Why?” Iris shrugged. “Because.” Brenda stepped closer. For once, no joke. She put one hand on Mira’s shoulder. Then pulled her into a quick, hard hug. Mira froze for half a second. Then hugged back. Della got the same. Brenda let go. Immediately ruined it. “Don’t make me sentimental again. I hate that shit.” Della laughed through the pressure in her chest. “Noted.” Brenda pointed. “And if you tell anyone I hugged you, I’ll deny it.” Mira sniffed once. “You’re very intimidating.” “I know.” Ace looked between all of them. Then at Marco. “Can I have food now?” Marco didn’t turn. “No.” “I’m emotionally supporting people.” “You’re stealing.” “Both can be true.” Della laughed again. There it was. Tension broken. Just like that. No speech. No ceremony. Mai looked toward Mira and Della. “You hungry?” Mira nodded. “Yes.” Della said: “Always.” Marco finally looked at them. “Good.” Then pointed with the knife. “Wash your hands.” Della blinked. “Yes, chef.” “Don’t call me that.” Ace immediately said: “Yes, chef.” Marco stared at her. Ace grinned. “Worth it.” Mira and Della washed up. Then, without anyone asking, started helping. Della took vegetables. Mira found plates. Lena showed her where they were. No explanation beyond that. No “guest” behavior. No one hovering. No one trying to impress them. They just got folded in. At some point Kiro handed Della a drink. “Here.” Della took it. “What is it?” Kiro looked at the glass. “Something Brenda opened.” Della stared. “That doesn’t answer the question.” “It’s the only answer I have.” Della drank. Made a face. “Jesus.” Kiro smiled. “Yeah.” From the kitchen Ace shouted: “SEE?” Mai looked at her. “You didn’t even taste it.” “I know Brenda.” Brenda yelled back: “BITCH.” Ace raised her glass. “LOVE YOU TOO.” Mira looked around. Then leaned toward Della. “This is insane.” Della smiled. “Yeah.” “You okay?” Della looked at the room. At Iris arguing with Brenda. At Ace stealing something from Marco and escaping with it. At Mai catching Ace by the back of her shirt without even looking. At Lena laughing. At Kiro pretending she wasn’t watching everybody. At Shammy— Della paused. Shammy had gone still. Not frozen exactly. Focused. Her head tilted slightly. Hair lifting around her face. Mira noticed too. “What—” Shammy’s expression changed. Instantly. The whole face. Bright. Open. Almost painfully happy. She turned toward the garage level. “Panam is here!” Nobody else reacted yet. Della looked toward the door. Nothing. No engine. No system alert. No sound. Mai glanced at Mira and Della. Smiled. “Give it a few seconds.” Della stared. “What?” Then— A faint security chime. Vehicle approaching. Mira slowly looked at Shammy. Shammy was already moving. Ace laughed. “Oh, she’s gone.” Shammy disappeared toward the stairs. Della looked at Mai. Then at the door. Then back toward where Shammy had vanished. “What the fuck?” Mai picked up her drink. “You’ll get used to it.” Ace walked past. “No, you won’t.” Della looked at Mira. Mira looked back. And for the first time since entering, the shock broke completely. They both started laughing. Outside, somewhere below, the garage system cycled. A truck was coming in. And the Safehouse— the real one— was no longer something Mira and Della knew existed. It was somewhere they had been allowed to come home to. --- # CHAPTER 4 — PANAM IS HERE Shammy was already halfway down the stairs before the garage finished opening. Her hair had gone completely wild. Not lifted. Not static-touched. A full halo. Bright strands spread around her head in a loose electric crown, every filament alive with the kind of joy that apparently had no interest whatsoever in subtlety. Della stared after her. “Does that happen often?” Ace leaned against the kitchen doorway. “When Panam comes home?” Mai took a drink. “Yes.” Mira looked toward the stairs. “She knew before the system did.” “Yes.” “How?” Ace shrugged. “Shammy.” That was apparently the entire explanation. Below them, the garage door finished cycling. The truck rolled inside. Shammy hit the lower level just as Panam killed the engine. Panam had enough time to open the driver’s door. One foot touched concrete. Then Shammy hit her. Not attacked. Hit. Full-body collision. Panam grunted and caught her on instinct. “Jesus—” Shammy wrapped herself around her. Arms. Legs. Hair still spread in a ridiculous glowing halo around both of them. Then she kissed Panam. Hard. Long enough that anybody pretending not to understand the relationship would have needed serious professional help. Panam kissed her back immediately. One hand locked around Shammy’s waist. The other came up into the back of her hair and disappeared in the halo. Shammy made a sound against her mouth that was halfway between relief and happiness. Panam laughed into the kiss. When they finally separated enough to breathe, Shammy pressed her forehead against Panam’s. “You were gone forever.” Panam closed her eyes. “It was twelve days.” “Forever.” “Twelve.” “Forever.” Panam smiled. “Yeah, okay.” Shammy kissed her again. Shorter this time. Still absolutely shameless. Mira and Della reached the garage with the others behind them. Mira slowed. Della did too. Not because of the kiss. Because of Shammy. They had seen Sera. They had seen Shammy in other contexts. Professional. Strange. Dangerous. Soft sometimes. But this— This was somebody dropping every last piece of armor because the person she wanted had come home. Panam opened her eyes. Saw the gathering. Then saw Mira and Della. Paused. Recognition landed. “Oh.” Della raised an eyebrow. Panam looked between them. “Mira.” Then: “Della.” Mira blinked. “You know us?” “Know of you.” Panam adjusted Shammy slightly because Shammy showed no signs whatsoever of detaching. “Transport security. Escort work. Couple of jobs out east.” Della nodded slowly. “Yeah.” Panam continued. “Reliable.” Mira smiled. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s said to us this week.” Panam shrugged. “It matters.” Shammy kissed her jaw. Panam turned her head. “You helping?” “No.” “Good.” Shammy smiled against her neck. Panam looked at everyone else. “I brought food.” Marco appeared immediately. “Truck.” Panam looked offended. “I just got here.” “Truck.” “I have been on the road for twelve fucking days.” Marco pointed toward the cargo section. “Truck.” Panam stared at him. Then at Lena. “Does he do this at home?” Lena smiled. “Yes.” “Can you stop him?” “No.” “Do you try?” “No.” Panam sighed. “Traitor.” Marco was already moving. Shammy remained attached. Panam looked down at her. “You planning to walk?” “No.” “Of course not.” Shammy tightened her arms. Panam carried her. Ace watched. “Efficient.” Mai nodded. “Very.” Della looked at Ace. “She’s not getting down, is she?” Ace smiled. “Eventually.” From Panam: “No promises.” Shammy lifted her head. “I heard that.” “You were supposed to.” Her hair was still haloed. Not fading. If anything, worse. Panam reached the truck’s rear controls. Marco arrived beside her. “Independent unit?” “Yes.” “Separate backup?” “Yes.” “Alarm?” “Yes.” “Remote temperature?” “Yes.” Marco looked at her. Panam narrowed her eyes. “Yes, I already checked it.” “When?” “Before I left the farm.” “And after?” Panam stared. “Marco.” He waited. “Yes.” “Good.” Panam muttered something obscene. Marco ignored it. The cargo door opened. Cold air rolled out. Everyone went quiet. Crates. Boxes. Wrapped meat. Vegetables. Bread. Cheese. Fruit. Wine. More wine. Even more wine. Ace stared. “Holy shit.” Mai folded her arms. Panam looked at her. “You sent the money.” Mai looked inside. “I did.” “You created this.” “I see no problem.” Marco stepped closer. His face went completely blank. That was dangerous. He looked at the food. Then Panam. “How many people?” “Thirteen.” Marco looked back into the truck. “Are you expecting survivors?” Ace burst out laughing. Panam pointed at Mai. “Her fault.” Mai shook her head. “I told you to buy food.” “You sent enough eddies to annex the farm.” “And yet you did not.” “Barely.” Shammy was still wrapped around Panam. Della stared at the cargo. Then at Mira. “Cabin?” Mira nodded. “Apparently.” Brenda arrived behind them. Saw the wine. Stopped. “Oh.” Iris immediately pointed at her. “No.” “I didn’t say anything.” “You thought it loudly.” Brenda looked innocent. “That’s not illegal.” Ace leaned toward Della. “It should be.” Panam started unloading only what they needed for the evening. Marco stopped her. “No.” Panam froze. “What now?” “We leave the cabin food cold.” “That was the plan.” “Good.” Panam slowly turned toward Mai. “He agrees with me.” Mai smiled. “Enjoy the moment.” “I will.” Marco checked the refrigeration display. Then seals. Then airflow. Panam watched. “You are inspecting the hinges.” “I am looking at them.” “That is inspecting.” “They’re good.” “I KNOW.” Lena laughed. Mira leaned toward Della. “This is comforting.” Della nodded. “Somehow.” Panam looked toward them. “You two staying tonight?” Mira glanced at Iris. Then back. “Apparently.” “Good.” Panam nodded. “First cabin?” “Yeah.” “Then sleep tonight.” Della narrowed her eyes. “That sounds like a warning.” “It is.” Ace shouted: “LIAR.” Panam looked at her. “You got thrown in the lake last time.” Ace’s expression darkened instantly. “That was attempted murder.” Reyes wasn’t there yet. Which made Panam’s smile worse. Della caught it. “Wait.” Ace pointed at Panam. “Don’t.” Mira looked delighted. “What happened?” “Nothing.” Panam laughed. “Friday.” Ace stared at her. “Fuck you.” “Love you too.” Shammy kissed Panam’s neck again. Panam sighed. “Okay.” Mai raised an eyebrow. Panam looked at her. “What?” “You’re distracted.” “I have a woman attached to my torso.” Shammy smiled. “Correct.” Della laughed. That got Shammy’s attention. She looked toward Della. Still clinging to Panam. Still haloed. Completely unembarrassed. Della shook her head. “I think I understand this place now.” Ace snorted. “No, you don’t.” Mira added: “Not even close.” Mai looked at both of them. “Give it until Monday.” Panam pointed toward the stairs. “I’m going upstairs.” Marco looked at the truck. “Food first.” Panam stared. “I unloaded dinner.” “Good.” “Cold unit is stable.” “Yes.” “Backup is armed.” “Yes.” “Remote alarm works.” “Yes.” Panam spread one hand. “Then fuck off.” Marco nodded. “Approved.” Panam blinked. “That easy?” “No.” “Asshole.” “Correct.” Shammy lifted her head. “Can we go upstairs now?” Panam looked at her. “You hungry?” “No.” “Tired?” “No.” Panam paused. “Oh.” Ace covered her mouth badly. Brenda did not bother. Della laughed. Mira looked away and failed completely at hiding her grin. Panam looked at Shammy. Shammy smiled. Hair still burning around her like weather had fallen in love. Panam sighed. “Yeah.” Then carried her upstairs. Ace waited until they were halfway gone. “Try not to break anything.” Panam’s voice came back immediately. “FUCK YOU.” Shammy laughed. Ace beamed. “Home.” And for Mira and Della, somehow, that one word explained more than anything else had. --- # CHAPTER 5 — THE TRUCK Marco waited until Panam and Shammy disappeared upstairs. Then he looked back into the truck. Long pause. Lena leaned against the cargo opening. “You’re thinking.” “No.” “You’re absolutely thinking.” Marco looked at the steaks. Then the bread. Then the vegetables. Then the wine. “I am assessing.” Ace appeared beside him. “That’s thinking with a clipboard.” “I do not have a clipboard.” “You have clipboard energy.” Marco looked at her. Ace smiled. “Strongly.” Della leaned toward Mira. “Do they always do this?” Mira watched Marco inspect a crate of tomatoes like its moral character was under review. “I hope so.” Marco opened one box. Bread. Still warm enough to carry smell. His expression changed by half a degree. Ace noticed. “Oh.” Marco looked at her. “What?” “You approve.” “I said nothing.” “You made the face.” “What face?” “The bread face.” “I do not have a bread face.” Lena laughed. “You do.” Marco closed the box carefully. “Both of you are wrong.” Ace reached for a loaf. Marco slapped her hand away without looking. “Fuck.” “You were warned.” “I was testing perimeter security.” “You failed.” “Debatable.” Della laughed. Mira smiled. It was getting easier. That was the weird part. Less than an hour earlier, they had entered a place nobody had ever shown them. Now they were standing in the underground garage watching Ace attempt burglary against bread while Marco behaved like food safety was an armed profession. The emotional whiplash should have been worse. It wasn’t. Maybe because nobody was giving them time to stand outside it. Lena picked up one of the smaller boxes. “Kitchen?” Marco nodded. “Only what we need tonight.” Panam’s voice came faintly from upstairs. “THAT’S WHAT I SAID.” Marco did not raise his voice. “I KNOW.” A beat. Panam: “GOOD.” Ace laughed. Della looked toward the stairs. “Still listening?” Mai came down carrying two empty containers. “She hears conflict involving her truck.” “From upstairs?” Mai shrugged. “Panam.” Della nodded slowly. “Right.” Ace pointed at her. “You’re learning.” Mai handed one container to Lena. “Anything refrigerated that we actually need tonight?” Marco checked. “Some cheese. Butter. Breakfast meat if we want to prep. Nothing else.” Ace immediately said: “Cheese.” Marco looked at her. “Yes.” “Good.” “You’re not touching it.” “Oppression.” “Survival.” Mira picked up a crate of vegetables. “Where?” Mai pointed toward the stair access. “Kitchen.” Mira started walking. Della grabbed another. No one stopped them. No one insisted guests shouldn’t carry things. Good. That would have been annoying. They made two trips. By the third, Mira had stopped asking where things went. Lena showed her once. That was enough. The Safehouse kitchen absorbed food fast. Bread on one counter. Vegetables in proper storage. Cheese put away before Ace could become a public hazard. Drinks sorted. Marco moved through it all with terrifying efficiency. Della watched him. “You do this professionally?” Marco looked at her. “No.” “Could have fooled me.” Lena smiled. “He takes feeding people personally.” “I do not.” Ace, from the other side of the kitchen: “You absolutely fucking do.” Marco ignored her. Della nodded. “Confirmed.” Mai opened one of the wine cases. Stopped. Looked at Panam’s selections. Then at the stairs. “Panam.” No answer. Mai looked again. Ace leaned over. “Oh.” Della glanced in. “What?” Ace pointed. “She bought the red one.” Mai’s mouth twitched. “The red one.” Mira blinked. “The famous red one?” Ace looked pleased. “You were listening.” “I heard you scream it through a phone earlier.” “Communication.” Mai picked up one bottle. Read the label. Then looked at the second case. “How many?” Ace counted. Stopped. Counted again. “Panam has committed to the bit.” Marco entered. Saw Mai with the bottle. Then the cases. His eyes narrowed. “How much did you send her?” Panam shouted from upstairs: “DO NOT START.” Everyone looked up. Marco folded his arms. “I didn’t ask you.” Panam: “I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING.” Mai smiled. Della covered her mouth. Mira gave up and laughed openly. Marco looked at Mai again. “How much?” Mai calmly put the bottle down. “Enough.” Panam: “FUCK YOU.” Mai raised her voice just enough. “I HEARD THAT.” Panam: “GOOD.” Ace leaned against the counter, delighted. “This is already a successful evening.” Iris appeared at the doorway. “What did I miss?” Brenda behind her: “Panam bought enough wine to kill us.” Marco turned. “No.” Brenda paused. “No what?” “You’re not starting with that.” “I was making an observation.” “You were making plans.” “I can do both.” Iris took Brenda gently by the sleeve and redirected her away from the case. “Later.” Brenda looked betrayed. “Why is everyone against joy?” Ace immediately said: “I’m not.” Mai looked at her. Ace corrected: “I am selectively against joy.” “Better.” Kiro walked in. Looked at the wine. Looked at Brenda. Then at Iris. “Did I arrive at the exact moment somebody made a bad decision?” “Yes,” Iris said. “No,” Brenda said. Ace said: “Not yet.” Kiro nodded. “Excellent.” She took a seat. Della looked around the room. There it was again. Nobody hosting. Nobody performing. Everybody simply occupying the place. Mira seemed to feel the same thing. She leaned against the counter beside Della. Quietly: “This is dangerous.” Della smiled. “The food?” “The whole thing.” Della looked at her. Mira glanced toward Ace and Mai. Toward Iris and Brenda. Toward Kiro. Toward Marco and Lena. From deeper guestroom, faintly, Shammy laughed. Panam said something too muffled to make out. Mira continued: “I could get used to this.” Della looked at her. “Yeah.” Then Ace appeared between them with a piece of bread she had absolutely stolen. “Too late.” Della stared at her. “How did you get that?” Ace took a bite. “Skill.” Marco turned. Saw her. Closed his eyes. “You took the bread.” “No.” “You are eating it.” “Circumstantial.” Marco held out one hand. Ace looked at the half-eaten piece. Then at him. “You want this back?” “No.” “Then legally—” “Don’t.” Ace smiled. “Worth a try.” Mai came up behind her. Took the bread directly from Ace’s hand. Bit into it. Ace stared. “Betrayal.” Mai chewed. Nodded once. “Good bread.” Marco looked at both of them. “I hate this house.” Lena kissed his cheek. “No, you don’t.” Marco sighed. “No.” Della leaned toward Mira. “Okay.” Mira nodded. “Definitely dangerous.” Dinner came together without becoming an event. That might have been the best part. Nothing ceremonial. No table set like important company had arrived. Just food. Bread. Cheese. Vegetables. Something warm Marco threw together from what was already in the Safehouse because the real cabin food was staying where it belonged. Panam eventually came back downstairs. Shammy came with her. Of course. She was no longer literally wrapped around Panam. Progress. Her hair was still not remotely normal. The full halo had softened, but not vanished. Panam had one hand resting casually at the back of her neck. Ace saw them. “Survived?” Panam sat. “Yes.” Shammy sat beside her. Close enough that the distinction was technical. Ace looked at Shammy. “You?” Shammy smiled. “Yes.” Brenda looked between them. Then opened her mouth. Iris covered it with one hand. “No.” Brenda made an offended noise into Iris’s palm. Panam laughed. “Thank you.” Iris removed her hand. Brenda immediately said: “I wasn’t going to say anything.” Everyone looked at her. Brenda sighed. “Fine. I was.” Food moved around. Plates filled. Nobody waited for a formal start. Mira sat near Kiro. Della ended up across from Panam. Ace took the seat that gave her easiest access to everyone else’s plates. Marco noticed. Ignored it. Probably because accepting inevitability was healthier. Panam tore off a piece of bread. Looked at Mira. “First cabin?” Mira nodded. “Yeah.” Della added: “We’ve been warned.” Panam stopped chewing. “By who?” “Brenda.” Panam swallowed. Then looked toward Brenda. Brenda smiled brightly. Panam turned back. “Then you haven’t been warned.” Brenda pointed across the table. “Excuse me?” “You heard me.” “I gave them excellent information.” Iris took a drink. “You told them there would be alcohol, bad decisions and possible nudity.” Brenda shrugged. “All true.” Panam nodded. “Still not enough.” Della smiled. “What are we missing?” Reyes’s empty chair sat at the end of the table. Panam looked toward it. Then at Ace. Ace immediately narrowed her eyes. “No.” Panam smiled. Mira noticed. “Oh.” Ace pointed at her. “Don’t.” Della looked between them. “What?” “Nothing.” Panam leaned back. “Friday.” Ace stared. “Why does everyone keep saying Friday?” Mai calmly buttered bread. “Because Friday exists.” Ace looked at her. “Traitor.” Mai smiled. “Always.” Shammy leaned against Panam. Her hair lifted again slightly when Panam kissed her temple. Della saw it. This time she didn’t ask. She just smiled. Panam caught that. “What?” Della shook her head. “Nothing.” Panam looked suspicious. “That was a very Mira-and-Della nothing.” Mira laughed. “You already know those?” “I know mercs.” “Fair.” Dinner continued. Loud. Easy. Messy. Ace stole food. Marco complained. Brenda tried to open wine. Iris stopped her. Then opened a bottle herself ten minutes later. Brenda declared victory. Kiro called that revisionist history. Lena agreed. Mai told Ace to stop feeding Shammy mushrooms off her own plate. Ace asked why. Mai said because Shammy had her own plate. Shammy ate the mushroom anyway. Panam laughed so hard she almost dropped her glass. And somewhere in the middle of it, Mira and Della stopped watching the room like visitors. Not completely. Not yet. But enough. Enough to argue. Enough to steal bread. Enough to tell Brenda she was full of shit. Enough to laugh when Brenda looked delighted instead of offended. Later, when plates were mostly empty and the kitchen had become everybody’s problem, Della stood beside Panam at the sink. Panam glanced at her. “You okay?” Della looked around. “Yeah.” Panam nodded. “Good.” No follow-up. No emotional excavation. Just good. Della smiled. “First cabin tomorrow.” Panam grinned. “Yep.” “How bad?” Panam considered. Then looked across the room at Ace. Ace was standing on a chair because apparently being 145 centimeters tall had finally become somebody else’s problem. Reyes was arriving tomorrow. Panam’s grin widened. “Ask me Friday.” From across the room: “PANAM.” Panam laughed. Della did too. And somewhere beyond the kitchen noise and the pile of bags waiting for morning, Thursday was already coming. --- # CHAPTER 6 — APPROVED Morning arrived badly. Not catastrophically. Just with enough bodies in enough rooms that the Safehouse had developed the acoustic personality of a small apartment building. A shower ran somewhere. Somebody dropped something. Brenda swore. Marco told her not to swear at objects before coffee. Brenda told him the object had started it. Ace, already awake, shouted from the kitchen: “VALID DEFENSE.” Mai walked past her with a mug. “No.” Ace looked betrayed. “You don’t even know what happened.” “I know Brenda.” “Okay, fair.” Kiro was at the table looking like she had slept perfectly and resented everybody else for noticing. Mira and Della appeared from the guest-room corridor ten minutes apart. Mira looked functional. Della looked like she had spent the first thirty seconds after waking trying to remember where she was. Ace saw it. “Still here.” Della rubbed one eye. “Apparently.” “Good.” “Debatable.” Marco slid coffee toward her. Della took it. Looked at him. “You’re my favorite.” Ace gasped. “Fucking rude.” Della drank. “Earn it.” Mira laughed. Shammy came in last. Panam behind her. Shammy’s hair had mostly settled. Mostly. The moment Panam touched the small of her back, several strands lifted again. Della saw. Pointed. “There.” Shammy blinked. “What?” “Your hair.” Shammy reached up. Panam looked at Della. “Don’t encourage her to notice. She’ll start apologizing to electricity.” “I do not.” Ace looked over. “You absolutely do.” Shammy frowned. “That was once.” Panam kissed her temple. Hair rose again. Mira started laughing. Shammy sighed. “This is unfair.” “It’s adorable,” Panam said. Shammy immediately stopped objecting. Breakfast appeared in waves. Eggs. Bread. Coffee. Actual breakfast meat. Panam watched Marco inspect it. “Don’t.” “I’m cooking it.” “That’s acceptable.” Marco stared at her. Panam smiled. “See? Growth.” Lena laughed into her coffee. The doorbell rang. Nobody moved for half a second. Then Iris looked toward the camera display. “Reyes.” Ace immediately looked suspicious. “Why are you saying her name like that?” “Because she’s at the door.” “Why is she here early?” Mai looked at the time. “She isn’t.” Ace checked. “Oh.” Kiro smiled. “Good morning.” Ace pointed at her. “Hostile.” Iris looked at the camera again. “And Elisa.” That changed the room. Not dramatically. Just enough. Mira and Della both looked up. Della spoke first. “Elisa?” Iris nodded. “Yeah.” Mira frowned slightly. “Do we know an Elisa?” Brenda grinned. “Not yet.” Ace looked at her. “Behave.” Brenda stared. “You said that to me?” “Yes.” “On purpose?” “Yes.” Brenda looked toward Iris. “I’m being oppressed in my own home.” Iris kissed her cheek. “You’ll survive.” “Barely.” Ace headed toward the upper door. Downstairs, the building had already recognized both women. Reyes belonged on the familiar-access list. Elisa had her own permanent clearance. No piggybacking. No borrowed identity. The building knew exactly who she was. The home still waited. Ace opened the upper door. Reyes stood there first. Elisa beside her. Two bags. That was all. Ace looked at them. Then at the bags. Then at Elisa. “You packed for four days?” Elisa smiled. “Efficiently.” Reyes snorted. “She changed bags twice.” Elisa turned. “That was refinement.” “That was indecision.” “Optimization.” Reyes looked at Ace. “She’s been like this for twenty minutes.” Ace smiled. “Good.” Then Elisa looked past her. Into the Safehouse. Not covertly. Not pretending she wasn’t curious. Just openly taking it in. “So this is the famous Safehouse.” Ace leaned against the doorframe. “Famous to who?” Elisa looked at her. “Apparently everyone except me.” Ace laughed. Then stepped forward. No performance. No Mandi. No cover. No professional distance. She wrapped both arms around Elisa and held her. Long. Close. Elisa’s whole face softened. She hugged Ace back immediately. Then Ace kissed her. Not quick. Not social. Not a polite hello. A long, warm kiss that made the relationship impossible to misunderstand. Reyes watched. Smiled. Nothing complicated in it. Just pleased. Behind Ace, Della went still. Elisa broke the kiss with a small smile. “Hi.” Ace smiled back. “Hi.” Mai came over. Elisa turned. Mai hugged her just as warmly. Elisa folded into it easily. Then Mai kissed her too. Long enough to answer every question Mira had not yet asked. Kiro watched from the kitchen. Smiling. Softly. Mira noticed that. Della noticed Reyes. Then Mira and Della looked at each other. Complete silence. Complete confusion. Ace caught it. Her smile widened. “Morning.” Della slowly nodded. “Morning.” Mira looked at Elisa. Then Ace. Then Mai. Then Reyes. Then Kiro. Then back to Della. Della mouthed: Later. Mira nodded. Definitely later. Elisa finally stepped fully inside. Ace took one of her bags. Elisa reached for it. “I can carry that.” “I know.” Ace kept it. Elisa looked down at her. Ace looked up. “You can fight me.” Elisa considered. “No.” “Smart.” Reyes stepped inside behind them. Iris closed the door. The house absorbed both arrivals. No ceremony. No introduction line. Just movement. Elisa looked around again. Shoes. Jackets. Kitchen noise. Breakfast. A mug near the couch. Panam with one hand around Shammy’s waist. Brenda standing barefoot with toast. Marco already annoyed at something. Lena calm beside him. Mira and Della trying very hard not to stare. Elisa smiled. “This is not what I expected.” Ace put the bag down. “What did you expect?” Elisa thought. “More weapons.” Ace looked around. “There are more weapons.” Mai added: “You’re simply not looking in the right places.” Elisa laughed. “Better.” Reyes dropped her bag near the wall. “Tell them.” Elisa looked at her. “Oh.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “What?” Elisa’s smile became dangerous. “Apparently I’m very safe.” Mai folded her arms. “That sentence requires context.” Reyes leaned against the wall. “I picked her up this morning.” Brenda immediately moved closer. “Story.” Iris sighed. “Of course.” Elisa set her second bag down. “My security manager asked where I was going.” Ace nodded. “Reasonable.” “He asked region.” Mai nodded. “Also reasonable.” “He asked who was handling security.” Mira and Della both looked over now. Elisa continued: “I said O’Sullivan SAS.” Mai’s expression changed by a fraction. Ace smiled. Reyes laughed. “What?” Elisa looked delighted. “That was it.” Della frowned. “What do you mean, that was it?” “The questions stopped.” Mira stared. Elisa nodded. “He checked something, looked at me, and said, ‘Approved.’” Brenda laughed. “That’s fucking beautiful.” Reyes shook her head. “I thought he was going to ask for names, vehicle routes, armed response, emergency contacts.” Elisa spread her hands. “No.” Mai looked amused now. “What exactly did he say?” Elisa thought. “‘I had one relevant question. It was answered.’” Silence. Then Panam laughed. Loud. Marco nodded once. “Competent.” Ace pointed at him. “That is disturbingly high praise.” “It was competent.” Della looked at Mira. Mira looked back. There it was again. The room full of idiots from last night. The bread theft. The yelling. Shammy’s hair. Brenda arguing with furniture. And underneath it— this. Institutional credibility. Reputation strong enough that a professional security manager responsible for one of Night City’s wealthiest young corpo heirs heard the company name and stopped asking. Della looked at Ace. “You people are weird.” Ace smiled. “Yeah.” Mira added: “And apparently terrifying.” Mai took a drink. “Sometimes.” Brenda pointed at herself. “Mostly her.” Iris looked at her. “No.” “Rude.” Elisa laughed. Then looked around the room again. Not searching. Learning. Della watched her carefully. The expensive clothes were there. The posture. The polish. The kind of calm that came from growing up inside rooms where everybody knew who your family was. But she was standing barefoot two minutes later because Ace had told everyone shoes could go wherever. She took coffee when Marco offered it. She thanked him. She stole half of Ace’s toast. Ace bit her hand. Elisa laughed. Della’s eyes narrowed. Interesting. Very interesting. Mira leaned toward her. Quietly: “I know her.” Della turned. “What?” “Not know her.” Mira frowned. “I’ve seen her.” “Where?” “Don’t know yet.” Elisa looked over. Caught them looking. Smiled. No offense. No defensiveness. Just: “Hi.” Mira smiled back. “Hi.” Della did too. “Della.” “Mira.” Elisa nodded. “Elisa.” Ace nearly choked on coffee. Mai looked at her. “Don’t.” Ace swallowed. “I said nothing.” “You were going to.” “Yes.” Elisa looked suspicious. “What?” “Nothing.” Reyes snorted. “That was not nothing.” Ace pointed. “Don’t start.” Reyes smiled. “Oh, I’m starting on Friday.” Ace’s whole expression hardened. “Fuck you.” Elisa looked between them. “Friday?” Everyone except Ace smiled. Elisa’s smile slowly widened. “Oh.” Ace looked around the room. “I hate all of you.” Mai kissed the side of her head. “No, you don’t.” Ace leaned into her automatically. “No.” Elisa saw that. So did Mira. So did Della. Another piece. No map. Definitely no map. Marco clapped his hands once. “Breakfast.” Elisa immediately moved toward the table. Ace looked at her bags. “Worth the wait?” Elisa stopped. Turned. Looked around the Safehouse again. At the kitchen. At the people. At Ace. Mai. Then smiled. “Yeah.” A beat. “Absolutely.” Mai touched the back of her neck as she passed. “Good.” Marco pointed at an open chair. “Sit.” Elisa sat. Then looked around. “Apparently I live here now.” Ace dropped into the chair beside her. “Good. Eat.” Della looked at Mira again. Mira raised both eyebrows. Still later. Much later. Because they had bags to load. Vehicles to sort. Three and a half hours of road ahead. And apparently— a lots and lots of questions. --- # CHAPTER 7 — THIRTEEN Departure took forty-three minutes longer than anyone admitted. This was normal. The problem with thirteen people was not that thirteen people needed a lot of things. The problem was that thirteen people each knew which of their things were absolutely essential. Somehow, this produced enough luggage to suggest exile. Ace stood in the Safehouse garage beside a growing pile. She held up a bottle. “Emergency whiskey.” Mai took it out of her hand. “No.” “It says emergency.” “It says reserve.” “Same thing.” “No.” Ace reached for it. Mai moved it away. “This is tyranny.” Mai placed the bottle into a different bag. Ace stopped. Watched. Then smiled. “Oh.” Mira saw the whole thing. “She didn’t say you couldn’t bring it.” Ace pointed at her. “Exactly.” Mai looked at Mira. “Don’t encourage her.” Della picked up one of Elisa’s bags. Elisa looked offended. “I can carry that.” “I know.” “Then why are you carrying it?” Della shrugged. “Because I got there first.” Elisa considered this. “Fine.” Reyes walked past with Elisa’s second bag. “Look at that. Character growth.” Elisa turned. “Give me that.” “No.” “You’re both assholes.” Della smiled. “Cabin.” Elisa blinked. “What?” Della pointed at Ace. “She said it answers everything.” Ace looked delighted. “See? She learns fast.” Marco appeared beside Panam’s truck. “Cold unit.” Panam, already behind him: “Fine.” “You checked it?” “Yes.” “Backup?” “Yes.” “Remote alarm?” “Yes.” “Temperature?” “Yes.” “When?” Panam stared at him. “Seven minutes ago.” Marco nodded. Panam folded her arms. “Are we done?” Marco looked at the display. “Yes.” Panam narrowed her eyes. “That easy?” “No.” “Fuck you.” “Later.” Panam blinked. Marco walked away. Shammy, standing beside Panam with one arm around her waist, started laughing. Panam looked at her. “Did he just—” “Yes.” “Motherfucker.” Shammy kissed her cheek. Panam smiled despite herself. “Don’t reward him.” “I was rewarding you.” “Better.” Her hair lifted. Not full halo. Not yet. But enough. Della noticed. Again. This time she just pointed. Shammy sighed. “I know.” Mira laughed. Kiro came down carrying a compact bag and wearing the expression of somebody who had successfully avoided packing anything unnecessary. Ace looked at it. “That’s all?” “Yes.” “For four days?” “Yes.” Ace looked personally offended. “What if you need something?” “I packed what I need.” “That’s unnatural.” Kiro glanced toward Ace’s luggage. “You have three bags.” “One is weapons.” “That does not help your argument.” “One is clothes.” “And the third?” Ace paused. “Contingencies.” Mai passed behind her. “Snacks.” Ace glared. “Contingencies.” Brenda came out carrying a bag almost as large as she was. Iris followed with one normal-sized one. Reyes looked at Brenda. “What the fuck is in there?” Brenda smiled. “Options.” Iris answered: “Half of it is clothes.” Brenda looked offended. “That is slander.” Iris continued: “The other half is things she promised not to use.” Silence. Ace looked interested. “What things?” “No,” Iris said. “I didn’t even ask yet.” “You were going to.” Brenda pointed at Iris. “This is oppressive.” Iris kissed her. Brenda immediately stopped complaining. Mira looked at Della. Della nodded. “Efficient.” Elisa appeared beside them. “Is this normal?” Della looked around. Ace arguing over snacks. Marco checking straps. Panam checking Marco checking straps. Shammy attached to Panam. Kiro already seated in one vehicle because she had clearly decided distance was self-care. Brenda trying to reopen her bag without Iris noticing. Reyes leaning against the wall and enjoying everything. Mai holding the entire departure together through force of personality. Della smiled. “I’m starting to think yes.” Elisa nodded. “Good.” Vehicle allocation took less time than the packing. Mostly because Mai had already decided. Panam and Shammy in the truck. Nobody argued. Marco and Lena together. Also obvious. Brenda, Iris and Kiro. Kiro looked at Brenda. “Why me?” Brenda smiled. “Because you love me.” Kiro stared. Iris opened the passenger door. “Get in.” Kiro sighed. “I hate all of you.” Brenda beamed. “Love you too.” Reyes and Elisa. Elisa nodded. “That works.” Reyes looked at her. “You say that now.” Elisa smiled. “I survived the drive here.” “Barely.” “That was because you insulted my luggage.” “I described it accurately.” “Two bags.” “For four days.” “Efficient.” Reyes looked toward Mira and Della. “She’s been saying that all morning.” Mira nodded. “We noticed.” Which left— Ace. Mai. Mira. Della. Della stared at the vehicle. Then at Ace. Then Mai. “Oh, this feels deliberate.” Mai opened the driver’s door. “It is.” Mira smiled. “Should we be worried?” Ace climbed into the front passenger seat. “Yes.” Mai looked at her. “No.” Ace looked at Mira. “See? Mixed signals already.” Della got in. “Perfect.” Before the convoy moved, Marco did one final walk-around. Panam leaned out her window. “If you touch my refrigeration again, I’m running you over.” Marco looked at the temperature display on his shard. “I’m not touching it.” “You’re looking at it remotely.” “Yes.” “That counts.” “No.” “It fucking counts.” Lena called from their vehicle: “Marco.” He got in. Panam looked satisfied. “Victory.” Shammy kissed her. Hair up. Panam grinned. “Double victory.” The garage door opened. Five vehicles rolled out one by one. Not crowded. Not even close. The Safehouse swallowed the empty spaces behind them. Mira watched through the rear window until the entrance disappeared. That was stranger than arriving. Now she knew where it was. Really knew. She could drive back. She could recognize the street. The turn. The garage. The fact sat heavier than expected. Della noticed. “Yeah.” Mira looked at her. “You too?” Della nodded. “Yeah.” Ace turned halfway around in her seat. “You two okay?” Mira answered first. “Yep.” Ace held her gaze for one second. Then nodded. “Good.” No excavation. No speech. Mira smiled. Better. They left Watson behind. Traffic thinned gradually. Night City took time to loosen its grip. Buildings lowered. Advertising became less constant. Road widened. Then narrowed. Then opened again. The convoy settled into rhythm. Panam’s truck led. Marco behind. Brenda and Iris next. Reyes with Elisa. Ace and Mai last. Della watched the other vehicles ahead. “Three and a half hours?” Mai nodded. “Roughly.” “That’s far.” “That’s the point.” Ace looked out the window. “Long enough that nobody can call and say ‘come over for ten minutes.’” Della laughed. “Healthy.” “Very.” Mira leaned forward slightly. “So what exactly are we getting into?” Mai answered: “A weekend.” Ace answered at the same time: “A perfectly normal weekend.” Della immediately said: “Bullshit.” Ace turned around. Slow smile. “Oh, they’re going to fit in just fine.” Mai laughed. Mira looked toward Della. “See?” “I’m adaptable.” “You’re suspicious.” “Same skillset.” Ace nodded approvingly. “Correct.” For a while they drove in easy silence. Then Della looked toward the vehicle ahead. Reyes’s. Elisa visible through the rear glass when the road curved. Something still bothered her. Not bad. Familiar. Mira had said the same thing earlier. Della narrowed her eyes. “Okay.” Ace looked back. “What?” “Elisa.” Mai’s mouth moved. Barely. Almost a smile. Mira leaned forward. “I told you.” Della pointed toward the road. “She looks familiar.” Ace turned fully in her seat. “Does she?” Mai kept driving. Calm. Too calm. Della looked between them. “You know why.” Ace smiled. “No.” “Yes.” “Maybe.” Mira frowned. “I’ve definitely seen her somewhere.” Della snapped her fingers. “Media.” Mira’s eyes narrowed. “Corpo?” Ace looked out the windshield. Mai said nothing. Della looked at them. “Oh, fuck both of you.” Ace started laughing. Mira leaned farther forward. “Wait.” Della looked at her. Mira looked toward Reyes’s vehicle again. Then froze. “Oh.” Della saw it. “What?” Mira looked at her. “No.” “What?” Mira said one name. Not Elisa. A family name. Della went still. Then looked toward the car ahead. Then Ace. Then Mai. Then back to the car. “No fucking way.” Ace smiled. Mai kept driving. Della pointed forward. “That Elisa?” Ace nodded. “Yes.” Mira stared. “The Elisa?” Mai answered: “Yes.” Silence. Long enough that Ace started enjoying it visibly. Della finally spoke. “You kissed her.” Ace looked confused. “Yes?” “Mira means at the Safehouse.” “I know.” “Like—” Della stopped. Ace waited. Della gestured. “Like that.” Ace smiled. “Yes.” Mira looked at Mai. “So did you.” Mai nodded. “Yes.” Della looked ahead. At Reyes driving Elisa. Then remembered Reyes smiling. Kiro smiling. Nobody tense. Nobody weird. Nobody possessive. Just happy. “Right.” Ace turned back forward. “That sounded like a system crash.” “It was.” Mai smiled. Mira sat back. “Fuck.” Della looked at Ace. “You know her well.” Ace answered without hesitation. “Yeah.” Mai added: “Very.” Mira stared. “…Oh.” Ace started laughing again. Della pointed at her. “Don’t.” “I didn’t say anything.” “You didn’t need to.” Mai looked in the mirror. “Try not to build the entire person from what you’ve seen in corpo media.” Della leaned back. “Wasn’t planning to.” Mira shrugged. “I was.” Mai smiled faintly. “Meet her first.” Ace added: “Then decide who she is.” Della looked toward the road ahead. Small vehicle. Elisa somewhere inside. Wealth. Family. Media. Security teams. And that long kiss at the Safehouse door. Della smiled. “Fine.” Mira nodded. “Fine.” Ace looked satisfied. “Excellent.” Della immediately added: “We’ll judge harshly.” Ace brightened. “Now you’re speaking my language.” The convoy rolled on. Night City shrank behind them. Trees thickened. Road opened. And three hours ahead— the Cabin waited. --- # CHAPTER 8 — BACK AGAIN The road narrowed for the last forty minutes. Not badly. Just enough that Night City stopped feeling relevant. Trees closed in. Pines. Rock. Open stretches where the lake flashed occasionally through gaps far below the road. Panam’s truck stayed in front. Stable. Unhurried. The convoy behind her stretched and compressed with the curves. Ace had stopped talking ten minutes ago. That was how Mira knew they were close. Not silence. Different silence. Familiar. Mai drove with one hand loose on the wheel. Della watched the road ahead. Then Ace. “You know this route.” Ace glanced back. “Yep.” “How many times?” Ace thought. Mai answered for her. “Enough.” Della smiled. “That means a lot, doesn’t it?” Ace looked forward again. “Yeah.” Mira leaned slightly toward the window. The trees opened. The first glimpse of water appeared. Broad. Dark blue. Still enough to mirror light in long bands. Then vanished behind the pines again. Mira sat up. “Oh.” Ace smiled. There it was. The reaction. Mai caught it in the mirror. “Wait.” “For what?” “Next turn.” The road curved. Dropped. Opened. And the property finally appeared. Not all at once. First the clearing. Then the parking area. Then the Main Cabin beyond it. Dark wood. Wide glass. Low expensive roofline. Stone. Terrace facing the lake. Not flashy. Not trying. Just sitting above the shoreline like it had been there long enough to stop caring whether anyone approved. Farther across the clearing— another building. Smaller. Separate. The Side House. Della saw it immediately. “Wait.” Mai smiled. “Yes.” “That’s separate.” “Yes.” Ace turned around. “We learned architecture.” Della gave her the finger. Mira laughed. Then she saw the sauna. Lower. Dark-log construction near the water. Separated from the Main Cabin by actual distance. Not decorative. Not attached. Not pretending to be part of the house. A path ran toward it. Beyond— the dock. Long. Wooden. Reaching straight into the lake. Reyes’s vehicle slowed. Ace noticed. “No.” Mai looked at her. “She hasn’t done anything.” “She looked at the dock.” “You cannot arrest her for looking.” “I can try.” Mira glanced toward the vehicle ahead. “Why does that dock make you nervous?” Ace looked at her. “History.” Della smiled. “Friday.” Ace turned slowly. “Fuck you.” Mira laughed. The parking area came into full view. Plenty of space. More than enough for the five vehicles. Panam pulled in first. Then Marco. Brenda and Iris. Reyes. Mai last. Engines shut down one after another. The sudden quiet was enormous. No city hum. No traffic. No distant ads. No sirens. Just cooling engines. Wind through pine. Water somewhere below. Elisa got out of Reyes’s vehicle. Stopped. Looked around. Not at the buildings first. The lake. Her whole expression changed. “Oh.” Reyes came around the front of the vehicle. “Yeah.” Elisa turned slowly. Main Cabin. Side House. Sauna. Dock. Trees. Terrace. Then back to the lake. Ace got out. Closed the door. “Well?” Elisa looked at her. “You undersold it.” Ace shrugged. “I’m short.” Elisa stared. Della made a sound like a cough. Mira looked away. Mai closed her door. “That was terrible.” Ace smiled. “I know.” Panam was already at the rear of the truck. Marco appeared beside her. Panam saw him. “No.” “I haven’t touched anything.” “You’re here.” “I’m helping.” “You’re inspecting.” “I can do both.” Panam looked toward Lena. “Take him.” Lena laughed. “No.” Shammy stepped down from the truck. Her hair lifted the moment Panam touched her waist. Della saw. Still funny. Still impossible. Still somehow normal now. Brenda opened the back of their vehicle. “WHO PACKED THIS?” Iris looked over. “You did.” Brenda paused. “Right.” Kiro got out beside them. “Excellent start.” Mira stood in the clearing. Turned once. Then looked at Della. “This isn’t one cabin.” Della nodded. “No.” Ace walked past carrying two bags. “Congratulations.” “Shut up.” “You’re learning.” Elisa picked up one of her own bags. Reyes reached for it. Elisa pulled it away. “No.” Reyes raised both hands. “Fine.” “I can carry vegetables too.” Nobody had mentioned vegetables. Ace looked at her. “You absolutely can.” Marco, from the truck: “Not those.” Elisa looked toward him. “Why?” “Because they’re under the bread.” Ace pointed. “See? Social hierarchy.” Marco didn’t look up. “Food hierarchy.” “Same thing.” Panam laughed. They started unloading. Not everything. Marco and Panam agreed on that much. Cold goods stayed in the truck refrigeration until needed. The remote temperature stayed live. Panam made sure everyone knew that. Mostly Marco. Marco made sure everyone knew he knew. Mostly Panam. The argument continued anyway. Della carried one crate toward the Main Cabin. Mira followed. Elisa took a smaller one. Reyes watched her. “You know you don’t have to.” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” “And?” “I know what you meant.” Then kept walking. Reyes smiled. Good enough. The token access system accepted them without drama. That was the point. Authorized rental access. No ceremony. No fortress theatrics. Just entry. The Main Cabin door opened. Mira stepped inside. Stopped. The lake hit first. Huge through the glass. The common room opened toward it. Wood. Stone. Fireplace. Couches. Moved furniture. Books. Long table. Kitchen built for actual cooking. Not some decorative vacation counter. Della came in behind her. “Oh.” Ace dropped bags near the wall. “Again?” Della looked around. “Different oh.” Mai smiled. “Acceptable.” Elisa stepped in. Went quiet. That got everyone’s attention more effectively than a speech would have. She walked farther into the common room. Slow. Looked toward the terrace. Then the lake beyond it. Then back toward the kitchen. Fireplace. Stairs. Hallway. No one rushed her. No one explained the place. She turned. “This is beautiful.” Brenda came in carrying something badly. “Give us twelve hours.” Iris behind her: “No.” Brenda looked back. “What?” “Do not promise structural damage.” “I said nothing about structural damage.” “You implied.” “Socially, then.” Iris thought. “Likely.” Elisa laughed. There she was again. Mira noticed. Less corpo. Less polished. Not gone. Just unnecessary. More bags came in. Then more. Wine. Too much wine. Della stood beside the cases. “How many bottles?” Panam walked past. “Cabin.” Della blinked. “That doesn’t answer anything.” Ace pointed at her. “It does now.” Mira looked toward the Side House through the clearing-side windows. “That’s two bedrooms?” Mai nodded. “Two bedrooms. Sitting room. Bathroom.” Della turned. “And this house?” “Four bedrooms.” “Bathrooms?” “Enough.” “Helpful.” Mai smiled. “Deliberately.” Della looked impressed. “Okay.” Ace looked at her. “What?” “Nothing.” “That sounded expensive.” Della smiled. “It sounded like you finally gave me enough information not to wake up in somebody’s room by accident.” Ace shrugged. “That can still happen.” Mai looked at her. Ace added: “Consensually.” Della laughed. “Fucking hell.” There. Better. No lecture. No seminar. Just a fact. Elisa looked toward the terrace doors. “Can we go outside?” Ace stared at her. “You just came inside.” “I know.” “Why?” “The lake.” “Fair.” They went back out. Terrace first. Wide. Covered. Chairs. Low seating. Open view. The Main Cabin sat above the shoreline enough that the lake spread wide below. The path down was visible. Sauna farther off. Dock beyond. Boathouse near the lake. Mira leaned against the railing. Della stepped beside her. Elisa walked to the edge of the terrace and stopped. Reyes joined her. “You like it.” Elisa didn’t look away from the lake. “Yes.” Ace came up beside them. “Careful.” Elisa glanced down. “At what?” Ace pointed toward Reyes. “That.” Reyes looked offended. “I haven’t done anything.” Ace looked at the dock. “You thought about it.” “I always think about it.” “Exactly.” Mira turned. “Is this still the mysterious Friday thing?” Reyes smiled. Ace pointed. “No spoilers.” Della looked at the dock again. Then at Ace. Then Reyes. “Oh, this is absolutely going to be stupid.” Mai came out carrying a case. “Yes.” Ace looked betrayed. “You too?” Mai kissed her hair. “Especially me.” Panam walked past with Shammy. Shammy was still close. Not clinging now. Just touching. Always touching. Elisa watched them. Smiled. Then looked toward the Side House. “What’s that one used for?” Ace answered: “Whatever.” Della looked at her. “That is an answer?” “Sleeping. Quiet. Smaller groups. People disappearing.” Mira raised an eyebrow. “Disappearing.” Ace smiled. “Sometimes very enthusiastically.” Mai said: “Ace.” “What?” Della laughed. “That one I understood.” Good. The unloading took another half hour. Rooms were not assigned. Not really. Bags got placed. Some upstairs. Some downstairs. Some in the Side House. Mostly based on practical space and who had grabbed what first. Nobody wrote a chart. Nobody asked for relationship declarations. Reyes dumped her bag in one room and immediately walked back out. Kiro picked somewhere quiet. Marco and Lena claimed nothing loudly and somehow ended up organized anyway. Panam and Shammy vanished toward the Side House with two bags. Ace saw. Pointed after them. “Subtle.” Panam turned while still walking backward. “Fuck you.” Shammy laughed. Her hair lifted. Ace grinned. “See you later.” “You will.” Della looked toward Mira. “Okay.” “What?” “I’m starting to understand the architecture.” Mira smiled. “Building or people?” Della looked around. Ace and Mai. Reyes coming back from the hallway. Kiro carrying a blanket. Elisa already barefoot on the terrace. Brenda yelling from somewhere about a bottle opener. Iris yelling back that it was in her hand. Marco arguing with Panam through an open window about refrigeration. Lena laughing. Shammy somewhere across the clearing with her hair still refusing dignity. Della shook her head. “Building.” Mira nodded. “Yeah. Same.” The people were going to take longer. Much longer. And from the dock— Reyes looked back at Ace. Smiled. Ace saw her. “No.” Reyes lifted both hands. “Not today.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “You promise?” “No.” “BITCH.” Reyes laughed. Elisa turned toward Mira and Della. “That was not a nothing face.” Della smiled. “No.” Mira looked toward the lake. “Definitely Friday.” Ace groaned. The Cabin had them. All thirteen. And Thursday had barely started. --- # CHAPTER 9 — NO ASSIGNMENTS The first lie of any cabin weekend was that unloading meant arrival was finished. It did not. Unloading only meant the objects had arrived. The people took longer. The Main Cabin swallowed bags, food, jackets, weapons, boots, bottles, towels and one argument about whether Brenda had packed something illegal. She had not. Probably. Iris refused to verify. Marco and Lena took over enough of the kitchen to make the place functional without claiming it. Panam disappeared back outside twice to check the truck. Marco followed once. Panam threatened him. Nothing changed. Kiro found coffee. Ace found Kiro finding coffee. This became conflict. “You’re making some without me.” “You were outside.” “That is not a defense.” “You abandoned the coffee zone.” “I was helping.” Kiro looked at her. “No.” Ace paused. “Fair.” Kiro handed her a mug anyway. Ace took it. “Love you.” “I know.” Mira was carrying towels toward the downstairs bathroom when she heard that. She stopped. Looked back. Kiro had already turned away. Ace was drinking coffee like nothing had happened. Mira resumed walking. Interesting. Not surprising anymore. Still interesting. The downstairs bathroom was where Mai said it would be. Good. One less piece of architectural treachery. Mira set the towels down. On the way back she almost collided with Della coming in from outside. Della was carrying nothing. Mira looked at her. “What happened?” “I got distracted.” “By?” “The Side House.” Mira smiled. “You went over?” “Yeah.” “And?” “Two bedrooms. Small sitting room. Bathroom.” “Exactly like they said?” “Annoyingly.” Mira laughed. Della leaned closer. “Panam and Shammy put their bags there.” “Of course they did.” “Shammy is still glowing.” “Hair?” “Hair.” “Full halo?” “Not full.” Della considered. “Maybe seventy percent halo.” Mira nodded solemnly. “Technical measurement.” “Very.” They walked back into the common room. Elisa was on the terrace. Alone for the moment. Not isolated. Just alone. Hands resting on the railing. Looking at the lake. Della slowed. Mira followed her gaze. “Still trying to place her?” “No.” “Liar.” Della smiled. “Not about the media.” Mira looked at her. “Then?” Della watched Elisa. “I’m trying to work out how someone who grew up like that looks this comfortable here after twenty minutes.” Mira shrugged. “Maybe she isn’t.” Della considered. Then nodded. “Fair.” From the kitchen, Brenda shouted: “WHO TOOK THE FUCKING KNIFE?” Marco shouted back: “WHICH FUCKING KNIFE?” Brenda: “THE GOOD ONE.” Marco: “THAT DESCRIBES NOTHING.” Elisa turned from the terrace. Paused. Then laughed. Della smiled. “Okay.” Mira nodded. “Maybe she is.” Elisa stepped back inside. Barefoot. Still carrying her coffee. She looked toward Mira and Della. “You’re staring again.” Della didn’t bother denying it. “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “Any conclusions?” Mira answered first. “No.” “Excellent.” Della raised an eyebrow. “You prefer that?” “Usually.” “Why?” Elisa took a sip. “People get boring when they decide too early.” That landed. Not heavy. Just sharp. Della smiled. “Fair.” Brenda appeared from the kitchen holding the knife. “I found it.” Marco’s voice: “WHERE?” Brenda looked over her shoulder. “In my hand.” Silence. Then Marco: “Jesus Christ.” Elisa nearly choked on coffee. Mira laughed. Della covered her face. Brenda looked pleased with herself. “This is going very well.” Iris walked past. “No.” “Yes.” “No.” Brenda followed her. “Agree to disagree.” “You were holding the knife you were looking for.” “It was camouflaged.” “In your hand?” “Exactly.” Iris shook her head. Elisa watched them go. Then looked at Della. “Are they always like that?” Della said: “I’ve known them only bit longer than you.” “And?” “Yes.” Mira laughed. Elisa nodded. “Good.” The afternoon broke apart naturally. No one announced activities. No one stood in the common room asking what everyone wanted to do. Things simply happened. Marco and Lena started sorting dinner. Brenda found the boathouse latch. It stuck. She immediately became interested. Ace saw her. “No.” Brenda looked over. “I didn’t do anything.” “You’re thinking at it.” “That is not illegal.” “Historically, it should be.” Iris appeared behind Brenda. “Leave the latch alone.” Brenda looked betrayed. “It’s broken.” “It sticks.” “Same thing.” “No.” Brenda crouched. Ace pointed at her. “Iris.” “I see her.” Brenda stood up again. “This household suppresses innovation.” Ace nodded. “Correct.” The boathouse latch remained unrepaired. For now. Reyes walked down toward the dock. Ace watched her. Reyes did not look back. Ace narrowed her eyes. Mai came onto the terrace beside her. “What?” “She’s plotting.” Mai looked toward Reyes. “She’s sitting down.” “Plotting while sitting.” “Highly advanced.” Ace took a drink. “Exactly.” Mai kissed the side of her head. Ace leaned into her without looking. Elisa saw from across the terrace. Smiled. Then Mira saw Elisa smiling. Then Della saw Mira seeing Elisa. Della sighed. “What?” Mira looked at her. “Nothing.” “That word is losing all value.” “Cabin.” Della started laughing. “Fuck you.” “See? You’re learning.” Later, Della found Ace alone. Not intentionally. Ace had escaped the common room with coffee and ended up sitting on the stone steps below the terrace. One foot lower than the other. Mug balanced against her knee. Lake ahead. No Mai. No Elisa. No Kiro. No Reyes. Just Ace. Della stopped at the top of the steps. Ace looked up. “What?” “Nothing.” Ace stared. Della sighed. “Fine. Something.” “Thought so.” Mira came out behind her. Stopped when she saw Ace. Then looked at Della. Della raised one eyebrow. Mira understood. Perfect. They walked down. Ace watched both of them. “This feels organized.” “It isn’t.” “Worse.” Della sat two steps above Ace. Mira sat beside her. Ace looked between them. “Okay.” Della smiled. “Can we ask you something?” Ace drank coffee. “You just did.” Mira laughed. Della pointed at her. “Don’t be an asshole.” “No promises.” Della leaned back on both hands. Then asked it. Direct. No warm-up. No bullshit. “Are you, Mai and Elisa lovers?” Ace blinked once. Not shocked. Just recalibrating from whatever question she had expected. Then: “Yes.” Della waited. Ace looked at her. “What?” “That’s it?” “You asked a yes-or-no question.” Mira laughed. Della smiled. “Fair.” Ace took another drink. Della looked toward the terrace. Mai was inside. Elisa somewhere near the kitchen. Neither visible. “So all three of you.” Ace nodded. “Yes.” “Together?” Ace frowned slightly. “Sometimes.” Mira tilted her head. “And separately?” “Yes.” Della looked at Mira. Mira looked back. Ace watched them. “You’re trying to draw the map.” Della sighed. “We know.” “Bad idea.” “We know.” Mira smiled. “Still doing it.” Ace nodded. “Also fair.” Della looked at her again. “Does Reyes—” Ace immediately pointed. “No.” Della stopped. Ace smiled. “You don’t get the whole chart in one sitting.” “There is no chart.” “Correct.” Mira laughed. Della shook her head. “This is fucking ridiculous.” Ace nodded. “Yep.” “You’re all okay with this.” “Yes.” “Kiro smiling when you kissed Elisa.” “Yes.” “Reyes smiling too.” “Yes.” “Mai kissing Elisa right after you.” “Yes.” Della stared. Ace stared back. Then Della laughed. “Fuck.” Ace smiled. “There it is.” Mira leaned forward. “So Elisa is not just someone you sleep with.” Ace’s expression changed. Tiny. Enough. “No.” That answer carried more weight. Della caught it. “So you love her.” Ace looked toward the lake. Then back. “Yes.” No joke. No deflection. Just yes. Mira nodded. Della did too. That was enough. Ace looked between them. “Happy?” Della thought. “Actually, yes.” Ace smiled. “Good.” Then Della added: “Still no map.” Ace laughed. “Excellent.” Mira nudged Della. “Operational failure.” “Complete.” Ace looked up at them. “You’ll survive.” Della smiled. “Will we?” Ace looked toward the dock. Reyes was still there. Waiting. Probably. Then toward the Side House. Panam and Shammy somewhere inside or nearby. Then toward the Main Cabin. Laughter through the open terrace doors. Elisa’s voice. Mai answering. Brenda swearing. Marco swearing louder. Ace smiled. “Maybe.” Della followed her gaze. Then looked at Mira. Mira smiled. Good enough. A shout came from the kitchen. “ACE.” Ace closed her eyes. Mai. Ace shouted back: “WHAT?” “STOP HIDING AND COME HELP.” “I’M BUSY.” Della looked at her. “With?” Ace thought. Then shouted: “EDUCATION.” Mai: “BULLSHIT.” Mira laughed. Della nearly fell sideways. Ace stood. “See?” Della wiped her eyes. “I’m learning so much.” Ace started up the steps. “Terrible.” Mira looked at Della. “You asking anything else?” Della stood. “Not today.” Ace turned. “Coward.” “Fuck you.” Ace smiled. “There she is.” They went back inside. Nobody asked what they had talked about. Nobody needed to. Dinner was beginning to smell real. Panam and Shammy were crossing the clearing from the Side House. Shammy’s hair was finally almost normal. Almost. Elisa stood on the terrace with Mai. Reyes came up from the dock. Ace saw her. Reyes smiled. Ace pointed. “Not today.” Reyes shrugged. “Didn’t say anything.” “That’s worse.” And Thursday kept moving. --- # CHAPTER 10 — THURSDAY NIGHT Dinner took over the Main Cabin before sunset. Not politely. By force. Marco had reached the point where anybody entering the kitchen without a reason became a threat to civilization. Ace tested this boundary repeatedly. “Out.” “I live nowhere near here.” “Out.” “I’m helping.” “You’re eating mushrooms.” “Quality control.” Marco pointed toward the common room. Ace took another mushroom. Then left. Della watched from the table. “She does that deliberately.” Lena set down a bowl. “Yes.” “Why?” “Because Marco reacts.” From the kitchen: “I CAN HEAR YOU.” Lena smiled. “I know.” Mira laughed. The long table had been extended. Thirteen places. Not assigned. That distinction lasted approximately thirty seconds. People put glasses down. Moved chairs. Stole chairs. Brenda dragged one sideways because apparently sitting normally violated her principles. Iris moved it back. Brenda moved it again. Iris stared. Brenda smiled. “Compromise?” “That isn’t compromise.” “I moved it less.” Iris looked at the angle. “You moved it more.” Brenda checked. “Oh.” Reyes sat across from Ace. Ace noticed. “No.” Reyes looked innocent. “We are indoors.” “You can plan indoors.” “I can plan anywhere.” “Exactly.” Elisa sat beside Mai. Then changed her mind halfway through sitting and moved one chair over when Kiro arrived. Kiro looked at the seat. Then at Elisa. “Why?” “So you can sit there.” “I could sit somewhere else.” “Yes.” Kiro sat. “Okay.” Elisa smiled. Della saw that. Different again. No performance. No hierarchy. Just making room. She sat beside Mira. Panam came in from outside with Shammy almost attached to her hip. Marco looked at them. “Wash your hands.” Panam stopped. “I was checking the truck.” “I know.” “My hands are clean.” “You touched the truck.” Panam stared. “Are you fucking serious?” Marco stared back. Panam sighed. “Fine.” Shammy followed her toward the sink. Marco pointed. “You too.” Shammy looked at her hands. “I only touched Panam.” Panam turned. “That is not the defense you think it is.” Ace collapsed laughing against Mai. Shammy’s hair lifted. Panam saw it. “Don’t.” Shammy smiled. Too late. Full halo threatened again. Mira whispered: “Eighty percent.” Della nodded. “Minimum.” Shammy heard. Turned. “You’re measuring now?” Della looked perfectly serious. “Scientific interest.” Shammy considered. Then: “Okay.” Panam pointed at her. “No. Do not encourage them.” Ace, still laughing: “TOO LATE.” Dinner finally landed. Real steaks. Vegetables. Potatoes. Mushrooms. Bread. Something Marco had done with onions that made even Brenda stop talking for several seconds. Panam cut into her steak. Took one bite. Looked at Marco. Marco looked back. “Well?” Panam chewed. Swallowed. “Good.” Marco waited. Panam sighed. “Very fucking good.” Marco nodded. “Thank you.” Panam pointed her fork. “Don’t get smug.” “I’m not.” “You look smug.” “That’s my face.” Ace leaned toward Mira. “He has a steak face too.” Marco closed his eyes. “Please stop cataloguing my faces.” “No.” Elisa tried one of the mushrooms. Paused. Looked toward Ace. Ace immediately noticed. “What?” Elisa took another. “You were right.” Ace straightened. “Say it louder.” “No.” “Mushrooms?” “Yes.” Ace looked triumphant. “HA.” Mai took one from Ace’s plate. Ace stared. “You have your own.” Mai ate it. “I know.” Elisa watched them. Smiled. Then stole one from Mai. Mai looked at her. Elisa smiled brighter. Mai kissed her. Short. Easy. Right there at the table. Nobody stopped eating. Mira glanced at Della. Della barely moved her lips. “Confirmed.” Ace heard anyway. “Fuck you.” Della laughed. “What?” “You know what.” Mira looked delighted. Reyes raised her glass. “To education.” Ace pointed at her. “Do not fucking start.” Elisa looked between them. “What did I miss?” Della opened her mouth. Ace: “Nothing.” Mira: “Cabin.” Elisa laughed. “Right.” The wine opened after food. Not before. Marco’s rule. Nobody had technically agreed. Everyone obeyed. Panam produced the red. Ace saw the bottle. Her entire face changed. “Yes.” Mai looked at her. “You are too excited.” “No such thing.” Panam poured. Not huge glasses. Cabin weekend did not mean immediate stupidity. That apparently had scheduling. Elisa accepted wine. Della and Mira did too. Reyes lifted hers. Brenda lifted hers higher. Iris pulled Brenda’s back down before she spilled it. Brenda looked offended. “I had control.” “You absolutely did not.” “It was conceptual control.” “That’s not a thing.” Kiro said: “It is when Brenda needs it to be.” Brenda pointed at her. “Thank you.” “That wasn’t support.” “I’m taking it.” The first sunset spread across the lake while they ate the last pieces of bread. Orange became red. Red became purple. The Main Cabin windows caught all of it. For several minutes, conversation actually thinned. Not stopped. Just softened. Elisa looked toward the lake. Panam too. Shammy leaned against her. Mira sat back. Della took a slow drink. Ace looked around the table. Then: “Fucking disgusting.” Everyone looked at her. Ace pointed toward the sunset. “Showing off.” Mai laughed. “There it is.” Reyes shook her head. “You couldn’t let us have ten seconds.” “I gave you at least eight.” “Generous.” “I thought so.” The moment survived anyway. After dinner, nobody managed to remain one group. The property started working. Marco and Lena stayed in the Main Cabin with kitchen cleanup. Iris and Brenda helped. Technically. Brenda dried three things and spent the rest of the time arguing that a particular shelf was architecturally wrong. Kiro and Reyes took wine onto the terrace. Ace followed them. Mai disappeared upstairs briefly. Elisa went with her to retrieve something from her bag. Mira and Della crossed the clearing to the Side House because Della had left her jacket there during the afternoon. The evening air had cooled. Not cold. Enough to make the walk register. Main Cabin light spilled across part of the clearing behind them. The Side House porch light caught the rest. Mira looked back halfway. Through the broad windows, figures moved inside. Brenda gesturing. Marco ignoring her. Lena laughing. Ace appearing through the terrace doors with a glass. Different building. Same weekend. Della noticed her looking. “Better like this.” Mira nodded. “Yeah.” “If it was all one house…” “Too many people.” “Too much everything.” They reached the Side House. Panam and Shammy were inside the small sitting room. Panam had somehow acquired a glass of wine without anyone seeing her leave the Main Cabin. Shammy was stretched along the couch with her head in Panam’s lap. Her hair had finally settled. Mostly. Della opened the door. “Sorry.” Panam looked up. “For?” “Interrupting.” Panam looked down at Shammy. Shammy looked up at her. Then both looked at Della. Panam: “You’re retrieving a jacket.” Della paused. “Yes.” “Then retrieve the fucking jacket.” Mira laughed. “Excellent privacy policy.” Panam raised her glass. “Door has a lock.” Shammy smiled. “Sometimes we use it.” Della found her jacket. “Information received.” Panam nodded. “Good.” On their way out, Shammy called: “Della?” Della looked back. “Yes?” Shammy smiled. “I like you two.” Della stopped. Mira did too. There was no reason for that to hit as hard as it did. Maybe because Shammy said it like weather. Not compliment. Not evaluation. Fact. Della smiled. “We like you too.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Panam looked down. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Mira laughed. They closed the door behind them. Halfway across the clearing, Della said: “That woman is going to kill me.” Mira smiled. “With affection?” “Apparently.” Back at the Main Cabin, Mai and Elisa had returned downstairs. Mai carried a light jacket. Elisa carried nothing. Ace immediately noticed. “Where’s your jacket?” Elisa looked at her. “I don’t need one.” “You will.” “I’m fine.” Mai handed Elisa the jacket she had been carrying. Elisa stared. Della watched. Ace smiled. “Welcome to Mai.” Elisa sighed. Then put it on. “It’s not cold.” Mai kissed her cheek. “Of course not.” Elisa muttered: “Bitch.” Mai smiled. “Good.” Della leaned toward Mira. “I’m starting to understand why Ace loves her.” Mira nodded. “Which one?” Della paused. “Fuck.” Mira laughed. “Map.” “Shut up.” The first sauna discussion began around nine. Not schedule. Discussion. Reyes asked: “Anyone heating it?” Ace immediately looked at Mai. Mai looked at Panam’s empty seat through the window toward the Side House. Then at everyone else. “I can.” Marco called from the kitchen: “Wood.” Ace looked offended. “We know.” Marco appeared in the doorway. “Do you?” “Yes.” “Last time—” “That was one time.” Reyes smiled. “It was hilarious.” Ace turned. “Your opinion is invalid.” Elisa looked interested. “What happened?” Ace pointed at Reyes. “Nothing.” Reyes: “She tried to light damp kindling.” “I DID NOT KNOW IT WAS DAMP.” Marco folded his arms. “You were told.” “I was lied to by wood.” Brenda nodded solemnly. “Wood is untrustworthy.” Iris looked at her. “You are not helping.” “I’m supporting Ace.” “Worse.” Mira laughed. Della looked toward the separate dark building near the lake. “So sauna tonight?” Mai shrugged. “If people want.” Elisa immediately said: “Yes.” Ace looked at her. “You don’t know what you’re agreeing to.” “It’s a sauna.” Reyes smiled. Ace saw. “No.” Elisa looked between them. “What?” Ace pointed at Reyes. “Do not follow her into the lake.” Reyes spread her hands. “I haven’t invited anyone.” “Yet.” Elisa looked toward the water. Then back. “Is the lake cold?” Everyone answered at once. “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “Oh.” Ace stared. “No.” Elisa laughed. The sauna got heated. People drifted down in no particular unit. First Marco and Lena. Then Brenda and Iris. Kiro went with them. Mira and Della waited. Elisa sat on the terrace beside Ace and Mai. Reyes leaned against the railing. The Side House porch opened. Panam and Shammy came out carrying towels. Panam spotted the group. “Hot?” Reyes nodded. “Should be.” Shammy brightened. Panam looked toward the sauna. Then down at Shammy. “Want to?” “Yes.” Immediate. Panam smiled. “Okay.” They crossed toward the lakeside path. Elisa watched. Then looked at Ace. “Now?” Ace looked toward Mai. Mai finished her wine. “Now.” Mira heard from the doorway. She looked at Della. Della shrugged. “Fuck it.” They grabbed towels. Seven people headed toward the sauna together. Not because seven had been selected. Because seven happened to be ready. Main Cabin light fell behind them. The path went darker. Pines above. Lake beside them. Sauna ahead. Smoke pipe breathing lightly into the evening air. Elisa looked around. “This is absurdly nice.” Reyes walked ahead. “Give it time.” Ace: “STOP SAYING THINGS LIKE THAT.” Della laughed. The sauna door opened. Warm air met cold night. And Thursday— finally— started feeling like the Cabin. --- # CHAPTER 11 — HEAT The sauna was already properly hot when they reached it. Not warm. Not decorative. Hot. The kind of heat that hit skin immediately and made conversation simpler. Marco had done it right. Which meant Ace would deny he had done anything impressive. The changing room filled first. Towels. Clothes. Mugs of water. People stepping around one another with the casual lack of ceremony that only came after enough shared history. Mira and Della noticed the difference immediately. Not the nudity. That part was easy. The ease. Nobody performing. Nobody pretending not to look. Nobody making a point of looking either. Just adults changing for sauna. Elisa adapted in approximately ten seconds. Of course she did. Ace caught Della looking at her. Not staring. Looking. Della caught Ace catching her. Neither said anything. Ace smiled. Della gave her the finger. Good. Reyes opened the sauna door. Heat rolled out. “Come on.” Ace looked at her. “No tricks.” Reyes stared back. “We are entering a sauna.” “That is not an answer.” “It’s the only one you’re getting.” Mai walked past Ace. “You’re coming.” Ace sighed. “Yes, mom.” Mai turned. Ace immediately corrected: “Terrifying girlfriend.” “Better.” Elisa laughed. They went in. Seven people filled the benches without quite filling the room. Panam and Shammy first. Shammy beside Panam. Obviously. Mai higher up. Ace beside her. Elisa near them. Mira and Della opposite. Reyes close enough to the door to be suspicious. Ace noticed. “Why are you sitting there?” Reyes looked at her. “Because there was space.” “You’re planning lake access.” Reyes smiled. Ace pointed. “SEE?” Della laughed. “She didn’t say anything.” “She smiled.” Mira nodded. “Strong evidence.” “Thank you.” Reyes shook her head. The first ladle hit the stones. Steam climbed hard. Everybody shut up for a moment. Shammy leaned back. Hair beginning to rise again. Panam saw. “Jesus.” Shammy looked at her. “What?” “You’re doing the thing.” Shammy touched her hair. It had begun spreading again around her head. Not full halo. Yet. Della looked at Mira. “Forty percent.” Panam pointed. “No.” Mira laughed. Shammy looked delighted. “Forty?” “Maybe forty-five.” Panam closed her eyes. “I hate all of you.” Ace smiled. “No, you don’t.” Panam looked at her. “Correct.” Another ladle. More steam. Elisa tipped her head back. “This is better than the spa.” Ace looked at her. “That is a fucking expensive sentence.” Elisa opened one eye. “I didn’t say cheaper.” Reyes laughed. Mai smiled. “Good distinction.” Della looked at Elisa. “You compare everything to places that cost more than buildings, don’t you?” Elisa thought. “No.” Della waited. Elisa smiled. “Only when it annoys Ace.” Ace pointed. “See? She’s learning.” Mai said: “She learned before she met you.” “Rude.” “Accurate.” The heat climbed. Conversation slowed. Not died. Changed. Shorter lines. Longer silences. People shifting closer because bench space was finite and nobody cared. Shammy rested one hand on Panam’s thigh. Panam’s arm went around her shoulders. Nothing hidden. Nothing announced. Della saw it. Then saw Mira seeing it. Mira smiled faintly. Della whispered: “Map?” Mira whispered back: “Burned.” Ace heard. “Good.” Della looked across. “You’re impossible.” “Yes.” Elisa smiled into the steam. The next few minutes softened everything. Night City fell away completely. No screens. No contracts. No reputations. No jobs. Just wood. Stone. Water. Heat. Breathing. And thirteen people scattered across one property, most of whom had spent enough of their lives being dangerous that sitting still had become a luxury. Reyes broke the silence. “Lake?” Ace answered immediately. “No.” Elisa opened her eyes. “Yes.” Ace turned. “No.” Elisa looked at her. “I want to.” “Bad idea.” “Probably.” “Cold.” “Yes.” “Very cold.” “Yes.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “You’re doing this because I told you not to.” Elisa smiled. “Partly.” Della laughed. Mira nodded. “Honest.” Mai looked at Elisa. “You can try it.” Ace turned toward her. “Traitor.” Mai touched Ace’s knee. “You’re going too.” Ace stared. “No.” “Yes.” “No.” Reyes grinned. Ace saw it. “FUCK YOU.” Reyes laughed. Panam looked toward Shammy. “Lake?” Shammy brightened instantly. “Yes.” Panam sighed. “Of course.” Della looked at Mira. Mira smiled. “Yeah.” Della nodded. “Yeah.” Ace looked around the sauna. “This is how mobs happen.” Mai kissed her temple. “You’ll survive.” “Debatable.” The sauna door opened. Cold air punched in. Everyone groaned. Then moved. Changing room. Towels dropped. Bare feet on the porch. Night air. Steam rising off skin. The path to the dock glowed faintly in the low property lights. The lake waited black and flat. Reyes went first. Of course. She walked straight down the dock and jumped. Splash. Silence. Then her head appeared. “Good!” Ace yelled: “LIAR.” Reyes laughed. Panam followed. Swore immediately when she hit the water. Shammy jumped after her. The water erupted around both of them. Shammy surfaced laughing. Hair slicked flat now. Panam stared. “There. Fixed.” Shammy splashed her. Panam splashed back. Mira and Della went together. Della hit the water. Came up. “FUCK.” Mira surfaced beside her. “Cold?” “FUCK YOU.” “Confirmed.” Elisa stood at the end of the dock. Mai beside her. Ace behind them. Elisa looked down. Then back at Ace. “You coming?” “No.” Mai looked at Ace. “Yes.” Ace stared. “This is coercion.” Mai smiled. “No. This is peer pressure.” “Worse.” Elisa laughed. Then jumped. Splash. She surfaced a second later with a sound somewhere between a gasp and a scream. “OH FUCK.” Della laughed from nearby. “Told you.” Elisa pushed wet hair back. “This is amazing.” Ace looked offended. “You have terrible judgment.” Elisa pointed at her from the water. “COME IN.” “No.” Mai stepped behind Ace. Ace looked up. “Don’t.” Mai smiled. Ace backed away one step. “Mai.” Mai moved closer. Ace pointed toward Reyes. “She’s watching.” Reyes shouted from the lake: “VERY MUCH.” Ace looked toward the sky. “Fuck my life.” Mai put both hands on Ace’s shoulders. Ace twisted. “No.” Mai laughed. Elisa laughed harder. Della and Mira joined in. Panam shouted: “THROW HER.” Ace’s head snapped around. “PANAM.” Panam grinned. “WHAT?” Shammy looked delighted. “Throw her.” Ace stared. “You too?” Shammy nodded. “Yes.” Full betrayal. Mai lifted Ace. Not violently. Just efficiently. Ace immediately started swearing. “MAI. MAI. PUT ME DOWN. PUT ME THE FUCK—” Mai carried her to the dock. Reyes was almost crying laughing now. Ace looked at Elisa. “HELP ME.” Elisa shook her head. “No.” “BITCH.” Elisa blew her a kiss. Mai reached the end. Ace looked down at the black water. Then back at Mai. “Last chance.” Mai kissed her. Slow enough to make everyone shut up for half a second. Then smiled. “Love you.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “You motherf—” Mai dropped her. Splash. The lake swallowed Ace completely. Silence. Then she surfaced. Hair plastered to her face. Expression murderous. “FUCK ALL OF YOU.” Reyes shouted: “WELCOME.” Elisa laughed so hard she nearly went under again. Mira grabbed her arm. Della splashed Ace. Ace turned. Della immediately realized she had made a tactical error. “Oh no.” Ace lunged through the water. Della shrieked. Mira abandoned her instantly. “TRAITOR.” “SURVIVAL.” Ace caught Della. Della laughed. “NO.” Ace dunked her. Briefly. Not cruel. Perfectly targeted. Della surfaced choking on laughter. “You tiny fucking menace.” Ace smiled. “Correct.” Mai entered the water last. Gracefully. Annoyingly. Ace looked at her. “You.” Mai smiled. “Yes?” Ace moved toward her. Mai waited. Ace reached her. Grabbed her. Kissed her. Then splashed her directly in the face. Mai blinked. Ace smiled. “Justice.” Mai wiped water from her eyes. “Worth it.” Elisa floated closer. “Very.” Ace looked at her. “You don’t get a vote.” “I’m taking one.” “Corpo.” “Gremlin.” Della laughed. “Okay, that one fits.” Mira nodded. “Very.” The lake stayed loud for another five minutes. Then cold won. It always did. They climbed out. Steam rose off wet skin in the night. Towels grabbed. Insults exchanged. Reyes tried to claim victory. Ace threatened future litigation. Nobody believed her. They returned to the sauna. The second heat felt even hotter. Skin still cold. Benches warm. Steam immediate. Elisa sat down between Mira and Della this time. Nobody assigned it. She just did. Della noticed. Mira noticed. Neither moved away. Ace noticed too. Said nothing. For once. Shammy curled against Panam again. Panam kissed her forehead. Hair began rising. Della looked. Panam looked at Della. Della held up both hands. “No measurement.” “Good.” Mira whispered: “Sixty.” Della covered her mouth. Panam heard anyway. “FUCK BOTH OF YOU.” Shammy laughed. Full halo. And heat kept rising. On every level. --- # CHAPTER 12 — COOLING DOWN The second sauna round lasted longer. Not because anyone planned it. Because nobody wanted to be the first person to admit they were done. That became obvious after approximately eight minutes. Ace sat with her back against the wall, eyes half closed, one knee up, pretending she was completely comfortable. Mai looked at her. Ace opened one eye. “What?” “You’re cooked.” “I’m fine.” “You’re red.” “So are you.” “Yes.” “Then shut up.” Mai smiled. Elisa laughed beside her. Ace pointed without looking. “You too.” “I didn’t say anything.” “You were about to.” “True.” Mira and Della had shifted lower on the opposite bench. Della wiped sweat from her forehead. “I’m starting to understand why people get religious about this.” Ace snorted. “It’s heat and poor judgment.” Reyes leaned back. “That describes most religions.” Mai turned slowly. “Reyes.” “What?” Della laughed. Mira covered her face. Elisa nearly slid sideways from laughing. Ace opened both eyes now. “Okay, that one stays.” Reyes grinned. “Thank you.” Panam looked toward the door. “Cold air.” Shammy immediately said: “No.” Panam looked down at her. “You’re dying.” “I am not.” “Your hair is sticking to your face.” Shammy touched it. Considered. Then: “Maybe cold air.” “Thought so.” They filtered out again. Not back to the lake. Not yet. Just porch. Night. Steam. Towels. Cold boards under bare feet. The air had sharpened while they were inside. Elisa wrapped Mai’s jacket more tightly around herself. Ace saw. Smiled. Elisa caught it. “Don’t.” Ace took a drink of water. “I said nothing.” “You were thinking smugly.” “That is legal.” Della pointed at her. “Brenda said that earlier.” Ace went still. “Fuck.” Mira laughed. “You’re becoming her.” “No.” “Too late.” “Absolutely not.” From somewhere up the path, Brenda’s voice carried faintly from the Main Cabin. “WHO TOOK MY—” Ace pointed toward the darkness. “See? Different species.” Everyone laughed. The sauna porch settled. Panam sat on the edge with Shammy between her knees, arms loosely around her waist. Shammy leaned back into her. Her hair finally behaved. Mostly. Reyes stood near the railing. Mira and Della shared one towel around their shoulders because apparently planning had failed somewhere. Elisa sat on the porch step. Mai beside her. Ace remained standing for thirty seconds. Then sat between Mai’s knees without asking. Mai immediately wrapped one arm around her. Elisa watched. Then leaned sideways against Mai’s shoulder. Mai adjusted without hesitation. Della looked over. Mira looked too. No commentary. Progress. For a while, nobody spoke. The lake made almost no sound. The Main Cabin glowed through the trees and across the clearing. The Side House was darker. One porch light. Windows dim. The sauna sat inside its own little pocket of heat and cold. Della looked toward the Main Cabin. “You really can’t hear anything from here.” Ace shook her head. “Nope.” “Unless Brenda shouts.” “Brenda defeats architecture.” “Fair.” Mira looked toward the Side House. “And they can’t hear us?” Panam said: “Not unless Ace starts screaming.” Ace turned. “I do not scream.” Reyes laughed. “You absolutely scream.” “When?” Reyes looked toward the lake. Ace narrowed her eyes. “No.” Della caught it. “Friday.” Ace pointed at her. “Do not join them.” “I’m not.” “You’re enjoying this.” “Very much.” Elisa smiled. “Same.” Ace looked around. “Hostile environment.” Mai kissed the top of her head. “You’re loved.” “Worse.” Elisa laughed. The warmth shifted again. Not hotter. Softer. People had stopped arranging themselves according to who had arrived with whom. That happened without permission. Mira had noticed it first at dinner. Now it was obvious. Reyes stood alone because she wanted to. Panam and Shammy were practically one shape. Ace sat against Mai. Elisa leaned against Mai too. Della sat shoulder to shoulder with Mira. Nobody looked like they had negotiated any of it. They simply landed where they wanted. Della looked at Elisa. “You’re really comfortable.” Elisa glanced toward her. “Yes.” “That wasn’t a question.” “I know.” Della smiled. Elisa looked toward the lake again. Then said: “I usually know when I’m being watched.” Mira raised an eyebrow. “Occupational hazard?” “Family hazard.” “That sounds worse.” “It can be.” Della waited. Elisa continued without prompting. “Here, people look because they’re curious.” Ace said: “Or horny.” Mai covered Ace’s mouth with one hand. Elisa laughed. Della barked out a laugh. Mira closed her eyes. Panam said: “There she is.” Ace pulled Mai’s hand away. “What? I’m right.” Mai looked at her. “You were doing so well.” “I got bored.” Elisa was still laughing. Della shook her head. “That actually answered the question.” Elisa nodded. “Yes.” Mira looked at her. “So you don’t mind?” Elisa shrugged. “Depends who.” Della smiled. “Good answer.” Ace leaned her head back against Mai. “See? Adults.” Mai kissed her forehead. “Occasionally. Almost.” Ace looked offended. Reyes smiled. “Rarely.” “Fuck you.” “Tomorrow.” Ace froze. Slowly turned. Everyone saw it. Reyes smiled wider. Ace pointed. “You are dead.” Reyes laughed. Della stared between them. “Tomorrow?” Mira said: “Friday.” Elisa nodded solemnly. “Friday.” Ace looked at all three of them. “You know nothing.” Della smiled. “That’s what makes it exciting.” Ace muttered something deeply unkind. They went inside for one final short heat. This time nobody stayed long. Bodies had reached consensus before minds did. Heat. Water. Steam. Enough. They changed slowly afterward. No rush. No awkward choreography. Just clothes going back on and towels around wet hair. Mira was pulling on a shirt when Elisa asked: “Side House?” Della looked over. “What?” “I haven’t seen inside yet.” Mira shrugged. “Come look.” Elisa smiled. “Okay.” Ace overheard. “Don’t get lost.” Della looked at her. “It’s across a clearing.” Ace nodded. “People have failed easier tasks.” Mai said: “Brenda.” Ace pointed. “Exactly.” From outside: “I HEARD THAT.” Everyone stopped. Ace looked toward the door. Della stared. “How?” Panam stood. “Brenda defeats architecture.” Mira started laughing again. They left the sauna in a loose group. No seven-person block now. Reyes went ahead toward the Main Cabin. Ace and Mai followed more slowly. Panam and Shammy turned toward the Side House. Mira and Della went the same direction. Elisa joined them. That left the path splitting under low lights. For the first time, nobody remarked on it. Nobody asked where anyone was going. They just went. At the Side House, Panam opened the door first. Shammy stepped in. Mira followed. Della. Elisa last. The small sitting room was warmer than outside. Dim lamp. Two bedrooms beyond. Nothing elaborate. Just enough. Elisa looked around. “This is nice.” Panam dropped into one chair. “Less chaos.” From the Main Cabin across the clearing, Brenda shouted something unintelligible. Panam nodded toward the window. “Usually.” Elisa laughed. Shammy sat beside Panam. Mira leaned against the wall. Della sat on the arm of the other chair. Elisa remained standing for a moment. Then sat on the floor. Nobody commented. That probably mattered more than commenting would have. Shammy looked at her. “You like the floor.” Elisa looked up. “I do?” “You keep sitting on it.” Elisa thought. “Oh.” Della smiled. “Corpo rebellion.” Elisa looked offended. “I can afford floors.” Panam laughed. “Good. Important clarification.” Mira sat down beside Elisa. Della followed a moment later. That made three of them on the floor. Panam looked at Shammy. “Should we?” Shammy nodded. Both moved down too. Panam sat with her back against the couch. Shammy tucked against her side. Now five people were on the floor. Della looked around. “This room has furniture.” Panam shrugged. “Apparently irrelevant.” Mira smiled. “Cabin.” Elisa laughed. “Cabin.” There it was. No ceremony. No initiation. Just theft of vocabulary. The Main Cabin stayed visible through the window. Movement. Light. Ace crossing the terrace. Mai behind her. Reyes somewhere near the kitchen. Different room. Different building. Same night. Della stretched her legs out. “So.” Panam looked at her. “That word is dangerous.” Della smiled. “How long have you been coming here?” Panam thought. “Long enough.” Mira laughed. “That answer spreads.” “It works.” Elisa looked around again. “Who owns it?” Panam shrugged. “Private couple.” “You know them?” “No.” “Anyone here?” “Nope.” Elisa nodded. Filed away. Simple curiosity. Nothing more. Panam took a drink of water. “Why?” Elisa looked at her. “Because I wanted to know.” Panam smiled. “Good enough.” Shammy’s head rested against Panam’s shoulder. Elisa looked toward the window. Then at the room again. No one noticed the second look. Or if they did, nobody attached importance to it. Not yet. Across the clearing, Ace stepped onto the Main Cabin terrace. Saw the Side House light. Saw silhouettes through the window. Five of them. She smiled. Mai came out behind her. “What?” Ace pointed. “Elisa got adopted by the floor.” Mai looked. Then smiled too. “Good.” Ace leaned back against her. For a few minutes they stood there. No urgency. No plot. Just watching lights across a clearing. Thursday night. Exactly where it was supposed to be. --- # CHAPTER 13 — LIGHTS ACROSS THE CLEARING The Side House stayed occupied longer than anyone intended. Which was becoming a pattern. Panam had migrated from the floor back to the couch because one leg had gone numb. Shammy followed automatically. Mira remained on the floor. Della too. Elisa had found a cushion. Then another. Then somehow turned both into a perfectly acceptable seat against the wall. Panam looked at her. “You do realize there are chairs.” Elisa nodded. “Yes.” “And a couch.” “Yes.” “You paid how much for your last vacation?” Elisa looked suspicious. “That question feels loaded.” “It is.” Della smiled. “Answer it.” “No.” Mira laughed. Panam pointed toward the furniture. “You own access to places with actual staff and you’re sitting on the floor.” Elisa shrugged. “I like it here.” Shammy smiled. Panam looked down at her. “What?” “She likes it here.” “I heard her.” “You smiled.” Panam sighed. “Traitor.” Shammy kissed her shoulder. Panam immediately stopped pretending to be annoyed. Della watched. Then looked toward Mira. Mira caught it. No map. Still no map. Good. Across the clearing, the Main Cabin terrace doors opened. Ace appeared. Then Reyes. Reyes carried two glasses. Ace carried one. Della looked through the window. “Those two are either friends or preparing to kill each other.” Panam looked over. “Both.” “Good.” Elisa turned. Saw Ace. Smiled. Then Ace, somehow, looked directly toward the Side House. Even through glass. Even across the clearing. She lifted her mug. Elisa lifted hers. Della watched. Panam saw that too. “Don’t think too hard.” Della looked at her. “I’m not.” “You are.” “Occupational hazard.” Panam nodded. “Fair.” Shammy looked toward the window. “Ace is happy.” Mira looked at her. “You can tell from here?” Shammy tilted her head. “Yes.” Della smiled. “Of course you can.” Panam leaned back. “You’ll stop asking.” Mira looked at her. “Will we?” “No.” “Thought so.” The Main Cabin door opened again. Mai stepped onto the terrace. Ace immediately leaned sideways into her. Reyes moved one step away because apparently she preferred survival. Elisa watched them. Then looked down at her mug. Small smile. Della caught that one too. She was getting good at noticing without staring. Progress. Or corruption. Probably both. Panam broke the silence. “So.” Della looked at her. “You said that word was dangerous.” “It is.” “Hypocrite.” “Yes.” Panam nodded toward Elisa. “You ever done a real cabin weekend before?” Elisa looked up. “No.” “No?” “No.” “Never?” Elisa smiled. “I have done very expensive places pretending to be rustic.” Mira laughed. Della nodded. “That tracks.” Panam looked around the small sitting room. “And this?” Elisa glanced toward the window. Main Cabin lights. Dark lake beyond. Sauna farther down. Then back at the room. “This is different.” Shammy said: “Better?” Elisa considered. “Yes. A lot.” Simple. Panam smiled. “Good.” No one asked why. That was becoming part of why. The Main Cabin became louder around ten-thirty. Not much. Enough. Music. Someone laughing. Brenda, probably. Then Marco. Then Iris. The Side House remained quieter. The contrast worked. Eventually Mira stood. “I need water.” Della looked at the bottle on the small table. “There’s water.” Mira looked at it. Then toward Panam. Then Shammy. Then Panam again. “Oh.” Panam raised one eyebrow. Della followed Mira’s eyes. “Oh.” Elisa looked between all four of them. Then understood. “Oh.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Not much. Enough. Panam looked at her. Shammy looked back. And for one brief second the entire room became extremely fucking obvious. Della stood. “Main Cabin.” Mira nodded. “Main Cabin.” Elisa collected her mug. “Definitely Main Cabin.” Panam laughed. “You don’t have to evacuate.” Della looked at her. “No, but suddenly I have a powerful interest in architecture.” Mira was already putting on her shoes. Elisa smiled at Shammy. “Good night.” Shammy smiled back. “Good night.” Della opened the exterior door. Cold air entered. Mira went through first. Elisa followed. Della stepped onto the porch. Then looked back. Panam was still sitting on the couch. Shammy beside her. Except neither of them was looking at Della anymore. They were looking at each other. Twelve days sat inside that look. Della opened her mouth. Mira, already several steps away, said: “Don’t.” Della looked toward her. “I didn’t say anything.” She pulled the door closed. A second later— Click. The lock. Outside, Elisa looked back at the Side House. Della grinned. “Now I don’t have to.” Mira laughed. Elisa did too. They crossed the clearing. Behind them, the Side House stayed warm and private. No one went back. No one needed anything from Panam or Shammy badly enough to knock. The Main Cabin door opened before the three reached it. Reyes stood there. She looked past them toward the Side House. Then at Della. “Lose someone?” Della stepped inside. “Two.” Reyes looked toward the distant porch light. Understanding arrived instantly. “Ah.” Elisa came in behind Della. Mira last. Ace was in the kitchen. “Where are Panam and Shammy?” Three faces turned toward her. Ace waited. Della smiled. “Side House.” Ace stared at her. Then toward the window. Then back. “Oh.” Mai walked past carrying a glass. “What?” Ace pointed vaguely across the clearing. “Panam. Shammy.” Mai stopped. Looked toward the Side House. “Oh.” Brenda looked up from the rug. “What?” Iris immediately said: “Leave them alone.” Brenda’s eyes widened. “I didn’t say anything.” Kiro looked over from her chair. “You were about to.” Brenda smiled. “Absolutely.” Ace laughed. “Tomorrow.” Brenda looked delighted. “Oh, absolutely tomorrow.” Mai pointed at her. “Be nice.” Brenda looked offended. “I am always nice.” Every person in the room reacted differently. None believed her. Elisa dropped onto the couch beside Iris. Della went for water. Actual water this time. Mira leaned against the kitchen counter. The Main Cabin had settled into late-night disorder. Marco and Lena had claimed part of the table. Kiro occupied a chair near the fireplace. Reyes had apparently been outside plotting Ace’s death. Ace had a mug nobody else was allowed to touch. Mai had already touched it twice. Normal. Della poured water. Then looked around. “Do you people ever go to bed?” Reyes said: “Yes.” Ace looked at her. “That sounded threatening.” “It wasn’t.” “Worse.” Reyes smiled. Ace narrowed her eyes. Della caught it. “Friday.” Ace pointed at her. “Stop learning.” “No.” “Fuck.” Elisa laughed. Brenda stretched out on the rug. “So what exactly happens Friday?” Ace said: “Nothing.” Reyes said: “Tradition.” Ace turned. “Nothing.” Mira smiled. “Definitely something.” “Fuck all of you.” Mai kissed Ace’s temple. “You’re loved.” Ace stared forward. “This keeps being used against me.” Elisa nodded. “It seems effective.” Ace looked at her. “You too?” “Apparently.” “Terrible.” Elisa smiled. Ace smiled back. The room drifted. Not toward anything. Just later. Conversation broke into pieces. Marco and Lena discussed breakfast. Kiro and Reyes argued about whether the weather would hold. Brenda tried to convince Iris that she had behaved exceptionally well all evening. Iris asked for evidence. Brenda had none. Mira ended up beside Marco talking about a route neither had used in years. Della sat on the floor near the fireplace. Elisa joined her. Ace saw. Pointed. “There are chairs.” Elisa looked up. “So I’ve been told.” Della laughed. Mai leaned against Ace. “You’ve lost her.” “I never had her.” “True.” Ace looked toward Elisa. Elisa caught the look. Then deliberately stretched out more comfortably on the floor. Ace nodded. “Defiance.” Mai smiled. “You like her.” “Obviously.” Della heard. Looked at Mira. Mira was still talking to Marco. Della looked back at Ace. Ace noticed. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was a thought.” “Yes.” “Dangerous.” “Apparently.” The fire settled lower. Outside, the clearing had gone dark except for path lights and the Side House porch. No movement there. None expected. Eventually Marco stood. “Breakfast at eight.” Brenda groaned. “That’s not breakfast. That’s punishment.” Lena looked at her. “You’ll eat.” “Yes.” “Then stop complaining.” “No.” Iris pulled Brenda up from the floor. “Come on.” Brenda allowed herself to be moved. Barely. Kiro stood next. Reyes remained. Ace noticed. “Why are you still here?” Reyes smiled. “I’m staying in this building.” “That wasn’t the question.” “I know.” Ace pointed. “Suspicious.” Reyes walked past her. “Sleep well.” Ace stared after her. “That was definitely threatening.” Della laughed. Mira finally joined her. Elisa stood too. For a moment the three of them ended up together near the terrace doors. Della looked across the clearing. Side House. Then toward Elisa. “Well.” Elisa smiled. “We’re not going back there.” Mira laughed. “No.” Ace heard. “You can stay here.” Elisa looked toward her. “I was planning to.” Simple. Easy. Ace smiled. “Good.” Mira looked at Della. Della looked back. No discussion needed. They had bags in the Side House. They also had absolutely no intention of retrieving them tonight. Della looked toward Ace. “Spare clothes?” Ace pointed toward the stairs. “Closet. Towels too. Take whatever fits.” Mai added: “Some of mine should.” Mira nodded. “Thanks.” No ceremony. No problem. Just adjustment. Cabin. The last lights began going out. One room. Then another. People disappeared upstairs and downstairs. Doors closed. Water ran briefly. Footsteps softened. The Main Cabin finally became quiet. Across the clearing, the Side House porch light remained on a little longer. Behind that locked door, the camera stayed. Inside the Side House, Panam stayed exactly where she was for one breath. Shammy did too. Twelve days. That was what the room had been holding all evening. Twelve days of messages. Road noise. Delayed arrivals. Short calls. Shammy asking when. Panam saying soon. Now there was no road between them. Panam set her glass down. “Come here.” Shammy was already moving. She crossed the space between them fast enough that Panam laughed once before the kiss landed. Then she stopped laughing. Shammy kissed her with both hands at Panam’s face. Panam caught her around the waist and pulled her close. No teasing audience now. No Ace yelling from another room. No Brenda counting anything. Just the relief of finally having the person she had been missing under her hands again. Panam broke the kiss only far enough to breathe. “Still want me?” Shammy stared at her. Hair lifting. Eyes bright. “Panam.” Panam smiled. “Yeah. Stupid question.” “Very.” “Fuck you.” “Yes.” That answer changed Panam’s face. Shammy saw it. So did Panam. The next kiss was slower. Not less hungry. Just certain. Hands stopped hovering. Bodies stopped leaving polite space. Panam’s first sharp breath came when Shammy touched her with the confidence of someone who had spent twelve days remembering exactly what Panam liked. Panam’s forehead dropped briefly against hers. “Fuck.” Shammy smiled. “Missed me?” Panam laughed breathlessly. “Do not get smug.” “Too late.” Panam kissed the smugness out of her. For a while the room lost dialogue. Clothing became inconvenient by degrees. The couch stopped being useful. The bedroom became the obvious answer. Neither treated that as a destination they had to race toward. They moved there because every kiss kept making the next step easier. Because Panam kept pulling Shammy back whenever even an inch opened between them. Because Shammy’s whole body answered every time Panam chose closer. At the edge of the bed, Shammy stopped long enough to look at her. Not hesitation. Checking. Panam knew the difference. “Yes.” Shammy’s expression softened. Then brightened. “Yes?” Panam caught her by the hips. “Get over here.” Shammy laughed. The laugh broke into a softer sound almost immediately. Panam heard it. Her own answering breath went rough. There. Familiar. Wanted. Mutual. The camera did not leave them simply because the door had locked. It stayed with the trust. With Panam letting the twelve-day tension finally come out of her shoulders. With Shammy becoming less luminous and more physical as attention narrowed. With laughter returning in short bursts whenever somebody bumped a knee or stole too much blanket too early. With Panam swearing every time Shammy correctly predicted a reaction before Panam could hide it. “Stop doing that.” “No.” “You’re cheating.” “Yes.” “Bitch.” Shammy kissed her. Panam stopped complaining. For several minutes there was no need to name who was giving and who was receiving. Attention moved. They knew each other too well for choreography to matter. What mattered was that neither drifted away. That every change got an answer. That when Panam’s control finally began to fray, Shammy saw it and stayed exactly there. Panam tried one last joke. It failed halfway out. Shammy smiled. Panam: “Don’t.” “I didn’t.” “You fucking did.” Shammy kissed her again. Panam’s fingers tightened against her. Her breathing broke. The release arrived hard enough to erase the last twelve days for a few seconds. Panam went still except for the involuntary tremor that ran through her. Shammy held her through it. No teasing. Not yet. Just one hand at the back of Panam’s neck. One kiss against her temple. Panam’s eyes opened slowly. Shammy was watching her. Warm. Completely unguarded. Panam swallowed. “Hi.” Shammy smiled. “Hi.” Panam laughed. Then pulled her down and kissed her again. The first release ended nothing. Of course it didn’t. They had twelve days to answer for. Much later, Shammy’s own composure finally broke under Panam’s attention. Her hair lifted in a wild halo against the dim room. Panam saw it. Felt the change in her breathing. Held her through the crest instead of making a joke. Only after Shammy softened against her did Panam whisper: “Show-off.” Shammy laughed into Panam’s shoulder. “You love it.” “Yeah.” No defense. No correction. “Yeah, I do.” Then stillness. Real stillness. Two bodies tangled across the bed. Panam’s hand moving slowly through Shammy’s hair as it settled. Shammy’s cheek against Panam’s chest. Breathing evening out. Neither hurrying toward round two. Neither pretending there would not be one. Only later did the Side House porch light go dark. Ace happened to see it from upstairs. She smiled. Mai saw her looking. “Leave them alone.” Ace turned. “I didn’t do anything.” “You were thinking.” Ace smiled. “Good for them.” Mai’s expression softened. “Yes.” Ace climbed into bed. Elisa was already there, stealing entirely too much space for someone considerably larger than Ace. Ace looked at her. “You’re on my side.” Elisa opened one eye. “I’m in the middle.” “That’s worse.” Mai climbed in from the other side. “Move.” Elisa moved approximately three centimeters. Ace stared. “Corpo entitlement.” Elisa smiled with her eyes closed. “I can afford beds.” Ace started laughing. Across the clearing, nobody heard her. The Side House had its privacy. Exactly as intended. Thursday ended. Friday waited. And Reyes still had absolutely no idea that tradition was about to receive a counterattack. --- # CHAPTER 14 — GOOD FUCKING MORNING Friday began with coffee. Normal coffee. This distinction would become important later. Marco was first into the kitchen. Lena appeared five minutes after him, looked at the clock, looked at Marco, and decided conversation was unnecessary until caffeine had been applied. Kiro came next. Reyes was already there. Reyes looked offensively awake. Kiro stopped beside her, slid one arm around her waist, and kissed her. Easy. Unhurried. Reyes kissed her back without interrupting whatever she was doing with the coffee. When Kiro finally pulled away, she looked into Reyes’s eyes. “No.” Reyes raised an eyebrow. “What?” “Whatever you’re planning.” “I’m making coffee.” “You’re planning something.” Reyes smiled. Kiro kissed the corner of her mouth. “Thought so.” She stole Reyes’s mug. Reyes let her. Mira appeared downstairs wearing one of Mai’s shirts. It fit. Mostly. Della followed in borrowed sweatpants and a shirt that had apparently once belonged to Panam. Ace came down behind them. She stopped halfway down the stairs. Looked at Della. “That’s Panam’s.” Della looked down. “It was in the closet.” Ace nodded. “Then it’s yours until she steals it back.” “Good system.” “We’re very advanced.” Mai came down next. Elisa followed. Elisa’s hair looked like she had personally fought the pillow and lost. Ace turned. Saw her. Started laughing. Elisa looked at her. “What?” Mai looked. Smiled. Elisa touched her hair. “Oh, fuck you both.” Ace laughed harder. “Later, good morning.” Elisa walked past her. “I trusted you.” “First mistake.” Mai caught Elisa around the waist as she passed, kissed her cheek, then released her toward the kitchen. “Coffee?” “Yes.” Ace said: “Fixes everything.” Marco looked over. “No.” Ace ignored him. Brenda and Iris arrived last from upstairs. Brenda had one eye open. Iris had both. That seemed unfair. Brenda leaned against Iris. “I object to mornings.” Iris guided her toward the table. “You always object to everything before coffee.” “Correct.” Marco handed her a mug. Brenda accepted it with both hands. “I love you.” Iris looked at her. Brenda blinked. “Also you.” “Good recovery.” “Thank you.” Thirteen people had technically been expected for breakfast. Eleven were present. Nobody mentioned the missing two. Not immediately. Breakfast happened in layers. Eggs. Bread. Cheese. Leftover mushrooms. Actual bacon from the farm. Ace stole some before it reached the table. Marco slapped her hand away. Ace stole another piece with the other hand. Lena saw. Said nothing. Marco saw Lena seeing. “Don’t encourage her.” “I didn’t.” “You allowed it.” “That’s different.” Ace pointed at Lena with the stolen bacon. “Exactly.” Mira sat beside Della. Elisa had claimed the seat on Ace’s other side. Mai sat opposite them. Reyes stood behind Kiro for a moment while reaching across the table, one hand resting naturally on Kiro’s shoulder. Kiro caught that hand. Kissed the back of it. Reyes squeezed her shoulder before moving away. Nobody noticed. Or rather, nobody who already knew them noticed. Mira did. Della did. Another line on the map. Then Della apparently remembered Ace’s warning from yesterday and visibly abandoned the attempt to draw the rest. Ace caught that. Smiled. Della pointed at her. “Don’t.” “I didn’t say anything.” “Your face did.” Reyes laughed. Ace looked at her. “You’re doing it again.” Reyes looked innocent. “What?” “Existing suspiciously.” “Can’t help you.” “Friday.” Reyes smiled. Ace muttered: “Bitch.” “Morning.” The front door stayed closed. Brenda looked toward it. Then at the clock. Then toward Iris. Iris saw the thought forming. “No.” Brenda looked innocent. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were about to.” Della smiled into her coffee. That phrase was spreading too. Then the Side House door opened. Mira saw it through the lake-facing glass first. “Oh.” Della turned. Then smiled. “Oh.” Elisa followed their gaze. Her smile appeared immediately. Across the clearing, Panam stepped onto the Side House porch. Shammy came out behind her. Very close behind her. Panam stretched. Slowly. The kind of stretch produced by someone whose body had been thoroughly reminded that life was worth living. Shammy said something. Panam looked back. Shammy smiled. Panam kissed her. Not hurried. Not remotely embarrassed. Then they started across the clearing. Della looked toward Ace. Ace had seen them. Ace’s smile became dangerous. Mai saw the smile. “Behave.” Ace looked at her. “I haven’t done anything.” Kiro said: “You were about to.” Ace pointed at her. “Stop stealing lines.” Reyes leaned down and kissed Kiro’s temple. “She’s right.” Ace stared at both of them. “Conspiracy.” “Probably,” Kiro said. Brenda had now turned completely around in her chair. Iris looked at her. “Brenda.” “What?” “Turn around.” “No.” “Brenda.” “I’m observing.” Reyes laughed. The Main Cabin door opened. Panam entered first. Shammy followed. And the kitchen went quiet. Not completely. A fork touched a plate. Coffee poured. The fire shifted. But socially— quiet. Panam stopped. Looked around. “What?” Nobody answered. Shammy stepped beside her. That made it worse. They both looked— happy. Absurdly happy. Panam had lost the road from her shoulders. The twelve-day edge was gone. She looked loose. Warm. Satisfied. Shammy looked like someone had personally rebuilt the universe overnight and finally gotten the specifications right. Her hair was soft. Loose. Almost suspiciously well behaved. Ace looked at Shammy. Then Panam. Then Shammy again. Her mouth twitched. Panam pointed at her. “Don’t.” Ace immediately looked offended. “I didn’t say anything.” “Your face did.” Della put her mug down before she dropped it. Reyes looked toward the window. Mai covered her mouth with one hand. Elisa was openly smiling. Brenda— Brenda was staring. Panam saw her. “No.” Brenda blinked. “What?” “No.” “I haven’t asked anything.” “You’re going to.” Brenda smiled. Panam walked toward the coffee. Shammy followed. Brenda waited exactly four seconds. “How many rounds?” Iris closed her eyes. Mira inhaled coffee. Della made a strangled sound. Ace folded instantly. Not metaphorically. She bent forward over the table, forehead almost hitting her arms as laughter tore out of her. Mai caught the coffee mug before Ace knocked it over. Elisa’s mouth fell open. Reyes turned away. Marco stopped cutting bread. Lena stared at Brenda. Brenda remained perfectly serious. Panam reached the coffee pot. Poured herself a cup. Added nothing. Took one drink. Then looked at Brenda. “More than your stamina could ever handle.” Silence. One second. Two. Ace made a noise somewhere between a scream and suffocation. Then the room detonated. Della slammed one hand onto the table. Mira nearly lost her coffee. Reyes laughed into Kiro’s shoulder. Kiro wrapped an arm around her automatically, laughing too. Elisa dropped sideways against Ace. Mai had to put both mugs down. Marco turned away entirely. Lena covered her face. Iris looked at Brenda. Slowly. Brenda stared at Panam. Something changed behind her eyes. Iris saw it. “No.” Brenda looked at her. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were going to.” Brenda looked back at Panam. Panam raised her mug. Brenda pointed. “That sounded like a challenge.” Panam drank. “It wasn’t.” “Bullshit.” “It was a statement.” “Worse.” Ace slid lower in her chair. “Stop.” Nobody listened. Brenda leaned forward. “How many?” Panam looked at her. “I already answered.” “No, you insulted my endurance.” “Yes.” “That requires evidence.” Iris put one hand over Brenda’s mouth. Brenda continued talking into it. Nobody understood the words. Everyone understood the intent. Ace was gone again. Shammy had quietly collected coffee. She sat down beside Panam. Completely serene. Brenda pulled Iris’s hand away. “Shammy.” Shammy looked at her. “Hmm?” “Independent verification.” Panam closed her eyes. “Jesus fucking Christ.” Shammy considered the question. Then smiled. “Panam is right.” Ace hit the table. Hard. Mai grabbed her shoulder before she slid off the chair. Della was crying. Actually crying. Mira wiped her eyes. Elisa stared at Shammy with absolute delight. Brenda looked betrayed. “You’re biased.” “Yes.” “That doesn’t count.” Shammy drank her coffee. “Still right.” Panam kissed the side of Shammy’s head. “Thank you.” Shammy leaned into her. “Any time.” That nearly killed Ace for a third time. Mai rubbed her back. “Breathe.” Ace shook her head. “Can’t.” “You need oxygen.” “No.” Elisa leaned close. “You’re very small when you collapse.” Ace turned her head slowly. “Fuck you.” Elisa smiled. “Later.” Ace froze. Mai froze. Della froze. Mira looked sharply toward Elisa. Elisa blinked. Then realized what she had said. Her expression changed. Not embarrassment. More like— consideration. Ace stared at her. Elisa shrugged. “It was available.” Ace started laughing again. Mai looked toward the ceiling. “Oh, this weekend is fucked.” Reyes finally recovered enough to straighten. Kiro caught her face with one hand and kissed her once. Reyes smiled against her mouth. “What?” “You’re enjoying this too much.” “Yes.” “Good.” Another kiss. Short. Easy. Then Reyes looked across the table at Ace. “It’s Friday.” Ace stopped laughing. The room changed. Just slightly. Reyes smiled. Ace pointed. “No.” Reyes stayed beside Kiro. “Yes.” Mira looked between them. Della did too. Elisa leaned forward. Interested. Brenda temporarily forgot Panam’s stamina. “What?” Ace stood. “No.” Reyes pushed away from Kiro. Ace backed one step away. “You stay the fuck away from me.” Reyes smiled. “I’m eating breakfast.” “You’re plotting.” “Also true.” Ace looked at Mai. “Help.” Mai buttered toast. “No.” “Traitor.” “You knew this was coming.” “That doesn’t make it better.” Panam looked toward Reyes. Then Ace. A slow smile appeared. Shammy saw it. Her own followed. Ace noticed both. “Oh, fuck all of you.” Della looked delighted. “Is this the tradition?” Ace pointed at her. “You are still new enough that I can throw you out.” “Into the lake?” Ace stopped. Reyes laughed. Della smiled. “Learning.” Mira leaned toward her. “You’re enjoying this too much.” “Yes.” Elisa looked at Reyes. Then at Ace. “What happens?” Ace said: “Nothing.” Reyes said: “I throw her in the lake.” Elisa looked at Ace. Then Reyes. Then Ace again. A smile spread slowly across her face. Ace stared. “No.” Elisa said nothing. “No.” Elisa took a drink of coffee. Normal coffee. Still normal. Ace pointed at her. “Whatever you’re thinking, stop.” “I’m curious.” “That is not reassuring.” Reyes finished her mug. Then bent down beside Kiro. Kiro tilted her face up before Reyes even reached her. One more kiss. Reyes’s hand slid briefly around the back of Kiro’s neck. Familiar. Warm. Nothing performative about it. “Later,” Reyes said. Kiro smiled. “Have fun.” Ace stared at Kiro. “Why would you encourage her?” Kiro picked up her coffee. “Because I love her.” “That is a terrible excuse.” “It works for Mai.” Mai looked at Ace. Ace opened her mouth. Closed it. Opened it again. “Fuck.” Reyes laughed and walked toward the kitchen. Ace pointed after her. “Threat.” Reyes lifted one hand. “Tradition.” “Threat!” Breakfast resumed. Mostly. Brenda eventually stopped interrogating Panam. Mostly. Shammy remained entirely too pleased with herself. Definitely. And Ace spent the rest of breakfast tracking Reyes every time she moved. Which meant she failed to notice Della wandering toward one of the shelves near the far wall. Old books. Games. A few things left behind over repeated visits. Della crouched. Moved one box. Then another. Her hand stopped. There was a bag behind them. Dark. Unopened. Forgotten. Della pulled it out. Looked at the label. Frowned. “Hey.” Nobody reacted. She turned the bag around. “Is this coffee?” Reyes looked over. Stopped. Ace looked. Stopped. Mai looked. Stopped. Kiro looked. Stopped. Brenda slowly turned. Marco stared. Lena whispered: “Oh, no.” Della looked around. “What?” Ace pointed at the bag. “No.” Della looked at it. Then at Ace. “It’s coffee.” “No.” “It literally says coffee.” Reyes said: “That is a generous interpretation.” Elisa stood. Interested immediately. “What is it?” Ace turned toward her. “No.” Elisa looked at Ace. Then the bag. Then Ace again. Her eyes brightened. Ace saw it happen. “Oh, absolutely fucking not.” Elisa smiled. “What?” Mai stood. “Elisa.” “I only asked.” Kiro stared at the bag. Something deeply unwise appeared behind her eyes. Reyes saw it. She walked behind Kiro, wrapped both arms around her shoulders and kissed her cheek. “No.” Kiro turned her head. “You too?” “I remember last time.” “I only had one.” “And?” Kiro considered. “Fair.” Elisa looked at her. “You had it?” Kiro nodded. “Yes.” “What happened?” “Poor decisions.” Reyes kissed her temple. “Several.” Kiro smiled. “Some were fun.” “Not the coffee.” “No.” Mai pointed between Kiro and Elisa. “Neither of you touches that.” Elisa looked at the bag. Della looked at Elisa. Then Kiro. Then the collection of horrified veterans. Della smiled. “Oh.” Ace looked at her. “Do not encourage them.” “What happened last time?” Reyes rubbed one hand over her face. “Death.” Brenda smiled. “Coffee.” “Death.” Elisa stepped closer. Ace stepped between her and the bag. “No.” Elisa looked down at her. Ace looked up. “No.” Elisa smiled. Ace narrowed her eyes. Behind Ace, Kiro quietly reached toward the bag. Reyes caught her wrist. Kiro looked up at her. Reyes raised one eyebrow. Kiro smiled. “Kiss?” Reyes stared at her. “You think that’s going to distract me?” “Yes.” Reyes kissed her. Kiro kissed her back. Then reached toward the bag with her other hand. Mai slapped that hand away without looking. Kiro sighed. Reyes started laughing. Friday had been awake for less than two hours. It was already going badly. --- # CHAPTER 15 — THREE CUPS The bag remained on the table. This was the first mistake. Ace stood between Elisa and it. This was not enough. Della looked from one to the other. “You’re serious.” “Yes,” Ace said. Elisa leaned slightly to the left. Ace moved left. Elisa leaned right. Ace moved right. Elisa looked down at her. “You know I can see over you.” “That is irrelevant.” “It seems relevant.” “No.” Kiro watched from her chair. Reyes still had one arm around her shoulders. Kiro pointed toward the bag. “I survived.” Reyes looked down at her. “You complained for half a day.” “I survived while complaining.” “You said your heartbeat had developed opinions.” “It had.” Della looked at the bag again. “What the fuck is in this?” Marco answered from the kitchen. “Coffee.” Reyes said: “No.” Marco looked at her. “It is technically coffee.” “Technically plutonium is a metal.” Brenda perked up. “Can we make coffee with plutonium?” Iris looked at her. “No.” “I was asking Marco.” “No.” Marco pointed at Iris. “What she said.” Elisa smiled. Then reached over Ace’s head. Ace caught her wrist. “No.” Elisa looked at the hand around her wrist. Then down at Ace. “You’re very committed.” “Yes.” “That makes me more curious.” Ace closed her eyes. “Of course it fucking does.” Mai walked over. She picked up the bag. Ace relaxed. Mai looked at it. Then toward the trash. Elisa said: “Wait.” Mai stopped. “No.” “One cup.” “No.” “I want to know what it tastes like.” “Bad.” Kiro said: “Actually—” Reyes covered her mouth. Kiro kissed her palm. Reyes immediately looked annoyed with herself for finding that charming. Kiro smiled behind the hand. Mai looked at Elisa. “No.” Elisa folded her arms. Ace recognized the expression. “Oh, fuck.” Mai looked at her. “What?” “She’s deciding.” Elisa said: “I already decided.” “See?” Mai stared at Elisa. Elisa stared back. Della looked between them. Mira entered from the terrace carrying her mug. “What did I miss?” Della pointed. “Negotiations.” “About?” “Death.” Mira looked at the bag. “Oh.” “You don’t even know what it is.” “I know everyone’s face.” “Fair.” Elisa held out one hand toward Mai. “One cup.” Mai looked at Ace. Ace shook her head violently. Mai looked at Kiro. Kiro nodded enthusiastically. Reyes tightened her arm around Kiro’s neck. Kiro stopped nodding. Mai looked at Elisa again. “You’re going to drink it anyway, aren’t you?” “Yes.” “Even if I throw this away?” Elisa thought. “Yes.” Ace looked horrified. “You’d dig it out of the trash?” “No. I’d ask where you bought it.” Reyes laughed. Ace stared at Elisa. “That is somehow worse.” Elisa smiled. Mai exhaled. “One.” Ace turned. “Mai.” “One.” Elisa smiled. “Deal.” Kiro raised her hand. “One.” Reyes looked down. “No.” “You just let Elisa.” “I didn’t.” Mai said: “I did.” Kiro pointed at Mai. “See?” Reyes kissed Kiro’s cheek. “No.” Kiro turned her face and caught Reyes’s mouth instead. Reyes kissed her back. Kiro pulled away. “One.” Reyes stared. “That was bribery.” “Yes.” “Bad bribery.” “You kissed me back.” “Still no.” Kiro looked at Mai. Mai sighed. “One.” Kiro smiled. Reyes looked betrayed. Mai pointed at her. “You try stopping her all day.” Reyes considered. “Fair.” Ace looked around. “Why is everyone surrendering?” Brenda raised her mug. “Experience.” “You’re supposed to be helping.” “I am helping myself to breakfast.” Iris leaned against her. “For once, excellent judgment.” Marco took the bag from Mai. “If we’re committing crimes, I’m making it properly.” Ace stared. “Marco.” “What?” “Traitor.” “I’m protecting the equipment.” “That is not better.” He opened the bag. The smell reached the room. Silence. Della recoiled. “What the fuck?” Mira frowned. “That smells burned.” Reyes said: “It smells angry.” Kiro smiled. “I remember that.” Reyes looked at her. “That should concern you.” “It does.” “It does not.” “No.” Marco measured carefully. Ace watched as if he were assembling an explosive. Elisa watched like a scientist observing first contact. Mai watched Elisa. That was probably the smartest option. Water heated. Coffee brewed. The smell got worse. Della opened a window. “No.” Marco looked over. “No what?” “I refuse.” “You’re not drinking it.” “I refuse to breathe it.” Brenda inhaled. “Smells like bad decisions.” Panam looked up from the table. “You’d know.” Brenda pointed at her. “We’re not finished.” Panam smiled. “Yes, we are.” Shammy kissed Panam’s shoulder. Brenda saw. Narrowed her eyes. Iris turned Brenda’s face back toward the table. “Leave them alone.” “Everyone keeps saying that.” “There’s a reason.” Marco finally poured two cups. Small ones. Elisa took hers. Kiro took the other. Ace looked at Elisa. “Last chance.” Elisa smelled it. Her expression changed. “That’s terrible.” “Yes.” She took a sip. Stopped. Everyone watched. Elisa swallowed. Looked into the cup. “That is awful.” Ace threw both hands up. “THANK YOU.” Elisa took another sip. Ace stared. “Why?” “I want to understand it.” “You understood it.” “Not completely.” Kiro drank hers. Her face tightened. Then relaxed. “Yep.” Reyes looked at her. “What does that mean?” “Exactly as bad as I remember.” “Stop drinking it.” Kiro took another sip. Reyes sighed. Elisa finished first. She put the cup down. Ace pointed at it. “Done.” “Yes.” “Good.” Elisa looked at Marco. “Another.” The room stopped. Mai said: “No.” Elisa looked at her. “I’m fine.” “You had one.” “Yes.” “That was the agreement.” Elisa smiled. “It was.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “Do not lawyer Mai before nine in the morning.” “I’m not.” “You absolutely are.” Elisa looked toward the coffee pot. Marco put one hand over it. “No.” Elisa stared at him. Marco stared back. “You too?” “Yes.” Elisa considered her options. Then sat down. Ace relaxed. Five minutes passed. Nothing happened. Ten. Elisa ate more breakfast. Kiro leaned against Reyes. Reyes ran her fingers idly through Kiro’s hair. Della and Mira started arguing about whether they were going swimming before lunch. Panam and Shammy disappeared onto the terrace with coffee. Brenda threatened to join them. Iris threatened Brenda. Normal. Ace began to think maybe the warnings had been exaggerated by memory. Then Elisa said: “I can feel my teeth.” Ace slowly turned. Mai stopped drinking. Della looked over. Elisa touched one tooth with her tongue. “That’s interesting.” Ace stared. “What?” “My teeth.” “Yes. You have them.” “I’m very aware of them.” Kiro lifted one finger. “There.” Reyes looked at her. “What?” “That part.” “You’re feeling it too?” “A little.” Elisa looked at Kiro. “How long?” Kiro thought. “Depends.” “On?” “Everything.” “That’s not useful.” “It gets less useful.” Elisa nodded rapidly. “Okay.” Ace watched her. Elisa looked back. “What?” “You’re blinking faster.” “No, I’m not.” “You absolutely are.” Elisa blinked. Paused. Blink. Blink. “That might be true.” Mai looked at Marco. “How strong did you make it?” Marco looked offended. “Correctly.” “That wasn’t the question.” “Correctly.” Elisa stood. Then sat down. Then stood again. Della watched. “Why?” “I don’t know.” Ace pointed. “Sit.” Elisa sat. Three seconds. Then: “I want another cup.” “No,” eleven people said. Shammy and Panam were outside. Elisa looked around. “That was impressive.” Ace leaned toward her. “No.” Elisa smiled. “You’re cute when you’re authoritative.” Ace froze. Della looked at Mira. Mira looked at Della. Mai slowly turned toward Elisa. Elisa looked at Mai. “You’re hot when you’re authoritative.” Ace made a choking sound. Mai raised an eyebrow. Elisa nodded. “Very.” Ace covered her face. “Oh, no.” Della smiled. “What?” Ace looked through her fingers. “It’s starting.” Elisa looked genuinely curious. “What is?” “You.” “I’m always me.” “Unfortunately, yes.” Elisa leaned closer. “Do you think I’m hot when I’m authoritative?” Ace stared. Mai started laughing. Ace looked at her. “Help.” “No.” “You’re enjoying this.” “Very much.” Elisa looked at Mai. “I like your laugh.” Mai smiled. “Thank you.” “And your shoulders.” Mai’s smile changed. Ace saw it. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Elisa looked at Ace. “I like yours too.” “My shoulders?” “Everything.” Ace went silent. Elisa thought. “Especially your ass.” Della spat coffee back into her cup. Mira folded over. Mai laughed out loud. Ace stared at Elisa. Elisa stared back. Perfectly sincere. Then: “What?” Ace broke. She dropped forward onto the table, laughing so hard no sound came out at first. Elisa looked around. “What?” That made it worse. Mai grabbed Ace before she fell sideways. Della was pounding the table. Mira had both hands over her face. Reyes looked toward Kiro. Kiro smiled. “Yep.” Reyes kissed her forehead. “One cup.” “Yes.” “Remember that.” “I do.” Elisa looked at Ace. “I’ve told her that before.” Ace tried to answer. Failed. Elisa continued. “Maybe not exactly like that.” Ace wheezed. “STOP.” “Why?” “Because I can’t fucking breathe.” Elisa nodded. “Okay.” Pause. “Your thighs too.” Ace screamed. Mai lost control completely. Reyes turned away. Brenda came running in from the terrace. “What happened?” Della pointed at Elisa. Couldn’t speak. Brenda looked delighted. “Oh.” Iris followed more slowly. She assessed the room. Then Elisa. Then the cup. “Oh, fuck.” Ace lifted one hand from the table. “YES.” Elisa looked toward Iris. “You’re beautiful.” Iris blinked. “Thank you.” Brenda pointed at herself. Elisa looked at her. “You too.” Brenda smiled. “Correct.” Iris elbowed her. “What?” Elisa looked between them. Then smiled. “You two are extremely hot together.” Brenda’s smile widened. Iris looked toward the ceiling. Ace started laughing again. Brenda walked closer. “I like Coffee Elisa.” Mai immediately said: “Do not encourage her.” “I would never.” Every veteran in the room said: “Bullshit.” Elisa laughed. Fast. Bright. Then stopped. Looked toward the coffee pot. Marco had moved it. Her eyes narrowed. “Where is it?” Ace looked up. “No.” “I only want to know.” “No.” “Marco hid it.” “Yes.” “Where?” “No.” Elisa stood. Mai caught her hand. “Elisa.” Elisa looked down. Mai waited. Elisa smiled. “One more.” “No.” “Half.” “No.” Elisa looked toward Kiro. Kiro looked toward Elisa. Something passed between them. Reyes saw it. “No.” Kiro smiled. “We didn’t say anything.” “You didn’t have to.” Elisa looked at Kiro. “One more?” Kiro considered. Reyes tightened both arms around her from behind. Kiro leaned back into her. “No.” Elisa stared. “Coward.” Kiro smiled. “Experienced.” Elisa considered. Then nodded. “Fair.” Everyone relaxed. That was the second mistake. Twenty minutes later Marco discovered the coffee pot was empty. He stared at it. Then slowly turned. Ace saw his face. “What?” Marco lifted the pot. Empty. Mai went still. Reyes looked at Kiro. Kiro raised both hands. “Not me.” Reyes believed her immediately. Everyone turned. Elisa was sitting on the floor beside Della. Holding a mug. Ace stared. “No.” Elisa looked down at the mug. Then at Ace. “It was unattended.” Marco said: “It was hidden.” “Yes.” “Where did you find it?” “Cupboard.” “How?” “I looked.” Ace stood. “Elisa.” Elisa took the last drink. Ace watched the cup empty. “No.” Elisa smiled. “That was two.” Mai looked at Marco. “How much was left?” Marco thought. “About a cup.” Ace closed her eyes. “Okay.” Mai looked at her. Ace opened them. “We survive two.” Kiro said: “Probably.” Reyes looked at her. “Not helping.” Elisa stood. Very quickly. “I feel fantastic.” Ace pointed. “Nobody give her more.” Elisa looked offended. “I wasn’t asking.” “Good.” “I already had the third.” Silence. Ace stopped breathing. Mai stared. Marco stared at the empty pot. Then at Elisa. “When?” Elisa smiled. “Before you hid it.” Ace slowly sat down. “No.” Kiro whispered: “Oh, shit.” Reyes looked at her. “How bad?” Kiro looked at Elisa. Then at the empty pot. Then back. “Three?” Elisa nodded. “Yes.” Kiro leaned into Reyes. “Very.” Elisa smiled brightly. “I think I want to swim.” Ace looked toward the lake. Then toward Reyes. Reyes looked toward Ace. A slow smile appeared. Ace saw it. “Oh, FUCK YOU.” Elisa looked between them. Then grinned. Friday had just installed the upgrade. Nobody yet understood how badly. --- # CHAPTER 16 — COUNTERED “I think I want to swim.” The sentence should not have been dangerous. It was. Reyes smiled. Ace saw it. “Oh, FUCK YOU.” Elisa looked between them. Then grinned. “What?” Ace pointed at Reyes. “She heard opportunity.” Reyes picked up her mug. “I heard swimming.” “No.” “You don’t want to swim?” “Not with you nearby.” Elisa looked at Reyes. “Because you’re going to throw her.” “Yes.” “No.” Reyes drank. Elisa looked back at Ace. “How?” Ace stared at her. “What do you mean, how?” “You’re fast.” Reyes smiled into her mug. Ace saw that too. “Do not explain technique.” “I wasn’t going to.” Elisa’s eyes moved between them. “You’ve actually done this before.” Della laughed. “Tradition.” Ace pointed at her. “Stop saying that.” “You keep proving it.” Mira leaned against the table. “How many times?” Ace said: “None.” Reyes said: “Enough.” Elisa immediately looked at Reyes. “How many is enough?” Ace groaned. There it was. The speed. The questions were beginning to arrive faster than conversation could comfortably absorb them. Reyes considered. Elisa did not wait. “Does she know when you’re going to do it? Do you always do it on Friday? Why Friday? Is there a specific time? Does Mai help? Does anyone bet on it? Has Ace ever successfully avoided it? Does—” Ace put both hands over Elisa’s mouth. Elisa stopped. Her eyes stayed bright. Ace looked up at her. “No.” Elisa nodded behind the hands. Ace removed them. Elisa immediately said: “Has she?” Ace made a sound of pure suffering. Reyes laughed. Mai leaned against the counter, arms folded. “You wanted Coffee Elisa.” Ace turned. “I DID NOT.” “You let her have the first cup.” “I objected!” “You were ineffective.” “Story of my fucking life.” Elisa looked at Ace. “That’s not true. You’re extremely effective.” Ace paused. Elisa continued. “Especially with your tongue.” Silence. Ace’s entire face changed. Mai bit her lip. Della turned away. Mira stared at the wall. Reyes slowly put her mug down. Brenda made a noise from somewhere near Iris. Ace looked up at Elisa. Elisa looked back. Completely sincere. “What?” Ace collapsed against Mai. Mai caught her. Again. “I fucking hate this coffee.” “No, you don’t,” Mai said. Ace was laughing too hard to answer. Brenda pointed at Elisa. “I fucking love this coffee.” Iris caught Brenda’s hand and lowered it. “Of course you do.” Elisa looked toward Brenda. “Do you really want to know how many rounds they had?” Panam, from the terrace doorway: “No.” Brenda turned instantly. “Yes.” Panam stared at Elisa. Elisa smiled. “I do too.” Panam closed her eyes. Shammy appeared beside her. Her hair lifted slightly. Panam looked at it. “No.” Shammy smiled. “I didn’t say anything.” Panam stared. Ace, still half folded against Mai, managed: “Your hair did.” That killed Della. She bent over laughing. Shammy touched her hair. It lifted a little more. Panam pointed toward the lake. “Everyone outside.” Ace straightened. “No.” Panam looked at her. “What?” “That sounded coordinated.” “It wasn’t.” Reyes stood. Ace backed away from the table. “Absolutely not.” Reyes looked at Kiro. Kiro was still sitting. Reyes leaned down. Kissed her. Long enough that Ace watched suspiciously. When Reyes pulled back, Kiro smiled. “Good luck.” Ace pointed. “SEE?” Kiro took another drink of normal coffee. “I’m staying here.” “Coward.” “Dry coward.” Reyes kissed her once more. “Smart coward.” Kiro smiled. Then looked toward Elisa. “You should probably drink water.” Elisa nodded. “Good idea.” She immediately started toward the door. Without water. Mai caught the back of her shirt. “Water.” Elisa stopped. Turned. “Oh.” Mai handed her a bottle. Elisa drank half of it in one go. Ace watched. “Slow down.” Elisa lowered it. “I’m fine.” “That sentence has never been less convincing.” “I feel amazing.” “We know.” “I can hear the refrigerator.” Marco looked toward it. “That’s normal.” “From outside?” Marco paused. “No.” Ace pointed at Elisa. “See?” Elisa smiled. “Interesting.” “No, terrifying.” They moved outside. Not all thirteen at once. That would have required organization. Instead the cabin emptied in pieces. Reyes first. Della and Mira immediately behind her. Elisa beside Mai. Ace remained inside. Mai stopped at the terrace door. Looked back. Ace stood near the table. “No.” Mai smiled. “Come on.” “No.” “You can’t stay inside all Friday.” “Yes, I can.” “You’ll get bored.” “I’ll adapt.” Elisa leaned around Mai. “Are you scared?” Ace went completely still. Mai closed her eyes. “Oh, Elisa.” Elisa blinked. “What?” Ace slowly turned. “Excuse me?” Elisa smiled. There was no malice in it. Only three cups of curiosity and the total absence of whatever part of Elisa normally recognized that some buttons existed because pressing them was a bad idea. “I asked if you’re scared.” Ace walked toward the door. Mai stepped aside. “Excellent,” she murmured. Ace looked up at Elisa. “I am going outside because I choose to.” “Yes.” “Not because you said that.” “Of course.” “Stop agreeing.” “Okay.” Ace pointed at her. “You are a fucking menace.” Elisa smiled brightly. “You love me.” Ace stared. “Yes.” “Good.” Then Elisa kissed her. Quick. Warm. And walked outside. Ace stood in the doorway. Mai looked down at her. Ace looked up. “Three cups.” Mai nodded. “Three.” “We’re fucked.” “Completely.” They followed. The morning had warmed, but the lake had not. The lake did not care what season thought it was. It remained broad. Dark. Cold. The dock stretched out over it. Reyes was already halfway down. Ace stopped on the terrace. “No.” Della looked back. “You’ve said that a lot today.” “It keeps being necessary.” Mira and Della continued toward the dock. Elisa followed. Mai stayed beside Ace. Panam and Shammy came down the stone steps behind them. Brenda and Iris emerged onto the terrace. Brenda took one look toward the lake. “Oh, is it happening?” Ace turned. “NO.” Brenda smiled. “It’s happening.” Iris kissed Brenda’s cheek. “You’re enjoying this too much.” “Yes.” Kiro appeared behind them with coffee. Reyes saw her from the dock. Lifted one hand. Kiro blew her a kiss. Reyes caught it theatrically. Ace stared. “Can everyone stop being adorable while I’m under threat?” Kiro looked at her. “No.” “Fuck.” Marco and Lena stayed nearer the terrace. Smart people. Ace descended the steps. Slowly. Watching Reyes. Reyes watched her back. Della whispered to Mira: “This is ridiculous.” Mira whispered back: “I love it.” Elisa heard both. “So do I.” Ace heard Elisa. “Of course you fucking do.” They reached the lakeside. The dock shifted faintly under footsteps. Reyes stood near the end. Ace stopped well short of her. “No.” Reyes smiled. “You already said that.” “I mean it more now.” Elisa moved beside Della. “How does she usually catch her?” Ace snapped: “Stop conducting research.” “I’m not.” “You absolutely are.” Elisa looked at Reyes. “Do you?” Reyes nodded toward Ace. “She’ll figure it out.” Ace stared. “That is sinister as fuck.” Panam leaned against one of the dock posts. Shammy stood beside her. Shammy looked— interested. Ace noticed. Her eyes narrowed. “You.” Shammy blinked. “What?” “Do not help her.” “I’m not.” Panam looked down at Shammy. Shammy looked up. Panam smiled. Ace pointed at both of them. “No secret communications.” “We didn’t communicate,” Panam said. “Your faces did.” Della laughed. Ace took another step onto the dock. Reyes did not move. That was worse. Ace looked at Mai. Mai smiled. Traitor. Ace looked at Kiro farther back. Kiro lifted her mug. Traitor. Brenda. Brenda was practically vibrating. Absolutely useless. Iris at least looked sympathetic. Ace pointed at her. “You.” Iris smiled. “No.” Ace looked betrayed. “Everyone sucks.” Elisa stepped closer. “You could just jump in.” Ace looked at her. “Then she wins without working for it.” Reyes smiled. “There she is.” Ace turned. “Shut up.” Something changed. Small. Reyes shifted her weight. Ace saw it. Moved. Fast. Reyes moved too. Della gasped. For several seconds it looked less like someone trying to throw someone into a lake and more like two extremely dangerous professionals conducting the stupidest tactical engagement imaginable. Ace slipped around Reyes. Reyes turned. Ace ducked under one arm. “MISS ME, BITCH.” Reyes laughed. Ace accelerated toward shore. Elisa shouted: “She’s escaping!” Ace turned her head. “WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?” That was the mistake. Reyes caught her. Not cleanly at first. One arm around Ace’s middle. Ace twisted. Nearly got free. Reyes adjusted. Ace hooked a leg. Reyes stumbled. The dock shook. Brenda screamed: “YES!” Iris grabbed Brenda before she joined them. Ace almost broke loose again. Almost. Reyes got both feet planted. Ace realized. Her eyes widened. “No.” Reyes grinned. “Friday.” “REYES—” Up. Ace left the dock. Fully airborne. Tiny. Furious. Arms moving uselessly for one beautiful second. Della’s mouth dropped open. Mira barked out a laugh. Elisa shouted something incomprehensible. Ace had enough time to yell: “FUCK YOU, REYES!” Then she hit the lake. Water exploded. Reyes stood at the edge of the dock. Triumphant. “Still got it.” Panam laughed. Brenda cheered. Della was doubled over. Mira clapped once. Elisa stared at the water. Wide-eyed. And Shammy moved. Instantly. One moment she was beside Panam. The next she was airborne. Panam barely had time to turn. Shammy entered the lake cleanly. No hesitation. No pause. The water closed over her. Reyes’s smile changed. “What—” The lake moved. Not violently. Not dramatically. Just— wrong. A quick rolling distortion under the surface. Something pale and fluid and impossible shifted beneath the dark water. Della stopped laughing. Mira stared. Elisa leaned forward. Reyes blinked. “Oh.” Ace had barely broken the surface. One furious inhale. Wet black hair plastered against her face. “FUCKING—” The water beneath her rose. Shammy. Elemental. Fast. Natural. Ace lifted with her. Not thrown. Retrieved. Almost immediately. For one surreal second Ace sat half-supported above the lake in Shammy’s shifting elemental form, dripping and absolutely fucking offended. Silence. Then Panam started laughing. Hard. Reyes stared. Shammy carried Ace toward the dock. Ace crossed her arms. That somehow made it worse. Della made a strangled sound. Mira covered her mouth. Elisa looked like someone had just handed her the universe and forgotten to include restrictions. Shammy reached the dock. Water shifted. Ace rose high enough to grab the edge. Reyes automatically reached down. Ace looked at the offered hand. Then at Reyes. Reyes smiled. Ace took it. Reyes pulled. Shammy pushed gently from below. Ace climbed onto the dock. Soaked. Tiny. Furious. Dignity operating under catastrophic conditions. Shammy surfaced beside her in human form. Hair slick against her head. Eyes bright. Panam leaned down and offered Shammy a hand. Shammy took it. Panam pulled her onto the dock. Then kissed her. “Nice.” Shammy smiled. “She was in the lake.” Ace pointed at Reyes. “BECAUSE OF HER.” Reyes was still staring at Shammy. Then she started laughing. She looked at Ace. Looked at Shammy. Looked back. “Okay.” Ace wiped water from her face. Reyes shook her head. “Didn’t think of that.” Ace’s expression became viciously pleased. “Get fucked.” Reyes laughed harder. “That’s cheating.” Shammy looked genuinely confused. “I didn’t throw her.” Panam lost it. Mai turned away, shoulders shaking. Della sat down on the dock because her legs had stopped cooperating. Mira leaned against her. Brenda shouted from shore: “COUNTERED!” Ace pointed toward her. “YES.” Reyes put both hands on her hips. “I still got the throw.” Ace stopped. Looked at her. Water ran from her clothes. “Yes.” Reyes smiled. “Tradition stands.” Ace considered. Then nodded once. “Fine.” Reyes held out her fist. Ace stared at it. Then bumped it. “Bitch.” “Wet bitch.” Ace’s eyes narrowed. Reyes took one cautious step backward. Ace smiled. “Run.” Reyes laughed. Elisa was staring at Shammy. Then Ace. Then the lake. Then Shammy again. Her thoughts were visibly queuing faster than speech. Mai saw it. “Oh, no.” Elisa inhaled. “Can you always do that underwater, how fast can you move, could you carry two people, does the cold feel different in elemental form, can you see normally, do you breathe, did you know Ace was going to land exactly there, could you—” Shammy blinked. Elisa continued. “—turn elemental before you hit the water or did you do it after entry because I couldn’t tell and if you did it after entry how long does the transition actually take because that was extremely fast and—” Ace started laughing. Elisa turned toward her. “What?” Ace pointed at Shammy. Shammy was still trying to decide which question to answer first. Panam had both hands over her face. Ace laughed harder. “Elisa.” “Yes?” “Breathe.” Elisa inhaled. Immediately: “Okay, but—” Ace folded. Again. Right there on the dock. Mai caught her from behind. “Oh, fuck.” Elisa looked offended. “I have questions.” Della managed: “We noticed.” Elisa looked at her. “You have questions too.” “Yes, but mine are waiting.” “Why?” “Survival.” Elisa considered that at terrifying speed. “Reasonable.” Shammy finally said: “Yes.” Elisa turned. “To which one?” Shammy smiled. “I don’t know.” Ace made another dying noise. Reyes leaned against Kiro, who had finally walked down the dock. Kiro wrapped an arm around Reyes’s waist. “You got her.” “I did.” Kiro kissed her. “You got countered.” Reyes smiled against her mouth. “I did.” Another kiss. Then Reyes looked toward Shammy. “Next year I’m checking the lake for elementals first.” Shammy smiled. “I can hide.” Reyes stared. Panam started laughing again. Ace stood. Dripping. Shivering now. Mai noticed immediately. “Towel.” Ace pointed at Reyes. “I’m not done.” “Yes, you are.” “I have vengeance.” “You have hypothermia.” “I have priorities.” Mai wrapped a towel around her shoulders. Ace allowed it. Barely. Elisa stepped close. Looked at Ace. Then down. Then up again. “You’re very cute when you’re wet.” Ace closed her eyes. The dock went silent. Elisa continued. “And your shirt is sticking to—” Mai covered Elisa’s mouth. Ace bent double laughing before the sentence could finish. Elisa made an offended sound behind Mai’s hand. Mai looked directly into her eyes. “No.” Elisa nodded. Mai removed her hand. Elisa immediately looked at Ace. “I was going to say your stomach.” Ace stared. Elisa smiled. “Mostly.” Ace collapsed into Mai. Reyes turned into Kiro’s shoulder. Della screamed. Mira sat down beside her. Brenda yelled from shore: “I FUCKING LOVE HER.” Iris replied: “WE KNOW.” Elisa looked toward them. Then at Ace. Then at Mai. “I really like this cabin.” Ace was still laughing. Mai kissed Elisa’s forehead. “We know.” Elisa smiled. Then looked back toward the Main Cabin. “Do we have more coffee?” Every person who heard her froze. Ace straightened. “No.” Elisa blinked. “Normal coffee.” Everyone relaxed. Mostly. Ace pointed at her. “Specify that every fucking time from now on.” Elisa considered. “Fair.” They started back toward the cabin. Ace wrapped in a towel. Reyes alive, unfortunately. Shammy dripping and pleased. Panam glued to her side. Kiro with one arm around Reyes. Mira and Della still periodically breaking into laughter. Brenda already preparing new crimes. Iris already aware. Elisa walking beside Mai at approximately twice normal speed while asking Shammy whether elemental hair was technically still hair. Friday had now been awake for several hours. It had achieved tradition. It had achieved counter-tradition. And Elisa still had three cups of Death’s Coffee moving through her bloodstream. The day was nowhere near done. --- # CHAPTER 17 — WARM ENOUGH By the time they reached the Main Cabin, Ace had stopped shivering. Mostly. Mai still refused to give her clothes back. This was unfair because they were Ace’s clothes. “They’re wet.” “So am I.” “Yes.” “I can wear wet clothes.” “No.” “I’ve done it before.” “Yes.” “Successfully.” Mai looked down at her. “No.” Ace stood in the middle of the common room wrapped in a large towel, hair dripping onto the floor, glaring upward with all the authority available to a woman currently dressed as an angry bath product. Elisa stared at her. Ace noticed. “No.” Elisa blinked. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were going to.” “Yes.” Ace pointed. “Keep developing that skill.” Elisa considered. “No.” Ace folded in half laughing. Mai caught her shoulders. Again. “This is going to be a very long day.” Elisa nodded rapidly. “I hope so.” Ace looked up. Elisa smiled. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was absolutely something.” “Yes.” Mai turned Elisa gently toward the kitchen. “Water.” “I had water.” “More.” “Okay.” Elisa walked away. Ace watched her. Then looked at Mai. “She agreed.” “Don’t get used to it.” “I wasn’t going to.” Reyes came through the door behind them. Kiro followed with one arm around her waist. Ace immediately straightened. “You.” Reyes smiled. “Me.” Ace pointed. “I was cold.” “You’re welcome.” “For what?” “Refreshing swim.” “I hate you.” “No, you don’t.” Ace narrowed her eyes. Reyes opened her arms. Ace stared at them. Reyes waited. Ace lasted perhaps two seconds. Then walked straight into them. Reyes wrapped her up. Towel and all. Ace buried her face against Reyes’s chest. “Bitch.” Reyes kissed the top of her wet head. “Tiny bitch.” Ace squeezed her harder. “Fuck you.” “Sure. Later.” Ace went still. Kiro laughed. Mai looked toward the ceiling. “Oh, now everyone’s doing it.” Reyes looked down. Ace looked up. There was a beat. Easy. Familiar. Then Ace rose onto her toes as far as being Ace allowed and Reyes bent the rest of the way. They kissed. Not a joke. Not revenge. Not particularly brief. Reyes’s hand settled at the back of Ace’s neck, fingers disappearing into wet hair. Ace’s arms stayed around her. The entire ridiculous war on the dock disappeared from their faces for a few seconds. Then they separated. Ace smiled. Reyes smiled back. “Still hate me?” “Yes.” “Good.” Ace kissed her again. Shorter. “Still getting revenge.” “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.” Kiro stepped beside Reyes. Ace looked at her. Kiro looked back. Ace narrowed her eyes. “You encouraged her.” “Yes.” Ace opened one arm. Kiro laughed and stepped into the invitation. Ace hugged her too. “You’re both terrible.” Kiro kissed Ace’s forehead. “You love us.” “Unfortunately.” Reyes wrapped an arm around both of them. Mai watched from two steps away. Ace noticed. “Don’t look smug.” Mai smiled. “I’m not.” “You are.” “I’m enjoying the view.” Ace considered that. “Acceptable.” Della came in. Stopped. Looked at Ace between Reyes and Kiro. Looked toward Mai. Then deliberately looked away. Ace saw. “Good.” Della started laughing. “I’m learning.” “Slowly.” Mira came through behind her. “What?” “Nothing.” “That means something.” “It means I stopped trying to understand.” Mira looked at the three women tangled together. Then at Mai. Then toward the kitchen, where Elisa was already talking to Brenda at a speed normally associated with emergency data transfer. “Smart.” “Thank you.” Panam and Shammy entered last. Shammy’s hair was drying. Badly. It had begun lifting in several directions. Ace saw it. “Forty percent.” Shammy looked offended. “Stop measuring.” Panam kissed her temple. “Forty-five.” Shammy turned. “You too?” Panam smiled. Shammy kissed her. Panam kissed her back. Della watched. Then looked at Mira. “I like this place.” Mira nodded. “A lot.” From the kitchen: “Della!” Della turned. Elisa was pointing at her. “Yes?” “Question.” Ace shouted: “DON’T ANSWER.” Elisa looked toward her. “You don’t know the question.” “I know you.” “That’s not an answer.” “It’s survival.” Brenda leaned against the counter beside Elisa. She was smiling. That alone should have triggered evacuation. Iris sat at the table with a fresh mug. She looked entirely unconcerned. Della walked closer anyway. “What?” Elisa looked at her. “Do you find me attractive?” Della stopped. Mira stopped. Ace made a delighted noise. Mai immediately covered Ace’s mouth. Della stared at Elisa. Elisa stared back. No embarrassment. No coyness. Just a question that had apparently gone directly from thought to speech without encountering border control. Della smiled. “Yes.” Elisa nodded. “Good.” Della waited. “That’s it?” “No.” “Of course not.” Elisa continued. “How attractive?” Brenda made a choking sound. Iris looked at her. Brenda pointed at Elisa. “I didn’t do it.” “Remarkably.” Della folded her arms. “How do you want that quantified?” Elisa’s eyes brightened. “Oh.” Ace pulled Mai’s hand away. “Wrong question.” Della looked at her. “Why?” Elisa answered before Ace could. “Scale from one to ten is too compressed and culturally inconsistent, percentages imply a false baseline, physical response would be more useful but intrusive unless volunteered, comparative ranking would require defining the comparison group—” Della stared. Elisa continued. “—and I don’t actually want to know whether you find me more attractive than Mira because that would be stupid and potentially hurtful and Mira is extremely attractive anyway.” Mira blinked. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” Della rubbed her face. Brenda was shaking with silent laughter. Elisa looked at Della. “So?” Della stepped closer. Elisa stopped talking. Della put one hand lightly at Elisa’s waist. Paused there. Elisa looked down at it. Then up. Della kissed her. Simple. Warm. Long enough to answer. When Della pulled away, Elisa remained exactly where she was. Her eyes were very bright. Della smiled. “That attractive.” Elisa nodded once. “Excellent answer.” Ace exploded. She grabbed Mai and laughed into her. Mai laughed too. Mira shook her head. Brenda slapped the counter. Iris took another drink. Della looked toward Mira. Mira smiled. No problem. No tension. Just warmth. Elisa saw that too. Her expression softened for perhaps half a second. Then the coffee caught up again. She looked at Mira. Opened her mouth. Mira lifted one finger. “No.” Elisa stopped. “You don’t know what I was going to ask.” “I have a pretty good idea.” Elisa considered. “Probably.” Della laughed. Mira smiled. “Later.” Elisa’s eyes brightened. “Later is not no.” Ace made another dying sound. Mai covered her mouth again. “Stop encouraging her.” Ace pulled Mai’s hand away. “I’M NOT DOING ANYTHING.” Elisa nodded. “She isn’t. I was going to ask anyway.” Ace collapsed against Mai. “SEE?” Reyes laughed. Then her attention returned to Ace. Really returned. Ace’s towel had slipped slightly around her shoulders. Her hair was still wet. Drops of water moved slowly down the side of her neck. Reyes reached out and brushed one away with her thumb. Ace stopped laughing. Not dramatically. Just— stopped. Reyes’s hand remained there. Ace looked up at her. Something passed between them. Old. Easy. Very clear. Kiro saw it. Mai saw it too. Mai’s expression softened. Reyes touched another damp strand of Ace’s hair. “You really need dry clothes.” Ace’s mouth twitched. “That an order?” “No.” “Suggestion?” “Excuse.” Ace smiled. “There it is.” Reyes smiled back. Ace leaned into her again. Not the comic hug from before. Closer. Her cheek against Reyes. Reyes’s arms settled around her. For several seconds they simply stood there. Ace warm inside the towel. Reyes holding her. The dock already becoming another story they would tell badly later. Ace finally muttered: “You still fucking threw me in the lake.” Reyes kissed her temple. “Yep.” “Every fucking time.” “Yep.” “I’m going to get you back.” “I know.” Ace lifted her head. Reyes looked down. Ace’s smile was small now. Fond. Dangerous. “You seem very fucking comfortable with that.” “I know you.” That landed differently. Ace looked at her for another second. Then kissed her. Slowly. No audience joke this time. No punchline waiting behind it. Reyes answered with the same patience. One hand moved up between Ace’s shoulder blades. Ace’s fingers curled lightly into Reyes’s shirt. Kiro watched. Not because there was anything unusual about Reyes kissing Ace. There wasn’t. She watched because she knew both of them well enough to recognize the change. The morning’s laughter was still there. But underneath it— want. Reyes broke the kiss first. Only far enough to look at Ace. Ace stayed close. “Dry clothes,” Reyes said. Ace smiled. “Still sounds like an excuse.” “It is.” “Good.” Kiro laughed softly. Ace turned her head. Saw her. Kiro was smiling. Warm. Interested. Ace looked from Kiro to Reyes. Then back. “You’re enjoying this.” Kiro didn’t bother pretending. “Yes.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “Of course you fucking are.” Kiro leaned against the edge of the table. “I did warn you Reyes was going to get you.” “You encouraged her.” “Yes.” “I remember.” “I know.” Ace looked at Reyes. “Your girlfriend is an asshole.” Reyes raised an eyebrow. “And the woman currently wrapped in a towel threatening both of us is better?” Ace stared. Then laughed. “Fair.” Reyes kissed her forehead. Ace remained against her. The moment could have ended there. It didn’t. Reyes’s hand moved slowly down Ace’s back. Stopped at her waist. Ace felt it. So did Reyes. Ace looked up again. This time nobody joked. Mai watched for one second longer. Then crossed toward Ace. Ace turned slightly. Mai bent and kissed her. Soft. Loving. Ace immediately leaned into it. When Mai pulled away, she touched Ace’s cheek. “Go get warm.” Ace smiled. “I intend to.” Mai’s eyes flicked toward Reyes. Then back. “I know.” Ace kissed her once more. “Love you.” “Love you too.” Nothing complicated. Nothing needed explaining. Mai stepped away. Reyes took Ace’s hand. Ace let her. They started toward the stairs. Kiro followed automatically for two steps. Then stopped. Not because she wanted to leave. Because this was Reyes and Ace. Their moment. Reyes reached the first stair. Noticed the silence behind them. Looked back. Kiro stood near the bottom. Her expression was easy. No hurt. No uncertainty. Just a question she wasn’t going to force anyone else to answer. Reyes looked at Ace. “You okay with her staying?” Ace looked back at Kiro. For a second her expression was almost offended by the question. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Reyes gave her a look. Ace rolled her eyes. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Then she looked directly at Kiro. “Of course I am.” Kiro’s smile warmed. Ace’s did too. “I love her too.” No speech. No negotiation. Just fact. Kiro pushed away from the table. Ace pointed at her. “You’re watching.” Kiro stopped. “Yes.” Not coy. Not apologetic. Ace considered her. Then smiled. “Good.” Kiro’s eyebrows rose slightly. Reyes laughed. Ace looked at her. “What?” “Nothing.” “Your face did.” Reyes leaned down and kissed her. Ace kissed her back. When they separated, Reyes looked toward Kiro. “Coming?” Kiro nodded. “Yes.” The three of them went upstairs. Della watched them disappear. Then looked toward Mai. Mai caught her looking. Della immediately raised one hand. “No chart.” Mai smiled. “Good.” Della looked toward the stairs again. “I think I finally understand one thing.” “What?” Della thought about it. Then shook her head. “Nope.” Mai laughed. “Better.” Across the room, Elisa was still looking at Mira. Mira noticed. Again. “No.” “I haven’t said anything.” “You don’t need to.” Elisa smiled. Then turned toward Della instead. Della barely had time to react before Elisa leaned into her side. Della looked down. Elisa looked up. “Was that kiss a one-time answer or can I have another one later?” Della stared at her. Brenda made a strangled noise. Iris took Brenda’s mug away before she dropped it. Della’s smile appeared slowly. “Later.” Elisa nodded. “Good.” Then: “How much later?” Della laughed. Mira covered her face. Mai turned toward the kitchen. “Water.” Elisa looked at her. “I’m drinking water.” She held up the bottle. Mai looked. It was empty. “Elisa.” “Oh.” Marco handed her another one. Elisa accepted it. “Thank you.” She drank. Brenda watched her. Then looked at Iris. “I have never wanted to ask someone questions more in my life.” Iris looked at her. “That sentence should frighten everyone.” “It should.” Elisa lowered the bottle. “You can ask me anything.” Every veteran in the room said: “No.” Elisa blinked. Brenda looked personally wounded. “Traitors.” Iris kissed her cheek. “Survivors.” Upstairs, the large bedroom door opened. Ace went in first. Reyes behind her. Kiro last. The room was quiet compared with downstairs. Lake light came through the windows. Ace stopped beside the bed. The towel was still around her. Mostly. Reyes closed the door. Not locked. Just closed. The noise downstairs softened immediately. Ace looked at Reyes. Then at Kiro. Then back at Reyes. For once, nobody spoke. Reyes crossed the room. Slowly. Ace waited. Reyes stopped directly in front of her. Ace looked up. “You still fucking threw me in the lake.” Reyes smiled. “You mentioned that.” “I’m going to keep mentioning it.” “I know.” “Possibly forever.” “I know.” Ace caught the front of Reyes’s shirt. Pulled her closer. “Good.” Reyes’s hands settled at Ace’s waist. Ace didn’t kiss her yet. Neither did Reyes. They stayed there. Close enough to feel each other breathe. Kiro moved toward the chair near the window. Sat. Ace noticed. Their eyes met. Kiro didn’t look away. Neither did Ace. Ace smiled. Small. Knowing. Then looked back at Reyes. Reyes had seen the exchange. “You sure?” Ace’s expression softened. “About Kiro?” “Yes.” Ace glanced toward her again. Kiro waited. Ace looked back at Reyes. “I told you.” Reyes waited. Ace smiled. “I love her.” Then, because Ace was Ace: “And she’s going to enjoy this way too fucking much.” Kiro laughed. “Yes.” Ace pointed at her without taking her other hand from Reyes’s shirt. “See?” Reyes smiled. “Still okay?” Ace looked at Kiro. Kiro looked back. Warm. Loved. Wanted there. Ace’s smile deepened. “Absolutely.” Then Ace pulled Reyes down. Their mouths met. And this time neither of them was joking. Outside the bedroom, the cabin continued around them. Voices downstairs. Laughter. The lake beyond the windows. Friday morning stretching toward afternoon. Inside, Reyes held Ace closer. Ace answered immediately. Kiro watched. And nobody was in a hurry anymore. --- # CHAPTER 18 — EVEN Nobody was in a hurry anymore. The first kiss lasted. That was the difference. Downstairs had been laughter and movement and thirteen people constantly crossing through one another’s lives. Here there were three. And only two of them were touching. Ace still had one fist closed in the front of Reyes’s shirt. Reyes still had both hands at Ace’s waist. Neither moved quickly. They knew better. They knew each other. Ace broke the kiss first. Barely. Her mouth stayed close to Reyes’s. “You taste like coffee.” “So do you.” “Normal coffee.” “Important distinction.” “Very.” Reyes smiled. Ace kissed that smile away. Slowly. Reyes’s hands shifted around her. One settled against the middle of Ace’s back. The other stayed lower, holding her close without pulling. Ace did the pulling herself. She pressed against Reyes. Reyes answered. No uncertainty. No surprise. Just recognition. Kiro sat near the window. Quiet. Watching. Ace was aware of her. Not constantly. Not performatively. But every few moments her eyes found Kiro again. And every time, Kiro was still there. Relaxed. Interested. Her attention unmistakable. The third time Ace caught her looking, Ace smiled against Reyes’s mouth. Reyes noticed. “What?” Ace shook her head. “Nothing.” “Bullshit.” Ace glanced toward Kiro. Reyes followed the look. Kiro raised an eyebrow. Ace said: “She really is enjoying this.” Kiro answered immediately. “Yes.” Reyes laughed softly. Ace looked back at her. “You too.” “Obviously.” “Asshole.” “You came upstairs.” “You threw me in a lake.” “And you followed me upstairs.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “That argument is becoming irritatingly effective.” “I know.” Ace kissed her again. Harder. Reyes laughed into it. That was better. Ace liked that sound. She always had. She loosened her grip on Reyes’s shirt only to slide both arms around her neck. Reyes bent lower. Ace rose against her. The difference in height had never been an obstacle. It was simply part of their language. Reyes knew when to bend. Ace knew when to pull. Reyes knew exactly how Ace liked being held when she wanted closeness rather than restraint. Ace knew the difference in Reyes between teasing and hunger. The hunger was there now. Clear. Warm. Patient. Ace felt it. Her own answer came just as clearly. Reyes’s mouth left hers. Moved to her cheek. Her jaw. Ace closed her eyes. The towel loosened another fraction. Reyes stopped. Not because she had changed her mind. Because Ace had. Ace opened her eyes. Looked down. Then laughed. “Oh.” Reyes smiled. “Problem?” “My dignity is falling off.” “Your dignity went into the lake.” From the chair: “Pretty sure Reyes threw it there.” Ace turned. “Kiro.” Kiro was trying not to laugh. Badly. Ace pointed at her. “I warned you.” “You said if I laughed.” “Yes.” “You didn’t specify consequences.” Ace stared. Kiro smiled. Ace looked at Reyes. “Your girlfriend needs discipline.” Reyes raised an eyebrow. “So do you.” Silence. Kiro covered her mouth. Ace stared at Reyes. “I wasn't talking about me.” “I know.” Reyes’s expression remained perfectly innocent. Then Ace broke. The tension shattered into laughter. She dropped her forehead against Reyes. Reyes held her while she shook. “You absolute bitch.” “Worth it.” “Oh, completely.” Ace lifted her head. Kissed her. Still smiling. The laughter faded naturally. Want remained. That was the thing about them. Neither cancelled the other. Ace could laugh with Reyes and want her in the same breath. Could call her a bitch while holding her like someone precious. Could be furious about the lake and deeply, stupidly happy to be here afterward. Reyes understood every contradiction because none of them were contradictions to her. Her thumb moved slowly along Ace’s back. Ace quieted. The next kiss was different again. Deeper in feeling. Less playful. Ace let herself settle into it. Reyes gave her time. Kiro watched Ace’s shoulders gradually lose their remaining tension. Watched Reyes become gentler as they did. Watched Ace notice that gentleness and respond by moving closer instead of away. Nothing rushed. The towel finally lost its battle. Ace caught it before it reached the floor. She looked down at it. Then at Reyes. Reyes smiled. Ace narrowed her eyes. “Not one fucking word.” “I didn’t say anything.” “Your face did.” Ace dropped the towel deliberately. Reyes’s smile disappeared. Not because anything was wrong. Quite the opposite. Ace saw the change. So did Kiro. Ace stood in front of Reyes without hiding. Without joking for once. Reyes looked at her. Really looked. Ace let her. Then Ace glanced toward Kiro. Kiro’s expression had changed too. Warmth. Desire. And something softer underneath both. Ace held her gaze. “You okay over there?” Kiro nodded. “Yes.” “Good.” Ace meant it. She turned back to Reyes. Reyes touched her cheek. “You?” Ace leaned into the hand. “Very.” That was enough. Reyes kissed her again. The room became smaller. Not literally. The lake still existed beyond the windows. The cabin still murmured beneath them. But attention narrowed. Reyes. Ace. Kiro watching. Ace’s wet hair slowly drying against Reyes’s fingers. Reyes’s shirt wrinkling under Ace’s hands. Breathing changing. Small sounds replacing jokes. Then jokes returning because neither of them could stay serious for very long. At one point Ace looked down at Reyes’s still-completely-dry clothes. Her eyes narrowed. “This is unequal.” Reyes looked down too. “You’re the one who went swimming.” “You’re the one who threw me.” “True.” “So fix it.” Reyes looked at her. Ace waited. Reyes smiled. “Bossy.” Ace’s answering smile was immediate. “You like it.” “Sometimes.” “Liar.” “Sometimes a lot.” Ace laughed. Then helped. Not hurriedly. Not as a race toward anything. One layer. A kiss. Another pause. Reyes touching Ace’s face. Ace running her hands over Reyes’s shoulders. Another kiss. Another laugh when something caught where it shouldn’t. Kiro watched the entire ridiculous, affectionate process. Ace caught her smiling. “What?” Kiro shook her head. “You two.” “That explains nothing.” “It explains everything.” Ace considered. Then looked at Reyes. Reyes looked back. Ace smiled. “Fair.” Eventually they reached the bed. Not because the bed was the objective. Because it was there. Because Reyes sat and Ace followed her down. Because Ace immediately climbed closer instead of leaving space. Because Reyes opened her arms and Ace went into them as naturally as breathing. Kiro shifted in the chair. Ace heard it. Looked over. Kiro had moved slightly closer. Not much. Ace smiled. Kiro stopped. Ace shook her head. “Come closer if you want.” Kiro looked at Reyes. Reyes smiled. “You heard her.” Kiro moved the chair nearer. Still separate. Still watching. Exactly where she wanted to be. Ace looked pleased. Then Reyes drew her attention back with a kiss. Ace forgot the rest of the room for a while. Their familiarity became visible in smaller things now. Reyes never needed to chase Ace. Ace came back. Every time. When Reyes slowed, Ace followed. When Ace wanted more, Reyes knew before she needed to say much. When something made Ace laugh, Reyes waited for the laughter to pass rather than breaking the moment. And when Ace finally stopped laughing entirely— Reyes noticed that too. Ace held her gaze. The playful anger was gone. The lake was gone. What remained was simple. “I love you.” Reyes’s expression softened. “I love you too.” Ace kissed her. No joke after it. No insult. Just the kiss. Reyes held her. Ace stayed. Kiro looked down for a moment. Not from discomfort. From the strange tenderness of being allowed to witness something that needed no witness. Ace noticed anyway. “Kiro.” Kiro looked up. Ace reached one hand toward her. Not inviting her into the bed. Just reaching. Kiro leaned forward and took it. Ace squeezed her fingers. “I meant what I said.” Kiro’s thumb moved over Ace’s knuckles. “I know.” “Good.” Kiro smiled. “I love you too.” Ace’s eyes warmed. Then the inevitable: “Still enjoying this too much.” “Yes.” “Good.” Reyes laughed. Ace released Kiro’s hand only after another squeeze. Then turned fully back to Reyes. The next stretch of time belonged to them. The pace changed gradually. Kisses became less conversational. Touch stopped wandering and became intentional. Reyes watched Ace closely. Ace answered with movement, with breath, with the way she held Reyes nearer instead of giving ground. There was nothing tentative in either of them. They had been here before. Not this room. Not this exact morning. But here. With each other. Knowing. Choosing. Ace looked toward Kiro once more. Kiro’s attention had sharpened. Ace saw the effect the sight of them was having on her. Her smile became almost wicked. Kiro saw that. “Don’t.” Ace whispered: “I didn’t say anything.” “Your face did.” Ace laughed softly. Reyes kissed the laugh away. After that, Ace stopped looking anywhere else for a while. The room grew quieter. Downstairs became irrelevant. Reyes kept Ace close. Ace trusted her enough to stop trying to control every second. That mattered. Reyes knew it mattered. She never treated it casually. Ace’s hands tightened against her. Her breathing caught. Reyes stayed with her. No rush. No performance. Only the steady familiarity of someone who knew when Ace was teasing, when she was demanding, and when she had finally stopped doing either because feeling had overtaken language. Ace buried her face against Reyes for a moment. Reyes kissed her temple. Ace whispered something Kiro couldn’t hear. Reyes answered just as quietly. Ace lifted her head. Whatever Reyes had said made her smile. Then they kissed again. The next choice was visible. Reyes shifted Ace farther onto the bed and stopped there. Not backing away. Giving her the second. Ace understood. Her eyes stayed on Reyes. “Yes.” Reyes smiled. “You sure?” Ace caught her shirt again and pulled her down. “Do I look fucking unsure?” “No.” “Then stop making me answer sensible questions.” Reyes laughed softly. “Bossy.” “Lake trauma.” “Bullshit.” “Yes.” Ace kissed her before Reyes could improve the argument. Kiro stayed. Watched. Ace knew. Reyes knew. Nobody needed anything else from her. The last distance between teasing and lovemaking disappeared without the camera pretending it had not. Reyes’s touch became deliberate. Ace answered immediately. The first real jolt of pleasure broke through her control so cleanly that her mouth opened against Reyes’s shoulder and no insult came out. Just breath. Reyes felt it. Paused for half a heartbeat. Ace tightened both arms around her. “Don’t you fucking dare stop.” There. Clear enough. Reyes stayed with her. Ace’s second reaction came stronger. Eyes closing. Back drawing tight. A low sound she would absolutely deny later if Brenda ever learned about it. Kiro heard. Her own breathing changed. Ace opened her eyes and found her. Saw exactly what watching was doing to Kiro. That pleased her. Of course it did. “Enjoying yourself?” Kiro answered without shame. “Yes.” Ace smiled. “Good.” Reyes kissed the smile away. After that the room lost most of its sentences. Not all. Ace still swore. Reyes still laughed when Ace tried to threaten her while very obviously losing the ability to make threats convincing. Kiro stayed exactly where Ace had asked her to stay. Present. Wanted. Not turned into furniture simply because she was watching. Ace reached for her once. Kiro leaned forward. Their fingers locked. Then Reyes drew another sharp breath from Ace and the hand in Kiro’s tightened hard. Kiro squeezed back. Ace’s eyes closed. Her head dropped against Reyes. The pleasure built visibly. Not as a montage. Not as a blank stretch of missing time. Reyes knew Ace too well to mistake noise for the important part. The important part was the way Ace stopped performing. The way every smart remark shortened. The way she stopped checking the room. The way trust replaced control one inch at a time. Reyes stayed close enough that Ace never had to chase her. Ace held on. Kiro watched the exact moment Ace crossed from managing the feeling to simply letting it happen. Her breath broke. Her whole body went taut. Reyes said her name once. Ace answered with a sound instead of language. Then the tension gave way. Ace came hard enough that the hand holding Kiro’s squeezed again before finally loosening. Reyes held her through it. No victory line. No tease. Not then. Just both arms around her while Ace shook once, twice, then slowly softened. Kiro kept hold of Ace’s hand. Ace’s eyes stayed closed. For several seconds there was nothing in the room except three people breathing. That stillness mattered. Ace eventually opened one eye. Reyes was watching her. Kiro too. Ace swallowed. “Anyone says a fucking word—” Reyes kissed her forehead. Kiro smiled. Ace looked between them. Then laughed weakly. “Assholes.” Reyes: “You love us.” “Yes.” Immediate. No defense. Reyes kissed her again. Slowly. The first release had ended nothing. It had only changed the pace. They stayed close. Touch softened. Then gathered again by degrees according to what Ace wanted and what Reyes wanted back. Time passed without being counted. Eventually intensity gave way to another stillness. Not instantly. Gradually. Breathing first. Then movement. Then the simple weight of two people no longer trying to get anywhere. Reyes lay back. Ace followed her down. Ended half across her. Small enough that it worked. One leg tangled with Reyes’s. One arm across her. Face against Reyes’s shoulder. Reyes’s hand moved slowly over Ace’s back. Again. Again. Ace’s eyes closed. For a long moment nobody spoke. Then: “Still hate you.” Reyes smiled. “Sure.” Ace lifted her head. Looked at her. The look lasted. Then Ace kissed her. Slow. Soft. “A lot.” Reyes touched her cheek. “I know.” Ace settled down again. Another silence. Comfortable. Earned. Kiro was still in the chair. Ace opened one eye. Looked at her. “You’re very far away.” Kiro smiled. “I was watching.” “I noticed.” “I know.” Ace lifted one hand. Held it out. Kiro looked at it. Then at Ace. Ace wiggled her fingers impatiently. “Come here, idiot.” Kiro laughed. She stood. Crossed the short distance. Took Ace’s hand. Ace pulled. Not hard. Just enough. Kiro sat on the edge of the bed. Ace looked up at her. “You enjoyed that way too much.” “Yes.” “Pervert.” “Yes.” Ace smiled. “Love you.” Kiro’s expression softened. “Love you too.” Ace tugged again. Kiro bent down. Ace kissed her. Warm. Unhurried. Nothing left to prove. When Kiro straightened, Reyes caught the back of her neck. Kiro smiled before Reyes kissed her. That kiss was familiar too. Different. Theirs. Ace watched from Reyes’s shoulder. Entirely satisfied. When they separated, Ace reached for Kiro again. This time Kiro lay down beside them. Reyes shifted. Space appeared. Ace somehow occupied most of it anyway. Kiro laughed. “You’re tiny. How do you do that?” “Talent.” Reyes wrapped an arm around Ace. Kiro’s fingers moved into Ace’s drying hair. Ace sighed. Happy. Then Kiro said: “Reyes still got the throw.” Ace’s eyes opened. Slowly. Reyes went completely still. Kiro’s smile widened. Ace stared at her. “You waited until I invited you into bed.” “Yes.” “To say that.” “Yes.” Reyes started laughing. Ace pointed at Kiro from approximately six inches away. “Get out.” “No.” “I revoke everything.” “No, you don’t.” Ace looked at Reyes. “Control your girlfriend.” Reyes laughed harder. “I’m in bed with both of you. My authority is clearly compromised.” Ace stopped. Kiro stopped. Then both started laughing. Ace climbed higher onto Reyes. “No, no. Say it again.” “Absolutely not.” “Reyes.” “No.” “Admit you’ve lost operational control.” “I threw you into a lake this morning.” Kiro buried her face against the pillow. Ace was delighted now. “And now I’m naked on top of you. Your tactical doctrine needs work.” Reyes closed her eyes. “Fuck.” Ace kissed her. “Exactly.” Kiro made a strangled sound. Reyes opened her eyes. Ace grinned down at her. “Later.” That destroyed Kiro completely. Reyes caught Ace around the waist before she could escape. Ace squealed. Laughed. Kiro joined them. And somewhere downstairs Brenda shouted something none of them understood. Ace stopped laughing just long enough to listen. Then looked at Reyes. “Think they’re surviving?” “No.” “Kiro?” “No.” Ace considered. “Good.” She dropped back between them. Outside, the lake remained cold. Inside, Ace was finally warm. And the score— despite everything Reyes might claim— was even. --- # CHAPTER 19 — ASK ME ANYTHING Downstairs, Elisa had made a tactical error. “You can ask me anything.” Every veteran in the room had said no. Brenda had heard a challenge. She stood at the kitchen counter with both hands planted on the wood, staring at Elisa with the focused intensity of a woman who had just been handed unrestricted access to something dangerous. Elisa drank water. Della sat beside her. Mira occupied the other end of the couch. Mai leaned against the kitchen island. Iris had reclaimed her coffee. Marco was doing something with breakfast dishes that absolutely did not require the amount of concentration he was giving them. Lena had a book open. She had not turned a page in several minutes. Panam and Shammy had escaped to the terrace. Cowards. Brenda inhaled. Iris said: “Think carefully.” “I am.” “That worries me more.” Elisa lowered the bottle. “You can ask.” Brenda looked delighted. Mai pointed at her. “Nothing involving measurements.” Brenda’s mouth closed. Elisa immediately looked interested. “What measurements?” “No.” “Of what?” “No.” “Why?” “Because I know Brenda.” Brenda looked offended. “I have standards.” Iris took a drink. “Technically true.” “Thank you.” “They’re just very low.” Della laughed. Brenda turned toward her. “Careful. You’re new.” Della smiled. “I’ve known you longer than Elisa.” “Still new.” “I survived Specialist Camp.” “That was work.” Della stared at her. “Were you at the same camp?” Mira covered her mouth. Mai looked away. Lena finally turned a page. Brenda pointed at Della. “I like you.” “That sounds like a threat.” “It usually is.” Elisa looked between them. Her eyes were moving too quickly again. Della noticed. “You okay?” “Yes.” “Really?” “My heart is fast, my thoughts are faster, my mouth appears to have declared independence, and I’m extremely aware of everyone in this room.” Pause. “Especially you.” Della blinked. Elisa smiled. Della looked at Mira. Mira lifted both hands. “Not helping.” “I didn’t ask.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” Mira sighed. “Coffee really did remove the last filter.” Elisa nodded. “I think it killed it.” Mai said: “It’ll grow back.” “How long?” “Hopefully before dinner.” Brenda leaned forward. “Hopefully not.” Iris reached over and pulled Brenda backward by her waistband. “Behave.” “I am behaving.” “You’re stalking.” “I’m sitting.” “You were standing.” “I’m adaptable.” Elisa looked at Iris. “You do that very well.” Iris raised an eyebrow. “What?” “Handle Brenda.” Brenda gasped. “I do not need handling.” Iris looked at her. Brenda thought about it. “Okay, sometimes.” Elisa nodded rapidly. “You’re extremely good together.” Brenda smiled. “We know.” “No, I mean sexually too.” Silence. Marco stopped moving. Lena lowered the book. Della slowly turned toward Elisa. Mira closed her eyes. Mai bit the inside of her cheek. Iris looked at Elisa. Elisa looked back. Then frowned. “Was that one I should have kept inside?” “Yes,” Mai said. Brenda said: “Absolutely not.” Iris took another drink. Elisa pointed at Brenda. “See, this is confusing.” Brenda laughed. “Welcome to the cabin.” “I like the cabin.” “We noticed.” Elisa looked toward Della. Della saw it coming. “No.” “I haven’t asked anything.” “You’re going to.” “Yes.” “What?” Elisa tilted her head. “When you kissed me—” Della waited. “—did you already want to before I asked whether you found me attractive?” Della’s expression changed. Not embarrassed. Just more attentive. “Yes.” Elisa nodded. “How long?” Della thought. “Since yesterday.” Elisa blinked. “Really?” “Really.” Something about that got through the caffeine. For one brief moment Elisa stopped moving. Her smile became softer. “You could have.” Della smiled. “So could you.” Elisa considered. “That’s fair.” Then: “I want to again.” Mira made a tiny sound. Elisa turned immediately. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Mira looked at Della. Della was laughing. Mira surrendered. “You sound exactly like Ace.” Elisa looked genuinely pleased. “Thank you.” Mai groaned. “Do not tell her that.” “Why?” “Because one Ace is enough.” From upstairs came absolutely nothing. Mai glanced toward the ceiling. Smiled. Then looked away. Della saw. She did not ask. Good instincts. Elisa was still studying her. Della noticed. “You said later.” “Yes.” “It’s later.” Della looked at the clock. “It’s been twelve minutes.” “Yes.” “That counts?” “Technically.” Brenda slapped the counter. “She’s got you there.” Della laughed. Then leaned down and kissed Elisa again. Nobody exploded. Nobody needed to. It was simply a second kiss. A little easier than the first. Elisa’s hand found Della’s arm. Della’s hand rested briefly against her cheek. Then they separated. Elisa smiled. “Still excellent.” “Glad to hear it.” “Can I—” Della put one finger against Elisa’s lips. “Later.” Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “You’re weaponizing that word.” “Yes.” Elisa kissed the fingertip. Della froze. Brenda made a sound like a dying engine. Iris covered Brenda’s mouth. Elisa looked at Della. “What?” Della stared. Then laughed. “You really are dangerous today.” “I don’t feel dangerous.” “You wouldn’t.” Mira leaned back. “This is going to be a very long Friday.” Elisa turned toward her. “You said later too.” Mira stared at the ceiling. “I knew that was coming.” Della smiled. Elisa waited. Mira looked at her. There was attraction there. Nobody needed a chart to see it now. But Mira didn’t move. “Still later.” Elisa nodded. No disappointment. No pressure. “Okay.” Then she drank more water. Mai smiled. That was better. Brenda, unfortunately, had survived Iris’s hand. “So.” “No,” Iris said. “You don’t even know.” “I know you.” Elisa pointed. “That’s what Ace said.” “Experience.” Brenda ignored them both. “Elisa.” “Yes?” “You asked me something earlier.” “I’ve asked everyone many things.” “The thing about how many people here I’ve slept with.” Mai turned. “Oh, fuck.” Della looked interested despite herself. Mira did too. Elisa’s eyes lit up. “Yes.” Brenda smiled. “Do you still want the answer?” Iris looked at Brenda. Brenda looked back. Something silent passed between them. Iris shrugged. “Your funeral.” Brenda turned toward Elisa. “Yes.” Elisa blinked. “Yes what?” “Yes.” “That’s not a number.” “No.” “Or names.” “No.” Elisa frowned. Then her eyes widened. “Oh.” Brenda’s smile became enormous. Elisa looked around the room. At Mai. At Iris. At Della. At Mira. At Lena. Toward the terrace. Then toward the stairs. Her brain visibly began constructing possibilities. Mai intervened. “No.” Elisa turned. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were about to build a spreadsheet.” “I was not.” Pause. “I was going to ask follow-up questions.” “Worse.” Brenda was laughing. Elisa looked at her. “All of them?” Brenda considered. Iris said: “Don’t help her.” “I’m not.” “You’re glowing.” “I’m naturally radiant.” “You’re naturally a menace.” Brenda kissed Iris. Quick. Affectionate. “Love you.” “Unfortunately, same.” Elisa smiled at them. Then looked thoughtful. Mai saw it. “No.” “I have a serious question.” “That sentence has lost credibility.” “It actually is.” Mai waited. Elisa looked around the room. Her voice slowed. Not much. But enough. “How do you know when something is just attraction here and when it means more?” The room changed. Not dramatically. Just enough. Della looked at her. Mira did too. Brenda’s smile faded into something gentler. Iris lowered her mug. Mai considered the question. Then shrugged. “You don’t always.” Elisa waited. Mai continued. “Sometimes attraction is attraction.” “Yes.” “Sometimes you sleep with someone because you both want to.” “Yes.” “Sometimes it grows.” Elisa nodded. “And sometimes?” Mai smiled. “Sometimes you already love them and sex is just one of the ways you say it.” Elisa looked toward the ceiling. Briefly. She knew exactly who was upstairs. Then back at Mai. “That’s Ace and Reyes.” “Yes.” “And Kiro?” Mai smiled. “Kiro is Kiro.” “That explains nothing.” “It will.” Elisa frowned. “I hate answers like that.” “I know.” Della looked at Mai. “What about new people?” Mai looked at her. Della did not look away. Neither did Mira. Mai understood the actual question. “New people get to be new.” Della’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “No rush?” Mai smiled. “No fucking rush.” Elisa looked at Della. Then at Mira. Then nodded. “Okay.” That lasted approximately five seconds. Then Elisa looked at Brenda. “Who here gives the best oral sex?” Mai closed her eyes. Della choked. Mira folded forward. Lena dropped the book. Marco left the kitchen. Actually left. He walked straight out onto the terrace. Brenda stared at Elisa. Elisa stared back. Iris slowly put her mug down. Brenda whispered: “I love her.” Mai pointed toward Elisa. “Do not encourage her.” “I didn’t do anything.” “You are about to.” Brenda drew breath. Iris put a hand on her shoulder. Not stopping her. Just settling in. Brenda looked at Iris. Iris smiled. “Go ahead.” Mai stared at her. “Iris.” “What?” “You’re supposed to be the responsible one.” Iris raised an eyebrow. “According to who?” Brenda kissed her cheek. “That’s my girl.” Elisa waited. Completely serious. Brenda turned back toward her. “Well—” The upstairs floor creaked. Everyone stopped. Brenda looked toward the ceiling. Elisa did too. Della followed. Mira followed. Mai did not. She picked up her coffee. Brenda whispered: “Timing.” Iris whispered back: “Coward.” “I was about to answer.” “Sure.” Brenda narrowed her eyes. Then grinned. Elisa looked at Mai. “Are they having sex?” Mai drank her coffee. “Yes.” Della blinked. Mira looked toward the stairs again. Elisa nodded. “With Kiro watching?” Mai looked at her. “Yes.” “How do you know?” Mai smiled into the mug. “I know them.” Elisa accepted this instantly. “Oh.” Then: “Does Ace like being watched?” Mai lowered the mug. Looked at Elisa. Elisa waited. Mai smiled. “Ask Ace.” Elisa nodded. “I will.” From the terrace Marco shouted: “DON’T!” The room erupted. Even Mai lost it. Elisa looked toward the terrace. “What?” That made it worse. Della fell sideways against her. Mira had tears in her eyes. Brenda was holding the counter. Iris had given up entirely. Elisa looked around at all of them. “I don’t understand what I did.” Della managed: “Nothing.” “That’s clearly not true.” “You’re just—” Della lost the sentence to laughter. Elisa waited. Then began laughing too. Not because she understood. Because everyone else was. Because Della was leaning against her. Because Mira had stopped trying to pretend she wasn’t having fun. Because Mai was laughing openly. Because Brenda Boom had finally met something capable of exhausting even Brenda Boom. Outside, Shammy appeared at the terrace door beside Marco. “What happened?” Marco pointed inside. “Elisa.” Shammy nodded. “Ah.” Panam appeared behind her. “Coffee?” “Three.” Panam stared. “Three?” Elisa raised her bottle. “I made mistakes.” Kiro would say the same thing tomorrow. For now, Friday still had plenty of mistakes left. And Elisa was nowhere near tired. --- # CHAPTER 20 — OUTSIDE WAS SAFER Marco stayed outside. This was not cowardice. This was experience. He stood at the terrace railing with a fresh cup of coffee, looking across the lake with the calm expression of a man who had correctly identified an approaching disaster and moved beyond its blast radius. Panam leaned beside him. “Smart.” “Thank you.” Shammy stood between them, looking through the glass doors. Inside, Elisa was still talking. Shammy tilted her head. “She hasn’t stopped.” “No.” “How long?” Marco checked the time. “I don’t know. Time works differently in there now.” Panam laughed. The terrace door opened. Lena stepped through carrying her book. Marco looked at her. “You escaped.” “I finished the page.” “You’ve been on the same page for twenty minutes.” “I finished it.” “Congratulations.” Lena settled into a chair. Behind her, Brenda’s voice carried through the open door. “—that is absolutely a legitimate question.” Mai: “Not before lunch.” Elisa: “Why does lunch matter?” Iris: “It doesn’t.” Mai: “IRIS.” Marco closed the door. Silence. Beautiful silence. Panam nodded approvingly. “Good door.” “Excellent door.” Shammy looked offended. “I can still hear them.” Marco looked at her. “That sounds like a personal problem.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Panam laughed. Inside, Della had discovered something important. Coffee-Elisa could be redirected. Not stopped. Redirected. There was a difference. “Elisa.” “Yes?” “Help me with lunch.” “Yes.” Immediate. Mira looked up. Della looked equally surprised. Mai stared at both of them. Elisa stood. “What are we making?” Della looked toward Mai. Mai looked toward the refrigerator. “Enough food for thirteen people who ate breakfast approximately five minutes ago.” “It was more than five minutes.” “Not emotionally.” Elisa opened the refrigerator. Stopped. “Oh.” Panam’s shopping occupied most of it. Real meat. Vegetables. Cheese. Eggs. Things that had once grown in actual dirt. Elisa crouched. “This is absurd.” Della joined her. “What?” “That tomato.” Della looked. “It’s a tomato.” “It’s a very good tomato.” “You can tell from there?” “Yes.” Mira came over. Elisa picked it up. “Look at it.” Mira looked. “It’s red.” Elisa stared at her. Della started laughing. Mira shrugged. “I’m a merc.” “That doesn’t prevent botanical appreciation.” “It has so far.” Elisa handed her the tomato. Mira accepted it. Looked at it more seriously. “Still red.” Elisa took it back. “You’re impossible.” Mira smiled. “So I’ve been told.” Della leaned against the counter. “What do rich people normally do with tomatoes?” Elisa looked at her. “Eat them.” “Good. Just checking.” “Some restaurants charge ridiculous amounts to arrange them artistically.” “Of course they do.” “I like this better.” She put the tomato on the counter. Then another. Then peppers. Then mushrooms. Then more vegetables. Mai intercepted her before the entire refrigerator migrated. “Enough.” Elisa stopped. Looked at the counter. “Oh.” “Exactly.” “I got interested.” “I know.” Della handed Elisa a knife. Mai immediately took it away. Elisa looked offended. “I know how to use a knife.” “I know.” “Then why—” Mai replaced it with a smaller one. “Because your hands are currently moving faster than your judgment.” Elisa considered. “That is fair.” Della looked at Mai. “You just gave the woman on three cups of Death’s Coffee a knife.” “A small knife.” “Ah.” “Risk management.” Mira sat at the table. “I’m staying over here.” Elisa pointed the knife at her. “Coward.” Mai gently lowered Elisa’s hand. “Knife.” “Right.” Della laughed. They started cutting vegetables. For approximately thirty seconds, the kitchen was almost normal. Then Elisa said: “Della.” “Yes?” “Do you always kiss people like that?” Della nearly cut a pepper in half sideways. Mai closed her eyes. Mira smiled into her coffee. Della put the knife down. “Like what?” “Like you mean it.” That changed the answer. Della looked at Elisa. Elisa was still working on a mushroom. For once the question had come out quickly but not carelessly. Della leaned her hip against the counter. “If I’m going to kiss someone, yes.” Elisa nodded. “I like that.” “I noticed.” Elisa smiled. Then continued cutting. No follow-up. Della waited suspiciously. Nothing. Mira noticed. “She broke.” Elisa looked up. “No.” “You stopped at one question.” “I can do that.” Mai snorted. Elisa looked offended. “I can.” “Apparently.” Elisa went back to the mushroom. Five seconds. Ten. Then: “Does Mira kiss differently?” Mira choked on her coffee. Della bent over the counter laughing. Mai took the knife away again. Elisa stared. “What?” Mira wiped her mouth. “You lasted twelve seconds.” “Was it really twelve?” Della managed: “About that.” Elisa frowned. “I thought it was longer.” “Coffee time.” “That’s not a thing.” “It is now.” Mai handed the knife back. “Behave.” “I am.” “No stabbing anyone you’re attracted to.” “I wasn’t going to.” Mira said: “That qualification is reassuring.” Elisa laughed. Good. That was becoming easier too. Not just people laughing at things she said. Elisa laughing with them. Della noticed that. So did Mira. Brenda wandered into the kitchen. Mai immediately pointed toward the common room. “No.” “I’m hungry.” “No questions.” “I wasn’t going to ask one.” Iris appeared behind her. “She was.” “Traitor.” “You love me.” “Unfortunately.” Brenda stole a piece of pepper. Della slapped her hand. Brenda stared. Della stared back. Brenda slowly smiled. “Oh, you’re settling in.” Della paused. The joke hit somewhere unexpected. Brenda had already moved on. She stole another piece. Della slapped her again. Harder. “Fuck off.” Brenda looked delighted. “There she is.” Mira saw Della’s face. So did Mai. Nobody said anything. That made it better. Iris took a mushroom. Della looked at her. Iris raised an eyebrow. Della sighed. “Fine.” Brenda pointed. “Favoritism.” “Yes.” “Why?” “She asked with her face.” “I have a face.” “Debatable.” Mira laughed. Brenda put a hand over her heart. “Cruel.” “You started it.” “I always start it.” “We know,” Iris said. The terrace door opened. Marco looked in. “Safe?” Everyone looked at Elisa. Elisa looked offended. “Yes.” Marco looked at the knife. Then at Mai. Mai nodded. Marco entered. “Good.” Elisa pointed at him. “You left because of my question.” “Yes.” “Why?” Marco stopped. Every person in the kitchen looked at him. Marco considered his options. Then looked directly at Elisa. “Because Brenda was going to answer.” Silence. Iris smiled. Della covered her mouth. Mira looked down. Elisa blinked. Then laughed so hard she had to put the knife down. Marco nodded. “Exactly.” He went to the refrigerator. Panam came in behind him. Shammy followed. Lena stayed on the terrace. Panam surveyed the kitchen. “What are you doing to my vegetables?” “Lunch,” Mai said. Panam inspected the cutting board. Then Della’s. Then Elisa’s. Then Mira, who had contributed nothing. “Mira.” “I’m security.” “For the tomato?” “It looked suspicious.” Elisa started laughing again. Panam pointed at her. “You’re encouraging them.” “I’m not doing anything.” From somewhere upstairs, muffled but unmistakable: “I’M NOT DOING ANYTHING!” The kitchen froze. Ace. Mai slowly looked toward the ceiling. Brenda’s grin appeared. Elisa’s eyes widened. Della immediately said: “No.” Elisa looked at her. “I didn’t—” “No.” Mira added: “Absolutely not.” Elisa looked at Mai. Mai picked up a tomato. “No.” Elisa looked at Brenda. Brenda inhaled. Iris put a hand over her mouth. Elisa sighed. “Fine.” Panam stared around. “What did I miss?” Marco took a knife. “A lot.” “Anything important?” Marco thought. “Della kissed Elisa.” Panam looked at Della. Then Elisa. “Good for you.” Elisa smiled. “Twice.” Panam nodded. “Better for you.” Della laughed. Mira shook her head. Shammy looked between them. Then smiled. No interrogation. No surprise. Just another piece of information entering the cabin and finding somewhere to sit. Elisa noticed that. Her smile softened. Then Shammy reached around Panam and stole a mushroom. Della slapped her hand automatically. Shammy froze. Della froze. Panam stared. Mira slowly covered her face. Shammy looked down at her hand. Then at Della. Della swallowed. “Kitchen rules?” Shammy’s hair began to lift. Della braced. Shammy smiled. “I like kitchen rules.” She stole another mushroom. Della slapped her again. Shammy laughed. Panam kissed the side of Shammy’s head. “Definitely settling in.” There it was again. Della heard it. This time she looked at Mira. Mira had heard it too. Neither said anything. They didn’t need to. Lunch grew around them. Marco took over the meat. Panam argued with him about how much. Marco ignored her. Mai managed the vegetables. Della worked beside her. Elisa moved between tasks until Mai finally assigned her one bowl and told her not to abandon it. Mira eventually surrendered and started slicing bread. Brenda stole ingredients. Iris stole better. Shammy stole anything within reach. Panam complained about everyone stealing the food she had bought specifically for them to eat. Lena came back inside when the smell became impossible to ignore. Nobody organized any of it. Nobody assigned seats. Nobody told Mira where the plates were. She already knew. That stopped her for half a second. The cupboard. Second door from the left. She had seen Marco use it last night. She opened it. Took out plates. Thirteen. Della was looking at her. Mira looked back. Neither smiled. Not yet. But something passed between them. Wednesday they had followed Brenda and Iris into a garage without knowing where they were going. Thursday they had arrived at a cabin they had never seen. Friday Mira knew where the plates were. Small things. Dangerously small things. They accumulated. Elisa put her bowl on the table. “Done.” Mai inspected it. “Good.” Elisa looked ridiculously pleased. “Can I do another one?” Mai stared. “You really need a job.” “I have several.” “Not today.” “Oh.” Mai handed her another bowl. Elisa smiled. “Thank you.” Della watched. Then leaned toward Mira. “Two thousand two hundred percent.” Mira whispered back: “I’m starting to believe it.” Elisa turned. “I heard that.” “Of course you did.” “I don’t have enhanced hearing.” “You have enhanced everything else.” Elisa thought. Then smiled. “Today, apparently.” Della looked at her. That smile again. Bright. Restless. Alive. She liked it. Elisa noticed. Of course she did. “What?” Della shook her head. “Nothing.” “That was something.” Della picked up a piece of pepper. Ate it. Elisa waited. Della smiled. “Later.” Elisa stared. Then laughed. “You really are weaponizing it.” “Yes.” From upstairs came another faint thump. Everyone stopped. Marco immediately picked up the platter. “Terrace.” Panam followed. “Good plan.” Lena collected glasses. Shammy took bread. Mira grabbed plates. Della grabbed the remaining bowls. Brenda started laughing. Iris took her hand. Mai looked at Elisa. Elisa opened her mouth. Mai pointed toward the terrace. Elisa closed it. Then smiled. “Outside?” “Outside.” They carried lunch through the doors. The terrace took them easily. Lake in front. Main Cabin behind. Side House across the clearing. Sauna lower through the trees. Friday sun overhead. People spread naturally instead of forming one perfect table. Marco and Lena near the railing. Panam with Shammy tucked against her side. Brenda and Iris occupying too much of one bench. Mira on the steps. Della beside her. Elisa dropped down on Della’s other side without asking. Della moved enough to make room without thinking. Mai saw it. Said nothing. The upstairs windows remained quiet. Nobody looked at them. For almost a minute. Then Brenda did. Iris nudged her. “What?” “Leave them alone.” “I am.” “You’re looking.” “I have eyes.” “So does everyone else. We’re managing.” Brenda sighed. “Fine.” Elisa looked toward the lake. Then the Side House. Then the sauna roof between the trees. Then the dock. Her attention lingered. Della noticed. “What?” Elisa shook her head. “Nothing.” Della looked at her. Elisa smiled. “That was actually nothing.” Della did not believe her. But she let it go. Elisa took a piece of bread. Leaned against Della. And for once— said absolutely nothing. Mira stared. Della stared. Mai stared. Brenda stared. Elisa noticed all of them. “What?” The terrace collapsed. Marco kept eating. He had made the correct decision hours ago. There was no point running anymore. --- # CHAPTER 21 — NO ONE WAS HOSTING Lunch lasted longer than anyone intended. Not because there was too much food. There was. Not because Panam had bought enough for a small militia. She had. And not because Marco kept producing additional plates from somewhere as if the kitchen had started manufacturing them. It was because nobody was in a hurry. The terrace held them loosely. Some sat at the table. Some on the steps. Some against the railing. Shammy had moved from beside Panam to half across her lap without anyone noticing exactly when. Brenda had one bare foot under Iris’s thigh. Mira sat two steps below Della. Elisa leaned against Della like she had been doing it for months. Mai had taken one of the floor cushions outside and claimed a patch of shade. Marco and Lena had migrated closer to the railing. Nobody had assigned any of it. Nobody had asked where anyone wanted to sit. Nobody was hosting. That mattered. Mira noticed first. Not consciously. She just reached behind herself, took the bottle of water beside Della, drank from it, and put it back. Della took it next without looking. Elisa watched. “That’s efficient.” Mira looked at her. “What?” “You share without asking.” “We’ve worked together a long time.” “Yes.” Elisa considered. “Do you fight?” Della laughed. “Constantly.” “About what?” “Everything.” Mira nodded. “Mostly because she’s wrong.” Della looked down at her. “See?” Elisa smiled. “What was the last argument?” Mira thought. Della answered first. “Whether we needed the second rifle.” Mira turned. “We did.” “We didn’t use it.” “That doesn’t mean we didn’t need it.” “It literally does.” “No, it means we didn’t need to use it.” Della looked at Elisa. “This is what I live with.” Mira looked at Elisa too. “She bought three knives for one job.” “They were different knives.” Elisa nodded solemnly. “That sounds reasonable.” Mira stared. Della pointed. “Thank you.” “You’re both insane.” “Probably.” Elisa smiled. Then: “Have you ever slept together?” Della closed her eyes. Mira did not even flinch. Mai, from the cushion: “Elisa.” “What?” “You made it almost four minutes.” Elisa looked offended. “I was interested.” “We know.” Della opened one eye. Looked at Mira. Mira looked back. Della shrugged. “Yes.” Elisa nodded. “How often?” Mira pointed at her. “No.” Elisa stopped. “Okay.” That was it. No push. No disappointment. Just another answer filed somewhere in the overclocked engine currently running behind her eyes. Della looked at Mira. Mira smiled. Tiny. Della smiled back. Mai saw. Said nothing. The lake moved below them. A breeze came up through the trees. Warm enough in the sun. Cool enough in the shade. Ace would have complained. That thought made Mai glance toward the upstairs windows. Still quiet. She smiled. Elisa noticed. Of course she did. “Are you thinking about Ace?” Mai looked at her. “Yes.” “What about?” “No.” Elisa laughed. “That answer doesn’t fit the question.” “It fits today.” Brenda leaned back. “She’s learning.” Elisa turned toward her. “Can I ask you something?” Everyone groaned. Brenda looked delighted. “Yes.” Iris said: “No.” Brenda looked at her. “You can’t answer for me.” “I’m answering for civilization.” Elisa laughed. “I was going to ask if you want to swim.” Silence. Brenda blinked. Iris looked at her. Mai looked at Elisa. Elisa frowned. “What?” Brenda pointed. “That was normal.” “Yes.” “Completely normal.” “Yes.” “I’m disappointed.” Elisa laughed so hard she nearly lost balance against Della. Della caught her automatically. Elisa ended up half across her lap. Both froze. Not awkwardly. Just because the position arrived before either of them decided anything about it. Elisa looked at Della. Della looked down at her. Mira watched. Nobody spoke. Then Elisa said: “This is comfortable.” Della laughed. “Apparently.” She did not move Elisa away. Elisa did not move either. Mira leaned back on her hands. Still no tension. Still no need to convert anything into a decision. Good. Brenda stood. “Swimming.” Iris looked at the lake. “Now?” “Yes.” “You just ate.” “So?” “Nothing.” Brenda kissed her. “Come on.” Iris sighed. Then stood. “Fine.” Brenda looked triumphant. Panam raised one hand. “No throwing anyone off the dock.” Reyes was not there to hear it. Brenda pointed toward the upstairs window. “That rule is currently missing its main audience.” Mai said: “It still applies.” “Cowardice.” “Survival.” Shammy lifted her head from Panam’s lap. “Lake?” Panam looked down. “You were in it already.” “So?” “You hate cold water.” “I hate cold water until I’m in cold water.” Panam stared. “That makes no sense.” Shammy kissed her. “It doesn’t have to.” Panam sighed. “Fine.” Shammy immediately stood. Her hair lifted. Panam pointed. “Sixty.” Shammy stared at her. “Stop.” Brenda called from the steps: “Sixty-five!” Shammy turned. “Fuck you.” Brenda grinned. “Later.” Panam laughed so hard she had to sit down again. Mai covered her face. Elisa looked between them. “I like that answer.” Della said: “Everyone does today.” Mira stood. “I’m going to the boathouse.” Della looked up. “Why?” “Because if they’re going swimming, someone should check that latch before Brenda breaks it.” From halfway down the stone steps: “I HEARD THAT.” Mira shouted back: “GOOD.” Brenda lifted both hands. “See? Settling in.” Mira stopped. Just for a fraction. Then kept walking. Della watched her go. Elisa noticed. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Della smiled. “Maybe.” Elisa looked toward Mira. Then at Della. Then stopped herself. Actually stopped. Della saw that too. “You can ask.” Elisa thought. “No.” Della raised an eyebrow. “No?” “I can ask later.” Della smiled. “Look at you.” “I’m growing.” Mai snorted. Elisa looked offended. “I am.” “Sure.” Della touched Elisa’s shoulder. “You are.” That made Elisa smile. A little softer. She finally sat upright. “Boathouse?” Della nodded. “Sure.” Mai looked over. “Take shoes.” Elisa looked down at her bare feet. “Why?” “Because the path gets rough near the lake.” “I can walk barefoot.” “Yes.” “Then why—” “Because you’ve had three cups of Death’s Coffee and you’re currently operating at approximately twelve decisions per second.” Elisa considered. “Fair.” Della laughed. They went inside for shoes. No permission. No announcement. Just movement. Mira had already reached the lower path. Marco watched them go. Then looked at Lena. “You see it?” “Yes.” “What?” “Nothing.” Marco smiled. “Exactly.” Lena closed her book. “Walk?” Marco nodded. They headed toward the fire area instead. Separate direction. Separate conversation. The terrace thinned naturally. Mai stayed. Panam stayed long enough to finish her drink before Shammy returned and pulled her toward the lake. Brenda and Iris were already halfway down the steps. Brenda shouted something about water temperature. Iris shouted back that she had eyes. The Main Cabin became quiet behind Mai. Not empty. Never empty. Just less full. She leaned back on the cushion. Closed her eyes. For perhaps thirty seconds, Friday stopped being absurd. Then Ace shouted from upstairs: “WHO THE FUCK MOVED MY DRY CLOTHES?” Mai opened one eye. Smiled. Kiro’s voice: “Mai did.” Ace: “TRAITOR.” Reyes: “Get dressed.” Ace: “I AM TRYING.” Mai called upward: “TOP DRAWER.” Silence. Then: “WHY?” “BECAUSE YOU NEVER LOOK THERE.” More silence. Then: “FOUND THEM.” Mai closed her eyes again. Perfect. Down by the lake, Mira reached the boathouse. The latch stuck. Of course it did. She pulled once. Nothing. Twice. Nothing. She looked at it. “You.” The latch remained unimpressed. Footsteps behind her. Della. Then Elisa. Mira looked over her shoulder. “You brought her.” Della shrugged. “She brought herself.” Elisa nodded. “I’m autonomous.” Mira looked at Della. Della smiled. Mira turned back to the latch. “Brenda said she nearly broke this.” “Brenda nearly breaks everything.” “That seems inefficient.” Della looked at Elisa. “You’ve met Brenda.” “Yes.” “Then you understand.” Elisa nodded. “Fair.” Mira pulled again. Nothing. Della moved beside her. “Move.” “I’ve got it.” “You clearly don’t.” “I do.” “You’ve been arguing with wood for thirty seconds.” “It started it.” Elisa watched. “This is attractive.” Both women stopped. Della slowly turned. Mira closed her eyes. Elisa smiled. “What?” Della pointed at her. “You had a good run.” “I did.” Mira tried not to laugh. Failed. Della took the latch. Twisted slightly. Pulled upward. The door opened. Mira stared. Della smiled. “You were pulling wrong.” “I hate you.” “No, you don’t.” Elisa blinked. Then smiled. “That seems familiar.” Mira looked at her. “Don’t.” Elisa laughed. Inside, the boathouse smelled of wood, lake water, old rope and machinery. Cooler than outside. A boat sat where it always had. Nothing dramatic. Nothing mysterious. Just another part of the place. Elisa walked in slowly. Looked around. Not in the frantic Coffee-Elisa way. Slower. Della noticed. “You okay?” “Yes.” “What?” Elisa looked toward the lake through the open side. “Nothing.” Mira stared. Elisa smiled. “This one really is nothing.” Della leaned against the wall. “Bullshit.” Elisa laughed. Then: “I like places that work.” Mira looked around. “This?” “Yes.” “It’s a boathouse.” “I know.” “It has a broken latch.” “Sticking.” Mira stared. Elisa smiled. “It still works.” Della looked at her. Elisa continued. “There’s a difference between expensive things that exist to show someone spent money and things that people use until they become part of the place.” Mira looked at the worn boards. The ropes. The old latch. Then at Elisa. “You notice weird things.” “Yes.” Coffee answer. But true. Della moved toward the open lake side. Outside, Brenda hit the water with a scream. Iris followed more quietly. Then Shammy. Then Panam, swearing. Elisa looked toward the sound. Smiled. “No one acts like guests here.” Mira leaned against the doorframe. “No.” Della looked at her. Mira realized what she had said. Elisa did not. Or perhaps she did. She just didn’t push. Della smiled. “Neither do we.” Mira looked at her. There it was. Tiny. Dangerous. True. Mira looked back at the lake. “No.” Della waited. Mira’s mouth twitched. “Not really.” Elisa watched them. This time she said nothing. Good. Outside, Brenda yelled: “MIRA! GET IN HERE!” Mira looked toward the lake. “No.” “COWARD!” “FUCK OFF!” Brenda laughed. Della pushed away from the wall. “I’m going.” Mira looked at her. “You hate cold water.” “So does Shammy.” From the lake Shammy shouted: “I HEARD THAT.” Della laughed. Elisa stepped toward the door. “I’m going too.” Mira looked at her. “You just ate.” Elisa pointed toward Brenda. “She did too.” “That’s not a defense.” “It’s precedent.” Della looked at Mira. “She’s got you.” Mira sighed. “Fine.” Della smiled. “You coming?” “No.” Della waited. Mira looked at the lake. At Brenda waving. At Iris floating nearby. At Panam pretending she was not cold. At Shammy absolutely being cold. At Elisa already taking off her shoes. At Della smiling at her. Mira sighed again. “Fuck.” Della grinned. “There she is.” They left the boathouse open. The latch could lose one argument for once. By the time they reached the dock, Brenda was waiting. Wet. Smiling. Dangerous. Mira pointed at her. “No.” Brenda spread her arms. “I haven’t done anything.” “Your face did.” Iris laughed from the water. Elisa stopped. Looked at Della. Then Mira. Then Brenda. “That phrase really is universal here.” Della smiled. “Welcome to the cabin.” Elisa smiled back. No hesitation this time. “Thanks.” And jumped into the lake. --- # CHAPTER 22 — COLD WATER, WARM FACES By the time they reached the dock, nobody was fully dressed. That was better. Della had left her outer clothes folded on the end of the bench near the path. Mira had done the same with considerably less care. Elisa had started with her shoes, then apparently remembered the rest of the concept and stripped down with the complete lack of ceremony common to someone whose brain was still running far ahead of social hesitation. Della had watched her for half a second. Elisa noticed. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Della smiled. “Later.” Elisa stared. “You’re enjoying that word too much.” “Yes.” Mira walked past both of them. “If either of you fall in before reaching the dock, I’m leaving you there.” Elisa pointed at her. “You’re coming in too.” “I know.” “That sounded resentful.” “It is.” Brenda was waiting waist-deep in the water. She saw them approaching. Then saw Mira. Her grin widened. “No.” Mira pointed before Brenda could speak. “No what?” “No anything.” “I haven’t done anything.” “You were already smiling.” Iris laughed from beside her. Shammy was already swimming farther out, hair slicked back and entirely incapable of haloing while wet. Panam stayed close enough to complain about the temperature. “This water is fucking criminal.” Shammy turned onto her back. “You’re still in it.” “I make bad decisions.” “You came with me.” “Exactly.” Della stepped onto the dock. Tested the water with one foot. Recoiled. “Oh, fuck that.” Brenda spread her arms. “Come on.” “No.” “You came all the way down here.” “To evaluate.” “You evaluated.” “Yes.” “And?” “It’s shit.” Iris smiled. “Accurate.” Elisa stepped beside Della. Put one foot in. Her entire body reacted. “Oh.” Della looked at her. “Still want to?” “Yes.” “Of course.” Elisa looked toward Mira. Mira stood behind them with arms folded. “You first.” Elisa smiled. Then jumped. No pause. No countdown. Just commitment. She hit the water cleanly. Disappeared. Surfaced immediately. And screamed. “FUCK!” Brenda doubled over laughing. Iris covered her face. Della pointed. “That was excellent.” Elisa pushed wet hair out of her face. “It’s freezing.” Panam shouted: “WE KNOW.” Elisa turned toward her. “Why are you still in?” Panam pointed at Shammy. “That.” Shammy waved. Elisa nodded. “Reasonable.” Della jumped next. Her reaction was quieter. Only because all the air left her body at once. She surfaced. Looked at Brenda. “You’re insane.” “Yes.” Mira remained on the dock. Della looked up. “Come on.” “No.” “You already took your clothes off.” “That was optimism.” Elisa pointed at her from the water. “Precedent.” Mira stared. Della started laughing. “Wrong context.” “It still works.” “No, it doesn’t.” Mira looked toward shore. Then back at the water. Then at Della. Della smiled. Not challenging. Just waiting. Mira sighed. “Fuck all of you.” And jumped. She surfaced already swearing. Brenda applauded. Mira splashed her directly in the face. Brenda splashed back. That was the beginning. Within thirty seconds the lake stopped being quiet. Brenda and Mira immediately escalated into open warfare. Della joined Brenda. Elisa joined whichever side appeared to be losing. Iris remained suspiciously neutral until Brenda accidentally splashed her. Then neutrality ended. Panam tried to move farther away. Shammy grabbed her hand. “No.” Panam looked at her. “I’m not part of this.” “You are now.” Shammy pulled. Panam went under. When she came back up, she looked at Shammy. Shammy smiled. Panam stared. Then kissed her. Long enough that Brenda shouted: “GET A ROOM.” Panam broke the kiss just long enough to shout back: “WE DID.” Della lost all coordination. Elisa laughed so hard she swallowed lake water. Mira slapped her between the shoulders. “Breathe.” “I am.” “Badly.” Brenda looked toward Panam. “How many times?” Panam raised one finger. Not the index finger. Brenda looked delighted. Iris nodded. “Fair.” Shammy wrapped herself around Panam from behind. Panam accepted it with the resigned expression of someone who had absolutely no intention of resisting. Elisa watched them. Then looked at Della. Della saw the look. “No.” “I didn’t say anything.” “You were going to ask.” “Yes.” “Later.” Elisa groaned. Mira laughed. The laughter carried across the water. Up toward the Main Cabin. Across the clearing. Past the sauna. The property felt alive in every direction. Not crowded. Alive. On the terrace, Mai had moved from the cushion to the railing. She watched the lake. Smiled. Marco and Lena returned from their walk. Marco stopped beside her. “Who’s losing?” “Everyone.” “Good.” Lena looked toward the dock. “Where’s Ace?” Mai smiled. “Upstairs.” Marco nodded once. Nothing else. Lena looked at Mai. Then toward the Main Cabin. Then back. “Ah.” Mai laughed. “You too?” “I have eyes.” Marco looked between them. “No.” Lena smiled. “You don’t even know what I was going to say.” “I know both of you.” Mai laughed harder. The terrace door opened behind them. All three turned. Kiro came out first. Hair slightly messy. Expression relaxed. Reyes followed. Same expression. Different hair problem. Then Ace appeared between them. Small. Dry. Fresh clothes. Hair still not entirely cooperative. She stopped when she saw all three looking at her. “What?” Marco immediately looked away. Lena smiled. Mai’s smile widened. Ace narrowed her eyes. “What?” Reyes walked past her. “Nothing.” Ace turned. “Don’t you fucking start.” Kiro laughed. Ace pointed. “You either.” Mai crossed the terrace. Ace saw her coming. Her face softened. Mai stopped in front of her. “You warm?” Ace nodded. “Very.” Mai kissed her. Ace leaned into it immediately. Slow. Easy. When they separated, Mai looked at Reyes. Reyes looked back. Small smile. Nothing needed saying. Kiro leaned against the doorframe. Mai reached for her too. Kiro came willingly. Mai kissed her cheek. Then her mouth. Brief. Warm. Kiro smiled. “Hi.” Mai laughed. “Hi.” Ace looked toward the lake. “What the fuck happened down there?” Brenda’s voice carried upward. “WAR.” Ace stared. “Of course.” Reyes stepped beside her. “Want to go down?” Ace looked at her. Then at the lake. Then back. “No.” Reyes laughed. “Smart.” “I’ve already been thrown in once today.” “Once?” Ace turned slowly. Reyes was smiling. Kiro covered her mouth. Ace pointed at both of them. “No.” Mai looked between them. “What?” “Nothing.” Reyes said: “She’s being dramatic.” Ace stared. “YOU THREW ME INTO A FUCKING LAKE.” “Yes.” “This morning.” “Yes.” “And you’re implying another time.” Reyes shrugged. Ace looked at Mai. “Do something.” Mai kissed her forehead. “No.” Ace looked betrayed. “Everyone here is awful.” Kiro wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You love us.” Ace leaned into her. “Unfortunately.” From the lake: “ACE!” Ace closed her eyes. Brenda. Of course. “WHAT?” “YOU DONE FUCKING REYES YET?” Silence. Marco left the terrace. Again. Just turned and walked inside. Lena folded forward against the railing. Mai covered her face. Kiro made a strangled sound. Reyes laughed. Ace went completely still. Then shouted: “FUCK YOU, BRENDA!” Brenda’s answer came instantly. “THAT’S NOT A NO!” The lake exploded. Even Panam could be heard laughing. Ace turned toward Reyes. “This is your fault.” Reyes stared. “How?” “You threw me.” “That logic is impressive.” “You started the chain of events.” Kiro lost it. Mai was laughing openly now. Ace looked toward the door. Marco was visible through the glass. He had stopped in the kitchen. He looked back at her. Raised both hands. Ace pointed at him. “Coward.” Marco shouted through the glass: “PROFESSIONAL.” Lena slid down into the nearest chair. Mai kissed Ace’s temple. Ace muttered: “I hate this place.” “No, you don’t.” Ace looked at her. Then toward the lake. Then at Reyes. Then Kiro. Then back at Mai. “No.” Mai smiled. “Thought so.” Down below, Elisa had heard everything. She stood chest-deep beside Della. Eyes bright. “Brenda was right?” Della immediately said: “No.” Elisa looked at her. “That wasn’t an answer.” “It was protective instinct.” Mira nodded. “Strong protective instinct.” Elisa looked toward the terrace. Ace was visible now between Mai and Kiro. Reyes beside them. Elisa smiled. Then looked back at Della. “Later?” Della stared. Elisa’s smile widened. “You’re making me learn.” Della laughed. “Yes.” Elisa nodded. “Good.” Mira splashed both of them. Elisa gasped. Della turned. Mira was already moving away. “Oh, you bitch.” Mira grinned. “Come get me.” Della went after her. Elisa followed. Brenda immediately joined. Iris sighed. Then joined too. The water erupted again. On the terrace, Ace watched. Her expression gradually changed. The outrage faded. The smile won. Reyes saw it. “So?” Ace looked at her. “So what?” “Worth it?” Ace stared. Reyes waited. Ace looked toward Kiro. Kiro was smiling. Then at Mai. Mai was not helping. Ace sighed. “Yes.” Reyes smiled. Ace pointed at her. “Not the lake.” “I know.” “Important distinction.” “Very.” Ace leaned against Reyes. Reyes’s arm came around her automatically. Kiro took Ace’s other side. Mai stood in front of them. For a moment, four women occupied one small section of terrace without any arrangement. No ceremony. No attention. Just closeness. Ace watched the lake. Mira chasing Della. Della laughing. Elisa chasing both of them. Brenda being Brenda. Iris somehow making the entire disaster worse while appearing innocent. Shammy wrapped around Panam. The whole ridiculous mess. Ace smiled. “Good weekend.” Mai looked at her. “It’s Friday.” Ace considered. “Fuck.” Reyes laughed. Kiro kissed Ace’s temple. Mai looked toward the lake. Her smile turned dangerous. “We should probably save some energy.” Ace looked up. “For what?” Mai smiled. “Sauna tonight.” Ace stared. Then looked toward the separate dark-log building below. Then toward Brenda. Then Elisa. Then Shammy. Then Reyes. Then Kiro. Then back at Mai. “No.” Mai laughed. “You don’t even know.” “I know all of you.” Reyes kissed the top of Ace’s head. Kiro laughed. And somewhere below them, Brenda shouted: “WHO’S COMING TO THE SAUNA LATER?” Ace closed her eyes. “See?” Mai smiled. “Point taken.” Friday afternoon kept moving. No one was hosting. No one was counting. And no one had the slightest chance of behaving. --- # CHAPTER 23 — LATER The lake war ended the way most wars did. Badly. Brenda declared victory. Mira disagreed. Della claimed Brenda had changed sides twice. Brenda said tactical flexibility was not treason. Iris said it absolutely was when Brenda had splashed her own team. Elisa attempted to reconstruct the entire conflict from memory. Nobody let her. Panam and Shammy left first. Not because they were tired. Because Panam had reached the point where she was physically cold enough to stop pretending it was funny. She climbed onto the dock, water streaming from her hair. “This is stupid.” Shammy climbed after her. “You had fun.” “I’m freezing.” “You still had fun.” Panam grabbed the towel waiting on the bench. Shammy reached for it. Panam pulled it away. Shammy stared. Panam wrapped the towel around both of them. Shammy smiled. “Better.” “Shut up.” Shammy kissed her. Panam kissed her back. Brenda, still in the water, shouted: “ROOM.” Panam turned. “WE HAVE ONE.” Shammy laughed into her shoulder. Della climbed out next. Elisa followed immediately. Mira stayed in another thirty seconds out of principle. Nobody knew what principle. Probably not even Mira. Della wrapped herself in a towel. Elisa stood beside her dripping. Della looked at her. “You forgot something.” Elisa looked down. At herself. Then at the towel pile. “Oh.” Della handed her one. Elisa took it. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” Elisa wrapped it around herself. Then smiled. Della saw it. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Elisa tilted her head. “Later.” Della stopped. Mira climbed onto the dock. Heard it. Stopped too. Elisa smiled brightly. Della stared at her. “No.” “Yes.” “You can’t use that.” “Why?” “Because.” “That’s not a reason.” Mira burst out laughing. Della pointed at her. “This is your fault too.” “How?” “You encouraged her.” “I absolutely did not.” Elisa looked at Mira. “You said it first.” Mira stopped laughing. Della smiled. “Oh.” Mira looked at Elisa. Elisa smiled back. Mira narrowed her eyes. “You remembered.” “Yes.” “Of course you did.” Elisa nodded. “Very clearly.” Della folded her arms. “Congratulations.” Elisa’s smile widened. “Thank you.” Brenda came out of the water behind them. She had heard enough. “What did she do?” Della pointed. “She used later.” Brenda stared at Elisa. Then slowly smiled. “Oh, I like this.” Iris climbed out behind her. “No.” Brenda looked offended. “You don’t even know.” “I know exactly where this goes.” Elisa looked at Iris. “Where?” Iris took a towel. “Everywhere.” Elisa considered. Then smiled. “Good.” Della looked toward the sky. “Fuck.” Mira nodded. “Yep.” They gathered clothes. This time nobody forgot any. Mostly. Brenda forgot one sock. Nobody knew how. She found it hanging from the dock railing. She blamed Mira. Mira denied everything. Elisa watched the argument with great interest. Then Della caught her looking. “No.” Elisa blinked. “I wasn’t asking anything.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” “Later.” Elisa stared. Della smiled. Elisa pointed. “You’re still doing it.” “Yes.” Elisa thought. Then: “Later.” Della’s smile disappeared. Mira laughed so hard she had to sit down. Brenda joined immediately. Iris smiled into her towel. Della looked at Elisa. “You’re enjoying this.” “Yes.” “Too much.” “Yes.” “Dangerous.” “Yes.” Mira pointed at Elisa. “Coffee honesty.” Elisa nodded. “I like it.” Della sighed. “Of course you do.” They started up the path. Not all together. Panam and Shammy were already ahead, sharing the towel badly and arguing about who had stolen more of it. Brenda and Iris followed. Mira, Della and Elisa came behind. The climb from lake to Main Cabin was enough to warm skin but not enough to stop anyone complaining. Elisa looked toward the sauna as they passed the lower branch of the path. Dark logs. Low roof. Smoke pipe cold for now. “Tonight?” Della nodded. “Probably.” “Everyone?” “No.” Elisa looked at Mira. Mira shrugged. “Rotations.” “Because it’s too small?” “Partly.” “Privacy?” “Sometimes.” “Heat?” “Yes.” “Sex?” Della looked at her. Elisa smiled. “Sorry.” Mira said: “You’re not.” “No.” Della laughed. Elisa looked toward the sauna again. “I like that it’s separate.” Mira glanced at her. “Why?” “Because it changes things.” Della waited. Elisa continued. “You have to choose to go there.” That was more thoughtful than Coffee-Elisa had been for several minutes. Mira looked down the path. “Yes.” “And you have to come back outside.” “Yes.” “And you can’t pretend it’s part of the same room.” Della looked at the Main Cabin above them. Then Side House across the clearing. Then back toward the sauna. “True.” Elisa nodded. “Good design.” Mira smiled. “You’re evaluating the property again.” Elisa looked at her. “Am I?” “Yes.” Elisa considered. “Maybe.” Della looked at Elisa. Elisa looked back. Della waited. Elisa smiled. “Later.” Della stopped walking. Mira kept going. Laughing. Elisa followed. Della stood alone for two seconds. Then shouted: “YOU’RE A FUCKING MENACE.” Elisa turned while still walking backward. “I LEARN FAST.” Della laughed. Then caught up. By the time they reached the Main Cabin terrace, Ace had stolen Mai’s seat. Not metaphorically. Mai had stood up for perhaps thirty seconds. Ace had taken the cushion. Mai returned. Looked down. Ace looked up. “What?” “That’s mine.” “No.” “It was.” “Possession changed.” Mai stared. Ace smiled. Mai sat down anyway. On Ace. Ace made a tiny offended sound. Reyes laughed. Kiro was leaning against the railing beside her. Elisa came up the steps. Saw them. Stopped. Ace saw that. “No.” Elisa blinked. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were going to.” “Yes.” Ace pointed at her. “Later.” Silence. Della stopped behind Elisa. Mira stopped behind Della. Elisa slowly smiled. Ace saw the smile. Her own faded. “Oh no.” Della folded her arms. “You did that.” Ace looked at her. “What?” “You gave her another one.” “I didn’t know.” Mai started laughing. Elisa looked at Ace. “Later.” Ace stared. Kiro turned away. Reyes covered her mouth. Ace looked at Mai. “Fix it.” Mai kissed her cheek. “No.” “You’re useless.” “I know.” Elisa came onto the terrace. She was still damp. Hair wet. Towel over her shoulders. Della and Mira followed. Brenda and Iris came behind. Panam and Shammy had disappeared into the Side House to change. Marco and Lena were near the far end of the terrace. Marco saw the approaching group. Then saw Brenda. Then saw Elisa. He considered leaving. Lena caught his wrist. “No.” Marco looked at her. “I know what happens next.” “You don’t.” “I’ve learned.” Lena smiled. “Stay.” Marco sighed. “Fine.” Elisa sat near Ace. Ace looked at her. Elisa looked back. Ace waited. Elisa smiled. Ace narrowed her eyes. “What?” Elisa said: “Nothing.” Ace pointed. “That was something.” Elisa’s smile widened. “Later.” Ace closed her eyes. The terrace erupted. Della bent over laughing. Mira slapped the railing. Kiro actually had to sit down. Reyes leaned against the wall. Mai was useless. Completely useless. Ace waited for the noise to fade. Then opened her eyes. Looked directly at Elisa. “I created a monster.” Della shook her head. “No.” Mira pointed at herself and Della. “We did.” Elisa looked pleased. “Collaborative project.” Marco muttered: “Cancel it.” Elisa heard him. “Later.” Marco stood. “I’m leaving.” Lena pulled him back down. Brenda looked delighted. “This is the best day of my life.” Iris looked at her. “You say that often.” “Because my life is excellent.” Iris kissed her. “Fair.” Ace shifted beneath Mai. “Are you going to move?” “No.” “You’re heavy.” Mai looked down. “I’m not.” “You are compared to me.” “That is not difficult.” Ace muttered something. Mai leaned closer. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Ace froze. Mai smiled. “Later.” Ace stared at her. Then looked around the terrace. “No.” Brenda lost it. Kiro slid down the railing. Reyes laughed into her hand. Della pointed at Mai. “She weaponized it too.” Mira nodded. “Spread confirmed.” Elisa looked delighted. “This is efficient.” Ace looked at Elisa. “This is your fault.” “No.” “It absolutely is.” “You started it.” Della said: “She’s right.” Ace turned. “Traitor.” “Later.” Ace made a strangled sound. Mai finally moved off her. Ace stood. Walked toward the terrace door. Everyone watched. Ace stopped with one hand on it. Turned. Pointed at all of them. “Fuck every single one of you.” Reyes smiled. “Later.” Ace went inside. The terrace detonated again. Even Marco laughed. Ace’s voice came from the kitchen: “I HEARD THAT.” Mai wiped her eyes. Elisa leaned into Della. Della let her. Mira looked at both of them. Smiled. Elisa noticed. Opened her mouth. Mira immediately said: “Later.” Elisa stopped. Then laughed. Good. That was the point where the word stopped being a shield. It became part of the cabin. Another stupid little language. A way to say not now without saying never. A joke. A promise. Sometimes both. The afternoon softened around them. Wet clothes disappeared inside. Dry clothes appeared. Somebody opened wine but only poured small glasses. Nobody trusted Elisa with more stimulants. Elisa drank water. Under protest. Panam and Shammy returned from the Side House changed and warm. Shammy’s hair had recovered enough to begin misbehaving again. Ace came back outside carrying normal coffee. Everyone looked at her. Ace stopped. “No.” Mai smiled. “You don’t even know.” “I know all of you.” Ace sat beside Kiro. Kiro kissed her temple. Reyes took Ace’s free hand. Ace relaxed between them. Elisa watched. Not asking. Not this time. Ace noticed anyway. “What?” Elisa thought. Then shook her head. “Later.” Ace looked at her. For a second the joke disappeared. Ace understood the difference. She smiled. “Okay.” Elisa smiled back. Della saw. Mira did too. Then Brenda ruined everything. “So, sauna.” Ace groaned. “Of course.” Brenda spread her hands. “It’s a cabin.” “Yes.” “There’s a sauna.” “Yes.” “We are adults.” “Debatable.” Iris nodded. “Strongly.” Brenda ignored her. “We should use it.” Panam looked at Shammy. Shammy’s hair lifted. Panam sighed. “We’re going.” Shammy smiled. “Good.” Reyes looked at Kiro. Kiro nodded. Ace saw. “No.” Reyes looked at her. “No what?” “You’re planning.” “Sauna.” “You’re planning sauna.” “Yes.” “That’s worse.” Kiro kissed Ace’s cheek. “You’ll survive.” Ace looked at her. “Traitor.” Kiro smiled. “Later.” Ace closed her eyes. Mai laughed. Mira looked toward the dark-log building below. Then Della. Della smiled. “You going?” Mira shrugged. “Probably.” Elisa looked at Della. Della immediately said: “Yes.” Elisa blinked. “I didn’t ask.” “You were going to.” “Yes.” Della smiled. “Then yes.” Elisa’s smile changed. Brighter. Less Coffee. More simply Elisa. “Good.” Mira saw it. So did Della. No one pushed. No one needed to. Marco leaned back in his chair. “Rotation.” Mai nodded. “Definitely.” Lena looked toward the sauna. “First group before dinner or after?” That started an actual discussion. Practical. Almost civilized. Firewood. Towels. Food timing. Who wanted first heat. Who wanted later. Whether anyone intended to swim again. Panam said absolutely not. Shammy said yes. Panam stared. Shammy kissed her. Panam sighed. “Fine.” Della whispered to Mira: “She has no defenses.” Mira whispered back: “Neither do you.” Della looked at her. Mira smiled. Della narrowed her eyes. “Later.” Mira laughed. Elisa heard. Of course she did. She leaned between them. “Later what?” Both said: “No.” Elisa smiled. The sun moved lower. The lake turned brighter. Shadows stretched across the clearing. Somewhere inside the Main Cabin, somebody started preparing dinner. Someone else carried wood toward the sauna. The weekend kept unfolding without asking permission. And the word followed everyone. Later. Later. Later. By evening, they were all going to regret teaching Elisa what it meant. --- # CHAPTER 24 — STILL RUNNING The first warning was small. So small nobody noticed it. Elisa stopped moving one foot. She had been sitting on the terrace steps between Della and Mira, heel bouncing against the wood with enough speed to qualify as machinery. Then it stopped. Not gradually. Just stopped. Della noticed three seconds later. She looked down. Then at Elisa. Elisa was watching Marco carry an armful of split wood across the clearing toward the sauna path. “What?” Della smiled. “You stopped vibrating.” Elisa looked at her foot. “Oh.” Mira leaned forward. “Crash?” “No.” Too fast. Della raised an eyebrow. Elisa looked offended. “I’m fine.” Mira nodded. “Definitely crashing.” “I am not crashing.” “Your foot stopped.” “That is not medical evidence.” “No, but it’s funny.” Elisa started bouncing it again. Deliberately. Della watched. Elisa noticed. Stopped. “Fuck you.” Della smiled. “Later.” Elisa stared at her. Mira laughed. “Still works.” “Yes.” Elisa leaned back on her hands. “I hate both of you.” “No, you don’t.” Elisa looked at Mira. There was a beat. Then she smiled. “No.” Della saw it. Something had shifted. Not much. The Coffee-Elisa engine was still very much alive. Eyes bright. Thoughts fast. Mouth dangerous. But there were tiny spaces now. Half-seconds where there had been none. The afternoon had started collecting its debt. Across the clearing, Marco dropped the wood beside the sauna porch. Ace came down the path behind him carrying another armful approximately one-third the size. Marco looked back. “You know I can carry that.” Ace looked at him. “So can I.” “I can carry more.” “Congratulations.” Marco smiled. Ace walked past. “You’re very strong.” “Fuck you.” “Tiny wood delivery.” Ace stopped. Turned. Marco was already moving away. “Coward!” “Professional!” Ace looked toward the terrace. Everyone had heard. Of course. Brenda applauded. Ace pointed at her. “You’re next.” Brenda smiled. “Promise?” Ace closed her eyes. Mai walked past carrying towels. “Never threaten Brenda with anything she might enjoy.” “I KNOW.” “Apparently not.” Ace followed her toward the sauna. “I hate everyone.” Mai glanced back. “Later?” Ace nearly dropped the wood. The terrace exploded again. Elisa laughed. Hard. Then stopped. Pressed one hand briefly against her stomach. Della saw. “You okay?” “Yes.” “Sure?” Elisa nodded. “Laughed too hard.” Mira handed her water. Elisa took it without arguing. That was warning number two. Della and Mira looked at each other. Neither said anything. Elisa drank. Made a face. “What?” Mira shrugged. “You didn’t complain.” “About water?” “Yes.” “Why would I complain about water?” Della smiled. “You have for the last hour.” Elisa considered. “I have?” “Yes.” “What did I say?” Mira counted on her fingers. “Boring. Tasteless. Structurally disappointing.” Elisa frowned. “Water is structurally disappointing.” Della laughed. “There she is.” Elisa drank again. Down below, the sauna began changing from building to destination. Marco opened the porch. Mai carried towels inside. Ace deposited her wood with excessive dignity. Reyes came down with another load. Kiro followed carrying almost nothing. Ace saw. Stopped. “What the fuck is that?” Kiro looked at the three pieces in her arms. “Wood.” “That’s decorative wood.” “I’m caffeinated.” “You had one cup.” “Yes.” “Use it.” Kiro smiled. “I am.” Ace stared. Reyes walked past both of them carrying twice Ace’s load. Ace looked at her. Reyes smiled. Ace pointed. “Don’t.” “I didn’t say anything.” “You looked guilty.” Reyes laughed. Kiro kissed Ace’s temple on the way past. Ace muttered: “Useless.” Kiro’s step had a little too much energy in it. Not Elisa energy. Nothing close. But Mai noticed. She waited until Kiro dropped the wood. Then looked at her. “How are you feeling?” Kiro smiled. “Excellent.” Mai stared. Kiro’s smile weakened. “Very excellent.” “Kiro.” “Fine.” Mai folded her arms. Kiro sighed. “Fast.” “How fast?” “Not three cups fast.” “That wasn’t the question.” Kiro thought. “Maybe one and a half Kiros.” Ace snorted. Mai looked at her. Ace immediately looked innocent. Mai returned to Kiro. “Heart?” “Fine.” “Stomach?” “Fine.” “Head?” “Fine.” “Hands?” Kiro held them out. Steady. Mostly. Mai looked. Kiro looked too. “Huh.” Ace stepped closer. “You’re vibrating.” “I am not.” Ace touched one finger to Kiro’s wrist. Kiro stared at her. Ace smiled. “Bzzzz.” Kiro kissed her. Ace made a surprised sound. Kiro pulled away. “Better?” Ace blinked. Then smiled. “No.” Kiro kissed her again. Reyes leaned against the sauna wall. “Scientific method.” Mai sighed. “Both of you are impossible.” Ace broke the kiss. “Later.” Mai pointed. “No.” Kiro laughed. The word had escaped containment completely. Back on the terrace, Elisa had noticed the exchange. Of course. Her head tilted. Della saw it happen. “No.” Elisa looked at her. “I was just—” “No.” “But Kiro—” “No.” “I only wanted—” “Later.” Elisa closed her mouth. Waited. Then looked at Mira. Mira pointed toward the lake. “Walk.” Elisa blinked. “What?” “Walk.” “Why?” “Because you’ve been sitting for almost five minutes and it’s making me nervous.” Elisa smiled. “Okay.” Della stood too. Mira looked at her. “You don’t have to come.” “I know.” “You’re coming anyway.” “Yes.” Elisa looked between them. Then smiled. “Efficient.” They went down the stone steps. Not toward the sauna. Toward the dock. Again. The lake had recovered from them. Mostly. Ripples moved through reflected sky. Wet footprints from earlier had dried from the boards. Their clothes were gone from the bench. Someone had already carried everything up. Elisa walked to the end. Stopped. Looked across the water. Della came beside her. Mira stayed a few steps back. For perhaps ten seconds Elisa said nothing. Della looked at her. Elisa noticed. “What?” “Nothing.” Elisa smiled. “That was something.” “Yes.” “What?” “You’re quiet.” Elisa looked at the lake. “I’m thinking.” “That hasn’t stopped you talking all day.” “No.” Mira laughed behind them. Elisa smiled. Then her expression softened. “I like this.” “The lake?” “All of it.” Della looked around. Dock. Boathouse. Sauna partly visible through trees. Main Cabin above. Side House across the clearing beyond. “Yes.” Elisa folded her arms against the breeze. “It’s not perfect.” Mira came closer. “No.” “The latch sticks.” “Yes.” “Some of the exterior lights are old.” Della looked at her. “You checked?” “I have eyes.” “Of course.” “The sauna porch needs work in a few years.” Mira stared. “You checked that too?” Elisa looked at her. “I have—” “Eyes. Yes.” Elisa smiled. “The path drainage near the clearing could be better.” Della stared. “Elisa.” “What?” “Are you inspecting the place?” Elisa opened her mouth. Stopped. Thought. “Maybe.” Coffee honesty. Della looked at Mira. Mira looked back. Then at Elisa. “Why?” Elisa looked toward the Main Cabin. A small figure crossed the terrace above. Ace. Mai behind her. Brenda appeared at the door. Even from the dock they could hear Ace shout: “NO.” Elisa laughed. Then looked back at Mira. “Because I wanted to understand it.” Della watched her. “That’s not the whole answer.” “No.” “What’s the whole answer?” Elisa smiled. “Later.” Della groaned. Mira laughed. Elisa looked pleased. But then she yawned. Tiny. Almost hidden. All three froze. Elisa’s eyes widened. Della pointed. “There.” “No.” Mira smiled. “Oh, yes.” “That was not a yawn.” “It absolutely was.” “I inhaled.” “With your mouth?” “Yes.” Della laughed. Elisa pointed at her. “Fuck you.” “Later.” Elisa tried to glare. Then yawned again. Much bigger. Della’s laughter stopped. Mira smiled with terrible satisfaction. “Oh, you are fucked.” Elisa closed her eyes. “I am not.” “Three cups.” “I know how many.” “Apparently not what they do.” “I know exactly what caffeine does.” Della put a hand lightly against Elisa’s back. “Your body would like to submit a correction.” Elisa leaned into the touch. Barely. Then more. “I’m still awake.” Mira nodded. “Technically.” Elisa opened one eye. “Asshole.” “Yes.” Della looked toward the cabin. “Come on.” “I don’t need to sleep.” “Nobody said sleep.” “You were thinking it.” “I was thinking water and something to eat.” “We just ate.” “You ate lunch hours ago.” Elisa looked toward the sky. It had moved considerably farther than she seemed to expect. “Oh.” Della smiled. “Coffee time.” Elisa frowned. “No coffee.” “Exactly.” They started back. Elisa walked between them. Not because anyone arranged it. She just did. Halfway up the path she caught Della’s hand. Della looked down. Elisa looked back. “What?” Della smiled. “Nothing.” Elisa squeezed her fingers. “Later.” Della laughed. But did not let go. Mira watched. Said nothing. At the top of the steps, they found a new problem. Brenda had acquired the Death’s Coffee bag. She stood in the kitchen doorway holding it. Ace stood six feet away. Mai stood behind Ace. Iris stood behind Brenda. Everyone was very still. Brenda looked at the bag. Then at Ace. Ace pointed one finger. “No.” Brenda smiled. “I only want to know—” “No.” “I haven’t even—” “NO.” Elisa stopped. Her eyes widened. Della still held her hand. Mira came up beside them. Brenda noticed Elisa. Then noticed how Elisa looked. The smile disappeared. Not completely. But enough. “Oh.” Iris took the bag from Brenda. Brenda let her. No joke. Iris looked at Elisa. “Crash starting?” Elisa frowned. “I am not crashing.” Then yawned. Ace pointed. “Evidence.” Elisa glared. Ace smiled. “Cute.” Elisa looked offended. “You’re cute.” Ace nodded. “I know.” Mai looked at the bag. “Where did you find that?” Brenda pointed toward the kitchen. “Behind the bread.” Marco appeared behind her. “I hid it from Elisa.” Mai looked at him. “Why behind the bread?” “I was under pressure.” “Fair.” Iris held up the bag. “This needs to go.” Kiro came through the terrace door. Too quickly. “No.” Everyone looked at her. Kiro stopped. Looked at the bag. Then at everyone. “I mean—” Mai folded her arms. Kiro sighed. “Yes. It needs to go.” Ace stared. “You wanted another cup.” “No.” “Kiro.” “Maybe.” Mai pointed at the bag. “Gone.” Kiro looked genuinely sad. Elisa looked at her. “I understand.” Kiro nodded solemnly. “Thank you.” Ace looked between them. “Addicts.” Elisa said: “You had normal coffee.” “That’s coffee.” Kiro pointed at the bag. “That is also coffee.” Marco said: “No. That is a workplace incident.” Lena laughed from the terrace. Iris looked at the bag. “Trash?” Marco shook his head. “Not inside.” Everyone looked at him. He shrugged. “I don’t trust Brenda.” Brenda looked wounded. “That is incredibly unfair.” Every person in the room stared at her. Brenda considered. “Okay.” Panam came in through the front door. “What?” Ace pointed at the bag. Panam stopped. “Oh, fuck no.” Shammy appeared behind her. Saw it. Her hair lifted. “No.” Panam looked at her. “You didn’t even drink it.” “I saw Elisa.” “Fair.” Marco took the bag from Iris. Held it at arm’s length. “I’ll deal with it.” Ace looked suspicious. “How?” “Fire.” Mai shook her head. “Not tonight.” “Why?” “Because somebody will inhale it.” Everyone looked at Brenda. Brenda threw up her hands. “WHY ME?” Iris kissed her cheek. “History.” Brenda sighed. “Fair.” Marco folded the top tightly. “Locked in the truck.” Panam immediately said: “Not my truck.” Marco stopped. “Garage storage box?” “No garage.” “Boathouse?” Mira said: “Latch sticks.” Everyone looked at her. Mira shrugged. “It does.” Elisa raised one hand. “Could bury it.” Ace stared. “No more decisions from you.” Elisa lowered her hand. “Later.” Ace closed her eyes. Della laughed. Finally Mai took the bag. Opened one kitchen cabinet. Removed a metal storage tin. Put the bag inside. Closed it. Locked the tin. Put the key in her pocket. “There.” Kiro looked devastated. Elisa looked sympathetic. Ace looked at both of them. “Pathetic.” Kiro kissed her cheek. Ace smiled despite herself. Outside, Marco had started the sauna stove. A thin thread of smoke climbed from the pipe. The dark-log building waited near the lake. The afternoon had begun turning toward evening. Elisa leaned against Della. This time noticeably. Della put an arm around her. No question. No ceremony. Elisa accepted it. Mira stood on Elisa’s other side. Close enough that their shoulders touched. Elisa noticed. She looked at Mira. Mira looked back. For one second Elisa seemed ready to say something. Then she smiled. “Later.” Mira smiled too. “Later.” And for once, Elisa left it there. The coffee was losing. Slowly. The weekend was not. --- # CHAPTER 25 — FIRST HEAT The sauna took its time. Good sauna always did. Marco had started the stove early enough that nobody had to rush it. By the time the first proper heat was ready, evening had settled across the lake without anyone noticing exactly when afternoon ended. The change happened in pieces. Longer shadows. Cooler air. The terrace lights coming on. The Main Cabin windows turning warmer against the darkening trees. Smoke from the sauna pipe rising straight for a while, then bending toward the lake. The first rotation formed without a list. Mai. Ace. Kiro. Reyes. Mira. Della. Elisa. Seven. Brenda looked offended. “You’re going without me.” Mai looked at her. “Yes.” “Why?” “Because there will be another rotation.” Brenda folded her arms. “That sounds suspiciously organized.” Iris kissed her cheek. “You’ll survive.” Brenda looked at her. “You’re not going either.” “No.” Brenda smiled. “Good.” Iris narrowed her eyes. “That was too fast.” Brenda smiled wider. “Later.” Iris closed her eyes. From across the room, Elisa whispered: “It really does work everywhere.” Della laughed. Mira looked at Elisa. “You still alive?” “Yes.” Elisa yawned. Mira nodded. “Convincing.” Elisa glared. Then leaned against Della again. Della looked down. “You sure sauna is a good idea?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Because warm.” “That is technically an answer.” Mai looked at Elisa. “First round only.” Elisa looked offended. “I can decide that.” “Yes.” Mai waited. Elisa looked back. Then sighed. “Fine.” Ace smiled. “She got Mai’d.” Elisa looked at her. “What does that mean?” Ace opened her mouth. Mai covered it. “No.” Elisa smiled. “Later?” Mai pointed at her. “No.” Reyes laughed. They gathered towels. Water. Robes. No wine. Mai was very clear about that. Ace protested on principle even though she had not asked for wine. Mai ignored her. Kiro looked slightly too alert for the hour. Not dramatically. Just enough that she kept finding unnecessary things to carry. First towels. Then water. Then more towels. Then kindling that Marco had already stacked by the sauna. Reyes watched her pick up the wood. “Kiro.” “What?” “We have wood.” “This is backup wood.” Ace looked at her. “Decorative wood again?” Kiro stared. Ace smiled. Kiro put it back. “Fuck you.” Ace kissed her cheek. “Later.” Kiro laughed. They left the Main Cabin. The cold hit immediately. Not winter cold. Just evening-lake cold. Enough to make warm skin notice. The seven crossed the terrace. Down the stone steps. Past the lower path. Across the darkening ground toward the sauna. The walk made the distance register. The Main Cabin stayed warm behind them while the sauna waited ahead, separate enough that the cold had time to bite. Elisa walked between Della and Mira. Not holding either hand this time. Just close. Her energy was lower. Not gone. Lower. Della noticed she was quieter. Mira noticed too. Nobody commented. The porch light was already on. Ace reached it first. Opened the door. Warmth met them immediately from the changing room. “Better.” Mai came behind her. “You said that before you even reached the sauna.” “I’m small.” “That isn’t temperature science.” “It is for me.” Kiro came in. “You lose heat faster.” Ace pointed. “Science.” Mai looked at Kiro. “Do not encourage her.” “Too late.” Reyes closed the outer door behind them. The changing room filled quickly. Not cramped. Used. Towels on hooks. Water on the bench. Robes folded where they would be useful later. Clothes came off without ceremony. Not performance. Not privacy theater either. This group had long since stopped pretending bodies required explanation. Mira noticed that first. Again. Not the nudity itself. The lack of reaction. Ace undressed while arguing with Kiro about surface-area-to-volume ratio. Mai tied her hair back. Reyes folded her clothes once. Kiro folded hers twice. Della did not fold anything. Mira looked at her pile. “You animal.” Della looked at Reyes’s neat stack. “She’s making us look bad.” Reyes shrugged. “Skill issue.” Mira stared. Della laughed. Elisa sat on the bench while removing her last sock. Then stayed there. Della noticed. “You okay?” Elisa nodded. “Warm already.” “We’re not even inside.” “I know.” Mira crouched slightly in front of her. “Head?” “Fine.” “Stomach?” “Mostly fine.” “Heart?” Elisa thought. “Less stupid.” Della smiled. “That’s progress.” Elisa looked at her. “I liked stupid.” “You liked fast.” “Yes.” “Same thing today.” Elisa smiled. “Maybe.” Mai opened the sauna door. Heat rolled out. Ace immediately went in. “Finally.” Reyes followed. Kiro. Mai. Mira. Della. Elisa last. The sauna accepted them. Real heat. Wood. Stone. Steam waiting in the air. No music. No screens. No distractions beyond each other. Ace took the lower bench first. Mai looked at her. Ace looked back. “What?” “You always complain it’s too cold down there.” “I’m acclimating.” Reyes sat beside her. “That means she wants attention.” Ace looked at her. “No.” Reyes put an arm behind Ace anyway. Ace leaned into her immediately. Kiro saw. Smiled. Took the other side. Ace looked between them. “You’re both annoying.” “Yes.” “Yes.” Mai sat opposite. “Accurate.” Mira took the upper bench. Della beside her. Elisa sat below them. For perhaps thirty seconds nobody spoke. That alone felt unusual after the day. Then Ace sighed. “Oh, that’s good.” Mai poured the first water over the stones. Steam rose. Fast. Wrapped the room. Elisa inhaled. Eyes closed. Della watched. “You alive?” “Yes.” “Still?” Elisa opened one eye. “Later.” Della laughed softly. Mira smiled. The heat climbed. Ace moved from lower bench to upper within two minutes. Mai looked at her. Ace did not make eye contact. Reyes smiled. “Acclimating?” “Shut up.” Kiro laughed. Mai added more water. Steam again. Mira leaned forward. “This is better than Thursday.” Della looked at her. “Why?” “Less crowded.” Ace pointed. “Exactly.” Mai looked at her. “You were the loudest person yesterday.” “Unrelated.” Elisa smiled. Her shoulders had dropped. That was new. All day she had looked like her body was trying to outrun itself. Now the heat slowed everything. Breathing. Movement. Thought. Not completely. Enough. She leaned back against the wall. Closed her eyes. Della watched. Then looked at Mira. Mira nodded once. Fine. No problem. Just tired. Reyes stretched one leg along the bench. Ace absently rested a hand on it. No announcement. Kiro’s shoulder touched Ace’s. Mai saw all three. Smiled. Elisa opened her eyes. Caught it. Looked at Mai. “What?” Mai asked. Elisa shook her head. “Nothing.” Mai smiled. “That was something.” Elisa thought. Then said: “I understand it better now.” The room quieted. Ace looked at her. “What?” Elisa looked between Ace, Reyes and Kiro. Then Mai. “This.” Ace waited. Elisa frowned slightly, searching. Not Coffee-Elisa speed. Actual thought. “You don’t organize it.” Mai smiled. “No.” “You don’t decide who sits next to who.” “No.” “You just…” She looked again. Ace against Reyes. Kiro against Ace. Mai opposite, completely secure. “…fit.” Nobody answered immediately. Della looked down at Elisa. Mira watched too. Ace smiled. “That’s disgustingly sentimental.” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” Ace nodded. “Okay.” Reyes kissed Ace’s temple. Ace leaned harder into her. Kiro watched. Ace reached over without looking and took Kiro’s hand. Elisa smiled. Then yawned. Huge. Completely unavoidable. The room erupted. Elisa opened her eyes. “No.” Mira pointed. “That was enormous.” “It was heat.” Della laughed. “Heat doesn’t yawn.” “You don’t know that.” “I do.” Elisa looked toward Mai. Mai was smiling. Traitorously. Elisa sighed. “Fine.” Ace tilted her head. “How dead are you?” “I am not dead.” “Scale.” “No.” “Scale.” Elisa stared. Ace smiled. Elisa sighed. “Maybe thirty percent dead.” Della shook her head. “Forty.” Mira said: “Forty-five.” Elisa looked offended. “You don’t get to vote.” Ace raised one hand. “Fifty.” Elisa pointed at her. “You’re tiny.” “That isn’t an argument.” “It is today.” Kiro laughed. Mai poured more water. The heat landed harder. Elisa closed her eyes again. This time she stayed quiet longer. Della eventually nudged her knee. Elisa opened one eye. “You falling asleep?” “No.” “Good.” “Can you sleep in sauna?” Everyone said: “No.” Elisa blinked. “Understood.” Ace looked at Della. “You’re on Coffee-Elisa duty.” Della smiled. “I noticed.” Mira raised an eyebrow. “Just her?” Ace looked at Mira. Then Elisa. Then Della. “Oh.” Della pointed. “No.” Ace smiled. “I didn’t even have to.” Della pointed at her. “Exactly. That’s the problem.” Reyes laughed. Kiro leaned toward Ace. “You’re getting predictable.” Ace looked offended. “I am mysterious.” Mai laughed. “No.” Ace stared at her. “You’re supposed to love me.” “I do.” “That was too fast.” Mai smiled. “Very.” Ace tried to look angry. Failed. Elisa watched. Then said: “I like this version better.” Everyone looked at her. Elisa blinked. “What?” Della asked: “Version of what?” Elisa gestured vaguely. “All of you.” Ace frowned. “Compared to what?” “Work.” Mai understood first. “Mandi and Dalia.” “Yes.” Elisa looked at Ace and Mai. “Not because that was fake.” “No.” “It wasn’t.” Mai nodded. “I know.” Elisa continued. “You were real there too.” “Yes.” “But this is…” She looked around. At towels. Steam. Mira sweating above her. Della close enough to touch. Reyes with Ace. Kiro holding Ace’s hand. Mai opposite. “…nothing special.” Ace smiled. “Fuck you.” Elisa laughed. “No, I mean—” “I know what you mean.” Elisa smiled. Ace’s expression softened. “This is home.” Elisa looked at her. Then toward the sauna walls. “The cabin?” Ace shook her head. “No.” That landed. Quietly. Elisa understood. The people. Not the building. Della saw her face change. Mira did too. Elisa looked down. Then smiled. “Okay.” Nobody rescued the moment. Nobody named it. Nobody said she belonged. They didn’t need to. Mai poured water on the stones again. Steam filled the room. Conversation moved. Mira complained about the heat. Della called her weak. Mira threatened to throw Della in the lake. Ace said Reyes had already fulfilled the throwing quota. Reyes said no such quota existed. Ace shouted betrayal. Kiro laughed too hard. Elisa laughed too. Then yawned again immediately afterward. Della touched her shoulder. “Enough.” Elisa looked at her. “I can stay.” “I know.” “I want to.” “I know.” Elisa waited. Della smiled. “First round only.” Elisa looked toward Mai. Mai said nothing. Elisa sighed. “Fine.” Mira stood. “I’ll go with you.” Elisa looked surprised. “You don’t have to.” “I know.” Della stood too. Elisa looked at her. “You either.” “I know.” Elisa smiled. “Efficient.” Ace looked at them. “Cute.” Three heads turned. Ace immediately leaned into Reyes. “Protection.” Reyes looked down at her. “No.” “Traitor.” Kiro smiled. “Later.” Ace closed her eyes. Elisa laughed all the way out. The changing room felt almost cool after the sauna. Della handed Elisa water. Elisa drank. No complaint. Mira noticed. Again. They dressed slowly. Elisa sat between them on the bench. By the time her shirt was on, she looked heavier. Not physically. Gravity had simply remembered her. Della sat beside her. “Still thirty percent?” Elisa thought. “Sixty.” Mira nodded. “Improvement in honesty.” “Fuck you.” “Later.” Elisa smiled. But this time the smile came with closed eyes. Della looked at Mira. Mira looked back. Then Elisa’s head dropped onto Della’s shoulder. No warning. Della froze. Elisa opened one eye. “What?” Della smiled. “Nothing.” Elisa closed it again. Mira sat on Elisa’s other side. Their shoulders touched. Elisa shifted. Barely. Then let her head rest more fully against Della. One hand landed loosely against Mira’s thigh. Not reaching. Just there. Mira looked down. Did not move it. For a while, the three sat in the changing room without talking. The sauna door muffled the others. Voices. Laughter. Ace swearing. Reyes laughing. Kiro saying something nobody outside could hear. Heat behind one door. Cold waiting behind another. Elisa breathed slower. Della looked at Mira. Mira smiled. Tiny. Della smiled back. Then Elisa said, eyes still closed: “I know you’re looking at each other.” Both women froze. Elisa smiled. “Later.” Mira put her face in her hands. Della laughed silently into Elisa’s hair. The little menace was still in there. Just sleepy. Outside, evening waited. And inside the sauna, Ace shouted: “THAT IS NOT A FUCKING RULE.” Whatever had happened in there, it was probably about to become one. --- # CHAPTER 26 — THAT IS NOT A RULE “THAT IS NOT A FUCKING RULE.” The changing room went quiet. Elisa opened one eye. Della stopped laughing. Mira lowered her hands from her face. From behind the sauna door, Reyes said something too muffled to understand. Ace answered immediately. “NO.” Kiro laughed. Mai said something calmer. Ace: “STILL NO.” Mira looked at Della. “What do you think?” Della considered. “Sauna seating.” Elisa, eyes closed again: “Sex.” Mira stared. Della choked. Elisa smiled faintly. “What?” “You’re half asleep.” “Yes.” “And still doing this.” “Yes.” Mira looked toward the sauna door. “You might be right.” Della shook her head. “Do not encourage her.” Elisa murmured: “Later.” Della closed her eyes. “Fucking menace.” Inside, Ace shouted again. “I AM NOT LOSING A VOTE I DIDN’T AGREE TO.” Mira started laughing. Della stood. “I need to know.” Elisa’s hand tightened lightly where it still rested against Mira’s thigh. Della looked down. Elisa opened one eye. “Where are you going?” “To investigate.” “Without me?” “You’re sixty percent dead.” “Fifty-five.” Mira smiled. “Recovery.” Elisa sat upright. Slowly. Thought about it. Then stood. Della immediately put one hand near her elbow. Elisa noticed. “I can walk.” “I know.” “Then why—” “You’re swaying.” Elisa stopped. Looked down at herself. Then at Della. “I am?” Mira nodded. “A little.” Elisa sighed. “Fine.” Della smiled. “Good answer.” “Later.” “Still not how that works.” They opened the sauna door. Heat hit them. Ace was standing. That alone explained part of the situation. She had one foot on the lower bench. One hand pointing accusingly at Reyes. Reyes was leaning back against the wall, completely unrepentant. Kiro had both hands over her mouth. Mai looked like she had given up trying to prevent anything. All four turned. Ace pointed at the newcomers. “Tell them.” Reyes smiled. “No.” Ace stared. Mira stepped inside. “Tell us what?” Reyes looked at Ace. Ace narrowed her eyes. “Don’t.” Reyes looked at Mira. “Ace says if someone throws you into the lake, they owe you first sauna back massage.” Ace shouted: “THAT IS NOT A RULE.” Mira froze. Della stared. Elisa blinked. Then: “That’s a good rule.” Ace turned. “No.” Reyes smiled. “Four votes.” “There was no vote.” Kiro raised one hand. “Five.” Ace spun toward her. “You don’t count.” Kiro looked offended. “I’m literally here.” “You’re compromised.” “By what?” “You.” Kiro smiled. Ace stopped. Mai laughed. Reyes pointed. “Six.” Ace looked at Mai. Mai held up one hand. “I didn’t vote.” “Thank you.” “I just think it’s funny.” Ace stared. “That is worse.” Elisa stepped inside and sat on the lowest bench. Very carefully. Della took the place beside her. Mira remained near the door. Elisa looked at Reyes. “So you owe Ace a back massage.” Ace pointed at her. “No.” Elisa looked confused. “You were thrown.” “Yes.” “Reyes threw you.” “Yes.” “So—” “No.” Reyes smiled. Ace saw it. “You shut up.” “I didn’t say anything.” “Your eyebrows confessed.” Mira laughed. Della looked at Elisa. “Does that phrase work everywhere too?” Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Ace looked at Reyes. “You are not touching my back.” Reyes raised an eyebrow. Ace paused. “Because of a fake rule.” Reyes’s smile widened. Kiro lost it. Mai bent forward. Mira covered her face. Della laughed openly. Elisa stared at Ace. Ace realized. “Oh, fuck all of you.” Reyes held out both hands. “Come here.” “No.” Ace remained exactly where she was. Reyes waited. Ace glared. Then sat in front of her. The sauna erupted. Ace turned her head. “THIS PROVES NOTHING.” Reyes put both hands on Ace’s shoulders. Ace immediately relaxed. There was a beat. Kiro pointed. Ace’s eyes opened. “Don’t.” Kiro smiled. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were telegraphing it.” Reyes worked slowly across Ace’s shoulders. No performance. No ceremony. Old familiarity. Ace muttered something. Mai leaned closer. “What?” “I said she’s annoyingly good at this.” Reyes smiled. “You could say thank you.” “No.” “Later?” Ace closed her eyes. The room collapsed again. Even Elisa laughed. Then yawned halfway through it. Della touched her knee. “Still sure?” Elisa nodded. “One more minute.” Mira looked at her. “One.” Elisa pointed lazily. “You are not timing me.” Mira looked at the wall clock. Elisa stared. “Traitor.” “Yes.” Kiro had moved closer to Ace. Not because there was space. Because there wasn’t much. Her knee touched Ace’s arm. Ace reached up without looking and rested one hand there. Kiro smiled. Reyes saw. Did not stop. Mai watched all three. Warm. Easy. Familiar. Elisa watched too. Less analytical now. More simply present. Della noticed. “You okay?” Elisa nodded. “Yes.” “Thinking?” “Yes.” “Dangerous.” Elisa smiled. “Later.” Della laughed softly. Mira sat beside Elisa on the lower bench. That made the three of them close. Not touching much. Just close enough that shoulders and knees occasionally met. Nobody moved away. Ace looked over. Saw it. Smiled. Said nothing. Elisa saw that too. Her smile changed. Small. Private. Reyes’s hands moved lower along Ace’s shoulder blades. Ace exhaled. Long. Finally surrendered. “Fine.” Reyes leaned closer. “What?” Ace sighed. “Thank you.” Reyes kissed the top of her head. “You’re welcome.” Ace pointed backward. “Still not a rule.” Reyes smiled. “Of course not.” Kiro said: “It should be.” Ace looked at her. “You want thrown in the lake?” Kiro thought. “No.” “Then stop inventing incentives.” Mai laughed. Mira looked at Della. Della looked back. Elisa’s eyes opened. She noticed. Of course. Della immediately said: “No.” Elisa smiled. “I wasn’t going to ask.” Mira raised an eyebrow. Elisa thought. “Okay, I was.” Della nodded. “Better.” Elisa leaned back carefully. “Have you thrown each other in the lake?” Mira said: “Yes.” Della said: “No.” They looked at each other. Elisa smiled. Mira frowned. “That time at—” “That was a river.” Mira stopped. “Oh.” Della pointed. “Different body of water.” Elisa nodded solemnly. “Important distinction.” Ace looked at her. “See? She gets it.” Mai stared. “You spent ten minutes arguing Thursday that falling into the lake wasn’t swimming.” Ace pointed. “Different distinction.” Kiro laughed. Reyes wrapped both arms around Ace from behind now that the massage had ended. Ace leaned back against her. Completely at home. Kiro leaned into Ace’s side. Mai reached across and touched Ace’s knee. Elisa watched. No question. No analysis. Just a soft smile. Then Mira tapped the clock. “One minute.” Elisa looked betrayed. “That was very fast.” “No.” “It was.” Della stood. “Come on.” Elisa sighed. Stood. Then immediately sat again. Everyone looked. Elisa blinked. “Head rush.” Mai’s expression changed. Not alarm. Attention. “Stay seated.” Elisa nodded. No argument. That got everyone’s attention more than the head rush. Ace leaned forward. “You okay?” “Yes.” “Sure?” “Yes.” Mai looked at Della. “Water.” Della handed it over. Elisa drank. Slowly. Mira put one hand lightly behind her back. Elisa accepted that too. After a few breaths, the color in her face settled. Mai watched. “Enough heat.” Elisa nodded. “Agreed.” Ace looked at her. “You just agreed immediately.” Elisa looked exhausted. “Don’t ruin it.” Ace smiled. “Okay.” Mira and Della helped her up. Not carrying. Just nearby. Elisa walked out between them. The door closed. Ace looked at Mai. “Three cups.” Mai nodded. “Three fucking cups.” Kiro looked guilty. Ace turned. “You had one.” “Yes.” “And you wanted another.” Kiro looked away. Ace pointed. “Idiot.” Kiro smiled. “Love you too.” Ace kissed her cheek. “Idiot.” Reyes’s arms tightened around Ace. Ace relaxed again. Mai looked toward the closed door. “They’ll keep an eye on her.” Ace nodded. “Mira and Della?” “Yes.” Ace smiled. “Good.” Reyes looked at her. “You like that.” “Yes.” “Why?” Ace looked at the door. Then at Mai. Then Kiro. “Because they don’t need instructions anymore.” Mai smiled. Exactly. Outside, the changing room door opened. Cold air entered. Della wrapped Elisa in a robe. Mira grabbed another towel and put it around Elisa’s shoulders. Elisa stared at both of them. “You’re fussing.” Della shrugged. “Yes.” Mira said: “No.” Elisa looked at Mira. “You are.” “No.” “You gave me two towels.” “That’s not fussing.” “What is it?” “Thermal management.” Della laughed. Elisa smiled. “Mercenary language.” “Yes.” Elisa leaned against the wall. Della stayed close. Mira filled a cup with water. Elisa took it. Then looked at both women. “Thank you.” Mira shrugged. Della smiled. “You’re welcome.” Elisa drank. The cold air from the outer door had helped. So had leaving the heat. She looked better already. Still tired. Very tired. But steady. Della watched her. “What?” Elisa asked. “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” “What?” Della smiled. “You’re easier to read when you’re tired.” Elisa blinked. “Am I?” “Yes.” “That’s bad.” Mira looked at her. “For who?” Elisa thought. Then smiled. “Later.” Della laughed. Mira shook her head. “She lives.” Elisa put down the cup. Then looked at Mira. “You stayed.” Mira frowned. “Yes.” “You didn’t want sauna as much as Della.” Mira looked at Della. Della looked back. Elisa continued. “You came because I was going.” Mira stared. Della said nothing. Elisa smiled. Not Coffee-Elisa bright. Something quieter. “Thank you.” Mira looked away. “Don’t make it weird.” “I’m not.” “You are.” Elisa thought. Then: “Later.” Mira laughed despite herself. Della looked between them. There it was again. Not a decision. Not a triangle being assembled. Just another small line appearing. Slowly. Correctly. The inner sauna door opened. Ace came out first. Wrapped in a towel. Reyes behind her. Kiro behind Reyes. Mai last. Ace saw Elisa sitting. “You alive?” Elisa nodded. “Seventy percent.” Ace smiled. “Going the wrong direction.” “I revised the scale.” “Cheating.” “Yes.” Ace came closer. Touched Elisa’s shoulder. Then kissed her forehead. Easy. Loving. Elisa leaned into it. Ace pulled back. “You done for tonight?” Elisa considered. Then nodded. “Yes.” “Good.” Elisa looked suspicious. “You’re not going to argue?” “No.” “Why?” Ace smiled. “Because you’re making sense.” Elisa stared. “That sounds insulting.” “It is.” Elisa laughed. Della looked at Ace. “She almost got dizzy standing.” Ace’s expression sharpened. Elisa pointed. “I’m fine.” Ace looked at her. Elisa sighed. “I’m fine now.” “Better.” Mai came over. Checked Elisa with one look. “Main Cabin.” Elisa nodded. Ace looked at Mai. “You got another immediate agreement.” Mai smiled. “Terrifying.” Elisa stood. Steadier this time. Della reached for her robe belt. Elisa caught her hand. “I can do it.” Della stopped. Elisa smiled. “But thank you.” Della nodded. “Okay.” Elisa tied it herself. Mira opened the outer door. Cold evening air entered. The lake beyond was almost black now. Main Cabin lights glowed above. Side House porch light across the clearing. Smoke still rose from the sauna. Another rotation would come later. Different people. Different conversations. No one needed to cram the entire weekend into one room. They stepped outside. Ace immediately shivered. Mai wrapped an arm around her. Ace leaned in. Kiro walked beside Reyes. Reyes’s hand found Kiro’s automatically. Elisa walked between Mira and Della. Not holding either one. For the first twenty meters. Then her hand brushed Della’s. Della took it. No question. No announcement. Elisa looked down. Then at Della. Della smiled. Elisa smiled back. Mira saw. Kept walking. Then Elisa’s other hand brushed hers. Mira looked down. Elisa looked at her. No Coffee question. No challenge. Just an open hand. Mira stared for one second. Then took it. Della saw. Said nothing. Elisa smiled. And they kept walking toward the lights. Three people. Not a promise. Not a plan. Not a definition. Just Friday evening. Just hands. Just later getting a little closer. --- # CHAPTER 27 — GRAVITY WINS The walk back took longer than the walk down. Not much. Enough. Elisa still held both hands. Della on her right. Mira on her left. Nobody commented on it. That was probably why she kept holding them. The Main Cabin lights grew brighter as they crossed the clearing. Behind them, the sauna smoke drifted across the dark trees. Ahead, the terrace glowed warm. Someone had opened the door. Brenda stood there. She took one look at the approaching group. Then at Elisa. Then at both hands. Her eyebrows went up. Mira saw. “Don’t.” Brenda smiled. “I didn’t say anything.” “Your whole face gave you away.” Della laughed. Elisa looked between them. “That really is universal.” Brenda stepped aside. “Come in before the corpse freezes.” Elisa frowned. “I’m not a corpse.” Brenda looked at her. “You’re holding two mercenaries for structural support.” Elisa looked down. At Della’s hand. At Mira’s. Then back up. “I like them.” Silence. Della closed her eyes. Mira stared straight ahead. Brenda’s smile became enormous. Elisa blinked. Then understood. “Oh.” Ace immediately started laughing. She had already made it into the common room and was standing beside the fireplace wrapped in a robe far too large for her. Mai stood behind her. Ace pointed at Elisa. “Coffee honesty.” Elisa sighed. “I know.” Della looked at her. “You okay?” “Yes.” “Regret saying it?” Elisa thought. “No.” Mira finally looked at her. Elisa smiled. “Still no.” Della squeezed her hand. Mira did too. Tiny. Almost accidental. Brenda made a noise. Iris caught the back of Brenda’s robe. “No.” “I didn’t—” “You were going to.” “Yes.” Iris pulled her toward the door. “Sauna.” Brenda looked delighted. “Together?” Iris stared. “We have been together for years.” “I still like hearing it.” Iris kissed her. “Go.” Brenda went. Happily. Panam was already collecting towels. Shammy followed her so closely that they might have been physically attached. Marco appeared from the kitchen carrying water bottles. Lena had changed into a robe and was tying her hair back. The second rotation formed. Brenda. Iris. Panam. Shammy. Marco. Lena. Six. Marco looked around. “Anyone else?” Ace shook her head immediately. “I have fulfilled my sauna obligations.” Reyes looked at her. “You were in there once.” “Yes.” “That’s not an obligation.” “It is for small people.” Kiro nodded. “Surface-area-to-volume ratio.” Mai looked at her. Kiro smiled. “Science.” Ace pointed. “See?” Mai sighed. Marco looked toward Mira and Della. They both shook their heads. Then he looked at Elisa. Everyone else did too. Elisa stared. “No.” That came with absolutely no hesitation. Ace gasped. “Another good decision.” Elisa looked at her. “Fuck you.” Ace smiled. “Later.” Elisa groaned. Marco opened the door. Cold air entered. Brenda stepped through first. “Try not to start an orgy while we’re gone.” Ace shouted: “GO AWAY.” Iris followed Brenda. “Don’t encourage her.” “I DIDN’T.” Panam paused at the door. Looked at Ace. Then at Mai. Then at Reyes and Kiro. Then at Mira, Della and Elisa. “Good luck.” Ace stared. “With what?” Panam smiled. “Everything.” Shammy slipped past her. Her hair lifted. Panam pointed. “Forty.” Shammy turned. “I’m wearing a robe.” “Still forty.” “Fuck you.” “Later.” Shammy stopped. Everyone laughed. Panam looked deeply pleased with herself. Shammy stared for another second. Then grabbed the front of Panam’s robe and kissed her. Panam kissed back. Marco stepped around them. “Path.” Lena followed. “Professional.” Ace called: “THAT’S MY LINE.” Marco shouted back: “NO, IT ISN’T.” The door closed. For a moment the Main Cabin became quiet. Not actually quiet. Just six people quieter. That was substantial. Elisa let go of Mira and Della. Della noticed first. Not because Elisa moved away. Because Elisa took one step toward the fireplace. Stopped. Looked at the couch. And visibly lost the argument with gravity. She sat. Hard. Ace stared. “Oh.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” “You sat like Brenda after a three-day job.” “That’s insulting.” From outside, somehow, Brenda shouted: “I HEARD THAT.” Everyone froze. Ace slowly looked toward the door. “How?” Reyes said: “Brenda.” Ace nodded. “Fair.” Elisa leaned back. The couch accepted her. Completely. She looked surprised by this. Then suspicious. Della sat beside her. Mira took the other side. Again. No arrangement. Just where they ended up. Elisa looked left. Then right. “You’re doing it again.” Della asked: “What?” “Fussing.” Mira immediately said: “No.” Elisa smiled. “You are.” Della nodded. “Yes.” Elisa looked at her approvingly. “Honest.” Mira folded her arms. “I’m not fussing.” “You walked me back holding my hand.” “That was traction control.” Della laughed. Elisa looked at Mira. “Thermal management. Traction control.” “Yes.” “Do mercenaries have a word for affection?” Mira froze. Della turned very slowly. Ace made a tiny sound. Mai put one finger against Ace’s lips. Ace’s eyes widened. Elisa waited. Mira looked at her. Then at Della. Then back. “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “What is it?” Mira leaned back. “Shut up.” Elisa laughed. Not the earlier explosive laugh. Smaller. Tired. Warm. “That’s not a word for affection.” “It is in some jobs.” Reyes walked toward the kitchen. “She’s not wrong.” Kiro followed. Their hands brushed. Then linked. Automatic. Elisa noticed. Did not ask. Ace noticed Elisa not asking. That almost made her smile more than the question would have. Mai touched Ace’s shoulder. “Dry clothes.” “I’m warm.” “You’re wearing my robe.” Ace looked down. The robe almost swallowed her. “Yes.” “Dry clothes.” Ace sighed. “Bossy.” Mai smiled. “Yes.” Ace kissed her. Then headed upstairs. Reyes called from the kitchen: “Top drawer.” Ace stopped on the stairs. Slowly turned. “Fuck you.” Reyes smiled. “Later.” Ace continued upstairs while muttering threats. Kiro laughed against the refrigerator door. Elisa watched her go. Then rested her head against the back of the couch. Della looked at her. “Sleep?” “No.” Mira said: “Liar.” “I’m resting my eyes.” “You’re nineteen.” “That phrase still works.” “No, it doesn’t.” Elisa closed her eyes anyway. Her breathing slowed. Della looked at Mira. Mira looked back. Neither moved. For perhaps thirty seconds, Elisa actually stayed silent. Then: “I can still hear you looking.” Della’s mouth twitched. Mira whispered: “That sentence makes no sense.” Elisa’s eyes remained closed. “It does to me.” Della asked: “What are we looking at?” Elisa thought. “Me.” “Yes.” “Why?” Della smiled. “Later.” Elisa opened one eye. “You’re cruel.” “Yes.” Mira said: “You taught her.” Elisa closed the eye. “I regret that.” Della looked at Mira. “First regret.” “Document it.” Elisa raised one finger without opening her eyes. “Fuck you both.” Mira smiled. “Still alive.” “Barely.” That was closer to truth. The crash was no longer hiding. Not dramatic. No collapse. No emergency. Just the physical bill arriving all at once. Her shoulders felt heavy. Her limbs heavier. The inside of her mouth dry despite all the water. Stomach uncertain. Head beginning to pulse in a way she did not appreciate. And beneath it all, the deeply unfair fact that her brain was still not entirely ready to stop. She opened her eyes. “Is there food?” Della stared. “You ate enough lunch to feed Ace for a week.” From halfway upstairs: “I HEARD THAT.” Della shouted: “GOOD.” Elisa smiled weakly. Mira looked toward the kitchen. “Something small.” Kiro heard. “Bread?” Elisa considered. “Yes.” “Cheese?” “Yes.” “Fruit?” “Yes.” Kiro nodded. “Good.” Elisa watched her move around the kitchen. Too quickly. Kiro opened one cabinet. Closed it. Opened another. Stopped. Looked at Mai. Mai stood at the counter. Watching. Kiro smiled. “What?” “You don’t know what you’re looking for.” “Yes, I do.” “What?” Kiro thought. “Plate.” Mai pointed behind her. Kiro turned. The plates were there. She stared. Mira smiled from the couch. “I knew that.” Kiro looked at her. Mira looked suddenly pleased with herself. Just a little. Della saw. So did Mai. Kiro took a plate. “Congratulations.” Mira nodded. “Thank you.” Elisa opened one eye again. “You do know where things are.” Mira shrugged. “Yes.” “Guest.” Mira looked at her. Elisa smiled. Mira stared. Then said: “Shut up.” Elisa closed her eye again. “You like me.” Della bent forward laughing. Mira looked betrayed. “You remembered.” “Yes.” “I didn’t say that was the word.” “You implied it.” “I did not.” “You did.” Della was still laughing. Mira looked at her. “No help?” “None.” Mira muttered: “Fucking Coffee-Elisa.” Elisa smiled. “Still here.” Kiro brought the plate. Bread. Cheese. Sliced apple. Nothing complicated. She put it on the low table. Elisa opened both eyes. Looked at it. Then at Kiro. “I love you.” Kiro smiled. “Food does that.” “No, I already did.” Kiro blinked. Elisa took bread. Della froze. Mira froze. Kiro stared. Elisa chewed. Then noticed. “What?” Kiro laughed. Softly. “Nothing.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “That was something.” Kiro leaned down. Kissed the top of Elisa’s head. “Eat.” Elisa smiled. “Okay.” Della watched Kiro return to the kitchen. Then looked at Elisa. “You really do just say everything today.” Elisa took a piece of apple. “Yes.” “Does it scare you?” Elisa thought. Longer now. “A little.” That answer changed the room. Not heavily. Enough. Mira’s expression softened. Della asked: “Because?” Elisa looked at the apple. “Most people around me use information.” Nobody interrupted. “Not always maliciously.” She took another bite. “Sometimes socially. Sometimes professionally. Sometimes because that’s simply how corpo life works.” Mira nodded. Elisa continued. “So you learn what to say.” Della watched her. “And what not to.” “Yes.” Elisa smiled faintly. “Today I apparently forgot the second part.” Mira leaned back. “You haven’t said anything catastrophic.” Elisa looked at her. “I asked Brenda who gives the best oral sex.” Mira considered. “Okay.” Della laughed. “That was pretty fucking bad.” Elisa covered her face. “I made mistakes.” Ace came downstairs in dry clothes. Caught only that. Immediately smiled. “Oh, we’ve reached that stage.” Elisa looked through her fingers. “I don’t want a retrospective.” From the kitchen, Kiro said: “Seconded.” Everyone looked at her. Kiro froze. Then: “What?” Mai smiled. “One cup.” Kiro pointed at Elisa. “Three.” Elisa lowered her hands. “She had one. I had three.” Kiro looked at her. “…Why?” Elisa stared. Then slowly put her face back in her hands. “I made mistakes.” Ace doubled over. Again. Exactly like the morning. Mai leaned against the counter laughing. Reyes covered her mouth. Della lost it. Mira turned away. Kiro looked delighted and horrified at the same time. Elisa remained behind her hands. “I hate all of you.” Ace managed: “No, you don’t.” Elisa peeked. “No.” Ace crossed the room. Sat on the edge of the low table. Looked at Elisa. “You okay?” Elisa nodded. Then reconsidered. “My head hurts.” “There it is.” “My stomach is weird.” “Yep.” “I’m tired.” “Definitely.” “And I think my nervous system hates me.” Ace smiled. “That’s tomorrow’s problem.” Elisa stared. “Tomorrow?” Kiro went very still. Mai looked at Ace. Ace realized. “Oh.” Elisa lowered her hands. “What?” Nobody answered fast enough. Elisa looked at Kiro. Kiro looked away. Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “What happens tomorrow?” Della grimaced. Mira said: “Probably hangover.” Elisa stared. “From coffee?” Ace nodded. Elisa looked genuinely betrayed by chemistry. “That’s bullshit.” “Yes.” “Coffee shouldn’t have a hangover.” “No.” “It’s coffee.” Marco was not there to say it. So Kiro did. “No.” Everyone looked at her. Kiro pointed toward the locked metal tin. “That is a workplace incident.” Ace collapsed again. Elisa leaned against Della. Defeated. Della put an arm around her. Mira reached for the water bottle and handed it over. Elisa drank. Then rested her head on Della’s shoulder. Her legs shifted sideways until one knee touched Mira. Mira did not move. For several minutes, the room settled. Ace sat on the floor in front of Mai. Mai idly ran fingers through her still slightly damp hair. Reyes and Kiro shared the far end of the kitchen counter. Della stayed with Elisa. Mira stayed too. Nobody filled the silence because it existed. Elisa ate slowly. The plate emptied. Not completely. Enough. Outside, voices approached from the lower path. Brenda first. Of course. “…still saying that counts.” Panam: “It does not count.” “It absolutely counts.” Marco: “I’m not involved.” Lena: “You already answered.” “That was before I understood the question.” Iris laughed. Shammy said something too quiet to catch. Panam immediately answered: “No.” Shammy laughed. The door opened. Warm bodies. Cold air. Robes. Sauna smell. Brenda entered in the middle of an argument and stopped. She saw Elisa folded into Della’s side. Mira close on the other. The mostly empty plate. The water. Brenda’s expression changed. Again. Just enough. “How bad?” Elisa raised one hand weakly. “Sixty percent dead.” Brenda nodded. “Respectable.” Iris looked at her. Brenda shrugged. “What? I’m being supportive.” Elisa smiled. “Thank you.” Panam walked past. “Three cups.” Elisa groaned. “Please stop saying the number.” Shammy came closer. Her hair lifted slightly. Then lowered. “You smell different.” Elisa opened one eye. “That sounds ominous.” “Tired.” “Oh.” “And coffee.” “Still?” “Yes.” Elisa sighed. “I’m going to smell like bad decisions forever.” Panam said: “Probably until morning.” “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” Brenda sat on the floor. Looked at Elisa. Thought. Iris saw it happening. “No.” Brenda looked up. “I was going to be nice.” “That’s why I’m concerned.” Elisa laughed. Then immediately held her head. “Ow.” Della’s hand moved to the back of her neck. Gentle. Elisa leaned into it. Brenda saw. Did not joke. Instead: “Bed?” Elisa frowned. “No.” “You look like death.” “I want to stay.” That answer came fast. Not Coffee-fast. Something else. The room heard it. Elisa looked around. Fireplace. Kitchen. Ace on the floor. Mai behind her. Reyes and Kiro together. Panam with Shammy. Marco taking off his robe while Lena stole his chair. Brenda sitting by the couch. Iris standing behind her. Mira beside Elisa. Della holding her. “I want to stay here.” Ace smiled. “Then stay.” Simple. Elisa looked at her. “Okay.” Brenda leaned back against Iris’s legs. “Floor nap.” Iris looked down. “You are not napping on the floor.” “Later.” Iris stared. Brenda smiled. Elisa laughed. Carefully. The evening moved around her. Dinner preparation started without any announcement. Nobody expected Elisa to help. She tried once. Mai pointed at the couch. Elisa stayed. That might have been the strongest evidence of the crash yet. Della eventually stood to help with vegetables. Elisa’s head lifted from her shoulder. Della looked down. “I’m going ten meters.” Elisa frowned. “I know.” “I’ll come back.” Elisa looked embarrassed. “I know.” Della smiled. “Good.” Then Elisa caught herself. Looked at Della. A tired little spark returned. “Later?” Della smiled. “Later.” She went to the kitchen. Elisa watched her go. Mira remained. Elisa looked at her. “You stayed.” “Yes.” “Traction control?” Mira thought. “No.” Elisa waited. Mira looked toward the fire. Then back. “That was a yes.” Elisa went completely still. Mira’s face changed instantly. “Don’t.” Elisa smiled. Slowly. Wide enough to hurt her head. “You said it.” “I know.” “You actually said it.” “I know.” “I’m never letting you forget that.” Mira pointed at her. “Later.” Elisa laughed. Then rested her head on Mira’s shoulder. Mira froze for half a second. Then relaxed. Across the kitchen, Della saw. She smiled. Elisa closed her eyes. Not asleep. Not quite. Gravity had finally won. But only gravity. Not Friday. Not the cabin. And definitely not later. --- # CHAPTER 28 — LOW BATTERY Dinner happened around Elisa. Not around her in the sense that anyone organized anything for her. Around her physically. The couch had become an island. Elisa sat in one corner under a blanket that had appeared from somewhere. Nobody admitted responsibility. Della claimed it had already been there. Mira said nothing. Ace said Mira had brought it. Mira told Ace to shut up. Elisa smiled without opening her eyes. “Still here.” Mira stared. Ace collapsed against Mai laughing. “OH, SHE’S NEVER LET THAT GO.” “I know.” “Ever.” “I know.” Elisa lifted one finger from beneath the blanket. “Correct.” Mira looked at Della. “This is your fault.” Della was slicing vegetables. “How?” “You kissed her.” Della stopped. Looked at Mira. “That’s an impressive causal chain.” “It started things.” Elisa opened one eye. “Twice.” Mira closed hers. Della smiled. “Thank you, Elisa.” “You’re welcome.” Mai looked toward the couch. “Eyes closed.” Elisa immediately closed it again. Ace stared. “She obeyed.” Della nodded. “Low battery.” Elisa, eyes shut: “I can still hear you.” Mira said: “Unfortunately.” Elisa smiled. Dinner continued. Marco handled the meat. Panam interfered. Marco told her to stop interfering. Panam told him she had bought it. Marco told her ownership did not create culinary authority. Panam said it absolutely did. Lena watched for thirty seconds. Then took Panam by the shoulders. Turned her around. Pointed toward the table. “Go.” Panam stared. “You too?” “Yes.” “This is mutiny.” Shammy wrapped both arms around Panam from behind. “Come sit.” Panam looked over her shoulder. Shammy smiled. Panam immediately surrendered. Marco pointed with the knife. “See?” Panam turned. “Don’t push it.” Marco smiled. “Professional.” Ace shouted from the other side of the kitchen: “STILL MY LINE.” “No.” “Yes.” “No.” Elisa murmured from the couch: “Later.” Both stopped. Everyone looked at her. Elisa’s eyes remained closed. Ace stared. “How the fuck are you still doing that?” Elisa smiled. No answer. Brenda sat on the floor near the couch. She had been unusually quiet for almost three minutes. Iris noticed. That was never safe. “What?” Brenda looked up. “Nothing.” Iris folded her arms. “That was something.” Brenda smiled. Elisa’s eyes opened. Slowly. She looked at Brenda. “Later.” Brenda pointed. “See? She understands me.” Iris sighed. “That is not reassuring.” Elisa closed her eyes again. The fire had been lit. Not large yet. Enough to take the evening chill out of the room. Outside, the lake had disappeared into darkness except where terrace light reached a narrow section of water. The Side House windows glowed across the clearing. The sauna smoke had thinned. Nobody was there now. The whole property had gone from afternoon movement to evening pockets. Warm rooms. Dark paths. Light behind glass. Dinner smells. Voices. It felt different after sunset. Mira noticed. She stood near the dining table with thirteen plates stacked beside her. Again. Della came over carrying cut vegetables. Looked at the plates. Then at Mira. Mira saw. “What?” “You did it again.” “What?” “Thirteen.” Mira looked down. “Yes.” “You didn’t count.” Mira frowned. Then realized. No. She had not. She had simply taken the right number. Della smiled. Mira looked toward the couch. Elisa still had her eyes closed. Good. “She’s not hearing this.” Elisa said: “I am.” Mira closed her eyes. Della laughed. Elisa lifted her head slightly. “Thirteen plates?” Mira stared. “How?” “You said thirteen.” “No, I didn’t.” Della nodded. “You didn’t.” Elisa frowned. Then settled back. “Oh.” Ace looked at her. “You’re starting to hallucinate dialogue.” “I am not.” “You just invented a number.” “I knew the number.” “That isn’t better.” Elisa sighed. “My head hurts.” That stopped the teasing. Mai crossed over. Not rushing. Just attentive. “How bad?” Elisa thought. “Four.” “Out of ten?” “Yes.” “Any nausea?” “A little.” “Dizzy?” “Not now.” Mai nodded. “Water.” Elisa lifted the bottle from beneath the blanket. “I have water.” Mai smiled. “Good.” Elisa looked proud of herself for perhaps two seconds. Then yawned. Brenda whispered: “Adorable.” Elisa pointed vaguely toward her. “Fuck you.” Brenda smiled. “Later.” Elisa groaned. Ace laughed softly. Nobody pushed harder. Dinner reached the table. The usual problem appeared immediately. Where did thirteen people sit? The answer was apparently: Poorly. The table could extend. It did. Extra chairs came from storage. Still, nobody sat in any kind of logical arrangement. Marco took one end. Lena beside him. Panam and Shammy together. Brenda and Iris. Reyes and Kiro. Ace and Mai. Della. Mira. Elisa. There should have been order. There wasn’t. Ace stole a chair. Brenda moved one. Kiro gave hers to Elisa before Elisa could argue. Elisa looked at her. “You’re standing?” “For now.” “No.” Kiro smiled. “You need it more.” Elisa stared. Then nodded. “Thank you.” Kiro kissed the top of her head. Elisa smiled. Ace looked at Kiro. “You love her.” Mira snapped: “Shut up.” Everyone laughed. Mira pointed at Elisa. “This is spreading.” Elisa looked delighted despite looking half dead. “Yes.” Della sat beside her. Mira sat on the other side. Again. Nobody mentioned that either. Kiro eventually found another chair. Reyes pulled it close enough that their knees touched under the table. Automatic. Elisa noticed. This time she did not even open her mouth. Ace saw. Looked impressed. Then suspicious. “What?” Elisa asked. “You didn’t ask anything.” “I’m tired.” “Ah.” “Also later.” Ace nodded. “Growth.” Mai looked at her. “Don’t.” Ace smiled. Dinner started. Real steaks. Vegetables. Bread. Cheese. Food that tasted like something. For the first several minutes nobody talked much because Panam had been right. It was excellent. Marco looked insufferably pleased. Panam noticed. “You didn’t grow the cow.” “No.” “You didn’t buy the cow.” “No.” “You didn’t even find the farm.” “No.” Marco cut another piece. “I cooked it.” Panam stared. Marco smiled. Panam looked at Shammy. “Tell him.” Shammy was eating. “No.” Panam looked betrayed. “You love me.” “Yes.” “Then tell him.” Shammy swallowed. “Marco cooked it really well.” The table exploded. Panam stared at her. Shammy smiled. Panam pointed. “Later.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Brenda immediately said: “Seventy.” Shammy turned. “Fuck you.” Panam added: “Later.” Shammy covered her face. Elisa laughed. Then stopped. Pressed fingers to her temple. Della saw. “Head?” “Five.” Mira pushed the water closer. Elisa drank. No complaint. Again. Mira and Della exchanged a look. Elisa saw that too. “What?” Della smiled. “Nothing.” Elisa stared. Then: “Later.” Both laughed. She ate less than everyone else. Not dramatically. Just slower. Half a steak. Vegetables. Bread. Enough. Mai watched without making it obvious. Elisa knew anyway. “You’re watching me eat.” Mai looked at her. “Yes.” “Why?” “Because you feel like shit.” Elisa considered. “Fair.” Ace smiled. “See? No seminar.” Mai elbowed her. “What?” “You’re being smug.” “I am smug.” “Yes.” Ace kissed her shoulder. “Love you.” Mai smiled. “Love you too.” Elisa watched. Again. No question. Della noticed that. “How many questions are you saving?” Elisa looked at her. “Many.” Mira stopped eating. “Oh no.” Elisa smiled. “Later.” Della laughed. “That’s going to be horrible.” “Yes.” Mira looked at Della. “You taught her.” “You taught her too.” “I said it once.” Elisa nodded. “Still counts.” Mira dropped her fork. Ace almost fell out of her chair. Dinner degraded after that. Not into chaos. Into cabin. Brenda told a story about a job that had somehow involved a stolen prosthetic leg. Iris corrected three details and made it worse. Panam claimed she had seen stranger cargo. Marco challenged that. Panam listed three examples. Marco withdrew the challenge after the second. Shammy stole food from Panam’s plate. Panam caught her. Shammy did it again while maintaining eye contact. Reyes rested one arm behind Kiro’s chair. Kiro leaned into her. Ace stole bread from Mai. Mai took it back from Ace’s mouth. Ace looked deeply betrayed. Elisa laughed. Carefully. Then, somewhere halfway through Brenda explaining why the prosthetic leg had technically not been stolen at first, Elisa stopped reacting. Not asleep. Just no reaction. Della looked sideways. Elisa stared at her plate. “You okay?” Elisa blinked. “Yes.” “Where’d you go?” “Nowhere.” Mira leaned closer. “Elisa.” Elisa sighed. “I’m tired.” Ace looked at her. “That isn’t illegal.” “It feels inefficient.” Reyes smiled. “Sleep is generally inefficient.” Kiro looked at her. “That’s your caffeine talking.” “Yes.” Mai asked: “Bed?” Elisa shook her head. “No.” Immediate. But not stubborn. She looked toward the fireplace. Then around the table. “I want the fire.” Ace smiled. “Fire you can have.” Brenda looked toward the windows. “Outside fire?” Mai shook her head. “Not for Elisa.” Elisa frowned. “I can sit outside.” “Yes.” Mai waited. Elisa looked at the black glass. The cold beyond it. Then at the indoor fire. “Inside is better.” “Good.” Another immediate good decision. Coffee was definitely dying. After dinner, nobody cleared the table together. That would have implied organization. Marco started. Lena joined. Mira carried plates. Della took glasses. Reyes collected bottles. Kiro carried things too quickly until Mai told her to slow down. Ace did almost nothing. When challenged, she claimed she was supervising. Brenda claimed the same. Iris made both of them carry something. Elisa tried to stand. Della put one hand on her shoulder. “No.” Elisa looked up. “I can help.” “You can.” Della waited. Elisa stared. Then sat back. “But?” “You feel terrible.” “Yes.” “So sit.” Elisa frowned. Then: “Fine.” Ace pointed from across the room. “THREE GOOD DECISIONS.” Elisa raised one hand. Middle finger. Ace laughed. Della smiled. “That counts as energy.” “Fuck you.” “Later.” Elisa leaned back. Mira returned from the kitchen. Saw Elisa alone on the couch. Sat beside her. Elisa looked at her. “Still want me here?” Mira stared. Elisa smiled. Mira sighed. “Yes.” Elisa’s smile softened. “Good.” No joke after it. That changed Mira’s face. Only slightly. Della returned. Saw both of them. Sat on Elisa’s other side. Elisa looked from one to the other. Then pulled the blanket higher. “Efficient.” Della laughed. Mira shook her head. Ace came over carrying two mugs. Normal coffee. Elisa saw them. Her eyes narrowed. “No.” Ace looked delighted. “Look at that.” “I hate coffee.” “For how long?” Elisa considered. “Forever.” Kiro called from the kitchen: “That won’t last.” Elisa looked toward her. “You don’t know me.” Kiro held up her own normal coffee. “Yes, I do.” Elisa stared at it. Then looked away. “I hate you too.” Kiro smiled. “Later.” Elisa groaned. Ace handed one mug to Mai. Sat on the floor near the couch. Reyes joined her. Kiro came after. Soon the common room settled into the shape it had wanted all evening. Not thirteen people doing one thing. People around a fire. Marco and Lena at the table finishing cleanup. Panam and Shammy on the floor near the fireplace. Brenda stretched across one couch with Iris trapped beneath her legs. Ace on the rug with Mai behind her. Reyes near Ace. Kiro near Reyes. Mira, Elisa and Della sharing the other couch. Nobody arranged it. Nobody needed to. The fire cracked. Conversation became smaller. Not one group anymore. Several. Panam and Marco arguing quietly about tomorrow’s breakfast. Brenda telling Iris something that made Iris laugh into her shoulder. Ace whispering to Kiro. Reyes listening. Mai half listening to everyone. Mira and Della occasionally talking across Elisa. Elisa trying to follow all of it. Failing. Eventually her head dropped onto Mira’s shoulder. Mira looked down. Did not move. Five minutes later Elisa shifted. Her legs ended up partly across Della’s lap. Della looked at Mira. Mira looked back. Elisa’s eyes were closed. Della whispered: “Asleep?” Elisa said: “No.” Both laughed quietly. Elisa smiled. “Later.” Della rested one hand over Elisa’s shin. Mira adjusted the blanket. No tactical terminology this time. Elisa noticed. Her eyes stayed closed. “You're smiling.” Mira whispered: “Shut up.” Elisa smiled. Then she became quiet. Actually quiet. Minutes passed. The others slowly noticed. Nobody said anything. Ace looked over. Saw Elisa folded between Mira and Della. Smiled. Mai saw Ace looking. “What?” Ace shook her head. “Nothing.” Mai smiled. “That was something.” Ace leaned back against her. “Good something.” Mai kissed her hair. Across the room, Elisa breathed evenly. Della looked down. “Now?” Mira listened. “Yes.” Elisa did not answer. Finally. Della smiled. Mira relaxed deeper into the couch. Neither moved her. Brenda noticed. Opened her mouth. Iris put one finger against her lips. Brenda looked offended. Then looked at sleeping Elisa. Her expression softened. She nodded. No joke. For once. The fire burned lower. Friday had finally managed something nobody else had. It had shut Elisa up. Not permanently. Just for now. And somewhere inside the locked metal tin in the kitchen cabinet, Death’s Coffee waited for Saturday morning to collect the rest of its debt. --- # CHAPTER 29 — LET HER SLEEP Nobody moved Elisa. That became a decision without ever becoming a discussion. She had fallen asleep sideways across the couch, head on Mira’s shoulder, legs over Della’s lap, blanket pulled almost to her chin. Moving her would have required waking her. Nobody felt like doing that. Especially after three cups. Ace looked over from the rug. “She’s actually out.” Mai nodded. “Yes.” Ace tilted her head. “That’s kind of impressive.” Reyes looked at her. “Why?” “She was talking for twelve straight hours.” Kiro smiled. “Twelve?” Ace thought. “Felt like twelve.” From the couch, Elisa said nothing. That alone supported the estimate. Della shifted slightly. Elisa’s legs moved with her. Did not wake. Mira looked down. “She’s heavy.” Ace stared. “She weighs nothing.” Mira looked at her. “You’re smaller.” “That’s unrelated.” “It’s extremely related.” Ace opened her mouth. Mai covered it. “No.” Ace glared. Mai kissed the top of her head. Ace immediately stopped resisting. Reyes watched. “Efficient.” Kiro nodded. “Very.” Ace pointed at both of them. “Traitors.” Reyes leaned over. Kissed Ace’s cheek. “You love me.” Ace froze. Mira stared. Della covered her mouth. Kiro collapsed against Reyes. Mai laughed into Ace’s hair. Ace slowly turned toward Mira. “This is your fault.” Mira’s eyes widened. “My fault?” “You invented the word.” “I absolutely did not.” Elisa slept through all of it. Brenda looked almost disappointed. “She would’ve liked that.” Iris stretched her legs beneath Brenda. “She’ll hear about it tomorrow.” “No retrospective.” Iris smiled. “Exactly.” Brenda looked toward the couch. Then whispered: “Can I at least draw on her?” Every head turned. Brenda raised both hands. “Kidding.” Della stared. Brenda thought. “Mostly.” Iris kicked her lightly. Brenda grinned. The common room loosened further. Friday was past the point where anyone needed another event. The fire burned low. The wine had been opened properly now. Not for Elisa. Not for Kiro either, after Mai looked at her. Kiro had stared at the bottle. Then at Mai. Then sighed. “Fine.” Ace looked delighted. “Another good decision.” Kiro threw a cushion at her. Ace ducked. The cushion hit Reyes. Reyes picked it up. Looked at Kiro. Kiro froze. “No.” Reyes smiled. Kiro backed away. “No.” Reyes threw. Kiro caught it. Barely. Ace shouted: “VIOLENCE.” Mai looked at her. “You own two katanas.” “Unrelated violence.” Marco stood from the table. “I’m going outside.” Lena looked up. “Fire?” “Yes.” Panam immediately stood. “Good.” Shammy went with her without asking. Brenda looked at Iris. Iris nodded. “Go.” Brenda smiled. “You coming?” “In a minute.” Reyes stretched. Kiro looked toward the terrace. Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked at Elisa. Then at Mira and Della. “You two okay staying?” Mira looked down at Elisa. “Yes.” Della nodded. “Go.” Mai smiled. “No heroics.” Della looked offended. “She’s sleeping.” “Yes.” “That’s not dangerous.” Mai looked toward the locked metal tin in the cabinet. Della followed her gaze. “Oh.” Mira said: “We’re not giving her more coffee.” Ace stood. “Good rule.” Mira looked at her. “That is a rule.” Ace pointed. “See? Actual rules have consensus.” Reyes said: “Back massage rule has consensus.” Ace shouted: “NO.” Elisa twitched. Everyone froze. She settled again. Ace lowered her voice. “Still no.” Reyes smiled. They split. Not formally. Marco and Lena went first toward the outdoor fire area. Panam and Shammy followed. Brenda went with them. Reyes and Kiro took their drinks out to the terrace first. Ace and Mai lingered. Iris stayed inside. Mira and Della stayed with Elisa. The Main Cabin emptied down to five awake people. That changed the room completely. Iris moved to the chair nearest the couch. Looked at Mira. Then Della. “You two settling in?” Mira smiled faintly. “I think so.” Della looked around the room. “Yeah.” Iris nodded. No speech. No welcome ceremony. Just recognition. Della looked at Elisa. “She does this often?” Iris smiled. “Fall asleep on people?” “Yes.” “No idea.” Mira looked at her. “You know her better.” “Not like this.” That answer landed gently. Iris continued. “Mandi and Dalia know a version of Elisa that belongs to a different part of her life.” Della nodded. Mira looked toward the fire. “And Ace and Mai?” Iris smiled. “They know more.” “Everything?” Iris laughed quietly. “No.” Della looked at Elisa. “She asks enough questions.” “Yes.” Mira’s mouth twitched. “That’s one way of putting it.” Elisa breathed evenly. Della adjusted the blanket over her feet. Iris saw. Said nothing. Ace came back from the stairs carrying another blanket. Mai behind her. Mira looked at Ace. “What’s that for?” Ace pointed at Elisa. “She gets cold.” Della looked down. “She said she was warm.” Ace shrugged. “She lies.” Mai nodded. “Constantly.” Mira accepted this. Ace spread the second blanket lightly over Elisa. Elisa made a tiny sound. Ace froze. Elisa shifted her head deeper against Mira. Still asleep. Ace smiled. Softly. Then kissed Elisa’s forehead. No joke. No performance. Just love. Della saw it. Mira did too. Ace straightened. Looked at both of them. “Don’t wake her.” Mira said: “We weren’t planning to.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “Good.” Della smiled. “You’re fussing.” Ace looked offended. “No.” Mira immediately said: “Thermal management.” Della laughed. Ace stared. Then smiled. “Okay, I like you.” Mira pointed. “Don’t make it weird.” “Too late.” Mai touched Ace’s back. “Outside.” Ace nodded. They left. The terrace door closed behind them. Through the windows, Reyes immediately pulled Ace into something that looked like an argument and a hug at the same time. Kiro leaned on the rail laughing. Mai joined them. Inside, Della watched. “So that’s normal.” Iris followed her gaze. “Yes.” Mira asked: “What isn’t normal?” Iris considered. “Honestly?” “Yes.” “Very little.” Della smiled. “Good.” Iris looked at her. “That didn’t scare you.” “No.” “Why?” Della shrugged. “We’ve worked with all kinds.” Mira added: “This is just the first group where nobody pretends they aren’t all fucked up.” Iris laughed. “That’s fair.” Della looked at Brenda’s abandoned glass. “And horny.” Iris smiled. “That too.” Mira glanced at Elisa. “Coffee made that worse.” Iris raised an eyebrow. “Yes.” Della looked toward the terrace. “Brenda made it worse.” Iris’s smile widened. “Yes.” Mira looked at her. “You’re not going to defend her?” “No.” Della laughed. “I like you.” Iris took a sip of wine. “Most people do eventually.” Outside, the fire had caught. Marco had built it properly. Of course he had. The outdoor gathering area sat far enough from the Main Cabin to feel separate but close enough that the windows still glowed through the trees. Lena sat first. Panam dropped beside her. Shammy sat on the ground between Panam’s knees. Marco took the opposite side. Brenda arrived carrying a bottle. Marco looked at it. “No.” Brenda stared. “It’s wine.” “Yes.” “That’s why I brought it.” “You brought the entire bottle.” Brenda sat. “Correct.” Panam looked at Marco. “Let her.” Marco sighed. “Why?” “Because if you don’t, she’ll go back and bring two.” Brenda smiled. Marco looked at her. Brenda raised the bottle. Marco sighed. “Fine.” “Professional.” Marco closed his eyes. From somewhere nearer the cabin: “STILL MY LINE.” Marco looked toward the darkness. “How does she hear everything?” Panam said: “Ace.” Marco nodded. “Fair.” Shammy leaned back against Panam. Panam wrapped both arms around her. No one commented. Twelve days apart still sat between them even now. Not painfully. Just present. Brenda saw. Her expression softened. “How bad was it?” Panam looked at her. “The run?” “Yes.” Panam shrugged. “Long.” Shammy said: “Too long.” Panam kissed the side of her head. “I know.” Brenda took a drink. “Twelve days is stupid.” Marco nodded. “Agreed.” Lena looked at Panam. “You taking anything long again soon?” “No.” That came fast. Shammy’s hair lifted slightly. Panam smiled. “At least not that long.” Brenda looked at Shammy’s hair. “Thirty.” Shammy turned. “No.” “Twenty-eight.” “Stop grading my hair.” Panam said: “Thirty-two.” Shammy looked betrayed. “You too?” Panam kissed her. “Yes.” Shammy tried to stay annoyed. Failed. The fire cracked. For a while they talked about nothing important. Road conditions. The farm. Whether Marco had actually cooked the steaks better than Panam would have. Panam maintained no. Everyone else disagreed. Brenda eventually asked whether the property owners ever used the place themselves. Marco shrugged. “Probably.” Lena looked at him. “You don’t know?” “No.” Panam said: “They rent it.” Brenda poked the fire with a stick. “Would be annoying if they stopped.” Marco looked at her. “Why would they?” Brenda shrugged. “People sell shit.” Panam looked toward the Main Cabin. Warm windows. Terrace lights. Dark lake beyond. “Then we’d find another.” Shammy’s expression changed. Small. Panam felt it. Looked down. “You don’t like that.” Shammy shook her head. “No.” Brenda smiled faintly. “Neither do I.” Lena looked around. “This place has history now.” Marco nodded. “Yes.” Nobody made more of it. Not yet. Inside, Elisa shifted. Mira looked down. Elisa’s eyes opened. Barely. Della noticed. “Hey.” Elisa blinked. Looked around. Confused for one second. Then recognized the room. “What time is it?” Iris checked. “Late enough.” Elisa frowned. “That’s not a time.” Mira smiled. “You’re awake.” “Unfortunately.” Della touched her ankle through the blanket. “How’s your head?” Elisa closed her eyes again. “Bad.” “How bad?” “Six.” Mira winced. “Water?” Elisa nodded. Della reached for the bottle. Elisa drank without sitting all the way up. Then stopped. Looked around. “Where is everyone?” “Outside.” “All of them?” “No.” Elisa looked toward Iris. “You stayed.” Iris smiled. “For a while.” Elisa looked at Mira. Then Della. “You stayed.” Mira nodded. “Yes.” Della smiled. “Yes.” Elisa stared at the ceiling. “You still like me.” Mira sighed. “You just woke up.” “Yes.” “And that’s the first thing you do?” “Yes.” Della laughed quietly. Elisa smiled. Then grimaced. Head. Iris stood. “Bed.” Elisa frowned. “No.” Mira said: “Yes.” Elisa turned slowly. Mira stared back. Della waited. Elisa thought. Then sighed. “Fine.” Iris smiled. “That’s four.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” “Good decisions.” Elisa covered her face. “Ace is contagious.” “Unfortunately.” They got her upright. Slowly. No dizziness this time. Just heaviness. Della held the blanket. Mira carried the water. Elisa looked at both. “I can walk.” Mira nodded. “Yes.” “Without escorts.” Della smiled. “Yes.” Neither left. Elisa sighed. “Fine.” Iris watched them head toward the stairs. Then called: “Which room?” Elisa stopped. Looked back. That was a real question. The bedrooms were not assigned. Her things were upstairs. She knew where. But that did not automatically answer where she wanted to sleep. Della looked at her. Mira waited. Elisa thought. Then: “Upstairs.” Iris nodded. No follow-up. They climbed. Slowly. The Main Cabin upstairs was quieter. Warm. Dim. Elisa reached the bedroom. Ace’s things. Mai’s things. Shammy’s. Her own bag. No one had claimed it. She stood in the doorway. Mira saw her expression. “What?” Elisa shook her head. “Nothing.” Della smiled. “That was something.” Elisa looked at her. Then at the bed. “I slept here last night.” “Yes.” “With Ace and Mai.” “Yes.” “And nobody asked me where I’m sleeping tonight.” Mira looked confused. “Do you want someone to?” Elisa thought. “No.” Della smiled. “Then problem solved.” Elisa looked at her. That simple. Of course. She crossed the room. Sat on the edge of the bed. Then looked at Mira and Della. “You don’t have to stay.” Della nodded. “We know.” Mira said: “Yes.” Neither moved. Elisa looked between them. “You’re doing it again.” Mira sighed. “You're enjoying this.” Elisa smiled. Tired. Genuine. “Thank you.” Della leaned down. Kissed her cheek. Elisa turned her face slightly. The kiss landed closer to the corner of her mouth than Della had intended. Both paused. Not alarmed. Just aware. Elisa looked at her. Della looked back. Elisa smiled. “Later.” Della smiled too. “Later.” Mira watched. Elisa looked at her. No challenge. No expectation. Mira raised an eyebrow. “What?” Elisa shook her head. “Nothing.” Mira stared. Elisa lay down. Pulled the blanket over herself. Della put the water on the bedside table. Mira moved the trash bin closer without comment. Elisa noticed. “Optimistic.” “Prepared.” “Mercenary.” “Yes.” Elisa closed her eyes. Della headed toward the door. Mira followed. Elisa spoke before they reached it. “Leave it open.” Both stopped. Della looked back. “The door?” “Yes.” “Okay.” No question why. They left it partly open. Elisa could hear the house. Muffled voices downstairs. A laugh from outside. Footsteps on the terrace. Somebody opening the refrigerator. Someone else swearing. Home sounds. Not silence. She smiled into the pillow. Then immediately regretted moving her face because her head hurt. “Fuck coffee.” From somewhere downstairs, Kiro shouted: “AGREED.” Elisa’s eyes opened. She stared at the ceiling. Then laughed once. Carefully. And went back to sleep. --- # CHAPTER 30 — FRIDAY FINALLY ENDS Friday did not end quickly. It just stopped demanding anything. The outdoor fire burned lower. The air cooled. People moved between buildings in ones and twos instead of as a group. The cabin had stopped feeling like a weekend destination hours ago. Now it simply felt occupied. Used. Lived in. Marco was the first to stand from the fire. “That’s me.” Brenda looked at him. “What happened?” “I’m tired.” Brenda stared. “That’s disappointingly normal.” Marco looked at Lena. “See?” Lena stood. “I warned you.” “You did.” Brenda pointed at both of them. “Cowards.” Marco smiled. “Professional.” From somewhere near the terrace: “THAT IS STILL MY LINE.” Marco closed his eyes. Ace. Of course. Lena laughed. They headed toward the Main Cabin. Panam stayed by the fire. Shammy between her knees. Brenda remained too. Iris had eventually come out. She sat beside Brenda now, one hand resting loosely against her back. Nobody talked much. That was unusual enough that Panam finally noticed. She looked at Brenda. “You broken?” Brenda looked offended. “No.” “You’ve been quiet.” “I can be quiet.” Iris said: “No.” Brenda turned. “Excuse me?” Iris kissed her temple. “You can be asleep.” Panam laughed. Brenda stared. “That’s fucking rude.” “Yes.” Shammy smiled. Brenda pointed at Iris. “I love you.” “I know.” “Still rude.” “I know.” Panam leaned back. Shammy went with her. Twelve days apart. Still not gone. Shammy’s hair had settled almost completely now. Not because she was less happy. Because Panam was physically there. The problem had been solved. Brenda saw the difference. “So.” Panam looked at her. “No.” “I haven’t asked anything.” “You were going to.” “Maybe.” “No.” Brenda smiled. “Later.” Shammy groaned. Iris laughed. Panam looked deeply unimpressed. “You people ruined that word.” Brenda looked toward the Main Cabin. “No. Elisa did.” “Same thing.” They watched the fire for another minute. Then Shammy said quietly: “I like it here.” Panam looked down at her. “The cabin?” “Yes.” Panam nodded. “Me too.” Brenda poked the edge of the fire. “Apparently everyone does.” Iris looked toward the lights. “Wouldn’t be the same somewhere else.” That made Panam glance at her. Iris shrugged. “Could be another lake.” “Could.” “Another sauna.” “Yeah.” “Another cabin.” Panam nodded. Iris smiled faintly. “Still not this one.” Nobody argued. Brenda looked at the fire. Then smiled. “Fuck.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “What?” “We got sentimental.” Iris said: “You got sentimental.” “I refuse.” “You just did.” “Later.” Iris sighed. They let the fire burn down another ten minutes. Then Marco came back outside. Brenda stared. “You missed us?” “No.” He carried a metal bucket. Panam looked at it. “Ah.” “Fire.” “Right.” Marco started dealing with the embers properly. Brenda watched. “You know, that’s almost attractive.” Marco stopped. Lena’s voice came from behind him. “Don’t.” Marco turned. Lena stood on the path holding two mugs. Marco pointed at Brenda. “She started it.” “I know.” Brenda smiled. Iris leaned toward her. “Keep digging.” Brenda looked delighted. Panam laughed. Shammy hid her face against Panam’s arm. Marco finished with the fire. “Done.” Brenda stood. “Good.” Iris stood too. Panam helped Shammy up. Nobody hurried. The path back to the Main Cabin was darker now. Porch lights. Terrace lights. The lake almost invisible. The Side House glowing quietly across the clearing. As they reached the terrace, Reyes was there. Alone. Not for long. Kiro stepped out behind her carrying two glasses of water. Reyes took one. Kiro leaned against her side. Reyes’s arm went around her automatically. Brenda saw. Said nothing. That might have been the most impressive event of the entire day. Panam looked at Kiro. “You crashing?” Kiro thought. “Some.” “One cup.” “Yes.” “And you wanted two.” Kiro sighed. “Please stop.” Panam smiled. “Tomorrow.” Kiro looked miserable. “Don’t say that.” Reyes kissed her temple. “Drink.” Kiro drank. Brenda looked toward the upstairs windows. “How’s Elisa?” Reyes shrugged. “Asleep.” “Still?” “Yes.” Brenda looked almost offended. “She missed the fire.” Iris said: “She needed sleep.” Brenda nodded. “I know.” No joke. Again. Panam looked at her. “You really are tired.” “Fuck you.” “There she is.” They went inside. The common room was warmer than before. Less occupied. Mai sat on the couch. Ace half curled against her. Not asleep. Close. Ace’s eyes opened as the group entered. “Fire dead?” Marco nodded. “Yes.” “Good.” Brenda looked around. “Where’s Della and Mira?” Mai pointed upstairs. “Went to check on Elisa.” Brenda smiled. Ace opened one eye wider. “Don’t.” “I didn’t say anything.” “You were already smiling.” Brenda sat. “I’m being respectful.” Ace stared. Iris sat beside her. “She actually is.” Ace looked suspicious. “That’s worse.” Brenda threw a cushion at her. Ace caught it against her chest. Small victory. Panam looked around. “Side House?” Shammy immediately looked at her. Panam smiled. “Yes.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Brenda said: “Twenty.” Panam grabbed Shammy’s hand. “Come on.” Shammy laughed. They left almost immediately. No explanation. None required. Brenda watched the door. Then looked at Iris. Iris raised one eyebrow. Brenda smiled. “Side House?” Iris considered. “Yes.” Brenda stood instantly. Ace pointed. “No screaming across the clearing.” Brenda looked offended. “Why would I scream?” The entire room stared. Brenda paused. “Fair.” Iris took her hand. They left. Marco watched them cross the clearing through the window. Side House lights. Two separate bedroom windows. He looked at Lena. “Main?” Lena nodded. “Main.” Marco smiled. “Good.” Ace looked at him. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Marco looked toward the stairs. “Bed.” Ace nodded. “Reasonable.” Marco and Lena disappeared upstairs. Reyes and Kiro remained near the terrace doors. Mai looked at them. “You staying up?” Kiro shrugged. “A little.” Reyes nodded. Ace lifted her head. “Kiro.” “What?” “No more coffee.” Kiro stared. “I know.” “You looked toward the kitchen.” “I was looking at the kitchen.” “Suspicious.” Reyes smiled. “I’ve got her.” Kiro looked at her. “That sounds threatening.” “It is.” Kiro kissed her. Quick. Easy. Reyes smiled. Ace watched. Then smiled too. Mai noticed. “What?” Ace rested her head back against Mai. “Nothing.” “That was something.” Ace looked at her. “Good something.” Mai kissed her forehead. “Okay.” Upstairs, Mira stood in the open bedroom doorway. Della sat on the edge of the bed. Elisa slept. Still. She had shifted onto her side. One hand under the pillow. Blanket half kicked away. Della pulled it back. Mira watched. “You’re fussing.” Della looked at her. “Yes.” Mira smiled. “Honest.” “Learn from me.” “No.” Elisa made a small sound. Both froze. She settled. Mira stepped into the room. Looked at the bedside table. Water still there. Trash bin still close. Everything fine. Della looked at her. “You think she’ll be sick?” “Maybe.” “Coffee?” “Three cups of whatever the fuck that was.” Della nodded. “Fair.” Mira looked at Elisa. “She’s going to hate tomorrow.” Della smiled. “Yes.” Mira looked at her. “You sound happy.” “Not happy.” “Amused.” “Very.” Mira nodded. “Same.” Elisa’s eyes opened. Both stopped. She stared at them. Slowly. Then: “Why are you both in my room?” Mira raised an eyebrow. “Your room?” Elisa blinked. Thought. “Oh.” Della smiled. “Good morning.” Elisa frowned. “Is it morning?” “No.” “That’s cruel.” “Yes.” Elisa closed her eyes again. Mira asked: “Water?” Elisa nodded. Della helped her sit up slightly. Elisa drank. Then stopped. Looked at both. “You stayed.” Della smiled. “Yes.” Mira said: “Briefly.” Elisa looked at her. “Still want me here.” Mira sighed. Even half asleep. Still lethal. Della laughed. Elisa handed the water back. “My head hurts.” “How bad?” “Six.” “Same.” “Yes.” “Stomach?” Elisa frowned. “Unhappy.” “Dizzy?” “No.” “Good.” Elisa lay back down. Then opened one eye. “You’re very competent.” Mira looked at Della. Della smiled. “Mercenaries.” Elisa nodded. “Useful.” Mira said: “That’s why people hire us.” Elisa smiled faintly. “Not why I like you.” Silence. Della stared. Mira stared. Elisa closed her eye. Coffee honesty. Still alive. Della looked at Mira. Mira looked at Della. Then Elisa added: “Don’t make it weird.” Mira covered her face. Della silently laughed. “You’re stealing my line.” Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Della leaned down. Kissed her forehead. Elisa opened her eyes again. Della looked at her. “Sleep.” Elisa nodded. “Okay.” Mira headed toward the door. Della followed. Elisa spoke again. “Door.” Della stopped. “Open.” “Yes.” Della smiled. “Okay.” They left it open. Again. Downstairs, Mai heard footsteps. Mira and Della appeared. Ace looked up. “All good?” Della nodded. “Head still six.” Mai nodded. “Water?” “Yes.” “Stomach?” “Unhappy.” “Dizzy?” “No.” Ace looked at them. “You did the checklist.” Mira shrugged. “Yes.” Ace smiled. “Good.” Della sat. Mira sat beside her. Not across. Beside. That was new enough that Ace noticed. Not new enough to comment. Reyes did. She looked at Kiro. Kiro looked back. Neither said anything. Mai asked: “Where are you two sleeping?” Mira looked toward the stairs. Then at Della. “Side House?” Della shook her head. “Brenda and Iris went over.” Mira nodded. “Right.” Ace smiled. “Main has rooms.” Mira looked at her. “We know.” Ace nodded. “Good.” No assignment. No pairing map. No host. Just space. Della stood. “Downstairs room?” Mira nodded. “Fine.” They collected their things. Not much. Then paused. Della looked toward the stairs. Mira did too. Ace saw. “She’ll be fine.” Della nodded. “I know.” Mira said: “We know.” Mai smiled. “You can still check.” Mira looked at her. Then smiled. “Later.” Ace groaned. “It’s fucking immortal.” Della laughed. They went to bed. Reyes and Kiro followed not long after. One upstairs room. Together. No discussion. No surprise. Veteran geometry. Easy. Familiar. Mai finally looked down at Ace. “Bed?” Ace thought. “Yes.” Mai smiled. Ace narrowed her eyes. “What?” “You agreed.” “I agree with things.” “Sometimes.” Ace stood. Stretched. Then looked toward the open upstairs bedroom door. Elisa sleeping beyond it. Mai noticed. “She wanted the door open.” “I know.” Ace smiled. “I like that.” “So do I.” They went upstairs. Quietly. The bedroom was dim. Elisa did not wake. Ace stopped beside the bed. Looked at her. Then at Mai. “She stole my side.” Mai whispered: “You don’t have a side.” Ace stared. “I absolutely have a side.” “No assignments.” “That was rooms.” Mai smiled. Ace looked at Elisa. Then sighed. “Fine.” She climbed in carefully. Mai followed. No waking Elisa. No rearranging her. Just making room. Elisa shifted once. Her hand found Ace’s arm. Stopped there. Still asleep. Ace froze. Then looked at Mai. Mai smiled. Ace’s face softened. She settled beside Elisa. Mai behind her. The cabin went quiet by degrees. Main Cabin lights dimmed. Side House lights remained on a little longer. Across the clearing, one went dark. Then another. Sauna cold now. Dock empty. Boathouse latch still stubborn. Lake black. Fire dead. Thirteen people finally down to whispers, breathing, floorboards, wind against glass. Friday had been loud enough. It had given them the lake. The throw. The coffee. The questions. The sauna. The fire. Hands held. Doors left open. Places remembered. People fitting without asking where. And somewhere in the Main Cabin kitchen, locked inside a metal tin, Death’s Coffee waited. Saturday was coming. It had unfinished business. --- # CHAPTER 31 — SATURDAY IS A BASTARD Elisa woke because her head hurt. There was no gentle transition. No drifting upward through sleep. No pleasant awareness of blankets, warmth, distant birds, or morning light over the lake. One moment she was asleep. The next, something inside her skull attempted murder. Her eyes opened. Immediate mistake. Morning light came through the curtains. Not bright. Didn’t matter. Elisa shut her eyes again. “Fuck.” Beside her, Ace moved. Barely. “What?” Elisa swallowed. That hurt too, somehow. “My head.” Ace opened one eye. Looked at her. Then remembered. “Oh.” Elisa did not appreciate the tone. “What?” Ace’s face disappeared partly into the pillow. “Saturday.” “I know what day it is.” “No.” Ace’s eye closed again. “You don’t.” Elisa frowned. That made the headache worse. She stopped. Behind Ace, Mai stirred. “What time?” Ace muttered: “Too early.” Elisa whispered: “My skull is trying to kill me.” Mai’s eyes opened. She looked past Ace. Elisa lay absolutely still. That was unusual enough. “How bad?” Elisa considered the question. Then immediately regretted considering anything. “Eight.” Ace opened both eyes. “Already?” Elisa stared at the ceiling. “I hate you.” “I didn’t make the coffee.” “You knew.” “Yes.” “You let me drink three cups.” Ace lifted her head. “We tried to stop you after the first.” Elisa thought. Memory arrived. Unfortunately. “Oh.” Ace smiled. Elisa closed her eyes. “I made mistakes.” Mai laughed quietly. Elisa pointed vaguely toward the sound. “Don’t.” Mai reached across Ace and touched Elisa’s arm. “Stomach?” Elisa waited. Listened to her body. Instant regret. “Bad.” “Nausea?” “Yes.” “Going to be sick?” “I don’t know.” Mai nodded. “Don’t move fast.” “I wasn’t planning to move ever again.” Ace smiled. “Good plan.” Elisa turned her head toward her. Very slowly. “Fuck you.” Ace kissed her forehead. Elisa made a wounded noise. “What?” “Movement.” “I moved.” “You moved me.” “I kissed you.” “Violently.” Ace stared. “That was the least violent kiss I have ever given anyone.” Elisa closed her eyes. “Still too much.” Mai climbed out of bed carefully. Elisa heard her. Did not watch. “Water first.” Elisa whispered: “There’s water.” Mai checked the bedside table. Almost empty. “You drank it.” “Oh.” “Good.” “Doesn’t feel good.” “No.” Mai took the bottle. “I’ll get more.” Elisa opened one eye. “Don’t bring coffee.” Ace laughed into the pillow. Mai smiled. “I won’t.” “Promise.” “I promise.” Mai left. Elisa closed her eye. Silence. Then Ace: “So.” “No.” “I didn’t ask anything.” “No retrospective.” Ace started laughing. Elisa immediately held both hands against her head. “Don’t laugh.” That stopped Ace. Mostly. “Sorry.” “You’re not.” “No.” Elisa breathed slowly. Then memory continued arriving. Brenda. Questions. Oral sex. Marco evacuating. Della. Twice. Mira. Affection. Hands. Sauna. Later. Elisa pulled the blanket over her face. Ace watched. “What?” From under the blanket: “I remembered Friday.” Ace’s smile became dangerous. Elisa heard it somehow. “No.” “I didn’t say anything.” “You looked guilty.” Ace froze. Then laughed once. Elisa groaned. “Fuck.” “Sorry.” “You’re terrible.” “Yes.” A few seconds passed. Elisa lowered the blanket enough to breathe. “Did I really ask Brenda who gives the best oral sex?” Ace’s mouth twitched. Elisa saw. “Oh, God.” “You did.” “Why did nobody stop me?” “We were trying not to die.” Elisa covered her face again. Ace added: “Marco left.” “I remember.” “He left before you finished the question.” “I remember.” “He may be the smartest person here.” “I remember.” Ace bit her lip. Elisa pointed without looking. “Don’t.” “I’m not.” “You are.” “I’m really not.” Elisa whispered: “I made mistakes.” From somewhere downstairs, faint but unmistakable: “I MADE MISTAKES TOO.” Elisa went still. Ace stared toward the open bedroom door. Then back at Elisa. “Kiro.” Elisa slowly lowered the blanket. “She’s alive?” “Apparently.” Another distant voice. Reyes. Too muffled to understand. Then Kiro: “NO.” Elisa closed her eyes. “Good.” Ace blinked. “Good?” “I’m not suffering alone.” Ace smiled. “That’s evil.” “Yes.” “Feeling more like yourself already.” “No.” Mai returned with water. And something else. Elisa heard the glass first. Then smelled— Her eyes opened. “No.” Mai stopped. “It isn’t coffee.” Elisa stared suspiciously. “What is it?” “Water.” “The other thing.” “Dry bread.” Elisa relaxed slightly. “Okay.” Mai handed her the water. Elisa sat up. Very. Very. Slowly. Halfway there, her stomach shifted. She stopped. Ace immediately sat up too. “Bad?” Elisa waited. “No.” “You sure?” “No.” Mai sat on the edge of the bed. “Take your time.” Elisa finally got upright. Her hair was everywhere. Her face looked personally betrayed. She drank. Small amount. Waited. More. Then sat holding the glass with both hands. Ace looked at her. Elisa looked back. “What?” “You look terrible.” “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” Mai elbowed Ace. Elisa smiled despite herself. Instant headache. She stopped smiling. “This is bullshit.” Mai gave her the bread. Elisa took a tiny bite. Chewed. Waited. Her stomach did not immediately declare war. Progress. Then footsteps approached. Shammy appeared in the open doorway. Her hair was messy. She looked extremely rested. Suspiciously rested. Elisa stared at her. Shammy stared back. “Morning.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “You look happy.” Shammy smiled. “Yes.” Elisa looked past her. Panam appeared. Also extremely rested. Also suspiciously pleased with existence. Elisa stared at both. “No.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “What?” “You’re too happy.” Panam smiled. “Twelve days.” Elisa closed her eyes. “I hate Saturday.” Shammy came closer. Looked at her. Then sniffed. Elisa opened one eye. “Please don’t tell me I still smell like coffee.” Shammy considered. “Less.” “Fuck.” “And tired.” “Yes.” “And unhappy.” Ace laughed. Elisa pointed. “Stop.” Shammy smiled. Panam leaned against the doorway. “How bad?” “Eight.” Panam winced. “Three cups.” Elisa looked at her. “Say that number again and I’ll shoot you.” Panam smiled. “You don’t have a gun.” Elisa thought. “Later.” Ace buried her face in Mai’s shoulder. Panam laughed. Shammy’s hair lifted. Elisa saw. “Thirty.” Shammy froze. Panam stared. Ace made a strangled noise. Elisa smiled. Then immediately regretted it. “Ow.” Shammy pointed. “You’re supposed to be dying.” “I can multitask.” Panam looked proud. “She lives.” “Unfortunately.” Downstairs, something fell. Then Kiro shouted: “FUCK.” Everyone upstairs went quiet. Reyes: “You okay?” Kiro: “NO.” Elisa looked toward the door. Then at Ace. “We need to go downstairs.” Ace stared. “Why?” “Kiro.” “You can barely sit.” “She understands.” Ace thought. Fair. Mai looked at Elisa. “You eat first.” Elisa sighed. Took another bite. Chewed. Waited. Then another. Five minutes later, she stood. Slowly. The room moved. Elisa stopped. Mai’s hand was immediately at her arm. Ace caught the other side. Elisa closed her eyes. “Fuck.” “Dizzy?” “Yes.” “Sit.” Elisa sat. No argument. Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked at Ace. Elisa opened one eye. “Don’t.” Ace smiled. “Five good decisions.” “Fuck you.” “Later.” Elisa groaned. Another minute. Second attempt. This time the room stayed where architecture intended it. Elisa stood. Waited. Nodded. “Okay.” Ace looked at her bare feet. “Clothes.” Elisa looked down. Then at Ace. “Do I have to?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Thirteen people.” Elisa thought. “Most of them have seen me naked.” Ace paused. Mai smiled. Elisa looked almost triumphant. Then Mai said: “Cold.” Elisa’s triumph died. “Fine.” She dressed. Slowly. No style. No corpo precision. Soft pants. Shirt. Someone else’s hoodie. She did not notice whose. Ace did. Said nothing. They went downstairs. Elisa took the stairs like an elderly aristocrat descending toward her own execution. One hand on the rail. Mai behind her. Ace ahead. Halfway down, voices became clearer. Breakfast was happening. Not efficiently. Marco stood at the stove. Lena beside him. Brenda sat at the table with Iris. Mira and Della were already awake. Panam and Shammy followed Elisa down. Reyes sat at one end of the table. Kiro sat beside her. Kiro’s head rested on the tabletop. Elisa stopped. Looked. Kiro slowly lifted her head. Their eyes met. Nothing needed saying. Elisa walked the rest of the way. Reached the table. Sat opposite Kiro. They stared at each other. Kiro looked pale. Elisa looked worse. Kiro whispered: “One.” Elisa whispered: “Three.” Kiro closed her eyes. “…Why?” Elisa put both hands over her face. “I made mistakes.” Kiro lowered her forehead back onto the table. “I don’t want a retrospective.” Elisa dropped her hands. “Seconded.” Reyes laughed. Kiro flinched. Elisa flinched. Both turned. Reyes immediately stopped. “Sorry.” Brenda looked between them. Then, astonishingly, lowered her voice. “How bad?” Kiro held up one hand. Five fingers. Elisa held up eight. Brenda winced. “Fuck.” Iris looked at her. Brenda whispered: “I can have empathy.” Iris smiled. “I know.” Della stood. Walked around the table. Stopped beside Elisa. Elisa looked up. Della touched the hood. Then smiled. “You stole my hoodie.” Elisa looked down. Gray. Too large. She blinked. “Oh.” Della waited. Elisa looked at her. “Do you want it back?” “No.” Elisa smiled faintly. “Good.” Mira watched from across the table. Her eyes moved from Elisa to the hoodie. Then Della. Then back. Elisa caught her. Normally, Coffee-Elisa would have attacked instantly. Saturday Elisa merely said: “Morning.” Mira smiled. “Morning.” That was all. Della sat beside Elisa. Not because Elisa needed monitoring. Maybe partly because Elisa needed monitoring. Nobody investigated. Marco looked over from the stove. “Eggs?” Kiro made a noise of refusal. Elisa looked horrified. “No.” “Toast?” Kiro lifted one finger. Elisa nodded. “Toast.” Marco nodded. “Toast.” He put two pieces down. One in front of Kiro. One Elisa. Neither touched them immediately. Ace sat beside Mai. Watched. “This is educational.” Elisa looked at her. “How?” “Consequences.” “Fuck you.” Kiro, without lifting her head: “Fuck her twice.” Mai raised an eyebrow. Kiro realized. Slowly lifted her head. Looked at Mai. There was a pause. Then Mai smiled. Kiro turned red. Reyes started laughing. Kiro immediately regretted existence again. Elisa stared at Kiro. Then whispered: “Coffee-Kiro lives.” Kiro lowered her head. “Kill me.” Mai said: “No.” Kiro looked at her. Mai’s smile remained. “Later.” The table erupted. Quietly. As quietly as thirteen adults could erupt while respecting two catastrophic headaches. Kiro looked betrayed. Elisa put her head in her hands. “I hate this fucking word.” Mira said: “No, you don’t.” Elisa looked at her. Mira smiled. Elisa stared for two seconds. Then: “That sounded like love.” Mira closed her eyes. Della laughed. Even Kiro smiled. The morning settled. Slowly. Nobody had plans yet. That helped. Marco cooked for people who could eat. Toast for people who could not. Water moved constantly toward Elisa and Kiro. Normal coffee appeared. Elisa smelled it. Her entire face changed. “No.” Ace looked delighted. Elisa pointed. “No.” “I didn’t—” “No.” Ace picked up her own mug. Elisa looked away. Kiro watched Reyes drink coffee. She looked conflicted. Elisa noticed. “You want it.” Kiro frowned. “No.” “You do.” “No.” “You’re looking at it.” Kiro whispered: “I hate that I want it.” Reyes moved the mug farther away. Kiro looked grateful. Elisa stared. “How?” Kiro looked at her. “What?” “How can you want coffee?” Kiro shrugged weakly. “I only had one.” Elisa leaned back. “Fuck you.” Kiro nodded. “Fair.” Della nudged Elisa’s toast. Elisa took a bite. Mira pushed water closer. Elisa drank. No resistance. Brenda watched. Her mouth opened. Iris did not stop her. Brenda thought better of it herself. That was perhaps Saturday’s first miracle. Elisa noticed. “Thank you.” Brenda looked offended. “For what?” “Not asking.” Brenda smiled. “Oh, I’m saving it.” Elisa closed her eyes. “Of course.” “Later.” Elisa groaned. But something else was happening too. Quietly. Friday’s orientation was gone. Nobody explained where anything was. Mira got plates without looking. Della found a clean towel for Kiro after Kiro knocked over water. Elisa knew which cabinet held glasses. Reyes walked outside and came back through the terrace door without anyone tracking her. Panam took Shammy’s half-finished breakfast. Shammy stole it back. Marco swore at both. Lena kissed Marco while he was complaining. Brenda’s foot rested in Iris’s lap. Kiro leaned against Reyes. Ace stole food from Mai. Again. Saturday had begun. Not as an event. As continuation. Elisa sat in Della’s hoodie, looking like death incarnate. Della beside her. Mira across from her. At one point, Mira stood to get more water. She passed behind Elisa. Her fingers touched Elisa’s shoulder. Just once. Brief. Automatic. Elisa stopped chewing. Mira continued walking. Della saw. Elisa looked at Della. Della raised an eyebrow. Elisa said nothing. That was new. A minute later Della leaned close. “How bad now?” Elisa considered. “Seven.” “Improvement.” “Technically.” “Stomach?” “Still hates me.” “Head?” “Hates me more.” Della smiled. Elisa looked at her mouth. Only for a second. Then back at her eyes. Della noticed. Neither moved. Not now. Not because there was a rule. Because there was time. Elisa looked across the room. Mira was coming back with water. Mira caught her looking. Stopped. Not physically. Just in the eyes. Something held. A little longer than Friday. No coffee pushing it. No accidental honesty. No joke. Elisa smiled. Mira smiled back. Della saw that too. And this time she did not look away. Saturday. There it was. Not a switch. Not a plan. Just the first subtle change in pressure. People who had spent Friday learning where they fit were waking up Saturday already knowing. And once nobody had to ask where they belonged— they had considerably more interesting questions left to answer. Kiro finally lifted her toast. Looked at Elisa. Elisa lifted hers. They touched corners across the table. A miserable little toast. “To bad decisions,” Kiro whispered. Elisa sighed. “To Death’s Coffee.” Ace looked toward the locked tin. Mai followed her gaze. Then looked at Elisa. Elisa looked too. Her expression hardened. “No.” Kiro followed. Also hardened. “No.” Mai stood. Ace smiled. “Oh.” Brenda leaned forward. “Is it time?” Marco looked over. “For what?” Elisa pointed toward the cabinet. “Execution.” Kiro nodded. “Public.” Marco smiled. Finally. “Now that I can support.” Mai took the key from her pocket. And somewhere inside the metal tin, Death’s Coffee had approximately thirty seconds left to live. --- # CHAPTER 32 — EXECUTION Mai unlocked the cabinet. Thirteen people watched. Well. Eleven watched. Kiro had put her forehead back on the table. Elisa was staring through narrowed eyes that suggested the coffee had personally insulted her family. Mai took out the metal tin. Put it on the counter. Brenda stood. “This feels ceremonial.” Marco nodded. “It should.” Ace slid off her chair. “I want witnesses.” “You have twelve.” Ace counted automatically. “Elisa barely counts right now.” Elisa lifted one middle finger. Ace smiled. “Okay. Twelve.” Kiro raised one hand without lifting her head. “I’m legally dead.” Reyes rubbed her back. “No.” “Emotionally dead.” “Closer.” Mai opened the tin. The bag sat inside. Black. Unremarkable. Almost innocent. Elisa stared. “That.” Della looked at her. “Yes.” “That did this.” “Yes.” Elisa’s expression hardened further. “Kill it.” Kiro whispered: “Slowly.” Marco looked toward the bag. “How?” There was a brief silence. That had somehow not been decided. Brenda immediately said: “Fire.” Marco shook his head. “No.” “Why?” “Because I’m not burning unidentified industrial material in a fireplace.” Panam nodded. “Reasonable.” Brenda looked disappointed. Ace suggested: “Lake.” Everyone: “No.” Ace stared. “That was fast.” Mai folded her arms. “We drink that water.” “I wasn’t serious.” Reyes looked at her. “You were.” “Maybe.” Elisa put both hands around her water glass. “Garbage.” Marco shook his head. “Someone could find it.” Kiro lifted her face just enough. “No survivors.” Della smiled. Mira looked toward the kitchen. “Destroy the grounds.” That got everyone’s attention. Marco nodded slowly. “That works.” Elisa looked suspicious. “How?” Mira shrugged. “Water.” Della caught up. “A lot of it.” Mira nodded. “Turn it into useless sludge.” Marco pointed toward the sink. “Then sealed garbage.” Kiro lifted one thumb. “Mercenary solution.” Mira looked at Elisa. “You’re smiling.” Elisa blinked. Then smiled. And immediately held her temple. “Fuck.” Mira looked pleased with herself anyway. Ace stared at her. “You weaponized it.” “Yes.” “Good.” Mai picked up the bag. “Outside.” Elisa frowned. “Why outside?” Marco answered: “Because if that bag opens in my kitchen, I’m burning the building.” Ace pointed. “Professional.” Marco stared. Ace grinned. They migrated toward the terrace. All thirteen. Slowly. Even Kiro. Reyes helped her stand. Kiro leaned against her for approximately three steps before insisting she could walk. Reyes kept an arm around her anyway. Elisa stood more carefully. Della was immediately beside her. Mira on the other side. Elisa noticed. Said nothing. That was becoming interesting. They stepped into morning air. Cold enough to wake skin. Not enough to help Elisa’s head. She squinted toward the lake. “Too bright.” It was cloudy. Brenda looked at Iris. Iris whispered: “Don’t.” Brenda whispered back: “I wasn’t going to.” “You were.” “Yes.” The execution took place beside the terrace steps. Marco brought an old metal utility bucket. Mira brought water. Della brought more. Mai carried the condemned. Ace walked beside her with the solemnity of a funeral procession. Brenda noticed. “Are you escorting it?” “Yes.” “Why?” “So it doesn’t escape.” Elisa said: “Good.” Ace nodded. “See?” Mai set the bucket down. Opened the bag. Everyone leaned back. Nothing happened. No supernatural hiss. No explosion. No visible toxic cloud. Just the smell. Strong. Bitter. Wrong. Elisa’s stomach reacted immediately. She turned away. “Oh, fuck no.” Della’s hand went to her back. Mira took the bag from Mai and moved it farther from Elisa. Elisa breathed through her mouth. “That smell.” Kiro had gone pale. Reyes turned her away too. “Nope.” Panam sniffed once. Her face changed. “What the fuck is that?” Ace looked smug. “Death.” Marco looked into the bag. “That is not coffee.” Brenda leaned slightly closer. Iris pulled her back by the shirt. “You do not need to verify.” “But—” “No.” Brenda sighed. “Fine.” Mai nodded at Mira. “Do it.” Mira poured the grounds into the bucket. Dark powder fell. Far too much of it. Elisa watched from a safe distance. Her expression was murderous. Della poured water. The grounds changed instantly. Swelled. Clumped. Turned into black-brown sludge. Mira added more. Marco took a wooden stirring stick from the garage supplies and mixed it. The smell got worse. Kiro made a wounded noise. “Why is it stronger?” “Water,” Marco said. “I hate water.” Reyes kissed her temple. “No, you don’t.” “Today I do.” Elisa looked at the bucket. “More.” Marco looked at her. “It’s dead.” “More.” Mira poured another container. The sludge became soup. Ace stared. “Okay, that’s disgusting.” Brenda smiled. “Can I—” “No,” Iris said. “You don’t even know what I was asking.” “I know you.” “Fair.” Marco stirred one final time. Then looked around. “Anyone want last words?” Kiro raised her head. “Yes.” Everyone waited. Kiro stared at the bucket. “Fuck you.” Elisa nodded solemnly. “My turn.” She looked at the sludge. “I trusted you.” Ace covered her mouth. Elisa continued. “You looked like coffee.” Della started laughing. Elisa pointed at the bucket. “You were not coffee.” Mira nodded. “Strong argument.” Elisa ignored her. “You were chemical warfare pretending to be breakfast.” Panam laughed. Elisa winced. “Quiet.” Panam lowered the volume. “Sorry.” Elisa finished: “I hope whatever landfill gets you is already dead.” Silence. Marco nodded. “Beautiful.” Brenda wiped an imaginary tear. “Moving.” Mai sealed the ruined grounds into two heavy garbage bags. Marco added a third. Then put the whole thing into a lidded waste container. Ace looked at him. “Overkill.” “No.” Mira nodded. “No.” Della nodded. “No.” Kiro: “No.” Elisa: “More bag.” Marco looked at her. “Three is enough.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “Four.” Marco thought. Then added another bag. Elisa relaxed. “Thank you.” The container went into the secured outdoor waste storage. Not the kitchen. Not the garage. Not anywhere someone might accidentally reconsider. Marco shut the lid. Locked it. Then held up the key. “Dead.” Kiro applauded once. Regretted the sound. Stopped. Elisa leaned into Della. “Good.” Della smiled. “Closure?” “No.” Mira looked at her. “What would closure require?” Elisa thought. “Orbital strike.” Ace brightened. Mai said: “No.” Elisa sighed. “Fine.” They went back inside. Death’s Coffee was gone. Permanently. The moment the terrace door shut, normal coffee smell hit Elisa again. She stopped. Looked toward the kitchen. “No.” Mai picked up the pot. Elisa pointed. “Keep that away from me.” “It’s normal coffee.” “I don’t care.” Ace poured herself a cup. Elisa turned her chair around so she could not see it. Della laughed. “You’re serious.” “I may never drink coffee again.” Kiro, already looking at Reyes’s mug: “That’ll pass.” Elisa stared at her. “You’re disgusting.” Kiro nodded. “Yes.” Reyes moved her mug another ten centimeters away. Kiro watched it go. “Cruel.” “You have a caffeine hangover.” “I know.” “You’re staring at coffee.” “I know.” “You want coffee.” Kiro put her face in her hands. “I know.” Mai laughed. Kiro looked through her fingers. “Don’t judge me.” Mai smiled. “I’m not.” Kiro looked suspicious. Mai took a sip. Kiro groaned. Reyes kissed her cheek. Elisa watched them. Then looked at Della. “Do I do that?” “What?” “Make bad decisions immediately after consequences.” Della thought. “Yes.” Elisa stared. Mira said: “Frequently.” Elisa looked at her. “You’ve known me less than two days.” “Long enough.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. Then smiled faintly. “Still counts.” Mira smiled back. “Maybe.” That was new. No defensive shut up. No joke. Maybe. Elisa held her gaze. Della saw both. Something passed between the three. Small. Clear. Entirely sober. Then Brenda ruined it. “So, now that the murder is complete—” Iris looked at her. Brenda grinned. “—what the fuck are we doing today?” There it was. Saturday. Actual Saturday. Not survival. Not breakfast. Not execution. The day stretched ahead. Lake. Sauna. Terrace. Side House. Dock. Fire. No schedule. No assignments. Thirteen adults with nowhere else they needed to be until Monday. Panam leaned back. “Nothing.” Brenda looked offended. “That’s not an activity.” “It absolutely is.” Shammy nodded. “I vote nothing.” Ace raised one hand. “Nothing.” Reyes: “Nothing.” Kiro, still dying: “Death.” Ace looked at her. “That’s a subset of nothing.” Kiro nodded against Reyes. “Good.” Marco looked around. “Food later.” Lena leaned against him. “Lake if it warms up.” Della looked toward the windows. “Walk first.” Mira nodded. Elisa looked at both. Interested. Della noticed. “You?” Elisa considered the current state of her skull. “Eventually.” Mira smiled. “Good decision.” Elisa sighed. “Six.” Ace looked over. “Are we still counting?” “No.” “Seven.” “Fuck you.” Ace grinned. Mai looked at Elisa. “Rest until the headache eases.” Elisa nodded. No fight. Eight. Ace did not say it. Mai saw her trying not to. Kissed her cheek. Ace whispered: “Eight.” Elisa heard. “Fuck you, Ace.” “Love you.” Elisa smiled despite herself. “Love you too.” Her head punished her for the smile. She winced. Della’s hand found the back of her neck again. Not massaging. Just there. Warm. Elisa leaned into it. Mira watched. Then got up. Walked behind the couch. Stopped on Elisa’s other side. Her fingers brushed through Elisa’s hair, moving it away from her temple. Elisa went still. Mira did too. For one second it looked like Mira might pull away. She didn’t. Her fingertips rested lightly against Elisa’s hairline. “How bad?” Elisa looked up at her. “Seven.” Mira’s touch stayed. “Still?” “Yes.” “Want something cold?” Elisa thought. “Yes.” Mira nodded. Went to the kitchen. Della looked at Elisa. Elisa looked back. Neither said anything. Della smiled. Elisa’s mouth twitched. “What?” Della shook her head. “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” “What?” Della leaned closer. Close enough that Elisa could have closed the distance. She didn’t. Neither did Della. “Later.” Elisa inhaled. Slow. Then smiled. “Okay.” Mira returned with a cold cloth. She stopped when she saw the distance between them. Not jealous. Not surprised. Just aware. Della leaned back enough for Mira to reach Elisa. Mira folded the cloth. Pressed it carefully against Elisa’s temple. Elisa closed her eyes. “Oh.” “Better?” “Yes.” Mira held it there. Della’s hand remained behind Elisa’s neck. No one laughed. No one announced anything. Across the room, Ace saw. She looked toward Mai. Mai had already seen. Ace’s smile turned wicked. Mai pointed at her without looking. “No.” Ace whispered: “I didn’t say anything.” “Your eyebrows confessed.” Ace looked delighted. Reyes followed their attention. Saw Mira, Elisa and Della. Smiled. Then turned back to Kiro. No commentary. No veteran surveillance. Let them find it. Kiro lifted her head from Reyes’s shoulder. “Outside.” Reyes looked at her. “You sure?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Air.” “Okay.” Kiro stood. Steadier than before. Reyes stood too. Kiro looked at her. “You don’t have to come.” Reyes raised an eyebrow. “I know.” Kiro smiled. “You kissed me anyway.” Reyes kissed her. Brief. Warm. “Shut up.” Kiro laughed softly. Then immediately held her head. “Fuck.” Elisa opened one eye. “Idiot.” Kiro pointed at her. “Sister.” Elisa nodded. “Fair.” They went toward the terrace. Ace watched them. Then looked at Mai. “Lake later?” Mai nodded. “If it warms.” Ace smiled. “Sauna.” “Yes.” “Side House.” Mai looked at her. Ace smiled innocently. “What?” Mai leaned close. “Your face.” Ace kissed her. “That was something.” Mai kissed her back. “Yes.” Saturday kept opening. Not rushing. Just offering places. Reyes and Kiro stepped onto the terrace. Marco and Lena drifted toward the kitchen. Panam and Shammy disappeared upstairs for clothes. Brenda and Iris started arguing about whether “nothing” included wine before noon. Ace and Mai remained near the fire. Mira stood behind Elisa holding the cold cloth against her temple. Della sat beside her with one hand resting lightly at the back of her neck. Elisa closed her eyes. For the first time that morning, pain dropped far enough that she could notice something else. Della’s thumb. Barely moving against her skin. Mira’s fingers in her hair. The fact that neither woman needed to be doing either one. Her eyes opened. Della met them first. Mira saw the change and looked down. Elisa said quietly: “I like this.” Della smiled. “So do I.” Elisa looked up at Mira. Mira held her gaze. Then: “So do I.” No coffee. No accident. No joke. Elisa breathed out. The headache was still there. The nausea was still there. Saturday was still a bastard. But suddenly— it had possibilities. --- # CHAPTER 33 — FILTER RESTORED, UNFORTUNATELY Elisa’s headache did not disappear. It negotiated. Seven became six. Six became a slightly less murderous six. Her stomach stopped threatening immediate rebellion. The cold cloth helped. So did the quiet. So did Della’s hand. So did Mira’s fingers. Elisa noticed all of those facts. Filed them. Then, gradually, something else returned. Speed. Not Coffee-Elisa speed. Nothing insane. Just Elisa. Her normal brain beginning to come back online. That was dangerous enough. Della noticed first. Elisa’s eyes changed. More awake. More focused. Mira saw it a second later. “You’re back.” Elisa looked up at her. “Mostly.” Della smiled. “Head?” “Six.” “Stomach?” “Less hostile.” “Good.” Elisa looked between them. Then at Della’s hand still behind her neck. Then at Mira’s fingers still near her hair. A pause. Elisa smiled. “So.” Della immediately narrowed her eyes. “No.” Elisa looked delighted. “I haven’t said anything.” “You were telegraphing it.” Mira laughed. Elisa pointed. “See? This place is contagious.” Della leaned back slightly. “Do you want us to stop?” Elisa’s expression changed. Not dramatically. Just direct. “No.” Della held her gaze. “Good.” Mira left the cold cloth where Elisa could hold it herself. Elisa caught her wrist before she could move away. Mira stopped. Elisa looked at her. “No.” Mira raised an eyebrow. “No what?” “Don’t leave yet.” Mira smiled. “I wasn’t leaving.” Elisa let go. “Good.” Across the room, Brenda had been pretending not to watch. This failed catastrophically. “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Iris looked over. “What?” Brenda pointed at the couch. “Look at them.” Iris looked. Mira. Elisa. Della. Close. Comfortable. Elisa looking considerably less dead than thirty minutes earlier. Iris smiled. “What about them?” Brenda stared at her. “You know exactly what.” Iris took a sip of water. “No.” “Yes.” “No.” Brenda lowered her voice. “They’re doing that thing.” Ace looked over from the other couch. “What thing?” Brenda pointed more emphatically. “That thing where three people spend an hour pretending they’re not trying to work out which one of them is going to kiss someone first.” Elisa looked at her. “Brenda.” Brenda smiled. “There she is.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “Don’t.” Brenda leaned back. “Oh, honey, I’ve been waiting all morning.” Della laughed. Mira looked toward Iris. “Do you ever stop her?” Iris considered. “Why?” Mira nodded. “Fair.” Brenda looked delighted. “See? Mira gets me.” Mira said: “No, I understand your containment failure.” Brenda froze. Ace made a noise. Panam, coming down the stairs with Shammy: “Holy shit.” Brenda pointed at Mira. “I like her.” Mira smiled. “You're all smiling.” The room broke. Even Elisa laughed. Then immediately pressed the cold cloth harder against her temple. “Ow. Fuck.” Della touched her shoulder. “You okay?” “Yes.” Brenda stared. “Wait.” Everyone looked at her. Brenda pointed at Elisa. “You’re laughing again.” Elisa looked suspicious. “Yes.” Brenda smiled slowly. “Oh.” Iris sighed. “Here we go.” Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “What?” Brenda leaned forward. “The motor mouth is rebooting.” Ace grinned. Panam sat down. Shammy folded herself beside her. Elisa looked offended. “I do not have a motor mouth.” Eleven people immediately disagreed. Elisa stared. “Fuck every single one of you.” Reyes’s voice came through the open terrace door. “Later.” Elisa closed her eyes. Kiro started laughing outside. Elisa pointed toward the terrace. “I hate you too.” Kiro shouted: “LOVE YOU.” Elisa shouted back: “UNFORTUNATELY.” Brenda slapped the table. “Yes.” Mai looked at Ace. Ace looked extremely pleased. “There she is.” Elisa turned. “You too?” “You’re loud.” “So are you.” “I’m small.” “That is not a defense.” Ace looked at Mai. “It usually works.” Mai kissed her temple. “No.” Ace looked betrayed. Elisa smiled. “See?” Ace pointed. “Don’t get confident.” “Too late.” Brenda watched both. Then said: “Okay, serious question.” Iris looked at her. “No.” “I said serious.” “That makes it worse.” Elisa looked interested despite herself. Brenda smiled. “Friday Coffee-Elisa was basically every thought with the door removed.” Elisa sighed. “Yes.” “So now that the door is back—” Della groaned. Mira covered her face. Brenda continued: “—how much of yesterday was bullshit?” Elisa stopped. That changed the room. Not tense. Interested. Elisa looked at Brenda. Then at Della. Then Mira. She thought. “No bullshit.” Della’s expression softened. Mira’s did too. Brenda raised an eyebrow. “None?” “No.” “So the questions were real.” “Yes.” “The interest was real.” “Yes.” “The part where you told Della you liked her—” “Yes.” “Mira?” Elisa looked at Mira. “Yes.” Brenda smiled. “Oh, this is excellent.” Elisa pointed. “Don’t make me regret honesty.” Brenda raised both hands. “I’m supporting you.” Iris said: “You’re enjoying this.” “I can do two things.” Elisa looked at Brenda. “You enjoy everything.” “Not everything.” Ace looked over. “Name three.” Brenda froze. Iris smiled. Brenda thought. “Taxes.” Marco said from the kitchen: “Everyone hates taxes.” “Fine. Bad wine.” Panam nodded. “Valid.” Brenda thought harder. “Men who think foreplay is a rumor.” Silence. Then Panam nearly choked. Ace fell sideways against Mai. Kiro laughed outside. Elisa stared at Brenda. Della slowly covered her face. Mira looked toward the ceiling. Iris took another sip. “Three.” Brenda pointed triumphantly. “Exactly.” Elisa laughed too hard. Immediately regretted it. “Fuck.” Della looked at Brenda. “You’re going to kill her.” Brenda smiled. “She’s fine.” Elisa held the cold cloth against her head. “I hate that I’m laughing.” Brenda leaned closer. “Good. Means you’re alive.” Elisa looked at her. “Barely.” “Enough.” Mira looked at Brenda. “You really don’t have a filter.” Brenda smiled. “Oh, I have one.” Iris said: “She keeps it for funerals.” Brenda looked at her. “That’s rude.” “True.” “Still rude.” Elisa looked between them. Then smiled. “You two are disgusting.” Brenda brightened. “Thank you.” “That wasn’t a compliment.” “I know.” “It was.” Brenda pointed at her. “See?” Elisa sighed. “Fine.” Outside, Reyes and Kiro came back in. Kiro looked marginally less dead. Reyes looked completely fine. Which Kiro clearly resented. Brenda looked at Kiro. “You alive?” Kiro sat down. “Unfortunately.” Elisa lifted one hand. “Same.” Kiro looked at her. “Six?” Elisa nodded. “You?” “Four.” Elisa stared. “You’re recovering faster.” “One cup.” Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “I know.” Kiro smiled. “Three.” Elisa raised one middle finger. Kiro laughed. Elisa smiled despite herself. “Bitch.” “Idiot.” “Caffeine traitor.” “Chemical warfare enthusiast.” Elisa gasped. “That was one time.” Kiro raised an eyebrow. “One day.” “Same thing.” Reyes sat beside Kiro. Kiro immediately leaned into her. Elisa watched. Then looked at Della. Then at Mira. Brenda saw. Of course Brenda saw. “Oh, she’s doing it again.” Elisa did not look away from Mira. “Doing what?” “Inventory.” Elisa turned. “What?” Brenda gestured vaguely around the room. “Looking around like: that’s hot, that’s complicated, that’s probably a terrible idea, definitely interested, maybe later—” “Brenda.” “—oh, those two are already fucking—” “Brenda.” “—Marco is leaving the room—” Marco stopped halfway toward the hallway. Everyone looked at him. Marco looked at Brenda. Then Elisa. Then the room. “I remembered something.” Lena smiled. “No, you didn’t.” Marco sighed. “No.” Brenda grinned. “Coward.” “Professional.” Elisa laughed. Marco pointed at her. “Don’t encourage this.” “I didn’t.” “You laughed.” “That’s not consent.” Marco blinked. Brenda slapped the table. “Oh, she’s fully back.” Iris looked at Elisa. “You feeling better?” Elisa nodded. “Actually, yes.” “Good.” Elisa looked at Della. Then Mira. Then Brenda. Then the rest of the room. “Also, for the record—” Brenda leaned forward. “Oh no.” Elisa smiled. “Friday-me was not wrong.” Della watched her. Mira watched her. Elisa continued: “She was just loud.” Brenda nodded solemnly. “Beautiful.” Elisa pointed. “And you were worse.” Brenda looked offended. “I was sober.” “Exactly.” The room erupted. Brenda stared at Elisa. Then slowly smiled. “Okay.” Iris looked at her. “What?” Brenda nodded toward Elisa. “I like her.” Elisa smiled sweetly. “Say it like you mean it.” Mira groaned. Della laughed. Ace shouted: “IT’S NEVER GOING TO DIE.” Reyes: “Later.” Ace threw a cushion at her. Reyes caught it. Kiro kissed Reyes’s cheek. Panam leaned into Shammy. Mai watched Ace laughing. Marco stopped pretending he was leaving. Lena kissed him for surviving another ten minutes. And Elisa— headache still present, stomach still touchy, wearing Della’s oversized hoodie, sitting between two women she was increasingly incapable of pretending she did not want— finally looked awake. Not Coffee-Elisa. Not amplified. Not reckless. Just Elisa. Sharp. Fast. Curious. Flirtatious. Dangerously comfortable. Brenda saw the final stage of recovery before anyone else. Elisa looked at Mira. Then at Della. Then said: “So.” Della sighed. “No.” Mira smiled. Elisa looked delighted. “I haven’t asked anything.” Brenda leaned back. “Give her ten seconds.” Elisa looked at Brenda. “Five.” Brenda’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I love Saturday.” --- # CHAPTER 34 — FIVE SECONDS Elisa held up one hand. “Five.” Brenda leaned forward. The room waited. One. Two. Three. Elisa looked at Della. Then Mira. Four. Then she turned to Brenda. “Which one of them do you think kisses better?” Silence. Brenda’s face transformed. Ace made a choking noise. Marco closed his eyes. “Fuck.” Lena looked at him. “You can still leave.” “I know.” He did not. Brenda pointed at Elisa. “That.” “What?” “That is why I like you.” Elisa smiled. “You didn’t answer.” Della stared at her. “You’re asking Brenda?” “Yes.” “Why?” Elisa looked genuinely confused. “She has opinions.” Brenda slapped the table. “THANK YOU.” Iris rubbed her forehead. Mira leaned back. “This is a terrible methodology.” Elisa looked at her. “Do you have a better one?” “Yes.” “What?” Mira smiled. “Find out yourself.” The room went very quiet. Elisa blinked. Della turned toward Mira. Brenda slowly sat back. “Oh.” Ace whispered: “Jesus.” Mira looked around. “What?” Brenda pointed. “No, no. Don’t ruin it.” Mira laughed. Elisa stared at her for another second. Then smiled. “Good answer.” Della looked between them. “Very.” Brenda leaned toward Iris. “I may need wine.” “It’s morning.” “I know.” “That is not an argument.” “It is in this house.” Panam called from near the windows: “Cabin.” Brenda waved vaguely. “Whatever.” Elisa turned back to Della. “So?” Della raised an eyebrow. “So what?” Elisa smiled. “You heard the question.” Della laughed. “No.” “Coward.” “Professional.” Marco pointed at her. “Thank you.” Brenda looked offended. “Stop stealing his line.” Della grinned. Elisa tilted her head. “You don’t want to answer?” “I want you to stop outsourcing your research.” Mira laughed. Elisa stared at Della. Then: “That was hot.” Della froze for half a second. Brenda slapped the table again. “There.” Iris looked at her. “You’re going to bruise your hand.” “Worth it.” Elisa looked at Mira. “Also hot.” Mira smiled. “Your standards are compromised.” “My standards are excellent.” “You drank three cups of Death’s Coffee.” “That was curiosity, not attraction.” Kiro raised her hand weakly. “Important distinction.” Elisa pointed at her. “Exactly.” Kiro looked pleased. Then immediately less pleased because moving still hurt. Reyes kissed her forehead. Kiro muttered: “Worth it.” Brenda looked at Elisa. “Okay, my turn.” Elisa smiled. “Go.” Iris looked at Brenda. “No.” Brenda ignored her. “If both of them asked you right now—” Della: “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Mira: “Here we go.” Brenda continued. “—which one do you kiss first?” Elisa stopped. That one landed. Ace shifted against Mai. Panam smiled. Shammy’s hair lifted slightly. Elisa looked at Della. Then Mira. Then Della again. No Coffee speed now. No immediate answer. She thought. Brenda waited. Surprisingly. Elisa finally said: “That depends.” Brenda leaned forward. “On?” Elisa looked at Della. “Who asks first.” Della’s eyes changed. Small. Clear. Mira noticed. So did Elisa. Brenda smiled. “Coward’s answer.” Elisa looked at her. “No.” She turned to Mira. “It’s fair.” Then back to Della. “And useful.” Della leaned closer. “How?” Elisa smiled. “Because now I know neither of you has asked.” Mira laughed once. Della stared. Ace whispered: “Oh, she’s dangerous again.” Mai nodded. “Very.” Brenda looked delighted. “Now we’re getting somewhere.” Iris finally intervened. Not to stop her. To make it worse. She looked at Elisa. “Ask Brenda the same question.” Brenda turned. “Iris.” Iris smiled. “What?” Brenda stared. Elisa’s eyes lit up. “Oh.” Brenda pointed at Iris. “You absolute bitch.” Iris kissed her cheek. “You like her.” Mira groaned. Elisa looked at Brenda. “So.” Brenda looked wary. Elisa smiled sweetly. “If Iris and Ace both asked?” The room exploded. Ace shot upright. “What the fuck?” Brenda looked at Ace. Then Iris. Then Elisa. Then back to Iris. Iris looked completely calm. Ace looked scandalized. Mai looked extremely entertained. Brenda inhaled. “Depends.” Elisa smiled. “On?” Brenda pointed at Ace. “Whether Mai is watching.” Mai laughed. Ace covered her face. “Oh my God.” Elisa leaned back. “Excellent answer.” Iris nodded. “Very Brenda.” Brenda looked at her. “You’re not offended?” Iris smiled. “Why would I be?” Brenda stared. Then kissed her hard enough to make the point without turning it into a performance. When she pulled back: “That’s why.” Iris smiled. “Good.” Elisa watched. Della watched Elisa watching. Mira watched both. Reyes saw that geometry developing from across the room and smiled into her water. Kiro noticed. “What?” Reyes kissed her temple. “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” “Later?” Reyes smiled. “Maybe.” Kiro closed her eyes. “Fuck.” Brenda looked across the room. “Speaking of unresolved problems—” Marco stood. “No.” Brenda stared at him. “I haven’t even said anything.” “I know.” “You don’t.” “I do.” Lena caught his wrist. Marco stopped. Looked at her. Lena smiled. “Stay.” Marco looked horrified. “Why?” “Because this is funny.” Brenda pointed at Lena. “See? Finally.” Marco sat back down. “This is betrayal.” Lena kissed him. “That looked suspiciously loving.” Mira groaned again. Elisa laughed. Headache reminder. She winced. Della immediately put a hand against her shoulder. “Still six?” “Five.” Mira looked at her. “That’s better.” “Yes.” Brenda leaned forward. “Five means filthy questions are medically permitted.” Elisa stared at her. “That is not medicine.” “You’re nineteen. Everything is medicine.” Mai looked at Brenda. “That sentence means nothing.” Brenda shrugged. “Still true.” Elisa smiled. Then looked at Mira. “What do you like?” Mira raised an eyebrow. “That’s broad.” “Yes.” “Food?” “No.” “Music?” “No.” “Guns?” “No.” Mira smiled. “People?” Elisa nodded. Della looked interested now. Mira thought. Elisa waited. Brenda did too. Mira finally said: “Confidence.” Elisa’s smile changed. “Good.” “Competence.” Della nodded. “Predictable.” Mira ignored her. “People who know what they want.” Elisa looked directly at her. “I know what I want.” Mira held her gaze. “I noticed.” Della smiled. Brenda whispered: “Oh, fuck's sake.” Iris looked at her. “What?” “They’re going to stop needing us.” Iris laughed. “That’s the goal.” Brenda looked offended. “No, it isn’t.” Elisa looked at Della. “Your turn.” Della sighed. “Of course.” “What do you like?” Della looked at Elisa. Then Mira. Then back. “Smart mouths.” Elisa went still. Brenda made a strangled noise. Ace fell against Mai laughing. Mira covered her face. Della smiled. Elisa recovered. “Dangerous answer.” “You asked.” “I did.” “You wanted honesty.” “Yes.” Della leaned closer. “You have a smart mouth.” Elisa’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I know.” Mira looked at Della. “That was terrible.” Della smiled. “No.” Brenda slapped the table again. “This is fucking beautiful.” Iris took her hand. “Stop doing that.” “Why?” “You’re going to break it.” “I have another.” Elisa looked at Brenda. “Your turn.” Brenda smiled. “Oh, sweetheart.” Iris immediately said: “No.” Elisa laughed. “What do you like?” Brenda looked around the room. “All of this.” Elisa blinked. “That’s not an answer.” “Yes, it is.” Brenda gestured. “Smart people. Dirty people. Dangerous people. People who can laugh. People who can say yes without making it a ceremony and no without making it a tragedy.” The room quieted slightly. Not because it was sentimental. Because it was accurate. Brenda smiled. “And people who know when to shut the fuck up.” Marco raised one hand. “Finally.” Brenda pointed at him. “Not you.” Marco sighed. Elisa smiled. Then looked at Iris. “You?” Iris considered. “People who make me feel safe enough to be shameless.” Brenda’s expression changed. Softened. Just a fraction. Elisa saw. So did Ace. Mai. Della. Mira. Nobody joked for exactly three seconds. Then Brenda said: “Well, fuck.” Iris smiled. Brenda kissed her cheek. “Rude.” Elisa leaned back. “Good answer.” Iris looked at her. “You?” Elisa paused. Now everyone looked. She thought. Not Coffee-Elisa. Not performance. Just herself. “People who don’t make me smaller.” Silence. Della’s hand stayed on her shoulder. Mira’s expression went still. Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked back. Elisa continued before anyone could turn it into a moment. “And people with good mouths.” Brenda screamed. Not loudly. But spiritually. “THERE SHE IS.” Elisa grinned. Della laughed. Mira shook her head. Iris smiled. Ace pointed at Elisa. “You little menace.” Elisa pointed back. “You trained me.” Ace stared. “No.” Mai said: “Some of it.” Ace turned. “Traitor.” Mai kissed her. Elisa watched again. Brenda saw. Naturally. “Inventory.” Elisa turned. “Fuck off.” “Still counting.” “No.” “Della.” “No.” “Mira.” “No.” “Mai.” “Brenda.” “Ace.” “Brenda.” “Reyes.” “Brenda.” “Kiro.” “Brenda.” “Panam.” “Brenda.” “Shammy.” “BRENDA.” Brenda smiled. “What?” Elisa stared at her. Then slowly smiled. “You missed someone.” Brenda froze. The room went silent. Iris immediately covered her mouth. Ace’s eyes widened. Mira looked at Della. Della looked at Elisa. Brenda pointed at herself. “No.” Elisa smiled wider. “Yes.” Brenda leaned back. “Oh, fuck you.” Elisa shrugged. “You asked.” Brenda looked at Iris. Iris was laughing now. “Help.” “No.” Brenda looked back at Elisa. “Okay.” Elisa waited. Brenda narrowed her eyes. “Would you?” Elisa smiled. “Maybe.” Brenda stared. Elisa added: “Depends whether Iris is watching.” The cabin died. Ace disappeared against Mai. Kiro nearly slid out of her chair. Reyes caught her. Panam bent over laughing. Shammy’s hair exploded outward. Della covered her face. Mira simply stared at Elisa with something dangerously close to admiration. Iris laughed so hard she had to lean against Brenda. Brenda sat completely still. For once. Speechless. Elisa looked pleased. Then touched her temple. “Ow.” Della immediately steadied her. Mira handed her water. Elisa drank. Brenda finally found her voice. “You.” Elisa looked at her. “Yes?” Brenda pointed. “You fucking little bitch.” Elisa smiled. “You say that like you don't like me.” Mira made a wounded sound. Iris kissed Brenda’s shoulder. “Definitely.” Brenda stared at Elisa. Then began to smile. Slow. Terrible. “Oh.” Mai looked at Ace. Ace looked at Mai. Both knew. Brenda leaned forward. “Elisa.” “Yes?” “We are going to have so much fun today.” Elisa smiled back. “I know.” Marco stood. Everyone looked at him. He looked at Lena. “I’m going to the boathouse.” Lena laughed. “You hate the latch.” “I’ll learn.” Elisa called after him: “Affection!” Marco did not turn around. “FUCK ALL OF YOU.” Ace shouted: “LATER!” Marco raised one middle finger and walked outside. The terrace door closed. Silence. Then Elisa looked at Brenda. “Coward.” Brenda nodded solemnly. “Professional.” From outside: “I HEARD THAT.” The room collapsed again. Saturday morning was over. And somewhere between the headache fading, the laughter getting filthier, and the questions becoming less hypothetical— orientation was gone. Completely. They knew where they were. They knew who they were with. And now they were starting to wonder, with considerably less restraint— what they might do about it. --- # CHAPTER 35 — BAD INFLUENCES Marco lasted seven minutes at the boathouse. Then Lena went after him. Not because he needed rescuing. Probably. The latch could be heard protesting from the dock. Once. Twice. Then: “FUCKING THING.” From the terrace, Mira called: “Twist up.” A pause. The latch opened. Marco stepped back out. Looked toward the cabin. Mira lifted her mug. Marco raised one middle finger. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” Lena reached the boathouse. Kissed him. Then went inside with him. Brenda watched through the glass. “See?” Elisa looked over. “What?” “That’s foreplay.” Marco’s voice carried faintly from the lake. “BRENDA.” Brenda smiled. “Excellent acoustics.” Elisa laughed. Her head only objected slightly this time. Progress. She pressed two fingers briefly against her temple. Della noticed. “Five?” “Four and a half.” “That’s not how scales work.” “It does now.” Mira stood. “Walk?” Elisa looked at her. Then at Della. Della was already getting up. Elisa smiled. “Are you two taking me for another supervised outing?” Mira considered. “Yes.” Della nodded. “Risk management.” Elisa stood carefully. The room remained stationary. She smiled. “Look at that.” Ace looked over. “What?” “Gravity likes me again.” “Give it time.” “Fuck you.” “Love you.” Elisa blew her a kiss. Ace caught it. Mai looked at Ace. Ace looked back. “What?” Mai smiled. “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Elisa headed toward the terrace with Mira and Della. Brenda immediately stood. Iris caught her wrist. “No.” Brenda stared. “What?” “Leave them alone.” “I was going outside.” “You were following them.” “I can do two things.” Iris pulled her back down. Brenda sat. Unhappily. Elisa looked over her shoulder. “Don’t worry.” Brenda raised an eyebrow. Elisa smiled. “I’ll report back.” Della stopped walking. Mira closed her eyes. Brenda slapped the table. “Oh, I fucking adore her.” Iris laughed. “Go.” Elisa followed Mira outside. Della behind her. The terrace air was cool. The lake brighter now. Cloud cover thinning. Not warm yet. But warmer. They crossed the terrace. Down the stone steps. Onto the path. Elisa breathed deeply. Stopped. Della looked at her. “Nausea?” “No.” “Dizzy?” “No.” “Head?” “Four.” Mira nodded. “Good.” Elisa looked between them. “You really are doing a checklist.” Della smiled. “Occupational habit.” “Do you do this with each other?” Mira answered immediately. “Yes.” Elisa looked interested. “When?” Della sighed. “There it is.” “What?” “The motor.” Elisa smiled. “You noticed.” “Everyone noticed.” They kept walking. Toward the lake. Not quickly. Elisa’s body still had objections. Her brain increasingly did not. At the dock, Reyes and Kiro sat at the far end. Shoes off. Feet above the water. Kiro leaning against Reyes. They were talking quietly. Elisa slowed. Looked. Then looked at Mira. Then Della. “Do we bother them?” Della glanced toward the dock. “No.” Mira nodded toward the opposite path. “Sauna.” They turned. No interruption. No explanation. Reyes saw them go. Smiled. Kiro followed her eyes. “What?” “Nothing.” Kiro looked. Saw the three women. “Ah.” Reyes kissed her temple. “Exactly.” Kiro smiled. Then looked toward Reyes. “How’s my face?” “Less dead.” “Sexy?” Reyes considered. “Corpse with potential.” Kiro stared. “That’s cruel.” Reyes kissed her mouth. Slow enough to contradict the insult. When she pulled away: “Better?” Kiro smiled. “Yes.” “Good.” They went back to watching the lake. On the path toward the sauna, Elisa walked between Della and Mira. Not intentionally. At first. Then she noticed. Did not change it. The sauna building sat quiet. Cold now. Morning light against dark logs. Yesterday’s smoke smell still faint near the chimney. Elisa stepped onto the porch. Looked toward the Main Cabin. Then the lake. Then the path. Mira saw. “You’re doing it again.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” “Inspecting.” “I’m looking.” “At drainage.” Elisa glanced down. Della laughed. “You were looking at drainage.” Elisa smiled. “It matters.” “To your hangover?” “No.” “To your walk?” “No.” Mira folded her arms. “So?” Elisa looked toward the Main Cabin again. People visible through glass. Movement. Brenda gesturing broadly at something. Ace laughing. Panam and Shammy crossing behind them. The Side House beyond the clearing. Elisa’s expression changed slightly. “I like this place.” Della leaned against the porch rail. “We know.” “No.” Elisa looked at her. “I really like this place.” Mira studied her. “Still no major decisions.” Elisa stared. “That is annoyingly perceptive.” “You were chemically insane yesterday.” “I was not insane.” “You wanted to bury coffee.” “It deserved it.” Della nodded. “Fair.” Elisa looked back at the buildings. Then shrugged. “No decisions.” Mira smiled. “Good.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “You sound like Mai.” “That should frighten you.” “It does.” They went inside the changing room. Not to sauna. Just because Elisa wanted to look. Della opened a small window. Cold air moved through. Elisa leaned against the wall. Mira looked around. “What now?” Elisa shrugged. “Nothing.” Della stared. “You came all the way down here to do nothing?” “Yes.” “Panam was right.” “About?” “Nothing being an activity.” Elisa smiled. They stayed. Quiet. For almost half a minute. Then Elisa looked at Della. “Can I ask something?” Della laughed. “There it is.” “It’s not filthy.” Mira looked disappointed. Elisa noticed. “Oh?” Mira shook her head. “Nothing.” “That was absolutely something.” Della pointed. “Question.” Elisa looked at Della. “Friday.” “Yes.” “You kissed me.” “Yes.” “Twice.” “Yes.” “And then you didn’t.” Della held her gaze. “No.” “Why?” Simple question. Della gave it a simple answer. “Because you were running at two thousand percent and I wanted to know whether you’d still look at me the same way in the morning.” Elisa became very still. Mira looked at Della. Then Elisa. Elisa asked: “Do I?” Della smiled. “Yes.” Elisa smiled back. “Good.” Mira leaned against the opposite wall. Elisa turned toward her. “And you.” Mira raised an eyebrow. “What about me?” “You didn’t kiss me.” “No.” “Why?” Mira thought. Then: “Because Della did.” Elisa blinked. “That stopped you?” “No.” “Then?” Mira smiled slightly. “I wanted to know whether you’d notice that I didn’t.” Elisa stared. Della stared too. “You manipulative bitch.” Mira looked at her. “You love me.” “Yes.” Elisa looked between them. “You two are fucking dangerous.” Della smiled. “You like dangerous.” Elisa’s mouth opened. Stopped. Then she smiled. “Apparently.” Mira watched her. Elisa looked back. Longer. Nothing amplified now. No caffeine. No audience. No Brenda. No Ace. No room full of people waiting for punchlines. Just three women in a quiet changing room beside a cold sauna. Elisa pushed away from the wall. One step. Toward Mira. Mira did not move. Della’s expression changed. Interested. Not surprised. Elisa stopped close. “Did I notice?” Mira looked down at her. “Yes.” “How do you know?” “You’re standing here.” Elisa smiled. “Arrogant.” “Confident.” “You said you liked confidence.” “I do.” Elisa looked at her mouth. Then back at her eyes. “That seems convenient.” Mira smiled. “Very.” Elisa waited. One second. Two. Then: “Are you going to make me ask?” Mira’s expression softened. “No.” She leaned in. The kiss was not dramatic. That made it better. Warm. Deliberate. No surprise. No Coffee-Elisa momentum carrying Elisa into it. Mira gave her plenty of time to meet it. Elisa did. Immediately. Her hand found Mira’s arm. Mira’s hand settled at her waist. The kiss lasted. Long enough for yesterday’s unanswered question to become answered. When they separated, Elisa stayed close. Her eyes opened slowly. “Oh.” Della laughed quietly. Elisa looked at her. “Shut up.” “I didn’t say anything.” “Your whole face gave you away.” Mira laughed. Elisa looked back at her. “You kiss very well.” “Research complete?” “No.” Della raised an eyebrow. Elisa turned. Looked at her. Della smiled. “Oh.” Elisa walked toward her. Della stayed where she was. Elisa stopped close. “You already asked twice yesterday.” “I did.” “So this is fair.” “Very.” Elisa kissed her. Different. Familiar already. Della’s hand came to Elisa’s waist. Elisa relaxed into it. No rush. No competition. Mira watched. Openly. And Elisa knew she was watching. That changed something. Not the kiss. The awareness around it. When Elisa pulled back, Della smiled. “So?” Elisa thought. Mira laughed. “She’s actually comparing.” Elisa pointed without looking. “Scientific rigor.” Della laughed. “You’re impossible.” Elisa finally looked at Mira. Then Della. “Different.” Della smiled. “Coward.” “No.” Elisa looked between them again. “I like both.” Mira nodded. “Useful answer.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “You stole that.” “Yes.” “You still love me.” “No.” Della laughed. Elisa leaned back against the wall again. Her smile remained. Then she touched her head. Della immediately looked at her. “Bad?” Elisa assessed. “Still four.” Mira nodded. “Good.” Elisa stared. “I just kissed both of you and you’re asking about my headache.” “Yes.” “Why?” Della looked at Mira. Mira looked at Della. Then Mira said: “Because those things can exist at the same time.” Elisa’s expression softened. “Fuck.” Della smiled. “What?” “That was a good answer.” “I know.” Elisa looked at them. A quiet moment. Then the Main Cabin terrace door opened in the distance. Brenda stepped out. Hands around her mouth. Iris appeared behind her. Too late. Brenda shouted across the property: “DID SHE FIND OUT WHICH ONE KISSES BETTER?” Elisa closed her eyes. Mira stared toward the cabin. Della started laughing. Iris physically pulled Brenda backward. Brenda disappeared through the terrace door. Her voice continued faintly: “WHAT? SHE PROMISED A REPORT.” Elisa opened her eyes. Looked at Mira. Then Della. “Can we kill her?” Mira nodded. “Yes.” Della nodded. “Professional recommendation.” Elisa smiled. Then shouted toward the Main Cabin: “BOTH!” There was a distant pause. Then: “FUCK YES!” Elisa laughed. This time her head barely punished her. Della looked at her. “Motor mouth.” Elisa smiled. “Four.” Mira raised an eyebrow. “What?” “Headache.” “Ah.” Elisa looked between them. Then smiled wider. “And rising libido.” Della choked. Mira stared. From the Main Cabin, impossibly: “THAT’S MY GIRL!” Elisa turned toward the distant building. “HOW THE FUCK DID YOU HEAR THAT?” Brenda shouted back: “I DIDN’T! IT JUST FELT LIKE THE RIGHT TIME!” Mira doubled over. Della had to grab the porch rail. Elisa stared toward the cabin. Then began laughing helplessly. Her headache objected. She grabbed both sides of her head. “Fuck—fuck—worth it.” Della steadied her. Mira wiped tears from her eyes. Elisa recovered. Slowly. Then she looked at both women. “This place is fucking insane.” Della smiled. “You fit.” Elisa looked at her. Then Mira. The joke disappeared for a second. “Yeah.” Mira smiled. “You do.” Elisa breathed out. Then: “Okay.” Della narrowed her eyes. “What?” “Back before Brenda develops sonar.” Mira opened the door. “Too late.” They stepped onto the porch. Elisa in the middle again. This time deliberately. She reached left. Took Della’s hand. Reached right. Took Mira’s. Neither hesitated. They started up the path. Halfway to the Main Cabin, Della looked at Elisa. “You know she’s going to ask for details.” “Yes.” “What are you telling her?” Elisa smiled. “Absolutely nothing.” Mira nodded. “Good.” Elisa looked toward the terrace. Brenda was visible through the glass. Waiting. Elisa’s smile became wicked. “Until she begs.” Della laughed. Mira looked at her. “There she is.” Elisa squeezed both their hands. Saturday had officially stopped being orientation. And it was not even noon yet. --- # CHAPTER 36 — FROM HELL Brenda was waiting at the terrace door. Of course she was. Elisa saw her through the glass from halfway up the path. Stopped. Mira stopped with her. Della looked toward the cabin. “Oh no.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. Brenda waved. Not normally. Both hands. Violently. Elisa sighed. “She’s going to be unbearable.” Mira looked at her. “She already was.” “Fair.” Della squeezed Elisa’s hand. “You promised nothing.” “I promised a report.” “You did not.” “I implied one.” “That is not legally binding.” Elisa smiled. “I like how you think.” Mira opened the terrace door. Brenda immediately said: “Well?” Elisa walked straight past her. “No.” Brenda froze. Then followed. “What do you mean, no?” “No report.” “You shouted both.” “That was the report.” “That was a headline.” Elisa kept walking. “Accurate headline.” “I need details.” “No.” Brenda stared. Mira went toward the kitchen. Della stayed near Elisa. Iris looked up from the couch. She was smiling already. “Problem?” Brenda pointed at Elisa. “She’s withholding.” Iris looked at Elisa. “Good.” Brenda turned. “Whose side are you on?” Iris raised an eyebrow. “Mine.” Elisa smiled. “Excellent answer.” Brenda looked between them. “I am surrounded by traitors.” Ace looked over. “You built this.” Brenda pointed at Elisa again. “I did not build that.” Elisa stopped. Looked at her. “That?” Brenda smiled. “Oh, don’t pretend.” Elisa crossed her arms. “What am I?” Brenda thought. Then: “A concentrated bad decision with excellent vocabulary.” Silence. Elisa blinked. Della covered her mouth. Mira turned away. Ace folded in half. Panam laughed openly. Elisa stared at Brenda. Then slowly nodded. “That’s actually very good.” Brenda looked triumphant. “Thank you.” Elisa smiled. “My turn.” Brenda’s triumph faded. Iris leaned back. “Oh, this should be good.” Elisa looked Brenda up and down. Not sexually. Evaluating. Like a contract. Brenda narrowed her eyes. “What?” Elisa smiled. “You’re what happens when bad impulse control learns to walk upright.” The room detonated. Iris fell sideways against the couch. Ace slapped Mai’s leg. Panam shouted: “Holy shit.” Kiro, still fragile, laughed once and immediately regretted it. Reyes caught her by the shoulders. Brenda stood absolutely still. Elisa waited. Then Brenda smiled. Slowly. “From hell.” Elisa nodded. “Colleagues.” Brenda stepped closer. “From hell.” “Obviously.” They shook hands. Seriously. Iris stared at them. “No.” Brenda and Elisa turned together. “What?” Iris pointed between them. “This alliance is prohibited.” Elisa looked at Brenda. Brenda looked at Elisa. Then both: “No.” Ace made a high sound. Mai covered her face. Iris stared. “You rehearsed that.” Elisa said: “No.” Brenda said: “We’re just gifted.” Elisa nodded. “Natural chemistry.” Della groaned. Mira whispered: “God help us.” Brenda heard. “God left ages ago.” Elisa added: “Professional judgment.” Marco’s voice came from somewhere outside: “I AM NOT COMING BACK IN.” Lena laughed. Elisa walked to the kitchen. Got water. Drank. Brenda followed. Naturally. “So.” “No.” “I haven’t asked yet.” “You’re going to.” “Yes.” “No.” Brenda leaned against the counter. Elisa drank more water. Brenda waited. Elisa looked sideways. “What?” Brenda smiled. “Nothing.” “That’s worse.” “Yes.” Elisa sighed. “What?” Brenda lowered her voice. “Did you like being watched?” Elisa paused. That was not quite the question she expected. Her eyes flicked toward Della. Then Mira. Then back. “A little.” Brenda’s smile changed. Less performative. More knowing. “A little.” “Yes.” “Interesting.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “Why?” Brenda shrugged. “You noticed Mira watching.” “Yes.” “And that mattered.” “Yes.” Elisa looked at her. Then: “You like watching.” Brenda smiled. “Very much.” Elisa looked toward Iris. Iris noticed immediately. “What?” Elisa looked back to Brenda. “And Iris likes being watched.” Iris said from the couch: “You already know that.” Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Brenda looked delighted. “See? Smart.” Elisa ignored her. She thought. Then asked: “Does it make things better?” Brenda answered without joke. “Sometimes.” “How?” Brenda considered. “Depends who’s watching.” Elisa waited. Brenda continued: “If it’s someone you trust, sometimes it makes you more aware of yourself. In a good way.” Elisa nodded slowly. “Because you know they want to see you.” “Exactly.” Iris added: “And because you choose to let them.” Elisa looked at her. That landed. “Okay.” Brenda smiled. “Educational.” Elisa looked at her. “Don’t ruin it.” “I wasn’t.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” Della came closer. “Elisa.” “What?” “Head.” Elisa assessed. “Three.” “Stomach?” “Mostly fine.” “Good.” Brenda looked at Della. Then Elisa. Then Mira. Then back. “Three.” Elisa pointed. “No medical authorization.” “I didn’t say anything.” “Your eyebrows did.” Ace shouted from the couch: “HER FACE DID.” Elisa turned. “Stop encouraging her.” Ace looked innocent. “I’m encouraging you.” “That’s worse.” Mai kissed Ace’s hair. “Much.” The room began to break apart again. Not because anyone announced it. Just because Saturday was moving. Marco and Lena stayed near the lake. Panam and Shammy headed toward the Side House for something they had apparently left there. Reyes and Kiro went upstairs so Kiro could lie down properly. Mai disappeared into the kitchen to check food. Ace followed. Brenda and Iris drifted toward the terrace. Mira and Della stayed with Elisa. For a moment. Then Della looked toward the lake. “Swim later?” Elisa stared. “Cold.” “Yes.” “No.” Mira smiled. “Coward.” Elisa looked offended. “I was in that lake yesterday.” “Yesterday you were chemically fearless.” “I was normal.” “No.” “Enhanced.” “No.” “Optimized.” Della laughed. “Absolutely not.” Elisa pointed toward Mira. “You kissed me.” Mira nodded. “Yes.” “So clearly my judgment isn’t completely broken.” Mira smiled. “That happened today.” Elisa thought. “Right.” Della laughed harder. Elisa sighed. “Fine.” They moved outside again. Not all the way to the lake. Just the terrace. Sun beginning to cut through the clouds. The temperature improving by degrees. Brenda and Iris were already there. Brenda sitting sideways in a chair. Iris half leaning against her. Brenda looked at Elisa. “You again.” Elisa looked around. “This is the terrace.” “Yes.” “You don’t own it.” “Yet.” Elisa stopped. Looked at her. Brenda blinked. Then realized what she had said. Iris looked at Brenda. Mira looked at Elisa. Della did too. Elisa smiled. Small. Dangerous. Brenda pointed. “No.” Elisa sat down. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were already smiling.” Iris laughed. Mira shook her head. “No decisions.” Elisa looked at her. “I know.” Brenda looked confused. “What?” Elisa smiled. “Nothing.” “That was absolutely something.” “Later.” Brenda groaned. “Fuck.” Elisa settled into the chair. Della sat beside her. Mira stayed standing at first. Then Elisa looked up. Patted the space near her feet. Mira raised an eyebrow. “What?” “Sit.” Mira smiled. “Commanding.” “You said you like confidence.” Mira sat. Della laughed softly. Brenda watched the entire exchange. Elisa noticed. Of course. She looked at Brenda. Brenda did not look away. Elisa smiled. “Inventory?” Brenda smiled back. “Research.” Elisa laughed. Iris looked between them. “This is going to become insufferable.” Della nodded. “Yes.” Mira said: “Already is.” Elisa looked at Mira. “You like me.” Mira sighed. “Still no.” Della leaned toward Elisa. “You know she’s never going to admit it now.” Elisa turned. “Then I’ll make her.” Mira looked at her. “Make me?” Elisa smiled. “Persuade.” Mira held her gaze. “That’s better.” Della looked between them. Then leaned back. Interested. Again. Brenda whispered to Iris: “There.” Iris whispered back: “I know.” Elisa heard. “What?” Brenda shook her head. “Nothing.” Elisa looked at her. “That was something.” Brenda smiled. “Yes.” Elisa looked back at Mira. Mira was still watching her. Della was watching both. The pressure changed again. Subtle. But no longer hidden. Elisa sat forward. Closer to Mira. “You’re doing it again.” Mira raised an eyebrow. “What?” “Waiting.” “Yes.” “Why?” Mira smiled. “Because you’re fun when you notice.” Elisa stared. Della laughed quietly. Elisa pointed at Mira. “That.” “What?” “That’s evil.” Mira smiled wider. “You like evil.” Brenda called: “She does.” Elisa turned. “Stop helping.” “I’m not helping.” “You are.” Brenda smiled. “That’s the problem.” Iris kissed her shoulder. “From hell.” Brenda looked proud. Elisa looked at Della. “She started that.” Della shook her head. “You both did.” Elisa nodded. “Fair.” Then Panam’s voice carried from across the clearing. “SAUNA LATER?” Ace answered from inside: “YES.” Shammy shouted: “YES.” Brenda: “YES.” Elisa looked toward the sauna building. Then at Della. Then Mira. Della raised an eyebrow. Elisa smiled. “Maybe.” Mira nodded. “Better than no.” Elisa thought. Then: “Definitely.” Della’s smile changed. Brenda heard. Of course. “Oh, Saturday is improving.” Iris looked at her. “You’re enjoying this too much.” Brenda smiled. “No such thing.” Elisa leaned back. Headache fading. Body waking. Interest waking faster. Around the property, other things were waking too. Kiro’s energy. Ace’s restlessness. Mai’s smile whenever Ace disappeared into another conversation. Shammy’s attention beginning to spread beyond Panam again. Reyes watching everything with that dry, knowing amusement of someone who had seen this group become dangerous before. Brenda and Iris already vibrating with their own particular kind of trouble. Mira and Della no longer acting like first-time guests. And Elisa— sober, fully herself, and now very aware that the weekend had not even reached Saturday afternoon— looked around the terrace. Then at Brenda. Brenda looked back. No words. Just recognition. Colleagues. From hell. Iris saw it. Closed her eyes. “Fuck.” Brenda smiled. Elisa smiled too. And somewhere down by the lake, Marco looked toward the cabin without knowing why. Then decided not to go back inside yet. --- # CHAPTER 37 — BAD IDEAS, DISTRIBUTED By early afternoon, Elisa’s headache had dropped to three. Then two. Then something irritating enough to remember but no longer important enough to organize her life around. This had consequences. Della noticed first. Again. Elisa had been sitting on the terrace in Della’s oversized hoodie, one knee up, listening to Panam argue with Marco about whether the sauna needed more wood than yesterday. Then she interrupted. Not loudly. Not recklessly. Just with complete confidence. “So who’s actually going in first?” Panam looked at her. “Why?” “Because I want to know whether I’m walking into sauna or an ambush.” Brenda, from the other end of the terrace: “With this group those are the same thing.” Elisa turned. “No, Brenda. An ambush involves surprise.” Panam barked out a laugh. Brenda put a hand over her chest. “Fuck. She’s getting meaner.” Iris smiled. “No. Faster.” Elisa pointed at her. “Thank you.” Brenda looked betrayed. “You’re encouraging her.” Iris leaned against her. “Yes.” “Why?” “Because it’s funny.” Elisa looked at Brenda. “Your own girlfriend thinks this is funny.” Brenda nodded gravely. “She has poor judgment.” Iris kissed her cheek. “Says the woman who proposed.” Brenda froze. The terrace went silent. Ace’s head snapped around. Panam’s eyebrows climbed. Shammy made a tiny delighted sound. Elisa stared at Iris. Then at Brenda. Then back. “Oh.” Brenda narrowed her eyes. “No.” Elisa smiled. “You walked into that one.” Ace immediately shouted: “SHE DID.” Mai covered her mouth. Reyes, passing through the terrace door with Kiro behind her: “Hard.” Kiro looked tired but considerably more alive. She added: “Face first.” Brenda pointed at all of them. “Fuck every single one of you.” Elisa lifted one finger. “Scheduling issue.” The terrace exploded. Kiro doubled over against Reyes. Reyes caught her. “Easy.” Kiro wheezed. “Worth it.” Ace slapped both hands over her face. Mai was openly laughing now. Panam looked at Elisa. “Okay.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” “You’re definitely back.” “Mostly.” Shammy smiled. “Mostly is enough.” Brenda stared at Elisa. Then: “Scheduling issue?” Elisa shrugged. “You said every single one of us.” “I know what I said.” “That sounds exhausting.” Ace shouted: “DON’T HELP HER.” Elisa looked over. “I’m helping Brenda.” “No, you’re not.” “I’m helping logistics.” Marco stepped backward. Lena saw. “Don’t.” Marco looked at her. “I heard logistics.” “Yes.” “That word is dangerous now.” Brenda pointed at him. “Coward.” Marco stared. “You turned operational planning into a sex joke.” Elisa raised a hand. “That was me.” Marco looked at her. Then Brenda. Then back. “Worse.” Elisa smiled. “Professional judgment?” Marco turned around. Walked toward the steps. Brenda shouted: “WHERE ARE YOU GOING?” “ANYWHERE ELSE.” Lena followed him. Laughing. Elisa watched them go. Then looked at Brenda. “See?” “What?” “You frightened away another adult.” Brenda smiled. “Natural talent.” “Impulse control learned to walk upright.” Brenda pointed. “Still proud of that one.” “You should be.” Iris looked between them. “This is revolting.” Elisa turned. “You like watching.” Iris paused. Brenda made a delighted noise. Elisa smiled. “Thought so.” Iris raised one eyebrow. “Careful.” Elisa leaned back. “Why?” “Because Brenda thinks you’re funny.” “That sounds like Brenda’s problem.” “It becomes everyone’s problem.” Brenda nodded. “True.” Panam stood. “Sauna.” Shammy stood immediately. Ace looked toward Mai. Mai nodded. Reyes looked at Kiro. Kiro considered. “Later.” Reyes smiled. “Still recovering?” “Enough to be horny, not enough to boil.” Silence. Then Panam looked at Kiro. “Best medical assessment all day.” Kiro shrugged. “Precise.” Elisa stared at her. “Okay, that was hot.” Kiro froze. Reyes looked at Elisa. Then Kiro. Then smiled. Kiro pointed at Elisa. “No.” Elisa raised both hands. “I said hot. I didn’t file paperwork.” Reyes laughed. Brenda nearly fell out of her chair. Iris grabbed her. “Stay upright.” “I’m trying.” “No, you’re not.” Kiro looked at Reyes. “She’s impossible.” Reyes kissed her cheek. “You like impossible.” Kiro glanced at Ace. Ace caught it. Smiled. Kiro smiled back. Elisa noticed. Della noticed Elisa noticing. Mira noticed both. Brenda, of course, noticed everybody. “Oh, this is fucking excellent.” Panam looked at her. “What now?” Brenda waved vaguely at the entire terrace. “This.” “That’s not an answer.” “It’s enough.” Panam crossed her arms. “No, go on.” Brenda smiled. Iris muttered: “Bad idea.” Panam looked directly at Brenda. “Go on.” Brenda leaned forward. “Fine.” She pointed at Reyes and Kiro. “You two look like you’re five minutes from disappearing upstairs.” Kiro shrugged. “Maybe.” Reyes: “Probably.” Brenda pointed at Ace. “You’re looking at both of them like you’re considering joining.” Ace smiled. “Maybe.” Mai looked at her. Ace added: “Later.” Mai kissed the top of her head. Brenda pointed at Panam and Shammy. “And you two have been fucking each other back into civilization for two days.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Panam did not even blink. “Three.” Silence. Brenda froze. Ace’s mouth dropped open. Kiro made a choking sound. Elisa slapped both hands over her face. Mira looked at Della. Della whispered: “Jesus.” Panam smiled. “Yesterday counted.” Brenda stared. Then slowly: “You fucking bitch.” Panam shrugged. “You asked.” Shammy buried her face against Panam’s shoulder. Hair going everywhere. Ace collapsed against Mai. Mai looked at Panam with enormous respect. Elisa pulled her hands down. “Okay.” Panam looked at her. “What?” Elisa pointed. “That was fucking brutal.” Panam nodded. “Thank you.” Brenda was still recovering. Iris looked at her. “You okay?” “No.” “Good.” Brenda turned. “You’re enjoying this.” “Very much.” “You’re supposed to support me.” “I am.” “How?” Iris smiled. “I’m making sure you survive long enough to lose again.” Elisa made a sharp delighted sound. Brenda stared at Iris. Then kissed her. Hard. Brief. When she pulled back: “Traitor.” Iris smiled. “Still your favorite.” “Unfortunately.” Elisa looked at Della. Then Mira. “Does everyone here flirt by threatening emotional damage?” Della answered: “Mostly.” Mira added: “Sometimes physical.” Ace shouted: “REYES.” Reyes looked innocent. “What?” “You threw me in the fucking lake.” “Tradition.” “Still physical.” “You loved it.” Ace opened her mouth. Stopped. Reyes smiled. Ace pointed. “Fuck you.” Reyes: “Already did.” Silence. Absolute. Perfect. Ace turned bright red. Kiro’s jaw dropped. Mai closed her eyes. Brenda stood up. Not because she needed to. Because sitting was no longer enough. Panam bent forward laughing. Shammy made a sound somewhere between a squeal and a howl. Elisa looked at Reyes as if seeing a religious vision. Mira stared. Della covered her mouth. Reyes calmly took Kiro’s water. Drank. Handed it back. Ace finally managed: “You absolute fucking—” Reyes smiled. “Come here and finish that.” That finished her. Ace slid sideways into Mai. Mai caught her. Laughing. Kiro looked at Reyes. Then kissed her. Not shyly. Not delicately. Just because that line deserved one. When they separated, Kiro said: “That was obscene.” Reyes nodded. “I know.” Elisa looked at Brenda. Brenda looked back. Neither spoke. Then both slowly pointed at Reyes. “Professional.” Reyes rolled her eyes. “Fuck off.” Elisa smiled. “Later?” Reyes looked at her. Long enough to make Elisa’s smile falter half a degree. Then: “Maybe.” Elisa went still. Brenda whispered: “Oh.” Della looked at Elisa. Mira looked too. Elisa recovered. “Okay.” Reyes smiled. Then walked toward the kitchen with Kiro. Elisa watched them go. Della leaned closer. “Inventory?” Elisa shook her head. “Research.” Mira laughed. Brenda called: “THAT’S MY LINE.” Elisa shouted back: “COLLEAGUES.” “FROM HELL.” Panam shook her head. “Sauna. Before this gets worse.” Ace looked up from Mai’s shoulder. “Too late.” Mai stood. Pulled Ace up with her. Ace immediately wrapped both arms around Mai’s waist. Mai looked down. “What?” Ace smiled. “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Maybe I like you.” Mai kissed her. “That would be inconvenient.” “Terrible.” “Tragic.” Ace grinned. “Fuck me.” Mai looked at her. The terrace went quiet. Ace froze. Brenda inhaled. Mai smiled. Slowly. “Later.” Ace stared. Then buried her face against Mai’s chest. “Fuck all of you.” Brenda screamed. Elisa nearly fell out of her chair. Panam slapped the terrace rail. Shammy’s hair lifted again. Mira laughed openly. Della leaned against Elisa. Iris kissed Brenda’s temple while Brenda visibly malfunctioned. Mai simply kept one arm around Ace. Completely satisfied. Elisa looked at her with fresh appreciation. “Okay.” Mai raised an eyebrow. Elisa pointed. “That was evil.” Mai smiled. “Yes.” Mira looked at Elisa. “You like evil.” Elisa sighed. “I’m learning that.” Della leaned closer. “Fast.” Elisa turned toward her. Their faces were suddenly closer than necessary. Not an accident. Not quite a kiss. Della smiled. “Head?” Elisa did not look away. “Two.” “Stomach?” “Fine.” “Energy?” Elisa smiled. “Returning.” Mira sat down on Elisa’s other side. Close. Elisa looked at her too. Mira raised an eyebrow. “Libido?” Elisa blinked. Della started laughing. Brenda heard the word. Of course she did. She turned. “Oh, we’re doing medical assessment properly now?” Elisa closed her eyes. “Fuck.” Mira smiled. “Answer.” Elisa opened them. Looked at Mira. Then Della. Then Brenda. “High.” Brenda pointed triumphantly. “SCIENCE.” Iris grabbed her hand before she could slap the table again. “No.” Brenda looked offended. “I was celebrating research.” “You were going to hurt yourself.” “Worth it.” Kiro called from inside: “THAT’S MY LINE.” Ace shouted: “NO, IT’S MINE.” Reyes: “Everyone says it.” Panam: “Can we please get to the fucking sauna?” Elisa looked toward her. “Why? In a hurry to make it four?” Dead silence. Panam stopped. Shammy’s hair shot outward. Brenda’s mouth opened. Nothing came out. Nothing. Elisa saw it. Slowly smiled. Panam turned toward Elisa. Very calm. “You’re feeling better.” Elisa nodded. “Much.” Panam smiled. “Good.” A beat. “Keep talking.” Elisa’s confidence wavered exactly once. Della saw it. Mira saw it. Brenda recovered just enough to whisper: “Oh, fuck.” Panam walked toward the sauna path. Shammy followed. Still grinning. Elisa watched them go. Then looked at Brenda. Brenda looked at Elisa. Elisa whispered: “I may have made a mistake.” Brenda shook her head. “No.” Elisa looked hopeful. Brenda smiled. “You made an appointment.” Elisa stared. Then started laughing so hard Della had to hold her upright. Iris covered her face. Mira leaned back, laughing. Ace shouted from somewhere behind them: “WELCOME TO SATURDAY!” And that, more than anything else, finally defined the day. Not plans. Not assignments. Not rooms. Not pairings. Just thirteen adults scattered across one lakeside property— all increasingly comfortable, all increasingly interested, and several of them now fully committed to making sure nobody got through the weekend with their dignity intact. --- # CHAPTER 38 — HEAT ADVISORY The first Saturday sauna group formed by accident. Which, in this cabin, meant it had no chance of staying accidental. Panam went first. Shammy beside her. Mai followed with Ace attached at the waist for three steps before separating long enough to grab towels. Mira looked at Della. Della looked at Elisa. Elisa looked at the sauna. Then at Panam. Then remembered: Keep talking. Her mouth opened. Della immediately covered it with one hand. “No.” Elisa stared at her. Muffled: “What?” “You’re not ready.” “I am absolutely ready.” Mira smiled. “No, you’re horny and recovering.” Elisa pulled Della’s hand away. “That is a valid operational state.” Brenda, from behind them: “Correct.” Iris: “No one asked you.” Brenda looked offended. “I heard a technical discussion.” Elisa pointed at her. “See?” Della sighed. “Jesus Christ.” Brenda smiled. “He left ages ago.” Elisa nodded. “Professional judgment.” Mira looked between them. “You two need separate handlers.” Iris answered immediately. “I quit.” Brenda turned. “No, you didn’t.” “I did now.” Elisa looked at Della. “You?” “No.” “Mira?” “Fuck no.” Elisa looked toward Ace. Ace was pulling a towel from the stack. “ACE.” Ace looked up. “What?” “Will you supervise me?” Mai answered for her. “No.” Ace grinned. “I would’ve said yes.” “I know.” Elisa pointed at Mai. “Oppressive management.” Mai smiled. “Survive the sauna.” “Yes, ma’am.” The words came out too smoothly. Mai’s eyebrow rose. Elisa froze. Brenda made a tiny sound. Ace slowly turned toward Elisa. Mira closed her eyes. Della whispered: “Oh no.” Elisa looked at Mai. Then at Brenda. “Don’t.” Brenda raised both hands. “I didn’t say anything.” “Your entire body did.” Ace started laughing. Mai simply smiled. Calm. Dangerous. Elisa stared. Then: “Okay, that was unfair.” Mai picked up a second towel. “What was?” “That.” “What?” “The eyebrow.” Ace folded against the table. Brenda shouted: “THE EYEBROW COUNTS.” Mai looked at Brenda. Brenda immediately sat down. “Nothing.” Elisa pointed at her. “Coward.” Brenda nodded. “Alive.” Panam called from outside: “ARE WE GOING OR ARE YOU ALL GOING TO FUCK AROUND IN THE KITCHEN FOR ANOTHER HOUR?” Ace shouted back: “BOTH.” Mai caught Ace by the back of her shirt. Ace made a delighted noise. Panam shouted: “THAT WASN’T AN OPTION.” Reyes walked in from the hallway. “It is now.” Kiro followed. Still pale. Still tired. But upright. Brenda looked at her. “Boil?” Kiro shook her head. “Not yet.” “Sex?” Kiro looked at Reyes. Reyes looked back. Kiro smiled. “Possible.” Reyes: “Likely.” Brenda looked satisfied. “Recovery confirmed.” Kiro raised one finger. “Doctor Brenda can go fuck herself.” Brenda smiled. “I’m flexible.” Iris turned toward her. “Are you?” Brenda froze. The room went still. Elisa’s eyes widened. Ace made a choking sound. Iris looked perfectly calm. Brenda stared at her. Then: “You planned that.” “No.” “You fucking did.” Iris smiled. “Maybe.” Elisa slapped the table once. “There.” Brenda pointed at Iris. “This is what I live with.” Iris leaned closer. “You proposed.” Elisa immediately: “Face first.” Kiro barked a laugh. Brenda stared. Elisa smiled sweetly. “Colleagues.” Brenda started laughing despite herself. “From fucking hell.” Outside, Panam shouted: “I AM LEAVING WITHOUT YOU.” Shammy: “NO YOU’RE NOT.” Panam: “FUCK.” Ace grabbed her towel. “Okay, sauna.” Mai looked around. “You coming?” Mira nodded. Della nodded. Elisa nodded too. Brenda stood. Iris looked at her. “You were not invited.” Brenda stared. “This is a sauna.” “That’s not a defense.” “It’s geographically relevant.” Elisa nodded. “Strong argument.” Iris looked at Elisa. “You’re not helping.” “I’m learning.” “That is exactly the problem.” Brenda took Iris’s hand. “Come on.” Iris let herself be pulled up. Not reluctantly. Reyes looked at Kiro. Kiro shook her head. “Terrace.” Reyes nodded. Then looked at Ace. Ace caught the look. Smiled. Reyes smiled back. Nothing else. Not now. Later. Maybe. The group heading down toward the sauna became eight. Panam. Shammy. Mai. Ace. Mira. Della. Elisa. Brenda. Iris followed two steps behind. Which made nine. Brenda looked back. “Knew it.” Iris slapped her ass. Brenda stopped dead. Ace walked straight into her. “OW.” Brenda turned. Iris kept walking. Elisa stared. Then whispered: “Holy shit.” Brenda looked at her. “See?” Elisa nodded. “Respect.” Iris called without turning: “I heard that.” Elisa smiled. “Good.” The sauna path was bright now. The lake throwing hard light through the trees. The dark-log building looked almost peaceful. This was deceptive. They reached the porch. Shoes came off. Towels moved. Doors opened. People disappeared into the changing room in loose succession. No ceremony. No awkwardness. No one cared. Elisa paused once inside. Not because of nudity. Not anymore. Because nine people in one changing room produced logistics. Brenda was already laughing at something Panam had said. Ace was fighting with her towel. Mai took it away from her. Ace: “Hey.” “You were wearing it wrong.” “It’s a towel.” “You made that complicated.” “Talent.” Shammy’s hair brushed the wall as she turned. Mira stepped around her. Della caught Elisa looking. “What?” Elisa pointed. “Hair.” Shammy looked over. “What about it?” “It has independent jurisdiction.” Panam nodded. “Yes.” Shammy looked offended. “It does not.” Her hair lifted. Everyone looked at it. Shammy: “Fuck all of you.” Brenda laughed. “See? Even the hair disagrees.” Elisa looked delighted. Then the heat room door opened. Warm air rolled out. Panam stepped in first. Shammy followed. Mai next. Ace behind her. Then Mira. Della. Elisa. Brenda. Iris last. They settled. Not neat. Not symmetrical. Nobody owned a bench. Elisa sat between Della and Mira because apparently that had become a thing. Brenda noticed. Obviously. Elisa saw her notice. Raised one finger. “No.” Brenda smiled. “I said nothing.” “Your face is filthy.” Iris laughed. Brenda turned toward her. “You say that like it’s a problem.” “It isn’t.” Elisa looked between them. Then at Mira. Then Della. Brenda caught the glance. “So.” Elisa closed her eyes. “Fuck.” Panam poured water onto the stones. Steam rose. Brenda waited exactly until nobody could easily escape. Then: “Question.” Mai sighed. “No.” Brenda ignored her. “Who in this room is the worst idea?” Silence. Then everyone pointed at Brenda. Including Iris. Brenda stared. Elisa laughed so hard she folded forward. “Unanimous.” Brenda looked at Iris. “You too?” Iris smiled. “Especially me.” Brenda thought about that. Then smiled. “Fair.” Panam poured more water. Heat thickened. Elisa leaned back. Headache almost gone. Sweat rising. Body finally feeling like hers again. Della bumped her knee lightly. “You okay?” “Yes.” Mira looked at her. “Actually yes?” Elisa smiled. “Actually yes.” “Good.” Brenda looked across. “So now can we ask improper questions?” Elisa answered before anyone else. “You never stopped.” “Exactly.” Panam leaned back. “Ask one good enough and I won’t throw you outside.” Brenda smiled. “Who said I was asking you?” Panam smiled back. “You keep looking at me.” Brenda froze. Ace made a delighted noise. Elisa whispered: “Oh fuck.” Shammy looked at Brenda. Then Panam. Then Brenda again. Her smile turned wicked. Brenda saw. “Don’t.” Shammy tilted her head. “What?” “That face.” “What face?” “The one that says you’re about to help her.” Shammy smiled wider. “I like watching Panam win.” Panam looked pleased. Brenda looked at Iris. “Why is everyone against me?” Iris rested a hand on Brenda’s thigh. “Because you’re fun when cornered.” Brenda stared. Elisa slapped both hands over her mouth. Mira started laughing. Della leaned forward. Ace looked at Mai. Mai nodded once. Yes. That was good. Brenda looked slowly at Iris. “You have been waiting to say that.” Iris smiled. “A while.” Brenda leaned closer. “Bitch.” Iris kissed her. Not long. Just enough. When they separated, Iris said: “You were still kissing me.” Elisa made a strangled sound. Brenda looked across at her. “What?” “You two are fucking ridiculous.” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda: “Jealous?” Elisa blinked. Mira turned toward her. Della too. Elisa smiled. “No.” Brenda raised an eyebrow. Elisa looked at Mira. Then Della. “I’m busy.” Dead silence. Then Panam slapped one palm against the bench. “Jesus fucking Christ.” Ace collapsed sideways into Mai. Shammy’s hair lifted. Brenda pointed at Elisa. “THAT.” Elisa smiled. “What?” “That is how you answer.” Mira looked at Elisa. “Busy?” Elisa smiled. “Potentially.” Della: “Confident.” Elisa: “You said you liked that.” Mira held her gaze. “I did.” Brenda whispered: “Oh, fuck.” Iris looked at her. “Leave them alone.” “I’m appreciating.” “You’re staring.” “So is Della.” Della looked at Brenda. “Yes.” Brenda blinked. Della smiled. “What?” Brenda stared. Then leaned back. “Okay.” Mira looked at Della. Della shrugged. Elisa looked between them. “You’re both evil.” Mira smiled. “You keep saying that.” “Because you keep proving it.” Panam poured more water. The heat climbed. Ace shifted. Mai immediately moved enough to give her room. Ace looked at her. “You’re hot.” Mai stared. Brenda inhaled. Ace pointed. “Temperature.” Brenda exhaled. “Coward.” Ace smiled. “Alive.” Mai leaned close to Ace’s ear. Said something too quiet for anyone else. Ace went still. Then bright red. Elisa noticed. So did Brenda. Brenda opened her mouth. Ace pointed at her without looking. “DON’T.” Brenda smiled. “What did she say?” “Fuck you.” “No, what did Mai say?” Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked completely innocent. Ace muttered: “Nothing.” Brenda: “That was absolutely something.” Elisa: “Yes.” Ace turned. “Traitor.” Elisa smiled. “Colleague.” Brenda pointed proudly. “From hell.” Panam groaned. “I swear to God, if you two start issuing membership cards—” Elisa looked at Brenda. Brenda looked at Elisa. Both: “Good idea.” Panam closed her eyes. Shammy laughed. Iris muttered: “We’re doomed.” Mira leaned toward Elisa. “You realize you’re going to get yourself in trouble.” Elisa turned. “How?” Mira smiled. “Keep talking.” There it was. Again. Elisa’s mouth stopped. Della saw. Smiled. Brenda saw too. “Oh.” Elisa pointed at Brenda. “Not one fucking word.” Brenda nodded solemnly. Then whispered to Iris: “She’s fucked.” Elisa heard. “BRENDA.” Brenda laughed. Mira leaned closer to Elisa. “Problem?” Elisa looked at her. “No.” Della leaned in from the other side. “Sure?” Elisa swallowed. Then smiled. “Very.” Panam looked across the steam. “Head still okay?” Elisa nodded. “Gone.” “Good.” Brenda smiled. “Excellent.” Iris looked at her. “No.” Brenda shrugged. “What?” “You just made ‘excellent’ sound indecent.” “I’m talented.” Elisa nodded. “She really is.” Brenda looked at her. “Thank you.” “Don’t get used to it.” “Too late.” The heat rolled around them. Steam thick. Bodies loose. Conversation dirtier by the minute. Nothing forced. Nothing rushed. Just Saturday. Just them. And Elisa, sitting between Mira and Della with her headache finally gone, realized something deeply inconvenient. Coffee-Elisa had been louder. But sober Elisa— might actually be worse. She looked at Brenda. Brenda was already looking back. Recognition. Mutual. Terrible. Elisa smiled. Brenda smiled too. Iris saw it. “Absolutely fucking not.” Elisa laughed. Brenda leaned back. “Too late.” --- # CHAPTER 39 — STEAM DAMAGE The first person to leave the sauna was not Elisa. It was Ace. Not because the heat was too much. Because Mai had whispered something else into her ear. Ace stood. Very carefully. Brenda noticed immediately. Of course she did. “Oh.” Ace pointed at her. “Don’t.” Brenda smiled. “I didn’t say anything.” “You looked guilty.” Elisa nodded. “Confirmed.” Ace looked at her. “Traitor.” Elisa smiled. “Colleague.” Brenda raised a hand. “From hell.” Ace closed her eyes. Mai stood behind her. Calm. Composed. Far too pleased with herself. Panam looked at Ace. “You okay?” Ace nodded. “Yes.” Shammy’s hair lifted. “Liar.” Ace looked at her. “Fuck you too.” Shammy smiled. “Later.” Ace froze. The room exploded. Mai laughed. Brenda slapped both hands against her knees. Elisa nearly folded into Della. Mira leaned back against the wall. Panam looked at Shammy. “You’ve been waiting for that.” Shammy grinned. “Yes.” Ace stared around the sauna. “I hate every single person here.” Reyes’s voice was not present. Which somehow made it worse. Brenda pointed toward the door. “Go on, tiny menace.” Ace looked at her. “What?” “Cool off.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “You’re enjoying this.” “Enormously.” Mai opened the door. Cooler air slipped in. Ace stepped through. Mai followed. The door closed. Silence. One beat. Then Brenda: “She’s absolutely getting fucked later.” Iris looked at her. “Later?” Brenda turned. Iris raised an eyebrow. Brenda thought. Then smiled. “Fair.” Elisa stared at them. “You two are impossible.” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda: “Also busy.” Elisa laughed. Mira looked at her. “Better?” Elisa nodded. “Much.” Della brushed one damp strand of hair back from Elisa’s face. Elisa went still. Not because the touch surprised her. Because it didn’t. That was worse. Or better. Probably better. Brenda saw. Elisa saw Brenda seeing. “No.” Brenda put one hand over her mouth. Iris looked at her. “Can you actually manage that?” Brenda nodded. Three seconds later: “No.” Elisa laughed. “Pathetic.” Brenda pointed at her. “You try sitting here while those two work on you from both sides.” Elisa stopped. Della looked at Mira. Mira looked at Della. Then both looked at Brenda. Brenda froze. Iris leaned closer. “Oh, that was stupid.” Brenda nodded slowly. “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “Very.” Panam laughed. Shammy’s hair lifted again. Brenda looked at Elisa. “Don’t.” Elisa leaned forward. “Oh, I absolutely will.” Mira smiled. Della did too. Brenda looked toward Iris. “Help.” Iris shook her head. “No.” Brenda stared. “You’re my fiancée.” “Exactly. I know when to let consequences happen.” Elisa pointed at Iris. “That is fucking beautiful.” Iris smiled. “Thank you.” Brenda groaned. Panam poured more water onto the stones. Steam erupted. Everyone leaned back. For a little while, nobody talked. Then Shammy broke it. “Panam.” Panam looked at her. “What?” “You said three.” Panam’s mouth twitched. Brenda immediately came alive. “Oh, yes.” Panam looked at Brenda. “No.” Brenda smiled. “You volunteered the number.” “I answered a question.” “You weaponized arithmetic.” “Yes.” Elisa raised one hand. “Respect.” Panam nodded. “Thank you.” Shammy leaned closer. “So?” Panam looked at her. “So what?” Shammy smiled. “Three?” Panam stared. Then: “You were there.” Shammy’s hair exploded. Elisa laughed so hard she had to grab Della’s arm. Brenda leaned forward. “Oh, fuck me.” Iris looked at her. “Scheduling issue.” The sauna died. Absolute silence. Then Elisa screamed. Not loudly. But with pure delight. “YES.” Brenda stared at Iris. Iris looked innocent. “What?” Brenda pointed. “You.” Iris smiled. “You proposed.” Panam bent forward laughing. Shammy had both hands over her face. Mira’s shoulders shook. Della looked at Elisa. “You started this.” Elisa wiped tears from her eyes. “No. They were like this before me.” Brenda looked at Elisa. “Correct.” Iris leaned back. “Unfortunately.” Elisa smiled. “Still hot?” Iris looked at Brenda. “Mostly.” Brenda put a hand over her heart. “Cruel.” Panam looked at her. “You’ll survive.” Brenda smiled. “Probably.” Mira looked toward the door. “How long do these sessions usually last?” Panam answered: “Until someone gets bored, overheats, or decides the lake is a better idea.” Elisa looked toward the door. “Lake.” Della raised an eyebrow. “You said no.” “That was two hours ago.” “Thirty minutes.” Elisa shrugged. “Recovery is nonlinear.” Mira laughed. Brenda pointed at her. “Corporate bullshit.” Elisa smiled. “Premium corporate bullshit.” Iris nodded. “That explains a lot.” Elisa looked at Della. “Lake?” Della smiled. “Yes.” Mira nodded. “Yes.” Panam looked at Shammy. Shammy was already standing. Brenda stood too. Iris looked at her. “Of course.” Brenda smiled. “You expected restraint?” “No.” “Good.” They filed out. Not rushed. Not coordinated. Just bodies, towels, steam, cold air. The changing room filled briefly. Then the porch. The outside air hit Elisa hard. She inhaled. “Fuck.” Della smiled. “Cold?” “Yes.” Mira looked toward the lake. “Still want it?” Elisa looked at the water. Then at Della. Then Mira. “Yes.” Brenda stepped out behind them. “You’re insane.” Elisa turned. “You’re coming.” Brenda stopped. “I didn’t say I was.” Elisa looked at Iris. Iris smiled. “She is.” Brenda looked betrayed. Panam walked past. “She’s absolutely coming.” Shammy: “Definitely.” Brenda pointed at all of them. “This is coercion.” Iris kissed her cheek. “No. This is peer pressure.” Elisa smiled. “Very different.” Brenda looked at her. “You’re nineteen. Stop making legal distinctions.” Elisa laughed. They moved down the path. Toward the dock. The lake opened in front of them. Cold. Bright. Waiting. Mira stepped out of her towel first. Della next. Elisa looked at both. Then at Brenda. Brenda saw it. “What?” Elisa smiled. “Inventory.” Brenda groaned. “Fuck off.” Elisa stepped onto the dock. Panam passed her. No hesitation. Shammy right behind. They hit the lake almost together. Cold water. Immediate swearing. Shammy surfaced laughing. Panam came up next. “FUCK.” Elisa looked at Della. Della smiled. “Your turn.” Elisa looked at Mira. Mira smiled too. “Coward?” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “Fuck you.” Mira shrugged. “Maybe.” Elisa froze. Della laughed. Brenda slapped one hand over her mouth. Elisa pointed at Mira. “That was dirty.” Mira smiled. “You asked for less restraint.” Elisa stared. Then laughed. “Fair.” She jumped. The cold hit like violence. Elisa surfaced with a scream. “FUCK THAT.” Panam laughed. “Welcome back.” Shammy splashed her. Elisa splashed back. Della jumped in. Then Mira. Brenda remained on the dock. Iris beside her. Elisa looked up. “Coward.” Brenda crossed her arms. “I’m evaluating.” Iris stepped past her. Jumped. Brenda stared. Elisa shouted: “FACE FIRST.” Iris surfaced laughing. Brenda looked around. No allies. None. Panam shouted: “COME ON.” Shammy: “COWARD.” Elisa: “BAD IMPULSE CONTROL LEARNED TO WALK UPRIGHT.” Brenda pointed at her. “You little bitch.” Elisa smiled. “You're smiling.” Brenda jumped. The splash hit everyone. She surfaced swearing. Iris laughed. Brenda grabbed her. Iris wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Brenda looked at Elisa. “I hate you.” Elisa swam closer. “No, you don’t.” Brenda smiled. “No.” Elisa looked around. Panam and Shammy together. Iris and Brenda. Mira and Della close. And herself among them. No one assigned. No one paired off by rule. Just proximity. Comfort. Interest. Choice. Brenda looked around too. Then at Elisa. “Okay.” Elisa raised an eyebrow. “What?” Brenda smiled. “This is fucking good.” Elisa nodded. “Yeah.” For once, no joke followed immediately. Just water. Cold air. Laughter. Bodies moving around each other. Then Mira swam up behind Elisa. Close enough that Elisa felt it before she turned. Mira smiled. “Still warm?” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” Della appeared on the other side. Elisa looked between them. Brenda saw. Of course. “Oh, fuck.” Elisa turned toward her. “Don’t.” Brenda grinned. “I said nothing.” Iris looked at her. “You said ‘oh, fuck.’” Brenda shrugged. “Observation.” Elisa laughed. Mira looked at Brenda. “She’s not wrong.” Elisa turned back. “What?” Mira smiled. “You are busy.” Della laughed. Elisa stared at both. Then: “Scheduling issue.” Brenda screamed. Panam groaned. Shammy disappeared underwater laughing. Iris closed her eyes. Mira looked at Della. Della looked at Mira. Then both looked at Elisa. Elisa smiled. Slowly. “Oh.” Brenda pointed. “There.” Elisa kept looking at the two women beside her. “What?” “That face.” “What face?” Brenda smiled. “The one that says you just realized you’re in trouble.” Elisa thought. Then nodded. “Yes.” Mira leaned closer. “Problem?” Elisa shook her head. “No.” Della leaned closer too. “Sure?” Elisa smiled. “Very.” The distance between them became interesting. Not gone. Just interesting. Brenda watched. Openly. Iris watched Brenda watching. Panam watched Iris. Shammy surfaced and immediately understood the entire situation. Her hair slicked flat against her head. For once. She smiled. Elisa looked at Mira. Then Della. Then, deliberately, at Brenda. Brenda raised both hands. “I am absolutely not saying anything.” Elisa smiled. “Good.” Then she turned back. Mira kissed her first. Brief. Cold-water quick. Elisa smiled into it. Della kissed her next. Different. Equally brief. Brenda made a tiny strangled sound. Iris elbowed her. Brenda whispered: “I’m behaving.” “You’re vibrating.” “I’m cold.” “No, you’re not.” Elisa heard. Pulled away laughing. Mira looked at Brenda. Della too. Brenda stared. “What?” Elisa smiled. “You like watching.” Brenda nodded. “Yes.” Iris smiled. “So do I.” Elisa looked at Iris. Then Brenda. Then Mira. Then Della. The geometry widened. Not into anything yet. Just possibility. That was enough. Panam broke the moment. “Everyone out before we freeze our asses off.” Brenda looked at her. “You ruin everything.” Panam started swimming toward the dock. “No. I preserve asses.” Elisa immediately: “Public service.” Panam looked over her shoulder. “Keep talking.” Elisa stopped. Brenda started laughing. Della whispered: “Appointment.” Elisa stared at her. Mira smiled. “Professional.” Elisa closed her eyes. “Fuck all of you.” Brenda shouted: “LATER.” Elisa opened her eyes. Pointed at her. “You’re dead.” Brenda grinned. “Worth it.” They climbed out. One by one. Cold. Laughing. Towels grabbed. Hands touching shoulders, backs, arms. Nothing remarkable. Everything normal. And as the group moved back toward the sauna building, Elisa fell naturally between Mira and Della again. Brenda walked beside Iris. Panam with Shammy. Nobody assigned it. Nobody announced it. It just happened. Halfway up the path, Brenda looked over. “Elisa.” Elisa sighed. “What?” Brenda smiled. “You’re fucked.” Elisa looked at Mira. Then Della. Then ahead toward the sauna. Then back at Brenda. “Probably.” Brenda’s grin widened. Elisa smiled too. “And you’re jealous.” Brenda stopped walking. Iris kept going. Panam laughed. Shammy turned. Mira looked at Della. Della covered her mouth. Brenda stared at Elisa. Then shouted: “YOU LITTLE FUCKER.” Elisa kept walking. “COLLEAGUES.” Brenda followed. “FROM HELL.” The whole path dissolved into laughter. And the second sauna round had not even started. --- # CHAPTER 40 — SECOND HEAT The second round started quieter. Not quiet. That would have been suspicious. But quieter. Cold lake water had taken some of the noise out of everyone. For approximately forty seconds. Elisa sat down between Mira and Della again. Brenda saw. Said nothing. Elisa looked across the sauna. Waited. Brenda smiled. Elisa narrowed her eyes. “What?” “Nothing.” “You’re thinking.” “Frequently.” “That sounds unlikely.” Panam laughed. Iris looked at Elisa. “That was unnecessary.” Elisa nodded. “Yes.” Brenda pointed at her. “See? Potty-mouth little bitch.” Elisa blinked. Then smiled. “Complaining?” “No.” “Good.” Mira looked at Della. Della looked back. Neither asked. Panam threw water onto the stones. Steam climbed. Shammy leaned against her shoulder. For the first time since Panam had returned, it looked less like Shammy was holding on because she had missed her— and more like she was simply comfortable. Panam noticed too. She kissed Shammy’s temple. Shammy smiled. Then looked across the steam. At Mai. Mai caught it. Held the look. Shammy’s hair lifted slightly. Ace saw. Her smile appeared immediately. “Oh.” Shammy looked at her. “What?” Ace smiled wider. “Nothing.” “Your face says something.” “My face is innocent.” Eight people said: “No.” Ace stared around the sauna. “Fuck you.” Reyes was still not present. Which meant nobody had the perfect answer. Mai saved it for later. Ace looked at Shammy again. Then Mai. Then Panam. Panam noticed. “Go on.” Ace blinked. “What?” “You’re thinking.” Elisa immediately: “Frequently.” Ace turned. “Hey.” Elisa smiled. “You like me filthy.” Brenda whispered: “She’s learning.” Iris: “You’re a disease.” Brenda looked delighted. “Thank you.” Panam looked at Shammy. Then Mai. Then Ace. Something passed between them. Easy. Old. Not urgent. Not threatening anything. Shammy reached across the small distance and touched Mai’s knee. Mai put her hand over Shammy’s. Ace watched. Happy. Panam watched Ace watching. Then: “You look pleased with yourself.” Ace nodded. “I like people I love liking people I love.” The sauna went briefly softer. Brenda inhaled. Ace pointed at her. “Don’t you fucking dare.” Brenda closed her mouth. Elisa looked at Ace. “That was disgustingly sweet.” Ace smiled. “Fuck you too.” “Later?” Ace stared. Elisa froze. Mira slowly covered her face. Della looked at the ceiling. Brenda folded forward. Panam laughed. Shammy’s hair went up. Mai turned toward Ace. Ace looked horrified. “I DID NOT WALK INTO THAT.” Mai nodded. “You absolutely did.” “I was answering her.” “Yes.” “That’s different.” “No.” Elisa was laughing now. “Sorry.” Ace pointed at her. “You’re not.” “No.” “Bitch.” “You still love me.” “Unfortunately.” Elisa smiled. “Good.” Panam shook her head. Then looked at Mai. “You coming back with us after?” Mai raised an eyebrow. “Us?” Panam gestured vaguely between herself and Shammy. “To the cabin.” Ace looked at her. “We’re already at the cabin.” Panam stared. “Side House.” “Oh.” Panam waited. Ace smiled. “Oh.” Mai looked at Ace. Ace looked at Shammy. Shammy looked at Panam. Panam sighed. “I asked Mai.” Ace nodded. “I know.” “You’re answering with your face.” Elisa whispered: “Apparently contagious.” Brenda nodded solemnly. “Terrible outbreak.” Mai ignored everyone. “Maybe.” Panam nodded. “Okay.” Nothing more. No negotiation. No declaration. Just possibility placed on the table and left there. Shammy smiled. Ace did too. Then Ace looked at Panam. “What about me?” Panam stared at her. “What about you?” Ace smiled sweetly. “You didn't invite me.” Panam’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, fuck off.” Ace laughed. “That’s not an invitation.” Panam leaned forward. “You need a fucking invitation now?” Ace stopped. The sauna went silent. Panam smiled. Ace’s smile slowly changed. “No.” “Good.” Shammy made a delighted noise. Mai laughed quietly. Brenda whispered: “Jesus.” Iris looked at her. “Problem?” “No.” Brenda looked across at the four of them. “Just appreciating efficient logistics.” Elisa nodded. “Scheduling.” Brenda pointed at her. “Exactly.” Panam looked between them. “Both of you shut the fuck up.” Elisa smiled. “Yes, ma’am.” Panam stared at her. Elisa immediately looked at Mira. Mira was smiling. Della too. Elisa sighed. “Apparently I have a problem.” Della leaned closer. “Several.” Mira: “Growing list.” Elisa looked at them. “You two aren't helping.” Mira smiled. “Wasn't planning to.” Della rested her hand casually on Elisa’s thigh. Nothing dramatic. Just there. Elisa looked down. Then at Della. Della held her gaze. Mira noticed. Elisa knew Mira noticed. And now, after Brenda and Iris had explained it— that awareness felt different. Not uncomfortable. Sharper. Elisa looked at Mira. Mira did not pretend she had not been watching. Elisa smiled. Brenda saw the entire thing. Her expression changed. Not into a joke this time. Recognition. Elisa caught that too. Brenda gave the smallest nod. Elisa understood. Then Della squeezed her thigh once. Elisa’s attention snapped back. Della smiled. “Lost you.” “No.” “Little bit.” “Research.” Mira laughed. Elisa looked at her. “You're enjoying this.” “Yes.” “Watching?” Mira did not hesitate. “Yes.” Elisa held her gaze. “Good.” Della’s eyebrows rose. Brenda whispered: “Fuck.” Elisa turned. Brenda raised both hands. “That was appreciation.” “Behave.” “No.” Iris smiled. “At least she's honest.” Panam added more water. The stones hissed. Heat pushed conversation down again. For a minute. Two. Elisa leaned back. Della’s hand remained where it was. Mira’s shoulder touched hers on the other side. No hurry. No need. Across from them, Shammy had shifted closer to Mai. Panam had one arm behind Shammy. Ace sat against Mai’s other side. The geometry had changed without anyone moving very far. Iris noticed. So did Brenda. Brenda looked at Iris. Iris looked back. “What?” Brenda smiled. “Nothing.” “Liar.” “I’m thinking.” “That remains unlikely.” Elisa laughed. Brenda looked offended. “You're supposed to be my colleague.” “From hell.” “Exactly.” “Hell has performance reviews.” “Fuck you.” Elisa smiled. “Scheduling issue.” Iris groaned. Mira laughed against Elisa’s shoulder. Della’s hand squeezed again. Elisa looked down. Then: “Okay.” Della raised an eyebrow. “What?” Elisa smiled. “You’re doing that deliberately.” “Yes.” “Why?” Della leaned closer. “Because you keep looking at Mira.” Elisa went still. Mira smiled. Brenda made a noise. Elisa pointed across the sauna without looking. “Brenda.” “I didn't say anything.” “You made a noise.” “I have lungs.” “Unfortunate.” Iris kissed Brenda’s shoulder. Elisa turned back to Della. “You mind?” Della looked genuinely confused. “What?” “That I keep looking at Mira.” Della smiled. “No.” Elisa looked at Mira. “You?” Mira understood. “That Della keeps touching you?” “Yes.” “No.” Elisa sat with that. Simple. No speech. No negotiation seminar. Just answers. She smiled. “Good.” Della leaned in. Kissed her. Slow enough this time that it was not a joke. Elisa met her without hesitation. Della’s hand stayed warm against her leg. When they separated, Elisa did not immediately look away. Then she turned toward Mira. Mira was watching. Elisa smiled. “You still like watching?” “Yes.” “Good.” Mira leaned in and kissed her too. Different again. Elisa had already learned that. This time she had enough time to enjoy the difference. When Mira pulled back, Elisa stayed close. Della stayed close too. Brenda had gone completely silent. Elisa noticed. Looked across. Brenda stared back. Elisa smiled. “What?” Brenda shook her head. “Nothing.” “That is definitely something.” Brenda looked at Iris. Iris smiled. “Tell her.” Brenda looked back at Elisa. “I’m proud of you.” Elisa blinked. Then narrowed her eyes. “That sounds dangerous.” “It is.” “Why?” Brenda smiled. “You learned how to enjoy being watched in less than twenty-four hours.” Elisa considered. Then looked at Mira. At Della. At Brenda. At Iris. “Maybe I already knew.” Brenda’s expression changed. That landed. Elisa continued: “I just didn't have words for it.” Iris nodded. “Usually how it works.” Elisa looked at Brenda. “So thank you.” Brenda blinked. Then immediately: “Fuck you.” Elisa laughed. “There she is.” “Don't get sentimental at me.” “Terrified?” “Deeply.” Iris kissed Brenda. Elisa watched. Brenda knew. This time, Brenda deliberately turned slightly toward her. Not performing. Not making a show. Just not hiding. Elisa understood that too. She watched. Mira watched Elisa. Della watched both. Panam saw the whole expanding loop. Then looked at Shammy. Shammy was watching too. Panam laughed quietly. “What?” Shammy smiled. “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Panam kissed her. Shammy kissed back. Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked at Ace. Ace smiled. “Everyone's horny.” Panam pulled away from Shammy. “Thank you, field researcher.” Ace nodded. “Important data.” Mai looked at her. “And you?” Ace smiled innocently. “I'm Japanese.” Silence. Elisa stared. Mira blinked. Della looked completely lost. Brenda slowly said: “What the fuck does that have to do with anything?” Ace shrugged. “Nothing.” Mai closed her eyes. Panam stared at Ace. Shammy started laughing. Ace held it for three more seconds. Then broke. Brenda pointed. “You little fucking asshole.” Ace laughed harder. “I wanted to see if you'd let me get away with it.” “No.” “Worth it.” Mai kissed Ace’s temple. “Idiot.” Ace leaned against her. “Your idiot.” Mai smiled. “Yes.” Elisa looked at them. Then: “Still horny.” Ace pointed. “Fuck you.” Elisa smiled. “Later.” Ace threw a towel at her. Elisa caught it. Brenda shouted: “VIOLENCE.” Panam stood. “Cooling break.” Nobody argued. They were hot enough. In several senses. The changing room filled again. Then the porch. But this time nobody immediately headed for the lake. The afternoon had warmed. The terrace was visible through the trees. So was the Side House across the clearing. The property seemed larger from here. More possibilities. More places for people to disappear. And reappear. Panam stood beside Shammy. Looked at Mai. “Offer stands.” Mai nodded. “I know.” Ace appeared beside her. Panam looked down at Ace. “You too, pain in the ass.” Ace smiled brightly. “See? Invitation.” Panam grabbed her around the shoulders and pulled her against her side. “Shut up.” Ace laughed. Shammy wrapped herself around both. Mai looked at the three of them. Panam raised an eyebrow. “What?” Mai smiled. “Nothing.” Panam pointed. “That was something.” Mai stepped closer. “Yes.” Elisa watched. Then looked at Mira. Then Della. Della caught her hand. Mira caught the other. Elisa looked down at both. Then up. “Well.” Mira smiled. “What?” Elisa looked toward the Main Cabin. Then the Side House. Then the lake. Then back at them. “Saturday is getting complicated.” Della smiled. “No.” Mira squeezed her hand. “Saturday is getting interesting.” From behind them, Brenda said: “Same thing.” Elisa turned. Brenda stood with Iris. Elisa smiled. “Jealous?” Brenda smiled back. “Interested.” Elisa’s eyebrows rose. Iris looked at Brenda. Then Elisa. Then Mira and Della. And smiled. “Better answer.” Brenda nodded. “I'm learning.” Elisa laughed. “Dangerous.” Brenda looked at her. “Keep talking.” Elisa stopped. Mira laughed. Della leaned closer. “Appointment.” Elisa looked between all of them. Then sighed. “Fuck.” Brenda grinned. And Saturday afternoon finally began to spread beyond the sauna. --- # CHAPTER 41 — CROSSCURRENTS Saturday did not reorganize itself. It dissolved. That was different. Nobody announced lunch. Nobody called a meeting. Nobody decided who was spending the next hour with whom. People just moved. Marco and Lena stayed near the boathouse. Reyes and Kiro took the terrace, Kiro stretched out with her head in Reyes’s lap and looked considerably less like death. Brenda and Iris disappeared into the Main Cabin. Ace, Mai, Panam, and Shammy crossed the clearing toward the Side House. Mira and Della started walking toward the lake. Elisa went with them. For thirty meters. Then stopped. Della noticed. “What?” Elisa looked across the clearing. Shammy had turned around. Not fully. Just enough. Panam noticed Shammy looking. Followed the line. Found Elisa. Elisa’s eyebrows rose. Panam smiled. Small. Not a joke. Mira saw. “Oh.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” Mira smiled. “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Della looked across too. Shammy lifted one hand. Come here. Elisa stared. Then looked at Mira. Then Della. Neither looked bothered. Della actually smiled. “Go.” Elisa blinked. “What?” Mira nodded toward the Side House. “You’re curious.” Elisa looked offended. “I’m always curious.” “Yes.” “That isn’t evidence.” Della laughed. “It’s you.” Elisa looked back across the clearing. Panam was still watching. Shammy too. Ace had stopped at the Side House door. Mai beside her. Ace saw Elisa looking. Smiled. Then shouted: “YOU COMING OR ARE YOU GOING TO STARE ALL AFTERNOON?” Elisa stared at her. Then shouted back: “I WAS THINKING.” Ace: “DANGEROUS.” Elisa: “FUCK YOU.” Reyes shouted from the terrace: “LATER.” Elisa closed her eyes. Kiro laughed weakly. Della kissed Elisa’s cheek. “Go.” Elisa looked at her. “You sure?” Della raised an eyebrow. “Do I look unsure?” “No.” “Mira?” Mira smiled. “Go.” Elisa nodded once. Then walked across the clearing. Not hurried. That mattered. Shammy waited. Panam did too. Ace watched her approach. Smug little smile already forming. Elisa pointed at her. “No.” Ace smiled wider. “I didn’t say anything.” “Your eyebrows confessed.” Mai sighed. “Contagious.” Elisa reached them. Shammy immediately took her hand. Not dramatically. Just naturally. “Hi.” Elisa looked at their joined hands. Then at Shammy. “Hi.” Panam leaned against the Side House porch rail. “You look nervous.” Elisa looked at her. “I’m not.” Panam smiled. “Good.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “That was a test.” “Yes.” Ace laughed. Elisa looked at Mai. “Does she always do that?” Mai nodded. “Yes.” Panam looked at Mai. “Bullshit.” Mai smiled. “Frequently.” Shammy tugged Elisa closer. Elisa looked at her. Shammy’s hair had started lifting again. Not a halo. Just interested. Elisa smiled. “Your hair is doing jurisdiction.” Shammy stared. Then laughed. Panam shook her head. “You two deserve each other.” Elisa looked at Panam. “Dangerous sentence.” Panam smiled. “Keep talking.” Elisa stopped. Ace made a delighted sound. Mai covered her face. Shammy squeezed Elisa’s hand. “Appointment?” Elisa looked at her. “You too?” Shammy smiled brightly. “Yes.” Elisa sighed. “I’m surrounded.” Ace nodded. “Correct.” Panam opened the Side House door. “Coming in?” Elisa looked at the door. Then at Panam. Then Shammy. Then Ace and Mai. No hesitation now. “Yes.” They went inside. The little sitting room felt different in daylight. Less private. Less charged. At first. Panam dropped onto one end of the couch. Shammy sat beside her. Ace took the chair. Mai leaned against its back. Elisa stayed standing. Panam looked at her. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Elisa smiled. “I’m deciding where to sit.” Ace pointed at the floor. “Dangerous.” Elisa looked at her. “You’re four feet tall. Everything is floor-adjacent.” Ace stared. Mai made a choking sound. Panam laughed hard enough to lean sideways. Shammy’s hair went everywhere. Ace pointed. “You fucking—” Elisa smiled. “Say it properly.” Ace narrowed her eyes. Then: “Maybe.” Panam patted the couch. Elisa looked at the space. Between Panam and Shammy. Then at Panam. Panam raised an eyebrow. Elisa sat. Shammy immediately leaned against her shoulder. Elisa looked down. Shammy looked up. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Elisa smiled. “You’re very comfortable.” “Yes.” “With me.” “Yes.” Elisa considered. Then leaned back into her. “Good.” Panam watched. Elisa noticed. Of course. She turned her head. Panam did not look away. Elisa smiled. “Inventory?” Panam smiled back. “Research.” Elisa laughed. Ace pointed at both of them. “Fucking disease.” Mai kissed Ace’s hair. “You started several of these.” “No proof.” Elisa looked at Shammy. Then Panam. “Okay.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “What?” Elisa thought. Then decided not to dress it up. “Are you both flirting with me?” Silence. Ace grinned. Mai smiled. Shammy answered first. “Yes.” Elisa looked at Panam. Panam nodded. “Yes.” Elisa blinked. Then: “Good.” Panam smiled. “You expected something complicated?” “No.” “Yes, you did.” Elisa thought. “Maybe.” Shammy leaned closer. “We can do complicated later.” Ace made a strangled noise. Elisa pointed at Shammy. “That was deliberate.” “Yes.” Panam looked proud. “She’s learning.” Ace muttered: “We’re all doomed.” Elisa looked at Panam. “What do you like?” Panam stared. Ace whispered: “Oh, fuck.” Mai looked down at her. Ace smiled. “Observation.” Panam leaned back. “What kind of answer do you want?” “The honest one.” “That narrows nothing.” Elisa smiled. “People.” Panam considered. Then: “People who don’t need me to make them smaller so I can handle them.” Elisa went still. Shammy looked at Panam. Ace’s smile faded into something softer. Mai stayed quiet. Panam continued. “People who can take a hit without turning every disagreement into betrayal.” Elisa nodded. “And?” Panam looked at her. “People who hit back.” Elisa smiled. “There.” Panam smiled too. Shammy looked at Elisa. “What about me?” Elisa turned. “You?” “Yes.” Elisa thought. Then: “You feel everything.” Shammy blinked. Elisa continued. “Not emotionally. I mean—” Shammy smiled. “I know what you mean.” Elisa nodded. “And you don’t pretend you don’t.” Shammy’s expression changed. Small. Warm. Elisa looked between them. “Very different.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “Problem?” “No.” Elisa smiled. “I like different.” Ace muttered: “Of course you do.” Elisa looked at her. “You’re dating Mai.” Ace stared. Panam burst out laughing. Mai looked delighted. Ace pointed at Elisa. “I am going to throw you in the lake.” Elisa smiled. “Reyes already has territorial rights.” Ace opened her mouth. Stopped. Mai whispered: “She got you.” Ace sighed. “Yeah.” Shammy shifted closer. Her knee touched Elisa’s. Stayed there. Panam’s arm rested along the back of the couch behind Elisa. Not touching. Close. Elisa noticed both. Said nothing. For once. Ace noticed that too. “Oh.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” “You shut up.” Elisa smiled. “Thinking.” Panam: “Dangerous.” Elisa laughed. Then Shammy kissed her. Simple. Warm. No surprise. Elisa kissed back. Panam watched. Elisa knew. And this time she deliberately let that awareness stay. When Shammy pulled back, Elisa looked at her. Then immediately at Panam. Panam smiled. Elisa’s pulse changed. Not because Panam was watching. Because Panam knew Elisa knew. That was new. Elisa leaned back slightly. “Okay.” Shammy smiled. “What?” Elisa looked at Panam. “She’s good.” Panam laughed. Shammy’s hair lifted. Ace fell sideways in the chair. Mai caught her. Elisa looked at Shammy. “You know what I mean.” “Yes.” Panam leaned closer. “Do I?” Elisa looked at her. Held it. “Maybe you should find out.” Silence. Ace whispered: “Jesus fucking Christ.” Mai said: “He left ages ago.” Ace turned toward her. “You too?” Mai smiled. “Contagious.” Panam looked at Elisa for one long second. Then leaned in. Stopped close enough that Elisa could have closed the rest. Did not. Panam smiled. “Still curious?” Elisa smiled back. “Yes.” “Good.” Elisa closed the distance. The kiss was different again. Panam did not rush. Did not test. Did not need to. Elisa met her without hesitation. Shammy watched from inches away. When they separated, Elisa stayed still. Then breathed: “Fuck.” Panam smiled. “Good fuck or bad fuck?” Elisa stared at her. Ace covered her mouth. Shammy’s hair exploded. Mai closed her eyes. Elisa finally said: “You did that on purpose.” Panam nodded. “Yes.” Elisa looked at Shammy. “Help.” Shammy smiled. “No.” Elisa looked at Ace. “Help.” Ace shook her head. “Absolutely fucking not.” Mai: “Consequences.” Elisa stared around the room. “You’re all terrible.” Panam leaned back. “You came here.” Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Shammy rested her head against Elisa’s shoulder again. Elisa let her. Panam’s arm remained behind her. Closer now. Ace looked at the three of them. Then at Mai. Mai noticed. “What?” Ace smiled. “Nothing.” Mai raised an eyebrow. Ace leaned back. “Okay, fine.” She looked at Elisa. “Do you want us to stay?” Elisa blinked. Not embarrassed. Just surprised by the directness. She looked at Panam. Shammy. Then Ace and Mai. And understood what Ace was actually asking. Not permission. Not expectation. Space. Elisa thought for only a moment. “Yes.” Ace nodded. “Okay.” Mai smiled. No one made it bigger. Panam looked at Elisa. “Good answer.” Elisa leaned back between them. “Research.” Panam laughed. Shammy squeezed her hand. Outside, somewhere across the clearing, Brenda shouted something unintelligible. Ace looked toward the window. “Sounds dangerous.” Elisa smiled. “Colleague.” Panam groaned. “Don’t summon her.” Too late. Brenda’s voice carried again. This time clear. “ELISA!” Elisa closed her eyes. “What?” From outside: “ARE YOU BUSY?” The Side House went silent. Panam covered her face. Shammy fell sideways laughing. Ace disappeared against Mai. Elisa stared at the ceiling. Then shouted: “YES!” A pause. Brenda: “GOOD!” Another pause. Then: “DETAILS LATER!” Elisa stood halfway up. “NO!” Brenda: “COWARD!” Elisa sat back down. Panam looked at her. “Your friend?” Elisa sighed. “Colleague.” Ace and Shammy together: “From hell.” Elisa smiled. “Exactly.” Panam shook her head. Then looked at Elisa. “Still busy?” Elisa looked at Shammy. Then Panam. Then settled back into the couch. “Yes.” Shammy smiled. Panam did too. And for the first time all weekend— Elisa stopped wondering what Saturday might become. She was already in it. ---- # CHAPTER 42 — WITNESSES The Side House did not get quieter. It got more specific. That was worse. Or better. Elisa had stopped trying to decide. She sat between Panam and Shammy with one hand still loosely in Shammy’s. Panam’s arm rested along the back of the couch. Ace had migrated from the chair to the floor. Of course. Mai remained behind her at first. Then sat on the edge of the chair with one hand resting against Ace’s shoulder. Nobody talked for several seconds. Not awkward. Just full. Elisa noticed first. Naturally. She looked at Ace. Ace smiled. Too innocent. Elisa narrowed her eyes. “What?” Ace blinked. “Nothing.” “That was something.” Mai looked down at Ace. “It was.” Ace turned. “Traitor.” Mai smiled. “Yes.” Elisa looked at Mai. That was a mistake. Mai was already watching her. Not staring. Not performing. Just watching. Calm. Interested. Entirely unembarrassed. Elisa went still. Panam noticed. Immediately. She followed Elisa’s gaze. Found Mai. Then smiled. “Oh.” Elisa looked at her. “No.” Panam’s smile widened. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were telegraphing it.” Ace made a delighted noise. “Contagious.” Elisa pointed at her. “You shut up.” Ace grinned. “No.” Shammy tilted her head against Elisa’s shoulder. “What?” Elisa looked at her. “What what?” “Your pulse changed.” Silence. Elisa stared. Panam covered her mouth. Ace folded over. Mai smiled. Elisa looked betrayed. “You can hear that?” Shammy looked confused. “Yes.” “Of course you can.” “Yes.” Elisa closed her eyes. “This is bullshit.” Ace laughed. “Welcome to Shammy.” Shammy’s hair lifted. “Hey.” Elisa opened her eyes. Looked at Mai again. Mai had not moved. Elisa exhaled. Panam leaned slightly closer. “Problem?” Elisa looked at her. “No.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “Sure?” Elisa nodded. “Yes.” Panam smiled. “Good.” Shammy looked between Elisa and Mai. Then at Ace. Ace saw. Her smile changed. Small. Warm. Elisa noticed that too. “Okay.” Ace looked at her. “What?” Elisa pointed vaguely between all of them. “This is unfair.” Mai finally spoke. “What is?” Elisa looked at her. “You.” Mai raised an eyebrow. Ace whispered: “Oh, she did it.” Panam laughed. Shammy’s hair lifted higher. Mai stayed perfectly calm. “Me?” “Yes.” “What did I do?” Elisa stared. Then looked at Panam. “See?” Panam nodded. “Yes.” Ace was openly grinning now. Elisa looked back at Mai. “You’re doing that thing.” Mai tilted her head. “What thing?” “That.” Ace looked at Mai. Then Elisa. “Oh.” Elisa pointed. “Exactly.” Ace laughed. Mai smiled. Elisa groaned. “This is why talking to all of you is impossible.” Panam leaned back. “No. You’re doing fine.” Elisa looked at her. “That sounds suspicious.” “It should.” Shammy squeezed Elisa’s hand. “You like it.” Elisa looked at her. Then at Mai. Then at Panam. Then Ace. “Yes.” Nobody reacted dramatically. That helped. Mai nodded once. “Good.” Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “There.” Mai smiled. “What?” “That word.” “What word?” “Good.” Ace turned toward Mai. “Oh, fuck.” Mai looked down. “What?” Ace smiled. “You know exactly what you’re doing.” Mai’s expression did not change. “Yes.” Panam laughed. Elisa stared at Mai. Then at Ace. “You live with this?” Ace nodded. “Happily.” Mai’s fingers slid into Ace’s hair. Ace leaned back into the touch. Automatic. Elisa watched. Panam watched Elisa watching. Shammy watched Panam. The room quietly became ridiculous. Elisa noticed. “Everyone is watching everyone.” Ace smiled. “Yes.” “That’s normal?” Panam shrugged. “For this group?” “Yes.” Shammy nodded. “Very.” Elisa looked at Mai. “And you?” Mai smiled. “I like knowing what people want.” Elisa’s pulse changed again. Shammy made a tiny sound. Elisa turned. “Don’t.” Shammy pressed her lips together. Panam laughed. Ace pointed at Shammy. “Behave.” Shammy looked at her. “No.” Ace nodded. “Fair.” Elisa looked back at Mai. “What do I want?” Silence. Panam’s eyebrows rose. Ace’s smile vanished into pure attention. Shammy looked delighted. Mai did not answer immediately. She looked at Elisa. Properly. Then: “You want to know whether I’m enjoying this.” Elisa stopped. Panam looked at her. Shammy’s fingers tightened slightly around hers. Mai continued. “You want to know whether Ace is.” Elisa glanced at Ace. Ace smiled. Mai: “You want to know whether Panam means what she says.” Panam smiled. Mai: “And whether Shammy wants you close because she wants you close or because she thinks you need reassurance.” Elisa looked at Shammy. Shammy answered immediately. “I want you close.” Elisa swallowed. Mai watched her. “And you want to know whether you can want all of that at once without someone making it complicated.” The room went quiet. Elisa looked at her. Then smiled. Slowly. “Fuck.” Panam leaned closer. “Good fuck or bad fuck?” Elisa did not even look at her. “Shut up.” Panam grinned. Ace laughed. Mai’s smile softened. Elisa looked at her. “That was obnoxiously accurate.” “Yes.” “Do you enjoy being right?” “Yes.” Ace raised one hand. “Can confirm.” Elisa looked at Ace. “And you?” Ace blinked. “What about me?” “Are you enjoying this?” Ace smiled. “Yes. Very much.” No hesitation. Elisa nodded. “Good.” Ace leaned back against Mai’s legs. “Very.” Elisa looked at Mai. “And you?” Mai held her gaze. “Yes.” Elisa exhaled. Panam watched the relief move through her. Not because Elisa needed permission. Because clarity felt good. Shammy rested her head against Elisa again. Elisa let her. Then looked at Panam. “You?” Panam smiled. “You already know.” “I want to hear it.” Panam’s smile changed. “Yeah.” Elisa waited. Panam leaned closer. “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “Good.” Ace whispered: “There it is.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” Ace grinned. “Your turn to like that word.” Elisa laughed. “Fuck you.” Ace: “Later.” Elisa covered her face. Panam laughed. Shammy’s hair lifted. Mai looked at Ace. Ace looked proud. “Worth it.” Elisa lowered her hands. “You're all impossible.” Mai: “Yes.” Panam: “Probably.” Shammy: “Affection.” Ace: “Absolutely.” Elisa started laughing again. The tension broke just enough. Not gone. Never gone. Just easier. Panam shifted closer. Her knee touched Elisa’s. Stayed. Shammy’s hand slid from Elisa’s fingers to her wrist. Warm. Familiar already. Elisa looked at Shammy. Then Panam. Then, without thinking, back at Mai. Mai saw. Of course. Elisa smiled. “You’re still watching.” “Yes.” “You could stop.” Mai raised an eyebrow. “Do you want me to?” Elisa paused. Thought. Then: “No.” Mai nodded. “Okay.” That was all. No speech. No ceremony. Elisa relaxed. Panam noticed. “So.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” Panam smiled. “Still curious?” Elisa smiled back. “Yes.” Shammy lifted her head. “About what?” Elisa looked at her. Then Panam. Then Ace and Mai. “Everything.” Ace laughed. “There she is.” Elisa pointed. “No commentary from floor people.” Ace looked offended. “Floor people?” “You’re sitting on the floor.” “I’m compact.” “You’re tiny.” Ace narrowed her eyes. Panam whispered: “She’s going to kill you.” Elisa smiled. “Worth it.” Ace stared. Then broke into a grin. “Okay, that one was good.” Mai touched Ace’s shoulder. “Don’t encourage her.” Ace looked up. “You encourage me.” “Yes.” “Hypocrite.” “Yes.” Elisa looked at Shammy. “Do they always do that?” Shammy nodded. “Yes.” Panam: “All fucking day.” Ace: “You love us.” Panam looked at her. “Unfortunately.” Shammy kissed Panam’s cheek. Panam’s expression softened instantly. Elisa saw. That softness did something different to her than Panam’s pressure. She liked that too. Panam caught her looking. “What?” Elisa smiled. “Nothing.” “That was something.” Elisa leaned closer. “Maybe.” Panam’s eyebrow rose. Shammy smiled. Ace went completely silent. Mai noticed that. Looked down. Ace whispered: “I’m watching.” Mai smiled. “I know.” Elisa heard. Of course she did. She looked at Ace. Ace met her gaze. Elisa smiled. “You like watching too.” Ace nodded. “Yes.” Elisa looked at Mai. “And you?” Mai’s smile changed. “Sometimes.” Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “Sometimes?” “When I care about what I’m seeing.” Elisa went still. Panam quietly laughed. Shammy’s hair lifted. Ace whispered: “Oh, fuck.” Elisa stared at Mai. Then: “That was filthy.” Mai raised an eyebrow. “I said nothing filthy.” Elisa pointed. “Exactly.” Panam laughed harder. Ace looked at Mai with open admiration. “You magnificent bitch.” Mai smiled down at her. “Thank you.” Elisa leaned back against the couch. “Okay.” Panam looked at her. “What?” Elisa looked between all four of them. “Now I understand why Brenda keeps screaming.” Ace laughed. “Different reasons.” Panam nodded. “Mostly bad wiring.” Shammy: “Bad impulse control.” Elisa immediately: “Learned to walk upright.” From outside, faintly: “I HEARD THAT.” Everyone froze. Elisa stared at the window. Panam stared too. Ace whispered: “How the fuck?” Mai laughed. Shammy’s hair exploded. Brenda’s voice carried again from somewhere near the Main Cabin: “AND FUCK YOU TOO.” Elisa shouted back: “AFFECTION.” A distant: “BITCH.” Elisa smiled. Then turned back. “Where were we?” Panam looked at her. “Everything.” Elisa nodded. “Right.” Shammy shifted closer. Panam did too. Ace stayed exactly where she was. Mai stayed behind her. Nobody left. Nobody needed to. The room held all five lines at once. Panam’s directness. Shammy’s warmth. Elisa’s curiosity. Ace’s obvious delight. Mai’s calm attention. Nothing had to become more than that yet. But nothing had to pretend it was less either. Elisa looked at them all. Then smiled. “Okay.” Ace raised an eyebrow. “What now?” Elisa leaned back between Panam and Shammy. “Keep watching.” Mai smiled. Panam’s expression sharpened. Shammy’s hair lifted. Ace whispered: “Oh, Saturday.” And nobody disagreed. --- # CHAPTER 43 — HANDS For perhaps ten seconds, everyone behaved. Ace ruined it. Not deliberately. Probably. Her hand found Mai’s knee. Mai looked down. Ace was still watching the couch. Panam had shifted closer to Elisa again. Shammy was pressed warmly against Elisa’s other side, hair moving in small restless lifts that betrayed considerably more than her expression did. Elisa noticed Ace’s hand. Of course she did. Her eyes dropped briefly. Then returned to Panam. Then dropped again. Ace’s fingers moved slowly over Mai’s knee. Elisa smiled. “You’re cheating.” Ace looked at her. “What?” “You’re supposed to be watching.” “I am watching.” Mai’s fingers slid through Ace’s hair. Elisa pointed. “That.” Ace looked up at Mai. Then back at Elisa. “What about it?” Panam smiled. “Nobody said they had to keep their hands to themselves.” Elisa looked at her. Panam held her gaze. “Neither do you.” Elisa went quiet. Shammy smiled. Ace’s grin appeared immediately. “Oh.” Elisa pointed at her. “No commentary.” Ace mimed locking her mouth. Her hand continued moving. Elisa stared at it. Then at Ace. “You’re still doing it.” Ace nodded. “I have two hands.” Mai looked down. “Yes.” Ace froze. Panam laughed. Elisa’s eyebrows rose. Shammy made a delighted noise. Ace looked up at Mai. “That sounded accusatory.” Mai smiled. “It was observational.” “You know my hands.” “Yes.” “Very well.” “Yes.” Ace smiled. Mai’s eyebrow rose. Ace turned back toward the couch. “See? Innocent.” Panam snorted. Elisa said: “Bullshit.” Ace laughed. Then shifted. Mai knew what was coming before Ace moved. She leaned back slightly in the chair. Ace rose from the floor. Turned. And climbed into Mai’s lap. No discussion. No hesitation. Just the easy physical grammar of two people who had done this a thousand times. Mai’s arms went around her automatically. Her other hand slipped into Ace’s shorts with the same automatic certainty as the embrace. And then Ace stopped. Her eyes closed. A long, slow breath of pure pleasure escaped her. Nothing else showed. Nothing else needed to. When Ace opened her eyes again, her gaze went straight back to Panam, Shammy, and Elisa. Elisa stared. Ace smiled. “What?” Elisa looked at Mai. Mai looked perfectly innocent. Elisa looked back at Ace. Then Mai again. “Oh, fuck you both.” Panam laughed. Shammy’s hair lifted sharply. Ace settled more comfortably into Mai’s lap. Still watching. Very obviously more comfortable now. Elisa pointed at her. “That is absolutely cheating.” Ace smiled. “You told me to keep watching.” “I did.” “I am.” Panam looked at Elisa. “You wanted an audience.” Elisa looked back. “I did not say they could multitask.” Mai finally spoke. “You didn’t say they couldn’t.” Elisa stared at her. Panam made a low appreciative sound. Ace looked smug. Elisa pointed at Mai. “That.” Mai raised an eyebrow. “What?” “That fucking calm thing.” Ace nodded. “Yeah.” Mai looked down at her. “You like it.” Ace smiled. “Very much.” Elisa stared at them. Then looked at Shammy. “Does she always do that?” Shammy smiled. “Yes.” Panam: “Constantly.” Mai: “Do what?” Four people said: “That.” Mai smiled. Ace laughed against her. The room warmed another degree. Or perhaps several. Shammy’s hand moved from Elisa’s wrist to her cheek. Elisa turned toward her. Shammy kissed her. Not tentative now. Elisa met her immediately. Panam watched. Ace watched. Mai watched. And this time Elisa knew exactly how much she was being watched. She liked it. Her hand settled against Shammy’s waist. Shammy moved closer. When the kiss ended, Elisa stayed there for a moment. Then turned her head. Panam was still watching. Elisa smiled. “What?” Panam leaned slightly closer. “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Elisa’s smile widened. “Research?” “Bullshit.” “Probably.” Panam’s hand settled against Elisa’s side. Elisa looked down. Then back up. Panam did not move it. Elisa did not ask her to. Across the room, Ace shifted slightly in Mai’s lap. Another quiet breath left her. Longer this time. Elisa’s eyes flicked across. Ace caught her looking. Smiled. Elisa stared. “You are unbelievable.” Ace nodded. “Yes.” Mai’s expression stayed maddeningly composed. Elisa looked at her. “You’re enjoying this way too much.” Mai held her gaze. “Yes.” Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “At least you admit it.” Mai smiled. “I rarely lie about wanting Ace.” Ace went very still. Then slowly turned her head. Looked up at Mai. Panam whispered: “Oh, that landed.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Elisa smiled. Ace stared at Mai for another second. Then: “You magnificent bitch.” Mai smiled. “Thank you.” Ace kissed her. Quick at first. Automatic. Then not quick. Mai met her immediately. Ace turned in her lap just enough to make the kiss easier. Still close. Still folded into her. Elisa watched. Panam watched Elisa watching. Shammy watched both. Nobody pretended otherwise. When Ace finally pulled back, she stayed close to Mai. Forehead almost touching hers. Then turned her head toward the couch again. Elisa stared. Ace smiled. “What?” “You really are still watching.” “Yes.” Elisa looked at Mai. “You too?” “Yes.” Elisa leaned back. “Okay.” Panam looked at her. “What?” Elisa smiled. “This is hotter than I expected.” Silence. Shammy’s hair rose. Ace’s eyes widened. Panam slowly smiled. Mai did not react at all. Her hand still moved slowly between Ace's legs. Which was somehow worse. Elisa saw it. “Oh, fuck you.” Mai raised an eyebrow. “Why?” “That.” “What?” Elisa pointed. “That fucking calm thing again.” Ace nodded sympathetically. “It gets worse.” Mai looked down at her. “You complain frequently.” Ace smiled. “Not about this.” Panam laughed. Elisa looked at her. Panam’s hand was still at her side. Elisa’s attention dropped to it. Then back up. Panam smiled. “Distracted?” Elisa smiled back. “No.” “Your pulse disagrees.” Elisa immediately turned toward Shammy. Shammy’s expression was angelic. “I didn’t say anything.” “You didn’t have to.” Shammy smiled. Elisa looked back at Panam. Then placed her own hand on Panam’s thigh. Panam looked down. Then back up. “Independent contractor?” Elisa laughed. “Research.” “Bullshit.” “Yes.” Panam kissed her. Elisa met her halfway. Shammy watched. Ace watched. Mai watched. This time Elisa kept her hand exactly where she had put it. When the kiss ended, Panam stayed close. Elisa smiled. “Still curious.” “Good.” Shammy leaned against Elisa’s other side. Elisa turned. Kissed her too. No hesitation now. No comparison. No experiment. She simply wanted to. Across the room, Ace relaxed deeper into Mai. Mai’s face remained calm. Ace’s did not. Not entirely. Every so often something small moved through her expression. A breath. A brief closing of her eyes. A tiny shift against Mai. Then her attention returned to the couch. Elisa noticed all of it. And after a while, Ace noticed Elisa noticing. Their eyes met. Elisa smiled. Ace smiled back. No embarrassment. No challenge. Just recognition. Watching went both ways now. Shammy saw that. Of course. She turned slightly toward Ace. Her hair lifted. Ace smiled at her. Shammy smiled back. Panam noticed. Her arm moved behind Elisa, fingers briefly touching Shammy’s shoulder. Shammy leaned into that too. Elisa looked between them. Then toward Ace and Mai. The room had changed. Not suddenly. Not because anyone declared anything. It had simply become impossible to pretend there was one audience and one performance. There were only people. Watching. Touching. Wanting. Being wanted. Elisa smiled. “This is ridiculous.” Ace answered from Mai’s lap. “Yes.” Panam: “Problem?” “No.” Shammy kissed Elisa’s temple. Elisa looked at Mai. Mai was still watching. Calm. Interested. Elisa smiled. “Still enjoying yourself?” Mai nodded. “Yes.” Elisa looked at Ace. Ace’s expression changed again. Just for a second. A quiet breath. Elisa laughed softly. “That’s unfair.” Ace smiled. “Life is hard.” Mai kissed her neck. Ace’s answer became another long breath instead. Panam stared. “Oh.” Ace pointed vaguely at her without looking away from the couch. “No commentary.” Panam smiled. “I didn’t say anything.” “You said ‘oh.’” “Observation.” Mai smiled against Ace’s hair. Ace sighed. “Traitors everywhere.” Shammy: “Affection.” Elisa: “Very much.” Ace looked around the room. “You’re all impossible.” Mai held her closer. Ace relaxed instantly. Elisa smiled. “You’re not exactly suffering.” Ace considered. “No.” Panam leaned toward Elisa. “Neither are you.” Elisa looked at Shammy pressed warmly against her. At Panam inches away. At Ace curled comfortably into Mai. At Mai watching all three of them, hand still slowly moving between Ace's legs. Then smiled. “No.” Outside, the property continued as if nothing unusual was happening. Water moved against the dock. Wind crossed the clearing. Somewhere near the boathouse, Marco swore at something mechanical. Reyes laughed from the terrace. The Main Cabin door opened and closed. Life went on. Inside the Side House, Saturday became warmer. And nobody in the room was merely watching anymore. --- # CHAPTER 44 — NO ONE LOOKING AWAY Nobody looked away. That became the rule. Not spoken. Not agreed. Just true. Elisa sat between Panam and Shammy, warm from the sauna, warmer now for entirely different reasons. Panam’s hand remained at her side. Shammy stayed close enough that their shoulders barely separated. Across the room, Ace had settled completely into Mai’s lap. Comfortable. Very comfortable. Mai watched the couch. Ace watched the couch. And every few moments, Ace’s expression shifted just enough to remind everyone that Mai was doing considerably more than merely holding her. Elisa noticed. Every time. Panam noticed Elisa noticing. Shammy noticed all of it. Of course. Ace caught Elisa’s eyes again. Smiled. Elisa shook her head. “You are impossible.” Ace’s smile widened. “I’m comfortable.” “That is not the same thing.” Mai looked down at Ace. “It often is.” Panam laughed. Elisa stared at Mai. “You are worse.” Mai smiled. “Yes.” Shammy leaned closer to Elisa. “She is.” Elisa turned toward her. “You say that like you approve.” Shammy smiled brightly. “I do.” Elisa laughed. Then Panam kissed her. No warning. No challenge. Just direct. Elisa responded immediately. Shammy stayed close, watching from inches away. When Panam pulled back, Elisa’s hand remained on her leg. Panam glanced down. Then up. “Still research?” Elisa smiled. “Advanced research.” Ace made a noise. Elisa pointed across the room. “No.” Ace grinned. “I didn’t say anything.” “You made a noise.” “I have lungs.” Elisa stared. Panam burst out laughing. Shammy fell against Elisa’s shoulder. Mai’s mouth twitched. Ace looked unbearably pleased with herself. “That one was good.” Elisa shook her head. “You people recycle everything.” Ace shrugged. “Efficient.” Mai kissed the side of Ace’s neck. Ace stopped talking. Elisa saw. Panam saw. Shammy’s hair lifted. Ace slowly looked up at Mai. “You did that on purpose.” Mai smiled. “Yes. That too.” Elisa laughed. “Efficient.” Ace looked offended. “Traitor.” “You love me.” “Unfortunately.” Panam leaned closer to Elisa. “Still watching them?” “Yes.” “Why?” Elisa considered. Then smiled. “Because they’re hot.” Silence. Ace’s eyebrows rose. Mai did not react at all. Panam smiled. Shammy made a delighted little sound. Elisa looked at Ace. “What?” Ace grinned. “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Mai looked at Elisa. “You’re getting more direct.” Elisa shrugged. “You’re not exactly rewarding subtlety.” Panam laughed. Shammy nodded seriously. “She isn’t.” Mai’s eyes moved to Shammy. Shammy smiled. Ace whispered: “Oh.” Mai looked down. “What?” Ace smiled. “Nothing.” “That was something.” Ace laughed. “Contagious.” Elisa looked at Shammy. “You started this.” Shammy’s eyes widened. “Me?” “Yes.” “No.” Panam pointed between Shammy and Ace. “Both of them.” Ace protested immediately. “Bullshit.” Mai: “Accurate.” Ace turned. “You’re supposed to be on my side.” “I am.” “That did not sound like it.” Mai’s arm tightened around her, other hand still moved slowly between Ace's legs. Ace relaxed. Immediately. Elisa stared. Panam followed her gaze. Shammy did too. Ace noticed all three. “What?” Elisa smiled. “Nothing.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “That was absolutely something.” Elisa leaned back. “You fold.” Ace stared. “What?” “Mai touches you and you just—” Elisa made a tiny collapsing gesture with one hand. Panam laughed. Shammy’s hair lifted. Ace looked at Mai. Then back at Elisa. “That is slander.” Mai kissed Ace’s temple. Ace melted deeper into her. Elisa pointed. “Evidence.” Panam laughed harder. Ace closed her eyes. “Fuck all of you.” Elisa: “Scheduling.” Ace opened one eye. “You’re abusing that.” “Yes.” Shammy kissed Elisa’s cheek. Panam leaned closer. Elisa looked between them. Then at Ace and Mai. Something about the room had become absurdly easy. Nobody was asking where they were supposed to look. Nobody was pretending not to want something they obviously wanted. Nobody was performing jealousy for sport. They were simply there. Warm. Curious. Interested. Elisa turned toward Shammy. Kissed her. Slowly this time. Shammy leaned into her with immediate trust. Panam watched. Elisa knew Panam watched. That knowledge no longer surprised her. It sharpened everything. When the kiss ended, Elisa stayed close to Shammy. Then looked at Panam. “You like watching her too.” Panam nodded. “Yes.” Shammy smiled. Elisa looked at Shammy. “And you?” Shammy looked at Panam. Then Elisa. Then Ace and Mai. “Yes.” No explanation. No shame. Elisa smiled. “Good.” Across the room, Ace made another soft sound. Elisa’s eyes moved automatically. Ace caught her. For a second, both women simply looked at each other. Then Ace smiled. Elisa smiled back. Panam noticed. “So now you like watching her.” Elisa did not look away. “Yes.” Ace’s grin became dangerous. Mai looked down at her. “Don’t.” Ace blinked. “What?” “That face.” Ace smiled wider. Panam laughed. Elisa pointed. “See?” Mai kissed Ace’s cheek. Ace’s grin softened. Shammy watched that. Something warm moved through her expression. Panam saw it too. Her hand left Elisa’s side for a moment and found Shammy’s shoulder. Shammy leaned into the contact. Elisa looked at both of them. Then reached across and put her hand over Panam’s. Panam looked down. Then at Elisa. Shammy looked at Elisa. Elisa smiled. “Too much?” Panam answered first. “No.” Shammy shook her head. “No.” Elisa nodded. “Good.” Ace watched. Mai watched. The room went quiet again. Not empty. Full. Elisa leaned toward Panam. Panam met her halfway. Shammy stayed close. Ace shifted in Mai’s lap. Mai kissed her neck again. Ace’s eyes closed. Elisa saw. So did Panam. Panam pulled back just enough to look across the room. “Ace.” Ace opened her eyes. “What?” Panam smiled. “You’re fucking terrible at pretending you’re just watching.” Ace stared. Then smiled. “I stopped pretending a while ago.” Elisa laughed. Mai’s expression remained perfectly calm. Panam looked at her. “And you?” Mai raised an eyebrow. “What about me?” “You’re enjoying all of this.” “Yes.” Panam shook her head. “Of course.” Mai looked at Elisa. “Are you?” Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Mai nodded. “Good.” Elisa froze. Panam immediately smiled. Shammy’s hair lifted. Ace laughed. Elisa covered her face. “Oh, fuck you.” Mai smiled. “You’re predictable.” Elisa lowered her hands. “No. That word is weaponized.” Ace nodded. “Correct.” Panam: “Useful.” Shammy: “Very.” Elisa looked around. “Everyone in this room is terrible.” Ace: “Yes.” Panam: “Probably.” Shammy: “Affection.” Mai: “Accurate.” Elisa started laughing. And once she started, everyone else followed. The pressure eased again. Only slightly. Panam leaned back into the couch. Shammy curled closer. Elisa stayed between them. Across the room, Ace remained in Mai’s lap like she had no intention of moving anytime soon. Nobody looked toward the door. Nobody suggested food. Nobody mentioned the lake. Nobody cared what time it was. Outside, Saturday kept moving. Inside, time had become something softer. Less useful. Elisa rested her head back. Closed her eyes for one second. Then opened them again. Mai was still watching. Ace too. Panam’s hand had returned to her side. Shammy’s fingers rested loosely over hers. Elisa smiled. “Still here.” Panam: “Yes.” Shammy: “Yes.” Ace: “Unfortunately.” Elisa looked at her. Ace grinned. “You like me anyway.” Mai kissed Ace’s temple. Elisa laughed. Then looked at Panam. At Shammy. At Ace. At Mai. And said: “Good.” This time nobody teased her. They just smiled. --- # CHAPTER 45 — EVENTUALLY, HUNGER Eventually, hunger won. Not immediately. Nothing in the Side House happened immediately anymore. Time had gone soft around the edges. Elisa remained between Panam and Shammy. Shammy had somehow acquired more of Elisa’s shoulder without visibly moving. Panam sat close enough that their knees stayed in contact. Across the room, Ace was still in Mai’s lap. Mai looked perfectly composed. Ace did not. Nobody mentioned it. For almost a minute. Then Panam looked at Ace. Ace looked back. Panam smiled. “You alive?” Ace narrowed her eyes. “Yes.” “Sure?” “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “Her pulse probably disagrees.” Shammy looked at Ace. Ace pointed at her. “No.” Shammy smiled innocently. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” Mai kissed Ace’s temple. Ace immediately relaxed deeper against her. Elisa pointed. “There.” Ace opened one eye. “What?” “That.” “What?” “You fold.” Ace sighed. “We covered this.” “Still evidence.” Panam nodded. “Compelling.” Ace stared at her. “Fuck you.” Panam smiled. “Busy.” Ace froze. Elisa folded against Shammy. Shammy’s hair lifted. Mai’s mouth twitched. Panam looked unbearably satisfied. Ace stared for another second. Then: “Okay.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “What?” “That was good.” “Thank you.” Elisa leaned back. “You people really do reward good lines.” Mai nodded. “Yes.” Ace: “Otherwise Brenda would have been dead years ago.” From outside, faintly: “FUCK YOU.” Everyone stopped. Elisa looked toward the window. Panam looked too. Shammy’s hair lifted. Ace whispered: “She’s a fucking cryptid.” Mai laughed. Brenda’s voice came again from somewhere across the clearing. “I HEARD THAT TOO.” Elisa covered her face. Panam leaned toward the window. “GO AWAY.” Brenda: “NO.” Then Iris, much closer to Brenda: “Come inside.” Brenda: “I AM OUTSIDE.” Iris: “I know.” A pause. Then Brenda: “Oh.” Silence. Elisa stared at the window. Ace grinned. Panam shook her head. Shammy smiled. Mai: “Efficient.” Ace looked up at her. “You liked that.” “Yes.” “Terrible.” “Yes.” Elisa laughed. Then Della’s earlier question returned to her. Not as a thought exactly. More like a pressure. She looked at Shammy. Then Panam. Panam noticed. “What?” Elisa hesitated. Not because she was afraid to ask. Because she wanted the question right. “You two.” Panam raised an eyebrow. Shammy lifted her head. Elisa looked between them. “How does this work?” Ace made a sound. Elisa pointed at her immediately. “Not you.” Ace looked offended. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” Panam looked at Elisa. “What do you mean?” Elisa thought. Then: “You and Shammy.” Shammy smiled. “Yes.” “And Ace.” Ace blinked. Elisa: “And Mai.” Mai’s attention sharpened. Elisa continued. “And me sitting here.” Panam waited. Elisa looked down at her own hand. Then back up. “You all seem to know when something is complicated and when it just isn’t.” Panam leaned back. “That’s because most of the time it isn’t.” Elisa frowned. “That sounds too simple.” “It is simple.” Shammy nodded. “People make it hard when they don’t say what they want.” Ace muttered: “Or when they say what they think they’re supposed to want.” Mai looked down at her. Ace shrugged. “What?” Elisa looked at Ace. “That sounded experienced.” Ace smiled. “It is.” Panam added: “And sometimes it’s complicated.” Elisa looked at her. “How do you know?” Panam shrugged. “When somebody starts pretending.” Shammy: “Or pulling away.” Mai: “Or asking a question they already know the answer to.” Elisa looked at Mai. “That sounded aimed.” Mai smiled. “No.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “That was definitely aimed.” Ace laughed. Panam nodded. “Yeah.” Elisa sighed. “I hate all of you.” Shammy kissed her cheek. “No.” Elisa looked at her. “No?” “You don’t.” Elisa smiled. “No.” Panam looked at her. “So what are you really asking?” Elisa went quiet. That landed. Ace stopped smiling. Mai watched. Shammy waited. Elisa looked at Panam. Then Shammy. “Whether this is okay.” Panam’s answer came immediately. “Yes.” Shammy: “Yes.” Elisa looked across the room. Ace nodded. Mai did too. Elisa exhaled. Then smiled. “Good.” Ace smiled. Panam did too. Shammy’s hair lifted. Mai’s expression softened. Nobody made the word dirty this time. Nobody needed to. Elisa leaned into Shammy. Panam’s hand settled against her side again. Across the room, Ace looked up at Mai. Mai looked down. A small smile passed between them. Elisa saw. “You’re doing it again.” Ace looked at her. “What?” “Talking without talking.” Ace smiled. “Yes.” Panam: “They’re annoying.” Mai: “Accurate.” Ace looked offended. “You’re literally half of ‘they.’” “Yes.” Elisa laughed. Then her stomach made the decision for everyone. Loudly. Silence. Elisa froze. Panam slowly looked down. Shammy’s hair lifted. Ace grinned. Mai looked amused. Elisa closed her eyes. “No.” Ace: “That was definitely something.” Elisa pointed without opening her eyes. “Fuck you.” Panam laughed. Shammy pressed her forehead into Elisa’s shoulder. Elisa sighed. “I was trying to have a moment.” Panam: “You did.” “My stomach ruined it.” Ace: “Biology.” Elisa opened her eyes. “I hate biology.” Mai: “You liked it ten minutes ago.” Elisa stared. Panam made a choking sound. Shammy’s hair exploded. Ace twisted around in Mai’s lap. “MAI.” Mai looked perfectly calm. “What?” Elisa covered her mouth. Panam leaned forward laughing. Ace stared at Mai. “That was filthy.” Mai raised an eyebrow. “I said nothing explicit.” Elisa finally managed: “That is becoming your fucking specialty.” Mai smiled. “Yes.” Ace looked at Elisa. “See what I live with?” Elisa: “Happily.” Ace sighed. “Unfortunately.” Shammy: “Affection.” Panam: “Food.” Everyone stopped. Panam stood. “That part wasn’t a joke.” Elisa looked up. “You’re leaving?” Panam raised an eyebrow. “To eat.” “Oh.” Panam smiled. “You can come.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “That sounded deliberate.” “Yes.” Shammy stood too. Then held out both hands to Elisa. Elisa looked at them. Then took them. Shammy pulled her up. Elisa ended closer than expected. Shammy smiled. Elisa smiled back. Then kissed her. Quick. Warm. Panam waited. Elisa turned. Panam raised an eyebrow. “What?” Elisa stepped closer and kissed her too. Panam smiled when they separated. “Research?” Elisa shook her head. “No.” That made Panam’s expression soften. Only slightly. But enough. Across the room, Ace watched. Mai watched Ace watching. Ace noticed. “What?” Mai smiled. “You like her.” Ace looked at Elisa. Then Panam. Then Shammy. “Yes.” Elisa heard. Of course she did. She looked across. Ace smiled at her. Elisa smiled back. “Good.” Ace laughed. “There it is.” Elisa pointed. “Don’t.” Ace raised both hands. Then immediately looked down at herself. Paused. Mai smiled. Ace looked up. “You’re enjoying this.” “Yes.” “Terrible woman.” “Yes.” Elisa looked at Panam. “What?” Panam smiled. “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yeah.” Ace shifted in Mai’s lap. Finally. Slowly. Then stood. For a second she stayed between Mai’s knees. Mai looked up at her. Ace looked down. Kissed her. Long enough that Panam sighed. Elisa watched. Shammy watched. Ace pulled back. Then looked toward the couch. “Still hot?” Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Ace grinned. “Good.” Mai stood behind her. Panam looked between them. “You two coming?” Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked at Ace. Ace nodded. “Food.” Panam stared. Ace blinked. “What?” “You hesitated.” “No.” “Yes.” “Bullshit.” Mai: “She did.” Ace turned. “You're supposed to support me.” Mai kissed the top of her head. “I do.” Ace relaxed. Elisa pointed. “Evidence.” Ace closed her eyes. “Fuck all of you.” Panam opened the door. Cooler air moved into the Side House. Everyone stopped for half a second. The outside world suddenly existed again. Sunlight. Clearing. Main Cabin. Terrace. Lake. The smell of wood and water. And somewhere near the Main Cabin— food. Panam inhaled. “Oh, thank fuck.” Shammy smiled. “You hungry?” “Yes.” Elisa stepped onto the porch. “How long were we in there?” Mai looked toward the sun. “Long enough.” Ace: “Very scientific.” Mai: “Accurate.” Panam shut the door behind them. They crossed the clearing together. Not in a line. Not in pairs. Shammy moved between Panam and Elisa for part of it. Then drifted toward Ace. Ace immediately hooked an arm around her waist. Shammy leaned down and kissed the top of Ace’s head. Panam saw. Smiled. Elisa saw that too. Mai walked beside her. Elisa looked at her. Mai looked back. “What?” Elisa smiled. “Nothing.” Mai raised an eyebrow. Elisa laughed. “Okay. Something.” “Yes?” Elisa glanced at Ace. Then Panam. Then Shammy. “You were right.” Mai waited. Elisa continued. “It doesn’t feel complicated.” Mai smiled. “No.” Elisa looked at her. “Dangerous.” “What?” “You being right this often.” Mai smiled. “Yes.” Ahead of them, Ace turned around while walking backward. “What are you two talking about?” Elisa shouted: “YOU.” Ace nearly tripped. Panam caught her shoulder. “Forward.” Ace recovered. “I can walk backward.” Panam: “Apparently not.” Shammy laughed. Elisa looked at Mai. Mai said: “Evidence.” Elisa laughed so hard she had to stop walking. Ace stared at both of them. “You're conspiring.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa: “Professionally.” Ace pointed. “No.” From the Main Cabin terrace, Brenda appeared. She looked at the five of them crossing together. Then at Elisa. Then Panam. Then Shammy. Then Ace. Then Mai. Her eyebrows rose. Elisa pointed before Brenda could speak. “No.” Brenda smiled. “I didn't say anything.” “Your entire fucking body did.” Iris appeared behind Brenda. Looked at the group. Then at Brenda. “Don’t.” Brenda turned. “What?” “That face.” Ace shouted: “THANK YOU.” Brenda looked wounded. “I am being oppressed.” Elisa: “Good.” Brenda stared. Then smiled. “Oh, she’s back.” Elisa stopped halfway to the terrace. “I never left.” Brenda: “No, but now you’re dangerous again.” Panam: “She was dangerous in there.” Brenda’s head snapped toward Panam. Elisa immediately: “No details.” Brenda stared. Panam smiled. Shammy’s hair lifted. Ace made a tiny sound. Mai remained perfectly calm. Brenda looked at all five. Then slowly smiled. “Interesting.” Iris took Brenda by the shoulders. Turned her toward the kitchen door. “Food.” Brenda allowed herself to be moved. “THIS IS CENSORSHIP.” Iris: “This is lunch.” Brenda: “Same thing.” Elisa laughed. They followed. Inside, the Main Cabin had reorganized itself without them. Kiro was at the table. Reyes stood behind her with both hands on Kiro’s shoulders. Kiro looked human again. Mostly. Marco and Lena were in the kitchen. Della was cutting something. Mira was carrying plates. Della looked up first. Saw Elisa. Then Panam. Then Shammy. Then Ace and Mai. Her expression changed. Small. Amused. Elisa saw. Mira saw too. Elisa walked straight toward them. Della raised an eyebrow. “Research?” Elisa smiled. “Advanced.” Mira laughed. Della looked at Panam. Then Shammy. Then back at Elisa. “Useful?” Elisa nodded. “Yes.” Della smiled. “Good.” Elisa stopped. Looked at her. Della’s smile widened. Elisa pointed. “Fuck you.” Della laughed. Mira leaned close. “Scheduling issue.” Elisa stared at both of them. Then started laughing. Panam shook her head. “You created monsters.” Ace: “Not me.” Everyone looked at her. Ace sighed. “Fine.” Mai kissed her temple. Ace relaxed. Elisa pointed. “Evidence.” Reyes looked up from Kiro. “What did I miss?” Kiro answered without moving. “Apparently everything.” Brenda leaned across the table. “Same.” Marco put down a bowl. “No.” Brenda looked at him. “What?” “We are eating.” “I didn’t ask anything.” “You were about to.” Brenda smiled. Marco pointed at the chair. “Sit.” Brenda looked at Iris. Iris smiled. “Good idea.” Brenda sat. Immediately. Elisa stared. Brenda looked at her. “What?” Elisa smiled slowly. “Oh.” Brenda pointed. “No.” Iris kissed Brenda’s cheek. Elisa grinned. “Evidence.” Brenda closed her eyes. “Fuck this cabin.” Ace: “Scheduling.” The room exploded. And just like that— Side House heat became Main Cabin laughter. Nothing had ended. Nothing had been resolved. Nothing needed to be. Saturday still had hours left. And now everyone was hungry. --- # CHAPTER 46 — NOT FINISHED Lunch was loud. That helped. Bowls moved. Bread disappeared. Marco complained that people were taking food before he had finished putting it out. Nobody cared. Brenda asked three questions and was told no three times. Iris answered the fourth. Kiro had recovered enough to participate in conversation again, although Reyes still kept one hand resting loosely on the back of her neck whenever she passed behind her. Della and Mira shared a plate without discussing it. Elisa noticed. Then realized she had started noticing everything. That was new. Or perhaps she had always noticed. She had simply learned what some of it meant. Across the table, Ace was eating. Normally. Almost. Mai sat beside her. Very close. Elisa looked once. Then again. Ace caught her. “What?” Elisa smiled. “Nothing.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “That is never nothing anymore.” Mai continued eating. Calm. Of course. Elisa looked at her. Then at Ace. Ace’s expression changed by half a degree. Elisa smiled wider. Ace pointed her fork. “No.” Elisa laughed. “I didn’t say anything.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” Panam leaned across Shammy. “She’s learning.” Shammy nodded. “Fast.” Brenda: “Dangerously.” Elisa looked at her. “You are not allowed to complain.” “I’m not complaining.” Iris: “She isn’t.” Brenda smiled. “See?” Elisa shook her head. Lunch continued. The room gradually loosened again. People drifted toward second helpings. Marco surrendered control of the bread. Lena stole his chair. Reyes sat beside Kiro instead of behind her. Panam leaned against Shammy. Shammy leaned back. Everything looked normal. Which was increasingly meaningless. Ace finished first. She pushed her plate away. Mai looked at her. Ace looked back. Nothing was said. Elisa saw it. Of course. Ace stood. Mai stood too. Brenda immediately looked up. Ace pointed at her. “Don’t.” Brenda raised both hands. “I said nothing.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” Iris smiled. Ace looked around. “Walk.” Panam raised an eyebrow. “Where?” Ace shrugged. “Outside.” Mai: “Come on.” Elisa watched them leave. Nobody else moved. That told her more than movement would have. Panam noticed her watching. “Curious?” “Yes.” “Good.” Elisa looked at her. “That was very Mai.” Panam smiled. “Terrifying, isn’t it?” “Yes.” Outside, the air was cooler. Ace stepped off the terrace. Mai followed. They crossed part of the clearing. Not toward the dock. Not toward the sauna. Not toward anywhere that required company. Ace slowed near the side of the Main Cabin where the wall blocked most of the terrace view. Mai stopped beside her. Ace looked up. “You knew.” Mai smiled. “Yes.” Ace laughed softly. “Of course you did.” Mai stepped closer. Ace’s hands settled on her waist. Mai’s arms went around her. For a few seconds, neither said anything. The noise from lunch remained behind them. Muted. Ordinary. Ace leaned into Mai. Mai kissed her forehead. Ace closed her eyes. Then opened them. “That was cruel.” Mai raised an eyebrow. “What was?” Ace stared. Mai smiled. Ace laughed. “You absolute bitch.” Mai kissed her. Slow. Ace met her immediately. No audience now. No Panam. No Shammy. No Elisa watching them back. Just the two of them. Ace relaxed into it. Mai held her closer. The kiss deepened. Ace’s fingers tightened briefly at Mai’s sides. When they parted, Ace stayed against her. Breathing slower. Mai looked down. Ace smiled. “What?” Mai kissed the corner of her mouth. “You’re still restless.” Ace laughed. “Yes.” Mai’s hand moved. Ace stopped laughing. Her eyes closed. Her forehead dropped against Mai’s shoulder. Nothing else showed. Nothing else needed to. The cabin noise carried faintly around the corner. Someone inside laughed. A chair scraped. Brenda shouted something unintelligible. Ace barely reacted. Mai stayed close. Calm. Patient. Ace’s breathing changed. Slow at first. Then not. Her hands tightened around Mai. Mai kissed her hair. Ace pressed closer. A long breath escaped her. Then another. And then Ace went very still. Completely still. For one suspended second, the rest of the property disappeared. Ace’s grip tightened. Her breath broke softly against Mai’s shoulder. Then she exhaled. Long. Shaking. Finished. Mai held her through the stillness afterward. No joke. No comment. Just warmth. Ace stayed there. Eyes closed. Breathing gradually settling. Mai kissed her temple. Ace laughed quietly. “That was overdue.” Mai smiled. “Yes.” Ace opened her eyes. “You planned that.” “Yes.” “You’re terrifying.” “Yes.” Ace kissed her again. Softer now. Grateful. Happy. When they separated, Ace stayed close. Then looked toward the cabin. “You think they noticed?” Mai considered. “Panam did.” Ace groaned. “Elisa?” “Yes.” “Shammy?” Mai smiled. Ace sighed. “Right.” They started back. Halfway to the terrace, Ace stopped. Mai looked at her. Ace smiled. “Thank you.” Mai kissed her forehead. “Any time.” Ace grinned. “Dangerous answer.” Mai raised an eyebrow. “You already know that.” Ace laughed. They reached the terrace. Panam looked up first. Then Shammy. Then Elisa. Ace stopped. Three faces. Three different expressions. Panam smiled. Shammy’s hair lifted. Elisa stared. Ace pointed. “No.” Elisa: “I didn’t say anything.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” Panam leaned back. “You look better.” Ace stared. “Fuck you.” Panam smiled. “See?” Shammy: “Affection.” Elisa looked at Mai. Mai looked perfectly innocent. Elisa slowly smiled. Ace saw it. “No.” Elisa held up both hands. “Nothing.” “That was something.” Elisa laughed. Then moved over on the terrace bench. Making space. Not hosting. Not inviting. Just making space. Ace sat. Mai beside her. Elisa looked at Ace. Ace looked back. Elisa smiled. “Better?” Ace considered. Then smiled. “Yes.” Elisa nodded. “Good.” Panam looked at Mai. Mai smiled. Shammy leaned against Panam. Nobody said anything else. Nothing needed to be said. The Side House had not been unfinished after all. It had simply followed them outside. --- # CHAPTER 47 — STILL SATURDAY Saturday refused to become sensible. That was probably its best quality. After lunch, the Main Cabin scattered again. Not dramatically. Nobody announced plans. Nobody needed to. Marco and Lena disappeared toward the boathouse with tools, two bottles of water, and the mutual expression of people who fully intended to fix one thing and would probably discover six more. Reyes and Kiro migrated toward the dock. Brenda and Iris remained on the terrace, allegedly discussing nothing. Nobody believed them. Panam and Shammy stayed outside. Ace and Mai sat with them for a while. Elisa did not. She stood in the Main Cabin doorway and watched Mira and Della walk toward the lake. Then followed them. Della noticed first. She looked back over one shoulder. “Elisa.” Elisa smiled. “Della.” Mira glanced back too. “You recovered?” “Yes.” “Completely?” Elisa considered. “Enough to make decisions.” Della smiled. “That sounds ominous.” “It should.” Mira laughed. They kept walking. Elisa caught up. Nobody mentioned where she had been. For nearly thirty seconds. Then Della looked at her. “So.” Elisa sighed. “There it is.” Mira smiled. “What?” “That face.” Della looked innocent. “What face?” “The one where you know something and are enjoying making me wait.” Della looked at Mira. Mira looked at Della. Elisa pointed. “That. Exactly that.” Mira laughed. Della: “You liked the Side House.” Elisa did not hesitate. “Yes.” Mira’s eyebrow rose slightly. “Good.” Elisa looked between them. “That’s it?” Della: “What did you want?” “I don’t know.” Mira: “Jealousy?” “No.” Della: “Interrogation?” “Absolutely not.” Mira: “Detailed forms?” Elisa stared. Della laughed. “Sorry.” Elisa smiled. “You’re both terrible.” “You still want us here?” “No.” “Liar.” Elisa laughed. They reached the path along the water. The lake looked calmer than it had earlier. Cold blue-gray under the afternoon light. The dock stretched out empty except for Reyes and Kiro near the far end. Reyes sat with her feet hanging over the side. Kiro leaned against her shoulder. Reyes had one arm around her. Neither looked toward the approaching three. Nobody needed to. Elisa watched them for a moment. Then smiled. Della noticed. “You’re doing that thing again.” “What thing?” “Mapping.” Elisa looked at her. “I’m not mapping.” Mira: “You are absolutely mapping.” Elisa sighed. “Fine.” Della smiled. “What did you learn?” Elisa looked toward Reyes and Kiro. Then toward the terrace. Ace was laughing at something Panam had said. Mai sat beside her. Shammy leaned against Panam. Brenda and Iris had somehow moved closer without anyone noticing. Elisa smiled. “That nobody here behaves like I expected.” Mira: “Expected from what?” Elisa shrugged. “Most people.” Della looked at her. “That sounds expensive.” Elisa laughed. “Everything sounds expensive when you say it like that.” “I’m talented.” “Yes.” Mira nudged Elisa lightly with her shoulder. “What did you expect?” Elisa thought. “More ownership.” Della’s expression sharpened slightly. “People?” “Yes.” Mira nodded once. Elisa continued. “More… territories.” She made a small gesture. “This person belongs with that person. That room belongs to this couple. That chair belongs to that person. That touch means something exclusive.” Della looked toward the dock. Reyes had just kissed Kiro’s temple. Kiro had responded by stealing the bottle from Reyes’s hand. Neither cared. Mira looked toward the terrace. Ace was now half leaning against Mai while still arguing with Panam. Shammy’s hand rested loosely on Panam’s knee. Elisa followed her gaze. “Exactly.” Della: “And instead?” Elisa smiled. “Instead everybody steals everything.” Mira laughed. “Accurate.” “Chairs. Hoodies. Beds. Food. Partners.” Della looked at her. “That last one sounds dangerous.” Elisa smiled. “Only if you think people are furniture.” Mira stopped. Elisa stopped too. Della turned toward her. For a second, neither woman spoke. Elisa looked between them. “What?” Mira smiled slowly. “That was good.” Della nodded. “Very.” Elisa smiled. “Thank you.” Mira stepped closer. “Still mapping?” “Yes.” Della: “Good.” Elisa looked at her. “You both keep saying that.” “Because you keep acting like curiosity is a crime.” “I don’t.” Mira raised an eyebrow. Elisa sighed. “Fine. Sometimes.” Della looked toward the boathouse. “Curiosity only gets annoying when you assume people owe you answers.” Elisa nodded. “That I understand.” Mira: “You ask.” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” “And when the answer is no?” “I stop.” Della shrugged. “Then ask.” Elisa smiled. “Dangerous advice.” Mira: “To you?” “Yes.” “Probably.” Elisa laughed. They continued toward the dock. Reyes looked up as they approached. Kiro did not. Reyes: “You three look suspicious.” Elisa: “Why?” “Too coordinated.” Della: “We’re walking.” Reyes: “Exactly.” Mira smiled. Kiro opened one eye. “Is she interrogating you?” Elisa: “Not yet.” Kiro: “Give her time.” Reyes looked at Elisa. “Recovered?” “Yes.” Kiro lifted her head. “Fully?” “Mostly.” Kiro nodded solemnly. “Never again.” Elisa: “Never again.” Reyes looked between them. “Good.” Kiro: “She had three.” Reyes: “I know.” Kiro: “I had one.” Reyes: “I know that too.” Kiro closed her eyes again. “I want history to stop judging me.” Della laughed. Mira sat on the dock. Elisa sat beside her. Della remained standing for a moment. Then sat on Elisa’s other side. Nobody arranged it. Nobody commented. Elisa noticed anyway. Of course. Reyes looked at her. “You’re doing the face.” Elisa: “What face?” “The one where your brain has six windows open.” Kiro, eyes still closed: “Twelve.” Elisa laughed. “Rude.” “Accurate.” Mira looked toward the water. “Elisa has been studying the local ecosystem.” Reyes: “Oh no.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Reyes smiled. “Later.” Elisa froze. Della looked at Reyes. Mira looked at Elisa. Kiro opened both eyes. Then smiled. Elisa slowly pointed at Reyes. “That was deliberate.” “Yes. Very.” Della laughed. Mira’s smile widened. Kiro settled back against Reyes. “Welcome to the cabin.” Elisa shook her head. “You people are awful.” Reyes: “Yes. Always.” Mira: “Affection.” Elisa turned. “You too?” Mira looked innocent. “No idea what you mean.” Elisa stared. Della kissed her cheek. Elisa immediately turned toward her. Della smiled. “What?” Elisa looked at Mira. Mira watched openly. No surprise. No discomfort. Just interest. Elisa smiled. Then kissed Della. Brief. Warm. Easy. When she pulled back, Della’s expression remained calm. Mira’s did too. Elisa looked at Mira. Mira raised an eyebrow. “Yes?” Elisa: “You’re enjoying this.” “Yes.” Della laughed. Reyes looked at Kiro. Kiro looked back. Neither said anything. Elisa noticed. Reyes noticed her noticing. Elisa sighed. “Everybody here does that.” “What?” “Talks without talking.” Reyes shrugged. “Efficient.” Elisa groaned. “No.” Kiro smiled. “Yes.” Mira leaned slightly closer to Elisa. “Want us to stop?” Elisa looked at her. “No.” Mira nodded. “Good.” Elisa stared. Then laughed. “That word is ruined forever.” Reyes: “Good.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Reyes: “Maybe.” Della made a tiny choking sound. Mira laughed. Kiro buried her face against Reyes’s shoulder. Elisa stared. Reyes looked perfectly calm. “Problem?” Elisa: “You are all escalating.” Reyes: “Saturday.” Kiro, muffled: “Accurate.” Della leaned toward Elisa. “You okay?” Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Mira: “Sure?” “Yes.” Della: “Good.” Elisa looked at both of them. Then at Reyes. Then Kiro. Then back toward the cabin. The whole property seemed to be breathing differently now. Maybe it always had. Maybe she had only just learned the rhythm. Someone crossed the clearing. Marco shouted something about a fucking hinge. Lena answered from inside the boathouse. Brenda laughed from the terrace. Panam’s voice followed. Then Ace’s. Then Shammy’s bright laugh. Elisa listened. And smiled. Della watched her. “What?” Elisa looked at her. “I like this place.” Mira: “We noticed.” Elisa looked across the property again. Main Cabin. Side House. Sauna. Dock. Boathouse. Paths worn into the ground by people using them without ceremony. She looked at the small imperfections. The boathouse latch. The weathering on the dock. The way the terrace had become the center of half the day without anyone planning it. Then toward the Main Cabin. The place was not pristine. Good. Pristine places usually meant nobody was allowed to live in them. Della followed her gaze. “You’re doing the other face now.” Elisa looked at her. “What other face?” Mira smiled. “The expensive one.” Elisa stared. Della laughed. “What?” “You’re evaluating.” “I evaluate everything.” “Yes.” “That doesn’t mean anything.” Mira looked at her. “Doesn’t it?” Elisa held her gaze. Then smiled. “Not today.” Della’s expression softened. “Good.” Elisa pointed. “Stop using that word.” “No.” Mira: “Definitely not.” Elisa laughed. Then leaned back on her hands. For a while nobody said anything. Reyes and Kiro remained close. Mira’s shoulder rested lightly against Elisa’s. Della’s knee touched hers. Nobody moved away. The wind crossed the lake. Saturday afternoon stretched ahead. Long. Warm. Full of possibilities. Elisa looked at Mira. Then Della. “Walk with me?” Mira stood immediately. Della stood too. Reyes looked up. “Where?” Elisa smiled. “Around.” Reyes: “Suspicious.” Elisa: “Affection.” Reyes laughed. “Go.” Elisa stood. Della offered her hand. Elisa took it. Mira offered hers too. Elisa looked at it. Then at Mira. Then took that one as well. Della smiled. Mira smiled. Elisa looked between them. “Don’t.” Della: “We didn’t say anything.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” They left the dock together. Behind them, Kiro watched. Then looked at Reyes. “You saw that.” Reyes smiled. “Yes.” Kiro leaned against her again. “Saturday.” Reyes kissed her temple. “Saturday.” Ahead, Elisa walked between Mira and Della. Not being led. Not being hosted. Not belonging to either of them. Just holding both hands. And liking it. --- # CHAPTER 48 — WALKING Elisa had no destination. Neither did Mira. Neither did Della. That was the entire point. They left the dock with Elisa between them, one hand in each of theirs, and followed the path along the lake simply because it went somewhere. Behind them, Reyes and Kiro remained at the end of the dock. Ahead— nothing planned. For several minutes they stayed close to the water. The lake flashed between the trees. Wind moved through the pines. Their joined hands swung occasionally with the rhythm of walking. Nobody commented on that. Eventually the path divided. If it could even be called a division. The obvious route continued along the lake. A much smaller track disappeared between the trees. Elisa slowed. Mira slowed with her. Della looked toward the smaller path. “That goes somewhere.” Elisa smiled. “Or nowhere.” Mira: “Only one way to find out.” They turned. No discussion. The smaller track was barely a path. Someone had walked there before. People. Animals. Both. None of them knew. The sounds from the cabin property gradually weakened behind them. Elisa glanced back once. Only trees. Della noticed. “Changing your mind?” “No.” “Good.” Elisa looked at her. “You're abusing that word.” “Yes.” Mira laughed. They continued. The path curved gently away from the lake. Pine needles softened their footsteps. Occasional sunlight crossed the ground. Elisa squeezed both hands. “This is nice.” Della: “Walking?” “Yes.” Mira looked at their hands. “Technically.” Elisa followed her gaze. “I can walk and hold hands.” “Advanced.” “Fuck you.” “Maybe.” Della laughed. Elisa turned toward her. “Don't encourage her.” “I’m not.” “You absolutely are.” “Yes.” Then the trees opened. All three stopped. “Oh.” Elisa said it first. The clearing was small. Quiet. Natural. Grass and moss softened the ground between old pines. A broad fallen trunk rested near one edge, weathered smooth in places. Several low stones broke through the grass. Through a narrow gap in the trees, the lake showed itself in fragments. No dock. No Main Cabin. No Side House. Nothing from the property was visible. Mira looked behind them. Then around the clearing again. “Well.” Della smiled. “This is convenient.” Elisa turned toward her. “That sounded filthy.” “I said convenient.” “You meant filthy.” Della smiled. “Maybe.” Elisa laughed. She walked farther into the clearing and slowly turned once. Trees on every side. Enough distance that ordinary voices from the property had disappeared. Enough openness that the afternoon sun reached them. Private without feeling enclosed. “I like this.” Mira: “So do I.” Della looked around. “Best wrong turn today.” Elisa looked at her. “Wrong?” Della considered. “No.” “Better.” There was something comfortable about the clearing. Not untouched. The faint track did not end there by accident. The fallen trunk showed wear. People had found the place before. Of course they had. But none of the three knew who. Or when. Or what they had done here. Elisa looked toward the path. “Think the others know about this?” Mira shrugged. “Maybe.” Della: “We could ask.” Elisa looked at the clearing. Then at Mira. Then Della. “No.” Mira smiled. “No?” “I don't care.” Della’s smile slowly widened. “That sounds ominous.” “It should.” The air changed. Not suddenly. Nothing needed to. They had already kissed. Already admitted attraction. Already discovered that Elisa liked Della touching her while Mira watched. That she liked Mira kissing her while Della stayed close. Nobody here needed another interview. Elisa walked toward Mira. Mira watched her approach. “You said you liked confidence.” “I did.” Elisa kissed her. Mira answered immediately. No experiment now. No question. Elisa knew she wanted this. Her hands found Mira’s waist. Mira pulled her closer. When they separated, Elisa’s breathing had already changed. Mira smiled. “Confident.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “Maybe.” Della laughed behind them. Elisa turned. Della was watching. Openly. Elisa smiled. “You enjoyed that.” “Yes.” Elisa crossed the short distance between them. Della waited. “You're making me do all the work.” “You seem capable.” “Bitch.” “Still want the kiss?” Elisa kissed her. Della’s laugh disappeared against her mouth. Her arms came around Elisa. Elisa moved closer. Different. Still different. Still wanted. When the kiss ended, Della kept one hand at Elisa’s waist. Elisa looked toward Mira. Mira had not looked away. That familiar awareness moved through Elisa again. Sharper now. She smiled. “You don't mind.” Della: “No.” Elisa looked at Mira. “You don't mind.” “No.” “Good.” Della laughed. Elisa sighed. “Fine. I walked into that.” Mira came closer. Elisa did not move away from Della. Mira stopped beside them. Close. Elisa reached for her. Mira took her hand. Della remained against Elisa’s other side. For a few seconds the three simply stood there. Then Elisa kissed Mira again. Della stayed close. Her hand moved slowly over Elisa’s back. Elisa broke the kiss with a soft breath. Looked at Della. Kissed her. Mira’s hand remained at her waist. Nobody was waiting for a turn anymore. Elisa noticed that. Liked it. “This was a very good accidental turn.” Mira smiled. “Yes.” Della: “Extremely convenient.” Elisa laughed. “Still filthy.” “Yes.” They reached the fallen trunk eventually. Elisa sat between them. Again. Apparently Saturday had developed preferences. Mira’s knee rested against hers. Della’s shoulder touched hers. For a moment nobody hurried. Privacy did not create an obligation. It only removed interruptions. Elisa looked at Mira. Then Della. “Side House doesn't bother either of you?” “No.” “No.” “Not even a little?” Mira: “Does this bother you?” She glanced toward Della. Elisa shook her head. “No.” Della: “Then?” Elisa smiled. “Fair.” Della touched Elisa’s cheek. “You came back.” “Yes.” “You followed us.” “Yes.” “You asked us to walk.” Elisa laughed softly. “Yes.” Mira: “And now you're sitting between us in the middle of nowhere.” “Yes.” Mira smiled. “Seems uncomplicated.” Elisa looked from one to the other. Then kissed Mira. Della’s hand remained against her back. When Elisa turned toward Della, Mira did not move away. That kiss lasted longer. Della’s fingers moved into Elisa’s hair. Elisa made a small pleased sound against her mouth. Mira heard it. Elisa knew she had. That made her smile. Della pulled back barely far enough to look at her. “You're enjoying yourself.” “Yes.” Mira: “Good.” Elisa groaned. “You two are going to kill that fucking word.” Della: “Eventually.” Elisa stared. Then laughed. “Okay. That was terrible.” “Yes.” Elisa kissed her anyway. After that, conversation became less important. Kisses stopped being questions. Hands stopped returning automatically to neutral places. The distance between them disappeared. Elisa found herself standing again without remembering which of them had moved first. Mira in front of her. Della behind and beside her. Warmth on both sides. A mouth against hers. Then another. Hands moving with increasing confidence. Every time something changed, there was room to stop it. Nobody did. Elisa broke one kiss long enough to breathe. Looked at both of them. “Still yes?” Mira: “Yes.” Della: “Very.” Elisa smiled. “Me too.” That was enough. What followed was not an accident. Finding the clearing had been. This wasn't. They chose it together. The first decisive change got an immediate answer. Mira moved closer. Della stayed at Elisa’s back. Elisa’s breath caught hard enough that both women noticed. Della: “Good?” Elisa nodded once. Then laughed because apparently her vocabulary had abandoned her. “Very fucking good.” Mira smiled. “Useful.” “Shut up.” Elisa pulled her back into the kiss. The playful edge remained as clothes became increasingly irrelevant and the grass beneath the pines became more useful than the fallen trunk. There was laughter when somebody nearly lost balance. A muttered curse. Della accusing Mira of cheating at something Elisa never quite understood. Elisa laughing so hard she had to bury her face against Della’s shoulder. Then Mira kissed her again and the laughter softened into something else. The clearing held them. Sunlight shifted slowly between the branches. Time became difficult to measure. Elisa discovered that wanting two people at once felt very different when both of them wanted her back and neither expected her attention to remain in one place. She could turn toward Mira because she wanted Mira. Then reach for Della because she wanted Della. No apology between those movements. No explanation. Mira and Della were equally free. That mattered. At one point Elisa found herself watching them kiss. She had expected that to feel like being temporarily excluded. It did not. Della reached for her without breaking the kiss. Elisa took her hand. Mira opened her eyes. Saw Elisa watching. Smiled. That did something extremely effective to Elisa’s ability to think. “Oh, fuck you.” Mira laughed softly. Della: “Which one?” Elisa stared. Then started laughing. “You absolute bitch.” Della kissed her. The answer became irrelevant. The first release caught Elisa harder than she expected. Not because anyone rushed her there. Because nobody did. The pleasure had been allowed to build until her laughter disappeared, her breath shortened, and finally she had nothing clever left to say at all. Mira noticed first. Della immediately after. Neither teased her. Not then. They stayed with her. Elisa clung to both of them through the crest of it, eyes closed, body going briefly taut before the tension finally broke into a long shaking breath. Then stillness. Real stillness. For several seconds Elisa did nothing except breathe. Mira kissed her temple. Della held her close. Elisa eventually opened her eyes. Looked at Mira. Then Della. “Okay.” Mira smiled. “Okay?” Elisa swallowed. “Shut up.” Della laughed softly. Elisa pointed weakly at her. “You too.” “You're still smiling.” Elisa started laughing again. “Yes.” She kissed Della. Then Mira. And because none of them had interpreted Elisa’s release as an ending— they continued. More slowly at first. Then not. The clearing lost track of who was watching whom. Elisa watched Mira lose her composure. Della watched Elisa watching. Mira laughed breathlessly when she realized both of them were looking at her. Later Della discovered that two smug women becoming suddenly very attentive was much less funny when she was the center of it. She tried to make a joke. It lasted half a sentence. Elisa remembered that with enormous satisfaction. There were pauses. Water. Grass stuck somewhere ridiculous. A pine needle Elisa removed from Mira’s hair with exaggerated solemnity. Mira: “Thank you.” Elisa: “Professional service.” Della groaned. “No.” Elisa grinned. “Yes.” Then Della pulled her back down. Eventually there was another long stretch where nobody spoke at all. Only breath. Touch. Small sounds that belonged to nobody outside the clearing. The three of them learning each other without trying to turn the experience into anything larger than it was. They wanted each other. They were here. That was enough. By the time the intensity finally began to ebb for real, all three had reached that loose, warm state where movement became optional. Elisa lay between them. Of course. Mira beside her. Della on the other side. Nobody seemed interested in fixing clothes yet. Nobody seemed particularly interested in standing. Elisa stared upward through the pine branches. The sky had shifted. Not much. Enough. She smiled. Della noticed. “What?” Elisa took a long breath. “Walking.” Mira started laughing. Della followed. Elisa turned her head. “What?” Mira: “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “I asked you to walk.” Della: “You did.” “We walked.” Mira: “Technically.” Elisa laughed. “Oh, fuck you.” Mira kissed her. Della leaned across Elisa and kissed Mira. Elisa watched them. Then reached up and pulled Della down into another kiss of her own. Nobody was in a hurry. But eventually— very eventually— the cabin existed again. Clothes were found. Straightened. Found again when something had somehow migrated farther than physics seemed to justify. Elisa discovered grass on the back of the borrowed hoodie. Della removed it. Mira looked at both of them. “Presentable?” Elisa looked at Mira. “No.” Della: “Neither are you.” “Good.” Elisa laughed. There was that word again. This time she let it live. They found the path. The walk back was slower. Not because anyone was tired enough to struggle. Because there was no reason to hurry. Elisa held Mira’s hand. Della took her other one. Exactly as before. Except not exactly. The lake appeared through the trees. Then the dock. Then the property. Voices returned. The Main Cabin. The terrace. People. Reyes saw them first. She was still near the dock with Kiro. Her eyes moved across the three approaching women. Elisa’s slightly disordered hair. Mira’s expression. Della’s expression. The way all three were walking with the unmistakable loose satisfaction of people who had found their afternoon extremely productive. Reyes smiled. Slowly. Kiro followed her gaze. “Oh.” Elisa immediately pointed at them. “Don't.” Kiro: “I didn't say anything.” “You said ‘oh.’” Reyes: “She did.” Elisa: “That counts.” Mira laughed. Della squeezed Elisa’s hand. They continued toward the cabin. By the time they reached the clearing between the buildings, Brenda had noticed. Of course Brenda had noticed. She looked at the three of them. Paused. Looked again. Then smiled with terrifying understanding. Elisa: “Brenda.” Brenda raised both hands. “I didn't say a fucking thing.” Iris looked at her. “You were about to.” “I absolutely was.” Elisa laughed. Mira shook her head. Della looked toward the terrace. Panam had noticed too. Shammy definitely had. Ace took one look at Elisa and grinned. Mai’s expression barely changed. Barely. Elisa stopped. Looked around at all of them. “What?” Ace: “Good walk?” Elisa narrowed her eyes. There was something in Ace’s voice. Something she did not understand. Reyes made a suspicious coughing sound behind them. Brenda suddenly became fascinated by Iris. Panam looked toward the lake. Kiro covered her mouth. Elisa stared. “What the fuck is happening?” Mai looked at Ace. Ace looked beautifully innocent. “Nothing.” Elisa pointed at her. “That is bullshit.” Della looked at Mira. Mira shrugged. Neither knew either. Elisa looked around the group again. Every veteran face was just slightly wrong. Some amused. Some carefully neutral. Brenda visibly fighting for her life. Elisa narrowed her eyes. Then decided she did not care. She looked at Mira. Then Della. Both still looked wonderfully satisfied. So did she. Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Ace blinked. Elisa squeezed both hands. “It was a very good walk.” Brenda broke. She doubled over laughing. Reyes followed. Kiro buried her face against Reyes. Panam muttered: “Jesus fucking Christ.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Elisa stared. “What?” Nobody answered. That made it worse. “What?” Mai finally looked at her. A tiny smile. “Nothing.” Elisa stared at her. “You magnificent bitch.” Ace lost it. And three extremely satisfied women walked back toward the Main Cabin together, still holding hands, without the slightest idea that somewhere behind them— in one quiet clearing among the pines— an old cabin tradition had just repeated itself almost perfectly. --- # CHAPTER 49 — EXTREMELY PRODUCTIVE WALKING Brenda did not recover quickly. That was the first problem. The second problem was that Elisa had no idea why. She stood in the clearing between the buildings with Mira on one side, Della on the other, both hands still occupied, while Brenda bent over laughing hard enough that Iris had eventually put one hand between her shoulder blades. Not to comfort her. Mostly to keep her upright. Elisa stared. “What?” Brenda tried to answer. Failed. Made a helpless gesture toward the three of them. Elisa looked down at herself. Borrowed hoodie. Shorts. Shoes. Hair probably less disciplined than when she had left. Nothing catastrophic. She looked at Mira. Mira looked satisfied. Della looked satisfied. Elisa suspected she looked exactly the same. She turned back. “What?” Reyes had given up pretending. She was laughing too. Kiro had both hands over her face. Panam was looking toward the lake with the expression of someone desperately refusing to participate. Shammy had no such discipline. Her hair had lifted noticeably. Ace was leaning into Mai. Mai was calm. Far too calm. Elisa pointed at her. “You know.” Mai: “Yes.” “That is not an answer.” “No.” Ace made a strangled sound. Elisa turned. “You too.” Ace’s expression became angelic. “Me?” “You are terrible at innocence.” “I'm adorable.” Mai: “No.” Ace looked wounded. Panam: “She's right.” “Fuck both of you.” Brenda managed to breathe. Barely. She straightened. Looked at Elisa. Then Mira. Then Della. Then back to Elisa. “So.” Iris: “Don't.” Brenda looked at her. “I haven't said anything.” “You inhaled with intent.” Panam barked a laugh. Elisa pointed at Iris. “Thank you.” Iris smiled. Brenda: “I was going to ask if they enjoyed their walk.” Reyes immediately looked away. Kiro made another choking sound. Elisa stared. “There it is again.” Della looked at Mira. Mira shrugged. Neither knew. Elisa narrowed her eyes. “What the fuck is wrong with the word walk?” Nobody answered. That was answer enough to make her suspicious. She looked at Ace. Ace looked at Mai. Mai did not help. Elisa: “Tell me.” Ace: “No.” “Why?” “Because this is funnier.” “Fuck you.” Ace smiled. “Maybe later.” Elisa stared. Brenda broke again. Panam: “Jesus Christ.” Shammy laughed brightly. Mira finally looked at Della. “I think we accidentally did something traditional.” Della considered the group. “That seems likely.” Elisa looked between them. “What traditional thing?” Reyes wiped one eye. “Nothing you need to worry about.” “That sentence means the opposite.” Kiro lowered her hands. “You went walking.” “Yes.” “For a while.” Elisa: “Yes.” Kiro looked at Reyes. Reyes looked back. Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, fuck all of you.” Mai finally spoke. “You found somewhere quiet.” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” “And enjoyed yourselves.” Elisa paused. Then smiled. “Yes.” Mai nodded. “Then you understood the important part.” Brenda pointed. “Exactly.” Iris: “You are not helping.” “I am absolutely helping.” Elisa looked at Mira. Mira smiled. Della squeezed Elisa’s hand. Elisa decided the veteran conspiracy could wait. She looked at Brenda. “You seem very interested.” Brenda straightened. Dangerous. Iris saw it immediately. “Oh no.” Elisa smiled. Brenda: “I am interested.” “I noticed.” “Three people disappear into the woods holding hands and come back looking like that?” Della: “Like what?” Brenda stared at her. Della smiled. Mira's mouth twitched. Brenda: “You know exactly fucking well like very satisfied.” Mira: “Happy?” Brenda: “And smug.” Elisa: “That's different?” Brenda opened her mouth. Iris: “Careful.” Brenda looked at her. “Why?” “She's recovered.” Elisa smiled sweetly. Brenda slowly smiled back. “Oh.” Iris: “Yes.” Elisa: “Very recovered.” Brenda: “Good.” Iris sighed. Panam: “Here we go.” Elisa took one small step closer, still holding Mira and Della. “You said yesterday you wanted details.” Brenda: “Yes.” “You're not getting any.” Brenda looked genuinely offended. “That is cruel.” “You'll survive.” “I might not.” Iris: “I will.” Brenda turned. “You're supposed to support me.” “I am. Through adversity.” Ace laughed. Elisa looked at Iris. “I like you.” Iris: “I know.” Brenda: “Betrayal.” Iris kissed her cheek. Brenda immediately softened. Then remembered herself. “Still betrayal.” Panam: “Terrifying recovery.” Shammy: “She'll live.” Ace looked at Elisa. “So.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “So?” “Good walk?” Elisa stared at her. Then smiled. “Yes.” Ace's grin widened. “Excellent.” Elisa: “Very.” Mira: “Extremely.” Della: “Productive.” That destroyed Brenda again. She grabbed Iris. Iris had to catch her. Panam turned away entirely. Kiro dropped her forehead onto Reyes's shoulder. Reyes looked at the three women. “Productive.” Della smiled. “Yes.” Reyes nodded. “Good word.” Elisa: “You know what? Fine.” She released Mira and Della long enough to spread both hands. “Yes. We went for a walk.” Brenda was still laughing. “Yes, we found a clearing.” Ace made a tiny sound. Elisa looked at her. “Don't.” Ace covered her mouth. Elisa continued. “And yes, we had an excellent afternoon.” Mira: “Still having one.” Elisa turned. Mira smiled. Elisa kissed her. Right there. Not long. Not hidden. Just enough. Then she turned and kissed Della too. Della smiled against her mouth. When Elisa straightened again, Brenda stared. Elisa smiled. “Anything else?” Brenda blinked. Iris looked at her. “Careful.” Brenda took a breath. Elisa raised one eyebrow. Brenda closed her mouth. Everyone froze. Ace whispered: “Holy shit.” Panam turned back. Shammy's eyes widened. Reyes: “She did it.” Kiro: “Impossible.” Brenda pointed at all of them. “Fuck you.” Iris smiled. “There she is.” Elisa laughed. Then leaned lightly against Della. Mira stayed close on her other side. The whole confrontation had lasted perhaps three minutes. It felt like a victory. Ace looked toward the Main Cabin. “Drinks?” Panam: “Yes.” Reyes: “Absolutely.” Kiro: “Water.” Brenda: “Wine.” Iris: “Water first.” Brenda looked betrayed again. Elisa laughed. They moved toward the terrace. Nobody arranged seats. Elisa ended up on the broad step with Mira beside her and Della one step lower between her knees. Not deliberately. Probably. Mira handed Elisa water. Elisa drank half of it immediately. Della leaned back lightly against her leg. Elisa rested one hand on her shoulder. Easy. Automatic already. Across from them, Brenda watched. Iris noticed. “Don't.” Brenda: “I am sitting.” “You are staring.” “I have eyes.” Panam: “Tragic.” Shammy leaned into Panam. Ace curled into Mai's side. Kiro sat close enough to Reyes that their knees stayed touching. Marco and Lena appeared from the direction of the boathouse. Marco looked at the terrace. Then the three women. Then Brenda. “No.” Lena: “You don't even know.” “I know enough.” Brenda: “They went walking.” Marco stopped. Lena looked at him. Marco slowly looked at Elisa. Then Mira. Then Della. His expression changed. Elisa saw it. “Oh, for fuck's sake.” Lena started laughing. Marco pointed toward the boathouse. “I am going back.” “You fixed the latch?” “No.” “Then you have a reason.” “Yes.” He turned. Lena caught his shirt. “No.” Marco: “Why?” “You're staying.” “Why?” “Because I suffered through your hinge commentary.” “That was important.” “It was not.” Brenda: “Was it productive?” Marco closed his eyes. Elisa looked at Mira. Mira looked at Della. Della looked back. Then all three laughed. Marco pointed at Brenda without looking. “That's exactly why.” Iris: “You knew who she was before you sat down.” “Yes.” “Then this is self-inflicted.” “Yes.” Lena kissed his cheek. “Sit.” Marco sat. Elisa looked around the terrace. People fitting themselves into spaces. Nobody asking where they had been beyond the obvious jokes. Nobody demanding explanation. Nobody treating the three of them differently now that something had happened. That mattered. More than Elisa had expected. Della tilted her head back against Elisa’s knee. “You're thinking again.” “Yes.” “Anything dangerous?” Elisa looked across the property. The Main Cabin. The clearing between buildings. The path toward the lake. Somewhere beyond the trees, the smaller trail they had followed. The quiet clearing nobody here had needed to tell them about. She smiled. “Maybe.” Mira looked at her. “Property?” Elisa glanced sideways. Mira smiled. “Expensive face.” Elisa laughed. “Not today.” Della: “Good.” Elisa looked down. Della smiled. Elisa flicked her ear. “Ow.” “Deserved.” Della caught Elisa’s hand before she could pull it away. Kissed her fingers. Elisa went briefly quiet. Mira saw. So did Brenda. Elisa immediately looked at Brenda. “Don't.” Brenda raised both hands. “I did nothing.” Iris: “For once.” Brenda: “I'm learning.” Panam: “No.” Shammy: “No.” Ace: “Absolutely not.” Kiro: “Statistically impossible.” Reyes: “Correct.” Brenda stared around the terrace. “You are all cunts.” Iris kissed her mouth. Brenda's outrage disappeared instantly. Elisa watched. Then looked at Mira. Mira watched Iris and Brenda too. Della did not turn around, but her fingers remained linked with Elisa’s. Elisa smiled. Saturday had changed shape again. Not dramatically. Nobody had joined anything. Nobody had claimed anything. Three women had simply gone walking. And returned different only in the sense that something uncertain had become certain. Elisa liked Mira. Elisa liked Della. Mira liked Elisa. Della liked Elisa. Mira and Della remained whatever they already were to each other. Nothing had broken. Nothing had become complicated. Elisa leaned back on her hands. Della stayed against her leg. Mira’s shoulder touched hers. Across the terrace, Ace noticed. Smiled. Then looked away. No comment. Elisa noticed that too. She smiled. Brenda lasted another twelve seconds. Then: “So, hypothetically—” Iris put a hand over her mouth. Panam laughed. Elisa nearly fell off the step. And Saturday continued. --- # CHAPTER 50 — CAN WE BORROW YOUR BEDROOM? The terrace eventually stopped discussing walking. Mostly because nobody involved was stupid enough to believe Brenda had actually finished. She had merely run out of immediate openings. Elisa knew the difference. She sat on the broad step with Mira beside her and Della still comfortably against her legs, drinking water and enjoying the peculiar sensation of having absolutely nothing to regret. Her hair was still imperfect. Good. Mira looked unfairly pleased with herself. Della looked worse. Also good. Elisa smiled. Della looked up. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Mira: “Still satisfied?” Elisa looked at her. “Extremely.” Della smiled. “Good.” Elisa flicked her ear again. Della caught her wrist. “Violence.” “Consequences.” Mira laughed. Across the terrace, Panam was watching them. Not constantly. That would have been obvious. Elisa noticed anyway. Shammy was considerably worse at hiding it. Possibly because she wasn't trying. Elisa met Shammy’s eyes. Shammy smiled. Her hair moved. Just slightly. Elisa looked at Panam. Panam raised an eyebrow. There it was. Not a question they needed to ask again. The Side House had already answered it. Elisa looked back at Mira. Mira followed her gaze. Saw Panam. Saw Shammy. Then looked at Elisa. “Go.” Elisa laughed. “You keep doing that.” “Yes.” Della tilted her head back. “She's right.” “I know.” Della smiled. Elisa bent down and kissed her. Slow enough to make it clear that leaving did not undo anything. When she straightened, Mira was waiting. Elisa kissed her too. Mira touched her cheek. “Have fun.” Elisa stared. “That sounded suspiciously wholesome.” Mira: “Want me to try again?” “No.” Della: “Coward.” Elisa laughed. Then stood. Panam saw. Shammy definitely saw. Elisa took two steps toward them. Stopped. Looked at Panam. Then Shammy. “Still?” Panam: “Yes.” Shammy: “Yes.” Elisa nodded. “Okay.” Then she turned around. Panam frowned. “Where are you going?” Elisa: “One minute.” She walked past Brenda. Brenda immediately smiled. Elisa pointed without slowing. “No.” “I didn't say anything.” “You were going to.” “Probably.” Iris: “Definitely.” Elisa continued. Ace and Mai were near the other end of the terrace. Ace had migrated half across Mai again. Mai’s arm rested around her. Elisa stopped in front of them. Ace looked up. “Yes?” Elisa suddenly discovered that the question was funnier when she actually had to ask it. Mai saw something happen in her face. One eyebrow rose. Elisa: “I need to ask you something.” Ace: “That sounds dangerous.” “It isn't.” Mai: “Then ask.” Elisa glanced behind her. Panam and Shammy were both watching now. So was Brenda. Of course. Elisa looked back at Ace and Mai. “Would you mind if we borrowed our big bedroom?” Silence. Ace blinked. Mai did not. Behind Elisa, somebody choked. Probably Brenda. Ace: “Our bedroom.” “Yes.” Mai: “Which ‘we’?” Elisa looked over her shoulder. Panam raised one hand. Shammy smiled brightly. Elisa turned back. “That we.” Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked at Ace. Elisa waited. Ace’s mouth began to curve. “Oh.” Elisa: “Yes.” Ace looked past her toward Shammy. Then Panam. Then back at Elisa. “Oh.” “Please don't make me ask three times.” Mai’s expression remained perfectly composed. “Why would it bother us?” Elisa paused. “Well.” Ace: “Careful.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” Ace smiled. “You're about to explain why three adult women need a bedroom.” Elisa closed her mouth. Mai’s smile appeared. Tiny. Devastating. Elisa: “You're both assholes.” Ace: “Affection?” “Currently under review.” Mai: “You don't need permission for Shammy.” “I know.” “And you don't need permission for Panam.” “I know.” Mai looked toward the house. “You're asking about the room.” “Yes.” “Then no. We don't mind.” Elisa smiled. “Thank you.” Ace: “Wait.” Elisa stopped. Ace’s expression was much too innocent. “What?” Ace: “Why ours?” Elisa stared at her. Mai looked at Ace. Ace maintained innocence for perhaps two seconds. Elisa: “Because it's the largest upstairs bedroom.” “Yes.” “And it currently has enough room for three people without somebody having to negotiate with furniture.” Ace nodded solemnly. “Practical.” “Very.” Mai: “And Shammy's things are already there.” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” Mai nodded. “Sensible.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “You're enjoying this.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Very much.” Elisa pointed at both of them. “Bitches.” Ace smiled. “Bedroom's yours.” Mai: “For as long as you need it.” Elisa started to turn. Then stopped. Looked back. “Really?” Something in the question changed. Just slightly. Mai answered first. “Yes.” Ace’s teasing softened too. “Really.” Elisa smiled. “Okay.” Then Ace ruined it. “Try not to steal my side.” Elisa stared. “There are no assigned sides.” Mai laughed. Actually laughed. Ace looked betrayed. “You used my own fucking rule against me.” “Yes.” “I'm proud of you.” “Thank you.” Elisa turned. Brenda was staring at her. Elisa: “No.” Brenda: “I haven't—” “No.” “I only—” “No.” Iris put a hand over Brenda’s mouth. Elisa pointed at her. “Thank you.” Iris nodded. Panam stood. Shammy was already on her feet. Elisa walked back toward them. Panam: “All good?” “Yes.” Shammy: “They don't mind?” Elisa smiled. “No.” Panam looked toward Ace and Mai. Mai lifted one hand. Ace called: “Bring Shammy back eventually!” Shammy: “NO!” Ace laughed. Panam: “That's reassuring.” Elisa: “I thought so.” Shammy took Elisa’s hand. Panam took the other. For half a second Elisa looked down at the familiar arrangement. Then laughed. Panam: “What?” “Nothing.” Shammy: “That was something.” Elisa looked at her. “Apparently I have a type.” Panam: “What type?” Elisa squeezed both hands. “Women who keep stealing them.” Shammy smiled. Panam: “You offered.” “Technicality.” They headed inside. No disappearing into the woods. No euphemism. No accidental discovery. They crossed the Main Cabin common room in full view of anyone who cared to notice. Marco looked up. Saw Panam. Saw Shammy. Saw Elisa between them. Then immediately looked back down. Lena: “Learning?” “Yes.” “Good.” Elisa laughed. They reached the stairs. Behind them— Brenda: “ELISA!” Elisa stopped halfway up. Closed her eyes. Panam muttered: “Keep walking.” Shammy was already laughing. Elisa turned. “What?” Brenda stood at the bottom edge of the common room. Iris behind her. Brenda smiled. “Nothing.” Elisa stared. “That is somehow worse.” “I know.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Have fun!” Elisa: “I HATE YOU.” Brenda: “NO YOU DON'T.” Iris: “She doesn't.” Elisa pointed at both of them. Then continued upstairs. Panam: “You really have become part of the family.” Elisa looked at her. “That is a horrifying metric.” Shammy: “Brenda shouting sexual encouragement at you?” “Yes.” Panam considered. “Fair.” At the top of the stairs, Shammy went ahead. She knew the room. Of course she did. Elisa followed. Panam behind her. The large upstairs bedroom door stood open. Shammy entered first. Elisa stopped just inside. She had slept here last night. Ace beside her. Mai on the other side. Shammy’s things in the room. Ace and Mai’s things. A lived-in temporary arrangement rather than assigned territory. No permanent room. No permanent sides. Still— it felt intimate to borrow it. Elisa looked around. Panam noticed. “What?” Elisa smiled. “They really trust people.” Shammy looked at her. “Yes.” Elisa touched the edge of the bed. “And they trusted me before I understood how much.” Panam stepped closer. “You understand now?” Elisa looked at her. “More.” Shammy came to Elisa’s other side. Elisa looked between them. Then smiled. “And right now I understand something else.” Panam’s eyebrow rose. “What?” Elisa reached for her. “That we came up here for a reason.” Panam smiled. “There she is.” Shammy’s hair began to lift. Elisa looked at it. Then at her. “And you're broadcasting again.” “I know.” “Good.” Shammy kissed her. Elisa answered immediately. Panam stayed close. No audience this time. No Ace. No Mai. No Mira. No Della. Nothing unfinished because lunch interrupted it. The bedroom door remained open for exactly long enough for Panam to reach back— and close it. --- # CHAPTER 51 — NO AUDIENCE The latch clicked. Elisa heard it. A small sound. Ordinary. It changed the room completely. Downstairs still existed. The terrace still existed. Thirteen people still occupied the property. Brenda still possessed lungs. None of that mattered inside the bedroom. Not now. Elisa looked at the closed door. Then at Panam. “You actually closed it.” Panam stared at her. “That usually helps.” Shammy laughed. Elisa looked at her. “I was making an observation.” “You sounded surprised.” “I've had a complicated day.” Panam: “You went for a walk.” Elisa pointed. “No.” Panam smiled. Elisa: “You don't even know why that's funny.” “I know enough.” “That makes one of us.” Shammy stepped closer. “You stopped.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” “Broadcasting.” Elisa stared. Then understood. Her attention had gone to the door. The house. The joke. Everything except why they were here. She smiled. “Sorry.” Shammy shook her head. “Don't be.” Panam: “We have time.” That landed. Elisa looked at her. Not _hurry_. Not _finally_. Time. Elisa smiled. “Good.” She reached for Shammy first. Not because she had chosen Shammy over Panam. Because Shammy was closest. The kiss began softly. Elisa already knew her mouth. Not well. Enough. Shammy’s hands settled around Elisa’s waist. Her hair moved against Elisa’s fingers. Elisa smiled into the kiss. Shammy pulled back. “What?” “Hair.” Shammy sighed. “Again?” “Yes.” Panam: “You're never getting over that.” “No.” Shammy’s hair lifted farther. Elisa looked delighted. “That is not helping.” “I can't help it.” “I know.” Elisa kissed her again. Panam stayed close. Elisa could feel her there without looking. That was different from the Side House. There, Ace and Mai had been present. Watching. Participating in their own current. Elisa had liked knowing they were there. Liked Mai’s eyes on them. Liked watching Ace react to Mai. Liked the room containing more than one line of attention. Now there was nobody else. No audience. Elisa realized she liked this too. Panam’s hand touched her back. Elisa leaned into it. Then turned. Panam was already there. Their kiss had more force from the beginning. Not rough. Certain. Elisa’s hand caught Panam’s shirt. Panam’s arm came around her. Shammy remained against Elisa’s back and side. Elisa broke the kiss with a breath. “Different.” Panam: “What?” “You two.” Shammy rested her chin briefly on Elisa’s shoulder. “Different from?” Elisa thought about Mira. Della. Then the Side House. Then Panam and Shammy together. “Everybody.” Panam smiled. “Good answer.” “Wasn't trying to give one.” “Still good.” Elisa looked at Shammy. “She's smug.” “Yes.” “Can we fix that?” Panam: “I'm standing right here.” Elisa: “I know.” Shammy smiled. “I have ideas.” Panam looked at her. Elisa saw the look pass between them. Fast. Familiar. Twelve days apart had not erased a single bit of that language. Elisa felt something warm move through her at the sight. “You did it again.” Panam: “What?” “That.” “What?” Elisa gestured between them. “You talk without talking.” Shammy: “Sometimes.” Panam: “She's annoyingly easy to read.” Shammy’s hair rose. Elisa pointed immediately. “Evidence.” Panam laughed. Shammy: “Traitor.” Elisa: “I like it.” Shammy looked at her. The teasing softened. “I know.” Elisa paused. Of course she did. Pulse. Breathing. Tiny reactions Elisa herself might miss. Elisa stepped closer to her. “How much do you know?” Shammy considered. “Enough.” “That is an evil answer.” Panam: “Welcome to my life.” Shammy: “You love my life.” “Yes.” Immediate. No joke. Shammy smiled. Elisa watched them. There. That. The thing she had noticed before. Panam and Shammy did not become less together because Elisa stood between them. Nothing was being temporarily dismantled to make room for her. Elisa liked that enormously. “Do that again.” Panam frowned. “Do what?” Elisa smiled. “Whatever that was.” Shammy understood first. She reached for Panam. Panam came willingly. They kissed. Elisa watched. No jealousy. No feeling of waiting outside. Only a growing warmth in her chest and lower through her body. Then Shammy reached blindly toward her. Elisa took her hand. Panam opened her eyes. Saw Elisa. Something changed in Panam’s expression. Elisa smiled. “Hi.” Panam laughed against Shammy’s mouth. That broke the kiss. Shammy looked at Elisa. “You like watching.” Elisa: “Yes.” Panam: “We established that.” “I've gathered more data.” Panam groaned. “Corpo.” Elisa: “Merc.” “Brat.” “Courier.” Shammy laughed. Elisa looked at her. “Wolf.” Shammy’s eyes widened. Panam lost it. Elisa: “What?” Panam: “You can't just—” “I did.” Shammy was laughing too hard to defend herself. Elisa smiled triumphantly. Then Shammy caught her. The kiss erased the victory speech before Elisa could give it. Panam joined them again. After that, the room stopped producing clean lines. Not immediately. Gradually. A kiss became another. Hands stopped returning to safe neutral positions after every touch. Elisa’s borrowed hoodie eventually became inconvenient. Panam noticed first. Elisa saw her looking. “What?” Panam: “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Elisa laughed. Then took care of the problem herself. Shammy watched. Elisa noticed. “You too?” “Yes.” “Good.” No embarrassment. No performance either. Just the strange ease of being wanted and knowing it. Clothing ceased to be important by degrees. Nobody announced it. Nobody needed to. The bed became useful. Panam stopped with one knee against the mattress and looked at Elisa. Not uncertainty. A check. Shammy looked too. Elisa understood immediately. “Yes.” Panam: “Both of us?” Elisa’s smile sharpened. “Did I stutter?” Shammy laughed. Panam: “Good.” That was the decisive transition. No missing camera. No polite fade. Panam pulled Elisa closer. Shammy joined them. Elisa’s first sharp breath came almost immediately, followed by a surprised laugh against Panam’s shoulder. “Oh, fuck.” Panam smiled. “Still yes?” Elisa looked at both of them. “More yes.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Panam: “Show-off.” Elisa: “Both of you, shut up.” Then she kissed Panam and reached for Shammy at the same time. Elisa briefly thought about Ace’s warning. _Try not to steal my side._ She started laughing. Panam looked at her. “What now?” “Ace.” “That explains nothing.” “She told me not to steal her side.” Shammy: “She doesn't have a side.” “I KNOW.” Panam: “Then why—” “Because she's an asshole.” Shammy smiled. “You love her.” Elisa stared. “You're all infected.” Panam: “Too late for you.” Elisa: “Fuck.” Then Panam kissed her and the conversation disappeared again. This time for longer. Elisa stopped keeping track of who began what. That turned out to be the point. Sometimes Panam’s attention held her completely. Sometimes Shammy’s did. Sometimes Elisa watched Panam touch Shammy with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what she loved. Sometimes Shammy turned that same impossible awareness toward Elisa and caught reactions before Elisa could hide them. Once Elisa tried. Shammy smiled. Elisa: “Don't.” “You're pretending.” “I am not.” “Your pulse changed.” Elisa stared. Panam laughed. “That is fucking cheating.” “I told you.” Elisa grabbed Shammy and kissed her until the smile disappeared. When she pulled away, Shammy’s breathing had changed too. Elisa smiled. “Your turn.” Shammy blinked. Panam: “Oh, she's learning fast.” Elisa looked at Panam. “You're next.” Panam’s eyebrow rose. “Threat?” “Promise.” Panam’s expression changed. Just enough. Elisa saw it. So did Shammy. The next stretch of time lost most of its dialogue. Not all. Panam swore. Elisa laughed. Shammy said Elisa’s name in a way that made Elisa forget whatever she had intended to say. Someone ended up sideways across the bed. Someone else complained about knees. Elisa accused Panam of taking too much room. Panam pointed out that Elisa was the smallest person present. Elisa called that irrelevant. Shammy agreed with both of them. Nobody accepted that as possible. Then the laughter thinned. Breathing changed. The easy touches became more deliberate. Elisa felt pleasure building again. Her body had already had a very full afternoon. That did not make her less responsive. Quite the opposite. She knew what she wanted now. And she was surrounded by two women paying very close attention. Panam noticed Elisa becoming quieter. Shammy noticed everything. Elisa opened her eyes. Both were looking at her. “Oh, fuck you.” Panam smiled. “You like it.” “Yes.” No hesitation. That made Panam’s smile disappear. Something warmer replaced it. Shammy kissed Elisa’s cheek. Then her mouth. Elisa reached for Panam. Kept her close. The pleasure rose. Not neatly. Not alone. Panam’s breath changed against her. Shammy made a soft sound that Elisa felt as much as heard. Elisa stopped being able to separate their reactions from her own. That was better. Much better. Her fingers tightened. She tried to say something. Nothing useful arrived. Panam kissed her. Shammy held her. The tension climbed until Elisa’s whole body seemed to hold around it— and then broke. Her breath left in a long shaking rush. Her eyes closed. For several seconds there was nothing except warmth and the two women around her. No clever line. No observation. No analysis. Elisa stayed exactly where she was. Breathing. Shammy kissed her temple. Panam’s hand moved slowly along her back. Stillness. Elisa finally opened her eyes. Panam was close. Shammy closer. Elisa whispered: “Fuck.” Panam smiled. “There she is.” Elisa laughed weakly. “Shut up.” “No.” Elisa kissed her. Slowly. Then Shammy. Nobody moved away. And nobody treated Elisa’s release as the end of anything. That mattered too. The pace changed. Softened. Then rose again by degrees. But the center shifted. Elisa watched Panam and Shammy find each other with the familiarity she had been fascinated by from the beginning. She joined when she wanted. Was pulled in when they wanted her. Sometimes she simply watched. Sometimes one of them watched her with the other. Nothing became a sequence. Nothing became a turn. Pleasure moved around the bed according to attention rather than order. Panam eventually lost one of her arguments halfway through a sentence. Elisa laughed. Panam tried to glare. Failed. Shammy kissed her. Elisa stayed close enough to feel the change when Panam’s control finally slipped. There was no announcement. Only the sudden tightening of her body, the break in her breathing, the way her hand found Shammy and Elisa both. They held her through it. Panam came back slowly. Eyes opening. Elisa smiled. “Hi.” Panam stared. “Don't.” Elisa: “I didn't say anything.” Shammy burst out laughing. Panam: “You're both assholes.” Elisa: “Still kissing me later?” Panam closed her eyes. “Fuck my life.” Shammy kissed her. “You love your life.” Panam opened one eye. “Yes.” Elisa smiled. That answer again. Immediate. Certain. She kissed Panam too. Shammy did not remain untouched by any of it. There was never a moment where the other two stopped and decided it was now Shammy’s turn. Instead the attention around her accumulated. Panam knew her too well. Elisa was learning. Shammy’s hair betrayed her long before anything else did. Elisa noticed. Of course. It began to lift. Not wildly. Gradually. Responsive. Alive around her shoulders. Elisa watched. Shammy caught her looking. “No.” Elisa: “Yes.” “Don't.” “Absolutely yes.” Panam smiled. “She's got you.” Shammy tried to answer. Elisa kissed her. Panam stayed close. Shammy’s fingers tightened against them. Her hair lifted farther. Elisa had seen the full halo when Panam arrived Wednesday. Joy. Recognition. Love exploding outward before Shammy could contain it. This was different. Smaller. Closer. But no less honest. Shammy’s breathing broke. Panam immediately softened around her. Elisa followed without thinking. Shammy went still. Just briefly. Then released the breath she had been holding in a long trembling exhale and folded into both of them. Elisa wrapped her arms around her. Panam did the same. Nobody joked. Not yet. Shammy stayed there. Head against Elisa. One hand still holding Panam. Hair slowly settling. Elisa stroked it. Very gently now. Panam watched. Elisa looked at her. Panam smiled. Elisa smiled back. Minutes passed. Maybe. Nobody checked. Eventually Shammy moved enough to settle between them. Elisa lay on her side. Panam opposite. Shammy partly between, partly across both. The room smelled warm and lived in. Clothes existed somewhere. Nobody cared. Elisa’s body felt wonderfully heavy. Also— she shifted. Stopped. Panam noticed. “What?” Elisa considered lying. Shammy lifted her head. “You're sore.” Elisa stared at her. Panam started laughing. Elisa: “Oh, fuck you and your supernatural diagnostics.” Shammy smiled. “You are.” Elisa carefully settled again. “Yes.” Panam: “From us?” Elisa looked at her. Then laughed. “Saturday.” Panam understood. “Oh.” “Yes.” Shammy: “Mira and Della.” Elisa: “And you two aren't exactly helping.” Panam looked entirely unrepentant. Elisa pointed. “That face.” “What face?” “That one.” Panam: “You came upstairs.” “Yes.” “You asked for the room.” “Yes.” “You closed—” “You closed the door.” Panam considered. “True.” Elisa smiled. “Worth it.” Shammy: “Very?” Elisa looked at her. Then Panam. Her smile widened. “Extremely.” Panam laughed. Elisa relaxed back into the bed. For a while nobody said anything. The quiet felt good. Elisa looked toward the ceiling. Then: “I have a problem.” Panam: “Besides walking tomorrow?” Elisa slowly turned her head. Panam’s expression was perfectly straight. Shammy started laughing. Elisa stared. “You bitch.” Panam: “Thank you.” Elisa: “I was going to say we eventually have to go downstairs.” Shammy: “Also a problem.” “Brenda is down there.” Panam: “Yes.” “Iris.” “Yes.” “Ace.” “Yes.” “Mai.” Panam: “Worse.” Elisa nodded. “Much worse.” Shammy smiled. “She'll just look at you.” “Exactly.” Panam: “You survived the walk.” Elisa: “I am beginning to understand why everyone keeps calling it that.” Panam laughed. Elisa shifted again. More carefully this time. Stopped. Looked down at herself. Then at Panam. Then Shammy. “Oh.” Panam’s mouth twitched. Elisa pointed. “Don't.” “I didn't say anything.” “You're learning from Brenda.” “That is insulting.” Shammy: “It is.” Elisa started laughing. Immediately regretted the movement. “Oh, fuck.” Panam laughed harder. Elisa grabbed a pillow and hit her with it. Shammy joined in. The quiet bedroom disintegrated. Several minutes later, when peace had finally returned and Elisa was once again lying between two extremely satisfied women, she stared at the ceiling. Saturday was nowhere near finished. That realization should probably have worried her. Instead— Elisa smiled. ---- # CHAPTER 52 — DOWNSTAIRS EVENTUALLY Eventually became a real word again. Not quickly. The bedroom had gone quiet enough that Elisa could hear the distant life of the cabin below them. A door. Footsteps. Someone laughing. Something metallic in the kitchen. Then Brenda’s voice carrying up through the house. Not the words. Just Brenda. Elisa opened one eye. “No.” Panam laughed beside her. Shammy’s face was half buried against Elisa’s shoulder. “She can't hear us.” “That isn't the problem.” Panam: “What is?” “She exists downstairs.” “That sounds survivable.” Elisa looked at her. “You haven't been paying attention.” Panam: “I've known Brenda longer than you.” “Then you should know better.” Shammy laughed softly. Elisa shifted. Stopped. Considered the decision. Panam noticed immediately. “There it is again.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “What?” “That careful movement.” “I am perfectly fine.” Shammy lifted her head. “No.” Elisa looked at her. “Traitor.” “You're sore.” “Thank you, medical surveillance system.” Panam laughed. Elisa looked at her. “And you can stop enjoying this.” “No.” “Bitch.” “Still here.” Elisa closed her eyes. “Oh, fuck all of you.” Shammy smiled. “All? Again?” Elisa opened her eyes again. Looked at Shammy. Then Panam. Very slowly: “Not helping.” Panam’s mouth twitched. Shammy’s hair lifted. Elisa pointed. “Especially not helping.” That bought them another several minutes. Eventually, however, practical reality won. Clothes had to be located. Elisa’s borrowed hoodie appeared from beneath something it absolutely had not been beneath when they entered the room. Panam found one sock near the wall. Nobody admitted ownership. Shammy discovered her shirt hanging from the corner of a chair. Elisa looked at it. Then at her. “How?” Shammy: “I don't know.” Panam: “Violence.” Elisa: “Physics.” Shammy: “Panam.” Panam: “What?” Elisa laughed. Getting dressed took longer than it should have. Not because clothing was difficult. Because every time one of them got within reach, somebody made another bad decision. Eventually Elisa stood. Carefully. Very carefully. Panam watched. Elisa caught her. “Don't.” “I didn't say anything.” “You were thinking.” “Yes.” Shammy: “She knows.” Elisa stared at her. “You're both impossible.” Panam: “You came upstairs voluntarily.” Elisa: “Still worth it.” Panam smiled. “Good.” Elisa looked at Shammy. “Very.” Shammy’s expression softened. Elisa kissed her. Then Panam. Not another beginning. Just warmth. Completion. Something that made leaving the room feel less like ending anything. Panam opened the door. Elisa stared at the hallway. Then at the stairs. “Oh.” Panam: “What?” Elisa pointed. “Those.” Shammy looked delighted. Elisa: “You are a terrible person.” “I didn't say anything.” “Your hair did.” Panam laughed. They started down. Shammy first. Elisa second. Panam behind. Elisa made it four steps before slowing slightly. Panam’s voice came from behind her. “Need help?” “No.” “Sure?” “Yes.” Another step. Elisa: “Fuck stairs.” Shammy started laughing. Panam: “Sunday morning is going to be great.” Elisa turned her head just enough to glare. “I hate you.” “No, you don't.” Elisa stopped. Looked back. Panam smiled. Elisa: “Everybody in this fucking house says that.” “Maybe everybody's right.” Elisa smiled despite herself. “Maybe.” They reached the common room. Marco noticed first. He looked up from the table. Saw Shammy. Saw Elisa. Saw Panam. Looked back down. “No.” Elisa blinked. “I didn't say anything.” “I know.” Lena looked over. Her eyes traveled across all three women. Paused on Elisa. Elisa immediately: “No.” Lena smiled. “I wasn't going to say anything.” “Nobody ever is.” Marco: “Learning.” Elisa pointed at him. “You started that.” “No.” “You absolutely did.” “I adapted.” Panam: “Cowardice.” Marco: “Survival.” From the terrace: “Oh, look.” Elisa closed her eyes. Panam: “Brenda.” “Yes.” Shammy: “You can hide upstairs.” Elisa opened her eyes. “No.” Panam smiled. “Good.” Elisa walked toward the terrace. Normal pace. Mostly. The door stood open. Outside, Saturday afternoon had shifted toward evening without anyone asking permission. The light was warmer. Longer shadows across the clearing. Reyes and Kiro had migrated into one of the couches. Ace sat sideways against Mai. Mira and Della remained near the terrace steps. Iris sat beside Brenda. Brenda saw Elisa. Her expression transformed. Elisa raised one finger. “Don't.” Brenda: “I haven't—” “Don't.” “I was only—” “No.” Iris looked at Brenda. “She's getting faster.” Brenda: “I'm proud.” Elisa: “That's horrifying.” Mira looked at Elisa. Then Panam. Then Shammy. No jealousy. No awkwardness. Just recognition. Mira smiled. “Good?” Elisa stopped. Looked at her. Then Della. Then back toward Panam and Shammy. “Yes.” Della: “Extremely?” Elisa smiled. “Very.” Brenda made a tiny noise. Elisa turned. “Do you require medical attention?” Brenda: “I require information.” “No.” “Cruel.” “Yes.” Iris: “She warned you.” Brenda looked at her. “You're supposed to be on my side.” “I am.” “This doesn't feel like it.” Iris smiled. Elisa’s eyes lingered on her. Just briefly. Iris noticed. Brenda noticed Iris noticing. Elisa noticed both. Interesting. Mira shifted slightly on the step. Made room. Elisa walked over. Sat beside her. Carefully. Della saw. Her eyes narrowed with immediate understanding. Elisa: “No.” Della: “I didn't say anything.” “You were about to.” Mira smiled. Elisa looked at both of them. “You two are becoming infected too.” Della: “By what?” Elisa gestured at the terrace. “All of this.” Ace: “Too late.” Elisa looked toward her. “You're responsible for half of it.” Ace: “Only half?” Mai: “Don't encourage her.” Ace leaned into Mai. “You love me.” “Yes.” Immediate. Elisa smiled. That answer again. Different pair. Same certainty. She liked it. Panam sat beside Shammy across from them. Shammy curled into her almost immediately. Panam put an arm around her. No transition. No self-consciousness. Just home. Elisa watched. Mira noticed. “You like them.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “Obviously.” Elisa looked at her. “Are you jealous?” Della’s eyebrows rose. “No.” Mira: “Are you?” Elisa thought about it. “No.” Mira: “Then we're doing fine.” Elisa smiled. “Apparently.” Brenda leaned forward. “Can I ask one question?” The entire terrace: “No.” Brenda stared. “That was hostile.” Reyes: “Preventive.” Kiro: “Evidence-based.” Ace: “Necessary.” Panam: “Very.” Shammy’s hair bounced. Brenda looked betrayed. Iris kissed her cheek. Brenda softened for half a second. Then: “You too?” Iris: “Especially me.” Elisa laughed. Brenda turned toward her. There it was again. That directness. That unapologetic interest. Not new. Never hidden. Elisa remembered breakfast. Friday. Saturday morning. The question Brenda had asked. Would you? Elisa had answered maybe. Depends whether Iris is watching. Now Iris was sitting right there. Watching Elisa watch Brenda. Elisa smiled. Not enough for Brenda to know why. Enough for Iris. Iris’s expression barely changed. Barely. Elisa looked away. Interesting. Very interesting. Panam caught it. Of course Panam caught it. Her mouth twitched. Elisa saw. Pointed at her. “No.” Panam: “I didn't say anything.” “You are all becoming Brenda.” Brenda looked delighted. “Finally.” Everyone: “No.” Brenda: “Fuck you all.” Iris: “You're still smiling.” Brenda stared at her. Then laughed. Elisa nearly spilled her water. The afternoon relaxed again. Somebody brought food out. Not dinner. Something between. Leftovers. Bread. Cheese. Real vegetables Panam had brought. Nobody formally served anyone. Plates moved hand to hand. Elisa ended up with more food than she had taken. She looked at Mira. Mira: “What?” “You did that.” “No.” Della: “She did.” Mira: “Traitor.” Elisa laughed. Across the terrace, Shammy had stolen something from Panam’s plate. Panam stole it back. Ace tried to steal from Mai. Mai moved the plate. Ace looked personally wounded. Reyes handed Ace a piece from hers without looking. Ace took it. Kiro kissed Reyes’s temple. Nobody noticed. Or everybody did and nobody cared. Elisa looked around. Wednesday at the Safehouse had felt like being allowed through a door. Thursday had felt like joining something already moving. Friday had felt like surviving a natural disaster made of coffee and Brenda. Saturday— Saturday felt different. Nobody was showing her how anything worked anymore. Nobody was making space for Elisa. The space simply existed. She reached for bread. Brenda reached at the same time. Their hands touched. Neither moved immediately. Brenda looked at Elisa. Elisa looked back. Iris watched. There it was. Again. Elisa slowly smiled. Brenda’s eyes narrowed. Elisa took the bread. “Mine.” Brenda stared. Then laughed. “Bitch.” Elisa: “Still want another kiss?” Iris smiled. Brenda looked at Iris. Then Elisa. Something clicked. Not fully. Enough. Elisa saw it. Good. She ate the bread. Mira looked at her. “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Della looked past Elisa toward Brenda and Iris. Then back. “Oh.” Elisa turned. Della smiled. Elisa: “No.” “I didn't say anything.” “Correct.” Mira followed the same line. Understood. Her mouth twitched. Elisa stared at both. “Do not.” Mira: “We're not stopping you.” “I know.” Della: “Good.” Elisa closed her eyes. “You two are terrible.” Mira: “And yet.” Elisa opened them. Looked at Mira. Then Della. Warmth. No insecurity. No ownership. Exactly what they had already said. Elisa leaned over and kissed Mira’s cheek. Then Della’s. “Thank you.” Della: “For?” Elisa smiled. “Not making things complicated.” Mira: “We told you.” “Yes.” “You didn't believe us?” “I did.” Della: “Then?” Elisa considered. “I like evidence.” Panam from across the terrace: “Corpo.” Elisa immediately: “Courier.” Panam laughed. Shammy: “Rabbit.” Silence. Elisa slowly turned. Shammy’s eyes widened. Panam froze. Ace made a strangled noise. Mai looked away. Brenda: “Rabbit?” Elisa stared at Shammy. Shammy’s hair rose. “I—” Brenda: “Why rabbit?” Elisa: “No.” Brenda: “Oh, there is absolutely a reason.” “NO.” Reyes started laughing. Kiro: “This is going badly.” Elisa pointed at Shammy. “Fix this.” Shammy was laughing too hard. Panam: “You're on your own.” “TRAITOR.” Brenda leaned forward. “Rabbit.” Elisa: “I hate this place.” Ace: “No, you don't.” Elisa turned toward her. Ace smiled. Elisa tried to maintain the glare. Failed. “No.” Mai: “Thought so.” Elisa laughed. The terrace dissolved again. And while Brenda began constructing theories about rabbits that nobody had asked for, Iris remained beside her. Calm. Amused. Watching. Elisa noticed. Of course she did. This time, when their eyes met— Elisa did not look away. Neither did Iris. Not immediately. Saturday still had hours left. --- # CHAPTER 53 — STILL WATCHING Brenda’s rabbit theories became progressively worse. None of them were correct. That did not slow her down. “Maybe she bites.” Elisa: “No.” “Fast metabolism.” “No.” “Insane reproductive—” “BRENDA.” Iris laughed. Actually laughed. Brenda turned toward her. “What?” “You're enjoying this too much.” “Yes.” Elisa pointed at Iris. “At least one of you admits it.” Brenda: “I admit everything.” “That is the problem.” Reyes: “Historically accurate.” Kiro nodded. Panam: “Painfully.” Shammy had recovered enough to hide behind Panam. Elisa stared at her. “You started this.” Shammy’s hair lifted. “I said one word.” “Yes.” Panam: “Very efficient.” Elisa: “Traitor.” Again. Panam smiled. The terrace relaxed around them. Evening settled farther across the lake. The air cooled enough that somebody brought another blanket outside. It migrated immediately. Nobody knew who had originally brought it. Nobody cared. Elisa watched Iris. Not constantly. That would have been obvious. Probably. Iris sat close to Brenda. One leg folded beneath her. Brenda’s arm rested loosely along the back of the seat behind her. Casual. Familiar. Elisa knew now that Iris liked being watched. Not theoretically. She had seen it. The slight change in posture. The awareness. The way Iris became more deliberate when she knew attention was on her. Elisa liked that. She also liked Brenda. That was becoming difficult to pretend was merely curiosity. Brenda caught Elisa looking. This time Elisa did not look away. Brenda’s eyebrows rose. Elisa smiled. Brenda looked at Iris. Iris was already watching Elisa. Oh. Interesting. Very interesting. Elisa took another drink. Mira saw the entire exchange. She said nothing. Della did too. She smiled. Elisa: “Don't.” Della: “I haven't said anything.” “You're smiling.” “I have a face.” Elisa stared. Della smiled wider. “You've all become impossible.” Mira: “Apparently.” Elisa leaned closer. “You know what I'm thinking.” Mira: “Probably.” Della: “Definitely.” Elisa: “And?” Mira looked toward Brenda and Iris. Then back. “And what?” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “You're doing that deliberately.” “Yes.” Della: “You don't need our permission.” “I know.” Mira: “Then stop asking for it.” Elisa went still. That landed. Not harsh. Not even corrective. Just true. She looked at Mira. Mira’s expression stayed warm. Della leaned lightly against Elisa’s knee. No retreat. No insecurity. Elisa smiled. “Okay.” Mira: “Okay.” Della: “Good.” Elisa laughed. “There is that fucking word again.” Panam, from across the terrace: “You hate it because everybody keeps being right.” Elisa: “Courier.” Panam smiled. “Rabbit.” Elisa gasped. “YOU TOO?” Shammy folded against Panam laughing. Brenda: “Rabbit.” Elisa: “NO.” Iris: “It's permanent now.” Elisa stared at her. Iris smiled. Elisa: “You are supposed to be the sensible one.” “No.” Brenda looked delighted. “I told you.” Iris: “You tell everyone everything.” “Yes.” “Eventually something is statistically correct.” Kiro: “That is not how statistics work.” Brenda: “Fuck statistics.” Kiro looked offended. Reyes kissed her temple. “Don't engage.” Kiro: “She insulted mathematics.” “I know.” Ace: “Unforgivable.” Mai: “You failed algebra.” Ace: “That is irrelevant.” Elisa laughed. The conversation moved. Food disappeared. Someone opened wine. Not Death’s Coffee. Nobody would ever make that mistake again. Elisa accepted half a glass. Then thought better of it. Water first. Tomorrow already had enough potential consequences. Brenda noticed. “Responsible?” Elisa: “Temporarily.” “Disappointing.” Iris: “Leave her alone.” Elisa looked at Iris. “Why?” Iris looked back. “Would you prefer I didn't?” The question was simple. The effect was not. Elisa’s smile returned. “No.” Brenda noticed. Again. Her hand shifted along the back of Iris’s seat. Elisa watched it. Brenda watched Elisa watch it. Then Brenda very deliberately let her fingers touch Iris’s shoulder. Iris did not look at her. She looked at Elisa. There. Elisa felt warmth move through her. Not subtle. Della leaned closer. Quietly: “You're staring.” “Yes.” Mira: “She knows.” “Yes.” Della: “You like that.” Elisa glanced at her. “Yes.” No embarrassment. Della smiled. “Good.” Elisa: “I will kill that word.” “No, you won't.” Probably true. Across the terrace, Brenda’s fingers moved slowly along Iris’s shoulder. Nothing remotely scandalous. That was not the point. Iris’s posture changed. Barely. Elisa saw it. Brenda saw Elisa see it. A closed loop. Interesting. Elisa stood. Mira looked up. Della did too. Elisa: “I need more water.” Della: “Liar.” Elisa: “I also need more water.” Mira laughed. Elisa walked inside. Not hurried. Not slow enough to become theatrical. The kitchen was quieter. Marco had moved somewhere else. Lena was near the counter. Elisa filled her glass. Lena glanced toward the terrace. Then Elisa. “Danger?” Elisa smiled. “Probably.” Lena: “Good.” Elisa stared. “You too?” “Cabin.” “That is not an explanation.” “It is here.” Elisa laughed. Lena left with a plate. Elisa stayed by the counter. Drank. Thought. Not about whether she wanted it. That was answered. About how. Brenda would say yes to almost anything provocative. That was not enough. Iris mattered. Elisa wanted Iris involved because Iris wanted to be involved. Not because Brenda enjoyed watching. Not because Elisa enjoyed being watched. All three. Simple. She took another drink. Footsteps behind her. Elisa turned. Iris. Alone. Of course. Elisa smiled. “Water?” Iris: “No.” “Then?” Iris leaned lightly against the opposite counter. “You've been looking at me.” Elisa did not deny it. “Yes.” “I noticed.” “I know.” Iris smiled. “That part is new.” “What?” “You knowing I noticed.” Elisa thought about that. “Yes.” Iris: “And?” Elisa looked at her. Direct. No reason not to be. “I like watching you.” Iris’s expression changed. Tiny. Real. Elisa continued. “And I like knowing you know I'm watching.” Iris: “I know.” Elisa smiled. “You like it.” “Yes.” Immediate. Elisa felt the answer. Then: “And Brenda?” Elisa laughed softly. “Also yes.” Iris nodded. No surprise. No jealousy. Elisa: “You knew.” “I suspected.” “Since when?” Iris considered. “Before you did.” Elisa groaned. “Everybody keeps doing that.” Iris laughed. “You're not subtle.” “I thought I was.” “No.” Elisa: “Cruel.” “Accurate.” Elisa set the glass down. Looked at Iris. “Would it bother you?” Iris knew exactly what she meant. “No.” Elisa waited. Iris continued. “But don't treat me like Brenda's permission slip.” Elisa’s expression changed immediately. “No.” “Good.” “I wouldn't.” “I know.” Elisa stepped closer. Not touching. Yet. “I want you too.” Iris held her gaze. There it was. The answer she needed. Iris smiled. “Better.” Elisa: “Was that a test?” “No.” “That sounded like one.” “It was clarification.” “Administrative Operations.” Iris laughed. “Fuck you.” Elisa smiled. “Maybe.” Iris stared at her. Then laughed again. “You really have been around Ace too much.” “Apparently.” Elisa moved another half step closer. “Can I kiss you?” Iris: “Yes.” Elisa did. Not long. Not yet. But not tentative either. Iris answered immediately. When they separated, Elisa stayed close. Iris looked pleased. Very. Elisa noticed. “You like that too.” “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “This is getting dangerous.” Iris: “Probably.” From the terrace: “IRIS?” Both women froze. Brenda. Elisa looked toward the doorway. Then back at Iris. Iris closed her eyes. “Of course.” Elisa laughed. Brenda appeared in the doorway. Stopped. Looked at Iris. Looked at Elisa. Looked at the distance between them. Her entire face lit up. Elisa pointed. “Don't.” Brenda: “I wasn't going to say anything.” Iris: “Bullshit.” “Okay, I was.” Elisa: “No.” Brenda leaned against the doorframe. Smiling. Not threatened. Not uncertain. Interested. Very interested. Elisa looked at her. Remembered the question. Would you? Depends whether Iris is watching. Elisa slowly smiled. Brenda’s expression changed. She remembered too. “Oh.” Iris looked between them. “What?” Brenda: “Saturday morning.” Iris: “What about it?” Elisa: “She asked me something.” Brenda: “And she gave me a bullshit answer.” Elisa: “It wasn't bullshit.” “You said maybe.” “Yes.” Brenda: “Depends whether Iris is watching.” Iris went still. Elisa watched her. Brenda watched both. Silence. Then Iris: “Well.” Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Brenda looked like Christmas had arrived early. Elisa: “Control yourself.” “No.” “Try.” “No.” Iris: “Brenda.” Brenda immediately looked at her. Iris smiled. Not restraining. Not disapproving. Just making sure Brenda was actually listening. Brenda understood. The energy shifted. Elisa saw it. That instant transition from joke to attention. She liked that too. Iris looked at Elisa. “You've had a busy day.” Elisa laughed. “That is becoming everybody's favorite observation.” “It matters.” Elisa considered. Then nodded. “Yes.” Iris: “You're already sore.” Elisa stared. “How the fuck does everyone know?” Brenda: “You sat down like the chair had personally offended you.” Elisa closed her eyes. “Oh.” Iris laughed. Elisa: “Fine.” Brenda: “Very?” Elisa opened her eyes. Looked at her. “Very.” Brenda grinned. Iris: “And still interested?” Elisa looked at Iris. Then Brenda. No hesitation. “Yes.” Brenda exhaled. “Fuck.” Elisa smiled. “That sounded promising.” Iris: “It was.” Brenda looked at Iris. Iris looked back. Another conversation without words. Elisa recognized those now. She waited. Brenda eventually looked at her. “Not here.” Elisa glanced around the kitchen. “Excellent strategic assessment.” Brenda: “Smartass.” “Still hot?” Iris laughed. Brenda: “You really are infected.” Elisa: “Apparently.” Iris stepped away from the counter. “Side House?” Brenda considered. Then shook her head. “Occupied?” “No.” “Main bedroom?” Elisa stared. Brenda: “What?” “I borrowed it already.” Brenda: “Oh.” Iris smiled. Brenda: “Right.” Elisa: “Don't.” “Didn’t need to.” “You said ‘oh.’” “That is a word.” “It was a filthy word.” Brenda looked proud. Iris: “Side House.” Elisa looked at both of them. That felt right. Separate. Private. No need to borrow another bed immediately after returning one. She nodded. “Side House.” Brenda smiled. Then stopped. Looked toward the terrace. “Do we tell anyone?” Iris: “Why?” Brenda: “Courtesy?” Elisa: “Since when?” Brenda looked offended. “I have manners.” Iris and Elisa together: “No.” They looked at each other. Then both started laughing. Brenda stared. “This is going to be fucking awful.” Elisa: “For you?” Brenda smiled. “No.” Elisa felt that one. Iris saw. Of course. She smiled. “Still watching?” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” Iris: “Good.” Then Iris walked past Brenda toward the terrace. Elisa stayed still for half a second. Brenda looked at her. Elisa: “What?” Brenda: “You realize she did that deliberately.” “Yes.” Brenda smiled. “Good.” Elisa groaned. “Fuck that word.” Brenda laughed. They followed Iris outside. Nobody announced anything. Nobody needed to. Mira looked up. Saw Elisa. Then Brenda. Then Iris. Understood immediately. Della did too. Elisa paused near them. Mira smiled. “Go.” Elisa laughed. “Again?” “Yes.” Della: “Definitely.” Elisa looked at both. No jealousy. Still. Warmth moved through her. She bent and kissed Mira. Then Della. “See you later.” Mira: “Yes.” Della: “Have fun.” Brenda: “Oh, we—” Iris: “Don't.” Brenda closed her mouth. Elisa laughed. Panam noticed the movement from across the terrace. Her eyebrows rose. Shammy followed her gaze. Her hair lifted. Ace noticed next. Then Mai. Elisa saw the recognition spread. No one said anything. For almost three seconds. Then Reyes: “Busy Saturday.” Elisa pointed. “Fuck you.” Reyes smiled. “Maybe.” Kiro buried her face against Reyes. Elisa laughed. Brenda: “Can we go before this becomes a committee meeting?” Iris stood. “Yes.” Elisa looked toward the Side House. Then Brenda. Then Iris. Brenda smiled. Iris watched. Elisa felt both. Very clearly. She smiled back. “Let's go.” And for the third time that Saturday— Elisa left the group with absolutely no intention of behaving responsibly. --- # CHAPTER 54 — SIDE HOUSE The walk across the clearing was not long. It felt longer. Not because anyone was hesitating. Quite the opposite. Brenda walked on Elisa’s left. Iris on her right. Nobody held hands. That would somehow have made it simpler. The evening air had cooled. Lights from the Main Cabin followed them halfway across the clearing before the Side House porch light took over. Elisa could feel both women beside her. Brenda’s energy was obvious. Contained badly. Iris was quieter. Which somehow made her worse. Elisa glanced sideways. Iris caught her. Of course. Elisa: “You're doing that deliberately.” Iris: “What?” “Nothing.” Brenda: “She does that.” Elisa looked at Brenda. “You sound proud.” “I am.” Iris: “You're also talking too much.” Brenda: “I always talk too much.” “Yes.” “Still love me.” “Yes.” Immediate. Elisa smiled. There it was again. That certainty. Brenda looked at her. “What?” “Nothing.” “That wasn't nothing.” Elisa: “I like that.” Brenda: “What?” “The way she answers you.” Brenda’s expression softened. Just slightly. “She always does.” Iris opened the Side House door. “Inside.” Brenda: “Yes, ma’am.” Elisa laughed. Iris looked at her. “You too.” Elisa’s laughter stopped. Not entirely. “Okay.” Brenda stared. Then: “Oh, fuck me.” Iris: “Later.” Elisa made a sound she absolutely had not intended to make. Brenda turned toward her. Elisa pointed. “No.” “I didn't say anything.” “You were going to.” “Yes.” They went inside. The Side House felt different at night. Smaller. Warmer. The sitting room lamps were already on. Someone had left them that way earlier. One bedroom door stood open. The other closed. No one appeared to be using the sitting room. Good. Iris locked the exterior door. Not dramatically. Just privacy. Elisa noticed. Brenda noticed her noticing. Of course. Elisa: “You're both impossible.” Brenda: “We haven't done anything.” “That is demonstrably false.” Iris walked closer. Elisa stopped talking. Iris smiled. “Better.” Elisa: “You enjoy that.” “Yes.” Brenda: “She really does.” Iris looked back at her. Brenda smiled. Not retreating. Not interrupting. Watching. Elisa saw the look. She had seen versions of it before. Brenda enjoyed this. Not merely being involved. Watching Iris become more deliberate. Watching someone else respond to her. Elisa turned back to Iris. “You like her watching too.” Iris: “Yes.” Elisa: “And me?” “Yes.” Another immediate answer. Elisa breathed in slowly. “Good.” Brenda laughed softly. “There it is.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” “That word.” “I hate that word.” “No, you don't.” Elisa: “Everyone in this fucking group has become unbearable.” Brenda: “You fit in beautifully.” Elisa stared. Then laughed. “Fuck you.” Brenda smiled. “Maybe.” Iris reached out. Touched Elisa’s wrist. Not taking. Asking. Elisa turned her hand. Caught Iris’s fingers. “Yes.” Iris stepped closer. Kissed her. Different from the kitchen. No test. No clarification. No reason to stop quickly. Elisa kissed back. Brenda remained where she was. Watching. Elisa could feel it without looking. That was becoming a problem. A very pleasant one. Iris pulled back enough to look at her. Elisa: “She’s watching.” “I know.” “You like it.” “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “So do I.” Behind them: “I feel extremely appreciated.” Elisa started laughing against Iris’s mouth. Iris closed her eyes. “Brenda.” “What?” Elisa turned her head. Brenda looked entirely unrepentant. Elisa: “Come here.” That shut her up. For perhaps the first time all weekend. Brenda’s expression changed. Not surprised. Interested. Very. She crossed the room. Elisa reached for her. Kissed her. Brenda answered instantly. Different again. Where Iris had been deliberate, Brenda was direct. Warm. Confident. Absolutely without embarrassment. Elisa liked that too. A lot. Iris stayed close. Watching. Elisa became aware of it. Very aware. When she pulled back from Brenda, Iris was still looking at her. Elisa: “Fuck.” Brenda smiled. “Good fuck?” Elisa: “Don't ruin it.” Iris laughed. Brenda: “I cannot promise that.” Elisa: “I know.” Iris touched Brenda’s back. Brenda leaned into it automatically. Elisa watched them. That was the thing. They did not stop being themselves just because she was here. Iris’s hand knew exactly where Brenda would settle. Brenda turned toward her without looking. Their mouths met. Easy. Familiar. No performance. And yet— Elisa watched. Iris knew. Brenda knew. That changed it. Not into something false. Into something brighter. Elisa felt the shift immediately. Brenda opened her eyes during the kiss. Looked at Elisa. That was deliberate. Elisa’s pulse jumped. Iris felt Brenda smile. Pulled back. “What?” Brenda: “She likes it.” Iris looked at Elisa. Elisa: “Yes.” No reason to pretend. Iris stepped toward her again. Brenda stayed close behind Iris. Elisa understood suddenly. Not roles. Not turns. A current. Brenda liked seeing Iris react. Iris liked being seen. Elisa liked both. And Brenda— Brenda liked Elisa noticing. That loop tightened quickly. Nobody needed to explain it. Elisa touched Iris’s face. Kissed her again. Brenda’s hand settled at Iris’s waist. Iris leaned back into her. Elisa felt the movement between them. The familiarity. The trust. It made the whole thing easier. Hotter too. Brenda kissed Iris’s shoulder. Elisa’s eyes dropped to the movement. Brenda caught her. Smiled. Elisa: “You're showing off.” “Yes.” Iris: “She is.” Elisa: “You like it.” “Yes.” Brenda: “She does.” Iris: “Stop answering for me.” Brenda: “You were going to say yes.” “Yes.” Elisa laughed. Iris kissed her to shut her up. That worked. For a while. The Side House got quieter. Not silent. Clothing became less important. Nobody rushed. Nobody directed traffic. Attention moved where it wanted. Sometimes Elisa watched. Sometimes Brenda did. Sometimes Iris knew both of them were watching and clearly enjoyed every second of that knowledge. Sometimes Brenda forgot about watching entirely because Iris touched her in exactly the way years of familiarity had taught her. Sometimes Elisa found herself caught between them. Sometimes beside them. Sometimes laughing because Brenda said something filthy at exactly the wrong moment. Then Iris would kiss her. Or Brenda. Or both, somehow, without anything becoming complicated. At one point Elisa stopped. Not from doubt. From sensation. From the simple fact that her already overworked body had opinions. Iris noticed immediately. “Too much?” Elisa shook her head. “No.” Brenda: “Sure?” Elisa looked at both of them. “Yes.” Then, after a beat: “Just slower.” Iris nodded. “Easy.” Brenda’s expression softened completely. “No problem.” And that mattered. The energy changed without disappearing. No disappointment. No pressure. No performance requirement. Just adjustment. Elisa exhaled. “Thank you.” Brenda: “Don't be stupid.” Elisa stared. Iris: “That means you're welcome.” “I know.” Brenda: “Good.” Elisa: “Fuck that word.” All three laughed. The laughter dissolved back into kisses. Touch. Warmth. Watching. Being watched. Brenda’s favorite thing and Iris’s favorite thing becoming, somehow, something Elisa discovered she could enjoy from both directions. There was no single center. No moment where someone became an accessory. When Iris’s breathing changed, Brenda noticed first. Elisa noticed Brenda noticing. That nearly undid her. When Brenda lost her usual ability to keep talking, Iris looked absurdly pleased. Elisa laughed. Brenda: “Fuck you.” Elisa: “Maybe later.” Brenda: “Bitch.” “That sounded almost horny.” Iris laughed so hard she had to hide her face against Brenda’s shoulder. The room softened again. Then rose. Again. Not in neat waves. Not evenly. Just naturally. Elisa stopped trying to understand the geometry. That was probably why it worked. Brenda lost the ability to keep narrating first. That alone nearly made Elisa laugh. Iris noticed before Brenda did. Of course she did. Brenda had been watching Iris watch her all evening. Now that knowledge turned against her in the best possible way. Her mouth opened. No joke came. Iris smiled. Brenda: “Do not look that fucking pleased.” Iris: “Too late.” Elisa laughed. Brenda pointed at her. “You're next.” Elisa: “Threat?” “Promise.” Iris: “Brenda.” “What?” “You're losing.” Brenda stared at her. Then whatever answer she had planned disappeared completely. Her whole body tightened. The breath punched out of her. Iris stayed with her through the release, one hand steady at Brenda’s side, face close enough that Brenda could see exactly how much Iris enjoyed watching her fall apart. Elisa watched too. Brenda knew. That mattered. Not humiliation. Not spectacle. Choice. Being seen because she wanted to be seen. When the tension finally broke, Brenda sagged into Iris with a helpless laugh. “Oh, fuck you.” Iris kissed her forehead. “Later.” Brenda managed: “Bitch.” Elisa smiled. “That was hot.” Brenda opened one eye. “Yes.” No false modesty. Iris laughed. Then Elisa saw the look Brenda gave her. Predatory only in the playful sense. Interested. Very awake again despite everything. Elisa: “No.” Brenda: “You said I was hot.” “I did.” “You were watching.” “Yes.” “You liked watching.” “Yes.” Iris looked at Elisa. Elisa met her eyes. That changed the air again. Iris liked being watched too. Elisa had known that. Knowing it abstractly and seeing Iris choose into the attention were different things. Iris moved closer. Not fast. Elisa watched her. Brenda watched Elisa watching. The whole triangle became obvious without anyone needing to explain it. Elisa laughed softly. “This is fucking unfair.” Brenda: “Welcome to adulthood.” Iris kissed Elisa before Brenda could make it worse. Elisa answered immediately. The first sharp pleasure response surprised her less this time. She knew this room now. Knew both women wanted her here. Knew slowing down earlier had not cost her anything. That safety made the next escalation easier to accept. When Elisa’s breathing shortened again, Iris noticed. Brenda did too. Neither rushed. Neither treated her soreness like fragility. They simply adjusted around it. Elisa stayed in control of her yes. And when the release finally caught her, it did not arrive as a performance for either of them. It arrived because she had stopped guarding against being watched. Her eyes closed. Her hand found Iris. Then Brenda. The tension held for one long second— and broke. Stillness followed. Real. Necessary. Brenda touched her shoulder. Iris stayed close. Elisa breathed through the aftershocks and laughed once under her breath. “Fuck.” Brenda: “Good fuck?” Elisa opened her eyes. “You had to.” “Yes.” Iris: “She physically couldn't stop herself.” Brenda: “Correct.” Elisa started laughing again. Good. That was the point. At some point the three of them ended up on the bed. Elisa had no idea whose idea that had been. Probably nobody’s. Brenda lay half on her side. Iris close against her. Elisa facing them. For several minutes they did nothing but breathe. That felt surprisingly important. Iris reached out. Ran her fingers through Elisa’s hair. “You okay?” Elisa smiled. “Very.” Brenda: “Sore?” Elisa groaned. “Yes.” “Worth it?” Elisa looked at Brenda. Then Iris. Then remembered Mira and Della. Panam. Shammy. The clearing. The big upstairs bedroom. The entire impossible Saturday. She laughed softly. “Extremely.” Brenda looked delighted. Iris: “Don't encourage her.” Elisa: “Too late.” Brenda: “Rabbit.” Elisa’s eyes opened. “You absolute bitch.” Brenda laughed. Iris kissed Elisa’s forehead. Brenda: “It fits.” “No.” “You've had a very—” “DO NOT FINISH THAT SENTENCE.” Iris was laughing again. Elisa covered her face. “This was a mistake.” Brenda: “No, it wasn't.” Elisa lowered her hands. Brenda’s smile had softened. No joke now. Elisa knew. “No.” Brenda: “Good.” Elisa: “I still hate that word.” Iris: “No, you don't.” Elisa stared at both. “Fucking infected.” Brenda: “Welcome home.” Silence. Tiny. Unexpected. Brenda’s expression changed immediately. Not because she regretted saying it. Because she realized what she had said. Iris looked at Elisa. Elisa went very still. Home. Not the property. Not ownership. Not anything Elisa could buy. This. The people. The complete absence of ceremony around letting her into parts of their lives that mattered. Elisa swallowed. Then smiled. “Yeah.” Brenda relaxed. Iris kissed her temple. No speech. No emotional committee meeting. Just that. After a while Brenda broke the silence. Naturally. “So.” Iris: “No.” “I didn't ask anything.” “You were going to.” “Yes.” Elisa started laughing. Brenda: “I only wanted to know whether Mira and Della—” “NO.” Iris: “Brenda.” “What?” Elisa: “You had five minutes.” Brenda: “That's a personal record.” Iris: “Unfortunately true.” Elisa sat up. Immediately reconsidered. “Fuck.” Both women looked at her. Elisa: “Not a word.” Brenda: “I wasn't going to—” “Not. A. Word.” Iris smiled. “Sunday.” Elisa pointed at her. “You too?” “Yes.” Elisa: “I hate everyone.” Brenda: “No, you don't.” Elisa: “Apparently fucking not.” Getting dressed became a group exercise in poor organization. Nobody knew where half the clothes had gone. Brenda found Elisa’s shirt on the floor near the door. Elisa: “How did that get there?” Brenda: “Enthusiasm.” Iris: “Brenda.” “What?” Elisa: “Honestly, probably.” Brenda looked vindicated. Iris: “Do not encourage her.” Too late. Eventually they were dressed enough to face civilization. Elisa stood. Paused. Brenda looked at Iris. Iris looked at Brenda. Elisa: “I swear to God.” Neither said anything. Elisa: “Thank you.” Brenda: “For not saying it?” “Yes.” “You're welcome.” They left the bedroom. The Side House sitting room looked completely innocent. Elisa found that offensive. She unlocked the exterior door. Cool evening air hit her face. Good. Needed. Across the clearing, Main Cabin windows glowed. Someone had started preparing dinner. Voices drifted faintly through the night. Brenda stepped onto the porch. Iris followed. Elisa stood between them. Looked toward the Main Cabin. Brenda: “Ready?” Elisa: “No.” Iris: “Good.” Elisa turned. “Why does everyone keep—” Iris kissed her. Quick. Elisa stopped talking. Brenda: “Useful.” Elisa looked at her. “You're next.” Brenda smiled. “Promise?” Elisa laughed. Then kissed her too. They crossed the clearing together. Not hiding anything. Not announcing anything. By the time they reached the terrace steps, Ace saw them first. Then Mai. Then Panam. Then Shammy. Then Mira. Then Della. Brenda whispered: “Here we go.” Elisa: “If you say one word—” Brenda: “I wasn't talking about me.” Elisa stopped. Oh. Reyes looked up. Saw the three of them. Looked at Elisa. Elisa was moving carefully. Very carefully. Reyes smiled. “No.” Elisa pointed. “Don't.” Kiro looked over. Then immediately buried her face against Reyes’s shoulder. Mira’s smile appeared. Della’s followed. Panam looked entirely too pleased. Shammy’s hair started rising. Elisa: “No.” Ace opened her mouth. Elisa: “NO.” Ace closed it. Mai looked at Ace. “Good girl.” Ace’s face changed instantly. Brenda: “Oh, come on.” Elisa folded in half laughing. Which turned out to be a mistake. She straightened very carefully. “Fuck.” Della: “Sore?” Elisa stared at her. Silence. Then: “Very.” Mira: “Worth it?” Elisa looked around the terrace. At Mira. Della. Panam. Shammy. Then Brenda. Iris. Her smile became enormous. “Extremely.” Brenda slapped the terrace rail. “YES.” Iris covered her face. Reyes started laughing. Kiro: “Rabbit.” Elisa froze. Slowly turned. Kiro realized what she had done. “Oh, fuck.” Elisa pointed. “You.” Kiro: “Sorry.” “No, you're not.” “No.” Reyes wrapped an arm around her. “Run.” Kiro: “I'm comfortable.” Elisa: “I hate this fucking cabin.” Ace: “No, you don't.” Elisa looked at her. At all of them. At the lights. The lake beyond. The ridiculous people surrounding her. Then smiled. “No.” Saturday evening carried on. --- # CHAPTER 55 — HOSTILE ARCHITECTURE Dinner almost happened by accident. Nobody announced it. Marco started cutting vegetables. Lena found the meat Panam had brought. Mai opened one of the bottles of wine. Kiro appeared in the kitchen long enough to steal cheese. Reyes appeared behind her and stole half of that. Within twenty minutes, the Main Cabin smelled like food. Elisa sat at the long table. Very carefully. Brenda saw. Elisa saw Brenda see. “No.” Brenda held up both hands. “Wasn’t necessary.” “You inhaled.” “I need oxygen.” “Suspiciously.” Iris sat beside Brenda. “You are breathing provocatively.” Brenda turned toward her. “Thank you.” “That was not a compliment.” “I accepted it as one.” Elisa laughed. Immediately regretted laughing quite that hard. Her hand went flat against the table. Della noticed from across the room. Mira did too. Panam, carrying plates: “Oh, she's fucked.” Elisa closed her eyes. “Panam.” “What?” Brenda: “Technically—” Iris put a hand over Brenda’s mouth. “Do not.” Brenda spoke into her palm. Nobody understood it. Probably safer. Ace climbed onto one of the chairs beside Mai. She looked at Elisa. Elisa pointed. “Not you too.” Ace: “I haven't done anything.” “You have a face.” Della: “That argument has precedent.” Elisa looked at her. “Traitor.” Della smiled. Mira leaned against the counter. “You're outnumbered.” “I have noticed.” Shammy wandered in from the terrace. Her hair was calm. Mostly. She saw Elisa. It lifted. Elisa stared. “Fuck you.” Shammy started laughing. Panam: “She didn't say anything.” “She has subtitles.” Ace: “She really does.” Shammy looked offended. Her hair rose higher. Elisa: “See?” That broke the room. Even Mai laughed. Dinner eventually made it onto the table. Thirteen people fit because the table extended. Chairs appeared from storage. No one ended up where they had sat Thursday. Nobody seemed to notice. Or care. Elisa ended up between Mira and Iris. Della opposite. Brenda beside Iris. Panam and Shammy farther down. Ace had somehow arranged herself close enough to Mai to steal from her plate. Again. Mai moved the plate. Again. Ace: “Why do you hate me?” Mai: “I fed you.” “Not the good part.” “You have the same thing.” Ace looked at her own plate. Then Mai’s. “That is not the point.” Reyes: “You're five.” Ace: “Four something.” Mai: “Do not encourage yourself.” Kiro looked down the table. “You know she's going to use that forever.” Ace: “Yes.” Elisa laughed. Carefully. Mira noticed. “You really are sore.” Elisa looked at her. “Do you want to survive dinner?” “Yes.” “Then stop noticing.” Della: “Impossible.” Elisa looked across at her. Della smiled. Not teasing. Well. Mostly not teasing. Elisa smiled back. Warmth moved through her. Different from earlier. Softer. Mira’s hand brushed Elisa’s knee beneath the table. Brief. Familiar already. Elisa covered Mira’s hand with hers for a second. Iris noticed. Elisa noticed Iris noticing. Iris smiled. Elisa’s eyes narrowed. “You're enjoying this.” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda looked between them. “What?” Both women: “Nothing.” Brenda stared. “That is bullshit.” Reyes: “Welcome to your own medicine.” Brenda: “I don't like it.” Iris: “I know.” Dinner got louder. Marco complained about people stealing food before it reached the table. Panam claimed that was a supply-chain problem. Kiro attempted to explain why it technically was. Nobody let her. Lena poured wine. Elisa accepted a little. Not much. Mira noticed that too. “Learning?” Elisa: “Survival.” Marco pointed at her. “Finally.” Elisa: “Do not get smug.” “Too late.” Brenda: “She's already had enough fluids today.” Silence. Iris slowly turned toward her. Elisa stared. Panam choked. Ace disappeared behind Mai. Kiro made a sound like a broken modem. Reyes put her face in one hand. Mira closed her eyes. Della looked at Brenda with open admiration. Brenda: “What?” Iris: “You lasted nearly seven minutes.” Brenda: “That long?” Elisa: “You absolute fucking menace.” Brenda smiled. “You’re smiling.” Elisa took a breath. “Yes.” Brenda looked genuinely pleased. That made it worse. Or better. Probably both. Shammy’s hair rose again. Elisa: “YOU STOP TOO.” Shammy: “I didn't—” “SUBTITLES.” Panam laughed so hard she had to put her fork down. Even Marco gave up pretending the meal had dignity. Eventually the food slowed them down. For a while. The first edge of evening hunger disappeared. Conversation loosened. The lake beyond the windows darkened toward blue-black. The terrace lights came on automatically. Fire outside waited for later. Elisa ate more than she expected. Her body wanted fuel. Fair. It had been a day. A very fucking active day. She was halfway through bread when Della leaned forward. “How bad?” Elisa looked at her. “What?” Della nodded subtly. Elisa understood. She considered lying. Did not. “Enough that I am renegotiating my relationship with furniture.” Mira laughed. Brenda: “I knew it.” Elisa pointed at her without looking. “You are not part of this conversation.” “I am emotionally invested.” Iris: “Unfortunately true.” Della: “Tomorrow will be worse.” Elisa stared. “Thank you.” “You're welcome.” “That was not gratitude.” “I know.” Mira: “Hot shower later.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “Water.” “Yes.” Iris: “Sleep.” Elisa looked at her. “Yes, mother.” The table went quiet. Elisa froze. Iris froze. Brenda’s eyes widened. Ace made the tiniest possible noise. Elisa: “No.” Iris: “Absolutely not.” “Agreed.” Brenda: “I was going to—” Everyone: “NO.” Brenda looked wounded. “Hostile.” Marco: “Preventive.” Reyes: “Evidence-based.” Kiro: “Statistically justified.” Brenda pointed at Kiro. “You don't get to use statistics after what happened Friday.” Kiro stared. “That makes no sense.” “Yes.” Reyes kissed her cheek. “Don't.” Kiro: “She keeps attacking mathematics.” “I know.” Dinner finally ended. Not cleanly. Nobody stood at once. Plates accumulated. Marco started collecting them. Lena stopped him. “Sit.” Marco: “I am sitting.” “You were about to stand.” “I was considering it.” “No.” Marco looked around. “This house is becoming authoritarian.” Mai: “Be useful and stop whining.” Marco: “Yes, ma’am.” Ace looked delighted. Elisa leaned back. Carefully. Too carefully. Brenda saw. Elisa: “Don't.” “You already knew.” “You're smiling.” “I like chairs.” Elisa: “I will kill you.” Brenda: “Not tonight.” Iris closed her eyes. “Oh, for fuck's sake.” Elisa laughed into her hand. Mira leaned close. “You okay?” “Yes.” “Actually?” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” Mira nodded. No second interrogation. Good. That mattered too. Elisa rested her head briefly against Mira’s shoulder. Della watched. Elisa held out one hand across the table. Della took it. Simple. No announcement. No ownership. Elisa liked that more every time it happened. Iris noticed that too. Brenda eventually noticed Iris watching Elisa. Then Elisa watching Della. Then Mira holding Elisa close. Brenda’s expression changed into something thoughtful. Dangerous. Iris saw it immediately. “No.” Brenda: “I didn't say anything.” “You were going to.” “Yes.” Elisa: “Thank you.” Iris: “For?” “Preventive maintenance.” Brenda: “I am not machinery.” Marco: “Debatable.” Brenda stared at him. Marco stood. “I am going outside.” Lena: “Coward.” “Yes.” Panam: “Survival.” Marco pointed at her. “Exactly.” He escaped through the terrace door. Lena followed more slowly. Not because she was escaping. Because she wanted to watch Marco pretend he was. Panam and Shammy drifted after them. Ace started to rise. Mai caught the back of her shirt. Ace: “What?” “Plate.” Ace looked at her empty plate. Then the stack. Then Mai. “This feels targeted.” Mai: “It is.” Reyes: “Justice.” Ace: “Fuck all of you.” Kiro: “Rabbit.” Silence. Everyone looked at Kiro. Kiro: “Wrong target.” Elisa started laughing. Reyes buried her face against Kiro’s shoulder. Ace: “Rabbit?” Elisa: “NO.” Brenda: “Oh, it's spreading.” Shammy’s hair appeared in the terrace doorway. Elisa pointed at it. “GET OUT.” Shammy vanished. Panam’s laughter came from outside. Elisa put her forehead on Mira’s shoulder. “I hate everybody.” Mira: “No, you don't.” “Apparently not.” Della squeezed Elisa’s fingers. Eventually the kitchen cleared. Mostly. Enough. The group moved toward the terrace and outside fire. The night had settled fully now. Cold enough for hoodies. Blankets. Warm bodies. Elisa stood. Slowly. Iris rose beside her. Mira on the other side. Elisa took one step. Fine. Second. Fine. Third— “Fuck.” Mira: “Stairs?” “No.” “Chair?” “Yes.” Della: “Hostile architecture.” Elisa pointed at her. “That is exactly what it is.” Brenda: “Your ass has declared war on furniture.” Iris: “Brenda.” Elisa: “No, she's right.” Everyone stopped. Brenda looked stunned. “You admitted I was right.” Elisa: “Do not make me regret it.” Brenda’s face softened into pure triumph. “Best day ever.” Elisa: “Mine was better.” Brenda stopped. Iris started laughing. Della made a choking noise. Mira looked at Elisa. Panam from outside: “FUCK.” Ace screamed laughter. Mai: “Elisa.” Elisa smiled. “Yes?” Mai stared at her for one long second. Then: “Nothing.” Elisa: “That's what I thought.” Brenda pointed at her. “You.” Elisa: “What?” “You've changed.” “No.” “Yes.” Iris: “She hasn't.” Brenda looked at Iris. Iris smiled. “She just stopped filtering it.” Elisa felt that land. Because it was true. Friday had removed the filter chemically. Saturday— Saturday she had removed parts of it herself. Not all. She was still Elisa. Still careful where careful mattered. Still thinking three moves ahead when the situation deserved it. But here? With these people? She could say the thing. Ask the question. Kiss who she wanted to kiss. Laugh too loudly. Be vulgar. Be curious. Be ridiculous. Nobody made her smaller. Nobody made her perform being larger either. She could just— Be. Elisa looked at Iris. “That's disturbingly accurate.” Iris: “I know.” Brenda: “Hot.” Iris: “Of course.” Elisa laughed. Then winced. “Fuck.” Della: “Again?” Elisa: “Still.” Mira: “Fire.” “Yes.” They moved outside. The fire area sat away from the buildings, reached by the familiar path. Someone had already started it. Marco, probably. The flames were low but strong. Chairs and logs gathered around. Blankets migrated with the group. Elisa arrived and stared at the available seating. Brenda: “Oh my God.” Elisa: “Don't.” “You're evaluating chairs.” “Yes.” Panam: “Use the log.” Elisa: “Hard.” Reyes: “Chair.” “Angles.” Kiro: “Floor cushion?” Elisa: “Getting down is the problem.” Silence. Then Brenda folded over laughing. Elisa: “I hate you.” Brenda: “I know.” Iris pulled one broad chair closer. Added a folded blanket. Then another. “Try that.” Elisa lowered herself carefully. Paused. Settled. “Oh.” Iris: “Better?” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” Brenda: “See? Administrative Operations.” Elisa: “I am never mocking your department again.” Iris: “Good.” Elisa: “Fuck.” Iris smiled. Mira sat on one side of the chair. Della on the other. Not crowding. Close enough. Elisa’s hand found Della’s. Her shoulder found Mira’s. Across the fire, Brenda leaned into Iris. Panam and Shammy shared a blanket. Ace somehow ended up nearly in Mai’s lap without officially being in Mai’s lap. Reyes and Kiro sat together on a log. Marco and Lena shared one of the lower chairs. Thirteen people. No arrangement. No hosting. No center. The fire crackled. The lake was barely visible through the trees. For the first time all day, nobody immediately said anything filthy. Thirty seconds. Maybe forty. Brenda: “So, rabbit—” Elisa threw a cushion at her. Brenda caught it. “Worth it.” The fire exploded with laughter. Elisa leaned back. Carefully. Smiling. Saturday still wasn't finished. But it had finally slowed down. --- # CHAPTER 56 — FIRELIGHT The cushion missed Brenda by almost a meter. Brenda still looked offended. “That was attempted murder.” Elisa: “That was a warning.” “You throw like a corpo.” “I hired people for that.” Mira looked at Della. Della looked at Mira. Both smiled. Elisa pointed between them. “Do not encourage her.” Brenda: “Too late.” The fire settled lower. Not dying. Just becoming useful. Warm instead of theatrical. Conversation loosened with it. Nobody seemed interested in moving. That was fine. Elisa definitely was not interested in moving. Her chair had achieved neutrality. She intended to preserve diplomatic relations. Across the fire, Ace shifted. Then without warning climbed fully into Mai’s lap, again. No hesitation. No announcement. Mai adjusted automatically to take her weight. One arm around Ace. The other disappeared into Ace’s shorts. Ace stopped. Just for a second. Her eyes closed. A long, pleased sigh escaped her. Then she relaxed back against Mai as if nothing unusual had happened. Reyes looked over. So did Kiro. Panam noticed next. Shammy absolutely noticed. Her hair lifted. Elisa stared. Brenda noticed Elisa staring. Of course. “Rabbit.” Elisa: “Shut up.” Mai looked entirely innocent. Ace did not. Not quite. Her breathing had changed by half a degree. Enough. Elisa narrowed her eyes. “You two are ridiculous.” Ace opened one eye. “Why?” Elisa gestured vaguely. “You know why.” Ace: “No idea.” Mai: “None.” Elisa stared at both. Reyes: “They have been doing this for years.” Kiro: “Not helping.” Elisa: “Years?” Ace smiled. “Maybe.” Mai’s expression did not change. Her hand kept moving. Slowly. Ace’s eyes closed again. Another quiet breath. Elisa pointed. “That.” Brenda: “Oh, she's studying.” Elisa: “I am observing.” Mira: “Studying.” Della: “Definitely studying.” Elisa looked at both. “Betrayal everywhere.” Panam leaned back against Shammy. “No. Pattern recognition.” Elisa: “Worse.” Ace opened her eyes again. Still in Mai’s lap. Still relaxed. Still very clearly enjoying herself. Mai continued participating in the conversation around the fire without any visible difficulty. Marco watched her for several seconds. Then: “How the fuck do you do that and still look bored?” Mai: “Practice.” Ace laughed. That laugh broke halfway through into another pleased exhale. Marco looked away. “Nope.” Lena: “Coward.” “Yes.” Brenda leaned toward Iris. “I need to learn that face.” Iris: “You don't have that face.” “I could.” “No.” Brenda: “Hostile.” Iris kissed her cheek. “Accurate.” Elisa watched Iris. Iris noticed. Again. That little loop was still alive. Good. Very good. But the energy was softer now. No immediate need to do anything with it. Elisa liked that too. Mira’s shoulder stayed against hers. Della’s fingers remained loosely linked with hers. Nobody was trying to pull her anywhere. Nobody was waiting for something. She was allowed to just sit. Which, tonight, was physically ideal. Panam looked toward the dark line of the lake. “Tomorrow's weather should hold.” Marco: “You checked?” “Obviously.” Reyes: “Rain?” “Late Monday maybe.” Kiro: “Perfect.” Ace: “Meaning?” Kiro: “Meaning nobody gets to claim weather as an excuse to stay longer.” Ace: “I wasn't going to.” Mai: “You absolutely were.” Ace: “You don't know that.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Betrayal.” Mai’s hand kept moving. Ace’s face changed again. Tiny. Then she looked at Mai. Mai looked back. Nothing spoken. Everything understood. Elisa saw that too. She was beginning to understand why watching them felt so intimate even when they were technically doing almost nothing visible. Technically. Brenda: “Rabbit is staring again.” Elisa: “I will put you in the lake.” Reyes: “That's my job.” Ace immediately: “Fuck you, Reyes.” Reyes smiled. “Still got it.” That triggered a second round of laughter. Ace laughed too. Then suddenly stopped. Her fingers tightened on Mai’s arm. Her eyes closed. Not dramatic. Not loud. But the change was clear. A long breath in. A broken one out. Then stillness. Mai’s arm tightened around her. Ace stayed folded into her for several seconds. Breathing. Recovering. Nobody said anything. For once. Even Brenda. Elisa watched the aftermath. Mai kissed Ace’s temple. Ace opened her eyes slowly. Looked pleased. Very pleased. Reyes: “Better?” Ace: “Much.” Mai: “You're welcome.” Ace turned enough to kiss her. Soft. Longer than necessary. Then settled back into Mai’s chest. Still in her lap. Still not moving away. Elisa looked at Mira. Mira looked back. Neither said anything. Della quietly: “Evidence.” Elisa started laughing. Carefully. “Fuck you.” Della smiled. “Still want another kiss?” Elisa: “Yes.” Across the fire, Brenda gasped theatrically. “She admitted another one.” Iris: “She's learning.” Elisa: “I hate all of you.” Ace: “No, you don't.” Elisa: “I know.” That answer came too quickly. The fire popped. A spark rose. Nobody moved. For a while conversation drifted into older stories. Bad jobs. Good jobs. Jobs that had become funny only after everyone survived. Panam told one about a truck axle and a bridge. Marco disputed three technical details. Panam told him to fuck off. Lena sided with Panam entirely because Marco looked too confident. Kiro attempted to reconstruct the geometry. Reyes stopped her before a diagram appeared. Shammy stayed curled into Panam. Ace stayed in Mai’s lap. Mai’s hand stayed exactly where it had been since Ace climbed there. Sometimes Ace reacted. A small breath. A faint smile. A moment where her eyes closed and she leaned harder into Mai. Sometimes she simply carried on talking. Nobody made a production of it. That somehow made it more intimate. Elisa noticed that too. Of course. Eventually Brenda made the mistake of claiming that the Friday lake incident had technically been a victory for Reyes. Ace immediately sat straighter. “It fucking was not.” Brenda: “She threw you.” “And Shammy got me.” “After you hit the water.” “For about three fucking seconds.” Reyes: “Less.” Ace pointed at her. “Thank you.” Reyes: “I still won.” Ace stared. “You too?” “I threw you.” “And then my girlfriend turned into a fucking lake monster and stole me back.” Shammy: “Elemental.” Ace: “Beautiful elemental lake monster.” Shammy’s hair lifted happily. Panam kissed the side of her head. Brenda: “Still counts.” “No.” “Yes.” “No.” “You were airborne.” “Briefly.” “You screamed.” “I was being thrown into a fucking lake!” “You screamed before you hit it.” “That is when screaming is most appropriate!” Kiro: “She's right about that.” Reyes: “Do not help her.” Kiro: “Physics.” Ace: “THANK YOU.” Brenda: “You also screamed after.” “That was righteous anger.” “That was tiny wet rage.” Ace’s eyes narrowed. “Fuck you.” Brenda grinned. “Tiny.” “I will stab you.” “Wet.” “Brenda.” “Rage.” “BR—” Ace stopped. Completely. Her argument vanished in the middle of the word. Her fingers closed hard around Mai’s forearm. Eyes shut. Her head tipped back against Mai’s shoulder. Mai did not change expression. Not even slightly. Ace drew in one sharp breath. Held it. Then let it go in a long, trembling exhale. Silence around the fire. Brenda’s smile grew slowly. Dangerously. Ace stayed still. Breathing. Mai kissed her temple. Brenda: “…You were saying?” Ace opened her eyes. Very slowly. “Fuck.” Brenda: “Yes, we gathered that.” The fire circle broke. Panam barked a laugh. Reyes folded against Kiro. Kiro covered her face. Marco stared determinedly into the fire. Lena was openly laughing at him. Elisa nearly fell sideways into Mira. Della caught her. Shammy’s hair was practically a halo. Ace glared at Brenda. The effect was substantially weakened by the fact that she was still recovering against Mai. Brenda knew it. “Oh, this is fucking magnificent.” Ace: “Shut up.” “You lost an argument to Mai’s fingers.” “I did not.” “You stopped in the middle of my name.” “That proves nothing.” Brenda looked around the fire. “Witnesses?” Reyes raised her hand. Kiro raised hers. Panam raised hers. Shammy raised both. Elisa raised her hand. Mira followed. Della followed. Marco kept staring into the fire. Lena grabbed his wrist and raised his hand for him. Marco: “Traitor.” Lena: “Evidence.” Iris raised one finger. Brenda looked triumphant. Ace stared at the forest of hands. “I hate every single one of you.” Mai: “No, you don't.” Ace leaned farther back against her. “No.” Brenda: “And you're still sitting there.” Ace: “Yes.” Brenda looked pointedly at Mai. Then back at Ace. “And she's still—” “Yes, Brenda.” That shut Brenda up for perhaps half a second. Then: “So you're voluntarily continuing the thing that just made you lose the argument.” Ace: “I DID NOT LOSE.” Brenda: “You literally couldn't finish my name.” Ace: “I can finish your name.” “Go ahead.” “Brenda.” “Very good.” “Fuck you.” “Now say it while Mai—” Iris covered Brenda’s mouth. Ace started laughing. “Thank you, Iris.” Iris: “Preventive maintenance.” Brenda spoke indignantly into her hand. Iris: “No.” Ace settled again. Mai’s arm remained around her. Her other hand remained busy. Ace knew exactly what that meant. So did everyone else now. Apparently. Brenda eventually escaped Iris’s hand. “This changes everything.” Ace: “It changes nothing.” “I have discovered your off switch.” “You have not.” “Mai has.” Ace opened her mouth. Stopped. Thought. Then: “That's not an off switch.” Brenda: “What is it?” Ace smiled. “A very good reason to stay exactly where I am.” Mai kissed her temple. Brenda stared. Then looked at Iris. “I want one.” Iris: “No.” “Why?” “Because you wouldn't shut up long enough to enjoy it.” Elisa made a strangled sound. Brenda turned. “Rabbit.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “Tomorrow. You need recovery time.” Elisa stared. Mira laughed into her shoulder. Della: “She has a point.” “YOU TOO?” The fire circle dissolved again. And through all of it— the stories, the insults, Brenda’s increasingly desperate attempts to weaponize her discovery, Ace’s increasingly ridiculous insistence that she had absolutely not lost anything, Mai’s expression remained calm. Ace remained in her lap. Mai’s hand remained where it belonged. The first release had not ended anything. Neither had the second. There was no schedule to it. No expectation. Sometimes Ace simply relaxed into the touch for long stretches while arguing about something else. Sometimes her sentence developed a pause that had not been there when she started it. Sometimes Mai drew a quiet sigh from her and nobody reacted anymore. Mostly. Brenda reacted. Brenda always reacted. “You paused.” Ace: “I breathed.” “That was not breathing.” “I require oxygen.” “Suspiciously.” Elisa started laughing. “You fucking stole my line.” Brenda: “Cabin property.” “No.” “Shared resources.” “No.” “Community intellectual property.” Kiro: “That's not how intellectual property works.” Reyes: “Don't.” “But—” “Don't.” Kiro sighed. Ace laughed. Then closed her eyes again. Not another ending. Just pleasure. Continuous. Familiar. Mai holding her. Mai taking care of her. Ace entirely content to stay exactly where she was for the rest of the evening. And, increasingly, everyone around the fire understood the rule. If Ace was in Mai’s lap— Mai was taking very good care of Ace. Brenda leaned toward Iris. Quietly: “I can work with this.” Ace, without opening her eyes: “I heard that.” Brenda: “Good.” Ace smiled. “Bitch.” Brenda: “You can insult me while kissing me.” Ace: “Unfortunately.” Brenda looked delighted. The fire burned lower. Nobody suggested going inside. And Ace made absolutely no attempt to leave Mai’s lap. --- # CHAPTER 57 — LAST FIRE The fire burned down slowly. Nobody rushed it. That was probably the first truly responsible decision anyone had made all Saturday. Elisa remained in the chair Iris had engineered for her. Mira on one side. Della on the other. Blanket over her legs. Water within reach. No stairs. No unnecessary standing. A strategic victory. Across the fire, Ace was still in Mai’s lap. Exactly where she had been. Exactly where she intended to stay. Mai had stopped looking even remotely guilty about what her other hand was doing. Not that she had looked guilty before. Ace, meanwhile, had reached the point where she could apparently continue a normal conversation through almost anything. Almost. Brenda had dedicated herself to finding the limit. “Okay.” Ace: “No.” “I haven't asked anything.” “You made the face.” “What face?” “The Brenda face.” Brenda looked around. “What the fuck is the Brenda face?” Everyone pointed at her. Brenda stared. “That proves nothing.” Reyes: “Unanimous.” Kiro: “Statistically significant.” Iris: “Painfully.” Brenda looked betrayed. Then back at Ace. “So.” “No.” “You don't even know what I'm asking.” “I know enough.” Brenda leaned forward. “If Mai keeps doing that for the rest of the night—” Ace: “Yes.” Brenda stopped. “What?” Ace: “Yes.” “That wasn't the question.” “I know.” Brenda narrowed her eyes. Ace smiled. Mai’s expression stayed perfectly calm. Brenda: “You smug little—” Ace’s eyes closed. Just briefly. Her sentence disappeared before it existed. Brenda pointed. “There.” Ace opened her eyes again. “There what?” “That.” “I blinked.” “You did not blink with your entire body.” Elisa nearly inhaled her water. Della: “Careful.” Elisa coughed. “Fuck.” Mira: “Rabbit.” Elisa stared. Mira’s expression remained innocent. Too innocent. “You too?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Evidence.” Elisa looked at Della. Della: “Don't drag me into this.” “You started it.” “I absolutely did.” Elisa laughed. Carefully. Across the fire, Ace had resumed arguing. “So what if I reacted?” Brenda: “Admission.” “No.” “You just admitted it.” “I admitted nothing.” “You literally said—” Mai’s hand moved. Ace stopped. Again. Brenda leaned back. Triumphant. Ace glared at her. Brenda: “I didn't do anything.” Ace: “I hate you.” “No, you don't.” “No.” Brenda smiled. “Still counts as my win.” Ace: “Mai did that.” “Yes.” “Then you didn't win.” Brenda paused. Looked at Iris. Then at Ace. Then Mai. “That is annoyingly logical.” Kiro: “She has a point.” Reyes: “Don't encourage her.” Ace looked pleased. “Thank you.” Kiro: “I said she had a point. Not that you won.” Ace: “Traitor.” Kiro smiled. Reyes kissed her cheek. Nobody reacted. The fire cracked. The night deepened. Conversation wandered again. Nobody stayed on one subject for long anymore. They were too comfortable. Too tired. Too full. Marco told a story about a fixer who had once attempted to pay him in stolen medical equipment. Panam insisted that was still better than the idiot who had tried to pay her in goats. Ace opened her eyes. “Goats?” Panam: “Three.” Elisa: “Why three?” Panam: “I never found out.” Brenda: “Were they good goats?” Panam: “They were goats.” “That doesn't answer the question.” Marco: “What defines a good goat?” Kiro: “I assume temperament, health, milk yield—” Reyes put a hand over her mouth. Kiro: “Mmph.” Reyes: “No goat metrics.” Kiro looked offended. Elisa laughed. Then leaned carefully into Mira. “I'm tired.” Mira: “I know.” Della: “Good tired?” Elisa thought about that. “Yes.” Not just physically. Though very much physically. Something deeper. The kind of tired that came after too much had happened and none of it needed repairing. That was rare. She liked it. Shammy stretched beneath the blanket she shared with Panam. Her hair lifted once, then settled. Panam looked at her. “Tired?” “Yes.” “Bed?” Shammy considered. Then nodded. Panam smiled. “Okay.” They stood. Shammy looked toward Ace. “Coming?” Ace glanced at Mai. Mai: “Later.” Shammy nodded. No concern. No surprise. She knew exactly why Ace was not moving. Panam took Shammy’s hand. They started toward the Main Cabin. Brenda watched them go. Then: “They're not going straight to sleep.” Panam looked back over one shoulder. “No.” Shammy’s hair rose. Brenda looked delighted. Iris: “Let them go.” Brenda: “I am.” Panam: “Barely.” They disappeared toward the cabin. No mystery about which room they would choose. One of the proper two-person bedrooms. Door. Privacy. Panam twelve days back from the road. Shammy finally having her home again. Sleep could wait. A little. The fire circle loosened after that. Marco and Lena stood next. Then Reyes and Kiro. Nobody announced room assignments. Nobody needed to. Mira looked at Della. Della looked back. That was enough. Elisa caught it. Smiled. “You two are done for the night?” Della: “Eventually.” Mira: “Very eventually.” Elisa’s eyebrows rose. “Oh.” Della: “You had your afternoon.” Elisa: “Fair.” Mira smiled. “Very.” Elisa laughed. Carefully. Then: “Have fun.” Della: “We intend to.” No embarrassment. No ceremony. Just fact. They both leaned in. Mira kissed Elisa first. Soft. Warm. Della followed. Elisa smiled against her mouth. “See you tomorrow.” Mira: “Yes.” Della: “Try not to break anything else.” Elisa stared. Della smiled. “Furniture.” “Bitch.” “You like me anyway.” “Yes.” Mira laughed. Then the two of them walked back toward the Main Cabin together. Close. Already talking quietly. Already in their own world. They would take another bedroom. Two people. One bed. Door closed. And, like Panam and Shammy, sleep would not be the first thing that happened. Not after that Saturday. Not after the clearing. Not after hours of carrying the same easy current between them. No reason to pretend otherwise. Elisa watched until they disappeared inside. Brenda: “You're smiling.” Elisa: “Yes.” “Thinking?” “Yes.” “Filthy?” Elisa looked at her. “Probably.” Brenda looked proud. Iris: “Leave her alone.” Elisa: “No, that one was fair.” Brenda gasped. “She admitted it.” Elisa: “Do not ruin the moment.” Brenda: “Too late.” The fire burned lower. Reyes and Kiro eventually went inside too. Marco and Lena had already disappeared. The circle shrank. Brenda. Iris. Ace. Mai. Elisa. Ace still in Mai’s lap. Of course. Elisa looked around. “Five.” Brenda: “Good counting.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “You like my mouth.” “Yes.” Brenda smiled. Ace: “She keeps getting you with that.” Elisa: “Because apparently I have terrible taste in people.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa looked at her. “Excuse me?” Ace laughed. Then stopped abruptly. Her eyes closed. Her fingers tightened around Mai’s arm. Brenda immediately leaned forward. “Again?” Ace: “Shut up.” Brenda: “That was absolutely—” Iris put a hand over Brenda’s mouth. Elisa started laughing. Ace: “Thank you.” Iris: “Preventive maintenance.” Brenda spoke through her palm. Nobody cared. Eventually Iris stood. Brenda followed. Elisa: “Side House?” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda: “Probably.” Iris looked at her. “Probably?” Brenda smiled. “Yes.” Iris: “Better.” Elisa laughed. She looked at both. “Good night.” Brenda: “Good night, rabbit.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “Tomorrow.” Iris: “Brenda.” Brenda laughed. They left. The fire circle became three. Elisa. Ace. Mai. Exactly right. Ace stayed in Mai’s lap. Mai still holding her. Still taking care of her. Elisa looked at both. Then at the fire. Then back. “Okay.” Ace: “What?” “I get it now.” Ace smiled. “What?” Elisa pointed vaguely at them. “This.” Mai: “Specific.” “You know what I mean.” Ace: “Probably.” Elisa: “You're unbearable.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace laughed. Then went quiet again. That small familiar pause. A breath. A soft sound. Mai kissed her temple. Elisa watched. Not fascinated now. Not surprised. Just understanding. Ace belonged there. Not owned. Not placed. Just— There. Elisa smiled. “Tired?” Ace: “Very.” Mai: “She isn't moving.” Ace: “No.” Elisa: “I noticed.” They stayed until the fire was nearly gone. Mai finally looked at it. “Time.” Ace: “No.” Mai: “Bed.” Ace considered. Then: “Fine.” Elisa: “You surrendered.” Ace looked at her. “Fuck you.” Elisa smiled. “Brenda is going to be so proud.” Ace: “I will kill both of you.” Mai finally withdrew her hand. Ace went still for a second. Then exhaled. Long. Satisfied. Very. Elisa noticed. Ace caught her noticing. “No.” Elisa: “I was thinking.” “You were thinking.” “Yes.” Ace narrowed her eyes. Then slid off Mai’s lap. Slowly. Found her feet. Mai stood behind her. Elisa stood too. Carefully. Much more carefully. Ace looked at her. “Oh.” Elisa: “No.” “You're worse than me.” “Different problem.” Mai: “Stairs.” Elisa looked toward the cabin. “Fuck.” Ace smiled. “Come on, rabbit.” Elisa stared. “You too?” Ace: “Absolutely.” Elisa: “I hate you.” Ace: “No, you don't.” “No.” They put the fire out properly. No shortcuts. No glowing problem left behind. Then walked back toward the Main Cabin. Inside, the house had become quiet. Not silent. Somewhere upstairs, faint laughter. Panam. Shammy. Another room— Mira. Then Della. A door closed. Elisa smiled. Ace looked at her. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Mai: “Stairs.” Elisa’s smile disappeared. “Fuck.” Ace laughed. They climbed. Slowly enough for Elisa. No one commented. Mostly. Ace: “You've had a very productive day.” Elisa: “I will push you down these stairs.” Mai: “No.” Elisa: “Fine.” Ace: “Brenda wins again.” “Fuck you.” They reached the upstairs landing. Different doors. Different people. Different private endings to the same Saturday. Panam and Shammy had their room. Mira and Della had theirs. Reyes and Kiro somewhere nearby. Marco and Lena elsewhere. Brenda and Iris across the clearing in the Side House. And the big upstairs bedroom— Ace. Mai. Elisa. Three. Exactly enough. Mai opened the door. Elisa looked inside. Familiar now. Her things already there. Ace’s things. Mai’s. No crowd. No rearranging bodies like luggage. Home-sized. Elisa stepped inside. “Yes.” Ace: “What?” “This is better.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Bed?” Elisa looked at it. Then at both of them. “Yes.” They changed. No hurry. No spectacle. Elisa moved carefully. Ace noticed. Did not tease. For once. They got into bed. Elisa ended up between them. Not because anyone assigned it. Because that was where she went. Mai on one side. Ace on the other. Ace immediately curled close. Elisa smiled. “You're tiny.” Ace: “Fuck you.” “Say it again.” Ace: “Unfortunately.” Mai: “Sleep.” Elisa: “Yes, ma’am.” Ace laughed. Mai looked at her. Ace: “Sorry.” Elisa: “No, you're not.” “No.” The room went dark. Down the hall, somewhere, muffled laughter. Then quieter sounds. Panam and Shammy. Elsewhere, another brief burst of laughter. Mira and Della. Elisa smiled into the darkness. Ace: “What?” “Nothing.” Mai: “Something.” Elisa: “Everybody had a good Saturday.” Ace: “Yes.” Immediate. Elisa smiled. Mai reached across her. Found Ace’s hand. Elisa found Mai’s wrist. Three people. Enough room. Enough closeness. No one else needed to be there. Elisa exhaled. Her body hurt. Her mood did not. Not remotely. Ace shifted closer. “Rabbit.” Elisa opened her eyes. “You absolute little bitch.” Ace started laughing. Mai: “Sleep.” Elisa: “Tomorrow I kill her.” Ace: “No, you don't.” Elisa: “No.” Silence returned. Warm. Easy. Saturday finally ended. In the correct rooms. --- # CHAPTER 58 — SUNDAY Elisa woke because someone was touching her hair. Not pulling. Not playing with it. Just slowly moving a few loose strands away from her face. She opened one eye. Mai. Already awake. Of course. Elisa: “What time is it?” “Eight fourteen.” Elisa closed her eye. “No.” Ace’s voice came from somewhere very close. “Correct.” Elisa opened both eyes. Ace was curled against her other side. Hair a mess. Eyes barely open. Elisa: “You're awake.” “No.” “You answered.” “Reflex.” Mai: “She has several.” Ace opened one eye. “Careful.” Elisa smiled. Then tried to stretch. That was a mistake. Not catastrophic. Just educational. Her body delivered a detailed report on Saturday. Elisa stopped halfway. Ace watched her. Mai watched her. Neither said anything. Elisa: “No.” Ace: “I didn't say anything.” “You were going to.” “I was thinking.” “Worse.” Mai: “Coffee?” Elisa stared at her. For several seconds. Then: “Normal?” “Yes.” “Normal normal?” “Yes.” “Not discovered in a cupboard?” “No.” “Not brought by Reyes?” “No.” “Not capable of changing my relationship with linear time?” Mai: “No.” Elisa considered. “Then yes.” Ace: “Coward.” Elisa: “I drank three cups.” Ace: “Yes.” “You watched me.” “Yes.” “You could have stopped me.” Ace: “No.” Elisa stared. Ace smiled. “Science.” “You little bitch.” “You're still smiling.” Elisa sighed. “Yes.” Mai got out of bed. Elisa watched her go. Then looked at Ace. Ace had already closed her eyes again. Elisa: “Are you getting up?” “No.” “Coffee.” A pause. Ace opened one eye. “Fuck.” Elisa: “Powerful argument.” Ace: “Shut up.” Getting out of bed required more planning for Elisa than she would have preferred. She sat first. Waited. Stood. Waited again. Ace watched the entire process from beneath the blanket. Still silent. Elisa pointed at her. “Don't.” Ace: “I'm being incredibly respectful.” “That is suspicious.” “Yes.” Elisa found Della’s gray hoodie on the chair. She looked at it. Then put it on. Ace smiled. Elisa: “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Looks good.” Elisa looked down at herself. Then toward the door. “I'm keeping it until she asks.” Ace: “She might not.” Elisa smiled. “I know.” That felt unexpectedly good. Mai returned to the doorway. “Coming?” Elisa: “Yes.” Ace: “No.” Mai: “Ace.” “No.” “Coffee.” Silence. Then the blanket moved. Ace emerged. Elisa laughed. “Pathetic.” Ace: “Fuck you.” They went downstairs together. Slowly. Not because of Ace. Elisa hated that distinction. Ace noticed. Said nothing. That was worse somehow. Halfway down, Elisa stopped. Ace stopped beside her. Mai one step below. Elisa: “I am never having sex again.” Ace: “Liar.” Elisa: “Yes.” They continued. The Main Cabin was already awake. Not everyone. Enough. Marco stood in the kitchen making coffee. Real coffee. Safe coffee. Coffee that did not require containment protocols. Lena sat at the table with one leg tucked beneath her. Reyes was by the lake-facing glass with a mug. Kiro sat beside her, looking considerably more human than she had Saturday morning. Della was cutting bread. Mira was stealing pieces of it. Della slapped her hand away without looking. Mira immediately stole another. Elisa stopped. Not because of her body this time. Della looked up. Saw the hoodie. Her eyes dropped to it. Then returned to Elisa. Elisa waited. Della: “Coffee?” Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Nothing about the hoodie. Good. Mira looked at Elisa’s careful stance. Then at Della. Then back. “Morning.” Elisa: “Morning.” Mira: “How are you?” Elisa considered lying. “No.” Mira laughed. Della: “That good?” Elisa walked toward the table. Carefully. Sat. More carefully. Della watched. One eyebrow rose. Elisa: “Don't.” Della: “Didn’t need to.” “You learned that from Ace.” Ace, entering behind her: “She did.” Elisa: “Fuck both of you.” Mira: “Later?” Elisa stared at her. Mira smiled into her coffee. Della nearly dropped the knife. Reyes turned away toward the window. Kiro: “Oh, she's good.” Elisa pointed at Mira. “That was deliberate.” “Yes.” “You're horrible.” “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “Good.” Marco put a mug in front of her. Elisa inspected it. Sniffed it. Marco: “Seriously?” “Yes.” “It's coffee.” “So was the other one.” “No, the other one was an industrial accident.” Kiro raised her mug. “Confirmed.” Elisa took a careful sip. Normal. Beautifully, gloriously normal. She closed her eyes. “Oh.” Ace: “Good?” Elisa: “I forgive coffee.” Kiro: “I don't.” Reyes: “You will.” “No.” Reyes kissed her temple. Kiro leaned into her automatically. Elisa watched. Not because it was new. Because now she knew where to look. That was different. Small things. Della putting bread on Mira’s plate without asking. Mira moving the butter toward Elisa before Elisa reached for it. Marco already knowing how Lena wanted her coffee. Reyes taking Kiro’s empty mug when she stood. Mai setting Ace’s breakfast down before her own. Nobody thanking anyone for every tiny thing. Nobody needed to. The Side House door opened across the clearing. Brenda emerged first. Hair everywhere. Iris behind her. Brenda stopped on the porch. Stretched. Looked toward the Main Cabin. Saw people through the glass. Raised both hands. Elisa: “Oh no.” Ace looked. “Oh, fuck.” Brenda crossed the clearing. Iris followed at a more civilized pace. The Main Cabin door opened. Brenda entered. Looked around. Found Elisa. Looked at the hoodie. Looked at Della. Looked back at Elisa. Then looked at the way Elisa was sitting. Her smile became dangerous. Elisa: “No.” Brenda: “Good morning.” “No.” “I said good morning.” “You meant something else.” “I can mean multiple things.” Iris entered behind her. “Yes. Unfortunately.” Brenda took a mug. Then looked at Ace. Ace was standing beside Mai. Brenda: “And how are you this morning?” Ace narrowed her eyes. “Fine.” “Hands-free?” Silence. Ace: “Brenda.” Brenda grinned. Elisa folded forward over the table laughing. Immediately regretted it. “Oh, fuck.” Della put a hand between her shoulders. Brenda: “Careful, rabbit.” Elisa: “I hate you.” “No, you don't.” “No.” Iris sat. “Sunday.” Marco: “Finally.” Reyes: “Don't say that too loudly.” Kiro: “Why?” Reyes: “Because this group hears peace as a challenge.” Panam’s voice came from the stairs. “Accurate.” Everyone looked. Panam came down first. Shammy behind her. Both looked rested. Happy. Very happy. Brenda opened her mouth. Panam: “Don't.” Brenda: “I didn't say anything.” “You were going to.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Elisa looked at her. Then at Panam. Then smiled. Panam caught it. “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Panam stared another second. Then smiled. “Good.” Elisa laughed softly. Mira looked at her. Della too. Elisa noticed something. Nobody had asked where she wanted breakfast. Nobody had offered to show her where anything was. Nobody had checked whether the chair was okay before she sat in it. Della had handed her bread. Marco had given her coffee. Mira had moved the butter. Mai had told her coffee was ready. Ace had insulted her before she was properly awake. Brenda had walked in and immediately started being Brenda. No one was hosting her. She looked down at the mug. Not hers. She had no idea whose it was. Nobody cared. Elisa smiled. Della: “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Mira: “That was something.” Elisa looked at both of them. “You're learning too quickly.” Della: “Bad influences.” Brenda: “Thank you.” Iris: “She didn't mean you.” Brenda: “She absolutely meant me.” Elisa: “Unfortunately, she probably did.” Breakfast grew instead of beginning. More bread. Eggs. Fruit. Leftovers. Someone found cheese. Panam found more cheese. Marco objected to the amount. Panam ignored him. Shammy stole from Panam’s plate. Panam kissed her. Ace eventually stopped pretending she was going to sit in her own chair. She looked at Mai. Mai looked back. Ace climbed into her lap. Automatic. Mai shifted. One arm around Ace. Her other hand disappeared into Ace’s shorts. Ace’s eyes closed. A long, deeply satisfied sigh. Then she relaxed against Mai. Elisa froze with bread halfway to her mouth. Brenda saw. “Oh, you haven't seen the breakfast edition.” Ace opened one eye. “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Good morning to you too.” Elisa: “Does this happen every time?” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Apparently.” Elisa stared. “You say that like you aren't the one climbing into her lap.” Ace: “I have needs.” Brenda: “We established that.” Ace: “Brenda.” “I'm just saying—” Ace pointed at her. “Do not start another fucking argument.” Brenda’s eyes lit up. Everyone saw it. Iris: “No.” Brenda: “But—” “No.” “I have data now.” “No.” Ace laughed. Then stopped. Eyes closing. A soft breath escaped her. Brenda pointed. “DATA.” The entire table broke. Ace buried her face against Mai. Mai remained completely composed. Elisa laughed until she had to hold her side. Della: “Careful.” “I know.” Mira: “Hostile architecture?” “Hostile everything.” Ace lifted her head. “Fuck all of you.” Kiro: “Sunday morning.” Reyes: “Too early.” Brenda: “Later.” Ace: “No.” Brenda smiled. Breakfast continued. So did Mai’s hand. Ace stayed exactly where she was. Of course. Outside, sunlight reached farther across the clearing. The lake was almost perfectly still. No schedule waited. No departure today. No crisis. No caffeine experiment. Nobody needed anything from Elisa. She drank her coffee. Della’s hoodie around her. Mira’s knee against hers beneath the table. Ace periodically forgetting whatever she was saying. Mai pretending nothing was happening. Brenda collecting evidence for future crimes. Panam and Shammy sharing food. Reyes and Kiro touching without noticing they were doing it. Marco complaining about cheese. Lena ignoring him. Iris watching Brenda with the expression of a woman who had voluntarily chosen this problem. Elisa looked around the table. Wednesday, the Safehouse had felt like being trusted with something. Thursday, the cabin had felt like being invited into something. Friday had been— Friday. Saturday had erased several remaining distinctions. Sunday morning was different. Nobody was showing her anything anymore. Nobody was making room. The room was already there. And somehow— so was hers. --- # CHAPTER 59 — STILL HUNGRY Breakfast refused to end. Nobody had officially decided that. It just kept becoming more breakfast. Another pot of coffee. More bread. Someone cut fruit. Panam found the last of the smoked meat from Thursday. Marco accused her of destroying lunch. Panam told him lunch would survive. Shammy agreed with Panam because Shammy had already stolen half of it. And Ace stayed in Mai’s lap. Of course. Elisa had stopped pretending not to notice. So had everyone else. Mai’s arm stayed around Ace. Her other hand remained where it had gone the moment Ace sat down. Ace ate. Talked. Insulted Brenda. Stole from Mai’s plate. Got distracted. Recovered. Continued. It was becoming almost impressive. Brenda watched her over the rim of her mug. Ace noticed. “What?” Brenda: “Nothing.” “That was something.” “No.” Ace narrowed her eyes. Brenda smiled. “You've been there for twenty-seven minutes.” Ace: “So?” “Just collecting observations.” Mai: “Don't.” Brenda: “I said observations.” Iris: “That is worse.” Elisa: “Much worse.” Brenda looked wounded. “I am surrounded by censorship.” Reyes: “You are surrounded by consequences.” Kiro: “Statistically predictable consequences.” Reyes: “Don't encourage the science.” Kiro sighed. Ace laughed. Then her laugh faded. Her eyes closed. She leaned back more heavily into Mai. Brenda slowly raised one finger. Ace opened her eyes. “Don't.” Brenda lowered the finger. “Fine.” Ace: “Good.” Three seconds. Brenda: “Still counts.” “BRENDA.” The table broke again. Mai did not. Mai remained perfectly calm. Ace looked at her. “You could help me.” Mai: “I am.” Elisa made a choking sound. Della caught her coffee before she dropped it. Mira: “Oh, that was deliberate.” Mai: “Yes.” Brenda slapped the table. “YES.” Ace stared at Mai. Mai kissed her cheek. Ace: “You're evil.” “Yes.” Ace smiled. Then settled back against her. Very happily. Elisa watched the whole thing. It had become easier to read now. Not the details. The rhythm. Ace was never tense in Mai’s lap. Never waiting. Never uncertain. She simply gave herself over to being held there. Sometimes Mai’s attention made her go quiet. Sometimes it made her smile. Sometimes Ace looked like she had completely forgotten the rest of the room existed for a few seconds. Then she came back. Still Ace. Still arguing. Still stealing food. Still impossible. Brenda: “So.” Ace: “No.” “You don't know what I'm going to ask.” “Yes, I do.” “What?” “Something stupid.” Brenda looked offended. “That is profiling.” Ace: “That is experience.” Iris: “Also accurate.” Brenda turned toward her. “You are supposed to support me.” “I do.” “This doesn't feel supportive.” “I stop you before people throw things.” Elisa: “Useful service.” Brenda: “Rabbit, stay out of this.” Elisa: “No.” Ace: “Good.” Brenda: “Oh, now you're teaming up?” Elisa: “Yes.” Ace: “Yes.” Brenda: “This is how civilizations fall.” Reyes: “Civilizations have survived worse.” Kiro: “Some haven't.” Reyes turned slowly. Kiro: “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Reyes kissed her. Kiro stopped talking. Brenda pointed. “That! Why does everyone have an off switch except me?” Iris looked at her. Then kissed her. Long enough that Brenda forgot the argument entirely. When Iris leaned back, Brenda blinked. Ace: “There.” Brenda: “What?” “Your off switch.” Elisa nearly fell sideways laughing. Brenda: “Fuck you.” Ace: “You still love me.” Brenda: “Unfortunately.” Mai’s hand moved. Ace’s breath caught. Brenda’s eyes widened. Ace pointed at her without opening her eyes. “Don't.” Brenda: “Wasn’t necessary.” “You were going to.” “Yes.” Ace remained still for several seconds. Then relaxed. Mai kissed her temple. Ace exhaled. Slow. Content. Very content. Brenda: “You are absurdly easy to keep happy.” Ace opened one eye. “No.” Brenda: “No?” Ace smiled. “I'm absurdly difficult to satisfy.” Silence. Mai looked down at her. Ace looked back. Elisa immediately understood there was a trap somewhere. Brenda: “That sounds like a challenge.” Ace: “It wasn't for you.” Mai: “I know.” Ace’s smile widened. Brenda looked between them. “Oh.” Iris: “Too late.” Brenda: “No, no, I respect this.” Everyone stared at her. Brenda: “What?” Reyes: “You said respect.” Kiro: “Voluntarily.” Panam: “Sunday miracle.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Brenda: “Fuck all of you.” Ace: “Come here and complain properly.” “Yes.” Another piece of bread disappeared from Mai’s plate. Mai looked down. Ace chewed innocently. “That was mine.” Ace: “Shared resources.” Elisa laughed. Brenda: “CABIN PROPERTY.” “No.” “COMMUNITY FOOD.” Marco: “That one is technically closer.” Everyone looked at him. Marco: “What?” Panam: “You've betrayed yourself.” Marco: “Fuck.” Lena patted his shoulder. Breakfast finally started losing people. Not all at once. Marco and Lena took dishes into the kitchen. Reyes and Kiro drifted toward the terrace. Panam and Shammy went outside toward the lake. Della stood. Mira followed. Elisa looked up. “Where?” Mira: “Dock.” Della: “You coming?” Elisa looked at the chair. Then at her legs. Then at the dock visible through the glass. “Yes.” Della: “Sure?” “Yes.” Mira: “You hesitated.” “I considered terrain.” Della: “Corporate risk assessment.” Elisa: “Exactly.” Ace: “Rabbit risk assessment.” Elisa stared at her. “You're getting bold.” Ace: “I have excellent support.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa pointed at Mai. “You are making her worse.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace looked delighted. Elisa stood. Carefully. Still. But easier than before. Della noticed. “So better.” Elisa: “Yes.” Mira: “Good.” Elisa: “Dangerous word.” Mira smiled. They started toward the door. Elisa stopped. Looked back. Ace was still in Mai’s lap. Of course. “Are you two staying there all morning?” Ace: “Maybe.” Brenda: “Yes.” Ace: “Nobody asked you.” Brenda: “I know the answer.” Mai: “She does.” Ace turned her head. “You too?” Mai: “Yes.” Ace sighed. Then smiled. Elisa: “You are not even pretending anymore.” Ace: “Why would I?” That answer stayed with Elisa all the way outside. Why would I? Simple. No apology. No explanation. No pretending a need was smaller because other people could see it. Elisa liked that. A lot. The air outside was cool. Clean. The lake bright under the morning sun. Mira and Della walked beside her. Not hovering. Not helping unless she asked. Good. They reached the dock. Reyes and Kiro were already there. Shoes off. Feet over the edge. Kiro looked back. “Alive?” Elisa: “Mostly.” Reyes: “Improvement.” Elisa sat carefully. Della immediately noticed. Said nothing. Mira sat close enough that their shoulders touched. Elisa: “Thank you.” Mira: “For?” “Not saying anything.” Della: “We can.” “No.” “Okay.” Elisa smiled. Behind them, through the Main Cabin windows, Ace was still visible in Mai’s lap. Tiny. Comfortable. Impossible. Elisa laughed softly. Kiro: “What?” Elisa nodded toward the cabin. Kiro looked. Then smiled. “Oh.” Reyes: “Still?” Elisa: “Still.” Reyes: “She can stay there for hours.” Elisa looked at her. “Seriously?” Reyes: “Yes.” Kiro: “And Mai never gets bored.” Reyes: “No.” Elisa considered that. Then: “That is terrifying.” Della: “Impressive.” Mira: “Both.” Elisa laughed. Kiro: “Ace has always been greedy.” Reyes: “Very.” Elisa looked back toward the cabin. Ace had apparently started arguing with Brenda again. Even through glass, the hand gestures were obvious. Mai remained calm. Brenda looked ecstatic. Elisa: “She really is.” Reyes: “Yes.” There was affection in it. Not judgment. Not teasing, really. Just knowledge. Ace wanted a lot. Touch. Attention. Love. Pleasure. People. Life. And somehow she made that hunger look less like taking and more like refusing to live halfway. Elisa looked at the lake. Quiet for a moment. Then: “I think I like that about her.” Reyes: “Everybody does.” Kiro: “Eventually.” Della: “Eventually?” Reyes smiled. “She can be a lot.” Elisa: “I noticed.” Mira: “You're not exactly low maintenance.” Elisa turned. “Excuse me?” Della: “She has a point.” Elisa stared at both. Then smiled. “Fair.” From inside the cabin came a muffled shout. Ace. “FUCK YOU, BRENDA!” Brenda’s answer followed immediately. “YOU PAUSED AGAIN!” The dock erupted. Elisa folded against Mira laughing. Della put a hand on her back. Kiro nearly dropped sideways. Reyes closed her eyes. “Sunday.” Elisa: “I love this place.” Nobody answered immediately. They didn't need to. The lake moved gently below their feet. Behind them, the Main Cabin remained loud. Ahead, nothing demanded attention. Mira leaned against Elisa. Della’s knee touched hers. Kiro rested against Reyes. And somewhere inside— Ace was still in Mai’s lap. Still hungry. Still very, very happy. --- # CHAPTER 60 — INSATIABLE The dock stayed peaceful for almost twenty minutes. For this group, that was exceptional. Elisa sat between Mira and Della. Reyes and Kiro remained farther down, feet over the edge. The lake moved lazily beneath them. Morning sun warmed the boards. Nobody argued. Nobody shouted. Nobody attempted experimental caffeine. Elisa considered that a successful Sunday. Then the Main Cabin door opened. Ace came out first. Mai behind her. Elisa looked over. Ace looked extremely pleased with herself. Mai looked— Normal. Which was suspicious. Very suspicious. Reyes noticed too. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Kiro followed her gaze. “Oh.” Elisa: “What?” Reyes: “Nothing.” “That was something.” Kiro: “Yes.” Elisa looked between them. “What?” Ace and Mai reached the terrace. Ace stopped at the railing. Looked toward the dock. Waved. Elisa waved back. Mai stood behind Ace. One hand briefly settled at Ace’s waist. Ace leaned back into her automatically. Then Mai looked out over the lake. Still calm. Still composed. Reyes: “There.” Elisa: “There what?” Kiro: “The look.” Elisa stared. “What look?” Reyes: “Mai.” Elisa looked again. Mai looked exactly like Mai. Elisa: “She looks normal.” Kiro: “Yes.” Reyes: “That's the problem.” Mira smiled. Della: “Oh.” Elisa turned. “You know too?” Mira: “Maybe.” Della: “She has been taking care of Ace all morning.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “And?” Elisa thought. Then looked back toward the terrace. Ace had turned now. Talking to Mai. Mai listening. Ace saying something with both hands. Mai smiling faintly. Nothing unusual. Then Ace stopped. Looked at Mai more carefully. Her expression changed. Not alarm. Recognition. Then amusement. A lot of amusement. Elisa: “Oh.” Reyes: “Yes.” Kiro: “There it is.” Ace said something. Mai answered. Ace’s grin widened. Then she looked toward the dock. Directly at Reyes. Reyes smiled. Ace pointed at Mai. Reyes nodded. Elisa: “What the fuck is happening?” Kiro: “Old data.” Reyes: “Mai's hungry.” Elisa stared at her. “Hungry hungry?” Reyes: “Yes.” Elisa looked back. Mai still looked perfectly composed. Ace did not. Ace looked delighted. Elisa: “She has spent the entire morning—” Reyes: “Yes.” “And she still—” “Yes.” Kiro: “Very much.” Elisa: “Jesus.” Della laughed. Mira: “Impressive.” Reyes: “Insatiable.” Kiro: “That is literally the cabin word.” Elisa turned. “What?” Reyes: “Long story.” Kiro: “Accurate story.” Elisa: “I need this story.” Reyes: “No.” “Why?” “Because Ace will tell it wrong.” From the terrace: “I HEARD THAT.” Reyes shouted back. “GOOD.” Ace: “FUCK YOU.” Brenda’s voice came from inside the cabin. “IS MAI INSATIABLE AGAIN?” Silence. Elisa looked at Reyes. Reyes closed her eyes. Kiro: “And now everyone knows.” Ace shouted toward the cabin. “SHUT UP, BRENDA.” Brenda: “THAT'S A YES.” Mai said something quietly. Ace turned toward her. Then laughed. Hard. Elisa: “What did she say?” Reyes: “No idea.” Kiro: “Probably something terrible.” Ace looked toward the dock again. Still laughing. Then called: “SHE SAYS BRENDA IS CORRECT.” Brenda appeared in the doorway. Both hands raised. “YES.” Iris appeared behind her. “No.” Brenda: “She admitted it.” Iris: “Mai admitted it.” “Same victory.” “No.” Brenda came onto the terrace. Looked at Mai. Then Ace. “So.” Ace: “No.” Brenda: “I wasn't asking you.” “You were going to.” “I was asking Mai.” Mai: “Yes.” Brenda froze. Ace started laughing again. Brenda: “You didn't even let me ask.” Mai: “I know the question.” Brenda: “This is the best Sunday of my life.” Iris: “That is deeply concerning.” The dock group had given up pretending not to listen. Elisa stood carefully. Mira looked up. “Where are you going?” “Closer.” Della laughed. “Research?” “Observation.” Mira: “Studying.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” They walked back toward the terrace. Slowly. Elisa still had opinions about terrain. By the time they reached the Main Cabin, Panam and Shammy had returned from the lake path. Marco and Lena were outside too. The entire morning had quietly reorganized itself around absolutely nothing. Which was how cabin mornings worked. Ace stood near Mai. Close. Very close. Brenda was still trying to interrogate them. “So how long?” Mai: “What?” Brenda: “Have you been like this?” Mai: “Always.” Ace: “Can confirm.” Brenda looked at Ace. “That's not testimony. You're biased.” Ace: “I have extensive field experience.” Panam walked past. “Understatement.” Shammy’s hair lifted. Elisa: “Oh, you too?” Shammy smiled. “Yes.” Brenda looked around. “Okay, now we have multiple witnesses.” Iris: “To what?” Brenda: “Mai being impossible.” Ace: “She's not impossible.” Mai looked at her. Ace smiled. “She's fucking magnificent.” Mai kissed her. Brenda: “Objection.” Reyes: “Overruled.” Kiro: “On what authority?” Reyes: “Mine.” Kiro: “Fair.” The kiss ended. Ace stayed close. Mai looked at her. There it was again. That tiny shift. Elisa saw it this time. Not desperation. Not impatience. Nothing obvious. Just focus. Mai wanting. Ace recognizing it immediately. Ace smiled slowly. “Again?” Mai: “Yes.” Brenda made a noise. Ace: “Not you.” Brenda: “I KNOW.” Iris: “Do you?” “No.” Panam laughed. Shammy leaned into her. Elisa watched Ace and Mai. The difference was clearer now. Ace's hunger was visible. Playful. Restless. She reached. Climbed into laps. Asked. Took every safe inch life offered her. Mai's hunger was quieter. Dense. It sat behind her eyes. In the way her attention settled. In the way she touched someone she loved and never seemed entirely finished. Not because nothing satisfied her. Because satisfaction did not cancel desire. Elisa understood that. Maybe too well. She looked at Mira. Then Della. Both caught her looking. Della smiled. “Rabbit.” Elisa: “Shut up.” Mira: “She understands.” Elisa: “Unfortunately.” Ace was still watching Mai. Then she glanced around. Terrace. Cabin. Lake. People everywhere. Ace: “Later?” Mai considered. Then: “Yes.” Ace smiled. Brenda leaned in. “Later what?” Ace: “Nothing.” “Liar.” “You love me.” “That is not how that word works.” Elisa: “Cabin property.” Brenda pointed at her. “YES.” Iris: “No.” Elisa laughed. Mai reached for Ace. Pulled her in again. Ace went willingly. Of course. For a second they just stood there. Forehead to forehead. Ace smiling. Mai quieter. Then Ace murmured something nobody else heard. Mai's eyes changed. Tiny. Enough. Panam noticed. Shammy noticed. Reyes definitely noticed. Brenda noticed because Brenda noticed everything dangerous. Brenda: “Oh, Ace.” Ace looked over. “What?” “You're feeding it.” Ace: “Yes.” Brenda: “Why?” Ace stared at her. Then smiled. “Because I'm hungry too.” Brenda closed her eyes. Raised both hands. “Of course you are.” Iris: “You knew this.” “I know. I just keep hoping for limits.” Reyes: “Wrong group.” Kiro: “Very wrong group.” Marco walked out carrying a tray. “Lunch.” Everyone looked at him. Marco stopped. “What?” Panam: “Early.” “You ate half the smoked meat.” “Yes.” “That changes planning.” Elisa looked at the tray. Then Marco. Then Ace and Mai. Then Panam and Shammy. Then Mira and Della. Then Brenda and Iris. Sunday. Apparently peace did not mean lack of appetite. Just better pacing. She smiled. Della noticed. “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Mira: “Something.” Elisa: “I think this place is dangerous.” Reyes: “Yes.” Kiro: “Why?” Elisa looked around. At the lake. The terrace. The people. Ace laughing against Mai. Mai very obviously not remotely finished with the day. Panam stealing food before the tray reached the table. Shammy following. Brenda already talking. Iris already regretting it. Mira beside her. Della close. Elisa: “It makes everybody honest.” Nobody answered immediately. Ace finally did. “Yes.” Mai looked at her. Then at Elisa. “Yes.” And because Brenda could not survive sincerity for more than twelve seconds— “So, Mai.” Mai: “No.” Brenda: “You don't know the question.” Mai: “Yes, I do.” Brenda grinned. “Insatiable?” Mai looked at Ace. Ace looked back. Both smiled. Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Thank fuck.” Brenda doubled over laughing. Sunday continued. --- # CHAPTER 61 — NO RUSH Lunch migrated outside. Nobody called it lunch. Marco put food on the terrace table. Panam stole from it. Shammy stole from Panam. Brenda stole from Shammy. Shammy stared at her. Brenda slowly put it back. “Fair.” Iris: “Growth.” Brenda: “Fear.” Shammy smiled. Her hair lifted. Brenda: “Definitely fear.” Ace laughed. Mai stood behind her. One hand at Ace’s waist. The other holding a plate. Ace reached backward without looking. Stole something from it. Mai looked down. Ace chewed. “What?” “That was mine.” “You have more.” “I had more.” Ace smiled. Mai’s eyes narrowed slightly. Ace immediately leaned back against her. “Love you.” Mai: “Manipulation.” “Yes.” “Effective.” Ace looked delighted. Elisa watched from her chair near the terrace edge. Different chair. Still padded. Still chosen with tactical care. Della noticed. Said nothing. Mira noticed Della noticing. Also said nothing. Elisa looked between them. “You're both being suspiciously polite.” Della: “You asked us not to comment.” “Yes.” Mira: “So we're not.” “That feels worse.” Della: “Do you want commentary?” “No.” “Then we're succeeding.” Elisa sighed. “Terrible people.” Mira leaned closer. “You like us.” “Yes.” Immediate. Della smiled. Elisa looked at her. “Don't make that face.” “What face?” “The one where you know something.” “I know several things.” “Worse.” Across the terrace, Brenda had finally found the subject she had been circling for fifteen minutes. “So.” Ace: “No.” Brenda: “Not you.” Ace: “Still no.” Brenda pointed at Mai. “Her.” Mai: “No.” Brenda stared. “I haven't asked anything.” Mai: “You're going to ask how long ‘later’ means.” Silence. Brenda looked impressed. “That is exactly what I was going to ask.” Iris: “We know.” Brenda: “How?” Everyone: “Brenda.” Brenda looked around. “Hostile environment.” Reyes sat beside Kiro near the railing. Kiro had one foot tucked beneath her. Reyes’s hand rested casually on her knee. Reyes: “You create your own weather.” Kiro: “That explains a lot.” Brenda: “Traitor.” Kiro: “Statistically—” Reyes kissed her. Kiro stopped. Brenda pointed. “There it is again.” Iris: “What?” “The off switch.” Kiro: “I can still hear you.” Reyes kissed her again. Kiro: “…Mostly.” Elisa laughed. Carefully. Less carefully than breakfast. Better. That mattered. She shifted. Still deliberate. Not fragile. Not miserable. Just aware that Saturday had been ambitious. Very ambitious. Mira’s knee touched hers. Della handed her water. No fuss. Good. Ace had finally taken a chair. Her own chair. For approximately forty seconds. Then Mai sat. Ace looked at her. Mai looked back. Brenda noticed first. “Oh no.” Ace: “What?” “You're thinking.” “I do that.” “Not like that.” Ace stood. Brenda: “Called it.” Ace walked the three steps to Mai. Turned. Sat directly in her lap. Mai shifted automatically. One arm around Ace. The other disappeared into Ace’s shorts. Ace closed her eyes. Long breath. Soft sigh. Then: “Better.” Brenda put both hands over her face. “I cannot fucking believe this.” Ace opened one eye. “You absolutely can.” “Yes.” Mai: “She can.” Brenda lowered her hands. “This is becoming environmental.” Panam: “Then adapt.” Brenda: “I am adapting.” Iris: “That is what worries me.” Shammy sat half-curled beside Panam. Watching Ace. Watching Mai. Smiling. Elisa saw that smile. There was no surprise in it. No jealousy. Nothing complicated. Just affection. And amusement. Probably recognition too. Panam saw Elisa looking at Shammy. Then Shammy. Then Ace and Mai. Panam: “You're mapping again.” Elisa: “No.” Della: “Yes.” Mira: “Absolutely.” Elisa: “Fuck both of you.” Panam: “She's mapping.” Elisa gave up. “Fine.” Brenda: “She said fine.” Elisa threw a napkin. Brenda caught it. “Better.” Iris: “Unfortunately.” The terrace settled. That was the thing Elisa kept noticing. It settled. Even with thirteen people. Even with Brenda. Even with Ace periodically forgetting the thread of a conversation because Mai was making continued concentration unreasonable. Even with Panam and Marco arguing about whether the truck refrigeration unit needed another inspection before Monday. Even with Kiro trying to explain why the cabin’s token system could be improved and Reyes telling her not to redesign the property before breakfast had fully ended. No one was trying to maximize Sunday. No one was afraid of wasting it. That was new to Elisa. Most expensive weekends she had known came with pressure. Use the spa. Use the pool. Use the view. Use the chef. Use the boat. Use the itinerary. Use the time because the time was expensive. Here, nobody cared. The cabin could sit unused around them. The lake could be ignored. The sauna could stay cold until someone wanted it. Nobody needed to prove they had extracted value. Elisa looked toward the water. Broad. Bright. Still. Then back at the terrace. People sprawled everywhere. “I think I understand something.” Della: “Dangerous start.” Mira: “Very.” Elisa ignored them. “I've been to places that cost more than this.” Nobody reacted. Good. She continued. “Much more.” Marco: “Also unsurprising.” Elisa: “And everyone spends the whole time trying to use everything.” Panam: “Why?” “Because it's there.” Panam looked genuinely confused. “So?” Elisa smiled. “Exactly.” Ace looked over. Still in Mai’s lap. “What did you understand?” “That no one here cares if Sunday accomplishes anything.” Ace: “Of course not.” Elisa: “I know.” Ace: “No, I mean—why would it?” Elisa looked at her. There. That. Not philosophy. Not a lesson. Ace actually did not understand the premise. Elisa smiled. “Exactly.” Mai’s hand moved. Ace stopped. Eyes closed. Elisa waited. Ace opened them again. “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Brenda: “That was definitely something.” Elisa: “Yes.” Brenda: “What?” Elisa looked at Ace. Ace looked suspicious. Elisa: “I like her.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Hey.” Elisa laughed. Ace stared at Mai. “You're supposed to say something nicer.” Mai: “I agree with her.” Ace: “That's acceptable.” Brenda: “High standards.” Ace: “Fuck you.” Mai’s arm tightened slightly. Ace went quiet. Brenda’s eyes lit. Ace pointed at her. “No.” Brenda: “I didn't—” “No.” “I only—” “NO.” Reyes: “Self-preservation, Brenda.” Brenda sat back. “Fine.” Iris looked at her. Brenda: “What?” “You learned.” “No.” “Yes.” “No.” Iris kissed her cheek. Brenda smiled despite herself. “Maybe.” The first real plan of Sunday happened accidentally. Shammy looked toward the sauna. Then toward the lake. Then Panam. “Later?” Panam followed her gaze. “Heat?” “Yes.” Panam: “Sure.” Ace heard. “Sauna?” Shammy nodded. Ace: “Yes.” Mai: “Later.” Ace: “Yes.” Elisa looked at Della. Then Mira. Mira: “You want to.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “You're thinking about the walk.” Elisa: “No.” Mira: “You absolutely are.” Elisa: “I am thinking about whether heat will help.” Della: “Or whether sitting on wood benches is a terrible idea.” Elisa considered. “That too.” Brenda: “I vote yes.” Elisa: “Nobody asked.” “I'm supportive.” Iris: “You're curious.” “That too.” Elisa looked toward the sauna. Thirty-five meters. Not far. Enough to matter. She looked at the lake. Then at herself. Then Della. “Later.” Della smiled. “Correct usage.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Mira: “Still kissing me?” “Yes.” Marco stood. “I'm checking the boathouse.” Lena: “Again?” “Latch.” Mira: “Still sticking.” Marco pointed at her. “See?” Lena: “She already told you yesterday.” “Yes, but now I have confirmation.” Mira: “From me.” Marco: “Exactly.” Panam: “That's not confirmation. That's repetition.” Marco: “Why is everyone against maintenance?” Lena stood. “Come on.” Marco: “Finally, support.” “No. Supervision.” Everyone laughed. They headed toward the lake path. Reyes watched them go. Then looked at Kiro. “Walk?” Kiro froze. Everybody within hearing distance froze. Reyes realized it half a second later. “Oh, for fuck's sake.” Brenda’s face transformed. Kiro slowly turned toward Reyes. “A walk?” Reyes: “An actual walk.” Brenda: “Sure.” Reyes: “Shut up.” Brenda: “You already knew.” “You said it with your whole face.” Ace started laughing. Reyes pointed at her. “Do not.” Ace: “I didn't—” Mai’s hand moved. Ace’s laughter broke. Reyes stared. Then smiled. “Oh.” Ace opened her eyes. “No.” Reyes: “Interesting.” Brenda: “GET HER.” Ace: “Fuck both of you.” Reyes stood. Kiro stood with her. Kiro: “For the record, I am comfortable with either definition.” Silence. Reyes looked at her. Kiro smiled. Brenda slapped both hands on the table. “Kiro.” Kiro: “What?” “That was beautiful.” Reyes laughed. Then took Kiro’s hand. “Come on.” Kiro: “Which definition?” Reyes: “Start walking.” Kiro: “That did not answer the question.” Their voices faded down the path. Elisa watched them disappear. Then looked at Brenda. Brenda looked back. Neither spoke. Della: “No.” Elisa: “I wasn't going to say anything.” Mira: “Yes, you were.” Brenda: “She absolutely was.” Elisa: “Traitors.” Panam stood and stretched. Shammy immediately looked up. Panam: “Lake.” Shammy: “Yes.” They headed toward the dock. Again. No plan. Just movement. The terrace shrank. Ace. Mai. Brenda. Iris. Elisa. Mira. Della. For a minute. Then Brenda looked at Iris. Iris looked back. Brenda: “Side House?” Iris: “For what?” Brenda stared. Iris waited. Brenda: “You know.” Iris smiled. “I wanted to hear you ask.” Brenda: “You bitch.” “Still hot, though.” Brenda laughed. “Yes.” They stood. Elisa watched them cross the clearing. Brenda put an arm around Iris. Iris leaned into her. The Side House door opened. Closed. Elisa looked at Mira. Then Della. Mira: “No.” Elisa: “What?” “You're doing the face.” “What face?” Della: “The Elisa face.” Elisa: “There is no Elisa face.” Both women looked at each other. Then back. “There is.” Elisa sighed. “Hostile environment.” Ace: “You create your own weather.” Elisa turned. “You stole that.” Ace: “Cabin property.” Elisa pointed. “No.” Ace laughed. Then relaxed back into Mai. Still there. Still perfectly content. Mai looked at her. There again. That quieter hunger. Ace caught it too. Immediately. Her smile changed. Elisa saw. Mira saw Elisa see. Della saw Mira see Elisa see. Elisa: “Do not.” Della: “We said nothing.” “You're both thinking.” Mira: “Yes.” Ace turned slightly in Mai’s lap. “Still later?” Mai looked at her. “Yes.” Ace: “How much later?” Mai: “Impatient.” “Yes.” Mai smiled. Ace smiled back. Elisa had seen enough of them now to know that smile. Not the public version. Not the joking version. The one that meant the conversation had already moved somewhere else even if neither body had. Ace leaned closer. Said something too quiet to hear. Mai’s expression changed. Tiny. Sharp. Elisa raised one eyebrow. Ace noticed. “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Ace: “Rabbit.” Elisa: “Insatiable.” Silence. Mira made a small choking noise. Della covered her mouth. Mai looked at Elisa. Ace stared. Then Ace’s grin became enormous. “Oh, she's learning.” Elisa smiled. Mai: “Careful.” Elisa: “Was that a threat?” “No.” Ace: “Worse.” Elisa: “Good.” Della: “Dangerous word.” Elisa: “I know.” For a while, nobody moved. The terrace had become quiet enough to hear the lake. Birds somewhere in the trees. Wind in pine needles. A door closing faintly across the clearing. Ace remained in Mai’s lap. Mai remained exactly as attentive as she had been all morning. Elisa rested against Mira. Della’s hand lay loosely over hers. There was nowhere she needed to be. Nothing she needed to become. No decision waiting. Eventually Ace sighed. Not the sharp kind. Just deeply satisfied. Then she looked at Mai. “You know.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Good.” Elisa: “What?” Both: “Nothing.” Elisa stared. “Fuck you.” Ace: “Still smiling.” “Yes.” Mai kissed Ace’s temple. Elisa shook her head. Then smiled. The cabin could wait. The sauna could wait. Whatever Ace and Mai meant by later could wait. Sunday had nowhere to go. And for once— neither did anyone else. --- # CHAPTER 62 — QUIET QUESTIONS The first person to actually accomplish something on Sunday was Marco. This was mostly accidental. He returned from the boathouse carrying a screwdriver, a small strip of metal and the deeply offended expression of a man who had discovered a mechanical problem too simple to justify existing. “The latch is stupid.” Lena followed behind him. “The latch is old.” “Same thing.” Mira looked up from the terrace. “Fixed?” Marco: “Temporarily.” Della: “So no.” Marco pointed at her. “Temporarily fixed is fixed.” Panam, coming up from the lake with Shammy: “No.” Marco: “Why is everyone like this?” Lena: “You chose us.” Marco considered. “Fair.” Elisa laughed. She was still on the terrace. Still wearing Della’s hoodie. Still sitting more carefully than usual. But no longer treating every movement as a hostile negotiation. Progress. Ace and Mai had disappeared. Not dramatically. Not secretly. One moment they had been on the terrace. The next, they were not. Brenda had noticed. Obviously. She had opened her mouth. Iris had pointed at her without saying anything. Brenda had closed it again. Mostly. That had been eleven minutes ago. Elisa checked the time. Then immediately hated herself for checking the time. Mira noticed. “Research?” “No.” Della: “Observation?” “No.” Brenda: “Timing?” Elisa looked at her. “You are a terrible influence.” Brenda: “Thank you.” Iris: “She did not mean that as praise.” “I know.” Elisa looked toward the Main Cabin. Then away. Panam sat beside Shammy. “Leave them alone.” Elisa: “I am.” Brenda: “She isn't.” Elisa: “I am physically sitting here.” Brenda: “Doesn't mean your brain is.” Mira: “Accurate.” Elisa sighed. “Everyone is against me.” Della leaned against her shoulder. “No.” Elisa: “Better.” For another few minutes the terrace found its Sunday rhythm again. Marco complained about hardware. Panam suggested replacing the entire boathouse door. Marco accused her of solving small problems with expensive tools. Panam reminded him who had upgraded the truck refrigeration. Marco immediately became interested in another subject. Shammy laughed. Her hair lifted. The lake moved beyond the railing. Quiet. Cold-looking. Perfect. Elisa watched it. Then the buildings. Main Cabin. Side House across the clearing. Sauna lower toward the water. Paths between them. Parking beyond. Boathouse. Dock. Nothing extravagant for extravagance’s sake. Everything used. That still bothered something in her head. Not bothered badly. Persisted. She looked at Marco. “Do the owners maintain this themselves?” Marco glanced over. “Mostly contractors, I think.” Elisa: “Local?” “Some.” Panam: “Why?” Elisa shrugged. “Curious.” Della looked at her. Elisa noticed. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Mira: “You're doing property eyes.” Elisa stared. “I do not have property eyes.” Della: “You absolutely have property eyes.” Brenda: “What the fuck are property eyes?” Mira looked at Elisa. Then slowly looked around the cabin grounds. Then back. Brenda: “Oh.” Elisa: “No.” Iris: “That was fast.” Brenda leaned forward. “You're thinking about buying it.” Elisa: “I am thinking about the property.” “That means buying it.” “No.” “For you it does.” Elisa: “That is insulting.” Brenda: “Is it inaccurate?” Elisa paused. “Still insulting.” Iris smiled into her coffee. Della: “Not today.” Elisa looked at her. That landed. Saturday. The lake. The same conversation without being a conversation. Elisa nodded. “Not today.” Mira: “Good.” Brenda: “You've all apparently developed code.” Elisa: “No.” Brenda: “That's exactly what people with code say.” Iris: “Brenda.” “What?” “Let Sunday survive.” Brenda considered. “Fine.” Silence. Everyone looked at her. Brenda: “Stop doing that.” Kiro and Reyes returned from their walk before anyone could make it worse. Both looked relaxed. Very relaxed. Brenda saw them. Her eyes narrowed. Reyes: “No.” “I didn't ask.” “You were going to.” Kiro: “She was.” Brenda looked at Kiro. “You're supposed to be the weak point.” Kiro: “I've had training.” Reyes put an arm around her waist. “Extensive.” Brenda’s face changed. Reyes: “Don't.” Brenda: “I was thinking.” Iris: “Miracle.” Kiro leaned into Reyes. Elisa watched them. Again, nothing performed. Nothing announced. Just closeness. She was getting used to seeing it. That was probably the point. The Main Cabin door opened. Ace appeared. Hair slightly disordered. Expression bright. Mai followed. Perfectly composed. Of course. Brenda immediately looked at Ace. Ace immediately pointed at her. “No.” Brenda: “I haven't—” “No.” Mai: “She means it.” Brenda: “I only wanted to ask if—” Ace: “No.” Elisa laughed. Ace came onto the terrace. Stopped beside Mai. Looked at the available chairs. Then Mai. Brenda made a sound. Ace: “Shut up.” “I didn't say anything.” “You inhaled.” Ace climbed into Mai’s lap. Immediately. Mai adjusted. One arm around her. The other vanished into Ace’s shorts. Ace closed her eyes. That first familiar, pleased sigh. Then she settled back. Brenda stared at Iris. “See?” Iris: “Yes.” “This is now a documented behavioral loop.” Kiro: “Technically—” Reyes: “No.” Kiro closed her mouth. Ace opened one eye. “You people need hobbies.” Brenda: “This is my hobby.” Ace: “Terrible hobby.” Mai: “She enjoys it.” Brenda: “Thank you, Mai.” Ace looked up at Mai. “Whose side are you on?” Mai: “Mine.” Ace smiled. “Correct answer.” Elisa shook her head. Then looked back at the property. Main Cabin. Glass. Stone. Wood. The broad terrace currently holding too many people and somehow not feeling crowded. She looked at Panam. “How often do you come here?” Panam: “Depends.” “Few times a year?” “Sometimes more.” Reyes: “When life allows.” Brenda: “When nobody is bleeding.” Ace: “Low standard.” Brenda: “Night City.” Elisa: “And you've always rented it?” Mai answered this time. “Yes.” Elisa looked at her. “The same owners?” “As far as I know.” “Private?” “Yes.” Elisa nodded. Nothing else. Mai watched her. That was irritating. Elisa: “What?” Mai: “Nothing.” “That was something.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa: “I hate when you do that.” Ace: “She learned from me.” Mai: “No.” Ace: “Rude.” Elisa smiled. Then turned toward the lake again. A place like this was not difficult to buy. That was not the problem. The question was whether it should be bought. Different thing entirely. Money solved transactions. It did not automatically solve meaning. Elisa knew that. Better than most people assumed. She looked around again. Nobody here seemed worried about losing the place. Not consciously. But she had heard the little things. Marco mentioning the owners. Panam checking what could be changed and what could not. Temporary security access. The stupid boathouse latch nobody had authority to simply replace without thinking about it. Rental logic. Small. Invisible. Persistent. Elisa disliked persistent uncertainty. Della’s voice: “You're doing it again.” Elisa looked at her. “What?” “Property eyes.” “I still don't have those.” Mira: “You do.” Brenda: “I can see them now too.” Elisa: “Fuck all of you.” Ace: “Say it again while looking at me.” “Yes.” Mai’s hand moved. Ace’s eyes closed. Brenda immediately raised one finger. Ace: “Don't.” Brenda lowered it. “Fine.” Elisa started laughing. Mai kissed Ace’s temple. Ace relaxed. Completely. Elisa looked at that. Then the cabin. Then the lake. Then all of them. A thought formed. Not a decision. Not yet. Just a shape. She let it sit. Sunday did not need decisions. That had already been established. So instead she stood. Carefully. Della: “Where?” Elisa: “Walk.” Silence. Elisa stared at everyone. “Oh, fuck all of you.” Brenda doubled over laughing. Reyes covered her face. Kiro made a strangled sound. Mira smiled. Della looked completely innocent. Elisa: “An actual walk.” Brenda: “Sure.” “Yes.” “Absolutely.” “I hate you.” “No, you don't.” “No.” Elisa pointed toward the property. “I want to see the road entrance.” Marco: “Why?” Elisa: “Because I haven't.” That answer was technically true. Mira stood. Della stood. Elisa looked at both. “You don't have to come.” Mira: “We know.” Della: “We're coming.” Elisa smiled. “Good.” Brenda: “Property eyes.” Elisa grabbed the nearest cushion. Brenda ran. Iris did not help her. Ace laughed hard enough that she lost the thread of it halfway through. Her eyes closed. Mai held her. Brenda stopped running just long enough to point. “DATA.” Ace: “FUCK YOU.” Elisa left the terrace laughing. Mira on one side. Della on the other. They followed the path away from the Main Cabin. Past the parking area. Toward the road. Not the private clearing. Not that kind of walk. Probably. Behind them Brenda shouted: “TAKE YOUR TIME.” Elisa shouted back: “GO FUCK YOURSELF.” Brenda: “PLANNING TO.” Iris: “Brenda.” Elisa could hear the laughter long after the buildings disappeared behind the trees. She smiled. Then looked ahead. At the access road. At the edge of the property. At the things nobody else was looking at. Not today. But soon. Very possibly soon. --- # CHAPTER 63 — JUST LOOKING The road entrance was profoundly uninteresting. Elisa liked it immediately. No decorative gate. No polished corporate marker. No ridiculous sign announcing privacy to everyone driving past. Just the narrow access road turning away from the larger route and disappearing between trees. Practical. Quiet. Easy to miss if you were not looking for it. Mira stopped beside her. “Well?” Elisa: “Well what?” “Property eyes.” “I am looking at a road.” Della: “Very intensely.” Elisa looked at her. “I look at everything intensely.” “That is true.” “Thank you.” “It was not a defense.” Elisa sighed. They walked a little farther. Not beyond the property. Just enough to understand the approach. Elisa looked back. Trees hid almost everything. Good. “How visible are the buildings from the road?” Mira: “Barely.” “Winter?” Della: “Probably more.” Elisa nodded. Mira: “Property eyes.” “No.” “You asked about seasonal sight lines.” “That is normal curiosity.” Della: “For you?” “Yes.” Mira: “That doesn't help your case.” Elisa laughed. They turned back. Slowly. Nobody hurried her. That was partly Sunday. Partly Saturday. Elisa was still very aware of Saturday. The road curved. Trees opened briefly toward the parking area. Elisa looked at the space. Counted without meaning to. Stopped. Mira: “How many?” Elisa stared at her. “What?” “Vehicles.” “I wasn't counting.” Della: “How many?” Elisa: “Ten comfortably.” Silence. Elisa closed her eyes. “Fuck.” Mira started laughing. Della: “Property eyes.” “Shut up.” They continued. Elisa looked at the security point. Token access. Temporary authorization. Rental-era logic again. She frowned. Della noticed. “What?” “Nothing.” Mira: “Security.” Elisa looked at her. “You're annoying.” “Yes.” “The access is fine.” Della: “But?” Elisa: “I didn't say but.” “You thought it.” Elisa sighed. “But temporary authorization makes sense when strangers rent the place.” Mira: “And not if they don't.” Elisa looked at her. “No decisions today.” Mira: “I didn't suggest one.” “Good.” Della: “Dangerous word.” Elisa: “I created a monster.” “Two.” “Apparently.” They reached the first point where the Main Cabin became visible again. Elisa slowed. Not because she hurt. Because the view changed. The cabin sat above the shoreline exactly as it had when they arrived Thursday. Glass catching daylight. Terrace occupied. People moving. Panam and Shammy were back somewhere near the lake. Marco had apparently returned to the boathouse. Reyes and Kiro were visible near the terrace railing. Brenda stood in the clearing talking to Iris with both hands. And Mai sat on the terrace. Ace in her lap. Still. Elisa stopped. Della followed her gaze. “She really can stay there for hours.” Elisa: “Apparently.” Mira: “Happy?” Elisa looked at Ace. Even from here the answer was obvious. “Yes.” Then: “Very.” They resumed walking. As they came closer, Brenda spotted them. “HOW WAS THE WALK?” Elisa: “ACTUAL.” Brenda: “DISAPPOINTING.” Della called: “WE FOUND A ROAD.” Brenda: “FILTHY.” Mira stopped walking. Elisa stared at Della. Della looked pleased with herself. “You're learning.” “Yes.” Elisa: “I am surrounded by idiots.” From the terrace, Ace shouted: “AFFECTION?” Elisa: “YES.” Brenda: “SEE?” Elisa laughed. The terrace received them without ceremony. No one asked for a report. Elisa sat. Carefully. Still. But the difference from morning was noticeable. Mai looked at her. “How far?” “Road entrance.” Mai nodded. Nothing else. Elisa waited. Mai said nothing. That was somehow more irritating than questions. Ace was reclined comfortably against Mai. Elisa looked at her. Ace looked back. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Ace smiled. Elisa: “How long have you been renting this place?” Ace considered. “Years.” “How many?” Ace: “I don't know.” Mai: “Long enough.” Elisa nodded. Brenda slowly turned. Iris saw it. “No.” Brenda: “She asked another property question.” Elisa: “I asked one question.” Brenda: “After inspecting the road.” “I walked.” “You counted parking.” Elisa froze. Then looked at Mira. Mira: “I didn't tell her.” Della: “Neither did I.” Elisa looked at Brenda. “How did you know?” Brenda smiled. “You have parking-counting face.” Elisa: “That is not a thing.” “It is now.” Iris: “You guessed.” “Yes.” Elisa: “You fucking guessed?” Brenda: “And I was right.” Elisa covered her face. Ace started laughing. That laugh lasted only a moment before Mai distracted her. Ace went quiet. Eyes closing. A slow breath. Then she opened them again. Elisa pointed. “See, that should invalidate Brenda's victory somehow.” Ace: “I agree.” Brenda: “No.” Mai: “No.” Ace looked up. “Again?” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Traitor.” Mai kissed her. Ace smiled. Elisa looked toward the cabin. Then Side House. Then sauna. There was one question she actually wanted answered. A practical one. Nothing more. She looked at Mai. “Do you know whether the owners live nearby?” The terrace changed. Barely. Brenda did not speak. That alone was significant. Mai considered. “No.” Elisa: “Do they manage it directly?” “I don't know.” “Who handles bookings?” Mai: “Usually the owners.” Elisa nodded. “Okay.” Brenda’s mouth opened. Elisa pointed at her. “Not one fucking word.” Brenda closed it. Elisa: “Thank you.” Brenda raised her mug. Elisa looked at Mai again. “If someone wanted to contact them directly, could they?” Mai’s eyes stayed on her. “Yes.” Elisa: “Do you have contact details?” Silence. Not dramatic. Just enough. Mai: “Yes.” Elisa nodded. “Could you send them to me?” Brenda made a tiny strangled noise. Iris put a hand over her mouth before it became language. Mai did not move. “Why?” Elisa: “I want to ask a question.” Ace opened both eyes. Now interested. “What question?” Elisa looked at her. Then at the cabin. Then the lake. “Whether they would consider selling.” Brenda exploded behind Iris’s hand. Elisa: “I SAID CONSIDER.” Iris was laughing now too. Brenda escaped. “PROPERTY EYES.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “You're buying the cabin.” “I am asking whether it is for sale.” “That's how buying starts.” “No, that's how information starts.” Mira: “Technically true.” Della: “Very corporate.” Elisa: “Thank you.” Della: “Not necessarily praise.” “Still taking it.” Ace watched Elisa. No joke now. Not worried either. Just curious. “Why?” Elisa looked at her. There were several answers. Investment was not one of them. Convenience was. Security was. Control was. Continuity was. But none of those were quite the answer. She looked around the terrace. At people who had been coming here for years. At the lake Reyes threw Ace into. At the sauna. At the Side House. At a stupid boathouse latch Marco cared enough to fix despite not owning the door. Elisa shrugged. “I don't like that someone else can decide you can't come back.” Silence. Real this time. Elisa immediately disliked it. “Don't.” Ace: “Don't what?” “Make that face.” “What face?” “That emotional little-bitch face.” Ace laughed softly. “That's not a face.” “Yes, it is.” Mai was still watching Elisa. Elisa: “And you stop too.” Mai: “I didn't do anything.” “You're doing it quietly.” Brenda: “She does everything quietly.” Ace: “Not everything.” Mai’s hand moved. Ace stopped. Brenda pointed. “EVIDENCE.” The silence shattered. Elisa laughed. “Thank you, Brenda.” Brenda: “For what?” “Ruining the moment.” “Any time.” Iris: “She means that.” “I know.” Mai looked down at Ace. Then back at Elisa. “I'll send you the contact.” Elisa: “Thank you.” Ace: “Not today?” Elisa looked at her. “I'm asking one question.” Mira: “Of course.” Della: “Just looking.” Elisa: “Exactly.” Brenda: “She's wearing the fucking pants.” Elisa: “What pants?” “The buying pants.” Elisa stared. Then started laughing. “No.” “Yes.” “There are no buying pants.” “Those are them.” Elisa looked down. Della’s oversized gray hoodie. Her own comfortable pants. Nothing remotely corporate. She looked back at Brenda. “These?” “Absolutely.” Elisa: “You're an idiot.” “Keep talking like that.” “Yes.” Brenda smiled. Mai’s agent chimed quietly. Elisa’s followed a second later. Contact transferred. She looked at the notification. Name. Number. Nothing else. Elisa did not open it. Not yet. She put the agent away. Della noticed. “So?” Elisa: “So nothing.” Mira: “You asked the question.” “No. I acquired the ability to ask the question.” Brenda: “Corporate foreplay.” Iris: “Brenda.” Elisa looked at Brenda. Thought about it. Then: “Actually…” Iris: “No.” Everyone laughed. Elisa leaned back. Carefully. The contact waited. The cabin remained exactly what it had been five minutes earlier. Not hers. Not O’Sullivan SAS property. Not guaranteed. Just a place thirteen people loved. For now. That was enough. For Sunday. Probably. Brenda: “How long before you call?” Elisa: “I hate you.” Brenda: “That's not a number.” Ace: “Ten minutes.” Elisa: “Fuck you too.” Mira: “Twenty.” Della: “Fifteen.” Elisa stared at all of them. Mai: “Seven.” Silence. Elisa looked at Mai. Mai looked perfectly serious. Ace began laughing helplessly in her lap. Elisa: “You bitch.” Mai: “Still smiling.” Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Brenda slapped the table. “SEVEN MINUTES. MONEY'S ON MAI.” Elisa: “There is no fucking betting pool.” Kiro looked up. “There is now.” Reyes: “Ten on twelve minutes.” Elisa stared at her. “You too?” Reyes smiled. “Cabin property.” Elisa: “THAT IS NOT WHAT THAT MEANS.” The terrace dissolved into chaos. Elisa sat in the middle of it. Laughing. Buying pants apparently firmly in place. --- # CHAPTER 64 — SEVEN MINUTES The betting pool became real. This was not Elisa’s fault. Mostly. Kiro created it because Kiro had access to a shared slate and poor judgment. Reyes put ten eddies on twelve minutes. Della chose fifteen. Mira chose eighteen. Brenda attempted to bet on “under five.” Iris informed her that category did not exist. Brenda: “It should.” Panam chose twenty. Shammy chose eleven. Marco refused to participate on principle. Then Lena put ten on fourteen. Marco stared at her. Lena: “What?” “You said this was stupid.” “It is.” “And you bet.” “Yes.” Marco considered. “Fourteen.” Lena: “You can't copy me.” “I live with you.” “That isn't how betting works.” Marco: “It should.” Ace had no money in the pool. Ace was still in Mai’s lap. This was related. Elisa stood near the terrace railing with her agent closed. She had been standing there for almost a minute. Doing nothing. Brenda: “Six.” Elisa turned. “What?” “Minutes.” “You are timing me?” Everyone looked away. Elisa stared. “Seriously?” Reyes: “No.” Kiro’s slate chimed. Reyes: “Shit.” Elisa: “You built a timer.” Kiro: “It was already a timer.” “You labeled it.” Kiro: “Yes.” Elisa: “Traitor.” Kiro: “Cabin property.” Elisa closed her eyes. That phrase was never going to recover. She looked at Mai. Mai looked back. Calm. Certain. Elisa: “You really said seven.” Mai: “Yes.” “Why?” Mai: “You already decided.” Elisa: “I did not.” Mai: “You decided to ask.” “That is not deciding to buy.” “No.” “So.” “You don't tolerate unanswered questions.” Elisa paused. Ace started smiling. Elisa: “That is unfair.” Ace: “Accurate.” Elisa: “Also unfair.” Brenda: “Six thirty.” Elisa: “BRENDA.” “What?” “Stop counting.” “I'm not.” Kiro’s slate chimed again. Brenda: “Kiro is.” Elisa looked at Kiro. Kiro: “I am neutral infrastructure.” Reyes: “No one has ever believed that.” Elisa laughed despite herself. She checked the contact again. Still there. Of course. A name. A direct number. No drama. She could wait. There was absolutely no reason not to wait. She could call tomorrow. Tuesday. Next week. She had people for this. People who bought buildings. People who negotiated acquisitions. People who could approach owners without her ever speaking to them. That would be sensible. Professional. Normal. She looked around. At Ace, folded happily into Mai. At Panam and Shammy sharing something from one plate. At Brenda leaning into Iris while pretending she was not. At Reyes’s hand on Kiro’s shoulder. At Marco complaining to Lena about joint betting integrity. At Mira. At Della. At the lake. Elisa opened the contact. Kiro’s slate chimed. Brenda whispered: “Six fifty-three.” Elisa pointed at her. “Not. One. Word.” Brenda mimed locking her mouth. Elisa hit call. The slate chimed. Mai: “Seven.” The terrace exploded. Elisa: “OH, FUCK ALL OF YOU.” Ace nearly folded in half laughing. Mai had to hold her. Brenda slapped the table. “SEVEN FUCKING MINUTES.” Reyes: “That cannot have been exact.” Kiro checked. “Seven minutes, four seconds.” Mai: “Close enough.” Elisa: “You smug bitch.” Mai: “Yes.” The call connected. Everyone went silent. Immediately. Too immediately. Elisa turned away from them. “Hello.” A pause. “Yes. Hi. My name is Elisa.” Another pause. She smiled slightly. “Yes. That Elisa.” Brenda’s eyes widened. Iris elbowed her before she could react. Elisa walked toward the far end of the terrace. Not hiding. Just creating distance. “I’m calling about the lakeside property you rent privately.” Pause. “Yes.” She looked at the cabin. “The one outside Night City.” Pause. “Yes. I’m there now.” The owner said something longer. Elisa listened. “No, nothing is wrong.” She smiled. “Quite the opposite.” Everyone on the terrace was pretending not to listen. Nobody was convincing. Elisa: “I wanted to ask you something directly before involving anyone else.” Pause. “Would you consider selling it?” Silence on Elisa’s side. The owner was speaking. Elisa’s expression did not change much. Mira watched carefully. Della too. Mai less obviously. Ace not obviously at all because Ace was busy being Ace. Elisa: “I understand.” Pause. “No, I’m not asking you for an answer today.” Another pause. “Yes.” She turned toward the lake. “I’m not looking to develop it.” Pause. “No.” Her tone changed slightly. Softer. “I like it exactly as it is.” That got Mai’s attention. Elisa: “Yes.” Pause. “I understand.” Longer this time. Then: “That makes sense.” She nodded even though the owner could not see her. “No. I wouldn’t want anyone pushed out unexpectedly.” Pause. “Yes.” Elisa looked toward the Main Cabin. Then the Side House. Then the sauna beyond. “I would want continuity.” Another pause. “Exactly.” She listened. Then smiled. Small. Real. “Then perhaps we should talk.” The terrace remained unnaturally quiet. Elisa: “No hurry.” Pause. “Yes, I can have someone contact you after the weekend.” Another pause. “No. Not an agent calling cold.” She glanced at Mai. “Someone you’ll know is actually calling for me.” Pause. “Yes.” Then: “Thank you.” She listened once more. “No, really. Thank you for considering it.” Pause. “Enjoy your Sunday.” She ended the call. Silence. Elisa remained facing the lake for two seconds. Three. Then turned around. Twelve eyes were not on her. They were all on random objects with extraordinary intensity. Elisa: “You are all terrible actors.” Everyone looked at her. Brenda: “Well?” Elisa walked back. Sat down. Carefully. Della handed her water. Elisa took it. Drank. Brenda: “Elisa.” “Yes?” “Did you just buy the cabin?” “No.” Brenda looked disappointed. Elisa: “I asked whether they would consider selling.” “And?” Elisa: “They would.” Silence. Different this time. Not comedy. Not quite. Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked at Elisa. Marco stopped moving entirely. Panam leaned back. Shammy’s hair lifted slightly. Reyes: “Huh.” Kiro: “That's…” She stopped. Elisa: “Information.” Mira: “Of course.” Della: “Just looking.” Elisa pointed at both. “Yes.” Brenda: “You called in seven minutes.” Elisa: “Four seconds over.” Mai: “Still seven.” Elisa: “Do not become worse than Ace.” Ace: “Too late.” Elisa smiled. Then: “They're not trying to get rid of it.” Panam: “Good.” “They like who rents it.” Marco: “That us?” “Yes.” Brenda looked pleased. Elisa: “They've had offers before.” Mai: “For development?” Elisa nodded. “Apparently.” Nobody liked that. Visible immediately. Elisa: “They said no.” Panam: “Good.” Elisa: “They don't want this turned into some luxury lake compound.” Brenda looked around. “It already is a luxury lake compound.” Marco: “No.” Brenda: “Have you seen the kitchen?” Marco: “Yes.” “Exactly.” Lena: “She means developer luxury.” Brenda: “Ah.” Elisa: “More buildings. Bigger footprint. Private event use. That kind of thing.” Panam: “Fuck that.” Shammy: “Yes.” Elisa: “I told them I wouldn't change what the place is.” Mai watched her. Elisa caught it. “What?” Mai: “Nothing.” “That was something.” “Yes.” Elisa sighed. “Say it.” Mai: “You meant it.” Elisa looked genuinely confused. “Of course I meant it.” Ace smiled. There it was again. That emotional little-bitch face. Elisa: “No.” Ace: “What?” “Don't.” “I didn't do anything.” “You're doing it.” Ace: “Quietly?” Mai: “She stole that from you.” Ace: “Cabin property.” Elisa threw a napkin. Ace caught it badly because she was distracted halfway through. Brenda immediately pointed. “DATA.” Ace: “FUCK YOU.” The terrace broke again. Good. Much better. Elisa relaxed. Mira: “What happens now?” Elisa: “Nothing today.” Brenda: “Sure.” Elisa: “Actually nothing.” Della: “You already called.” “That was the question.” Mira: “And tomorrow?” Elisa looked toward the lake. “Tomorrow we go home.” Panam: “And?” “And I have someone talk to them properly.” Brenda: “Buying pants.” Elisa: “Fuck off.” “They're still on.” “I am not negotiating this from a terrace.” Brenda: “So you are negotiating.” Elisa stared at her. Iris: “You walked into that.” Elisa: “I know.” Marco: “What did they want?” Elisa: “I didn't ask.” Brenda blinked. “You didn't ask the price?” “No.” That surprised more people than the call. Panam: “Why not?” Elisa looked at her. “Because I asked whether they were willing to sell.” Panam waited. Elisa: “Price is a different conversation.” Mai smiled. Tiny. Elisa saw it. “What?” Mai: “Nothing.” “Again.” Ace: “She likes that answer.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa: “Why?” Mai: “Because you're not treating this like shopping.” Elisa looked at the property. “No.” Then quieter: “It isn't.” Nobody made that into anything. Good. Brenda almost did. Iris touched her arm. Brenda stopped. Even better. Elisa leaned back. Della’s shoulder against hers. Mira’s knee touching her leg. The contact with the owners remained in her agent. A conversation now existed where none had existed an hour ago. Nothing more. No contract. No number. No promise. The property still belonged to someone else. Sunday still belonged to nobody. Ace shifted in Mai’s lap. Mai’s attention shifted with her. Ace went still. Eyes closing. One long breath. Brenda looked at Elisa. Elisa looked at Brenda. Brenda slowly raised one finger. Elisa slowly pushed it back down. Brenda whispered: “Data.” Elisa whispered: “Survive Sunday.” Brenda considered. Then nodded. “Fair.” Ace opened her eyes. “What are you two doing?” Both: “Nothing.” Ace narrowed her eyes. “That was something.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace looked up at her. “You're supposed to be on my side.” Mai: “Mine.” Ace sighed. “Right.” Elisa smiled. Then looked toward the lake again. Seven minutes. Four seconds. Just one question. And absolutely, definitely, certainly— not buying the cabin. Yet. --- # CHAPTER 65 — LATER ARRIVES Nothing happened for almost half an hour. This offended Brenda. “You called the owners.” Elisa: “Yes.” “They said they'd consider selling.” “Yes.” “And now you're sitting there.” Elisa looked down at herself. “Yes.” Brenda: “That's it?” “Yes.” Brenda looked at Iris. “I don't understand rich people.” Elisa: “You understand Iris.” Brenda: “Different.” Iris: “How?” Brenda considered. “She's mine.” Iris raised one eyebrow. Brenda: “Emotionally.” “Better.” “Much.” Elisa smiled. Then deliberately ignored the contact still sitting quietly in her agent. Nothing today. She had meant it. Mostly. The terrace loosened again. Marco finally stopped talking about the boathouse latch. Lena confiscated the screwdriver before he could discover a second problem. Panam stretched out in the sun. Shammy had somehow acquired Panam’s thigh as a pillow. Reyes and Kiro occupied one chair with absolutely no respect for its intended capacity. Della had one arm along the back of Elisa’s chair. Mira was stealing fruit from her plate. Ace remained in Mai’s lap. Naturally. Brenda had stopped counting Ace’s interruptions. Not because they had stopped. Because Iris had threatened to throw the slate into the lake. Mai still looked calm. That was becoming increasingly dishonest. Ace knew it. Elisa knew Ace knew it. And eventually Ace looked across the terrace directly at her. Elisa raised one eyebrow. Ace narrowed her eyes. Elisa smiled. Ace: “Don't.” “I didn't say anything.” “You're thinking loudly.” Brenda: “She does that.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Say it again. Slower.” “Yes.” Ace leaned farther back against Mai. Mai said something quietly into her ear. Ace went still. Not the familiar kind. Different. Her eyes opened. She turned her head enough to look at Mai. Mai looked back. Ace: “Oh.” Brenda immediately sat forward. Ace: “No.” Brenda: “I didn't—” “No.” Mai: “Later.” Ace’s smile appeared slowly. “Now?” Mai: “Yes.” Brenda slapped both hands onto her knees. “I KNEW IT.” Iris: “You knew later would eventually become now?” “Yes.” “Remarkable.” “Thank you.” Ace shifted. Mai’s hand finally withdrew as Ace climbed out of her lap. Ace stopped once she was standing. One long breath. Then another. Deeply satisfied. Brenda pointed. Ace: “Do not.” “I didn't say data.” “You were going to.” “Yes.” Mai stood. Ace looked up at her. “So.” Mai: “So.” Ace smiled. “Where?” Panam opened one eye. Shammy’s hair lifted. Brenda already looked dangerously interested. Mai glanced toward the lake. Then the trees. Then back at Ace. “Walk.” The terrace went silent. Ace stared at her. Then laughed. Reyes covered her face. Kiro: “Oh no.” Elisa looked around. Something had happened. Again. Brenda, however, did not look confused. Brenda looked delighted. Ace: “The old one?” Mai: “Yes.” That made Brenda’s grin wider. “Oh, excellent.” Iris: “Don't.” “I haven't done anything.” “Your face has.” Ace looked at Brenda. “You know exactly how long these take.” Brenda: “I have relevant historical experience.” Marco closed his eyes. “No.” Brenda turned toward him. “What?” Marco: “Nothing.” “You were there.” Marco: “I know.” Elisa looked from Brenda to Marco. Then back. “What am I missing?” Reyes: “History.” Elisa: “What history?” Kiro: “Cabin history.” Elisa: “That explains absolutely nothing.” Brenda smiled. Ace pointed at her. “Do not teach.” Brenda: “I wasn't going to.” Everyone stared at her. Brenda: “Fine. I was considering it.” Mai took Ace’s hand. Ace immediately forgot Brenda existed. Mostly. Ace: “Coming?” Mai: “Yes.” They left the terrace. No announcement. No supplies. No destination offered. They crossed the edge of the clearing and disappeared toward the trees. The old path was still there. Less obvious than the main trails. Narrower. Needles underfoot. A little overgrown at the edges. Ace knew every bend. Mai did too. They did not talk much. That was not tension. Quite the opposite. Ace swung their joined hands once. Mai looked down at her. “What?” Ace smiled. “Nothing.” Mai raised one eyebrow. Ace laughed. “Fine. I missed this.” “The clearing?” “You.” Mai stopped walking. Ace stopped too. Looked up. Mai’s expression changed. Not wounded. Not surprised. Just warmer. “I was sitting under you ten minutes ago.” “Not the same.” “No.” Ace stepped closer. Mai’s hand settled at her waist. “Then say what you mean.” Ace smiled. “Bossy.” “Yes.” “Hot.” “Yes.” Ace kissed her. That was the first answer. The second came when Mai kissed her back and did not let the kiss end quickly. The trees closed around them. The cabin disappeared behind branches. Nobody else existed for several breaths. Ace pulled away first. Barely. “Still walking?” Mai: “Yes.” “Liar.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace laughed. They kept going. The second clearing appeared exactly where memory said it would. Small. Natural. Private. Same place Brenda had once discovered with Marco. Same place Elisa, Mira and Della had stumbled into without knowing any of that history. Ace stopped at the edge. Looked around. Then at Mai. “Still here.” “Yes.” “Good.” Mai watched her. Ace knew that look. Her smile changed. “So.” Mai: “So.” Ace stepped into the clearing. Mai followed. No need for discussion. No need to pretend the old walk had ever been about exercise. Ace turned once they were inside. Mai was already close. Ace lifted her chin. “Kiss me properly.” Mai did. The first kiss had been warm. This one was hunger. Controlled only because Mai chose control, not because the wanting was small. Ace felt the difference immediately. Her breath caught. Then she smiled into the kiss. “There you are.” Mai: “You knew.” “Yes.” “Greedy.” Ace laughed. “Always.” The laughter lasted until Mai’s attention sharpened. Then it broke into a different sound. Ace’s hands found Mai’s shoulders. Held. The decisive transition was not hidden behind a cutaway. They chose the clearing. Chose each other. Chose to stay. Clothing stopped mattering by degrees. No rush. No awkward novelty. Years of knowing each other made the movement easier, not invisible. Mai watched Ace through the first real wave of pleasure. Ace’s eyes closed. A long sound escaped her before she could turn it into profanity. Mai smiled against her temple. Ace opened one eye. “Don't get smug.” “Too late.” “Bitch.” “Yours.” Ace’s expression softened. Then heated again. “Good answer.” The next stretch of time belonged entirely to them. Not because nobody else mattered. Because right now nobody else was here. Mai’s control stayed precise. Ace’s hunger did not. She asked for more without dressing it up. Mai gave exactly what she wanted because she wanted it too. The first release hit Ace hard enough to steal every smart line she had been saving. Her body went taut. Her fingers tightened against Mai. Then the tension broke and Ace folded into her with a shaking breath. Mai held her. No tease yet. One hand at Ace’s back. One slow kiss into her hair. Ace stayed there. Still. Breathing. Then finally: “Fuck.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace started laughing. “That was not what I meant.” “I know.” “You’re awful.” “Yes.” Ace lifted her face. Kissed her. Slow. Loving. Then: “Again.” Mai’s mouth curved. “Greedy.” Ace: “You said that already.” “Still true.” The first release ended nothing. It never did with them unless one of them wanted it to. And neither did. Later, Mai’s composure finally cracked too. Ace saw it happen. That was one of her favorite things in the world. Mai could carry control through gunfire, negotiations, chaos, Brenda, and Ace herself. But not forever. Not here. Ace stayed close through the moment Mai stopped being composed and simply felt. Mai’s breath broke. Her head lowered against Ace. Ace held her. No joke. Not then. Just: “I've got you.” Mai’s arms tightened. The release passed through her in a long visible wave. Then stillness. Real. Shared. They remained in the clearing long after either needed to move. Ace against Mai. Mai’s cheek against Ace’s hair. Birds somewhere farther away. Wind in pine. Nothing urgent. Eventually Ace said: “We should probably go back.” Mai: “Yes.” Neither moved. Ace smiled. “You're not moving.” “No.” “Good.” Another kiss. Then another. By the time they finally dressed and found the path again, both looked exactly like people who had gone walking for the traditional reason. Back at the cabin, Elisa watched them disappear into the trees. Then looked at Brenda. Brenda looked at the time. Just once. Elisa caught it. “You timed them.” “No.” “You looked at the time.” “I possess a clock.” Iris: “She timed them.” Brenda: “I am establishing a baseline.” Marco: “You already have one.” Silence. Elisa slowly turned toward Marco. Marco realized too late. Brenda started laughing. Elisa: “You too?” Marco: “No.” Brenda: “Yes.” Marco: “Brenda.” “What?” Elisa looked between them. “Interesting.” Marco stood. “I am going to start the sauna.” Lena: “Excellent escape.” Marco: “Practical task.” “Both can be true.” He retrieved the screwdriver from Lena. She took it back. “That is not required for fire.” Marco: “I know.” “Then why?” “Comfort.” “No.” Marco sighed. Panam stood. “I'll help.” Shammy immediately sat up. “Heat?” Panam: “Eventually.” Shammy: “Yes.” Elisa looked toward the separate dark-log building lower by the lake. “So it isn't warm yet.” Panam: “No.” Brenda: “Unless Marco has developed remote fire control.” Marco: “I have not.” Kiro: “I could—” Everyone: “No.” Kiro: “I wasn't going to.” Reyes kissed her temple. “You were.” “Maybe.” Marco and Panam headed down the path toward the sauna. Shammy followed, because apparently supervising fire was now important. Lena went too. Mostly to supervise Marco. The rest stayed on the terrace. Elisa watched the four disappear between the trees. Then: “How long?” Brenda: “For the sauna?” Elisa: “Yes.” Brenda smiled. “Depends.” Elisa: “That was deliberate.” “Yes.” Reyes: “It needs time.” Kiro: “Actual time.” Elisa: “Good.” Brenda: “Probably enough time for—” Iris: “No.” Brenda: “I didn't finish.” “We all did.” Elisa laughed. Della leaned into her shoulder. Mira stole another piece of fruit. Elisa: “That's mine.” Mira: “You had more.” “I had more.” Della: “Cabin property.” Elisa looked at her. “You too?” “Yes.” “Terrible.” “You like me.” “Yes.” Immediate. Mira smiled. Elisa pointed. “Don't.” “What?” “That face.” “There is no face.” “There absolutely is.” They stayed there. Sunday did what Sunday had been doing all day. Nothing urgent. Nothing wasted. Reyes and Kiro eventually moved toward the lake. Brenda and Iris stayed on the terrace. Elisa remained between Mira and Della. The Main Cabin was quiet without Ace. Not actually quiet. Just missing one particularly concentrated source of noise. After a while, Panam returned alone. “Fire's going.” Shammy appeared behind her. Hair slightly wild. Marco and Lena followed more slowly. Marco: “It'll need a while.” Brenda checked the time again. Marco saw her. “Don't.” Brenda: “What?” “You know what.” “I haven't said anything.” “You're thinking with your whole face.” Iris: “Apparently contagious.” Elisa: “From Brenda?” “Probably.” Brenda looked pleased. Elisa: “That was not praise.” “I know.” Panam sat down. Shammy reclaimed her thigh. Marco put the sauna key down on the table. Nobody moved toward it. Not yet. Good. Elisa looked at Brenda again. “You really know how long the old walk takes.” Brenda: “Yes.” No hesitation. That interested Elisa more than a joke would have. “How?” Brenda smiled. Marco: “No.” Brenda: “Oh, relax.” Marco: “I am relaxed.” “You're visibly not.” Elisa looked at Marco. Then Brenda. Then: “Wait.” Reyes returned from the lake path with Kiro just in time to see Elisa’s expression change. Reyes: “Oh no.” Elisa: “The old walk started with you two?” Brenda: “Not exactly.” Marco: “It was one time.” Brenda: “It was a very good time.” Marco: “Brenda.” Iris: “She is physically incapable of leaving that sentence alone.” Elisa was smiling now. “So there really is an old version.” Reyes: “Yes.” Elisa: “And everyone knows what it means.” Kiro: “Yes.” Elisa: “And nobody told us.” Reyes: “You didn't know there was anything to tell.” Elisa: “Fair.” Brenda: “Also funnier.” Elisa looked at her. “Asshole.” “You love me anyway.” “Yes.” A little more time passed. The sun shifted. The terrace warmed. Somewhere below, the sauna quietly moved from cold building toward usable. Then Panam checked the time. “Soon.” Shammy sat up immediately. “Now?” “Soon.” Shammy: “That is a terrible word.” Ace’s voice was not there to claim it. Elisa smiled. Then movement appeared between the trees. Mai first. Ace beside her. Walking slowly. Not tired. Not exactly. Exceptionally satisfied. That was the phrase Elisa’s brain supplied before Brenda said anything. Brenda looked at the time. Then looked at Marco. Marco: “No.” Brenda: “I didn't say anything.” “You don't need to.” Ace saw Brenda’s face from halfway across the clearing. “Fuck you.” Brenda laughed. “I SAID NOTHING.” “You timed us.” “I did not.” Iris: “She did.” “Traitor.” Ace reached the terrace. Her hair was slightly disordered. Mai looked composed. Of course. Ace did not bother sitting in her own chair. She went straight back to Mai’s lap. Mai sat. Ace settled. Mai’s hand disappeared into Ace’s shorts automatically. Ace closed her eyes. Long pleased sigh. Elisa stared. Ace opened one eye. “What?” Elisa: “You just came back.” “Yes.” Brenda: “INSATIABLE.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Also yes.” Elisa laughed. “Jesus Christ.” Mai kissed Ace’s temple. Brenda looked at Elisa. “Now you understand.” Elisa: “I understood before.” “No. Now you have field confirmation.” Marco: “Please stop saying field.” Brenda: “Why?” Marco: “You know why.” Brenda grinned. Panam stood. “Sauna should be ready.” Shammy was already halfway upright. “Yes.” There. Actual sequence. Fire first. Time passed. Heat earned. Elisa stood. Carefully. Della noticed. Mira noticed. Neither commented. Brenda noticed. Iris: “No.” Brenda: “I haven't opened my mouth.” “You were about to.” Elisa: “I love you, Iris.” Brenda: “HEY.” Elisa: “Different reasons.” Iris smiled. “Accepted.” They gathered towels. Robes. Water. Nobody rushed. Ace remained in Mai’s lap. Elisa looked at her. “You coming?” Ace: “Eventually.” Brenda: “She may be occupied.” Ace: “Fuck you.” Mai’s hand moved. Ace stopped. Brenda raised one finger. Ace: “Don't.” Brenda lowered it. “Fine.” Panam: “We're going.” Shammy: “Yes.” Reyes and Kiro joined. Mira and Della too. Elisa looked toward Brenda and Iris. Brenda: “Absolutely.” Iris: “Yes.” Marco: “I lit it. I'm going.” Lena: “You're coming because I don't trust you alone with the boathouse.” Marco: “That too.” Eleven started toward the stone steps. Elisa looked back. Ace and Mai remained on the terrace. Ace smiled. “Go.” Elisa: “You're missing sauna.” Mai: “We'll come later.” Elisa: “That word again.” Ace: “Cabin property.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “Still want me here?” “Yes.” They left. The path dropped toward the lake. Main Cabin behind. Trees closing around them. Then the sauna appeared. Dark log. Low roof. Smoke rising properly from the pipe now. Evidence. Earned heat. Marco touched the door. “Good.” Panam opened it. Warm air rolled from the changing room. Not sauna heat. Building warmth. Different. Correct. Elisa smiled. “Look at that. Fire obeys causality.” Marco: “Usually.” Kiro: “Technically—” Reyes: “No.” Kiro: “Fine.” The changing room became crowded quickly. Clothes went onto hooks. Benches. Bags. Nobody cared much. By Sunday, nudity itself no longer registered. People did. That was different. Elisa sat to remove her shoes. Slowly. Della noticed. Mira noticed. No commentary. Excellent. Brenda looked. Iris looked at Brenda. Brenda: “I KNOW.” Elisa laughed. The sauna proper was hot now. Actually hot. Panam opened the door. Steam-softened wood smell. Stone heat. Shammy went first. Of course. The rest followed. Elisa sat between Mira and Della. Carefully. Paused. Della: “Manageable?” Elisa considered. “Yes.” Mira: “Good.” Elisa: “Dangerous word.” Mira smiled. Panam poured water onto the stones. Steam rose. Conversation disappeared beneath the hiss. For several seconds there was only heat. Breathing. Wood. The faint outside world beyond the narrow windows. Elisa closed her eyes. This was good. Actually good. Her body loosened a little. When she opened her eyes, Shammy was watching the steam. Panam’s hand rested on her thigh. Reyes sat shoulder-to-shoulder with Kiro. Iris leaned against Brenda. Marco looked like he had finally surrendered responsibility for the universe. Lena looked pleased about that. Mira’s knee touched Elisa’s. Della’s shoulder touched the other. Then Brenda said: “They made good time.” Iris closed her eyes. Marco: “Brenda.” “What?” Reyes: “You promised nothing.” “I promised nothing specific.” Elisa looked at her. “What counts as good time?” Brenda smiled. There it was. Too much knowledge. “Depends on the walk.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. Mira did too. Della slowly turned. Elisa: “Your old walk.” Brenda: “Yes.” “Where?” Brenda: “Into the woods.” “Obviously.” Reyes: “Leave it.” Elisa: “No.” Brenda looked delighted now. “You really want this?” “Yes.” Iris: “This is your fault.” “I accept responsibility.” Marco: “Historic first.” Brenda ignored him. “There’s a clearing.” Silence. Elisa stopped moving. Mira stopped moving. Della stopped moving. Brenda noticed. Her expression changed. Not much. Enough. Elisa: “What kind of clearing?” Reyes looked from Elisa to Mira to Della. Then: “Oh.” Kiro: “What?” Reyes: “They don't know.” Della: “Know what?” Brenda leaned forward. “Small.” Mira’s eyes narrowed. Brenda: “Natural.” Elisa: “No.” Marco closed his eyes. Brenda: “Old pines.” Della: “No fucking way.” Mira: “Fallen trunk?” Silence. Brenda’s mouth opened. Then closed. Then: “Oh.” Elisa stared at her. “That clearing.” Brenda: “That clearing.” Mira put both hands over her face. Della started laughing. Elisa: “We randomly found your sex clearing.” Brenda: “Not mine.” Marco: “Thank you.” Reyes: “Historically hers.” Marco: “Not helping.” Elisa: “And when we came back—” Brenda: “Yes.” “You knew?” Brenda: “I suspected immediately.” Mira: “Because we looked satisfied.” Brenda: “Exceptionally.” Della laughed harder. Elisa leaned back against the wall. Then laughed too. Her body protested. She grabbed Della’s arm. “Fuck.” Della: “Careful.” Elisa: “We accidentally repeated the tradition.” Reyes: “Pretty much.” Mira: “Without knowing it existed.” Kiro: “That makes it better.” Brenda: “Much better.” Elisa looked at Brenda. “So when everybody kept reacting to walking—” “Yes.” “You all knew.” “Yes.” “And nobody told us.” Reyes: “You were having too much fun not knowing.” Elisa: “You bastards.” Kiro: “Empirically, you still like us.” Elisa: “Unfortunately.” Mira looked at Della. “Our first random path.” Della: “Of course.” Elisa: “My first cabin weekend.” Brenda: “Mine too.” Elisa turned toward her. Then slowly smiled. “Oh, fuck you.” Brenda: “Tradition.” Iris: “Do not encourage the universe.” Panam poured another ladle. Steam climbed. Laughter faded slowly. Elisa leaned back between Mira and Della. Something about it felt absurdly right. They had not copied anyone. Had not known. Had not been shown. Three first-time guests had wandered away for a genuine walk— found the same private clearing— and completed the old definition perfectly by accident. Elisa smiled. “I like that.” Della: “The clearing?” “The accident.” Mira: “Me too.” Della: “Same.” Brenda: “I feel vindicated.” Everyone: “No.” The sauna filled with laughter again. Somewhere up by the Main Cabin, Ace was probably still in Mai’s lap. And knowing those two— Mai was probably still taking care of her. Elisa closed her eyes. Sunday. Causality restored. History accidentally repeated. And absolutely nobody allowed to say “just going for a walk” safely ever again. --- # CHAPTER 66 — STILL ON THE TERRACE The clearing revelation survived three more rounds of steam. Mostly because Brenda refused to let it die. Elisa: “It was an accident.” Brenda: “I know.” “We didn't know.” “I know.” “We were actually walking.” Brenda: “So were we.” Marco: “Initially.” Everyone looked at him. Marco closed his eyes. Brenda slowly smiled. “Oh.” Marco: “No.” “You volunteered that.” “I know.” “That is beautiful.” Lena: “You walked into it.” Marco: “Apparently.” Elisa laughed. Della: “So how many people have used that clearing?” Brenda opened her mouth. Reyes: “No census.” Brenda: “I could estimate.” Everyone: “No.” Brenda looked offended. Kiro: “Data quality would be poor.” Brenda turned. “Thank you.” “That was not support.” “It sounded like support.” Reyes put an arm around Kiro. “Don't feed her.” Kiro: “I wasn't.” “You were using statistics.” “Fair.” Panam poured another ladle onto the stones. Steam rolled across the room. Conversation disappeared beneath the hiss. Elisa leaned back. Heat had been a good idea. One heat had become two. Not because anyone convinced her. Because after cooling outside, drinking water and sitting in the changing room for a while, she had decided she wanted another. Her body was still keeping Saturday’s accounts. But the warmth helped. Della’s hand rested loosely on her knee. Mira sat on her other side. Neither hovered. Neither needed to. Elisa liked that more every hour. Shammy looked toward the door. Not listening for anyone approaching. Just restless. “Lake.” Panam: “After this.” Shammy: “Yes.” Brenda: “You say that like the lake won't still be there.” Shammy: “I know.” Panam smiled. “She wants cold.” Elisa: “She wants hypothermia.” Shammy: “No.” Reyes: “Borderline.” Shammy’s hair lifted slightly. Panam: “Don't encourage her.” Elisa: “I wasn't.” Della: “You were.” Mira: “With your whole face.” Elisa: “Fuck both of you.” Della: “Still want us here?” “Yes.” Brenda: “See? Cabin property.” Everyone: “No.” Brenda laughed. The second heat ended naturally. Nobody announced it. People simply reached the point where hot became enough. Panam stood first. “Out.” Shammy immediately followed. The rest moved after them. The changing room filled again. Towels. Water. Half-dry clothes waiting on hooks. Marco: “Better.” Lena: “You were complaining about the room before.” “I was complaining about eleven people in the room.” “There are still eleven people.” “Yes, but now I'm expecting it.” Kiro: “Adaptation.” Reyes: “Don't make this academic.” “Everything is academic if you suffer long enough.” Brenda: “That sounds like my sex life.” Iris: “No.” Elisa laughed. “Actually—” Iris: “No.” Elisa: “Fine.” They moved outside. Cold air hit wet skin. Everyone reacted differently. Panam barely did. Shammy visibly brightened. Kiro made a small wounded noise. Reyes laughed at her. Marco muttered something hostile about temperature. Lena stole his towel. Elisa stopped on the porch. “Jesus.” Della: “Good?” “Ask me in ten seconds.” Mira: “One.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “Two.” Elisa pushed her lightly. Mira laughed. The lake waited beyond the trees. Broad. Cold. Unreasonable. They followed the path down. Shammy first. Panam close. Reyes and Kiro behind them. Mira and Della with Elisa. Brenda and Iris. Marco and Lena. The Main Cabin was hidden from them here. Correctly distant. No terrace conversation carried. No ordinary voices from above reached the sauna or dock. Only lake. Trees. Cold air. Shammy stepped onto the dock. Panam: “Don't run.” Shammy: “I wasn't.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” She went into the water first. Panam followed. Reyes did too. Kiro stood at the edge. Looked down. “No.” Reyes, already in: “Yes.” “No.” “Yes.” Kiro: “I hate you.” Reyes: “No, you don't.” Kiro stepped in. Her expression changed instantly. “FUCK.” Elisa laughed. Della: “You?” Elisa looked at the lake. Then her body. Then the lake again. “No.” Mira: “Sensible.” “Thank you.” Mira stepped in. Immediately swore. Elisa: “Still sensible?” Mira: “Shut up.” Della followed. Swore differently. Elisa sat on the dock instead. Carefully. Very carefully. Brenda stopped beside her. “You're staying dry?” “Yes.” “Because Saturday?” Elisa looked at her. No weapon in Brenda’s voice. Just asking. “Yes.” Brenda nodded. “Fair.” Elisa: “Thank you.” Brenda: “I can still make a joke.” “I know.” “I am choosing not to.” Elisa looked at her. “Growth.” Brenda: “Fuck you.” “You love my mouth.” “Yes.” Iris sat beside Brenda. Close. Her shoulder against Brenda’s. Brenda leaned back into her without thinking. Elisa noticed. Iris noticed Elisa noticing. Neither looked away. Brenda noticed both of them. Of course. Elisa: “No.” Brenda: “I didn't say anything.” “Good.” The swimmers came out gradually. Reyes first. Kiro immediately after her. Panam stayed longer. Shammy longer still. Mira climbed up beside Elisa dripping cold water everywhere. Elisa recoiled. “You are freezing.” “Yes.” “Go away.” Mira leaned into her. “Fuck you.” Della arrived from the other side. Also soaked. Elisa: “No.” Della wrapped both arms around her. “Warm.” “YOU ARE NOT WARM.” Mira: “You are.” Elisa: “You're both parasites.” Della: “You like us.” “Yes.” Immediate. All three stopped. Then Mira smiled. Elisa: “Don't.” Della: “You said it.” “I know.” “Very quickly.” “I know.” Mira: “Almost like it's true.” Elisa: “Fuck.” Della kissed her cheek. Elisa gave up. Across the dock, Kiro had wrapped herself in a towel and then partially inside Reyes’s towel as well. Reyes: “You have your own.” Kiro: “Yours is warmer.” “That is not how towels work.” Kiro leaned into her. “Apparently it is.” Reyes smiled. Kissed her forehead. No one reacted. Old grammar. Easy. Elisa understood more of those little languages every day. Panam finally came out. Shammy climbed up after her. Panam immediately wrapped a towel around both of them. Shammy leaned in. Hair damp. Face bright. Panam: “Happy?” “Yes.” “Good.” Shammy kissed her. Simple. Warm. Della looked toward the trees. “Back?” Panam: “Sauna first.” Shammy: “Yes.” Elisa: “One more?” Mira looked at her. “You sure?” Elisa considered. Then: “Yes.” Della: “Manageable?” “Yes.” No fuss. Good. They went back. Cold path. Warm changing room. Sauna door. Heat waiting. Nobody had to invent it this time. Marco sat down with the satisfaction of a man whose fire had behaved correctly. Elisa noticed. “Happy?” Marco: “Yes.” “Because sauna?” “Because causality.” Elisa laughed. “Same.” Brenda: “You two need hobbies.” Marco: “I have one.” Lena: “The boathouse does not count.” “It absolutely counts.” Panam poured water. Steam rose. Third heat. Softer. Shorter. Sunday. Nobody needed to win sauna either. Elisa sat between Mira and Della again. Shammy leaned against Panam. Brenda against Iris. Kiro against Reyes. Marco and Lena close enough to touch knees. Eleven people. Comfortably tired. Then Brenda sighed. “Elisa.” Elisa opened one eye. “What?” “You know what's funny?” “No.” “You three accidentally repeated an old cabin tradition.” “Yes. We established this.” “And now you're sitting exactly like that.” Elisa looked at herself. Mira on one side. Della on the other. “So?” Brenda: “Nothing.” “That was something.” Reyes: “Don't encourage her.” Elisa: “I know.” Brenda: “I was just observing.” Iris: “That phrase has caused enough damage this weekend.” Brenda: “Fair.” Elisa smiled. Then: “Do you think Ace and Mai are still on the terrace?” Reyes: “Yes.” No hesitation. Kiro: “Probably.” Panam: “Definitely.” Elisa: “How do you know?” Panam shrugged. “Where else?” Elisa thought about that. They had stayed behind. Ace already back in Mai’s lap. Mai already taking care of her. Neither in any hurry whatsoever. Elisa: “Right.” Brenda: “Insatiable.” Panam: “Both.” Reyes: “Always.” Elisa smiled. No surprise anymore. Just another line on the map. The heat rose. Then slowly became enough. This time everyone agreed. They dressed. Not completely dry. Not completely organized. Nobody cared. The eleven-person migration back toward the Main Cabin began. Sauna behind. Lake behind. Trees opening gradually. Then the Main Cabin came into view. Terrace first. And there they were. Ace. Mai. Exactly where they had been left. Elisa stopped. Mira nearly walked into her. “What?” Elisa pointed. Della looked. Then laughed. Mai was still sitting in the same chair. Ace still in her lap. Different posture now. More relaxed. Nearly melted against her. Mai’s arm around her. Other hand still exactly where everyone knew it had been when they left. Ace’s eyes were closed. Not asleep. Very obviously not asleep. Brenda saw them. “Oh, for fuck's sake.” Ace opened one eye from thirty meters away. Brenda shouted: “YOU'RE STILL THERE?” Ace shouted back: “YES.” Panam: “Told you.” Reyes: “Obviously.” Elisa started laughing. They crossed the clearing. By the time they reached the terrace, Ace had opened both eyes. She looked deeply pleased. Mai looked completely normal. Of course. Brenda stood in front of them. Hands on hips. “How long?” Ace: “No.” “I asked how long you've been sitting there.” “No.” Mai: “Since you left.” Brenda looked at Mai. Then Ace. Then Mai’s hidden hand. Then back. “Continuously?” Ace: “Brenda.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace slowly looked up. Mai looked down. Ace: “You are absolutely no help.” Mai: “I know.” Brenda put a hand over her heart. “Beautiful.” Iris: “You survived sauna. Don't ruin it now.” “I am appreciating endurance.” Ace: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Keep digging.” “Yes.” Elisa dropped into her padded chair. Carefully. Della beside her. Mira on the other side. She looked at Ace. “You really stayed there the whole time.” Ace: “Yes.” “And Mai—” Ace: “Yes.” Elisa: “The whole time?” Ace smiled. “Yes.” Elisa looked at Mai. Mai: “Yes.” Brenda: “INSATIABLE.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Both of us.” Elisa shook her head. “Jesus Christ.” Ace smiled. Then went quiet. Her eyes closed. Fingers tightened around Mai’s arm. Mai held her. No rush. No change in expression. Ace breathed out slowly. Long. Shaking slightly at the end. Then relaxed. Brenda raised one finger. Ace, eyes still closed: “Don't.” Brenda lowered it. “Fine.” Elisa laughed. “So that's what you two did while we were gone.” Ace opened one eye. “Among other things.” Brenda: “OTHER THINGS?” Iris: “No.” Brenda: “She volunteered that.” Ace: “I regret everything.” Mai: “No, you don't.” Ace smiled. “No.” Panam dropped into a chair. Shammy immediately took the space beside her. Reyes and Kiro claimed the railing. Marco started checking whether anyone had moved his screwdriver. Lena had. Of course. The terrace filled again. Eleven returned. Two exactly where they had been left. Nothing interrupted. Nothing reset. Elisa looked around. At wet hair. Warm faces. Towels. Coffee appearing again. Ace still in Mai’s lap. The lake beyond. The cabin behind. Then toward the property itself. Mira caught it. “Property eyes.” Elisa: “No.” Della: “Yes.” Elisa considered denying it. Then: “Maybe.” Both women looked at her. Neither pushed. Good women. Brenda, unfortunately, heard. “BUYING PANTS.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “That sounded almost horny.” “Yes.” Ace laughed. Mai’s hand moved. Ace’s laugh dissolved into a breath. Brenda pointed. “DATA.” Ace: “FUCK YOU, BRENDA.” Everyone laughed. The terrace settled around them again. Sunday had gone nowhere. Exactly as intended. And Ace and Mai— had apparently barely moved at all. --- # CHAPTER 67 — NEW NORMAL The terrace did not recover. Not from sauna. Not from the lake. Not from Brenda. Mostly not from Ace and Mai. Elisa had barely settled back into her chair when Brenda tried again. “Continuously.” Ace: “No.” “That was not a question.” “No anyway.” Brenda looked at Mai. Mai: “Yes.” Ace tilted her head back. “You are enjoying this.” Mai: “Yes.” Brenda slapped the arm of her chair. “I FUCKING KNEW IT.” Iris: “You knew Mai was enjoying making Ace impossible?” “Yes.” “That required investigation?” “No.” “Then stop celebrating.” Brenda: “I enjoy confirmation.” Elisa: “You enjoy being right.” Brenda: “Also yes.” Ace made a small sound. Not quite a laugh. Not quite anything else. Elisa saw the exact moment she regretted making noise at all. Brenda saw it too. Her mouth opened. Ace pointed at her without looking. “Don't.” Brenda shut it again. For once. Mostly because Iris was staring at her. Elisa took the opportunity to look away. Not because she needed to. Because there were other things happening. Sunday had started doing that. Everywhere. Panam sat sideways in one of the broad terrace chairs. Shammy had folded herself against her with no respect for furniture geometry. Panam’s hand moved slowly through Shammy’s damp hair. Every now and then Shammy kissed whatever part of Panam was closest. Shoulder. Jaw. Hand. No beginning. No escalation. Just an ongoing current. Reyes and Kiro had migrated to the railing. Kiro stood between Reyes’s knees now. Reyes’s hands rested loosely at her waist. They were talking about absolutely nothing. Kiro said something Elisa did not catch. Reyes smiled. Kissed her. Then kept talking. No one looked. That was almost more intimate than looking. Marco had retrieved his screwdriver. Lena took it again. Marco: “Why?” “Because you looked at the boathouse.” “I am allowed to look at it.” “Not with tools.” “That's unreasonable.” “You tried to fix the latch three times.” “Because it sticks.” “It still sticks.” “Exactly.” Lena: “And yet civilization continues.” Marco sighed. Elisa: “She's right.” Marco looked betrayed. “You've known her for four days.” Elisa: “I learn quickly.” Lena: “I like her.” Marco: “Of course you do.” Della leaned across Elisa. “Move.” Elisa: “Why?” “You're sitting on my hoodie.” Elisa looked down. Gray fabric. Then back at Della. “No.” Della: “No?” “No.” “You stole it.” “I acquired it.” Mira: “Cabin property.” Elisa pointed at her. “Dangerous phrase.” Mira smiled. Della: “So you're keeping it?” Elisa looked down again. Then at Della. “For now.” Della: “Good.” No negotiation. No ownership game. Just good. Elisa liked that. Too much. Probably. She had stopped pretending that mattered. A breeze moved across the terrace. Cool enough now that the wet-haired sauna group started collecting blankets. Elisa pulled one over her legs. Della took one edge. Mira took the other. Naturally. Brenda noticed. Of course. Brenda: “This is getting ridiculous.” Elisa: “What?” “You three.” Mira: “What about us?” Brenda: “You keep arranging yourselves like furniture designed by a horny architect.” Della: “Jealous?” Brenda: “No.” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda turned. “Excuse me?” Iris: “You like them.” Brenda: “That is not jealousy.” Iris: “You also like Elisa.” Brenda: “Yes.” “And Mira.” “Yes.” “And Della.” Brenda paused. Della raised one eyebrow. Brenda: “Potentially.” Mira: “Coward.” Brenda: “Fuck you.” Mira: “Maybe.” Elisa made a choking sound. Della laughed. Brenda stared at Mira. Then at Iris. Iris looked entirely too pleased. Brenda: “Oh, this cabin is bullshit.” Panam: “Working as intended.” Brenda: “You shut up.” Panam: “No.” Shammy smiled against her shoulder. “Good.” Elisa laughed until her body objected. She stopped. Immediately. Hand to her side. Mira: “Still sore.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “Worse?” “No.” “Better?” “Yes.” Mira: “Good.” Elisa exhaled. “Slowly.” Della: “Sunday.” That was enough. No concern conference. No questions she had already answered. Elisa rested back. Across the terrace, Ace was still in Mai’s lap. Still. That word had become dangerous too. Ace’s head rested against Mai’s shoulder. Eyes half closed. Mai’s cheek touched her hair. Nothing about them looked urgent. That was the strange part. Elisa had spent enough time around people who confused hunger with urgency. These two did not. They could want intensely without turning it into pressure. Could stay inside it. Hours if necessary. Maybe longer. Postponement did not diminish desire. Satisfaction did not close it. It simply changed the texture. Elisa watched Ace smile without opening her eyes. Then Mai kissed her temple. Ace: “Mmm.” Brenda: “Was that—” Iris: “No.” Brenda: “I didn't even finish.” “You weren't going anywhere useful.” Brenda sighed. “I am oppressed.” Reyes: “You're alive.” “Barely.” Kiro: “Statistically—” Reyes kissed her again. Kiro stopped. Brenda pointed wildly. “THERE.” Kiro blinked. Reyes: “What?” “That.” Reyes: “What?” “The thing.” Reyes: “Use nouns.” Brenda: “She shuts you up by kissing you.” Kiro: “Yes.” Brenda: “And you LIKE IT.” Kiro: “Yes.” Reyes: “Obviously.” Brenda stared. Then looked at Ace. Then Mai. Then Kiro. Then Reyes. Then Iris. Iris: “Don't.” Brenda: “This entire group is compromised.” Panam: “You're just noticing?” “No, but the scale is becoming offensive.” Elisa: “You are not exactly neutral.” Brenda turned toward her. “Neither are you.” “No.” Immediate again. Brenda’s grin returned. Elisa: “Don't.” “Didn't say anything.” “Your whole face gave you away.” Iris: “Contagious.” That broke the terrace again. Not loudly. Not dramatically. Just enough. Sunday. The kind of laughter that did not need a punchline to survive. A little later, Marco gave up on the boathouse. Not because he had decided not to fix it. Because Lena had hidden the screwdriver. He wandered toward the kitchen instead. Elisa watched him go. Then Panam. Then Shammy. Then the lake. Then the buildings again. Property eyes. She knew it. Mira knew it. Della knew it. She still said nothing. Not today. That mattered. She could buy almost anything. She did not need to buy everything immediately. The distinction felt important. Della nudged her knee. “Thinking?” “Yes.” “Dangerous?” “Always.” Mira: “Property?” Elisa looked at her. Mira smiled. Elisa: “Maybe.” Della: “Still only maybe?” “Yes.” Mira: “Good.” Elisa frowned. “Why good?” “Because you mean it.” Elisa went quiet. Mira continued. “If you'd already decided, you'd have called three lawyers.” Elisa: “Five.” Della: “There she is.” Elisa smiled. “Fuck you.” Mira: “You’re smiling.” “Yes.” No hesitation. Again. That was becoming inconvenient. And good. Mostly good. The terrace shifted. People moved. Panam and Shammy eventually stood. Not together at first. Then together because of course they did. Panam: “Food.” Marco called from inside: “Working on it.” Panam: “I meant helping.” Marco: “Then yes.” Shammy followed. Elisa looked toward Mira and Della. Della: “Kitchen?” Mira: “Too many people.” Elisa: “Dock?” Mira: “Again?” “Yes.” Della stood. “Walk?” Silence. Half the terrace turned. Della stared. Then understood. “Oh, fuck all of you.” Brenda: “Didn’t need to.” Reyes: “You didn't need to.” Elisa started laughing. Carefully. Della: “I meant actual walking.” Kiro: “Dangerous distinction.” Della: “I hate this place.” Mira: “No, you don't.” Della: “No.” Elisa stood slowly. Better than before. Still not smooth. But better. She took Della’s hand. Then Mira’s. “Actual walk.” Brenda: “Define actual.” Iris covered Brenda’s mouth. Elisa: “Thank you.” Iris: “Any time.” Brenda made something muffled and obscene. Nobody needed translation. They left the terrace. Three. Not going toward the old clearing. Not today. They followed the lake instead. Slowly. Elisa’s pace. No one mentioned that. Good women. Again. Behind them, the terrace noise softened. Ahead, water. Trees. Boathouse. Dock. The sticking latch waited like a personal insult to Marco. Elisa smiled at it. Mira: “What?” “Nothing.” Della: “That was something.” “Marco.” Mira looked at the latch. Then laughed. They walked past it. The lake path curved gently. Not far. No destination. No need. Elisa’s body loosened with movement. Slowly. Saturday still there. But receding. Della’s hand stayed in hers. Mira’s too. No performance. No audience. Just walking. Actually walking. Probably. Elisa glanced at Mira. Mira noticed. “Don't.” Elisa: “I didn't say anything.” Della: “You were already smiling.” Elisa groaned. “Oh, fuck you both.” Mira: “Maybe.” Della: “Later.” Elisa stopped walking. Both women stopped with her. Elisa looked at one. Then the other. Then started laughing. Carefully. Very carefully. “Bitches.” Della kissed her cheek. Mira kissed the other. Elisa closed her eyes. Smiled. Then resumed walking. Behind them, far enough away now to lose the words, the cabin remained alive. Ace and Mai on the terrace. Panam and Shammy in the kitchen. Reyes and Kiro wherever they had drifted. Brenda being Brenda. Iris surviving Brenda. Marco probably searching for his screwdriver. Lena probably sitting on it. Nothing urgent. Everything connected. Elisa tightened her fingers around Mira’s and Della’s. Sunday was teaching her something strange. Wanting more did not always mean taking more. Sometimes it meant staying. Sometimes waiting. Sometimes walking slowly because your body had already been given plenty. Sometimes holding two hands and not needing the rest of the sentence yet. She liked that. A lot. --- # CHAPTER 68 — THE LONG WAY AROUND They did not find another clearing. Elisa considered that a success. Not because she regretted the first one. Absolutely not. Her body still had opinions about the first one. But because this time they had actually meant walking. And somehow, against every cabin tradition now apparently stacked against the concept, walking remained possible. Mostly. The lake path continued around a shallow bend where the trees grew closer to the shore. The ground became uneven. Roots. Stone. Needles. Nothing difficult. Just enough that Elisa’s pace slowed. Mira adjusted without comment. Della did too. Their hands remained linked. That was becoming its own problem. A good one. Elisa: “You know, you can let go.” Della: “Do you want me to?” “No.” Mira: “Then why mention it?” Elisa: “Scientific curiosity.” Mira: “Bullshit.” “Yes.” Della squeezed her hand. Elisa smiled. They kept moving. Water flashed through the trees beside them. The cabin had vanished completely from sight now. Not far. Just screened by terrain and pine. Enough privacy for voices. Enough distance that nobody could shout something obscene from the terrace. Probably. Elisa looked back once. Nothing. “Peace.” Mira: “Temporary.” “Yes.” Della: “Brenda could still find us.” “Don't summon her.” “I wasn't.” “You said her name.” Mira: “That probably counts.” Elisa: “Fuck both of you.” Della: “Already addressed.” Elisa nearly tripped. Mira caught her elbow. Della caught her other arm. Elisa: “You did that deliberately.” Della: “Yes.” “You bitch.” “Still kissing me?” “Yes.” Mira: “You're getting predictable.” Elisa: “Absolutely not.” “You answer yes every time.” “That is consistency.” “That is affection.” Elisa: “Shut up.” Mira kissed her temple. Elisa did. For about three seconds. Then: “I still hate how easy that works.” Della: “No, you don't.” “No.” They walked farther. Slowly. The path widened again. A little sunlight reached the ground. Elisa loosened one shoulder. Then the other. Della watched. “Better?” “Yes.” Mira: “How much?” Elisa considered. “Yesterday was a terrible idea.” Della: “That wasn't the question.” “It was an excellent idea.” Mira: “Also not the question.” Elisa sighed. “Better.” Della: “Good.” No number. No audit. No attempt to manage her. Good. They reached a low rock near the shore. Elisa stopped. “Sit?” Mira: “Yes.” Della: “Before you pretend you don't need to?” Elisa: “I was not pretending.” Both women looked at her. Elisa: “Fine.” The rock was warm from the sun. Not comfortable. But warm. They sat anyway. Elisa in the middle. Again. Apparently geometry had preferences. Mira leaned back on both hands. Della stretched one leg out. The lake moved quietly below them. For a while nobody talked. Elisa liked that too. She was discovering an irritating number of things she liked. People who did not fill silence. People who touched without demanding a response. People who noticed without turning noticing into control. Dangerous. Very dangerous. Della: “You're thinking again.” Elisa: “I'm always thinking.” Mira: “Not like that.” Elisa looked at her. “Like what?” Mira shrugged. “Soft.” Elisa stared. “That is offensive.” Della: “She's right.” “Worse.” Mira smiled. Elisa looked back at the water. “I'm allowed to be soft.” Della: “Yes.” No joke. No hesitation. Elisa went still. Then: “I know.” That came out quieter. Neither woman touched her differently. That mattered. No sudden emotional handling. No reward. No pity. Just the same contact as before. Della’s shoulder against hers. Mira’s knee touching her leg. Elisa breathed out. “Fuck.” Mira: “That one wasn't affection.” “No.” Della: “Still okay?” “Yes.” They sat. Cabin weekend. Sunday. Nothing urgent. Behind them somewhere, the rest of the group was probably already making food. Or arguing. Or both. Elisa smiled. Mira noticed. “What?” “The cabin.” Della: “What about it?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Elisa: “I know.” She looked at them. “I like knowing it's there.” Mira’s expression softened. Della’s too. Neither said welcome home. Good. The phrase had already landed once. It did not need ceremony. Elisa looked back over the lake. Then: “I still don't know if I'm buying it.” Mira: “Okay.” Della: “Okay.” Elisa frowned. “That easy?” Mira: “Yes.” “You don't have an opinion?” “I do.” “And?” Mira: “You'll ask if you want it.” Elisa stared at her. Then Della. Della nodded. “Same.” Elisa: “You two are infuriating.” Mira: “Because we're not helping you decide?” “Yes.” Della: “That's not our decision.” Elisa: “I know.” Mira: “Then stop complaining.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Mira: “Maybe.” Della: “Later.” Elisa covered her face. “You're both terrible.” Della leaned over and kissed the back of her hand. Mira kissed the other. Elisa lowered both hands. “That was coordinated.” Mira: “No.” Della: “Mostly.” Elisa: “Liar.” “Yes.” The cabin appeared again eventually. Not the buildings. Sound first. Faint. Someone laughing. Then another voice. Then Brenda. Elisa stopped. “There.” Mira: “You summoned her.” “I did not.” Della: “You thought about her.” “That cannot possibly count.” Brenda’s voice carried again. Not words. Just volume. Mira: “Apparently it does.” They kept going. The path curved up. Boathouse came into view first. Marco was there. Of course. Standing in front of the door. No screwdriver. Lena stood beside him. Arms crossed. Elisa: “Oh no.” Marco looked toward them. “It's worse.” Mira: “The latch?” “Yes.” Lena: “It is exactly the same.” Marco: “That is worse.” Elisa laughed. Marco pointed at the door. “It moved.” Lena: “Doors do that.” “The alignment changed.” “By how much?” Marco paused. Lena: “Yes.” Elisa: “Do you want me to buy you a new boathouse?” Marco looked at her. “No.” Lena: “Yes.” Marco: “No.” Elisa: “Good. That would be wasteful.” Lena smiled. Marco: “Thank you.” Elisa: “I might buy the old one.” Marco stared. Mira: “Property eyes.” Della: “Again.” Elisa: “Fuck.” Lena: “Maybe.” Elisa looked at her. “You too?” Lena: “I adapt quickly.” Marco: “This entire group is infected.” They left Marco with his completely unchanged tragedy. The Main Cabin terrace came into view. Most of the group had migrated inside. Most. Not all. Ace and Mai were still there. Elisa stopped again. Mira: “What now?” Elisa: “Look.” They looked. Ace remained in Mai’s lap. Not exactly the same posture. Close enough. Mai’s head rested back against the chair. Ace curled against her. Quiet. Content. Mai’s arm around her. The other still beneath the line of Ace’s shorts. Elisa: “They really don't stop.” Della: “Apparently not.” Mira: “Those two?” Elisa: “Three.” Mira looked at her. Elisa nodded toward the cabin. “Shammy too.” That mattered. Not everyone. Not the whole group. Them. The Triad. The Flash had changed that part of them permanently. Different baselines. Different hunger. Cabin weekend only made it easier to see. Elisa looked toward the open cabin door. Shammy appeared in it almost immediately. Hair loose. Eyes bright. Panam behind her carrying plates. Shammy saw Elisa. Then Mira. Then Della. Smiled. “Back.” Elisa: “Yes.” Shammy looked at their joined hands. Still. Then at Elisa’s face. Then smiled wider. Elisa: “Don't.” Shammy: “I didn't say anything.” Panam: “She didn't.” “Her face did.” Panam: “Fair.” Shammy stepped onto the terrace. Panam followed. Elisa watched them. Shammy’s energy was different from Ace’s. Different from Mai’s. Ace broadcast hunger. Mai accumulated it. Shammy— Shammy radiated. Not constantly. Not theatrically. But when she wanted someone, happiness seemed to travel through her whole body. Hair. Eyes. Movement. Attention. Post-Flash had not made all three the same. It had simply turned the volume knob permanently upward. Elisa liked that distinction. Panam set the plates down. Shammy kissed her. Once. Then again. Panam smiled. “Hungry?” Shammy: “Yes.” Panam: “Food?” Shammy considered. “Yes.” Panam laughed. “So both.” “Yes.” Ace, eyes still closed: “Obviously.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa started laughing. Panam: “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Elisa: “I finally understand the pattern.” Ace opened one eye. “What pattern?” “You three.” Shammy tilted her head. Elisa: “You're all permanently ridiculous.” Ace: “Accurate.” Mai: “Yes.” Shammy: “Good.” Panam: “I've been saying this.” Elisa: “No, you mostly look smug.” Panam: “Because I'm right.” Brenda appeared in the doorway. “What are we right about?” Everyone: “No.” Brenda stopped. “What the fuck?” Iris appeared behind her. “Good decision.” Elisa: “Triad libido.” Brenda: “Oh.” Immediate understanding. “Insane.” Ace: “Yes.” Mai: “Yes.” Shammy: “Yes.” Panam: “See?” Brenda: “Post-Flash.” Elisa: “Exactly.” Brenda pointed toward the three of them. “Permanent.” Then at herself. “Cabin.” Iris: “Correct.” Brenda: “I CAN distinguish concepts.” Reyes called from inside: “Rare event.” Brenda: “Fuck you, Reyes.” Reyes: “Come here and say that.” Brenda: “Yes.” Kiro: “Predictable.” Brenda disappeared back inside. Elisa laughed. There. Simple. Nobody else needed the Flash. Nobody else needed permanent overdrive. A cabin full of adults who liked each other very much could generate plenty of trouble all by itself. Ace, Mai and Shammy merely arrived with factory settings already corrupted. Elisa looked at Shammy. Then Ace. Then Mai. Ace: “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Mai: “That was something.” Elisa sighed. “I hate all of you.” Shammy: “No.” “No.” Panam: “Food.” That ended the discussion. Mostly because everyone was hungry in at least one completely ordinary way. The kitchen had become crowded. Marco had abandoned the boathouse again. Lena made him wash his hands before touching anything. Reyes was cutting bread. Kiro was stealing pieces. Reyes slapped her wrist. Kiro kissed her cheek. Then stole another. Brenda was leaning against the counter while Iris did actual useful work. Elisa: “You're helping.” Brenda: “Emotionally.” Iris: “No.” “I am present.” “That is not the same.” “Presence matters.” Elisa: “Sometimes negatively.” Brenda pointed at her. “Colleague.” Elisa: “No.” “From hell.” “Still no.” Mira: “You started this.” Elisa: “I know.” Della squeezed her hand. Elisa realized they were still holding hands. All the way back. She looked down. Then at them. Neither reacted. So Elisa did not either. Lunch became late lunch. Or early dinner. Cabin time had stopped caring. People filled plates. Moved chairs. Stole food. Stole blankets. Shammy sat beside Panam. Ace finally left Mai’s lap long enough to eat properly. Mai’s hand withdrew. Ace gave one long satisfied exhale. Brenda noticed. For once she said nothing. Ace looked at her suspiciously. Brenda: “What?” Ace: “You're learning.” “No.” Ace: “Fair.” They ate. Elisa sat between Mira and Della. Again. Across from Panam and Shammy. Ace and Mai close enough that Ace’s knee rested against Mai’s. No one looked especially wrecked by the weekend. Except maybe Elisa. And Kiro’s lingering hatred of coffee. And Marco’s emotional damage from the boathouse. Otherwise— happy. That was the word. Not horny. Not chaotic. Not reckless. Happy. The rest came from there. Elisa picked up her glass. Looked around the table. No toast. No speech. No declaration. She drank. Della stole a piece of bread from her plate. Elisa: “That was mine.” Della: “You had more.” Elisa: “I currently have less.” Mira stole another. Elisa stared at both of them. “Unbelievable.” Mira: “Cabin property.” Elisa pointed at her. “Keep using that phrase and I may actually buy the place just to ban it.” The table went quiet. Not dramatically. Just enough. Elisa froze. Brenda’s eyes widened. Elisa: “No.” Brenda opened her mouth. Elisa: “NO.” Brenda closed it. Iris kissed her cheek. “Growth.” Brenda: “Fuck you.” Iris: “Yes.” That broke the table. Elisa laughed. Carefully. Still. But easier now. Much easier. Sunday kept moving. Slowly. Exactly right. --- # CHAPTER 69 — LAST FULL EVENING By the time the plates were empty, nobody knew what meal it had been. Lunch. Late lunch. Early dinner. Sunday food. Good enough. The table dissolved slowly. Not all at once. Nothing did anymore. Marco carried dishes into the kitchen. Lena followed with the things he missed. Reyes took coffee outside. Kiro took Reyes. Brenda took wine. Iris took the bottle away from her. Brenda: “I was carrying it.” “You were opening it.” “Multitasking.” “No.” Elisa watched them go. Then looked down. Della’s hoodie still on her. Mira’s knee still touching hers. Della’s hand still loose against the back of her chair. Everything had become alarmingly ordinary. Good. She liked ordinary. That was new too. Panam stood. “Fire later?” Shammy looked immediately toward the outdoor gathering area. “Yes.” Ace: “Obviously.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa looked around. “Last one.” The words landed differently than she intended. Nobody went silent. Nobody made it dramatic. Still— something shifted. Sunday. Last full evening. Monday existed now. Not urgently. Just somewhere ahead. Reyes leaned against the doorway. “Probably.” Brenda: “That's cheerful.” Reyes: “You want me to lie?” “Yes.” “No.” Brenda: “Terrible friend.” “Still here.” “Fair.” Elisa looked down at the table. Then: “I hate Mondays.” Mira: “Because work?” “No.” Della: “Because leaving.” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” Simple. No one tried to fix it. Good. Panam: “Then don't spend Sunday leaving.” Elisa looked up. Panam had already turned toward Shammy. No speech. No wisdom face. Just fact. Elisa smiled. “Fine.” Brenda: “That was suspiciously healthy.” Panam: “Fuck you.” “Keep talking.” “No.” Brenda: “Rude.” Shammy smiled. “You love it.” Panam looked at her. Then kissed her. “Fine.” Brenda: “I accept.” Iris: “You were not involved.” “I am emotionally involved in everything.” “That explains a lot.” Elisa laughed. Carefully. Less carefully than this morning. Progress. She stood. Also easier. Mira noticed. Della noticed. Neither said anything. Even better. The kitchen absorbed half the group. The terrace kept the rest. Elisa drifted outside. No plan. The air had changed. Not colder exactly. Later. Sun lower. Lake brighter near the horizon. The property had that strange Sunday-evening look places got when everyone had used them properly. Towels drying. Chairs moved. A glass forgotten on the railing. Shoes near the door. Someone’s blanket half on the floor. Evidence. Not damage. Life. Elisa leaned against the railing. Della joined her. Mira a moment later. No one asked if she wanted company. They knew. That mattered. Della: “You're doing it again.” Elisa: “What?” “Looking.” Mira: “Property eyes.” Elisa: “No.” Della: “Different.” Elisa looked at her. Della nodded toward the lake. “Not property.” Elisa considered. Then: “No.” Mira: “Good.” Elisa frowned. “Why does everyone keep saying good when I stop optimizing something?” Della: “Pattern recognition.” Elisa: “I hate you.” Mira: “No.” “No.” They stayed there. Below, Marco crossed toward the boathouse again. Lena caught him halfway. Elisa: “He's unbelievable.” Mira: “He's committed.” Della: “To losing.” Marco, somehow hearing that: “I HEARD THAT.” Elisa: “GOOD.” Lena laughed. Marco kept walking. Without screwdriver. Small victories. Ace emerged from the cabin. Alone for approximately four seconds. Mai followed. Ace looked back. “You don't have to shadow me.” Mai: “I know.” “You are.” “Yes.” Ace smiled. “Good.” Mai touched her shoulder. Ace leaned into it. No lap this time. Just contact. Easy. Elisa watched them. Not because of Flash. Not because of sex. Because this was what she had been learning all weekend. Love here had habits. Physical grammar. Shortcuts. People did not constantly explain what they meant. They knew. And when they did not know— they asked. Then moved on. Ace looked toward Elisa. “You okay?” “Yes.” No hesitation. Ace nodded. That was it. Perfect. Shammy came outside next. Panam behind her with two mugs. Shammy took one. Sniffed it. “Normal?” Panam: “Normal.” Shammy: “Good.” Kiro called from somewhere: “CHECK THE BAG.” Everyone laughed. Elisa: “Too soon.” Kiro: “Never.” Reyes appeared with Kiro tucked against her side. “She's traumatized.” Kiro: “I am.” Elisa: “You had one cup.” Kiro: “You had three.” “Yes.” “Exactly.” Elisa: “I have no defense.” Brenda walked out carrying two glasses this time. Iris carrying the bottle. Brenda: “Learning.” Iris: “Supervised.” “Oppression.” “Survival.” Elisa: “Growth.” Brenda glared at her. Then smiled. “Bitch.” “You say that like you're leaving.” “Yes.” Of course. The word had become stupid. And useful. Probably both. The evening fire happened without announcement. Marco got there first. Lena followed. Panam brought wood. Shammy carried nothing and somehow contributed anyway. Reyes brought blankets. Kiro brought snacks. Brenda brought wine under supervision. Iris brought glasses. Mira brought water. Della brought Elisa. Elisa objected to the phrasing. Della ignored her. Ace and Mai arrived last. Not late. Just last. They settled around the fire. No assigned seats. No hosting. No ceremony. Elisa took the padded chair again. Her body approved. Mira sat on the ground beside her. Della took the chair arm until Elisa shoved her. “There's a whole chair.” Della: “I know.” “Use it.” “No.” Elisa: “Why?” “Better here.” Elisa looked at her. Then: “Fine.” Mira: “Predictable.” “Shut up.” The fire caught properly. Smoke rose. Lake beyond. Cabin lights behind them. Side House windows warm across the clearing. Sauna dark now. Everything visible enough to feel connected. Far enough apart to remain real places. Good. For a while conversation stayed stupid. Best kind. Marco complained about the boathouse latch. Lena informed him nobody cared. Brenda disagreed purely to create conflict. Reyes told her to stop encouraging him. Kiro suggested a sensor. Everyone told Kiro no. Shammy asked why. Panam: “Because then he'll collect data.” Marco: “That would help.” Lena: “No.” Elisa: “Absolutely no telemetry on the boathouse.” Marco looked betrayed. “You of all people?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Because then you'll never leave it alone.” Marco thought about that. Then: “Fair.” Brenda: “Character growth everywhere.” Iris: “Don't ruin it.” The fire burned lower. Someone added wood. Nobody remembered who. Elisa stopped tracking. That was perhaps the most dangerous thing the cabin had done to her. She had stopped tracking. Not completely. Never completely. But enough. She did not know exactly where her phone was. Probably inside. She did not know the time. That was worse. She did not care. That was catastrophic. Mira looked up at her. “You're smiling.” Elisa: “No.” “You are.” Della: “She is.” Elisa: “Fuck both of you.” Mira: “Still kissing me?” Elisa sighed. “Yes.” Della rested her head against Elisa’s shoulder. Elisa let her. Across the fire, Reyes had Kiro almost folded into her side. Panam’s arm was around Shammy. Brenda’s feet were in Iris’s lap. Marco and Lena shared a blanket while pretending not to. Ace sat beside Mai. For once not in her lap. Elisa noticed that too. Ace caught her looking. “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Ace: “That was something.” “You're contagious.” Ace: “Excellent.” Elisa smiled. Then looked at Mai. Mai’s hand rested on Ace’s thigh. Nothing hidden. Nothing escalating. Still intimate. Still theirs. Different grammar. Elisa liked seeing that too. The fire cracked. Shammy looked toward the sparks. Hair lifting slightly. Then settling. Panam kissed the side of her head. Shammy smiled without looking away. There it was again. Radiating. Elisa understood. Not fully. Enough. Brenda eventually broke the quiet. “So.” Everyone groaned. Brenda: “I said one word.” Reyes: “It was the wrong one.” “Fuck you.” “You love me anyway.” “Yes.” Elisa: “Predictable.” Brenda: “Shut up.” Elisa: “No.” Iris smiled. The firelight softened faces. Even Brenda’s. Eventually the conversations split. Not geographically. Just naturally. Marco and Lena arguing softly about maintenance. Reyes and Kiro about something technical. Panam and Shammy about roads. Brenda and Iris about absolutely none of Elisa’s business. Ace and Mai saying almost nothing. Mira and Della with her. Elisa listened to all of it. Not words. Patterns. The sound of people comfortable enough not to perform. Then Della asked: “Monday?” Elisa looked at her. “What about it?” “What happens?” Elisa: “I go home.” Mira: “Do you?” Elisa frowned. “Yes.” Della: “Eventually.” Elisa looked from one to the other. Then smiled. “You two are planning something.” Mira: “No.” Della: “Not yet.” “That is worse.” Mira: “Maybe.” Elisa: “Dangerous word.” Della: “Cabin word.” Elisa: “No.” Della laughed. Elisa looked back at the fire. “Tomorrow I go back to normal.” Mira: “Which normal?” Elisa went still. Not much. Enough. Della looked at Mira. Mira shrugged. Elisa: “That was annoyingly good.” “Thank you.” “I didn't praise you.” “You did.” Elisa looked toward Ace. Mai. Shammy. Panam. Reyes. Kiro. Brenda. Iris. Marco. Lena. Then at Della. Mira. Normal. Interesting word. Her old normal still existed. Corpo security. Meetings. People who stood when she entered rooms. People who watched their language. People who wanted something. People who pretended they did not. That was normal too. But so was this now. Maybe. Not because the weekend had magically rewritten her life. Because she had found another part of it. One she intended to keep. Elisa: “Both.” Mira nodded. Della smiled. That was all. No applause. No welcome-home speech. Good. The fire burned lower. Brenda yawned. Everyone stared. Brenda: “What?” Iris: “Nothing.” Reyes: “Historic.” Brenda: “Fuck you.” Kiro: “Empirically, you still like me.” Brenda: “Yes.” Elisa laughed. Ace leaned into Mai. Shammy leaned into Panam. Reyes kissed Kiro’s temple. Marco surrendered the maintenance conversation. Lena looked victorious. Mira took Elisa’s hand. Della already had the other. Elisa looked down. Then up. Nobody was watching her. Not really. Perfect. She squeezed both hands. Monday could wait. For one more fire. --- # CHAPTER 70 — ONE MORE FIRE The fire refused to become symbolic. Elisa appreciated that. Nobody stared into it and discussed endings. Nobody said they would remember this weekend forever. Nobody raised a glass to friendship. Brenda tried once. Iris took the glass away. Brenda: “I was going to drink.” “You had the speech face.” “I have no speech face.” Everyone: “Yes, you do.” Brenda looked betrayed. Elisa: “Very obvious.” “You've known me four days.” “Enough.” Reyes: “More than enough.” Brenda: “Fuck all of you.” Kiro: “Logistical challenge.” Silence. Reyes slowly looked at her. Kiro: “What?” Brenda’s eyes widened. Elisa folded forward laughing. Carefully. Still. But the pain had dropped enough that careful no longer meant fragile. Della kept one hand loosely at her back until Elisa stopped laughing. Mira watched her. Elisa straightened. “Okay.” Della: “Still?” “Yes.” Mira: “Worth it?” Elisa gave her a look. Mira smiled. “Right.” The question had been answered enough. Good. Across the fire, Shammy had migrated. Not far. Only enough that she now sat between Panam’s legs on the ground. Panam’s arms around her. Shammy’s back against her chest. Warm. Content. Not still. Never quite still. Her fingers traced Panam’s forearm. Then wrist. Then palm. Then back again. Panam noticed. Of course. “Restless?” Shammy: “Yes.” “Fire?” “No.” Panam smiled. Elisa saw it. So did Ace. Ace’s grin appeared immediately. Mai: “No.” Ace: “I didn't say anything.” “You were about to.” “Yes.” Shammy looked over. Ace: “What?” Shammy: “You.” Ace: “Yes?” Shammy smiled. Ace laughed. Panam: “Helpful.” Mai: “No.” Brenda leaned forward. “Oh, this feels promising.” Iris: “No.” “I only said promising.” “That is usually enough.” Shammy turned slightly in Panam’s arms. Kissed her. Longer than the casual ones from earlier. Panam’s hand settled at her waist. The fire continued. Nobody stopped talking. Nobody needed to. Marco: “If we own this place eventually—” Elisa: “No.” Marco stopped. “I was discussing maintenance.” “Still no.” Lena: “He was going to ask about the boathouse.” Elisa: “Absolutely no.” Marco: “The latch—” Everyone: “NO.” Marco sighed. “This group hates infrastructure.” Elisa: “We hate you touching infrastructure.” “Different.” Lena: “Accurate.” Marco looked at her. “You're supposed to support me.” “I support your survival.” “From a door?” “From yourself.” Brenda: “Romantic.” Marco: “Shut up.” Lena kissed his cheek. Marco stopped complaining. Brenda pointed. “SEE?” Reyes: “What?” “Off switch.” Lena: “No.” Marco: “Yes.” Lena looked at him. Marco: “Affectionately.” “Better.” Elisa smiled. Everywhere. Different versions. Different grammars. Nobody copied anyone. That mattered. Reyes and Kiro did not look like Ace and Mai. Panam and Shammy did not look like Brenda and Iris. Marco and Lena definitely did not look like any of them. Thank fuck. Elisa looked down. Her own hands were still occupied. Mira had one. Della the other. That was becoming less surprising. Which was probably the real surprise. Della: “You're doing it again.” Elisa: “What?” “Thinking.” “Dangerous habit.” Mira: “Terminal.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Mira: “Maybe.” Della: “Not tonight.” Elisa turned. Della smiled. No apology. No explanation. Elisa understood. Her body had already voted. “No.” Easy. Mira squeezed her fingers once. Elisa looked at her. “Thank you.” Mira: “For what?” “Not making it weird.” Mira: “You answered.” Della: “That was enough.” Elisa nodded. Simple. Good. Then Brenda ruined the atmosphere. “So tomorrow—” Everyone groaned. Brenda: “Why does everyone hate nouns?” Reyes: “That wasn't a noun.” Kiro: “Technically—” Reyes: “No.” Kiro: “Fine.” Brenda: “I meant tomorrow morning.” Panam: “Still tomorrow.” “Yes.” Iris: “What about it?” Brenda: “What time are we leaving?” Silence. Marco: “Eventually.” Elisa smiled. There it was. Cabin answer. Brenda: “That is not a time.” Mai: “It is enough.” Brenda: “For you.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Definitely.” Reyes: “We have three and a half hours back if traffic behaves.” Panam: “It won't.” Marco: “Monday.” Kiro: “Could leave after lunch.” Brenda: “That's basically evening.” Iris: “No.” Brenda: “It is emotionally.” Elisa: “I vote late.” Everyone looked at her. Elisa: “What?” Mira: “Nothing.” Della: “Interesting.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Della: “You’re smiling.” “Yes.” Brenda: “Late wins.” Mai: “No vote.” Brenda: “Why not?” “Because nobody needs to decide tonight.” Elisa looked at her. Mai looked back. Then toward the fire. Conversation over. Correctly. Elisa liked that too. Tomorrow did not need ownership yet. Not the departure time. Not the property. Not anything. The fire settled lower. Panam added a piece of wood. Shammy watched sparks rise. Then turned her head. Looked at Panam. Panam saw it. Again. That quiet smile. “You still restless?” “Yes.” Brenda: “POST-FLASH.” Shammy looked over. “Yes.” Panam laughed. Ace: “She’s worse when she’s happy.” Shammy: “Yes.” Mai: “So are you.” Ace: “Yes.” Elisa: “And you.” Mai: “Yes.” Brenda held both hands up. “See? I am surrounded by honesty.” Iris: “You're surrounded by people too tired to argue.” “Also valid.” Shammy shifted. Panam’s arms tightened around her. Shammy whispered something. Panam’s eyebrows rose. Then: “Now?” Shammy: “Yes.” Ace smiled. Brenda: “WHAT?” Panam looked at her. “No.” “That is not an answer.” “It is.” Shammy stood. Panam followed. Elisa watched. Not because she expected anything dramatic. Because Shammy looked incandescent. Not physically glowing. Just— happy enough to carry light. Panam took her hand. Shammy pulled once. Panam: “I'm coming.” Shammy: “Good.” Ace: “Side House?” Panam: “No.” Brenda: “Main?” Panam: “No.” Reyes: “Then stop asking.” Brenda: “I am locating assets.” Iris: “You are being nosy.” “Same skill set.” Panam ignored everyone. Shammy did too. They crossed toward the Main Cabin. Not hurried. Not subtle. Not embarrassed. Just leaving. Elisa watched them disappear inside. Then looked at Ace. Ace was smiling. Elisa: “You know.” Ace: “Yes.” “What?” Ace: “No.” Elisa: “You're terrible.” “Yes.” Mai: “Upstairs.” Ace looked at her. Mai: “They're using one of the other rooms.” Ace: “Oh.” Brenda: “HOW DO YOU KNOW?” Mai: “I saw Panam put her bag there.” Brenda: “Oh.” Iris: “Disappointed?” “Yes.” Elisa laughed. No mystery. No scandal. Just adults using a bedroom. The cabin had six proper ones. Amazing technology. Marco: “Revolutionary.” Brenda: “Fuck you.” “You can insult me while kissing me.” “No.” Marco smiled. “Excellent.” The fire lost two people and changed shape. Not emotionally. Literally. Panam had been blocking heat from Kiro. Kiro noticed immediately. “Oh.” Reyes: “What?” “Warm.” “You were sitting behind Panam.” “I know that now.” Brenda: “Scientific breakthrough.” Kiro: “Shut up.” Reyes kissed her temple. Kiro leaned into her. Another grammar. Elisa leaned back. Della’s head found her shoulder again. Mira shifted closer to the fire. No one talked for a while. Actual silence this time. Not absence. Full silence. Crackling wood. Wind in trees. Lake somewhere beyond darkness. Cabin lights. Side House lights. One upstairs light in the Main Cabin went on. Brenda saw it. Iris covered her eyes with one hand. Brenda: “I didn't say anything.” Iris: “You were about to.” “I was just appreciating architecture.” Elisa: “Beautiful windows.” Brenda looked at her. Then started laughing. Iris: “You are a terrible influence.” Elisa: “On Brenda?” “Yes.” “Impossible.” “Fair.” A second upstairs light went on. Then one went off. Brenda stared harder. Reyes: “Do you want binoculars?” Brenda: “Yes.” “No.” “Then why ask?” “To hurt you.” “Effective.” Elisa laughed again. Della: “Careful.” “Yes.” Less careful this time. Better. Much better. The Sunday soreness was becoming background. Still there. No longer in charge. Elisa liked that. Mira noticed her shifting. “Better.” Not a question. Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “Good.” Elisa: “You two are getting repetitive.” Mira: “So are you.” “How?” “Still here.” Elisa stopped. Della: “She got you.” Elisa looked at Mira. Mira smiled. Elisa: “Bitch.” “That sounded promising.” Elisa sighed. “Yes.” The fire burned down again. Nobody added wood immediately. This time Marco looked around. “Last piece?” Elisa: “Don't make it symbolic.” Marco: “I was asking if anyone wants another log.” “Oh.” Lena: “She has trauma.” Brenda: “Cabin symbolism.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Still hot, though.” “Yes.” Marco put one more log on. One. Enough. The flame built again. Not huge. Just enough to keep them there. Ace stretched. Mai looked at her. Ace: “What?” “You're tired.” “No.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Physically maybe.” Brenda: “NOT LIBIDO.” Ace: “Correct.” Brenda punched the air. Iris: “Why are you celebrating?” “I enjoy taxonomy.” Kiro: “That is not taxonomy.” Brenda: “Don't ruin this.” Elisa shook her head. Ace stood. For one second. Then looked at Mai. Mai looked back. Ace: “Coming?” Mai: “Yes.” Brenda: “Oh.” Ace: “No.” “I said one syllable.” “No anyway.” Mai stood. Elisa watched them. Not upstairs yet. Not necessarily. Ace looked toward the cabin. Then at Elisa. “Staying?” Elisa looked at Mira. Della. Fire. “Yes.” Ace nodded. “Good.” Mai touched Elisa’s shoulder as she passed. Brief. Warm. No speech. Elisa smiled. Ace and Mai walked back toward the Main Cabin together. Brenda waited until they were halfway across the clearing. Then whispered: “Insatiable.” Iris: “They can hear you.” Ace, from the dark: “YES.” The fire exploded with laughter. Brenda fell sideways against Iris. “I love this place.” Iris: “Yes.” No joke. That one stayed. Elisa looked toward the cabin. Ace and Mai disappeared inside. Somewhere upstairs, Shammy and Panam already had privacy. Different room. Different current. Same home. The fire circle was smaller now. Elisa. Mira. Della. Brenda. Iris. Reyes. Kiro. Marco. Lena. Nine. That felt different too. Not incomplete. Just later. Reyes stood first. Kiro looked up. “Bed?” “Eventually.” Kiro smiled. “Dangerous word.” “Yes.” They stayed another ten minutes. Then left together. Easy. No announcement. No audience. Seven. Marco checked the fire. Lena checked Marco. “Don't.” “I was making sure it's safe.” “That one you're allowed.” “Thank you.” Brenda: “Growth.” Marco: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Say it again. Slower.” Marco: “No.” Lena: “Yes.” Marco looked at her. Lena smiled. He sighed. “Fine.” They left next. Five. Elisa looked around. Brenda. Iris. Mira. Della. Her. Brenda realized it at the same time. “Oh.” Iris: “No.” “I haven't said anything.” “You are about to.” Brenda looked at Elisa. Elisa looked back. Mira and Della both noticed. Of course. Elisa: “Don't.” Brenda: “I wasn't going to ask.” Elisa: “Liar.” “Yes.” Iris: “Bed.” Brenda looked at her. “Command?” “Yes.” Brenda stood immediately. Elisa blinked. Then: “Oh.” Brenda: “Fuck you.” Elisa: “I didn't say anything.” “You looked guilty.” Mira: “Contagious.” Brenda pointed. “You shut up too.” Della: “Good night, Brenda.” Brenda: “Suspiciously polite.” Iris took her hand. “Come on.” Brenda followed. Of course. They crossed to the Side House. The clearing swallowed them. The Side House door opened. Closed. Warm window. Then three remained. Elisa. Mira. Della. Elisa looked at the fire. Then at them. Mira: “Now what?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Della: “Good.” Elisa: “You agree too fast.” “No.” “That was fast.” “Yes.” Elisa smiled. They sat. Last three at the fire. Not because anyone planned it. Not because it meant anything. Which meant it probably did. Elisa leaned back. Mira shifted closer. Della stayed on the arm of her chair. Elisa: “There is still another chair.” Della: “I know.” “You're impossible.” “Yes.” Mira: “She likes you.” Della: “I noticed.” Elisa: “Can both of you shut up?” “No.” Elisa laughed. No pain this time. Not enough to stop. She noticed. So did they. Nobody said good. Thank fuck. The final log collapsed inward. Sparks rose. Elisa looked toward the Main Cabin. Warm windows. Then Side House. Then lake-dark beyond. Tomorrow they would leave. Not yet. She took Mira’s hand. Then Della’s. No reason. No question. Just because. Mira squeezed back. Della too. Elisa: “I really don't want to leave.” Della: “I know.” Mira: “Neither do we.” Elisa looked at her. First weekend. All three. That landed differently. “Oh.” Mira: “Yeah.” Della: “Apparently we're all fucked.” Elisa smiled. “Not tonight.” Mira laughed. “Fair.” Della kissed Elisa’s temple. Mira kissed the other. Elisa closed her eyes. Warm fire. Cold night. Two hands. Cabin behind. No speech. No promise. No decision. Enough. For Sunday. Enough. --- # CHAPTER 71 — LAST THREE The fire did not go out quickly. Of course it didn't. Nothing about this weekend had learned brevity. Elisa sat between Mira and Della long after everyone else had disappeared into buildings. The final log had broken into three glowing sections. No flame now. Just heat. Red. Orange. Occasional spark. Mira: “Cold?” Elisa: “No.” Della: “Liar.” Elisa: “Fine. Slightly.” Della pulled more of the blanket over her. Mira took the other edge. Elisa: “This is ridiculous.” Mira: “You're warm.” “Yes.” Della: “Then not ridiculous.” Elisa looked at both of them. “You two keep winning arguments by refusing to argue.” Mira: “Efficient.” Elisa: “I hate efficient people.” Della: “Bullshit.” “Yes.” They sat. The property was almost silent now. Not actually silent. The Main Cabin still breathed. A floorboard somewhere. Water through pipes. A door upstairs. Low laughter once, then gone. The Side House had gone dark except for one small window. Lake wind moved through trees. The sauna chimney was cold again. Elisa noticed all of it. Not counting. Just noticing. Different. She pulled Della's hoodie tighter around herself. Della saw. Still said nothing. Mira: “You're keeping that.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della turned. “Oh.” Elisa: “What?” “You admitted it.” “I did.” “No negotiation?” “No.” Della smiled. “Good.” Elisa: “Don't get sentimental.” “I wasn't.” “You were.” “A little.” Elisa: “Dangerous.” Mira: “Very.” Elisa looked at Mira. “You're enjoying this too much.” “Yes.” No defense. Good. The coals shifted. One collapsed. Elisa watched sparks rise. Then: “Do you two do this?” Mira: “What?” “This.” Della: “Sit by fires?” “No.” Mira: “Hold hands?” “No.” Della: “Steal hoodies?” Elisa: “Definitely not.” Mira smiled. Elisa: “Do you stay somewhere after everyone else leaves?” That landed. Not heavily. Just enough. Mira looked toward the lake. “Sometimes.” Della: “Usually because we’re working.” Elisa: “That’s not what I meant.” “I know.” Mira: “No.” Elisa looked at her. Mira shrugged. “Not like this.” Della: “No.” Elisa: “Good.” Both women looked at her. Elisa: “What?” Mira: “You sound pleased.” “I am.” Della: “Possessive?” Elisa: “No.” Immediate. Then: “Maybe selfish.” Della smiled. Mira: “Better.” Elisa: “Why?” Mira: “Because you know the difference.” Elisa went quiet. Again. These two were becoming annoying in very specific ways. She looked down at their hands. Still linked. Her left with Mira. Right with Della. No ceremony. No bargaining. No question. Elisa: “I like this.” Della: “We know.” Mira: “Yes.” Elisa: “You could pretend to be surprised.” “No.” “That would be polite.” Della: “No.” Elisa sighed. “You're both impossible.” Mira: “Yes.” Della: “Yes.” Elisa smiled. The fire clicked. One coal split. That seemed dramatic enough for Brenda, who was not present. Good. Elisa: “Do you think they're asleep?” Della: “Who?” “Anyone.” Mira looked toward the Main Cabin. “No.” Elisa: “Fair.” Della: “Some probably.” “Mmm.” Mira: “You're thinking about Ace and Mai.” Elisa: “No.” Both women looked at her. Elisa: “Fine.” Della: “Why?” Elisa: “Because they’re ridiculous.” Mira: “True.” “And Shammy.” Della: “Also true.” Elisa smiled. “Three permanent disasters.” Mira: “Happy disasters.” “Yes.” Della: “Mostly.” Elisa: “Exactly.” She looked toward the Main Cabin again. One upstairs light still on. Not theirs necessarily. Didn't matter. Somewhere inside were people who wanted too much. Loved too much. Touched too much. Argued too much. Trusted too much. And somehow made too much look stable. That interested Elisa more than almost anything else. Not because she wanted to copy it. She didn't. Not exactly. But because it proved excess did not automatically mean chaos. Sometimes excess had structure. Sometimes hunger had loyalty. Sometimes openness had edges. Sometimes a place full of dangerous people could feel safer than anywhere she had ever slept. Elisa: “Fuck.” Mira: “That one sounded philosophical.” “It was.” Della: “Worse.” “Yes.” Mira: “Want to talk about it?” Elisa: “No.” “Okay.” Della: “Want us to stay?” Elisa looked at her. Then Mira. “Yes.” Again. No hesitation. Mira squeezed her hand. Della leaned closer. That was it. Elisa smiled. “See?” Mira: “What?” “You keep making things easy.” Della: “Some things should be.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “That sounded rehearsed.” “No.” “Suspiciously good.” Della: “I contain multitudes.” Mira: “Mostly bad decisions.” Della: “Also that.” Elisa laughed. No pain. She noticed. Mira noticed her noticing. Still didn't comment. Good. The coals dropped lower. Cold started winning. Elisa sighed. “Inside.” Mira: “Eventually?” Elisa: “Now.” Della: “Growth.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “Still want another kiss?” “Yes.” They stood. Elisa moved carefully out of habit. Then realized she did not need to move quite that carefully anymore. Better. Good. She folded the blanket. Mira took it. Elisa: “I can carry that.” “I know.” Della: “She wants to.” Elisa: “Infuriating.” “Yes.” They walked toward the Main Cabin. No rush. The clearing looked different at night. Buildings separated by dark. Paths lit just enough. Side House quiet. Sauna black beyond trees. Main Cabin warm. Home-shaped. Elisa stopped halfway. Mira: “What?” Elisa looked back. At the dead fire. Lake beyond. Dark shapes of buildings. Then forward again. “Nothing.” Della: “That was something.” “Yes.” Mira: “Want to say it?” “No.” “Okay.” Elisa smiled. Again. Easy. They continued. Main Cabin door opened quietly. Inside— dim lights. Shoes. Towels. Evidence. The kitchen had been cleaned badly enough to prove Marco had helped. Elisa: “Jesus.” Mira: “What?” “He missed a pan.” Della: “Tragic.” Elisa: “I’m telling Lena.” Mira: “Cruel.” “Yes.” They crossed the common room. Reyes and Kiro were still there. Not asleep. Kiro under a blanket. Reyes beside her with one arm around her. Reyes looked up. “Last?” Elisa: “Yes.” Kiro: “Fire dead?” “Yes.” Reyes: “Good.” Elisa: “Why?” “Marco would go back out and check it.” Mira: “He probably still will.” Kiro: “Definitely.” Della: “Should we stop him?” Reyes: “No.” Elisa: “Why?” Kiro: “Entertainment.” Elisa laughed. Reyes looked at Della's hoodie on her. Then Elisa. No comment. Of course. Elisa: “Good night.” Reyes: “Night.” Kiro: “Sleep.” Elisa: “Planning to.” Kiro: “Dangerous.” Reyes kissed her forehead. “Shut up.” Kiro: “Yes.” Elisa smiled. Another grammar. Upstairs. Quiet. Not silent. One door closed. Another already closed. The big bedroom door open. Ace and Mai inside. Of course. Ace was sitting cross-legged near the head of the bed. Mai beside her. Both still awake. Elisa stopped in the doorway. Ace: “Hi.” Elisa: “Hi.” Mai looked behind her. Mira. Della. Then back. No surprise. Elisa: “They're just walking me up.” Ace: “Sure.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Ace: “You like me anyway.” “Yes.” Mira: “Predictable.” Elisa: “Get out.” Della kissed her cheek. “Good night.” Elisa looked at her. Then kissed her back. “Night.” Mira got the other cheek. Elisa: “You two coordinate too much.” Mira: “No.” Della: “Mostly.” Elisa smiled. Then: “See you tomorrow.” Della: “Yes.” Mira: “Obviously.” They left. No lingering. No dramatic look. Just down the hall. Their own room. Elisa watched until their door closed. Then stepped into the big bedroom. Ace: “You look happy.” Elisa: “No.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa: “Traitors.” Ace: “Accurate.” Elisa closed the door. Not locked. Just closed. She pulled Della’s hoodie off. Looked at it. Then folded it. Placed it carefully over the chair. Ace watched. Said nothing. Good. Mai: “Bed?” Elisa: “Yes.” Ace: “Middle?” Elisa looked at her. Then Mai. “Yes.” No embarrassment. No ceremony. She changed. Got under the covers. Ace followed. Mai last. Three. Exactly enough. Elisa settled between them. Her body gave one final quiet complaint about Saturday. Elisa: “Still worth it.” Ace: “Didn't ask.” “I know.” Mai: “Good.” Elisa looked at the ceiling. Then: “I don’t want to leave tomorrow.” Ace: “I know.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa waited. Neither offered to fix it. Neither said she didn't have to. Neither promised anything. Perfect. Elisa: “That's all?” Ace: “What do you want?” Elisa thought. Then: “Nothing.” Ace: “Okay.” Mai’s hand settled lightly against her side. Ace’s fingers found hers under the blanket. Easy. Elisa closed her eyes. There. That was all. No solution. No declaration. Just loving company. Then Ace: “You know Marco is going to check the fire.” Elisa opened her eyes. “Yes.” Mai: “He already did.” Elisa turned. “How do you know?” Mai: “I heard the door.” Ace started laughing. Elisa covered her face. “Of course he fucking did.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Cabin property.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Ace: “Keep talking, bitch.” Elisa smiled into the dark. “Yes.” Then finally— sleep. --- # CHAPTER 72 — MONDAY EXISTS Monday arrived without permission. Elisa knew because the light was wrong. Not worse. Just different. Sharper through the curtains. Less Sunday. More consequence. She kept her eyes closed anyway. Someone warm on her left. Someone warm on her right. Ace. Mai. Still there. Good. Elisa: “No.” Ace, already awake: “Morning.” “No.” Mai: “Monday.” “Absolutely not.” Ace laughed softly. Elisa pulled the blanket higher. “No.” Mai’s hand moved slowly over her side. Not suggestive. Just warm. Loving. Elisa opened one eye. “That is unfair.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “She knows.” Elisa: “Traitors.” Ace: “You still love me.” Elisa: “Yes.” Immediate. Of course. She closed her eye again. Then opened both. Fine. Monday existed. Barely. Ace was lying on her side facing Elisa. Hair messy. Expression bright despite the hour. Mai looked offensively composed. Elisa: “How?” Mai: “What?” “You.” Mai: “Yes.” “That was not an answer.” Ace: “It never is.” Elisa smiled. Then shifted. Carefully. Paused. Waited. Her body considered. Then— better. Much better. Still present. Not angry. Elisa: “Oh.” Ace: “What?” “Nothing.” Mai: “Better.” Not a question. Elisa: “Yes.” Ace smiled. No celebration. Good. Elisa stretched one leg. Then the other. No immediate regret. Excellent. Ace: “Coffee?” Elisa froze. Mai: “Normal.” Elisa: “Good.” Ace: “Coward.” Elisa: “I drank three cups of chemical warfare.” Ace: “Voluntarily.” “I was compromised by curiosity.” Mai: “Three times.” Elisa looked at her. “You are very funny in the morning.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace laughed. Elisa rolled onto her back. “Do we have to leave?” Ace: “Eventually.” Elisa stared at her. Ace grinned. Mai: “Not yet.” Better. Elisa: “Good.” She stayed in bed another five minutes. Maybe ten. No one checked. That was still the best thing about the cabin. Time only mattered when someone needed it. Eventually Elisa sat up. Ace did too. Mai watched both of them. Elisa looked at the chair. Della’s gray hoodie. Still there. Folded. Waiting. Elisa picked it up. Put it on. Ace: “Keeping it?” “Yes.” Mai: “Good.” Elisa narrowed her eyes. “Why does everyone approve of theft?” Ace: “Cabin values.” “No.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa: “Absolutely no.” Ace: “Too late.” Elisa stood. Better again. Not completely normal. Close enough. She looked down at herself. Then toward the door. “Food.” Ace: “Coffee.” Mai: “Both.” Elisa looked at her. “Shammy?” Ace: “Probably also both.” Elisa laughed. “Right.” They left the room. Hallway quiet. One door closed. Another partly open. Someone had already showered. Someone else had abandoned a towel on a chair. Evidence. Elisa liked evidence. Not the professional kind. This kind. At the stairs, she paused. Not because she had to. Because she remembered Saturday. Then started down. Normal pace. Almost. Ace noticed. Said nothing. Mai noticed. Of course. Also nothing. Perfect. The common room was already populated. Marco first. Naturally. Coffee in hand. Looking out the window toward the fire area. Lena sat at the table. Watching him watch. Elisa: “He checked it.” Lena: “Twice.” Marco: “I checked once.” Lena: “You checked last night.” “That was last night.” “And this morning.” “That is once this morning.” Elisa: “Two total.” Marco: “Different operational periods.” Ace: “He's counting.” Lena: “He always counts when guilty.” Marco: “I am not guilty.” Mai: “Three checks.” Marco looked at her. “How do you know?” Mai: “You went out once after we were upstairs.” Silence. Elisa slowly smiled. Marco: “That was not a check.” Lena: “What was it?” Marco: “Verification.” Everyone: “No.” Marco sighed. “Fine.” Elisa: “Never change.” Marco looked at her. Then smiled. “No promises.” Lena: “Thank god.” Coffee arrived. Normal. Elisa smelled it first. Suspicious. Then drank. Fine. Human. Safe. Kiro appeared from upstairs wrapped in a blanket. Reyes behind her. Kiro saw Elisa’s cup. Stopped. “Is that—” Elisa: “Normal.” Kiro: “Sure?” “Yes.” Kiro: “Did you check?” Elisa: “Twice.” Reyes: “She sniffed it.” Kiro: “Good.” Ace: “Trauma.” Kiro: “Correct.” Reyes kissed her temple. Kiro leaned into it. Monday grammar. Same as Sunday. Good. Della came downstairs next. Then Mira. Elisa saw them. Della saw the hoodie. Stopped. Looked at Elisa. Elisa: “No.” Della: “I didn't say anything.” “You were thinking.” “Yes.” Mira: “Keeping it.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della smiled. Elisa: “Don't.” Della: “Too late.” Elisa walked toward them. No hesitation. Kissed Della. Not long. Not dramatic. Loving enough. Then Mira. Same. Easy. Routine already trying to become itself. Ace noticed. Said nothing. Mai noticed. Same. Good. Mira: “Better?” Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “Much?” “Yes.” Mira: “Good.” Elisa: “Stop being pleased.” “No.” Della: “Impossible.” Elisa: “Fine.” They sat together. Again. No one arranged it. No one needed to. Panam and Shammy arrived. Panam looked rested. Shammy looked— Shammy. Bright. Restless. Happy. Ace: “Morning.” Shammy: “Morning.” Panam: “Food?” Shammy: “Yes.” Elisa: “Only food?” Shammy looked at her. Then Panam. Then Elisa. “No.” Panam laughed. Elisa: “Consistent.” Ace: “Factory settings.” Mai: “Corrupted.” Shammy smiled. “Good.” Elisa laughed. There. Enough. No symposium. Excellent. Brenda and Iris came in from the Side House ten minutes later. Brenda opened the Main Cabin door. “GOOD MORNING, LOSERS.” Reyes: “No.” Brenda: “Monday.” Everyone: “No.” Brenda: “Jesus.” Iris stepped in behind her. “Read the room.” “I did.” “Badly.” Elisa: “Consistently.” Brenda: “Thank you.” “That was not praise.” “I know.” She sat. Iris beside her. Brenda reached for coffee. Elisa watched. Brenda noticed. “What?” Elisa: “Just checking whether you're about to poison yourself.” Kiro: “Valid.” Brenda: “I DIDN'T BRING THE COFFEE.” Reyes: “You brought it originally.” Brenda: “Historical slander.” Kiro: “Documented.” Brenda: “Fuck you.” Reyes: “Come here and say that.” “Yes.” Breakfast began without deciding to. Bread. Eggs. Leftovers. Fruit. Things Panam had bought. Things Marco had organized. Things nobody remembered purchasing. Elisa ate properly. Her appetite had returned. Good. Della stole from her plate. Elisa: “No.” Della: “You had more.” “I currently have exactly what I intended.” Mira stole a piece too. Elisa stared at both of them. “Criminals.” Della: “Cabin property.” Elisa: “I am buying this place solely to outlaw that phrase.” Silence. Elisa froze. Again. Brenda slowly raised one finger. Elisa: “No.” Brenda lowered it. Iris: “Growth.” Brenda: “I'm suffering.” Marco looked toward Elisa. Not joking this time. “Are you?” Elisa looked at him. Then around the table. Everyone. Ace. Mai. Shammy. Panam. Reyes. Kiro. Brenda. Iris. Marco. Lena. Mira. Della. Thirteen. Last breakfast. Maybe. Elisa: “I don't know.” Honest. Marco nodded. “Good.” Elisa frowned. “Why good?” Lena: “Because yesterday you didn't know either.” Elisa: “That is not progress.” Mira: “Maybe it is.” Della: “You're still thinking.” Elisa: “Yes.” Ace: “Good.” Elisa looked at her. “You too?” Ace: “Yes.” Mai: “No rush.” Brenda: “Except eventually.” Everyone: “NO.” Brenda threw both hands up. “I AM FACTUALLY CORRECT.” Reyes: “Still wrong.” Elisa laughed. Monday remained at the edges. Not gone. Just ignored. For now. Then Marco ruined everything. “Vehicles.” Everyone groaned. Marco: “Come on.” Lena: “You did that deliberately.” “Yes.” Panam: “What's wrong?” Marco: “Nothing. That's why I want to check before packing.” Brenda: “You checked yesterday.” Marco: “Different operational period.” Elisa started laughing. Lena: “Don't encourage him.” Elisa: “I can't help it.” Marco stood. “Anyone coming?” Mira: “No.” Della: “No.” Reyes: “No.” Kiro: “Absolutely not.” Panam: “Yes.” Marco looked grateful. Panam: “For the trucks. Not you.” “Still counts.” Shammy stood too. Panam: “You don't need to.” Shammy: “I know.” Panam smiled. There. Again. Elisa watched the three of them head toward parking. Marco talking already. Panam listening selectively. Shammy probably listening to everything. Lena watched them go. “Five minutes.” Ace: “Before?” “He finds something.” Mai: “Three.” Elisa: “Seven.” Brenda: “Ten.” Reyes: “Two.” Kiro: “Sensor fault.” Everyone looked at her. Kiro: “What?” Reyes: “No.” Kiro: “Fine.” Four minutes later Marco shouted from outside. “WHO MOVED THE TOOL CASE?” Lena closed her eyes. Ace: “Four.” Mai: “Acceptable.” Elisa: “Do we have a winner?” Kiro: “No exact match.” Brenda: “House keeps it.” Elisa: “Cabin property?” Brenda grinned. Elisa: “Fuck.” Breakfast broke apart laughing. Monday. Fine. It could exist. Just not win yet. --- # CHAPTER 73 — PACKING IS NOT LEAVING The tool case was exactly where Marco had left it. This did not improve his mood. Lena: “Say it.” Marco: “No.” Panam leaned against the side of the truck. Shammy stood beside her. Watching. Smiling. Marco: “Nobody moved it.” Lena: “Again.” “Nobody moved it.” Elisa, from the Main Cabin doorway: “Louder.” Marco looked toward her. “No.” Ace appeared behind Elisa. “Coward.” Marco: “Fuck you.” Ace: “Come here and complain properly.” Marco: “No.” Marco picked up the tool case. Panam: “You done?” “Yes.” Shammy: “No.” Marco looked at her. Shammy pointed. One rear cargo latch. Marco stared. Then walked over. Lena closed her eyes. “No.” Marco: “She saw something.” Panam: “She always sees something.” “That means something.” Lena: “It means we are never leaving.” Elisa: “Good.” That came out too quickly. Everyone looked at her. Elisa: “What?” Ace smiled. Mai appeared beside her. Said nothing. Good. Elisa crossed her arms. “Packing is not leaving.” Marco: “Technically—” Everyone: “No.” Marco sighed. “Fine.” Packing began anyway. Slowly. Badly. Exactly as cabin packing should. Nobody had put enough effort into keeping their things separate all weekend, so Monday morning became archaeology. A shirt over the back of the wrong chair. Two towels in the sauna changing room nobody claimed. Kiro’s charger under a couch cushion. One of Reyes’s boots beside the Side House porch. Brenda’s jacket in the Main Cabin kitchen. Brenda: “That makes sense.” Iris: “No.” “I was cold.” “In the kitchen?” “Emotionally.” Elisa: “You need better lies.” Brenda: “I need less judgment.” Mira: “Wrong group.” Brenda: “True.” Della found three socks. None matching. She held them up. “Explain.” Reyes: “No.” Kiro: “Not mine.” Ace: “One might be mine.” Mai: “No.” Ace looked at her. “How do you know?” Mai: “You don't own that color.” Ace: “I could.” “You don't.” Elisa took one from Della. Examined it. “Marco.” Marco, carrying a bag toward the door: “What?” Elisa held up the sock. Marco stopped. Lena looked at him. Marco: “That is not mine.” Lena: “It is.” Marco: “How?” Lena: “You packed them.” Marco: “That proves nothing.” Panam: “It proves you own socks.” Marco: “Allegedly.” Elisa laughed. There was no system. That was perhaps the system. Bags accumulated near the Main Cabin entrance. Not loaded yet. That distinction became important. Every time Marco picked one up— someone objected. Brenda: “Too soon.” Marco: “It's eleven.” Brenda: “Emotionally nine.” Reyes: “That isn't how clocks work.” Brenda: “It is how Mondays work.” Elisa: “She's right.” Everyone looked at her. Brenda pointed triumphantly. “THANK YOU.” Elisa: “Don't make me regret it.” “Too late.” Mai sat at the dining table with coffee. Watching. Ace walked past once. Then twice. Then stopped beside her. Mai looked up. Ace looked down. No words. Ace climbed into her lap. There. Immediate. Mai’s arm closed around her. Her other hand disappeared beneath the line of Ace’s shorts with the same automatic certainty as every other time. Ace’s body answered before her mouth did. A long, quiet breath. Eyes closing for a moment. Then opening again. Brenda, carrying two pillows: “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Ace: “What?” “You are packing.” Ace: “I am sitting.” “You were packing.” “No.” “You carried a bag.” Ace: “Once.” Mai: “She was finished.” Ace: “Exactly.” Brenda: “With the bag?” Ace looked at her. “Don't.” Brenda smiled. Elisa: “Leave her alone.” Brenda turned. Elisa: “She has enough problems.” Ace: “HEY.” Brenda: “See?” Elisa grinned. Ace: “Fuck you.” Elisa: “You’re smiling.” “Yes.” Mai’s face remained perfectly neutral. Ace’s did not. Elisa saw the tiny shift. So did Brenda. Brenda opened her mouth. Iris put one finger against her lips. “No.” Brenda whispered: “Cruel.” “Yes.” Packing continued around them. That was somehow worse. Or better. Probably better. Shammy crossed the room carrying folded blankets. Panam behind her with a cooler. Shammy slowed beside Ace. Looked at her. Looked at Mai. Smiled. Ace: “No.” Shammy: “I didn't say anything.” “You were listening.” “Yes.” Ace: “Traitor.” Shammy kissed the top of her head. “Love you.” Ace’s entire expression softened. Immediate. “Love you too.” Shammy looked at Mai. Mai reached up. Shammy leaned down. A brief kiss. Easy. Familiar. Loving. Then Shammy straightened and kept walking. No pause. No ceremony. Panam watched her go. Smiled. Then followed. Elisa had stopped moving. Della, beside her: “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Mira: “That was something.” Elisa: “Yes.” She looked toward Ace and Mai. Then after Shammy. There. That. The thing they had not been showing enough. Not the hunger. Love. The three of them did not need to stop a room to prove it. They touched. Kissed. Said it when they felt like saying it. Moved on. Elisa knew that. She had known it. Different thing seeing it. Different thing being inside some of those same currents herself. Mai looked toward her. Elisa realized she had been staring. Mai: “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Ace opened one eye. “That was something.” Elisa: “Fuck both of you.” Ace: “Still smiling.” Elisa looked at them. “Yes.” Loving. Easy. Enough. Mira bumped Elisa’s shoulder lightly. Della handed her a folded blanket. Elisa took it. “Where?” Della: “Truck.” Elisa stared. “No.” Mira: “Still pretending packing isn't leaving?” “Yes.” Della: “Good.” Elisa: “Why good?” Mira: “Because you're enjoying yourself.” Elisa frowned. “That is manipulative.” “No.” “Yes.” Della: “Still true.” Elisa carried the blanket outside. Not to the truck. To the terrace. Della followed. Mira followed. Della: “That was not the truck.” “I know.” Mira: “Rebellion.” Elisa: “Delay.” Della: “Same family.” They leaned against the railing. The lake looked unfairly good. Of course. Bright sky. Light wind. Dock quiet. Sauna waiting below. Everything exactly where it had been. Elisa: “I want one more sauna.” Mira: “Okay.” Della: “Now?” Elisa considered. “Yes.” Mira: “Then say it.” Elisa looked toward the open door. Raised her voice. “ONE MORE SAUNA.” Immediate response from inside. Brenda: “YES.” Marco: “No.” Panam: “Yes.” Reyes: “Yes.” Kiro: “Warm?” Elisa: “Yes.” Kiro: “Yes.” Marco appeared in the doorway. “We are packing.” Elisa: “Packing is not leaving.” Marco: “That doesn't mean—” Mai, from inside: “One more.” Marco stopped. Looked toward the ceiling. Lena walked past him. “Democracy.” Marco: “This is not democracy.” Brenda: “Dictatorship of the hot room.” Iris: “Please never say that again.” Elisa laughed. Marco pointed at her. “You started this.” “Yes.” “Why?” Elisa looked toward the sauna. Then lake. Then back. “Because I want one more.” Marco opened his mouth. Closed it. Then: “Fine.” Lena kissed his cheek. Marco: “Stop rewarding me.” “No.” The bags remained by the door. Exactly where they belonged. For now. Sauna towels appeared. Again. People split naturally. Again. Not everyone. No need. Marco stayed behind with Lena at first, claiming someone needed to maintain packing integrity. Nobody believed him. Brenda and Iris came. Reyes and Kiro. Panam and Shammy. Elisa, Mira, Della. Nine. Ace looked toward the towels. Then down at herself. Still in Mai’s lap. Brenda: “Coming?” Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked at Ace. Ace: “No.” Brenda’s eyes dropped meaningfully. Ace: “Don't.” Brenda: “I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING.” Reyes: “Your eyebrows confessed.” Brenda: “Contagious.” Mai: “We'll stay.” Elisa looked at them. No surprise. Ace already looked completely comfortable with that decision. Mai even more so. Elisa: “Fine.” Ace: “Have fun.” Elisa: “I intend to.” Brenda: “Careful.” Iris: “No.” Elisa: “Thank you.” Brenda: “For what?” “Saving me the effort.” Brenda smiled. “Colleague.” “No.” The nine crossed the clearing. Main Cabin behind them. Outdoor path. Cool air. Sauna building ahead. Exactly thirty-five meters still felt longer on Monday. Elisa: “Why does this feel farther today?” Della: “Monday.” Kiro: “Correct.” Reyes: “Brenda was right.” Kiro stopped. Reyes: “Don't.” Kiro: “I was going to remember this moment.” “Don't.” They reached the porch. Shoes. Towels. Changing room. Familiar now. That hit Elisa strangely. She knew where to put things. Which bench stayed cooler. Which hook was loose. Which floorboard near the changing-room wall creaked. Four days. Enough to create memory. The sauna was not hot. Yet. Panam looked toward the stove. “Marco didn't light it.” Brenda: “Useless.” Iris: “He wasn't coming.” “Still useless.” Shammy moved toward the wood. Panam: “I've got it.” Shammy: “I can help.” “I know.” Shammy smiled. Helped anyway. Elisa sat in the changing room with Mira and Della while the fire caught. No rush. Again. Good. Kiro sat opposite. Reyes beside her. Brenda sprawled dramatically. Iris refused to participate in the drama. Elisa looked around. “Last sauna.” Brenda: “No symbolism.” Elisa: “Exactly.” Della: “You said it.” “I know.” Mira: “Dangerous.” “Yes.” Heat began slowly. Smoke pipe ticking. Wood settling. Panam checked once. Then again. Shammy leaned against her. Elisa watched. Then smiled. Panam: “What?” “Nothing.” Shammy: “Something.” Elisa: “Yes.” Brenda: “Is everyone infected?” Reyes: “Apparently.” Elisa: “Different operational period.” Silence. Then everyone laughed. Marco shouted faintly from the direction of the Main Cabin. Nobody could make out the words. Brenda: “He knows.” Elisa: “Good.” The sauna heated. Monday waited outside. For now. That was enough. --- # CHAPTER 74 — LAST HEAT The sauna took its time. Nobody complained. Much. Brenda: “This would be faster if Marco had lit it before we came.” Iris: “He wasn't coming.” “He could have served the community.” Reyes: “You mean you.” “I am part of the community.” Kiro: “Unfortunately.” Brenda looked at her. “That coffee made you mean.” Kiro: “No. You did.” Reyes kissed Kiro’s temple. “Good answer.” Brenda: “See, this is what happens when you encourage her.” Reyes: “I absolutely encourage her.” Elisa smiled. There. Better. The room was warming now. Not hot yet. Enough that jackets and outer layers had already become unnecessary. Panam checked the stove. Shammy beside her. Close enough that Panam kept touching her without appearing to notice she was doing it. Hand at waist. Fingers at hip. Shoulder. Back. Shammy noticed. Obviously. She seemed delighted by every single one. Elisa watched. Brenda watched Elisa watching. Then grinned. “Oh, you're doing it again.” Elisa: “What?” “Watching people fuck with their clothes still on.” Panam looked over. “We are standing.” Brenda: “Give it ten minutes.” Shammy: “Maybe less.” Silence. Then Reyes laughed first. Panam slowly looked down at Shammy. Shammy smiled. Bright. Completely unapologetic. Panam: “You’re impossible.” Shammy: “Yes.” Brenda pointed. “SEE?” Iris: “She answered the question.” “There was no question.” “Still.” Elisa laughed. Della leaned against her shoulder. Mira sat close on the other side. Elisa: “I missed this.” Mira: “What?” “The complete absence of shame.” Brenda: “Thank you.” Elisa: “That was not specifically about you.” “It should have been.” Reyes: “Your lack of shame is less charming.” Brenda: “Bullshit.” Iris: “No, she's right.” Brenda turned. “You're supposed to defend me.” Iris: “I fuck you. Different service.” Dead silence. Elisa folded forward. Kiro made a strangled noise. Reyes covered her mouth. Panam stared at Iris. Then: “Finally.” Brenda looked genuinely impressed. “Jesus Christ.” Iris: “What?” Brenda: “I love you.” “I know.” “No, seriously.” “I know.” Elisa: “Okay, that was excellent.” Iris: “Thank you.” Brenda pointed at everyone. “THIS is why I keep her.” Iris: “You don't keep me.” “No.” “Good.” Brenda leaned over and kissed her. Long enough that Elisa’s eyebrows rose. Brenda broke it. Looked directly at Elisa. “Yes, I know you're watching.” Elisa: “Yes.” Iris: “She likes that.” Elisa looked at Iris. Iris looked back. Calm. Knowing. Elisa smiled. “Yes.” Della beside her: “We know.” Elisa turned. Della: “What?” Mira: “You're not subtle.” Elisa: “I don't remember claiming to be.” Brenda: “Good. Subtle is wasted here.” Panam: “On you, especially.” “Fuck you.” Panam: “No thanks.” Brenda blinked. Then burst out laughing. Elisa nearly joined her too hard and immediately regretted it. She put one hand against her side. Della: “Still?” Elisa: “Little.” Mira: “You're getting there.” “Yes.” Brenda: “Worth it?” Elisa looked at her. Brenda grinned. Elisa: “I've already answered that enough times.” Brenda: “I wasn't asking about Saturday.” Elisa paused. Brenda's grin widened. Elisa: “You unbelievable bitch.” “Thank you.” Della: “She walked into that.” Mira: “Completely.” Elisa: “Both of you can shut the fuck up.” Della kissed her cheek. “No.” The sauna was ready. Finally. Clothes came off. No fuss. No modest choreography. They had done this too many times over the weekend already. Even the first-timers no longer moved like first-timers. That struck Elisa. Thursday she had noticed everything. Where to stand. Where to put things. Who looked at whom. What counted as ordinary. Now— she simply knew. They moved into the sauna proper. Nine people. Heat. Wood. Stone. Steam. Brenda took the upper bench immediately. Reyes: “Of course.” Brenda: “I earned this.” “How?” “I've had a difficult weekend.” Iris sat beside her. “No.” Brenda: “I've suffered.” Kiro: “From what?” “Not enough attention.” Everyone: “No.” Brenda: “See?” Elisa sat lower at first. Mira beside her. Della above. Panam and Shammy across. Reyes and Kiro together. The first water hit the stones. Steam rose. Conversation died for approximately fifteen seconds. Then Brenda: “So.” Reyes: “No.” “I haven't said anything.” “You said so.” “That is not illegal.” Panam: “It should be.” Brenda: “I was going to ask Elisa a perfectly reasonable question.” Elisa: “No.” Brenda looked delighted. “You don't even know the question.” “Yes.” Iris: “She knows you.” Brenda: “Four days.” Elisa: “Enough.” Kiro: “Way more than enough.” Brenda: “Fine. Della.” Della: “No.” “Mira.” Mira: “No.” Brenda looked personally wounded. “This is censorship.” Iris: “No. This is pattern recognition.” Brenda: “I was going to ask which of them made Elisa walk funny.” Silence. There. No filter. Elisa stared at her. Brenda looked pleased with herself. Mira covered her mouth. Della leaned back against the wall, smiling. Panam: “Jesus.” Reyes: “Finally. An honest question.” Elisa: “Fuck all of you.” Brenda: “That is not an answer.” Elisa: “There isn't one.” Brenda: “Bullshit.” Elisa: “There genuinely isn't.” Brenda looked at Mira. Then Della. Then back at Elisa. “Oh.” Elisa: “Yes.” Brenda: “Oh.” Iris: “You understood surprisingly quickly.” Brenda: “I am not stupid.” Reyes: “No one said stupid.” Kiro: “Just terminally nosy.” Brenda: “Fuck you.” Kiro: “No.” Reyes looked at Kiro. Slowly. Kiro: “What?” Reyes: “Nothing.” Kiro smiled. Brenda saw it. “See? THAT. What the fuck was that?” Reyes: “Nothing.” “Bullshit.” Kiro: “You're not invited.” Brenda: “I DIDN'T ASK.” Iris: “You were about to.” Brenda: “Yes.” Elisa laughed. The heat climbed. Second water. More steam. Shammy shifted closer to Panam. Not because there was no room. Because she wanted to. Panam opened one arm. Shammy fit against her. Brenda watched. Then: “Are you two going to make it back to the cabin before you start again?” Panam: “Maybe.” Brenda: “Thank you.” Shammy: “We did upstairs.” Brenda froze. Panam closed her eyes. Elisa stared. Reyes: “Oh, fuck.” Shammy looked around. “What?” Brenda: “Today?” Shammy: “Yes.” Panam: “Shammy.” Shammy turned to her. “What?” Panam: “Nothing.” Shammy smiled. Brenda: “HOW many times this weekend?” Panam: “No.” Shammy: “I don't know.” Brenda: “You don't KNOW?” Shammy: “No.” Ace was not there to shout factory settings. Elisa supplied it anyway. “Post-Flash.” Shammy: “Yes.” Panam: “And cabin.” Shammy: “Yes.” Brenda looked at Iris. “See? I am practically restrained.” Iris: “You are not.” “I can count.” “Can you?” Brenda: “Usually.” Elisa: “Apparently not when you're being fucked.” The sauna exploded. Brenda slapped one hand against the bench. Iris actually laughed. Reyes bent forward. Kiro leaned into her shoulder, shaking. Panam: “Jesus Christ, Elisa.” Elisa: “What?” Brenda pointed at her. “You little fucking monster.” Elisa: “You like my mouth.” Brenda: “Absolutely.” Iris: “She got you.” Brenda: “She did.” Elisa smiled. Good. That felt more like it. Steam. Sweat. Dirty mouths. No one pretending the weekend had been anything other than what it was. Mira leaned down closer to Elisa. Quietly: “You're proud of that.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “You should be.” Brenda: “I CAN HEAR YOU.” Elisa: “Good.” Brenda: “Fucking menace.” “Yes.” Iris: “You like her.” Brenda: “Obviously.” That quieted Elisa for half a second. Not because it was surprising. Because Iris said it so simply. No joke. Brenda saw the reaction. Her face softened. Then, because she was Brenda: “Don't get emotional. You're naked and I don't have the range.” Elisa burst out laughing again. “There she is.” Brenda: “Fuck you.” Elisa: “No, you're booked.” Iris turned slowly toward Elisa. Brenda went silent. Reyes: “Oh, that was stupid.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “Very.” Mira: “Worth it?” Elisa: “Probably.” Iris smiled. Not offended. Dangerous. “Later.” Brenda stared at her. Then at Elisa. Then: “Oh, fuck me.” Iris: “Probably.” Kiro slid halfway off the bench laughing. Reyes caught her. Panam: “This is why normal people don't talk like this.” Reyes: “Normal people are boring.” Shammy: “Yes.” Elisa looked at Shammy. “Do you even know what we're talking about?” “Yes.” Panam: “She always knows.” Shammy smiled. “Mostly.” Brenda: “Terrifying.” The heat became serious. Conversation slowed. Bodies adjusted. Sweat ran. Breathing deeper. Elisa leaned back. Her muscles finally starting to loosen fully. That felt incredible. Della's knee touched hers. Mira’s shoulder against her arm. Nothing more needed. Across from them, Shammy had her head on Panam's shoulder. Iris had one hand resting on Brenda’s thigh. Reyes and Kiro sat hip to hip. No one was performing. No one was hiding either. Good. Elisa closed her eyes. Brenda: “You're smiling.” Elisa: “Shut up.” “No.” “I feel good.” Brenda: “I bet.” Elisa opened one eye. Brenda grinned. Elisa: “I will drown you.” Reyes: “Dock's free.” Kiro: “Tradition needs new victim.” Brenda: “Try me.” Reyes looked at her. Then at the door. Brenda: “No.” Reyes smiled. Elisa: “Oh, now you're scared.” “I am not scared.” Iris: “You should be.” Brenda looked at her. “Whose side are you on?” Iris: “Mine.” Brenda: “Hot.” Iris: “Yes.” Elisa: “Jesus.” Mira: “You're watching again.” “Yes.” Della: “Good.” Elisa turned toward her. Della: “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Mira: “That was something.” Elisa: “Yes.” Another ladle. Steam rolled over them. Monday disappeared completely. For a while. When they finally came out, the changing room felt almost cold. Elisa sat immediately. Not exhausted. Loose. Warm. Happy. Brenda dropped onto the bench opposite her. Hair damp. Expression smug. Elisa: “What?” Brenda: “You needed that.” “Yes.” “No bullshit.” “No bullshit.” Brenda nodded. Then: “You're walking normally again.” Elisa looked down. Stood. Tested. Sat back down. “Almost.” Della: “Better.” “Yes.” Mira: “Good.” Elisa: “If either of you says worth it—” Brenda: “Worth it?” Elisa threw a towel at her. Brenda caught it. “YES.” Iris: “You deserved that.” “I did.” Panam: “Lake?” Kiro: “Absolutely not.” Reyes: “Yes.” Kiro stared at her. “No.” Reyes: “Cold.” “Exactly.” Brenda: “Come on.” Kiro: “I survived your coffee. I have nothing left to prove.” Elisa: “Her coffee?” Kiro: “She brought it.” Brenda: “Historical revisionism.” Reyes: “Documented fact.” Shammy was already standing. Panam: “You're going.” “Yes.” Panam: “Of course.” Shammy smiled. Elisa looked toward the exterior door. Lake. Monday. Cold water. One more stupid thing before leaving. She stood. Della: “Really?” Elisa: “Yes.” Mira: “You sure?” “Yes.” Brenda: “She's cured.” Elisa: “I am absolutely not cured.” Brenda: “Good.” Elisa looked at her. Brenda: “What?” Elisa: “That was weirdly sweet.” “Fuck off.” “There she is.” They dressed only enough for the outside crossing. Towels. Robes. Bare feet where practical. The door opened. Cold air hit. Everyone reacted. Kiro: “NO.” Reyes: “Yes.” Kiro: “I hate you.” Reyes kissed her. “Come on.” Kiro: “That is manipulation.” “Yes.” “Fine.” They moved down toward the lake. Nine people. Last sauna. Last lake. Probably. Brenda walked beside Elisa. Then: “So, seriously.” Elisa: “No.” “Saturday.” “No.” “Mira and Della.” “No.” “Panam and Shammy.” “No.” “Iris and me.” Elisa stopped. Brenda grinned. Iris, behind them: “Keep digging.” Elisa looked at Brenda. Then Iris. Then: “You're both impossible.” Brenda: “And?” Elisa smiled. “And very good company.” Brenda: “Company?” Elisa: “Don't push it.” Iris: “She means lovers.” Elisa froze. Brenda froze. Mira made a choking sound behind them. Della covered her face. Reyes: “Oh, fuck.” Elisa turned slowly toward Iris. Iris looked entirely composed. Then smiled. Elisa: “You bitch.” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda: “I love Monday.” Everyone: “NO.” They reached the dock laughing. Monday could wait another ten minutes. --- # CHAPTER 75 — TEN MORE MINUTES Ten minutes was a lie. Everyone knew it. Nobody cared. The dock boards were warm under bare feet where the sun reached them. The lake was not. Kiro stood at the end of the dock and stared down into the water. “No.” Reyes stood beside her. “Yes.” “No.” “You came all the way down here.” “I was manipulated.” “You walked.” “Under emotional duress.” Brenda: “She kissed you once.” Kiro turned. “That is powerful emotional duress.” Reyes: “Thank you.” Kiro: “That was not praise.” Reyes kissed her again. Kiro sighed. “See?” Elisa: “You're making a terrible case for yourself.” Kiro: “I know.” Shammy had already dropped her robe. Panam looked at her. Then the lake. Then Shammy. “Cold.” “Yes.” “You don't care.” “No.” Shammy jumped. No hesitation. Clean splash. Panam: “Of course.” Shammy surfaced. Hair slick against her head. Smiling. “Come.” Panam: “Fuck.” Brenda: “That's usually what she means.” Panam turned. “Do you ever shut up?” Iris: “No.” Brenda: “Not when I'm conscious.” Reyes: “Tragic.” Panam dropped her robe. Brenda: “Nice ass.” Panam: “Thank you.” Brenda blinked. Panam jumped. Elisa started laughing. Brenda: “That woman refuses to cooperate.” Iris: “She accepted the compliment.” “She was supposed to insult me.” “You complimented her ass.” “Yes.” “And she has a nice ass.” Brenda looked at Iris. “So you were looking.” Iris: “Obviously.” Brenda: “Hot.” Elisa: “Jesus Christ.” Iris looked at her. “You were looking too.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “Obviously.” Mira: “She has eyes.” Elisa: “Thank you.” Brenda: “And apparently no remaining filter.” Elisa smiled. “You complained when I had one.” “I did.” “So fuck you.” Brenda: “Now we're talking.” In the lake, Panam reached Shammy. Shammy immediately wrapped both arms around her. Panam: “You dragged me into freezing water for this?” “Yes.” Panam kissed her. Shammy kissed back. Brenda: “Okay, that's disgustingly cute.” Reyes: “You've had sex with half the emotional spectrum this weekend and that's where you draw the line?” Brenda: “Cute makes me vulnerable.” Iris: “You cried at breakfast once.” Brenda turned. “That was private.” “There were eleven people there.” “Private group.” Elisa: “I need that story.” Brenda: “No.” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda: “Traitor.” Iris smiled. “Later.” Elisa: “Oh, I like you.” Brenda: “You've fucked her. We established that.” Elisa: “I liked her before that.” Iris: “Good answer.” Brenda: “Also hot.” Mira looked at Elisa. Della looked at Elisa. Elisa: “Don't.” Mira: “We didn't say anything.” “You both have faces.” Della: “Unfortunately.” Elisa: “Bitches.” Della: “Yes.” Mira: “Yes.” Reyes stepped out of her robe. Kiro stared. Reyes: “What?” Kiro: “Nothing.” Brenda: “Bullshit.” Kiro: “I like my girlfriend naked.” Reyes: “Good.” Kiro: “Very.” Brenda: “See? Honesty.” Reyes jumped. Kiro: “FUCK.” Reyes surfaced below them. “Come on.” Kiro: “No.” Reyes: “You're already naked.” “That does not make the water warmer.” Brenda: “I can throw you.” Kiro: “You absolutely cannot.” Brenda: “Want to test that?” Kiro looked at her. Then at the water. Then Reyes. “Reyes.” “Yes?” “If I die, I'm haunting you.” “Fine.” Kiro jumped. The scream started before she hit the water. She surfaced almost instantly. “FUCK YOU.” Reyes: “Love you.” “FUCK YOU.” “Also.” Kiro swam toward her. Brenda: “Romance.” Iris: “Yes.” Elisa looked at the water. Then down at herself. Mira: “You don't have to.” Elisa: “I know.” Della: “You want to.” “Yes.” Brenda: “Careful. Last time you made decisions near water you ended up sore for two days.” Elisa turned slowly. Brenda grinned. Elisa: “That had nothing to do with water.” “Started with walking near it.” Mira: “She has a point.” Elisa: “You shut the fuck up.” Della: “She also has a point.” “You too.” Brenda: “Which one of them—” Elisa: “WE JUST DID THIS.” Brenda: “I remain curious.” Iris: “She told you there wasn't one.” Brenda: “I know. That made it worse.” Elisa: “Why?” “Because now I have follow-up questions.” Elisa: “Of course you fucking do.” Iris: “So do I.” Elisa stopped. Brenda slowly looked at Iris. “Oh.” Iris: “What?” Brenda: “Nothing. I just love when you make her nervous.” Elisa: “She does not make me nervous.” Iris looked directly at her. Elisa: “Fuck you.” Iris smiled. “Later.” Mira made a quiet sound beside Elisa. Elisa: “Don't.” Mira: “Wasn’t necessary.” Della: “I heard it.” “Traitor.” “Yes.” Elisa dropped her robe. Brenda looked. Elisa pointed at her. “Don't.” Brenda: “What? You have a nice ass too.” Elisa: “Thank you.” Brenda: “SEE? Panam corrupted her.” Iris: “You've seen her naked several times.” Brenda: “Doesn't make her ass worse.” Elisa: “That might be the nicest thing you've said to me.” Brenda: “I'm a deeply loving person.” Reyes, from the lake: “BULLSHIT.” Brenda shouted back: “FUCK YOU.” Reyes: “NOT RIGHT NOW.” Kiro: “BUSY.” The dock collapsed into laughter. Elisa jumped before Brenda could recover. Cold. Immediate. Total. Her body objected to every decision she had ever made. She surfaced. “FUCK.” Della leaned over the dock. “Good?” “NO.” Mira: “Worth it?” Elisa: “FUCK YOU.” Brenda: “That's a yes.” Elisa splashed water at the dock. Brenda jumped backward. “HEY.” “COME IN HERE.” “No.” Elisa stared. “You've been talking shit for twenty minutes.” “Yes.” “Get in.” Brenda: “I prefer dry harassment.” Iris dropped her robe. Brenda stopped. Elisa saw it. Everyone saw it. Iris: “Coming?” Brenda: “Yes.” Immediate. Elisa: “Oh, that's fucking pathetic.” Brenda: “Have you SEEN her?” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda: “Then shut up.” Iris jumped. Brenda followed approximately two seconds later. Elisa: “Powerful emotional duress.” Kiro: “SEE?” The lake now contained seven. Shammy. Panam. Reyes. Kiro. Elisa. Iris. Brenda. Mira and Della remained on the dock. Elisa looked up. “Well?” Mira: “No.” Della: “No.” Brenda: “Cowards.” Mira: “We already went in.” “Different operational period.” Elisa burst out laughing. “Oh fuck you.” Brenda looked delighted. “I LEARN.” Della: “Badly.” Mira sat on the dock edge. Feet in the water. Della beside her. Elisa swam closer. Della: “Cold?” “Yes.” Mira: “Regret?” “No.” Della: “Liar.” Elisa smiled. “A little.” Mira: “Better.” Elisa rested her arms on the dock. Della touched her wet hair. Easy. Elisa looked at her. Then Mira. Mira: “What?” “Nothing.” Della: “That was something.” “Yes.” No need to define it. Not yet. Behind her— Brenda shrieked. Elisa turned. Reyes had splashed her directly in the face. Brenda: “YOU BITCH.” Reyes: “Come get me.” “Oh, you're fucking dead.” Iris: “Don't drown my fiancée.” Reyes: “No promises.” Brenda lunged. Reyes disappeared underwater. Kiro immediately moved away. “Nope.” Panam: “Smart.” Shammy was laughing. Then Reyes surfaced behind Brenda. Brenda turned. Too late. Reyes shoved water over her head. Brenda: “FUCK YOU, REYES.” Ace's traditional line. Everyone heard it. Silence. One second. Two. Reyes smiled. Very slowly. Brenda realized. “Oh, fuck off.” Kiro: “You said the thing.” Panam: “She said the thing.” Elisa: “YOU SAID THE THING.” Brenda: “I KNOW WHAT I SAID.” Iris was laughing too hard to help. Brenda pointed at Reyes. “You planned that.” Reyes: “No.” “Bullshit.” “Opportunity.” Brenda: “I hate you.” Reyes: “No.” “No.” Then Brenda laughed too. The lake settled eventually. Nobody drowned. Disappointing Brenda slightly. They climbed out one by one. Cold air suddenly colder. Towels. Robes. Bare wet feet on dock boards. Elisa sat beside Mira. Della immediately wrapped a towel around her shoulders. Elisa: “I have hands.” Della: “I know.” Mira: “She likes doing it.” Elisa: “I know.” Della smiled. Elisa leaned into her anyway. Across the dock, Iris was drying Brenda’s hair while Brenda complained about Reyes. Reyes ignored her while Kiro wrapped herself around Reyes for warmth. Panam sat with Shammy between her knees, rubbing a towel through Shammy’s hair. Shammy looked blissful. Elisa watched. Brenda noticed. Of course. “You really do like watching.” Elisa: “Yes.” “Everything?” Elisa considered. “No.” Brenda: “What then?” Elisa looked around. At Reyes and Kiro. Panam and Shammy. Iris drying Brenda’s hair while insulting her. Mira beside her. Della touching her shoulder. Then: “People who mean it.” Brenda went quiet. Iris looked at Elisa. So did Mira. Della. Elisa: “Don't make that sentimental.” Brenda: “I was going to say that's fucking adorable.” “That counts.” “Fine.” Iris: “She means she likes watching people who actually want each other.” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” Brenda: “So basically everyone here.” Elisa: “Pretty much.” Brenda smiled. Then: “Good fucking weekend for you.” Elisa laughed. “Yes.” That was allowed. No symbolism. No speech. Just true. They stayed on the dock until wet hair stopped dripping. Until Kiro stopped shivering. Until Brenda had complained enough to become herself again. Until Panam finally stood. “We should go back.” Everyone groaned. Panam: “We still have to pack.” Brenda: “Fuck packing.” Iris: “You need clothes.” “I am wearing clothes.” “You're wearing a robe.” “Clothes.” Reyes: “Drive home like that.” Brenda: “I might.” Kiro: “Please do.” Elisa stood. Looked once at the lake. Then deliberately turned away before her brain could make it important. Della took one hand. Mira the other. Elisa: “You know I can walk.” Mira: “Yes.” Della: “We know.” Elisa: “Fine.” Nine people started back up the path. Wet. Warm under robes. Laughing. Monday waiting at the Main Cabin. This time— they were going to have to let it win. Eventually. --- # CHAPTER 76 — MONDAY WINS EVENTUALLY Marco was waiting. Of course he was. The nine had barely crossed the clearing before he appeared in the Main Cabin doorway. Arms folded. Lena behind him. Smiling. Marco looked at the wet hair. The robes. The towels. Then Elisa. “You said one more sauna.” Elisa: “Yes.” “You went swimming.” “Yes.” “That was not part of the declared operation.” Brenda: “Different operational period.” Marco closed his eyes. Lena laughed. Elisa: “You created this.” Marco: “I created nothing.” Reyes: “You absolutely did.” Kiro: “It's spreading.” Marco pointed inside. “Pack.” Brenda: “Bossy.” “PACK.” Iris: “He's getting emotional.” Marco: “I have been trying to get thirteen adults into vehicles for two hours.” Panam: “There's your mistake.” “What?” “Adults.” Marco stared at her. Panam walked past him. Shammy followed. Marco: “Fuck all of you.” Brenda: “Scheduling issue.” Marco: “No.” Elisa laughed and went inside. The Main Cabin looked different. Not empty. Not yet. But moving toward it. Bags by the entrance had multiplied. Coolers closed. Kitchen mostly restored. Blankets folded. Cups gathered. The comfortable disorder of the weekend was disappearing one object at a time. Ace was still in Mai’s lap. Elisa stopped. Looked at them. Then at Marco. Marco followed her gaze. Silence. Ace: “What?” Marco: “Nothing.” Ace: “Good.” Marco: “I have been packing.” Ace: “Proud of you.” Marco: “You have been sitting there.” Ace: “Yes.” “For how long?” Ace looked at Mai. Mai: “Long enough.” Brenda walked in behind Elisa. Saw them. “Oh, she's still there.” Ace: “Fuck off.” Brenda: “Has Mai’s hand been in your shorts the entire fucking time?” Ace: “Brenda.” “That is not a no.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace slowly turned her head. Looked at Mai. Mai took a sip of coffee. Brenda made a sound somewhere between triumph and choking. “THANK YOU.” Ace: “Why would you answer her?” Mai: “She asked.” Brenda: “Jesus Christ. How many times?” Ace: “None of your fucking business.” Brenda: “So more than once.” Ace: “I didn't say that.” “You didn't have to.” Ace: “You are an unbearable bitch.” Brenda: “Yes.” Iris entered. “What did I miss?” Brenda pointed. “Mai’s been fingering Ace through the entire packing operation.” Ace: “FUCK YOU.” Iris looked at Mai. Then Ace. Then the bags. Then Marco. “How productive has she been?” Marco: “Not.” Ace: “I carried a bag.” Marco: “Once.” Ace: “SEE?” Iris: “Impressive.” Ace: “Thank you.” Brenda: “She probably came harder than she packed.” Ace opened her mouth. Stopped. Mai’s expression did not change. Ace's did. Only briefly. Eyes closing. Breath catching. Shoulders loosening against Mai. Brenda saw it. Everyone saw it. Silence. Ace opened her eyes. Brenda: “Oh my fucking God.” Ace: “Don't.” “You did it AGAIN.” “I breathed.” “That was not breathing.” Ace: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “You lost another argument to Mai’s fingers.” “I was not arguing.” “You stopped talking.” “I paused.” Reyes: “You definitely paused.” Ace stared at her. “Traitor.” Reyes: “Accurate.” Kiro: “I think the prosecution has a case.” Ace: “YOU TOO?” Kiro: “Sorry.” She was not sorry. Elisa leaned against the kitchen counter. Laughing. Mai continued drinking coffee. Perfectly composed. Elisa looked at her. “How the fuck do you do that?” Mai: “What?” Elisa pointed at Ace. “That.” Mai looked down at Ace. Ace: “Don't encourage her.” Mai looked back at Elisa. “Practice.” Elisa: “Jesus.” Brenda: “That's hot.” Iris: “Yes.” Ace: “Can we please discuss literally anything else?” Brenda: “Sure. How many?” Ace: “BRENDA.” Iris laughed. Actually laughed. Ace looked betrayed. “You're supposed to control her.” Iris: “Why?” Ace: “Because somebody fucking should.” Brenda: “She fucks me. Different service.” Elisa folded against the counter. Reyes: “Still good.” Iris: “Thank you.” Marco: “PACK.” Everyone looked at him. Marco: “Please.” Lena kissed his cheek. “Better.” Marco: “I hate this weekend.” Lena: “No, you don't.” “No.” There. Eventually even Ace moved. Not because Marco won. Nobody allowed him that satisfaction. Mai finally withdrew her hand. Ace remained against her for a few seconds afterward. Still. Warm. Then kissed Mai. Slow. Loving. “Thank you.” Mai: “Anytime.” Brenda: “Apparently.” Ace: “I'm going to stab you.” Brenda: “You say the sweetest things.” Ace climbed down. Her knees worked. Mostly. Brenda noticed. Ace pointed at her before she could speak. “Not. One. Fucking. Word.” Brenda: “I wasn't—” Iris: “Bullshit.” Brenda: “Okay, I was.” Ace collected two bags. Marco: “Those aren't yours.” Ace: “I KNOW.” “Where are you taking them?” “OUTSIDE.” “Which vehicle?” Ace stopped. Looked at the bags. Then Marco. “Fuck.” Marco smiled. Ace: “Don't enjoy this.” “I am.” “Asshole.” “Pack properly.” Ace: “I liked you better when you were obsessed with the boathouse.” Marco: “I can do both.” Lena: “Unfortunately.” The next half hour actually worked. Mostly. Panam knew her truck. Marco knew every vehicle. Reyes carried whatever was nearest. Kiro checked chargers, shards and small electronics twice. Brenda carried light things and complained as if they weighed forty kilos. Iris quietly carried twice as much. Mira and Della worked like professionals until Brenda accused them of making everyone else look bad. They slowed down for approximately six seconds. Shammy moved between groups wherever she was useful. Ace and Mai packed together. Elisa— Elisa kept finding reasons to walk through every room. Kitchen. Common room. Upstairs. Big bedroom. Bathroom. Terrace. Back through the common room. Della caught her on the third circuit. “You're checking.” Elisa: “No.” Mira came down the stairs. “You're memorizing.” Elisa looked at her. “Maybe.” Della: “You're coming back.” “Yes.” Immediate. No hesitation. Mira smiled. “Then you don't need to memorize it.” Elisa: “I know.” She looked around anyway. Della: “Still going to.” “Yes.” “Fine.” Elisa looked toward the entrance. Bags disappearing. Weekend collapsing into luggage. Then: “Where are you two riding?” Mira: “Same vehicle as before unless somebody changed something.” Della: “Why?” Elisa: “No reason.” Both women looked at her. Elisa: “Fuck off.” Mira: “You could ask.” Elisa: “I just did.” “No. You asked where we're riding.” Elisa stared. Della smiled. Elisa: “Fine. Ride with me.” Mira: “Okay.” Della: “Okay.” That easy. Elisa: “You could at least make me work for it.” Della: “Why?” Elisa: “I don't know.” Mira: “Good.” Elisa smiled. Then Della kissed her. Brief. Warm. Still new enough that Elisa noticed the little jolt of surprise before she kissed back. Della pulled away. Mira: “Ready?” Elisa looked at her. Mira raised an eyebrow. Elisa stepped closer and kissed her too. Same answer. Different woman. Still something they were learning rather than naming. Brenda, from the doorway: “OH, FOR FUCK’S SAKE.” Elisa broke the kiss. “WHAT?” “I leave for thirty seconds and you're already making the departure horny.” Elisa: “I kissed her.” Brenda: “Yes.” “People do that.” Brenda: “You do it like you're planning follow-up.” Mira: “She usually is.” Elisa turned. “You bitch.” Mira: “Yes.” Della: “She has a point.” “You too.” Brenda: “God, I'm proud.” Elisa: “Why?” “You arrived rich and curious. You're leaving rich, curious and significantly more dangerous.” Elisa: “I was already dangerous.” Brenda: “Not like this.” Iris appeared behind Brenda. “Elisa.” “Yes?” “Don't listen to her.” Brenda: “HEY.” Iris: “You were already this bad.” Elisa smiled. “Thank you.” Brenda looked between them. “Why does nobody support my growth?” Iris: “Because yours is malignant.” Brenda: “Hot.” Iris: “No.” Brenda: “You're going to fuck me when we get home.” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda: “Hot.” Iris: “Yes.” Elisa: “Your relationship makes perfect sense now.” Brenda: “Took you four days?” Elisa: “No. Took me Thursday.” “Good.” Outside— Marco shouted. “WHO HAS THE SIDE HOUSE KEY?” Silence. Everyone looked at everyone. Lena: “Marco.” “What?” “You have it.” Pause. Marco checked his pocket. Longer pause. Brenda: “PLEASE tell me—” Marco: “Shut up.” Brenda bent over laughing. Reyes: “Professional.” Marco: “Shut up.” Kiro: “Different operational period.” Marco: “KIRO.” Kiro immediately hid behind Reyes. Reyes: “She's mine.” Marco: “I don't want her.” Kiro: “Rude.” Reyes: “You started it.” “Yes.” Elisa stepped outside. The parking area was filling with people. Doors open. Cargo shifting. Last checks. Main Cabin behind them. Side House across the clearing. Sauna beyond. Lake mostly hidden from here. Marco had recovered enough dignity to lock the Side House. He checked the handle. Once. Twice. Lena: “Marco.” “Verification.” Brenda: “Different operational period?” Marco turned. Very slowly. Brenda ran. Iris: “Coward.” Brenda shouted over her shoulder: “SURVIVOR.” Elisa laughed. Mai came out carrying the last small bag from upstairs. Ace beside her. Elisa looked at them. Ace caught it. “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Ace: “Bullshit.” Elisa: “I liked sleeping with you.” Ace's expression changed. Soft. Immediate. Mai’s too, quieter. Ace: “We liked sleeping with you.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa: “I know.” Ace stepped close. Put both arms around her. Elisa hugged her back. No hesitation. Ace kissed her. Not goodbye. Just loving her. Mai joined them when Ace let go. Her embrace different. Her kiss different. Same certainty. Elisa rested her forehead briefly against Mai’s. “Monday sucks.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Come home with us.” Elisa looked at her. Ace: “Safehouse.” Elisa smiled. “I know.” Mai: “You don't have to go straight back.” Elisa: “I know.” Ace: “Then don't.” Elisa looked toward Mira and Della. Then back. “I have a few things I need to do.” Ace: “Okay.” Elisa: “But later?” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Obviously.” Elisa smiled. “Good.” No negotiation. No question about whether she belonged there. Later was enough. Marco clapped his hands once. “VEHICLES.” Brenda, from a safe distance: “DICTATOR.” Marco: “GET IN THE FUCKING CAR.” Panam: “That's the most useful thing you've said all morning.” Marco: “Thank you.” Panam: “Wasn't praise.” “I don't care anymore.” Shammy kissed Panam’s cheek. Panam: “What?” “You're happy.” Panam looked around. At the cabin. At everyone. Then Shammy. “Yeah.” Shammy smiled. “Me too.” Panam kissed her. Brenda: “FOLLOW-UP.” Panam raised one middle finger without breaking the kiss. Brenda: “Beautiful.” Iris: “Get in the car.” Brenda: “Yes, ma'am.” Iris: “Don't.” Brenda: “Later?” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda: “Fucking love Monday.” Everyone: “NO.” Doors opened. People climbed in. Engines started one by one. Elisa stood beside her vehicle for one last second. Mira already inside. Della waiting by the other door. Elisa looked back. Not memorizing. Just looking. Main Cabin. Terrace. Clearing. Side House. Path toward the sauna. The place had survived them. Barely. Della: “Elisa.” She looked over. “Coming.” She got in. The door closed. Monday had won. The idiots were going home. Mostly. --- # CHAPTER 77 — THE CONVOY HOME The first engine started. Then another. Then another. Nobody moved. Marco stood in the parking area. Looked at the vehicles. Looked at the people still standing beside them. “Why are we not leaving?” Brenda: “Emotional resistance.” Marco: “Get in.” Panam: “She means nobody wants to be first.” Reyes: “She means she doesn’t want to be first.” Brenda: “Also true.” Iris: “You were ready ten minutes ago.” “I changed my mind.” “You're already sitting in the car.” Brenda looked through the open door. “That proves nothing.” Kiro: “She has a point.” Reyes: “No, she doesn't.” Kiro: “I know. I just wanted to see what it felt like.” Brenda: “And?” “Dirty.” “Good.” Marco: “Can we please leave before somebody decides on another fucking sauna?” Elisa: “I wasn't going to.” Marco looked at her. Elisa: “Probably.” “ELISA.” She laughed. “Fine.” Ace: “Everybody ready?” A scattered collection of yes, no, fuck off, and close enough answered. Mai: “Good.” That somehow settled it. Doors closed. One by one. The convoy finally moved. Slowly at first. Gravel under tires. Trees closing around them. The cabin stayed visible longer than Elisa expected. A piece of roof between branches. The Main Cabin windows catching light. A last flash of the lake through the trees. Then— gone. Elisa kept looking backward anyway. Della: “You're going to hurt your neck.” Elisa turned. “I was looking at the road.” Mira: “Behind us?” “Yes.” Della: “Interesting road.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Della smiled. “Better.” The three of them had ended up together for the return leg because Elisa had asked. Nothing more complicated than that. She liked that too. No negotiation. No analysis. Just: Ride with me. Okay. Okay. Now the cabin was behind them and Night City was still hours ahead. For a while, nobody used the group channel. A minor miracle. Elisa settled back. Della’s hoodie still on her. Mira noticed. Again. Elisa: “Don't.” Mira: “You already knew.” “You looked.” Della: “She can look.” Elisa turned toward Della. “You're encouraging her.” “Yes.” “Why?” “Funny.” Elisa: “You two are becoming a problem.” Mira: “Hiring opportunity.” Elisa stared. Mira smiled. Elisa: “That was terrible.” Della: “Little.” “Do not encourage her.” Della: “Funny.” Elisa groaned. Then laughed anyway. The comm channel came alive. Brenda: “Okay.” Reyes: “No.” “I haven't said anything.” “You said okay.” Panam: “Same warning sign as so.” Brenda: “You people are traumatized.” Kiro: “By you.” Brenda: “Unfair.” Iris: “No.” Brenda: “I was going to ask a normal question.” Ace: “That's already a lie.” “Fuck you.” Ace: “Later.” Brenda paused. Elisa burst out laughing. Brenda: “Oh, YOU think that's funny?” Elisa: “Extremely.” Iris: “It was.” Brenda: “You're both assholes.” Iris: “You love me.” “Yes.” Ace: “And?” Brenda: “You're short.” Ace: “Coward.” Reyes: “She folded.” Kiro: “Immediately.” Brenda: “I DID NOT FOLD.” Panam: “You folded.” Shammy: “Yes.” Brenda: “Shammy!” Shammy: “What?” “You're supposed to be nice.” “I am.” Panam: “She is.” Brenda: “To me.” Shammy: “Sometimes.” Panam laughed. That carried through the channel. So did Brenda’s wounded silence. Elisa smiled. There. The cabin had vanished. The idiots had not. Brenda recovered. Obviously. “So. Best thing about the weekend.” Marco: “No.” Brenda: “Oh, fuck off, this one is harmless.” Marco: “That is exactly what you say before it isn't.” Lena: “He's right.” Brenda: “Betrayal everywhere.” Iris: “Ask.” “Thank you.” Pause. “Best thing.” Reyes: “The lake.” Ace: “Traitor.” Reyes: “You love the lake.” Ace: “I loved it before you weaponized it.” Reyes: “Tradition.” Ace: “Assault.” Kiro: “Entertaining assault.” Ace: “YOU TOO?” Kiro: “I wasn't there for the throw.” Reyes: “You saw the aftermath.” Kiro: “Very entertaining aftermath.” Ace: “I hate all of you.” Mai: “No.” Ace: “No.” Brenda: “Mai wins.” Ace: “She usually does.” Brenda: “Especially arguments when she has one hand—” Ace: “FINISH THAT SENTENCE AND I WILL FIND YOUR CAR.” Brenda: “You know exactly where my car is.” Ace: “Then this will be easy.” Iris: “She has a point.” Brenda: “You're enjoying this.” “Yes.” Elisa: “A lot.” Brenda: “You stay out of it.” Elisa: “No.” “Fine. Your best thing.” Elisa looked at Mira. Then Della. Both immediately noticed. Mira: “Careful.” Elisa: “Why?” Della: “Brenda asked.” “True.” Brenda: “I CAN HEAR YOU.” Elisa: “Good.” She looked out the window. Thought about Thursday. Being recognized. Safehouse trust still sitting fresh in Mira and Della. Panam arriving. Shammy’s hair. The lake. Death’s Coffee. The clearing. Saturday. Sunday. Ace and Mai. Sleeping between them. Mira and Della holding her hands beside a dying fire. Four days somehow containing far too much. Elisa: “I don't know.” Brenda: “Bullshit.” “No, genuinely.” “Pick one.” Elisa: “Why?” “Because I asked.” “That isn't a reason.” “It is to me.” Elisa smiled. Then: “Sunday.” The channel went quieter. Brenda: “Sunday?” “Yes.” Reyes: “Why?” Elisa thought. “Because nothing was happening.” Pause. Panam: “Yeah.” Shammy: “Yes.” Elisa: “I liked that.” Mira looked at her. Della too. Elisa saw both. “Don't.” Della: “Wasn't going to.” Mira: “Me neither.” Elisa: “Good.” Brenda: “That was disgustingly wholesome.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “Fixed.” Iris: “You asked.” “I know.” Iris: “And she answered.” “I know.” Iris: “Then leave it alone.” Brenda: “I was going to.” Everyone: “NO.” Brenda: “FUCK YOU.” The channel dissolved. Good. Traffic remained light this far out. The convoy stretched naturally along the road without anyone turning it into an operation. Panam’s truck unmistakable ahead whenever the road straightened enough. Other vehicles appearing and disappearing behind turns and elevation. Still together. Not glued together. Marco came over comms eventually. “Fuel stop in twenty.” Brenda: “I have fuel.” Marco: “Bathroom.” Brenda: “I don't need one.” Iris: “I do.” Brenda: “Fuel stop in twenty.” Reyes: “Beautiful.” Kiro: “Leadership.” Iris: “Self-interest.” Brenda: “Same thing.” Mai: “No.” Elisa laughed. Mira: “Does she always do that?” Elisa: “Who?” “Mai.” “What?” “End arguments with one word.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della: “Effective.” Elisa: “Very.” Mira: “You like it.” Elisa: “Yes.” No hesitation. Della looked at her. Elisa looked back. “What?” “Nothing.” “That was something.” Della smiled. “Yes.” Elisa leaned her head back. “I'm surrounded by assholes.” Mira: “You invited us.” “Yes.” Della: “Your mistake.” “Apparently.” Mira: “Regret?” Elisa turned toward her. “No.” Della: “Good.” Simple. The fuel stop appeared almost exactly when Marco had predicted. That annoyed Brenda. “Of course he was right.” Iris: “He knows the route.” “Still irritating.” Vehicles pulled in. Doors opened. Everyone spilled out slowly. The first real stop after the cabin felt wrong. Too much concrete. Too many signs. Too little lake. Ace emerged and stretched. Mai beside her. Elisa barely had time to close her door before Ace came over. “Hi.” Elisa looked at her. “We've been talking for an hour.” Ace: “Not the same.” No. It wasn't. Elisa stepped closer. Ace hugged her. Easy. Elisa wrapped both arms around her. Ace kissed her. Warm. Familiar. Not a reunion. They had been separated by one vehicle length and some road. Didn't matter. Mai reached them next. Elisa turned toward her almost automatically. Mai touched her waist. Kissed her. Elisa smiled against her mouth. Then Mai looked at the hoodie. “Della?” Elisa: “Yes.” Mai: “You're keeping it.” Elisa: “Yes.” Della, approaching behind them: “Apparently.” Elisa turned. “You gave it to me.” “I did.” “So stop complaining.” “I'm not.” Mira: “She likes that you're wearing it.” Della: “Shut up.” Elisa stared. Then smiled. “Oh.” Della: “Don't.” Elisa: “Oh.” “Fuck you.” Elisa: “Maybe later.” Della stopped. Mira made a choking sound. Ace burst out laughing. Mai’s eyebrows lifted. Della: “You absolute bitch.” Elisa: “Yes.” Ace: “She's learning.” Mira: “Fast.” Elisa: “I had excellent teachers.” Brenda appeared from nowhere. “WHO?” Everyone looked at her. Brenda: “What?” Iris, several steps behind: “Bathroom.” Brenda: “In a minute.” “You made us stop.” “I know.” “Bathroom.” Brenda: “Bossy.” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda: “Hot.” Iris: “Move.” Brenda: “Yes, ma'am.” She disappeared. Elisa watched her go. Then looked at Ace. “How are they real?” Ace: “No idea.” Mai: “They ask the same about us.” Mira: “Fair.” Della: “Very.” Ace looked offended. “Excuse me?” Elisa: “Mai had her hand in your shorts for most of Monday morning.” Ace stared at her. Mira covered her mouth. Della looked away. Mai remained perfectly calm. Ace: “You too?” Elisa: “Yes.” “I loved you.” Elisa: “Past tense?” Ace narrowed her eyes. Then stepped in and kissed her again. Longer. Pulled back. “Asshole.” Elisa smiled. “Love you too.” That landed differently. Because it always did. Mai touched the back of Elisa’s neck. Small. Warm. Nothing performative. Elisa looked at her. Mai: “Later?” Elisa: “Yes.” Safehouse. No explanation needed. Ace: “Good.” Marco appeared near the vehicles. “Ten minutes.” Reyes: “We just got here.” “Ten minutes.” Kiro: “What happens if we're eleven?” Marco: “We leave you.” Reyes: “No, we don't.” Marco: “I know.” Brenda returned already eating something. Iris beside her. Marco stared. “You had time to buy food?” Brenda: “Yes.” “You were inside for ninety seconds.” “Yes.” “What is that?” Brenda looked at what she was holding. “Food.” Iris: “Debatable.” Brenda took another bite. “Still eating it.” Panam: “Can we leave her?” Iris: “No.” Brenda: “Love you.” Iris: “I know.” Shammy came around Panam’s truck carrying two drinks. One went to Panam. Panam took it without looking. Then looked. “You remembered.” Shammy: “Yes.” Panam kissed her forehead. Brenda, mouth full: “Disgusting.” Iris: “You proposed to me.” Brenda: “Different.” “How?” Brenda swallowed. “Mine was romantic.” Reyes: “Was it?” Brenda: “Fuck you.” Kiro: “I want this story too.” Iris: “Later.” Brenda: “No.” Elisa: “Yes.” Brenda pointed at her. “You are becoming a serious problem.” Elisa: “I was told.” Mira: “Repeatedly.” Della: “Professionally.” Elisa looked at both. “Careful.” Della smiled. “Or?” Elisa opened her mouth. Then stopped. Brenda: “Oh, COME ON, don't lose your nerve now.” Elisa: “I was choosing between three answers.” Brenda: “Use the filthiest.” Iris: “Obviously.” Everyone looked at Iris. Iris: “What?” Brenda stared at her. Slow smile. “There she is.” Iris: “Bathroom accomplished.” Reyes: “Apparently restored full functionality.” Kiro: “Dangerous.” Elisa: “Very.” Marco: “NINE MINUTES.” Lena: “You lost one while talking.” Marco looked genuinely offended. “I was working.” “Talking.” “Coordination.” Brenda: “Different operational period.” Marco: “Get in the fucking car.” There. Everybody laughed. Again. They bought drinks. Used bathrooms. Changed drivers where needed without ceremony. Checked nothing that Marco had not already checked twice. Then doors closed again. The convoy returned to the road. This time the cabin no longer felt immediately behind them. Night City felt closer. Elisa noticed both. She didn't dislike either. Mira: “You okay?” “Yes.” Della: “Sure?” Elisa looked at her. “Yes.” Then: “I don't want the weekend to be over.” Mira: “It is.” Elisa: “I know.” Della: “Doesn't mean everything in it stops.” Elisa looked between them. No promise hidden there. No definition. Just fact. “Good.” Her hand found Della's. Then Mira’s. Neither reacted like it was unusual anymore. New. But not strange. The channel crackled. Brenda: “I have another question.” Everyone: “NO.” Elisa laughed. Night City waited ahead. The weekend was ending. The noise, apparently, was immortal. --- # CHAPTER 78 — BACK HOME Night City swallowed the convoy gradually. Road widened. Traffic thickened. Trees disappeared. Concrete returned. Billboards. Overpasses. Noise. The cabin became impossible to imagine from here. Which was annoying. Elisa looked out at the city. Then at Mira. Then Della. Then back outside. Della: “You're quiet.” Elisa: “No.” Mira: “You are.” “I am thinking.” Della: “Dangerous.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “Better.” The group channel had finally become quieter. Not silent. Impossible. Just less constant. Marco had stopped trying to organize everyone into perfect spacing. Panam had stopped pretending she was listening to Marco anyway. Brenda had apparently begun eating again. Nobody knew where she kept finding food. Iris: “Where did you get that?” Brenda: “Fuel stop.” “That was an hour ago.” “Yes.” “You still have food?” “Yes.” Pause. Iris: “How much did you buy?” Brenda: “Enough.” Reyes: “She bought half the shop.” Brenda: “I planned ahead.” Kiro: “You bought six pastries.” Brenda: “Planning.” Panam: “That's not planning.” Brenda: “Says the woman with a refrigerated truck.” Panam: “That has a purpose.” “So do pastries.” Shammy: “Yes.” Panam: “Don't encourage her.” Shammy: “But pastries.” Panam sighed. “Fine.” Elisa smiled. Then Ace came over comms. “Safehouse in twenty.” Elisa: “Good.” Too fast. Again. Mira looked at her. Della did too. Elisa: “Don't.” Neither said anything. Which was worse. Elisa: “Seriously.” Mira: “We're not saying anything.” Della: “You are.” Elisa: “What?” “Happy.” Elisa looked out the window. “Yes.” Simple. No reason to fight that one. The Safehouse building appeared almost ordinary from the street. That still amused Elisa. Derelict facade. Nothing impressive. Nothing worth staring at. Which meant everything interesting was exactly where nobody would look. Vehicles began turning in. Lower access recognized them. Garage swallowed them one by one. Home. That word landed harder than Elisa expected. Not hers. Not officially. Still— home enough. Doors opened. People climbed out. The garage filled with the familiar post-trip chaos. Bags. Weapons. Coolers. Half-finished drinks. Arguments about ownership. Marco immediately began pointing. “Nothing stays in vehicles.” Brenda: “Why?” “Because then tomorrow someone calls me asking where their shit is.” Reyes: “That has happened.” Brenda: “Could happen again.” Marco: “Exactly.” Brenda: “I support consistency.” Marco: “I hate you.” Lena: “No.” Marco: “No.” Panam opened the truck. Shammy immediately appeared beside her. Marco: “Don't unload everything.” Panam looked at him. Marco: “Please.” Panam: “Better.” Marco: “I am learning.” Brenda: “Growth.” Marco: “Shut up.” Elisa climbed out. Della beside her. Mira after. Ace was already across the garage. Saw Elisa. Changed direction immediately. Elisa noticed. So did everyone else. Nobody commented. Yet. Ace reached her. “You survived.” Elisa: “Barely.” Ace: “Coffee?” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Ace grinned. “Definitely survived.” Elisa put both arms around her. Ace hugged back. Harder than necessary. Good. Mai approached behind her. Elisa released Ace. Mai stepped close. One hand at Elisa’s waist. Kiss. Slow enough that Brenda made a low appreciative sound from somewhere behind them. Elisa broke the kiss. “Brenda.” Brenda: “I was thinking.” Iris: “You made a noise.” “That is not speech.” Elisa: “Still counts.” Brenda: “Fine. Nice kiss.” Ace: “Thank you.” Brenda: “Wasn't talking to you.” Ace: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Later?” Ace: “No.” Iris: “Coward.” Brenda stared at her. “Oh.” Iris: “What?” Brenda: “You're having fun.” “Yes.” “Hot.” Mai: “Bags.” Everyone looked at her. Mai: “Before this becomes impossible.” Reyes: “Too late.” Kiro: “Very.” They carried everything into the Safehouse. Not efficiently. But eventually. The upper door opened manually. Safehouse. The shift was immediate. Cabin clothes. Cabin noise. Cabin bodies. Back into rooms they knew without thinking. Shoes kicked aside. Bags dropped where they absolutely should not have been dropped. Marco: “No.” Brenda: “What?” “Not there.” “Why?” “Door.” “I can see the door.” “Then why is your bag in front of it?” Brenda looked down. “Oh.” Iris picked the bag up. Brenda: “Thanks, babe.” Iris: “You're useless.” “Yes.” Kiro collapsed onto the couch. Reyes stood over her. “You carried one backpack.” Kiro: “Emotionally heavy.” Brenda, from across the room: “THAT'S MY LINE.” Kiro: “Mine now.” Reyes sat beside her. Kiro immediately leaned into her. Reyes: “Recovered.” “No.” “Looks like it.” “I can be exhausted and affectionate.” Reyes kissed her. “Yes.” Panam came through carrying one cooler. Shammy behind her with two smaller bags. Ace: “You staying?” Panam: “For a while.” Shammy smiled. Ace: “Good.” Marco: “Truck?” Panam: “Later.” Marco: “You said—” Lena: “Marco.” Marco stopped. “Fine.” Brenda: “He's breaking.” Lena: “No, he's adapting.” Marco: “Barely.” Mira and Della stood near the kitchen for a moment. Not lost. Just recalibrating. Safehouse was different now too. Not because anything had changed. Because they had. Elisa saw it. Mira knew where the glasses were. Della knew which cabinet held coffee. Neither asked. Elisa smiled. Mira noticed. “What?” “Nothing.” Della: “Bullshit.” Elisa: “Yes.” Mira: “You're pleased.” “Yes.” Della: “Why?” Elisa looked around. “You know where things are.” Mira: “Four days.” Elisa: “No.” Della understood first. “Safehouse.” “Yes.” Mira looked around again. Then smiled. “Yeah.” That was enough. Ace had disappeared briefly. Returned carrying three mugs. One for Mai. One for Elisa. One for herself. Elisa took hers. Looked down. Then at Ace. “You remembered.” Ace: “Of course.” Mai: “She remembers everything important.” Ace: “Mostly.” Mai: “No.” Ace: “Rude.” Elisa smiled. Brenda: “What did she remember?” Elisa: “Coffee.” Brenda: “Boring.” Kiro: “No.” Reyes: “Don't.” Kiro: “I wasn't going to.” Everyone looked at her. Kiro: “Fine. I was.” Elisa: “Trauma.” Kiro: “Yes.” Brenda: “Cowards.” Kiro: “You drank none.” Brenda: “Correct.” Reyes: “Exactly.” Brenda: “Self-preservation.” Iris: “For once.” The common room filled. Not because anyone had planned it. Because nobody was ready to split yet. Even after four days together. Especially after four days together. Panam took one end of the couch. Shammy folded into her. Reyes and Kiro already occupied another. Brenda sat on the floor for no apparent reason. Iris took a chair. Marco remained standing because sitting apparently meant surrender. Lena eventually pulled him down beside her. Mira leaned against the kitchen counter. Della beside her. Elisa stood between rooms. Ace looked at her. Then patted the space beside her. Elisa went. No hesitation. Mai on the other side. There. Safehouse. Familiar. Different. Good. Ace: “Better?” Elisa: “Yes.” Mai: “Cabin withdrawal.” Elisa looked at her. “That is real.” Brenda: “Absolutely.” Iris: “You've been back fifteen minutes.” Brenda: “And already suffering.” Panam: “You complained at the cabin too.” “That was recreational.” Reyes: “Still is.” Brenda: “Correct.” Elisa leaned back. Ace’s shoulder against hers. Mai’s hand resting lightly on her thigh. Easy. Loving. No announcement. No performance. Just theirs. Elisa closed her eyes for a second. Brenda: “You're doing that face.” Elisa opened one eye. “What face?” “That stupid happy one.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Yep. That one.” Iris: “Leave her.” Brenda looked at Iris. Then Elisa. Then Ace and Mai. “Oh.” Elisa: “What?” Brenda: “Nothing.” Elisa: “Bullshit.” Brenda: “Yes.” For once she actually let it go. Miracle. The room softened around them. Conversation wandered. Nobody wanted to unpack properly. Nobody wanted to cook properly either. Ace: “Food.” Kiro: “Yes.” Reyes: “Specific.” Ace: “I am hungry.” Mai: “You're always hungry.” Ace looked at her. “Different hunger.” Brenda: “Oh, thank Christ.” Ace: “What?” “I thought you were about to prove otherwise in front of all of us.” Ace: “Wouldn't be the first time.” Silence. Then Reyes: “True.” Brenda pointed. “SEE?” Mai: “Food.” Ace: “Yes.” Elisa laughed. Panam: “Order something.” Marco: “We have food.” Everyone looked at him. Marco: “What?” Brenda: “Marco.” “Yes?” “We just spent four days cooking.” “So?” “No.” Lena: “She has a point.” Marco: “Fuck.” Elisa: “I'll order.” Ace: “No.” Elisa looked at her. “Why?” Ace: “Because you always try to buy enough food for an army.” Elisa: “There are thirteen of us.” Brenda: “She has a point.” Ace: “That's not an army.” Panam: “Depends on the army.” Kiro: “Small army.” Reyes: “Bad army.” Mira: “Expensive army.” Della: “Hungry army.” Brenda: “Horny army.” Everyone: “BRENDA.” Brenda: “What? Accurate.” Iris: “Unfortunately.” Elisa laughed. “Fine. I order for the horny army.” Marco: “Do not call it that when you place the order.” Elisa: “I wasn't going to.” Brenda: “Coward.” Elisa: “Do you want food?” “Yes.” “Then shut up.” Brenda: “Yes, ma'am.” Iris: “Don't.” Brenda: “You just like being the only one who can say that.” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda smiled. “Hot.” Food was ordered. Far too much. Ace looked at the total. Then Elisa. Elisa: “What?” Ace: “Army.” Elisa: “Thirteen.” Ace: “Army.” Mai: “Accept it.” Ace: “Fine.” The first layer of weekend exhaustion finally started catching up. Not collapse. Just weight. Panam sank deeper into the couch. Shammy nearly disappeared against her. Kiro had stopped pretending she wasn't half asleep. Reyes stroked her hair. Marco finally stopped moving. Lena noticed. Said nothing. Brenda noticed. “Is he dead?” Marco opened one eye. “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Alive.” Iris: “Unfortunately.” Marco: “You too?” Iris: “Yes.” Marco: “Cabin ruined everyone.” Elisa: “No.” He looked at her. Elisa smiled. “Improved.” Marco: “You would say that.” “Yes.” Mira: “She had a good weekend.” Brenda: “Understatement.” Elisa: “Do not.” Brenda grinned. “Fine.” Della: “She's learning restraint.” Iris: “No.” Brenda: “Thank you.” The food arrived. That restarted everyone enough to become loud again. Boxes on the table. People eating from the wrong containers. Arguments over sauce. Brenda stealing from Iris. Iris stealing it back. Panam feeding Shammy one bite without thinking. Shammy kissing her cheek. Kiro eating with her head still on Reyes’s shoulder. Ace sitting close enough to Elisa that their knees stayed touching. Mai on Elisa’s other side. Mira and Della across from them. Elisa caught Della looking. Della: “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Mira: “That was something.” Elisa: “Yes.” Brenda: “Can we please ban that conversation?” Everyone looked at her. Brenda: “What?” Reyes: “You created half the repeated phrases this weekend.” Brenda: “Prove it.” Kiro: “Don't say evidence.” Elisa: “Thank you.” Kiro: “I learned.” Marco: “Growth.” Brenda: “Oh fuck off.” Laughter. Again. Safehouse swallowed it easily. No lake. No trees. No sauna. Still them. That mattered. Later— much later— the room began thinning. Not departure. Just dispersal. Marco and Lena downstairs for something Marco claimed was necessary. Nobody believed him. Panam and Shammy disappeared toward one of the rooms. Kiro and Reyes stayed tangled on the couch. Brenda and Iris argued quietly about whether Brenda needed a shower. Brenda: “I had a sauna.” Iris: “You swam after it.” “That is washing.” “No.” “Water touched me.” “No.” Elisa looked at Ace. Ace looked at Mai. Mai looked at Elisa. No words. The three of them stood. Brenda immediately noticed. “Where are you going?” Ace: “None of your fucking business.” Brenda: “So bedroom.” Mai: “Yes.” Brenda: “Oh.” Iris: “Leave them.” Brenda: “I AM leaving them.” Reyes: “You're narrating.” Brenda: “Different.” Kiro: “No.” Ace looked at Brenda. “Goodnight.” Brenda: “It's not night.” Ace: “Goodnight.” Elisa laughed. Mai touched the small of her back. Guided her toward the hall. Not urgent. Not secret. Just away. Their bedroom waited. The Safehouse noise softened behind the door. Elisa stopped inside. Ace closed it. Mai leaned against it for one second after. Quiet. Finally. Elisa looked at them both. “Hi.” Ace smiled. “Hi.” Mai: “Better?” Elisa: “Yes.” No cabin. No audience. No schedule yet. Just the three of them. For a while. Exactly where they needed to be. --- # CHAPTER 79 — LOVING COMPANY The door closed. Not locked. Just closed. That was enough. Safehouse noise remained on the other side. Muted voices. A laugh that was probably Brenda. Something answered by Reyes. Then quieter again. Elisa stood in the middle of the Triad bedroom and looked at Ace. Then Mai. “Hi.” Ace smiled. “Hi.” Mai: “You said that downstairs.” Elisa: “I know.” Ace: “She likes us.” Elisa: “Unfortunately.” Mai: “Terrible judgment.” “Yes.” Ace: “Fuck both of you.” Elisa laughed. Good. There. No grand transition. No emotional speech waiting to ambush her. Just them. She looked around. The room was familiar enough that she no longer felt like she was seeing it for the first time. And unmistakably shared. Ace. Mai. Shammy. Their room. Their actual room. Not an Ace-and-Mai space that Shammy happened to use. Elisa liked that. She liked it even more after the weekend. Ace caught her looking. “What?” Elisa: “Shammy.” Ace’s expression softened immediately. Mai’s did too. Elisa: “Her room too.” Mai: “Yes.” “I know.” Ace: “But?” Elisa shook her head. “No but.” That was exactly the point. Elisa sat on the edge of the bed. Then looked up at them. “I missed this.” Ace: “We've been apart for about fifteen minutes.” “Not you.” Ace looked offended. Elisa smiled. “This.” Mai understood. Of course she did. “The three of us.” “Yes.” Ace’s expression changed. Not dramatically. Just warmth arriving without defense. “Oh.” Elisa: “Don't fucking ‘oh’ me.” Ace: “That was sweet.” “Fuck you.” Ace: “Still sweet.” Mai sat beside Elisa. Elisa leaned into her before thinking about it. Mai’s arm went around her. Automatic. Ace watched. Elisa: “What?” Ace: “Nothing.” “Bullshit.” “Yes.” Elisa held out one hand. Ace took it. Then Elisa pulled. Ace came willingly and ended up on Elisa’s other side. Better. Elisa leaned back. Mai with one arm around her. Ace pressed close enough that their thighs touched. No hurry. No purpose beyond proximity. Elisa let out a long breath. Ace: “That one.” Elisa: “What?” “That was the real one.” Elisa turned her head. “The real what?” “Finally home.” Elisa stared at her. Then: “Fuck you.” Ace smiled. “Yep.” Elisa: “This isn't my home.” Mai: “No.” Simple. No false reassurance. No attempt to change the word. Elisa looked at her. Mai continued: “But you belong here.” That hit harder. Elisa went quiet. Ace squeezed her hand. No rescue. No joke. Good. Elisa looked down at their joined hands. “I know.” And she did. That was perhaps the strangest part. She really did. Safehouse was not her residence. Not her property. Not her life reorganized around somebody else. She had her own life. Her own home. Her own obligations. Her own people waiting for her later tonight. None of that contradicted this. She belonged here. Ace lifted Elisa’s hand and kissed her knuckles. Elisa: “That was disgustingly romantic.” Ace: “Yes.” Mai: “She practiced.” Ace: “I did not.” Elisa: “How many people have you done that to?” Ace: “Enough.” Mai: “Greedy.” Ace slowly looked at her. Elisa started laughing. “Oh, you do not get to call her greedy.” Mai: “I do.” Ace: “She absolutely does.” Elisa looked between them. “You're both fucking impossible.” Ace: “You keep coming back.” “Yes.” Mai: “Poor judgment.” Elisa: “We established that.” Ace shifted. Turned toward Elisa properly. Then kissed her. No cabin audience. No Brenda watching from somewhere nearby. No Mira and Della noticing new territory. No Saturday momentum. Just Ace. Elisa kissed her back. Slow. Familiar. Loving. Ace’s hand settled against the side of her neck. Elisa felt herself smile before they separated. Ace saw it. “There.” Elisa: “Don't.” “That face.” “What face?” “The stupid happy one.” Elisa stared. “You stole that from Brenda.” Ace: “Still accurate.” Elisa: “I hate you.” “No.” “No.” Ace kissed her again. Shorter. Elisa caught her before she could move away and gave her one more. Ace: “Greedy.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Mai: “She has a point.” Elisa turned. “You're next.” Mai: “I know.” That voice. Calm. Completely certain. Elisa: “Cocky bitch.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa kissed her. Mai did not rush. Of course she didn't. One hand settled at Elisa’s waist. The other touched her cheek. Elisa knew this version of Mai. Not Dalia. Not the whiskey-and-smoke voice and neon-pink hair. Mai. The woman behind it. That distinction still mattered. Maybe more now than before. The kiss deepened only enough to make Elisa forget she had been planning another insult. When Mai finally pulled back— Elisa followed. Barely. Mai noticed. Elisa: “Don't.” Mai: “Didn’t need to.” Ace: “You didn't need to.” Elisa: “Both of you can fuck off.” Ace: “No.” Mai: “No.” Elisa laughed. Then pulled them both closer. The three of them fell backward onto the bed with considerably less grace than any of them would later admit. Ace: “Fuck.” Elisa: “You weigh nothing. Stop complaining.” Ace: “I was attacked.” Mai: “You pulled us.” Elisa: “Details.” Ace rolled partly across her. Elisa: “Tiny menace.” Ace: “Rich brat.” Elisa: “Joytoy.” Ace froze. Mai’s mouth twitched. Elisa stared at Ace. Ace stared back. Then: “Bitch.” Elisa: “Yes. Your bitch.” Ace kissed her again. Elisa laughed into it. Mai: “Effective.” Elisa: “Thank you.” Ace: “Do not encourage her.” Mai: “Too late.” They settled eventually. Not neatly. Elisa in the middle. Again. Different bed. Same instinct. Ace curled partly against her. Mai close on the other side. Elisa looked toward the ceiling. “This weekend was fucking insane.” Ace: “Yes.” Mai: “Three coffees.” Elisa groaned. “No.” Ace: “Three.” “I know how many.” Mai: “You tried to reorganize reality.” Elisa: “It needed improvement.” Ace: “You propositioned half the cabin.” Elisa: “Not half.” Mai: “Close.” Elisa: “Bullshit.” Ace: “Mira.” Elisa: “Yes.” “Della.” “Yes.” “Reyes.” Elisa: “That did not happen.” Ace: “Later?” Elisa: “Maybe.” Mai: “Counts.” Elisa: “No.” Ace: “Brenda and Iris.” Elisa: “That happened.” Ace: “Panam and Shammy.” Elisa: “That also happened.” Ace: “You.” Elisa: “What about me?” Mai: “Frequently.” Elisa looked at her. Mai remained completely straight-faced. Ace lost it. Elisa: “You fucking bitch.” Mai: “Yes. Your bitch.” Ace was laughing too hard to contribute. Elisa: “And you.” Ace: “What?” “You are not allowed to laugh after spending half of Monday morning coming in Mai’s lap while everybody packed.” Ace stopped laughing. Elisa smiled. Slowly. Mai said nothing. Which was worse. Ace: “That is private.” Elisa: “There were thirteen people.” Ace: “Private group.” Elisa stared. Then burst out laughing. “You stole Brenda's fucking defense.” Ace: “It was useful.” Mai: “Still wrong.” Ace: “Traitor.” Elisa: “How many times?” Ace: “Fuck you.” Elisa: “Brenda asked.” “And I didn't tell her either.” Mai: “Several.” Ace turned her head. Very slowly. “Mai.” Mai: “What?” Elisa covered her face. “Oh my fucking God.” Ace: “WHY are you answering this today?” Mai: “Accurate information.” Elisa: “I love you.” Mai looked at her. Ace stopped. Elisa realized what she had said. Not because she had never said it. Because it had come out with absolutely no weight attached. No moment prepared for it. No decision. Just truth. Mai kissed her. Soft. “I love you too.” Ace: “Hey.” Elisa turned. Ace looked personally offended. Elisa: “What?” “I was here.” Elisa: “I love you too, you needy little shit.” Ace: “Better.” Elisa kissed her. Ace immediately softened. There. That. Elisa understood something she had been circling all weekend. The cabin had not created this. It had not upgraded anything. It had not turned a client into a friend or a friend into a lover. That had happened long before. The cabin had simply put them somewhere with enough time that Elisa could see the shape of what already existed. Ace loved her. Mai loved her. She loved them. Not like the Triad loved itself. Not as another point added to that structure. She didn't need that. She didn't want to steal a shape that already belonged to Ace, Mai and Shammy. This was theirs. Different. Real anyway. Elisa: “Can I say something stupid?” Ace: “Always.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa: “I liked waking up with you.” Ace smiled. Elisa: “Don't.” “I didn't say anything.” “You're doing the face.” Ace: “What face?” “The fucking Ace face.” Mai: “Specific.” Elisa: “You know exactly what I mean.” Mai: “Yes.” Elisa looked at the ceiling again. “I liked waking up between you. I liked going to sleep with you. I liked not having to ask whether I was supposed to leave.” Ace: “You weren't.” “I know.” Mai: “You never have to ask that with us.” Elisa turned toward her. Mai: “If we need something different, we'll tell you.” There. That was Mai. No sentimental fog. No vague promise. A boundary so clear it became reassurance. Elisa: “Good.” Ace: “And if we want you in bed, we'll drag you there.” Elisa: “Also good.” Mai: “She means literally.” Elisa looked at Ace. Ace: “I could.” Elisa: “You're four fucking feet tall.” Ace: “Approximately.” Elisa: “I could put you on a shelf.” Ace: “You wouldn't dare.” Elisa: “I absolutely would.” Mai: “High shelf.” Ace looked betrayed. “You're both assholes.” Elisa: “Loving assholes.” Ace: “Fine.” Silence returned. Not empty. Elisa’s fingers moved through Ace’s short hair. Ace relaxed against her. Mai’s hand rested across Elisa’s stomach. Warm. Still. Elisa closed her eyes. No urgency. Her body was still reminding her occasionally that Saturday had been enthusiastic enough to have consequences. She smiled at that. Ace: “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Mai: “Something.” Elisa opened her eyes. “You two really need new material.” Ace: “You smiled.” Elisa: “I am allowed.” Mai: “Saturday?” Elisa looked at her. Then laughed. “Maybe.” Ace: “Still sore?” “A little.” Mai’s expression changed. Not worried. Checking. Elisa knew the difference. “Much better.” Mai: “Good.” Ace: “Worth it?” Elisa stared. Ace grinned. Elisa: “Brenda has infected you.” Ace: “She asked a valid question.” “Yes.” Ace: “Yes what?” Elisa: “Worth it.” Mai: “Good.” Elisa looked between them. “And before either of you asks—no, I do not know what Mira and Della are.” Neither answered immediately. That was why she had told them. Ace: “Okay.” Mai: “You don't need to.” “I know.” Ace: “Do you like them?” Elisa: “Yes.” Mai: “Do they like you?” Elisa: “Yes.” Ace: “Then you're already ahead of most Night City relationships.” Elisa laughed. “Low fucking bar.” “Yes.” Mai: “Don't force it.” “I won't.” Ace: “And don't let Brenda name it.” Elisa: “Jesus Christ, no.” Mai: “Important.” Elisa: “She'd have us married by Wednesday.” Ace: “Tuesday.” Mai: “Tonight.” Elisa: “Fuck.” They laughed. Then Ace kissed Elisa’s shoulder. Mai’s thumb moved once against her side. The laughter faded naturally. Elisa looked at them. She knew there was a clock somewhere outside this room. Later tonight Reyes would take her back. There would be a handoff. Security. Her other life waiting exactly where she had left it. Fine. Not yet. Elisa: “How long do I have?” Mai understood the actual question. “A while.” Ace: “Reyes will tell us.” Elisa: “Good.” No phone checking. No schedule. No countdown. Reyes had it. For now, Elisa could let someone else know the time. She shifted lower into the bed. Ace followed. Mai did too. Elisa: “I'm not sleeping.” Ace: “Sure.” “I'm not.” Mai: “Of course.” “Fuck you.” Ace: “Say it again while looking at me.” Elisa opened one eye. “No.” Ace gasped. Mai: “Finally.” Elisa started laughing again. Ace attacked. Not seriously. A pillow. Elisa caught it. “OH, you tiny fucking—” Ace grabbed another. Elisa: “Mai.” Mai: “No.” “You're not helping?” “I am observing.” Ace: “Coward.” Mai: “Winning.” Elisa swung the pillow. Ace ducked. Barely. It hit Mai. Silence. Elisa froze. Ace froze. Mai slowly looked at the pillow. Then Elisa. Elisa: “Accident.” Ace: “Run.” Elisa: “Where?” Ace: “Good point.” Mai picked up the pillow. Elisa: “Mai.” Mai: “Yes?” “Loving company.” Mai hit her with it. Ace screamed laughing. Elisa grabbed Ace and pulled her into the line of fire. “TRAITOR!” “You started it!” “You told me to run!” “You didn't!” “THERE'S ONE FUCKING DOOR!” Mai hit both of them. Somewhere outside the bedroom— Brenda: “WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU THREE DOING?” Ace shouted: “NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS.” Brenda: “THAT SOUNDS LIKE MY BUSINESS.” Reyes: “Leave them alone.” Brenda: “I AM.” Iris: “No, you're shouting through the Safehouse.” Brenda: “THEY STARTED IT.” Elisa yelled: “FUCK OFF, BRENDA.” Brenda: “LOVE YOU TOO.” Elisa collapsed backward. Ace landed partly on top of her. Mai still held the pillow. All three breathing harder from laughing. Elisa looked at Ace. Then Mai. Ace smiled. Mai did too. Elisa reached for both. This time nobody joked. Ace came willingly. Mai put the pillow down and joined them. Elisa kissed Ace. Then Mai. Then simply held them. The Safehouse continued outside. Their lives continued outside. Later would come. Reyes would come. Elisa would leave. All true. None of it needed to happen yet. For now— just loving company. --- # CHAPTER 80 — NOT YET GOODBYE Nobody slept. Technically. Elisa woke with Ace’s face pressed against her shoulder. She stared at the ceiling. Then very slowly looked down. Ace was asleep. Completely. One arm across Elisa. Breathing slow. Elisa turned her head. Mai had her eyes closed too. Elisa: “You fucking liars.” Mai: “I’m awake.” Elisa nearly jumped. “Jesus.” Mai opened one eye. “Quiet.” Elisa looked at Ace. Still asleep. Then back at Mai. “You said I’d fall asleep.” Mai: “No.” “Ace did.” Mai: “She was correct.” Elisa: “She fell asleep first.” “Yes.” Elisa smiled. “Can I use that against her?” Mai: “Absolutely.” Elisa stared. “You’re supposed to defend her.” Mai: “I do.” “This is not defending her.” “It will make her happy.” Elisa considered that. “Fair.” Mai closed her eye again. Elisa: “Are we getting up?” “No.” “Good.” So they didn't. The Safehouse had grown quieter. Not silent. Never. But the first post-trip explosion had burned itself down. Elisa could hear occasional movement outside the room. Doors. Water somewhere. A voice too soft to identify. Then nothing. She shifted slightly. Ace made a small unhappy sound and tightened her arm. Elisa froze. Mai: “Trapped.” Elisa whispered: “Apparently.” “Dangerous.” “She weighs nothing.” Ace, eyes still closed: “Fuck you.” Elisa grinned. “You're awake.” “No.” “You spoke.” “No.” Mai: “Strong argument.” Ace: “Traitor.” Elisa: “Still asleep?” “Yes.” “Good.” She kissed Ace’s forehead. Ace smiled without opening her eyes. Elisa saw it. Her chest did something stupid. Again. Fine. She was getting used to that. A little. Mai watched her. Elisa: “Don't.” Mai: “Wasn’t necessary.” “Yes, you did.” “No.” “With your face.” Mai: “Specific.” Elisa: “Fuck both of you.” Ace: “Still counts.” Elisa: “No.” Ace opened one eye. “You said that before.” “Yes.” “It was wrong then too.” Elisa kissed her. Ace accepted this as vindication. Of course she did. When Elisa pulled back, Ace finally stretched. Then stopped. Winced slightly. Mai: “What?” Ace: “Nothing.” Elisa: “Bullshit.” Ace: “Cabin.” Mai: “Specific.” Ace looked at her. “You know.” Mai did. Elisa unfortunately did too. A grin tried to appear. Ace saw it. “No.” Elisa: “You already knew.” “You were about to.” “No.” “Elisa.” Elisa lost the fight. “How's your lap?” Ace threw a pillow at her. It missed. Barely. Elisa: “Tiny arms.” Ace: “FUCK YOU.” Mai: “Accurate.” Ace turned slowly. “You are both terrible.” Elisa: “Your bitches.” Ace paused. Then smiled. “Yeah.” Mai: “Yes.” That softened the room again. Not solemn. Just true. Elisa looked at Mai. Mai looked back. No hesitation in that either. Interesting how quickly some words stopped needing preparation. Elisa reached for Mai. Mai came closer. Kiss. Easy. Elisa turned and kissed Ace too. Ace immediately stole a second. Elisa: “Greedy.” Ace: “Yes.” Mai: “Finally honest.” Ace: “I've always been honest.” Both Elisa and Mai looked at her. Ace: “Mostly.” Elisa laughed. The laugh turned into a yawn. Ace: “Ha.” Elisa: “Shut up.” “You slept.” “So did you.” “I was resting.” “You were drooling.” Ace froze. Mai: “No.” Elisa looked at her. Mai: “She wasn't.” Elisa: “Damn.” Ace: “Defended.” Mai: “Accuracy.” Ace: “I'll take it.” Elisa checked nothing. Not the time. Not messages. Nothing. She could have. Didn't want to. Reyes would tell them. That arrangement had become strangely luxurious. Not because Elisa normally lacked staff capable of keeping schedules. She had plenty. This was different. Reyes wasn't managing Elisa. She was simply holding one small responsibility until the moment came. Elisa liked that distinction. Ace eventually sat up. Hair completely destroyed. Elisa stared. Ace: “What?” Elisa: “Nothing.” Mai: “Hair.” Elisa: “Yes.” Ace touched it. “Oh, fuck you.” Elisa: “You look adorable.” “I will kill you.” “Adorable threat.” Ace narrowed her eyes. Mai sat up too. Perfectly unfair. Elisa: “How?” Mai: “What?” “Why does your hair look normal?” Ace: “She cheats.” Mai: “No.” “You absolutely cheat.” Mai: “How?” Ace: “I don't know.” Mai: “Compelling.” Elisa leaned against Mai’s shoulder. Ace: “Betrayal.” Elisa: “You threatened to kill me.” “Lovingly.” “Still.” Ace moved closer anyway. Within seconds, all three were touching again. Apparently distance had become unacceptable. Elisa: “We're ridiculous.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Speak for yourself.” Elisa and Mai looked at her. Ace: “Fine.” A knock came at the door. One. Then nothing. Nobody answered immediately. Another knock. Reyes: “Alive?” Ace: “No.” Elisa laughed. Reyes: “Good.” Footsteps began moving away. Elisa: “Wait.” They stopped. Reyes: “Yeah?” Elisa: “Is it time?” Brief pause. “No.” Elisa relaxed before she could stop herself. Reyes heard it. Of course she did. “About an hour.” Elisa: “Okay.” Reyes: “I'll tell you.” “Thanks.” Another pause. Then Reyes: “Food, if Brenda hasn't eaten all it.” From farther away: “I HEARD THAT.” Reyes: “Good.” Elisa smiled. Ace: “Hour.” Elisa: “Apparently.” Mai: “Enough.” Yes. Enough. Not forever. Didn't need to be. Elisa got up first. Slowly. Ace: “How's—” Elisa turned. “Finish that question.” Ace smiled. “Your leg?” “Coward.” Mai: “Improved?” Elisa stretched carefully. “Almost normal.” Ace: “Almost?” Elisa: “Saturday was ambitious.” Mai: “Accurate.” Elisa: “Very.” Ace: “Worth—” Elisa threw the pillow. This time it hit. Ace: “ASSHOLE.” Elisa: “Yes.” Mai: “Your asshole?” Silence. Elisa stared at her. Ace stared at her. Mai's face did not move. Elisa: “Oh my God.” Ace collapsed laughing. Elisa pointed at Mai. “You.” Mai: “Yes?” “You are getting worse.” Ace: “Better.” Elisa: “Worse.” Mai: “Cabin damage.” Elisa: “Permanent?” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “Triad.” Elisa: “Not you too.” Ace: “Sorry.” “No you're not.” “No.” They eventually left the bedroom. No dramatic emergence. No suspicious attempts at looking innocent. That would have been pointless with this group anyway. The common area had thinned considerably. Marco and Lena were gone. Panam was still there. Shammy beside her, barefoot, curled sideways into the couch. Kiro occupied another couch. Reyes sat beside her. Iris had somehow ended up half reclined in a chair with Brenda on the floor between her knees. Mira and Della were at the kitchen counter. Still there. Elisa stopped. She had not expected the little hit of pleasure that caused. Della noticed first. “Nap?” Elisa: “No.” Mira looked at Ace. Then Elisa. Then Mai. “Sure.” Ace: “Fuck you.” Della: “Definitely a nap.” Elisa: “They fell asleep first.” Ace: “TRAITOR.” Mira: “Useful information.” Mai: “Accurate.” Ace: “WHY IS EVERYONE AGAINST ME?” Brenda looked up. “Because you're easy.” Ace: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “See?” Reyes: “She walked into that.” Kiro: “Ran.” Ace: “I hate this house.” Shammy: “No.” Ace looked at her. Shammy smiled. Ace immediately crossed the room. Bent. Kissed her. “Hi.” Shammy: “Hi.” Panam watched them with the easy expression of someone who had already spent four days surrounded by exactly this. Ace kissed Panam too. Panam: “Hi.” Ace: “Hi.” Elisa watched. There it was again. No hierarchy being negotiated. No jealousy performance. Just people knowing where they belonged with each other. Mira looked toward Elisa. Elisa caught her. Mira: “What?” “You were looking.” “Yes.” “Why?” Mira glanced toward Ace and Shammy. Then back. “Learning.” Elisa understood. “Yeah.” Della: “Dangerous.” Mira: “Fuck you.” Elisa smiled. There. It really had infected everyone. Or perhaps the cabin had merely removed enough hesitation to let existing filth breathe. Brenda: “You three fuck?” The entire room looked at her. Iris: “Brenda.” “What?” Elisa: “That took longer than expected.” Brenda: “I was being respectful.” Reyes: “No.” Brenda: “I waited.” Kiro: “She did.” Iris looked down at Brenda. “How long?” Brenda: “Since they went in.” Iris: “That is not respectful.” Brenda: “It's fucking heroic.” Elisa: “No.” Brenda: “No what?” “No answer.” Brenda: “Coward.” Elisa: “Yes.” Ace: “We napped.” Elisa turned. “YOU—” Brenda: “HA!” Ace: “Fuck.” Mai: “Accurate.” Elisa: “You absolute tiny fucking snitch.” Ace: “You told them I slept first!” “That was tactical.” “So was this.” Brenda was laughing too hard to speak. Iris looked delighted despite herself. Reyes: “Children.” Kiro: “Thirteen-year-olds.” Panam: “Generous.” Shammy: “Very.” Elisa crossed to the kitchen. Mira moved enough to make room without being asked. Della handed Elisa a drink. Elisa took it. “Thanks.” Then looked at the two of them. “You stayed.” Mira: “Yes.” Della: “Problem?” “No.” Too quick. Again. Della smiled. Elisa: “Don't.” “Didn't say anything.” “You were telegraphing it.” Brenda, from across the room: “BANNED PHRASE.” Elisa: “FUCK OFF.” Brenda: “THAT'S BETTER.” Iris covered her face with one hand. Elisa turned back to Mira and Della. “Are you heading out soon?” Mira: “Eventually.” Della: “No rush.” Elisa nodded. Good. No request. No invitation. No need to turn every warm thing into a plan. The three of them stood together. Close. Elisa’s shoulder against Della’s. Mira within easy touching distance. New. Still new. Comfortable enough that Elisa no longer had to catalogue every contact. That felt important. Della looked down at the hoodie Elisa was still wearing. Elisa: “No.” “I wasn't asking.” “You were thinking.” “Yes.” “Still mine.” Della: “For now.” Elisa raised an eyebrow. Mira: “Negotiations.” Elisa: “I'll buy your entire wardrobe.” Della: “No.” Elisa blinked. Then laughed. “Good answer.” Mira: “You'd do it.” “Yes.” Della: “I know.” “And?” “I want this one back eventually.” Elisa looked down at it. Then at Della. “Eventually.” Della: “Deal.” No amount. No conditions. Good. The room moved around them. Brenda and Iris eventually disappeared toward their room after a discussion in which Iris told Brenda exactly why she needed a shower and Brenda became visibly enthusiastic about the proposed supervision. Nobody asked. Nobody needed to. Panam stood. Shammy immediately looked up. Panam: “Truck.” Marco had apparently infected her too. Shammy: “I'll help.” Panam: “You'll distract.” “Yes.” “Fine.” They left together. Ace watched Shammy go. Warm. No concern. She knew exactly where Shammy was going and exactly who with. Elisa loved that too. Kiro finally sat upright. Regretted it immediately. Reyes: “Alive?” “No.” “Coffee?” Kiro looked horrified. Reyes: “Normal coffee.” Kiro: “You have to specify now.” Elisa: “Sorry.” Kiro: “No you're not.” Elisa: “No.” Reyes kissed Kiro's temple. Then looked at Elisa. The look lasted maybe half a second. Nothing urgent. Nothing sad. Just: Later. Elisa understood. She looked away first. Not avoiding. Simply because there was still time. Ace appeared beside her. Small enough to do it without warning. Elisa: “Jesus.” Ace: “Hi.” “You've said hi approximately nine times today.” “Ten.” “That doesn't help.” Mai joined them. Mira looked at both. Then Elisa. Della did the same. No tension. Just observation. Elisa: “What?” Della: “Nothing.” Brenda’s voice floated from behind a closed door: “BANNED.” Everyone laughed. Even Reyes. Elisa shook her head. “Fucking house.” Ace: “Yeah.” Mai: “Yeah.” Elisa looked around. Safehouse. Not hers. Still not hers. That mattered. But she belonged here. That mattered too. Reyes would come when the hour was gone. Elisa would leave with her. Security would be waiting. The handoff would happen correctly. Her life would continue. And sometime after that— she would come back. No drama. No promise. No question. Just fact. For now, she stood between people she loved. Mira and Della close. Ace at one side. Mai at the other. Reyes keeping the clock without making Elisa look at it. And Monday— fucking Monday— still had not managed to take the weekend away from them. --- # CHAPTER 81 — THE LAST HOUR The last hour did not look like an hour. That helped. Nobody started a countdown. Nobody said twenty minutes. Nobody looked meaningfully at Elisa every time a clock existed somewhere in peripheral vision. Reyes had said she would tell her. So everyone else left it alone. Mostly. Brenda eventually reappeared with wet hair. Iris behind her. Brenda looked offensively pleased with life. Kiro looked up from the couch. “Shower?” Brenda: “Yes.” Iris sat down. Reyes: “That happy?” Brenda: “Excellent shower.” Iris: “Brenda.” “What?” Ace: “Oh.” Brenda: “What?” Ace: “Nothing.” Brenda: “No, come on.” Ace: “I don't want details.” Brenda stared. “You?” “Yes.” “Are you sick?” Mai: “No.” Elisa: “She's learning.” Ace: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Impossible.” Iris: “She isn't.” Brenda looked at her. Then smiled. “Hi.” Iris: “Don't.” “Love you.” “Yes.” Brenda sat beside her anyway. Elisa watched them for half a second. Then looked away because Mira had stolen one of the remaining food boxes. “You said you weren't hungry.” Mira: “I lied.” Della: “She does that.” Mira: “Professionally.” Elisa: “That word is ruined.” Reyes: “Yes.” Marco, returning from the garage with Lena: “What word?” Everyone: “NOTHING.” Marco stopped. “No.” Lena: “Correct response.” Marco looked around. “You're all still here?” Panam’s voice came from the hall: “Some of us.” She appeared a moment later. Shammy with her. Marco looked relieved. “Truck?” Panam: “Fine.” “You checked—” Panam: “Marco.” He stopped. Panam: “Fine.” Marco: “Good.” Lena: “Sit.” “I just sat.” “Twenty minutes ago.” Marco: “Different operational—” The room erupted. Marco stared at them. “What?” Brenda: “NO.” Elisa: “Absolutely fucking not.” Reyes: “Retire it.” Kiro: “Immediately.” Marco looked genuinely confused. “I was going to say situation.” Silence. Then Ace started laughing. Brenda: “That's worse.” Marco: “How?” Mai: “Don't ask.” Lena took his hand. “Sit.” Marco sat. That solved one problem. For approximately thirty seconds. Then Elisa felt Della tug lightly at the sleeve of the hoodie. Elisa looked down. Then up. “No.” Della: “I didn't ask.” “You touched it.” “Yes.” “Possessively.” Della: “My hoodie.” Elisa: “Your former hoodie.” Mira: “This is becoming territorial.” Elisa: “She gave it to me.” Della: “I lent it.” Elisa: “You absolutely did not specify that.” Della: “I am specifying it now.” “No retroactive contract terms.” Mira: “She has lawyers.” Elisa: “I don't need lawyers for this.” Della: “Clearly.” Elisa held the hoodie closed with both hands. “Mine.” Della: “You've had it one day.” “Best day of its life.” Della stared at her. Then laughed. “Keep it.” Elisa immediately relaxed. Mira: “That easy?” Della: “I'll steal something of hers.” Elisa: “You can ask.” Della: “Less fun.” Elisa: “Fair.” Ace had been listening. Of course. “What are you stealing?” Della looked at Elisa. “Undecided.” Ace: “Take something expensive.” Elisa: “Traitor.” Ace: “She can afford it.” Della: “That's exactly why I won't.” That made Elisa look at her. Della saw it. “What?” “Nothing.” Mira: “Oh, that was definitely something.” Elisa: “Fuck off.” Della smiled. Good. Still new. Still moving. No need to shove it. Shammy came over and touched Elisa’s sleeve. “The hoodie likes you.” Elisa stared. “Can you actually tell that?” Shammy smiled. “No.” Panam: “She got you.” Elisa: “You bitch.” Shammy kissed her cheek. “Yes.” Elisa laughed. Then hugged her. Shammy hugged back immediately. Longer than a greeting. Elisa: “I liked this weekend with you.” Shammy: “I liked it with you too.” Panam: “She liked almost all of it.” Shammy: “Yes.” Elisa: “Almost?” Shammy: “Coffee.” Kiro: “THANK YOU.” Elisa groaned. “It was one mistake.” Everyone: “THREE.” Elisa: “Fuck all of you.” Brenda: “Now it feels like home.” Elisa stopped. Brenda stopped too. For once, the line had escaped before she inspected it. Elisa looked at her. Brenda’s expression changed slightly. Not apology. Just awareness. Elisa smiled. “Yeah.” Ace said nothing. Mai said nothing. Neither needed to. Brenda recovered first. Obviously. “Also, you screamed like a dying turbine.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” “Much better.” The room moved on. Exactly right. Elisa found herself beside Reyes eventually. Not because Reyes summoned her. They simply ended up near the kitchen at the same time. Reyes was pouring water. Elisa: “You've been watching the time.” “Yes.” “How long?” Reyes glanced at her. “Do you actually want to know?” Elisa considered. “No.” “Then don't ask.” Elisa smiled. “Fair.” Reyes handed her a glass. Elisa took it. “Thank you.” “For water?” “For the weekend.” Reyes leaned against the counter. “You're thanking the wrong person.” “No.” Reyes looked at her. Elisa: “You picked me up.” “Yes.” “You made the handoff.” “Yes.” “You brought me into this.” Reyes: “I drove a car.” Elisa: “Bullshit.” Reyes smiled slightly. There. Elisa: “And you threw Ace into a lake.” Reyes: “That was personal.” Ace, from across the room: “I HEARD THAT.” Reyes: “Good.” Elisa laughed. Then quieter: “I had a good weekend.” “I noticed.” “Was I obvious?” Reyes looked toward Mira. Then Della. Then Ace and Mai. Then back to Elisa. “Yes.” Elisa: “Fuck.” Reyes: “Not a problem.” “No.” A beat. Elisa: “Later?” Reyes met her eyes. There it was. Friday. Not forgotten. Not cashed in because a line once existed. Still there. “Maybe.” Elisa smiled. “Good.” Reyes: “Still maybe.” “I know.” No negotiation. No push. Enough. Kiro appeared beside Reyes and leaned against her. “Stealing my person?” Elisa: “Maybe.” Kiro: “Expensive.” Elisa: “I can afford her.” Reyes: “No.” Elisa: “I know.” Kiro: “Good answer.” Elisa: “You're both impossible.” Kiro: “Yes.” Reyes kissed Kiro. Casual. Easy. Then Kiro reached out and pulled Elisa into a brief hug. Elisa blinked. Returned it. Kiro: “Next time, one coffee.” Elisa: “Two.” Kiro released her immediately. “No.” “One.” “Zero.” Elisa: “Coward.” Kiro: “Survivor.” Reyes: “Zero.” Elisa: “Fine.” She was lying. Everyone knew it. Nobody cared. Across the room, Marco had somehow acquired a toolkit. Lena: “No.” Marco: “I didn't open it.” “No.” “The garage door made a noise.” Panam: “It closed.” “I know.” Panam: “That is the noise.” Marco looked at her. Panam looked back. Marco: “I know that.” Lena held out her hand. Marco: “Seriously?” “Yes.” He gave her the toolkit. Brenda: “Hot.” Iris: “You find everything hot.” “No.” Iris raised an eyebrow. Brenda: “Most things.” Mira: “Honest.” Brenda: “Thank you.” Della: “Rare.” Brenda pointed. “I liked you better Thursday.” Della: “No, you didn't.” Brenda: “True.” Elisa smiled. Thursday. That felt absurdly far away. She remembered arriving at the Safehouse before the drive. Recognizing Mira and Della. The first realization that they were coming too. Panam. The convoy. The cabin. Four days. Now Della’s hoodie was hers. For now. Mira knew where the glasses were. Reyes had a maybe waiting somewhere in the future. Ace and Mai had told her she belonged here. That was a lot for four days. Maybe too much. Except none of it felt like too much. The weekend had not invented relationships. It had given existing ones room. And started a few things nobody needed to name yet. Ace appeared in front of Elisa. “Hi.” Elisa stared. “Again?” “Yes.” “You're broken.” “Yes.” Ace held out both arms. Elisa laughed. Then bent enough to hug her. Ace: “No.” “What?” “Properly.” Elisa rolled her eyes. Then lifted Ace. Ace: “HEY.” Brenda: “YES.” Elisa: “You said properly.” Ace: “PUT ME DOWN.” “You weigh nothing.” “I HAVE LEGS.” Mai: “Short ones.” Silence. Ace slowly turned her head toward Mai. The room exploded. Even Panam bent forward laughing. Ace: “YOU.” Mai: “Yes?” “FUCK YOU.” Mai: “Later.” Brenda made a sound that probably damaged something internally. Iris put her face in both hands. Elisa still held Ace. Ace looked at her. “Why am I still up here?” Elisa: “Because this is funny.” “Bitch.” “Your bitch.” Ace stopped. Then— kissed her. Still being held. Not shy. Not performative either. Just Ace changing weapons. Elisa kissed her back. When they separated: Ace: “Down.” Elisa: “Okay.” She put her down carefully. Mai: “High shelf next time.” Ace pointed at her. “I remember things.” Mai: “I know.” Elisa: “So does she.” Ace: “FUCK.” Another wave of laughter. Good. Exactly good. Then, sometime after that— Reyes stood. Nothing dramatic. No announcement. She simply stood. Elisa saw it immediately. The room did not. Not yet. Reyes checked something once. Then looked at Elisa. There. Time. Elisa’s smile faded only slightly. Not sadness. Recognition. Reyes: “About ten.” Elisa nodded. “Okay.” Ace heard. Mai too. Of course. Nobody said anything for a second. Then Brenda: “Ten what?” Iris: “Minutes.” Brenda looked at Elisa. “Oh.” Elisa: “Don't.” Brenda: “I wasn't going to.” And surprisingly— she wasn't. Mira straightened slightly. Della looked at Elisa. Shammy’s attention shifted. Panam watched her. The room had understood now. Elisa hated that for approximately three seconds. Then she didn't. Because nobody turned it into a funeral. Ace: “Your stuff?” Elisa: “Almost nothing.” Della tugged the hoodie. Elisa slapped her hand away. “This is coming with me.” Della: “I know.” Mira: “Anything from the cabin still in vehicles?” Marco: “No.” Everyone looked at him. Marco: “What?” Lena: “He actually knows.” Marco: “Of course I know.” Panam: “Miracle.” Marco: “Fuck you.” Elisa laughed. Ten minutes. Fine. She could do ten minutes. Mai came close. No words. Just a hand against Elisa’s lower back. Ace beside her. Shammy came too. Elisa opened one arm. Shammy took the invitation and hugged her. Elisa kissed her cheek. “See you soon.” Shammy: “Yes.” Panam: “You will.” Elisa looked at Panam. “That a threat?” “Probably.” Elisa hugged her too. Panam allowed it for approximately one second before hugging back properly. “Good weekend, princess.” Elisa pulled back. “Princess?” Panam: “Yes.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Panam: “Good.” Kiro got her hug without asking. Reyes got one too. Longer. Elisa: “You're driving.” “Yes.” “Good.” Reyes: “Obviously.” Brenda: “Can I come?” Everyone: “NO.” Brenda: “I was asking politely.” Iris: “You weren't invited.” Brenda: “That's why I asked.” Elisa walked over. Brenda stood. Elisa hugged her. Brenda: “Oh.” “Shut up.” Brenda hugged her back. Hard. “Had fun?” Elisa: “Fuck yes.” “Good.” Elisa pulled back. Iris was already standing. Her hug was quieter. Elisa kissed her lightly. “Take care of the idiot.” Iris: “I do.” Brenda: “I'M RIGHT HERE.” Iris: “I know.” Mira and Della waited. That was different. Not difficult. Just different. Elisa walked toward them. Mira: “Ten minutes.” “Yes.” Della: “You hate that.” “Yes.” Mira: “Come here.” Elisa did. Mira hugged her. Elisa held on. No rush. When they separated, Mira kissed her. Simple. Warm. Still carrying that slight newness. Elisa smiled. “Hi.” Mira: “Wrong direction.” “I know.” Then Della. Elisa grabbed the front of the hoodie. Della: “My hoodie.” Elisa: “Mine.” Della kissed her. Elisa forgot the argument. Briefly. When they parted: Della: “Keep it.” Elisa: “I was going to.” “I know.” Elisa looked between them. “Don't make this weird.” Mira: “We weren't going to.” Della: “You might.” Elisa: “Fuck you.” Mira: “Better.” No plans. No definition. No attempt to solve what Saturday had begun. Just— see you again. Obviously. That was enough. Then Ace. Then Mai. Elisa looked at them. Brenda quietly took one step backward. That might have been the most respectful thing she had done all weekend. Ace came first. Elisa hugged her. Ace immediately climbed into it as if size had never mattered. Elisa closed her eyes. Ace: “You're coming back.” Not a question. “Yes.” “Good.” Elisa kissed her. Long. Loving. No hurry. When they separated, Ace stayed close. Elisa: “Love you.” Ace: “Love you too.” Easy now. Still powerful. Mai waited exactly as long as needed. Elisa turned. Mai took her face gently between both hands. Kissed her. Same quiet density as before. Elisa’s hands settled at Mai’s waist. For a few seconds the Safehouse disappeared. Then the kiss ended. Elisa rested her forehead against Mai’s. “Love you.” Mai: “Love you.” Elisa breathed. Then smiled. “Your bitch.” Mai’s mouth moved. Barely. “My bitch.” Brenda made one tiny strangled noise. Iris elbowed her. Elisa laughed against Mai. Perfect. Reyes: “Five.” Elisa: “Yeah.” There it was. Not goodbye. Just time. She pulled away. Took one last look around the Safehouse common room. People she had known before Thursday. People she knew differently now. Ace. Mai. Shammy. Reyes. Kiro. Brenda. Iris. Panam. Mira. Della. Marco. Lena. No speeches. Thank fuck. Elisa: “Okay.” Reyes: “Ready?” Elisa looked at Ace. Mai. Then Mira and Della. Then back at Reyes. “No.” Reyes: “Good enough.” Elisa laughed. “Yeah.” Good enough. They headed for the upper door. Elisa did not look back immediately. Made it three steps. Then did. Everyone was still there. Ace raised one hand. Elisa raised hers. Then Reyes opened the door. Not the end yet. Just the next part of Monday. --- # CHAPTER 82 — HANDOFF The Safehouse door closed behind them. Quietly. No dramatic final click. No symbolic bullshit. Just a door. Elisa stood beside Reyes for one second. Then: “I hate Mondays.” Reyes: “You've mentioned.” Elisa: “Still true.” “Useful update.” “Fuck you.” Reyes: “Better.” They moved on. The noise of the Safehouse faded behind them. Not gone. Just separated now. That mattered more than Elisa expected. Five minutes ago there had been thirteen people. Now— two. Reyes and Elisa. Exactly how Thursday had started. Elisa noticed that too. Of course she did. “You planned this.” Reyes glanced at her. “What?” “Taking me back alone.” “No.” Elisa: “Bullshit.” “No.” “You picked me up alone.” “Yes.” “And now you're taking me back.” “Yes.” “And you didn't plan the symmetry.” “No.” Elisa stared. Reyes: “You think I spend this much time constructing emotional geometry?” “Yes.” Reyes: “That's Mai.” Elisa laughed. “Fair.” The garage was quieter now. Most of the vehicles already settled. Trip residue mostly gone. Marco had apparently succeeded in removing everything that could possibly cause him emotional damage overnight. Elisa looked toward the vehicles. Then back. “Which one?” Reyes: “Mine.” “Good.” “You expected something else?” “No.” Elisa paused. “Actually yes.” Reyes: “What?” “Marco insisting on checking it first.” Reyes opened the door. “He did.” Elisa stared. “Of course he fucking did.” “Yes.” They got in. Doors shut. Safehouse became something seen through glass. Then less. Then behind them. Elisa did look back this time. Only once. Reyes noticed. Said nothing. Good. The city took over almost immediately. Night City after the cabin felt louder than before. Not physically. Probably. But four days of lake and trees had recalibrated something unpleasantly. Elisa watched streets pass. Neon. Traffic. People. Advertisements. Everything demanding attention. Ace would hate half of those billboards. Mai would ignore all of them. Shammy would probably notice something nobody else could. Brenda would find something obscene in one within thirty seconds. Elisa smiled. Reyes: “What?” “Nothing.” Reyes looked at her. Elisa: “Don't.” “I didn't say anything.” Elisa: “Fuck.” Reyes: “Banned.” Elisa groaned. “I'm going to hear Brenda shouting that in my head for weeks.” “Yes.” “That's terrible.” “Yes.” Another block passed. Elisa: “She's wonderful.” Reyes: “Unfortunately.” “You love her.” “Yes.” Simple. Elisa turned. Reyes kept her eyes on traffic. No hesitation. No embarrassment. No qualifier. Elisa smiled again. Then: “You all do that.” “Do what?” “Say things like that.” Reyes: “What things?” “Love.” Reyes glanced at her. Elisa: “Not speeches. Just—” She gestured vaguely. “Facts.” Reyes: “Usually easier.” “Yes.” Elisa looked outside again. “It is.” Silence. Comfortable. Then Elisa: “I'm going back.” Reyes: “To the Safehouse?” “Yes.” “Obviously.” Elisa looked at her. “You say that like there was never a question.” “There wasn't.” Elisa: “Good.” Reyes: “You already had access.” “I know.” “Then stop manufacturing problems.” Elisa: “I like problems.” “Yes.” “I solve them.” “You also create them.” Elisa thought. “Fair.” Traffic slowed. Elisa shifted in her seat. Not badly. Just enough. Reyes noticed. “Still sore?” Elisa sighed. “Everyone knows.” “You spent all weekend around mercenaries.” “That doesn't answer anything.” “It does.” Elisa: “Much better.” “Good.” A beat. Then: “Worth it?” Elisa slowly turned. Reyes's face remained perfectly neutral. “You too?” “Yes.” Elisa laughed so hard she had to look away. “Oh, fuck all of you.” Reyes: “Answer?” “Yes.” “Good.” Elisa: “You're worse than Ace.” “No.” “Close.” “No.” “Brenda?” “Absolutely not.” Elisa: “Fair.” They drove another few minutes. The city shifted toward cleaner streets. More controlled traffic. Architecture with money behind it. Elisa recognized the transition before anything else. Her world. Not exactly. But closer. She felt herself change with it. Not personality. Not mask. Just attention reorganizing. Reyes saw that too. “You're doing the thing.” Elisa: “What thing?” “Corpo.” Elisa raised an eyebrow. “That's insulting.” “No.” “I have excellent posture.” “Yes.” “Expensive posture.” “Yes.” Elisa straightened deliberately. Reyes: “There.” “Fuck you.” “Welcome back.” Elisa laughed. That almost hurt. Not physically. Something else. Welcome back. Not home. Correct. Her world was waiting. She loved parts of it. Hated parts of it. Owned enough of herself inside it that she did not need to run away. The cabin had not become an escape hatch. Safehouse had not become one either. That felt important. Reyes turned off the main route. Elisa recognized where they were going. Her security had selected the handoff point. Discrete. Controlled. Familiar enough. No spectacle. Elisa: “They're already there.” “Yes.” “You checked.” “Yes.” “When?” “Before we left.” Elisa: “And you didn't tell me.” “You told me not to tell you the time.” “That is not the same thing.” “Close enough.” Elisa: “Control freak.” Reyes: “Mercenary.” “Same thing.” “Sometimes.” The security vehicle became visible ahead. Waiting exactly where it should. No cluster of staff. No ridiculous ceremonial reception. Just professionals. Elisa exhaled. There. Monday finally had teeth. Reyes slowed. Elisa: “I don't want to get out.” “I know.” “That wasn't a request.” “I know.” “Good.” Reyes stopped at the agreed point. Engine stayed running. Neither moved immediately. Elisa looked through the windshield. Her people had seen them. Nobody approached yet. Good people. They understood handoffs. Wait until the principal moves. Elisa: “Thursday feels like a month ago.” Reyes: “Four days.” “I know.” “You drank three coffees.” “Fuck you.” Reyes smiled. Elisa looked at her. “Thank you.” “You already did that.” “Doing it again.” Reyes: “Fine.” “For picking me up.” “Yes.” “For bringing me there.” “Yes.” “For not babysitting me.” Reyes looked at her. “I would never survive that.” Elisa laughed. “Good.” “For throwing Ace in the lake?” Reyes: “That was for me.” “Still appreciated.” “I know.” Elisa looked down. Then at Reyes again. “And for taking me back.” Reyes: “Yeah.” That one landed differently. Because this was the closure. Thursday: Elisa transferred into Reyes's care. Monday: Reyes returned her. Same responsibility. Completed properly. No shortcuts. No assistant. No anonymous driver. No handing the last ten meters to someone else. Reyes had taken responsibility. Reyes finished it. Elisa liked that more than she could explain without making it stupid. So she didn't. Instead: “You're very fucking reliable.” Reyes: “Don't ruin my reputation.” Elisa: “I'll tell everyone.” “I'll deny it.” “I have witnesses.” “Not here.” Elisa smiled. “Professional.” Reyes: “Banned word.” “Goddammit.” Elisa laughed again. Then finally reached for the door. Stopped. Looked back. Reyes: “What?” Elisa: “Later?” Reyes held her eyes. No joke now. Not heavy either. Just that unfinished thread. “Maybe.” Elisa smiled. “Still maybe.” “Yes.” “Good.” She opened the door. Her security moved then. One person approached. Not hurried. Not casual. Elisa stepped out. Reyes did too. The handoff itself was almost boring. Which meant it was good. Confirmation. Status. No incidents. No medical issue requiring escalation. No change in threat posture. Elisa present. Alert. Safe. Returned as agreed. Her security acknowledged. Responsibility transferred. Clean. Reyes looked at Elisa. “You good?” Elisa: “Yes.” Her security did not answer for her. Another reason Elisa paid them well. Reyes: “Anything left with us?” Elisa looked down at Della’s hoodie. Then smiled. “Yes.” Reyes followed her eyes. “That's not ours.” “I know.” “Then no.” Elisa: “Fine.” Reyes: “Anything important?” Elisa thought of the cabin. Ace. Mai. Shammy. Mira. Della. The lake. The clearing. Death's fucking Coffee. Marco and the boathouse latch. Sunday. Safehouse. Three words that had become easy. Love you. “Yes.” Reyes waited. Elisa smiled. “But I'm keeping it.” Reyes: “Good.” One of Elisa’s security opened the vehicle door. Elisa still did not move. Reyes: “Elisa.” “I know.” “Monday.” “Fuck Monday.” “Yes.” Elisa stepped closer and hugged her. Reyes had about half a second of surprise. Then returned it. Firm. Easy. Elisa: “See you soon.” Reyes: “Yeah.” Elisa released her. Took one step away. Then: “Tell Ace I said she's tiny.” Reyes: “She knows.” “Tell her anyway.” “Yes.” “Tell Mai she's a bitch.” “Yes.” “Tell Shammy I love her.” Reyes: “You can message them yourself.” Elisa: “I know.” Reyes: “Then why am I doing this?” “Because it's funny.” Reyes considered. “Fair.” Elisa: “And tell Brenda absolutely nothing.” Reyes: “Best request yet.” Elisa smiled. Then got into the waiting vehicle. Door closed. Glass between them. Not distance. Just glass. Reyes stepped back. Elisa looked through the window. Raised two fingers. Reyes did the same. Then the vehicle moved. Elisa watched her until the turn took Reyes out of sight. Only then did she settle back. Her security remained quiet. Correctly. One of them eventually asked: “Good weekend?” Elisa looked out at Night City. At the world returning around her. Then down at the borrowed hoodie. She smiled. “Fucking excellent.” Pause. Then: “I need something.” The security professional waited. Elisa looked back toward the city. Not toward the Safehouse. Not toward Reyes. Past all of it. Toward a lake three and a half hours away. A cabin. A Side House. A sauna. A dock. A boathouse with a latch Marco would eventually die trying to fix. Elisa’s expression changed. Not emotionally. Operationally. Her security recognized that expression. “Ms. Elisa?” Elisa: “Get me the contact information for the owners of the cabin property.” A brief pause. “The one from this weekend?” “Yes.” “Anything else?” Elisa thought. Then smiled. “No developers.” “Understood.” “And no pressure.” Another pause. “Understood.” Elisa settled back. Della’s hoodie warm around her. Monday had finally won. Mostly. But Monday— the poor bastard— had absolutely no idea what Elisa was about to do next. --- # EPILOGUE — ONE EDDIE Three weeks later. Monday. Of course it was Monday. Iris was at the Safehouse kitchen table with an administrative terminal open in front of her. Coffee. Actual coffee. Normal coffee. She had checked twice. Brenda was nearby. Which was already a complication. Not because Brenda was doing anything wrong. Technically. She was sitting on the couch. Quiet. For almost four consecutive minutes. Iris knew better than to trust it. She went through the O’Sullivan SAS queue. Vendor invoice. Approved. Equipment service. Approved. Insurance update. Reviewed. A maintenance expense from Marco accompanied by three photographs and enough explanation to suggest he believed someone might prosecute him for replacing a hinge. Iris stared at it. Approved. Next. Property transfer. She clicked. Paused. Looked again. The record was complete. Not a proposal. Not a pending acquisition. Not a lease. Completed. Iris leaned closer. Property description. Land. Main residential cabin. Secondary residential structure. Sauna. Boathouse. Associated buildings. Lake frontage. Access rights. Utilities. The entire property. Iris’s eyebrows rose. She knew that description. Very well. “No.” Brenda immediately looked over. “What?” Iris did not answer. She scrolled. Seller: **Elisa.** Buyer: **O’Sullivan SAS.** Iris stopped. Then slowly looked toward Brenda. Brenda: “What?” Iris: “Nothing yet.” “That means something.” “Yes.” “Sex something?” “No.” “Money something?” Iris looked back at the screen. “Apparently.” Brenda got up. Iris: “No.” “I haven't done anything.” “Stay there.” Brenda stopped. Offended. “I live here.” “I know.” “Then why am I being exiled in my own house?” “You're six meters away.” “Cruel.” Iris ignored her. She opened the title chain. There it was. Previous owners. Then Elisa. Then O’Sullivan SAS. Clean. Direct. No holding company. No intermediary. No invented corporate shell. Elisa had personally acquired the property from the original owners. The transaction was legitimate. Title verified. Taxes handled. Ownership properly transferred. Actual purchase price— unavailable. Iris tried the acquisition detail. Restricted. She tried the accounting reference. Restricted. She could confirm payment had been completed. She could confirm the transaction was valid. She could confirm Elisa had owned the property. She could not see what Elisa had paid for it. Iris smiled slowly. “Clever bitch.” Brenda: “Elisa?” Iris looked up. “How the fuck did you know?” “You made the Elisa face.” Iris stared. “I have an Elisa face?” “Yes.” “What does it look like?” “Like somebody extremely smart has done something that is about to become everybody else's problem.” Iris considered that. “Accurate.” Brenda was already coming closer. This time Iris allowed it. Brenda leaned over her shoulder. Read. Stopped. Read again. Then: “What the fuck?” “Yes.” “Is that—” “Yes.” “The cabin?” “The entire property.” Brenda straightened. “No fucking way.” Iris scrolled. Brenda leaned back in. “The Main Cabin?” “Yes.” “Side House?” “Yes.” “Sauna?” “Yes.” “Boathouse?” “Yes.” Brenda: “THE CLEAR—” She stopped. Iris slowly turned her head. Brenda: “Lake.” “You were not going to say lake.” “I was.” “No.” “Yes.” Iris looked at her. Brenda: “Moving on.” Wise. Iris opened the final transfer instrument. Then she saw the consideration. She froze. Brenda: “What?” Iris did not answer. Brenda followed her eyes. Silence. Then: “No.” Iris: “Yes.” Brenda: “No.” “Yes.” “One?” “Yes.” “One fucking eddie?” “Yes.” Brenda stared at the screen. Then at Iris. Then back. “Did she miss some zeroes?” “No.” “Currency error?” “No.” “Some legal placeholder thing?” “It is the actual stated consideration.” Brenda slowly sat down beside Iris. “O’Sullivan SAS bought the fucking cabin for one eddie.” “The property.” Brenda pointed. “Don't you start.” Iris smiled. There were more attachments. She opened them. Property maintenance. Utilities. Weather preparation. Grounds. Readiness. Routine security observation. Permanent caretaker. Brenda: “She arranged a caretaker?” “Yes.” “Before giving it to us?” “Yes.” Brenda went quiet. That was more impressive than the shouting. Iris read further. The caretaker had no resident-host function. No intrusion into visits. No social role. Just keeping the place alive when nobody was there. Exactly what a property like that needed. Brenda: “She thought of everything.” “Looks like it.” “And we paid one eddie.” “Yes.” Brenda: “How much did she pay?” Iris clicked the acquisition reference again. Restricted. “I can't see it.” Brenda: “You're administrative.” “I am aware.” “Can't you admin harder?” Iris looked at her. Brenda: “Worth asking.” “No.” “So how much?” “We don't know.” Brenda: “Can we work it out?” Iris: “No.” Brenda: “I didn't even—” “No.” “But—” “Elisa deliberately kept it private.” Brenda stopped. Then: “Okay.” Good. No range. No speculation. No trying to calculate acreage, buildings, shoreline, or market value. If Elisa wanted them to know— she would tell them. Iris closed the restricted acquisition record. Then looked around the Safehouse. Ace was not in the common area. Neither was Mai. Reyes and Kiro weren't currently around. Brenda: “You calling them?” Iris stared at her. “Why the fuck would I call them?” Brenda blinked. Then: “Oh.” Iris stood. Brenda: “Right.” “They live here.” “Yes.” “So do we.” “Yes.” Brenda: “I forgot for one second.” Iris: “Apparently contagious.” “Fuck you.” “Come on.” They walked down the hall. No stairs. No other residential level. Just the Safehouse. Their home. Brenda: “Where are they?” Iris: “Triad bedroom, probably.” Brenda: “Can I shout?” “No.” “I could save time.” “No.” “ACE!” Iris: “Brenda.” From farther down the hall: “What?” Brenda grinned. “See?” Iris sighed. Ace appeared at the Triad bedroom door. Small. Barefoot. Suspicious. “What?” Mai appeared behind her. “What did Brenda break?” Brenda: “Nothing.” Ace: “Yet.” Iris: “I need both of you.” Ace looked at Mai. Then Iris. “That sounds administrative.” “Yes.” Ace: “Fuck.” Mai: “What happened?” Iris: “O’Sullivan SAS acquired a property today.” Ace: “Okay.” Mai waited. She knew Iris well enough to hear what wasn't being said. “What property?” Iris gave the location. Ace stopped. Mai stopped. Brenda smiled. Ace: “No.” Iris: “Yes.” Mai: “The cabin.” “The entire property.” Ace: “What?” Brenda: “She said entire.” Ace looked at Iris. “Main Cabin?” “Yes.” “Side House?” “Yes.” “Sauna?” “Yes.” “Boathouse?” “Yes.” Ace stared. Then: “Elisa.” Iris: “Yes.” Mai: “She actually bought it.” “She did.” Ace: “Holy shit.” Iris: “And then she sold it to O’Sullivan SAS.” Mai's eyes narrowed slightly. “For how much?” Iris smiled. “One eddie.” Silence. Ace: “Fuck off.” Brenda: “EXACTLY.” Iris: “One eddie.” Ace: “One?” “Yes.” “ONE?” “Yes.” Mai: “She did that deliberately.” Iris: “I would say so.” Ace: “How much did she pay?” “I can't see it.” Mai: “Restricted?” “Yes.” That got a tiny smile from Mai. Of course it did. Ace: “Can we—” Mai: “No.” Ace stopped. “I was going to ask whether we can ask her.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “See?” Mai: “But we don't try to calculate it.” Ace: “Fine.” Brenda: “I already got that speech.” Iris: “You needed it.” “I did not.” “You absolutely did.” Brenda: “Maybe.” Mai: “Where's the terminal?” “Kitchen.” Ace: “Let's go.” They went back together. Four residents crossing one floor of their own home. No calls. No scheduling. No fucking conference connection. Just walking into the common area. Iris put the property record back on screen. Ace climbed into a chair. Mai stood behind her. Brenda leaned against the table. Ace read. Slowly. Then faster. Then back upward. “Elisa.” Mai: “Yes.” Ace: “She really fucking did it.” Brenda: “Yes.” Iris: “There’s a permanent caretaker too.” Mai looked at her. “For when we're not there?” “Yes. Maintenance, grounds, weather, utilities, readiness, basic property security.” Ace: “So we don't come back after winter and find the sauna inside the lake.” “Essentially.” Brenda: “Or Marco doesn't move there permanently.” From somewhere toward the other end of the Safehouse: “I HEARD THAT.” Everyone stopped. Marco was apparently visiting. Brenda: “WHY ARE YOU HERE?” Marco: “DROP-OFF.” Ace buried her face in her hands. Mai: “Do not tell him yet.” Brenda: “Why?” Iris: “Boathouse.” All four understood. Immediately. Brenda whispered: “Oh fuck.” Marco's voice: “What about the boathouse?” Iris: “Nothing.” Marco: “The latch?” Ace: “NO.” Silence. Then Marco: “Okay.” Nobody believed him. Mai: “Elisa.” Iris: “We should ask her.” Ace: “Message?” Mai: “No.” She looked toward Iris. “Is she likely busy?” Iris: “Probably.” Brenda: “She answers us.” Ace: “True.” Iris sent a simple message. **Call when free. Need to discuss a property transfer.** Brenda: “That's terrifying.” Iris: “Good.” They waited. Not long. Elisa called. Iris put her on speaker. Elisa: “I assume you found it.” Ace: “YOU BOUGHT THE FUCKING CABIN.” Elisa laughed. “The property.” Ace: “Do not start that.” Brenda: “I already lost that fight.” Mai: “Elisa.” “Hi.” “How much did you actually pay?” “One eddie.” Mai: “Elisa.” “That is what O’Sullivan SAS paid.” Brenda slapped both hands over her mouth. Ace made a choking noise. Iris smiled. Mai remained Mai. “How much did you pay the original owners?” Elisa: “One eddie.” Pause. Then: “That is what O’Sullivan SAS paid.” Ace: “You absolute fucking asshole.” Elisa: “Yes.” Iris: “So you're not telling us.” “No.” Mai: “Not even a range.” “No.” Ace: “Was it—” Mai: “Ace.” Ace: “I KNOW.” Elisa laughed. “No hints. No comparisons. No useful adjectives.” Brenda: “Can we ask whether—” Everyone: “NO.” Brenda: “Jesus.” Elisa: “Thank you.” Iris leaned back. “Everything is clean.” “Yes.” “The title chain is complete.” “Yes.” “Caretaker arrangement is already active.” “Yes.” “Security access changes over to us.” “Yes.” Iris: “You made my job annoyingly easy.” Elisa: “You're welcome.” Brenda: “Why?” The room quieted. Brenda had not asked it jokingly. Elisa took a moment. Then: “I talked to the owners.” Mai: “Sunday.” “Yes.” Elisa: “They were serious about selling.” Ace: “But not to developers.” “Right.” Elisa: “They wanted the place kept together. No redevelopment. No turning it into some luxury resort. No carving it up.” Mai: “And you agreed.” “Yes.” Elisa: “They cared more about what happened to it than squeezing the last possible eddie out of the transaction.” Ace: “And?” “And I told them the truth.” Brenda: “Which was?” Elisa: “That we like it exactly the way it is.” Quiet. Elisa: “I didn't want to change it.” Mai: “You bought it to preserve it.” “I bought it because I wanted to make sure nobody else changed it.” Ace: “Elisa.” “No speech.” Ace closed her mouth. Elisa: “Please.” Ace: “Fine.” Mai: “Why O’Sullivan SAS?” Elisa answered immediately. “Because I didn't want it to be mine.” Brenda frowned. “You bought a property you didn't want?” “I wanted the property.” Elisa paused. “I didn't want the ownership relationship.” Mai understood first. “It would make everyone your guest.” “Yes.” There it was. Elisa: “If I kept it personally, then every weekend becomes Elisa's cabin.” Ace: “Fuck.” Elisa: “I don't want Elisa's cabin.” Iris looked at the ownership record. O’Sullivan SAS. Elisa: “I want the cabin.” Brenda: “Our cabin.” A small pause. Elisa: “Yes.” Ace looked away. Mai didn't. Elisa continued: “O’Sullivan SAS already has the right legal shape for it. Nobody personally owns the social space. The company owns the property.” Iris: “And the group uses it.” “Yes.” Mai: “Still yours too.” Elisa went quiet. Ace: “Don't even try.” Elisa: “I wasn't.” “You were.” “No.” “You were about to make yourself a visitor again.” Silence. Mai: “Ace is right.” Elisa: “Fuck both of you.” Ace smiled. “You’re smiling.” Elisa: “Banned.” Brenda screamed laughing. Iris: “Thank you.” Ace: “Traitors.” Elisa: “Yes.” Mai: “The caretaker was part of your agreement with the owners?” “Partly. They wanted continuity. I agreed.” Iris: “They stay unobtrusive.” “Yes. They're there for the property, not for us.” Ace: “Perfect.” Elisa: “And the access system should stay token-based. I didn't touch that beyond making sure the old rental authorizations can be retired.” Mai: “Good.” Ace stared at the screen again. “One eddie.” Elisa: “Yes.” “You couldn't make it ten?” “No.” “Hundred?” “No.” “Why exactly one?” Elisa: “Because zero would have been less funny.” Silence. Brenda fell against the table. Iris closed her eyes. Mai's mouth twitched. Ace: “I fucking love you.” Elisa: “I love you too.” Mai: “Unfortunately, so do I.” Elisa: “Your bitch.” Mai: “Yes.” Brenda: “Oh my fucking God.” Iris: “You're one to talk.” Brenda: “Fair.” Elisa: “Anything else?” Iris looked at the documentation. Then at Ace. Mai. Brenda. Their Safehouse. Their company. And now— their cabin. “No.” Pause. Then: “Actually yes.” Elisa: “What?” Iris: “Thank you.” Quiet. Elisa: “You're welcome.” Brenda: “Thank you.” Ace: “Yeah.” Mai: “Thank you.” Elisa took that one quietly. Then: “You're all making this weird.” Ace: “You bought us a fucking lake.” Elisa: “Lake frontage.” Iris laughed. Ace: “OH FUCK OFF.” Elisa: “Love you.” Mai: “Talk soon.” “Yeah.” The call ended. Four people stared at the terminal. Brenda was first. Obviously. “So when are we going back?” Iris: “We were there three weeks ago.” Brenda: “Yes.” Mai: “Not this weekend.” Ace: “Why not?” Mai looked at her. Ace: “Fine.” Brenda: “Next weekend.” Ace: “Yes.” Iris: “We have work.” Brenda: “We have a cabin.” Iris: “We had a cabin before.” Brenda: “No.” She pointed at the screen. “We had a rental.” Fair. Ace: “She's right.” Mai: “Don't encourage her.” “I am accurately describing property law.” Iris: “That may be the most offensive sentence you've ever said.” Ace: “Fuck you.” Brenda: “Still hot.” Everyone stopped. Brenda grinned. “Banned.” Mai actually laughed. Then Marco appeared from the hall. Tool bag in hand. “What did I miss?” Nobody answered. Marco looked at the terminal. Iris moved slightly too late. He saw the property record. Stopped. Read. Looked up. “No.” Ace: “Yes.” Marco looked again. Then: “The cabin?” Brenda: “The entire fucking thing.” Marco: “Boathouse?” Everyone: “NO.” Marco: “What?” Lena appeared behind him. Took one look at his face. Then at the screen. Then at the tool bag. She held out her hand. Marco: “I haven't done anything.” Lena: “Bag.” “The latch belongs to us now.” “Bag.” “It has been sticking for—” “Marco.” He handed it over. Ace: “Thank you.” Marco looked betrayed. “We own it.” Mai: “Yes.” “So I can fix it.” Lena: “Eventually.” Marco: “When?” Brenda: “Next weekend.” Mai: “No.” Ace: “Yes.” Iris looked back at the screen while the argument grew around her. The final ownership status was waiting for administrative confirmation. She selected it. **PROPERTY STATUS** Rental. External. Temporary. Owned. Iris chose: **OWNED** Then: **Registered Owner: O’Sullivan SAS** Purchase consideration: **1.00 eddie** She saved it. Confirmed. Done. Behind her: Marco was explaining the latch. Lena was refusing to return the tool bag. Brenda was trying to organize another weekend. Ace was helping. Mai was refusing to participate while very obviously listening. Somewhere deeper in the Safehouse, somebody laughed. Iris looked at the completed record. Three weeks earlier they had driven home from a rented cabin. Now O’Sullivan SAS owned the entire lakeside property. Elisa had paid an amount none of them would ever know. And sold it to them for one eddie because zero wasn't funny enough. Iris smiled. “Clever bitch.” Brenda heard. “Your bitch?” Iris slowly turned. Brenda froze. Then: “Wrong bitch.” “Very.” Brenda backed away. Ace: “Run.” Brenda: “WHERE?” Mai: “Good point.” Iris started laughing. And somewhere several hours away— the cabin waited. No landlord. No checkout time. No rental agreement. No developer. Just the lake. The Main Cabin. The Side House. The sauna. The dock. The boathouse. And one latch that had absolutely no idea what was coming for it. One eddie. Best administrative disaster Iris had ever approved.