Alrighty! Another day and another chapter. It's been a while since I updated the main story. I'm sorry for that. But I can safely say that I was able to get things just right with this one. I think you're going to like it on all fronts. Now, read on and enjoy. I'm curious to hear people's opinions.

Oh, and for those of you who are regular readers - did you know you can also support me over on DeviantArt? I have a page over there with a few nice extras. Including artwork for the Huniepop Problems series. Why not go check it out? Interested? My name over there is practically the same.

Sugardust - Part V

Kyu loved Fridays. Less paperwork and plenty 'o time to rub out a screamin' orgasm on the fairy cable network.

Looks like I'll have to those horny pixie flicks hold, she sighed.

Yeah... Fridays were great - usually. Today was the exception.

The gal herself didn't come knockin' very often. It was pretty rare. Usually she stayed up here and peeped on everything from Sky Garden. Wasn't her style to get up from her sparkly gold throne 'n do the legwork. 'N when she did? She always travellef around in her fancy-ass limo - usually had a pair of fairyguards follow her in tow as well.

"Whaddya need, boss lady? Comin' to the human world yourself? Must be important."

Annnnd next came the disinterested glance toward her pristinely filed fingernails. Must've been great living forever and looking so damn perfect.

Shit, even a fairy girl needed to spruce up her wings and add a sparkle of locca dust some mornings.

Not Venus... Ohhh no. Never Venus.

An ass like that? Faries - humans - even the damn gnomes would die for a ride! Shit... Kyu woulda if she coulda!

The goddess dominated Mike's couch as if she owned the place - stretchin' out those long, golden legs and puffing out her chest.

"I am here to check on the progress of your protege. Time is hardly on our side. And until we find a better option... he is all we have."

Okay, shoulda seen that coming, especially given the reaaaal drag in the love business right about now. Starlight Studios Asslappin' stream service was up. Hot dates and the human birth rates were down. 2015 - a crazy time for sure.

But Kyu had to stop worryin'. No biggie that her guy was the last one standing, right? Right?!

Who am I kidding? 'Course it's a big deal.

But the biggest grin and the snortiest dismissal she could pull outta her ass would do the trick.

"Who Mikey? He's great! Hottest piece 'a shit on the block!"

"I hope you're right, Miss Sugardust," Venus' subtle frown give it away. Lovely, "Because if he is to be our last line... his powers of Talent and Charisma will need to carry the day. Ronnie's newest candidate is something of an alarming choice..."

Now there was a memo that'd gaven Kyu somethin' of a shock. Enough of a shock to stop her vibing out a second run ontop on Mike's washing machine.

"Tell me about it, boss." She pulled her work hours Huniebee from the ether. Good 'ol magic storage it its finest. "I'll check his profile - send an instant message. See what he's bangin' right now."

Now there was a surprise. According to his profile, he was hanging around with one of the girls on the list.

Huh, fuck me running and call me Suzi. Beli Lapran. He better score a home run. Balls deep, bro. We're gonna need it.

A cool afternoon breeze. Butterflies. Huge, white fluffy clouds in so many different shapes and sizes. The simple pleasures in life were sometimes the most enjoyable. They helped free the mind, unchain the senses, and perhaps most importantly, they didn't cast a haze over your judgement.

Gazing upward, a pair of emerald eyes connected with the proud, compassionate sun high up in the sky. "I definitely made the right choice coming out with you today, Beli. Thanks for inviting me."

Mike couldn't help but feel grateful for their meetings. There was such simplicity to them. No regret, no worries, not an ounce of bad feeling.

"You're quite welcome. I'm happy to spend such a nice day with you."

Such a heartfelt smile, one of truest friendship and unquestioning trust. Even though they'd only met a few times so far, Mike could see the wonderful truth for what it was. Beli Lapran, a beautiful young woman, as much a goddess as Venus with her long, silky black hair and deep, serene eyes.

As she sat there, legs outstretched - her shapely body clad in an elegant orange dress and sandals - he couldn't help but smile.

You don't get many girls like her. The kind that wear their heart's on their sleeves.

"How are your yoga classes going?" The musician asked, basking in the fine weather.

Beli placed her hand atop of his, a soft redness overtaking her cheeks.

"They're going very well. Thank you for asking. In truth… it's my students that make them so enjoyable. I didn't mention this before but I've been thinking about my sessions at the Fitness Club a lot."

Again, so trusting and straightforward.

"Go right ahead," Mike smiled supportively, "I'm happy to lend a hand where I can."

"Thank you," Beli came closer, leaned up against their shared tree as she took a moment to center herself. "I've been thinking for a while about why my classes began. At first they started to give me peace of mind… but now…."

As if overtaken by a wave of fairy magic, the Indian girl had a warm glow. "As the weeks and months go by. I'm starting to love them so much. And I've been wondering if I should forget about finishing school to take them on full-time. What do you think?"

If you love something hold onto it with both hands.

For Mike, it wasn't a case of thinking with his head. Not when it came to things like these.

"Ask yourself, Beli. How much does your yoga mean to you? Would you be willing to put everything you've got into it? If the answer's 'yes' then I know what I'd do in your shoes. More importantly, why ask me? I'm not the best when it comes to helping people get their sh- I mean, things, in order."

"Well I," Beli wilted, shy and red as rose flower, "Arwa often says I'm not very strong when it comes to sticking with my choices. I was hoping you'd help guide me."

Now there's a surprise. Something we've got in common. Feels like I learn something new about you every day.

Mike paused, sharing a silent, fleeting instant with his friend. She squeezed his hand tighter.

Something inside tugged hard, stinging deep down, somewhere at the core of Winters' emotions. Try as he might not to worry, the smile upon his face faded, becoming terse, pitying even.

"Beli… it's not my place to decide what you do with your life. Heck, the time I've spent with you so far's been great…. You're a lovely person, but shouldn't you be the one to figure it out?" Flashbacks, faded and hazy, of his meeting with Venus at the Bar and Lounge., came flooding back. "We have to live for ourselves… even if it hurts sometimes."

Beli sighed, her hand loosening in its grip. Now she looked so distant, withdrawn, even. "Yes… perhaps you're right. I'm sorry."

What was with her being like this? The way she went from quiet and inquisitive to full-blown retreat in a second flat was too much. It didn't make Mike angry but damn, it was painful.

A doleful silence rolled in, only broken when a sudden deep rumble sounded far off in the distance. A shower at first, downpour moments later, rainfall drenching the forested pathways, muddying the walking tracks. Black clouds, menacing and ominous, loomed overheard, warning of the fury to come.

How'd the weather turn so suddenly, and why now of all times? Mike's heart jumped in his chest, glaring down nature's fury in silent terror. He'd been so wrapped up in their conversation he hadn't noticed!

"Mike," Beli spoke up, her voice laced with concern as she took gentle grip of his shoulder. "Are you alrigh-"

Thunder roared - a faint blue flash brought a frightful shiver.

Great... just fucking great... Lightning. I need to get out of here.

The vocalist sucked in air, shuffling away, back pressed hard against the tall, regal trunk of the tree like a frightened cat, reaching to button his shirt with trembling hands. "Two things I hate," his voice cracked, the words as stiff as his ailing lungs. "Being locked in places I can't get out of… and storms. I really can't stand storms, dammit…."

Frozen as though a statue, defeated and so very hopeless, Mike took in a stiff mouthful of air to feed his tightened lungs.

"Well," Beli's voice shrank under a boom of thunder, "We aren't in the best place for this, especially if Mother Nature wants to shed her tears. We should head back to town, don't you think?"

"Can't," Mike spoke with haste, hands clenched in his lap. "It's hard to breathe."

"Well," Beli stood, soaking wet by this point, everything on show beneath her thin, airy dress of sunshine hue. Compassion, both so loving and genuine shining through, she took his hands into her own, holding them tightly as though a mother guiding her child. "I'd like you to put your trust in me. Please… take my hands and we'll see this through together. I won't leave you… not until we're both safe and warm."

You've got my back…. As long as I'm holding your hand you won't let me go. I can- I can trust you.

Was it perhaps the strength of those deep, mesmeric fuchsia eyes, or perhaps Beli's delicate tone of voice?

Nodding slowly, one rigid movement at a time, Mike brought himself upright, joined with Beli by the hands. How was she so happy and lively in weather like this? Alight with childlike wonderment!

"The natural world is a truly beautiful thing," Beli beamed, "It's a gift for each and every one of us to enjoy. Don't be afraid."

Nutmeg Café – filled to the brim with many a waterlogged student. And the usual afternoon band of young mother's, swapping phones, gossiping over piping hot mochas - the perfect place to be when compared to outside. Droplets of water, long and artistic in their many different patterns, slithered down the windows as the rainfall refused to surrender. Trees swayed in the howling winds, many a passer-by darting from building to building – one unfortunate guy, holding a pocket book under his arm and a soggy newspaper overhead, trudged his way down the street.

Mikey smirked, keeping his mind from the downpour, friendly and yet the slightest bit sinister, sliding a plate filled with Danish pastries, raspberry, peach and strawberry, just that little bit closer to Beli.

"Stop tempting me," she whined like grumpy teenager, pouting and all too precious. "I've eatern three already…. I'll get fat."

Despite her words, one of those dainty hands of hers gave a sharp jitter, creeping closer and closer toward of the plate, fingertips touching against the edges. Her struggle, the sheer effort it was taking to resist, was so cute.

"Goddess help me… I'm so weak when it comes to treats…."

The swirly peach Danish was the next victim to leave the plate. Beli held it prisoner between a paper napkin as she took small, well-mannered nibbles. All Mike could do was watch, his heart fluttering quietly as her eyes widened as she bit into the jam-filled centre.

A vibration within the pocket stole his attention.

Wonder who's texting? Band practice isn't until the end of the week.

The singer brought his Huniebee from the pocket of his damp black pants. With a flick of the screen, the padlock burst in a shower of magical sparkles, the little fairy helper holding up an unopened envelope – a new text message.

One new message from Kyu.

Steeling himself with a nervous inhale, one with enough sharpness to pull Beli away from her blissful one-woman pastry party, Mike brought it up on screen.

'Sup there homie? About to go talk to the boss lady. You're leavin' me hangin' again, aren't ya? You given the whole babe magnet thing some thought? Hit me up soon, alright? Ohhhh and one last tiny thing. Kinda splooged on your washing machine. Soooory! Seen you soon, dude. Lookin' forward to it. Feeling mad horny again here!'

Lovely. Another reminder. Mike put his phone away, knocking back what was left of his coffee. Didn't seem like he could put off his all-important choice much longer. An impatient, anxious drumming of his fingers against the table. Something, even a small melody to focus upon.

His booth seat in this busy coffee shop had become his own private island. That made his mind a rising tide, with waves crashing against the beach. Gentle at first, they became something of a thunderstorm. Did he traverse the weather ahead, venture into the unknown? Or did he retreat in search of shelter? Tiffany still waited for him further in. All he'd have to do was take her hands, so to speak.

I could dedicate myself to Tiff, hold her close and walk on. We're good together... And this way? I'll never have to see her heart shatter.

"Mike? You appear to be drifting again."

A sensation of warmth awoke him once more, restoring his severed connection to the outside world. Breathing a thankful sigh, Mike looked up from his coffee, reaching out to take Beli's outstretched hand as she held it open in invite.

"Sorry about that. I've got plenty of things spinning around my head right now."

This lovely Indian girl, like a handful of times already, was something of a guiding light. She looked on with concern, damp from the rain, long hair pooling down her back, glistening against the cool mood lighting. "Is there anything I can do to help? It pains me to see someone as considerate as you with such a troubled expression."

Considerate? Mike's cheeks heated. He could be... from time to time. It was for the best not to drag someone as kind as Miss Lapran into his problems, but there was something about her. Ironic, when he thought it over. Just as she'd talked about his aura, he could've sworn he saw one radiating from her too. Terse. Pink and gentle. It soothed him.

"Maybe there is. You see... I'm at a crossroads. Have been for a short while. A friend of mine... needs help."

A friend? Is that really the best I can do? She'll see through me plain as daylight.

"I understand," Beli rose, switching seats to his at his side. Up close like this he could breathe in the scent of her almond shampoo. "Would you like to share what ails you? After all you've done comfort me I'd be happy to help you find peace."

Mike met her eyes, green sparkling against the delicate glimmer of fuchsia.

You really are trusting, aren't you?

"The truth is," he began, cautious at first in light of what he was about to let loose.

"This friend of mine, Venus - needs someone to help her deal with a guy who's giving her a hard time. She trusts me, says I can do it. But it'll take serious work. Ronnie's no pushover, but if I put him in his place I think it'll make life better for lots of people."

One by one Nutmeg's patrons were taking their leave as the weather eased off, leaving the duo huddled together in their cosy corner. While Mike was all too content to drift amidst his worries, his thoughtful sea eased with touch of another against his arm

"May I ask you something?" Beli inquired politely.

"Of course."

"You don't intend to become involved in something dangerous, do you? Your energy feels cool and unsteady. It fills me with worry..."

There was no holding in a deep sigh. Innocent and pure as she was, this unassuming girl was sharp with her senses.

"Can't get anything past you, can I?" Mike shook his head - tried his best to bury the guilt he felt for making Beli feel so upset. Her eyes, like a sad puppy dog in the rain bore into his heart.

"I'm an empath," she admitted - whatever one of those was. "I'm attuned to the sentiments of others. My dear maji always told me I have a gift for it."

"Oh really?" Mike followed, meeting her proud reveal with a curious raise of the lips. "Fate? Destiny? The deep things out there? Story of my life."

With a narrowed gaze he pushed through, past his worries. If Beli was on the same level then maybe she could help.

"If understanding people's your strong point then help me make sense of what I'm feeling."

"It would be my pleasure." Heat rose as Beli clapsed both his hands within her own. A faint, wispy pink glow spilled from her curvacous outline. "Close your eyes and join with me."

Shit... I knew I wasn't imagining it. She has an aura too.

Two hearts thumped as one - the quaint surroundings of Nutmeg fizzled away. Mike felt himself drawning nearner and nearer to Beli, his deepest core joining together with another. Beli welcomed him, ever closer. He felt her, everything that made her the woman she was. Sensitivity. Fragility. An honest and delicate soul. Passionate and hopeful. And buried in the deepest depths? A feeling the singer knew way too well.

Longing. Desire. You want to be loved as well, don't you?

"Open your eyes... look at me."

The noise of the cafe (now bustling with fresh patrons) filled Mike's ears. He breathed deep, steadied in his return.

"Okay," he started with a nervous twinge - now he had to add trances to his list alongside faries. What was next, aliens? "What did you see?"

Silver streaks leaked down Beli's face - a terse sob lost upon the sea of voices within Nutmeg. She reached for a napkin to dab her eyes. But that look she had? So damn sad. So horribly sorry, was enough to shake even the strongest person.

"I've never felt such conflict before. How can you smile with a heart so heavy?"

Checkmate. Mike was stunned, silent, and unable to say a damn thing. Beli had knocked down his walls - exposed his delicate, glass-ball middle in a handful meetings. When was the last time a girl's words had hit him so hard?

She'd ventured even deeper than even he dared to. This right here was proof, if any were needed, that Beli was too soft for her ow-

Lips, angelic and filled with compassion, stole away his breath, locking tight. Again their two hearts pounded - sang out, and gave birth to a wonderful song. Beli, usually so reserved, held Mike against the leather of the booth, his fears melting into nothingness as she took him again, to a place all of their own.

Only the whispers of customers at their backs, was enough to break their precious, unexpected instant.

"F-forgive me- I-" Beli lit up, redder than one of the dancefloor lights at Lusties. "I don't know what came over me... I- I- Goodness. I should go."

She got up, ready to run, but Mike linked her fingers with his own, baring her escape.

"No need."

Each girl's kiss felt different. Audrey's were always short and brash. Kyanna's were alluring and passionate. Tiffany's were quick and sweet. But none of them had felt even close to this. Beli's embrace, for as short a time as it had lasted?

Never felt love like it before. Was kind of like she was giving me everything she had in a single burst.

The next thing he knew, Mike found a piece of paper closed within his palm. Beli had slipped free from their booth. Flushed harder by the second, she gave a bow.

"I'd dearly love to see you again, Mike. Meet me at the Fitness Club tomorrow evening if you feel the same. I'll be waiting for you... after my class ends. If you'd like a private session I'm sure I could show you a couple of poses..."

"I'd love to," Mike smiled faintly, "but before you go."

"Yes?"

The musician gestured for Beli's hand - which she was all too happy to give. leaning in with a smooth, gentile smile, placing his lips upon her skin like a noble addressing royalty.

"If you love yoga and teaching it's right for you... then go for it, Beli… Sometimes we don't share the happiness we have…. Let yoga be your gift, share it. I get the feeling you won't regret it in the end."

"You think so?" Beli answered cheerfully, hands held together. Fresh tears welled in her eyes, these ones happy. "Then that's what I'll do. Thank you..."

"Of course. See you tomorrow, Beli. Looking forward to our session."

"Tommorow," she confirmed, making for the door with the mother of all smiles. Mike watched as she went on her way, crossing the street, the rain pouring again from the grey, skies above. A woman so gorgeous she even gave Venus a run for her money.

"Feels like this brief meeting's brought me closer to my answer."

Winters exhaled, unexpectedly hot beneath the fabric of his shirt. Popping his top buttons, he laid back against the leather of the booth - reached for his cooling coffee- and took back a mouthful of Columba's finest.

A buzzing Huniebee stole his relaxation - but there was no need to be worried. Not now.

Beli's profile awaited.

Three artsy, beating red hearts filled her gauge, a sure sign that the singer was very much on her radar.

A quick message to Kyu would round things out perfectly.

'Strange that you say that. Things went pretty damn well with Beli. Going to see her again tomorrow night. She straight poured her heart out to me. Sounds like a date on the cards. We'll see how it goes. Oh and... one last thing. Would you stop riding my appliances?! Nah... I'm kidding. Clean it off though, alright? Heading for a drink since it's getting dark. Talk later! x x x'

"That'll do. Yep!"

'Message Sent'.

The best way to wind down after a fairly good day, minus the weather? A strong glass of liquor.

After putting up with this storm? He'd earned it.

To be continued...

There you have it. Another chapter comes to a close. How are you liking things so far? Are you enjoying things with Kyu and Beli? Are you looking forward to seeing more? I'd really like to hear your thoughts. Feel free to leave some feedback!

As always, keep on supporting Huniepop and Huniecam Studio. I'll see you in the next part!