Chapter 26

The three women entered the grand bathroom of the castle laughing amongst themselves.

"No seriously! He totally asked me to send him photographs of my feet!" Columbia screeched, clutching her stomach as she laughed.

"Columbia how do you get yourself into these situations?" Sophie giggled uncontrollably.

"I ask myself that daily."

Sophie calmed herself down and entered into business mode. She ushered the other two towards the massage tables and brought over a basket for their clothes. Magenta and Columbia quickly disrobed, neither of them shy about their bodies, and sat at the tables.

"I'll just be a moment." Sophie chirruped, running into the bathing area to begin the process of filling the pool-like bathtub.

… … … … … … … …

"So … I wonder what Frankie has in store for Sophie." Columbia abruptly began, turning to look at Magenta.

"He will most likely not hold back." Magenta returned, dropping her accent. Columbia had already learned that the "maid voice" was a farce. Fran-n-Furter had believed that all maids needed a "foreign" accent, forcing Magenta to speak in a ridiculous dialect to better blend in with the humans.

"Wow lucky," Columbia sighed dreamily, "I wish I could go back to the honey moon stage of mine and Frankie's relationship. Not that he isn't still good, it's just … being in his favour is one of the best feelings, ya know?"

"Hmmm."

"I really hope he never gets to that point with Soph. Like he did with Eddy. Or like how he's getting with me," The redhead added forlornly.

Magenta frowned. She too hoped the blonde would be spared her master's ire.

"You don't think he'd ever hurt her do you?" Columbia asked, brows creasing in concern. "He's come close to losing it on me a couple of times, but I can handle stuff like that. Sophie though …"

Magenta became increasingly concerned. The thought had never crossed her mind simply because Sophie was so good, so sweet. How could she bother anyone? Yet, Magenta knew Frank-n-Furter … knew how quickly his moods could shift … how temperamental he could be. She clenched her fists. Sophie would be hurt, she felt it deep within herself. Frank-n-Furter had a plan for this girl and they could do nothing to circumvent it.

"Genta what's wrong? You look upset?"

"It's nothing."

The two women fell silent.

… … … … … … … …

Sophie briefly scanned the room and was once-again hit by the influence orientalism clearly had on the space. The room looked like a Japanese inspired bath house more than a western washing area. She made her way to the bath tub and started the water, adjusting the taps to ensure an ideal temperature. Sophie added a mixture of bubble bath and relaxing scents, including her favourites lilac and rose, to the water. She lit a series of candles around the edge of the tub, topping off the relaxing atmosphere. It seems like everyone needs to relax … especially after dinner. Sophie suspected that an exchange had occurred as she washed the dishes. When she had returned to the dining room she had instantly zeroed in on Riff Raff's disturbed face. Yet, she couldn't place her finger on what would cause such a reaction. Ah well Sophie, you'll find out eventually I guess. She turned off the taps, laid out a series of plush towels, and returned to her friends.

"Who would like to have the first massage?" Sophie queried.

"Oh me! Me!" Columbia cried, raising her arm and waving her hand.

"Is that alright with you Magenta?" Sophie asked politely.

"Yes, I vill have a bath."

Sophie grabbed Magenta's hand and led her to the awaiting tub. She watched as the unruly haired woman waded into the warm water and leaned against the side of the structure, leaning her head back and closing her eyes in contentment.

"Would you like anything to drink?"

"I vould love a glass of pinot noir."

"Coming up!" Sophie scampered to the kitchen in record time, returning with the desired alcoholic beverage.

"If you need anything else please let me know," Sophie smiled, turning to leave the room.

Magenta suddenly grabbed Sophie's arm. Startled, Sophie twisted her head to look at the older woman, confusion evident on her face.

"Magenta?"

"Sophie I –"

"SOPH HURRY UP I WANT MY MASSAGE!" The shrill voice demanded from the adjoining room.

"Just one second Columbia!" Sophie returned, looking back at Magenta, "Sorry about that. What were you trying to say?"

Magenta had an unreadable scowl on her face. She slipped her wet hand off of Sophie's arm, looking away from the woman.

"Nozzing, ve can talk later."

"Are you sure?" Sophie asked in a small voice, enticing Magenta too look her in the face.

Magenta smiled at the younger girl's worried visage. "Really, it iz vine."

"Alrighty then … I'll be back for you once Columbia is finished!"

Magenta watched Sophie's retreating figure and let her thoughts wander … she, not for the first time, wondered what fate awaited the all too innocent Sophie.

… … … … … … … …

"About time Soph!" Columbia pouted, turning to look at the petite blonde.

"Sorry for making you wait! But I promise I'll make it up to you!"

"Heh I'll be the judge of that."

The room was filled by Sophie's tinkling laugh and Columbia saucily stuck her tongue out at the girl, turning to lay face-down on the table. Sophie set up the record player (she had conveniently moved into the room earlier in the day) and soft classical music began to play. She poured oil onto her hands and rubbed them together in preparation.

"Okay, here we go!"

Sophie began with Columbia's shoulders, neck and back. She rubbed out the tension and knots until she felt the woman relax. She followed the natural lines of her body, moving her hands up and down one arm to another, down her lower back (skipping her naked rear), and down either leg. Sophie was encouraged by the contented sighs and hums from Columbia as she moved onto her feet, tenderly kneading the arches. She pulled away and smiled at the seemingly boneless mass before her. Columbia was half-asleep and completely limp.

Sophie took a step back, debating if she should wake the woman, and was met with a solid form.

"You both zounded like you vere having a very good time," Magenta purred in her ear, causing Sophie to stiffen.

She turned her head to look at Magenta and saw something … vibrant … in the woman's eyes. Sophie felt a shift in their dynamics and she was suddenly very aware of something she had been neglecting to notice … Magenta and Columbia are attracted to women as well as men.

Magenta watched as Sophie became aware of her and Columbia's sexuality. Well … somewhat. She herself was definitely bisexual whereas Columbia was pansexual, but Sophie would find that out soon enough. She was happy to note that there was no disgust or discomfort on Sophie's behalf. Rather, she saw – dare she hope it – self questioning? She continued to watch the girl as she gently shook Columbia's shoulders and led the woman to the bath. Magenta laid face-down on the table and waited for Sophie to return. She began to drift in and out of awareness. She felt her eyelids drooping, responding to the mixture of the relaxing bath, hot air, and soft music. She moaned as she felt two small, warm hands on her shoulders, gently squeezing. Her muscles began to loosen with the ministration. Sophie was quite good at giving massages. She felt the hands move down her right arm towards her own hand and Magenta decided to take action. She grabbed Sophie's hand and brought it to her mouth, planting a soft kiss on the delicate skin.

"M-magenta?" Sophie stuttered, cheeks tinging a soft pink.

Magenta twisted her torso to look at the beautiful girl. She really is so pure. "Sophie I'm sure by now you have noticed that I am interested in you beyond a platonic friendship."

"Your accent? Wait what?! Interested in me? You can do sooooo much better than – wait no," Sophie let out a shaky sigh, "I'm deeply flattered that someone as beautiful and kind as you would be interested in … well … me." Sophie finished, extremely flustered.

"Why would I not be interested in you?" Magenta challenged, drawing Sophie towards her as she kissed up the girl's arm.

"Uhhhh…"

Magenta let out a sensual, throaty chuckle at the girl's response. It seems like Sophie's brain was rather jumbled at the moment. Magenta found herself face-to-face with the girl and looked into her mesmerizing gray-blue eyes. She wanted to kiss her pouty pink lips more than anything. Yet, she – unlike some members of the castle – would never force herself upon someone.

"Sophie, tell me now if you do not want me to go farther. I won't be offended, and we can just continue on as friends – not that we wouldn't if we do proceed. The decision is yours."

"I … I'm not really sure what I feel right now. I guess I'm worried I'll disgust you? I'll be really bad at this? That I'm just leading you on? My list of insecurities could go on forever … But," Sophie steeled herself, "I'd like to see where this goes, if that's agreeable?"

Magenta slid off of the table, grabbed a towel and spread it on the floor, and knelt down, ushering Sophie over. The blonde lowered herself beside the other woman and kept her eyes directed towards the ground. Magenta watched as she fiddled with her hands. She was driving her crazy. Magenta quickly leaned towards Sophie and crashed her lips against the awaiting pink pair. The kiss was one of repressed urgency. Magenta roughly drew Sophie's bottom lip into her mouth, using her teeth to draw it out. Sophie gasped and Magenta slipped in her skillful tongue. She coaxed Sophie and was pleased to feel her fervent response. Their teeth clashed, they tasted blood with the sharp love bites, their lips bruised, and their noses pressed uncomfortably into one another. Magenta wouldn't have it any other way. Pure passion. Their tongues battled for dominance, Magenta's easily winning, and she pushed Sophie downwards until she was laying on top of the small girl. The kiss began to slow down, becoming tender and drawn out. They began to explore one another. Magenta straddled Sophie, moving her hand to fondle the blonde's breast through her shirt. She kept her other hand on Sophie's soft cheek, rubbing the plush flesh. Magenta felt Sophie's hesitant hands reach for her body, one wrapping around her neck and the other pressing against her chest. Magenta arched her chest into the hand and Sophie began to massage the offered breast. Magenta slipped her hand down Sophie's stomach and onto the girl's thigh and felt the body beneath her stiffen.

"Magenta I don't know if I'm ready for that," Sophie apologetically stated, looking to the side in embarrassment.

Magenta placed either of her hands on Sophie's face and turned her to make eye contact. "That's fine Sophie. I won't force you to do anything you're not comfortable with." Magenta gently kissed her on the lips and pulled back to emphasize her statement.

"I'm sorry," Sophie whispered, eyes filling with tears. Why did she have to be like this? Always disappointing people. You're just not ready, a logical voice sounded in her mind. She desperately wanted to listen to the voice, listen to Magenta's truthful words. She hated giving in to her self-doubts.

"Sophie, I will get mad if you cry over this. You don't owe anyone anything. And you don't have to find out who you are in a single make out session," She added to lighten the mood.

Sophie giggled, looking up at Magenta. "Sorry, you're right." The feelings were still there, but she was determined to focus on the good. "That was really nice," she blushed, "thank you."

Magenta smiled, laying down beside Sophie. "Of course it was nice, it was with me after all."

Sophie reached out and grabbed the other woman's hand. Magenta normally hated such gushy displays of affection. She would often refuse to let her partners touch her after sex, much less kissing. But it felt natural for Sophie to be this soft, this caring. She would be the one to cuddle someone. Ah well, Magenta thought, allowing the contact. They both laid in silence, content.

"Hey you guys I'm getting … OH NO FAIR WHY DOES EVERYONE HAVE FUN WITHOUT ME?!" Columbia cried, looking at the two women laying together.

Magenta almost burst out laughing as Sophie bolted into a sitting position, turning to apologize to Columbia.

"Oh Columbia I'm sorry did you –"

"Don't be jealous Columbia, we can have some fun when Sophie goes to see my brother." Magenta lazily stated from her position on the towel.

"OOOOO!" Columbia squealed, jumping between the other girls. "You mean it Genta? It's been a while since we had any girl time and I'm dying for a reunion." Columbia turned towards Sophie, waggling her eyebrows, "Soph you're more than welcome to join."

"Oh gosh Columbia that's sweet of you but I don't know what I'd do with two pretty women let alone one." Sophie's face flamed at the mere thought.

"Too bad," Columbia sighed, turning back to Magenta. "Maybe one day I'll get to try Sophie out."

All three women laughed at Columbia's remark. Magenta and Columbia rose together, making their way towards the bath. Sophie watched her two closest friends as they retreated, smiling at the sight. Magenta pushed Columbia ahead of her and made it halfway into the other room before turning to look back at the blonde.

"Remember Sophie, take the time to understand yourself. And," Magenta paused, suddenly pensive, "I hope to see you tomorrow … tonight will be …"

Sophie cocked her head in confusion. "Tonight will be?"

"Thank you for everything Sophie." And with that Magenta turned into the bathing area, leaving Sophie to mull over the enigmatic statement.

The blonde girl shook her head and swiftly cleaned the area. I can't believe I just kissed … well more than just kissed … Magenta. It was … wow. Sophie somehow felt that tonight would be a kind of awakening for her. She had begun to catch onto the atmosphere and felt the crackling along her skin. She suddenly broke out in goosebumps and shivered. Was she ready to break out of her shell? Sophie had felt the steady cracking of her protective barrier over her months at the castle … but they had been so gradual she hadn't really minded. Now though, she saw the glaring gaps, the absolutely fragility of her carefully constructed fortification. She bit her bottom lip as she folded the final towel.

"I guess I'll just have to follow through with the plan …" She muttered under her breath. She had decided that she would let the night take her wherever it wanted.

Sophie exited the bathroom and wound her way towards Riff-Raff's room. She had originally planned to use the same set-up for the sallow man, but as the room was still occupied … well she'd just have to ask him what he felt would be best. She soon found herself standing in front of the door and raised her hand, knocking.

No one can convince me that Columbia isn't pansexual. Anyways, I want to thank everyone who read and/ or reviewed the last chapter of this ancient fic. I'm so happy that there are people who still want to read this and who actually enjoy it. Reviews are always welcomed! I really love hearing from you guys, whether it's a simple statement or a complex discussion. Now, and please pardon me, get ready for a shameless plug. I've begun writing a Repo! The Genetic Opera fic … if anyone reading this is in the fandom please check out my page and peruse what I have written. Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as this one! If not, I don't blame you ha ha ha.