Chapter 32: Hot Springs Heat

Summary:

Fun at the hot springs, then, the creation of home base.

Notes:

As I said in the previous chapter's note, this chapter is a special bit of writing that I'm doing for myself. This was meant for my birthday back in August. Obviously...delayed by quite a bit. Still, I'm sure the content is gonna make up for that.

The first movie is fast approaching, hope y'all are ready, cause it's gonna be big.


It didn't take too long for us to get to where we were headed, now that I knew where to go. The place was very nice, which, I don't think I said before. Based on the signs out front, Pokemon weren't allowed save for certain exceptions. As a result, I had to find a place that was out of sight, and earshot, then open a portal.

My team and I stepped through to the other side, then returned to the hot spring. Is it cheating? Yeah, but, it's worth it for a little relaxation. We just have to make sure to not cross back over while we're inside. Since he couldn't benefit from it like the others, Evan declined to join us. In fact, he had chosen to stay in the gym with Ash and the others. I suspect, it's because of Ash's own Pidgeotto. She hasn't evolved just yet, as that happens at the start of the Orange Islands. Still, she and Evan had still really hit it off when they first met.

I decided to cast Anthrofy on the girls as we entered the main building. Cerise was the only one who didn't get it, as she had declined. She said that she's much more comfortable as she is now. Which, I understand, as not everyone's into the idea of changing forms. Mewtwo had briefly left us to go get Melanie, as mentioned previously, before returning. Though Melanie was still feeling a little ill, I think a nice soak would help her just as much as a bit of rest would. At least, that's how it worked for me when I wasn't feeling great.

While the others figured out their spots, Lexie, Melanie, and I, went to get changed. As well as grab towels for everyone to use. Lexie changed on her own, and wrapped up in a towel by herself. Mainly since she and I haven't gotten that far yet. Melanie helped her adjust it so it wouldn't fall if she had to let go.

As we started to go back out, Lexie stopped me. Melanie took the towels and continued on, so we could talk.

"Hey Lexie, what's up?" I asked.

"Zeryph, I'm…I'm not sure I'm entirely…comfortable, with this. Now that I think about it, anyway." Lexie said. She didn't seem hesitant, several minutes ago.

"Why? Is it because of…?" Lexie blushed, and slowly nodded when I asked. "It's OK, there's a separation screen that usually divides it into two, so the genders are separated. You can go to the other side, if you feel uncomfortable being around the rest of us." I said. Honestly, I'm somewhat surprised that she's worried at all. Especially since she doesn't actually wear clothes…normally, anyway.

As we were about to step out with the others, I felt Lexie gently grab my right hand, and she slowly pulled me to the side.

"Zeryph, I…actually, I think I would be more comfortable if it was just you. I trust the others, sure, but…well…I think you get the idea." She said.

"You're used to being in private for something like this, with nobody else around." I said.

"Yeah, and also…not having clothes to take off, either. I don't know how Melanie adjusted to it so easily. Other than the fact it's not her first time doing this."

"It probably helps that she and I have slept together, more than once. Even if nothing more than cuddling happened because she was exhausted." I said, as I began to undo the towel around my waist. "Towels are going to have to come off. You can turn away if you'd prefer." I said. Lexie blushed, likely thinking of that incident.

"It's…it's nothing that I haven't seen, before." She said quietly, not wanting the others to hear it, on the other side.

"Sorry for reminding you of that, again." I said, as my towel came off. I made sure to set it where water wouldn't get on it, then I slowly stepped into the water, itself. It was definitely hot, obviously, but more than what I would normally get from a shower or a normal bath. Still, it wasn't hot enough to actually be dangerous.

I sat down, and settled, quickly getting comfortable, well, as comfortable as possible, at least. I heard Lexie's towel hit the ground, and then the sound of her slowly stepping in with me. I felt the water shift as she slowly sat down. I had closed my eyes, in case it helped, and it did. But once she was in, the water and the steam made sure that she was covered up. She was still blushing, but at least she had started to relax.

I heard soft footsteps from behind us, then pale white legs appeared in my view, as Melanie stepped in on my left.

"Everything OK over here?" She asked us. I took a moment to explain why we didn't join the others. She smiled and nodded, then slowly snuggled up to my side and laid her head on my shoulder. I saw Lexie spare a glance at us, before blushing and turning away. Melanie closed her eyes and began to smile softly. I caught the subtle shift in her facial expression, and, the same from Lexie. Whatever the girls were talking about, I wasn't part of.

It seemed to have an effect though, as Lexie slowly moved over next to us, before settling against my right side.

"I meant to ask, Mel, how are you feeling?" I asked.

"Better. I still don't feel too great, but taking a while to lay down and rest has helped. I still have a slight headache, but getting to relax is making it feel better." She said.

"That's great to hear. Ya know, I was thinking…we should all take a bit of time off from our journey. Maybe head home and take a few days to just relax." I said.

"Oh, that would be wonderful. A few days to a week off would be great, after how busy we've been." Melanie said.

"I agree. In fact, I think you need it more than the rest of us." Lexie said to her.

"Yeah, I guess I do. Especially since I do so much more work than the rest of you." Melanie said.

"You really do, as the team healer, and as a fighter. I mean, sure, I do a lot of work too, but cooking is a lot less draining than using magic to heal someone." Lexie said. The girls' conversation drifted off, as their focus returned to relaxing. As I started to lay my head back, one of them spoke up.

"Hey Lexie, could you maybe…send Kaorah over here? In a few more minutes or so? There's no rush." Melanie said. I didn't hear Lexie respond as I zoned out, but I did feel the water move as she got out. It didn't take too long before I felt it shift once more, as Kaorah stepped in beside us. Then she snuggled into my side.

"Zee, could you cast your privacy spell?" Melanie asked.

"Will it even work when we're outside?" Kaorah asked in return.

"It should, but I'm sure we'll know if it doesn't." I cast the spell, with a flick of my wrist. It's not long after, that both girls nuzzled me, and a sweet scent began to fill the air. I don't have to even ask who it's coming from. "Your heat must be pretty far along now." I said, without opening my eyes.

"It is. I've been holding it back, but it's time that I stopped. Melanie has come up with an idea that will take care of it. An idea which involves all of us." Kaorah said. I felt the girls' arms shift under me, then I was lifted onto one of the rocks.

"This is probably, going to be some of the most fun we've had." Melanie said. I was about to say something, but the feeling of two tongues slowly traveling up my length put a stop to that idea. "Honey, you just sit back and relax. Let us handle things for now. Kaorah, when you're ready." The next sound to leave my throat was a low purr, when I realized what exactly they were doing.

My member, being squeezed in between two pairs of breasts. One scaly, one smooth, and both in sync. This was certainly not something I ever expected, but I'm definitely not complaining.

"I may have showed Kaorah how to do this, a couple nights ago. If not for me falling ill, we would've done this a bit sooner." Melanie said.

"You're still not sounding too great." Kaorah said.

"Well, for now anyway. But I don't really feel all that sick. I think what I had was just very minor, minus the headache." Melanie's lips briefly pressed against my tip. "Like I'm gonna let that stop me from having a bit of fun."

"And there's plenty to be had. Now, while it would be nice to do this the whole first round, I can think of things that are much better." Kaorah said, and I felt her pull away. "Zeryph, that night when we were camping…I want that again. But, with something different in mind this time. Don't worry, you'll figure it out." As I got up to move behind her,she bent forward over where I was sitting at. I lifted her tail, and she propped it against my chest.

As I began to rub on some lubricant, Melanie got onto the side, positioning herself in front of Kaorah. I knew what they were going for, well before Kaorah's snout was between Melanie's legs. She pressed her tongue against the sensitive flesh, and dragged it upwards in a long, slow lick. Melanie responded with a gasp, and a low moan.

I took that as my own signal to start. With the lubricant on, I lined myself up. A slow push earned a low growl from Kaorah as I entered the tight hole at the base of her tail. Kaorah took a short moment to cast a glance back at me, and a nod. Then, she returned to what she was doing. As I began to move, I noticed the flickering glow forming along Melanie's fingers, on her right hand.

Kaorah's low moan was enough for me to figure out what was going on. Perhaps, Melanie has had some practice at some point in the past. Melanie's own moans began to fill the air. She had also started to rub Kaorah's head, with her left hand. Kaorah wasn't allowing herself to be distracted by my own movements, either.

"Harder, Zee." I smiled, and went along with what Melanie said. Kaorah growled, but didn't pull away. Instead, she pressed even harder with her tongue. Her pace had also increased, as well, only causing Melanie to get louder.

"Ooohh~" Melanie moaned out, "Mmm…yesss…that's good..." Her pace with her psychic fingering had also increased. I adjusted my pace, in order to match it. Kaorah's low growls told us how she felt. Between the two of us, myself and Melanie, it must've felt better than the last time I had her in this position.

A low rumble began to sound from my chest, the purr that had become known to my team. Well, mainly to those I've done this with. Kaorah stopped her licks, her eyes closed and she began to lowly growl. There was a brief adjustment as Melanie pulled her forward, pretty much placing Kaorah on top of herself.

While I would normally be concerned, the weight training means that she's more than strong enough to handle Kaorah's weight, even if it doesn't show. Melanie's dominant side showing through was a pleasant surprise, as well. I had already seen glimpses of it, the morning after our first time being the best example.

Sure Kaorah might be the first, but sometimes, I wonder if she's the true alpha, between the two of them. Course, if they've been doing things without my knowing, then I wouldn't be surprised if they've figured out an agreement.

"So, Zee, call it a random question, but…would you be OK with…mind control? Nothing major, of course, at least at first." Melanie said.

"Where did that…come from?" Kaorah growled out.

"Mmm, I'unno. I just thought of it. Seems like it could be fun, if, it was done right." Melanie said.

"I'm not too sure about that idea, Mel. Maybe in the future. I'd prefer to be entirely in control of myself." I said.

"I understand. Not gonna make you do it. Just putting the idea up for later." Melanie said. "But, there is something we can do now. Could you maybe, back off for just a moment?" I decided to do as she asked.

"We are not gonna- oof!" What Kaorah was saying was interrupted, when she was flipped onto her back with Melanie on top. Despite the fact Kaorah was definitely stronger, she couldn't really seem to do all that much to protest. "H-hey…! No fair! Gravity is cheating."

"Bah. Your complaining won't last long anyway." Melanie got a growl in response. "Come on, Zee, back to work. Just, change it up." I didn't feel any need to disagree. And as I pushed back into Kaorah, her soaked slit to be specific, Melanie got onto her chest. A psychic push was all it took for her to place Kaorah's snout between her legs once more. Kaorah growled, but continued what she'd been doing, earlier.

"Aah~" Melanie moaned out loud, as she began to lay down. "Zee, I'm gonna help you out, down here. Hope you don't mind." I don't think saying anything is necessary. Especially once Melanie's tongue set to work. Between Kaorah's folds, and the length of my shaft, she was busy. But it's clear that isn't a problem.

A gentle push from Melanie was enough to tell me to go faster. Kaorah's growls soon turned into low moans, and she gave up trying to focus on what Melanie wanted. Melanie quickly shifted to fingering herself, and moved into a position where she could sit up enough to kiss me, as well. What I wasn't expecting was for her to get her tongue involved. Although, I did adjust fairly quickly. Despite that, it was clear who had control over it.

"Sometimes…I get…kinda…jealous. That you can…do that, and…I can't." Kaorah commented. Melanie held me in the kiss until it was clear I needed air, then she separated us. A thin trail of saliva connected our lips for a few seconds, before breaking under the pull of gravity.

"Where did…you learn…to kiss like that?" I asked. My face felt heated once more, though, not as much as in previous cases.

"Oh, just some things I've been watching." Melanie said. Can't really say I'm surprised. Hey, if she wants to do some 'research' to make things more fun, that's fine by me. "And, it sounds like you're getting close, too. I can hear the pattern in that little purr of yours." She's right, I can feel it, too.

"He's…not the…only…one." Kaorah got out between moans. Melanie smiled when she heard that.

"C'mon Zee, faster!" Melanie gave me a push so I'd speed up more than I was planning to.

"You just…want me to…finish…Haa~" Kaorah moaned. "So you can…have a…turn."

"Guilty as charged." Melanie said, and she smirked back at Kaorah over her shoulder. She pulled her fingers out of herself, and held her right hand up to my face. I went along with what she wanted, licking her juices from her fingers. Then she lowered her hand and placed her fingers on the sensitive nub between Kaorah's legs. Where, she started to rub in small circles.

"Aaah~! Fuck!" Between the two of us, Kaorah couldn't hold it back anymore. I felt her clamp down on me, and her legs twitched, but with Melanie and I holding them down, she couldn't really move them. I felt my own start only moments after hers. Whatever sound I was going to make, was swiftly silenced by Melanie's lips connecting with my own.

She only let me go once I stopped cumming. Slowly, I pulled myself out of Kaorah, and Melanie got off of her so she could sit up. Kaorah was panting softly, and she gave Melanie a half-hearted glare for earlier.

"Guess it's my turn now, hmm?" Melanie said.

"He just blew, give him some time to recharge." Kaorah growled.

"Yeah, that's fair. So long as he doesn't just quit on me." Melanie pulled me over and wrapped her arms around me.

"Me? Quit on a gorgeous lady like you? Never." I said. Normally I would be tired after a single round, and though that seems like the case here, I'll make myself go on. Hoping that the next update makes stats actually work properly for this kinda stuff.

"I'm gonna go and clean myself up." Kaorah slowly stood, then stretched.

"Backing out on us?" Melanie asked.

"I could send Lexie over to take my place." Kaorah suggested.

"Fun as that would be, I have to say no." I said. "Let her first time with me be something more personal. Could send Solais over, though."

"Yeah, I could. But by the time you finish with Melanie, you'd be too tired to even give her some tongue." Kaorah raises a good point, actually.

"Yeah, you're right. Go on and clean up. Let me and Mel finish." I said. "We'll head back to the Pokemon Center when we're done, as we shouldn't stay in for too much longer." I sat down on the side of the spring, then a gentle push from Melanie had me on my back. As she climbed out and settled on top of me, I heard the sliding door open for the changing room. Then it slid shut soon after.

"Hey Zee, there was something else I recently discovered too. Watch this." Melanie begain to channel magic into her right hand, then, snapped her fingers. Energy began to travel up her body, and when it touched her hair, something happened. Her hair, normally green in color, changed…taking on the most gorgeous shade of red I had ever seen. I felt my face heat up. "I heard from a certain someone, you had a thing for redheads."

"Yeah, I guess I do. It looks amazing on you, too." I reached up and brushed my fingers through her hair.

"I knew you'd like it. I'm more than happy to keep it like this for you, too. And if people ask, we can just say I had it dyed." Melanie said. Considering how it looks, she might even start a trend, in the future.

"You don't have to stick to just red, either. Change it up every so often, get creative with how you do the colors and highlights. You might even inspire others, too." I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with. I felt her begin to shift, and she got off of me.

"Hey, have you figured out what you're gonna do for a base, yet?" She asked, as I sat up.

"Not yet, but I do have a few ideas. Some even come from memories of the past." Melanie leaned her head on my shoulder. "The primary idea is a cabin, deep in the woods, up on the summit of a mountain. A base with a nice view, pretty much."

"Sounds like it would be pretty nice. And since you're creating it, you can use the system to get everything you'll need."

"Yeah, and I plan to. As, I want to mix in some pretty high-tech stuff. Things which our world doesn't have. It's gonna be expensive, sure, but it'll be worth it."

"Or, if the system would allow it, you could've converted your original home into a base."

"Yeah, probably, but it would take a little bit to fix the damage and make any changes. Plus, I don't really think it would feel right, ya know? And, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable sleeping there after..."

"Hey, I understand. So, starting from scratch is your choice. Just, make sure it looks nice."

"Oh, don't worry, I plan to." Melanie wrapped her arms around me, and pulled me into an embrace. One which I gladly returned. We sat like this for a short while, and I even pulled us something to drink for us to sip on. Just some water, didn't feel like having something fizzy. As we were finishing up, Melanie spoke up again.

"Hey, think you're about ready to go again?" She asked.

"I think so. Want to take the lead?" I asked in return.

"Hm, no, not this time. I already topped Kaorah, anyway. No, instead, I think I wanna try something." She released me from her arms, then started to turn away, before shifting so that she was on all fours. "What you did with Kaorah, at the start?"

"Oh, so you want to try it, now?" Melanie nodded. I got onto my knees, and pulled the lubricant from my inventory space. Then I started to prepare myself. "Would you like a little, too?" I asked her.

"Mmm, sure. Just in case, but remember to take it slow. I haven't done this before, unlike her." I squeezed some onto my right fingers, and reached out to rub it on. When I made contact, she shuddered. "That's…cold."

"You get used to it pretty quickly, don't worry." Once I was sure we were both ready, I put the bottle away, then got myself behind her. "Ready? I'll take all the time I need, so you can adjust." I said. When Melanie nodded, I grabbed her by the hips, and slowly began to push in. Her ass was much tighter than Kaorah's was, but that's something we already knew. Melanie gasped, and I saw her face redden. I continued to slowly push in, listening for any sound that suggested she was in pain.

"Ah…Zee…I'm…I'm ready." When I heard her confirmation, I started my movements. Slow and steady, unlike the rougher first experience that Kaorah got. Melanie closed her eyes, and she began to breath in time with my movements.

"Feeling OK?" I asked softly.

"Y-yes, I'm fine. You should be OK to speed up, now." I took this as a signal to slowly shift to a faster pace, but I made sure to not speed up too much. Melanie had started to moan, quietly, but I can still hear it. Her blush persisted, of course, not that I blame her though.

"She was…right…this does…feel great." Melanie said. She began to gently rock back and forth, and motioned for me to speed up again. I complied without saying anything, of course. Her moans slowly became louder. She lowered herself to the ground, folding her left arm underneath herself. With her right hand, she reached back, likely to finger herself.

"Want me to go any harder?" I asked quietly.

"Mmm…no, you're fine. Just keep going…like you are now…haa~" I saw her slide two fingers into herself. And she slowly matched her pace with my own. Her moans grew louder, but never gave up the usual softness that I had fallen in love with. Occasionally, she would motion for me to speed up. I would always comply, of course, with her adjusting to match.

Given how new an experience this was, it didn't take as long for either of us. Melanie's moans were all I needed to know she was close. And she knew, just from the soft growls I had begun to let out. Normally, I'd last longer, but it really depends on what it is that's being done. This being Melanie's first time in back is the primary reason. Well, that, and the fact that this is round two…at least for me.

Melanie was first to her climax, moaning loudly as she squirted. Her movements stopped, and she was panting. She continued to rock back and forth with my own movements. It didn't take much longer before I reached my second with a low growl. I felt Melanie shudder, not that I really blame her.

"It feels…way stranger…when…it's in…back." She pulled her fingers from her slit, and reached around to lick her juices from her hand. She smiled back at me, as well, as I was pulling out. It didn't take her too long to catch her breath, either. "Still, that was fun. Definitely gotta do that again, sometime."

"Yeah, I guess we do." I sat down, and she moved to sit next to me. "We should get cleaned up, then, head back to the Pokemon Center. Then, we've gotta prepare to head to Viridian City. Mewtwo could teleport us, but that really takes the fun out of the journey."

"Yeah, and with your cousin's group here, it would make more sense for us to all catch a boat. Just, so long as you don't make me eat seafood again."

"I totally understand, especially after what happened last time." I got up, then pulled her to her feet. "Let's go get a shower, since, the spring won't do us as good."

"Sure. I'll let the others know we're getting ready to head back, then I'll join you." She picked up her towel from the ground, then wrapped herself up in it. I did the same with my own, then headed inside for the showers. Kaorah was already in there, sitting by the lockers. She'd managed to clean herself up, thanks to her altered form.

"Did you have fun?" She asked.

"Oh, we sure did. I'm sure you're gonna talk more with Melanie about it than you are with me." I said, as I turned on one of the showers. I then started to rinse off.

"You could've cleaned up in the spring, ya know. To be fair, I didn't either. Didn't wanna get in the pool with others while I was still-"

"I don't blame you. Better than making the whole thing awkward."

"Well, at the very least, the privacy thing did work. Else, the others would've heard it." Melanie soon walked in and joined me. After we'd finished cleaning up, and Melanie retrieved her gown, I returned them to normal. They seemed disappointed, but they understand why.

When the others regrouped with us, I did the same for Lexie and Solais. Course, I waited for Lexie to redress first. Once we were ready, we returned to where we crossed over from, then returned to the normal world. From there, we started back to the Pokemon center. It's early afternoon now, so there's still plenty of time.

"Hey guys, hold up for a sec." I started to prepare a spell in my hand. "I think it's about time, we set up a place to settle between trips, and battles." I cast the spell, pulling open a portal. Unlike the normal dungeon portals, this one could be seen through. The other side hadn't taken form yet, but that's because I hadn't shaped it.

"Ah, so, finally gonna make a base, huh?" Kaorah was the first to say anything.

"Yup. I've had some talks with Palkia about it first, of course." Off-screen, that is. "And, I've got in mind what I want to go for." I began to focus. Before long, the other side began to take form. Starting as a grassy field, then rumbling as that field became a mountain. Trees rapidly grew, and a pathway formed. One which stretched past the trees and disappeared as it sloped upwards.

It took several minutes for me to shape everything as I'd wanted it. And the drain on my magic was massive. So much that Melanie had to take up the slack. By the time it finally stopped, I had exhausted myself. Mewtwo and Kaorah lifted my arms onto their shoulders, and helped me to step through. When the others stepped through, the portal closed. Then, we began our slow trip up the mountain.


[Break]


It took us a few hours, and it was early night by the time we finished our climb. And we were met with what would be our new home. A pretty large cabin, one which would have more than enough space for all of us. As well as extra space for any new recruits.

"Wow…this is nice." Mewtwo said, and the others agreed. The door opened in response to our presence. I'd re-created this place from memory. Something I'd come up with in my first life for…not important. Still, the building is one to one. The honeycomb pattern in the ceiling began to flicker, before fading away. Taking its place, a projection of the night sky.

Mewtwo recognized it, of course, but he didn't say anything. He and Kaorah helped me up the stairs to the loft, where my bed would be.

"I'll start on supper for everyone." Lexie said, as we went.

"Zee might be asleep before it's ready. He looks like he's worn himself out." Melanie said. "Though, I don't think he'd mind if we woke him up for it."

"Yeah, that'll be fine. Kitchen's to the right of the stairs, bathroom's to the left. There are rooms for each of you, down the extra hallway, plus spare stuff in the basement. We'll need supplies, and all. I think I've got enough left in me to make a trip and pick up our stuff." I said. It didn't take us too long to do that. I decided to hold onto the room keys, since I can still stay in the Centers. Granted, beds aren't gonna be as good as what I set up for us, here. Melanie and Mewtwo helped me bring the stuff through that we needed.

Then, once that was done, Mewtwo helped me to lay down, then he and Kaorah went downstairs. The mattress sank as my weight settled on top, forming comfortably on contact. It was cool to the touch, and through the sheets, a faint green glow could be seen. This was gel foam, always comfortable no matter what the room temperature is.

Considering the mattress material, it didn't take long for me to doze off. I didn't bother covering up, at least for now. I was only asleep for a few hours, before a hand softly brushed my cheek, then I felt a gentle shake.

"Hey sweetheart, wake up." Lexie's voice met my ears. Her tone was soft, and the scent of food reached my nose.

"Hey Lexie." I mumbled, slowly blinking my eyes open. The moon was out, and because of the projection, its light reached the inside of the building. Although, it wasn't nearly as bright as outside. "So, what did you bring me?" I mumbled.

"Grilled cheese, and tomato soup. Simple, but easier to fix. The rest of us had a roast, and there's leftovers in the fridge. Not sure how you got this place powered, but I won't question it." Lexie helped me sit up. I found my food on a tray, next to the bed.

"Thanks, honey." I said quietly. Lexie smiled softly, and sat down with me.

"Go ahead, dig in." I took one of the halves of the sandwich, then dipped it in the soup before taking a bite.

"Mmm…that's delicious. What did you use?" I asked her.

"Colby jack, for the sandwich. The soup has pepper in it."

"Well, simple or not, you've absolutely nailed it." I told her, then, I continued to eat. Lexie snuggled up to my side and laid her head on my shoulder.

"I was thinking...nachos, tomorrow night. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good. I'll even help out."

"Great. Might even let you take the lead, since you know how to make them." I shifted focus back to what she'd brought me. It didn't take me long to finish up, then I got up and started through my usual nightly routine. I returned from the bathroom, with my sleep clothes on. I laid back down, and it wasn't long before Lexie snuggled up next to me. Only this time, under the blanket.

"G'night Lex." I said softly. I was already half asleep again, shows I was more exhausted than we thought.

"G'night." Lexie kissed my cheek as I drifted off. I just barely felt her making herself comfortable. I'm sure it didn't take her long to doze off, either.