Rating: NC-17 F/F sex
Feedback: Definitely! Either to the list, CotHTB@aol.com, or
AyaJJ@aol.com
Authors' notes:
1: This story takes place after Titans: Truth or Dare
2: A
character by the name of Alex is mentioned midway through the story.
You
haven't missed anything. She'll be introduced soon, in a story that
fits
between this one and Truth or Dare in our continuity.
--Characters owned by DC, not us. Some indie movie company owns Nagiko
and
Jerome. Noone owns Ewan, although if I could I'd give Ewan to Aya so
she'd
write more stuff for me and I'd be happy. Done for fun, not money.
The Date
Toni leaned back against the hood of her convertible as she waited for Donna to show up. She was 20 minutes early and fidgeting nervously. Wearing a backless red micromini-skirt, red ankle-high high-heel boots, and silver accessories, she paced back and forth, tugging at the hem to her skirt occasionally. "I know this is too short for her... damn, I don't have enough time to change..." She paced some more, and took a deep breath when she saw Donna float up to the dock on the T-Barge.
As Donna stepped off she called out "Hi Toni. I made it."
Her warm smile was the first thing Toni noticed. Her eyes were quickly drawn to the beautiful royal blue sheath dress she was wearing though. Wearing might've been the wrong term to use though. It hung off her shoulders, draping itself lightly over her body, looking like it was one with the air itself. Her gold earrings and thin gold necklace were the only pieces of jewelry she wore, tasteful in their subtlety. Her low heeled pumps, combined with Toni's boots, put them at eye level with each other as Donna gave Toni a warm hug.
"Wow, you look gorgeous" Toni said breathlessly, hugging Donna tightly.
"You look fabulous too. I like the red on you, it looks great!" she replied, stepping back from the hug.
That smile again. Toni's heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest. "Really? It was Kory's idea."
"It really looks good on you."
Toni smiled shyly. "Thanks! you ready for dinner?"
"Starving! Where are we going?" Donna asked.
“A new place that just opened up in the Village last month. They've got all kinds of food... a really extensive menu."
"Great, although I'm so hungry, McGeefer's would do too" she smiled.
"Yeah, but McGeefer's isn't nearly as romantic..." Toni said impulsively, then blushed. She still wasn't sure if Donna knew this was a romantic date. "C'mon, reservations are for 8." she hopped into her car and tossed her purse in the back.
Donna sat back and smiled as Toni nervously tore through the parking lot and onto the freeway.
Once they were safely on the freeway, Toni looked over to Donna. "So, what'd you do today?" she asked, hoping the small talk would ease the butterflies in her stomach. No such luck.
"Not much, just a few layouts, some scouting for shoot sites... boring stuff"
"It doesn't sound boring at all!" Toni beamed. "What kind of shots are you preparing?"
"Fall catalog, nothing fancy. We still need models, if you're interested."
"Me???" The question stunned Toni so much she almost drove through the back of a bus. Composing herself, she eased on the brake. "I've never done any modeling before."
"Yeah you. You're gorgeous, you have a great figure, tall, slim. You'd be perfect. Would you like to try it?"
"I'd love to! What kind of clothes are they? And do I get to keep them?" she smiled.
"They're the new fall line and no, sorry. The stores are funny that way."
"I guess I have to be as popular as Kory for that."
"She has it in her contract. Us poor photographers get to shop like the rest of the world."
"Hey, don't knock shopping!" Toni giggled.
"I'm not. It's just the spending I mind!" Donna laughed.
"Hey, I know the feeling now. Since I'm not getting any more money from my family, my savings are running low."
"What happened?"
"Daddy doesn't want me to be a hero. He wanted me to stay home and... y'know... be normal." Toni explained.
"Kinda hard to do isn't it?
"Yeah, it is. Especially after what happened to Joto. I mean... being a REAL hero is what I want more than anything else."
"I completely understand. You know the Titans are behind you one hundred percent." Donna smiled warmly.
"I know." she reached across and took hold of Donna's hand. "Thanks."
"You're welcome." Donna squeezed her hand gently. "So, where is this place?"
"Just another block."
"Great! Have you been there before?" Donna asked.
"Not yet. I've read some great reviews about it though."
"I hope so, I like trying new places."
Toni pulled up to the curb and let the valets park her car. She stepped up to the host, hand in hand with Donna. "I have a reservation for 2, under Monetti."
The host checked the list and looked up. "Ah yes. Right this way Ms. Monetti." He led them to the second floor and sat them at their table, a small semiprivate window seat, with a great view of the city.
After the server served their drinks and took their orders, they were left alone. "Well, what do you think so far?" Toni asked.
"The view is great, the company is charming. If the food's any good, I'm set." Donna smiled.
"So, umm... what are you hungry for?" Toni asked, still feeling somewhat nervous.
"Right now? Anything... everything!"
Toni raised an eyebrow and smiled "And how do you keep that figure talking like that?"
"Exercise, various and fun"
"Think you can show me some of your workout routines?" Toni asked.
"Sure, we can run through some training exercises at the tower whenever you want."
"Yeah, but in our normal exercises, you always kick my butt."
"You just don't focus enough. I've watched you. You do well against Tara and Kory, but for some reason not against me."
Toni reddened a bit. "I guess I get... distracted sometimes."
"Distracted? How?"
"I'm... I'm just not used to sparring against you, that's all." Toni nervously took a sip of her soda.
"Why not? If you want, we can practice more so you can get used to sparring against me."
Toni turned redder. "I'm not sure more sparring will help."
"Why not? Do you want me to help you with technique?"
"Trust me, technique's not the problem"
"Then what's wrong?' Donna asked
"I'm... just not used to fighting someone..." Toni paused nervously. "Someone I'm attracted to, that's all."
Donna looked startled, then smiled. "Oh."
"What'd you think the problem was?"
"I wasn't sure. Maybe you didn't like sparring with me."
"No! Not at all... I actually preferred it..." Toni was still blushing.
"But?"
"But, being close to you like that... let's just say I had more on my mind than sparring."
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I went through the same thing."
"You did?" Toni looked confused. How could Donna Troy be nervous around anyone?
"Back in my Wonder Girl days."
"With who?" Toni asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Speedy."
"How did you make it work?"
"We went out. Took the mystery away from it all. We liked it, so we kept going out." Donna smiled.
"You and Roy were an item? I'd never imagine!" Toni laughed. "He seems to go for the bad girls."
Donna laughed "It was a long time ago. As you can see, my taste in dinner companions has improved."
Toni swallowed nervously. "You really think so?" she asked, gently brushing her calf against Donna's.
"Absolutely." Donna smiled.
"I was so scared when I asked you out... I didn't think you'd..." Toni continued nervously.
"Why not?" Donna asked. "You're gorgeous, single."
"God, there's a ton of reasons I came up with... the fact that I'm female, our age difference..." she paused for a second. "Did you say gorgeous?"
"Gorgeous." Donna repeated. "Female, uh huh, so? The age difference... I can't say it doesn't bother me, but we're just having dinner now, right?"
"Right..."
"So why not?" Donna smiled warmly.
Toni started feeling more confident. "I hope you don't mind. I asked Kory a few things about you..."
"What did she tell you?"
"She said that you weren't into women before. What changed it?"
"Kory did." Donna said.
"You mean... You and Kory...? Wow..." Toni was dumbfounded. "When? If you don't mind me asking."
"Wow is right. It was right after she came back. She was staying with me, one thing led to another and... wow!"
"She is amazing, isn't she?" Toni smiled.
"Very amazing. I was surprised at first that I even considered it. Now I'm surprised I never did."
"Have there been any others since then? Besides your kiss with Raven..." Toni stopped herself. "I'm sorry. If I'm getting too personal..."
"No, I don't mind" Donna assured her. "I had a few one night stands, a few times on Themyscira."
"I want names..." Toni smiled mischievously.
"A lady never tells." Donna smiled back with a glint in her eyes.
"Darn. Can't fault a girl for trying! I just have this mental image of you and Wonder Woman..."
"No, she's me. It would be... uncomfortable."
"She's you?" Toni asked, confused again.
"Diana and I are in essence, twin sisters" Donna explained briefly.
"Twins? Wow..." Toni looked stunned.
"That's the easiest way to describe it. Which is why I'd never..."
"I understand. Not that it would stop me though." Toni said with a wicked smile. "Is Wonder Woman...?"
"You'll have to ask her, though I know she did have a thing for Batman before." Donna smiled.
"Batman? Ugh! Anyway, how can I ask her when I've never met her?"
"I'll introduce you sometime. She's very outgoing."
"Is that a promise?" Toni smiled. "Okay, I have a rhetorical question for you..."
"Shoot."
"If you were to... start a permanent relationship with any of the Titan women, myself excluded, who would you pick?"
Donna answered almost immediately, to Toni's surprise. "Probably Raven."
"Good choice..." Toni smiled. "I would've expected you to pick Kory though."
"Kory is sweet, and a lot of fun" Donna explained. "But I prefer Raven, just because of her aura, her whole being. Not knocking Kory, but you know what I mean."
"Yeah, I know..." Toni smiled knowingly.
"What about you, excluding me?" Donna asked.
"Hmmm..." Toni thought for a second. "Jesse."
"Why?"
"She's got this confidence about her, like she always knows what she's doing..." she paused and gave a wicked smile. "Plus, she's got an amazing ass."
"That she does!" Donna agreed wholeheartedly.
"You've peeked too?"
"Of course. You did."
Toni started rubbing her leg more firmly against Donna's. "Think either of us could convince her too..."
"I think I have a shot" Donna said, letting out a wicked grin.
"I'd pay good money to watch!" Toni laughed.
"I'm sure you would." Donna said, matter of factly.
"Do you have any voyeuristic fantasies? Is there anyone out there you'd like to watch?" Toni asked.
"Well, I'd love to watch Dick, or Garth. They're both incredibly sexy. Maybe you once."
"I'd let you, in a heartbeat" Toni said, dead seriously. "So, what do you think of that new chick, Alex?"
"She's cute. Quiet. I'm not really sure what to think yet. How 'bout you? What do you think of her?" Donna asked.
"I think she's definitely hot. I'd love to get to know her better myself." she gave Donna a sly smile. "Think our Alex will let us get close enough? He seems to hover over her all the time. He seems kinda... odd to me... maybe he likes her..."
"I don't think so. I think she likes someone else though. Who knows, maybe we're both wrong."
"Maybe we should ask the other Garth. They seem close too." Toni suggested. "I'd like to think I have a chance with her..."
"You never know." Donna smiled warmly and took a sip of her wine as Toni continued rubbing her leg under the table.
"So, haven't you gone on any dates with any of these other women you've been with?" Toni asked.
"No, I'm not looking for something serious yet."
"So what happened? How did they... y'know... happen?" Toni smiled.
"They just happened, though I actually did set out to seduce one of them, but that's another story, for another time. They were all fabulous too." Donna let out another wicked grin.
"What's your favorite part of it?
"The chase is the best part. All the anticipation, the waiting, the what-ifs."
"Y'know, I think I have to agree." Toni said with a smile. "I especially like the what-ifs. It's one of the reasons I'm asking all these questions."
Donna leaned in and lowered her voice to almost a whisper. "I know, just like how you've been rubbing my leg, wondering 'what if I stopped? What if she started?' It's erotic, isn't it."
Toni closed her eyes. "Incredibly..." was all she could say.
"Just enjoy it then." Donna whispered and started rubbing Toni's leg.
Toni leaned back, enjoying the sensation. "Mmm... that's nice... you've got such beautiful legs..." she was almost in a daze by now, feeling Donna's leg against hers, feeling the wetness build between her legs. "Oh God..." she thought to herself. "I should've masturbated again at the docks. I feel like I'm gonna..." She took a drink of her soda to try to cool herself down. "Speaking of legs..." she finally managed to speak. "What's your favorite body part on a woman? What catches your eye first?"
"Eyes of course" Donna's eyes almost sparkled as she said this.
"So, who's got the best eyes on the team for you?"
"Male? Definitely Dick. Female? Hmm..." Donna paused to think. "Probably Raven or you."
Toni blushed again. "As much as I like Raven, I don't think her eyes are her best asset."
"Oh? Then what would it be?" Donna asked.
"Like you said earlier, her aura, the way she carries herself... and her voice, definitely."
"She could make money just reading the phone book with that voice." Donna smiled.
"Tell me about it." Toni smiled dreamily.
"I love when she's on monitor duty, the way she sounds when she pages us just gives me goosebumps."
"So what's stopped you from... y'know...?" Toni asked.
"I don't know. I guess it's that we're more sisterly than anything."
"I have to get you over this 'sister' hang-up that you have!" Toni laughed.
"It's not a hang-up, it's inborn. Remember who I am." Donna explained.
"I know... it was a joke... I'm sorry" Toni apologized.
"No worries." Donna smiled.
"Do you fantasize about her a lot?"
"About Raven? From time to time. Not a lot though. I haven't had much time for fantasies lately."
"Sometimes I think I've had a bit TOO much time for them myself" Toni smiled meekly.
"Gods, I wish" Donna laughed. "So, what do you fantasize about?"
"Gosh, it can be a lot. Different women, different locations..."
"Like what?" Donna asked. "Pick a favorite."
"Well, I always love my Catwoman fantasy..."
"Uh huh."
"Then there's me under Jesse's desk at her office, while she's dictating something to her secretary" Toni smiled.
"Under the desk? Kinky!" Donna laughed.
"Yeah, they can get pretty kinky sometimes.
"I don't mind. I like kinky." Donna smiled, pouring herself another glass of wine.
"What's your most kinky fantasy?" Toni asked.
"You have to promise not to tell a soul."
"My lips are sealed" Toni promised.
"It involves a certain dark knight detective, his car, and Diana's lasso."
"Batman?? That in itself could be considered kinky!"
"I know, it's just the thought of that kevlar and that strong jaw... ooh baby, can I hold your batarang?"
Toni burst out laughing. "Okay, what's the most kinky thing you've done in real life then?"
"In real life? A threesome."
Toni arched her eyebrow. "I wonder who the lucky victims were?"
"Actually, only one victim. My accomplice and I planned it that way."
"I'm jealous!" Toni laughed.
"As you should be. It was... indescribable." Donna said with a wicked grin.
"Well, you've just given me yet more fantasy material, thank you very much." Toni said with mock indignation.
"Glad to oblige." Donna sat back smugly.
"Do you think we might have an unfair advantage with our fantasies... with our powers, the masks, the ultra-revealing costumes...?"
"No. Everyone has a mask they wear. Powers, costumes, it's all part of the mask."
"Yeah, well, I can't remember the last time I fantasized about a normal model..."
"That's okay. I fantasize about parts of my world, my circle. Occasionally a wild card comes in, but then..." Donna shrugged.
"Okay, besides Kory, have you ever been with any of your models?"
"No, it would cross the line. There's a point where professionalism comes into play. Donna gave a wicked grin then. "Not that I haven't thought about it though."
"But Kory... I guess it's different since you're friends."
"Yeah, we knew each other before the job. It was different."
"Have you ever done any... private shoots with her?" Toni asked with a wicked grin.
"Not yet, but we've... discussed it." Donna smiled.
"I dunno... this may sound really perverse, but I absolutely love how she looks naked. Her lack of hair is... I'm sure you know." Toni smiled.
"It's exotic. I know, that and the golden skin. Geez, sometimes I look at her and my mouth just waters"
"My mouth isn't the only thing that gets wet..."
Donna laughed. "Speaking of wet..." she started rubbing Toni's leg again. Toni's heart skipped about a dozen beats as Donna asked "So, what about you? When did you realize that you were into women?"
"Unconsciously, when I was around 14. I saw you and the other Titans fighting the Brotherhood of Evil at a mall. When I saw Starfire in her costume, I just couldn't get it out of my head. I think she was my first real crush."
"She has that effect on people. " Donna smiled warmly.
"Yeah, you can just imagine how I felt when she approached me at the party..."
"I know the feeling." Donna smiled.
"My first time with a woman was just after my 16th birthday though.
"Anyone special?" Donna asked.
"My dad had this grad student helping him out with one of his reelection campaigns."
"An older woman?"
"Yeah. My dad didn't like her at all. He only had her working for him because she was openly gay. He needed her for the 'alternative culture' vote. He liked calling her an 'f'in dyke' behind her back."
"She decked him I hope."
"Even better." Toni laughed. "She seduced me, and then moved to the competition."
"Geez, that would be thrilling I think..." Donna mused.
"What would?"
"Love 'em and leave 'em. I've yet to try that, but an affair for the hell of it always intrigued me."
"I didn't mind it at all" Toni grinned. "I was still in high school, I had so much else that I wanted to do. I totally understood WHY she did it, and I know she was attracted to me."
"And why was that?"
"We hung out and talked all the time when she was still working for my dad. It would've happened either way, if she would've stayed or left. It's just the circumstances that makes it so interesting."
"What did your dad say? Or didn't he find out?" Donna asked.
"He never found out. I don't think he even knows that I like women, not that he didn't have plenty of opportunities to find out" Toni gave another wicked grin.
"Ooh, juicy stories, do tell!"
"Well, there was the time I was skinny dipping with 2 of my friends in our back yard pool one night.
"Uh huh..." Donna started rubbing her leg again.
"We had these steps that gradually led into the pool. I sat back on one of the shallower steps, and pretty much out of the blue, started fingering myself."
"Uh huh..." Donna started rubbing higher on her leg.
"I was never with either of my friends sexually before. At first they were shocked..."
"So, how did you ask them? Or did you just do it?" Donna asked.
"I just did it. I saw that they were trying to watch without... y'know... obviously watching..."
"Uh huh..." Donna giggled.
"I just stood up, walked over to one of 'em, and started kissing her. The water was only up to our waists in that area of the pool. My parents were upstairs in their bedroom at the time... If they would've looked out the window, they would've gotten an eyeful of their daughter in her first threesome."
"Brave girl" Donna smiled.
"I love doing that kind of stuff... I love the thrill." Toni smiled, reached under the table and starting rubbing Donna's calf.
"So I gathered" Donna gave a wicked grin.
"What about you? How close have you gotten to getting caught?"
"Caught? Well, there was one time in the darkroom, and once on the roof of the Tower."
"With who? Anyone interesting?" Toni asked.
"The darkroom was with Terry. The roof? Guess."
"Kory?"
"Nope" Donna took a sip of her wine. "Lilith."
"Lilith???" Toni looked shocked. "How'd you get those robes off? I thought she slept in those things!"
Donna laughed. "You don't know Lilith like I do..."
"Obviously! What's she like? She seemed kinda boring to me... like a Raven wannabe."
"She wasn't always like that. She has her wild side too."
"What led to the two of you doing it on the rooftop?" Toni asked.
"We were just up there talking, one thing led to another... We didn't go all the way, but what we did do..." she gave Toni a wicked grin.
"Tell me more!"
"Oh no, I get to ask the questions this time."
"Okay" Toni smiled.
"Any of the guys on the team that you would consider, maybe as part of a threesome?"
"Hmmm... this you have to promise to keep JUST between us..." Toni smiled nervously.
"I love keeping secrets."
"Okay, then promise not to laugh..." Toni paused. "Gar."
"Gar??????" Donna was totally stunned. "Gods, why Gar?"
"He kinda cute, for a guy. I actually like his sense of humor... most of the time."
"Yeah, I think so too. But GAR? I'd expect you to say Dick, or ever Wally, but GAR?"
"Maybe I just have a thing for exotic skin colors... who knows?" Toni smiled.
"Green does look good on you."
"Yeah, well, I don't know any green heroines, so..."
"There's Jade." Donna offered.
"Never met her."
"You will. I'll introduce you.
"You sure you want to do that?" Toni said with a wicked grin.
"Why not?"
"Well, you think she'd be into a silver skinned chick like me?"
"Why not? You're gorgeous, sexy, and daring. I'm just introducing, not setting up. You're on your own there."
"Just as long as you know what you're getting her into." Toni laughed.
"I'm sure I can guess. Or if not, you'd be happy to instruct me" she started rubbing Toni's leg with her hand.
"I'd be more than happy to..." Toni paused. "Hey, I have kind of a strange question to ask..."
"Shoot."
"When you and Tara went to Paradise Island, did she say anything to you... about my dare from Truth or Dare?"
"A little. Not a lot."
"Like what?" Toni asked. "I haven't even gotten a chance to talk to her since then."
"Nothing major. She said she didn't think she'd like it, but she did."
"Okay, good. I was worried that I may have pushed her a bit too far..."
"Nah, you surprised her, that's all" Donna reassured her.
"I surprised myself when I picked her..."
"Why did you?" Donna asked.
"I still don't completely know... I like her... she's not the most attractive woman on the team, but she's... I dunno... It's so hard for me to say exactly..."
"I guess. I mean, I like Tara too, but I kind of expected you to choose someone else."
Toni smiled meekly. "Yeah, me too. I talked that over with Kory though, and I think I did the right thing NOT picking who I had in mind."
"What stopped you?"
"As much as I wanted that person, then and there, I think it would've been a cheap way to have sex with her. If I'm going to, I want it to be... y'know..."
"Yeah, I guess, but at the same time, it let you actually approach someone without being too embarrassed, and get your rocks off with a person of choice. No guilt, no commitments."
"Yeah, I know. I still second guess my decision sometimes. I loved doing it with Tara, but..."
"But you regret the missed opportunity" Donna said.
"Exactly. I still think 'What if the woman I want doesn't want me? I could kick myself if I lost the opportunity."
"The road not taken..."
"It was a complete gamble." Toni said.
"You win some, you lose some."
"I mean, I don't regret doing it with Tara at all... and who knows? Maybe there's another game of Truth or Dare coming up in the future." Toni smiled.
"It was fun. I wouldn't mind it."
"Me neither. I'm just glad that my... victims were willing." Toni laughed.
"Mine too" Donna joined.
"Okay Donna, if you could dare me to do anything, what would it be?"
"Hmm... anything?" Donna asked.
"Anything, or anyone." Toni gave a sly grin as she sipped her soda.
"Hmm... I'd dare you to give me a lap dance." Donna gave a wicked grin.
"Well, when we get back to the tower..." Toni suggested.
"You're on. A private show."
"Gladly" Toni smiled. "Any special outfit you have in mind?"
"What you're wearing is fine."
"Um, yeah. Unfortunately, my panties are kinda... soaked." Toni gave a wicked smile.
"So, who says you need them?"
"Good point. Okay, going back in our conversation, we kinda picked out the best butt and best eyes in the group. Who do you think has the best smile? Best breasts? Best legs?"
"Smile, sorry to burst your bubble, goes to Roy" Donna began. "I like your breasts, and Wally's legs."
"I'm not expecting you to pick me for any of 'em" Toni smiled.
"But I did." Donna smiled warmly back. "How 'bout you?"
"Hmm... legs, you. Breasts, you. Smile, you. Does that count?"
"No that doesn't count. Anyone else."
Toni laughed. "Okay, legs, Jesse definitely."
"She does have great legs" Donna agreed.
"Smile is really a tie between you and Flamebird."
"Uh huh."
"Breasts, I have to go with Jesse again."
"Not Kory?" Donna wondered.
"Kory's are great, but Jesse's seem so firm and tight. She keeps in such great shape."
"True, okay" Donna agreed again.
"Apart from you, I think Jesse definitely has the best body on the team."
"Okay, what about the guys? Any opinions?" Donna asked.
"Never really thought about it..."
"Well, think about it now" Donna laughed. "I'm curious."
"Legs, probably Wally, since he runs so much. Smile has to be Gar. Uhh... breasts?"
"How about build." Donna suggested.
"Okay, that would be Dick.
"Good choice" Donna smiled.
"Well, I like my women tight and in shape, so..."
"So..." Donna prodded warmly.
"Well, Dick's the most logical choice there"
"He does look good in that uniform, doesn't he?" Donna laughed.
"I suppose..." Toni smiled back.
"C'mon, just because you prefer women, doesn't mean you can't appreciate men"
"I can appreciate them, a bit." Toni smiled defiantly. "So, why do ya want to know?"
"Honestly?"
"Yeah."
"It turns me on." Donna stroked Toni's leg again.
"Just like it turns me on listening to what women you enjoy." Toni replied, stroking Donna's leg back.
"If I was 8 years younger..." Donna whispered.
Toni leaned forward, allowing Donna a perfectly unobstructed view of her breasts down her top. "Why do you have to be 8 years younger?"
"Just me I guess, I just can't get over the 'corrupting a teenager' thing."
Toni laughed warmly. "I think I've already been corrupted."
"I mean, I was a mom..."
"So? I happen to like older women, and the age difference isn't that great."
Donna gave her a soft smile. "But to me it is..."
"You're ex-husband had an even bigger difference in age..."
"Sorry, I know. Maybe that's why. I guess I just don't want to have to explain why I want to stay home like an old woman, or go to a concert with the kids. I just want to make sure I can make myself happy first."
"Look, I'm not gonna say I'm more mature than any other 18 year old. I like to think I'm pretty average that way... but I DO know that I'm amazingly attracted to you."
"I know. And I'm not saying it couldn't work out or anything, but..."
"But?" Toni asked, reaching under the table and placing her hand against Donna's thigh.
"I guess I just want to see what makes me happy, experiment, but not take chances on ruining something good, for just a few moments of pleasure."
"I understand. We won't be ruining anything if we... experiment tonight at all." Toni smiled. "I'm bound and determined to give you that lap dance at least!"
"You're on."
Toni lowered her voice seductively "And after that, I intend to fuck you like you've never been fucked before..." She managed to get the line out before bursting into laughter.
"Maybe" Donna smiled warmly.
"Well, just as a start..." Toni stood up, reached up her skirt, and pushed her panties off. She put them in her purse as she sat back down.
"Preparing I see?" Donna asked with an amused grin.
"Uh huh."
"So, what movie are we going to see?"
"Kory suggested it... It's called the Pillow Book."
"The Pillow Book? I really wanted to see that too. Ewan McGregor is so hot, and Nagiko is beyond gorgeous."
"I heard." Toni smiled. "I also heard that she was naked through pretty much the entire movie."
"They both are. There's something for everyone" Donna gave a wicked grin.
"Well, I certainly can't wait to see it."
"Let's go then." Donna smiled, stood up and took Toni's hand.
Toni was about to step into the car when Donna stopped. Toni looked to see what was happening, just to see Donna giving her a devastating smile. Her heart leapt to her throat as Donna pulled her in and tenderly kissed her, sliding her tongue gently into Toni's mouth. Toni closed her eyes and warmly returned the kiss, letting go of Donna's hand to wrap her arms around her back.
Donna gently slid her nails up and down Toni's bare back, and slightly down the back of her skirt. Her breasts pressed gently against Toni's, the thin material of their dresses radiating the heat of their bodies in the cool night air.
Toni drew her fingers up Donna's bare back and through her hair. She wove her tongue around Donna's as she tasted their lipstick mixing together.
Donna finally broke the kiss, slowly pulling back, a light string of saliva connecting their lips briefly. Their bodies still touched lightly, hand on hip, breast on breast, calf on calf.
Toni kept her eyes closed. She could feel Donna's heartbeat, she could hear Donna's warm breath inches from her face, she could feel Donna stroke her cheek with the back of her hand, she could barely hear her whisper "C'mon. We'll be late for the movie."
Toni reached in and pressed her lips against Donna's one more time before reluctantly pulling away. There was no denying it this time. She was in love. The Movie
They walked into the movie theatre, hand in hand, settling in seats towards the back. "I love these kinds of films," Donna said, getting comfortable, the hem of her dress sliding up, giving Toni a wonderful view of her leg. The lights dimmed as the soundtrack came up.
Toni started lightly stroking Donna's leg with soft fingertips, half-watching the show, half-watching Donna's reactions to it. Donna was a very visual person. The image of the young girl, Nagiko, having traditional calligraphy painted on her face made her breath catch. When the brush ran over the girls lips, Donna ran her tongue over her own lips in response, savoring the sensation. Toni started tracing similar designs on Donna's leg, watching her lips curl into a soft smile. Donna settled her hand over Toni's. "Let me watch," she whispered "or I'll have you naked across these chairs, and we'll miss the movie."
Toni grinned and leaned in, her lips brushing Donna's ear. "Maybe that's the idea."
Donna cocked an eyebrow. "Behave," she scolded with a smile.
The movie went on. Nagiko had been married and divorced, and now sought out men and women who could recreate the same sensations of her father's brush across her skin. The first candidate drew his pen across her skin…
Toni drew a thin line across Donna's shoulders with her fingernail, mimicking the candidate's movement. Donna shivered in anticipation, her breath escaping in soft pants. Toni leaned closer, lightly tracing the curve of Donna's shoulder with her tongue, smiling at her soft moan.
The movie went on. Nagiko meets Jerome, a writer, in a swingers' bar, inviting him to write on her chest. Jerome does as she asks, writing in 3 languages across her smooth skin. She accuses him of being a scribbler and sends him away.
Donna was mesmerized by his hands, the way they gripped the pen and drew on her skin delicately. She took Toni's hand in hers, running it across her palm and up her arm, biting her lip to keep from moaning out loud.
The movie went on. Nagiko meets Jerome again, who now knows 7 languages and quickly proves he's not a scribbler. He draws the Lord's Prayer on her body in English, Latin, German, from shoulder to ankle in soft, sure strokes.
Toni watched him paint her, running her tongue along her lips, then over Donna's bare shoulder again. She had to admit, he did look good for a guy, but Nagiko, damn, she was electric. She thought to herself, as she slid a hand between her legs, I need to try this sometime. God, this is hot. She stroked herself lightly and stole a look at Donna.
Donna's breathing was heavier, watching Jerome's hands on the brush moving over Nagiko's body. Donna took Toni's hand and slid it up under the hem of her dress, letting her feel the heat through her triangle of soft curls. Toni’s heart skipped a beat when she felt nothing separating her fingers from Donna’s hot, wet center. Donna was wearing absolutely nothing underneath! Toni took the hint and stroked her lightly, surprised at how wet she was. Donna's eyelids lowered slightly as her head tilted back a bit.
No wonder she likes these movies, Toni grinned, sliding a finger into Donna as (on-screen) Jerome slid into Nagiko. Donna still watched the screen, but put her hand on Toni's, speeding her rhythm a bit, while moving against her hand. Taking her free hand, Donna put her hand between Toni's legs, moving her hand aside and stroking Toni's wet and swollen lips with her own fingers. Toni did moan then, but the noise from the screen drowned out her voice. Donna moved faster, sliding her fingers into Toni with the same rhythm she set with Toni's hand. Toni's breath was ragged now as she watched Nagiko's face become a study of pleasure, listened to Donna's soft moans and hard breathing and felt her own orgasm begin to build. The chairs began to squeak from their movement, but luckily the rest of the audience seemed too wrapped up in the movie. The two couples on-screen and off came explosively together, Donna biting her lip to keep from screaming, Toni's breath escaping in a rush.
The movie went on, with Nagiko adding pages to her own pillow book, Jerome still writing beautiful passages on her body, until she decide to have her book published and sends Jerome to the publisher with her book. Jerome is considered payment to the publisher, and soon her book is published, at the cost of her relationship with Jerome.
Donna sat quietly leaning on Toni's shoulder, tasting Toni's cum off her fingers. Toni held her own hand up and let Donna run her tongue along them, shivering at the sensations Donna caused with the gentle nips of her teeth.
Donna looked innocently into Toni’s eye’s as she slid her tongue up her fingers, coating her tongue with her own cum. She kissed Toni’s fingertips one final time and leaned against her shoulder.
The movie went on. Jerome realizes how much he loves Nagiko and how her writing and publishing is affecting their relationship. He goes to their loft, and begs entrance.
Donna's tears spilled over as Jerome shouted, "HE WAS COVERED IN MY PAINT!" She understood his loss, his betrayal and wept for him, clutching Toni's hand. Toni put a comforting arm around her shoulder, holding her own tears in check. Again she thought, No wonder she likes these movies.
The movie went on in a blur, playing with Donna's emotions, moving her from aroused to confused, from sadness to peace. Toni watched her watch the movie, thinking back to her school days and the phrase "Willing suspension of Disbelief." Donna personified that phrase, and Toni found she was entranced by the amount of energy and feeling she saw in Donna. She doesn't do anything by halves, Toni decided. And neither would she.
The movie ended, with Donna almost content. The credits rolled over images of Jerome and Nagiko painting and writing on themselves and each other. The visuals, the audio, everything recreated the sensual nature. The lights came up and Donna smiled at Toni, twirling a pen in her hand.
"Are you game?" The Drive
Toni and Donna left the theater hand in hand, with their arms interlocked. The warm breeze wrapped around the couple like a warm blanket as they walked to Toni’s car. Toni reluctantly released Donna’s hand and chivalrously opened the door for her. Donna’s smile was as warm as the summer air as she stepped into the red convertible and made herself comfortable as Toni got in her side and pulled away.
At the first red light, Toni glanced over toward her date. The glow of the streetlights shined down on Donna, bathing her in light and shadows. Toni’s eyes followed the shadows over her skin as they stretched down the side of her face, along the sides of her neck, down between her breasts, watched as they mixed with the royal blue of her dress over her abdomen and along her skirt. Her mind drifted back to the wonderful exchange they had during the movie, her eyes locking briefly in Donna’s lap.
The light turned green and Donna noticed Toni turn her head forward again to drive. She tilted her head back, allowing her dark hair to be carried by the wind. She stretched her arms over her head, soaking in the warmth of the beautiful summer night.
Toni caught Donna’s stretch out of the corner of her eye and her heart leapt. She’d never seen a more beautiful woman. Again she followed the contours of her body, the curves of her breasts, the flatness of her abdomen, the tightness of her thighs. She absentmindedly rubbed her finger against the steering wheel, recalling how it felt inside of Donna. Her gaze was partly on the road, partly on Donna’s lap. Her stretch pulled the hem of her skirt higher up her legs and Toni thought she caught a glimpse between Donna’s legs. The light and shadows strobed over Donna’s body, making Toni think it was just a the shadows.
Donna was hard pressed to remember a time when she felt more content and comfortable. Kory, Lilith, Tara, Euboea, Anaya, the bartender... they all made her feel wanted, but none of them made her feel as special as Toni did right now. Seeing Toni’s constantly hard nipples through her dress, the constant sparkle in her eyes, feeling her masturbating in the theater, knowing she was constantly on her mind, in her fantasies, gave Donna a feeling of comfort she hadn’t felt since... she didn’t know when. She leaned back again and raised her foot to the dashboard, smiling contently.
Toni was flying down the street by now. It wasn’t shadows she was seeing this time. When Donna’s legs moved up, it pushed her skirt up even farther, allowing Toni to see Donna’s wet, pink lips and soft, dark triangle of hair for the first time. It took every bit of willpower she possessed not to stop the car and take her right there on the highway. Instead she just pushed harder on the gas, desperate to get back to the ferry as soon as possible. She remembered the movie theater again, imagining her fingers sliding in and out of what she was seeing now, thinking what it will be like to have her tongue inside. She rubbed her own legs together, trying hard not to cum all over the car seat. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they reached the docks, Toni practically leapt out of the car and grabbed Donna by the hand. “C’mon, we’re flying the rest of the way. I’m tired of waiting.” Courtship
“Okay, but why fly?” Donna asked.
“The T-barge is way too slow. My energy slide can get us home in under 2 minutes.” Toni answered.
Donna smiled warmly. “I’d rather take the T-barge. We can talk some more on the way.” she squeezed Toni’s hand lightly and led her to the ferry. Toni unhooked it from the dock as Donna started it and programmed it to take them back to Titans Island.
They traveled in silence for a brief time hand in hand, the warm breeze carrying Donna’s long hair and their light dresses with it. Donna finally spoke,. “So, what do you have planned for me?”
Toni smiled warmly. “Well, I did promise you that lap dance.”
Donna nodded. “Yes, you did.”
“I’m hoping to have you pretty much naked by the time that’s done” Toni laughed. “Beyond that? I dunno. What would help make this a perfect night for you?”
“Pretty much naked is a good start.” Donna smiled.
“Well, that part’s not too difficult!” Toni reached down and goosed Donna’s bare bottom flirtatiously.
Donna playfully slapped her hand away. “I thought we were waiting until we get home...”
“If we would’ve flown like I suggested, we’d be there already!” Toni smiled defiantly.
“Ah, but good things come to those who wait, unless you prefer bad...”
“Depends on what the difference is!” Toni smiled wickedly.
“I’m sure you can figure it out.”
“I dunno. I’m feeling a little slow tonight... the sea air must be making be lightheaded.”
“Slow?” Donna smiled seductively. “We can’t have that...”
“Well, what can we do to fix it?” Toni drawled sexily.
“What do you have in mind?”
Toni leaned closer to Donna, whispering in her ear. “Well, you can tell me... what are the bad things that can happen if we don’t wait?”
“Other than a ticket for indecent exposure?” Donna whispered back.
“We’re on a boat in the middle of the Hudson Bay. Who’d ticket us?”
Donna pulled away from Toni slightly. She pointed and waved at a passing Coast Guard ship. “Them...” she laughed.
Toni smiled and mumbled to herself. “Just my luck.”
Donna leaned back in and ran her hand down the small of Toni’s back, whispering sensuously. “Patience... Anticipation is the best aphrodisiac.”
“Tell me about it!” Toni sighed. “I... I just want tonight to be perfect for you.”
“Perfection is so overrated. I just want magic...”
“God Donna... I... “ Toni’s voice trailed off.
“Shh... just relax.” Donna stroked her fingernails lightly down Toni’s back whispering in her ear. “It’s not just my night, but yours too.”
“I’ve never looked at it that way.” Toni smiled softly.
“Maybe you should.” Donna whispered sensuously.
“I’m with you. That’s more than enough for me.”
Donna grazed her lips against Toni’s ear. “No, it shouldn’t be” she whispered. “You told me that you were going to fuck me like I’ve never been fucked before. It would be terribly unfair of me to not do the same to you, wouldn’t it?”
Toni could barely nod in agreement. At a total loss for words, she simply leaned in and held Donna’s hand tightly as they docked and walked into the Tower. Toni fumbled a bit with the keypad lock on her door before finally getting it open. She turned to face Donna, resting a heel up against the doorway, locking eyes with her.
Donna traced her fingertip across Toni’s jawline and reached in, kissing her softly, first her upper lip, then her lower lip. Toni did the same to Donna before pulling back and locking eyes with her again. Donna gave her another soft, tender kiss, stepping in closer to the younger woman.
Toni immediately deepened the kiss, opening her mouth and gently sliding her tongue over Donna’s moist lips. Donna pulled her head back slightly, and quickly moved back in, taking Toni’s tongue eagerly into her mouth. Toni responded by kissing Donna more and more passionately, intertwining her tongue with Donna’s. Her hands made their way to Donna’s hips and began to lift Donna’s dress slowly, far enough to rest her hands on bare skin.
Donna breathlessly broke the kiss. “I umm... I think we should go inside. I’d really like to see that lap dance now.”
Toni reluctantly removed her hands from Donna’s hips and led her into the small apartment. Donna sat back in the middle of Toni’s large, soft sofa and crossed her legs while Toni set up her CD player. Satisfied with her choice in music, Toni pressed play and turned to lock gazes Donna, legs apart, holding her dress tight against her thighs. She swung her hips sharply as the music started with a quick beat and strode purposefully towards Donna until she stood over her lap. A few more sharp beats went by before the music slowed to a more intimate level.
Toni and Donna kept their eyes locked on each other as Toni’s dancing became slower. Toni leaned in, draping her arms over Donna’s shoulders, and started whispering the songs racy lyrics in her ear as she danced. Her calves brushed subtly against Donna’s legs as Toni slid her hands slowly down Donna’s arms to her own legs just in time for the music's tempo to quicken. This time, instead of jaunty hip swaying though, Toni let loose, flinging her arms up and dancing wildly with the beat. Her dress flew in every direction, not even attempting to cover her lower body anymore. She dipped a bit at the knees, allowing Donna to feel her soaking wet crotch brushing against her thigh.
The music slowed for the final time. Toni leaned in again, this time pressing her crotch firmly against Donna’s lap. Her arms rested against Donna’s hips as she danced slowly, grinding herself into Donna’s legs. She moved her mouth in close to Donna’s face, allowing her to feel the warmth of her breath against her cheek. Toni’s dress was hanging on by a dream right now. She swayed one way, causing one shoulder strap to fall. She swayed the other way, causing the other to fall. Her breasts were barely enough to hold it up, keeping her somewhat covered.
Her cheek resting against Donna’s, Toni began whispering the lyrics in Donna’s ear again, slowly thrusting her crotch against Donna’s thighs. The music started winding down, but Toni’s thrusting started getting faster. Her breathing was getting heavier against Donna’s ear, her crotch was sliding up and down her cum dampened lap with ease. She could barely hold her scream in when she finally orgasmed at the end of the song.
Toni flopped onto the couch beside Donna when the orgasm subsided. Donna lightly took Toni’s hand, dipped it in the pool of cum on her thigh and lifted it to her mouth, lightly kissing and licking the wetness off. Once she was done, Toni absent-mindedly dabbed the rest of her wetness off of Donna’s leg and licked it off herself. “God, I’m thristy.” she whispered to Donna, standing up and heading to the kitchen. “Do you want anything to drink?”
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.” Donna smiled and followed her.
Toni laughed. “I’m just having a glass of water. You sure that’s all you want? I keep some beer and wine in the fridge for when I have guests.”
“That’s right, I keep forgetting you don’t drink.” Donna smiled. “Water will be fine. I’d like to ask though... you’re only 18. How are you getting beer and wine?” she laughed.
“Hey, can’t a girl have her secrets?” she giggled, handing Donna her water. “Actually, I talked Roy into getting some for me. He SAYS he did it only because he knew it wasn’t for me, but I think he just did it so I can help hook him up with some babes. Seems we’ve got some very similar tastes in women.”
“Are you going to help him?” Donna laughed.
Toni hopped up and sat on the counter. “I don’t know. Like I said, we have similar tastes. I’m not sure I’d want to lose a prospective girlfriend like that. Anyway, I like the competition.” she laughed.
“That’s good.” Donna said, getting that devastatingly seductive look in her eyes again. “I thought I was about to be traded in for a bottle of wine.”
Toni took a sip of her water and laughed. “Yeah right. I wouldn’t trade you for anything!”
Donna stepped up to Toni and took the glass out of her hand, placing it on the counter beside her own drink. “I’m glad to hear that.” she whispered taking Toni in her arms and began hungrily french kissing her. She pulled Toni’s legs up around her waist and pushed both their dresses up around their hips. Neither one held back as they rubbed up against each other. Donna had her hands pressed against Toni’s ass while Toni’s hands cupped Donna’s still clothed breasts. Donna was in complete control as she rubbed her clit along Toni’s wet twat, against her clit. The feeling sent shivers along both their spines as Donna leaned Toni’s back onto the counter, not breaking their kiss for even an instant as she came.
Toni breathlessly broke the kiss. “Bedroom. Now.” was all she could say as she tried picking herself up off the counter. They barely made it to the foot of Toni’s bed before their lips locked again. They dropped with a loud “whoomph” on Toni’s soft bed with Toni lying on top of Donna. Toni rested her hands over Donna’s shoulders and slowly slid the straps to her dress down her arms, slowly baring Donna’s breasts. She continued down, sliding Donna’s dress down her legs and off her body. She moved up Donna’s body again, moving her hands slowly up Donna’s legs, over her abdomen, around her breasts, gently pushing Donna’s arms up over her head. Letting out a wicked smile, she pulled a silk scarf out from under her pillow and tied Donna’s wrists to the center post of her headboard with it. She silently crawled back down off the bed, draping a sheet lightly over Donna’s body so it rested across her stomach, just below her breasts and just above her abdomen, and stepped out of the room.
Donna was wondering what Toni had in mind. Her earlier orgasm wasn’t nearly enough. She was sure that Toni knew she could break out of her bonds, which weren’t tightly tied to begin with, but she remained, despite the bit of overeagerness she was feeling.
Toni returned, bringing a wooden dining room chair in with her. She placed the chair at the foot of the bed and stood in front of it, with her back turned toward Donna. She’d been planning this all week. “You have a gorgeous body, use it to your advantage” Kory told her. “Donna’s an artist. Show off the lines and curves of your body.” Toni was doing exactly that as she let her dress fall from her body. All she had left on were her boots.
Donna was watching her intently, thoroughly enjoying the show. Her eyes followed Toni’s legs up as she slowly turned around to face her, up her body, along the gentle cups of her breasts, up to Toni’s genuinely happy smile.
Toni sat back on the chair, draping her legs off each side, rather than in front so Donna could see everything. She took a single finger into her mouth and lowered it to her breast, teasing her hard nipple. She gave Donna a wicked smile and dropped her saliva moistened finger down between her legs. She gently brushed her clit, shivering from the sensation before plunging her wet finger deep into herself. Her other hand traveled over her the rest of her body, playing with her breasts, rubbing her legs, touching her stomach. Toni bit down on her lip as she pushed a second finger in.
Donna was mesmerized. Toni looked so beautiful, like a moving marble statue. Her breasts curved gorgeously over her chest, her nipples excited to small buds on her smooth skin. Her fingers slid effortlessly in and out of her smooth alabaster womanhood, spreading her lips just enough for Donna to see the light pick hue her skin took inside of her, the only color visible on Toni’s body save for her bright red lipstick, nail polish, and boots and her bright blue eyes. Donna rubbed her legs together, trying to release some of the tension, some of the excitement she was feeling without breaking her bonds.
Toni’s pace quickened when she saw Donna’s twat moistening again. She bucked her hips up toward her hand, holding on to the seat of the chair with her other hand. She pushed her palm against her clit, pushing her even farther towards the edge. The wetness between Donna’s legs was building, slowly dampening the sheets under her. Finally Toni exploded with a loud scream, cum covering her entire hand as she pulled her soaked fingers out. She got up and crawled to Donna with a look of pure ecstasy in her eyes. “I’ve never seen a woman cum without being touched before” she whispered sensuously.
“I’m not done yet.” Donna whispered back.
Toni smiled and kissed Donna lightly. “I can take a hint.” she said, crawling back down Donna’s body until her face rested directly over Donna’s twat. She studied Donna’s womanhood carefully before placing a warm kiss in her dark triangle of hair, nuzzling her cheek against it’s softness before cupping her mouth over Donna’s wet mound.
Donna’s body arched up as Toni’s tongue worked it’s magic between her legs. It took every ounce of will power to keep her hands bound over her head, not to reach down and pull Toni’s head in deeper as she came, covering Toni’s mouth and tongue with her cum.
Once the orgasm finally subsided, Toni was face to face with Donna again, her lips glistening with the older woman’s cum. “Kory told me you get off on the taste of your own cum. Do you want to taste yourself?” Toni whispered, brushing her lips against Donna’s, accepting Donna’s tongue over her lips, into her mouth.
“Gods Toni.. that was amazing.” Donna broke the kiss and smiled, allowing Toni to untie her. “It’s a good thing you’re a lesbian. I’d hate to see skill like that be wasted!” she laughed, wrapping her arms around the girl, kissing her again, rolling over so she was on top of Toni this time. “Think you can give me some pointers?” she smiled wickedly, trailing kisses down Toni’s body, finally pushing her tongue deep into Toni’s warm, wet slit.
Even after everything that happened that night, Toni couldn’t believe it. Looking down between her legs, seeing herself getting eaten out by the most beautiful, the most perfect woman she could ever imagine. Every dream, every fantasy was coming true for her that night. How could anyone compare to the angel she was making love to now? She’d make love to Donna for hours more that night, before finally curling to a blissful sleep in her arms.
Toni woke up to see Donna standing over her, wearing only one of Toni’s white T-shirts.
Donna smiled warmly. “I made you breakfast.” she said, resting a covered tray on Toni’s lap, stroking her cheek and giving her a light good morning kiss.
Toni was almost in tears. “Donna... you didn’t have to...”
“It was no trouble at all. I wanted to do something special for you this morning. Unfortunately, the only breakfast food you have in your entire apartment is 4 boxes of Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs.” Donna laughed.
Toni eagerly lifted the lid off. “Don’t worry, it’s perfect.” she smiled, tearing up again. “Well, almost. You forgot the sugar.”
“Gods, no wonder you and Gar are such good friends!” Donna laughed. “Your appetites would kill a normal human being y’know. I’ll get your sugar, hold on.”
Toni watched Donna walk out. The T-shirt she borrowed wasn’t quite long enough to completely cover the curve of her butt. Donna came back in with the sugar and laid back down across Toni’s leg’s, stroking them lightly with her fingernails while Toni ate.
The entire day was like a dream to Toni, undressing Donna and making love to her again after breakfast, in bed and in the shower, neither of them getting dressed again. She cooked lunch for Donna in the nude, watched a romantic foreign film Kory rented for them, made love again on the couch and on the floor. It was becoming a day Toni would cherish forever, until Donna said good-bye.
It happened so casually, so quickly to Toni, she didn’t know how to react. Donna slipped her dress back on and gave Toni a deep good-bye kiss, promising her that they’ll do it again, someday. Someday. That one word lingered in Toni’s mind as the first woman she had ever fallen head over heels in love with walked out the door. Someday. Tears welled up in her eyes. Someday. Not tomorrow, not next weekend, not after their next training exercise, just someday. Toni pressed her back against door, shutting it silently and sat on the floor, curled up and started crying. There’s a saying that William Shakespeare wrote. “'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.” In Toni’s case, in Toni’s heart, he was wrong.