[color=silver][indent][indent][right][sub]TIMESTAMP: Tuesday, July 20th || Afternoon ft. [color=C1473E]Adelaide Davies[/color] & [color=8882be]Elysia Fable[/color] & introducing [color=fffacd]Devika Balakrishnan[/color] [@BrutalBx], [@LovelyComplex] & [@Aewin] [sup]Or: Two Gremlins and their Handler[/sup][/sub][/right][/indent][/indent] [indent][indent][center] [b][color=#8882BE]▂[/color][color=#8A7FB7]▂[/color][color=#8D7CB1]▂[/color][color=#9079AB]▂[/color][color=#9276A5]▂[/color][color=#95739F]▂[/color][color=#987199]▂[/color][color=#9B6E93]▂[/color][color=#9D6B8D]▂[/color][color=#A06887]▂[/color][color=#A36581]▂[/color][color=#A5637A]▂[/color][color=#A86074]▂[/color][color=#AB5D6E]▂[/color][color=#AE5A68]▂[/color][color=#B05762]▂[/color][color=#B3555C]▂[/color][color=#B65256]▂[/color][color=#B84F50]▂[/color][color=#BB4C4A]▂[/color][color=#BE4944]▂[/color][color=#C1463D]▂[/color][color=#C34F44]▂[/color][color=#C6584B]▂[/color][color=#C96052]▂[/color][color=#CC6959]▂[/color][color=#CF7160]▂[/color][color=#D27A66]▂[/color][color=#D5826D]▂[/color][color=#D88B74]▂[/color][color=#DB937B]▂[/color][color=#DE9C82]▂[/color][color=#E1A488]▂[/color][color=#E4AD8F]▂[/color][color=#E7B596]▂[/color][color=#EABE9D]▂[/color][color=#EDC6A4]▂[/color][color=#F0CFAA]▂[/color][color=#F3D7B1]▂[/color][color=#F6E0B8]▂[/color][color=#F9E8BF]▂[/color][color=#FCF1C6]▂[/color][/b] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/681981231478341663/1085210248521986078/picture_me_this_5.png[/img] [b][color=#FFFACD]▂[/color][color=#FCF1C6]▂[/color][color=#F9E8BF]▂[/color][color=#F6E0B8]▂[/color][color=#F3D7B1]▂[/color][color=#F0CFAA]▂[/color][color=#EDC6A4]▂[/color][color=#EABE9D]▂[/color][color=#E7B596]▂[/color][color=#E4AD8F]▂[/color][color=#E1A488]▂[/color][color=#DE9C82]▂[/color][color=#DB937B]▂[/color][color=#D88B74]▂[/color][color=#D5826D]▂[/color][color=#D27A66]▂[/color][color=#CF7160]▂[/color][color=#CC6959]▂[/color][color=#C96052]▂[/color][color=#C6584B]▂[/color][color=#C34F44]▂[/color][color=#C0473E]▂[/color][color=#BE4944]▂[/color][color=#BB4C4A]▂[/color][color=#B84F50]▂[/color][color=#B65256]▂[/color][color=#B3555C]▂[/color][color=#B05762]▂[/color][color=#AD5A68]▂[/color][color=#AB5D6E]▂[/color][color=#A86074]▂[/color][color=#A5637A]▂[/color][color=#A36581]▂[/color][color=#A06887]▂[/color][color=#9D6B8D]▂[/color][color=#9A6E93]▂[/color][color=#987199]▂[/color][color=#95739F]▂[/color][color=#9276A5]▂[/color][color=#9079AB]▂[/color][color=#8D7CB1]▂[/color][color=#8A7FB7]▂[/color][/b][/center] He didn’t see her. Yeah that was it. That was the only explanation why her Cammy didn’t say hi when he and his new friend left the Woodwork Shop a few minutes ago. April was elated to see Cameron with a new girl, her poor baby had been through such a rough time. It was nice to see him happy and the girl he was with was absolutely stunning. Then again, why wouldn’t she be? Her little boy was so handsome, so strong. Cammy always attracted beautiful people. Shannon said during one of their sessions that her son was like a raging blue inferno, attracting moths to his flame. It was in human nature, a primal imperative to be drawn to the dangerous, the mysterious and the beautiful. Hell, maybe that was why April was so attracted to Cameron’s father Ivan in the first place. Back when she was just a Southside rat, “Crazy April” always had a man on her arm. Some were genuine connections and others were an attempt to change her social standing, climb the ladder of success and be seen as something more than what she was, just another broken Southie. She thought about Cameron and how he never worried or cared about where he was in the hierarchy. She was envious. Her boy accepted his lot in life although April knew that he hated it. He hated the way they looked at him. She couldn’t blame him really, they looked at her the same way. The McMahon Woodwork shop was supposed to be her Father’s way of making their name mean something. As she looked up at it with her baby blue eyes, she knew her Cammy had taken the reins. Perhaps now with him there, the McMahon name would ring out in a positive way? April wasn’t on Chestnut for Cameron though or to see the workshop. No, the reality was that she was there for the empty building next door and to hand the keys over to a young lady who had just purchased it. She was around Cam’s age, maybe they could be friends? With one hand twirling the crucifix around her neck and the other in her jeans pocket, fiddling with a keychain, April put on her best, brightest smile as the new tenant appeared from around the corner. Leisurely, Elysia turned on Chestnut listening to Le Disko by Shiny Toy Guns hum from her custom audio system. She drove a retro, refurbished, teal [url=https://thumbor-production-auction.hemmings.com/820x545/681608/ext05-img-007428hero.jpg]1967 Chevrolet Camaro[/url] with a cigarette hanging from her lip, coffee in one hand, and shades to protect her sensitive eyes from the sun. Her family loved investing in vintage things, like cars. Her family loved being different. Avant garde her mom would say. Retro cars were only one of many things they spent their money on to fill their boredom. They’d proceed to hire people to make the old like new and then her dad would travel the states to show his collection off at car shows. In comparison to her peers, Ely knew she was fortunate beyond belief to have the Fable starting pack, old money that progressed into art money, to the point that her parents' boredom could make them ‘angel investors’ for the talented kids of Edenridge. Whatever the fuck that meant. She knew without them she likely would’ve given up on her dreams a long time ago. Still, unlike them, she liked to stay rooted in reality. She chose to use her hard earned money to get her places. To pay for her apartment with Indie. To help fund the many events Maxine and Indie used to crank out way back when. And to buy her and her business partner, Nathan Blake, a photography studio. Her brother, Atlas, has used his privilege to support his travel expenses as he uses his incredible writing skills and his best friend, Skylar Bloom’s, videography skills to be the leading travel blogger duo in the world. Atlas & Sky is what they call themselves. She’s nature loving, giving nomadic lifestyle tips, hiking, diving, and other fun nature-oriented activities around the globe, dragging Atlas along. Her brother, however, was focused on sharing breathtaking and inspiring travel content, sharing his experience in a raw and authentic way while not sugar coating anything, like talking about tourist scams and culturally sensitive topics. He likes to dance with the locals and is an extreme foodie. Together, they are the best of both worlds, providing extensive travel guides and itineraries if you ever are to visit one of the many places they see around the world. Ely wondered how that idiot was doing. He was awful at staying in contact with his family. She was sure he was fine. He always was even if Sky stressed him out making a man out of a city boy. They weren’t lovers, contrary to public belief. Best wingman and woman, but not lovers. Their audience shed silent tears. Once Ely parallel parked, the platinum blonde put her cigarette in her [url=https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMVgxMDAx/z/tkUAAOSwhvFZGz5y/$_57.JPG]portable ashtray[/url], looked at herself in the rear mirror and rubbed her thumb under her lip to clean her lipstick. Taking a sip of her coffee, she turned off the ignition. Across the street from her future studio, she stared at the older woman waiting. April McMahon. There were many rumours about her but Ely never cared for rumours. Some people would think her and Nate were crazy for investing in property in the southside but the price was a steal and life was boring, so Ely had the mindset of: why not. Nate didn’t care about the logistics so long as they had an office to operate and a place to lock their equipment at. Security could be worked on once Ely saw what she was working with. Ely, like her parents, whether she wanted to admit it or not, liked to help her community and if that meant crossing the train tracks to give Fable & Blake Photography a home then she wouldn’t hesitate. She saw the listing, made the call, asked questions, and purchased it without touring. Her instincts told her to just do it and so she did just that. She just did it. Made a bid and won. Exiting the car, leaving her coffee behind but grabbing her camera bag, looking like she had just rolled out of bed, when really, [url=https://i0.wp.com/styledumonde.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sky-Ferreira-Copenhagen-SS18-Day-3-by-STYLEDUMONDE-Street-Style-Fashion-Photography_48A9217.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1]Ely[/url] just threw on whatever she wanted in a moment and made it fashionable, the young adult strolled to the realtor. Slipping a gum in her mouth, she met April’s gaze behind her shades and gave a head nod, [color=8882be]“Beautiful day, yeah?”[/color] [color=DEE3A6]“When you live here long enough you realise that any day after a storm, there’s a certain kind of magic in the air.”[/color] April smiled brightly as the young woman joined her outside the vacant lot. Seeing Elysia as she was, the realtor couldn’t help but be reminded of herself in days long gone by. The difference was that the young Fable carried herself with intention, April was a train wreck hanging precariously off of a cliff's edge, waiting to plummet into the murky depths and crushing weight of the ocean. Reaching into her jeans pocket, the older blonde woman pulled out a set of keys with a wooden keychain on them; an intricate celtic design. [color=DEE3A6]“Well these are for you!”[/color] She said sprightly as she handed them over to Ely. [color=DEE3A6]“Square key is the front door. The smaller one is for the inside lock up the stairs which takes you directly into the space. Do you want me to take you inside or do you wanna greet your future on your own?”[/color] As April has finished speaking, a peroxide blonde would come speeding around the corner. [color=C1473E]“Hiiiiiiii.”[/color] Addie greeted as she sprung up behind Elysia, wrapping her arms around her waist and playing with the hem of her short white dress. The pixie’s painted lips pressed a soft kiss to the artist's neck before her blue eyes drifted to the older woman and her mouth struggled to not fall agape from her beauty. [color=C1473E]“Holy fuck your fucking hot.”[/color] Addie stared at April intensely, entranced by the estate agent's visage before she rested her chin on Ely’s shoulder. [color=C1473E]“Baby you smell gooooood.”[/color] [color=8882be]“Thanks, Fruit Loop,”[/color] Ely softly purred. There was a subtle smile on Ely’s nearly moodless face when Addie came rushing in. Her gum clicked in her mouth. Taking in the sun and the warm embrace coming from her forever girl, the platinum blonde observed the older woman as she spoke and held the keys to her new studio. Letting Addie be Addie, Ely acknowledged her girlfriend's presence by tracing her finger in circles on one of Addie’s hands before replying, [color=8882be]“I guess a better question I got is, are there any secrets waiting for me? And while I know the neighbourhood, you likely know this street well. I did my research and the vacant Pop! Shop is across the street, that building over there,”[/color] She gestured behind her, Addie was now part of her person, her body moving along with her as Ely naturally carried on with business. The building behind them was boarded up and covered with graffiti tags. Most of the tags were curse words, deceased names, and serpent slang, which all covered the art of a kid shovelling a box of jawbreakers in his mouth. [color=8882be]“Once upon a time the business and residential home of child molestor and murderer, Christian Warren. What’s the story behind this building?”[/color] She pointed back to her future studio. [color=8882be]“There’s always a story.”[/color] [color=fffacd]“I don't know about you guys, but I don't like ghosts.”[/color] Another voice piped up with a chuckle from the entrance of the studio. A tall, [url=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/09/4d/1d/094d1d0606be76e9e006c161c66ff660.jpg]dark skinned girl stood[/url], her eyes twinkling mischievously. Her outfit was casual, with a graphic Looney Tunes tee that she had undoubtedly stolen from one of her girlfriends, black biker shorts, and crisp white Nikes. [color=fffacd]“Surpri-iiiiise!”[/color] She called out excitedly. Devika was a deeply spiritual person, and despite her belief in ghosts and spirits, she was still quite fearful of them. Her belief in auras and energies was strong, even if she couldn't see them with her own two eyes. She often found herself drawn to places with a certain energy or aura, and this old warehouse Ely had just purchased gave her an uneasy feeling. But she didn't want to ruin the mood, not when her partners Ely and Addie were here to celebrate a new chapter in Ely’s professional life. And why [i]wouldn’t[/i] Devi show up to support her girl on her day off? She knew if the others could, they would (some happily) crash the viewing too. Devi had never been one for traditional relationships, and she was happy to have found a group of people who shared her views on love and intimacy. Her polyamorous relationship with Ely, Addie, and three others was built on a foundation of mutual respect, attraction, and love. It had taken time for them to find their rhythm, but now they were all comfortable in their roles within the group. Devika loved the way that Ely's creativity and passion inspired her, while Addie's wild and carefree spirit brought a playful energy to their dynamic. It wasn’t easy hiding her partners from her family, but being with her partners had brought her a sense of belonging and happiness that she had never experienced before. Devi jogged into the building. Whether she was eager or nervous because of the vibes, nobody had to know. Upon approaching, she leaned in to give Ely and Addie a quick peck on the cheek, feeling a surge of warmth in her chest as she looked at them. They were her family, her support system, and seeing them happy made her happy. [color=fffacd]“So, what's the plan for this space? Are we going cosy art studio vibes with Vez’s plants or are we going full kinky sex dungeon?”[/color] she asked, grinning. April was slightly taken aback by the newly formed trio. She had done a lot of things in her life, some good, some bad. She had had multiple lovers of both sexes at the same time, she had been hooked on drugs and she had whored herself for money but looking at the three girls and the way they gazed at and touched each other; to be that in love and with multiple people no less, she had never felt that before. [color=C1473E]“Always a kinky sex dungeon.”[/color] Adelaide released Ely from her grasp, only to pounce onto Devika. She pinned the beautiful dark skinned girl against the wall of the newly acquired studio and pressed their lips together. Addie loved everyone in the Poly deeply and equally but Devi always held a special place in her heart. She was the first one that Addie met and whom she entered into what one could but probably shouldn’t define as a relationship. Hell, she was with Devi on that dreadful day two years ago when Charlie Decker made his end waltz. She wrapped her arms around her girlfriend’s waist and slid her hands down into the back pockets of Devika’s shorts. [color=C1473E]“Hi baby.”[/color] She whispered into the aspiring student’s mouth before turning to look at Ely and April. [color=C1473E]“You two might wanna go inside, I wanna do bad stuff.”[/color] April cleared her throat and handed Elysia the keys. [color=DEE3A6]“How about I just let you girls do your thing?”[/color] The older woman smiled genuinely. [color=DEE3A6]“You can keep the key ring. My son made tons when he was a boy. Anyway as far as a story? Not much to tell you. It was built to be an extension on the Woodshop next door but it never fully materialised, so it was then made into a storage facility and then nothing. Not sure why no one wanted to buy it but that means nothing now. It’s all yours.”[/color] She grabbed the strap of her bag with both hands and took a step back. [color=DEE3A6]“I hope all of you enjoy the place. You have my number Miss Fable if you have any issues. Welcome to your new home!”[/color] April grinned before turning and walking away. [color=8882be]“Yeah, thanks,”[/color] Ely waved to the realtor walking away, before looking at the two younger girls she called her girlfriends. She adored them deeply but there certainly was a time and place for shenanigans. Ely’s business endeavours weren’t one of them, at least not during the exchange of keys with a realty agent. She didn’t want to burn bridges when she was just starting to build them and for all she knew, she might need April’s assistance again in the future. Still, Ely wasn’t one to police them, especially not Addie. Vez was better at giving them words of wisdom and advice, with a motherly touch, while Ely chose to let things go, unfazed and unbothered. Shake it off and keep going. She was far too blunt when she did speak and the only people she would speak with unfiltered harshness, knowing they could handle it, were Max, Indie, and Owen. [color=8882be]“I’m not moving forward with any design until Nate gets a chance to see what we’re working with.”[/color] Taking off her shades, hooking them on her shirt, her cold and focused stare met with both of the girls watching her with interest and intrigue. [color=8882be]“Since we’re all here,”[/color] Ely dangled the keys in front of them. [color=8882be]“First one to the top of the stairs will have full control of decorating my office space. To add extra incentive, in my car, I have a present. Whoever wins gets to decide who wears it. I might not be running up these stairs but I’ll know who wins. I can tell when you’re both lying.”[/color] Devika couldn't help but smile at Adelaide's affectionate greeting. She returned the kiss with equal passion, enjoying the sensation of Addie's hands on her waist. She knew that they had to be careful not to get carried away, but it was hard to resist the pull of their love for each other. As April made her way out of the building, Devi turned her attention back to Ely, even if it was a bit of a struggle with Addie distracting her so nicely. She listened attentively as Ely spoke about waiting for Nate to see the space before moving forward with any design plans. Devi nodded in agreement, knowing that Nate and Ely’s creative talent together would be able to bring their new abode to life. But then Ely mentioned a little competition, and Devi's competitive streak kicked in. [color=fffacd]“Challenge accepted,”[/color] Devi grinned, eyeing the keys that Ely was holding. She loved a good competition, and the idea of winning the chance to decorate Ely's office was too tempting to resist. Out of the group, Devi’s method of decorating was opposite Marie Kondo’s at best - chaotic (though she preferred the term maximalist) With a vision of Ely’s incentive in mind, Devi slipped out of Addie’s embrace, sniping the keys in Ely’s hand and took off running towards the stairs, her long legs carrying her quickly towards the top like a mad girl on a mission. Addie narrowed her big blue eyes and stared at Ely as Devi broke away from her to chase down the goal of decoration. [color=C1473E]“You are soooo getting punished for that later.”[/color] She scrunched up her little face to fein anger. Had anyone else interrupted Adelaide when she was mid touching, the young botanist would likely have blown a gasket. No one is to come between Addie and her girls. Yet since it was Elysia, her person, her good lady, it was acceptable…but only just. [color=C1473E]“I would rather drag my dick through a hundred broken whiskey bottles than let Devika win.”[/color] Taking a roll up from her shirt pocket, Addie placed it between her thick lips and lit it with a match. After blowing some smoke from her lungs, she dropped her bag on the floor by Ely’s feet. Adelaide quickly jumped onto the thick black drainpipe that clung to the side of the new studio and began to climb it like a spider monkey. In a true contrast to her sex goblin energy and grunge aesthetic, Addie had always been a sporty girl. She played soccer and volleyball for Edenridge and also enjoyed swimming and rock climbing. Inside the small girl was the heart of an athlete, though one would have to Wade through the marijuana smoke to find her. [color=C1473E]“Ely, make sure you watch my ass wiggle!”[/color] She called back as she began the ascent. Devi couldn't help but burst out laughing as she turned to watch Addie's impressive display of athleticism through the large windows by the stairs. The way she climbed the drainpipe like a pro and called out to Ely was both hilarious and impressive. Of course Addie wouldn’t choose to take the stairs: just like how she often refused to use the door like any other person. But that was Devi’s person, and Addie [i]was[/i] right to point to her ass as the view. [color=fffacd]“You go, girl!”[/color] Devi shouted after her, cheering her on. Devi needed the head start considering Adelaide’s way of thinking combined with her athleticism meant that the brown beauty had absolutely no chance of actually competing with the little gremlin. But as Addie and her jiggling ass made her way up the pipe, Devi's laughter began to turn into wheezes and gasps as a stitch formed in her side. She tried to keep up with Addie's ascent, but her body was not prepared for the sudden burst of physical activity. Devi's legs began to wobble, and she collapsed onto the landing while painfully wheezing from laughter. [color=C1473E]“VINDICATION!”[/color] Addie yelled as she watched her lover fall to her knees. Sucking some more smoke through her joint, she smiled from ear to ear, clutching the weed in her teeth as she carried on her climb. Adelaide never really considered herself competitive. Even when playing team sports the goal was never about winning. The two main reasons she even considered athletics as a pass time was to chase the high of adrenaline from the activity and to chase the incredibly fit and attractive girls that played said activities. Her being crazy in shape was simply a bio product of pursuing sex and drugs. Once she had reached the summit of the pipe, Addie reached her short leg over to see how sturdy the window ledge was. It seemed strong enough. She then reached an arm over and popped the window open. Unlocked; this definitely was the Southside. She wondered if the hot real estate woman would get in trouble for that? Securing herself, Addie lept from the drainpipe and spun in the air until she was seated on the window ledge, her legs dangling like a schoolgirl whose feet couldn’t touch the floor. [color=C1473E]“I am the lizard queeeeeeen!”[/color] She proclaimed, raising her hands in victory before rolling backwards into Ely’s still locked new studio. Devi pushed herself up from the ground, huffing and puffing with every breath. [color=fffacd]“She beat me!”[/color] she panted, still trying to catch her breath. [color=fffacd]“Seriously, I'm taking Emmy up on her next offer to not skip leg day. This race was BRUTAL.”[/color] She dramatically clutched at her side, [color=fffacd]“I got this stitch for NOTHING. I want compensation!”[/color] Devi fumbled with the keys as she complained, unlocking the office to see the blonde pixie rolling into the office after having sat precariously half out the window. Nope, that wouldn't do, it was time for reparations. With the door open, Devi darted inside and launched herself at Addie with a barrage of tickles and cuddles. So what if the office floor was a little dusty? Devi would brave the allergies for any moment of intimacy with her girls. [color=fffacd]“You may have won the race, but I'm the winner because I get the cuddles.”[/color] she declared triumphantly, nuzzling her nose into Addie's neck. [color=fffacd]“ELYYYYYY. Join us! The cuddle pile awaits!”[/color] Perhaps it was for the best that Devi didn’t get creative reigns to Ely’s office. She already had plans to paint the office in vibrant colours, hang cute posters of animals and eclectic art that would have fit Ely’s effortlessly cool-girl vibes. Aw well, maybe if Devi pouted enough, Vez would allow her a small corner of hers and King’s living room to “make over”. The moment Devika tackled her, Adelaide threw her joint out of the open window from which she had just entered. In any other circumstance, she would consider the wasting of good weed up there with sex crimes, animal abuse and the music of Ariana Grande as a travesty. The wasting however to receive a mere modicum of physical contact from any of her girlfriends was the only valid reason she would allow. Giggling and laughing, Addie had to save herself somehow form the half crazed tickle machine that was atop her. She wrapped her legs tightly around the brown girl's waist before pulling their bodies together and grabbing Devi by the face. [color=C1473E]“You are not playing fair.”[/color] Addie leaned up and kissed Devika deeply before biting her girlfriends lower lip and slowly dragging her closer to the ground. [color=C1473E]“I’m pretty sure I’m the winner. I hereby claim my prize.”[/color] While the two young ladies were left to their own devices, Ely, in no rush to catch up, turned on her heel, back outside to retrieve the ‘surprise’ from her car. To Addie and Devi, time went by fast, as they were likely caught in a heated exchange but for the platinum blonde artist, time went by leisurely. Returning to the lobby, she entered the elevator. Holding the present in one arm, a white box with a sheer red ribbon tied around it, her camera bag still hanging from her shoulder, she eased a few more pieces of 5 Gum Mint in her mouth. Going up, she thought to herself how in the past she would never be in a committed relationship. Now she was committed to five people, and perhaps more if they fit the vibe. Polyamory was something she always considered but in high school she embraced the wild child life, raving and using her cash for all sorts of vices. Max never did like how much Ely loved to trip and get high, losing herself in the pleasures of the world. At the time, all of Ely’s friends were afraid she would kill herself, just like Allison did. The fact that Max died and not her was a surprise to most people in her year and honestly, [i]that[/i] broke her heart because she knew Max had more to give. So much more to give. Ely was just here making most of her time through sheer boredom. Photography to her was like an oasis in the desert. Not many things piqued her interest but when she took pictures of people, she saw beauty. Now? She had five muses. Adelaide being her first and her favorite. The one she’d crave even when she wasn’t hungry. Her best girl and sex bunny. Devi, on the other hand, was one of her newer flames; they were still very much in the honeymoon stage. There was no doubt that Devika was a smart cookie but what attracted Ely to her was how passion emitted from every fiber of her being. Everything Devi does, she gives one hundred and twenty percent. Sometimes it takes a massive toll on her but who she is as a person is incredibly endearing to the older woman. Ely would be lying if she said that Devi didn’t remind her of her best friend, Indie, at times. Indie would be someone Ely considered off-limits because she knew deep down, Indie and Owen were made for one another. Those two idiots just refused to take that leap of faith. Devi was something special though and Ely was finding new things she loved about her each and every day… then again, all her lovers were special one way or another. The only one out of her companions she hadn’t slept with was Verity and that’s because she needed the neurotic and fastidious redhead for other things. Verity Roy-Wilson was particular, self-critical, and a worrywart. Sometimes her concerns reminded her too much of her deceased friend for her to ever see the pretty girl in a sexual light. Still, she adored each member of her eccentric family. Especially the two gremlins waiting for her in her new studio. Was Maxine happy to see that she found people to calm her raging spirit and inspire her to want to do better? She hoped so. God, she fucking hoped so. Ely missed Maxine James. More than she would ever admit. Max was her biggest cheerleader, giving the best business advice and criticism to hone her skills. Then followed Indie and Owen, who never stopped being supportive of her dreams even though realistically, unlike others, Ely could easily get where she needed to go. She came from money. Owen working as much as he does, and still making time for his friends, was a constant reminder of the privilege that Ely would have no matter what. Sure, she may be using her own money but that doesn’t change that when you hear Fable you think of some of the most transcendent and illustrious artists and ambitious patrons in the Boston area. Indie was probably the most pushy and flighty friend she ever came to associate herself with. Without that naggy voice, maybe she wouldn’t have found her people. Maybe she would’ve travelled the world, never to look back, just like her brother. No matter. Every person Ely considered [i]family[/i] did something for her and she knew she wouldn’t have gotten to this place without those words Maxine had said to her, the day before she died. [color=52796e][i]Don’t kill yourself, Ely… you’re never sober and that’s not healthy. Don’t you think? Kill the part of you that you don’t like. This life, this night, you. You matter and all I can see is you wasting your time for nothing when you have the world at your fingertips. People like me, Owen, Indie? We don’t have it as easy. I would kill to have your life and to better my family’s situation. Please, at least consider me the next time you think of drugs or booze or whatever. Think of the people that love you...[/i][/color] Opening her studio door, Ely had put her glasses back on to hide her glossy eyes. Popping a bubble, she hid her grief behind a smirk when she noticed her two girls naked on the bare floor. [color=8882be]“Couldn’t wait, huh?”[/color] Closing the door behind her, she walked to the past-through window that separated the large room from the kitchen area. Placing the box on a counter, the artist voiced, as she took the camera bag off her shoulder, [color=8882be]“Don’t move. The lighting is hitting you two perfectly.”[/color] She needed to capture the moment. [color=C1473E]“Well make it snappy, Snappy.”[/color] Addie sat straddled across Devika as Elysia began to take their photos. She could feel the warm kiss of summer breaking through the window and caressing her bare skin as her big blue eyes stared down at the caramel enchantress she had pinned down. As Devi’s hands explored her body, Adelaide leaned ever so slightly backwards so as to not ruin her lover's shot before she brought her gaze to meet Ely’s. [color=C1473E]“You really like to watch, huh baby?”[/color] Her eyes still locked on the photographer, the botanist lowered herself until she was fully pressed against Devika and began to kiss her neck before nibbling ever so lightly at her ear. [color=C1473E]“You taste delish.”[/color] she whispered. [color=fffacd]“Luckily for everyone here, I like to put on a show.”[/color] Devi responded breathily, sliding her arms down her Pixie’s back. Her body was so soft and toned, indicating at Addie’s athletic history, and she could feel the warmth of her body against her inflamed skin. They moved together like they always did, desperately, hungrily, like they could never get enough. As Devi hooked a leg around Addie to trap the lovers in place, she turned to look at Ely. Her hand reached out into the air, trying to pull the beauty closer. [color=fffacd]“Come… let’s Christen your office together.”[/color] [color=8882be]“Hm,”[/color] Ely acknowledged both girls’ comments as she crouched down. Still in place, she turned the focus ring slightly to make their skin crisp in the picture. What art brings cannot be weighed or measured. She loved art because there she could convey her emotions without speaking. The power of a picture was to convey truth and to speak to one’s soul without using words. Whether Adelaide and Devika were taking a stroll in the park or bundled on the couch watching spooky movies, Ely saw beauty in their youth, in their smile, in their eyes, in their bodies, in their minds, in their hearts, and in their attitudes. Ely saw beauty in how they loved each other and how they loved her. Every flaw and every imperfection, every weakness and every insecurity, she loved everything about them. They were beautiful and they were her’s. [color=8882be]“… Adelaide, since you won.”[/color] She snapped a picture the moment both girls looked at her simultaneously with intrigue. [color=8882be]“There’s a candy thong and bra in the box. You can choose who gets to wear it. There’s also a new toy we can play with. I only ask for one thing: don’t tell Nate.”[/color] There was no need for her business partner to know what happens in their shared office when he isn’t around. He would blush at the simple mention of sex, she bet. Addie looked at Elysia with intrigue, a candy thong huh? That was very interesting but the way things had gone, it was not something that excited her at that moment. [color=C1473E]“I’ll have a think but in the meantime…”[/color] The pint sized pixie grabbed a hold of the blonde’s hand and pulled her towards her and Devika. [color=C1473E]“You better take your dress off and kiss me or I’m about to get real nasty.”[/color] Adelaide scrunched up her nose before tilting her head to stare at the peroxide artist. [color=C1473E]“Real. Nasty.”[/color] Devi's mind was blissfully occupied with the woman in her arms. Her fingers lazily traced circles on Addie's bare back, a contented smile spreading across her lips as they both pouted for Ely to join them. Where Addie resorted to not so thinly veiled threats, Devi’s mode of attack was always turning up the sweetness. Like Mort from Madagascar, only a little less furry. Devi had been in relationships before, but none had ever been like the one she shared with the five in the polyamorous relationship she was in today. Everyone had their draws, and not just physically (though that certainly didn’t hurt). With Ely, it was something magnetic and unexplainable. Maybe it was Ely's confidence and poise, or her effortless cool that made Devi feel safe and protected. Perhaps it was the way Ely laughed, or the gentle way she would touch Devi's face when they kissed or guide her to pose. Whatever it was, Devi was smitten. She loved the way Ely made her feel when they were together, like she was the only person in the world that mattered. Devi had always been a passionate person, but with Ely, that passion was amplified. It felt safe. Devi took hold of Ely’s camera, taking as much care as she could while being straddled by the energetic wild cat above her. She placed the camera as far away from them as her hands could reach, to avoid collateral damage. Devi might not have known the sentimental value of the camera, but she certainly knew enough to respect Ely’s passions just as she did hers. Devi then leaned in towards Ely, her lips brushing against the older woman's ear as she whispered playfully, [color=fffacd]“I think I might need a little bit more of your attention, Ely.”[/color] With a playful pout, she planted a quick kiss on Ely's cheek before settling back down against Addie's warm embrace. The three of them entangled in each other's arms, Devi knew she was exactly where she was supposed to be - in the arms of the people she loved.[/indent][/indent][/color]