Coye 4.12

Chapter 12 - The Mermaid’s Cove

Byng was trembling as she walked down the street, her arm linked tightly with Suzette's. It was almost funny- this earned her more curious eyes than when she had whenever she held hands with Coye. And why wouldn't the townspeople stare? The two made for just about the most unlikely pair in all of Cransmere. On the one hand, there was a tall, beautiful Human woman, both mysterious and sexy in equal measure, and then there was Byng herself, a short, squat, pear-shaped Gengaggi that looked to be having a nasty anxiety attack.

Caked with sweat, they traversed through town. Each step brought Byng to a more profound level of fear. Scant conversation was attempted on Suzette's part, but for the most part, she respected that Byng needed to prepare herself mentally. She didn't have much time left- their destination wasn't far.

When Byng finally laid eyes on The Mermaid's Cove, the poor thing gulped and clinched Suzette's arm tighter.

"Oh, fuck, fuck, fuuuuuuck-" Byng exclaimed.

"Drink it all in, dear," Suzette leaned over significantly to briefly rest the top of her head against Byng's.

They had arrived at Cransmere's most popular (and expensive bathhouse and spa, which catered to a primarily female demographic. It was a gaudy place, even from the outside. A rarity around these parts, the building was constructed of sturdy stone, and the overgrown foliage was routinely taken care of. The stone was of faded pink color, with steam pouring out of every vent and cracked window. Above the front door was a large wooden sign depicting an appealing mermaid perched on top of a soap bar, almost like a lone island out at sea.

Suzette wasn't surprised in the least when Byng froze up. "You know I'm not going to let anything bad happen to you, right?"

"Yeah, but that doesn't make it any easier," Byng said. "And I'm still not convinced you didn't drag me here so you could take me out once and for all!"

"Very funny," Suzette rolled her eyes. "Joke as much as you wish, but I would never hurt you. Even if I didn't enjoy your company- which I genuinely do- you mean the world to my Darling. I'd do anything to preserve his happiness, protecting you included."

"Gah," Byng felt guilty over the sudden honesty and looked away. "I'm sorry, Suz. This whole thing has got me feeling-"

"Don't worry about a thing," she smiled and snaked her hand to Byng's, interlocking their fingers. "I understand. Come on, now..." Suzette started to guide her, saying, "One foot in front of the other, yes, that's right. Just like that. I promise that you'll love this place once you get used to it. You'll be begging me to bring you back!"

Byng followed Suzette's guidance, but she laughed uncomfortably, saying, "Somehow, I doubt that... but hey, we'll see."

After making it to the front door, Suzette pulled Byng's hand up to a golden starfish-shaped handle and placed it there. She didn't say a thing, patiently waiting for her companion to make the push of her own volition. That didn't come easily, but once she worked through her many layers of nervousness, Byng prevailed and opened the door to a world outside her understanding.

The interior of The Mermaid's Cove was a humid place, warm steam circulating throughout the entire building like blood coursing through a vein. The walls were painted blue as a sunny day, and after a stone doormat of sorts, the floor beneath their feet transitioned into fine sand. Suzette slipped her sandals off and placed them into her handbag, entering right behind Byng. The sand felt familiar to the desert huntress. Although the deserts of her Homerealm were never quite so humid, it brought a degree of comfort to her, allowing the girl to press forward to the front desk. There, a portly man in exceedingly unconvincing drag was standing while skimming through a fashion magazine from the royal capital.

"Lilly?" The man asked in an equally unconvincing yet flamboyant falsetto. "Who's this? You've never brought friends before!"

"If all goes well, Ariel, this won't be the last time," Suzette smiled and took Byng by the hand again, leading her faster to the desk. "Byng, this is Ariel. Ariel, Byng."

"Sup?" Byng asked as casually as she could while taking a closer look at Ariel. He wore even more makeup than Britni and Tiph combined, with pink-painted lips and thick blue eyeshadow. On his head was a bright red wig, and his clothing consisted only of a strapless dress resembling shining green fish scales sewn together.

Men in drag were something you'd never see in Grurguhrohk, but Byng liked such people. They were living their own honest lives in their own honest way, and she was the sort of girl who respected that no matter the form it took.

Ariel sized Byng up from head to toe, then asked, "What's the matter? I know I might seem a little scary, but I promise I don't bite. You're not my type." He giggled.

Byng smiled weakly. Ariel's exaggerated persona relaxed her somewhat, while his familiarity and playfulness made the girl wonder if this man took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up in Cransmere due to some mistake. People like him were in short supply around these parts, and it was always a pleasant surprise to encounter someone halfway decent.

"Thanks for the warning," Byng cracked a nervous smile. "I'm cool, don't worry. I just... kinda have this thing with this water and, uh, y'know... bathing in general."

"You don't say," Ariel raised a scrutinizing brow, feeling sympathy for Byng's poor, destitute skin... and then there was her hair, sweet Goddesses. "Whereabouts did you go picking this one up, Lilly? The gutter? A particularly smelly ditch? Dewhurst?"

"Funny you should ask," Suzette looked away and smiled subtly. Ariel instantly noticed the change in her demeanor, as if his drama senses were tingling. "The two of us met because of a certain boy I believe I've told you about once or twice..."

"Once or twice is a funny way of pronouncing 'weekly,' but if that's how you want to spin it," Ariel giggled as Suzette blushed, then picked up a small folding fan that resembled a seashell when unfolded. He started blowing air on his face with it, smiling all the while. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but can I take this to mean you and him...?"

"Yes," she sighed dreamily.

"When?" Ariel asked after a sharp gasp.

"Five days ago!"

"Shut! Up!"

"It's true," Suzette replied with rosy cheeks.

Byng felt warm inside after witnessing their little exchange. This friend of hers seemed genuinely excited about Suzette's news, giving her a measure of how close they must have been. Then, Ariel's eyes returned to Byng, and she felt like a hawk was bearing down on her.

"If that's the case..." Ariel wondered. "Then I'm afraid I don't understand what this little cutie comes into the picture?"

Byng didn't dare to flare up like she typically might and declare herself as Coye's woman, partially because of her nervousness and because he seemed defensive over his good friend's best interests. Instead, her immediate reaction was to try and excuse herself.

"Um, I-I can explain if you just-"

"It's a long story," Suzette sighed. Evidently, she figured it was best to come clean. "The gist of it is our relationship was initially framed as no strings attached, and then he went and picked up this one the next day. Things happened between them, and Byng here made him realize he wanted the both of us in an official capacity- some strings attached. Primarily on our part." Ariel raised his brow at the last part, prompting further explanation. "I know how it sounds, but there are extenuating circumstances that make his need to sleep around somewhat justifiable."

"Somewhat," Byng laughed, remembering how determined the boy was to 'seek out new experiences' and 'take chances' from now on. He could make it sound as fancy as he wanted, but it was what it was when you stripped out all the pretenses.

"Complicated, juicy. You love to hear it." Ariel smiled, only to look over the counter more seriously at his friend. "You're happy with this arrangement, though, yes? He didn't force your hand and say he'd only be with you if he was allowed to-"

"Hey!" Byng pointed her finger at Ariel, a measure of courage returning to her. "That's our man you're talking about- Coye isn't that kind of person!" she declared.

"She's right. We all agreed to this, and... honestly? I'm happy to have the backup. I... know for a fact I wouldn't be able to keep up with my Darling if I'd kept him entirely to myself." Suzette struggled to admit such an embarrassing little tidbit to her friend, who was eating it up and now looked at Byng with the same warmth and openness he gave Suzette.

"Well, far be it from me to criticize you for latching onto whatever works," he laughed. "I'm just glad for your liver's sake that we can end our weekly tradition where you stumble in drunk, whining about how that stupid boy of yours still hasn't noticed you."

"Ariel," Suzette displayed a darkened aura as she fumed. "I believe weekly is a gross exaggeration!"

"I don't," he continued smirking until Suzette gave in and slumped her shoulders. Byng was shocked to see someone get under the wicked widow's skin to this extent and couldn't help but laugh at her embarrassment.

"You two seem close," Byng said. "How long have you guys known each other?"

"It must be five or six years by now, isn't that right?" Ariel thought.

"Yes, I believe so," Suzette agreed. "Around the time I decided to start treating myself, I wound up here in search of a fancier bathhouse than the cheap one I used to attend. It wasn't long until we were friends and business partners."

"Business partners?" Byng asked.

"Oh, yes," Ariel rubbed his hands together. "Lilly helps me get my perfectly manicured hands on fragrant soaps and shampoos at a reasonable price in exchange for juicy tidbits of information every now and again."

"What kinda information can you even get from a guy like this, Suz?"

"You'd be surprised what some people spill when taking a bath, dear. My attendants aren't just pretty faces who bring guests drinks. They also happen to have excellent ears."

"Okay, yeah, that makes a lot more sense." Byng cackled.

"That about sums up our story, so what's yours?" Ariel leaned over the counter and gave Byng a warm grin. "Let me guess. Lilly won't let you engage in any group activities until you get a nice, long soak with lots of bubbles?"

"Gah-"

"Thought so. Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Suzette folded her arms. "Can you blame me?"

"Not in the slightest," Ariel smirked. "I don't think I've ever seen someone who needs a bath as bad as you, cutie."

At that point, Byng was red-faced, and all she could do was grumble and hang her head. "Yeah, well, I have to at least try. That was the deal, right?"

The night before, when Coye left the two of them to their own devices, Suzette and Byng shared a nice dinner together and a long conversation reaffirming where they stood with each other. It was an honest conversation, with nothing held back. They reaffirmed their mutual interest in each other, with Byng admitting to enjoying Suzette's company, teasing her, and cooking with her. At the same time, Suzette aired out her grievances over Byng's lack of manners before sharing similar sentiments.

Once that was settled, they moved on to the second most important topic of the night. It was quickly established neither of them had any hang-ups or misgivings about the idea of sharing a bed at the same time with their man. Rather, they were both interested in making it happen sooner rather than later. Suzette to broaden her horizons, and Byng because Suzette was just that hot. The only obstacle standing in their way was Byng's scent, something the old woman and her refined nose proved incapable of compromising on.

It turned out that threesome sex was probably the best motivator Byng could have asked for when it came to taking a bath. Rather than ruining their chance at a good time, Byng reluctantly agreed to Suzette's demands. Like it or not, she was here now and would give this her best shot.

"Personally, I think it's sweet that you're trying to face your fears so you can show this boy of yours a better time," Ariel clasped his hands together and sighed dreamily. "He must be something special."

"More than special," Suzette agreed.

"Coye is everything I ever wanted and then some!" Byng added, only to look at Suzette and exchange a laugh once they were done talking over each other and singing the boy's praises.

"My, my, my! If this Coye of yours is really so special, then you ought to bring him around and introduce him! You need only say the word, and I'd let the three of you have your own private bath if that's something that would interest you."

"We both know what would happen if I brought in a cute boy," Suzette rolled her eyes. "No doubt you would act like some sort of disgraceful stereotype, peppering your speech with innuendo after innuendo, all while making lewd comments likely about how you could just eat him up."

"I am offended you would think such damning yet accurate things about me," Ariel sighed. "But the offer stands."

"Might be fun some other time," Byng thought of sharing a bath with her lover, seeing him all wet and steamy, but it was countered by the distaste she felt from knowing how embarrassing it would be for Coye to see her before she was used to this. The last thing she wanted was to appear weak, especially before his eyes.

"Maybe," Suzette admitted. "Speaking of the private baths, are any of them open?"

"For you? Always," Ariel laughed like he was explaining something that should've been overtly obvious. "Do your best in there, alright, cutie? If it gets too hard, just remember who you're doing this for!"

Byng was a little overwhelmed by all the support Suzette's friend was giving her, to the point where she couldn't help but smile. "Thanks. It means a lot."

Suzette paid for the bath herself, digging a couple of gold coins from her handbag and handing them off in exchange for a key and a big basket of deluxe soaps, shampoos, and more that came along with their package. Byng followed Suzette into one of two identical hallways. At the end of it, there was a curtained-off door which read 'Public Bath', but before that, there were five doors on the left-hand side which led to smaller, private baths, as well as a changing room on the right. There wasn't any difference between them, so Suzette picked the first whose sign read 'unoccupied.' They entered, and the sign was switched accordingly.

Byng inspected the room she found herself in. It was small, with rows of wooden shelves on both sides of the room for customers to undress and store their possessions. The back wall had another curtained-off room where she could see steamy haze drifting out. She gulped. Suzette didn't need to tell her that was where the water was.

"Dear? Are you alright?" Suzette clasped Byng on her shoulder.

"Y-Yeah," Byng shook her head, snapping herself from her momentary stupor. "Just blanked out for a sec. No worries." She took a deep breath of the humid, steaming air and let it fill her lungs.

"Just making sure this isn't too much too fast," Suzette insisted.

"Thanks, I'm good."

"Then go ahead and leave your clothes wherever you'd like," Suzette said as she lifted her top over the enormous swell of her breasts, revealing an elaborate black lacy bra.

Byng gulped again, only now it had nothing to do with her nervousness. Despite coming from a Homerealm filled with big, beautiful, Orc women with muscles for days and unthinkable curves to match, Suzette was just as intimidating to the Gengaggi as any female Orc she'd ever met. It didn't help that she'd only ever known Coye's touch, and it was deeply ingrained within her species to find attraction in the same sex. Not that Karnallian women tended to be much different in that respect, what with their inexplicable tendency toward bisexuality.

"Are you going to undress as well, or would you like to stand there and stare?" Suzette suggested with a giggle and a grin as she removed her bra, her bountiful bosoms bouncing free at last. Though she remained calm and composed, it was still a struggle with her old self to do so. She was all too aware of Byng's deep interest in her body, and her confidence would only go so far.

Byng blushed, embarrassed over how transparent she was. "I'm getting there," she insisted. "You're just really distracting, alright? I'm not the kind of girl who gets hung up on worrying over or comparing tit sizes, but like... Gods, woman. What the heck do you eat?"

Suzette hid her breasts behind her hands and teased, "I could ask the same of you when it comes to that behind of yours,"

It was enough to get a series of small laughs from the girl. "My behind? You don't gotta be so stiff about it. If you're talking about my ass, then just say ass! Seriously, Suz."

"My apologies, I haven't gotten used to this sort of playful talk with other girls quite yet..."

"I sorta got that," Byngcackled softly and stripped herself of her vest and top. She wasn't wearing a bra underneath, which was unsurprising considering how rarely she did. Her small, green tits bounced subtly compared to Suzette's upon their freedom, and now it was the older woman's turn to inspect the goods. When she finished taking sneaky glances, Byng asked, "Be honest with me. Have you used those babies on short-stuff yet?"

Suzette drew a blank, but not because she was staring at the younger girl's chest. Certainly not. "Used them?"

"Y'know, like this?" Byng cupped her breasts with both hands and jiggled them up and down, adding lewd moans to get the point across. Just to be sure, she also dropped her long tongue out of her mouth and licked the area where there would've been cleavage if only she had any.

It was enough for Suzette to realize what she was getting at, though the thought of doing so made her even redder. "Oh, you mean like a... titfuck, right? I've read a few books which included such things. Do men truly enjoy putting their penis between a woman's breasts like that? It seems... impractical."

"Afraid you're asking the wrong person, Suz," the flatter girl laughed as she stepped out of her leggings. "Guess you're gonna have to find out tonight?"

"Hm, mayhaps..." Suzette wondered about that. She knew how much that adorable boy of hers obsessed over her breasts, and she wasn't averse to the idea of sliding him in between her tits and rubbing away. On the contrary, it threatened to get her going. She could already imagine all the pathetically cute faces he would make for her.

Luckily she caught herself before she spaced out too much, and the rest of their garments hit the floor one by one. Suzette and Byng both stood before each other fully in the nude. Neither girl stared, but many glances were taken, and they didn't feel the need to comment on their behavior. They knew if all went well, they'd grow used to seeing each other like this, but it was still a little exciting to experience it for the first time.

Byng ultimately spoke up, suggesting, "Sooo... you wanna take the lead, here?"

"Y-Yes," Suzette awkwardly coughed into her fist. "I think I'll do just that, dear."

Suzette then paved the way, carrying the bucket of soaps and so on along with several towels. She was about to open up the dividing curtain, but a quick look over her shoulder showed that Byng hadn't moved an inch and was staring at the warm sand beneath her toes. Suzette became worried, turning around after setting the goods down so she could strut straight up to the young girl and delicately place her hands on both sides of her shoulders.

"Will you be able to handle this?" She asked.

"I... I think so?" Byng replied with sizable doubt. "Even if I can't hack it, I'm still gonna try."

"I believe in you," Suzette reminded her. "I'll be by your side, helping you take each step. Sound good, dear?"

"Yeah," Byng was able to wrest her attention away from the ground, looking up at her companion with a placated smile. "Sounds great, Suz. Let's do this thing."