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The bathwater is still just below scalding when Rowan slips in behind Sofia, the perks of a generous water heater and just a touch of magic in the craftsmanship of the tub. Sofia's head is lolled back, tipping to turn towards Rowan as she settles. She sets her glass of red wine down, out of reach of her partner although she doubts Sofia is of any mind to notice it.
Humans are fickle, hedonistic things and Rowan knows she's fonder of humankind than most of her brethren. She loves her fans, loves the attention humanity brings to her. She can understand the superiority complex the fae have, why wouldn't she? But she's never understood the logic behind dismissing an entire species when they serve an important purpose.
Humans as individuals she's a little more indifferent about. The stories about fairies luring unsuspecting children into forests, stealing away young woman from their loving homes; they're all justified. For as much as the rest of her kin look down on humanity, they're rather guilty of taking human companions. Lovers who can't leave, children who won't grow older, friends bound in servitude. It's all very archaic, in Rowan's opinion.
She's much more selective with her companions. Friends are easy; Kingston Brown has been a dear friend to her, yet his name has never sat behind her teeth in a way that makes her want to bite down and keep it. Ricky and Esther as well, occupying a tender spot in her heart but never baiting the urge to steal them away.
Paramours; lovers; whatever the name, Rowan's known for being a bit particular about them. Maybe she's gone soft in her age, or maybe she's always had a tender heart, but Rowan would much rather her darlings come to her of their own accord. There's only been a handful, one every century or two. Dear, dear things, all of them.
Misty had been a bright, bubbly girl around the beginning of the 20th century. Rowan; a brilliant young man nearly two hundred years before. She had a few others others, names she's cycled through long after their passing.
This is the first time she's found herself with two at the same time.
Pete had been no surprise. Power is power, and she'd been drawn to him almost immediately. Pete Conlan had been like tart cherries in her mouth, and she's always been weak for the promise of somebody who needed somewhere to fit in. Certainly that's what theater has always been about. It hadn't hurt that Pete was handsome and awkwardly charming, and so very into her after the ritual.
Rowan's always preferred chosen names as well. Sure, there might have been something tasty in removing the burden of his old name had he ever chosen to tell her, but why waste her time on that when Pete Conlan was brimming with so much promise. Besides, any old fairy would be satisfied with his given name, Rowan wanted something more.
Sofia had been different. Sofia Bicicleta hadn't done anything for her, though Rowan had graciously been willing to take it on to help. Sofie Bikes had been a little more intriguing; more familiar and worn. Still not enough to really draw her attention, at least not entirely.
The woman in question shifts in the hot water around them, twisting until she's facing Rowan and can curl against her chest like a sleepy kitten. Rowan strokes a hand over thick, dark hair and along Sofia's bare shoulder blades.
Sofia Lee had burned like tequila and settled in Rowan's mouth like aged whiskey. A reclamation of something given up. Sofia's admiration of her had been an added bonus. More importantly, there had been a chase to Sofia.
Starstruck as she may have been, Sofia hadn't immediately fallen under Rowan's spell, more attached to the idea of Misty Moore and preoccupied with her own life. There had been many invitations to Girls' Nights and dinner dates and cast parties to get to this point; Sofia lax and giggling in the tub with her, naked skin pressed against her and all of Sofia's brash, warm personality wrapped around her.
It's so easy to skim a little off the top every once in a while when Sofia's personality runs so bright and bold. Rowan makes no secret about it, is happy to explain the details to her darlings anytime they might have doubts and never does it if they don't come to her first
But they always will.
Humans are fickle, hedonistic things and Rowan knows her darlings are even more so. Sobriety is a tedious fight, and while Rowan can't do much to help them, she can offer this. Something not quite a vice but that can take the brutal edge off for a little while. She doesn't know exactly what it feels like for them, never having experienced the sensation herself, but she knows it must be addicting. Maybe it's not the most moral way to help them, but Rowan has never put much stock into human morals. Her darlings want something Rowan can provide and she's happy to do it.
Sofia runs a strong hand up Rowan's side to her breast, eyes still half-lidded and unfocused. Rowan thinks she must be halfway to Nod, thoughts gone light and muddled and cottony. Sofia always goes quiet and cuddly, clinging to Rowan in the bath and luxuriating in Rowan's soft silk sheets. Cat-like, Rowan thinks with a low laugh. Pete tends to lean more animated, still airy but active and grabby, boyish in a delightful way.
She loves them, in the way that she thinks humans love creatures like stray cats and crows and other animals that can be conditioned into a semblance of a relationship. It's not a flattering comparison but an honest one. She loves them. She keeps their names behind her teeth and their bodies safe when they come to her and she loves them.
Sofia's hands get a little more insistent, legs tangling together under the water, and Rowan downs the last of her wine as Sofia begins pressing sloppy kisses up her neck. Rowan will drag her out of the bath eventually, maybe after they've both enjoyed an orgasm or two, and tuck her into the massive canopy bed waiting for them both. She'll switch to the same diet soda Sofia's been drinking all night and let Sofia chase the lingering taste of wine out of her mouth, slow deep kisses until Sofia falls asleep next to her while their choice of trashy reality television plays. Rowan will take her out to brunch tomorrow somewhere Sofia can't usually afford and Sofia will likely pay her back with one last quick, dirty orgasm before she catches the ferry.
Girls' Nights are far and few between, these days. Rowan will drink her fill while she has this one, letting Sofia's bravery and loyalty and charisma bolster her until they meet again.
She has quite a lot of time left to be Rowan. She thinks she'll enjoy being Sofia one day.