Flutter

Flutter: Vingt

"Yes!" Tifa said, getting up. "Come Blaine, Nora. You're free to join us if you'd like, Catherine."

 Catherine's conceit was apparent to all, even though she had not even gotten a word out. 

"Goodness no. If I wanted to run amock with -"

"A no will suffice." Tifa said, dismissing Catherine with a roll of her eyes. "Come on guys."

Tifa interlocked her arm with Nora's and Blaine's and led them out of the dining room and to the outdoor courtyard. It was a cool night, silent and still. Nora looked up at the blue gray sky. 

While walking about the property, they  chattered about various topics and enjoyed one another's company. They made their way back to the patio. 

"This was a good idea, Tifa. Nice to stretch the legs for a bit." Blaine complimented.

"I agree." Nora said.

"I'm glad. Say, I want to go for a run, and work off our meal. I'm not used to eating some rich food." Tifa said, and she commenced her stripping, removing her articles of clothing. "How about you guys? You can get on my back again, Nora."

"No thanks, Tifa."

"I think I'll stay here and entertain, Nora." 

Tifa shrugged her shoulders, pulling down her pants and stepping out of them. "Suit yourselves." 

Blaine looked towards the sky, trying to whistle nonchalantly and avoid Tifa's body. Tifa paid him no mind and naked as the day she was born, began running across the field, transforming at the same time. 

Nora looked on at Tifa, envious about the ease at which she transformed. Once and a while, Nora wished she were blessed with that others were blessed with. Especially on nights when it seemed every nerve fiber in her being urged to run across the green expanse, but her urges went unheard. 

"And then there were two." Blaine said, bouncing on his feet.

"Yep. You didn't have to stay with me if you didn't want to."

"Nonsense. Before today, I've barely gotten the chance to say two words to you. I'd like to catch up."

"Ah, I'm afraid there's not much to catch up on. Nothing but the fact that I'm going to my doom in a couple days."

"Doom?" Blaine inquired.

"Yes." Nora looked down at her feet, as she scuffed the ground with the heel of her shoes. "I'm to be mated with Quinton, on Sunday."

"Ah. The mating."

"You know?" Nora said, looking up at him.

"Yes. I am his right hand man, you know. Every person needs a confidant."

"True."

"So you're doom you say? I speculate that your not looking forward to the event."

"Not at all."

"Well, I always say, 'Look not at what you have to lose. Look at what you have to gain.'"

"I can't think of a single thing."

"I'll help you. Now, I can assume that the process of mating is not looking at all attractive. But consider the advantages. I know that Quinton's affections for you will grow and you will be seen more as his coequal."

"I guess so."

"Guess so? That's nothing to scoff at. Being mated will give you the power to cause the changes you seek. Not only that, but there's always the ball."