Fantasy So Night Follows Day by TMaskedWriter

[Ramesh_Rocky]

I wrapped my arms around Helen and whispered in her ear.

"Contessa Helena de San Finzione is not alone in this world."

Helen beamed. I gave her a kiss. A friendly one. On the lips, but still.

"Also," I said, still hugging her. "We need to rip this Band-Aid off and get it over with: You have had sex with the one in my skull, too, and I have all of her memories of it. You were dreaming, Helen. OR near death, or whatever. I'm ok with it. And they're nice memories to have. I'm not sure I'm ready to make new ones with you; however, I'm cool with having them. All of us are. Especially one that you'll probably meet at some point."

She grinned at that. I felt myself grin back.

We gave each other a "Don't Die," and Helen closed the back door behind her and went across the yard. She looked before crossing this time. Good for her.

I drank my coffee while checking my phone. There was a text from Claire, telling me that Inner Claire-ity would be closed until the stuff in Seattle was over, so it looks like I was off work like everyone else. I responded to a text from Rachel about how things were going here, and another from Brenda, desperate to know when she could come see La Contessa again, when the doorbell rang.

When I opened it, Mander was on the porch, Helen and her escort pulling away behind him on the street. He'd washed out the coffee cup and was holding it.

"Morning, Susan." He said to me. "I'm at a bit of a loose end right now, and... well, 'Er Countessness said Troy's got all of Doctor Who on video?"