perfume – three good words

November 20, 2014May 16, 2020

watercolour

Ji’an was finally home, where her cat greeted her with loving purrs. Her Screen blinked with five messages. She didn’t check them, nor did she make herself the usual cup of arica. Instead, she stretched out on her recliner, a smaller version of the one she had lain on not long before. She watched the latest screening, just to be sure. …yes, he was good. fireplace minimalist Since her acceptance to the Loge she rarely experienced something like that with a resident. They were usually calm, giving her gratification with calm persistence, stroking her body as was appropriate and kissing her when it was right, following her words precisely. She had had a few young ones who could be unnecessarily rough or uncoordinated, or spilled too soon, but after a while she knew which residents suited her tastes best, and ever since she joined Mistress Koun’s list her times at the House were always very satisfying.

They did not, however, leave her with a quiet wish to repeat what had taken place. She would have to wait until the following day however. The dinner would be long, but with such a resident, Ji’an no longer felt it would be tedious. Smiling to herself, Ji’an shut the Receiver, got up and went to the kitchen to feed her cat and prepare her dinner. Contrary to her expectations, the following day would probably be enjoyable after all.

Haen Ule was a Merchant who wanted new contracts with the VBA. Newly promoted, Ji’an was now responsible for negotiations with this particular sector of trade, and it was up to her to go to the dinner Ule was hosting, now that her colleague was detained. The dinner was in one of the grand merchant houses full of glass and white carpets, foreign flowers and water music. There were at least fifty guests all with their residents, most of them permanent, but Ji’an was relieved to see that the blue of day-residents could also be seen in the crowd.

She entered the glass parlour next to her own day-resident. He was silent, she had barely managed to find out his name when in one of the private gliders Haen Ule had sent specifically for his guests. By the puzzled look he kept on giving her, the resident didn’t seem to understand why she wanted to talk to him. It was just as well. Better a silent resident than one who talked too much.

Ji’an couldn’t help pointing out who was who while they walked through the crowd of guests though, seeing she had chosen well in matters of dress. The gold was neither too flashy nor too plain, and so perfectly adequate for someone in her position at the VEN Centre. ‘That’s the Commissioner’s second consort,’ Ji’an pointed out, ‘and that’s the Trade Warden with his second permanent resident. They say there was some strife with the first.’

Her resident didn’t comment, but it didn’t matter, Ji’an continued explaining. He had said his name was Lanec. It was probably a House name, after all most residents were not from the Federation. Ji’an was pleased that it was a simple and easy name to remember, it was always a little embarrassing when one had to ask for a resident’s name again. He smelled very good and looked very good in the deep blue robes. Ji’an wondered who had commissioned them for him. From what she had surmised so far, they were of Biyoran silk and Valgrave cotton that each cost a small fortune. Then again, with the kind of clients Mistress Koun had, it was probably natural that the residents received expensive gifts, especially if they were as satisfying as this one.

Again, Ji’an was aware of her curiosity about the resident’s other clients. How old were they, and how wealthy? Had someone already made a formal request? Did he have any preferences among the clients? She didn’t ask of course, it was just nice to wonder. The resident was very silent, but he didn’t look displeased. Rather, as if he was simply taking his time to see everything. He didn’t join the other residents standing to one side though, but stayed just a little behind her. Ji’an wondered why, this was not as formal a dinner as expected. It was up to him though. If he didn’t want to join the others so be it, he probably had his own reasons.

The resident stayed with her while they waited for all the guests to arrive, only leaving to get a drink for her when she asked him to. He himself didn’t take any of the colourful vials balanced by the servants on light trays, which was taking it too far, a vial or two was quite all right, but Mistress Koun was probably very strict. Some Houses even made their residents undergo substance tests once they returned. Ji’an didn’t think Mistress Koun was that strict, but it was a possibility. It could also be that he thought this tedious and was simply doing his duty. With all the wealthy clients Mistress Koun had, the resident was probably used to more luxurious occasions and probably thought this was beneath him. If he was bored, he didn’t show it however, which was good.

The gongs sounded for the dinner and they had to part. She didn’t see the resident for two hours, two lively hours on dining couches and a long glass table covered with many excellent dishes. There were toasts and talks and small-talk with a portly woman next to Ji’an, whose consort had business with Haen Ule. The trader himself was travelling so it was up to her to represent him at the dinner.

The dinner was lavish, the gossip even more, and finally after they left the dining couches and joined the residents in a large private room, Ji’an found time to speak to Haen Ule who quickly said, ‘Oh no business tonight, young lady, you’re here to enjoy yourself.’ Knowing merchants rarely liked to be disturbed in their celebrations, Ji’an let it be and started looking for her resident. watefall violet horizon To her surprise, he was at the farthest part of the wide room, far away from the recliners, where the first were already undressing. He was looking at a watercolour, a rare piece Haen Ule had apparently acquired in the South Plains, if the plaque next to the painting told the truth. It was a landscape of some kind or other, water and hills and a light. It was pleasant, but Ji’an had never had an eye for these things. She was surprised to see the resident looking at it with interest. It wasn’t something one expected from a resident.

‘Do you like it?’ Ji’an asked.

The resident turned sharply. It was his expression that made Ji’an step back. He looked… cold with fury, if there was such a thing. One thing was certain: it was not done. A resident was to be always polite and approachable. His expression changed immediately, but Ji’an had seen it. That icy anger was real and it was more than disturbing. She looked hastily about herself. No one else was near, which meant no one else had seen it.

‘It was just a question,’ she said, indignantly.

She had lost her composure and it annoyed her. The resident just looked at her without answering. Ji’an could see nothing in his eyes now, neither friendliness nor anger, just calm. It was common in residents, but with this one now, after those seconds of startling anger, it was unnerving. Ji’an found she had to look away. When she looked again, he was looking over her head to the spacious room full of guests occupying the recliners. He moved to join them, but Ji’an stayed his hand.

‘You didn’t answer my question.’

There was no way she was going to ignore this, she was after all a member of Mistress Koun’s House. Another look passed between them, Ji’an waiting for him to disobey. He inclined his head. Ji’an breathed out, relieved. She had heard of residents running wild if their clients couldn’t control them, and she wouldn’t have anyone whispering about her in the tea rooms.

‘It’s wrong,’ he said with that accent Ji’an could as yet not place. His voice was cool, though deeper than she expected.
‘Why is it wrong?’
‘The waterfall is on the other side.’

Perplexed, Ji’an looked at the watercolour.

‘You know where this is?’

He just nodded. Something in his face closed and Ji’an knew he would speak no more. It nettled her that he could simply choose not to talk and that she had no means to keep him from it. ceiling futuristic It felt like insubordination. Maybe she should file a complaint about what happened on the recliner. She had let him have his way without a reprimand, now he probably thought it would always be like this. And he had dared to look at her like that. Ji’an turned and walked back to the main room. He followed her closely which was a relief. She had half feared he would stay at the watercolour, which would have forced her to an argument, or worse, a raised voice, and that would have been uncommonly embarrassing. No wonder breaking House Rules was so highly fined. If you let them get away with it, they obviously thought they could do whatever they liked. Well, it wouldn’t happen again.

November 18, 2014May 16, 2020

reconstruction, 3

Not PG rated

There were the usual procedures of inspection. It had to be done, there was always a Monitor, and if a client was dissatisfied, no complaints could be made if there had been no inspection. Contrary to the usual practices of giving orders, Ji’an had her own method. silkwood white Just letting them undress and going through the prescribed motions was not very exciting, so she acquired her own way. First she walked up to the resident and looked at his face. It was good-looking, all residents were nice to look at, though this one had something really nice about him that some sometimes had. Ji’an looked a little longer, enjoying the well-made face. He didn’t look at her, but straight ahead to the view of the City, his eyes violet in the red sunlight. He was obviously waiting for the usual inspection and she really shouldn’t stall.

Ji’an laid a hand on his right shoulder, it was firm and warm. She sensed a moment of surprise and smiled. Her method always surprised the residents. Then she began, tracing firm biceps, a broad chest, solid abs, feeling his smooth skin as she slid her hands over his body. It was firm and good, his muscles well trained. It was a delight to feel. She liked taking her time with this, exploring every ridge and curve, relishing the simple joy of touching a strong, healthy body. Maybe it was silly of her, but she liked to think the resident enjoyed it as well. She didn’t look to check however, it was enough that he remained still. An inspection wasn’t supposed to take too long anyway.

She walked around him and ascertained all was well. The dark hair was still unusual to her eyes, especially with that skin tone. It had always struck her as strange that most of Mistress Koun’s residents had a kind of cream-like skin. It was said she got them from the Mainland Territories, that unmapped dangerous place, but that was probably just a rumour. And how should anyone get them from there, the Territories were a savage place, nothing sane could live there. This resident was strong and young and didn’t look like the monsters they said were bred in those savage places. Quite the contrary, he was perfectly built, and since Mistress Koun was always very particular, there was a guarantee that he had been tested. It was a prerogative that Ji’an came to the inspections regularly as well, and she was careful never to miss them, one could be downgraded if one became careless. Next to that Ji’an thought it simply irresponsible to be negligent in such matters.

Ji’an continued, picking up the scent of freshly washed skin, maybe he just came out of the baths. Did they bathe together or did they have separate stalls? Just once she would like to see it… but this was not a time for that. She really should hurry up, she didn’t have all that much time.

After the successful inspection Ji’an went behind the screens. As always there was an armchair and a table with the necessary provisions: cleaning pads, a fresh towel, a robe, a sealed supply of make-up, a mirror and a phial of perfume. Ji’an undressed quickly, folding her clothes neatly over the armrest. Then she used the hygienic pads to clean herself, using one pad each for her armpits, and two between her legs. They smelled faintly of Jasmine, just like Ji’an liked them. She cleaned herself thoroughly. She always felt that, if one expected cleanliness from the residents, one should be clean as well. Once done, she threw the pads into the slim, white waste basket and checked herself one last time, then took the robe off the hanger and put it on.

She considered using the phial of perfume on the table but decided against it. She didn’t want everyone to know she’d been in a House when she left again, House perfume always stuck to one’s skin for hours on end. Sashing the silk robe, Ji’an walked around the screen. The resident was already on one of the recliners, the right one, stretched out on his back looking to the ceiling. With the sunlight fading into reds he looked like one of the sculptures in the PRA[1], smooth stone turned into perfect proportions. He had his hands folded on his middle, he had lost some of his firmness. Ji’an was a little piqued. She was considered attractive, if not beautiful, she wouldn’t have been able to enter her Loge[2] otherwise. She hadn’t taken that long. Then again, it wasn’t up to her to make him ready.

He didn’t look at her until she was right next to him. For a moment she thought she saw surprise, but you never knew with residents. With so many clients as Mistress Koun had, only few things probably surprised them and with a face and body like his, this one probably got requests very often. Ji’an removed her robe. She caught him tracing her body with his eyes, her breasts, her waist, her sex, her legs. It was quick and made Ji’an smile. It wasn’t something residents usually did, at least not so openly. Maybe he was surprised. She was young, and few of her age had the means to acquire permanent membership at a House like Mistress Koun’s, but in these matters, Ji’an had always been particular. Certain necessities were a given in such a House, and Ji’an was very willing to cut down in other parts of her life to keep this high standard.

* * *

Ji’an paused a moment while she retouched her make-up behind the dressing screen. That was… unexpected. Her body was warm, parts of her still echoed with sensation, and she felt pleasantly tired. She smiled a little, and finished preparing herself. Once done she walked out. One quick look into the glass walls was enough, she looked as she should.

Ji’an crossed the Garden Path, passed through the sliding doors and stepped out into the lobby where Sila was waiting. The payment was quick, though she couldn’t help a furtive look to the Monitor’s door. She half expected the silver door to slide open, but it remained closed. What happened on the recliner must have looked adequate on the Monitor’s screen, which in turn made Ji’an wonder how often the residents broke House Rules without the Monitor noticing. No resident was to put a client in a position where she no longer was in control of what was happening, which meant they had to be in control of themselves. It was a well-known House Rule, and the fines were high if it was broken. And yet, Ji’an didn’t file a complaint. She felt too well served for that. After so many days in the VBA without any kind of gratification, it had felt great to let go like that again.

shoes black The fee was high since her booking was for the following day, which was a very short notice. Ji’an felt she could only do it because she was a long-time client of the House. She would never have booked but for the dinner she had to attend the following evening. One of her colleagues had to go to the Upper Falls on an emergency and now Ji’an had to go in his place. It was a formal dinner, so one was to bring one’s resident, which in Ji’an’s case meant she had to request Mistress Koun’s services, since she had no permanent residency yet.

One day she would, maybe not too far away now. For a moment, Ji’an wondered how high the fee would be for the resident she had just been with. She could then have that kind of satisfaction at least once a week. Granted she would have to consider the expenses, the clothes, the allowance etc. She would eventually have to move. It would be expensive, but after what just happened on the recliner, Ji’an was starting to think it was worth it. She would make a formal request after the dinner, that way she’d have enough time to think about it without having someone else snatch him away.

As far as Ji’an knew, most of Mistress Koun’s clients had enough means to pay an a.v.[3] on a moment’s notice. She wondered if he satisfied all the clients like that. Probably, he had the build and the stamina. She would like to see him in a libria, but that always cost so much. Maybe his a.v. had already been paid and he was just waiting to change residency, you never knew really. She didn’t even know if she could afford permanent residency yet. Where would she move to? Prices were exorbitant these days. Ji’an decided to wait until after the dinner, she’d know what he could do better after that, and so waited patiently for Sila to finish the last touches to the booking.

Once Ji’an paid the fare and signed an agreement of full legal responsibility for the time the resident was with her, Ji’an left the House via the Commuters. Sitting in the comfortable armchairs she felt that particular softness under her skin that she always had after a session in the House. She slid the token Sila had given her into her Receiver, and watched the screening the Monitor had made, plugging her earphones in so she could hear it at high volume. It really did look all right on the screen. She replayed a few parts… there, that. He was good. She would talk to her Referent and see if she could afford a permanent residency.

Ji’an reached her home in the SSQ[4] not long after, humming quietly to herself as she stepped out of the Commuter, joining the crowd of men and women leaving the blue-lit station, wondering how many were just returning from a House. There were many in Cartin Place, some inexplicably luxurious, others simple Baths, where one took a quick bath, got a massage and picked one of the residents from the crowd. She had gone to Baths when she was still in training and couldn’t afford being a House client. original

With her Loge on the higher scale it was easy to get into the better Baths, where she had been part of some long nights, where a simple bath and massage turned into something very satisfying. That was back when they still went out in groups, usually four to five trainees, both men and women. There was one particular night she remembered, a night she went out with Enna. It was a simple Baths, but the residents had been ‘delicious’ as Enna said. Ji’an still had the screening. Enna’s preferences were fixed after that night, she kept on saying that one day she would apply for joint-residence, never mind the expenses.

That was one of the last parties Ji’an went to with Enna though, they didn’t see each other as much as they used to now that they were no longer trainees. Work kept them busy, but every now and then they met for drinks in the Main City and inevitably ended up in a House, where Ji’an could see Enna’s latest preferences. Sometimes they’d meet one of the men they used to go to parties with when they were in the Main City. As far as Ji’an knew, Enna had been eyeing one of them, Telen, for a consort the last time they met for drinks, but Ji’an didn’t know if anything had come of it. It was all a little while ago, and with the travelling she did she hardly had any time to keep herself updated on other people’s lives.

* * *

[1] PRA: Pre-Reconstruction Artifacts: exhibitions of artifacts created before the Reconstruction, set up in every JDC of the City.
[2] Depending on a Citizen’s physical condition and monetary abilities, once of age, each Citizen enters a Loge and thus is allowed to become a member of the Houses ascribed to the respective Loge. Beauty tends to reign over money, but since surgical redefinitions* are not uncommon, unattractiveness among adult Citizens is practically unheard of in the Federation. Natural beauty, however, is rated higher than ‘enhanced beauty’, and since redefinitions are always cited on a Citizen’s detail, the Loges choose accordingly: the more natural the beauty, the higher the Loge.
*Redefinitions are only open to adult Citizens. It is part of Federation Regulation that only women who have ended their years of fertility are allowed mammoplastic redefinitions, also known as mammoplastes. This is largely due to Federation Regulation 8-20 where fertile women are expected to breast-feed for three months after pregnancy as a service to the Federation. Federation testings found that the healthiest nutrition for newborns is mother’s milk. Mammoplastic redefintions are considered harmful to the adequate development of the necessary milk. Since pregnancies are strictly monitored under FR 8-20, and unauthorized pregnancies are severely fined, the prohibition of mammoplastes for fertile women is practically the law.
[3] a.v., short for Alias Via: the price set for residents to be released from a House to a paying client.
[4] Stellar Stair Quarter: main residence of VEN Centre employees

August 27, 2014May 18, 2020

glow

‘There you are, darling. I’m so glad you came.’
‘I hope we’re not late.’
‘Oh, not at all.

Caden leaned forward for the inevitable peck on the cheek. How was it that Joan not only managed to look it, but also smelled cool and composed? He never found out and wasn’t about to start now. And this was the woman who read books to him as a kid. A few pages before going to bed, asking, ‘Do you know what that means?’ and answering the questions he had. A few pages before she said good night, until they were through with whatever book she decided he needed to know about. It’s not that he minded though. That was their time, just him and Joan, who smiled more while she sat on the side of his bed with a book in her hand. It was when she laughed a real laugh, usually when she thought what he said was funny. He often felt that’s how it would have been with his own mother.

Looking at her now, he couldn’t put the two together, Joan then and Joan now. Sometimes he started doubting what he remembered. How she morphed into this icy blonde who cut anyone down who placed a fork wrong… that was something Caden still couldn’t put together. Something happened on the way, something he didn’t catch. It wasn’t as if Fred changed, he was still quiet, locked up in his office Monday through Friday, golfing on weekends and some pool on Wednesdays when Joan was off with her club. He was the same Fred as always, unmovable in his views, expecting the best as a matter of course. He talked about family like it was a fort, all the flags flying, all the gates closed, everything sealed up tight. Caden was just lucky that he grew up within the walls.

‘Where’s your young lady?’
‘Freshening up. Something about the dress.’
‘Ah, yes,’ Joan smiled politely.

Caden could see the subtext though. It was just like him to bring a woman who couldn’t get her wardrobe right. He’d come to think that that subtext was always there, it just took a while until he could read it.

Five minutes later Joan looked up and said, ‘There she is.’ The sub was a clear About time. Caden turned and stopped. That was… she was in something green, light green, all bust, no straps. It showed off her legs, long and firm like a runners. She did go jogging. She’d done something with her hair that showed off her neck, shoulders, very smooth. And those thin earrings you never saw until you were up close. She looked… Caden noticed he was staring, stopped and said the truth once she was with them. ‘You look good.’ Marla smiled, shyly, which just made it worse, as in better. There was something about her right then, something… glowing. He didn’t like that he noticed.

Matt walked up to them right then, ‘The car’s ready, are you coming?’ He looked Marla over and smirked,

‘You clean up nice.’
Marla frowned, ‘Pardon?’
‘That’s a nice dress,’ Matt nodded at her.‘A bit top heavy though, don’t you think?’

Caden saw the blush first, it spread all over her cheeks, her face, killing the glow. She started touching her dress like it might not be there. Caden felt the old urge to kick Matt, but just said, ‘We should probably go.’ Oblivious to the damage done, Matt grinned, ‘Round two.’ Joan said a stern, ‘Matthew,’ turned and walked to the cars. Caden looked at Marla, she was still touching her dress, so he said, ‘That colour looks good on you.’ She actually said, ‘You think so?’ looking down herself like he was lying. He never got that with women. ‘We really should get going.’ Marla just blushed more, but at least she stopped fidgeting.

He motioned her to the cars and they went down, Caden seeing for the first time that Marla had a small, very small star tattooed on her right shoulder, just above the hem of her dress. It was as if she put it there as a decoration. It was strange. He’d never thought Marla to be someone to get her skin inked in any way, she didn’t seem the type. It’s not that he didn’t like it, it softened her somehow, made her less that woman on the hill. It was still… unusual. And she smelled so good again, it was really hard not to notice. Why did they always smell so good?

They finally reached the cars, and Matt did the usual. He held the door open for Marla, even adding the ‘M’lady’ with that stupid half-bow, as if he was some kind of butler. It made Marla smile and shake her head. It surprised Caden time and again, he never remembered to expect it. Matt insulted them one minute, next they were smiling like he’d made the world’s greatest joke.

‘You know the way?’ Matt asked after closing the door.
‘Sure,’ Caden said.
‘It’s just down –’
‘I know, Matt. I was there yesterday.’
‘Oh yeah, right. See you there.’

They got into the cars, the sound of the doors closing sharp in the quiet. The sun shone bright on the tarmac, a smooth black, the grass glowing in several shades next to it, swaying in the light breeze. Caden turned and checked, yes he had his camera in the back. The light was good today.

They were on the road when Marla started talking.

‘Is he always like that?’
‘Who, Matt?’
‘Yeah. I mean… I’m sorry, he’s your brother and all, but he’s not very…’

Caden waited but nothing came. Instead she said, ‘Is he always like that?’ again, so he said,

‘Mostly.’
‘Was he always like that?’
‘Why’re you asking?’
‘Just curious. – So, he was?’
‘Matt’s always been Matt.’

Marla nodded there and brushed her hands down her dress again, crossing her legs, they really were endless. He noticed she was in green and gold. Green dress, those shoes, and her purse lying lightly on her lap. He’d always liked how easily women could pull that off, just looking good without much effort. It was nice knowing Marla was no different, never mind her work on the hill. He still wanted to know when she got that star on her shoulder.