Chapter 18

Raven had her quirks, and through their sessions Glynda was starting to get used to a few. Constant flirting, inappropriate jokes, no filter, no secrets, all were par for the course with her. But today something was different. Raven seemed distracted. Then she just stopped, ending a conversation by just staring into space. "Raven." Glynda said. No response. "Raven."

"Huh?" Raven snapped back to reality.

"Raven, you've been distant this session." Glynda observed.

"Sorry Glynda." Raven sighed.

"Raven, don't apologize." Glynda said. "Tell me what has you so distracted."

"I...was just thinking about how much you've done for me, for Yang." Raven explained. "How much I respect you...how much I've fallen for you."

"What?!" Glynda demanded.

"I know, it's not right, I shouldn't." Raven babbled, nearing panic. "It's not fair to you but...you make me feel...safe. Like I can be better, like all the bad thoughts and bad feelings are wrong, and I like that feeling. I crave it. I'm never happier than when I'm around you Glynda. I...I don't want to be away from you anymore."

Glynda put her elbows on her knees, resting her face in her hands. "Raven...I...I need to think." She said. "Please."

"Of course." Raven sighed. "I'll go home. Thank you for listening, Glynda." Raven got up and walked out as if nothing had happened, waving to Pyrrha on her way out.

Glynda sat there for a good fifteen minutes, just thinking about it. She was shocked and confused. Sure, patients had confessed love to her before, but they were usually young and confused. Glynda could just tell them so and that would generally be the end of that. The situation with Raven was different, and it went beyond her age. Glynda could not force herself to dismiss Raven. There was already some mutual affection, perhaps more than that. Glynda felt like a sicko for even considering it. Raven was a patient! Glynda had a responsibility!

Glynda finally emerged from her office, walking up to Pyrrha's desk. "Pyrrha, what does my schedule look like this afternoon?" Glynda asked.

"No scheduled patients." Pyrrha said without even looking. "Just time for walk-in, like always."

"I need you to come with me." Glynda said. "Hang the 'Out to Lunch' sign on the way out."

"What's wrong?" Pyrrha asked.

"I'll talk once I've had something to drink." Glynda sighed.

Glynda and Pyrrha got a table at a nearby cafe. Glynda ordered a Vesper and immediately downed it. "Ready to talk?" Pyrrha asked.

"Not really." Glynda replied. "I think I need another." She signaled the waitress.

"No, you need to talk to me." Pyrrha insisted.

"You're right." Glynda sighed, burying her face in her hands.

"So what's going on?" Pyrrha asked.

"Raven...Raven confessed...romantic feelings for me." Glynda answered.

"Oh...can't say I saw that coming." Pyrrha said.

"I'm...very tempted." Glynda admitted. "But it's so wrong! She's my patient. It would be a massive abuse of my power and a betrayal of her trust. There's no way it could ever be a healthy, balanced relationship. How can I even consider it? What the hell is wrong with me?!"

"Glynda, you might seem like an angel sometimes, but you're only human." Pyrrha said. "Raven's a beautiful woman, and if I'm not mistaken you haven't been in a romantic relationship since James passed. It might be inappropriate, but there's nothing wrong with the way you're feeling."

"But…" Glynda tried to protest.

"I know a thing or two about inappropriate relationships." Pyrrha cut her off. "I always seem to fall for people I shouldn't, people I can't have a healthy relationship with."

"Pyrrha…" Glynda tried to cut in again.

"When we first met...damnit...I fell for you." Pyrrha admitted. "You helped me so much and I just wanted to be with you and…"

"I know." Glynda said.

"You...know?" Pyrrha gasped.

"It would have been hard not to notice." Glynda observed.

"You knew…" Pyrrha sighed.

"I'm sorry." Glynda said. "I always looked at you like and daughter, and I knew I could never get past that. I just...didn't want to hurt you by saying anything."

"I understand." Pyrrha declared. "And at the time it probably would have hurt me. That's why I never said anything...I was afraid of your response." She paused and shook her head. "No, this isn't the time. Back to Raven. Tell me, what makes you interested in her?"

"Well, there's the obvious." Glynda replied. "We're about the same age, and...I mean...just look at her. I've never really considered a relationship with another woman, but I've always appreciated female beauty. I've felt an...attachment to her. I thought it was friendly...but perhaps it's something more...and that frightens me. I haven't been in a relationship since James died. I've...been lonely for a long time. It only got worse when you moved out."

"I'm very sorry I…" Pyrrha started.

"No need to apologize." Glynda cut her off. "You have to live your life." She sighed. "Doing this job...it really is it's own reward. I love helping people. Lately I've just...I've felt like there's something missing from my life. Maybe...maybe that thing is a relationship."

Pyrrha sipped her water and thought for a moment. "You should give it a shot." She suggested. "See where it goes."

"What?!" Glynda gasped. "You're supposed to help me see reason!"

"No, I'm supposed to help you." Pyrrha corrected her. "That's why I'm also going to take Raven as my patient to clear up any ethical questions. Uh...with your permission and supervision of course."

"I...wow...thank you." Glynda said. "It means a lot that you'd be willing to do this for me."

"You're always helping people." Pyrrha said. "It's about time someone helped you."

"I have to warn you, Raven is a tough case." Glynda said. "Her past...it's a horror show. And I know how uncomfortable you are with flirting."

"A difficult case is ideal if I'm going to learn." Pyrrha countered. "And I'm living with Nora. Nothing Raven could possibly do can compare to what I deal with on a daily basis."

"Those are...very good points." Glynda allowed. "I guess it's decided then. I'll give Raven a call and…"

"Not so fast." Pyrrha cautioned. "You should talk to Yang first."

"You're right." Glynda sighed. "But I don't know which conversation I'm dreading more."

Glynda called up Yang and asked to meet with her. Conveniently, Yang was already in the neighborhood to get measured for outfits for the upcoming test shoot. She agreed to meet Glynda at her office. Yang walked in to find Pyrrha behind her desk as usual. "Hey Pyrrha, you look happy." Yang observed. "What's up?"

"Oh, you'll see." Pyrrha replied. "Head on in, Glynda's waiting."

Yang entered Glynda's office to find her sitting in what was usually the patient's chair. Without a word Glynda waved Yang to her usual seat. She looked terrified. "Glynda, you're scaring the shit out of me." Yang said as she sat down. "What's going on?"

"Yang...how would you feel if I began dating your mother?" Glynda asked, getting straight to the point.

"Concerned and afraid." Yang answered after a stunned pause.

"How so?" Glynda pressed.

"Concerned she would hurt you." Yang explained. "Afraid she would leave you. Like she did to me."

"I'm...touched Yang." Glynda said.

"You've been more of a mother to me than she ever has or ever will be." Yang said.

"Yang...I…" Glynda started, tears welling in her eyes.

Yang offered her hand and Glynda took it. "If you think Raven can make you happy, I will support you, no matter what." Yang promised. "If she can bring you happiness, maybe I'll be able to forgive her...someday."

"I always wanted a daughter like you Yang." Glynda wept, doing her best not to sob.

"I always wanted to be loved by my mother." Yang said. "Maybe we can both have what we want."

Glynda followed Yang home, hoping to speak to Raven as soon as possible. Yang unlocked the door and let her in. "This house...it's breathtaking." Glynda gasped. She gazed out the large windows that overlooked the sea. "And this view...incredible."

Winter emerged from the business center. "Oh, Glynda, what brings you here?" She asked.

"I need to speak to Raven." Glynda replied. "Is she home?"

"Yes, but she just went for a walk on the beach." Winter explained. "I asked if she wanted my company but she declined."

"Did anything seem...off?" Glynda asked nervously.

"Not really." Winter answered. "She takes walks a lot, says it helps her clear her head and calm down."

"Alright then, just point me in her direction." Glynda said with a sigh of relief.

"Something is obviously going on." Winter observed. "Could someone fill me in?"

"Yang can handle that." Glynda said. "Right now...I really, really need to speak to Raven."

Glynda headed off down the beach. She saw Raven almost immediately, her heart rate picking up as she got closer to the dark figure silhouetted against the overcast horizon. "Raven?" Glynda called.

"We used to visit the beach often, Tai, Summer and I." Raven said, gazing out at the sea. "Tai would swim out really far, just to prove he could...we didn't care so I guess he was proving it to himself. Summer would build sandcastles, she was always a kid at heart. I would just sunbathe. Once she was done playing around, Summer would join me and we'd just relax together, talking about anything or nothing, at least until Tai dragged us into the water. It calms me, feeling the sand between my toes, the smell of the salt air, the sound of waves breaking upon the shore. They make me feel...peace."

Glynda stepped up beside Raven, arms wrapped around herself. The sea was unsettled, and offshore storm kicking up churning waves. Glynda's mood matched the scenery, uncertain and agitated. She saw Raven staring blankly at the water and tried to speak, but could not make a sound. She found herself embarrassed to be the one at a loss.

Raven turned to Glynda, a thin smile on her face. "Want to walk for a while?" Raven asked. The cheerful reminiscence in her voice had faded and now she just sounded quiet and meek.

Glynda nodded and Raven started walking, leaving Glynda to match her pace. They walked for a while before Glynda came to a halt. Raven noticed and stopped. "I have given things some thought." Glynda said, breaking the silence. Raven turned to face her with hands clasped tightly in front of her. "I...I want this Raven, and that scares me. I shouldn't want this. So many things could go wrong. I could be manipulating you, I could be using you, I could be hurting you without even knowing it."

"Glynda, don't you think you're overthinking this a little?" Raven asked.

"It's my job to overthink things." Glynda sighed. "I can't help it."

"Maybe...maybe try thinking simple." Raven suggested. "Right now, at this moment, what do you want most?"

"A hug." Glynda replied. Raven held out her arms and Glynda walked into them, laying her head on Raven's shoulder.

"How do you feel?" Raven asked.

"Warm." Glynda answered.

"Do you like this feeling?" Raven pressed.

"Yes...Raven...I don't want to let go." Glynda replied.

"Then don't." Raven said.

"But what if I should?" Glynda asked.

"So what?" Raven countered.

"I have to be responsible." Glynda explained.

"You're always responsible." Raven observed. "Why not be reckless for once?"

"Reckless…" Glynda said. She pulled back to gaze at Raven, meeting her red eyes with her own, and took a deep breath. "I can do reckless." She leaned in and kissed Raven who reciprocated as the kiss grew deeper. Raven's legs buckled and she fell back, pulling Glynda to the ground with her. They lie in shocked silence for a moment before Raven started to laugh, soon joined by Glynda.

"Ah...it's been awhile since that happened." Raven giggled.

"Did I literally make you go weak at the knees?" Glynda asked.

"You're that good honey." Raven said.

"I talked to Pyrrha." Glynda said. Raven nodded. "And I talked to Yang."

"Oh?" Raven said.

"We have to do right by her." Glynda said.

"I intend to." Raven confirmed.

"And you're going to treat Pyrrha with respect." Glynda said.

"What do you mean?" Raven asked.

"I can't date a patient." Glynda explained. "Pyrrha is taking you on."

"Oh...I thought she was in training." Raven said.

"You'll be her trial by fire." Glynda laughed.

"Ouch." Raven said.

"Tough love." Glynda smirked.

"Oh, is that what it is?" Raven asked.

"Behave." Glynda said.

"I thought we were being reckless." Raven said.

"Is Yang like this?" Glynda asked. "I feel sorry for Winter."

Raven pushed herself up, brushing off the sand that clung to her clothes before helping Glynda to her feet. "Speaking of which, we should probably head back." Raven suggested. "They'll be worried."

"Yes, let's." Glynda agreed. "I think dinner is in order too."

"Yang makes a mean pizza." Raven declared.

"I take it back, I envy Winter." Glynda laughed.

Velvet and Blake arrived at the house Winter and Yang shared. It was time for the debut test shoot for Solstice Modeling, and the picturesque beach setting would be perfect. The house itself would provide the backdrop for some of the shots as well. Winter and Velvet had already done the shopping, and after having the clothes adjusted to fit Yang perfectly, Velvet brought them, along with her camera equipment. Blake had her cosmetics at the ready and Yang was eager to get started.

"Where's Winter?" Velvet asked. "Her car was in the drive…"

"She had some business to deal with." Yang shrugged. "She took a car service since we need her car for the shoot. I don't think we need her here anyway. She already told me what she wants."

The others agreed they could go on in Winter's absence. Blake applied Yang's makeup while Velvet got her camera setup outside. It all felt so very real all of the sudden. Winter might like to call it a test or promo shoot, but really, it was the first professional photoshoot for the company. When Blake wrapped up her work Yang donned the first swimsuit - a rather standard yellow string bikini - and headed outside. Blake grabbed the rest of the clothes and followed.

"Where do you want me Velvs?" Yang asked.

Velvet had found a nice spot that featured some seaside stones for Yang to pose on and around. It had the added benefit of being oriented such that the sun would perfectly light the scene. Velvet set up her own lights just to be sure, but on such a bright and beautiful day it was not really necessary. "Maybe start by posing on the rocks." Velvet suggested.

Yang shrugged and lay down on a particularly large slab, letting her hair drape over the edge. "How's this?" She asked.

"Borderline erotic." Blake laughed.

"It's...good, yeah." Velvet struggled, blushing a bit. She snapped a few pictures. "Let's try some other poses." Yang went from pose to pose as Velvet snapped pictures, ranging from the artistic to the playful to the risque. "I think that's enough. Let's move on to the next swimsuit."

"Sure thing." Yang said. Blake handed her the next one and to Velvet's shock Yang undressed right then and there.

"The carpet does match the drapes" Blake observed. "Cute heart by the way."

"Winter likes it too." Yang said with a wink as she put on the next outfit, a blue one-piece with several revealing cut-outs. "I feel like Winter would look better in this one."

"You look great." Blake encouraged.

"Al-alright." Velvet stuttered. "Let's go through the same routine."

Yang went through a series of poses as Velvet snapped pictures. The process repeated with two further swimsuits, then it was on to a formal dress. Blake applied more makeup and Yang styled her hair to fit the outfit, a backless floor-length dress with long slits up the sides of the legs. Velvet repositioned her camera and Yang posed as if she were walking down the beach for a few shots before frolicing in the surf.

"She's a natural." Velvet gasped as she took more pictures.

"Are you crying?" Blake asked.

"A little." Velvet admitted. "She's just...I'll explain later."

After the dress the group headed back to the house. Yang put on some business casual attire and posed by Winter's car. After a few fairly standard pictures with Yang leaning against the vehicle or sitting in it, she stripped off some of the suit for some more risque shots. With that done the group moved into the house where Yang donned a tank top and short-shorts to take some casual shots. After a wide series of poses all around the house, the promo shoot was complete.

"Yang...um...if you don't mind...I'd like to take a few more shots." Velvet requested. "I have a special outfit for you to wear."

"Sure." Yang shrugged.

Velvet dug into the large bag she had brought with her, producing a beige turtleneck, black skinny jeans, some belts and combat boots. To finish off the ensemble, she handed Yang sunglasses and a beret. "Is this…" Blake started to ask.

"I was hoping we could do a...a little tribute...to Coco." Velvet explained. "This isn't for the shoot, it's just for me, but please…"

"Of course." Yang said. "I'll do it." Yang put on the outfit and tied her hair back so she could hide it, blond being very much the wrong color. The trio moved outside to the patio and Velvet instructed Yang on a series of poses. Yang went through them carefully. Earlier she had just been doing what came naturally, just having fun and playing to the camera, but now she took it very seriously.

"It's like...it's like I'm seeing her again." Velvet cried. "I...I…" Her sobs cut off her speech and she had to stop shooting to compose herself.

Blake, shedding her own tears, wrapped Velvet in a tight embrace. "Did I...did I do her justice?" Yang asked meekly. A few tears streaked her makeup, trailing down under the sunglasses.

"Yeah." Velvet nodded, sniffling. "You did."

Yang walked over and joined the hug. "I'm...I'm so...so honored." Yang wept. "I'm glad I could do this for you."

"Me too." Velvet said, finally composing herself.

"Looks like we'll have to redo your makeup." Blake observed.

"I thought we were done." Velvet said.

"I wanted to do a few special shots...just for me and Winter." Yang explained.

Velvet blushed bright red. "It's okay Velvs, I can handle this." Blake said.

"No, I need to get used to...her." Velvet sighed.

"Oh, we're going to have so much fun." Yang laughed.