Farah Dowling WRITOBER 2O22

Late nights, early mornings [THE GIFT #2]

"What did Rosalind do to her?" whispered Ben right after he had suggested that you covered your naked legs and you had answered that you didn't want to because you knew the Headmistress loved to watch them.

Farah cleared her voice, a blush creeping up her neck. "She messed with her memories. She made her believe that the Headmistress' assistant is supposed to... I can't even say it" she murmured, looking out of the window.

"I think I get it" said Ben, his ears red as he watched you laying in an effortless provocative pose on Farah's couch and discreetly bring a hand between your thighs. "But why?"

"I don't have the heart to explain it, Ben. Suffice to know that Rosalind convinced her that I should kill her because she knows it would destroy me. Don't make me go into details. Just find something that can erase that tattoo. I think Ros couldn't break her mental defenses and had to use an emblem to get the better of her. It's possible that once the emblem is gone she will be back to normal."

"Fine" said Ben. "I'll do all I can. Can I use your desk?"

"Of course."

Farah walked towards you and sat on the couch as Ben transported his vials and ingredients on the massive wooden desk.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm... okay, Headmistress" you said. "Thank you."

"You look flustered. Are you sure you're feeling well?" she insisted, taking your hand. Her eyes widened. "You're burning. Why do you have a fever? Do you have a wound you didn't tell me about?"

"No" you answered quickly. "It's just..."

"What?"

"I've never gone this long in your presence without..." you lowered your eyes and paused, not wanting to displease her. "My body is not accustomed to abstinence."

Farah sighed and reminded herself that telling you that your memory had been modified and that in reality she had never laid a hand on you had brought no results. "Is there anything I can do that does not involve intercourse?"

"Maybe..." You looked shy, and for a second Farah thought you seemed your old self.

"Yes?"

"Could you... hold me? J- just for a little while."

Farah suddenly felt a lump in her throat. Earlier you had spoken about having sex like it was nothing; but asking for a hug made you blush and stutter. Good gods. How could she deny you?

"Come here" she said softly, opening her arms.

You happily moved closer and snuggled against her, murmuring a thanks.

Farah pulled you close and smooth out imaginary creases in the shirt you were wearing. Then both her arms had nothing to do but rest around you, and she held you close to her chest, so that you could feel her heartbeat and the softness of her breasts. She laid back on the couch and pressed a light kiss at the top of your head.

"Headmistress" you whispered, sounding close to tears of joy.

She just said your name, unable to think about anything but how precious you were. Her brave, sweet, beautiful survivor.

You stayed there in each other arms for almost an hour.

By then Ben had prepared different ointments and you proceeded to try them on your skin. You could barely contain your excitement – as soon as the tattoo was gone maybe the Headmistress would be willing to...

When a red mixture touched the emblem inked on your shoulder the tattoo lightened up and started to emit smoke. You fainted, and Farah and Ben immediately knelt next to you.