Erasure and Affirmation (Hypernaturals 11)

Affectionate Squeeze

I had to ask as we walked since Denise is being enigmatic, "Why should he be. Exactly?"

"Long story." Denise said. That was it.

"That you obviously do not wish to tell." Helen said.

"That I am not proud of." Denise replied, a little sharply. She softened it a little to add "In Alexander's case, the side effect of that situation that created his fear has the positive benefit of him not treating me like Jessica. I know his type. He would if he could."

"You two look nothing alike." I pointed out. I did not disagree. He just called her a looker to me. I was curious about what she saw and knew. An outside looking in point of view.

"I look like a curvaceous blonde to him. All Alexander sees when he looks at me is my breasts. If he was not afraid of me, he would try to do more than look. Not that he would succeed. I have shared my breasts with many people. He would not and never will be one of them." Denise said.

"You are more than breasts? I did not know that! Do tell!" Helen teased Denise.

"Not to you, apparently. On the other hand, you have a far better chance of getting me to share them with you." Denise said, teasing her directly back.

Helen did not pursue it. "I understand, my dear. I may be small breasted, but even my small cleavage is all Alexander sees when he looks at me. I am a female, therefore a sexual target. The fact that I am Council and Morgan's wife keeps him at bay to a large degree, but not totally. On the other hand, if I were to stand next to you or Jessica, especially Jessica, I would be invisible. Alexander does not care about my face at all."

"Which is a shame, as you have a beautiful face." Denise said.

"Thank you. It has had its uses. Some men can get past the boobs. All women do." Helen said.

"Adrian? What do YOU see when you look at us?" Denise asked.

"Two ladies I care deeply about." I said.

"He cares as deeply and as often as he can manage." Helen said, then backpedaled from her insult. "Sorry. Not the time for innuendo. You were being serious for a change."

I said nothing. Helen fired at me and then undid her damage. It's nice when we get along.

"You encourage such frequent and deep affection." Denise told Helen to not let her totally off the hook.

"I do indeed." Helen agreed. "Later today, I think..."

"I look forward to the day." Denise said.

"Which you deny yourself. No one to blame but you." Helen told her.

"I know. I do blame myself though." Denise replied, sounding a little adrift.

"You were, in some cases, acting under MY orders." Helen pointed out. "Why do you not blame me?"

"I did not have to do what you told me." Denise said. "That is a copout."

"I see. I understand even. I do not totally agree, but that is irrelevant. This is your guilt, not mine, and I have my own to deal with."

"Why we have Boot Camp." Denise said. "You and Rachel really shoved that through.

"I am married to the reason why." Helen said.

"I will be. Someday." Denise said.

"You are so certain?" Helen asked. "not that I am saying I disagree, but I am curious."

"I will have redeemed myself. I will be worthy of it, and he and you will know it." Denise said with confidence.

"I see." Helen nodded her understanding. Helen then redirected to me. "Adrian: You know how I feel when you get all quiet and just listen."