Fortuity [Sophia & Asp]

[thesteedman]

Sophia would watch as Asp began her dance, listening to ambient and exotic music, moving to the rhythm of the beats in a unique fashion that was of the norm to a belly dance. Naturally a lot of the focus was upon her bare midriff, which moved, bent, contorted and twisted in seemingly unthinkable ways to the music, all enhanced by careful positioning and stepping and the almost hypnotic sway of her hips. There was no wasted movement, no unnecessary steps, Asp moved with fluid purpose, her stomach rolling from time to time, a captivating sight to witness as Sophia herself stood near. It was impressive to say the least, most impressive. Sophia could not even begin to fathom how she could even come close to such a level of control with her form, as drawing and captivating as the dance was, it was slightly intimidating as well, seeing how much of an expert in the art Asp was.

"It is a beautiful form of art you perform." Sophia could not help but compliment, speaking nothing but the truth.
"You have complete mastery of your form." Sophia would answer quietly to Asp's questions as she continued to dance, finding it hard to take her attention away from Asp's moving form, especially her captivating midriff. The blonde German was aware that no doubt Asp had spent many years mastering this art. This was not something you picked up in one session; this was something that took years to craft, to condition the body for. It was all clearly revealed as Asp moved in ways that looked almost inconceivable, as if she was bending and contorting her core and her body in ways not possible. Yet, Sophia was seeing it for herself, whether it was reality or mere illusion it did not matter, it was a sight to behold.

[BlackAkuma]

To the naked eye, it might’ve seemed like Asp was simply trying to tantalize Sophia with her movements…and she would be lying if she said that wasn’t at least some small part of the method to her madness. She did put a little extra bounce in her hips. A little more sway in her swing. She would look through half-lidded eyes, making sure she was being watched, taking notice of what her guest held the most interest in.

But it was more than simple titillation. She needed Sophia to understand what she would be doing, the difficulty of it, in a way that couldn't be expressed through a computer screen with varying angles. ”It is difficult. But anything worth doing is worth learning.” She nodded and punctuated her words with a quick twirl, adding some flourish before she returned. ”I won’t pretend that you will reach mastery in a single session. But I believe I can start you on the path.”

Asp slowed things down, returning to a basic form, with her legs squarely under her hips and her hands out, balancing on the balls of her feet. ”Here.” She motioned for Sophia to rise with a quick flip of the hand. [color]“Stand like me.”[/color]

[thesteedman]

The tempo of the dance never slowed, at all times Asp moved to the momentum of the beat. Her hips never deterred in the range of movement whilst her bare midriff tensed, relaxed and contorted all in unison to her hypnotic routine. Despite how she moved, Asp never looked out of sorts nor out of breath. She was in her element, almost appearing more relaxed than anything as her half closed eyes would catch Sophia's stare. With Asp's eye upon her, Sophia became a little nervous, having been focused on the tantalising movements and sights of Asp's bare stomach, but now she did not know where to look, aware of Asp watching her, no doubt taking in her reactions.

When Asp described the difficulty of her mastered art, she would soon begin to slow down the tempo and her movements, but was far from done. Her movements became more basic, but she still swayed to the rhythm, taking a more practiced but standard pose before she would motion for Sophia to rise from the couch she had been sitting on. Sophia realised all at once that it was all about to begin, and she stood up a little sheepishly before taking a spot before Asp. She looked down at Asp's exposed legs before taking note of her own bare feet, looking to replicate the stance that Asp held. As Asp expected, Sophia had a good grasp of stances, given her history in a Martial Art that often relied upon them. It took less than a few seconds before Sophia managed to replicate the stance of Asp, standing near identical to her.

That was the easy part... the dancing.. Sophia had no doubt that would be a different beast entirely!

[BlackAkuma]

And now came the movements.

The next couple of hours would be difficult for Sophia, as was anything worth learning. But, in her defense, Asp would say that she took to it as well as anyone could expect, and far better than most. Her skills in martial arts served her well - dancing and fighting were cousins, after all, and the balance and focus that she had learned through years of training in the latter would serve her well in the former.

It was no simple task for Asp, either, as she kept at her eternal struggle to lower Sophia’s defenses. But she remained steadfast, answering any questions that came her way, trying to be patient but stern, as a good teacher must. Whenever Sophia messed up and missed a step, she was quick to correct. Tips were given. Compliments. Encouragement.

Before she knew it, four hours had passed, far longer than Asp had anticipated. So long, in fact, that she had to cancel her scheduled session for the day, but that was a concern for another. For now, she was content to have Sophia’s company, and she came to a rest on the mat, sitting cross-legged as she sipped from a bottle of water.

”Ah, yes.” She enjoyed a long, drawn out sigh, and rubbed her stomach, soothing the aching muscles. ”That was good. Quite good, actually - you did exceptionally well for the first time, I must say.” She reached over and pulled another bottle of water off the table, offering it to Sophia. ”Tell me, how do you feel?”

[thesteedman]

"Sore..." Sophia confessed, managing a small smile. With Asp sitting cross legged, Sophia was not far from her, kneeling down flat upon her knees. Sophia already had a stomach that was on the next level, well defined from years of conditioning and training, but the lesson had her using parts of her midriff and muscles she did not even know she had. Sophia could train for hours without breaking a sweat, but these movements were all new to her body, and as such she had a slight sheen of sweat upon her exposed skin. A few of the movements had caught Sophia off guard, and she lost her hair tie, allowing for her platinum blonde hair to hang loose, giving the already stunning German an alluring look about her.

"That was more interesting that I thought it would be..." Sophia spoke, managing a small nod of appreciation as she took the bottle of cold water and took a modest sip of it. ".. ... and fun." Sophia would confess after a brief pause between her intake of water. At the beginning she had been as stiff as a piece of wood. One or two times the poor woman flinched when Asp approached to correct a position... making her wonder if something had happened to her in the past to make her so on edge. Though the massage had eased her body, it seemed her nerves were still on a knife's edge, but it only lasted for the first half an hour.

Soon enough, Sophia began to trust Asp much more. Her body began to relax and ease and feel the music. For a first timer, Sophia performed exceptionally. The basics she discovered quite quickly and it did not take more than a few tries before she was performing the moves Asp shown her. A few had troubled the German, but Asp was patient with her, correcting and repositioning her. Two hours in, she had Sophia... the nerves were all gone and it was clear the scarred beauty was taking an interest in it all, exploring the methods and moves. She could not roll her midriff or do anything advanced, but she moved very well, and more than once Asp spied a smile creeping onto her lips when she was able to manage a more intermediate technique.

It was hard to believe that four hours had passed; it felt like one or two to Sophia when Asp finally ended the session. Now the two rested on the mat. Sophia's skin glistened in the low light, as she could not help but rub the tingling and sore stomach muscles on her slightly strained midriff. She arched a little, her lower back still giving a few minor issues, but given the state she was in upon arrival, Sophia was glad for the earlier massage she received.
"Thank you Aspaisa. I... I believe I needed that. I wish there was something I could do for you in return." Sophia mentioned with a small but striking smile.

[BlackAkuma]

There was always something so gratifying and satisfying about the first session that Asp had with someone, a feeling that she simply couldn't get with subsequent visits. Once her patrons returned, they would grow more learned and pick up on things quicker, fully understanding what they were getting into and what the experience would demand. But the first time, the freshest time, that would always be the best, and she would always cherish it.

So was the case with Sophia, here. She’d enjoyed teaching the woman this, opening her mind to a new horizon. She’d enjoyed seeing her try and fail, then try again and improve. She’d enjoyed watching such a magnificent woman grow and find a side of her that she never knew existed - it was, truly, a wonderful experience, one that she almost wished wouldn’t end.

But it did. Time could only give so much.

When Sophia gave thanks and smiled her way, it was Asp’s turn to blush. A small one, yes, tinting her cheeks with a pinkish hue, but distinct all the same. ”You’ve given me your smile and the pleasure of your company. That is more than enough reward for anyone.”

That might have seemed like rote praise, but Asp meant every word of it. She was alone most of the time, just her and her pets and the occasional client. Having somewhere here, to laugh and converse with, with a simple pleasure, but one that had often been denied her in the past few months.

”I…” She cleared her throat and sat up straight, trying to do away with some of her trepidation before she continued. ”If it would please you, I would love for you to return, sometime. I know my presence has been upsetting to you at times, but I really did mean what I said earlier, Sophia - I like you. I would have the pleasure of your company as many times as you would allow me.”

[thesteedman]

Sophia felt a sudden sense of dread upon hearing Asp's words. The scarred German beauty was very aware that she had perhaps not been the most accommodating of students, but she felt somewhat responsible when Asp began to give her thoughts about 'upsetting' Sophia. Her expression shifted slightly, Asp managing to see quite a variety of emotion from the German who was normally so stoic and serious when within the confines of the LAW arena and the ring. It shifted to one of remorse, feeling at fault that Asp felt this way.

"My deepest apologies Aspasia if that is how you have felt, and I apologise if it has appeared that I have been unsettled. Your presence has not upset me at all, it has been quite the opposite. My discomforts come from... my lack of experience in activities like this." Sophia would try to address, she glanced down upon her own form, seeing how she was donned in a belly dancer's outfit, something she never thought she would wear in her life. She was not a social creature by nature, and often she was in her natural habitat when she was within the company of herself... it had been that way for a very long time, but she was starting to feel isolated in recent years... desiring friends but acquiring only enemies.

"This is all very new to me. I am not very good at talking to others, and... I never usually go beyond the confines of my own comforts and habits. I just thought it was time for me to make a leap, and finally push the boundaries. A year ago I never would have dreamt of dressing in this outfit and taking part in a Belly Dancing lesson... but I am glad that I did and I am very glad you have been so patient and understanding with me." Sophia would explain.
"Yes, your presence can make me nervous. We fought only last week, you are a Hentai style wrestler, and you utilised tactics against me that I found to be uncomfortable... I made the mistake however of judging you for it, and that was a mistake on my part as I never really gave you the time you deserved to be known. Never have I found you to be upsetting however... so I am sorry that I led you to that impression. I am just getting used to... this new me as it where... it is taking me some time to adjust." Sophia would add.

"I would be glad to have your company Aspasia, I have enjoyed it today. I would like to return the favour... if... you so wish you are more than welcome to come and visit me over the weekend. I have a training gym and dojo suitable for sparring and other activities. You have an impressive fighting style full of flourish, but I think with a little work we can improve those kicks of yours. I know first-hand you already possess the strength in your legs, with a little refining and technique, I think we can build on it." Sophia would suggest with a soft smile.
"Afterwards we could also continue with our dancing sessions... I feel like I have made a decent start, I feel like in time I could improve."

[BlackAkuma]

Despite her best efforts not to, Asp couldn't keep herself from smiling at Sophia’s apology, bordering on a real laugh. She kept it in check, not wanting to be rude, but she was genuinely surprised by how polite this woman was, how genial and warm she could be without even really trying. She was strong, but all that power was wrapped in such a soft, gentle package. That dichotomy, perhaps more than anything, was what made her such an alluring woman, as if the soul of a warrior and a mother were mingling about in the same body.

Or, perhaps, Asp was overthinking things.

She sat and listened as her guest went on, speaking at length on how their short time together had affected her and bringing her thoughts to the surface, and she was surprised, yet again, when the woman proffered her own service and the use of her dojo. While Asp prided herself on keeping a calm face, even she could keep the shock off her face. It might have seemed like a small thing, but she could tell that Sophia was not the type to just invite someone into her home at a whim. This was a great, rare honor, and she would treat it as nothing less.

A helpful one, too. While she was trained in combat, there was a need for more refinement, improvement, expansion. While she had no aspirations to title or anything like that, she would welcome any and all improvements, always wanting to excel at whatever she went through. ”I would like that. Greatly.” She met Sophia’s eyes - her lovely, glowing eyes - and placed a gentle hand on her lap, giving it a soft squeeze. She leaned forward and pursed her lips, as a growing temptation began to take hold. Just a little further…

Asp stopped herself before she took a step too far, not wanting to put a pall over the progress they’d made so far. There were things she wanted to do, things, she wanted to try, but she had to be patient. If the time was to be, it would come.

”If you would indulge me, just a little further - are you hungry? I would be honored to share my dinner table with you.”[/color[

[thesteedman]

Sophia managed a small smile when Asp accepted her invitation. The German realised all at once that in truth... apart from the hired cleaner that visited every week, Sophia had not actually invited anyone to her place. Her immediate thoughts went to her secret room containing her precious comic collection, but fortunately she could keep that room locked and out of sight. The notion of having someone over though was... actually something very new to her. Since buying an apartment in Japan, Sophia realised that she had no friends to invite over as it where... Asp would probably be her first real gust.
"Good. Saturday or Sunday are just as desirable for a day of visit." Sophia would speak, looking to put any potential nerves behind her. That was an issue for when the day came.

Sophia watched as Asp beamed at her with a beautiful smile, noticing that she was actually quite close to her. Her hand slid along her leg, squeezing at the muscle of her exposed thigh, with Sophia still very much clad in a revealing Belly Dancer's outfit, much akin to Asp herself. At least by now, Sophia was no longer flinching or reacting to her touch, and she felt her warm hand squeeze her leg reassuringly. However, the manner in which Asp slid towards her did not go unnoticed. She spied Asp slowly sliding closer towards her, her lips slightly pursed as the very atmosphere seemed to fall silent all at once. A little breath caught in Sophia's chest, seeing the crimson haired beauty slowly edging closer towards her own form, her face inching closer. Sophia did not know how to react, seemingly freezing in place for a moment in time... though Asp would soon stop, as if nothing had happened, her smile ever present, a beam within her eyes.

"Oh... I um... I should probably get changed back into my clothing and..." Sophia whispered, stumbling with her words a little as she went into motion. She moved sharply, perhaps a little too much momentum and haste applied as it would turn out. An audible and muffled crick sounded out as she twisted her torso during a quick movement. Sophia's body arched slightly, her intoxicating stomach muscles tensing as her toes curled whilst Sophia's expression shifted to one of mild but clear discomfort. Asp had felt earlier that Sophia's back probably could do with a crack, and it seemed that revelation had come back to haunt Sophia's form. Whilst Asp had worked miracles upon her back, the poor girl still needed some rest. Her Belly Dancing routine was low intensity and helped relax some muscles, but Sophia's sudden and seemingly panicked movement had aggravated her spine.

Favouring her lower back a little, Sophia gave pause, waiting for the discomfort to ease. Sophia had been about to make excuses and take her leave for the night... but it seemed other powers had other plans for her.

[BlackAkuma]

What was this?

Asp was attracted to Sophia, she had made no bones about that, but this was hardly the first person she’d wanted to share company with. She’d spent many fond evenings with the woman of her dance troupe, where she discovered her love of sensual combat, and those were cherished memories. Making love under the stars or with the rain tapping against their tents, surrounded by the howl of the desert’s wind. It was all a wonderful time, and if she wanted to, she could have similar experiences. There were no shortage of willing women in LAW, no lack of ladies with which she could lay.

But this one, more than any other, intrigued her to end. Was it the challenge, the simple idea of spending time with a woman who put herself at such distance? She hoped it was something more pure and earnest. Sophia deserved to be more than a goal to be chased. She was a strong, stoic woman, disciplined and focused in ways that Asp couldn't imagine. She was…

…hurting. She was hurting.

”Oh.” Asp snapped out of her stupor at the signs of discomfort, though she shouldn’t have been at all surprised by them. ”Ah, I apologize, I forgot to mention. Your body is feeling the effects of using muscles in ways that it's not used to, soreness is inevitable. It will pass in a day, two at the most, though I could hasten it somewhat if you would be willing to let me.”

She moved around Sophia and took position behind her with hands at the ready, giving a clear hint to what she meant.