"Sorry, you said your name was Seraphine?" Trinity stares at the bronzed face of a voluptuous woman, trying to avoid the pull of her large, partially exposed breasts pooling over the sides of her dress. The woman grins seductively, her long, flame-colored hair falling to the side as she crawls her way closer to Trinity on her lap. Trinity's eyes meet the predatory gaze of her dark brown eyes, as her breasts press against her chest, nearly spilling over onto her. "Um…Miss?"
"It's ok Honey, you can stare." Her voice is like smooth velvet. "You wouldn't be the first to fall to the temptation of my girls." She chuckles. "You can touch them if you like, I won't bite…not unless you're into that of course." She gently tucks Trinity's hair behind her ear and leans down as though she's going to kiss her. Trinity tenses, but doesn't pull away. However, her silent wish is denied, as Seraphine stops just short of her lips. "Sorry Honey, I'm loose but not easy. I don't give it all away to just anyone or for free." She leans back. "So, did I get the job Lady Trinity?"
Trinity is momentarily mystified after being successfully baited and denied so effectively. For a moment, she felt as though Seraphine could've demanded all her secrets and she'd have willingly spilled them just for a taste of her plump lips. "You're dangerous Miss Seraphine…you're so in."
"Naturally," she says with confidence. "No one can resist me, not even the Death Sinner Queen." She gets to her feet and stands properly upright. "If you'll excuse me then, I have much to do." She approaches the door, but stops and looks back. "Call on me whenever you're in need of my help. I will come at once. My loyalty is matched only by my ability to satisfy all your desires." With a wink she opens the door and walks out, passing Symone with little acknowledgement as they cross paths. Symone as well takes no visible interest in her, her eyes focused on Trinity.
"Another one down it seems?" Symone asks Trinity as she walks in. Trinity nods affirmatively. "Great, then that makes eight, right? Well, I know you're hesitant to count Seleyn, but she does."
"I know she's technically part of the team, but that's only because you've insisted. I still don't get why you refuse to tell me your reasons. She certainly isn't talking, but I can tell she hates it…and me." She sighs. "She's got this grudge against me, but I can't for the life of me understand why."
Symone is silent for a moment, but then replies, "Well figuring that out is the key to everything."
"Right…so you won't give me a hint at least? Just tell me where to look and I'll do it alone."
Symone shakes her head. "This situation is between you and Seleyna. I won't intrude further." She steps to the door, as though she's going to leave, but instead she opens it to allow someone inside. "On another note, I was hoping you have room for one more member on your team."
A woman of average height with a nimble build steps inside. She has vibrant pink hair, cut into a short and sassy bob, which complements her bright blue eyes that seem to sparkle with mischief. She looks around curiously and then finally turns to face Trinity. "So, you're the director here?"
"That's right," Symone answers first. "Trinity will be the director of this mental health facility, and you will work under her in whatever role she assigns you, as well as serve as her warrior."
"Do I really have to?" She whines. "I know I caused you a little trouble, but this is torture."
"I would not call burning down one of my boutiques after your firework prank went wrong, 'a little trouble'. You've constantly caused disruption at other local businesses, and I've gotten countless complaints from the owners. It's been quite the nuisance for me in fact. So yes, you will do this and devote yourself only to Trinity. The alternative is eternal imprisonment by me."
"Oh jeez Symone, I was just having a little fun. You are all so uptight around here. Everyone makes mistakes." Symone simply glares at her and the woman concedes. "Ok, I'll do it then."
"Perfect." Symone looks back at Trinity. "So yes, she will be joining your team. Her name is Helaine. She's another brat I suppose I've taken under my wing, but she has no respect, unlike Seleyna. I've all but given up hope that she'll become anyone significant, but she can fight well."
While she doesn't say anything in response, Trinity catches a glimpse of a subtle pout on Helaine's face before she readjusts her expression to one of indifference. Trinity is certain she knows part of the problem, considering she also grew up with a sister, but she doesn't speak on it now. Instead, she attempts to welcome her. "Well, I understand that it can be difficult to join a team of strangers and answer to someone you hardly know, but I can promise I'll do my best to accommodate and help you acclimate. Let's work well together. Welcome to the team Helaine."
Trinity doesn't extend her hand, and Helaine doesn't offer hers. However, she does seem to perk up slightly. "Ok, I'll see what it's all about. Do I get my own room? I'm not interested in having to share my personal space with any other girls. That's a non-negotiable. I have my reasons."
"Oh yes, thank you for reminding me of that Helaine. Trinity, I wanted to show you the dorms. I was so excited to show you around the facility and this office that I forgot about the new dorms."
"Dorms? You mean housing for the patients, or will we be residing there too? Am I now getting evicted from the penthouse? I mean, I know it was meant to be temporary, but I really like it…."
Symone laughs. "Oh no, I have no intention of kicking you out. I thought you'd have realized it was already yours. I have several penthouses across the city, and I personally reside in my estate. You are free to stay there as long as you desire without any cost. Consider it a perk of the job."
Trinity breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank you Symone, I'll be sure to take good care of it, always."
"Of course. Anyway to answer your question, the dorm will be primarily for the resident patients of the facility. However, I anticipated your team would require some private spaces of their own, so I had a director's suite added to the blueprints. It's sectioned off from the standard dorms, and has 12 rooms total, along with several premium amenities for health and leisure, and full home services 24/7. So to your concern Helaine, yes you will have your pick of a room just for you."
"Cool, then that's all I needed to know. May I please leave now Symone? I have stuff to go do."
"Yes, yes, go on. I know how little patience you have for anything. However, you must report to the director's suite tonight by eight sharp. I've arranged a small icebreaker event and dinner so that Trinity and the team can have proper introductions and get to know each other better. There is also the matter of granting the 'kiss of death' to everyone who has yet to be initiated with it."
"You mean, you expect me to give everyone the kiss tonight?!" Trinity expresses mild concern.
"Why yes, that's the minimum requirement, isn't it? They may have some skill in battle and an affinity for elemental energies, but they cannot manifest their true power unless they are fully enhanced. That enhancement can only occur as a result of your kiss as death sinner queen."
"So now I've gotta kiss her too? What kind of bullshit is this Symone? You hate me that much?"
"It doesn't have to be on the lips; your forehead will suffice. Though, that's not nearly as fun…."
"I promise I won't do anything you don't want Helaine. Consent is always my big golden rule."
Helaine seems a bit surprised, but ultimately shrugs. "Ok whatever. I'll make sure I'm there. I'm out now. See ya." She exits the office, leaving both Trinity and Symone to their own devices.