“Seriously?” Vicky’s brow ridges arched high, incredulous. “But you seem so experienced.”

Jakira let out a low chuckle, her tusks catching the light from the nearby glyph-lamps. “Aye. Truth is, most humans don’t really take well to orc aesthetics. Mera seems to be an exception though.” She grinned wide, clearly proud of that small miracle.

Vicky groaned dramatically, tail curling as if to emphasize her irritation. “Ugh, humans can be so particular about stupid things like that. Mera being an exception of course.” She tried to keep her face serious, but it only lasted a second before the corner of her mouth twitched.

That broke them both, laughter spilling out in easy waves.

Jakira wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Mera seems to have a fondness for nonhumans, though. Didn’t bat an eye with me, and she’s downright smitten with the queen…”

“She couldn’t keep her eyes off my tail on our date,” Vicky said with a sly smirk. “Thought I wasn’t paying attention. Girl doesn’t strike me as the type to leer, but she was absolutely staring.”

Jakira snorted. “Wouldn’t know. Only ever had one person hit on me, and that was another orc back in my hometown. Big, broad, smelled like the forge. Not really into him though.” She scratched at her jaw. “Actually… dunno if I was ever into men, in hindsight.” She shrugged, casual as if she’d just discovered it herself. “But yeah, outside of that? Never had a human so much as glance at me like that. Not once.”

Vicky tilted her head, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “I can’t decide if I’m jealous of that or not. Maybe a little.” She sighed, leaning back against the wall. “My body did its job well enough when I worked taverns—good curves get good coin. But the only people who ever hit on me were creeps. And it didn’t matter how far I traveled—different cities, same story. Same grabby hands, same greasy smiles.” Her tail flicked with irritation.

“Part of the reason I’m starting to like it here, honestly. The people are just so…” She trailed off, searching for the right word.

Jakira leaned in with a small grin. “Weirdly nice?”

“Yes! Exactly that!” Vicky snapped her claws for emphasis. “I’m pretty sure most of the swarm knows exactly who we are. We stick out like sore thumbs—haven’t seen a single other human or demi-human down here, just us. But everyone? They just… work together. No fuss, no backhanded comments. No one even looks twice at us.”

She glanced down the winding street, the glow-crystals overhead casting soft pulses of blue-green light across the resin walls. “It feels safe here. Really safe. I’ve got a couple of friends who’d probably thrive if they were here—if they could get food they can eat, adjust to the way things are built, maybe get over the… slightly horrifying bug aesthetic.” She gave a dry chuckle. “But if they could look past that? They’d love it. Got too many friends who can’t touch men or women anymore because of what was done to them.”

Jakira’s tusks ground together as they turned into a broader passage. The air smelled faintly of spice and resin dust, the hum of swarm-dwellers moving about echoing in the distance. “That shit right there makes me angry,” she said flatly. Her shoulders rolled like she was trying to shrug off the weight of the thought. “I’ve caved in a few skulls of those who tried it in front of me.”

Vicky flexed her claw as if testing its edge, her tail flicking behind her. “Mhm. Once gave a woman a message when she tried that shit on a drunk man back in my tavern. Caved a permanent lesson into her face. She only sees out of one eye these days.”

Jakira turned her head, clearly surprised. “What?”

Vicky met her look, unflinching. “What? I’ve seen worse, been through worse. People pull that kind of disgusting act around me, I’m going to make them regret it.” 

The two of them walked on, boots clicking against the smooth stone floor, surrounded by the quiet murmur of the hive. A group of smaller swarm-workers skittered past with bundles of woven fiber, giving them polite nods before disappearing into a side tunnel. The glow-crystals shifted hues overhead, painting their shadows long and green across the walls.

“Fair enough. I respect it,” Jakira said with a grunt of finality, her tusks flashing faintly in the glow-crystal light. She adjusted the strap across her shoulder and gave Vicky a sidelong glance. “So, did you have a plan for this date, or are we just wandering around until we get tired?”

“I do,” Vicky replied, her sly smile curling as she patted the wicker basket hooked in the crook of her arm. The faint clink of bottles and rustle of cloth inside gave her away. “We’re going to a place. But it’s a surprise.”

Jakira narrowed her eyes in mock suspicion, her brow furrowing. “Uh-huh…”

“Oh, don’t be like that, you gorgeous brute.” Vicky leaned in, her tail brushing against Jakira’s thigh as she waggled her brows. “Fine. We’re going to a hot spring I found. Bigger than the palace pools—and with a view that puts them to shame.”

The orc snorted. “Bigger than the palace hot pools? You’re exaggerating.”

“Am I?” Vicky’s grin only widened, fangs glinting in the shifting green light of the crystals above. She gave the basket another pat. “I brought everything we’ll need. Food, drinks, towels, even a little oil if you’re feeling indulgent.”

Jakira blinked, her expression torn between impressed and flustered. “You planned this out.”

“Of course I did. You think I’d drag you out here just to walk in circles?” Vicky gave a playful roll of her eyes. “Besides, you’ve been working your ass off in that forge. I figured you deserved something… soothing.”

The orc rumbled a low chuckle, scratching at the back of her neck. “You’re trouble, you know that?”

“Mm. The best kind.” Vicky slipped ahead a step, her hips swaying as her tail flicked behind her. “Now quit dragging your feet. The water’s not going to wait for us.”

Jakira shook her head, but the grin tugging at her lips betrayed her. “Fine. Lead the way then, temptress. Let’s see if this mystery spring of yours is as good as you claim.”

They made their way to their destination, and even the front was impressive. A massive structure of woven resin and carved stone loomed ahead, its sweeping arches alive with veins of glow-crystals. A wide, open gate yawned at the center, the scent of steam and minerals wafting out into the cavern air.

They stepped into the tunnel, the walls curving smoothly as though grown rather than built. Halfway down, the light sharpened into a warm amber glow, illuminating a counter manned—or rather creatured—by a centipede-like swarm member. Its segmented body coiled neatly behind the counter, antennae twitching, mandibles clicking in a bright rhythm.

“Oh! Queen girlfriends! Hello!” they chittered, voice high-pitched with excitement.

Jakira blinked at the title and gave an awkward little wave. “Heya.”

The centipede tilted their head, many glossy eyes blinking out of sync. “I do not understand. Do you understand me?”

Vicky nodded firmly.

“Oh! Tap on the counter if that’s a yes!” The creature’s mandibles rattled like castanets. “That will make things easier.”

Vicky raised her claw and tapped twice against the resin surface.

The swarm member practically wriggled in delight, their hundred legs clicking as they bounced. “Very good! Very good! You are here to use hot water, yes?”

Another tap from Vicky.

“Good, good!” The centipede scrambled away from the counter and returned with two flat stones, each carved with looping patterns that faintly glowed. They placed them gently on the counter, sliding them forward with great care. “Take these, so we know how many are in the hot waters at once. Please, enjoy the chitin cleansings! It will slough all the bad things away.”

Jakira raised a brow as she took her stone, muttering under her breath. “Chitin cleansing? That sounds… questionable.”

Vicky stifled a laugh, tucking her token into her belt. “You’ll be fine. Your chitin is just sooo dirty.” She drawled.

The centipede clicked cheerfully again, oblivious, as they gestured deeper into the tunnels where the sound of bubbling water echoed invitingly.

They came out the other side and even Jakira—who prided herself on not being easily impressed—had her breath stolen. The tunnel opened onto a broad balcony carved directly into the cliff face. Below them sprawled the lake that bordered the city, its surface gleaming with the reflection of glow-crystals and the faint shimmer of bioluminescent fish. Steam rose in curling veils from tiered hot springs that clung to the cliffside like natural bowls, each one spilling gently into the next.

The air smelled faintly of minerals and heat, but it wasn’t unpleasant. More than a dozen swarm members already lounged in the pools, their voices a soft, constant chorus of clicks and chitters, some idly grooming each other’s chitin plates while others sank so deep only their antennae poked out.

Vicky didn’t hesitate, leading Jakira down a winding set of stone steps to one of the unoccupied pools tucked in the corner. It steamed invitingly, its rim smooth from countless years of water and bodies passing through.

Without a second thought, Vicky tugged off her tunic, folding it neatly beside the pool before moving to her boots.

Jakira coughed, nearly choking on her own spit. “O-oh. We’re just undressing here?” Her eyes darted around nervously, as if waiting for someone to gawk or snicker.

The dragonkin shrugged, already slipping free of her trousers. “The swarm doesn’t care. They don’t even have changing rooms.” She tilted her head, scales catching the lamplight. “I can turn around if you want?”

Jakira rubbed the back of her neck, suddenly very aware of how much broader her shoulders felt compared to Vicky’s easy confidence. “No, no, it’s fine. Just… not what I’m used to.”

Vicky smirked, a flicker of sharp teeth showing. “Then consider it part of the cultural experience.” She winked and let her tail swish, the tip tapping the stones with a faint thunk.

Jakira followed suit, though far less boldly than her companion. She stripped with deliberate slowness, shoulders tense, and brought her hands up instinctively to cover her breasts as if the steam itself might be staring. She stepped into the pool with a hiss between her teeth at the sudden heat, then sank down until the water lapped her collarbone. A long, heavy sigh left her chest, her whole frame easing into the warmth.

“This is heavenly,” she admitted, leaning back against the smooth stone rim.

“You’ve got your back to the lake.” Vicky flicked her tail lazily across the water’s surface. “Come sit over here with me. I’m not shy.”

“I might be a little shy,” Jakira muttered, cheeks already coloring.

Vicky’s grin turned mischievous. “Oh? That’s not what Mera told me. She said you two shared a bed after the first date.” She waggled her brows with exaggerated emphasis.

The orc nearly slipped under the water. “We didn’t even do anything! Just cuddled and slept!”

“Awww,” Vicky cooed, leaning forward, her tone dripping with mock affection. “You’ve got an adorable side. So cute.”

Jakira scowled, ears burning. “Oh, shut up, lizard.”

Vicky’s smile vanished in an instant. Her eyes hardened, her tail stilling. “Hey. Not cool. Don’t call me that. Ever.”

The silence that followed was thick, broken only by the bubbling of the spring. Jakira went stiff, guilt flashing across her face. “Shit. Sorry. I won’t.”

Vicky studied her for a beat longer, then gave a small nod. “Good. Forgiven. I won’t hold your ignorance against you this time.” Her voice softened, though there was weight in it. “Just… been called that too many times over the decades.”

Jakira blinked. “Decades? How old are you?”

Vicky’s smile returned, slow and sly, the earlier tension bleeding away. “Take a guess.”

Jakira narrowed her eyes. “Feels like a trap.”

Vicky pressed a hand to her chest in mock outrage. “Nooo. I won’t hold it against you.”

“Fine.” Jakira huffed, tilting her head. “Twenty-nine.”

“Double that and take off two years.”

Jakira nearly choked on the steam. “You’re fifty-six?”

Vicky flashed her teeth, proud and unashamed. “Don’t look a day over thirty-five, do I?”

Jakira’s jaw dropped. “I thought you were younger than me! You’re old enough to be my grandmother.”

That only made Vicky burst into laughter, rich and unrestrained, her tail slapping the water. “Still willing to give this grandma a spin?”

Jakira groaned, sinking beneath the surface until only her tusks and the tips of her ears showed. When she resurfaced, her cheeks were glowing red even under the steam. “Yes.” The word came out like a growl, equal parts embarrassed and earnest.

“Well, I’m no grandma,” Vicky said, smoothing her wet hair back and leaning lazily against the stone. “Some my age might start thinking about children, but me? I’ll wait another few decades before I entertain that thought. Dragonkin are just… long-lived. It’s different for us.” She gave an elegant shrug, as if speaking about the weather.

Then her gaze sharpened, her smile curling mischievously. She crooked a clawed finger in Jakira’s direction. “Now get over here, young lady.”

Jakira stiffened, shoulders squaring as if she were being ordered around in a sparring ring. But the glint in Vicky’s eyes wasn’t one of command—it was playful, teasing, daring her to close the distance.

The orc grumbled, half under her breath. “Pushy woman…”

Vicky arched a brow.

Jakira corrected herself immediately. “Pushy… very pretty dragonkin.”

“That’s better,” Vicky purred, patting the water beside her.

Jakira huffed, muttering something about “pushy women,” but she did start to wade across the pool. The hot water rippled around her, steam curling off her green skin, and by the time she settled down beside Vicky her face was still faintly pink.

“There,” Jakira grumbled. “Happy now?”

“Very.” Vicky’s tail slid lazily through the water behind them as she turned her body so they were both facing the open cavern. She gestured with a sweep of her claws. “See? Told you this was the best spot.”

Jakira followed her gaze, and her frown melted into something softer. Below them, the black expanse of the underground lake stretched out, dotted with floating crystals that glowed like lanterns on the surface. Beyond, the hive city rose in jagged terraces of stone and chitin, its bioluminescent veins pulsing gently like a living heartbeat.

“…Okay,” Jakira admitted quietly. “This is beautiful.”

“Told you,” Vicky said smugly, leaning back against the stone lip of the spring. “Better than any forge fire, don’t you think?”

Jakira chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. “I still prefer my forge. But this…” she shook her head, lips quirking upward, “…yeah, this is something else.”

For a while, they both just sat there, shoulders brushing, the steam rising around them as the glow of the cavern washed over the water. No chatter, no teasing—just a shared silence that felt comfortable, like the moment had carved out a little world of its own for the two of them.

Vicky slid closer, water rippling around her shoulders as she came to Jakira’s side. She leaned back against the edge of the pool, stretching her arms across the stone lip like she owned the space. “See, the trick with being long-lived,” she murmured, voice warm with mischief, “is learning to enjoy the moment. We’ve got decades, Jakira. Why waste tonight?”

Her tail flicked lazily under the water, brushing against Jakira’s leg. The touch was teasing, deliberate, a spark meant to test how far Jakira’s blush could spread. Vicky tilted her head, golden eyes glinting.

“Besides,” she added, softer now, “you look too cute when you’re trying to pretend you don’t want me to kiss you.”

She didn’t give Jakira the chance to sputter a reply. Vicky leaned in, catching her lips in a kiss that was firm but not forceful, a taste of her confidence wrapped in the warmth of the bathwater.

Vicky drew back with a self-satisfied smirk, eyes half-lidded. “Mm. I think I like you.”

Jakira blinked, cheeks burning. “Oh—uh—yeah, I like you too.”

Vicky chuckled low in her throat. “Very smooth, Jakira.”

Jakira splashed a bit of water at her. “Oh, shut up.”