Jack had finally escaped from the Pad, his captors at last passing out in a state of bliss after the prolonged and sweaty session with their movie and then him. He staggered somewhat drunkenly through the halls, occasionally looking down at his stomach and then sighing mournfully when he saw that the shameful words were still inscribed there.
It was in one of these moments that he ran into something. It was like walking into a wall, only softer. He looked up and found himself face to chest with what might have been a bear. With glasses.
"Erp?" said Jack.
"Hi," said Barid. "Why so down?"
"They shaved my stomach hair!" Jack wailed. "And it will take WEEKS to grow in!" He stepped back to show off the damage.
"Hmm, I see," said Barid. "Well, cheer up! I think I can help. Come with me." He took Jack by the hand and led him into a side room. "You see," he went on, removing his shirt, "I have enough to share."
"Oh, wow!" said Jack, overcome with awe. "What can I do to repay you?"
"I can think of something," said Barid with his trademark huge grin.
A few minutes later, Jack paused in his activities. "Wait... aren't you engaged or something?"
"Yeah," Barid agreed. "But the last I checked, Neshomeh was busy elsewhere. I'm sure she won't mind."
"Oh. Cool!" said Jack. And they went back to giving the term "hairy lot" a whole new meaning.
15 minutes before Barid meets Jack
"Where are we going?" asked Neshomeh. "You still haven't told me. You also haven't explained why I need a blindfold or what you had in that bag that you had over your shoulder."
"Wouldn't want to ruin the surprise," explained Barid, with just a little too much mirth in his voice. "We'll be there soon."
Another two minutes of walking brought them to their destination. There was a brief pause as Barid opened a door. The sounds of giggling reached Neshomeh's ears.
"In you go," said Barid, steering Neshomeh into the room. "She's all yours, ladies."
There was a soft thud as Barid put the bag down. He then left the room.
As Neshomeh took off the blindfold, she found herself in a room that was covered in pillows and blankets. It was also filled with various female Boarders in various states of undress and compromising positions. Neshomeh looked at the bag on the floor and was shocked to see the collection of interesting items inside.
Piph walked over and grinned. She took Neshomeh's hand and led her to a corner that was less covered in Boarders than the rest. They were quickly joined by Gen, who had stopped to grab a pair of fuzzy pink handcuffs from the bag.
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After about 30 minutes of fun, Neshomeh was pulled back to reality by a frantic scratching at the door.
"That's probably Lux," said Trojie from inside a very interesting game of Twister. "Barid said he sent her an invitation."
Laburnum pulled herself halfway out of a pile near the door and opened it. There was an excited squeal from the other side and then the party really started.