Fanfic Update! Assist: Two (Whip It, Babe Ruthless/Iron Maven)
TITLE: Assist
SERIES: Whip It
AUTHOR: Dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Babe Ruthless/Iron Maven. Fourth fic in the Versus, Pace Line, and Hip Check series.
SUMMARY: Babe Ruthless knew that sometimes even the best player needs an assist.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my excitement about my vacation in San Francisco.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This might have some errors because I haven't completely gone over it but I wanted to post it before I leave for Wondercon. Please enjoy!
Assist
By: Dreiser
Part Two...
As the season began, Bliss noticed that out of everyone in the league, Maven was the most adept at avoiding Christina and her video camera. She had a penchant for disappearing and taking Bliss along with her when she saw Christina heading their way and Bliss honestly thought the older woman hadn’t said more than ten words on camera. This wasn’t a particularly surprising turn of events when Bliss stopped to think about it though. Despite the fact that Maven was one of their most popular players she never participated in any of the league’s publicity events that entailed appearing on local television and radio shows to advertise their bouts and fundraising events. In fact, she always managed to get out of it and sent Jackie or Princess Slaya in her place. When it came to hiding from Christina it had more to do with the director’s focus on their romance, something that Maven was none too pleased about, but couldn’t do much when it came to what other people in the league said.
The Holy Rollers followed their captain’s example for the most part, not saying anything beyond teasing remarks but everyone else had an open door policy with Christina which meant quite a bit of gossip about their relationship being spread. Bliss had managed to avoid the topic out of respect for Maven, not wanting to speak about anything that clearly bothered her girlfriend but it was somewhat difficult as Christina seemed to favor filming her over everyone else in the league.
For the most part Bliss had gotten used to Christina’s filming and usually forgot she was there whenever they were in league practices and meetings and when it came to bouts, she was always far too focused on her playing to notice the director. The third bout of the season was the Hot Tamales vs. the Holy Rollers and it was highly anticipated within the league if only for Mazel’s competitive streak when it came to Maven and her overconfidence thanks to the Duchess of Torque’s talent.
Unfortunately for Mazel, the Holy Rollers were in top form, Malice and Maven winning jam after jam and when the final whistle was blown the score was eighty five to seventy with the Holy Roller firmly placed as the victors. They retired to ‘Bout Time for the traditional after party and it was one of the few times Maven found herself trapped by Christina’s video camera. She sat amongst a crowd of Holy Rollers and Hurl Scouts with Bliss perched on her lap. As her relationship with Maven continued the attitude between the two teams slowly changed to one where they were friendly off the track despite remaining the utmost of enemies when skating against one another. Rosa claimed the term was frenemies but Bliss could care less what they were called. Bliss was just happy to see Maven revealing her true personality around her teammates. It helped end any questions about what she saw in the older woman because now they saw the same person that Bliss did.
Bliss shivered as she felt Maven’s hands slide underneath her t-shirt to caress her stomach. Although the after party was always a tradition she enjoyed sometimes she wanted to skip it whenever a Holy Rollers victory was involved. Playing in a bout, especially one that her team had just won, always put Maven in an incredibly amorous mood. All of that pent up energy from the track came spilling out into their bed and there was never a time when Bliss didn’t enjoy sex with Maven but she had to admit it was always exceptionally good after the Holy Rollers won a bout. Attending victory parties with Maven and the Holy Rollers was nothing more than a torturous display of subtle foreplay that never failed to leave Bliss wet and wanting. She really ought to demand they stop going but then she’d have to explain to the rest of the Holy Rollers why their captain wouldn’t be attending and the nonstop teasing that would result just wasn’t worth it.
Plus some masochistic part of her enjoyed the attention she would always receive. How Maven would pull her onto her lap, resting her chin on Bliss’ shoulder, and wrapping her arms possessively around her waist before her hands began their slow wandering journey across her body, moving in a gentle and loving caress. Tonight was no exception and Bliss took in a shuddering breath as Maven’s hands slid higher, caressing the underside of her breasts through the thin material of her bra. Unable to take it anymore, she twisted around and tried her level best to form a stern expression.
“Be good,” Bliss commanded.
Raising an eyebrow, a smirk tugged at Maven’s lips and she drawled, “I thought I was.”
“Maybe if we were at home,” said Bliss with a chuckle, resting her palm flat against Maven’s cheek and leaning her forehead against the other woman’s. “You know I don’t like doing it in public.” Maven wore a skeptical expression at this and Bliss laughed just because she knew it came from all of the escapades that they had in various bathrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms. Scooting closer to whisper in Maven’s ear, she said, “You know what I mean. Besides, it will just make them jealous.”
“Not my problem, baby,” murmured Maven, pulling Bliss down by the collar of her t-shirt, grinning as she captured the younger woman’s lips in a detailed kiss that had Bliss moaning into her mouth and left her pale skin flushed. They only parted when met with the familiar sound of Smashley’s off key singing which continued even as Maven leveled the Hurl Scout with a hard glare.
“And sometimes when we touch, the honesty’s too much,” Smashley warbled, laughing uproariously at their perturbed expressions until Maven flung an onion ring in her direction. Smashley started to respond in kind but was stopped by Holly and Maggie and she pouted before turning back to Maven with a gleam in her eyes. “I’ll get you back eventually.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Smash,” replied Maven, smirking and pulling Bliss closer to her. Maven’s good mood dimmed when Christina made herself more noticeable as she asked Smashley about the song and Smashley’s remark that only the sappiest romantic ballad was suitable for the couple. Observing Maven’s veiled gaze and the sullen look she immediately had, Bliss was strangely charmed and it must have shown because the older woman’s eyes narrowed as she demanded, “What?”
“You’re just cute,” Bliss remarked, twisting a lock of Maven’s hair around her finger. “With how you hate the camera.”
“It’s not the camera I hate, Bliss,” Maven muttered and when Bliss looked at her inquisitively, she sighed, moving forward, her hands firm on the small of the other woman’s back. Her breath was warm on Bliss’ skin as she said, “I don’t like people nosing around in our relationship. Especially not if it’s for some kind of fucking entertainment. This is our life, you know?”
“I know,” said Bliss unable to help the bright smile spreading on her features that only grew wider when Maven scowled. Chuckling and shaking her head, she cupped Maven’s cheek and said, “I can’t help it. You really are too cute.”
Snorting at this, Maven averted her eyes and was met with Christina and her camera. The director had the same look of perpetual curiosity that drove her a little bit crazy. “Hey,” Maven called out to Christina, her expression laconic as she leaned back in her seat and pulled Bliss along with her. “You get one question.”
“Really?” Christina responded, her surprise at this clearly shown through her voice and body language.
“Better make it quick, I might change my mind,” said Maven humorously, tapping her fingers on Bliss’ stomach, and offering the reckless grin that always served to turn on the younger woman.
Christina frowned at this before wearing an expression of utter determination. “All right,” she said, moving closer to the couple. “Isn’t it difficult to compete against someone you’re in a romantic relationship with in such a physically brutal sport? It’s possible you could seriously hurt one another in a bout. Doesn’t that make you hesitate when you’re jamming against each other?”
“That’s two questions,” Maven observed and when Christina just maintained her determined face, she chuckled and tilted her head before rocking back in the chair, causing it rest on the back legs. Bliss sighed as she felt herself sink further into Maven’s embrace and the older woman smirked then said, “It’d only be hard if I couldn’t kiss it and make it all better.” Bliss immediately whapped Maven in the stomach, causing Maven to drop the chair down on all four legs as she chuckled. Seeing Christina’s irate look at her response, Maven said, “Sorry, I was just messing with you. Serious answer is, I know what Ruthless can do on the track. I’d be pissed if she was holding back on me instead of giving it her all. If we go all out against each other, I figure it shows more respect and helps improve the skills we got. After all,” Maven looked at the director expectantly, “how the fuck do you get better if you’re not competing against the best? And the best in this league sure as hell has my girl at the top of the list.”
“Why did you call her Ruthless instead of her real name?” pursued Christina, unable to help herself.
“That’s three now,” said Maven dryly. When Christina wore what some would consider a pleading expression, Maven snorted and rolled her eyes. Then she formed a slow smile as her eyes glinted with mischief. “Ruthless is what she is,” drawled Maven, her hands moving back underneath the younger woman’s shirt, her breath warm on Bliss’ neck. She softly kissed the pale skin before she continued, “Especially in bed.”
Mere seconds passed then the table erupted into chaotic laughter and crude remarks at this and Bliss turned dark red, twisting to face her girlfriend, scowling and ready to chastise her but stopped by the passionate kiss Maven caught her in. Bliss quickly lost herself in the taste and the touch of the older woman, her anger dissipating the longer the embrace continued, and she didn’t know or care if Christina was still filming them and apparently neither did Maven. Maybe, Bliss managed to think, sighing as Maven’s tongue slid against her own and warm hands rested firmly on her hips, it was only talking about their relationship that annoyed Maven. But that realization wasn’t such a shock, Maven was always more about actions than words.
Something that, at the moment, Bliss was extremely grateful for.
--
Monday was the default meeting day for Bliss and Grace and this was no different. They sat on the couch in the loft, Grace explaining how the rest of her siblings wanted to meet with Maven over the weekend. The younger woman was practically bouncing in her seat with excitement but Bliss was more subdued, worried about how they would broach Maven with the news.
“Can’t we surprise her?” asked Grace plaintively, something of a whine in her voice, and in that moment Bliss was distinctly aware of Grace’s age. Maven adored her sister but now she understood why her girlfriend found Grace’s naiveté worrisome just as much as charming because it certainly could lead to a fair share of problems. “She likes surprises.”
“No, she doesn’t,” said Bliss wryly. “And she’d really wouldn’t like this one. Seeing you was different, Grace,” Bliss explained slowly, thinking back to the few short conversations Maven had with her about her family. “You were so little when she left but Isaac and Naomi… they were old enough to say something, to do something. They could have stayed in contact, told her they thought your parents were wrong but instead they just went along. She needs to know they’re going to be there.”
“But Caleb was only ten-” Grace protested.
“I didn’t say anything about Caleb,” Bliss reminded, using the gently scolding tone she’d learned to apply for her more difficult patients in nursing school. “I was talking about Isaac and Naomi. Just because you’ll be there with Caleb doesn’t change the fact that so will Isaac and Naomi and Emily needs to know about that if this is going to work.”
“What do I need to know?” Maven’s voice broke into the conversation and both women whipped around to see her standing in the entrance to the loft, a frown forming on her features and her eyes narrowing with suspicion.
“Emily,” began Grace furtively, rising to her feet and crossing to her older sister who closed the front door.
“Grace,” Maven echoed, the frown still on her face, and a silent demand in her gaze. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Hating to see tension between the normally happy siblings, Bliss moved towards her girlfriend, taking her hand and when Maven focused a steely gaze on her she swallowed. “Grace just wanted to help,” she offered.
“With what?” asked Maven in flat tones as if she already knew the answer.
“Your family,” Bliss said and immediately Maven’s expression darkened and she tried to pull her hands away from Bliss’ grip only to have the brunette hold firm. “No,” Bliss whispered, moving closer, wearing a solemn look on her features. “We’re going to deal with this. No running away this time, Emily.”
“Deal with the fact they don’t give a shit about me?” retorted Maven, her face settling into an expression of sullen anger. “I’ve been dealing with that for years, Bliss. What I don’t get is why the fuck you’re both bringing it up now.”
“They want to see you,” said Grace anxiously and Maven turned to her sister who looked hopeful at this attention. “I’ve talked to them and Isaac, Naomi, and Caleb want to see you again. Isaac and Naomi feel horrible for how they treated you…”
“What about Rebecca and Seth?” asked Maven, raising an eyebrow. When Grace squirmed uncomfortably, Maven snorted then continued, “I won’t even ask about Mom and Dad. That’s a fucking lost cause just like all this is.” Focusing her gaze between Bliss and Grace she said, “You both need to just give up on this. I’m fine with how things are. I got all the people I need in my life. Ones that actually give a shit about me. I don’t need the ones that suddenly grow a conscious and feel guilty for tossing me out.”
“But they want to see you,” insisted Grace, moving closer, her eyes pleading.
“They know where I am,” said Maven, her expression unwavering. “I send those Christmas cards every year and it’s got my address on them plain as day. You can’t tell me they haven’t seen it after all these years.”
“That’s Mom and Dad, it’s not the same with the others, they were afraid when it happened but it’s different now. They want to see you, they want to apologize,” said Grace with increasing determination. Maven looked away from her sister and Grace moved closer, her hands soft on the older woman’s face, turning them until they were face to face. “It’s not right what happened to our family and I’m going to fix it,” her voice had a quiet ferocity. Before Maven could reply, she kissed her on the cheek and walked out the door, leaving Maven and Bliss in uncomfortable silence.
Without saying a word, Maven turned on her heel and walked to the refrigerator, pulling out a beer and popping off the cap. She took a long drink then lowered it, picking at its label then lifting her gaze to look at Bliss. “I thought we had a deal,” she said in soft but accusing tones. “You know, the one where I tell you shit and you do the same. No more secrets and shut mouths.”
“I know,” said Bliss in a murmur, cautiously approaching the other woman.
“I’ve been keeping up my end, haven’t I?” asked Maven, putting the beer down on the counter and folding her arms across her chest. “Been a goddamn chatty Cathy with all the stuff I’ve been telling you. So what the fuck, Bliss?”
“I’m sorry,” Bliss said because that was all she could say and she stopped in front of Maven, ducking her head so their eyes would meet and putting her hands lightly on the other woman’s hips. “Grace just wants to help. I thought it was a good idea.”
“They don’t want me,” said Maven harshly, her jaw set in a line and her eyes glinting. “I know they don’t, I’ve known it for years. There’s no point on drudging it up now because my kid sister has a thing for storybook endings that just won’t happen.”
“What about your brothers and sister though?” asked Bliss gently. “She wasn’t lying when she said they want to see you.”
Shaking her head, Maven walked over to the couch and slumped down on it and Bliss observed her for a moment then followed after, sitting next to her girlfriend and feeling relieved when Maven slipped an arm over her shoulder. “You know why I hate Christina’s camera?” Maven said finally, her gaze shadowed and her jaw still set in a hard line. “It’s the same reason I push off those radio show and tv appearances on Jackie. I don’t want to chance my parents seeing me. The way I figure it, they kicked me out of their lives so they don’t deserve to see me. Not unless it’s something they arrange themselves.”
“I’m sorry,” Bliss whispered, tears gathering in her eyes.
Facing her girlfriend, Maven’s expression softened as she wiped the tears away and said, “It doesn’t matter. None of that shit does because I got you, Grace, my team, and everybody else in the league. That’s my family. If what you’re saying is true and the others really want to see me again, then that’s fine, but I don’t need them, baby. Not when I have you.”
The tears returning, Bliss rose up to kiss Maven, trying to express all the love and want she had for the older woman in the touch of their lips and soon Maven was groaning and holding her closer. Taking Maven’s hand, Bliss tugged her along, moving into the bedroom where she carefully undressed the other woman, pausing along the way to kiss and caress, and Bliss saw the subtle tremble of Maven’s body before she lay down on the bed. Making quick work of her own clothes, Bliss crawled towards Maven, laughing when she was tugged forward impatiently, causing her to fall on top of the older woman.
“I love you,” Bliss breathed, kissing Maven tenderly, her hands exploring the length of her girlfriend’s body.
Smiling with satisfaction as Maven arched into her touch, Bliss slid downwards, licking and sucking a path with her lips and tongue, tasting the curve of Maven’s breasts and the sweat on her defined abdomen, her hands settling on Maven’s hips before she nudged them apart, head lowering for a taste of what she loved best. Maven was wet and ready and glistening for her and Bliss knew there were times where she had been more turned on but never when she felt this much love and tenderness for the other woman. Especially at the soft cry Maven released as her tongue licked the length of her pussy before her lips sucked on her clit and strong fingers tangled in her hair encouraging her on as Maven’s hips bucked. When Maven came, Bliss remained where she was, continuing in her caresses and exploration until Maven groaned and tugged at her hair. Moving up the other woman’s body that was covered with a fine sheen of sweat, Bliss smiled sweetly as she was pulled into a kiss.
“You turn,” drawled Maven, a wicked gleam in her eyes when they parted and Bliss could only moan at the slow and teasing touch of her girlfriend’s hands. Maven always moved fast, that was how she was, on and off the track. She made decisions at a split second and went with them and Bliss knew it was that part of Maven’s personality that kept her from being truly angry with Bliss and Grace. Once she understood and accepted their motives, she got past it and moved on. Not seeing sulking over it as anything being worth her while. And as Maven’s fingers slid into her wet pussy, moving in firm and knowing strokes, Bliss couldn’t really think of anything she was happier about. Except perhaps being with Maven.
--
The Holy Rollers made it to the championship bout with ease, thanks to Malice having an incredible season that many thought would win her the Best Jammer award at the Whammy’s for sure. However, the Hurl Scouts had a little more difficulty due to a temporary injury on the part of Bloody Holly. Nevertheless, they found themselves at the second to the last bout for the season, once again facing off against the Hot Tamales and the Duchess of Torque. Not wanting a repeat of last year and have to deal with more of Mazel Tough's boasting, they were unwavering in their determination to win.
A sure sign of this was Maggie’s speech before the bout, filled with words of encouragement and an emphasis on how they were clearly the superior team and should therefore win. Also included was the incentive of revenge and shutting Mazel the fuck up. When Maggie was done talking, Smashley shouted her hell yeah’s and punched Bliss in the shoulder in some odd form of agreement.
“Hear that, Ruthless?” Smashley crowed, raising her bottle of Boone’s Farm Blue Hawaiian that she had been drinking for the past hour as if it was soda. “Don’t get your ass hurt again that way we can make it to the championship and face your girlfriend.” Scowling at this, Bliss gave into her urges and punched Smashley right back, and the other woman shouted in exaggerated pain before crying out, “The first rule of fight club is nobody talks about fight club!” Then she promptly punched Rosa in the shoulder.
This led to Rosa punching Holly, who punched Manson Sister #2, who punched Maggie, who punched Smashley, who punched Manson Sister #1, who tried to punch Bliss but stopped when Razor insinuated himself into their impromptu team assault. He was in danger of getting punched by Smashley but Manson Sister #1 blocked her path and Smashley promptly backed down, wearing something of a pout while Razor looked at his team with narrowed eyes.
“Save it for the Hot Tamales,” Razor instructed. “They’re the ones you want to be abusing, not each other.”
“Yeah,” declared Smashley, drinking her Boone’s Farm and raising the bottle that was immediately seized by Razor.
“Smashley, are you seriously drinking alcohol before a bout?” asked Razor, frowning severely and glaring at her.
“No,” said Smashley with exasperation, rolling her eyes. “It’s just Boone’s.”
“It’s wine!” Razor exclaimed, wondering what the hell he was going to do without one of their best jammers now.
“It’s Boone’s!” Smashley exclaimed right back.
“It’s alcoholic, you can’t be drinking alcohol before a bout, we have rules,” said Razor, completely aggravated. “Goddammit, Smashley, first you get high before practice and now you’re getting drunk before a bout. Do you even want to play?”
“I don’t get high before practice anymore and it’s just Boone’s!” Smashley wailed, skating around Razor and scowling.
This continued for another minute until Maggie caught her teammates attention and jerked her thumb to the exit of the locker room and they skated out into the arena, leaving Smashley and Razor to their circular argument. When Razor emerged several minutes later with a severely pouting Smashley, he announced she couldn’t play the first half of the bout, leaving Bliss and Holly as their main jammers until Smashley was up and running again.
Despite losing Smashley for most of the bout, the Hurl Scouts maintained a lead over the Hot Tamales, and when they went into the second half, being kept on the bench had irritated Smashley to such a degree she was plowing through the pack, leaving them no chance to stop her. Razor, though still disgruntled over the Boone’s Farm incident, had to admit she was in top form and when it came to the final jam of the night, Smashley gave Mazel a hard hit, sending her crashing into the barrier while she moved into the lead and a wide grin on her features, she called off the jam, putting the Hurl Scouts as the winners by twenty points.
The first thing Smashley did was initiate the traditional congratulations pile and Bliss groaned as she found herself buried under her teammates but grinning wide, she realized it would be the first time in three years she would be playing against Maven in the championship bout. Her gaze immediately landed on her girlfriend in the stands who wore a proud smile on her features and noticing Bliss’ attention, she raised an eyebrow and placed a hand on her hips, canting them one side. It was a subtle but telling movement and Bliss grinned, seeing the unspoken challenge and knowing that she would naturally have to meet it.
--
At Smashley’s insistence, they had their victory party at her house where she had apparently accumulated several cases of Boone’s Farm and MD 20/20. Maven’s derision at the Hurl Scout’s choice in liquor was announced often throughout the evening but it did little to spoil the mood and the excitement humming through Bliss’ body. They had been at the party for just over an hour when she hooked her fingers into the back of Maven’s leather pants and gave them a hard tug. Her girlfriend turned to face her and raised a questioning eyebrow and Bliss formed what she hoped was a coy smile and nodded to the inside of the house.
Moving through the house on a mission, Bliss was relieved to find the bathroom unoccupied and she pulled Maven in with her, grinning as she locked the door. The moment the lock was set, Bliss pushed Maven up against it, kissing her hard and fast and smiling at the groan the older woman released at her attention. Grinding her hips into Maven’s, delighting in the friction it caused against her already throbbing clit, Bliss muttered, “I want to fuck you so bad.”
“I thought you didn’t like doing it in public,” Maven chuckled, her husky voice almost breathless.
“The door’s locked,” Bliss pointed out, her lips on Maven’s neck, tasting her skin. Her hands moved with a certain urgency, unbuttoning Maven’s leather pants and Bliss wore a triumphant smile as they slipped underneath the soft material and toyed at the entrance of the other woman’s pussy. “That means it’s private.”
“Is that what it means?” said Maven with a chortle and she was the picture of control but when Bliss’ fingers moved inside her, lightly dipping into her pussy in a gentle stroke, her eyes shut and her body visibly shuddered. “Baby,” she groaned. “Don’t play.”
“How come?” asked Bliss innocently, kissing Maven’s chin and grinning. She removed her fingers slowly then stroked the tip of her index finger over Maven’s clit then palmed her mons, delighting in the wet evidence of Maven’s desire on her hand. “I thought we liked playing. Isn’t that why we’re in derby?”
“This isn’t the same and you know it,” Maven practically growled, her eyes flashing.
Bliss smiled and she would have responded but she didn’t want to talk, she wanted to fuck Maven and she wanted to kiss those delightfully full lips that could sulk far more attractively than anyone else in the league. Capturing Maven’s lips, she slid her tongue into her girlfriend’s mouth, sighing when she felt Maven respond in kind and as they kissed, Bliss plunged one finger then two and three into Maven, smiling at the groan and jerk of the hips that greeted this action. Her fingers moved in a relentless thrust, a brutal rhythm that the older woman matched with her own hips, and her hands gripped Bliss ass, encouraging her to move closer. She was wetter than she ever had been and her clit was still throbbing against the soaked material of her panties as she straddled Maven’s thigh, delighting in the friction as she rubbed against her girlfriend.
“Let me,” Maven said in a rasp when they stopped kissing and in seconds her hands were down Bliss’ pants and she cried out as Maven entered her with a strong and knowing touch. They moved together now, in a ferocious dance, and Bliss quivered as she felt herself orgasm and Maven kissed her, drinking in her cries, as she climaxed with the younger woman. “Fuck,” Maven muttered and Bliss felt her grin as a soft lips pressed against her forehead.
“We just did that,” said Bliss, wearing a goofy smile and laughing as Maven rolled her eyes. Slipping her fingers from the older woman with reluctance, she sighed as she felt Maven do the same before wrapping her up in an embrace. They remained like that, resting against the bathroom door and Bliss remarked, “It’s been three years since we played each other for the championship.”
Snorting at this, Maven said, “Christina’s going to make it into a drama.” Her voice becoming noticeably higher pitched, she said in mocking tones, “How can you play each other for the championship when you fuck? Isn’t it hard?”
“Hey,” Bliss said, forming something of a pout and poking Maven in the side. “We do more than fuck.”
“Nothing as good though,” drawled Maven, grinning and chuckling as Bliss’ pout increased. Leaning down to kiss Bliss softly, she murmured against her lips, “Doesn’t mean I don’t love you, Bliss. But you got to admit the truth when I tell it.”
“We are good at it,” admitted Bliss, flushing and laughing. She moved into Maven’s touch, her girlfriend’s fingers lightly trailing over her abdomen and tickling her skin. Feeling herself becoming wet again, Bliss’ voice lowered as she said, “Maybe we should-”
“Piss or poop or get off the pot, I only got one bathroom!” Smashley’s voice declared on the other side of the door, banging loudly on it. “No fair monopolizing the toilet. This is America! We have laws against that!”
Maven shifted her position, pushing off the doorframe and buttoning her leather pants before opening the door and sliding an arm around Bliss’ waist who was sure she was red in the face and showing the effects of her recent orgasm. “This is America?” she repeated in droll tones, lifting an eyebrow and ignoring the crowd of anxious people obviously needing to use the facilities. “What the hell is that supposed to mean, Smash?”
“That this is America,” said Smashley simply, lifting her bottle of MD 20/20 in salute to their homeland. She squinted at the couple then poked her head into the bathroom, sniffing the air then turning to them with an entirely lecherous expression. “You were both totally getting it on in my john, weren’t you?” Bursting into mad laughter, she clapped her hands and ran into the party. “Princess! You owe me twenty bucks! I bet you they’d do it before midnight and it’s only eleven twenty three right now!”
Walking out of the bathroom and ignoring the people battling to get in after them, Bliss frowned. “They’re betting on our sex life? I think I liked it better when our teams didn’t get along,” she remarked.
“Your team’s a bad influence on mine,” Maven resolved, watching as Princess handed her money over to a gloating Smashley. “They would’ve never bet on this kind of thing before. In fact, I think Princess would’ve laid Smash out over it.”
“I’m starting to miss the old days,” said Bliss a little wistfully. “They could be cute when they bickered.”
“I dunno about cute but they were less of a pain in the ass,” said Maven. Silence reigned for a moment, then Maven slipped her hand into Bliss’ hair, caressing her scalp and leaning down to murmur in her ear, “Whatever happens with this next bout, nothing changes between us. No matter how much that director wants to make it into something.”
“I know,” Bliss breathed, smiling sweetly at Maven, her heart swelling as she kissed the older woman.
Any absent wondering she had about why Maven brought up Christina was ceased by the appearance of the director, video camera in hand, and questions spilling from her about the logistics of them competing against each other for the championship. Maven wore a sullen expression and looked off to one side while Bliss laughed and smiled and answered Christina’s questions, knowing that everything Maven said was true. Win or lose, it wouldn’t change them as a couple.
--
The next morning they woke to loud knocking and Maven grumbled as she rolled out of bed and put on her tank top and shorts. Bliss stayed in bed, half asleep and blinking at the clock on the bedside dresser, wanting to know who would wake them at eight in the morning since most of their friends had been at the same party. She eventually gathered her wits and pulled on a t-shirt and jeans, wandering out in the living room where Maven sat on the couch with a teary eyed Grace. Both sisters lifted their eyes at Bliss’ entrance and she frowned at Grace’s upset expression.
Focusing back on her sister, Maven’s voice was gentler than she ever heard it as she said, “There’s nothing you could’ve done, Grace. They think what they think and it’s not going change. Don’t let it upset you.”
“It’s not right,” said Grace fiercely, shaking her head and clinging to a stack of photo albums in her lap. “I told them it’s not right. You’re their daughter! They shouldn’t treat you like a stranger or a criminal. Not for being who you are.” Wiping at her eyes and forming resolved expression, she continued, “If they don’t need you then I don’t need them. I can pay for college on my own-”
“Stop it,” said Maven, her voice flinty as her gaze and Grace turned to look at her in surprise. Shaking her head, Maven rose to her feet and said, “I’m not going to let you ruin things with them for my sake. I’d sooner stop seeing you then do that, Grace.”
“Emily,” Grace whispered, her eyes going wide. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do mean it,” said Maven in unflinching tones, staring her younger sister down. “Just because I lost them doesn’t mean you should. It’s enough for me that I got you.” She paused, her jaw clenching as she looked off to one side. “What did they say about you seeing me? They’re not happy about it, are they?”
“No,” admitted Grace quietly.
Nodding her head slowly, Maven asked, “Dad?”
“Emily,” Grace said her name in a plea, standing up and taking a step towards her.
“Tell me what he said,” Maven commanded harshly.
“He said it was my mistake to make,” said Grace, sounding disgusted with having to say the words. "He found out Mom still had the photo albums of you. I took them… he was going to throw them out."
“Sounds like him,” said Maven bitterly, a tinge of humor clinging to her voice. Rubbing her forehead, she stared at the floor then asked, “What about the others? Isaac and them? Do they still want to see me?”
“Yes,” said Grace, trying to keep the eagerness from her voice and failing completely.
“And they know about Bliss,” said Maven, staring at Grace and Bliss stepped forward, taking Maven’s hand and smiling when she felt the older woman squeeze it in reassurance. “They accept it.”
“Isaac really wants to meet her,” Grace said. “Almost as much as he wants to hear you sing again.”
Looking to her girlfriend who appeared almost embarrassed at Grace’s words, Bliss couldn’t help the curiosity seizing her and before she could question Maven about Grace’s remark, the older woman turned to her. “I used to sing in the church choir when I was a kid,” Maven revealed in a mutter. “Me and Isaac did it together. I was better though.”
“Of course you were,” said Bliss with a laugh, smiling wide at Maven’s answering scowl.
They settled into a quiet breakfast, Maven discussing plans with Grace to meet her other siblings for lunch a week after the championship bout and taking in the quiet happiness that clung to her girlfriend, Bliss thought that even though their plan wasn’t entirely successful it had been worth it. Because now Maven had just a little more family and little more happiness than she did before which, for Bliss, was all that truly mattered.
--
In spite of all her years playing roller derby, Bliss never could predict how a bout between the Hurl Scouts and Holy Rollers would turn out. They were always too close, too competitive, and the championship bout was no exception. From the moment the whistle sounded for the first jam they were neck in neck for points, the leader changing every other jam and when they took their break before the second half of the bout the Holy Rollers were winning but only by a slim margin of eight points.
Returning to the bout, bruised from Smashley punches of encouragement, Bliss was the picture of concentration and quickly they regained the lead. It didn’t last for long though and by the time they came to the final jam of the night it was the same as it always was, whoever won it would win the bout and the championship along with it. Something in Bliss was fiercely happy to see Maven skating up to face off against her instead of Malice because Maven always brought an extra feeling of competitiveness in Bliss that no one else in the league ever could. As hard as she knew she would have skated against Malice she knew she would skate twice as hard against Maven and maybe that would be enough for them to win.
There was the shrill call of the whistle and the blockers were off and Bliss darted her gaze to Maven who met her eyes and offered that reckless grin which Bliss returned and then their whistle sounded and they took off like a shot, forcing their way through the pack with Maven in the lead. Bliss was right after her though, zig zagging her way through the blockers and they both emerged from the pack neck in neck and maintained their pace as they went around the track, Johnny’s voice an incredulous shout as he relayed their actions. Sensing what Maven was about to do, somehow just knowing she was about to take a hit, Bliss decided to respond in kind and the women crashed into one another, effectively ending up in a pile of limbs with Bliss on top.
Breathing hard and realizing absently neither one of them had won the jam, Bliss found it hard to concentrate with Maven underneath her, chest rising and falling with each sharp breath and her body covered in a thin sheen of sweat. There was something impossibly attractive about Maven when she skated in Bliss’ opinion, something wild and untamed, and a feeling of desire sweeping over her, she gave into her impulses and kissed the older woman. Maven groaned and responded in kind and she could hear Johnny distantly freaking out over their actions and when they separated Maven offered a sly grin.
“I’m still not gonna let you win, baby,” Maven drawled.
“I know,” Bliss responded, smiling and looking the picture of confidence. “Me either.”
“No romancing the enemy!” announced Smashley, dragging Bliss up from Maven’s body while Jackie responded in kind with the older woman. “We got a bout to win or did you forget, Ruthless?”
When she faced a line of very amused teammates wearing questioning expressions, Bliss just shrugged by way of an explanation. As if to say, I couldn’t help it. She’s hot.
Once again, they lined up for the final jam and if Bliss had been humming with excitement before now she was practically rattling. This feeling was why she loved playing roller derby. Nothing made her feel more alive other than making love to Maven and after any bout that’s what she always felt compelled to do, the energy building up into such a crescendo it had to be released in some manner and that being the most preferable. But it was different when they played the Holy Rollers, stronger in a way, and she knew it was because to her and the rest of the Hurl Scouts beating them counted more somehow. Even when they didn’t get along with the other team they respected them for their skills. Bliss knew them, she knew how hard they worked, and how hard they tried and if she beat the Holy Rollers it was because she was fucking good and worked her ass off and for that reason it just seemed to count more and the victory was much sweeter due to the effort she knew was behind it.
Johnny announced the bout was going into sudden death and Bliss turned to one side, surprised to see Malice replacing Maven at the jam line. The petite blonde offered a wide grin then said, “Don’t go kissing me, Ruthless. It won’t help you win.”
Blushing dark red and wondering if Maven had replaced herself in some effort to mess with her, Bliss shook her head and focused on the line of blockers ahead and when the second whistle blew she didn’t think, she just skated. Instinct was on her side as she weaved her way through the pack and she could sense Malice following close behind but it didn’t matter, she was ahead and she knew that as she passed one Holy Roller after another and when she was finally clear she called off the jam, hands on her hips and grinning wide as she heard Johnny declare the Hurl Scouts the champions.
Though she tried to avoid it, she ended up at the bottom of another victory pile incited by Smashley, and when it came time for the traditional handshake between teams, Bliss was aching and very badly wanting another massage from Maven. The older woman raised an eyebrow and grinned when Bliss held onto her hand, pulling her forward until barely a breath was between them. Her hair was disheveled and there was that devil may care look in her eyes that always sucked Bliss in. She honestly didn’t know what she was going to say, if anything at all, Bliss just knew she wanted to kiss her again and so she did, her hands tangling in Maven’s long hair, and she vaguely realized this was being filmed by Christina. The bout, the first kiss she initiated in the middle of the jam, and now this kiss which was quickly escalating as Maven sucked on her tongue and Bliss’ hands slid down to cup Maven’s ass over the short plaid skirt she wore.
The cheers and hoots of their teammates and the crowd and Johnny’s commentary was a roaring din in the background but none of that mattered. Nothing mattered but Maven and this kiss and their relationship and how it made them feel and suddenly Bliss could care less if this was captured on film for all time because at least it would make for a nice end to the movie.
It was storybook even.
End
SERIES: Whip It
AUTHOR: Dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Babe Ruthless/Iron Maven. Fourth fic in the Versus, Pace Line, and Hip Check series.
SUMMARY: Babe Ruthless knew that sometimes even the best player needs an assist.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my excitement about my vacation in San Francisco.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This might have some errors because I haven't completely gone over it but I wanted to post it before I leave for Wondercon. Please enjoy!
Assist
By: Dreiser
Part Two...
As the season began, Bliss noticed that out of everyone in the league, Maven was the most adept at avoiding Christina and her video camera. She had a penchant for disappearing and taking Bliss along with her when she saw Christina heading their way and Bliss honestly thought the older woman hadn’t said more than ten words on camera. This wasn’t a particularly surprising turn of events when Bliss stopped to think about it though. Despite the fact that Maven was one of their most popular players she never participated in any of the league’s publicity events that entailed appearing on local television and radio shows to advertise their bouts and fundraising events. In fact, she always managed to get out of it and sent Jackie or Princess Slaya in her place. When it came to hiding from Christina it had more to do with the director’s focus on their romance, something that Maven was none too pleased about, but couldn’t do much when it came to what other people in the league said.
The Holy Rollers followed their captain’s example for the most part, not saying anything beyond teasing remarks but everyone else had an open door policy with Christina which meant quite a bit of gossip about their relationship being spread. Bliss had managed to avoid the topic out of respect for Maven, not wanting to speak about anything that clearly bothered her girlfriend but it was somewhat difficult as Christina seemed to favor filming her over everyone else in the league.
For the most part Bliss had gotten used to Christina’s filming and usually forgot she was there whenever they were in league practices and meetings and when it came to bouts, she was always far too focused on her playing to notice the director. The third bout of the season was the Hot Tamales vs. the Holy Rollers and it was highly anticipated within the league if only for Mazel’s competitive streak when it came to Maven and her overconfidence thanks to the Duchess of Torque’s talent.
Unfortunately for Mazel, the Holy Rollers were in top form, Malice and Maven winning jam after jam and when the final whistle was blown the score was eighty five to seventy with the Holy Roller firmly placed as the victors. They retired to ‘Bout Time for the traditional after party and it was one of the few times Maven found herself trapped by Christina’s video camera. She sat amongst a crowd of Holy Rollers and Hurl Scouts with Bliss perched on her lap. As her relationship with Maven continued the attitude between the two teams slowly changed to one where they were friendly off the track despite remaining the utmost of enemies when skating against one another. Rosa claimed the term was frenemies but Bliss could care less what they were called. Bliss was just happy to see Maven revealing her true personality around her teammates. It helped end any questions about what she saw in the older woman because now they saw the same person that Bliss did.
Bliss shivered as she felt Maven’s hands slide underneath her t-shirt to caress her stomach. Although the after party was always a tradition she enjoyed sometimes she wanted to skip it whenever a Holy Rollers victory was involved. Playing in a bout, especially one that her team had just won, always put Maven in an incredibly amorous mood. All of that pent up energy from the track came spilling out into their bed and there was never a time when Bliss didn’t enjoy sex with Maven but she had to admit it was always exceptionally good after the Holy Rollers won a bout. Attending victory parties with Maven and the Holy Rollers was nothing more than a torturous display of subtle foreplay that never failed to leave Bliss wet and wanting. She really ought to demand they stop going but then she’d have to explain to the rest of the Holy Rollers why their captain wouldn’t be attending and the nonstop teasing that would result just wasn’t worth it.
Plus some masochistic part of her enjoyed the attention she would always receive. How Maven would pull her onto her lap, resting her chin on Bliss’ shoulder, and wrapping her arms possessively around her waist before her hands began their slow wandering journey across her body, moving in a gentle and loving caress. Tonight was no exception and Bliss took in a shuddering breath as Maven’s hands slid higher, caressing the underside of her breasts through the thin material of her bra. Unable to take it anymore, she twisted around and tried her level best to form a stern expression.
“Be good,” Bliss commanded.
Raising an eyebrow, a smirk tugged at Maven’s lips and she drawled, “I thought I was.”
“Maybe if we were at home,” said Bliss with a chuckle, resting her palm flat against Maven’s cheek and leaning her forehead against the other woman’s. “You know I don’t like doing it in public.” Maven wore a skeptical expression at this and Bliss laughed just because she knew it came from all of the escapades that they had in various bathrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms. Scooting closer to whisper in Maven’s ear, she said, “You know what I mean. Besides, it will just make them jealous.”
“Not my problem, baby,” murmured Maven, pulling Bliss down by the collar of her t-shirt, grinning as she captured the younger woman’s lips in a detailed kiss that had Bliss moaning into her mouth and left her pale skin flushed. They only parted when met with the familiar sound of Smashley’s off key singing which continued even as Maven leveled the Hurl Scout with a hard glare.
“And sometimes when we touch, the honesty’s too much,” Smashley warbled, laughing uproariously at their perturbed expressions until Maven flung an onion ring in her direction. Smashley started to respond in kind but was stopped by Holly and Maggie and she pouted before turning back to Maven with a gleam in her eyes. “I’ll get you back eventually.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Smash,” replied Maven, smirking and pulling Bliss closer to her. Maven’s good mood dimmed when Christina made herself more noticeable as she asked Smashley about the song and Smashley’s remark that only the sappiest romantic ballad was suitable for the couple. Observing Maven’s veiled gaze and the sullen look she immediately had, Bliss was strangely charmed and it must have shown because the older woman’s eyes narrowed as she demanded, “What?”
“You’re just cute,” Bliss remarked, twisting a lock of Maven’s hair around her finger. “With how you hate the camera.”
“It’s not the camera I hate, Bliss,” Maven muttered and when Bliss looked at her inquisitively, she sighed, moving forward, her hands firm on the small of the other woman’s back. Her breath was warm on Bliss’ skin as she said, “I don’t like people nosing around in our relationship. Especially not if it’s for some kind of fucking entertainment. This is our life, you know?”
“I know,” said Bliss unable to help the bright smile spreading on her features that only grew wider when Maven scowled. Chuckling and shaking her head, she cupped Maven’s cheek and said, “I can’t help it. You really are too cute.”
Snorting at this, Maven averted her eyes and was met with Christina and her camera. The director had the same look of perpetual curiosity that drove her a little bit crazy. “Hey,” Maven called out to Christina, her expression laconic as she leaned back in her seat and pulled Bliss along with her. “You get one question.”
“Really?” Christina responded, her surprise at this clearly shown through her voice and body language.
“Better make it quick, I might change my mind,” said Maven humorously, tapping her fingers on Bliss’ stomach, and offering the reckless grin that always served to turn on the younger woman.
Christina frowned at this before wearing an expression of utter determination. “All right,” she said, moving closer to the couple. “Isn’t it difficult to compete against someone you’re in a romantic relationship with in such a physically brutal sport? It’s possible you could seriously hurt one another in a bout. Doesn’t that make you hesitate when you’re jamming against each other?”
“That’s two questions,” Maven observed and when Christina just maintained her determined face, she chuckled and tilted her head before rocking back in the chair, causing it rest on the back legs. Bliss sighed as she felt herself sink further into Maven’s embrace and the older woman smirked then said, “It’d only be hard if I couldn’t kiss it and make it all better.” Bliss immediately whapped Maven in the stomach, causing Maven to drop the chair down on all four legs as she chuckled. Seeing Christina’s irate look at her response, Maven said, “Sorry, I was just messing with you. Serious answer is, I know what Ruthless can do on the track. I’d be pissed if she was holding back on me instead of giving it her all. If we go all out against each other, I figure it shows more respect and helps improve the skills we got. After all,” Maven looked at the director expectantly, “how the fuck do you get better if you’re not competing against the best? And the best in this league sure as hell has my girl at the top of the list.”
“Why did you call her Ruthless instead of her real name?” pursued Christina, unable to help herself.
“That’s three now,” said Maven dryly. When Christina wore what some would consider a pleading expression, Maven snorted and rolled her eyes. Then she formed a slow smile as her eyes glinted with mischief. “Ruthless is what she is,” drawled Maven, her hands moving back underneath the younger woman’s shirt, her breath warm on Bliss’ neck. She softly kissed the pale skin before she continued, “Especially in bed.”
Mere seconds passed then the table erupted into chaotic laughter and crude remarks at this and Bliss turned dark red, twisting to face her girlfriend, scowling and ready to chastise her but stopped by the passionate kiss Maven caught her in. Bliss quickly lost herself in the taste and the touch of the older woman, her anger dissipating the longer the embrace continued, and she didn’t know or care if Christina was still filming them and apparently neither did Maven. Maybe, Bliss managed to think, sighing as Maven’s tongue slid against her own and warm hands rested firmly on her hips, it was only talking about their relationship that annoyed Maven. But that realization wasn’t such a shock, Maven was always more about actions than words.
Something that, at the moment, Bliss was extremely grateful for.
--
Monday was the default meeting day for Bliss and Grace and this was no different. They sat on the couch in the loft, Grace explaining how the rest of her siblings wanted to meet with Maven over the weekend. The younger woman was practically bouncing in her seat with excitement but Bliss was more subdued, worried about how they would broach Maven with the news.
“Can’t we surprise her?” asked Grace plaintively, something of a whine in her voice, and in that moment Bliss was distinctly aware of Grace’s age. Maven adored her sister but now she understood why her girlfriend found Grace’s naiveté worrisome just as much as charming because it certainly could lead to a fair share of problems. “She likes surprises.”
“No, she doesn’t,” said Bliss wryly. “And she’d really wouldn’t like this one. Seeing you was different, Grace,” Bliss explained slowly, thinking back to the few short conversations Maven had with her about her family. “You were so little when she left but Isaac and Naomi… they were old enough to say something, to do something. They could have stayed in contact, told her they thought your parents were wrong but instead they just went along. She needs to know they’re going to be there.”
“But Caleb was only ten-” Grace protested.
“I didn’t say anything about Caleb,” Bliss reminded, using the gently scolding tone she’d learned to apply for her more difficult patients in nursing school. “I was talking about Isaac and Naomi. Just because you’ll be there with Caleb doesn’t change the fact that so will Isaac and Naomi and Emily needs to know about that if this is going to work.”
“What do I need to know?” Maven’s voice broke into the conversation and both women whipped around to see her standing in the entrance to the loft, a frown forming on her features and her eyes narrowing with suspicion.
“Emily,” began Grace furtively, rising to her feet and crossing to her older sister who closed the front door.
“Grace,” Maven echoed, the frown still on her face, and a silent demand in her gaze. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Hating to see tension between the normally happy siblings, Bliss moved towards her girlfriend, taking her hand and when Maven focused a steely gaze on her she swallowed. “Grace just wanted to help,” she offered.
“With what?” asked Maven in flat tones as if she already knew the answer.
“Your family,” Bliss said and immediately Maven’s expression darkened and she tried to pull her hands away from Bliss’ grip only to have the brunette hold firm. “No,” Bliss whispered, moving closer, wearing a solemn look on her features. “We’re going to deal with this. No running away this time, Emily.”
“Deal with the fact they don’t give a shit about me?” retorted Maven, her face settling into an expression of sullen anger. “I’ve been dealing with that for years, Bliss. What I don’t get is why the fuck you’re both bringing it up now.”
“They want to see you,” said Grace anxiously and Maven turned to her sister who looked hopeful at this attention. “I’ve talked to them and Isaac, Naomi, and Caleb want to see you again. Isaac and Naomi feel horrible for how they treated you…”
“What about Rebecca and Seth?” asked Maven, raising an eyebrow. When Grace squirmed uncomfortably, Maven snorted then continued, “I won’t even ask about Mom and Dad. That’s a fucking lost cause just like all this is.” Focusing her gaze between Bliss and Grace she said, “You both need to just give up on this. I’m fine with how things are. I got all the people I need in my life. Ones that actually give a shit about me. I don’t need the ones that suddenly grow a conscious and feel guilty for tossing me out.”
“But they want to see you,” insisted Grace, moving closer, her eyes pleading.
“They know where I am,” said Maven, her expression unwavering. “I send those Christmas cards every year and it’s got my address on them plain as day. You can’t tell me they haven’t seen it after all these years.”
“That’s Mom and Dad, it’s not the same with the others, they were afraid when it happened but it’s different now. They want to see you, they want to apologize,” said Grace with increasing determination. Maven looked away from her sister and Grace moved closer, her hands soft on the older woman’s face, turning them until they were face to face. “It’s not right what happened to our family and I’m going to fix it,” her voice had a quiet ferocity. Before Maven could reply, she kissed her on the cheek and walked out the door, leaving Maven and Bliss in uncomfortable silence.
Without saying a word, Maven turned on her heel and walked to the refrigerator, pulling out a beer and popping off the cap. She took a long drink then lowered it, picking at its label then lifting her gaze to look at Bliss. “I thought we had a deal,” she said in soft but accusing tones. “You know, the one where I tell you shit and you do the same. No more secrets and shut mouths.”
“I know,” said Bliss in a murmur, cautiously approaching the other woman.
“I’ve been keeping up my end, haven’t I?” asked Maven, putting the beer down on the counter and folding her arms across her chest. “Been a goddamn chatty Cathy with all the stuff I’ve been telling you. So what the fuck, Bliss?”
“I’m sorry,” Bliss said because that was all she could say and she stopped in front of Maven, ducking her head so their eyes would meet and putting her hands lightly on the other woman’s hips. “Grace just wants to help. I thought it was a good idea.”
“They don’t want me,” said Maven harshly, her jaw set in a line and her eyes glinting. “I know they don’t, I’ve known it for years. There’s no point on drudging it up now because my kid sister has a thing for storybook endings that just won’t happen.”
“What about your brothers and sister though?” asked Bliss gently. “She wasn’t lying when she said they want to see you.”
Shaking her head, Maven walked over to the couch and slumped down on it and Bliss observed her for a moment then followed after, sitting next to her girlfriend and feeling relieved when Maven slipped an arm over her shoulder. “You know why I hate Christina’s camera?” Maven said finally, her gaze shadowed and her jaw still set in a hard line. “It’s the same reason I push off those radio show and tv appearances on Jackie. I don’t want to chance my parents seeing me. The way I figure it, they kicked me out of their lives so they don’t deserve to see me. Not unless it’s something they arrange themselves.”
“I’m sorry,” Bliss whispered, tears gathering in her eyes.
Facing her girlfriend, Maven’s expression softened as she wiped the tears away and said, “It doesn’t matter. None of that shit does because I got you, Grace, my team, and everybody else in the league. That’s my family. If what you’re saying is true and the others really want to see me again, then that’s fine, but I don’t need them, baby. Not when I have you.”
The tears returning, Bliss rose up to kiss Maven, trying to express all the love and want she had for the older woman in the touch of their lips and soon Maven was groaning and holding her closer. Taking Maven’s hand, Bliss tugged her along, moving into the bedroom where she carefully undressed the other woman, pausing along the way to kiss and caress, and Bliss saw the subtle tremble of Maven’s body before she lay down on the bed. Making quick work of her own clothes, Bliss crawled towards Maven, laughing when she was tugged forward impatiently, causing her to fall on top of the older woman.
“I love you,” Bliss breathed, kissing Maven tenderly, her hands exploring the length of her girlfriend’s body.
Smiling with satisfaction as Maven arched into her touch, Bliss slid downwards, licking and sucking a path with her lips and tongue, tasting the curve of Maven’s breasts and the sweat on her defined abdomen, her hands settling on Maven’s hips before she nudged them apart, head lowering for a taste of what she loved best. Maven was wet and ready and glistening for her and Bliss knew there were times where she had been more turned on but never when she felt this much love and tenderness for the other woman. Especially at the soft cry Maven released as her tongue licked the length of her pussy before her lips sucked on her clit and strong fingers tangled in her hair encouraging her on as Maven’s hips bucked. When Maven came, Bliss remained where she was, continuing in her caresses and exploration until Maven groaned and tugged at her hair. Moving up the other woman’s body that was covered with a fine sheen of sweat, Bliss smiled sweetly as she was pulled into a kiss.
“You turn,” drawled Maven, a wicked gleam in her eyes when they parted and Bliss could only moan at the slow and teasing touch of her girlfriend’s hands. Maven always moved fast, that was how she was, on and off the track. She made decisions at a split second and went with them and Bliss knew it was that part of Maven’s personality that kept her from being truly angry with Bliss and Grace. Once she understood and accepted their motives, she got past it and moved on. Not seeing sulking over it as anything being worth her while. And as Maven’s fingers slid into her wet pussy, moving in firm and knowing strokes, Bliss couldn’t really think of anything she was happier about. Except perhaps being with Maven.
--
The Holy Rollers made it to the championship bout with ease, thanks to Malice having an incredible season that many thought would win her the Best Jammer award at the Whammy’s for sure. However, the Hurl Scouts had a little more difficulty due to a temporary injury on the part of Bloody Holly. Nevertheless, they found themselves at the second to the last bout for the season, once again facing off against the Hot Tamales and the Duchess of Torque. Not wanting a repeat of last year and have to deal with more of Mazel Tough's boasting, they were unwavering in their determination to win.
A sure sign of this was Maggie’s speech before the bout, filled with words of encouragement and an emphasis on how they were clearly the superior team and should therefore win. Also included was the incentive of revenge and shutting Mazel the fuck up. When Maggie was done talking, Smashley shouted her hell yeah’s and punched Bliss in the shoulder in some odd form of agreement.
“Hear that, Ruthless?” Smashley crowed, raising her bottle of Boone’s Farm Blue Hawaiian that she had been drinking for the past hour as if it was soda. “Don’t get your ass hurt again that way we can make it to the championship and face your girlfriend.” Scowling at this, Bliss gave into her urges and punched Smashley right back, and the other woman shouted in exaggerated pain before crying out, “The first rule of fight club is nobody talks about fight club!” Then she promptly punched Rosa in the shoulder.
This led to Rosa punching Holly, who punched Manson Sister #2, who punched Maggie, who punched Smashley, who punched Manson Sister #1, who tried to punch Bliss but stopped when Razor insinuated himself into their impromptu team assault. He was in danger of getting punched by Smashley but Manson Sister #1 blocked her path and Smashley promptly backed down, wearing something of a pout while Razor looked at his team with narrowed eyes.
“Save it for the Hot Tamales,” Razor instructed. “They’re the ones you want to be abusing, not each other.”
“Yeah,” declared Smashley, drinking her Boone’s Farm and raising the bottle that was immediately seized by Razor.
“Smashley, are you seriously drinking alcohol before a bout?” asked Razor, frowning severely and glaring at her.
“No,” said Smashley with exasperation, rolling her eyes. “It’s just Boone’s.”
“It’s wine!” Razor exclaimed, wondering what the hell he was going to do without one of their best jammers now.
“It’s Boone’s!” Smashley exclaimed right back.
“It’s alcoholic, you can’t be drinking alcohol before a bout, we have rules,” said Razor, completely aggravated. “Goddammit, Smashley, first you get high before practice and now you’re getting drunk before a bout. Do you even want to play?”
“I don’t get high before practice anymore and it’s just Boone’s!” Smashley wailed, skating around Razor and scowling.
This continued for another minute until Maggie caught her teammates attention and jerked her thumb to the exit of the locker room and they skated out into the arena, leaving Smashley and Razor to their circular argument. When Razor emerged several minutes later with a severely pouting Smashley, he announced she couldn’t play the first half of the bout, leaving Bliss and Holly as their main jammers until Smashley was up and running again.
Despite losing Smashley for most of the bout, the Hurl Scouts maintained a lead over the Hot Tamales, and when they went into the second half, being kept on the bench had irritated Smashley to such a degree she was plowing through the pack, leaving them no chance to stop her. Razor, though still disgruntled over the Boone’s Farm incident, had to admit she was in top form and when it came to the final jam of the night, Smashley gave Mazel a hard hit, sending her crashing into the barrier while she moved into the lead and a wide grin on her features, she called off the jam, putting the Hurl Scouts as the winners by twenty points.
The first thing Smashley did was initiate the traditional congratulations pile and Bliss groaned as she found herself buried under her teammates but grinning wide, she realized it would be the first time in three years she would be playing against Maven in the championship bout. Her gaze immediately landed on her girlfriend in the stands who wore a proud smile on her features and noticing Bliss’ attention, she raised an eyebrow and placed a hand on her hips, canting them one side. It was a subtle but telling movement and Bliss grinned, seeing the unspoken challenge and knowing that she would naturally have to meet it.
--
At Smashley’s insistence, they had their victory party at her house where she had apparently accumulated several cases of Boone’s Farm and MD 20/20. Maven’s derision at the Hurl Scout’s choice in liquor was announced often throughout the evening but it did little to spoil the mood and the excitement humming through Bliss’ body. They had been at the party for just over an hour when she hooked her fingers into the back of Maven’s leather pants and gave them a hard tug. Her girlfriend turned to face her and raised a questioning eyebrow and Bliss formed what she hoped was a coy smile and nodded to the inside of the house.
Moving through the house on a mission, Bliss was relieved to find the bathroom unoccupied and she pulled Maven in with her, grinning as she locked the door. The moment the lock was set, Bliss pushed Maven up against it, kissing her hard and fast and smiling at the groan the older woman released at her attention. Grinding her hips into Maven’s, delighting in the friction it caused against her already throbbing clit, Bliss muttered, “I want to fuck you so bad.”
“I thought you didn’t like doing it in public,” Maven chuckled, her husky voice almost breathless.
“The door’s locked,” Bliss pointed out, her lips on Maven’s neck, tasting her skin. Her hands moved with a certain urgency, unbuttoning Maven’s leather pants and Bliss wore a triumphant smile as they slipped underneath the soft material and toyed at the entrance of the other woman’s pussy. “That means it’s private.”
“Is that what it means?” said Maven with a chortle and she was the picture of control but when Bliss’ fingers moved inside her, lightly dipping into her pussy in a gentle stroke, her eyes shut and her body visibly shuddered. “Baby,” she groaned. “Don’t play.”
“How come?” asked Bliss innocently, kissing Maven’s chin and grinning. She removed her fingers slowly then stroked the tip of her index finger over Maven’s clit then palmed her mons, delighting in the wet evidence of Maven’s desire on her hand. “I thought we liked playing. Isn’t that why we’re in derby?”
“This isn’t the same and you know it,” Maven practically growled, her eyes flashing.
Bliss smiled and she would have responded but she didn’t want to talk, she wanted to fuck Maven and she wanted to kiss those delightfully full lips that could sulk far more attractively than anyone else in the league. Capturing Maven’s lips, she slid her tongue into her girlfriend’s mouth, sighing when she felt Maven respond in kind and as they kissed, Bliss plunged one finger then two and three into Maven, smiling at the groan and jerk of the hips that greeted this action. Her fingers moved in a relentless thrust, a brutal rhythm that the older woman matched with her own hips, and her hands gripped Bliss ass, encouraging her to move closer. She was wetter than she ever had been and her clit was still throbbing against the soaked material of her panties as she straddled Maven’s thigh, delighting in the friction as she rubbed against her girlfriend.
“Let me,” Maven said in a rasp when they stopped kissing and in seconds her hands were down Bliss’ pants and she cried out as Maven entered her with a strong and knowing touch. They moved together now, in a ferocious dance, and Bliss quivered as she felt herself orgasm and Maven kissed her, drinking in her cries, as she climaxed with the younger woman. “Fuck,” Maven muttered and Bliss felt her grin as a soft lips pressed against her forehead.
“We just did that,” said Bliss, wearing a goofy smile and laughing as Maven rolled her eyes. Slipping her fingers from the older woman with reluctance, she sighed as she felt Maven do the same before wrapping her up in an embrace. They remained like that, resting against the bathroom door and Bliss remarked, “It’s been three years since we played each other for the championship.”
Snorting at this, Maven said, “Christina’s going to make it into a drama.” Her voice becoming noticeably higher pitched, she said in mocking tones, “How can you play each other for the championship when you fuck? Isn’t it hard?”
“Hey,” Bliss said, forming something of a pout and poking Maven in the side. “We do more than fuck.”
“Nothing as good though,” drawled Maven, grinning and chuckling as Bliss’ pout increased. Leaning down to kiss Bliss softly, she murmured against her lips, “Doesn’t mean I don’t love you, Bliss. But you got to admit the truth when I tell it.”
“We are good at it,” admitted Bliss, flushing and laughing. She moved into Maven’s touch, her girlfriend’s fingers lightly trailing over her abdomen and tickling her skin. Feeling herself becoming wet again, Bliss’ voice lowered as she said, “Maybe we should-”
“Piss or poop or get off the pot, I only got one bathroom!” Smashley’s voice declared on the other side of the door, banging loudly on it. “No fair monopolizing the toilet. This is America! We have laws against that!”
Maven shifted her position, pushing off the doorframe and buttoning her leather pants before opening the door and sliding an arm around Bliss’ waist who was sure she was red in the face and showing the effects of her recent orgasm. “This is America?” she repeated in droll tones, lifting an eyebrow and ignoring the crowd of anxious people obviously needing to use the facilities. “What the hell is that supposed to mean, Smash?”
“That this is America,” said Smashley simply, lifting her bottle of MD 20/20 in salute to their homeland. She squinted at the couple then poked her head into the bathroom, sniffing the air then turning to them with an entirely lecherous expression. “You were both totally getting it on in my john, weren’t you?” Bursting into mad laughter, she clapped her hands and ran into the party. “Princess! You owe me twenty bucks! I bet you they’d do it before midnight and it’s only eleven twenty three right now!”
Walking out of the bathroom and ignoring the people battling to get in after them, Bliss frowned. “They’re betting on our sex life? I think I liked it better when our teams didn’t get along,” she remarked.
“Your team’s a bad influence on mine,” Maven resolved, watching as Princess handed her money over to a gloating Smashley. “They would’ve never bet on this kind of thing before. In fact, I think Princess would’ve laid Smash out over it.”
“I’m starting to miss the old days,” said Bliss a little wistfully. “They could be cute when they bickered.”
“I dunno about cute but they were less of a pain in the ass,” said Maven. Silence reigned for a moment, then Maven slipped her hand into Bliss’ hair, caressing her scalp and leaning down to murmur in her ear, “Whatever happens with this next bout, nothing changes between us. No matter how much that director wants to make it into something.”
“I know,” Bliss breathed, smiling sweetly at Maven, her heart swelling as she kissed the older woman.
Any absent wondering she had about why Maven brought up Christina was ceased by the appearance of the director, video camera in hand, and questions spilling from her about the logistics of them competing against each other for the championship. Maven wore a sullen expression and looked off to one side while Bliss laughed and smiled and answered Christina’s questions, knowing that everything Maven said was true. Win or lose, it wouldn’t change them as a couple.
--
The next morning they woke to loud knocking and Maven grumbled as she rolled out of bed and put on her tank top and shorts. Bliss stayed in bed, half asleep and blinking at the clock on the bedside dresser, wanting to know who would wake them at eight in the morning since most of their friends had been at the same party. She eventually gathered her wits and pulled on a t-shirt and jeans, wandering out in the living room where Maven sat on the couch with a teary eyed Grace. Both sisters lifted their eyes at Bliss’ entrance and she frowned at Grace’s upset expression.
Focusing back on her sister, Maven’s voice was gentler than she ever heard it as she said, “There’s nothing you could’ve done, Grace. They think what they think and it’s not going change. Don’t let it upset you.”
“It’s not right,” said Grace fiercely, shaking her head and clinging to a stack of photo albums in her lap. “I told them it’s not right. You’re their daughter! They shouldn’t treat you like a stranger or a criminal. Not for being who you are.” Wiping at her eyes and forming resolved expression, she continued, “If they don’t need you then I don’t need them. I can pay for college on my own-”
“Stop it,” said Maven, her voice flinty as her gaze and Grace turned to look at her in surprise. Shaking her head, Maven rose to her feet and said, “I’m not going to let you ruin things with them for my sake. I’d sooner stop seeing you then do that, Grace.”
“Emily,” Grace whispered, her eyes going wide. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do mean it,” said Maven in unflinching tones, staring her younger sister down. “Just because I lost them doesn’t mean you should. It’s enough for me that I got you.” She paused, her jaw clenching as she looked off to one side. “What did they say about you seeing me? They’re not happy about it, are they?”
“No,” admitted Grace quietly.
Nodding her head slowly, Maven asked, “Dad?”
“Emily,” Grace said her name in a plea, standing up and taking a step towards her.
“Tell me what he said,” Maven commanded harshly.
“He said it was my mistake to make,” said Grace, sounding disgusted with having to say the words. "He found out Mom still had the photo albums of you. I took them… he was going to throw them out."
“Sounds like him,” said Maven bitterly, a tinge of humor clinging to her voice. Rubbing her forehead, she stared at the floor then asked, “What about the others? Isaac and them? Do they still want to see me?”
“Yes,” said Grace, trying to keep the eagerness from her voice and failing completely.
“And they know about Bliss,” said Maven, staring at Grace and Bliss stepped forward, taking Maven’s hand and smiling when she felt the older woman squeeze it in reassurance. “They accept it.”
“Isaac really wants to meet her,” Grace said. “Almost as much as he wants to hear you sing again.”
Looking to her girlfriend who appeared almost embarrassed at Grace’s words, Bliss couldn’t help the curiosity seizing her and before she could question Maven about Grace’s remark, the older woman turned to her. “I used to sing in the church choir when I was a kid,” Maven revealed in a mutter. “Me and Isaac did it together. I was better though.”
“Of course you were,” said Bliss with a laugh, smiling wide at Maven’s answering scowl.
They settled into a quiet breakfast, Maven discussing plans with Grace to meet her other siblings for lunch a week after the championship bout and taking in the quiet happiness that clung to her girlfriend, Bliss thought that even though their plan wasn’t entirely successful it had been worth it. Because now Maven had just a little more family and little more happiness than she did before which, for Bliss, was all that truly mattered.
--
In spite of all her years playing roller derby, Bliss never could predict how a bout between the Hurl Scouts and Holy Rollers would turn out. They were always too close, too competitive, and the championship bout was no exception. From the moment the whistle sounded for the first jam they were neck in neck for points, the leader changing every other jam and when they took their break before the second half of the bout the Holy Rollers were winning but only by a slim margin of eight points.
Returning to the bout, bruised from Smashley punches of encouragement, Bliss was the picture of concentration and quickly they regained the lead. It didn’t last for long though and by the time they came to the final jam of the night it was the same as it always was, whoever won it would win the bout and the championship along with it. Something in Bliss was fiercely happy to see Maven skating up to face off against her instead of Malice because Maven always brought an extra feeling of competitiveness in Bliss that no one else in the league ever could. As hard as she knew she would have skated against Malice she knew she would skate twice as hard against Maven and maybe that would be enough for them to win.
There was the shrill call of the whistle and the blockers were off and Bliss darted her gaze to Maven who met her eyes and offered that reckless grin which Bliss returned and then their whistle sounded and they took off like a shot, forcing their way through the pack with Maven in the lead. Bliss was right after her though, zig zagging her way through the blockers and they both emerged from the pack neck in neck and maintained their pace as they went around the track, Johnny’s voice an incredulous shout as he relayed their actions. Sensing what Maven was about to do, somehow just knowing she was about to take a hit, Bliss decided to respond in kind and the women crashed into one another, effectively ending up in a pile of limbs with Bliss on top.
Breathing hard and realizing absently neither one of them had won the jam, Bliss found it hard to concentrate with Maven underneath her, chest rising and falling with each sharp breath and her body covered in a thin sheen of sweat. There was something impossibly attractive about Maven when she skated in Bliss’ opinion, something wild and untamed, and a feeling of desire sweeping over her, she gave into her impulses and kissed the older woman. Maven groaned and responded in kind and she could hear Johnny distantly freaking out over their actions and when they separated Maven offered a sly grin.
“I’m still not gonna let you win, baby,” Maven drawled.
“I know,” Bliss responded, smiling and looking the picture of confidence. “Me either.”
“No romancing the enemy!” announced Smashley, dragging Bliss up from Maven’s body while Jackie responded in kind with the older woman. “We got a bout to win or did you forget, Ruthless?”
When she faced a line of very amused teammates wearing questioning expressions, Bliss just shrugged by way of an explanation. As if to say, I couldn’t help it. She’s hot.
Once again, they lined up for the final jam and if Bliss had been humming with excitement before now she was practically rattling. This feeling was why she loved playing roller derby. Nothing made her feel more alive other than making love to Maven and after any bout that’s what she always felt compelled to do, the energy building up into such a crescendo it had to be released in some manner and that being the most preferable. But it was different when they played the Holy Rollers, stronger in a way, and she knew it was because to her and the rest of the Hurl Scouts beating them counted more somehow. Even when they didn’t get along with the other team they respected them for their skills. Bliss knew them, she knew how hard they worked, and how hard they tried and if she beat the Holy Rollers it was because she was fucking good and worked her ass off and for that reason it just seemed to count more and the victory was much sweeter due to the effort she knew was behind it.
Johnny announced the bout was going into sudden death and Bliss turned to one side, surprised to see Malice replacing Maven at the jam line. The petite blonde offered a wide grin then said, “Don’t go kissing me, Ruthless. It won’t help you win.”
Blushing dark red and wondering if Maven had replaced herself in some effort to mess with her, Bliss shook her head and focused on the line of blockers ahead and when the second whistle blew she didn’t think, she just skated. Instinct was on her side as she weaved her way through the pack and she could sense Malice following close behind but it didn’t matter, she was ahead and she knew that as she passed one Holy Roller after another and when she was finally clear she called off the jam, hands on her hips and grinning wide as she heard Johnny declare the Hurl Scouts the champions.
Though she tried to avoid it, she ended up at the bottom of another victory pile incited by Smashley, and when it came time for the traditional handshake between teams, Bliss was aching and very badly wanting another massage from Maven. The older woman raised an eyebrow and grinned when Bliss held onto her hand, pulling her forward until barely a breath was between them. Her hair was disheveled and there was that devil may care look in her eyes that always sucked Bliss in. She honestly didn’t know what she was going to say, if anything at all, Bliss just knew she wanted to kiss her again and so she did, her hands tangling in Maven’s long hair, and she vaguely realized this was being filmed by Christina. The bout, the first kiss she initiated in the middle of the jam, and now this kiss which was quickly escalating as Maven sucked on her tongue and Bliss’ hands slid down to cup Maven’s ass over the short plaid skirt she wore.
The cheers and hoots of their teammates and the crowd and Johnny’s commentary was a roaring din in the background but none of that mattered. Nothing mattered but Maven and this kiss and their relationship and how it made them feel and suddenly Bliss could care less if this was captured on film for all time because at least it would make for a nice end to the movie.
It was storybook even.
End