Abby silently thanked her parents as she easily kept stride with Phoenix while they ran through the trails on the camp ground. The daily run had become part of a comfortable routine they’d fallen into and Abby began to look forward to her time with the other girl. While the training sessions were intense they also made Abby feel as if there was a part of her that was filling up. She smiled.
“You’re quiet this morning.” Phoenix commented as they continued to run.
“Just thinking is all.” Abby replied.
“About what?” Phoenix slowed as they reached the end of the trail. They stopped to take a water break.
“How much I’ve changed since I’ve been here.” Abby took a swig from her water bottle and savored the cool liquid as it ran down her throat.
“Well I can’t really comment on that since I didn’t know you before,” Phoenix said, “but it seems as if you’ve matured.”
“I feel like I have a purpose now.” Abby mused, “Do you know what I…” Abby trailed off as she watched Phoenix pour some of the water from her bottle over her head. The water ran down her face, her neck and down to her…
“White Fox are you alright?” her partner asked. Abby snapped back to reality.
“What? Yeah…sorry. I just spaced there for a minute.” Abby focused intently on her water bottle.
“So how long have you known that you like women?’ Phoenix asked with an amused smile. Abby blushed.
“Not long…I haven’t told my parents yet but I’m sure they’ve known longer than I have.”
“Why haven’t you told them? I mean they’re lesbians, I don’t think they’re going to mind.” Phoenix chuckled.
“I’m just not ready yet. It’s not like I have anyone to bring home or anything.” Abby shrugged. Phoenix’s eyes sparkled.
“So you are single?”
“Subtle aren’t you?” Abby smirked.
“I’m nicknamed after a fire bird. Subtlety is not in my character.” She replied. Abby laughed.
“Yes though…I mean, I’m single.” Abby replied bashfully.
“You’re cute when you blush.” Phoenix teased.
“I am not cute…” Abby mumbled. Phoenix chuckled. The pair walked back to camp at a leisurely pace.
“So when did you and Vixen break up?” Abby asked cautiously.
“A few months ago.” Phoenix replied, “She and I just didn’t…click.”
“I know what you mean.” Abby nodded as she recalled her last boyfriend.
“Have you ever dated a girl before?” The red head asked.
“No.” Abby admitted, “The only girl I’ve fallen for didn’t…feel the same way.”
“She must have been an idiot.” Phoenix replied. “I don’t see how she could resist you.”
“Well…she…” Abby paused as she fought back the painful memories, “She and I were good friends and she was even bi-sexual…but she just didn’t see me as anything more. I unfortunately found this out after a very humiliating Valentines day when I confessed to her how I felt.”
“I’m sorry…” Phoenix rested a hand on Abby’s shoulder.
“Don’t be…I mean we’re still friends and everything, and I’m over her by now. I’m just a little cautious after that.”
“I don’t blame you.” Phoenix replied, “Though, in case you didn’t know, I’m obviously interested in you.” Abby blinked.
“Well I knew we were flirting but I didn’t think that…”
“Let me be frank then.” Phoenix interrupted, “I think that you’re hot. I think that you look gorgeous when you’re training. I want to kiss you. I want to do other things that you’re probably not ready for, but I’m willing to wait. I think you’re smart, funny and interesting to talk to and I’d really like to see where this leads.” Phoenix had stopped walking and was waiting for Abby’s reply. Abby felt her face heat up at her partners words and knew her face must be a bright shade of red.
“I…um…” Abby was at a loss. She tried to focus her thoughts but they all kept getting jumbled again.
“You don’t have to say anything now. I just wanted to let you know where I stand.” The red head shrugged.
“When I know where I stand,” Abby said at last, “I’ll let you know.”
“As I said, I’m willing to wait.” Phoenix leaned closer, “But promise me you won’t make me wait too long.” Abby gulped audibly.
“Okay…I promise.” Phoenix smiled.
“Good.”
“I feel a little weird though…I mean I don’t even know your real name or anything.” Abby admitted.

“I understand that. I’ll tell you my first name if you tell me yours.” Phoenix replied.

“That’s fair.” Abby nodded.

Phoenix extended her hand, “My name is Blair.” Abby smiled and took her hand.

“My name is Abby.” They shook hands and grinned. They walked back to the camp in a good mood.

“I like your name Blair…” Abby mused, “It seems to suit you somehow.”

“Yours too.”

“Really what does my name say about me?” Abby asked. Blair looked her over thoughtfully.

“Well, it says that you’re mature but not all grow up yet. Your serious and mischievous…a perfect quagmire.” Abby blushed.

“What about me?” Blaire flashed a dazzling smile. Abby looked at her long and hard.

“You’re not nearly as outgoing as you lead everyone to believe. Really the reason you act like that is because you’re scared. You’ve been hurt badly in the past and aren’t quite over it yet. You’re trying to start over with people who don’t know what happened and are hoping to get a new image because of it. More than likely you used to be a quiet bookworm and finally got fed up with being walked all over.” Blair stared at her with disbelief.

“How…do you do that?” She asked at last. Abby shrugged.

“It’s something I’ve inherited from my mother. She could always read people really well.”

“Was she a Reader?” Blair asked.

“No she was a Cupid.” Abby replied.

“Cool.” Blair said, “Anyone I’d know of?”

“Maybe.” Abby said.

“Well there’s a rumor going around that Alli Newcaster’s daughter is here somewhere. With your energy being so high I thought it might be you.” Blair shrugged

“Maybe she’s not very powerful which is why she wants to be hidden.” Abby offered.

“True…I hadn’t thought of that. I mean it would be embarrassing to be the daughter of a renowned Cupid and turn out to be below average.” Blair mused.

“Living in your parents shadow must be a difficult thing to do.” Abby agreed.

“Abby…you remember that day in Victoria’s office and you two were talking about something and wouldn’t tell me?” Blair reminded her. Abby sighed.

“I’m sorry Blair but it’s something I simply cannot tell you. The situation hasn’t changed and I can’t put them in danger.”

“Hey.” Blair turned Abby to face her, “It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me I just wanted to know if there was anything that I can do to help.”

“I wish there was…” Abby sighed.

“I just…I know it’s hard to carry a secret all by yourself and not have anyone to talk to about it.” Blair sighed. Abby looked up and saw that they were getting close to camp.

“Looks like we get to spar today.” Abby commented as she saw Victoria taking out the pads. Blair grinned.

“What?” Abby asked.

“Would it be inappropriate of me to say that I hope you pin me?” She asked impishly.

“Yes…it would.” Abby said blushing.

“Then I won’t say it.” Phoenix laughed.

I am in soooo much trouble. Abby thought as she put on her sparring gear. Victoria glanced curiously at Abby but the young cupid in training said nothing. Victoria had laid several mats on the ground in a clearing by the camp. Blair and Abby faced off in the makeshift ring. Victoria gave the signal for them to start and Phoenix rushed at her with frightening speed. Abby narrowly avoided her attack and countered. Blair blocked and tried to throw her opponent but Abby flipped and managed to land on her feet. Abby studied Blair’s stance and slowed her breathing. She felt a small nagging in the back of her mind urging her to dip into her powers. But Abby remembered the burning white energy that had nearly made her pass out. Fearing a repeat she tried to ignore it as she made her attack on her partner. Each girl met the other blow for blow. Finally Abby could ignore it no longer. She felt her energy flowing through her and seemed to see every move that Blair was going to make before she made it. As soon as Blair would throw a punch or try a counter Abby was on the other side of the mat. Abby found her opening and swept her leg under Blair to knock the other girl to the ground. Abby pinned her down and saw the disbelief on her partners face. The red head was panting heavily and Abby realized that she hadn’t broken a sweat. With confusion she turned to Victoria. The older woman’s eyes were wide. Abby followed her gaze to the pulsing energy around her. The purple glow almost looked like armor.

“What’s…what’s happening to me?” Abby asked fearfully.

“Abby…I think we need to call your parents and have them take a look at this.” Victoria said. She pressed the call button on her ear piece and spoke urgently into it.

“Abby?” Blair said cautiously from the mat, “Are you alright?”

“I…” Abby couldn’t finish her thought. Too much was going through her mind at the same time. The energy was starting to burn again. Blair stood up and pulled Abby into a hug.

“Breathe.” Blair whispered, “Let it go. Listen to my voice; let me be your anchor” Something about Blair’s voice once again soothed Abby. Her energy slowly faded away and with it her strength left her. Blair caught her and lowered her to the ground.

“Abby?” The red head called. Abby struggled to keep her eyes open.

“Blair? I’m sorry…did I… hurt you?” Abby asked with labored breathing.

“No. But it was hot.” Blair smiled gently.

“You’re…incorrigible.” Abby said with a weak smile.

“Abby?” Victoria said softly, “Your parents are on their way. We need to get you inside so that their arrival doesn’t cause a scene.”

“You need to tell her…” Abby said, “Tell her about them…”

“Abby I don’t know if that’s wise…” Victoria trailed off.

“Blair I’m…”

“Abby…rest now okay?” Blair interrupted, “I’m not ready to meet your parents just yet.” She winked.

“But…”

“Shhh. Rest that’s an order.” Blair put a finger on Abby’s lips. Abby sighed.

“You’ll stay until they get here?” Abby asked almost childishly.

“Yes…” Blair smiled as she ran her fingers through the older girl’s hair, “I’ll be right here.”

“άγγελος…” Abby muttered softly.

“What?” Blair said. Abby drifted off before she could respond.