1.20 – Waterworks

As soon as Leona hopped out of Quinn’s convertible, Sarah’s eyes lit up, and she charged forward, grinning wide. “You’re here!” she squealed, practically flying into Leona’s arms. Her bathing suit—the one she’d teased about—was super-mega-ultra cute, covered in pink cats that stretched across the fabric like they were lazing in the sun. She clutched a small waterproof bag slung over her shoulder, but the way she threw herself at Leona, it nearly clattered to the ground as she wrapped her arms around her. Leona stumbled back, her sneakers skidding on the hot cement of Sarah’s driveway.

“Hahahahaha!” Leona laughed, hugging Sarah tightly in return, her cheeks blazing pink. “That bathing suit you’re wearing is ridiculously cute! Don’t you feel a little embarrassed wearing it?”

“Nope!” Sarah shot back with a playful smirk, her lips curling into a grin that could only be described as cat-like. “I’d be really embarrassed if it were a two-piece, but my parents would never allow that anyway.”

Leona giggled, about to respond when Quinn’s voice cut through. “Shhhh—here come the overlords,” she teased, laughing under her breath. She nodded toward the house where Sarah’s parents were emerging from the front door, arm in arm, their serious expressions making it feel like a formal inspection was about to begin. It was Leona’s first contact with an alien species.

“Hey there, Mister and Missus Namias.” Quinn strode forward, her voice light and easy, offering a broad smile. “Nice to meet you. I’m Quinn—DJ and musician extraordinaire by trade. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of them both. I’m used to chaperoning thanks to my little sister here. You can count on me.”

Sarah’s father offered a thin smile, his eyes sharp as he sized up the trio. “Make sure you do,” he said, his tone polite but firm. “She’s a handful. Keep her away from anything wild—or any of the criminal element that San Isidro is famous for.”

Leona stiffened, frowning. “It’s not that bad here,” she protested. “Sure, crime’s been on the rise, but that doesn’t mean everyone in San Isidro is bad.”

Sarah’s mother tilted her head slightly, her eyes lingering on the way Sarah was still clinging to Leona.

Quinn, sensing the tension, smoothly intervened. “So, what brought you folks to this oh-so-lovely town?” she asked, flashing a grin. “Not that we’re not thrilled to have Sarah here. She’s been amazing.”

Sarah’s mother softened, her smile warm, but her husband’s expression hardened further. “A forced relocation,” he said flatly. “My company moved us here because corporate taxes are lowest here for now. Profit matters more than people to them. Though commuting across the bay would’ve been an option, the gondola’s too slow. Driving would take over an hour and a half up the coast, so we settled for the best neighborhood we could find.”

Quinn scratched her head, laughing a little. “Well, it’s a lovely home! Nicer than ours. But ours isn’t bad either. Ma owns a charming café, and the people who come in are all friendly. They hug each other all the time. You don’t see that much outside of a church, right?”

Sarah’s mother’s eyes lit up. “That sounds wonderful! Do they worship there?”

“Uh…” Quinn coughed, forcing a laugh. “Not really! We’re not exactly the devout type, but we feed the body and soul. Everyone calls our mom Goonie—it’s her beatnik thing.”

Sarah’s father scowled, glancing at the sun. “You should be on your way. At this rate, it’ll be sunset before you leave.”

Sarah’s mother shot him a look, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Don’t be so harsh,” she chided gently before turning back to the girls. “Go on, kids. Have fun. There’s a lovely pie waiting in the oven when you get back, so don’t be late.”

Leona gave Sarah a playful tug toward the convertible. She hopped over the door into her seat with ease, and Sarah followed, albeit less gracefully, glancing nervously at her parents. Quinn vaulted into the driver’s seat with practiced nonchalance. Doors? Overrated.

As Sarah’s father turned to head inside, he paused, casting one last look over his shoulder. “Drive carefully,” he said, his voice clipped but not entirely unkind.

“SHIT! No offense, Sarah, but your dad’s pretty intense—” Quinn grumbled as she shifted gears, the convertible gliding down San Isidro’s major boulevard. Her eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, scanning for any sign of pursuit, though none came. The distant wail of an alarm echoed through the city, a reminder that some kind of theft was underway. Not an everyday occurrence, but common enough lately. Cheshire’s absence loomed large over San Isidro—and El Aguilla too.

Sarah shifted in her seat, adjusting the strap of her bag, her expression thoughtful. “I’m not offended,” she said quietly. “Daddy’s stern, but he’s a good Christian. He expects nothing but the best from me.” She forced a small smile, but the weight behind her words hung in the air like heavy fog.

Leona bit her lip, unsure whether to offer comfort or let the moment pass. The silence stretched out, taut and uncomfortable.

Sarah broke it first, her voice softer, gentler. “Anyway, I’m really happy to be going with you to the water park.” Her gaze lingered on Leona, curious, almost searching. “But…” She tilted her head, eyes playful but serious. “Why did you choose that swimsuit? It’s not as cute as mine, even though you’re way cuter than me. Did you wear that? Just to make me giggle?”

Leona’s laugh came out high and nervous, her cheeks blazing crimson. “N-no! I didn’t—” She shot Quinn a sidelong glare, resentment simmering beneath the surface. Quinn’s idea, of course. Leona could still hear her voice teasing, “It’ll be adorable, trust me.”

The swimsuit in question clung to her like a second skin—a stereotypical Japanese school one-piece, navy blue, snug in ways that made her hyper-aware of every movement. Beneath it, the gaff did its job, but she still felt the subtle press of self-consciousness. It didn’t help that every passing second made it feel smaller.

Quinn, by contrast, looked breezy and effortlessly confident in a daring bikini beneath her light green sundress. The fabric fluttered in the warm breeze, and her sandals tapped rhythmically on the pedals. She’d dressed to impress Sarah’s parents, despite her olive-green hair still spiking out in a bold, rebellious halo.

“How does that work, exactly?” Leona muttered, shooting Quinn a look. “The sundress and sandals, I mean. You think it made your hair invisible?”

Quinn smirked, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Hey, it’s all about balance, babe. Distract them with wholesomeness while giving off just a little chaos. Besides, Sarah’s mom didn’t even blink.”

Sarah giggled, her smile warm. “I think you looked lovely, Quinn. But I have to agree—your hair is hard to miss.”

Quinn let out a bark of laughter. “Hard to miss? It’s iconic, thank you very much.”

Leona slumped a little in her seat, tugging at the neckline of her swimsuit. “I should’ve just worn a hoodie.”

Sarah leaned over, eyes twinkling mischievously. “Nah, you’re cute like this. Just don’t trip and fall into the water before we even get there.”

Leona groaned, covering her face with both hands. “Why did I agree to this?”

“Because you like me,” Sarah teased, leaning back with a smug grin.

Leona and Sarah’s screams rang out, mingling with the rush of water as they hurtled down the slide, laughter bursting free with each twist and turn. Leona clung to Sarah’s waist, carefully controlling their position to avoid any mishap that could make things awkward in a way neither of them were ready for. The splashdown into the cool pool was a relief from the heat, and they surfaced, gasping and grinning, before paddling madly toward the edge.

Sarah scrambled out first, her wet hair clinging to her shoulders, already tugging at Leona’s hand. “Come on! The big one next!” she chirped, dragging Leona toward the towering slide in the distance.

They darted from slide to slide, the world narrowing to the sound of rushing water and the slap of their bare feet on the hot pavement. Leona followed, unable to stop smiling at Sarah’s enthusiasm, the way her eyes sparkled with each new challenge. As they waited in line for the biggest slide, Leona glanced at Sarah, a question bubbling up.

“So... how did you manage to sneak out to that rave?” Leona asked, voice low, though she didn’t finish the thought aloud—with your parents being so strict hung unspoken between them.

Sarah flinched, her shoulders jumping slightly, but she exhaled a quiet laugh. “Um... yeah. I told you I rebel sometimes.” Her chuckle was brittle, edged with something wistful. “That night, I said I was going to a small anime convention. My dad doesn’t approve of anime—thinks it’s full of satanic messages—but Mom convinced him to let me go. She thinks I need more friends.”

Leona snorted, smirking. “Satanic? What’s satanic about this swimsuit? It’s the most modest thing ever.”

Before Sarah could answer, a voice from behind them cut through the air.

“Whoa! A real middle-schooler Japanese swimsuit!” A guy’s voice, too loud, too close. Leona stiffened, heat rushing to her cheeks. The guy gawked openly, wide-eyed with misplaced excitement. “That’s awesome! Can I take a picture?”

Leona’s stomach twisted. She flushed deeper, her grip tightening on the metal railing.

“Dude, this isn’t an anime con,” the guy’s friend chuckled, though it lacked any real reprimand. “But hey, not a bad idea. Wanna grab a bite at the snack stands after this? Maybe hit the lazy river?”

“Nah, we’re doing this slide at least four more times!” the first guy crowed. His gaze lingered a second too long on Sarah’s pink kitty swimsuit. “But hey, the more, the merrier.”

Leona’s mind went blank. She knew the feeling, the way catcalls and stares used to leave her frozen. Even now, fully herself, fully Leona, it hadn’t gotten easier. She searched desperately for something—anything—Quinn or Goonie might’ve told her in moments like this.

She didn’t need to.

“These girls are underage,” Quinn’s voice sliced in, cold and sharp as a knife. She stepped forward, popping her knuckles, her eyes dark with warning. “Keep it in your pants. Or better yet, walk away. Now.”

The guys exchanged glances, smirking, clearly unfazed by Quinn’s lean frame or the venom in her voice.

“Relax,” the blonde one said, flashing a too-bright grin. “I was just being friendly. I’m loaded, by the way. My treat if you change your mind. I’ll show you all a good time if you give me a chance.”

Sarah’s polite smile was steel under velvet. “Thanks, but I’m good.”

Quinn crossed her arms. “Our plans don’t include you, so kindly fuck off.” Her voice was smooth, almost sweet, but the threat lingered like smoke.

The second guy narrowed his eyes at Quinn, clearly irritated. “That’s rude. What about you?” He leaned toward Leona, voice oozing false charm. “You’re awfully quiet.”

Quinn stepped in, a wall between them. “Touch her, and I’ll break your hand.”

The glare Quinn shot at them silenced further protests, and she steered Leona and Sarah to the back of the line with a terse, “Let’s stand here instead.”

A nearby couple with grinning kids waved them ahead, clearly more amused by the scene than upset. “Go ahead,” the woman said kindly. “Looks like you’ve had a rougher day than us.”

By the time they climbed the scaffolding stairs to the top, the cool breeze ruffling their damp hair, the exhaustion of the confrontation began to fade—until they saw him again.

The blonde guy from before stood at the top, leaning casually where the employee should have been, his grin sharper now.

Quinn’s expression darkened. “You two go first,” she murmured, voice soft but dangerous. “We’re not coming back if they’re still here.”

The blonde guy smiled disarmingly, his grin widening like a predator playing nice. His friend leaned casually against the slide, his hands in his pockets, watching them with an unsettling amount of interest. Leona’s glare was hard, calculating. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. Her instincts were screaming, but the feeling was quickly overridden by Quinn’s sharp voice. “Just go, quickly. Jump in.”

The hesitation was brief, but real. Leona exchanged a quick glance with Sarah. Then, without waiting, Leona nodded and dove feet first, Sarah’s hand tightly gripped in hers. The force of the water immediately swallowed them, and they spiraled downward.

Sarah’s voice rang out beside her, a gleeful “Eeep!” as the two girls shot through the twists, the world a blur of colors and rushing water. Leona’s mind scrambled. She was glad that she hadn’t wrapped her legs around Sarah again—there was no way she’d be able to control herself if she pressed up against her now. If she got hard, that would be it. That would be the end of all of this. Not now. Not here.

But the relief of the safer position was fleeting.

When Sarah’s legs suddenly wrapped around her hips, squeezing with unintentional force, Leona’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart pounded, and the familiar pressure of her body’s reaction surged in protest, pushing against the gaff, testing its limits. Leona fought to hold it back, even as Sarah squealed with excitement into her ear, her modest B-cups pressing softly against Leona’s back, her thighs clamping around her body with undeniable force. Leona cursed herself under her breath, furious that she hadn’t thought this through. What the fuck was I thinking? The last thing she needed was to feel this way when she was already battling to keep everything in check.

The slide spun them, launched them faster, and Leona could barely focus on the movement anymore. All she could feel was Sarah’s body pressed so close to hers, the unintended friction making everything harder, worse. It was getting so much harder to hide the inevitable. Hold it together, Leona, just hold it together.

Back at the top of the slide, Quinn stood arms crossed, watching the two men with narrowed eyes. “What are you two up to?” Her voice was low, the warning there even if she didn’t say it out loud.

The blonde guy shrugged with exaggerated nonchalance, clearly trying to hide his amusement. “Nothing. The guy on duty’s a friend of mine. I’m not in the mood for food anymore. Just gave him a little bit of cash to grab a cold drink.”

Quinn’s eyes narrowed even further, studying them both. The blonde’s friend was eerily silent, only casually admiring the skyline across the bay. It made the situation feel even worse, like they were observing prey in the wild. Quinn couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Quinn’s voice, when it came, was calm but firm. “Fine. But I don’t want to see either of you stalking us today.”

She turned, making her way toward the slide, her eyes flicking between the two guys as she moved, ensuring she kept track of them. But just as Quinn neared the drop, everything happened in an instant. The guy’s quiet friend—who had been too still, too silent—moved with surprising speed, rushing behind Quinn and seizing her legs. Before she could even react, he jerked them out from under her, sending Quinn crashing face first into the slide with a harsh, loud, wet slap.

The blonde guy’s laughter rang out, cruel and victorious. “Have fun on your way down, bitch!” he shouted, his grin wide and gleaming as he waved, smug satisfaction curling his lips.

Quinn’s startled shout was drowned out by the rush of water, and the friend stepped back, a self-satisfied sneer on his face.

Leona’s hands shot down instinctively to her crotch, trying to cover herself as they hurtled down the slide. The water and friction hit her with a force she hadn't prepared for, her body jolting in ways that made it all too easy for her boy bits to spring free from their restraints. The last thing she needed was for Sarah to notice right now, especially as she heard her friend scream joyfully beside her. Not like this, not like this...

All too soon, the ride ended, and they made a mighty splash at the bottom. Leona immediately resurfaced, gasping, only to find Sarah coming up beside her, laughing and spluttering in excitement. But Leona's heart was still in her throat as she wiped water from her eyes. She glanced at Sarah, her gaze hazy, desperately trying to clear her vision. Don’t let her come too close...

Sarah swam closer, her strokes graceful and effortless as she narrowed the space between them. Leona’s heart hammered in her chest, each beat louder than the last, and she instinctively dodged to the side, her legs trembling beneath her. If Sarah hugs me right now—if she finds out— Leona’s pulse quickened, her hands gripping tighter, pressing against her crotch in a desperate attempt to hide her secret. The last thing she needed was for Sarah to realize what was happening. Not like this. Not here.

Her mind raced, panic clawing at her chest. Every second felt like an eternity. Why did I think I could keep this under control?

But before Leona could dwell on that, a loud, gut-wrenching scream pierced the air. It was Quinn’s voice! The scream got Sarah’s attention too, her head snapping up as both girls looked toward the top of the slide.

Leona’s stomach twisted, and her gaze shot back to the top. Where is she? The blonde guy’s smirk flashed in her mind, still burning sharp and cruel. That look… something’s off. He’s up to something. Unease settled deeper in her bones. He was watching us. Watching Quinn.

Although Leona tried to shake the feeling, it clung to her, gnawing at her insides. She forced herself to take a breath, but it came out shallow, like a panicked animal trapped in a cage. Her anxiety wasn’t just about her own secret anymore—it was about Quinn.

Sarah blinked, finally catching up, her brow furrowing in concern. “Are you okay?” she asked softly, genuine worry in her voice. But the sincerity of Sarah’s question only added to the storm brewing inside Leona. She chewed her lip, trying to steady herself, but her hands trembled despite her best efforts. Calm down, Leona. Don’t make it worse. Every movement felt wrong, like the universe was conspiring against her keeping her composure.

Leona leaned against the edge of the pool to hide her bulge, praying Sarah wouldn’t look too closely. “I’m fine,” she muttered, barely able to keep her voice steady.

“Are you sure? You seem kind of...” Sarah trailed off, eyes flicking between Leona and the rest of the waterpark. Then, as if something had clicked, she turned back to Leona, her voice quieter. “You’re worried about Quinn, right?”

Leona didn’t respond right away, instead watching Quinn from the corner of her eye as she stood at the edge of the water. Quinn had always been like this—protective, instinctive. But that blonde guy... something in her gut told her she wasn’t going to like what came next. You can’t let your guard down, Leona.

Sarah continued, oblivious to the tension in the air. “I think she’s overreacting. The guys didn’t seem that bad. You’re being paranoid.”

Leona snapped before she could stop herself. “Don’t be so naïve.” The words came out harsh, louder than she intended. They want us alone. They want us to follow them. Leona couldn’t shake the image of that blonde guy’s predatory look. “They probably wanted to take us somewhere... for some ‘private fun.’” Her stomach turned at the thought.

Sarah’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What? That’s insane, Leona! They’re just college guys. Why would they do anything like that?” Her voice held a note of incredulity, as if the idea was too ridiculous to even consider.

Leona could only shake her head. She’s too innocent. She wanted to scream at Sarah to open her eyes, but before she could say anything more, another disturbing sound cut through the noise of the water park.

A gurgling cry echoed from the exit of the water slide.

Leona’s eyes snapped to the slide. She barely registered the splash before she saw it—Quinn’s olive-green hair flashing through the air before she hit the water, a sickeningly loud smack. Leona’s heart seized in her chest. No...

Quinn had dove face-first into the water. And it wasn’t the usual reckless fun Quinn was known for—no, this was different. What was going on?

Leona’s breath hitched, a primal fear gripping her. “Quinn!” she yelled, her voice hoarse as she dove underwater, swimming powerfully, her heart thudding painfully in her chest.

Leona swam as fast as she could, pushing against the water with everything in her, her arms burning as she reached Quinn’s limp form. Quinn wasn’t moving, her head bobbing in the water like a ragdoll. Leona’s stomach twisted into a knot of panic. No, no, no, Quinn—!

She grabbed Quinn’s body, pulling her to the side of the wading pool. Sarah was right behind her, and when she saw Quinn’s pale, lifeless face and her bloodied nose, she froze, her eyes widening in horror.

“Is she okay?” a lifeguard called from the poolside, rushing toward them. Leona’s hands were shaking as she shook her head, unable to find the words.

The lifeguard moved quickly, swimming out to them, faster than Leona could blink. He grabbed Quinn’s limp body, towing her from the water with practiced efficiency. Kneeling beside her, he helped Leona and Sarah drag Quinn to the poolside. As soon as Quinn was on solid ground, the lifeguard’s hands went to her neck, checking for a pulse before he immediately began chest compressions.

Leona’s breath caught in her throat as Quinn’s skin turned deathly pale, her face nearly white as a sheet, blood trickling from her nostrils. The sight made Leona’s heart race and her world tilt—a nauseating mix of panic and helplessness crashing through her. It wasn’t just the blood; it was the stillness. The horrible stillness that had settled in Quinn’s body.

Tears spilled down Leona’s cheeks as she watched the lifeguard work, pumping at Quinn’s ribcage, breathing into her mouth, working to force air into her lungs. The seconds stretched like hours.

Sarah’s face crumpled, and she choked back a sob. “I was wrong... I was wrong about them,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the lifeguard’s urgent efforts. “I—oh God, Leona, I was so wrong!”

Leona’s vision blurred with tears, but just as she thought her heart might break, Quinn suddenly sputtered, her chest heaving as she coughed violently. Blood and water spilled from her mouth.

“Quinn!” Leona yelled, collapsing beside her, her hands trembling as she reached for her sister. She couldn’t stop crying. She couldn’t stop shaking. Quinn was alive. Quinn was okay... for now.