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 ï>¿University Adventures byThanksForAllTheFishÂ(C)

   Chapter One -- The Beginning

   'Come on Jay this is ridiculous, this has gone way too far.'

   Holly stood outside wrapped in a fluffy white dressing gown, shivering
slightly and shifting her weight from side to side in an attempt to keep
her bare feet warm.  Her flat mate Jericho just laughed as he pointed his
phone at his uneasy friend.

   'Rules are rules Holly, you knew what you were getting yourself into. 
So, you ready?'

   'No.'

   Holly hugged herself and continued to peer into the darkness, anxiously
looking for any signs of life.  Even though it was one in the morning in
the middle of December there were still a few groups of students heading
back to their accommodation blocks, as well as the occasional campus
security van driving around.  Her quick nervous breathes turned to fog as
they touched the cold night air and her teeth were beginning to chatter.

   'There's still too many people.'

   'No there aren't, coward,' Jericho was still grinning.  'And you're
going to freeze to death soon so let's go.' He walked backwards away from
the doorway and into the night, keeping the camera trained on her as he
went.  'Come on!'

   'Someone will see!  Then they'll call security, or the police, I'll get
caught, probably kicked out of uni -'

   'No you won't, you're going to be absolutely fine.  Now move'.

   'I hate you.' Scowling, Holly took a deep breath and glared upwards at
the sky.  'Ahhh fine!' With that she quickly ripped off her robe, threw it
to the side and sprinted straight past Jericho.  He immediately turned and
followed in hot pursuit trying, with some difficulty, to keep her in frame.

   'Slow down man, I can't keep up!' Even with no shoes Holly was already
pulling away and disappearing into the gloom.  'Wait for me!'

   'Are you crazy?  No way,' Holly glanced back furiously.  'You're not the
one who's naked!'

   ***

   Things had started three months earlier when Jericho decided to take a
quick afternoon shower.  It was his first week at university and so far
everything was going ok.  The lectures weren't too boring yet, the
assignments were doable and his flat seemed really nice.  There were twelve
of them sharing a kitchen and the communal bathroom, and although a couple
of people seemed happier chilling alone in their rooms the rest of them
were pretty social.  They were all planning to go out again that evening to
one of the nearby clubs, so Jericho decided to freshen up before the
pre-drinks got going.

   Two of the cubicles were already in use when he entered and he could
recognise one of the girls' voices humming a tune to herself as she washed.
After stripping off Jericho tilted his head back under the hot water and
entered a little world of his own, daydreaming peacefully until he heard
someone else come into the bathroom.  He sighed, reached for his shower gel
and proceeded to lather himself up, scrubbing his lean body from head to
toe.  Next he let the water cascade over himself as he rinsed the suds off
with his hands, and that was the precise moment the door to his stall was
suddenly barged open.

   'Shit!  Oh my god, sorry!'

   Jericho instinctively covered himself, wincing as he did so, and looked
up just in time to see a girl quickly turn away and rush out of the
bathroom.  He pushed the door shut again whilst cursing the flimsy latch,
finished his shower, and after covering up in a t-shirt and towel hurried
back to his room.  As he got changed he bemoaned his bad luck and wondered
what the hell his intruder had been thinking.  He'd only caught a glimpse
but he was almost sure it was his flat mate Holly, and that she had got
more than a glimpse of him.  They'd spoken a few times, he knew she did
maths and was from London, but other than that he didn't know her that
well. She was part the group going out tonight though, so now that would be
awkward he grumbled to himself, annoyed at the situation.  Ah well he
thought, checking his appearance in the mirror, nothing to be done now,
let's just try and have a good night.  Grabbing a bottle of vodka from his
shelf he headed out into the corridor to meet the others.

   ***

   A few hours later and Jericho was absolutely finished.  Another flat
mate Jessica was slumped against his shoulder, drunkenly arguing with Diego
about something unimportant as their taxi carried them back to campus.  It
had been a great night though, despite Jericho's early embarrassment.  A
few drinking games in the kitchen had got everyone in the party mood, and
it was hard to be that uncomfortable around Holly because she seemed to be
completely ignoring him, not even making eye contact once.  There were
plenty of others to have fun with though, especially when they met up with
another flat from their block to go into town together.  His memories of
the club were pretty hazy.  He remembered a lot of shots, some slurred
conversations in the smoking area, and a bit of music and dancing.  The
girls had all been looking particularly attractive as they cavorted
together under the lights, and the guys looked on longingly.  Nothing
particularly exciting happened though and now they were all heading home,
slightly worse for wear.

   'Come on sleepy, we're here.' Jessica nudged him awake and they all
clambered out as Diego unlocked the flat's door.  Everyone trudged up the
stairs to their floor and they began to say their goodbyes.  'Night
everyone, let's do this again soon!  Love you all.'

   'Night guys!' As they all swayed down the corridor everyone peeled off
into their separate rooms.  Jericho's was the last one down, but he walked
past straight to the kitchen in desperate need of some water.  Standing at
the sink he poured himself several glasses before resting against the
counter and checking his phone.

   As he scrolled through his messages the door opened and glancing up he
saw Holly slipping in.  She smiled.  'Hi.  You feeling ok?'

   She hadn't said a word to him at the club or in the taxi back so Jericho
was a bit thrown.

   'Uh yeah, bit of a headache but I'll be fine.  Had some water.'

   'Good, good.'

   She walked over and leant against the fridge across from him, her hands
behind her back.  'Fun place wasn't it?  I'd be down to go back soon.'

   'Yeah, definitely.' Jericho smiled back and wondered where this was
going.  'You feeling ok too?'

   'Yeah fine.  Still a bit tipsy but like you said, just needed some
water.'

   'Yeah.' Jericho was still feeling shy around her and he looked back down
at his phone.

   'So listen.' Holly bit her lip.  'About earlier...'

   'Oh no don't worry, I'm sure -'

   'No no it was my fault, I wanted to say sorry!  I was in a rush and
stupidly didn't notice which shower was in use, and I guess those locks are
pretty weak.'

   'Aha yeah I think so, especially if you ram them.'

   'Yeah my bad, so I am really sorry, and sorry about earlier too.  I was
feeling a bit awkward about it all but I should have said something.'

   Jericho was blushing.  'It's fine really, it was just an accident.  It's
university, this sort of thing must happen a lot.'

   'Are you sure?  I feel bad.'

   'Yes really.' Jericho took another sip of water and immediately felt
worse.  'You're forgiven.  I was a bit embarrassed but now it really is
fine.'

   'Ok,' Holly didn't move.  'You really have nothing to be ashamed of
though, just for your information...'

   'Right, haha.  Thanks.' The pair stood looking at each other and once
again silence descended.  It was dark in the kitchen and only the moonlight
from the windows illuminated their faces, Holly staring quizzically at
Jericho who blankly returned her gaze.

   'No see I feel like it's still awkward.'

   Jericho laughed.  'I promise it's not.'

   'No it is.' Said Holly, stepping forwards toward him.  'So I think I
need to pay you back.'

   'What?  What do you mean.'

   'Well you know.' Holly stopped in front of Jericho and whispered softly.
'You showed me yours, so I should show you mine.'

   Jericho suddenly felt very sober, and despite all the water he'd drank,
very dry throated.  'You don't have to, it's all right.'

   'No no.' Holly exhaled.  'It's only fair.  Then we're even, and tomorrow
morning no one will feel guilty or uncomfortable.' Her body was now mere
inches from his and he could smell the faint scent of her perfume.  For the
first time Jericho let him self study Holly's outfit.  Along with the
standard heels and tight jeans she was wearing a strapless top that left
her shoulders bare and hugged her torso snugly, showing off her curves.  As
she got closer he could see further down the front of her cleavage, so he
looked up to the choker around her neck, and then back up to her eyes. 
Holy noticed the attention and smirked.  'OK then.' Very slowly and
deliberately she crossed her arms and reached down to the front of her top,
then began to pull it up.

   Jericho was frozen.  Mesmerised he watched as more and more skin was
revealed, gradually revealing her stomach and then the undercurve of her
breasts.  This was enough to conform that her outfit did not include a bra,
but just before she fully revealed herself to him she paused and raised an
eyebrow questioningly.  He didn't dare breathe.  He didn't want to move a
muscle in case this magical spell was broken.  Satisfied, Holly grinned
then readjusted her grip, and in one fluid motion stripped her top off over
her head.  She shook her hair free and then decided to unfasten her choker
too for good measure, which she let drop down over her chest and to the
floor.  However when she looked up she was surprised to see Jericho with
his eyes slammed shut and his face angled down to the floor.

   Now it was Holly's turn to be perplexed.  'Umm...  hello?'

   'Sorry.' Jericho blinked a few times and stared at his shoes, not quite
sure why on earth he had just done that.  'Sorry, this is just too weird
and I can't look at you.'

   Holly stood mouth slightly ajar as she processed what had happened. 
Still topless she balled her top in her hands and hugged it against her
chest.

   'I mean bro, I am offering to show you my boobs, no strings attached. 
My idea, you just have to look.'

   'I know, I know.' Jericho was feeling very tired and very confused, but
still he kept his gaze averted.  'I just can't.  Sorry.'

   'You're not into girls, is that it?  That's ok obviously.'

   'No I am, and I'm sure you look great.  I mean no I know you look great,
you're stunning, and I'm sure they do too, but...' He trailed off because
what good explanation could he give?

   'Ok.  Ok, fine.  No worries.' Holly slouched back against the fridge and
ran a hand through her hair in exasperation.

   'Sorry.'

   'Don't say sorry, you're just being a gentleman, annoyingly.  We'll have
to work on that.  I still owe you though, don't forget.'

   'You really don't need to.' Well, thought Jericho, if things weren't too
weird between us before they definitely are now.  He saw Holly's heels walk
past him and back towards the door, and once again he screwed his eyes shut
in frustration.

   'Goodnight, Jay.' Holly looked back ruefully then turned to grab the
handle.  Jay?  No one called him Jay.  Jerry sometimes but never Jay.  The
kitchen door swung shut and once more Jericho was alone.

   'Jesus Christ.' He waited a moment to gather his thoughts, then put his
glass in the sink and turned to leave.

   'What the...' There lying draped on the floor was Holly's top.  He
picked it up and walked to the corridor to look around.  He knew Holly's
room was right down the other end of the long line of doors, as far from
the kitchen as you could get.  Had she really walked that entire way half
naked, when anyone could come out of their room at any time?  As if to
prove his point just that moment Serena ,who was in the room next to his,
came out of the bathroom and padded up to him.

   'Hey Jericho, did you guys have a fun night?'

   'Yeah it was good thanks.' Jericho smiled weakly as she moved on past
him, then leant against the wall and looked in amazement at the discarded
item of clothing in his hand.  A few minutes later he climbed into bed and
reached for his phone again.  He hadn't written a message to Holly yet,
they'd only added each other a couple of days earlier, so he clicked on her
profile and typed.

   *hey, think you forgot you top* Sent.  He rolled his eyes at himself for
such a boring opening line.

   Nevertheless her reply was quick.  *whoops, will have to come by soon to
pick it up x*

   Jericho set his alarm and rolled over to go to bed.  Whatever he had got
himself into with Holly, it could wait until the morning he decided, and
soon he fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.

   ***

   'Cleaning love, you awake in there?'

   Jericho was startled awake by a female voice.  He rushed to his feet in
a panic and saw Jules standing in his doorway peering in.  She was one of
the cleaners for the dorms and once a week they'd come in to clean their
rooms, and make sure they weren't trashing the place.

   'Just woke up have you?'

   'God sorry, yes.' Jericho was very hungover and still tired, although
when he looked at the time he realised he'd completely overslept.

   'Just I've got a rota to keep to love.'

   'Yeah no problem, let me get out of your way.' Jules had been lovely the
couple of times he'd spoken to so far and he didn't want to get in her bad
books so he ushered her in.  As she set too with a hoover he put on a
hoodie with some shorts and went to the kitchen in search of coffee. 
Inside was Jessica and sitting next to her in a fluffy white dressing gown,
Holly.

   'Morning.' They all chimed, and the girls swivelled in their chairs to
face him as he filled the kettle.

   'How's the head after last night?' Jessica's voice sounded pretty rough.

   'Yeah not amazing, how about you?'

   'Awful.' Jessica took a tiny mouthful from her bowel of cereal.  'I want
to die.'

   Jericho watched the water slowly boil.  'I was having a lie in but then
Jules woke me up.  I was only wearing boxers too, bit of a shock to the
system.'

   Jessica laughed.  'Yeah the cleaners are a menace.  That's nothing
though, I wasn't wearing anything yesterday when they barged in at nine in
the morning.'

   'You're joking.' Holly turned to her friend.  'What?'

   'Yeah so I sleep naked normally, and this was the first time they've
come to my room so I didn't know they can just open the door if you don't
hear them knock?  But they really don't wait around, if you don't let them
in quickly they'll just assume you're out and they unlock it themselves.'

   Holly was highly entertained.  'That's hilarious, poor you!  Did they
see anything?'

   'I don't think so.  Luckily it was Sally so at least it wasn't one of
the male ones, that would have been worse, and I think I was fully under
the duvet.  But I could have been tossing and turning all night, thrown the
covers to the side, they could have been in for a treat you know?'

   Jericho poured some milk from the fridge and sat down at the table with
them.  'What about fire alarms?  We've had two already this week, what do
you do then?'

   'Well I just have to be very quick.  I have that really big coat, with
the hood?  I normally just chuck that on and go out in slippers.'

   'What?' Now Holly was interested too.  'You've been lined up outside
with us twice only wearing a coat?'

   'Guys, it's a big coat.' Jessica finally gave up on her breakfast and
pushed the bowl away.  'It saves having to get dressed then undressed
again, and we're only outside for a few minutes each time.  It is annoying
living in halls to be honest.  At home I could wear anything I wanted
because my family were out so much of the time, but here you always have to
be decent.'

   'Wild'.  Holly got up.  'Well speaking of nudity I'm off for a shower.'
She looked straight at Jericho who smiled bashfully and looked away.  'See
you later guys.'

   Jericho watched her walk out and wondered what she was wearing under her
dressing gown, he certainly hadn't seen any pyjamas or underwear poking out
from beneath the plush fabric.  He turned to finds Jessica looking at him
with a slightly amused look on her face.  'So Jericho, you chosen what
modules you're doing yet?'

   They spent twenty minutes chatting about the upcoming term and then a
bit about their respective families.  Another coffee and Jericho was
starting to feel a bit more human, and when Jules popped her head round the
door to say she'd finished with his room he got up to put his things away.
As he and Jessica cleaned up his phone went off and he looked to see that
it was Holly, and this time she had sent a video.  Excusing himself he left
the kitchen and jumped back onto his bed, then pressed play.

   A very wet Holly appeared, recording herself in the foggy mirror of the
bathroom.  Her slick hair showed she must have just got out of the shower
and wrapped herself in a towel.  She waved at her reflection and blew a
kiss, before turning away from the mirror and heading towards the door that
lead to the corridor.  Jericho was a bit disappointed, but then his eyes
widened as the camera panned downwards.  Just the edge of her towel and her
toes were in shot, and after a moment of fumbling the towel fell and lay
folded on the floor.  The camera then looked up again and showed Holly's
outstretched hand push open the bathroom door as she stepped over what was
presumably her only form of covering.  The showers were positioned halfway
along the corridor so although she didn't have to walk quite as far as last
night's adventure, she still had four doors to pass on each side before
getting to the safety of her room.  Less distance, but this time with a lot
less clothing too Jericho thought.

   The film ended when she approached her door as she flipped the camera
and gave a wink down the lens.  Sadly only her flushed face was in this
frontal shot and Jericho sighed as the video came to an end.  He was
hallway through his fourth replay when Holly sent through a message.

   *still waiting to get even, at this rate someone else is going to get to
see it all before you do!*

   Jericho had no words.  There was certainly a lot he wanted to say but
this was unchartered territory and he had no clue about how to respond. 
His indecision was interrupted with a bang at the door.  Jeffery his course
mate was here to walk to their lecture together, so after hastily getting
changed and grabbing his bag Jericho rushed out to join him, leaving
Holly's message on read.

   ***

   The next few days flew by.  Fresher's week was well and truly over and
the realities of university life had kicked in, with the number of lectures
and assignments quickly ramping up.  Other than making dinner with the
others each night Jericho was rarely in the flat, spending most of his time
in the library trying not to fall too far behind on work.

   By the time Saturday came he was definitely in need of a break and as a
kitchen they decided a night in drinking was the easiest solution.  A few
games in and everyone was in a very great mood, especially Jessica and
Serena who had been working far too hard as well.  Holly was also at her
flirtatious best and all in all Jericho was having a good time.

   'And so it's proper life drawing then, with an actual naked person?'
Sean was interrogating Holly about the day she had just had.

   'Ok so they're called life models for one,' Holly gestured with a wine
glass to emphasise her points.

   'And yes, of course they're naked, it's a proper class.  I did art at
college then I went to a few lessons in my gap year.  The art society do
them every week so I thought I'd try and get properly into it.'

   'Have you got your sketches?  I want to see'

   'Yeah, be nice though I'm rusty.' Holly fished out her notepad and it
was passed around the table.

   'Wow you're really good Holls these look great!' Serena was very
impressed as was Jericho, you could see she had a real talent.

   'And damn she's hot!' Sean poured over the drawings showing far too much
interest in the model which Holly had captured so vividly.  'Who is she?'

   'Relax you creep.' Holly laughed and took the pad back off him.  'I
think her name was Nathalie?  Does econ I think, she didn't stay after to
mingle.'

   'Wait what?  She's a student?  I thought they'd bring in a model?'

   'No its quite normal to have someone who knows the class already.  You
can get paid professionals to do it but the session are free to go to so
I'd guess she just volunteers.  This was only the first time I've been
though, maybe there are some other ones sometimes.'

   'So she's naked the whole time?'

   'You're such a perv Sean!' This time Serena was the one laughing.  'Have
you never seen a woman's body before?'

   'And no Sean darling, she wasn't.' Holly got up to get a fresh drink and
patted him on the head.  'She did a few short poses and then the longest
ones are only five minutes each.  Then she got a robe to wear in between
sittings, everyone is very mature and grown up about it.  She did get
undressed in the corner of the room though, normally they get a dressing
room.'

   'Wild man, wild.  I need to come.'

   'No way silly, you go for the art or you don't go at all.  They'd see
you staring and kick you out anyways.'

   'I'd like to come though if you go again.' This time it was Jericho's
turn to pipe up.  'I used to do a lot of art too and I'd love to get back
into sketching again.'

   'Ok great, let's do next week's session?' Holly was also keen.

   'Great.'

   'Now that's unfair, I can appreciate beauty too you know.' Sean wasn't
really annoyed though and the conversation soon moved on as the drinks
continued to flow.  Jericho was half listening to a boring story Diego was
telling and half daydreaming when he overheard Serena and Holly talking
about something way more interesting.

   'That must be so crazy though!  You're completely nude in a room full of
people who you slowly get to know each week, and even worse you could bump
into them at any second when you walk around campus!  Like how the hell do
you cope with that?'

   Holly mused thoughtfully.  'I know what you mean, it takes a certain
sort of person.  Not just the fact you need to be so secure in your own
body, but you need to be one hundred percent being comfortable with no
clothes.  I don't know how you get to be like that, you can't really build
up to it gradually can you?  Just bang, one day you have to walk in a room
and take your kit off.'

   'No way girl, I could never.  Never ever!  Well I say that...' Serena
shook her head laughing.

   'What?  What do you mean?'

   Serena lowered her voice to a confidential tone.  'Oh so this is
ridiculous.  You know how I play rugby at a pretty high level?'

   'Yeah...'

   'Well I want to join the uni team, its almost as good as my one from
home.  And basically they have this really intense initiation thing you
have to do to get in, I was talking to some of the second years about it.'

   Holly had heard about this sort of thing.  'Like crazy drinking games
and punishments, humiliations, challenges, that sort of thing?  Aren't
rugby clubs normally the craziest ones to get into?'

   'Yep they are, that's why I'm stressing.  So they actually refused to
tell me what happens on initiation night itself, apparently the element of
surprise is very important.  But that's next weekend, and if we even want
to get invited first we have to do this scavenger hunt.'

   'Ok, so how hard can that be?'

   'Holly mate it's crazy.  I thought it would be collect a fur cone, take
a picture in a lecture hall, maybe steal a book from the library at worst,
that sort of lame thing.  But its insane, look, I took a screenshot.  Each
one comes with a point score, and some you can get more points depending on
how difficult you make the challenge.  If you can't prove you've scored at
least thirty points by initiation night then you're not invited, simple.'

   Holly took the phone and scrolled down the list, gasping as she went.

   'Ok, steal a whole fridge from another kitchen?  How on earth are you
meant to do that...  and only five points?'

   'Exactly, like how?  How do they expect people to get away with all
this?'

   'Ok, drink ten pints in five minutes at the union bar?  Can you do
that?'

   'Pfff no way, look I've been sipping this beer for the last half an
hour. Also if you then throw up you lose all your points anyway.'

   'Jump into the gym pool fully clothed?  Only ten points?  Wouldn't they
ban you for that?'

   'I'd have thought so.'

   'Oh my god Serena!' Holly covered her mouth an giggled.  'Well there is
a library one...  take a photo of you with a stranger,'

   'Oh yeah this one, you've made it to the dirty section.'

   'One point for a normal photo, five if you're in your underwear and ten
points if you're fully nude!'

   'Yeah not happening I'm afraid.  Keep scrolling though...'

   'What...  oh wow.  Oh wow some of these can't be real!'

   'Hey Jerry.' Jericho's eavesdropping was rudely interrupted by Jessica
pulling him up to his feet by his collar.  'Beer pong, you're on my team,
let's go.'

   'Ahhh fine, let's do this.' Reluctantly Jericho followed her to the
dining table and wondered what other types of daring task Serena and her
teammates were expected to pull off.  All he knew is that she and Holly
spent a long time that night in the corner hunched over the scavenger list.

   ***

   It was still only eleven when the dreaded sound of the fire alarm
blared, drowning out the music from their speakers.  Everyone groaned. 
'Who the fuck has set it off this early?' Diego complained.

   'Come on everyone, grab a drink and get your shoes.' Jessica shepherded
everyone into the corridor and Jericho jogged off to get a jumper. 
Re-joining the others they all filed down the stairs, merging with the
other flats in the block and trekking off to the nearby car park.  Campus
security watched them as they walked past and Jessica and Jericho passed a
wine bottle between them as they chatted.  As they waited for the building
to be searched and the alarm to be turned off they saw Holly in a bulky
jacket rushing to catch up with them.

   'Oh hi, wondered where you'd gone.' Jericho offered her the bottle.

   Holly shook her head and fished an unopened can of cider from her
pocket. 'No thanks.  Yeah I couldn't find my keys, I think I was the last
one out.  A fireman told me to hurry up but I think it might just be a
drill, no one has smelt any smoke.'

   'God how annoying,' Jessica took another swig.  'This is the third one
in a week, do we really need drills?  I think we know where to go by now.
Hey look Holly, we're coat twins'.

   Holly looked down, they were wearing similar looking parkas.  'Oh true,
they do look the same.  How are you not cold Jay, it's freezing.'

   Jericho shrugged happily.  'Alcohol I guess?  You must be nippy too
Jessica, if you're wearing your traditional fire alarm outfit.'

   'Oh you wish!' Jessica laughed at his cheek, then with her hands in her
pockets suddenly ripped her coat open as if to flash them.  All she
revealed though was her outfit from the kitchen.

   'Aww, you are wearing clothes underneath.' Jessica punched Jericho
playfully and buttoned herself back up.

   'Sorry to disappoint Jerry, but I'm not that drunk.  Oh my God its Pete!
Hey Pete!' Spying one of her course mates Jessica ran off to go and say hi.

   Holly shook her head.  'I think she is pretty drunk to be fair.  Where
are the others?'

   Jericho looked around the car park full of irritated students.  'I think
that's Ivor in the corner, so maybe they're all over there.  Want to go?'

   'Nah not yet.  Actually I wanted to show you something before Jessica
comes back.'

   Jericho was immediately interested.  'Show me what?  Why, what have you
got under your coat?'

   'A magic trick.'

   'Oh.  Really?'

   'Yup.'

   'Ok, go on then.' Jericho again was not sure where this was going.

   'Not here, come on.'

   Holly grabbed his arm and took him towards the back of the car park.  In
the final row of cars there was a white van and after glancing around she
pulled him behind it.  They were now shielded from the rest of the crowd
but only precariously as anyone was free to wander round to this area at
any time.

   'Hold this.' She passed him the can and he took a sip as she rummaged in
another of her many deep pockets.  Finally she found what she was looking
for and pulled out a pack of cards.

   'Oh.' Although he hadn't known what to expect Jericho was a bit
disappointed.  'Literally a magic trick.'

   'What were you expecting Jay?' She glanced up questioningly as she
shuffled the card.

   'No, nothing.'

   'Ok so, pick a card, any card.' Holly fanned out the cards and offered
them to him.

   'Really.  You really brought me here to do magic.'

   'Oh come on it's a good one, promise.'

   Jericho decided to humour her and picked a card, looked at it and then
slid it back in the deck.

   'Perfect.  So now I shuffle them again, cut the deck, blah blah.  Ok now
shut your eyes.'

   'Why do I need to shut my eyes?'

   'Jay it's part of the trick will you just cooperate for once.'

   'Fine, fine.' Jericho obliged and dramatically buried his face in his
hands, spilling some cider in the process.

   'Careful!  Ok now we say the magic words...' He heard some rustling from
what he assumed was her manipulating the cards.

   'What are the magic words?'

   'I've forgotten.'

   'Wonderful.' Vision still blocked Jericho switched back to the wine. 
'Honestly if this works I'll be amazed.  Blown away.  Astounded.'

   'Really?' There was a bit more rustling.

   'Do you have another deck in your pocket or something?'

   'No nothing like that.  Ok, you ready to be amazed?

   'Sure.'

   'Ok, open your eyes!'

   Jericho did so and was immediately frozen in place yet again.  Holly
stood smiling at him, tapping the queen of hearts against her chin as she
leant with her other hand on the side of the van.  She had taken off her
coat and had wrapped it around her waist with the two arms tied together at
the front.  The big news though was that she had indeed copied Jessica, and
under the parka she was wearing nothing at all.  The folds of the arms kept
her just about covered from the waist down as she stood still she her
weight on one leg, but above there was nothing between her skin and the
cool autumn air at all.  'Is this your card?'

   The inhibitions and awkwardness that Jericho had felt the first time she
had tried this had been well and truly eroded by the night's drinking, and
he stared gawking at her with no shame.  She was stunning as he imagined
she would be and there was something about the yellow light from the lamp
posts that illuminated her which made her even more captivating.  He wasn't
sure what was more enticing, just how god damn sexy she looked with her top
off, or the fact she was bold enough to do this a few feet from their
entire accommodation block.  After a moment he remembered how to speak.

   'Um, no.  Not even close.  I think it was a jack but now I'm not
sure...'

   'Aww.  Bummer.' Holly dropped the card to the floor and stretched both
hands up behind her head, cracking her knuckles.  'So you don't rate my
trick?'

   'It was quite sneaky, I'll give you that.'

   Now with her hands on her hips Holly beamed appreciatively.  'Well you
weren't letting me pay my debts, I had to get creative.  I'll be honest I
thought I'd do this in the kitchen or something, not out in the car park,
but the fire alarm gave me a good idea to make it more fun.'

   'Yeah very quick thinking, good...' Jericho wasn't really listening, she
had reduced him to a simpleton.  A burst of laughter from the other side of
the van knocked some sense back into him.  'You're not shy are you, what if
someone sees?'

   Holly giggled, causing her breasts to jiggle in a way that made Jericho
want to gasp.  'No one can see and I think you know by now that I don't
mind a bit of risk.  You like it too?'

   'Yeah its crazy.  You're crazy, this is insane...'

   'Glad you enjoyed it!  Now we're finally even.' Holly extended her hand
and in a slight daze Jericho reached out to shake it.  'Pleasure doing
business with you Jay.'

   'Likewise Holly.'

   'Now if you don't mind the show is over and I'm very aware that it's
very cold and my tits are out.'

   'Right yes, thanks.' Jericho smiled dumbly at her.

   Holly laughed.  'So turn around idiot, there is no dignified way to out
this coat back on.'

   'Oh yeah right, sorry.' Jericho spun around and realised he couldn't
wipe the grin off his face.  He was very happy indeed.  He wanted more than
anything to turn back to watch her untie her jacket but he knew he
shouldn't she was the one in charge here.

   In just a moment normality was restored as he was shoved playfully in
the back.  'Ok let's go find the others now.' Holly linked arms with him
and led him off again, the coat buttoned back up to her chin with no hint
of the secret that lay beneath.  They joined back up with the rest of their
kitchen just as the fire marshal gave the all clear to go back inside. 
Holly started chatting to Serena and Jericho suddenly felt Jessica bump
into him from behind.

   'Where did you guys go, I couldn't see you anywhere?  And where is the
wine.' Although they'd barely known each other for two weeks Jericho was
already close to Jessica and felt instinctively an urge to confide in her.
But as he opened his mouth to explain what had happened he realised how
mental it all sounded.  Even if she believed him he wasn't ready to go into
the details yet, he'd barely registered everything the first time round. 
So he lied.

   'We were looking for you silly.  How was Pete?'

   ***

   Only half an hour had been wasted outside so everyone headed straight
back to the kitchen to pick up where they left off.  Jessica chucked her
coat over a chair and started pouring out shots, while Holly kept hers on
and glanced a knowing look towards Jericho.

   'Still cold babe?' Serena asked.

   'Freezing.' Holly replied.

   The night roared on into the early hours of the morning.  Slowly people
grew tired and one by one retired to bed until it was just Holly, Diego,
Jessica and Jericho left.  They were slumped round the table watching some
trashy reality TV show and eating ice cream, discussing the important
questions of life.  Jericho was knackered by this point and it was only the
tantalising knowledge that Holly was sitting with two of their friends
wearing only a coat that was keeping him up.

   *I'm dying* He typed, and Holly glanced down at her phone.  The other
two were still busy chatting so she read the message and began to reply.

   *where is your stamina*

   *ow.  seriously i might have to go to bed, these two can talk for hours*

   *yeah they are unstoppable*

   *you staying?*

   *for a little bit maybe*

   *ok.  see you tomorrow then.  thanks again for tonight x*

   *xxx*

   'Night guys, got to get some work done tomorrow so I'm off.' Jericho
yawned gathered his things.  'See you all tomorrow.'

   'Ah night Jerry!  Sleep well.' 'Night Jay.' 'Night mate.'

   Leaving the three of them too it Jericho visited the bathroom then got
himself tucked into bed.  Even though he was tired he really didn't feel
like sleeping.  How could he after that night?  But even as he shut his
eyes to relive Holly's card trick he could feel himself begin to fall
asleep, that was until his phone buzzed.

   Once again it was Holly.

   *they became too boring, you were right*

   *haha good call.  you in bed then*

   *nearly, just getting changed*

   *changed?  into what*

   *lol ok sure not changed then.  getting undressed*

   Jericho groaned and looked to the sky in frustration.  This teasing was
hard when you're this turned on.

   *there we go* This time she'd sent a photo of the coat discarded on the
floor next to her bed.  *much more comfortable*

   *you must have your heating very high in your room*

   *all the way to the max*

   Jericho sighed and looked away from his phone.  His eyes settled on his
desk, and on a certain item folded neatly on top of it.  He made a quick
decision and decided to act on it before he changed his mind.

   *before you go to sleep, I was just thinking.  we aren't quite equal
yet*

   This time there was a longer delay.  *no?  what's wrong*

   *No nothing, just I still have your top from the other night.  you must
need it back*

   *oh yeah, of course.  should I come get it*

   *if you'd like*

   *Now?*

   Jericho hesitated for a moment, very conscious that he was about to
cross a line, to make a move that he might not be able to undo.

   *sure*

   Anther pause.

   *ok great, i'll be there in a sec*

   *oh also Holly* This was the risky bit he thought.  *i was thinking
about the whole show me yours I'll show you mine thing*

   *yeah?*

   *yeah.  well it's just that even though tonight was great, we're still
not really even*

   *no?*

   *no.  I mean I wasn't just topless when you saw me was i.  i wasn't
actually wearing anything*

   *oh*

   Jericho grimaced, this might have been too far.

   *i'm just thinking you know, i'd hate for you to still feel guilty like
you did before*

   This time there was no reply and Jericho cursed himself for taking such
a stupid risk.  He'd just asked a girl he barely knew to get naked for him,
who does that?  He tried to backtrack quickly.

   *i was just joking anyway.  of course we're even!  see you tomorrow x*

   'Fuuuck'.  He threw his phone to the side and fell back holding his
pillow over his face.  'You fucking moron...' He lay there for a few
moments wishing he had just enjoyed their game at her pace rather than
pushing for more like the horny idiot he was.  His phone remained silent
and the only sound was some far off shouting from late night revellers in
the street below.

   Then out of the darkness there was a hushed voice calling earnestly
through his door.

   'Jericho?'



   Chapter Two -- Holly's Secret

   'Jericho?'

   Oh my God she actually came?  Jericho's heart simultaneously froze and
soared at the same time as he leapt to his feet and rushed to open the door
and welcome in his late night visitor.  'Woah, not shy are you?' Standing
there with a wallet held in her hand was Jessica.  Damn.  Jericho then
clocked that he was standing there in his boxers and he sheepishly crossed
his arms over his chest.  'Expecting someone else were you?' Jessica joked.
She was looking away from him down the corridor to preserve his modesty,
and Jericho quickly adjusted his shorts to make sure he was as covered as
he could be.

   'Sorry, I was half asleep and just jumped up, let me grab something
quickly.'

   'No don't worry I just wanted to give you this.' Jessica held out his
wallet and Jericho reached out to take it.  'Found it on the floor in the
kitchen, you must have dropped it.  Sorry, I didn't think you'd be asleep
yet.'

   'Ah great, cheers.  No that's fine, thanks for bringing it.  I'd have
been stressing out in the morning looking for it otherwise.'

   Jessica looked back at him and smirked.  'No probs Jerry, I'll see you
tomorrow.'

   'Night.'

   'Night.'

   Shutting the door Jericho slumped back into bed and sighed.  Jessica's
arrival had given him a bad case of blue balls and he was well and truly
frustrated.

   *well then*

   It was Holly.

   *that was dangerous*

   Ok good, thought Jericho, she's not ignoring me.

   *what do you mean*

   *well, i was just about to come see you.  you know.  to get my top. 
wearing what you suggested*

   Jericho was smiling again, he couldn't believe she was actually willing
to do as he'd asked.

   *but then as i open my door to leave, what do i see at the end of the
corridor?  our good friend jessica, standing in front of what i'm pretty
sure is your door*

   *omg i'm so sorry!  she came to give me my wallet, I thought it was
going to be you at the door*

   Jessica man, what a cockblock.  If only she'd waited until the next
morning to stop by.

   *oh haha ok.  i thought it must be bad timing, not some kind of
elaborate trap...*

   *what no of course not!  i would never do that.  promise*

   *don't worry silly i believe you.  would have been a bit tricky to
explain though, why i was on my way to yours, completely...*

   *were you actually?  like totally...*

   *as the day i was born*

   *omg* Jericho wondered if he should try his luck and attempt to coax her
over again, surely the rest of the flat would be in bed by now.  But the
next message quickly ruled out that idea.

   *anyways my nerves are completely shot, i went way too far tonight, that
was stupid.  i think i need some sleep*

   *ah ok, yeah sounds like a good idea.  sorry again*

   *good night jay.  and please, stop saying sorry*

   *ok.  sorry*

   *haha*

   *night holly*

   *xxx*

   Half an hour later and Jericho's mind was still racing with the events
of the last few days.  He had no idea how on Earth he had ended up in this
mad situation but he was absolutely delighted that he had.  Still far too
turned on to sleep he decided to enjoy the shower video a few more times,
and once that was done with he drifted off and dreamt of Holly, the crazy
girl from down the hall.

   ***

   'It's a lot busier than I was expecting, there's almost no room.'
Jessica began elbowing her way through the crowd as Holly and Jericho
followed in her wake.  'Was it like this last week Holls?'

   'No not as bad, I guess people started recommending it to their friends.
And you know, it's free.' Holly had brought her two friends to the life
drawing class that she had attended the previous week.  She and Jericho
were trying to get back into their old hobby of sketching, and Jessica had
tagged along out of boredom.  A few weeks into university and the three of
them had formed a little clique within their kitchen, and after a few more
days of hard work revising they decided to take the evening off to go and
try something new.

   'So do they shut these windows when we get going?  Or cover over the one
in the door?' The session was held in one of the seminar rooms in the maths
department which wasn't exactly private.  One of the walls was almost
completely glass and even the door was see through, so anyone wandering
through the main atrium could easily see the group of students waiting for
the class to begin.  Jessica reached a desk in the corner and they all
began to get out their pads and pencils.

   'No,' Said Holly.  'It is more open than you'd expect, I suppose you
can't really see the model because they're in the middle of the crowd, and
I doubt they care about who's outside.  But it would be weird for some
professor to be walking past and see a random naked person.'

   'Yeah exactly.  Ah well, I suppose they just try to use any available
room they can find.  They might need a bigger one for next week though,
look at everyone.' Jericho was ready to begin and shifted onto the desk
where he could sit crossed legged.  Jessica joined him and leant against
shoulder, whilst Holly took the chair.  'Well we've got a good vantage
point from up here, at least we're not on the floor.'

   The room was now fully packed and in one corner the head of the society
was chatting to two other women.  'Same model as last time.  The one with
dark hair.' Holly noted, nodding at one of the girls.

   'Cool.  So what are we saying, deadest artist has to buy drinks
afterwards?'

   'No way,' Jessica laughed.  'I'm going to be the worst by far.'

   After some more small talk the class finally began.  There were some
greetings and announcements from the president, then one of the other
members of the exec explained how they would try a range of short poses
which would get longer as the evening progressed.  Jessica yawned.

   'So if everyone is ready let's please welcome our model for tonight,
Nathalie.' The brunette had been waiting in the corner by the door and as
soon as her name was mentioned she stopped leaning against the wall and
quickly whipped off her jumper.

   'Here we go.' Muttered Jessica, nudging Jericho in the ribs.

   'Behave.'

   Nathalie wriggled out of her jeans and passed them to one of the art
girls, who folded them and placed them on a desk.  With no hesitation and a
completely neutral expression the economics student unclasped her bra and
then pulled down her underwear, stepping out of them and walking quickly
into the middle of the room.  Then she placed her hands on her hips and
stared blankly into the distance.

   'Ok everyone, first one minute pose, starting now.' The exec member
nodded to the class and they all turned to begin their sketches.

   'This is mental!' Jessica was amazed by the model's complete lack of
embarrassment.

   'Shut up!' Jericho was trying not to laugh too, this whole situation was
surreal.  He had been good at art growing up but had never experienced
anything like this before, and one minute is not a lot of time to try and
capture someone's image.  He kept glancing up at Nathalie but there was no
time to stare and appreciate her body, even if he wanted too, he had to
work quickly.

   'Time's up.'

   'Shit that's impossible.' Jessica had managed barely more than a stick
figure with some crudely drawn cartoonish breasts.  'Let's see yours.'

   Jericho had made a decent attempt at her legs but had run out of time
for the rest of her, and only Holly had managed anything that looked like a
proper nude body.

   'No that's a good start,' Holly lied.  'Great tits.'

   'I thought we were trying to be mature about this.' Jericho shook his
head, amused at the two of them.

   'We are Jay, you can't deny Jessica has captured her sexiness though.'

   'Sure.'

   Three more short poses followed and already Jessica had given up.  'Guys
I'm just crap, this one looks like a man, an ugly man at that.' She put
down her pencil and looked glumly at Nathalie who had been asked to lie on
her side for this round.

   'It will come with more practice, keep going.' Whispered Jericho who was
still struggling himself.

   'Time.'

   Holly puffed out her cheeks and turned to look at the other two's work
again.  'Not bad guys, Jay I like her arms in that one.  It's just tough
having to draw this quickly right, normally you can take your time.' As
they conversed one of the exec called out that they would be pausing for
ten minutes, and a few students filled out of the room to take a break.

   'I really think I would want a robe at this point.' Jessica watched as
Nathalie walked over to the society president and started a conversation,
still totally naked.  'Look at her, it's like she doesn't know she's not
wearing anything.'

   'Yeah I'd say that's unusual, but credit to her.' Holly looked on too,
impressed by the woman's confidence.

   'How much would they need to pay you two to do this.' Jericho enquired
playfully.

   'Hmm.' Jessica pondered.  'Ok do I know anyone in the class?  Do I get
to put something on in the breaks?  Would I be in a room which passers by
could see into?'

   'Ok, what if it was in a private room, with a robe, and you'll never see
anyone in the class ever again.'

   'Ok as a one off?  Ten grand.'

   'What?  Ten thousand pounds for one hour?  Even though you would
basically be anonymous?' Holly clearly disagreed.

   'Well fine, how much would you charge?'

   'Under those circumstances?  I don't know...  a tenner?'

   The other two laughed.  'Sorry what?'

   'Well like you said, no one would know me, and everyone here is a grown
up, it's just a naked body...  I don't know, it would be an experience I
guess.  When else would you do something like that?' When indeed, thought
Jericho.

   'Oh wow,' Jessica was surprised.  'Well go on girl, tell our her to take
the rest of the night off, up you go.' Still naked, Nathalie was talking to
some of the students in the middle of the room and studying their drawings
of her.

   'Haha, no way.'

   Ok then,' Jericho continued.  'How much for you to literally replace
Nathalie, say next week.  Here in this room, with these people.'

   Now Jessica backed down.  'See that's different.  I could see anyone
here around campus, I have some friends who have lectures in this building
who might be lurking about, that's too much.  I would need a million
maybe.'

   Holly scoffed.  'A million, you're mad.  It's true though, I think I saw
one of my lecturers walk past earlier, imagine that.'

   'So you wouldn't do it either?'

   'Well never say never but no...  probably not.  Maybe for five hundred?'

   'I'll get a funding page going,' Joked Jericho.  'We'll get you up there
in no time.'

   The session soon resumed and before they knew it they had reached the
final fifteen minute sitting.  'So for this one Nathalie would you mind
holding your ankles and letting your hair flow over your face?  Just like
that, perfect.  Last one everyone, starting now.'

   Jessica stared wide eyed.  'Jesus.' Nathalie leant forward with her legs
staying completely straight, clasping her ankles and tucking her head tight
into her body.  'She must be flexible.' The three of them had a side on
view from their corner, and they could only imagine the sight that must
have greeted the students who sat directly behind the bent over model.  She
didn't seem phased by her exposed position though, and Jericho wondered
what she must think about as she stayed frozen in place for so long.  He
finally had enough time to produce something he was pleased with, and as
the timer went off he proudly turned to show Holly his work.

   'Jay that's so good!  See you're a natural, hair is so hard to do well
and you still made it look really lifelike.  Well done!'

   'Haha thanks.  Oh my God yours is insane though, what the hell...'
Holly's drawing was indeed very impressive but she shrugged it off.

   'It's ok, I'm still rusty though.  We should come again if guys you are
down, did you like it Jess?'

   Jessica had already hidden her last drawing, not wanting it to be
critiqued.  'Guys I'm sorry I don't know if I can, that was just stressful
you know.  I think I have literally zero artistic talent.'

   'Nooo you were good!  Come on, those stick figures have so much
potential.' Holly and Jessica laughed and teased as they all packed their
things away, but Jericho was distracted.  After a round of applause for her
services Nathalie had returned to her clothes and was very slowly getting
dressed as she spoke to the president once more.  She'd put on her jumper
again and was absentmindedly untangling her underwear as she chatted away,
unphased by the fact that she was still bottomless.  The class were quickly
streaming through the door as they left and several glanced down at her
body as they passed, noting her casual nudity.

   Jericho and the girls also walked by and out into the atrium where they
were hit by the cold evening air.  'She must be feeling quite a draft.'
Giggled Jessica as they left the building.  'Tell you what Holls, if you
show off your boobs I'll get my arse out, how about that.  We'll do half
and half modelling, for five hundred grand each.'

   'Haha sure.' The girls linked arms and the three of them walked off to
the pub to get dinner.

   ***

   Two hours later and the trio turned into the flat's corridor, arguing
about whether or not the waiter who had delivered their dinner was hot or
not.

   'Well I would.' Said Jessica, peeling off her coat as they stopped
outside her room.

   'Of course you would.' Holly hugged her friend goodnight.  'See you
tomorrow Jess, thanks for coming tonight, that was fun.'

   'Well I'm glad you two enjoyed it.' Jessica turned to embrace Jericho.
'Night Jerry, see you guys in the morning.  Sleep well!' With that she shut
her door and they heard the lock click into place from inside.

   'Bless her, she tried but art clearly isn't her thing.  Think she'll
come next week?'

   Jericho laughed as they strolled along.  'I hope so but no, I doubt it.
To be fair, it was a lot tougher than I thought it would be.  University
art is hard.'

   'Yours were great though, especially for your first time.'

   'No, they were nothing compared to yours.'

   'Well I could give you some tips?  I've got some old sketch pads in my
room, I could show you some things to help you improve?'

   'Oh wow really?  That would actually be really helpful.' Jericho was
touched.  'When would you be free?'

   'Well what about now?  Unless you've got any early lectures?  I've got
nothing until twelve tomorrow.'

   'Oh yeah great, sure.'

   'Cool.  Give me a minute to get changed and then let's do it.'

   They went their separate ways and Jericho chucked his stuff in his room
before stopping to take a long look at himself in his bedside mirror. 
She'd only invited him into her room and yet he was suddenly feeling
nervous.  He quickly topped up his cologne with a few sprays, ran his hands
through his hair and smoothed out his clothes.  Then with his sketch pad in
one hand and Holly's long forgotten top in the other, he walked back down
to her door.

   'Come in.' Was the call in response to his knock, and he opened up the
door to see Holly sitting cross legged on her bed.  Her room was identical
to his but nicer in every way.  There were fairy lights hung above her
desk, colourful cushions and a throw on her bed, and the air smelt of
vanilla.  'Ok so I've got a few examples here which might be useful.  Sit.'

   'I bought your dress by the way.' Jericho tossed it onto her chest of
drawers then sat down next to her.

   'Oh great, thanks so much.  You didn't have to.' Holly shifted closer to
him and pulled some pieces of paper onto her lap.  'Right, so.  You're
really good at capturing the figure's general shape and the vague structure
of the pose, but it's the anatomical detail that could be better.' Jericho
forced himself to stop checking out her room and tried to pay attention. 
Holly was genuinely passionate about this stuff he could tell, and she used
her pencil to point out differences between his sketches and some of her
old examples.  His thoughts kept wandering though, their closeness and the
cosiness of the room was leading his mind astray.  She had changed into a
pair of very short shorts which flaunted her smooth legs, leading down to
large fluffy socks and a similarly warm looking jumper with the sleeves
rolled up.  'So, do you want to have a go?'

   'What?' His daydreaming was interrupted by her unexpected question. 
'What do you mean?'

   Holly stood up and let down her hair which until then had been tied up
in a bun.  'Well the theory is fine but you only get better by practising.
So how about we forget the timed poses, and you focus on capturing some of
the finer details like we discussed.  Maybe if I did something like this?'
Holly sat back down facing him this time, with one leg tucked under her. 
She held her head at the sides and let her fingers drape across her cheeks.
'So if you try this from the waist up?  Then you can try to really define
the hands and my facial features, those are some of the hardest things to
draw well.'

   Jericho was a bit nervous but thought he should show willing.  'Right
yeah, good idea.' He positioned his pad of paper accordingly and began to
sketch.  It was nerve wracking having this beautiful woman sit a couple of
feet away from him, posing just for his eyes only.  He also really wanted
to impress her, so he was taking his time and doing his best to utilise all
the tips she had talked through with him before.  He felt weird staring at
her eyes, then her nose, then her lips, but he had to do his best to try
and include as much detail as possible.  After maybe twenty minutes of
complete silence the tension in the room was palpable, and Jericho decided
to call it a day.  'Ok, what do you think?'

   Holly smiled and took his artwork, studying it intently for a moment. 
'Ok much better.  The overall shape is fine like before but you're really
focusing on the specifics now, it looks much more realistic.'

   'It's easier when you're not worrying about the timer, and when you're
this up close.'

   'Yeah exactly, that's why you can't afford to be shy in the classes, you
have to really stare and fixate on the model to make sure you're taking in
as much as you can.  So what about another go, this time with the feet? 
They're surprisingly hard to get right.  If I sit hugging my knees then
you'll get my fingers in again, they were still looking a bit too blocky in
this one.' She reached down and pulled off her socks, chucking them onto
the floor, then swung her legs onto the bed pointing at Jericho.  'Want
some music by the way?' She got out her phone and the Bluetooth speaker in
the corner of her room started playing.  'Yes, that's better.'

   'Right, fingers and toes.' Once again Jericho set to work, nodding his
head softly to the slow indie love songs that seemed to be Holly's
soundtrack of choice.  He was relaxing into the evening now and he found
studying her legs a lot less intimidating than her face.  'You're very good
at staying dead still, have you done this before?'

   'Well, sort of.  For a friend, a bit like this actually.  When we were
taking the classes seriously we would draw each other in our spare time as
practice.'

   Jericho raised an eyebrow.  'Would you work on the anatomical details
with them too?'

   Holly smiled wistfully.  'Sometimes.  Practice makes perfect you know,
and there's only so many bowels of fruit you can draw before you get bored
and move onto the real thing.'

   'Interesting.  Who was better, you or her?'

   'He.'

   'He?'

   'Yep.  Probably me to be honest, he was more into landscapes really, and
liked using water colours.  I've always like drawing people for whatever
reason, and I'm useless with paint.'

   'But you never modelled properly.  Like for a class?'

   'No, no.  Just for him.  Well again, sort of.'

   'What do you mean.' Jericho was now well and truly distracted, but he
kept his eyes on his paper as he absentmindedly kept adding little
scribbles of shading.

   'He went to an art college full time and I just did the evening class
for fun.  But we hit it off and learnt a lot from each other, and I trusted
him.  So when he told me he had two friends who were looking for a model
for a short film they were making, he asked if I'd be ok doing it.'

   'What sort of thing did they have you do?'

   'Well...' Holly was clearly miles away by now.  'Lots of photos at
first, different poses, lots of different outfits.  Some in their studio,
some at their flat, some in the local park.  Then they also got some
interview footage of me looking at the photos and talking to them about
them.  It was a bit weird really and hard to explain without showing you.
They showed it at the art college and got a good grade though, so they were
happy, and my friend was grateful that I'd helped.'

   'I'd like to see it someday, sounds intriguing.'

   'It was online for a bit but it got taken down quite quickly.'

   'Why, what for?'

   'Well, all the nudity mainly.' Holly grinned up at him.  'But enough
about me.  Come on then, let's see.'

   His second drawing was also deemed a success and Jericho was pleased
with her feedback and praise.  As she pinpointed a few more areas to work
on he noticed a bead of sweat drop from his forehead and down onto the
paper.  'It is boiling in here Holly.' Jericho used his t shirt to mop his
brow.

   'No you're right, sorry I have the heating on full blast like I said.  I
can turn it down, hold on.' She crouched next to the radiator under the
window and turned the knob clockwise.  'There, want me to open the window?'

   'Yes please, that would be great.' A slight draft blew into the room and
Holly stood for a moment looking out into the night.  'Any better?' The
room was still stifling warm and Jericho still felt flustered.

   'I'm sure it will cool down soon.'

   'Why don't you take off your top?'

   'Sorry?'

   Holly wandered back over to the bed.  'Well you've mastered the head,
hands and feet.  You're already good at arms and legs, that's easy, so now
we're onto the fun areas.'

   'You what?' Here we go again, he thought.  She's about to be crazy.

   'Look at your stuff from earlier Jay.  The shape is fine but you've
basically airbrushed her body.  There's no detail at all, especially around
her naughty bits.  Rule one of life drawing?  You can't be awkward about
drawing their privates.  It just looks silly and obvious if you shy away
from them.  So next up we'll practice that, and seeing as you won't be the
only one taking off your clothes, and you're clearly still too hot, why
don't you take your top off?' Jericho was nonplussed.  Holly just looked at
him then took a band from her wrist and pulled back her hair into a pony
tail.  Next she pulled her jumper up over her head, revealing a sports bra
with a zip running down the front, before sliding off her bottoms which
uncovered a pair of matching boy shorts.  'Come on, nothing I haven't seen
before...'

   Holly turned to her desk to take a drink of water from a bottle and
Jericho admired her newly revealed curves.  'Fair enough.' He replied,
pulling his t shirt off and leaning back against the pillows at the head of
her bed.

   'Good.' Still holding her bottle Holly bounced back down onto the bed.
'Now obviously you've seen these before too, and this is all in the name of
art, so this is no big deal ok...' She reached for the zip and pulled it
down, causing her breasts to burst free of the bra, which she then shrugged
off her shoulders.  'Right then.'

   Once more in heaven, Jericho drank in the sight of her topless body for
the second time.  'Important to stare didn't you say?  Drink in all the
detail possible?'

   'Of course.' Holly grinned and squeezed her arms together, squishing her
breasts together.  'Take in the girls as much as you need, this will make
sure that next week you are confident enough to capture Nathalie's
magnificent pair.  Now control yourself and this time don't bother with my
head, just try and get the torso accurately.'

   'Fine, if I must.' Jericho quickly sketched out a brief outline of her
midriff, then took great pleasure in slowly drawing the curve of her
breasts, shading underneath to highlight their fullness, and finally
finishing with her pointed nipples.

   'You still hot by the way?  Those jeans must be pretty restrictive.'
Jericho was still uncomfortably warm but wasn't sure if he liked where this
was going.  Sitting on the same bed as the beautiful Jessica, wearing a
solitary piece of underwear, was having quite the physical effect on him,
and he feared it was only the jeans that were keeping that fact hidden.

   'No it's ok, I'm fine.'

   'No come on, relax.  It feels so much better, trust me.' He couldn't
really say no could he, so reluctantly Jericho set his drawing to the side
and unbuckled his belt.  'Here, I'll help.' After watching him unzip Holly
reached forward and helped tug his trousers down past his knees and then
off his feet.  As she did so she peeled off his socks too, then resumed her
pose sitting motionless on the bed.  Jericho quickly put his pad of paper
back over his crotch.  There was a very distinct shape protruding from his
boxers, but if Holly had noticed it she had pretended not to.  He finished
off his sketch and had to admit he did finally feel that he was at a
pleasant temperature, the breeze from the window tickling his skin.

   Holly squeezed up next to him as they both lay reclined on the bed, and
she held up the drawing of her with one hand as the other lay tucked under
her breasts, pushing them up slightly.  'Very good Jay, very good indeed.'
She was subconsciously stroking her bare skin as she spoke, something
Jericho noted.  'Very generous too, I don't think they're that big
normally, but I won't complain.' Jericho was lying very still with both
hands crossed over his groin, extremely conscious that their legs and arms
were pressed together.  She was very warm.  'I think you're more than
prepared for next week.  Maybe I should give Jess a few crash course
lessons too.'

   Jericho went to reply but had to clear his throat.  'All thanks to you,
you're an amazing teacher, and an even better model.'

   Holly glanced across at him.  'Why thank you, you're a great student. 
And you'd be a good model too if you wanted to try.  I always think its so
much harder for the boys though.'

   'Why's that?'

   'Well, the obvious danger.  If a girl gets, let's say excited?  Like
during a pose, it's fine because no one can tell.  But for the male models,
that can't happen.' She reached over Jericho and threw the notepad gently
onto the floor, leaving herself uncovered.  'It's the most important thing
you need to think about as a guy.' She looked down pointedly at Jericho's
clasped hands.  'Don't, get, hard...'

   Jericho literally gulped, and his erection twitched simultaneously. 
Holly looked back at him then sat up and shifted down the bed slightly,
turning to face him.  'You can touch them if you like.' Smiling she looked
down at her chest and wiggled from side to side suggestively.  'You've been
looking at them enough, you might as well show your appreciation.'

   Her flirty innocence from before remained the same, but now she was
offering him to enter unchartered territory.  This really was crossing a
line but Jericho was happy to oblige, even if he could feel his heart
thumping in his chest.  Reaching out gingerly he took one breast in his
hand, gently cupping it and stroking her skin.  Holly giggled and took his
hand, guiding it to her nipple, with Jericho rolled with his fingers,
playing with it.  'Two hands, don't let one feel lonely.' Apprehensively
Jericho took his other hand away from his crotch and began toying with her
other breast.

   'Holly oh my god, you have amazing tits.' He became more confident,
pressing them together and firmly squeezing each in turn.

   'Haha thank you Jay, glad you like them.' After amusedly watching him
feel her up for a few more moments, Holly's attention turned to the tent in
his underwear.  Reaching out she placed her hand on top of the bulge and
gripped around his shaft.  Jericho flinched and they locked eyes, but then
they resumed their mutual touching.  'Is this ok?' Jericho nodded and kept
massaging her as Holly slowly began to shift her hand up and down, feeling
his rock hard boner through the fabric of his boxers.  She gradually picked
up pace, staring at Jericho who in turn looked back at her then down at her
chest, then back to her hand as she rubbed him.  Both of them were
beginning to breathe heavily as the hot stickiness of the room felt like it
was beginning to build again.  'God this feels good'.  Holly suddenly got
up on her knees and straddled Jericho, sitting her scantily clad bottom on
his shins as she sat back on her heels.  She quickly ripped his underwear
down and his penis sprang free, pointing straight back up at Jericho's
shocked face.  Bracing herself against the bed with one hand she took hold
of him and began to jerk him off with the other, her arm soon becoming a
blur of motion as she threatened to tear the head of his dick off.

   'Oh my god, Holly, please.' Her exertions caused her boobs to bounce
around uncontained and Jericho watched in awe at the incredible scene
before him.  He wanted to throw his head back in delight but he couldn't
look away.  Holly was not slowing down at all, her grip was unwavering and
Jericho knew he couldn't hold out for long.  'Holly, seriously, I'm going
to blow.' She didn't answer, just readjusted her stance slightly and
continued to stroke him vigorously.  Soon the end was near and Jericho felt
his orgasm building throughout him, before he felt a shudder of pleasure
and he came with an incredible force.  Holly jumped slightly but kept going
as a stream of cum shot out into the air, falling down onto her hand and
Jericho's belly.  She finally came to a stop, playfully tapping his still
pulsing dick down against his balls, and admired the mess that was dripping
down and pooling in her palm.  'Wow, that was a lot.'

   'I was very turned on.' Jericho sat up leaning on his elbows and sighed.
'Fuck me, that was incredible.' Holly padded over to the other side of the
room to get some tissues, and began cleaning herself up as Jericho did the
same.  When he was finished he self consciously tucked himself back into
his boxers and then moved over to make room for Holly, who re-joined him in
bed.

   'Glad you enjoyed.' She stretched down and tugged the duvet up and over
them, then smiled and turned away to lie on her side facing the wall. 
Jericho turned off the light on the nightstand, then lay down on his back
and shut his eyes.  In the dark Holly's hand reached back behind her and
grabbed him, pulling him in to spoon her.  She pulled his arms under and
around her, and he cupped her breasts and squeezed them comfortingly.  He
pushed up close to her body and his softening penis nestled in between her
buttocks, and she wiggled her bottom gently in recognition.  'Goodnight
Jay.'

   'Goodnight.' Interlocked they cuddled for a little longer, before
Jericho's post orgasm fatigue allowed him to quickly fall asleep.  When he
woke in the morning he was alone, and he quickly got dressed before
noticing a note on the desk.  It was from Holly and said she'd remembered
that she did in fact have a meeting that she'd forgotten about, and that
she'd run off late and had decided to let him stay sleeping.  He screwed up
the paper and gathered his things, then quickly poked his head round the
door to check if anyone was coming down the corridor.  He didn't really
want to explain why he'd spent the night in her room, and so he swiftly
slipped out and headed back up the hall to find some breakfast.

   ***

   A few more days passed without incident as Jericho continued to work
hard, spending far too long stuck in the library working on a group
project. He hadn't seen Holly since their evening together, she had gone
home for a couple of nights the next afternoon and he didn't know if she
was back yet.  One night, bored of the same old scenery, he decided to work
in his room for a change, so he was lying with his head on his desk having
a nap when Holly messaged the flat group chat.

   *anyone know if the washing machines are free by any chance*

   The laundry room was two floors below them and served six flats in their
block, which meant the couple of old washers and dryers were in constant
demand and you'd be lucky to find an empty one.  Jericho was looking for
something to do other than work and cleaning clothes would at least be a
useful form of procrastination.

   *i just took mine out and both machines were free, best to be quick*
Amina replied.

   *perfect, thanks*

   Might as well then, thought Jericho, and scooping up his pile of dirty
clothes and a bottle of detergent he walked into the corridor.  Holly was
just leaving her room heaving two massive overflowing bags of laundry
behind her, and he walked up to help her.  'Wow, someone got behind on
chores.'

   'Man don't.' Holly kicked her door shut and started pulling her bags
backwards own the hall.  'I've been so busy with this essay and I let it
all pile up, now I have may too much to do.  Oh shit.' She was wearing her
customary dressing gown which she was rarely seen without, and her
exertions had caused the tie to loosen, allowing the front to open up
slightly too much.  'We wouldn't want to accidentally flash you, would we.'
She readjusted her gown and fastened the tie around her waist more
securely.

   'Here, you take mine and I'll carry the large ones.' Jericho took her
stuff and they turned the corner to start the climb up the stairs.  'So how
was home, you do anything nice?'

   'Thank you my strong friend.  Yeah it was ok thanks, nice to see the
family for a bit.' The pair smiled at a fellow student who passed by them
as they caught up, and after the second flight of steps they arrived at the
lobby on the top floor.  'Why couldn't they put this on our level.' Holly
complained as they opened the door to the laundry room.  'It's so far.  Ah
thank God they're both still free.' They chatted as they loaded their
washing into the two machines, and Holly had to ask to put some of hers in
with Jericho's as she had too much for a single load.  She didn't seem to
be thinking about what had happened the last time they'd been together, but
at least she was acting normally, Jericho thought.  As she bent down to
peer at the machine's settings her gown rode up invitingly at the back, and
Jericho had a bad idea.  Other than the one person they saw on the stairs
the corridors had seemed pretty deserted, and it was quite late in the
evening.  He looked at the door and wondered if anyone was waiting outside,
or heading towards them to do some laundry of their own.  He decided he was
willing to risk finding out.

   Very slowly and deliberately he stretched out his arm holding the
detergent bottle, and poured a long flow straight down onto Holly's back.

   'What the-' she recoiled then shot to her feet as she felt the cold
fluid hit her, and tuned to face Jericho.  'What the hell?' Jericho didn't
say anything, he just smiled and then reached out once more and poured a
further stream onto her shoulder.  'Jay stop it!' She jumped back out of
his range and looked bewildered at the blue liquid with was slowly seeping
down her front.  'This is one of the few things I didn't need to wash. 
What was that for?'

   Jericho looked at the bottle and shrugged.  'I disagree, I think it
looked pretty dirty actually.  You wear it all the time around the kitchen,
it must pick up a lot of grime.'

   Holly was unimpressed.  'You idiot, this feels gross, it's coming
through the material.' Her shoulders were tight as she stood hunched
forwards with her arms stretched out, trying to keep the damp gown away
from her skin.

   'Well then,' Jericho looked deep into her eyes.  'How about you wash it
too.'

   Holly paused for a moment as she returned his stare.  'Well I can't do
that can I.  I just put everything else in to wash, so I'd have nothing to
wear.'

   'You're right, you wouldn't.'

   'No.'

   'So.  How about you wash it too.'

   'Jay...'

   Normally Holly was the one in charge, the one who called the shots.  But
now she was very uncertain and slightly surprised by this new more
mischievous side of Jericho.  Eventually she shook her head.

   'No I can't.' She looked down at herself.  'There's no way-' She was
stunned into silence again as this time Jericho violently squeezed the
bottle and aimed a large spurt of detergent at her front, which landed with
a splatter.  This spurt further added to the blue mess across her chest and
Holly gasped at his boldness.  'Jay I swear to God...'

   'Whoops.'

   'Are you high.  This is ridiculous, you are so dead when we get back to
out flat.'

   'Look at you Holly, you're dripping on the floor.'

   'You don't say.' Small globules were beginning to fall onto the tiles as
Holly remained motionless, glaring up at him.

   'It really doesn't look that clean now.  How about you wash it too.'

   Holly's mind whirled.  Where had the shy guy who just a week ago had
refused to look at her gone?  Where had Jericho got this sudden confidence,
and this crazy idea?  And why was she thinking about agreeing to it?

   'It's two floors back to out flat.'

   'Yep.'

   'That's insane.'

   'Why, you've done our corridor before.'

   'Yeah but that was way safer.'

   'Not really, just shorter.'

   'You do it then.  Give me some of your clothes.'

   Jericho smiled and shook his head.  'Come on we're just hogging the
machines at this point.'

   Holly looked around the room, thinking hard.  'Is this really for the
showers?  This is how you want to get even?'

   'Getting even was your idea mate, not mine.'

   'But I'm not just showing you my body, I'd then have to stay like that
and streak two floors.  That's insane.  And sorry what?  That handjob,
remember?  That wasn't getting even?'

   'You're right, this would be insanely unfair for you, and wildly
disproportionate revenge, if we both didn't know that really you want to do
this.  And no that didn't count, that was a bonus.  I've still not seen you
naked...'

   Fuck, Holly thought, he's right.

   'I don't know Jay...'

   'Holly you came out to do laundry wearing nothing but a dressing gown,
not something you'd normally do if you were the self-conscious type.'

   Holly ignored him.  'What if someone sees, what if the flat tutor sees
me.'

   'We'll be quick.'

   'Oh we?  Glad you're in on it too.'

   'Sure, I'll keep look out.'

   'How kind.'

   Holly had made up her mind.  'Listen,' Her voice was steely.  'To be
clear, I am only doing this so that we're even after last week's little
accident.'

   'Of course.'

   'Ok then.  Go check if anyone is coming.' Jericho pulled open the door
and glanced around.

   'Coast is clear.'

   'Right.' This wasn't really how Holly had planned this moment with
Jericho going, but she did know she had planned on it happening at some
point.  She gingerly used her fingertips to loosen the knot at the front of
her waist, trying not to get any of the sticky detergent on her hands. 
With the tie undone only the weight of the gown kept it hanging together,
so she took hold of each lapel and glanced up one last time at Jericho. 
'Ready?' With no response she kept staring straight ahead as she gently
pulled her dressing gown open wide.  Down it came off her shoulders and
then all the way it fell, down over her arms behind her back, before she
released the full weight of the robe and let it fall in a pool at her
heels. With a deep breath she relaxed her posture and straightened her
back, forcing her arms to remain at her side as Jericho drank in the sight
before him.  'Happy?'

   Jericho was beaming, his smile stretched wide across his face.  He
stepped forwards and bent to retrieve her gown, then turned and stuffed it
in with the rest of his washing.  He slammed the two doors shut and started
both of the machines which clicked into life, locking the clothes away for
the next forty five minutes.  Holly watched on helplessly and nervously put
an arm across herself and one between her legs to cover herself.  'Can we
get going then?' Jericho stood back to admire the naked beauty that stood
trying to hide her body.  She looked absolutely stunning, and the contrast
between her lack of clothing and his comfy hoodie and jeans was only adding
to his enjoyment of the situation.  'Well, ladies first.'

   'Jay honestly I will kill you.' Rolling her eyes Holly brushed past him
still hugging herself, and he treated himself to a first look at her bare
backside.  Crouched forward she carefully pulled the door ajar and peered
outside.  Swearing quietly under her breathe she nudged through the door
way and Jericho followed, carrying the empty laundry bags.  With that, the
clothed boy and the naked girl crept into the lobby and headed swiftly
towards the staircase.  'Fuck Jay,' Holly hissed, turning back and rushing
towards him.  'Someone's coming up this way!'