Page 28 of Gunslinger Girl

“Anything that doesn’t smell like sweat or burnt oil.” Pity sat back. The heat felt as delicious as before.

After setting the bottles within arm’s reach, Luster stripped off her dress. The undergarments beneath revealed more than they covered.

Pity stiffened. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t want to get it damp.” She rolled her eyes. “Relax, this isn’t that kind of work. Come over here and dip down. Get your hair nice and wet.”

Pity obeyed, hesitating again when Luster ordered her to turn around. But the young woman only perched on the edge of the tub as she worked a dollop of liquid soap into Pity’s hair, massaging it until a thick lather formed. It was a uniquely soothing sensation. Within a minute, Pity’s muscles began to unknot and her eyelids grew heavy.

“You have lovely hair,” said Luster. “Brown as cocoa… Ooh, that sounds good. You want some cocoa?” She rinsed her hands, then pressed a button on the wall Pity hadn’t noticed before.

“May I be of service?” said a voice.

“Hey, y’all, it’s Luster. I’m in 486. Can you send up some hot cocoa in about half an hour? And maybe some…” She turned to Pity. “Are you hungry? Kitchen does a roast chicken thing with wine and mushrooms that’s tasty.”

Pity’s stomach gurgled at the mention of food. “If it’s not dehydrated or from a can, it’s fine with me.”

“Send that chicken I like,” Luster said. “And some wine. Actually, send that now. Thanks!”

Pity wiped a speck of lather from her cheek. “Hot cocoa? Dinner? Just like that?”

Luster winked. “One of the perks of living in Casimir. I heard a rumor that you’re joining the Theatre.”

News travels fast here. “From Max?”

“Oh, I never reveal my sources,” said Luster. “But you’re gonna love it. Great food, ample drinks. And plenty of free time in the Gallery.”

“The Gallery?”

“Where you came in downstairs. Hold still. I’ll hose you down.”

As Luster used a sprayer to rinse Pity’s hair, another knock sounded.

“I got it!” Luster popped back into the bedroom, not bothering to re-dress.

Pity heard the door open and shut. Luster reappeared, a bottle in one hand and a pair of wineglasses in the other. Pity averted her eyes. Stop it, she told herself. She’s got nothing you haven’t seen before, either. But there was something disconcerting about Luster’s brazenness. Even the way her makeup had blurred softly in the steam seemed to carry a touch of wickedness.

Luster poured two generous measures of garnet-red liquid.

“Drink up!”

“I… I shouldn’t.”

Luster pressed the glass on her. “If I looked like you do, I’d want something a lot stronger than a bit of wine.” One eyebrow rose. “That could be arranged, too, y’know.”

“No, this is fine.” Pity took a sip. It tasted like dark cherries and left a sticky feeling on her tongue, but the moment it hit her stomach a deep warmth spread, bleeding outward to meet the heat of the bath pushing in.

Luster grabbed a sponge. “Turn around again. I’ll do your back.”

Pity took another swallow of wine. With every moment that passed, the tightness in her body unwound a little more. She leaned forward against the edge of the tub, arms crossed on the tiles as Luster circled the sponge over her shoulders and back, taking extra care around the worst of the injuries.

“Luster?”

“Mm-hmm?”

“Do you… like living here?”

Luster laughed. “I think what you want to ask is do I like being a whore, right?”