Trust Machines - Welcome to the Carnival, pt 7

But I can’t face my life without you
And now I know the whole truth
The demon that’s to blame
And every day that I’m without you
I know that you’ll pull through
Like a phoenix from the flames

It’s like the sun’s come out and I’ve been here before
And now your coming back home
Coming home to me
-- "Phoenix from the Flames" by Boom Jinx feat. Justine Suissa

---

As Kyle drifted back to sleep, Keri tiptoed out the bedroom and back into the
kitchen, carrying back the bowl of fruit.  There, Tasha sat at the table, trying
to gauge the situation.

"How's he taking it?" she asked, worried about his reaction.

Keri smiled reassuringly.  "He didn't freak out, if that's what you're
wondering.  Instead, he went right back to sleep.  Given last night's
combination, I would be more worried if he hadn't ended up worn out."

Tasha looked relieved.  "Good, I was really worried about that.  He's been hit
so hard over everything, getting himself established and getting a foot in the
door as far as work goes.  We really haven't made it easier on him, either."

Keri had to agree with that.  "I know, it's been a while since we both have had
a friend and lover like him.  Hell, most of the guys I know are all the same,
all they want to do is get your clothes off, screw your brains out and then
forget about you until the next time they're looking for a good quick time."

"It's not much better at the office," Tasha pointed out.  "Most of the guys
there look down at me wondering what a 'girl' is doing in their domain, if
they're not busy trying to show that they're the next smooth lover."  She let
out a sigh.  "Never mind how most of them take to the idea of being Venned."

Keri snorted.  "That's if they even like the idea."  She paused a moment before
adding.  "At least Kyle's trying to be open-minded about it."

"Trying to be opened minded about what?" Kyle said, walking into the kitchen.
He still looked frazzled physically, giving both Keri and Tasha a light kiss.

"Open-minded about being Venned," Tasha said.  "You're doing a lot better than
you were three weeks ago."

He gave a bit of a smile.  "I am, but it's not an easy thing sometimes.  I just
have to keep remembering not to think about it so much."  He shook his head.
"Was I really that bad last night?"

Keri giggled.  "Kyle, hun, you were almost insatiable.  And I thought Tasha was
bad when it came to her hormones."

Tasha grinned.  "Let me tell you, you were probably one of the best lovers I've
ever been slipped into, even better than Keri.  And she's a firecracker when she
gets all revved up."

Kyle had to laugh at that.  "Both of you are two sticks of dynamite, and all I
can do is keep from getting blown up."  His attitude warmed a bit, and he gave
each of them a hug and kiss.  "I just hope I can keep up with you both."

---

Electric Daisy Carnival was just two days away now.  Besides Kyle preparing for
his session at Light, the trio were brainstorming just what forms they'd take
for the three day weekend festival.  Kyle had suggested some kind of avian
forms, a suggestion that was met with enthusiasm by both gals.  They went
through various images of avian colorations and patters, Tasha sketching out
ideas until they had a good idea of what they would look like and wear for the
festival.

Unfortunately, life had a habit of throwing curve balls, and one was fast
approaching Kyle.

---

Kyle's smartphone rang, and he quickly picked it up.  "This is Kyle Elliot," he
said.

"Kyle, this is Thomas Charles."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Charles.  I was just about head over to Mandalay Bay to
meet with you."

Thomas' voice held a bit of disappointment in it.  "It's a good thing that I
caught you before you left.  We just got word from Carl Cox, he's going to play
an extended set at LIGHT, and that's going to eat into the time we had planned
for you to perform.  Because of that, we're going to have to cancel out."

Kyle's heart sank at the news.  "Well, Carl Cox is one of the established names,
and I'm just trying to get a foot in the door.  If he's going to do an extended
session, then I can understand."

"Well, it's not all bad news," Thomas said.  "First, I was in a meeting with
some of the club programmers, and your demo tape was brought up.  So while you
won't be performing tomorrow night at Light, you can probably bet you'll have an
offer from one or two of the other nightclubs by the end of the month.

"And I'm adding you to the lineup for next year's EDC," he added.  "We were
planning to add a section for up and coming artists, and you'll fit perfectly
there."

"Thank you," Kyle said.  "I do appreciate what you've tried to do for me here."

Thomas chuckled.  "Oh, I have my reasons.  We, meaning those of us who work for
Insomniac, we're always on the lookout for new and impressive talent.  In a few
years, I wouldn't be surprised if you're on the same level as a John O'Callaghan
or Garth Emery."

Kyle blinked.  "I think it'll be a while before I'd even be half as good as
Garth," he said slowly.

"I think you'll do better than you think," Thomas chuckled over the phone.  "Oh,
and while you won't be performing, I'll have a VIP pass waiting for you and up
to 4 guests for Carl's session."

"You didn't have to do that," Kyle protested.

"No, I didn't, but I feel it's at least an apology by Insomniac for having to
cut you out from performing.  Enjoy tomorrow's show, and the Carnival as well."

"Thanks, I think I will."  With that Thomas hung up.

Kyle turned to see Keri and Tasha looking at him with a touch of sadness.  "I
heard part of it," Keri said, going over and giving him a hug.  "I'm sorry you
aren't going to perform."

"It's all right," Kyle replied, first giving Keri a tender kiss, then doing the
same with Tasha.  "But I think Mr. Charles is trying to help me here, and I just
have to trust him."

Trust.  Kyle thought about it for a moment, he never really trusted anyone at
home when he was growing up.  He never had anyone who trusted him, either, and
now, here he was having put his trust in Thomas Charles and Insomniac, just as
he did when he went out with Keri and Tasha and was Venned.  Trusting them, they
in turn trusting him.  It felt odd, unusual...

...welcoming.

---

"Keri, Tasha, could you come into the living room for a few minutes?"

Kyle's voice carried down the hall.  "Keri's in the shower at the moment," Tasha
called back, and Kyle nodded.

"I can wait," he replied, and made himself comfortable on the couch.  About five
minutes later Tasha and Keri came into the living room, Keri still having her
bath towel wrapped around her.

"What's up?" she asked, as Tasha settled herself on the couch as well.

Kyle coughed a bit.  "Well, I want to say thank you.  For putting up with me for
the last month.  I know it's not been easy, what with me and my... behavior."

Tasha placed an arm around his waist and hugged.  "You don't have to say
anything, really.  We like you a lot, you're playful and thoughtful and you've
treated us with real kindness."

Keri nodded in agreement.  "Kyle, we know how it is going from a small town to
the big city.  You were overwhelmed at first, but you've adjusted nicely.
Besides, we want you to stay."  She looked at Tasha, who smiled and winked.  "We
can work out the problems, we trust you that you'll always respect our wishes."

Kyle looked at Keri then Tasha.  "Just don't ask me to choose between you two, I
don't think I'd be able to make a decision.  Like when we're in bed, and I make
sure both of you are sated."

Tasha giggled as Keri lightly swatted him.  "Oh hush, or we'll go to a Venn
Machine and let you merge us into a single body.  Then you could have both of us
at once."

"Gods, don't even say things like that," Kyle groaned.  "If you knew the number
of times I've had that fantasy over the last week..."  His voice slowly dropped
as he looked at Keri and Tasha's expression.  "Oh," he finally said.  "You'd
like that, wouldn't you?"

"Wouldn't you?"  That came from both gals at nearly the same time.  They all
laughed at that, Kyle laughing the hardest until tears was falling down his
face.

"Yes, yes I would," he finally said once he was back under control.  "I can't
believe I just said that," he added.

Tasha placed her fingers on his lips.  "Hush.  Just don't argue about it, just
enjoy the results."

"Mmm... before or after we go to LIGHT?"

Again, both gals spoke at the same moment.  "Yes."

---

"So truly, if there is light then I want to see it
Now that I know what I am living for
Truly, if there is joy then I want to feel it
Here in this world is where I want to be
'Cause I can't cry anymore, I can't cry anymore, I

All the world is calling, calling out my name
All the world is saying it won't be the same
All the sky is showing how it's gonna be
But I'm scared and I'm tired of being like me"
-- "Truly" by Delerium feat. Nerina Pallot