"Okay Mike. Hannah confirmed your stalker status, and tells me you're mostly harmless, but not to let you have too many coffees. Let's go."

When Michael saw the girl sitting quietly in the corner, he knew he was going to make love to her. He never knew quite how he could be so sure, but he was always right.

Don't get the wrong idea. He wasn't a prolific fucker, a bedsmith of great renown or an unreasonably endowed extrovert. No, his conquests were of a more pedestrian nature, in both number and style. He was an observant and attentive lover, a stroker of the ego as much as the genital. A student of the art perhaps.

He had been in his share of long term relationships, some shorter arrangements that didn't quite work out, and an ashamedly drunken fumbling session with an equally drunken partner, not at all certain the next day whether they had managed to fornicate or not. Add the experimental three way failure (blame could squarely be laid on the other man's ego, according to Michael), and you only have the teenage loss of virginity with a battleweary whore to finish the list. The ongoing calendar of solo efforts was exempt, of course.

He looked fairly normal as well. Average height, weight and attractiveness. Something in his eyes though. An undeniable sparkle behind the pupils. A depth beyond measurement. A secret of which even he wasn't aware.

Anyway, back to the girl. Thin, shortish, sprawled on the sofa. Long black hair covered her shoulders, her white tee shirt accentuating her small pert breasts. A black skirt covered her almost to the knees, long black boots from just below. From that description you could think she was a tramp, but you haven't seen her smile. She was just comfortable with her looks, with the company, with the world. The smile was magical, and seemed to be aimed directly at Michael. As it was. Oh, and she had the sparkle too. And the secret. No, she didn't know either.

"Excuse me, could I get you a drink?" Not a line exactly. He just wanted a chance to hear her voice.

"Oh, okay, that would be great. I'm far too comfortable here to get one myself. Name's Donna, by the way." Sexy. Relaxed. Hell of a voice, in fact. Did I say sexy?

"Hi Donna. What is that? Beer? I'm Michael. Mike. Call me Mike."

"Hiya Mike. Listen, how 'bout you get the beer, and then sit here with me. I'm trying to keep a stalker at bay, and you would fit nicely on the couch."

"Actually, I'm the stalker, but as you invited me, I'll be right back."

"Okay. You seem friendly, for a stalker."

"It's a professional disguise. Hold on." And he swung around a couple of entwined drunks pretending to dance, grabbed a couple of beers from the bar, and returned to where Donna was sitting. She had unsprawled herself a little, and left enough room for Michael to sit down.

Handing her one of the beers, Mike got another dose of the smile, and returned one of his own.

"You know, I got the strangest feeling when I saw you on the sofa here, Donna."

"You did? What sort of feeling?"

"It was as though I'd already met you, but I'm fairly sure I haven't." That could have been a line, but it wasn't.

"Actually, I felt much the same. Are you sure we haven't?"

Launching into a swapfest of jobs, homes, clubs and sports, they established that it was unlikely that they had met, but also that they had an impressive number of peripherally similar interests, and also managed to slip in the stuff about how they were both currently single. Neither knew how relieved the other was to hear that.

"Mike, how about we go somewhere else so we can talk properly. This sofa is comfortable, but the smoke is getting to me. I'm not really much of a party girl, I'm afraid."

"Fine with me. I know where we can find an all-night cafe, and I can still drive."

"Oh, coffee. Now that sounds good. Lead the way."

"You need to pick anything up from here first?"

"Nope. I'll just say goodbye to the hostess, and see you out front?"

"Yeah, okay. Don't dawdle. That stalker might catch up with you, and I'd have to go for coffee alone."

"Promise. See you in a minute or two."

Michael wandered out into the warm night, wondering where this was leading. He certainly hadn't expected to be taking anyone away from the party, even if just to the cafe. Waiting peacefully on the deck, he replayed the conversation with Donna in his mind. This was going well. Very well. And the sparkle behind his eyes would have been very apparent if anyone had been looking.

"Okay, Mike. Hannah confirmed your stalker status, and tells me you're mostly harmless, but not to let you have too many coffees. Let's go."

"Harmless? How dare she. We'll have to have words."

"Yeah alright, but not now. Let's get out of here."

"Your wish, and all that. It's that red Toyota there."

"Cool. I always wanted a red car."

"Why's that?"

"I have no idea. It just seems decadent somehow. Maybe I'll just have to keep you instead..."

"Bold words from someone who isn't aware of all my vices."

"I like vices. So much more fun than virtues. You want to confess now, or get the coffee?"

"Coffee first. Guilt is good for the tastebuds."

And they drove to the cafe, chatting about nothing all the while, picking up pieces of truth from each other the way people do when they first meet. By the time they arrived, that initial wall of caution had all but crumbled.

There were only another half dozen customers in the cafe, quietly sipping good coffee, some of them munching late snacks. The chatter of friendly voices hummed without overpowering the classy jazz on the stereo, and Mike and Donna relaxed and destroyed a couple of hours inconsequentially. Eventually though, the talk turned serious. Well, sort of.

"Look Mike, I'm an impulsive wench, as you probably realise by now. You seem like a really nice guy. I've had your harmlessness verified by a mutual friend, I like your voice, your car, and your eyes. Stalker or no, you make me comfortable. I've got a proposition for you."

"I'm not harmless, honest, but tell me more."

"I'd like to take you home with me. I live by myself, apart from my cats, and I'm not in the mood to sleep alone. But you have to promise me something first."

"What's that?"

"Well, if this doesn't work out, can we still be friends? I don't want to lose you just because you don't like the way I fuck."

"Oh. I thought you were going to suggest I come around and sleep on the couch. I promise, so long as you do too. I'm not such a catch, you know."

"We'll see about that. Listen, now that both of our expectations have been sufficiently lowered, I'm horny as hell. Let's go, shall we?"

Mike left a sizable tip on the table, and they headed for the car, arm in arm.

Arriving at her apartment, Donna insisted that Mike use the bathroom before her, and headed to the kitchen to fill some wineglasses. When he returned, she handed him the glasses, pointed to the bedroom, and disappeared, calling to him behind her back.

"Just pop those beside the bed hon, and hop in. I'll see you there."

Mike did as he was told, and was naked in the bed, wine glass in hand, when Donna reappeared, clean, perfumed, and naked as a jaybird.

"Not terribly modest, are you?"

"I'm like a switch. I either trust you or not. Given that, why sneak around in a robe?"

"It wasn't a complaint, I assure you."

"That's alright then." And she slipped into the bed beside him, and took the glass from his hand. "Drink that later. We've got work to do."

Reaching his hands out to her, Mike could have sworn he saw something glitter in her eyes. A sort of electrical flash, like a reflection of lightning, but coming from the inside. She felt incredibly soft and warm, as a woman should, and they moulded together as though designed as a matching set.

Stroking his hands down her spine, Mike was gratified to feel her whole body shiver, and squeeze even closer to him.

"Mike, I know I should be pacing myself, and making this last, but I just want you in me."

"You're not the only one. God, you're so sexy. I've never met anyone like you before."

"The feeling's mutual. I never feel like this. You must be working some sort of magic."

"Not me. I thought it was you. How do you want to do this?"

"Can I be on top?" And she threw off the sheets, and climbed up without waiting for a reply. "Ooh, that looks nice. Why were you hiding that under there?"

"I'm just shy, I guess. Not like you."

"Stop wasting time, and let me put that where it belongs."

With her knees either side of him, she wriggled around until she was in just the right spot, and slowly lowered herself, her moistness sliding easily but firmly down his penis, his hands stroking her back, and buttocks, lifting his hips slightly to assist.

Lowering herself fully, he was a perfect fit inside her. They sighed in unison, and as she leaned forward to kiss him, they caught sight of each other's eyes.

The vague, occasional glitter was replaced with a coruscating display of multi-coloured sparks within, actually glowing in the dim light. As their lips neared, sparks physically jumped between them, and finally we could communicate.

*Hello? I am Lenart. Finally I am not alone. I bow before you, in hope of friendship.*

*Lenart? I too bow, in hopes of love. I am Coda.*

Perhaps I should explain. Coda and I are ... Well the human word is 'parasite' but that has some bad connotations. Perhaps 'symbiote' is closer. We are beings consisting only of energy, and we live in the minds of some humans. I do not know how this happens, or how often. My first memory is of Michael's conception. I can only assume I was created at the same time.

We require sustenance to survive, and we get that from emotions. All of our host's emotions effect us, but sexual energy is our main form of replenishment, at least after our host reaches puberty.

In return, we assist with the health of the host, repair small problems, such as cancer, and some diseases. The host does not realise we exist. I have been encouraging Michael to masturbate and experiment sexually for years, ever since he was able. Any sexual activity gives me energy, but the orgasm is like a battery charge. In fact, I get more of a buzz from it than Mike does.

Meeting another symbiote is very rare. I could tell Donna was a host when Mike saw her at the party, and Coda could tell about Mike as well. Finally we had met. We would not easily part again.

"Mike, did you feel that?"

"You mean that sparky feeling? Yeah. You been wearing nylon panties?"

"Stop that. It was weird. Mmm... Nice kiss you've got." And they forgot about us, and carried on.

"You're not so bad yourself."

*Coda, will you join me in the ecstasy?*

*I will. Energy shared is gained for both.*

Donna started to move slowly up and down on Mike, his hands pushing her butt lightly on the down stroke, her breath coming in erratic bursts. "God, I'm so hot!"

Mike was matching her increasingly violent thrusts from below, his cock growing inside the limited space, his hands now stroking her spine, her shoulders.

As she straightened her body, and continued to pound him, lifting herself on her knees, with her hands on his chest, he gently touched the end of he nipples, then just as gently kneaded her breasts, trying not to think about the feeling between his legs, drawing out the pleasure just that little bit longer.

Donna's movements became more dramatic. She was lifting herself almost completely off him, and slamming herself down again. Finally she could take no more. Tightening her fingertips on his chest, she dug her nails into his skin, as her clitoris throbbed in orgasm, her shuddering movements on his cock were too much for Mike, and he pumped his seed into her as though her were seventeen again.

At the same time, two invisible energy pulses crossed the border between their bodies, and we orgasmed as well. The energy released flowed back through the united bodies, and both Mike and Donna were lifted higher, as Donna physically collapsed on Mike, exhausted, happy, drained, loved.

Coda spoke to me. A quiver in her message. I had never felt that before. An orgasm, yes, but not with two symbiotes. This was the meaning to our lives. *Lenart, my energy is yours. As my life.*

*Mine also, Coda. Live.*

"Mike, what the hell was that? I'm not exactly inexperienced, and that's never happened to me before. Don't get any ideas about leaving."

"I'm not going anywhere, but it wasn't me. It must have been you. It was as though I had been storing that up for years."

"Mmmm.. Well, snuggle over here closer with me. I want you here in the morning. I'm too tired now, but we need a rematch."

"Count on it."

And then, sleepily: "Mike? You know that promise? The friends thing? Forget it. I'll take this instead..."

Coda and I could continue to talk so long as they were physically touching, and of course we did not sleep. We got to know each other as the night wore on, and swore that we would keep the two of them together. Then, early in the morning, we woke our hosts, and made them do it again. Well, suggested, really. They didn't mind at all. This was going to be a good partnership.

Jul 2010
This is a refreshing plot overlay. Brava!

Jul 2010
I think the story is fabulous. Although the sci-fi aspect doesn't detract from it, it works great without it as well.

Jan 2010
A really really good story... and the plot.... the same! I loved it.... It wasn't what I was expecting.... Well done!

Aug 2009
Actually, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the story. Normally I don't really "get into" short stories. Either there is not enough time to develop a plot or the protagonist(s) lack enough depth to be enjoyable.

Nov 2008
I love sexy Sci-Fi but my favorite turn on is good people getting together for pleasure. To find both is a very short story is an unexpected pleasure. To have it well written pushed it over the top.

May 2008
Jack Chalker would call them 'soulriders'. I'd term them 'spirit overlays'. A parasite (such as a tick) takes from the host and gives nothing at all of value in return, sometimes giving negative value such as illness. A symbiont (such as the Escheria

Mar 2008
I've been reading a few of your stories and i must say i'm thoroughly enjoying your humor and wit.Your stories are silly but in a fun sexy way.

Mar 2008
I much preferred your story to the first ***** story I read, "Inside John Barth". I definitely preferred the upbeat ending of "Donna". Keep up the good work!

Jul 2006
GGGRRRReat, fantastic etc etc etc

Jul 2006
you should write another chapter to this one
      GBF: No, no. This is ancient history. YOU write one. :-)

May 2006
GBF, the variety of your vocabulary is impressive (e.g. "coruscating display"). Really. It is SUCH a pleasure to read such a finely crafted story, with proper spelling and punctuation (that said, I believe there is a typo: "as though her were seventeen
      GBF: Dammit, there's always one! :-) Thanks for letting me know. I had to reread those paragraphs. Thanks you very much for the high praise.

Apr 2006
'Pleasant', is how I would rate this story.
      GBF: Well, that's a lot better than 'unpleasant'.

Mar 2006
Hi Gentle, I can't spell to save my life, please forgive me if I make mistakes, but I really loved this story. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your cool stories with everyone.
      GBF: Shucks, you make it all worthwhile.

Jan 2006
Excelent yarn I wish there was a follow on.
      GBF: I'm not sure I could. :-)

Dec 2005
I have been reading SF for almost 60 years. I started reading from the "asstr" files a month ago and have voraciously devoured a wide range of stories, many crass and poorly written; most have been arousing. You definitely shine brightly among those I hav
      GBF: I'll do my best. Thanks.

Nov 2005
I do not understand what really happened. It is a VERY sexy story. I am in need of an explaination. Sorry
      GBF: No need. I'll email you...

Oct 2005
An excellent host story. One of the best I have ever read. Considering I read one to two books daily that is the highest complement I can give you writing. Thanks again for your time and effort.
      GBF: Thanks. Much appreciated.

Jul 2005
NEAT! I am not usually into this type of reading but it was great!!! I really like the twist. You are really creative wrighter. How do you think of these things? Odd and yet romatic all at the same time. Only you could pull this off. Thanks again!
      GBF: I should pay you to say this stuff. Thanks.

Jul 2005
Weird even to a Sci Fi buff. I liked though
      GBF: Whew, that's a relief. How about an email address to go with all this feedback?

Jun 2005
Charming and Romantic... very appropriate words from previous reviews. I would also add enchanting! Great flow. Almost like a "how i met your mom" story but with the good sex left in! LOL
      GBF: Gosh Cam, thanks a lot. What good sex? :-)

Jun 2005
You get a 9! GBF: I'm getting addicted to you. You've probably heard it many times, but you write naturally & the action flows along. And the imaginative variety in lieu of gross repetition of a tiresome theme. I'll use one of your tales now each morning
      GBF: Good morning! :-)

Jun 2005
I loved the twist...guess you can call them soul mates eh? the feeling of trust right away is a remarkable thing.
      GBF: It certainly is. Pity it's so often misread.

Jun 2005
What a real pleasure. Beautifully wrtitten. Plato has a story of two intended soulmates reuniting as the two halves of a broken plate.
      GBF: Thank you kindly. Oh, and Plato I ain't! :-)

Jun 2005
Well written
      GBF: Well, thanks.

Apr 2005
Unexpectedly charming. Almost like listening to a very old traditional ballad.
      GBF: Hey, you saying I'm old? :-)

Mar 2005
Wonderful story, great twist. As always, a most enjoyable read.

Mar 2005
this is a beautiful story, i like the way they were connecting in the story.
      GBF: Thanks

Mar 2005
This was indeed excellent. The critic in me says you, to properly empphasize the main thrust of the story , you did not have the long dialogs or whacky humor you do so well on other typles of stories. Conversation was natural and the humor subtle.
      GBF: Thanks for that. This story remains a favourite, when many of my own more clever efforts have come and gone. I'm pleased about that.

Feb 2005
Lover memes! Or something. Of course, you won't put this on the review page, but I thought I'd tell you anyway how much my imagination was tickled.
      GBF: I only missed out the middle bit!

Jan 2005
Good story. Nice twist. I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing part of your world.
      GBF: Thanks for joining in.

Jan 2005
Har! What a twist! Very, very intriguing. Not to mention enjoyable. It was great right through to the end. I do so love a good SF plot twist! Keep 'em coming, Sir.
      GBF: Hey, so long as you didn't see it coming.

Jan 2005
Excellent ** Smirks** i want a *****
      GBF: Couldn't let you give the story away, sorry. Let me know when you find one.

Jan 2005
Wow that did have an interesting twist! I wasn't expecting that.
      GBF: My aim, etc... :-)

Nov 2004
dont normally read any of the scifi but this was ok may try more
      GBF: okay? :-)

Nov 2004
I enjoyed it. It's an unusual twist to the idea of a love that was meant to be... I felt good reading this.

Nov 2004
cute, really cute!! ;-)) But, does this little story meet the defitional characteristics of - a - - "mind-fuck"? Enjoyed it. thanks for the snort - giggle.
      GBF: I think so...

Oct 2004
I REALLY like this story. I guess I get off on SF & Fantasy. And really good sexy stories. I usually get a lot more involved with the story than the sex, but Donna hit both notes just right!
      GBF: Double-barrelled

Oct 2004
Definitely a love story with a twist, and what a twist!

Sep 2004
good story...loves the twist. you need to write more like this one.

Sep 2004
Hey! That's a gentle, warm and loving little story, which has given me a gentle and warm smile. Thank you for sharing it... Bilbo

Sep 2004
Well written, superb idea, perhaps it is that way with a soul-mate.

Sep 2004
What do I think?...Hell..It was terrific. Beautifully descriptive sex,(human)and very imaginative other sex(alien?). I don't think a sequel could do this one justice. This one floats my boat.
      GBF: You're a romantic pervert. Take a seat. I've got some more here somehwere.

Aug 2004
Well, that was a delightful surprise. Another funny and witty story. I like the "energy". Love the concept of what brings two people together. Look, I tried to find fault...I was not successful. ;)
      GBF: Awww.... Thanks.

Aug 2004
A superb read! I was pleasantly surprised by the entities and found your writing in the transition to be very smooth.

Jun 2004
..good stuff.

Jun 2004
interesting - butt firm good choice

Aug 2003
A fun story. Nice job. (BTW, it's nice to see a story without the grammatical & spelling errors which take away from following the story line.)
      GBF: You mean you didn't find any???

Aug 2003
Nice twist. I think it would have been better, if I didn't expect it :-|.

Aug 2003
No. I didn't see the twist coming (sorry cuming). A good and unusual short story. Thank you. I wonder if there is room for a good SF series based on this idea??
      GBF: Well thanks a lot. But I don't think so, not if I have to write it!

An extraordinary effort! Outstanding dialogue and as Kevin noted, a wonderful twist to the story. I haven't read much sci-fi in recent years, but this may propel me back into that area.

Bedsmith, what a wonderful phrase

oh, I loved this! Maybe it really is like this. It would explain a great deal.

This one is definitely in my top ten. ... A wonderful concept that took the story to a higher plane, and managed to be romantic on both levels.