	Just as suddenly as Dana's extreme dominance had appeared, it was no more. The fierce glint in her eye vanished, replaced with what seemed to be sudden fear. The borderline evil grin splitting her face shrinked back to a small, shy smile as she gently lowered herself from the posture that had her pinning Irine to the bed and repositioned herself near the lizard's crotch.

	Is something wrong? asked Irine.

	No, replied Dana with a shy blush, I'm just... repositioning myself.

	Irine had the feeling that Dana was lying for some reason, but she couldn't see why that could be the case. 

	Dana's touch on her thigh was at first so cautious, so barely touching, that Irine almost didn't feel it. It was such a stark contrast from not only the dominant Dana that had appeared and disappeared just as quickly, but also of Dana's initial shy eagerness, that Irine reached down to the shark's barely touching hand with her own, laying it on top and giving what she hoped was a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

	It seemed to give Dana confidence. She gently returned the squeeze and more assertively began moving her hand closer to Irine's intimates, gently slipping free of Irine's loose grasp.

	Dana's touch was very ticklish to the pent-up Irine. She was being so gentle, so delicate, that if it hadn't been for the tickly feelings, Irine would've otherwise barely noticed it.

	You're very wet, Dana mused quietly, her small smile growing slightly, That must've been a hell of a dream.

	You've no idea how hard it's been for me to keep it to myself, breathed Irine, I tried to let it out earlier but had to stop to have a shower before the movies... that didn't help matters.

	I can imagine, Dana's face was one of shy sympathy.

	Are you sure you're okay? asked Irine, At first you were eager, then you had that moment that had you looking like you were going to eat me... and now you're silent and shy. What gives?

	I've never actually... been with anyone before, sighed Dana dejectedly, I can't remember if I said that earlier, but it's the truth. I've only ever been near my own parts.

	Same here, remember? replied Irine, Up until you showed up at the start of the week I thought I was near-completely straight and had never had a boyfriend or anything. It's okay if you'd rather just watch while I finish myself off.

	No, Dana shook her head decisively, You did so well on me, I can't just leave you behind... It'd make me feel bad.

	Dana's touch became more noticable as her confidence grew. Irine knew that with her being this pent-up, she wouldn't last anywhere near as long as Dana had. Sure enough, barely a minute later, she felt the sensations of impending climax.

	Dana... she shuddered, I'm close.

	Dana perked up slightly at the news, and began more vigorously rubbing Irine's clit, accelerating the process even further.

	The overwhelming feelings of powerful orgasm flowed through Irine. She gasped and groaned adorably as  it became her sole focus. To her amazement, her juices didn't squirt uncontrollably everywhere, but rather a feeble dribble left her and dripped down Dana's probing arm. It was quite an underwhelming outcome for such an incredible feeling.

	What the? Irine gasped heavily at length, That felt so amazing... but where's all the finish?!

	Honestly, I have no idea, said Dana with a confused shrug, Maybe, sometimes less comes out despite how it feels, I guess?

	Well, at any rate, I want you to know how amazingly you did. I loved every second. Irine affectionately stroked her tail across the underside of Dana's breasts, prompting Dana's small smile to grow slightly.

	Thank you for this wonderful afternoon, said Dana warmly, I'm glad to have shared it with you. I wish I could stay longer, but I've got to get home shortly.

	Thank you also, smiled Irine, But before you just waltz off and leave... could you tell me why you looked so afraid after you pinned me down?

	Dana's smile vanished and that hurt fear that had flashed across her face after her moment of dominance returned to her soft, green eyes.

	I'm a shark, she said, almost inaudibly and apparently ashamed, That means by nature that I'm a predator. When you... when you made me finish... my inner predator came out, for the first time since I was a child.

	And that frightened you, Irine could see Dana was on the verge of tears, a fact proven when a small stream began dripping from the shark's right eye.

	To no end, breathed Dana, her tears beginning to flow more steadily, It could never overcome me enough to... you know, kill someone... but it's a side of my personality I despise... I thought I had it under control... but that moment proved otherwise to me. I didn't want to hurt you.

	Hey, Irine sat up and twisted herself around so she was face-to-face with Dana, forcing her to look into her eyes, You DID have it under control. You may have looked terrifying, so by rights I should've been cowering in a corner... but instead, I felt completely safe.

	How in the world did THAT make you feel safe?

	I... I don't know. But, I'd never felt safer before in my life, Irine struggled to think of an appropriate comparison, to do her best to convey what she meant. It was as if... you were my protector or something. As in, say for instance someone broke into the house and tried to kill me. I knew that if they came in when you were around, they wouldn't get anywhere near me, you know? ... I don't know if that explained it properly, but I hope it helped.

	A little bit, a tiny bit of her shy smile broke back through Dana's tears, Still doesn't explain it all that much, but I get it.

	Irine leaned forward slightly and pressed her lips against Dana's, who, despite her shame at her inner predator's temporary escape, returned the affection wholeheartedly.

	Thank you again, said Irine warmly, gently pulling back from the kiss.

	You too, replied Dana with a blush.

	Inine pulled on her undergarments and clothes alongside Dana. She wanted to go outside to walk her companion to her car, and didn't think the neighbours would appreciate seeing her stark-naked.

	They walked downstairs and became aware of the soft sounds of intimacy coming from the living room. Irine grinned devilishly and snuck along down the short hallway toward the living room, gripping a confused Dana's hand to make her tag along.

	Shouldn't we just leave them be? whispered Dana.

	Nah, it's more fun this way, breathed Irine in reply as she rounded the living room's open door.

	Sure enough, Marco and Ezra were at it on the couch. Ezra was lying on his back, Marco riding atop him. They were too busy enjoying themselves to notice the smirking Irine and embarrassed Dana in the doorway.

	GOTCHA!!! Irine bellowed at them. 

	Marco and Ezra froze in place, their eyes opening and staring at her and Dana in horror. Judging by the way that Ezra suddenly closed his eyes, squirmed, gasped and moaned... and ejaculated deep inside Marco, they had been very close to natural finish before the interruption.

	We didn't go out of our way to interrupt you two... squeaked a pleasure-shuddering Marco, blushing deeply as he felt some of Ezra's man milk start to leak out of him as the girls watched.

	Yeah, but I'm your sister. I'm allowed to interrupt you, smirked Irine.

	Marco's face twisted into a look of furious indignation. Oh, so if I were to barge in on you, you'd be fine with that would you, you little bitch?!

	Nah, you're my brother. You're not allowed.

	How the flying fuck does that work?!

	I don't know, but it's the way it is.

	I'm so sorry, stammered Dana, holding her hand up to cover the sight of the boys' conjoined groins from herself, I didn't mean...

	I'm not angry at you, Marco's face was suddenly warm, friendly and embarrassed again as he turned his attention to Dana, I'm angry at that useless hunk of flesh I call a sister. I'm honestly feeling bad for you, considering that she's obviously forced you along.

	Irine released Dana's hand, realising that the simple fact that she'd still been holding hands had made it immediately apparent to her brother that she'd dragged the lesbian shark along for a reason she suddenly couldn't remember.

	Aw come on, bro! said Irine, beginning to blush under the annoyed glares from the husbands and the shy bemusement from Dana, She thinks you two are just as hot together as I do!

	Perhaps, admitted Dana, her hand still semi-tastefully blocking the boys' bits from her view, but not quite in THAT way.

	Well, you've gotten your kicks, Irine, grumbled Ezra, So do you mind buggering off now?

	Nearly. I thought you boys would want to know that Dana's off home now.

	And you thought that she'd want to see this, grunted Marco, gesturing to himself and Ezra, You're quite insensitive at times, you know that right?

	Trying to be courteous, Dana lowered her hand and smiled friendly at Marco and Ezra, doing her best to avoid any below the belt glances.

	Goodbye boys, she said with a small wave, I'll keep in touch, and we should hang out on some of my days off work!

	Sounds good, replied Marco as he and Ezra returned the awkward wave, I look forward to the next time we can hang out... But can you please convince that sister of mine to leave me and my husband in peace for the time being?

	Dana nodded and grabbed Irine's hand, dragging her along with her while leaving her friends with nothing more than an embarrassed smile and another small friendly farewell wave.

	You're no fun, teased Irine.

	And you're shockingly inappropriate at times, retorted Dana with a smirk.

	The pair stepped outside and strolled down the driveway in companionable silence, pausing at the closed gate.

	Thanks again Dana, said Irine, grasping Dana's arm in a loose semi-hug, I had fun today.

	So did I, replied Dana, reaching across with her other hand to scruffle the flexible spines that made up Irine's hair, Also, you're quite the cutie when you want to be.

	What do you mean 'want to be?' I'm always cute... just in various quantities.

	Oh, you, Dana chuckled, reaching into her purse and pulling out a small notepad. She quickly jotted down her name and cellphone number and ripped the page out to give to Irine.

	What's this for? asked Irine, taking the note with a look of confusion.

	It's my number, silly, said Dana with a wink, I fully understand if I never hear from you again, given your phobia and uncertainty about everything and such, but... just in case. Even if it's just to talk about useless crap, if I have the time, I'll answer.

	Oh, okay... Irine glanced down at the page and blushed, shuffling her feet slightly, Before you go though, would I be allowed another hug and kiss?

	Of course, darling.

	Dana bent down and swept Irine literally off her feet, raising herself to her full impressive height and kissing Irine on the lips. Surprised by how far she was off the ground, her tail barely touching the cement of the driveway, Irine briefly flailed in alarm before giving in to the romance and calmly returning the embrace and kiss.

	Dana set Irine down and opened the gate, sweeping herself gracefully through and closing it behind her, casting one last warm glance at Irine before crossing the road to her car.

	Enjoy your first week at work next week! Irine called after her, waving enthusiastically and then realising that she'd said a rather awkward, broken sentence.

	Thanks dear! Dana called back, returning the wave and apparently ignoring Irine's lack of syntax, You have a good week too... and I hope you can figure yourself out! It may not be easy at times, but you'll get there, I promise!

	With that, Dana got into her car and drove off, leaving Irine leaning on the gate watching her go.

	With Dana gone, Irine felt suddenly exhausted. She yawned loudly and stumbled back to the house. She nearly leapt out of her scales when her still-naked brother greeted her as she walked inside by suddenly speaking to her from down the hallway.

	Feeling butterflies are we? he mused with a smirk, leaning against the wall, his crotch still showing signs of the white-dripping love-making that had just transpired.

	Don't sneak up on me like that! snarled Irine, hand on her heart as it beat crazily in her chest.

	It's not fun when someone does that back at you, is it? quipped Marco with a cheeky grin.

	Irine breathed deeply to calm herself. Alright, you've made your point, and yes... I am suddenly feeling butterflies... and exhaustion. Don't bother waking me for dinner  I'm just going to fall into bed and die for a while, okay?

	Marco's face was overcome by a look of concern. Are you sure you're alright? You've suddenly gone pale.

	I'll be fine after I die in bed for a bit, grumbled Irine, holding her head with a sudden headache and shambling her way toward the staircase.

	Marco came toward her and stopped her, giving her a comforting hug.

	Hey... it's okay sis, he said softly, You've done a huge thing today... a huge thing that I'm amazed you were able to do and I know is very scary and confusing for you. If you need anything at all, you don't need to leave your room. Just text or call me and I'll bring you up a glass of water or whatever you need, alright?

	I appreciate it, Marco, said Irine honestly, I'll let you know... but I don't think I'll be waking up any time before dinner tomorrow.

	It's a good thing you've still got another day off, eh?

	She nodded in response, pulling herself out of Marco's hug and stumbling up the stairs into her room. She put the piece of paper with Dana's number on it on top of her bookcase and fell onto her bed. With all the confusing thoughts rushing through her head and her sudden headache, she thought she'd be awake for hours musing over what had just happened, but instead, just as she was considering calling Marco to bring her something to drink, she fell into a dreamless sleep.

		*****

	When she woke, Irine groaned loudly. She felt like she'd gotten drunk the night before and was on the tail end of some sort of mild hangover. With all of the thoughts racing through her mind, of her going to the movies with and subsequently getting it on with Dana... she must've been drunk and had been having crazy dreams all night long. There was NO WAY it could've actually happened... right?

	She glanced at her clock and found it was barely ten in the morning. So much for her estimate of waking up at dinnertime. Oh well, at least she didn't have a headache anymore... but she still felt sick to her stomach. Her insides and nerves felt like they were knotted together and wrapped around each other, making her feel like she'd been thrust into a corset five hundred feet under the sea. But at least nothing had happened yesterday between her and that terrifying shark lady thing.

	Oh wait... something HAD happened. There on the floor beside her bed was a black bra far too big for her. Dana had somehow forgotten it. The small damp stains on her duvet further confirmed her fears that yes, the two of them had gotten very intimate with one another.

	Her phobia suddenly kicked in and her breath caught in her throat. She recoiled away from the love juices on the bed, slamming her back against the wall and her breath began coming in ragged pants of fear.

	What had she been THINKING?! What had even HAPPENED??!! How had that devilish shark convinced her to let her into her bits? Suddenly, her memories of the day before cleared. SHE had been the instigator?! She HADN'T been scared of those behemoth teeth?! What was WRONG with her?! She was so afraid and confused at the realisation that she nearly threw up.

	She was startled away from her thoughts by a knock on the door.

	Sis? came Marco's concerned voice, I heard something bang into the wall. Are you okay in there?

	Go away! shouted Irine in a panic, Leave me alone!

	Can I come in? We can talk or-

	Irine jumped up and dragged her chair against the door, stopping it from opening. I said LEAVE ME ALONE!!!

	Marco recoiled in alarm as the door he'd just begun opening was slammed shut in his face as Irine shoved her chair against it. Sadly and dejectedly, he trudged back downstairs and sat beside Ezra on the couch with a sigh.

	She's not doing well at all, is she? asked Ezra, putting his arm around Marco as the depressed lizard leaned into his shoulder.

	No, not at all, muttered Marco, She wouldn't let me into her room to talk or anything. I doubt she would've even let mum or dad in if they were still home.

	That well, huh? Wonder what made her change her mind so drastically.

	My sister is a confusing piece of work, remember? sighed Marco, But at this stage, I think she's merely beyond confused. Yesterday was huge for her... it's not surprising that she's fighting with herself. She's not letting me help her, so I guess she just has to sort it out on her own until she's ready to accept help from others.

	It's okay, hun, said Ezra with a light kiss on Marco's forehead, If she ever needs anything, the two of us are more than qualified to help her. We went through similar things together at the start of our relationship, didn't we?

	Yeah, but we were already friends, not the object of a deep-seated fear. I hope I haven't destroyed my sister's life with what I pulled trying to get them together.

	It's a bit of a grey area, yes, but it has at the very least helped with her fear. Even if they're not right for each other, she probably won't run like a bat out of hell whenever she sees Dana or any other fish for that matter.

	What was I thinking? Marco was obviously not listening to Ezra. The young iguana was suddenly sobbing into Ezra's shoulder. WHY did I think it was a good idea?!

	Ezra's ears were folded back in sympathy for his husband. As he gently stroked Marco's arm in an attempt to comfort him, he closed his eyes and thought a silent prayer, begging whoever was listening to help Irine calm her feelings and to help Marco forgive himself.
 
	Ezra firmly believed, despite his initial resistance to the idea, that Marco had done a valiant thing, trying to help his sister overcome a fear and potentially make a new friend, and yesterday it had seemed that both had come true. He was hoping that he wasn't alone in his belief.

		*****

	Sorting it out was not quite what Irine was currently doing. She was sitting curled up on her bed, sobbing into her knees. Her emotions were a confused mess between a sort of undying love for Dana and a pure, unadultered terror at her sharkiness. How in the world had her fear vanished so completely yesterday?

	She pulled a hankerchief from her pocket and  lifted her face to blow her nose and wipe her tears away. She took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself and tried to focus her thoughts.

	Okay, so the facts: she'd been constantly thinking about Dana since she'd laid eyes on her at the start of the week, had had an outrageously horny dream about her the night before last, had somehow been duped by her brother into going to the movies with her, and had been more than willing to let the behemoth fish into her pants. When she thought of the events that had transpired in order... she genuinely had no idea how it had escalated so quickly, but it had.

	But at the same time, through her knotted nerves, she could catch fleeting memories of the amazing feelings of loving safety and romantic companionship she felt when she'd been in Dana's presence. Maybe there was something there after all?

	But what if despite all her spoken niceties to the contrary, Dana didn't return those feelings? But then again... if she didn't feel at least something back, why was there a bit of paper with her number on it sitting on Irine's bookcase?

	With slowly growing determination, Irine shakily stood from her sobbing crouch and walked to her computer desk to pick up her cellphone before trudging back across the room to grab Dana's phone number from her bookcase.

	Then, with a large, shaky, apprehensive inhale, she input the number and let the phone ring, hoping for an answer from the other end.

	Hello? came Dana's answer after a short delay. Despite her knotted guts and nerves and her uncontrollable terror and shaking, Irine smiled warmly at her voice.

	Hey, Dana, she stammered uncertainly, would you... like to go out on an actual, proper date with me?

	... I'd be more than delighted, beamed Dana in response after a short pause. Irine could practically hear her delighted smile through the phone.	

	Maybe this wasn't confusion after all... perhaps it WAS real.