The weekend foursomes went on for a few weeks and had become so intense that the step-siblings were too tired to do it with their respective partners during the week. Like anything new and different, it was exciting for a while, but for Joseph, the thrill was waning. On the contrary, he did not lose his attraction to Kendall. The more non-sexual time he spent with herโwalking to and from campus, occasional lunch at the student unionโhe found himself really falling for her. The fact that he could not date her was a growing source of frustration that might have even been a contributing factor in his declining interest in the foursomes.
* * *
Since Kendall and Mark had been having sex, her appetite had become voracious. The foursomes simply fed her growing sexual addiction. However, after the last few sessions, she found herself enjoying sex more with Joseph than her stepbrother. She didn't know if it was just because she had been fucking Mark for so long and Joseph was "fresh meat" and something different, or what. She
did
know that she would like to be able to do it with Joseph
alone.
There were probably things they could do that they wouldn't do in front of Mark and Jackie. She wasn't really certain what that might be, but she'd like to try.
* * *
As a measure of Kendall's and Joseph's compatibility, they both had these thoughts at the same time, and he decided to mention it to her after the class they had together.
The opportunity presented itself when she pointed out his demeanor. "Are you okay, Joseph? You seem distant."
With a heavy sigh, he told her, "I just wish I could date you for real and not just for show."
"What happened to wanting to date Jackie?" Kendall questioned. "Wasn't that the whole point of our dating ruse?"
"Yes, butโand don't get me wrongโI love Jackie and I love being with her. However, it's becoming increasingly clear to me that you and I have more in common than I have with her. I mean, you and I are edgy, we like to play, we do well in school but it's not an obsession like it is for Jackie,
and
Mark, for that matter. I think it's the same for you and Mark."
Smirking, Kendall said, "I was actually having similar thoughts. You and I share characteristics and Mark and Jackie share some. It would be nice to see how it would be if we didn't have to pretend."
"Not to mention, I think you and I are pretty good together in the sack also."
"I agree."
"So, you're saying you would want to date me for real?" Joseph didn't conceal the excitement in his voice.
"Actually, I would." But she quickly added, "but truthfully, not to the elimination of our step-siblings."
Forcing a smile, Joseph said, "Well, that's a start. Would you mind if I bring it up with Jackie and Mark?"
"We all agreed that if we wanted to change the situation, that's how we'd do it."
* * *
And so, Joseph did bring it up. But Mark and Jackie seemed more stunned than receptive. In fact, Jackie seemed more hurt than anything else.
"You don't want to be with me anymore?" she asked.
"No, it isn't that," Joseph contradicted. He then recounted the things he and Kendall had in common.
"Well, that's like adding insult to injury," Jackie accused. To Kendall, she asked, "And you're going along with this?"
"Both of our parents did encourage us to date other people to make certain Mark and me and you and Joseph were really right for each other. I don't think the dating we've done so far has really been a good barometer. It could be good for you and Mark also."
"You're quiet through all of this, Mark," Jackie noted.
Shrugging, he said, "Well, I hear what Joseph and Kendall are saying, but I'm not ready to make that drastic a change.
And
, I can see that you have some serious concerns so I wouldn't agree to Joseph's request right now."
"Gee, how did I know you were going to say that?" Joseph said, obviously annoyed. "Kendall, what do you have to say?"
"You guys don't even want to talk about it?" Kendall asked.
"What's there to talk about?" Jackie shot back. "You two want to do something we don't want you to do."
"And just because you don't want us to date, that's supposed to be it?" Joseph argued in a raised voice. "We're just supposed to say okay and forget it?"
"And just because it's what you and Kendall want, we're just supposed to say okay," Mark countered, also increasing his vocal volume. "If so, I think we're at an impasse."
"Yeah, that's about what I thought," Joseph huffed, standing.
"What if we date anyway?" Kendall asked.
Now, Mark was becoming aggravated. "Well, then, I guess there's not much I could do about that, is there? Except move back into my own room."
"Wow, is that childish," Kendall accused. "But you might not have to."
"What does that mean?"
"Guess you'll just have to wait and find out."
"I don't know about you, Kendall," Joseph said, heading for the door, "but I've had just about enough of this narrow-mindedness."
"I'm right behind you."
"Should we go after them?" a befuddled Mark asked after they left.
"No, let them go," Jackie said. "I think they said things they will regret. I think they'll come around."
But they didn't.
* * *
"What did we just do?" Joseph asked as they entered his apartment.