Chapter 264: Stuff

"That was fun! And the more serious options we got should definitely work as disguises, they looked convincing enough and we both looked a lot different," Remarked Aria, as she put everything back into the box.We spent about an hour trying out the various stuff we bought, and I really didn’t expect this to be as fun as it ended up being.

"Yeah, the color swap thing you suggested should work, the black wig and purple contacts made you pretty unrecognizable," I replied, as I stretched my arms up.

"The red wig and green contacts disguised you really well too," She responded with a nod, before adding wryly, "I have to say though, wigs aren’t particularly comfortable. My head was feeling kinda itchy and sweaty by the end, and we only tried each one for a few minutes at a time."

"That’s definitely a concern, we’ll definitely be in a bit of discomfort if we wear wigs for a prolonged period of time. But the wigs are the main part of what makes the disguises work, the contacts alone won’t be enough. And the fake beards and mustaches we got look, well, fake. Especially on you," I replied teasingly.

"Hah, you’re just jealous that I rocked a beard better than you!" She joked with a smug look on her face, pausing before both of us let out snorts of laughter.

"Wanna go out for dinner tomorrow and test out our disguises? If we book a place with private booths, we can take the wigs off once we’re in," I pointed out.

"Sure, that sounds nice. While I’ve certainly got nothing against relaxing indoors, going out every once in a while should make for a nice change of pace," She nodded with a smile, before adding, "Okay, let’s hop back online and get some costumes now! I wanna see you in a bunch of different outfits!"

"Oh, you wanna do that now? I mean, I don’t mind, but I assumed we’d be doing that some other time."

"Yeah, I don’t really have the energy to get all dressed up a bunch of times today, but let’s at least buy some options so that we can try them out whenever we feel like it. I definitely wanna see you in a labcoat...what else should I get?" She wondered, an excited gleam in her eyes.

"Let’s find a store and have a look at their options, then. It’d be pretty cool to see you in different costumes too," I responded, as she browsed on her display.

"What kind of stuff do you wanna see me in? I find the Gothic Lolita style pretty interesting, it looks so fancy and stylish," She replied, as she found a site and clicked on it.

"Mhm, I definitely wouldn’t mind getting a look at you as a goth loli. Though, I was thinking more along the lines of sexy nurse outfit, sexy teacher, sexy santa, sexy cat girl, bunny girl, sexy nun, sexy-..."

"W-Why’s everything sexy?! Well, except bunny girl...," She responded in bemusement, her face turning slightly red.

"I mean, bunny girl outfits are inherently sexy, so it’d be redundant to say sexy bunny girl. And it’s not like those were the only options I was going to suggest, you didn’t let me finish...I was also thinking of those cute animal-themed onesies, I bet you’d look adorable in those," I replied with a wry smile, before adding sheepishly, "So, based on your reaction, I’m guessing the sexy options are off the table?"

"Huh? Well, um...I don’t think I can wear anything like that right now, but we can buy them anyway. I just don’t feel ready for something like that, but...I’m not opposed to it either, I just need some time to work up the courage. Um...I’m sorry, Kai, I know I’m really taking things slow, I’ll try to be bolder and-...," She began apologetically.

"Hey, come on, look at me...I have absolutely no problem with that. We have all the time in the world, so you don’t need to feel like you gotta rush anything.

Take your time, you have absolutely no reason to force yourself to do anything you aren’t ready for or don’t want to," I assured her, as I took hold of her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Thanks, Kai...but I still feel bad, like I’m taking advantage of how patient and understanding you’re being. Like, I’m twenty, and I’ll be twenty-one in a little over a month, but I keep feeling all awkward and embarrassed about this stuff like a middle-schooler," She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly.

"There’s no reason to be self-conscious about that, I know it’s only natural to compare yourself to what everyone else considers to be the norm, but the reality is, different people do things at different paces.

Also, it’s only been eight days since we became a couple-...huh, yeah, it’s only been eight days. Why does it feel like it’s been longer? Anyway, I have no intention of pressuring you, so don’t put any pressure on yourself either. Okay?" I smiled, as I gently stroked her hair.

"But I-...okay, I’ll try. Also...has it really only been eight days? That was the 16th, and today’s the 24th...huh, yeah, you’re right. Wow. Well, anyway, I really appreciate you saying all that, Kai, you’re the best," She responded, kissing my cheek before hugging me as she added, "However, while I won’t force or pressure myself, I do intend on pushing myself...I’ll at least try to be a bit more bold. That much is fine, right?"

"Yeah, if that’s what you want, sure. Take your time, really put some thought into it, and only go for whatever it is that you want to try if you truly feel like you’re ready. I don’t want you to end up regretting anything, so just go slow and steady with it," I replied, as she buried her face in my chest and nodded.

"Okay...and, um, just so we’re clear, it’s definitely not that I don’t want to do any, um, stuff. I do want to...I just need time to mentally prepare."

She’s definitely feeling bad about this, maybe I should try lightening the mood...

"Hm...what stuff? Not sure what you mean, could you be more specific?" I responded as I put on a confused look on my face.

"H-Huh? I-I, uh, that’s-...wait, you’re teasing me, aren’t you?" She realized, pouting as she lightly smacked my shoulder with a huff, before a slight smile spread out across her lips as she met my gaze.