A Social Life

"I want to be included in more things. I feel like I'm forgotten when my friends make plans, and I don't get out much on my own either." her hands tremble in mine. "If it weren't for my classes and D&D group I wouldn't leave my apartment at all."

So definitely anxiety, likely some depression or executive dysfunction mixing with that to prevent her from initiating plans or going out alone. "And how do you want to achieve that? Think it over, answer when you're ready."

Grace is quiet for a minute before answering. "I want these... barriers in my mind to go away. Maybe... I want to skip all the nerves and just go straight to a party, a bar, be social!" She's loosening up now, good. Definitely sounds like a motivational issue.

"Good, good. Keep that idea in your mind. Last question. To allow change into your life, a balance must be struck. What are you willing to give up?" I give a trusting look, knowing that this is a tough question to answer.

Grace waits longer this time, staring at our hands in front of her. "I..." She takes a deep breath. "I would give up my straight A's. I've worked so hard to keep my grades up, but if studying less lets me have a social life... I will accept that."

As she finishes her answer, I can feel some sort of energy flow from myself into Grace. The candles flicker as I let go. What was that? "And that concludes the interview. Based on your answers I recommend a few things that may help. Lavender and lemon oil can help ease your nerves, meditate with dried lavender or scented oils before going out to ground yourself." Is she blushing? She looks pinker than earlier. "Carnelian is a crystal that inspires motivation and courage, which will help you get over the fear to initiate planning. I have some pieces for sale, either loose or set in jewelry."

I raise the lights and snuff the candles. Grace is definitely pinker. Not just flushed, but like a bubblegum pink. And are those... horns?

"Are you okay? You're really pale all of a sudden." She reaches a hand towards me, stopping as she sees her pink hand. Her eyes go wide, now completely black with glowing pink hearts in place of pupils. "What the..." She books it out of the room and onto the shop floor, where I have a mirror set up on the jewelry case. "WHAT THE FUCK???"

I stand shocked in the doorway, the both of us watching as her horns curl around to frame her face, a spade-tipped tail snakes it's way from her backside, and her body becomes more voluptuous overall. Still short, but now her hoodie no longer hides her bust so well and her ass and hips are much wider to match.

She whirls around and stomps up to me, jabbing a finger into my chest. "What the hell did you do to me?" A haze of lust clouds my mind, my dick going rock hard in an instant.

I fight through it and back up a step. "Nothing! I don't know what happened!"

She jabs me again, pouring more arousal into my system. "Bullshit. You did your little 'consultation' and now I'm some demon FREAK!" With that last word, her dark hair flared up and she bares her sharp teeth in a scowl.

"Grace, I'll... let me help you. We can figure out what happened." I blindly grab a protective charm from behind me, keeping my eyes on the angry succubus.

Not a moment too soon either, as Grace tries to land a swift kick to my crotch. She winces in pain as her knee stops dead just before landing a hit. "Oww... fuck you!"

The door chimes loudly as someone comes into the shop. Grace dashes into the reading room to hide and slams the door behind her.

"What's up with her?" The man who just showed up asks, a bemused look on his face.

I blink. Did he not notice that she's definitely not human? He probably thinks she's a cosplayer or something, that has to be it. "Nothing, she's just being shy. Um, need help finding anything?"

He browses for a couple minutes, picking out some candles and soaps to give his girlfriend as a gift. "Thanks man, have a good one. Let your coworker back there know I didn't mean to scare her."

"Oh, she doesn't-" I glance back at the door before simply agreeing. After the man leaves, I knock on the door. "Hey Grace, he's gone."

The door cracks open, a glowing pink eye peeking through the darkness before opening fully. She's definitely less agitated. "Your stupid questions worked. I found some lavender and texted my roommate to go out drinking tonight." She twirls a lock of hair around one of her horns. "Dunno how I'll explain... this, but it's not like I can hide it." Grace shivers slightly. "Eugh I feel so weird. If this doesn't turn out to be a dream, I swear to God."

"I'll... I'll look into what happened. I'll call if I find anything?" I offer. I'm going to do that anyway, but keeping in touch with Grace is a good idea. If she accepts, of course.

She pauses on her way out, tail flicking hard enough to knock a box of sachets onto the floor. "Sure, I guess." Another box falls. "Thanks, Sterling." The door chimes as the succubus leaves my shop.