Clothes Shopping!

Mark, Ellen and Laura entered Petra's Prestigious Attire for The Pretty Princesses. Merida was featured prominently at the front of a display curtsying in a frilly, green, princess gown.

A woman came out from behind the counter greeting them with a coloratura soprano voice, “Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! It is so nice to have visitors to my humble store. You must be Mark.” The woman, Petra, gave him a deep bow and bent her knees. “I see you have brought two of your lovely princesses with you, how marvelous. My name is Petra Lundevall, at your service. Now Mark, I regret to inform you that I do not sell men’s wear. Now I simply insist that you try some things on as Mary though. I know you already told Maja you needed to try and figure out what you want. I agree with you, committing to a style at this point would be premature. I don’t actually agree with Maja that everyone needs a fixed style. Variety is the spice of life after all. We have all types of clothes here, this place is just perfect for you as Mary. Now Maja is correct about these two though. Clothing TFs are the worst. Ellen was it? I have a few things we can probably cobble together, but honestly you aren’t going to have much luck at my store. We do have some corsets though. Even there though Cassandra’s Caress will be better for you.”

It seemed like Petra barely stopped to breathe as she turned to Laura and continued. “Now you on the other hand. I can help. Especially if you don’t mind getting rather worked up. If you do want to limit your arousal though your store is your best bet as well. Sorry ladies.” She said with a shrug. “Clothing TFs are the worst. Though Laura… I agree with Maja though you should buy the main path upgrade and just have Mark buy you the outfit. Also technically Mark, you can wait until the last day to buy each of them an outfit, but we have earmarked 5000 BP to be set aside until you have purchased something for each of them.”

Laura looked down at Petra, “Why would you recommend the main path option? I mean I don’t dislike fitness. Honestly my favorite two TFs are both from the [Fitness] path.”

Petra looked at Laura in disbelief, “Laura, sweetie, I’m going to assume you meant ‘why should I select a main path at all’ and not that you were thinking [Fitness] would be better.”

“Wouldn’t it?”

Petra waved her hand and swapped Merida’s pose and outfit. She was now wearing skin tight athletic wear.

Then Petra looked back at Laura with incredulity, “Really? Do you want to wear something like this all the time? Remember the part where all your TFs will be altered or enhanced? Yeah, clothing TFs are at the top of that list. It’s why the outfits actually look different.”

Ellen interrupted “Wait, so would that mean I might not have to wear costumes, or corsets? Assuming, of course, that I had a main path, that those wouldn't quite fit?”

“Yes, it would. Now Laura, an answer please?”

“I mean that isn’t all that different from what I wear fairly regularly. Plus the part that would change is the style. So I could still deviate from it.”

“Sure, assuming you want to turn into a horny mess at any formal or somber occasion. At least with the other two you have appropriate options for those. Now if you wanted to reroll that TF first that would be another story. But I would still say pick [Sex Goddess] it would be dumb not too.”

“Mark, do you feel that way? Should I pick that as a main path?”

“I don’t know if you should or not. But if you wanted to, that would be the one I would recommend and I think the only one I would approve of that you currently have. If possible I’d check with Cassandra if we could do a slight tweak on the path name though first. You are also one of two people I would approve a main path for. The other is Allie, and that is only because I know her so well, and have read variations on the [Gamer Girl] path and know what to expect.”

“How would you tweak the name?”

“I’d replace sex with love.” Which caused Laura to blush.

“Mark… you aren’t saying you’re in love with me right?”

“No. Do I like you, think you are super attractive, can count on you, your support and guidance? Yes. I also respect the hell out of you. I think you’re intelligent, emotionally strong, and dependable.”

When Mark paused for a moment Ellen spoke, “Mark, it rather sounds as though you are quite in love with Laura. You also mentioned you would ask her to be in a relationship with you and Allie, even if the show were to end prematurely and she were not bound to you. Also, you have repeatedly referred to her as a goddess. Plus, your response right now is not the response of someone who is merely interested in a person, would have.”

“Ellen I feel like I would know if I was in love with Laura.”

“Mark, could you tell me when you realized you were in love with Allie? Both when it actually occurred to you that you were in love with her, and, in hindsight, when you began to love her? How long was between those two times as well.”

“I realized I loved her when I was putting together a playlist of songs that I thought would be good for when we eventually got married. In hindsight… Probably after dating her for about two months, I think I was in love with her. Ten months give or take?”

“Mark, that is an extraordinarily long time between the two," Ellen observed, her voice gentle but clear. "You also look at Laura more affectionately than anyone else here, save for Allie, and perhaps Sam, though I believe it is even more than Sam. If you aren't in love with Laura, yet, well, you are most certainly falling then and fast."

“I’m sorry that I asked, Mark. Can… can we just move on from this discussion and pretend I didn’t.” Laura's face was red as a tomato.

“Laura, but why? It is clear—”

“Ellen, please just drop this.” Laura said firmly. “Please don’t try and convince Mark that he is in love with me. When he says he isn’t.”

Mark wisely kept his trap shut.

Petra intervened, “Okay while this is a lot of fun to watch play out in real time in front of me. Would you be interested in actually getting clothes or not?”

“Well, Mark, it is my date today, so will you humor me and also try on some clothes?”

“I guess I should start to find out what I do and do not like to wear as Mary. Just don’t go overboard with suggestions, please.” Mark shifted into Mary. Mary was wearing a knee length skirt and blouse with knee-high socks and sneakers, with her hair tied back in a ponytail.

Petra clapped her hands together in joy, “Wonderful. Now Mary, tell me is there anything in particular you would like to try on, or know that you don’t want to try?”

“I don’t have anything in mind to try on, but nothing overly sexual please. Something I wouldn’t have a problem with, being around my family and friends, or going to work.”

Mary went silent for a moment lost in thought as Petra responded. “We can definitely work with that. Ellen, Laura, would you like to go around and help me find some stuff for Mary to try on.”

“Absolutely!” Laura grinned.

“That sounds quite fun.” Ellen smirked.

As the three of them went off around the store. Mary sat down for a moment still thinking, then pulled out her phone.

Mary: Hey, Cassandra. How will me being Mary be handled back on Earth?

Cassandra: Could you elaborate what you mean?

Mary: Well, Mary doesn’t legally exist. My family and friends don’t know me as Mary. Will people treat Mary as me, as a single entity? Is Mary going to be a completely separate person in a legal sense? Stuff like that.

Cassandra: Well, think about how you would like it to work. As the Mistress/Master, you will be getting reality adjustments for everything when you leave, unless of course I have to give you a punishment TF for some reason. Even then I assume you would buy a reality adjustment for that. If you have a preference at the end of the show just tell me. I can probably accommodate it.

Cassandra: I will say that it is probably best if I don’t alter your history to accommodate it. I could if you really want, but it is probably for the best that I don’t.

Well that’s good. But what do I want? Isabella was right earlier. I do sort of feel like Mary and Mark aren’t totally the same person, even if they are both me. Do I want to keep them separate? I can definitely see benefits to doing that. Or would I rather everyone see one person. That I am Mary and Mark. Mary stood up shaking her head. Doesn’t matter right now. I have plenty of time to think about what I want. Today is about shopping! Okay… apparently I’m far more enthusiastic about shopping as a woman. Mary joined the other three in looking for outfits for herself to try one.

After about thirty minutes they all meet back up with clothes in hand. Laura spoke up, “So I didn’t know exactly what size you were but assumed that Petra could either find the item in the correct size or just magically alter the item to be your size.”

“Indeed I can Laura. In fact for simplicity, if you could all place whatever you selected in this bin here, the correct sized item for Mary will appear on this rack right next to it. Plus it will allow us to put them on display easier so Mary can see what they actually look like on a person. Mary, after you make a selection of which outfits you actually like the look of, you can try them on to see if you feel comfortable in them.”

Everyone put their selections into the bin, and matching items appeared on the rack. Mary looked on as the rack was rather full. “Okay so that’s a lot of clothes. Let me go through it and figure out what I’d like to look at because I already see one or two options that I’m not wearing.” Mary went over and started to organize the items into yes, no, and maybe sections. “Petra, all of these you can add to my wardrobe.” Mary said of the yes pile. “I’d like to see these outfits, and possibly try them on. For everything else can you tell me if any of the outfits were selected by Ellen or Laura and are permitted by their TFs.”

Petra whisked away the yes pile as instructed. “Let’s see, I’m guessing this is your no pile… Well Laura selected two options that would be allowed for Ellen. Technically everything is allowed for Laura. I assume you mean without her becoming a horny mess, though. Hmm. There aren’t many things in your no pile even selected by Ellen, just these two, and they don’t fit either TF requirements. Nearly everything else in your no pile was selected by Laura.”

Mary stared at Laura accusingly, “Look Mary you asked us to get recommendations for you, if you didn’t want us to pick sexy stuff, then you should have said so.”

“I mean the only two of Ellen’s I rejected were because of the color. I rejected, how many of Laura's options, Petra?”

“Nearly half.”

“So? How was I supposed to know what you were cool with? You don't even know what you want isn't that the whole point?”

“That's fair. Petra, you didn’t answer my question earlier. Is there anything allowed by Laura’s TF in that group?”

Petra went through, “Not completely but this one comes pretty close with just a small arousal buildup.” Petra held up a dress that clearly was inspired by Middle Eastern and North African styles.

“Darn, I was hoping to tell Laura if she likes it she could wear it, but I don’t want her to have a constant arousal buildup. Unless Ellen would like either of the costumes, you can put away the no’s.”

"I mean, they are nice," Ellen said, looking at the clothes, "but I wish to save my BP and I already have a couple of outfits in mind that I want to purchase. I’ll pass on these two, at least for now."

Petra caused the outfits to appear on Merida one at a time. Some outfits after actually seeing them on a person were a clear no, while others Mary thought looked really good, but a few times Mary asked Petra to stop for a closer examination.

The first outfit Mary asked to stop on was just a virgin killer sweater. “Petra, is this meant to be worn alone?” Mary walked around to the side to see how it looked, checking out Merida’s backside.

“Yes it is, Mary”

“Toss it, not interested.”

The next outfit Mary asked to stop on was a red dress with white polka dots with bare shoulders, glasses, a red beret, and black gloves.

“Hmmm, Petra can you make the polka dots stand out a bit more? Also lower the hem so it is at my knees?”

“Absolutely, that is trivial. I take it this is a keeper?”

“Yes, I might wear it out too.”

The next one they stopped to examine was a little black dress with mesh sleeves and chest. Ellen spoke up, “I thought this one would be perfect for you, and every woman needs a little black dress.”

“Well I do like the way it looks on Merida. Not sure how I'll feel about the texture though. Petra I'm going to try that one on as well.”

The last time they stopped to look at one was when Laura spoke up. “Okay I know I might have been… a little adventurous with my suggestions but this one should be fine right? I mean I've worn something like this fairly often. It isn't even skimpy. Would you please try it on?”

“Okay Laura, I think it is probably fine even if the skirt is a little short. It is just a tennis outfit.” Mary noticed that the skirt lengthened about two inches.

Laura complained about that. “Oh come on, Petra you couldn't let me have this one?”

“Sorry Laura, my job is to cater to Mary's desires, not yours.”

“Petra, while I want this one added to my wardrobe, I will try on the original skirt for Laura.”

Laura perked up at that. “Really? I thought you didn't want to dress up for us “

“No, I don't want to be dressed up by all of you. I understand Merida’s aversion to being treated like a doll. It's why despite finding the idea something of a turn on, I'm not going to treat her that way because I don't want to be treated like that either. Now dressing up and looking good for you or myself because I want to is completely different. I'm sure Merida here would agree too if she could. At least she definitely didn't mind showing off in those cosplays before.”

Ellen commented, “Yeah I feel like if I didn't get a choice in my outfit I would dislike that more than getting into character.”

Laura questioned, “If that's the case Mary, why have Petra display everything like this on Merida?”

“Well this was her choice. She knew at least to some extent this was going to happen. There is also the fact that if I didn't, Cassandra would probably intervene in some way. I would like not to push her, especially after she was accommodating earlier.”

“I suppose that's true. I'm glad she changed how Merida’s displayed too.”

“Oh Mary, I want to let you know so it isn't overlooked, or forgotten about.” Ellen said, “Merida is almost certainly rerolling her posing path. She actually feels dumb for not doing that instead of gambling.”

Mary turned to look at Merida, “Merida I know you can't respond right now but don't feel too bad about going to the casino. I think out of everyone you came out the furthest ahead even if you have to model some in the stores. That grand prize is worth quite a lot.”

“Wait, grand prize?” Laura asked, “Merida didn't mention that.”

“I'm not sharing that info, then. But don't worry it can't affect anyone else. Okay I'm going to go try on these outfits then we can go to the other stores.”

Mary went into a changing room and put on the tennis outfit for Laura first. She came out and did a little twirl for Laura “There, happy?”

To both Mary and Laura's surprise Ellen responded, “I know I most certainly am. You are extremely good looking in that. I can hardly wait for tonight.”

Laura asked in confusion, “Wait Ellen aren't you straight?”

“Yes, I am… but Mary seems really hot now. That is weird. Laura objectively I think you are better looking, unless you have an issue with tall women. But I don't find you attractive at all. Mary on the other hand… well she is gorgeous.”

“That's my TFs. My Mary TF added something to the Adonis one, all women will find me attractive as Mary now.”

“Well that's convenient.” Laura said, “now everyone can be with you as Mary without needing to change their sexuality. Wait a second… when you say all women, do you actually mean all?” Mary nodded, which caused a burst of laughter from her. “Oh that is rich. I bet Cassandra is loving that.”

“She is not,” Petra said, not getting Laura's sarcasm. “To be honest I find it a little disconcerting as well. I know it is magic but it is a little odd to suddenly find an exception to your sexuality.”

“I hadn’t really considered that. Does it bother you Petra?”

“Not much, mostly because it isn’t the first time I’ve had my sexuality messed with. I used to be a lesbian, before I was a contestant. But I’ve gotten so used to being straight, that it’s odd to find a woman attractive again. It also brings back memories I’d rather not think about.”

“Shit, that sucks Petra. I know Mark can buy a sexuality change for us but I guess it just didn’t occur to me that they would put a lesbian in a man’s harem.”

Petra had a sad smile on her face, “Yeah, well at least Cassandra was nice enough to include a sexuality change for me so it was less horrific. With that bastard in charge of the harem, well…” Petra trailed off, not finishing her thought.

Mary looked at her sympathetically, “Petra are you okay?”

“Huh? Oh, yes. I’m fine.”

“Petra, I’m not pushing but if you need help, tell me.”

“I’ll be fine, the six of us are just closing in on the end of a chapter for our lives. It’s tough. We’re going to be going to your world. Honestly not a bad place for retirement. Just… I hope Freya will be able to start to heal after we leave. Because unless Maja can do something, if she ever makes it to being a producer, Astrid will be stuck like that for sure after we leave.”

“Petra—”

“Mary, don’t! Don’t promise me that you will help Astrid. Others have made that promise before, sometimes at disastrous consequences. I’ve accepted reality. It’s horrible and terrible, but Astrid is still somewhat in there. Please remember that, when you interact with her. She is in there. She is bound by her programming on somethings, but where she isn’t, that is all her. She doesn’t have to be cheery and upbeat, that’s just Astrid. Sorry for bringing down the mood of your date.”

“Petra, you don’t have to be sorry, you haven’t done anything wrong. You’re not at fault for what happened to Astrid and one day I’d like to hear the full story, if any of you are up for telling it.”

“Well, you’re wrong about that Mary. I am at least partly to blame for Astrid being like that.”

Mary walked over to Petra and hugged her. “Petra you might think that, but I doubt that is truly the case. Even if you were involved in the events that lead to Astrid’s elimination, that doesn’t put the blame on you. Your sisters have said they love Cassandra, I assume the same is true for you. Do you blame Cassandra?”

“No.” She said weakly.

“Then stop blaming yourself. I doubt any of your sisters blame you either. I don’t know the full details but based upon what I do know, I can fairly confidently say this wasn’t your fault. The person chosen for the Master of your season sounds like a piece of shit. It takes a lot for a Master to get eliminated, and not simply punished. That tells me more than enough to say that the blame is likely on him and Cassandra’s producer.”

“Thanks Mary. You should really get back to your date though. Why don’t you go try on the other two outfits?”

Mary turned around and saw Laura and Ellen were feeling down too. “You know what, I think I’m good Petra, could you just send the other two my wardrobe. I think I’ll wear this out.”

Which at least perked Laura up a little, “Really, I thought you said it was too short?”

“It is too short! I don’t think I’ll be wearing this skirt where there might be consequences for indecent exposure. That isn’t a worry here on the show though. Plus Laura you’ve seen me naked, and from the sound of things Ellen is planning on that happening tonight as well. So whatever. If wearing this out, and staying as Mary perks you two up a bit, then I will. Plus if I do get really embarrassed wearing it I’ll both learn that about myself like this, and I can always go back to being Mark.” Mary shrugged, “So, unless you’d like me to be in one of the other two dresses I’ll wear this for now.”

“I’m good. Just pleasantly surprised is all.” Laura said smiling.

Ellen thought about it, “I think you would probably look better in the red dress, but not enough that I’m asking you to change. Plus, maybe when we go to my shop we could get a couple’s costume or something.”

“I’m okay with that. Just not magical girls.”

Ellen tilted her head in confusion at that, “Why not, it seemed like you were fine with it before?”

“Oh, I don’t mind wearing the outfit, but that is sort of my couple’s costume with Sam. Sam doesn’t have a bunch of options for her to wear, so I’d like to keep the ones she has available to be something for her.”

“That’s really sweet Mary, sure I’ll avoid the other nautical themed options too. I would say I would avoid all the Arabian themed ones too, but something tells me that you aren’t going to dress up in a matching outfit to Laura. Plus Laura can just dress up in something else sexy, get turned on and screw you after whatever event you guys are at.”

“Yeah, while the sexy **** girl is appealing to me I have no interest in being one. Well, let’s get going then. See you later Petra. Thanks for helping me with my wardrobe.” Mary waved goodbye, as they exited the store. “So which store is next?”

Laura spoke up, “Well, this is Ellen’s night, let’s do hers first. Plus I think it will be more interesting than mine. I’ve been to my store before, it’s underwhelming in the selection. Not saying that all the stores aren't somewhat limited in their offerings.”

“Lead the way,” The three of them began heading towards Ellen's Erotic Emporium. “I haven’t had the chance to visit any of the stores besides Sam’s and Aubrey’s. Sam’s was obviously limited in the selection because of the clothing TF, and well… I didn’t get to see a lot of Aubrey’s because of events, but it was very… pink. So I don’t really know what to expect from the other stores. I guess I’ll find out later this week though since I’m taking everyone shopping. Also Ellen, you said couples costumes, do you see us like that? A couple?”

“No use in denying reality Mary. We are a couple. A couple of what? I don’t know, but I’m yours and you are mine. What we are to each other: significant others, dom and sub, friends with benefits, I don’t have an answer for that. I know we aren’t lovers, at least yet. Look Mary, you’ve accurately deduced that I want to do some stuff this evening with you. I’ve never been willing to really embrace bondage and being a sub, as I thought it would damage my reputation. Well, between being a sub, and being in a relationship with a Man or woman who is with nine other women, being a sub isn’t a big deal. So I might as well try to enjoy the parts I can and indulge. I will say that, Allie thinks it would be a problem if you were to treat me as your sub outside of the bedroom.”

“What? Why would that be a problem?” Laura asked before Mary could.

“Well Allie has a TF, Shared Vows, it makes Mary not play favorites and treats us equally, the more Allie helps us be good wives. She’s worried that if Mary starts to treat me like a sub outside of the bedroom and controls me, well that she will want to do it to everyone else too.”

Mary opened up Allie’s status page to read the text of that TF again.

Shared Vows: Every time Allie supports another girl in their shared goal of marrying Mark, her own connection and bond with that girl deepens. The more she helps others become good wives, the more Mark unconsciously treats each equally, without playing favorites.

“Hmmm, that certainly is a reasonable interpretation but I doubt that is how it actually works. Though I noticed something more interesting that actually needs an answer from Cassandra.”

Mary: Cassandra, Allie’s Shared Vow TF still read’s ‘marrying Mark’, and ‘Mark unconsciously treats’. Is that intentional, an oversight, or just not distinguishing between my two forms because I am one person.

Cassandra: Mostly an oversight. I will go through and have all of them updated where appropriate by the next challenge day. But it is possible that some TFs will only apply to one of your two forms. And before you ask, No I don’t have an answer for sure if it was an oversight or not for this TF in particular, at the moment. I’ll have to examine it closer when I have time.

“What was so interesting?” Ellen inquired.

“Well Allie’s TF doesn’t say anything about Mary. In fact I don’t think any of your TFs mention Mary.”

“Well Why would they? I mean even if we call you different things you are still one person.”

“Sure, I thought that might be the answer too but multiple of my TFs now have different effects for Mark and for Mary. Implying that the forms aren’t the same for all TFs. As far as worrying about the TF I wouldn’t. I doubt that I’d have to treat you all exactly the same. Otherwise I actually would be playing favorites. Rather I won’t prioritize one of you over the others. Something to worry about in the future regardless, because I’ll be honest Ellen, I don’t know if I’d like for you to be my full time sub instead of ultimately my wife.”

“Allie actually told me that too. That you might not want that. Which was why she offered to do that for me…” Ellen frowned.

“Ellen what’s wrong?”

“Just Allie sort of broke up with me yesterday.”

“Yeah… I thought I heard Allie mention something about that to Isabella, but I was in another room so I wasn’t sure. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, just a little bummed, I’m hoping Sam or one of the others are willing to do that with me still, if you won’t.”

“I’ll do it.” Laura said, giving a small wave to Ellen. “I mean assuming you would want that. Though I don’t know how I feel about the fact you are straight. If you aren’t actually into me and what we are doing, and act like it, well, that’s sort of a turn off for me. Same with **** play. So if that’s what you’re looking for, maybe not, but if you're looking for me to dominate you, even be rough with you then I’m game.”

“Well… hmmm… I’ll think about it Laura. I don’t want to miss out on something simply because it isn’t perfect. We can talk about it more another time, in private.”