Clothes call

It’s perhaps an hour later when Gabby comes inside, fully dressed now. Evie is still in bed, resting. Kael checked on her several times, and drinking water seems to have helped a bit. She’s napping now, and Kael is relaxing in the living room when the still smiling holstaur approaches him.

“All set, sir. Sorry if I shocked you earlier.”

Kael smiles back at her. “It’s not a problem, Gabby. I apologize for staring.”

Gabby laughs. “Oh, I don’t mind at all, sir! No harm in looking. I take it as a compliment.”

Kael chuckles. “Fair enough. You ready to get some new clothes? I’d like to get going so I’m available when Lord Greyheart needs me.”

Gabby nods. “Of course, sir. And again, thank you so much for…everything. I never thought I’d be in this position. You’re a good man, sir.”

Kael waves away the compliment. “It’s nothing. I simply treat you how you should be treated. Now, let’s get going.”

The two of them head out into the city. Gabby walks alongside Kael, seemingly oblivious to the looks she gets. It’s hardly surprising, the tall, well built woman with horns, floppy ears, and a long tail definitely stands out from the crowd. Fortunately, no one seems to do more than stare, which obviously doesn’t bother Gabby. It doesn’t take long to reach the tailor’s shop, the same place he brought Evie when she first arrived.

Kael leads Gabby inside, looking around at the selection of clothing. Despite Gabby’s size, there’s sure to be clothing that fits her here. He turns to her with a smile.

“I’m not sure what your preference is, but take a look around and pick anything you like.”

Gabby looks around as well. “Anything, sir? Are you sure? This is all so…fancy. I don’t need much…”

Kael shakes his head. “Anything you like. I mean it.”

Seemingly in a daze, Gabby wanders into the racks of clothing. Kael stands back and watches, somewhat amused by her surprise. As he’s watching, he feels a tap on his shoulder, and he turns to see the same employee who was here when he brought Evie.

She smiles as he turns to face her. “Welcome back, champion Kael. Clothes shopping for another…companion?”

Kael nods. “Something like that. Gabby only has one outfit. I hope you have things in her size?”

The employee nods in return. “Oh, of course! And if there’s anything that doesn’t fit, we can make alterations. Just ask.”

Kael glances at Gabby, who already has a few outfits in her hands. “And I assume the changing room policy still stands?”

The employee nods again. “That’s correct. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

Kael shrugs. “It’s fine. We’ll deal with it. Thank you.”

The employee smiles, heading back to the counter. At the same time, Gabby walks up, her arms full of clothes. “Umm…so, I found some things, sir. I’m not sure all of them will fit, though.”

Kael smiles at her. “Well, you can try them on, and they’ll alter the ones that need it. Unfortunately, they have a policy here that nonhumans can’t be alone in the changing room.”

Gabby blinks, then grins. “Are you sure you’re not just trying to see me naked again, sir? You know I don’t mind.”

Kael rolls his eyes. “Hardly. I know it’s a bit awkward, but I’ll turn my back.”

Gabby shrugs. “Whatever makes you comfortable, sir.”

With a sigh, Kael leads her to the changing rooms, closing the door as they enter. Immediately, he realizes that it’s much more cramped with Gabby than it was with Evie. Nevertheless, he turns to face the door.

“Go ahead, try them on. Set aside the ones we need to have adjusted.”

There’s a rustle of clothing as Gabby changes. Kael can feel her closeness behind him, and forces himself not to think about it. The first couple outfits go well, with everything fitting nicely. Gabby giggles every time Karl turns away, seemingly amused by his actions.

As Gabby pulls on the last set of clothes, Kael hears her give a frustrated huff behind him. “Sir, I don’t think this one works.”

Kael turns to look. The shirt is held together, barely, by only one of the buttons. Her breasts are barely contained by the straining fabric. The pants, meanwhile, are in a similar condition, skin tight and not buttoned at all. While impractical as an outfit, it’s certainly quite the sight, and Kael blushes slightly as he looks at her.

Gabby grins. “I see you like it, sir, but it feels like if I move at all I’ll burst out. Probably not the best.”

Kael nods. “Yes…we will get that altered…”

Shaking his head as Gabby chuckles, he turns back around. He listens as Gabby struggles out of the tight clothes, hearing her muttering something under her breath. Suddenly, with a surprised shout, she stumbles, knocking both of them to the floor. They land heavily, with Gabby essentially naked atop Kael, the pants tangled around her ankles.

Kael takes a moment to realize the situation. When he does, he knows he should push her off him, but instead he hesitates. His hands unconsciously rest against her waist, and she makes no move to get off him either. Her body is heavy atop him, but not uncomfortably so. And just as he thought earlier, she is pleasant to be close to, soft and warm. After a moment, their eyes meet, and they both lay there, unmoving for what seems like forever, though it’s probably only a few seconds. There’s a flush to Gabby’s cheeks, and she trembled slightly under Kael’s hands.

It seems like she wants to say something, but the moment is broken by a knock at the door. “I heard a crash, is everything alright?”

Kael answers quickly, his voice slightly choked. “Y-yeah, it’s fine. She…stumbled.”

“Okay. I’ll leave you be, then.”

Kael hears the employee’s footsteps walking away. Gabby hurries to her feet, blushing brightly now. Strangely, she covers herself with her hands as Kael stands up, and doesn’t meet his gaze. It’s as if suddenly she’s shy, something that she definitely wasn’t up until now. Kael turns, wondering what’s changed, as Gabby finishes dressing. The two of them exit the dressing room, and make the purchase, leaving behind the outfit to be altered. Gabby is noticeably quiet now, seemingly lost in thought as she follows Kael back out of the shop.