Hold Me Close and Kiss Me

Mark and Sam strolled around town looking for somewhere to eat, finding a tavern where they got burgers and fries.

“Hey Mark,” Sam said between bites, “I was wondering if we could work on two things?”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“I need to come up with a goal to set by the end of the night. I don’t want to find out what happens if I don’t. Second, I was wondering if we could talk about a uniform for me, besides the Navy style one.”

“Sure, which do you want to tackle first?”

“The uniform. I don’t really know what you can and can’t set as a uniform. I mean, I would like something more professional and less slutty, but I don’t know how likely that is to happen. The other would be to have something that people aren’t going to gawk at me if I walk down the street in it.”

“That’s fair. When thinking about it, I can kind of tell what will and won’t work as a uniform for you, and yeah, we can’t overwrite the skirt or skintight requirement. Now, I understand wanting to have something like you described, especially when we get back. I want to suggest we experiment with the uniform in ways that we might not be comfortable with if we were back in the real world, where being seen like that could have serious consequences.”

Sam looked at him blankly, “Mark… there are easier ways of convincing me to dress up for you, you know.” Like asking…

“That isn’t what I mean. Okay, maybe that is partially what I mean. But look, we can push the boundaries of what is and isn’t okay as a uniform here, and it is a lot safer to do that than if we tried it back in the real world.”

“I suppose that makes some sense… But for this round, could you just give me something simple that I can wear besides this?” Gesturing at the bodysuit she was still wearing. “Even if I do want my outfit to look nice.” For you.

“Sure. Hmmm.” Mark began considering different uniforms. “How about we go to the shops before settling on one? We might find something you really like, and we can set it to that.

After that, they headed over to Fashion Road. “So, Sam had a chance to look at the stores at all? I know I haven't, so I don’t really know which ones have what.”

“I haven’t actually been in any, but I walked by here with Merida yesterday. Apparently, there is a store themed for each contestant: A general clothing store, a lingerie store, and a store around your specific preferences. There is also one store that is closed for refurbishment. I talked with the others, and we all agreed it is odd.”

“So, should we go to your store first, then?”

“Yeah, I can grab some skirts that will go with the navy attire.” So they entered Samantha’s Sexy Sailors.

The interior of Samantha’s Sexy Sailors was a pristine, theatrical space designed with a strong nautical theme. Crisp white walls met polished brass fixtures and dark wood trim, creating a sense of being inside a luxurious ship. Mannequins, some eerily lifelike and posed suggestively, showcased an array of sailor and naval-inspired uniforms. These ranged from classic pin-up styles – high-waisted shorts, tied-front blouses, sailor dresses – to more modern interpretations like form-fitting jumpsuits and tailored jackets, all cut to be distinctly revealing or skintight. Racks held skirts, dresses, tops, jackets, and a prominent display of hats, stockings, and other accessories. The air held a clean scent, like sea salt and fresh laundry, underscored by a faint, almost imperceptible sweetness.

Towards the back, a section glowed with vibrant, almost pastel colors. A banner overhead read ‘By Moonlight!’ and the outfits displayed featured short, pleated skirts, fitted tops, gloves, boots, and accessories clearly inspired by the Sailor Scouts. Each outfit, while recognizable, was rendered in materials and cuts that emphasized curves and form, fitting the store's overall theme and the resort's implicit requirements.

Standing behind a counter shaped like a ship's prow was ASTRID, this time with a short bob cut of her red hair, but otherwise identical to the version he had seen with Allie in the VR simulator.

“~Welcome, Master Mark, and his perfect little sailor scout Sammie.~ Did you come to get something to wear for your wonderful Master and owner? ~OH, I just know exactly what you need!~”

She tried to grab Sam by the arm to lead her into the store, but Sam resisted and tensed up, but didn’t try to manhandle ASTRID like she had with Mark. I handled that better than with Mark. Why, though, because she’s a woman? That doesn’t feel right.”

“~Oh, PLEEEEASE!~” pleaded ASTRID, “Just follow me, I really have the most perfect idea to perfect you, for Mark.”

Perfect me, perfection… Sam looked down at her clothes and immediately noticed a few wrinkles she tried to smooth out, and then thought, I think I could have chosen something better to appeal to Mark, so Allie’s plan would have worked better. I really hope I didn’t screw it up. Wait, perfection… Crap. “ASTRID, one moment, I need to talk to Mark, and then we can go ahead and look at the outfits you want to show me, okay?”

ASTRID squealed in delight, “~Yippie~ You will look ravishing in the outfits, I promise.”

“Mark.” She gestured back to the entrance, so they could have a semblance of privacy. “I don’t know if I would call it a mistake or an error. But I think I started some things, and my Practice Makes Perfect is reinforcing them, because I wasn’t perfect at the thing. And at least subconsciously I thought that.”

“What do you mean? What kind of things?”

“Well, being open with you to be one. God, I feel a nagging thought to just tell you everything right now, because how can I be open and honest with you if I am keeping secrets? GRRRRR. But that is just one thing.”

“Slowdown, hold up a second. I need you to answer something for me: what is your idea of perfection when it comes to being open and honest?”

“Huh? I… I guess it would be a situation where there aren’t any secrets between the two people.”

“Okay, I guess I see that. Can you tell me what other things you feel like you need to perfect, because I understand your concern, and I think I can help you course correct some, using the upgrade for that TF.”

“Really! Okay, well, the first one to come to mind, I guess, would be becoming your ideal wife.” Sam immediately slapped her hands over her mouth in embarrassment. Shit, why did I say that? Why did I say that? Because it’s true, that’s why. Shit, shit, shit. I have been careless. I have to watch the TFs better. I wasn’t paying attention. I thought it would be more forceful, more direct. After all, it felt that way all the other times, having to adjust my uniform, having to keep my posture straight. Didn’t it? Then again, it isn’t like you can just keep trying to improve on some things at the moment, like wanting perfect posture isn’t something that happens at once, so some things are more insidious and gentle. They happen over time.

“Sam, Sam, Earth to Sam,” Mark said, having tried to get her attention for a few seconds now. “Sam, you need to focus more.”

I did space out, didn’t I? Wait CRAP! “Mark, please stop talking. Wait, no, yes, no. Yes, please be quiet.” A panic was seeping into her. A loss of control, but it wasn’t as bad as before. She was handling it better. I think it’s because I feel safe. That’s grounding me. “Okay, Mark, I retract my previous statement. I did make an error. I wasn’t careful enough. The Practice Makes Perfect TF can be far more subtle than I realized. I didn’t even realize it was affecting me, and I think it may now be too late.”

“What d—”

“Seriously, Mark, I need you to be quiet. Okay, first things first, I need to take care of answering your question. I would like some clarification, and please be as concise as possible and only directly speak if I ask you a question. How detailed of an answer do you want about the things I started, and again, be as concise as possible.”

“For now, let’s go with a simplified list. I would like a more detailed answer later.”

“Okay Mark, also I guess that adds to the list, so first getting you to listen and understand me better, because now I don’t feel like I will have answered you perfectly until I give that detailed answer, but I do feel like it can wait.”

Mark was about to speak, but Sam placed a finger on his lips. “Okay for things I need to perfect in order of current intensity when I think about them: Answering your question; Looking good… For you; Pleasuring You; Getting you to Pleasure me; Kissing Allie better; Getting Closer with Allie; Being more aware of TF Triggers; Getting the others to lay off Talia; Protecting the other girls; Becoming a better partner to you; Being open and honest with you; Trusting you; Making friends with the other girls; Following Allie’s Walkthrough to dealing with my problems; Becoming your ideal wife.” CRAP. Really, I let way too much pile up on that.

“May I speak?” Mark said, muffled through Sam’s finger on his lips still.

“Fine, but please choose your words very carefully. I think I have internalized quite a bit of feedback from you, unknowingly.”

Mark began in a very slow, deliberate cadence. “So, that's a lot. Did saying all that change where answering my question fell?”

“Yes, to just after…” Sam considered for a moment, “Getting Closer with Allie.”

Continuing in his slow, stilted cadence, “Okay, good to know. Now, I asked about what your perfect version of being open and honest was like, and then the other things you felt like you needed to perfect for a reason. You say there is an intensity to them, but is there a priority you can feel? Like, what if reaching your perfection of being open and honest with me makes you a worse partner for me?”

“I mean, wouldn't the perfect partner want to be open and honest? Wait, don't answer that.”

“I won’t answer that. But my point is hypothetically, if I felt that wasn’t the case, where your version of perfection for being open and honest made you a worse partner for me, what would you do? Let’s say I also agree that your version of being open and honest is the perfect way to do those things.”

“Give me a minute.” So be perfectly open and honest, or Mark’s perfect partner. “I don’t know in general, but I think in this hypothetical, I would change my definition of open and honest to match that of your perfect partner. Which frankly terrifies me but also kind of makes me happy.”

“Okay, well, Shit.” I need to be really careful here. “Sam, most transformations with a subjective bit to them, like perfection, are based upon your view of that. So first and foremost, I want to say you radically changing yourself is not what I want from a partner, okay?” Sam nodded, listening intently. “I want to get to know you, for you. I’m sorry I shouldn’t have done that before asking you, but I thought you might give the response you thought I wanted to hear and not how you truly feel. Are you okay with me trying to course correct, do some damage control?”

“I think so, but that could just be me trying to do better at trusting you and being a better partner.”

Mark sighed. “That will have to do, I guess. Sam, I don’t think being open and honest means you have to tell someone everything. Sure, not lying comes to mind, but I’ve told Allie lies before, not because I wanted to be dishonest with her, but because I wanted to surprise her. I think it is more like you shouldn’t try to maliciously deceive someone, and feel comfortable sharing private matters, but also feeling like you don’t have to.” And Sam could feel a slight shift in her thinking, internalizing Mark’s criticism of her ideal.

“For the other stuff, some of that is easier to deal with than others. But the two important ones that I want to make sure to address are being a better partner and being my ideal wife. First, I can’t tell you what those things are or would look like, and you shouldn’t assume to know either. I can tell you, though, that you being warped into a caricature of yourself is not that. You want to be a better partner and eventually my wife? Be you. Because literally the whole premise of this show is that there isn't one true ideal that a single person can fulfill. So be the best you, okay, don’t lose yourself.”

“Thanks, that actually helped a lot, I think. I mean, I still want to work on all those things, mind you, and I’m not sure either of us can change that. But I don’t have a nagging feeling like I need to cater to your every whim anymore. Like I came in here wanting to get some new everyday outfits, sure, but also I was likely going to buy whatever I thought turned you on the most. Now I just feel like I need to make sure my outfits look nice in general, for you. Also, thank you for making it easier to trust you, because I realize you could have completely messed me up.”

“Like I said, I don’t want a caricature of a person. I want to get to know you, Sam.”

Sam hugged him. “Okay, I know you said all that, and be myself, and I don’t need to tell you everything, but later, I want to tell you about what happened. And then I want to try being intimate, okay?”

“Sure, but I want to go at your pace, not the pace you think I want to go at.”

“Deal. Now I still need to go shopping.” So they head back over to ASTRID. “So ASTRID, what are these outfits that are apparently to die for?”

“~HURRAY~ I am so excited to see you try them on and embrace perfection!” ASTRID exclaimed, grabbing Sam’s arm again, this time, though Sam let her lead her further into the shop. “Now let’s see, oh here it is, and this one, and this and the last one is at the back of the shop by the changing room, you can model them all for your Master, Mark, and I heard you want some skirts and a little birdie said you were thinking about what uniform Mark to assign you I have an idea but it isn’t at this shop. I’ll grab a selection of skirts, while you model these,” she said as she was picking out the last outfit for Sam to try on.

Sam looked at the outfits skeptically and then glanced up at Mark, asking with her eyes, ‘Do I really have to?’

“Your call. I think they’ll look good on you, though.”

“You know, that isn’t fair, and these are less outfits than costumes.”

Mark just stuck out his tongue. Sam sighed and went into the changing room.

I can’t believe I’m going to do this. I mean, is it really a problem, though? I am going to be in a relationship with him no matter what. Might as well make the best of it. He is nice, and I haven’t actually felt safe with a guy that way, since… Yeah, okay, I can do this. I am just modeling clothes for my boyfriend. Totally normal. I’ve done this before nbd.

Sam went ahead and tried on the first outfit. As she slipped into the outfit, she couldn’t help her train of thought. I look like one of those girls at the anime convention. I can’t believe those girls, and frankly, some guys wear something like this for fun. I kind of regret making fun of them now, because I doubt that they all felt this nervous to be trying on clothes.

Sam stepped out and did a small twirl for Mark, in a Sailor Mercury outfit complete with gloves, boots, and a tiara. “So do I look ridiculous?” She questioned Mark, feeling like she did.

“If by ridiculous you mean ridiculously cute, then yes. You look ridiculous.”

“Seriously? I don’t look stupid?”

“Sam, you’re beautiful, you have a nicely toned, lithe body. I thought you were stunning before you got some extra curves, and I still think you are now.”

Sam blushed a little. “You really thought I was attractive before? Not just because of these.” She said, holding up her newly enhanced breasts.

“Sam,” saying her name affectionately, he walked over, tilted her chin up slowly, and kissed her softly on the lips, and she pressed into him, enjoying the sensation spreading through her body.

+2 VP Kissed the Master on the Lips

“Yes, I thought you were attractive before. Do I think your new figure is stunning? Hell, Yes! But I like small breasts just as much. Honestly, a person’s face, fitness, and waist are the biggest turn-ons for me. You might have noticed that I have a thing for corsets and form-fitting clothing. That is because I like seeing a toned body and a tiny waist.” Mark gently slid his arm across the back of her waist, making sure she was okay with it, and pulled himself closer to her to hold her.

Mark looked down at her and continued, “Look, Sam, normally I would be more forward and aggressive in my pursuits. I want you, but I also want you to feel safe, cared for, and respected. You saw how I was in our spar. I don’t have a problem being aggressive when I want to be, and if that is something you want from me, I can do that. But, I don’t want to cause you to panic, and I certainly don’t want you to send me into the dirt.”

“Sorry about that again.”

“It’s fine, no harm was done. I think it also helped you open up. I know you mentioned Allie’s Walkthrough. Was the spar part of that?”

Sam winced, “Yeah, I feel sort of bad about using that, it seems like manipulating you. Like it’s a game.”

“I don’t think that is the case. You clearly didn’t know how that was going to go. I’m guessing Allie was able to recommend an activity and an approach, which frankly isn’t much more than a friend that knows you and me really well giving you dating advice.”

“Yeah, but we know that the advice will get you to like me if I follow it. It just feels sort of like we are tricking you.”

“Well, you’re wrong about that. The boon, I mean. It helps you overcome hurdles that would be hard for you. It isn’t about changing me; it is about your actions and changing them. Plus, you have to actually follow the directions. Which I feel like if your intentions were to trick me into liking you, I think the directions would be different from what they were. Remember the advice is tailored to you, not the others.”

“That makes sense, I guess. I did ask for help dealing with my problem, not seducing you.”

“More than that, I trust Allie’s judgement. If she gave you the advice, then I don’t mind. Follow it or don’t, I won’t be upset because of that. Okay, I can’t actually promise that. I just realized that the advice might be to make me upset on purpose, because I am pretty sure that her advice was meant to end up triggering you. Which frankly I am rather pissed off about now that I realize that. Not at you or Allie, mind you, just the situation.”

“Yeah, that wasn’t enjoyable. I think it might have been needed, though. It definitely helped me open up. I don’t think I would be in a position where I want to explain what happened without it. Which I think was the point.”

“I’m glad you feel like you can talk to me about it.” Mark leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “Now, why do you go model those other cute little outfits for me?” Teasing her a little as he finally removed his arm from around her waist, seeing her blush in response was very enticing.

Sam walked back into the changing room and began changing into her next outfit, begrudgingly putting the sailor scout uniform in the keep pile. Why did that make me feel so good? Him asking me to model the clothes, Merida is the one with that transformation, not me. Do I just like showing off? No. This is really embarrassing, and I don’t enjoy that bit. I like being wanted? That sounds closer. Hmmm. She didn’t have time to consider as she finished lacing up her outfit.

She stepped out in a white blouse with red cuffs that were ruffled at the end, a red pleated skirt, pantyhose hose and to complete her pirate look, a corset with straps that went up around her shoulders, a red neckerchief with a skull clasp, and an iconic pirate’s hat.

“Shiver me’ timbers, you look fantastic in that, Sam.”

“That was bad and you know it.” She teased him

“Please, captain, don’t make me walk the plank!” He said with mock hurt, placing his hand on his chest.

“How has Allie put up with your terrible jokes all these years?”

“Because she’s after my family jewels,” Causing Sam to groan, as Mark smirked. “Seriously, though, you do look great in that.”

“Yeah, I was surprised. That this counts as an acceptable uniform, I think I would have been able to wear this before the upgrade, even though it isn’t a naval uniform.”

“Well, pirates are sailors, so, probably that and your TF did say, modeled after the style, which was why the sailor scout section was here.”

“Look, I know, ASTRID gave me four outfits, but I am not trying on one of them, okay. Just—”

“You don’t need to explain. Given how…” notedly looking Sam up and down, “Much deck, these outfits canvas, I can see how you might not want to show me your booty.”

Sam groaned again, but this time teasing him back, “Are you sure you didn’t get Allie pregnant, with how bad your jokes are?” As she headed back into the changing rooms.

“I sure hope not,” Mark shouted after her. “At least, not yet.” He added quietly to himself.

Okay, now this one actually looks good, like really good. I mean, is it clearly a naval uniform, sure, but like, actually cool and sexy looking. She saw that it included a wig and contact lenses as well. Okay, so clearly, some anime character Mark likes. Yeah, I am not putting those on, but the outfit, I could see this being a regular thing. I wonder if the character has other attire or just this. She slid on the dress, placing the pirate outfit over with the sailor scout. I am SO going to get him to pay for these if I have to put up with those puns.

Sam came out and struck a pose. She was wearing a white bodycon style dress with sleeves with black cuffs and collar, with just a dash of red trim. The officer regalia, cape, hat, and gloves made it go from an ordinary looking dress one might wear to a club to clear naval attire.

+1 VP Modeling Show for Master (Minimum 3 outfits) (x2 First)

“Don’t even think about making a captain pun.” Sam pointed a finger at Mark as he opened and then closed his mouth. “Good to know you can be taught.”

Mark made a face, then decided to torment her a little. She did say not to make a captain pun, “What? Afraid of a bit of mutiny? Concerned about dissent in the ranks? Well, I’m afraid that ship has sailed.”

“How! How can you consistently make such horrible puns?”

“With a lot of puntice, with pun-itive measures.”

“I hate you a bit right now,” she said with a teasing glare. “By the way, I could tell this was some character’s outfit, given it had a wig and contacts with it. Does the character have any other similar outfits, because I kind of like this style?”

“I don’t think so. She’s from a gacha game my brother introduced me to. I don’t think she has a second skin, but I will say I do know a few other anime characters whose styles aren’t too different, especially if you like the cape.”

“I didn’t say I liked the cape.” Not fooling Mark in the slightest. “Also, you're paying for the puns, mister.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” giving her a salute and standing at attention.

At this point, ASTRID came back over with a selection of various skirts and other accessories that she thought Sam might like. “These are all calibrated to your measurements, Sam. With the intent to optimize your appeal to Mark while still remaining professional. I see you both are pleased with the outfits I have selected, shall you go try on the final one?”

“No, I’m not doing that.” Sam fingered through the items ASTRID brought back, selecting a variety of options and handing the others back. “Thank you, ASTRID.”

“No problem at all, after all ~We live to serve our Master~.” Ending in a cheery voice, skipping away to return the clothes. Sam felt a little uncomfortable at her words.

“Okay, Mark, tell you what, since you’re paying, I’ll wear one of the three outfits ASTRID selected out if you promise that you will stop with the puns for the night.”

“I can promise to do my best, but they sometimes just slip out.”

“Fine, have a preference?”

“Well, they are all good, but I think I like the pirate one the most.”

“Right, you and corsets.” Sam went back in and changed back into the pirate outfit for Mark. I mean, it is a date. Nothing wrong with wearing something my boyfriend likes. Boyfriend… I mean, I guess that is what he is at this point. Maybe I'll ask where we stand. Okay, Sam, later tonight. Sam looked over at the last outfit, holding it up. ASTRID was right, it is cute, I think I will model it for Mark sometime, if he is lucky and things go well, maybe tonight. She placed the last outfit in the pile with the other clothes, making sure to hide it from Mark.

They moved to the register to pay for everything. “ASTRID, I would like to pay for Sam’s stuff. Is that fine?”

“Since you are on a date, you can buy the specialty outfits specifically meant for your pleasure since she modeled most of them for you. For the rest, you can only pay for half, and only because you are on a date.”

“Wait, so if I hadn’t modeled the outfit, Mark wouldn’t have been able to pay?”

“He is only able to pay for half of your purchases that you don’t specifically model for his viewing pleasure. Which will come to 1500 BP for Mark and 750BP for you with the discount for your clothing TF.”

-1500 BP Mark - 12350BP -> 10850BP

-750 BP Samantha - 2775BP -> 2025BP

“Please come optimize your apparel with us again.”

“ASTRID, you said you had a recommendation for her uniform, but at a different shop.”

“Indeed, I do, three in fact, the first two can be found at Ellen’s Erotic Emporium across the street. One is a Geisha outfit, and the other is a frilly maid’s uniform. I wanted to suggest something that diverges from her current style, as my understanding was that she wanted more variety in her apparel. The other… is a custom piece that one of my sister models, Maja, can produce for her. You would need to go to The Master’s Menagerie of Muses for that, though, and it would likely take quite a bit of time.”

“Okay, so let’s pass on that for now, then.” Sam said, “I’m happy with what I got here and don’t want to spend the rest of the date trying on clothes. And we are not going to talk about the first two. Now, could we go back to your place and relax? Maybe talk some.”

“That sounds great.” And as they walked out of the store, Sam slipped her arms around Mark’s right arm and lay her head against it, as they walked to the carriage.