Jing and Assoc.

As he drove home, Ben considered the two offers before him. Both were very good, and if the Sanderson family money dries up (unlikely), he could easily still take care of him and his mother. But which would work best?

Ultimately, it came down to the amount he needed to go to the office. While they had similar benefits for him and his "life partner" (which was broadly defined), he didn't need to leave the house much. And while he and Angel... Angie... Ange had hoped to meet new people on the job, he figured he could spend more time with his mom, help get closer to her. Plus, one day at the office was enough to get new connections (right?).

He called up Jing using the phone app in the car, and accepted their job offer.

Now was the matter of telling his mother.

"Alright, almost done with the lips."

Sita carefully put another layer of pink lip gloss on Ange's lips. Ange pouted to help her out. After she was done, she picked up some mascara.

"You know," Ange giggled a little, "I've never worn make-up."

"Really?"

"Yeah, not even during my confirmation or getting my photo taken for the ****. Just never bothered. I figured, I could show what I was like without having to enhance it."

"I get it." Sita applied the mascara onto her eyelashes. "When I started transitioning, I didn't really wear make-up either, I thought the hormones would take care of it, but I learned that you need a little bit sometimes. Just to be presentable."

"Wait, you're....oh."

"Yeah, I pass pretty well now. Stepford has some of the best gender affirming care in the country. I honestly thought you were trans when I met you."

"Me?" Ange laughed

"Yeah, you're a bit too masculine and you seem to prefer Ange as a more masculine alternative. But I saw you in those exercise clothes, and realized you just seem more masculine, but you have a feminine touch."

"Yeah, maybe. I am a woman. I know I ain't very much like one, but I've never thought of myself as a man or had any doubts about my gender."

Sita smiled as she took out the blush.

"Well, at least I'm doing right." Sita and Ange giggled.

"Alright, almost done." Debbie clipped some more hair. "Perhaps we can go to an actual hair salon, and better trained professionals can help with this."

Debbie stood behind Ange, who was wearing a cutting cape, and whose hair had been straightened and tinkered with by Debbie.

Ange, in her new full, but understated makeup (some eyeliner, blush, raised eyelashes, trimmed eyebrows and pink lip gloss), just stared into her reflection. She couldn't believe it was her.

"Say, Deb, uhm, you really think this will help me get closer to my son?"

Deb just chuckled.

"My dear, by showing that you are willing to make yourself more presentable, you're showing your dedication to making him happier. This will show that you are willing to do whatever it takes to make him happy. Your lives are changing, his especially. He's becoming more of a man, more of a provider. You need to show your appreciation and willingness to repay him. This will be the first step."

"Guess that makes sense." Ange was slightly unnerved by Deb's smile as she placed her face next to Ange's.

"Honey, this is only the beginning. You will have to go much further to show your dedication. Much, much further."

"Ange!" Ben had to bite his tongue.

"In the kitchen!"

Ben moved in to see his mother making some dinner. Some meat loaf. However, Ben was stunned when his mother turned her head to reveal her make-up, along with pearl necklace and pearl earrings. Her hair was in a soft bob. All while still wearing her old detective suit Ben was at a loss for words.

"You like? Deb and Sita next door helped out."

Ben decided to be forward: "I like it a lot, but why?"

"Well, Deb was saying that I should look a little bit more presentable. Y'know, you're starting a new chapter in your life, and I need to be there for you. And we were here for a new start, so I figured, I could let go of some things. I don't need to be one of the guys all the time now, so I can let loose."

Ben, heartened by the speech, hugged and kissed his mom. "Well, I really appreciate it. And you were right about the new chapter, because it's coming soon."

"Really? How'd the interviews go?"

"Great, and I've decided to go with Jing. I start in two days."

"That's so great, congratulations, baby" Ange gave a big fat kiss on his lip and hugged him tight.

"Thanks. It's the pay we found out about, so we literally don't have to worry if Dad's money runs out. Some nice benefits for us. Only about an hour from here." Ben breathed in. "And I have to work mostly from home. I only have to go there once a month unless there's an emergency."

"Oh."

"I know that you wanted me to get a job to meet other people, but I really feel I can do this job..."

"I know, baby, I know. I wanted to get you out in the world, but this pay is too good to pass up, and you get to do something you enjoy. Plus, one day in the office might help you out a little."

"Are you disappointed? I can..."

"No, baby, don't, I know I wanted to get you out of the house, but this is just too good. We can find a new arrangement." Ange smiled. "Plus...."

Ange moved in for a French kiss, this time with a little bit of tongue.

"We get to spend more time together."

"Right, right." Ben, dazed, affirmed.

"Come on, kid, I'm making your Grandma Serena's famous meat loaf. I'm going to grab some beers to celebrate!"

As he had done, Ben helped his mother a little more in the kitchen. Their interactions were getting more and more intimate, with Ben hugging his mother and the two eating pieces out of each other's mouth.

Later, they ate and drank to celebrate Ben's new job. Both, though didn't know what the future had in store for them...