New Body, New Clothes

You set your phone down on the nightstand and turn to Clara, who's still wrapped loosely in the sheet, auburn hair tumbling over her bare shoulders.

"I just realized I have a bit of a wardrobe crisis," you say, gesturing down at David's pajama bottoms riding low on your hips. "Everything I have is either Mia's size or... well, non-existent. Would you want to go shopping with me today? Help me pick out some new clothes?"

Clara's eyes light up with interest. "Shopping date already? We're moving fast," she teases, but there's warmth in her voice. She reaches across to brush her fingers against your chest. "Though I suppose you need something to wear unless you plan on staying in David's pajamas forever."

"Not my style," you reply with a grin. "And hey, you can keep any of Mia's clothes you like. Think of it as payback for that sweater I 'borrowed' when I was her."

Clara's eyebrows raise. "The cashmere one? That was a birthday gift from my mother."

"And it looked fantastic on me," you counter playfully.

She laughs, the sound bright in the morning light. "It did, actually." Her expression turns thoughtful as she tugs the sheet higher. "You know, it's going to be strange going through those clothes. They're all so... her. But also you."

"I know," you say softly. "This is uncharted territory for both of us."

Clara slides out of bed, taking the sheet with her and wrapping it around her body like a makeshift dress. "Well, I could use a shower before we do anything. And breakfast." She pauses at the edge of the bed, looking back at you with newfound boldness. "Care to join me? For the shower, I mean."

The invitation hangs in the air between you—familiar territory with a completely different landscape.

"I'd like that," you reply, standing to join her.

In the bathroom, steam fills the space as hot water cascades over both your bodies. Clara's hands explore your chest, your shoulders, your back—mapping the differences with curious fingers.

"It's strange," she murmurs, water streaming between you. "I know exactly where you like to be touched, but everything's in a different place now."

You capture her wandering hand, guiding it lower. "Not everything's different."

Her eyes widen slightly, then darken with interest. "Well, this is definitely new territory," she says with a slow smile, her fingers wrapping around you experimentally.

Later, wrapped in towels, you raid David's closet for something temporary to wear while Clara slips back into yesterday's clothes.

"Highgate has some decent men's boutiques," she suggests, towel-drying her hair. "We could start there, then maybe grab lunch?"

"Sounds perfect," you reply, pulling on a borrowed t-shirt that hangs loosely on your frame. "Shopping, food, maybe even check out what's left of Mia in the apartment..."

"One adventure at a time," Clara says, coming up behind you to rest her chin on your shoulder, meeting your eyes in the mirror. "Let's get you dressed first. Then we can figure out the rest."

11:15 | Tuesday 5 August 2025 | David's Bedroom