Something For Me, Something For Her

You emerge from the bedroom wearing David's borrowed clothes—a navy t-shirt that hangs loosely on your frame and gray sweatpants cinched tight at the waist. Clara follows, dressed in yesterday's outfit but somehow making it look refreshed. She's tied her auburn hair back in a casual ponytail, her eyes bright with anticipation for the day ahead.

"Ready to rediscover men's fashion?" she asks, a playful lilt in her voice as she grabs her purse from the dresser.

"God, yes," you reply, tugging at the oversized shirt. "Though I never thought I'd be this excited about buying boxers."

The Uber ride to Highgate is filled with comfortable silence punctuated by moments of shared laughter whenever your eyes meet. Clara's hand finds yours in the middle seat, her thumb tracing absent patterns across your knuckles—so different from when you were Mia, yet somehow carrying the same intimacy.

Highgate Village welcomes you with its charming storefronts and tree-lined streets. You make your way to Morgan & Wells, a boutique with minimalist window displays featuring tailored menswear. The shop assistant—a tall man with a precisely trimmed beard named Theo—approaches with a professional smile.

"Anything particular you're looking for today?" he asks.

"Everything, actually," you admit. "Had a bit of a... luggage situation."

Clara suppresses a laugh beside you, her eyes dancing with the private joke. "He needs the works—basics, casual wear, maybe something nice for dinner."

As Theo takes your measurements, you catch Clara watching with undisguised interest, her gaze following the measuring tape as it wraps around your shoulders, chest, waist. There's something new in her expression—a blend of curiosity and appreciation that makes your skin warm.

"Your proportions are excellent," Theo comments. "Strong shoulders, nice taper to the waist. Makes fitting much easier."

"He cleans up well," Clara agrees, her voice carrying a hint of something private.

You try on jeans that actually fit, button-downs that accommodate your shoulders, and a charcoal blazer that transforms your silhouette into something sharp and defined. Each time you emerge from the fitting room, Clara's reactions shift subtly—from analytical assessment to increasingly appreciative nods.

After selecting a week's worth of basics and several versatile outfits, you turn to Clara. "Your turn."

"What?" She looks genuinely surprised.

"You deserve to be pampered too," you insist, guiding her toward the door. "Consider it thanks for being my fashion consultant."

Across the street sits Willow & Fern, a women's boutique with flowing dresses and structured blazers in the window. Inside, a stylist with sleek black hair introduces herself as Leila and immediately connects with Clara's aesthetic.

"Something that transitions from office to evening," you suggest, enjoying this reversal—now you're the one watching Clara emerge from behind curtains, each outfit highlighting different aspects of her figure.

She steps out in a midnight blue wrap dress that clings to her curves before flaring slightly at the knee. The neckline dips just enough to draw your eye without being obvious about it.

"What do you think?" she asks, twirling once.

The words catch in your throat—seeing her through Matt's eyes is different than through Mia's, but no less affecting. "Perfect," you manage. "That one's definitely coming home with us."

The look she gives you carries a delicious promise. She leans close, whispering, "I can't decide if I miss your breasts or if I'm enjoying the view of you in those jeans too much to care."

Her boldness—this new dynamic between you—sends heat racing down your spine. You find yourself reaching for her waist, pulling her closer than you might have dared in public before. "Why choose? You can appreciate both versions."

"I think I already do," she murmurs, her lips brushing your ear.

13:30 | Tuesday 5 August 2025 | Highgate Village, London