Glamorous (Ladybros)

[Tsukiko Aoki]

Kiko wasn't one to get dolled up and pamper herself on a regular basis, but that didn't mean she never appreciated the joys of feminine luxuries, particularly when those luxuries were shared with her friends.

So when she and Yulia had discussed getting manicures and having a night out on the town with The Girls, she'd immediately gone into planning mode. Planning mode, of course, meant coordinating who was coming and appointments at the salon and reservations for dinner. That had really been the original plan: The salon, and then the Japanese restaurant in Burlington she'd told Hoshimi about. But then she'd seen a flyer for a new lingerie store, and her friends had all agreed that they ought to swing by there after the salon.

She was possibly the only one with a man (or woman) but that didn't mean that the rest of the women didn't enjoy looking sexy sometimes, too.

So after their nails had finished drying they'd piled into her SUV and gone straight to Peekaboo to check out what was supposed to be a fabulous new store with a knowledgeable, hands-on proprietor.

Kiko had gotten a basic french manicure, nothing too fancy since it wouldn't last at work anyway. Even for girl's night out she hadn't gotten very dressed up: tailored jeans and a nice shirt was as fancy as she felt this warranted.

Still, her eyes lit up when she took in the racks upon racks of underwear, all ribbons and lace and gorgeous patterns.

"Wow." She breathed, her expression showing her admiration. "It's like a modern fairy tale."

[Janice Adams]

Janice was having so much fun. So much fun. She loved hanging out with The Girls, and making herself all fancy. She didn't usually have time or reason to make herself fancy--business casual or extremely sloppy tended to be the unfortunate order of the day for Janice-- but that didn't mean she didn't love it. She rarely got the opportunity to have a Girl's Day before, since she had always just been closest to her brother, and sensitive and ladyish though he was, Riley was not invited to Sexy Underwear Shopping. If only because he would explode from embarrassment.

But now that she had an awesome roomie and lots of hilarious lady friends, Janice jumped at the opportunity to have some Girl Time, complete with Sexy Underwear Shopping.

And what a sexy lingerie shop it was. Janice had heard nothing but good things about the newly-established Peekaboo, but she'd never expected it to be so... pretty. "Oh my god, " She giggled, "It's so cool!" She clapped her hands together quietly, wandering around the store with glee written all over her face.

[Leila Gold]

After all that Leila had gone through in the past month, she figured she could use a bit of a break. Time away from work and from all the other things to make her feel like she had to be responsible again. What could help her to feel more whimsical than some carefree underwear shopping with the girls?

So when Janice had extended the invitation, Leila had jumped right in. While she didn't know all the girls in the group when they started their trip, she came to learn everyone's names quickly and they were all pretty close by the time they actually made it to the lingerie store.

Cheerfully she danced around the aisles. "Oh, I want to try this one, and what do you think, maybe I should go for this set here..."

Glancing through, she pulled out a corset and held it up to herself. "What do you think? Does it suit, or do you think it's just corny?

[Kateri Rivera]

Kateri had never had a girl’s night out before. Her wedding had been a quick thing and so completely lacked the usual ceremonies. She hadn’t really had girlfriends in high school. And once she’d gotten here, she’d mostly met more guys. So when the girls had suggested going out and doing feminine things, Kateri had been curious, but mostly excited. She’d only gotten a manicure once. And it sounded fun to spend time with a group of (semi) mature women who were all a hell of a lot more fun than any of her students. And if they stopped at the new lingerie store? So much the better! Kat might not have been seeing anyone, but wearing sexy underthings always had a great way of boosting her confidence.

And making her flirt more. C’mon, you had to be expecting that one.

And she was really glad she’d come. The girls were a lot of fun, and she hadn’t laughed this much in a long time. And when they arrived at Peekaboo and they entered, her eyes widened, and she let out a low whistle.

“Very modern,” she agreed to Tsukiko’s comment, a little wryly, because she couldn’t picture Cinderella dressing in any of these lovely things. But the store was beautiful, and she wandered around the aisles quite happily, especially knowing that all those hours she was putting into jogging could actually be a good thing when it came to items from here. She was examining a rather lacy blue bra—because for Kat, the brighter colors the better—when Leila spoke, and she turned to grin at her.

“Oh, I think it suits,” she said. “Although I like this one better.” She picked up a teddy which mostly just seemed to be a few pieces of fabric strung together, and offered it to Leila with a grin. "What do you think?" she asked to the other girls in general--whomever was paying attention, she supposed.

[Ophelia Fitzgerald]

Ophelia had been busy sorting out the naughtier items downstairs when the ladies had come in. The bell had chimed upstairs and she'd quickly put the peep-hole bras, crotchless panties and slinky cut-out bodysuits on the racks, then stood up and hurried up the stairs. "Hello ladies!" She said with a big smile, heading over to introduce herself.

"I'm Lia, the owner of this shop. Can I help you beautiful belles into finding a gorgeous something?" The group had given the owner a good idea - something to do with special underwear parties that she could throw in the evenings when the shop was officially closed. Running her hands through her hair, she cleared her throat.

"I can offer personal fittings for all of you, and an eye for flattering colours and cuts. If any of you have any bits you're not comfortable with, I can find a bra or-" She glanced at Leila with a big smile. "- Corset that'll cover it or make it look super." That was her goal in opening the shop in the first place, after all. They were all obviously friends (which made Lia a little jealous. She wished she had that sort of gaggle of lady friends to hang out with) which made the fittings a bit more fun.

"Let me put the closed sign on the door and I'll get you all into a cubicle and we can get started, if you'd like." She'd bring the cupcakes up too, because cupcakes, bra-talk and coffee were easily what Peekaboo's founding ideas were.

[Hoshimi Aoki]

This wasn't in the plan. Shimata... This was not in the plan.

The plan had been to go out with Kiko and her friends to get their nails done and then go to the Japanese place Kiko had found. Instead Kiko had led her to a shop that was called Peekaboo Lingerie. At first she had no clue that they were going there. In fact they had just gotten their nails done and Kiko had assumed they would be going to the restaurant. Not... Here. Hoshi sighed. She supposed this was a spur of the moment thing based on her sister's attitude. After all there was a reason Hoshi was called the responsible one...

So much to Hoshi's embarrassment she was ushered into the shop by her sister. She was going to refuse, but she couldn't after all that would be rude.She wouldn't sit out in the car. That would make her seem like a child. So, even if she didn't want to she was going to go into the shop. That didn't mean she could not sulk a little.

Hoshi had made her way into the shop sticking at the back of the crowd. She had had a pretty good interaction with Kiko's friends so far. She was actually, dare i say it? Having fun. They may not be people like her, but they were good people Even if they were a bit crass. She was sure though, that she was someone who surprised them, what with her pinned up bun and her white Kimono. She did bring an extra change of clothes though if someone was uncomfortable with hr clothing choice. She knew she was weird, and she didn't want to cause trouble for her sisters friends.

Hoshi stayed silent as she went into the store. She would choose not to say anything, though she did nod at her sister comment, in her mind though the store was more like a candy store then a fairy tale. With all of the garnishment and ribbons Hoshi could tell that the store was somewhat magical. Soon enough the girls were all off in different directions, some looking at bras others looking at corsets. Mostly Hoshi just stood there awkwardly. She didn't really know what she liked and the whole thing was making her feel awkward.

When the proprietor of the store, a very friendly redhead came up and introduced herself Hoshi listened to her closely sitting on the small cushion she had found. She was waiting for the rest of them to follow the shop owner, Lia. She stood to get ready to go with her, Blushing a bit at the others speech. It was a good idea, this shop. Especially for people like her sister and her friends. Hoshi may have been the youngest one there, but sometimes she felt like the oldest.

[Tsukiko Aoki]

Kiko admired the corset Leila picked out, trying to imagine the petite blonde wearing the piece. If there were any straight men in the area (who weren't named Roman Tilford; she wasn't going to share) they would surely flock to Leila had they even the slightest inkling she was in such sexy negligee.

"Hmmm." She giggled, feeling utterly unlike her usual self. "Definitely go for it, I think..." but what she thought was never spoken, for at that moment the curvaceous lingerie goddess who ran the store waltzed out, offering fittings.

"Oh, I think that would be nice," She agreed. She wasn't very well endowed, but Rome had never complained, and surely he would appreciate if she greeted him in something flattering and negligible. She was confident that the owner of the lingerie store would know precisely what to suggest to her.

"Come on, Hoshi," She added, noting her sister sitting all alone, antisocial creature that she was. "You don't have to wear it in public."

[Leila Gold]

Leila laughed when Kateri held up the teddy and tried to hang it up again. "No thanks," she said. "I don't think I want to be quite that revealing."

She turned, smile still on her face and corset still held against her body, when Lia introduced herself. "Oh, how exciting!" she said, agreeing with Kiko. "And we'll have a grand time with everything!"

Of course, she had no intention of parading in a simple bra in front of anyone else. She'd become very self-conscious about her body, specifically the new large scar across her belly from her liver transplant. It wasn't sore any longer, but it was still healing. Even when it had fully healed, Leila suspected that she wouldn't like wearing bikini swimsuits very much. She had a new fondness for one-pieces.

"We should all try some things on, and I'm sure we can all find something that will suit." She hadn't spoken too much to Hoshi, who was the quieter member of the group, so Leila felt a bit strange about coercing her individually. Still, it was always good to feel pretty every once in a while, and she hoped that everyone there would be able to enjoy their time.

And if anyone really liked something but was a bit low on cash, well, Leila was willing to help out a bit. She still had some of her extra birthday money left over, and there was nothing she'd rather spend it on than with helping some of her new friends.

Leila looked through some of the other corsets as she waited for some of the pampering to begin. She pulled out a sheer nightgown and held it up to the light. "Wow," she said, "this one is beautiful! I love the way the fabric falls...but I don't think it'll work so well on me. Does anyone else want to try it on?"

[Kateri Rivera]

“Fair enough,” Kateri said with a shrug and a laugh, hanging up the teddy and retreating to the others with a smile at Kiko’s sister Hoshi, who looked very uncomfortable. She’d never had that problem, probably because her mother—being a doctor—had always been incredibly frank about bodily functions and such. But she liked Hoshi thus far, even though she was quiet. She just felt bad for her not liking it here.

She turned as the curvaceous redhead came over, and sighed in pure envy at the figure. She’d always been built like a board. A short board to boot.

“I think that sounds lovely,” she said. “C’mon, Hoshi. I’m sure they have more modest items here, too. Or at least comfortable ones. I always thought that was the main goal in a fitting.” After all, what was the point in wearing something that you didn’t feel good in, even if you did look sexy? Nah. Better to get comfy things. She eyed the nightgown that Leila pulled out with an experienced eye and laughed. “I don’t see why not. Although maybe…Kiko should try it too. But I’m not the expert. What do you think, Lia?” She would have gone with something more polite at first—like her last name, but the shop owner hadn’t offered it. Oh well. If she was comfortable, then Kat would try to be as well. 

[Janice Adams]

Janice skipped over to where Leila was standing and eyed the corset up and down as the other women voiced their opinions. “Mmm,” Janice nodded, “Definitely not corny.” She liked Leila; the other woman liked to give hell as much as she did and was short like her. Clearly that meant they should be friends. And she knew good dirt about all her brother’s friends, and could probably be persuaded to keep tabs on Riley.

She snorted at Kateri’s suggestions, “Hot. It’s very classy, too. I like the teddy bear.” She giggled and rifled through the racks, glancing through everything. “You guuys~” Janice whined amiably, “Tell me what I want to look for, I can’t decide.”

And then, best of timing, the owner of the store appeared, all smiles and helpful information. “You have so much stuff here,” Janice complemented, “It’s so hard to figure out where to begin.”

When Leila showed up a sheer nightgown, Janice eyed it, and then sighed, “Nah, I’ll pass too. We’re both too short for it.” She nudged Leila in the shoulder in solidarity. Being petite and slender was nice, but man. It was so hard to find clothes that fit right. Especially adult clothes. And Janice liked to be fashionable.

“OOOH!” Janice squealed, “Hoshi, Hoshi, Hoshi, come here, they have fuzzy pajamas!” And lo, there was a shelf of pink, fuzzy pajama bottoms that were so damn cute. Hoshi would like these, Janice decided, because they weren’t all that intimidating like lacy panties.

[Hoshimi Aoki]

Hoshi was scowling at her older sister as she was talking to her about not showing it off and nagging her about buying it. Hoshi preferred to shop for undergarments alone. No one to mock you or judge you, and no one to ogle you . It was much easier and it would be better for her and those around her. Already she was turning red.

Hoshi was standing stick straight as she waited for the shop owner to lead the to wherever they were going to go. She was about to remark on her sister's comment when another of her sister's friends spoke up. Hoshi looked over at her and nodded slightly. It seemed the other was trying to appease the group and Hoshi was grateful the attention had been brought off of her. However momentarily it was.

When the other redhead (Kateri was it?) started talking again she nodded her head once more. She would not object to getting something comfortable. It was not as if she had anyone to share the “sexy” undergarments with. She was happier to get something soft or maybe fleece as a pajama. Hoshi was thinking back on all of the stuff she had had fro the move then mentally smacked herself. She had left her robe in Japan. Sighing she looked around. Maybe she could find on here.

Hoshi was about to go start looking when heard, from halfway across the store one might add, her name being shouted multiple times and very loudly. Standing stark straight she looked for the origin of the voice. The brunette of the group, Janice was calling her and almost squealing with excitement. At first she didn't know what to do. All she could do was stand there blushing trying not to look at anyone or anything. This really wasn't her scene.

Finally making up her mind Hoshi walked over to Janice and stood by her looking at the very fuzzy very pink pajama bottoms. Yes they were pink and yes they were fuzzy. If anything they looked soft. Half of Hoshi wanted them the other half just wanted to get the hell out of the store. She stood silent waiting for the other women to ask, or comment on why she was called over.

[Ophelia Fitzgerald]

Chuckling softly to herself as the women fussed amongst themselves, Lia inclined her head and gestured towards the changing rooms. "This way ladies, they're all free." She laughed, then headed downstairs to make several cups of coffee for the ladies while they were fitted. Once that was done, she returned with the tray, set it down in the changing room hall, then flipped the sign to closed so she could pay attention to the group.

"Alright lovely ladies, what sort of things are we after today? Something skimpy, something naughty? Perhaps a nice flattering bra?" She pulled her red hair out of the way, then pulled out a measuring tape from her pocket. "How about we start with measuring, then we'll have a chat about what each of you like and want." Ever the helpful one, she drew open a curtain and nodded inside. "Who's first then?"

With her free hand, Lia gestured to the coffee. "Help yourselves to creamer and sugar, just get yourselves as comfortable as possible." Her intention was to have the ladies come out in their various garb to get their friends approval. The whole point was a girly afternoon - and Lia thought that would include everyone.

[Tsukiko Aoki]

Kiko should have known that Hoshi would recoil from the lace and fishnet, which was a shame; her sister ought to feel more comfortable with herself. At least Janice had managed to find some fuzzy pajamas that were probably more up her alley.

More fortunately, the shop owner appeared, whisking them away with promises of fittings. She would know her stock best, would be able to recommend modest but cute pieces for Hoshi, and something sexy that would appeal to Rome for her.

When Lia asked who was first she contemplated nudging Hoshi forward, but decided that would be mean, and she wanted to be selfish and have first dibs anyway.

"Me!" She raised one hand high in the air, feeling like a giddy school girl all over again. "Me, me, me, I want to go first!"

Like several of her friends she was tiny and not particularly well-endowed, but she lacked shame about her body. Perhaps her years cheerleading, and thus changing in front of gaggles of other girls, made the idea less intimidating to her than it was to some.

"I need something to make my boyfriend's eyes pop out of his head."

[Leila Gold]

Leila was glad that she wouldn't have to go first. She often liked to jump up and put herself on display, but this wasn't supposed to be a day about her, it was about the group. She didn't want it to seem like she was forcing herself into the center of attention (again).

She happily poured herself a cup of coffee, and on a moment's debate mixed in three spoons of sugar. It was two more than she had started allowing herself, but she decided that she was splurging today, so it was okay. A healthy drop of cream to top it off and she was able to happily sip her coffee while looking around her at the other women.

"I recommend something...negligible," she said with an evil grin. "I bet you'd look good in red, though. Something fiery."

When it was her turn, she set her cup down and went up to Lia. "I'm looking for something that will really work to show off the curves I have," she said, gesturing at her waist. "Hopefully something like a corset..." She trailed off. She hoped she wouldn't have to say "let's cover up this big ugly scar on my torso" but that they would find something that would suit anyway.

"And maybe something that will make me look taller." She stood on tiptoe for a moment, then laughed and fell back to her usual short height. "Just one of these days I'd like to look someone in the eye when I'm talking to them, instead of at their buttons. It makes it hard to cross-examine witnesses."

[Janice Adams]

Janice watched Kiko jump up and down in excitement, laughing slightly. Man, this was awesome. And even more awesome was how awesome the lady shopkeeper was.

So much awesome.

While Kiko consulted with Lia, Janice turned back to Hoshi, who was mutely looking at the pajama bottoms with a confused look on her face. Undeterred, Janice looped an arm around the younger girl gently before letting go and giving her a little space.

“Don’t look at them like that,” She laughed, “What do you think? Aren’t they cute? I bet they’re suuuper warm in the winter.” She picked up a pair and pressed them against her face, “Oh my gosh they are so fuzzy. Feel them!” She held them out invitingly, “You don’t have to put your face in it, don’t worry.”

She whirled around when Leila expressed frustration about her height and her job. “Oh my god, right??” She exclaimed, “And then you get some ass who thinks you’re not a lawyer because you’re a short girl.” She pouted slightly, “I feel like my stupid brother got all the height. And he doesn’t even use it! Dummy.”