Chapter 44: Fashion & sushi
Words: 4k+ biggest chapter yet. Managed to squeeze in the entire date night. If there are any mistakes, let me know. I will fix them.
AN: DANG! Total 7k words today including the previous chapter. ENJOY.
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[Location: Tokyo Shopping District] [Evening- 6 PM]
The bustling streets of Tokyo were a whirl of neon lights and curious onlookers as Alex, Max, and Caroline made their way into one of the trendiest boutiques in the city. The store was filled with racks of fashion-forward clothes, ranging from classic kimonos with a modern twist to edgy Harajuku-style outfits.
Max's eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store. "Oh my God, look at this stuff! It's like fashion on steroids. I need to try everything on. Like, everything."
Caroline picked up a delicate floral dress, her fingers brushing over the fabric. "These are beautiful. But are we, uh, supposed to just... pick what we want?"
Alex, leaning casually against a display, grinned. "Anything you like. Consider it my treat."
Max looped an arm around Caroline's shoulders, pulling her into the racks of clothes. "You heard the man, Blondie! We're his sugar babies, and sugar babies get new clothes. Let's go find something that'll make him drool."
Caroline hesitated. "Max, are you sure this isn't... I don't know, too much? I mean, he likes you. What if I'm just the awkward third wheel?"
Max stopped, turning to her with a smirk. "Do you like him?"
Caroline bit her lip, cheeks turning pink. "Yeah. I do. But I don't want to mess things up between you two."
Max squeezed her shoulder. "Girl, relax. I like him. You like him. He's got the cash, charm, hot body, and magical fingers... Oh, those fingers..." A tiny flash of that foot massage flickered in Max's mind, "So, why can't he have both of us? Sharing is caring, right?"
Caroline's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
Max grinned mischievously. "For the last time, Caroline, I am serious. So, stop asking the same thing again and again and have some self-confidence. C'mon, let's pick something nice."
Alex stood by a plush seating area, leaning on the wall, enjoying the show.
Max held up a short red dress against her body, giving Alex a cheeky grin. "What do you think, Moneybags? Does this say 'classy' or 'trouble'?"
Alex's lips curled into a smirk. "With you, Max, trouble is always implied."
Max wiggled her eyebrows, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Good. I like to set expectations early."
Caroline emerged from a nearby rack, holding a soft pastel sundress. "I think I'll stick to something a bit more... safe." She bit her lip, glancing between Max's bold choices and her own.
Max waved off her hesitation. "Oh, come on, Blondie. You're too hot to hide behind florals and modest hemlines. Try something that says, 'Yeah, I'm sweet, but I'll also steal your fries when you're not looking.'"
Alex chuckled. "I'd pay to see that. Not the fry stealing—the bold fashion. Though, I wouldn't put it past Max to actually take my fries."
Max feigned offense. "I'd never steal your fries, Alex. But if you order truffle fries, all bets are off."
A friendly sales assistant, sensing the energy, approached with an armful of clothes. "Would you like to try these on? The dressing rooms are just over here."
It took some time for them to choose... After that, Max grabbed Caroline's hand. "Come on! Fashion show time!"
[Dressing Room]
The dressing room was big, with soft lighting, plush seating, and full-length mirrors. Max immediately started rifling through the hangers, tossing outfits at Caroline.
"Okay, first up, casual looks!" Max declared. She slipped into a fitted leather jacket over a graphic tee and a tiny black skirt. She gave herself a once-over in the mirror and then popped a hip out, her hands on her waist. "Ta-da!"
'It's like years since I wore such expensive clothes. Wait! Alex did bought us one at the orphanage party. Well, I wonder...' Caroline changed into a light blue wrap dress that flowed delicately around her knees. She smoothed down the fabric, her cheeks a bit pink. "Is this... okay?"
Max's eyes widened. "Are you kidding? You look like a Pinterest board came to life. Just go with it."
Caroline let out a soft laugh, relaxing a little. "Okay, okay. I'll keep it."
After checking for one last time, they walked out of the dressing room, each giving a little spin to Alex. His reaction was subtle but genuine—his smile widened, and he gave them an appreciative nod. "You both look amazing. I almost didn't recognize you, Max. So... covered up."
Max gasped dramatically. "Excuse me! I am the queen of tasteful clothing." She grabbed her neckline and tugged it down just a bit, pushing her boobs up with an exaggerated motion. "See? Tasteful cleavage. You know, in case of a snack emergency. Built-in storage."
Caroline snorted. "Yeah, some of us don't have that luxury. If I tried that, it'd be like fluffing a pancake."
Alex bit his lip, trying not to laugh. "For the record, you both look incredible. And Caroline, that dress is perfect on you."
Caroline's blush deepened, but she smiled brightly. "Thank you."
The next round of outfits was a bit bolder. Max came out in a slinky jumpsuit with a deep V-neck, silver zippers, and a pattern that looked like graffiti art. She walked out, striking a pose with her hands on her hips.
Caroline followed in a sleek black dress with a lace overlay, classic but with a modern twist. She did a little twirl, the skirt flaring out gently around her legs.
Max threw her head back and laughed. "Damn, girl! You look like you're about to host a fancy gala. Meanwhile, I look like I might tag the walls on the way out."
Alex's gaze moved between them. "You both have your own style. And you're killing it."
Max grinned, playfully running a finger along the strap of her jumpsuit. "You think so? Because I'm feeling pretty dangerous in this. Maybe I'll start a fashion crime spree."
Caroline nudged her. "Only if your crime is making everyone else look bad. You look amazing."
Max leaned closer, stage-whispering to Caroline. "He's totally checking you out. Play it cool."
Caroline's eyes widened. "What? No! He's just being nice."
Max rolled her eyes. "Sweetheart, he's being more than nice. He's giving you the look. You know, the 'I want to ask you out for coffee and also maybe a movie' look."
Caroline's lips curled into a soft smile, but she quickly bit it back. "Stop it. You're making me overthink everything."
The final casual look had Max in a flirty mini skirt with a cropped top that showed a hint of her midriff. She twirled, the skirt flaring up just enough to flash a peek of her lacy black panties. She caught Alex's eye, giving him a wicked grin.
'Oh, God! Save me,' Alex, to his credit, managed to maintain his composure, but a faint blush crept up his neck. "Nice outfit, Max. It suits you."
She leaned against the wall, the skirt riding up just a touch more. "Thanks, Moneybags. I thought you might like it. You know, short and sweet. Like me."
Caroline, now in a soft blush-colored blouse and tailored pants, rolled her eyes. "Max, if that skirt were any shorter, it'd be a belt."
Max wiggled her hips. "Exactly. I'm all about multi-purpose fashion."
[The Lingerie Round]
When it came to the lingerie, both girls felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Max, ever the confident one, strutted out in a black lace set with sheer panels and a cheeky garter belt. She threw her hands up in a model pose. "Boom! Victoria's Secret, who?"
Caroline stepped out more slowly, wearing a soft lavender bralette and matching shorts that leaned more toward cute than sultry. She crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly self-conscious. "I... I don't know if this is me."
Max sauntered over, linking arms with Caroline. "Oh, honey, you look adorable. Like the sweet girl-next-door, except with a little bit of spice. Trust me, if Alex didn't have a crush on you before, he definitely does now."
'I'm still here, you know,' Alex cleared his throat, his smile warm but respectful. "You both look great. Comfortable, too?"
...
Max and Caroline had already tried on a whirlwind of outfits, and they were down to the last round: lingerie. They saved the best for last. The dressing room felt like a backstage prep area for the Victoria's Secret fashion show but with 100% more chaos.
Max held a deep red lace bra which looked too small for her boobs. She grinned, holding it up to Caroline. "What do you think? Too much?"
Caroline took one look and snorted. "If you bend over, the only thing holding you together will be prayer and double-sided tape."
Max wiggled her eyebrows. "Exactly. I call it my 'Oops, I Dropped Something' collection." She began to put it on.
Caroline, meanwhile, held a delicate set with a soft blush bralette and matching thong. She'd never been much for daring lingerie. Her usual vibe was more 'sensible cotton' than 'sizzling lace.' Well, after coming this far, she decided to stop holding back and go with the flow.
"Okay, I'm doing it," Caroline muttered to herself, slipping into the set. She turned in front of the mirror, her cheeks pink as she took in the sight of herself. The thong was a first, and it felt... surprisingly good. Like a tiny secret that only she knew.
Max was ready. Her red lace bra was, indeed, holding on for dear life, her cleavage defying the laws of physics. She'd paired it with matching lace panties and sheer, high-knee socks that added a playful twist.
"Ta-da!" Max did a little spin, narrowly avoiding a wardrobe malfunction. "I feel like a sexy Christmas present. Like, 'unwrap me, if you dare!'"
Caroline bit back a laugh. "I think if you sneeze, that bra might achieve liftoff."
Max smirked. "Jealous? I mean, they do look like they're trying to escape." She leaned forward, making her boobs wobble dangerously close to freedom. "Alex won't know what hit him. And..." She whistled. "Look at you! You're like a Victoria's Secret angel who secretly steals all the cookies at the after-party. You look hot!"
Caroline's blush deepened. "Really? I feel kind of... exposed."
"Girl, own it!" Max bounced on her heels, making everything bounce with her. "You look amazing. And trust me, if Alex sees you in that, he'll be like, 'Cupcakes? What cupcakes?'"
Caroline giggled, twirling a little. "Okay, I admit, it feels kind of nice. Maybe I need to channel my inner Max more often."
Max gave her a thumbs up. "Hell yes! Welcome to the dark side. We've got thongs and questionable life choices."
From his seat outside the dressing rooms, Alex glanced up from his phone. He wasn't prepared for what walked out. His expression shifted from casual cool to a mixture of surprise and... was that a bit of a blush?
Max winked, "What do you think, Moneybags? Too much? Or just enough?"
'Boobies! Long legs, peachy ass!' Alex cleared his throat, his voice a little rough around the edges. "You both look... fantastic. Definitely more than I was expecting." He tried to keep his gaze polite, but...
Max's red lace lingerie set was holding on like a last-minute contestant on a reality show called Straps vs. Gravity. Caroline, on the other hand, wore a delicate blush set, her expression somewhere between shy and "I can't believe I'm doing this."
Max struck a dramatic pose, her hip jutted out and her arm in the air like she was on the cover of a perfume ad. "What do you think, Moneybags? Am I giving you 'Victoria's Secret model' or more like 'Victoria's Secret... needs a refund'?"
'Ok. I'm in love now, real love,' Alex, who had been the picture of calm, was now clearing his throat so much it sounded like he was warming up for a Broadway performance. "You both look... great. Really. I mean, wow. It's, uh, definitely... fashion."
Max grinned, leaning against the door frame with absolutely zero regard for modesty. "Fashion, huh? Come on, Alex, don't hold back. We need your honest opinion. Do we look hot or hot?"
Caroline's blush had officially taken over her entire face. "Max! I think he gets it. Maybe we should... you know, get dressed before someone calls security?"
Max waved her off. "Please. We're VIPs. The only thing they'll call is room service. Besides, if I paid this much for lingerie, someone better see it and appreciate it. And by 'someone,' I mean you, Alex. Behold!" She did a twirl, her bra squeaking in protest.
'Snap, snap, snap... Dang!' Alex was hoping for a bra slingshot.
Caroline shuffled her feet, her arms crossed over her chest. "I feel like a cinnamon roll that someone forgot to ice. This is so not me."
Max stepped over, slipping an arm around Caroline's shoulders. "Are you kidding? You look adorable! Like, if a sexy librarian and a cupcake had a baby, it'd be you. You're sweet and spicy. Right, Alex?"
Alex opened his mouth, then closed it. His brain was clearly buffering. "Uh, yes! Absolutely. You look... amazing. Both of you do."
Max snickered. "You're adorable when you're flustered, you know that?" She poked his arm. "This is the most fun I've had in a changing room since that time I got stuck in a dress and had to waddle out asking for scissors."
Caroline turned to Alex, finally finding her voice. "We didn't mean to put you on the spot. We were just, um, testing the limits of your... professionalism."
Max snorted. "Yeah, and you passed. Barely. I half-expected you to faint or at least start speaking in tongues."
Alex let out a breath, his posture relaxing as he found his footing again. "Trust me, I've seen a lot of things on film sets. But this is definitely more... candid than usual. You both look incredible, really. I'm just glad you're having fun."
Max leaned in close, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. "Oh, we're having fun. You should join us. We can make it a real fashion show. I bet you'd look great in silk boxers. Maybe with little sushi rolls on them?"
Caroline stifled a laugh, picturing Alex in novelty boxers. "Or those ones with cartoon ninjas. You know, something classy."
Alex rolled his eyes, his cool exterior returning. "You two are trouble, you know that? And for the record, my boxers are strictly solid colors. Professional and boring, just like my old job."
Max's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Boring, huh? I don't buy it. I bet underneath that suit, you've got a 'Party Time!' tattoo or at least a secret piercing."
Caroline gasped. "Max! You can't just ask someone about their... piercings!"
Max shrugged. "Why not? We're all friends here. And besides, if we're gonna spend the next few days together, we might as well skip to the fun part. You know, karaoke, late-night room service, and questionable fashion choices."
Alex laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "Alright, I'll bite. If you promise to put on actual clothes, I'll take you both out for the best food in Tokyo. And yes, you can order as much as you want, Max. Just... maybe not in lingerie."
Max snapped her fingers. "Dang. There goes my plan to make a scene at dinner. Oh well, back to real clothes." She turned to Caroline. "Come on, Blondie. Let's get dressed before we give poor Alex a heart attack."
Caroline nodded, her cheeks still pink but her smile real. "Yeah. And maybe I'll buy this set. It's nice to feel... I don't know. A little bold. Like, if my underwear is this cute, maybe the rest of my life will follow."
Max tossed an arm over Caroline's shoulders as they walked back into the dressing room. "That's the spirit! Cute underwear is like a secret weapon. It's like, 'Yeah, I'm wearing sweatpants, but underneath, I'm a goddess.'"
Behind them, Alex let out a deep breath, his cool demeanor only just recovering. "What have I gotten myself into?" he murmured, but the smile on his face said he wasn't regretting a single second.
[A few minutes later]
Bags in hand and fully dressed (thank God), the trio emerged back onto the lively streets of Tokyo.
"So, where to, Moneybags?" Max asked, practically bouncing. "Ramen, sushi, or do we find one of those vending machines that sells everything from snacks to... well, underwear?"
Caroline nudged her. "Please, let's not buy underwear from a machine. I'm not ready for that kind of adventure."
Alex chuckled, "Well, why don't we take a walk and see..."
[Tsukiji Outer Market]
The narrow streets were packed with tiny stalls, each brimming with colorful produce, fresh seafood, and the unmistakable aroma of street food.
Max's eyes widened as they passed a stand with fresh octopus skewers. "Oh my God, look at that! They've got baby octopus on a stick. It's like a seafood lollipop!"
Caroline hesitated, watching the octopus tentacles sway gently as the vendor grilled them. "It's... interesting. I don't know if I'm brave enough for that."
Alex chuckled, nudging her gently. "You never know until you try. Besides, adventure is the whole point, right?"
Max had already bought a skewer, taking a big bite. "Mmm! It's chewy but good! C'mon, Blondie, live a little."
Caroline took a deep breath, then ordered a skewer of her own. She closed her eyes and bit into it, her expression shifting from hesitant to pleasantly surprised. "Okay, not bad! A little... rubbery, but not bad."
Alex watched them with an amused smile. "If you two are this adventurous, we need to find a sushi spot. Real sushi. None of that 'California roll' stuff."
Max shot him a look. "Are you telling me the avocado and crab combo isn't authentic? My whole life is a lie."
[Location: Sushi Bar – Omakase Experience]
The sushi bar was a cozy, minimalist space, with light wood paneling and a counter where the chef worked his magic. Soft traditional music played in the background, and the warm lighting made everything feel like a dream. It was the kind of place where you'd expect a monk to suddenly appear and offer you life advice along with a cup of green tea.
Max, Caroline, and Alex sat at the counter as the chef, a man with quick hands and a calm demeanor, began presenting them with bite-sized masterpieces. Each piece of sushi was a tiny work of art, fresh fish draped over perfect rice, sometimes topped with a delicate garnish or a whisper of sauce.
Max leaned forward, eyes as wide as a kid on Christmas morning. "So, we're just supposed to eat whatever he gives us? No menu? No decisions?"
Alex nodded. "That's the beauty of omakase. The chef decides everything. We just sit back and enjoy."
Caroline picked up a piece of tuna with her chopsticks, hesitating for a second before popping it into her mouth. Her eyes widened. "Oh my God, this is amazing. It melts. It's like the fish is giving my tongue a hug."
Max giggled, already halfway through her own sushi. "Right? And here I thought gas station sushi was fancy. This is next level."
Alex chuckled. "Please tell me you're joking about the gas station sushi."
Max shrugged, not missing a beat as she scooped up another piece. "What? A girl's gotta eat. And it's basically the same thing, right? Fish, rice, a slight sense of danger..."
The chef slid another round of sushi across the counter, this time with sea urchin on top. Max grabbed it, her expression fearless. "Ooh, sea urchin. I've had this before. It's like eating the ocean, but, you know, without the risk of getting a shell in your teeth."
Caroline, still savoring the last bite, picked up her sea urchin sushi and gave it a hesitant sniff. "It smells... briny." She took a bite, and her expression turned to surprise. "Wow. It's weird, but good. Like a salty custard."
Max nudged Alex. "What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten, Moneybags?"
Alex thought for a moment. "Probably fugu. You know, pufferfish. It has to be prepared perfectly, or it can be poisonous."
Max's eyes widened. "Poisonous sushi? That's like playing Russian roulette with your stomach. You should've told me! I'd try that. Imagine the thrill!"
Caroline choked on her green tea. "Max, the goal is not to make the chef break into a sweat. I don't think my insurance covers sushi-induced near-death experiences."
Max shot the chef a cheeky grin. "What about you, Chef? What's the wildest thing you've served?"
The chef, who had been silently working, looked up with a small, mysterious smile. "I once prepared a dish with jellyfish and gold leaf. Very popular with tourists."
Max gasped. "Gold? Like, real gold? Do I get to poop riches afterward?"
Caroline facepalmed. "Max, please. We're in a fancy place. Can we not talk about bathroom habits?"
Alex bit back a laugh. "I think the chef has heard worse. Right?"
The chef nodded, his eyes twinkling. "Once, a guest asked if the sushi would help them find enlightenment. I told them to eat slowly and chew well. They said they felt wiser by the third bite."
Max raised her glass. "To enlightenment, then! And to eating until we're so full we need to roll back to the hotel."
As the night wore on, the sushi kept coming. There was toro (fatty tuna), ebi (shrimp), unagi (eel), and even tiny cups of miso soup that tasted like a warm hug. Max and Caroline were in heaven, accepting every dish with enthusiasm.
After what felt like the hundredth piece of sushi, Caroline leaned back, her hand on her stomach. "I think I've reached my limit. I'm officially stuffed."
Max, still chewing, nodded. "Yeah, I think if I eat one more piece, I'm gonna explode. Like, 'BOOM,' raw fish confetti everywhere."
Alex, still composed but clearly amused, sipped his tea. "You know, you don't have to eat everything. It's okay to say no."
Max sat up straight, putting on a mock serious face. "Are you saying no to sushi? That's a betrayal of all things good and holy, Moneybags. You can't leave a soldier behind."
Caroline groaned. "If I eat any more, I'm gonna have to be rolled out of here like a sushi burrito."
The chef, still smiling, presented the final course—a delicate slice of tamago (sweet egg omelet) on rice. "This is dessert sushi. It is light and gentle on the stomach."
Max looked at it, then at Caroline, then back at the chef. "Alright, one more. But if I pop, you have to promise to tell my story. Say I died doing what I loved: eating and making poor life choices."
Caroline took her tamago, her movements slow and deliberate. "This is it. The last bite. I can do this." She closed her eyes, bit into it, and sighed. "Okay, totally worth it. But if I have to unbutton my pants, nobody judge me."
Max nodded, holding out her fist for a bump. "No judgment here. I've been wearing stretchy pants for this exact scenario."
Alex set his napkin on the counter, signaling the end of their meal. "Shall we head back to the hotel? Maybe take a walk to help with all the... fullness?"
Max slid off her stool, wobbling slightly. "A walk sounds good. Or maybe a roll. Can I just lay on the sidewalk and let the earth move me?"
Caroline laughed, standing up slowly. "If we get lost, I'm blaming you. I can't navigate on a good day, let alone when my body is 90% fish."
The trio made their way back onto the streets, the cool night air a welcome relief after the warmth of the restaurant. Max walked with her arms out like a zombie, groaning playfully. "Brains... or, no... sushi... mochi... sleep..."
Caroline, her face still flushed from laughter, slipped her arm through Max's. "Come on, zombie girl. If you start eating pedestrians, we're really going to end up in trouble."
Alex walked a step behind, his smile soft as he watched them. "You two are something else. I don't think I've ever seen anyone enjoy sushi quite that much."
Max turned, walking backward to face him. "Well, what can I say? You bring us to fancy places, we're gonna eat like it's our last meal. I mean, technically, I'm not sure I'll ever need to eat again. Ever. Just bury me in a sushi roll."
Caroline giggled, her head resting on Max's shoulder. "If I die, just tell people I went peacefully, surrounded by sashimi and love."
Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Noted. I'll make sure your tombstones are engraved with tiny fish and chopsticks. 'Here lies Max and Caroline. They came. They saw. They overate.'"
Max raised her hand dramatically to the sky. "Let it be known that we lived our best lives. And if we don't make it back to the hotel... well, tell Chestnut we love him."
Caroline sighed. "And please, feed him the good hay. None of that generic stuff."
As they walked through the glowing streets, laughing and joking, it was clear that whatever the next few days held, they were off to a pretty perfect start.
And somewhere, perhaps sensing their happiness, Chestnut probably neighed approvingly—hopefully while not eating anything too expensive.
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