Fuss! Chapters 6 and 7

Chapter Six

By the time Nick  packed his stuff up and headed out to meet Gisellle, the building was half-deserted. Nick had never been so nervous. NYC was all about hook-ups, and he’d had a few since moving here. He knew just how to play it. Usually. But there was something about Giselle throwing him off. It wasn’t just that he’d worked so long and so hard to score with her, there was something else. It was one of those new feelings he didn’t have a name for, but did he actually like her?

As he came to the door of Gamer Girls, he swallowed the breath mint he’d popped in his mouth, mussed his hair, and entered, hoping to minimize the foreplay and get right to fucking. There was no one in the lounge area, but he could see a light on in one of the cubicles. Nervously twisting his bracelets, he called,  “”Gisselle?”

“Come on back,” Gisellle answered.

Nick imagined her waiting for him, maybe in just a bra and panties, maybe with a glass of champagne, but when he came around the cubicle she was sitting at the computer, working intently, just wearing her regular clothes.  “I’ll be ready for you in just a… there.”

Giselle got up. Nick looked her in the eyes, smiled, tugging on his hoop. “Should we get to it?” He said, and then bit his llip.

“Yeah,” Giselle said, moving behind him.

“Whaaa?” Nick suddenly worried she was going to try something too kinky. Pegging had become something of a trend in the city, with women getting into the strap ons, and he tensed and was about to tell he was not into ass play involving his ass, but Giselle put her hands on his shoulders, steered him to the chair where she’d been sitting and sat him down. “I want you to beta test Game 3.1,” she said. “I’d like your insights.””

“Beta test? Aren’t your games for girls?”

“My games are for everyone,” Giselle said. “Fem-positive. Misogyny free.” She handed him a controller, put a notepad and a pen on the desk. “Take notes. I’ll be in the next room if you have any questions.”

“Well, shit,” Nick thought, holding the controller. He’d given himself a case of blue balls thinking about banging Giselle all day, and all she’d wanted was to use him for her stupid game. He assessed. She’d taken his number and never called. She’d hinted they would get together and never committed. She had referred to him a couple times as girl.

She’s been negging me! He decided. Not teasing me.

MInd games! Asshole!

He almost got up and stormed over to give him a piece of his mind, started to walk out, but… he really did like her. And maybe he was wrong? She was busy, and she maybe was just busting his balls a little? He didn’t want to over react, and he didn’t want to cut her off. Better just to give her some notes. Help her out. I wonder what a girl game will look like, he wondered. Win a gossip battle? Find a husband?

He unpaused the game. Giselle had already set up a character for him and he was “in world.” His character was female, with long, brown hair  and named “Nicki.” Coincidence, he decided.

It did not turn out to be a video game version of “Gossip Girl.” And it was hard.

The first three times he tried the mission– gain entrance to Windstorm Tower and defeat the boss, Lord Dunsany, he died. He tried head on assault. He tried sneaking. The first two times, he got killed before even reaching the upper level. The third time, he reached Lord Dunsany, but died after a single thrust from Dunsany’s flaming longsword.

Gisellle looked over the top of the cubicle. “How’s it going?”

“It’s too hard,” Nick said, plucking at his hair. “The Boss is unbeatable.”

“Change strategies,” Gisselle said with a smirk, then vanished.

“I tried everything!”

“Not yet! You can beat it. I’ve beaten it three times!  Don’t give up!”

“You’re sure?”

“Yup. Want a hint?”

“No,” Nick said. “I’ll get it.” He considered himself a master gamer, and he wanted to impress Giselle. Besides, if a girl beat it, then  he would, too. Sneaking his way back to Dunsany, he tried dodging and dodging, then lunging in for quick strikes. It worked for awhile and extended the fight, but eventually Dunsany impaled him on on his blazing blade, lifting Nicky into the air as she died, kicking and thrashing, her body engulfed in flames.

Nick was impressed with the graphics and even the violence. He hadn’t expected that in a girl game. “How about that hint?” He called, frustrated.

“Think like a woman,” was all Giselle said.

What did that even mean? The game reset, and he was once more outside the tower. What to do? He decided to look at the Map, and he noticed there was a town nearby, Roseville. At least that was girly. Heading over to Roseville, expecting to find some girly, fantasy world village smothered in roses, he instead found a fairly typical town or stone walled buildings with thatched roofs, traders and temples. When in doubt, head to the tavern he decided.

Nick discovered he could recruit NPCs to help him with his mission. Each one asked a favor in return, and for the next few hours– he lost track of time as he became engrossed in his miniquests– he met different characters, had conversations with them, did them favors, and one by one built a group of friends who would help him on his mission– a huge, barbarian warrior, a pretty little elven ranger, hooded sorcerous and chubby monk who was a healer.

Once he’d gotten their “Friendship” meters up to the point where they were ready to join him, Nick asked each one for help, and they all agreed. “Yes!” He said, pumping his fist, his bracelets flashing. “Let’s see how Dunsany likes me now!”

He led his party to the tower, and they hacked their way to the top. The sorcerous cast a protection spell on Nick, which more than doubled his armor class, and while his friends hectored and distracted Dunasny, he returned to dodging and striking.

In only a few moments, Dunsany dropped to one knee and hung his head. “I am defeated,” he said. “I submit.”

“Yes!” Nick shouted. Giselle came around and stood behind him.

Nick was given three choices:  1. Kill Dunsany 2. Take his armor and weapons and exile him. 3. Ask him to join you.

“What should I do?” Nick asked Giselle.

“What you think is best.”

Nick bit his lip. He clicked, “Ask him to join you.”

Dunsany placed his sword at Nicki’s feet. “I swear to you eternal friendship” he said, and then a box appeared, “Dunsany has joined your party.”

“Looks like I made a friend,” Nick said.

Giselle smiled. One of the purposes of the game was to teach the importance of making friends and working with a group. Nick had clearly been influenced. “Good choice,” she said. “Every decision you make in the game changes the storyline. Dunsany will be a very important ally. He can also become a romantic interest.”

Dunsany? Yuck. “How about the little elf girl?”

“You can end up sleeping with any of your friends,” Gisellee said.

Nick looked up at her. Was she dropping a hint? “How about that drink you promised?” He said, once more playing with his hair.

“Sure, and you can give me some feedback. I’m very interested in your impressions.”

Nick followed Giselle to a wine bar around the corner. She held the door for him. He let her. She was obviously into the whole liberated woman thing, he decided. It was dark and cool, with little lamps on each table. It had probably been more crowded before Covid, Nick thought, but the tables were now spread out 6’ apart. Their table in the corner had an intimate feel, like they were the only two people in the bar. The waitress came– Nick admired her skin– and Giselle said, “Two glasses of The Prisoner.”

“Um, I’’ll just have some soda water, with lemon,” Nick said. “I’m counting calories?”

“Two glasses,” Giselle repeated, and the waiter scampered off.

“I really can’t,” Nick said. “I’m on a diet.”

“You have lost a lot of weight,” Giselle said. “You look great.”

Nick tugged on his hoop and looked away. “Thanks?”

She’s so bashful now! Giselle thought. She usually preferred more confident girls, but there was something about this being Nick that his shy, demure nature really turned her on.

The wine came. Giselle picked up her glass. Nick shook his head, no. “A little wine won’t hurt,” Giselle said, “and you can’t let me drink alone. That would make me an alcoholic.”

“Okay,” Nick said. “I guess you’re right.” They clinked glasses, and Nick took a dainty little sip. “It’s good.”

“For a hundred dollars a bottle it should be.”

“A hundred?” Nick said, remembering his debt problems.

“Don’t worry. It’s on me. My way of saying thanks.”

“Are you sure?” Nick said.

“”I got it, sweetie. Now, tell me about my game.”

They leaned in close, staring into each other’s eyes. Giselle idly ran her finger along Nick’’s fingers, his knuckles. The top of his soft hand. Nick, plucking at his hair, tugging on his earring, went on and on. Despite his former persona as a dumb bro, he’d been to college, and he’d sseen what she was going for– instead of the typical male, going it alone adventurer, this game had emphasized the importance of friends, allies, working as a team. “It’s almost like relationships are the most important thing?”

“Smart girl,” Giselle said.

Nick winced. He couldn’t tell if she was teasing, negging, what?  He didn’t have time to try and figure it out. Giselle cupped his cheek, leaned in and kissed him. Nick’s whole body tingled, he curled his toes, and the ache in his chest intensified, but now it felt– good? Giselle’s kiss lingered, and Nick leaned closer, feeling her tongue slip between his lips and find his, and their tongues slid over each other as Giselle let her free hand slide into his open shirt, and she dug her nails into his sensitive chest, and it was– Nick pulled away.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s sensitive,” Nick said, pulling the top of his shirt closed, not sure what he was feeling but aglow with the full body thrill he’d gotten from her kiss. As skinny as he was now, the one glass of wine had left him dazed and tipsy. Gisellle’s eyes were hot and wet with intensity, like a hungry wolf. She scared him now, but also… fascinated.

Giselle got up and took his hand. “Come on,” she said.

“Where are we going?”

“My place.”

Chapter Seven

Jack woke up, tangled in his sheets, face down and aching in places he didn’t even know he had. Blurry memories of the night before came back to him, and left him cringing with pleasure and shame. He’d finally gotten into bed with Giselle, and it had been nothing like what he’d imagined. He sat up, letting his legs hang over the edge of his bed, pulling the tangled hair out of his eyes, tossing it back over his shoulders. Looking down, he saw scratch marks all over his tender chest. She’d loved it when he told her his chest was sensitive, that it hurt! And she had hurt him, and he remembered gasping with pleasure as she raked her fingernails across his chest. Looking now, his formerly bony chest now looked puffy, and his nipples had swollen, sticking out from the soft skin. She really hurt me, he decided. But, he figured, the swelling would go down with time.

It had hurt so good, and it was only the beginning.

Another drink. They’d made out on her couch, and he’d been hard as hell, ready to fuck her, but then…  everything was coming back to him in jagged fragments, like he was seeing it all through a strobe light. She shoved his dick away and told him to strip and get in bed.

Cut to him, laying on the bed, playing with his hair. Giselle coming out of her closet, wearing a strap on– huge. Nick remembered panicking, backing away…

She got him on his knees, his face planted in the mattress, and she’d pegged him, pegged him hard. He felt himself tearing on the inside– pain again, but pain that terrified him because it came fused with pleasure… he’ d panted and squealed with each thrust, his voice seeming to rise higher and higher.

He cried after. She held him. Then, she pulled him to his feet, slapped him on the ass and said, “You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here.”

Nick had dressed, and as he was about to go out the door, she said, “”Be good, babe.”

And then he’d made his bleary, disheveled way home, hair and clothes a mess. He passed a couple drunk girls heading from some bar, he supposed, and they gave a knowing once over and a look like– someone got her eyes fucked out. It was his first walk of shame, though he now suspected it wouldn’t be his last.

Nick covered his face. Fuck. She’d been like an animal, and as scared as he’d been to cross the threshold and let her stick that– beast– into him, he had to admit, and it shook him to admit, to realize— deep down, he’d wanted it.

And, he’d liked it.

That’s why I was crying, he admitted to himself now. I liked it.

Fuck.

He glanced at the clock. Shit! He had to get ready, or he’d be late!

Thinking about all the empty calories he’d consumed, he rushed to the scale, terrified he had gained weight, then almost fainting with relief when he saw he had still lost 5 pounds. Thank God for small miracles!

He hurried to shower, wondering how he would ever get his hair and makeup done in time!

After the night he’d had, he was fucking thrilled he had concealor. Thank God, he thought as he hid the dark circles under his eyes. He didn’t even want to think about how embarrassing it would be to show up at work with raccoon eyes!

He managed, and he felt triumphant as he checked himself out one last time before heading out the door. His hair and makeup looked great, and no one would ever guess he’d been up late drinking and– well, you know. His confidence surging, his shame receding, he strutted out onto the sidewalks of New York, bag over his shoulder, hands stuffed in the pockets of his bolero jacket, checking himself out in the storefront windows.

He was thinking about Giselle’s video game. Relationships. Maybe that was the key to selling more soda? He’d been selling instead of connecting. His head began to fizzle with ideas, and by the time he got to work, he was bubbly with excitement.

“Dan! Sam!” He said as he came sashaying into the office. “I have an idea!” He couldn’t contain his excitement and didn’t seem to notice that after his first pegging, his voice had changed, rising from a bass to a tenor. More, the frequency had increased as well, giving him a more feminine buzz.

“Shoot,” Danielle said, giving Samatha a little glance, seeing in her eyes she had also heard the change. .

Pacing, fussing with his hair and bracelets, he explained. “We create and label the sodas with the name of their business. We make the flavors to suit their menu– different for a Guatemalan restaurant than an Italian, perfectly paired to complement their flavors.” He stopped pacing, putting a hand on his hip. “Bespoke soda.”

He started to pace again, twisting his bracelets furiously.

“It becomes something people feel they can only get at that location. And, it gives our partners ownership over the product. Instead of one size fits all marketing, we build a unique relationship with each partner. Less selling, more connecting!”

Done, he clutched his hands to his chest. “And?”

Danielle and Samantha exchanged another glance– who the hell is this? But, they nodded. “I like it.”

“Me, too,” Samatha said.

“Now, it’s going to be a lot of work. A lot of cold calling.”

“And now I don’t like it so much,” Danielle said. She hated sales, as did Samatha.

“Don’t worry,” Nick said. “I’ll do it. I’m a great salesman,” he said, tugging on his earring and dropping his eyes. “Not to brag or anything.”

“So what do we do?” Danielle asked, impressed with Nick’s energy and passion.

“Design and logistics. We’re going to need new flavors, and we need to figure out how to make all this happen. We built everything to scale up to mass distribution of a few products. Now, we’re scaling toward small scale massive products.”

“On it,” Sam said.

“I’ll start working on the flavors,” Dan added.

Nick smiled. “You guys are the best! Now, come on. Group hug!”

Dan and Sam got up, and they all three hugged.  “I love you guys,” Nick said, once more finding himself almost teary eyed. “You’re the best partners ever.”

It was a little much. Danielle almost found herself missing the old Nick.

Almost.

Nick wanted to rush out and start selling right away, but he knew preparation was key. He sat down at his computer and began putting together a whole new information packet, brochures, the entire style, look and content of all their materials had to change, and he needed something portable he could carry with him as he went door to door. His eyes fell to his satchel. He would need a new bag, for sure. The old school satchel didn’t match his trendy, fashion forward look at all. He’d ask Natasha for recommendations.

He spent a lot of time wiggling that morning. His butt hurt, but he was so into his work he didn’t focus on it at all. Just another war wound. Sex could be dangerous. Later, he made his usual coffee run, bringing drinks back for his super amazing partners, and later he ran out to the store and bought a bunch of yogurt, labeling it “Danielle.” He just really needed to make it up to her for stealing all her yogurt in the past.

Friends do not do that to friends, he thought, pleased with himself as he looked at the refrigerator shelf and slowly shut the refrigerator door. He wanted to be a good friend now, and he had Giselle to thank for showing him how!

Giselle. Just thinking of her made him conscious of the painful claw marks across his chest, his aching touche. He didn’t even know what to think. She was– rough, and she scared him. What if she wants a relationship? He wondered, back in his office. What if she doesn’t?

What do I want?

He thought about the pat on his ass. “You can’t stay here. Be good.” I was just a fuck, he told himself. This is New York. But, why did it seem like he was more than that to her? Wasn’t he?

He really had no idea, so he plunged back into his work, so he wouldn’t have to even think about HER.

Samantha and Danielle found a moment to compare notes on Nick’s new voice. “He definitely sounds more like a woman,” Danielle said. “He didn’t seem to notice, though. Or, maybe he doesn’t care?”

“It’s almost one of those in-between voices,” Sam said. “Like, if he called you on the phone, you wouldn’t be sure.”

“He was so perky this morning!”

“I know. And are group hugs going to be a thing now?”

“God. I know. It’s like we’re turning into a sorority. I am kinda excited about his ideas, though.”

“Me, too. I hope they work. I’m about three months from moving back in with my parents.”

“Do you think he can sell– like that?”

“He sold me.”

Nick was really excited about the work he was doing. The colors, graphics, everything emphasized connection and support. He wouldn’t be selling anything. He would be there to help them be successful. He’d taken to wearing a cardigan in his office. He was always so cold! He’d talk to the management about it one day.

“Babe.”

Nick yelped and jumped in his seat. He’d been so focused on his work he hadn’t even heard or felt Giselle enter. Seeing her, flashing back to getting fucked by her, all his confused emtions rushed to the surface– fear, need, anxiety and doubt. Lust. “Oh,” Nick said, instinctively sitting on his hands, shielding his booty, even though he was sitting. “You scared me.”

Giselle smirked. She was cute when she was startled. “I just wanted to check in. See how you’re doing.”

That’s so sweet, Nick thought. Or, is it a mind game? “I’m good,” he said, his voice rising another half octave, now a middling alto. The mere presence of Giselle and her feral energy triggered a femne change. He shied away from Giselle, feeling vulnerable, unsure, though he longed for her touch.

“I know that was your first time. It can be a lot. You’re sure you’re fine?”

“It wasn’t my first time, I mean it was for– that– but it isn’t like, well–” Nick found himself flustered and tongue tied. He wanted to get up, run, get away from her, but he was locked in her eyes, in those strong, green eyes.

“Hey, hey, hey,” Giselle said. “Just take a deep breath and calm down. You’re shaking!”

Nick realized he was, and he took a couple deep breaths as he’d been told to, calming himself.

“You’re great,” Giselle said. “We should get together again. Soon.”

“Really?” Nick said, surprised and excited, surprised he was so excited.

“Really. Be good, babe.” Giselle turned, took a few steps, came back and leaned on the corner of Nick’s desk, reaching out and toying with his hair. “You look gorgeous with long hair. Keep it.”

“You think so?” Nick said, staring up at her, eyes wide, thrilled at the compliment.

“Oh, yeah, but—”

Nick’s heart froze But? Oh, no! What was wrong?

Giselle let the but hang in the air, enjoying the panicked look of insecurity on Nick’s face. Then, she stood, turned her back and said, “You’d look even better as a blonde” as she walked away.

Blonde? Nick thought, grabbing his hand mirror from his desk drawer and looking at himself, fussing with his hair. “Blonde?”

Nick’s hand went to his throat. For the first time, he heard the change in his voice. Gone was the strong, manly bass he’d been so proud of. He’d sounded like a child– or a woman. “Blonde?” He repeated, just testing his voice, making sure he’d heard what he thought he heard, and once more he heard a distinctly woman’s voice say the word. He felt a surge of throbbing in his chest, and put his hand gingerly on the puffy, soft tissue. When his fingers brushed his swollen nipple, he felt a surge of pleasure as his nipple grew hard, “What’s going on?” He said out loud, testing that voice. He tried to find a lower place and said, “What’s going on?” Again, but as much as he didn’t want to face it, he just sounded like a woman doing an impression of a man– and not a very good one.

Don’t think about it. Focus on work. He turned back to his computer, intent on focusing, getting stuff done. But, he couldn’t help it. After a couple minutes, he found himself once again gazing at himself in his hand mirror, fussing with his hair. “Blonde?”

Maybe he’d ask Vanya what she thought. And Sam and Dan. Changing hair color was a huge and important decision. It could change his whole life. Who knew what the blonde ramifications might be? Would people think he was dumb? He’d be foolish not to ask for advice.

That afternoon when the three of them gathered for lunch– Sam and Dan had gotten over their initial resentment over him intruding on their lunch duo– he waited for a pause in the conversation and then said, “Can I ask you guys for a little advice?” He now sounded just like them, though his voice was maybe a little higher.

Nick? Asking for advice?

“Sure,” Samantha said. I hope it’s about boys.

“Well,” and he fussed nervously with his hair. He took a deep breath. Better to just come right out with it. “I’m thinking about going blonde?”

Yes, Danielle and Samantha exchanged a glance of amusement.

“Absolutely,” Samantha said.

“Go for it,” Danielle added. “Yes.”

“Seriously?”

“You’d make a perfect blonde,” Danielle said.

“And you’ll sell way more soda,” Samantha assured him.

“That’s what I was thinking?” Nick said. He did not want them to know he was really thinking about doing it because of Giselle’s comment. “Thanks, guys!”

Nick cleaned up after himself, also taking care of Samantha and Danielle’s now empty container. “Okay. I’m going to get back to putting together the new marketing stuff. Bye, guys.”

“Bye!” Samantha and Danielle answered in unison.

“Wow,” Danielle said. “I guess we’ve been promoted to guy now.”

“I feel like an actual dude. Do you think he’ll do it?”

“I know he will. And now he’ll have to worry about his roots, getting touch-ups. It’s too perfect.’

“You’re really enjoying this.”

“Like you aren’t.

“I just can’t wait for him to get his boobs.’