My Crossdress up Darling Ch 9 : The Practice

Steve lay in bed, his phone screen the only light in the room as he scrolled through the endless Discord messages in the cosplay group chat. It was supposed to be a quick check-in about the Shining Kiky event, just to finalize some details. But once the topic of his costume came up, the chat had exploded.



Angela had started it: “So, for Stephanie, we need something that screams main character. I’m thinking magical girl vibes. Like, sparkly, cute, over-the-top.”

Lily, as usual, had a counter-suggestion almost immediately. “Angela, magical girl is good, but what about a classic princess look? I mean, picture this—Stephanie in a sweeping ball gown, hair done up, and a little tiara. Total fairytale moment.”

Steve’s eyes widened as the messages kept piling in, each idea more elaborate than the last. He quickly typed back, hoping to tone down the enthusiasm: “Guys, please… don’t argue over me. It’s just a costume, right?”

But Lily wasn’t letting him off the hook. “Oh no, Steve, you’re not just getting ‘a costume.’ It’s crucial we make you look cute! LOL.”

He watched as Angela sent links to images of magical girl costumes, each one more sparkling and frilly than the last, complete with wands, ribbons, and even wings. Lily, on the other hand, was adamant about a fairytale gown, flooding the chat with images of flowing dresses, glittering jewels, and tiaras. They were passionate, and Steve felt a strange warmth realizing that his friends were putting so much thought into making him stand out.

Then came Evelyn, who had been quiet until now. She finally chimed in: “I prefer Stephanie in like disney princess in colorfull dress and tiara. That way Stephanie is both beautifull and elegant.”

The group fell into a new round of debates about colors, details, and accessories, each message fueling the image of him as the centerpiece of the event. Steve found himself staring at each picture they posted, mentally trying on the costumes, wondering if he could pull them off. He was both excited and nervous, uncertain about how he’d feel in such elaborate attire.

By the time the chat finally quieted down, it was well after midnight. He lay back, staring at the ceiling, his mind still buzzing with images of gowns, sparkles, and the realization that he would truly be stepping into the spotlight. 

The next morning, Steve was dragging. His head felt heavy, and every time he blinked, it was harder to open his eyes again. Sitting at his desk, he slumped over his keyboard, yawning as he tried to shake off the grogginess. Every time he managed to focus on his computer screen, his mind wandered back to the outfit ideas from the night before, each one blending into the next until he could barely tell them apart.



He let out another long yawn, rubbing his temples, when he heard a familiar voice from behind.

“Morning, sleepyhead.”

Steve spun around to find Lily, who was leaning over his desk with a smirk. She was clearly wide awake, her face bright and full of amusement as she looked at him. “Didn’t get much sleep, huh?”

Steve gave her a tired smile. “Yeah, you could say that. You guys kept me up half the night debating costumes.”

Lily laughed, unbothered by the late-night discussion. “Hey, don’t act like you didn’t love every second of it. You’re going to be the main attraction, Stephie. We have to make sure you’re ready for the spotlight.”

Steve chuckled nervously, glancing around to make sure no one else could overhear them. “Main attraction? I didn’t sign up for that.”

“Oh, please,” Lily teased, leaning in closer. “You’re totally the star of this event. You know how Shining Kiky is all about fashion and flair? That’s going to be you! You’re going to be the most eye-catching, magical, princess-like character there.”

Steve couldn’t stop the blush that crept up his face. He managed a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t know if I can pull that off...”

Lily’s expression softened, and she placed a hand on his shoulder. “Trust me, Steve, you’re going to be amazing. We wouldn’t put so much energy into this if we didn’t think you could handle it. You’re our Stephanie, and you’re going to own that stage.”

Her encouragement made Steve feel a bit more at ease, though the nerves were still buzzing under the surface. he murmured. “I just… I hope I don’t embarrass myself.”

Lily rolled her eyes playfully. “Honestly, I think you’re going to shock yourself with how much you enjoy it. And don’t worry—Angela and I will be there the whole time, so you won’t be alone.”

Steve’s voice hushed as he glanced around to make sure no one else could hear them. “So... how’s the costume being made? And... how much is it going to cost? I mean, I don’t mind helping out if it’s expensive.”

Lily chuckled, clearly amused by his concern. “Steve, relax! You’re not paying a dime. The event organizers are covering all of it—they want this Shining Kiky launch to be huge, so they’re footing the bill for our costumes and everything else.”

Steve blinked in surprise. “Wait, really?”

“Yep,” Lily said, nodding with a satisfied grin. “Maia’s taking care of all the costume designs, and she’s already got your measurements from last time. So as long as you don’t gain any weight, we’re all set on that front.” She shot him a playful look. “No midnight snacks until after the event, okay?”

Steve laughed, feeling a rush of relief. “Alright, I’ll try to resist. So… all we have to do is show up in costume?”

Lily leaned in, her grin turning a bit mischievous. “Oh, not exactly, Stephie. There’s a lot more to this than just walking around in costume. This event is a big deal, and Angela and I want to make sure our appearance has a little more… flair.”

“Flair?” Steve echoed, raising an eyebrow. “What exactly does that mean?”

Lily shrugged casually, glancing back at her computer as though she were done with the conversation. “Angela and I are still figuring out the details. We want to bring these characters to life, not just stand around. We’ll need you in character, maybe with a few moves that fit the theme.”

Steve stared at her, feeling a mix of curiosity and anxiety. “Wait, so... this isn’t just a simple cos-walk?”

Lily laughed softly, clearly enjoying his reaction. “Nope! But don’t worry—we’ll give you all the details soon. You’ll know everything you need in plenty of time to prepare.”

He felt a twinge of unease but did his best to brush it off, trusting Lily. “Alright… just keep me posted, okay? The last thing I want is to show up without knowing what I’m getting into.”

She shot him a reassuring smile. “Trust me, we’ll go over everything. We just want to make sure you’re ready for the spotlight. You’re going to be the star of this, after all.”

Steve tried to ignore the blush creeping up his neck. “Star? I’m pretty sure that’s just you being dramatic, Lily.”

“Not dramatic—accurate,” she replied, giving him a playful wink. “Angela and I have everything under control. Just trust us, Stephie. You’re going to look amazing.”

With that, she patted him on the shoulder and headed back to her desk, leaving Steve with a flurry of thoughts he couldn’t quite shake. Whatever Angela and Lily were planning, it sounded bigger than anything he’d imagined. But for some reason, despite his nerves, he felt an unexpected thrill.

Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

The hum of the office, the quiet clatter of keyboards, the shuffling of papers—all of it helped keep Steve’s mind grounded as he worked steadily at his desk. He tried to focus on his tasks, marking off his to-do list and answering emails, but it was nearly impossible to ignore the thoughts swirling in his head about the upcoming Shining Kiky event.

Despite Lily’s teasing, he couldn’t shake the questions buzzing in his mind. What exactly were Angela and Lily planning? They’d kept hinting that the event would be more than a simple cosplay appearance. The images that popped into his head ran the gamut—everything from a simple character performance to something elaborate, like singing or dancing on stage. He barely had any acting experience, let alone singing, and the idea of being in costume with Mitch, performing something intricate or unexpected, made his heart beat faster.

Focus, Steve, he reminded himself, trying to shake off the daydreams. But every time he managed to tune out his thoughts, he’d catch himself slipping back, picturing himself on stage in a fairytale outfit, the audience’s eyes on him. Would it be a group scene? Maybe something that required them to act out a story? Or worse—what if it was a full-on musical number?

He shook his head, trying to snap back to reality, when his screen lit up with a new notification. He blinked, momentarily startled by the pop-up from Discord.

It was a message from Angela.

“Hey, Steve, could you come to Mitch’s apartment tonight? We’re planning some practice for the performance.”

Steve’s heart skipped a beat. Mitch’s apartment? He wasn’t expecting things to start so soon, let alone at Mitch’s place. He stared at the screen, his mind racing. Tonight? Already?

He hadn’t mentally prepared himself to dive into whatever Lily and Angela had in mind, and the thought of going to Mitch’s apartment made him more nervous than he cared to admit. He imagined stepping inside, seeing Mitch there, and trying to act like he wasn’t completely caught off guard by how fast everything was moving.

Quickly, he typed a reply, trying to keep his tone casual. “Uh, sure… but what are we doing for the performance?”

Angela’s response came instantly: “You’ll find out ;)”

Steve’s jaw dropped a little, and he let out a breath, unsure if Angela was being intentionally cryptic or just trying to tease him. What does that even mean? He felt his curiosity deepening, mixed with a fair amount of nerves.

A dozen questions raced through his mind. Were they practicing lines? Going over costumes? Choreography, maybe? The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became. The idea of performing in front of a crowd was intimidating enough, but now he was supposed to go to Mitch’s apartment tonight with no idea what they’d be doing. 

He ran a hand through his hair, thinking back to the last time they’d all gotten together. He remembered the late-night Discord chat, how intense Angela and Lily had been about the costumes, the countless images of gowns and magical outfits they’d debated. He could only imagine what they’d cooked up for the actual performance.

As the sun began to set, Steve found himself standing outside Mitch’s apartment building, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. The building was older, with an inviting warmth, a far cry from the sleek high-rises he was used to seeing. The brick walls, framed by ivy and softly lit porch lights, gave it a cozy, almost homely feel.

His heart thumped as he made his way inside, his mind still spinning with questions about what Angela and Lily had planned. He straightened his shirt, wondering if he should’ve dressed more casually—or maybe even tried to dress as “Stephanie” to get into character. But he pushed the thought aside, telling himself he was overthinking things. It’s just practice, he reminded himself.

He reached Mitch’s door, and before he could even knock, it swung open. Mitch stood there in a casual sleeveless shirt and jeans, his relaxed expression greeting Steve with a warm smile. The muscles in Mitch’s arms caught Steve’s attention for a brief moment, and he quickly averted his gaze, feeling a bit flustered.

“Hey, Steve! Come on in,” Mitch said, waving him inside with an easygoing grin.

Steve tried not to stare, but it was hard not to notice just how effortlessly confident Mitch looked. “Thanks,” Steve said, stepping inside, still trying to shake the nervousness he felt.

As he took in the modest but welcoming apartment, Mitch looked him up and down with a playful glint in his eye. “So... not in Stephanie mode tonight?” he teased with a grin.

Steve rubbed the back of his neck, laughing nervously. “Uh, no... just dressed like myself tonight. I only wear that stuff to stay under the radar when I’m out with Lily.”

Mitch chuckled, crossing his arms in a way that made his biceps flex a bit. “Too bad. I kinda miss Stephanie already,” he said with a smirk.

Steve knew Mitch was just joking around, but he felt a sudden warmth creep up his neck. He misses Stephanie? The words echoed in his mind, his face growing warm despite himself. He managed a laugh, though he couldn’t quite meet Mitch’s gaze.

“Anyway, come on in,” Mitch said, gesturing toward the living room. He flashed Steve another smile as he closed the door, the relaxed atmosphere somehow making Steve feel both at ease and on edge at the same time.

Steve nodded, still feeling the blush lingering on his cheeks as he took a seat. The thought of Mitch “missing” Stephanie replayed in his mind, making his heart beat just a bit faster.

Steve followed Mitch into the living room, and he was surprised by how spacious it was. The furniture had been pushed aside, leaving a large open area in the center of the room. Mitch had clearly prepared for their cosplay meeting, setting out notebooks, a speaker, and even a few water bottles on the coffee table. Steve looked around, expecting to see Angela or Lily, but the room was empty.

“Where’s everyone else?” he asked, glancing back at Mitch.

Mitch shrugged, giving a small grin. “Oh, you didn’t get the update? Angela caught a flu and Lily went to Maia’s, so she and Lily are out. Looks like it’s just you and me tonight.”

Steve’s heart skipped a beat, his mind scrambling to process this unexpected change. “Just... us?” he echoed, feeling a wave of nerves rise up. He hadn’t prepared himself to be alone with Mitch like this, especially not with the dance practice looming over them. “Maybe we should, uh... cancel? I mean, if everyone else is out...”

Mitch laughed, shaking his head. “Nah, no need to cancel. Angela already sent over the dance material for the event, so we can go over it together. Get a head start before everyone else.”

Steve’s eyes widened. “Wait, dance practice? I didn’t get any kind of briefing about dancing.”

Mitch chuckled, crossing his arms with a relaxed grin. “Well, then consider this your briefing,” he teased. “Didn’t think a little dance practice would throw you off, Stephie.”

Steve felt his face heat up again. He’d hardly danced before, let alone in a costume and paired with someone like Mitch. But Mitch seemed perfectly at ease, casually scrolling through his phone to pull up the music file that Angela had sent.

“So here’s the scene,” Mitch explained, setting his phone down on the coffee table. “It’s supposed to be like a classic ballroom dance. Just basic moves, nothing too complicated. Angela thought it would fit the fairytale theme.”

Steve swallowed, feeling both curious and out of his depth. “Ballroom... like in Cinderella?”

Mitch nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. “Exactly. Think of it as getting into character. I’ll lead, and you’ll just follow along. It’ll be fine.” He extended his hand to Steve, his smile warm and confident. “Come on, give it a try. I promise it won’t be as bad as you think.”

Mitch grabbed the remote, turning on the TV and pulling up a scene from the 2015 Cinderella movie starring Lily James. The screen filled with the grand ballroom, where Cinderella, in her stunning blue gown, danced gracefully with Prince Kit under the warm glow of chandeliers. The scene was magical, and Steve couldn’t help but be captivated.

As Mitch explained the dance steps, Steve’s attention drifted to Cinderella herself. Lily James was radiant, moving with elegance and grace, her gown swirling around her like liquid stardust. Steve watched, mesmerized, imagining himself in that scene—the way Cinderella floated across the ballroom floor, caught up in the beauty of the moment.

What if that were me? The thought slipped into his mind unbidden, and he pictured himself in a gown like Cinderella’s, spinning and gliding across the floor, held gently by Mitch, who looked every bit the confident, strong prince. In his mind’s eye, he was Cinderella, transformed for one night, living out a fairytale.



“Steve,” Mitch’s voice cut through his daydream, pulling him back to the present. Steve blinked, his cheeks heating up as he realized he’d been caught drifting off.

“Oh! Uh, yeah, sorry,” Steve stammered, feeling embarrassed. “I was... just, um, focusing on the steps.”

Mitch chuckled, clearly amused. “Lost in the magic, huh?” he teased, nudging Steve lightly. “But hey, that’s good—you’re getting into the right mindset. Now let’s try it out.”

He turned the TV down and extended his hand. Steve swallowed, still feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as he took Mitch’s hand once more. Mitch guided him into position, his touch steady, and began walking him through the basic steps.

“Alright, just follow my lead,” Mitch said softly. He started guiding Steve through a gentle sway, leading him into a simple, slow rhythm.

Steve took a deep breath, letting himself sink into the moment. Following Mitch’s movements, he felt a strange sense of comfort, almost as if they were the only two people in the room. Mitch’s focus never wavered, and his steady gaze helped Steve stay in sync with each step.



They danced in quiet rhythm, the faint sound of the TV playing the ball scene in the background. Steve allowed himself to let go, to be guided by Mitch’s movements, almost as if he were Cinderella after all.

With each step and turn, Steve found himself slipping further into the role, the initial awkwardness melting into something more natural, more effortless. Mitch’s hands were steady and firm, guiding him gracefully through the moves. Step by step, they fell into a quiet rhythm, with Steve responding intuitively to Mitch’s gentle cues.

Then came the dip. Mitch moved him with such ease that Steve felt weightless as he tilted back, trusting Mitch to hold him steady. Time seemed to slow as Steve looked up, realizing just how close they were. The proximity was intense—he could see every detail of Mitch’s face, feel the warmth of his breath against his skin, and hear the steady, quiet sound of his breathing. Mitch’s neck, his jawline, the faint stubble on his chin—it all seemed so... captivating.

As his eyes drifted to Mitch’s mouth, he felt a flutter in his chest. The shape of Mitch’s lips, soft and relaxed, took on a magnetic pull. The light sheen of sweat on Mitch’s skin somehow made him seem even more real, like the confidence he projected was matched by something more human, more approachable, underneath.

Steve’s breath hitched, and he realized his face was burning, his cheeks tinged with a blush he couldn’t hide. His heart thudded louder, each beat reminding him of the unexpected but undeniable attraction he was feeling. He could almost imagine what it would feel like to lean forward, just enough to close the gap and press his lips softly against Mitch’s. Would Mitch lean in, too? Or would he pull away?

Caught in the moment, he could feel his heart racing, his pulse quickening. The thought was thrilling, sending a warm shiver down his spine. He’d never felt this way before, not with anyone. Part of him wanted to close the distance, to lean in and take a risk, while the other part of him was paralyzed with the fear of stepping too far outside of his comfort zone.

But then Mitch’s hand gave a gentle squeeze, his voice soft as he broke the silence. “You’re doing great, Stephie,” he said with a smile, his tone warm and genuinely encouraging.

The sound of Mitch’s voice brought Steve back to the moment. He blinked, realizing he’d been holding his breath, the heat still lingering in his face. He managed a nervous smile, his heart still pounding, feeling as though he’d been caught with a secret.

“Th-thanks,” Steve murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

As Mitch guided him back up, releasing him from the dip, Steve took a shaky breath, trying to steady himself. The intensity of the moment left him feeling vulnerable but also strangely exhilarated. He wasn’t sure what had just happened, or what it meant, but as they continued practicing the dance, he knew one thing—he wouldn’t forget that feeling anytime soon.

The living room was quiet except for the soft shuffling of feet as Steve and Mitch practiced their steps. They’d gone through the routine several times by now, each time feeling a little smoother, a little more natural. Mitch was patient, guiding Steve with quiet encouragement, and every time they moved in sync, Steve felt his confidence grow—at least until he caught himself getting lost in Mitch’s steady gaze.

“Alright, let’s try that dip again,” Mitch said, his tone easy, but with a hint of focus that made Steve want to get every step right.

Steve nodded, already feeling his pulse quicken. As they moved through the steps, Mitch’s hand rested on Steve’s back, steadying him as he leaned into the dip. Mitch’s grip was strong, making him feel almost weightless as he leaned back, fully trusting Mitch to hold him. For a moment, Steve was caught up in the feeling, the closeness, the warmth radiating from Mitch’s hand. 

And then there was the angle—dipped low, Steve found himself looking up at Mitch from so close, catching small details he hadn’t noticed before. The slight stubble on Mitch’s jawline, the way his dark eyes softened when he was focused, and those lips—relaxed, with just a hint of a smile. Steve’s heart raced, and he suddenly became very aware of how he must look in this position, and of the blush he could feel creeping across his face. 

“You’re doing great, Stephie,” Mitch murmured, using that nickname with a warmth that only made Steve’s face burn hotter.

Steve straightened, forcing a nervous smile. “Thanks… just following your lead.”

They went through the routine a few more times, each dip making Steve feel the same flutter in his chest. By the time they’d finished, he was practically breathless, though he couldn’t tell if it was from the dancing or something else entirely.

Finally, Mitch glanced at the clock and gave a satisfied nod. “Alright, I think that’s good for today. Let’s call it a night.” He stretched his arms, relaxing from their stance, and looked at Steve with a grin. “We’ll need to keep practicing to make it feel natural on stage, though. How about we do this twice a week?”

Steve felt his face go warm again, the idea of meeting Mitch regularly for this both thrilling and nerve-wracking. “Um… sure,” he stammered, trying to sound casual. “Tuesdays and Fridays?”

Mitch smiled, nodding. “Tuesdays and Fridays it is. See you then, Stephie.”

With a final smile, Steve managed a soft, “Thanks, Mitch,” and grabbed his things, heading out. The evening air was cool as he stepped outside, but his thoughts were anything but calm. He couldn’t shake the feeling of Mitch’s hand on his back, the dip, the steady gaze, or the way it all felt so strangely… natural. More natural than he’d expected. 

On the metro ride home, he replayed the whole practice in his mind, from the first step to the last dip, and every look in between. He couldn’t stop thinking about it, the memories looping in his head like a song. He’d meant to focus on perfecting his steps, but his thoughts had wandered every time Mitch held him close, guiding him in rhythm. He’d caught himself looking at Mitch’s face, his neck, and especially his lips—wondering, briefly, what it would feel like to be even closer. 

By the time he reached his apartment, he barely registered changing out of his clothes, brushing his teeth, or slipping into bed. The entire night played on repeat in his mind, each moment more vivid than the last. Lying there in the dark, he thought about the softness of Mitch’s voice, the warmth of his hand, and those lips—he couldn’t help but wonder how soft they’d feel.

He turned over in bed, trying to push the thought away, but his heart kept racing, every beat reminding him of how different tonight had felt. What’s going on with me? he wondered, staring up at the ceiling, feeling more confused than ever.

Am I becoming… girly? Or… am I just admiring him? The question lingered, refusing to let him go. Part of him wondered if it was just the performance, the thrill of playing Stephanie that was making him feel this way. But every time he tried to convince himself of that, he’d remember Mitch’s face, the way it softened when he called him “Stephie,” and his heart would beat a little faster.

His thoughts spiraled further. Or maybe… is this something else? Am I… am I actually starting to like him?

The possibility was both thrilling and terrifying. He’d never thought of himself as someone who might fall for another guy, let alone someone like Mitch. But tonight had shaken something loose, made him see things differently. And now, lying there, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t just admiration or even just performance. It felt… real. 

His heart raced at the thought, and he pulled his blanket up to his face, as if that could hide him from the feelings swirling inside. For the first time, he found himself wondering if maybe, just maybe, this was more than just friendship.

No… he thought, closing his eyes, trying to convince himself it was nothing more than a fluke. But as he drifted off to sleep, one last thought floated through his mind, as soft and certain as a whisper: Or maybe… this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.