Page 96 of Right Next Door
The black silk of the robe was much more form fitting than what the kreecharma typically wore. She had taken their designs and had them cut specifically to her figure, which meant her bust and waist were emphasized by the thick tie around the middle instead of concealed by it. The front of the robe had both a lower neckline and a wider slit up the front, revealing her long legs wrapped in strappy heels. Her breasts were served up like they were on a platter, sparkling with a hint of glitter that she’d powdered on. The long, bell sleeves trailed low to the ground.
But it was really the embroidery where the robe shined. Instead of the typical flowers or animals or whatever traditional patterns were customy, she had spiderwebs. Bright white, shimmering and stunning in their silken complexity – the ends of her sleeves and the skirt were both covered in them. Dotted along the intricate webbing, bright gold jewels were placed like spiders.They sparkled in the low light as she approached, one big, jeweled spider pin in her hair. She’d dyed the underside back to black, but the color was so much deeper than her own, natural hair color that the two-toned effect wasn’t lost, just made slightly more subtle.
It felt good to be gothic again, only now with a Kree style flair that felt so right, she wondered why she’d never tried to wear robes or dresses like this in the past.
“Ready?” She asked, finally coming even with Tsok. Looking him up and down in approval. He was wearing white today, and it looked so good against his black fur. The embroidery of his kimono was done in gold, the shapes reminiscent of fire. It gave him a very powerful and commanding kind of aura and she dearly would love to take it off him and use it as a blanket while they fucked.
Later, she promised herself as they walked together out to the hover, his eyes still glued completely to her. She shivered in delight at his stark appreciation.
The new True Match building was right in Stutgora. It was special in that it was specifically designed to service the upper echelon of society. Because, of course, rich people couldn’t go to the same place the poors did, they might catch their cooties. The location was the top floor of a very nice, four-story building, and was much nicer than any of the other True Match facilities. It still had the same slick, modern aesthetic with a dash of hot purple. But the amenities were far nicer.
When she and Tsok landed, they were greeted by Vigo and Jeanie. Both of them looked excited, Jeanie more so than Vigo, but they welcomed them in personally and urged them to look around. There was already a decent crowd gathered. All the upper crust, of course. If the rich and famous were going to be scanned, this would be the place they would go.
But more importantly, the High Imperium made an appearance to this shindig. They were already there, floating around. Their cloak was a marble of white, baby blue, and gold, with an image on the back depicting what appeared to be an epic battle that she didn't recognize. Senior Boktare was already there as well, Fia on his arm, the two of them mingling pleasantly.
With Tsok’s arrival, it made the hired photographers start going wild. After all, their appearance here was all about optics. The first step to the announcement of the deal that would be made.
The party itself was nice. There was a buffet in what would be the waiting room. People were wondering freely, checking out the scanning machine – which was definitely nicer than the common ones. Misty couldn’t remember her scan, but she knew it didn't come with massage functions to help ease the aftereffects of the unpleasantness of the scan itself.
By now, Misty knew almost all the people that were hanging around. Even if she didn't remember all their names, she knew their faces. She was able to keep up with conversations that would have completely confused her when she first started attending events like this. She also wasn’t mad about being taken around like a pretty doll – especially not now that she was back in her own style.
Lots of people commented on her look. Some with real appreciation, and some with confusion disguised as cautious admiration. It was still much better than the derision she used to be faced with. And no one here had anything to say about her piercings. Well, some asked about them, but it was always done with a bit of envy that they couldn’t do the same things. Especially her fang piercings. Their muzzles just wouldn’t be able to create the same effect. When she pointed out that they had actual, giant fangs always poking from their mouths, shewas told it wasn’t the same. They were just missing something they couldn’t have.
Throughout the party, Tsok kept giving her looks. He didn't say anything, but it was clear he wanted to. If it was an apology, she was ready to hear it. She made that clear with how she was acting friendly and open. They even talked together a bit, though the topic was always neutral.
About halfway through the night, Boktare came over. They hadn’t precisely been avoiding each other, but they were also being careful not to be too close yet.
“It’s time, Tsok,” he said.
“Excellent.” Tsok took Misty’s arm from his and held her hands. “We’re going to do the photo op now. Wait for me?”
“Of course,” she smiled. “See you when you’re done.”
Some tension eased from his face, like he had just been waiting for her to open up to him again. Leaning close, he rubbed his muzzle along her cheek, making her smile, before stepping away. He and Boktare walked towards the hired photographers. Fia was across the room, hanging out with her own group of friends as she waited for her mate to be finished.
Misty stepped back, wandering around by herself. Just looking at things. There were actually a few people here that were clients of hers. They were displaying their braids with no small amount of pride. She couldn’t help but smirk, feeling pretty proud of herself whenever she spotted them.
She should try to braid Tsok again. With something actually nice. Not just the weird, winding braids of agitation she had given him before. Those had long since come undone. But she wouldn’t mind seeing him strutting around, showing off his arms or chest, maybe even his back – though that would require him to be topless. Not really a huge downside, if she was honest.
Chuckling to herself, she began wandering down one of the halls that lead to the scanning room. No one was here anymore. They had all gathered back at the front, watching the photo op. Right now, Tsok and Boktare were probably shaking hands and chatting about nothing. Just letting the photographers take plenty of shots of the two of them getting along.
That would stir up talk. It was no secret that the two were on different sides of this argument, and the population, who was equally split, were watching to see what decision was finally reached. Misty hoped they were happy with the compromise.
She had just reached the furthest room, the scanner room, when she noticed that there was actually another door just beyond it. It was small, not like the big ones lining the hall, and it was tucked in a corner, just out of sight. A plaque on it read ‘EMPlOYEES ONLY’, and it was closed.
Well, to be more precise, it was mostly closed. The door was slightly ajar, catching her attention, because it clearly wasn’t meant to be part of the party. All the other doors were wide open, brightly lit inside, prompting people to come in as they willed and look around.
Except this door. It was dark in the crack, telling her the light wasn’t on inside. So, why was it partially open like this? Vigo and Jeanie didn't seem the types to carelessly leave random doors open at such an important party.
Curious, she leaned forward, peeking through the crack.
Doing so made the door beep softly and suddenly pull back, sliding into the wall and opening completely, like it had just been waiting for someone to approach.
Misty froze, like a deer caught in headlights. She hadn’t been expecting the door to just finish opening like that – though shereally should. She had been on Kree long enough to know that the doors could be programed to open automatically.
But that brief surprise was completely overshadowed by what she was seeing inside.
White, baby blue, and gold. A field of shimmering cloth, beautiful like a tapestry.
