Greetings and thank you for continuing to read my story though the updates have been sporadic. I get to see Steel again in April, so I have to update as much as I can till then, cause I'm planning on being very busy. :Evil Grin:

The usual warnings still apply (I.E. Yuri content, sexual references, and weird blondes, ect)

Naoko-sama, I still apologize for what I do with your characters, and I guess I owe an apology to Natsuki Takaya, this time, too. :Evil Grin…again:

Please, enjoy. 

Chapter 14: Truth Or Dare

"Maybe she won't even notice"… ah, who was I kidding? Of course I went home and confessed everything to her…except how much I love her, sadly enough that's easy to keep to myself. Beside that, though, I have a tendency to tell Makoto EVERYTHING, including that I now work at a sex shop.

Thank, Kami, I was already Taylor's best customer. I'm pretty sure that's the only reason she gave me the job… that and she is always willing to help somebody seduce somebody else… or something like that…

So after that, I became Neko Yum Yum's only employee. And most of the time I was the only one there working. I didn't realize how often Taylor disappears somewhere, and doesn't come back for hours.. Sometimes, I even have to open or close the store all by myself. I even have my own keys.

Where Taylor goes… I really don't want to know.

You'd think that working at a sex store would be kind of interesting, but sadly enough, it's probably just like working at any old store. I was mostly in charge of the cash register and restocking the shelf. And let me tell you, I was right; both jobs are VERY unglamorous.

Though I admit, it is very interesting to see what kind of items people actually buy and most likely use.

I won't go into detail here, cause even I can get grossed out if I dwell on other people's sex lives too much.

Let's just say, even old ladies still get some…

Okay, back on topic!

I wasn't even at the store for one week yet, when Taylor dragged me on a field trip…

"Where are we going again?" I ask, following her as she sashayed down the street. (Taylor doesn't walk, she sashays. You'd think she was a model in her last life. Geesh)

"To visit an old friend of mine, dearie," she purrs.

Oh, Kami… I dunno if I want to meet people that Taylor considers "friends". They're probably as scary as she is.

She stops in front of a store in the fashion district. I don't even have time to read the sign (all I can tell is the writing was big, loud, and flamboyant) before Taylor dragged me inside.

We were surrounded by rows and rows of clothes… at least I thought they were clothes at first, then I got a closer look and realized they were more like costumes.

"Costume store?" I blink.

"Can I help you?"

I turn and see a girl, who was probably older than me, but didn't quite look it, because she was dressed in a frilly dress that would only look good on a little girl or China doll. Though instead of golden curls, she had brown braids and glasses.

"Mine! Darling!" Taylor crooned upon seeing her.

"Taylor! Long time no see!" Mine replied. Yes, her name is Mine, and it's pronounced Me-neh, not the English word "Mine", as in Makoto should be mine, but for some reason she won't seduce me. After years of living in England, I still have to pause and remember Japanese pronunciation. Sometimes I still get my Japanese and English switched, but I'm proud to report I don't do that as often as when I first moved back here.

"Ayame will be out in a second, he's still working on the last order."

"But of course, of course" Taylor responds grandly, and we camp out on the sofas provided, while Mine goes back to help Ayame.

"What are we doing at a costume store?" I whisper to Taylor.

"Oh, my dear, this is not just a costume store. Fantasy's come alive here."

Oooo kay…

"As for why we are here, Ayame-chan and I have decided to form a business liaisons."

"What kind of business liaison?" I ask, suspiciously.

But before I got an answer, Ayame swept into the room, and I wish he hadn't.

He was "this" close to being a drag queen; One with long silvery white hair and pale porcelain features. I won't even go into what he was wearing which could easily be considered a dress, but honestly I wasn't sure if it was or just a long robe or jacket.

And remember the sign at the front door, which had the big, loud, and flamboyant characters? Well, that fit Ayame's personality perfectly. Everything Ayame did or say was in a big, loud, and flamboyant manner.

And boy, did he talk fast… and a lot.

"Taylor! My dear friend! Why it's been so long since I last saw you. Why don't you look lovely? Now don't be shy, you must tell me what you think of my little store? Now be honest. Do you like the colors I choose for the sign? I do love the colors in the red family. So strong! So fierce! So vibrant! But I do admit that I almost went with the purple family. They are just as passionate as the red, but in quite a different fashion, eh? Ah, but business has been good, why I just finished up a commission for a wedding. Would you believe they are doing an Arabian theme? So I have to work my fingers to the bone, my poor hands! But, aaah, it will be so worth it. The wedding is going to be lovely, thanks for the most part because of my clothes, I humbly admit. Just imagine, all four bridesmaids are going to dress up as harem girls, each a different color, while the groomsmen will wear turbans and go shirtless, naturally, but I do have to create these lovely sashes in matching colors to the bridesmaids. Oh, it will be a site, when it is finished! I do hope they send photographs! AH, but you should see the Bride's gown. I'm working hard to make it extra special. Imagine this bodice in white and these white veils, with accents of purple and silver... Funny theme, though, apparently the couple met and fell in love over reading Arabian Nights…"

Around this point, I felt like my head was going to fall off and roll under the sofa, but all Taylor did was nod and say: "I wonder if they were the same couple that purchased every copy of the Kama Sutra Neko Yum Yum had in stock…"

Unbelievable…

I was ready to start creeping out of the door, but then they turned business-like, and apparently Taylor's business here relied heavily on me.

"Ayame, I would like to introduce you to Minako…"

Then he finally noticed me and pounced.

"Why, is this the girl you have been telling me about, Taylor-chan? She's just simply breathtaking! Look at her hair! Is that all natural?"

And then he launches into a giant monologue about my looks, my hair, my girlish figure…ect. ect. ect.

Do I really look like an imported doll from France?

Then, Mine even got in on the act and started to help Ayame plan outfits for me:

"Ooo, she'd look soo cute in that maid costume with the frilly apron.." she says.

"I agree, but lets add fishnets and a garter belt to add a little naughtiness." He says.

"Genius! That's why you're the boss!" she says again, all excited about what he said. "How about my nurse's outfit? The one with the giant slit matched with a pair of thigh highs?"

"Marvelous! I love it!"

Then even Taylor gets in on the act.

"Don't you have any animal costumes in stock? A playboy bunny or sex kitten would look good behind my cash register.."

… You know, looking back at it, the way that came out sounded pretty baaad…

But Ayame and Mine get all excited about the animal costume idea, and the next thing I know, I'm dragged into the back room and am being forced into costume after costume, and when they ran out of ones in my size, Mine whipped out her measuring tape and took my measurements while Ayame started sketching out new costume designs, while Taylor looked over his shoulder and oohed and ahhed.

I didn't get to ask Taylor "what the hell was that about?" until we were walking back to the mall.

"Why, we were collecting your new uniforms for work."

"My what?" I only remember trying on two uniforms, one was the traditional sailor uniform of junior high students, and the other was the plaid skirt of a Catholic school uniform… both were cut shorter than should be allowed.

"Your work uniform." She specified. "While you work at the Neko Yum Yum, you will be wearing Ayame's creations. If a customer seems interested in your outfit, you will direct him or her to his store."

Wow… that actually kind of makes sense. "What do you get out of it?"

Then Taylor flashes me a wide grin. "Why I get the pleasure of ogling at you in sexy clothes."

Kami-sama… what have I gotten myself into?

-----

Topic Change:

Okay, I admit it, I've been doing it all on purpose.

Sleeping in Makoto's bed, cause I'm too "scared" to sleep in my own.

Masturbating and letting her "accidentally" walk in on me. (I can do it really quietly, ya know, I used to live with my parents.)

And I'm slowly bringing up… questionable material to talk about, like the morning I told her that I dreamt about Makoto marrying me… (So what if I didn't literally dream about it while I slept. It's actually a personal dream of mine I hope to accomplish someday. Big difference.)

Heh, heh, her reaction was so cute.

Ooo yes, Makoto, you will break down and kiss me any minute now, cause I'm gonna keep teasing you and driving you sexually crazy until you burst.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!

Oh yeah. I'm evil.

Took me years to get this good.

Anyway, now we're on a train headed to a hot spring for a weekend vacation.

It was actually Rei's idea, and somehow I think she had an ulterior motive…

(flashback)

"I can't believe you've been living with her for a whole week and haven't made a single move!" she'd grumbled.

"I still think she will seduce me!" I had retorted.

"Well that's it!" she'd declared, slamming her flat palms against Mako's tabletop. "This weekend we're going to a hot spring and you ARE going to tell her you love her, if I have to do it FOR you!"

This really didn't bode well for me..

(present)

"Wow, you made some yummy snacks for the trip, Mako-chan!" Usagi say, breaking into my thoughts. Her mouth is full of almost everything in the lunch box Makoto packed for her.

"Save something for lunch Usagi-chan."

"I'm glad you like it, Usagi-chan." I speak up. "I helped make it!"

Usagi suddenly starts choking. Makoto pats her on the back. "Don't worry, I tasted it, everything is fine." I hear my soon to be lover whisper.

Ouch… that hurt.

"I heard that!" Then she pats my hand soothingly (mmmmm much better) Noticing Rei and Ami trade a know-it-all look; I pointedly ignore them.

Between bites of rice and vegetables, Usagi starts talking about the upcoming vacation, and how she bought a new swim suit just for the occasion.

"Wasn't that the swimsuit you bought for the beach?" Rei asks.

Usagi gives her an indignant look. "Of course not. That was one was pink, this one's yellow." she says. "Then I went to visit Minako-chan at the sex shop! She showed me some new anime they got in!"

"Usagi-chan!"

Damn… Nobody was supposed to know that.

Rei and Ami are looking at us in shock.

"What sex shop?" they cry.

"Minako's new job." Makoto replies for me. "You mean she hasn't told you?" She arches an eyebrow at me, and I can tell she really thinks this is funny.

Yeah, so funny, I'm looking for the nearest exit.

"It's a store in the mall." Usagi explains. (Great, this should be helpful) "It's called the 'Neko Yum Yum'. It has a lot of neat stuff inside, we should all go together sometime! Gee, I never knew so many things could be made of rubber!"

Kami, kill me now….Rei and Ami just look shell-shocked. They probably think I corrupted our princess and now I'm going to hell, and taking her with me.

And it doesn't seem to be ending.

Usagi keeps on talking, explaining in great detail, some of things she's discovered there. By the time we reach our destination, the four of us Inners, are happy to get out of that cramped bus. Especially me.
----------

Once we check into the hotel, we drag our bags down the hall toward the two-room suite we rented. Rei (of course) insists that Makoto and I share one room while she, Ami and Usagi take the other.

Wow, how subtle of her…NOT!

Anyway, we unpack (at least I do, I don't get how Makoto could call herself "unpacked" when she keeps most of her stuff inside her suitcase) We then meet up with the others and start exploring the hotel.

We step through the adjoining door and the five of us head down the hallway. The hotel is set up like a traditional Japanese house; very similarly to Rei's temple. It's surrounded by a beautiful garden outside that rings the whole building. The hot spring is located in the back and is encircled by a high privacy fence. It's completely natural except for the man-made wall separating the men's side from the women's.

It's very romantic here; the steam from the hot springs drifting into the air… the sensory overloadness of the combination of heat from the springs and the coolness of the air..

And best of all, the chance to get all naked. Kami, I love Japan and the entire naked communal bath taking.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I love you, Rei. You are a genius!

We wander around for about half an hour before finally deciding to take a dip in the spring. Within ten minutes, all five of us are suited up, towels in hand and ready to go. When we get there, we find the place nearly deserted except for three elderly women who leave not long after we arrive.

I happily slip into the hot spring, somehow managing to pile my hair on top of my head with a towel. (Trust me, that was very hard to do. I have no idea how I manage it.)

And I get a chance to start oogling Makoto and sneaking looks at the others, too, for good measure…. Until they started putting on their bathing suits.

Waaaaahhh! NO NAKEDNESSS!

I almost whimper audibly as I follow my fully covered friends into the spring.

"Mmmm.. this's nice.." Rei murmurs as she settles into the water up to her neck.

"Too bad the Outers couldn't join us." Usagi states as she walks along the bottom on her knees.

"Very true, but they DO have lives outside us." I say.There's silence for a moment or two, then I speak up once more. I know just how to liven things up… "Hey Rei-chan? Do you think we could get away with taking off our bathing suits?" Oh, and fix the bathing suit problem.

Rei grins. "I would think so."

Ami gasps. "Minako! We're in PUBLIC! We can't do that!"

"Why not?" Rei asks, pulling at the strings to her crimson bikini. "We're the only ones here aren't we? Besides, I'm sure we could hear anyone coming before they see us." She lifts her top out of the water and drops it behind her next to her towel.

"Hee hee! Rei you are SOO bad!" Usagi giggles as she starts pulling off her own suit.

And I can get naked in two seconds flat (I'm working on one second.)

Then we were all so gloriously naked!

"What should we do now?" Usagi grins, obviously enjoying this little bit of 'naughtiness'. Rei purses her lips in thought.

"Hmmm.. Any ideas Mina-chan?"

"We could.. uhm..." I think for a second, and then an absolutely BRILLIANT idea comes to mind. "play truth or dare!"

"Yeah! That's a great idea Mina-chan!" Usagi enthuses. "Rei-chan, you start."

"Ok then.. hmm.. let me see..." She makes a great show of thinking it over. "Usagi, truth or dare?"

The blonde giggles. "Truth!"

"Just how far HAVE you gone with Mamoru?"

Usagi turns bright scarlet. "Well... he uhm.. he... touched my breast once..." she answered with obvious embarrassment.

Rei and I laugh. "Second base! Not bad Odango-chan!" Rei grins.

Second base? Come on, they've obviously been further than that. But I kindly don't say anything.

"Ok, my turn!" Usagi grins. "Ami-chan! Truth or dare?"

The blue haired girl blushes as the attention turns to her. "Uhm.. truth."

"Is it true that your letters to Uwara-kun aren't entirely 'innocent'?" Ami flushes more.

"I.. don't know what you're talking about!"

Yeah, riiight…"Oh c'mon Ami-chan! It's part of the game!"

"It's true." Ami squeaks in a tiny voice.

"I knew it!" Usagi cheered. "I knew you had a little hentai in you!" She laughs.

Oh, Usagi, if you only knew… then again, maybe you do.

Ami's turn: "Mako- chan, truth or dare?"

"Uhh.. Dare."

"Ok.. I dare you to..." She pauses to think it over. Then a grin spreads over her face. "I dare you to kiss Usagi!"

My mouth drops open. She can't be serious! I look over to Usagi who's laughing her head off next to Rei, who's grinning evilly.

No fair! She's supposed to kiss ME!

"You know the rules Mako-chan!" Rei says. Her grin is rather shark-like in my opinion.

"Yeah yeah." Then to my horror, Makoto slides over to Usagi, who's still giggling. She puts her hands on her shoulders and leans in for a kiss, but Usagi snorts and breaks out laughing again.

"Usagi! She can't kiss you if you keep laughing!" Rei scolds.

The blonde tries to pull herself together. "Ok ok, this time for real." Before I can protest, she settles down and closes her eyes, and Makoto leans in again and presses her lips to Usagi's briefly before pulling quickly away.

I could hear Rei laughing, and a "Not bad Mako-chan." From Usagi, but all I can see is red. Lots of red.

I don't know who I want to kill first,

Makoto for kissing somebody else?

Usagi for getting MY kiss?

Rei for egging Makoto on?

Or Ami for suggesting the idea in the first place?

Maybe I should massacre the lot of them….

Then Makoto's voice cuts through my killing rage. "Mina-chan, Truth or dare?"

I shoot daggers at her. "Dare."

Not surprisingly, she looks startled. "I dare you to... to... sing the 'Cheese Quiz' song as loud as you can so everyone can hear you!"

I blink at her, then laugh, wasn't expecting her to bring THAT up. "Cheese Quiz! Cheese Quiz! I just took a Cheese Quiz!" I belt out at the top of my lungs.

"'Cheese Quiz'?" Ami looks confused.

"When we were at the mall one day, this guy comes up to us asks if we want to take a quiz on cheese. We say, 'sure, why not?' so we go off and he starts asking us these bazaar questions about cheeses we've never even heard of! We took that quiz for over an hour and afterwards, Minako made up a song about it."

"We never did get to eat any cheese." I add, after finishing the song. That really did annoy me, I was in the MOOD for cheese after talking about if for so long. Besides, those survey things were supposed to be all about free food, why else would anyone take them?

"I wish I could've taken a cheese quiz!" Usagi pouts.

But I've had enough talk about Cheese. "My turn! Mako-chan, truth or dare?"

I know exactly what I want.

"Uhm... dare again."

"I dare you to kiss ME."