Going back to being Pierce after being Nicorina is always a bit jarring, even with the Tears of Inala still in effect. Not having the ball gown 'connected' anymore is part of it - Nicky had really been getting used to that. But Tulani needs Pierce to carry all the dress choices she selected for Butterscotch, and frankly the Skreek would probably scare the Lapi. And since the effect of the Tears was washed off with the transformation, it means Pierce will have to deal with women changing clothes in front of him.
It's also good the shift leaves him 'dead' for a bit in the arousal department. Plus, having actual work to do helps too. After having been around Phlagaea and the Countess and helping them dress, it loses a bit of its luster by the forth or fifth pair of shoes! Also, it's amazing how heavy clothing is to actually carry; and it doesn't even look like much! Still, he manages to bring the lapi-compatible suggestions to the salon and store them in the back. "It's going to be a long day," he thinks.
Tulani also has a bunch of outfits to try on, which she keeps separate from the ones she's chosen for the doe to try. "Are you excited?" she asks Pierce. "Remember when we were picking out clothes back in Sylvania? I'm amazed that Mave didn't have any leather pants at all. That just seems wrong..."
Excited to be bossed about and demanded to help fit stuff? Be still my beating heart," Pierce signs as he smirks. "And yes, I quite remember that. You were trying to get me in trouble!"
"Oh, like you weren't encouraging it," Tulani says, after laying out the last bit of clothing. Apparently there's a special order to it all. "If you'd rather not have to dress and undress us, I'm sure Helse or one of the girls would volunteer," she teases.
"I encourage nothing. I am the bastion of purity. I am pure as the driven snow," Pierce signs and even sniffs, loudly. "And you can't trust a naga to dress someone; no legs."
"And Helse doesn't even wear clothes," Tulani notes. "At least, not that I've seen. I guess you're it then! I mean, I could do it, but the girl likes you. And we'll need a male reaction to the outfits."
"It would be a better reaction if you were cute," Pierce actually signs and even sticks out his tongue at Tulani! Apparently he's using this as a chance to get back at Tulani for all the abuse! Or maybe he's still mad about what Rugharo did.
"I'll take being beautiful over cute then," Tulani claims. "Beauty is more powerful, after all!"
"Prove it, get some body jewelry," Pierce signs ... and then he passes near Tulani and swats her on the butt!
"Yip!" the Sphynx complains and straightens up from the swat. "Are you sure you want me to do that? Why would anyone pay attention to you then?" she teases back.
The door chimes out in front, and Helse greets Butterscotch. The Lapi is certainly punctual.
"Because you still owe me for this," Pierce signs, then flicks the ring in his nose. He might be ready to sign more, but the chime distracts him and he goes to confirm Butterscotch is here.
The doe is just entering the hallway when Pierce looks out from the doorway. She's dressed rather plainly, but in a familiar way - he's seen the fashions in the shop across the alley, after all. Slave clothing, since everything else is designed to accommodate wings, or taurs and serpents that only need to cover the top part if anything. "Hello Pierce," the bunny greets, a smile coming to her face.
'And it seems a lot like to keep their slaves naked. Weirdos," Pierce thinks, amused, given he's practically naked. He waves silently to the doe and smiles back. To Helse he quick-signs, "Can she come back, Ma'am?"
"Tulani set up the appointment yesterday," Helse says, nodding to the Savanite.
Pierce nods as he draws the curtain back for the doe. He even bows to her as he steps aside.
Tulani and the doe hug, and the Sphynx starts with, "I've picked out a few things, mostly Babelite but also some Chronotopian stuff I had with me."
"I've never seen Chronotopian fashion," Butterscotch admits. "I assumed it was all heavy overcoats and big hats.."
"Pierce, get her clothes off so we can start," Tulani says, her whiskers waggling.
"Or you could both go naked. It's not like that stands out in Babel," Pierce signs after he lets the bead curtain fall back down. He waggles is brow at Tulani soon after.
As for Butterscotch, Pierce circles her as he looks her over. Before he actually begins to undress her, he pats her shoulder lightly to indicate he's going to begin. Soon after he starts undoing her buttons and ties so that he can remove her clothing with ease.
The doe blushes but doesn't complain. "How do you get used to this?" she asks Tulani, apparently assuming Pierce does this for her every day.
"Men are naturally good at undressing girls," Tulani points out. "It's hardly a chore for him, after all! Now then, have you ever worn a corset?"
"A what?" the doe replies.
When the doe can't see, Pierce signs to Tulani, "She thinks I'm cute." His hands are then bust again as he eases the doe's shirt off over her head. Thankfully he did lift her arms up first so it wasn't a surprise!
"One good thing about being a guy, I don't have to wear a corset," Pierce thinks, amused.
Tulani grins, and produces one of the wrap-around Cronotopian not-quite-corsets, along with a bustier. "Babelite clothing really isn't made for.. well, normally endowed women. You'd be popping out whenever you moved. And I think you want to appear just a bit exotic but still professional, right?"
"Well.. I don't want to draw leers, no.." Butterscotch notes, not sure what to do with her arms now that she's topless.
And since her arms are up, Pierce reaches over, takes the corset, and wraps it around Butterscotch's midsection. He then starts cinching up each buckle, one by one! He does at least give her some room to breathe, unlike some people would.
"This is .. clothing?" the doe asks, a bit alarmed. "It's pushing me up.."
"Don't worry about it!" Tulani says with a laugh, and gets the bodice piece next. "This is just the first layer."
And boy does it. Pierce is even having to adjust parts of Butterscotch's anatomy as he tightens the straps a bit more. Soon the doe's chest is quite ... presented; but it doesn't feel like anything will fall out at least!
And the placing and securing of the bodice only does more to help that feeling. But wow, the end result is probably more chest than most Eeee see in a lifetime!
"Okay, now we can start with the Babelite stuff," Tulani says, and holds out a green gauzy gown first. "What do you think of this color?" she asks, but it isn't clear if she's addressing Pierce or the doe.
Pierce eyes the dress for a moment. He lifts his right hand and waggles it, probably meaning 'eh'. "Not sure the color will go well with hers. But the right accessories would help that," he further explains in sign.
"Mother told me that blue and black were good business colors," the doe suggests, and looks down at the black-silver-gray colors she's been dressed in so far.
"Black is for intimidation. Blue is calmer," Pierce signs. "Remember how scary Rosalind is in all black."
Tulani sets the green piece aside and pulls out the black one next. "Intimidating?" she notes to Pierce, and then looks at the young bunny. "Yeah, she'll need all of that she can get."
"For her, yes. They'll take her more seriously if she has a more imposing air. Not too much, but some," Pierce signs ... then plays with one of Butterscotch's ears.
"Pants would have helped, by I couldn't find any," Tulani points out. "It's a good thing we had some extra underpants at least." She then drapes the fabric over Butterscotch. It's meant to tied behind the neck, and again below the ribs, since it's made for wings. And since Eeee don't have tails, it'll have to ride under the doe's.
Pierce helps fit the over-dress, then steps back and rubs his chin. "She needs a decoration going down her back. Maybe a sash or a decorative chain. It looks odd being so .. plain. It draws the eye to her butt," he signs. He then pats said butt.
"Hey, no taking liberties now," Butterscotch says, although she's grinning.
Pierce grins and shows Butterscotch he's tightly locks up.
"Hmmm," Tulani goes, sorting through things. This time she does find something blue. "Maybe a second dress, worn back to front?" she suggests, looking uncertain.
The doe notices the chain, and says, "That comes off pretty easily though, doesn't it?"
Pierce thinks, then shakes his head. "Scarf," he signs, "Draped and ties around the neck with most of it in the back." To Butterscotch he shakes his head 'no'. It does have to be unlocked, after all!
"Hmm, there's a shoulder drape here," Tulani notes, but the drape is white. "White and black go well together, though," she notes with a grin.
"That will work," Pierce agrees in sign as well as nods. He takes the shoulder drape and ... drapes it around Butterscotch's shoulders!
"This feels familliar, at least," the doe notes, holding onto the ends of the drape. "I still feel a bit.. drafty down below though." This is no surprise, given that the 'gown' is slit up the sides all the way to the waist, making it seem more like a formal loincloth.. except it isn't meant to cover that at all. The result is that the doe's wider hips mean she's fairly exposed on the sides, and the strap of her thong is showing as well.
Pierce licks her left ear, possibly trying to suggest she looks good. He also pats her hips, then thinks. "Jangly sash," he signs to Tulani, "Gypsy-like."
The Sphynx dips back into the clothing they actually brought with them to Babel, looking for something appropriate. "Hmm, I know I've seen Savanites and Naga wearing something like that," she notes. "It may be a slave fashion though. Maybe we should just try one of the Chrono outfits?"
"Something like what?" Butterscotch asks, unable to follow Pierce's side of things.
"A hip sash," Tulani explains.
"It's not just a slave fashion; it's Sylvanian too," Pierce signs, then pauses to rub his chin in thought. "For Babel, a side hit sash. One that covers one hip, but not the other."
"I've got another wrap, but it's red," Tulani notes, finding the piece. It's gauze like the white one, but if it lays in folds it'll be opaque in places.
"You don't think that'll be suggestive, do you?" the doe asks Pierce.
"Slightly, but that's okay. If she's negotiating, a little distraction sways things in her favor," Pierce points out.
"Is that.. yes?" the doe asks, still baffled by sign language.
"It's maybe," Tulani says, as she wraps the cloth around and ties it over Butterscotch's left hip. "If you want it to, it will be. It's all in how you tilt your hips."
Pierce ... just pats her butt again. She doesn't understand him anyway!
The doe's lower back is still fairly bare, but at least her right side is covered now down to her knee. Tulani produces the Chronotopian footwear next.. the Eeee variety. "Hmmm, I don't know if these will work," she admits. "The sole may be long enough, with room for your toes to be exposed."
"Foot wrapping," Pierce suggests. "It fits Babel and will adjust to her feet." The savanite then plays more with Butterscotch's ears. He tilts them this way and that.
"Hey!" the doe complains as she's ear-handled. Tulani sets the boots aside and nods. "Those should be easy enough to get. What else might we need though?" She eyes the doe's ears and head. "Something up top? I don't think Eeee cover their ears though.."
"No, but they do wear decorative caps over their heads and around their ears. Something like a chitin-gold chain-cap," Pierce suggests after releasing the does ears. "It would blend to her fur, but add subtle texture."
"I'll look for that too then," Tulani notes, apparently about to go out shopping. "Look after her, okay?"
"I'll tie her up and put her in the closet," Pierce signs and his ears wiggle. It's a good thing the doe doesn't understand sign!
"I'll have Sephia bring some ropes then," Tulani says with a wink, just before leaving.
"Ropes?" Butterscotch asks.
Pierce just smiles. Instead of explaining, he just goes and gets Butterscotch a chair to sit down in.
"Well, at least I can sit dow.." she starts to say, then scootches around in the seat. "Is.. is my butt hanging out when I sit down?" she asks quietly.
Pierce leans over to look. He then shrugs his shoulders a bit. "A little," he futilely signs, then just waggles his hand. "You need another sash."
"Maybe I need a bustle," the doe suggests, at least getting the waggle part. "Or.. just not sit down. I don't suppose you know anything about these balls? Is there going to be dancing or anything?"
Pierce shrugs and holds up his hands. He honestly doesn't know for sure. He was only at that one here years back where he first met Thath ... and Phlagaea for that matter. "Probably some slight dancing," he signs, the pantomimes a short dance to try and emphasize it.
The doe stands back up, and adjusts her dress. "Okay, let's dance then, so I know if this outfit will cause any surprises," she says.
"Me?" Pierce signs by pointing at himself.
"Well.. I can't dance with a snake-woman," Butterscotch notes, rubbing her exposed arms. "They've always made be nervous for some reason. I mean.. well, I'm a Lapi. Most things make be nervous I guess."
"Except a loser like me," Pierce signs, shrugs, and holds out his hands to the doe.
The bunny takes Pierce's hands. "I don't know a lot of dances," she admits. "Just club stuff, which is.. probably not what they do here. I hope. No way I wouldn't pop out if I tried those moves.."
Pierce snorts out an almost laugh and it makes his nose ring move. This causes his face to crunch up for a moment. Thankfully, he does know a couple dances for formal occasions; he had to learn them in Draco County, not to mention when he was here the first time. It's how he showed up the snobs at the first party when he danced with Phlagaea. So, he walks her through a slower, more formal, dance. Hands have precise positions; one on the hip, the other on the shoulder.
"This isn't so bad," Butterscotch claims, once she's stopped tripping over her own feet. "You just sort of move in a circle. Is this why my hip-sash is tied where it is?"
Since Pierce's hands are a little busy, all he can do is nod to reply to the doe. Slow dances are generally easy once you get used to the repeated pattern, at least.
"I guess the music is slow too," the doe says, filling the silence. "I can't imagine Eeee going for loud or rollicky stuff. Or sudden loud noises. Now, if I'm dancing with an Eeee, do I have to worry about anything? Stepping on their toes, or being smacked by wings or such?"
Pierce thinks about that then shakes his head. Eeee do keep their wings folded in when inside usually. Plus, their feet aren't larger than a lapi's, so as long as both mind where they step it should be fine. He would explain slow dances also give time to discuss things, such as deals ... but she doesn't understand sign and his hands are occupied anyway.
"Okay, that's good," the doe says, seeming to relax. "Now.. uh.. the hand positions are important, right? If they hold me anywhere else, is it a special signal or anything? I mean, aside from the obvious if they play with my tail or something.."
Pierce pats proper hand positions on the doe, which are top of hips, sides, or arms and shoulders, then nods. He then pats her butt, chest, thighs, and, well, between her legs, then shakes his head no. He then pats her side and upper arm again, being sure to stand apart, to indicate that's the proper position. Anything closer usually implies intimate wants.
The girl giggles at the pat-down, and notes, "I doubt anything could happen in this corset. I'd run out of breath!"
Pierce grins and nods at that in agreement. "Better you than me, kiddo," he thinks.
Tulani returns while the dance lesson is still going. "You make a cute couple," she notes, and holds up a shopping bag. "I found the rest, I think."
Pierce sticks his tongue out at Tulani and stops the dance so the doe can try on the remainder.
The foot-wrappings are tricky, since there are some cushion pads involved - they're just loose and make it nearly impossible for someone to do on their own. The head piece is much easier - it's just held in place with the some fur clips. "I hope I don't get an itch," Butterscotch notes.
So naturally Pierce tickles the inside of one of Butterscotch's ears with his whiskers. Overall, though, he thinks the look works, so when he steps bakc quickly, he also nods approvingly.
After dealing with her ears, the doe asks, "Is there any ear etiquette involved?" She then moves her ears around in what looks like some form of semaphore. "Do I need to keep them erect all the time? I haven't seen Eeee lower or move their ears much.. it's like they're rigid."
"I'd have to bring Helse in on that," Tulani notes. "I've never noticed Eeee signaling with their ears." She looks to Pierce for confirmation.
Pierce signs to Tulani, who will hopefully translate, "Eeee ears do not move as much as lapi, nor are their positions a form of communication. They are strictly for hearing. The most an Eeee might do is splay ears in confusion." He then shrugs a bit, figuring Helse can explain further.
"They don't use their ears for signaling," Tulani summarizes. "So if you 'wear your mood on your ears' as the saying goes, they probably won't notice."
Pierce nods approvingly.
The mirror is brought into play, and Butterscotch seems surprised by the transformation. "It makes me look a bit more confident," she admits, and wiggles her hips. The second sash covers her backside, and is black to mesh well with the dress, with the red one over it.
Pierce nods vehemently in agreement ... then pats the doe's behind again ... and grins. "Better than lots of body jewelry!" he signs.
"It seems a good mix of Babelite and something a bit more conservative," Tulani notes, tapping her chin. "Which is sort of what you want, I think. Extending the hand of business and such.." She also winks at Pierce.
Pierce nods!
"I can't thank you two enough," Butterscotch says, and has to wipe at her eyes. "After everything.. I'm actually holding up pretty well, and getting the job done. I owe you both so much, so if there's every anything I can help you with, just ask!"
Pierce waves his hands. "It's fine," he signs simply. "We're not important."
"You're being generous," Tulani translates.. not about to say they're unimportant, apparently. "We all want the same thing for Babel, right? A bit of hope and prosperity. I'll also be at the ball with a friend if you need me for anything."
"Trying to sell me, of course," Pierce signs, knowing the doe won't understand it enough to take it seriously.
Tulani sticks her tongue out at the cheetah when Butterscotch isn't looking.
Pierce sticks his out right back, and waggles it, showing off the stud.
"I'm glad," the doe notes. "Having someone there to talk to if I'm feeling overwhelmed will help a lot."
"She won't be able to talk to me. Nicky would scare her. Nicky scares me," Pierce thinks.
"Alright, now that it's all assembled.. Pierce, show her how to take it off. Then we'll see if you can put it all on again by yourself, Butterscotch."
Pierce nods and goes about showing how to take each piece off. It's not that complicated, since most are just tied on and it's a matter of untying them. Soon the sashes have been removed, then the outer dress. The more complicated part is showing her how to remove the corset. That requires breathing in to loosen one part enough the buckles can be undone, then the rest are released one by one as the tension over the garment releases more and more with each belt.
"How do you put this one by yourself?" the doe asks of the wrap-corset.
"You hook it in the front of and then turn it," Tulani explains. "If you can't turn it, then it's too tight.."
Pierce once again looks smug. He doesn't have to wear one!
It takes some time, but with practice Butterscotch is able to get the outfit on and off by herself. "It's not as much fun as when Pierce does it though," she notes.
Pierce 'polishes' his claws on his chest. "I've got the touch," he thinks. "Plus, she likes having a slave."
Eventually, it's time for the doe to put on her street clothes again. "I'm actually looking forward to the party now," she enthuses, and gives Pierce a kiss on the cheek.
Pierce tries to look sheepish after the kiss. He even rubs the back of his neck and swings his fright foot a little. "You'll do great!" he signs to her.
"Thanks for everything," the doe says, after giggling at the reaction, and then heads out.
"She'll be fine at the party. And if she's not, I can always have Nicky cause a scene," the savanite signs to Tulani.
"Now we just have to pick out my dress," Tulani tells her 'slave'. "Think I could pull off fully Babel fashion.. with some reinforcement in a few spots?"
"No re-enforcements at all," Pierce signs to Tulani, grinning. "A wardrobe failure would make for a great show!"
"Hmm, and you'll make sure one happens I bet," Tulani says, holding up a gauzy white number. It's lacy, like Nicky's, but would be undersized on the Sphynx.
"Now would I do that?" Pierce signs, grinning, "I wouldn't even have to try if you pick something too small for you like that one."
"They're all too small," Tulani notes. She's taller than the typical Eeee, after all, being the same size as Alptraum. "I could just wear my Chronotopian outfit, but it might make me stand out more."
"Why not have Mave make you something?" Pierce suggests. "Or go shopping next door at the fashion shop. Or was that only for slaves?"
"It's meant for slaves," Tulani notes. "I could wear those nipple-guards from Chronotopia though, that might help.."
"Help what? Turn people on? Are you trying to get married to the captain?" Pierce asks in sign. "And some day maybe I should look in that shop."
"You just want to ogle the models, I bet," Tulani teases. "And not for turning people on, just in case of malfunctions."
"Maybe I want to be a model," Pierce signs in retort. "Your outfit will probably need to be a combination of stuff too, and we might need Mave to sew parts ... so perhaps we should finish fitting back there. I promise to give you honest answers and opinions. I can even talk back there!"