<Sky-rider> = =
<Sky-rider> Iwatodai Shopping Center, Afternoon (possible Saturday/Sunday) Week of Exams or Week Before

<Sky-rider> Ana had been surprised when Tomoe had asked her to hang out, since it wasn't something they normally did outside of school.  But the Blonde didn't mind at all, since it meant a break from studying.  So the young Drevnerussky naturally replied with an affirmative.  Now, the lone Blonde stood alone at their designated meeting spot.
<Sky-rider> She was a bit early, but Ana didn't mind.  Other than a couple of guys harassing her, it was a pleasant day to sit outside and just bask in the sun.
<Sky-rider> Of course, that was until she realized this could be considered a date.  That made her slightly anxious for a while...okay, she was still pretty anxious, but at least she didn't show it.  Wearing a nice pair of black pants with her violet, turtle-neck sweater, Ana felt comfortable in the cooler weather of winter.
<Sky-rider> She did make sure to belt her sweater to her waist to keep the breeze from messing with it and a pair of suede boots kept her feet warm, but other than that, she wasn't really dressed heavily like some of the other people walking around her.

<nazcadopant> There's a trademark roar of a motorcycle being revved painfully loud somewhere, before its engine is rudely cut off with its ignition key being ripped out in a rather hurried manner - and Ana sees the raven-haired Tsukiyama walking towards her, wearing her usual winter outfit: a black woolen scarf with a dark brown leather jacket, worn over a black blouse...
<nazcadopant> ...and a cream pencil skirt. Her legs are covered, of course, with black stockings and knee-high leather boots - and both her hands are gloved, a change from just the left one being covered. As she makes her approach, it seems that Tomoe is surprised to see her.
<nazcadopant> "Er...good afternoon, Ana." She says as soon as they come within a few feet of each other, blinking in confusion. "I...er...I know I set the time for our meeting to be thirty minutes later, but..." She pulls out her cellphone, flicking through her messages. "D-did I forget? I mean...with you here, am I late...?"

<Sky-rider> Ana looked up from her daydreaming towards Tomoe and gave the taller girl an adorable smile.  "No, you didn't forget," the Blonde replied before standing up from her bench.  "I came out here early to enjoy the weather," the small Russian girl stated.  "So don't worry over it, okay?"

<nazca> "O-oh. I...I see." Tomoe nods, seemingly still somewhat jittery, completely unlike her normal self, and she closes the clamshell phone with a flick of her wrist before thrusting it back into her pocket. It seems that the Tsukiyama heiress is somewhat jittery today, if not nervous. "Did I keep you waiting long? Was anyone bothering you during my absence?"

<Sky-rider> "A couple of guys, nothing serious," Ana replied with a shrug before taking Tomoe's hand in her own.  It was a bit adorable to see Tomoe so flustered, but they probably wouldn't get anywhere this way.  "So what's the plan?" the Blonde asked before squeezing the taller woman's hand.

<nazca> "Ah. I...I see." Tomoe blinks as Ana takes her hand, the gesture performed by the Russian all too nonchalantly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world - and it's then that the usually-pale girl's cheeks crimson slightly. "Er, well, I've got us a reservation at this restaurant, but it won't be for another hour or so, so I thought we could...erm..."
<nazca> It seems that she is quite at a loss on what to say. Could this be her first time in an actual, honest-to-goodness date? One that doesn't involve beating the other party up into a pulp?

<Sky-rider> "Could what," Ana asked with a smile.  This wasn't just Tomoe's first date.  Ana had not truly 'dated' anyone either.  Her meetings with Chiyoko had always been spur of the moment coincidences rather than dates.  However, Ana was bound and determined to make this enjoyable for Tomoe.  "Did you have some specific?  Or maybe we can just look around the shops?"

<nazca> "...Er, well, that we could...um...that sounds..." Tomoe stutters for a few moments, clearly trying to string her thoughts together properly, but fails to do so - and she finally gives up, letting out a sigh, before squeezing Ana's hand as she looks away. "...Forgive me, Ana, but besides the dinner, I have not planned anything...specific for us."
<nazca> "This...this is my first time outside, with someone other than Sae, you see." Her voice drops to an embarrassed mumble. "I am not a very social person, as you've probably surmised long ago."

<Sky-rider> "That's all right," Ana replied as her cheeks changed to a pinkish hue as Tomoe squeezed her hand back.  "It's a first for both of us, so let's just go with the flow," the Blonde suggested as she moved to stand beside the taller Tomoe and grinned.  "And yes, you are a bit -- anti-social.  But I don't mind that one bit."
<Sky-rider> There was a pause as Ana started leading her away from the motorcycle and towards several stores.  "Anything interest you?" she asked.

<nazca> Tomoe blinks at Ana's rather kind acceptance of her being quite the vitriolic unit Leader she'd  been made painfully aware of, before glancing at the stores open. Most of the shops have closed for winter, but a handful of them had stayed open, mainly the hobby shop, the winter clothing store, and what appears to be the adult goods shop...among a few others.
<nazca> Of course, Tomoe being Tomoe, she tries and pick the most interesting option - that being the shop that has its transparent glass storefront seemingly covered in red velvet curtains, and has the words 'Iwatodai Confidential' written just above its wooden doorway. "I've never been to that one before, and I've always wondered what they've sold there..."
<nazca> She nods towards the shop itself, a pensive expression on her face. "At first glance, it looks like they're a proprietor of curtains, but...why Iwatodai Confidential as a shop name? Is there something secretive about curtains?"

<Sky-rider> Ana blinked for a moment as she glanced between Tomoe and the store.  However, Ana couldn't help but smile almost impishly.  Maybe Chiyoko had been too much of a bad influence.  "Well, if you're curious, we can check inside." the Blonde replied.  They were both eighteen after all, so it should be safe...right?

<nazca> "..." Tomoe stares at the impenetrable curtains for a moment, seemingly making up her mind, before nodding, an expression of determination set on her face. "If you do not think that it would be too bothersome for us to visit, then yes, we should take the time to check just what it's about."
<nazca> "Every time I pass by this store on my way to THI, I've always been mystified by what it could possibly be selling...it's caused me some sleepless nights wondering about it, in fact. Although, I have never seen anyone come in or out of it..."

<Sky-rider> Ana stared blankly at the door for a moment before squeezing Tomoe's hand once more.  "Really now?" the Blonde asked before reaching for the door.  "Then prepare to have your wish granted, Pres." Ana stated as she opened the door and pulled Tomoe along for the ride.

<nazca> "A-alright..." The trepidation is clear in the former SEES Leader's voice as she lets herself get pulled along by Ana, her booted feet making sharp noises as she hurries to catch up with the Russian. "I-I had thought that maybe they are selling something like perfumes, or perhaps jewelry, but--" her voice trails off as Ana pushes the door open and pulls...
<nazca> ...the both of them inside, into parts unknown. Just what will they find inside the actual premises of Iwatodai Confidential?

<nazca> The answer, is of course...a store lit with what appears to be nothing but yellow luminescent lamps, turned down so that customers would be in half-darkness - and shelves upon shelves of marital aids, leathers and whips of all sizes, and what appears to be a costume rack designed to appeal to all fetishes.
<nazca> There seemed to even be a Gekkoukan High school uniform in there somewhere, along with a rubberized tentacle monster costume (complete with animatronic appendages!)
<nazca> The store itself seemed to reek of heavy perfume and lavender, and was truly a terrifying if not intimidating sight to behold.

<nazca> "...Such hubris it was, for me to think that I could step into this kind of store so lightly..." Tomoe murmurs, her grip on Ana's hand tightening somewhat.

<Sky-Rider> Ana numbly looked around the store with no expression at first. She never expected to find something quite like this. Maybe some toys or the odd handcuff, but this totally out of reality -- at least she considered it as such. The poor girls face turned a dark shade of crimson for dragging Tomoe in here. "Ah...yeah..." Ana said barely above a whisper. "Mmaybe we should check out another...
<Sky-Rider> ...store." the smallest of the two squeaked a bit in dismay.

<nazca> "Y-yes, maybe we should...erm..." Tomoe could not help but nod in agreement, her eyes darting back and forth as she tries to figure out just what exactly one of the devices on display was for. Where was it supposed to go? Why did it have metal spikes? And finally, why did it have the logo of a cute cactus on its handle?

<nazca> It's then that they're stopped by what sounds like a young female voice, way too young to be even a hundred feet near this shop - and it's coming from the counter of the store, where a young girl with long unruly blonde hair and piercing green eyes seems to be busy reading a book. "You two customers gonna buy anything or are you just going to gawk at stuff?"
<nazca> She seems to be mildly annoyed at the interruption as she looks at them over the book's cover.

<Sky-Rider> The sudden voice out of no where in such a disturbing store caused the Blonde Russian to squeak in surprise as her head jerked to face the girl. "Ah...we...were just curious," Ana stammered as she glanced over at Tomoe. She then glanced over at what Tomoe was looking at, which caused her eyes to widen. "What the hell?" Ana suddenly stammered in Russian.

<nazca> "By the look you're giving that Itachi Super Magic Wand 3000, and with how you two are holding hands, I'll bet you two have gone past the 'curious' stage already," The young woman replies, hiding a mischievous grin behind her book. "If you want that, I can give you a good price for it. I'll have to get you fitted for the straps, though, they're custom-made."

<nazca> It's then that she blinks at both of them. "Who's the one usually on top, anyway?"

<nazca> At this snap interrogation - and somewhat veiled hard sell - Tomoe takes an involuntary step back, cheeks flushing. "O-on top? I...I do not...erm...A-Ana, what is..." she stutters, obviously ill-prepared for this sort of thing.

<Sky-Rider> Ana grimaced and sighed heavily at this point. "She asking which one normally takes the lead," the Blonde replied, though her face was still beet-red. "Also...If I were going to get one, it would be without spikes." the smaller woman replied as she eyed what looked like a killing tool than a toy. After another moment of silence, the girl scratched her head. "And believe me...with this...
<Sky-Rider> ...stuff -- 'curious stage' maybe the wrong choice of words."

<nazca> "They're not really metal, you know. They're just made to look that way. It's the Cactuar Limited Edition from some game I completely don't care about." The blonde girl hops down from her chair, walking over to the speechless Tomoe and the blushing Ana. "If that's not your cup of tea, though, then we've got other models you'll probably like."
<nazca> "This is probably too super maniac level for you two, anyway." She looks them up and down, before gesturing to the costume rack. "But I think you'll probably be better off looking for something to wear for costume play instead. You don't really strike me as a couple who'd need something like a strap-on."

<Sky-Rider> "I..." Ana began as she seemed to stumble over that. What could she say...it was true. Forcing a cough into her fist, the smallest of the couple decided it might be best for them to browse for a moment...if only so Tomoe could regain her composure. "It wouldn't hurt to at least browse." Ana replied as she started pulling Tomoe away. Though she paused for a moment remembering a few...
<Sky-Rider> ...events. "Got a good set of cuffs," she sudden whispered, hoping Tomoe was too catatonic to hear.

<nazca> Tomoe seems to have shut down momentarily, her eyes glazed as she wordlessly follows Ana, letting herself get pulled away without the slightest bit of resistance. The shop owner seems to grin at this, and leans forward conspiratorially to return Ana's whisper. "What sort of handcuffs are you looking for? The ones with the chains in the middle..."
<nazca> "...or something with magnets? Leather ones or metal? Fur-lined or silicone-wrapped?"

<Sky-Rider> "I'm new at this, so something that isn't uncomfortable," Ana replied in that same whisper before glancing at Tomoe. "Though something that can be used both alone or with a bed would be nice," she winked before her face turned red again. "I really have been hanging around Chiyoko too much," she moaned in despair before dragging Tomoe to the 'costume' section. "Hey...you okay, Tomoe?" Ana...
<Sky-Rider> ...asked with a hint of concern.

<nazca> "The new magnet series is pretty good with that. Recommended for newbies, and you unlock them with a four-digit passcode." The young girl whispers back. "Let me go into the storeroom and get them, we have a new shipment that just arrived today."

<nazca> The blonde storekeeper grins as she makes her way to the back of the store, just as Tomoe seems to come back to reality, blinking and shaking her head. "A-ah? Er...y-yes, I'm fine, Ana. I...I think I was just a bit lost in my thoughts for a moment." She replies, before blinking at the costume rack. "...I suppose this is what people wear during...erm..."
<nazca> "...such activities?" She lets the question hang between them as she reaches out with a hand, drawing out what appears to be a very skimpy...police woman uniform. "..."

<Syl> Out of the corner of her eye, Ana would catch sight of a startlingly familiar hat and head from the side. It was only for a brief second, but it almost looked like.. like Gally was there for a moment. But on a second glance, no one was there.

<Sky-Rider> Glancing in the direction of what she thought was Gally, Ana's eyes narrowed before she shook her head. She must have been seeing things. "Huh?" she hummed in reply before chuckling weakly. "Uh...yeah. I've read on the net that some people are into...'role playing' when it comes to more 'adult' activities." Ana explained as she pulled out the police uniform and snickered. "Ever think...
<Sky-Rider> ...about playing a police officer and 'tormenting' a criminal you arrested," the small Blonde teased her taller date with an impish grin.

<nazca> Tomoe is too busy examining the costumes to even catch a glimpse of the hat, seemingly caught in rapt attention as Ana drew her focus towards the police uniform itself. "W-well, erm...to be honest, I've always entertained that possibility, having been in a position of authority myself, but..."
<nazca> She glances away, somewhat embarrassed as her cheeks turn pink. "...I consider it more interesting if...erm...the roles are reversed, somewhat...?" Her voice trails off into silence, before she shakes her head furiously. "G-gah! W-what am I saying...?"

<Sky-Rider> Now it was Ana's turn to blush again as Tomoe dropped that little tidbit of information on her. But then came the chance to tease Tomoe a bit more. After all, she looked pretty cute when she was embarrassed. "Oh? You've had no trouble holding me down on the bed the last few times," the Blonde replied as she moved right next to Tomoe. "So I guess the next time, I should be the one to pin...
<Sky-Rider> ...you down and..." Ana whispered the last bit of that sentence in Tomoe's ear before pulling back to giggle mischievously.

<nazca> "Handcuffs are here!" The young shopkeeper says as she pops out from the costume rack, her grinning face poking out from between the tentacle monster outfit and the wizard robe (complete with wizard hat) costume. She thrusts a box into Ana's hands. "Magnet Manacles! Perfect for the light S&M couple! I'll give you a store discount if you buy..."
<nazca> "...a costume with it!"

<Sky-Rider> "Perfect timing," Ana replied with a chuckle before pointing to the police uniform. "I hope you have one in my size," the Blonde said before looking at Tomoe with one of those adorable smiles. "You maybe getting your wish later." the small girl chuckled once more.

<nazca> Tomoe is deathly silent at this, her face going a complete red as she looks away, her eyes shadowed by her hair as the young shopkeeper nods. "Ah, this is the Slutty Policewoman costume...yeah, I think we have one in your size. Might be a bit of a tight fit with that chest of yours, but the smallest size should suit you just fine."

<nazca> It's then that she gestures towards the silent Tsukiyama. "Why not buy an outfit for her too? I hear it helps the immersion if both individuals are into it. Suspension and disbelief and all."

<Sky-Rider> Ana seemed to frown a bit. Maybe she went a bit too far? "No, it's fine." Ana replied with one of her cute smiles at the store clerk. "If you could take these to the counter and ring them up, I'll be over there to pay for them later." the small Blonde replied.

<nazca> "Sure. I'll even put these in a bag that doesn't have our name on it, so that you won't have to be all awkward about it when you run into your friends later." The young shopkeeper hums a cheerful tune as she takes the cuffs and the outfit to the counter.
<nazca> Tomoe, of course, is still silent, seemingly studying some of the other costumes in an attempt to look busy, while still holding Ana's own hand of course.

<Sky-Rider> Nodding, Ana turned back to Tomoe and squeezed the taller woman's hand. "Sorry." she suddenly said with a wince. "I didn't mean to take that joke too far," Ana explained out of concern. "How about we head to a more mellow store after this," she suggested quickly, as if trying to cheer the President up.

<nazca> Tomoe blinks as she turns towards Ana, and then manages to work up a smile as she shakes her head. "N-no, it's fine, Ana. I'm...I'm not particularly offended or in any discomfort at the moment. I was the one who insisted upon visiting this store, anyway." She gives Ana's hand a squeeze.
<nazca> "It's...it's merely..." She glances about furtively, as if trying to see if anyone might overhear them, before letting out a small sigh. "I...I am simply unable to believe that I am in such an establishment with you, Ana. I...never really would have thought I would be stepping into one, with someone I consider to be very special to me."
<nazca> "The experience, while unexpected, is not at all unwelcome. Trust me, I am all right."

<Sky-Rider> Ana was now the speechless one as her cheeks flared up once more. Hearing Tomoe say things like that made the small woman's heart flutter. "If only...I weren't so..." she began, but seemed to think the rest didn't need to be said. Using her toes, Ana lifted herself up a bit higher to plant a sweet kiss upon Tomoe's cheek before gently leading the woman away from the clothing rack. At...
<Sky-Rider> ...that point, she had to release Tomoe's hand to pull out a wallet (Ana didn't really believe she needed a purse). "H...how much," the poor girl stammered.

<nazca> The young shopkeeper blinks up at Tomoe's rather satisfied smile, before shrugging and pushing the unmarked bag towards Ana. "Comes to eight thousand yen cash, but I'll have to charge you extra if you pay by plastic. So let's not make it harder on ourselves." She offers the blonde Russian a comforting grin. "Got yourself a keeper, huh?"

<Sky-Rider> "I have the yen," Ana replied as she finished it out. Placing it on the counter, the Blonde glanced back at Tomoe for a bit before smiling cutely at the taller woman. "Yep," she found herself saying, much to her embarrassment before turning around to face the store clerk.
<Sky-Rider> "I hope you have a saddle bag," Ana asked Tomoe. "Cause holding this stuff on a motorcycle would be a pain."

<nazca> Tomoe nods at this, just as the storekeeper takes Ana's cold, hard cash and begins to blithely count it in front of them. "We can store it underneath the seat, at least. It'll be fine right there."
<nazca> The shopkeeper then grins as she hands Ana her receipt, at the same time pulling the cash drawer open from behind the counter to deposit the cash inside. "Thanks! First customers of the day! Tell your friends, and make sure you come back if there's anything else you want! We're always open!"

<Sky-Rider> Ana pursed her lips in thought for a moment. Who else would even think of coming in here? Asuka and her forcing Aoki into crossplay came to mind, but wouldn't the woman make the costumes herself? The thought about returning for more 'accessories' brought a bright red blush to her cheeks. "Enjoy your day," Ana replied as she grabbed the bag with one hand and Tomoe's hand with her other. ...
<Sky-Rider> ..."L...let's go," she said with a smile and lead Tomoe back onto the street.