"I think that's you. Someone mixed a bit of Jon into a bottle of Zoe and ended up with something new." She paused. "There's a lot more differences between you and Mikey, or Karyn and your dad...I wonder how they are doing."
"Maybe we should ask...but...I thought it was just going to be the two of us..." Zoe said.
"We have all afternoon..." Athena pointed out. "But...there is one more test I'd like to perform..."
"What?"
Athena leaned over and kissed Zoe full on the lips. Zoe was shocked, not that she and Athena hadn't been experimenting since this happened, but...this was their first public display of affection. After a few long moments, she pulled back, then got out a tissue and wiped the lipstick off Zoe's mouth. "Passed with flying colors."
Zoe blinked. "Umm...you too?" She said, still surprised.
Athena grinned. That part of the new Zoe she sort of liked...this half-embarrassed, half-amused reaction to the unexpected.
Meanwhile, Mikey and Simon hadn't noticed this...they didn't even know that Zoe and Athena planned on rejoining them. The two had ended up in front of a vintage clothing store. "Just like Zoe to abandon us," Mikey muttered. He seemed especially annoyed it was for Athena.
"It's not like it wasn't obvious she was going to," Simon told him. "I mean...Zoe and I have been getting along so well the last few days, I thought maybe the three of us would....but I'm fine hanging out with you. How are you doing, anyway?"
"People think I'm a girl because of the hair...I just gave up on correcting them. I mean...who cares?" Mikey said. "I just wish I didn't have to wear Zoe's stuff."
"And I wish something other than Karyn's fit."
"You have a credit card, why don't we buy a few things?"
Simon paused. The idea of spending a lot of money made him nervous...as if he should be asking permission. "I...well, if it isn't too much...How about you help me find something I like...and I'll help you."
Both of them went inside. This particular vintage store bought and sold used items...so in most cases, it wasn't that expensive. The owner bought the stuff cheap...estate sales, even thrift shops, had it cleaned, repaired if needed, and then sold it at inflated prices...although it was still cheaper than many places. They also had a booming online business run out of the back of the same storefront.
Unaware Zoe and Athena were trying to find them...although not enough to call...figuring they'd run into them as they walked around, the two began to hold up things, trying to find something that spoke to them. It felt like the post-regeneration scene of a Doctor Who episode...although neither of them would make that particular reference. Surprisingly though, Mikey found himself having fun...something he hadn't had since this all started.
Mikey found himself drawn to a greyish lavender colored dress with black trim, and a black fascinator type hat to go with it. The more he stared at it, the more he felt a yearning to wear it. He grabbed a pair of black tights and some black ankle boots. He headed into the fitting room next to the one Simon had gone into. "Are you almost ready?" He asked over the partition.
"Sure...we both go out at the same time, and give our honest opinion...okay?" Simon proposed.
"Sure...In three..." Mikey counted to three, then exited.
Simon was sporting a pair of boots, a white vest top that was starting to show his shifting figure, a black jacket, and a cream colored checked skirt. He also had a black bag slung over his chest. He had a momentary feeling of surprise. "That's a new look," he said.
"Me?" Simon said, looking at Mikey. "With the long hair...and that...you look pretty mature," he remarked. "I mean...I like it. Not my taste, but I like it."
"Same for you." Mikey shot Simon an evil grin. "You think we could bring all the stuff from Zoe's closet here and sell it? I mean...it doesn't fit her anyway...and it all sucks."
"Well, not without telling her. But...I mean...if you don't want it, and she can't wear it...why not trade it in?"
