Though Mom's hands offered support, that became Ruby's only consotion. That touch remained. Even while they crossed a few upscale establishments. It was only when Mom ushered her into a fancy boutique -- the sort that managed to remain empty most of the day and still garnered enough to afford posh designs, all from single deep pocket clients who valued their privacy more than quality -- she removed her hands.

  Mom sauntered in with the gait of one familiar with the surroundings. Her steps were exact, and her directions had a clear intent. Surrounded by the ambiance, -- an expansive, opulent, high ceiling, pristine polished floors, walls covered with artful portraits, all done to depict sciviousness and decadence -- Mom belonged there.

  Ruby wondered why Mom chose this boutique. It resembled more an art gallery with reclining couches to leisurely sit and rex, than a pce to grab clothes. But Ruby remained silent. No need because it wasn't her money. Mom chose it because she can. That she can splurge vishly. Not because Mom couldn't afford it. It was because she can. She can give Ruby everything because she can buy everything. That her wealth exceeded any sort of measurement.

  Mom already walked ahead. She flicked her chin confidently. Her movement caught attention.

  A girl, perhaps three or four years older than Ruby, rushed. She didn't look like a usual sales assistant, despite what her pencil skirt and vest implied. The girl had sophistication. Ruby inferred that she was perhaps a conservatory student or something on a side gig till she graduated.

  "Is Helen there?" Mom asked. No greetings, just a nod of acknowledgement. Then, as if remembering something, Mom's attention immediately shifted towards Ruby, whose steps remained uncoordinated.

  Mary Jane heels twisted, held precariously because she can never find her bance.

  "Sage, help her choose something nice." Then, with a hard veiled squint making a statement, Mom added. "Whatever she needs."

  Ruby stood on unsteady feet, because she still could not trust those shoes, and because Mom left her alone.

  "Hey there." The girl called Sage scuttled closer. "I am Sage."

  After a lingering silence, Ruby realised, this is where she was expected to introduce herself.

  Reuben Gand, might roll off the tongue effortlessly, but the rest of the conversation would not. Like; I am a guy, until yesterday, I was. Then, my Mom magically transformed me.

  "Hey, I am Ruby. Ruby Gand." Much better. Easier and awkward moments, avoided.

  "Want me to help you?" Sage extended her hand. Her expression was professionally constructed, and her smile, well-guarded. "Those shoes look awfully uncomfortable. But still, I like your style. It is very ecclesiastical."

  Ruby thought she caught something in her choice of the st word. That line of thought evaporated, when Sage took her hand and guided her to a turquoise divan with golden frame.

  "Just sit. Compose yourself. Rex and take time to decide what you want. I will wait." Sage's words were civil, but they hinted that Ruby did not belong here.

  "How is she to you? She treats you well, right? I saw how she held you, allowing you to cling to her when you both walked in." Sage smiled with precise gestures.

  What kind of game she pyed, Ruby couldn't understand.

  "Miss Spenard is always attentive, and is generous with the tip she leaves." Sage continued. "She can drive fear in people, but I think she can be tender and thoughtful if she wants to be."

  Miss Spenard. Sage's word, struck oddly. So that is Mom's maiden name. Ruby scoffed at how little Mom shared with her.

  "Actually, she is anal, like most of the time." Ruby answered without any weight of thought behind.

  "If I may ask." Sage sounded convincingly polite. "What is she like? I mean, Miss Spenard? I know she can be really impressionable to young girls like us."

  Suddenly, Sage moved closer. Ruby realised, Sage used her words carefully. Impressionable seemed significant.

  "She is not Miss Spenard." Ruby groaned internally. She really was not equipped to deal with a jealous crush. "To me, she is Mom."

  Sage stammered. "Yeah, that's what I meant by impressionable." Her voice tethered on the tensed edge of one who would deny that the word impressionable is not a euphemism for seduction.

  "I am not her ward. Or she, a Mother-like figure." Ruby drew back, away from Sage. Though Ruby preferred avoiding someone carrying school-girl crush towards Mom, she had to do it.

  "We are actual mother-daughter." That came unbidden. It felt important because Ruby needed comfort. She needed assurance. And telling others she belonged somewhere offered it.

  That somehow released all the knots of tension in Sage's expression. Like strings getting undone because she found a safety net.

  Sage exhaled softly. "You can use my name. We can talk casually. I don't care." She slid closer to Ruby. "Can we start fresh?" Her palm fell on Ruby's shoulder. Her touch seemed somewhat liberated of all manacles. "You used to live with your dad right? I can see it now." She gestured to her clothes. "You definitely need mom's touch in your life. Or at least in your wardrobe."

  Sage continued, oblivious to Ruby's discomfort. "So, you may need a makeover." Sage leaned closer. "Sorry, I may come pretty rude, but I think that is why Miss Spen.... Your Mom, brought you here."

  Any further girl pep talk was cut short by the approach of Mom in the company of another woman of middle age in a pastel suit. Ruby presumed from her gait that she was the Helen Mom asked for and the owner of the Boutique.

  Sage gave an audible sigh. Ruby can, for once, symphathise, because Mom can be overwhelming, especially when she performed her catwalk.

  Helen marched towards Ruby, and grabbed her cheeks in both hands like a long-lost aunt from the other side of the world.

  "Atrocious." Helen clicked her tongue in dismay. "Those are fashion crimes. No." She turned to Mom. "This. Whatever you let your daughter wear. This whole, these nineties skateboard lesbian look, isn't working."

  Mom knelt down. She liberated Ruby's feet from the cruel confines of the Mary Jane, and brushed the soles of her feet with infinite gentleness.

  "Morgane, you are full of surprises." Helen fake admonished. "First you suddenly march in and announce that you brought your daughter. A daughter, who, if I may add, I never heard you mention in the decade I have known you. Now, you kneel before her and massage her feet. You never struck as a mothering type."

  Mom ignored Helen's words and continued working on Ruby's toes; her deft fingers found ways to weave between. "I brought her to you so that you do a full measurement for her. Can you?."

  Helen snapped her fingers, and Sage hurried to fetch.

  Mom waited for ten heartbeats -- time enough for Sage to be out of hearing range. "While you are at it, could you prepare some initiation robes and a coven cloak for her?"

  "Morgane? You can't be serious." Helen gave a scrutinizing look at Mom, then those gazes flicked to Ruby before settling back on Mom. "The girl, even if she is your daughter, is clearly not trained."

  Mom took her time replying. She twisted her body, rotating her torso, until her shoulder aligned perfectly straight. Then, when she spoke, words flowed in a controlled release. "Helen, she has potential. Stronger than I can ever imagine. But I can't accelerate her growth. It must come naturally."

  Helen inspected Ruby top-to-bottom. "Honey, how old are you? Sixteen? Seventeen?" Then, Helen's mouth made a big 'O', her expression frozen for two heartbeats. "She is Marcel's. Is she not?"

  The enthusiasm of Ruby came faster than the excuse of Mom.

  "You know my dad?" asked Ruby.

  Helen kept her arms folded in front, but with her chin she gestured to Sage to provide privacy. "You can't be fucking serious. Morgane, does he even know? You are going against him."

  Ruby shifted in obvious discomfort. Not only Helen but dad knew about Mom's proclivities to spells. In all fairness, Dad mentioned Mom being a witch without providing details. Even mentioned mom belonged to a secret coven. But knowing facts meant hardly grasping concepts. Instead, he preached compassion while hiding deliberate details.

  Mom stood and gathered Ruby in her arms. "She is my daughter, and I will fight for her."

  "Morgane." Helen hissed between gritted teeth. "You are chasing dust."

  "What was promised to me, none shall deny." Mom's arms squeezed. Then her palm pressed against Ruby's stomach. "A deal made cannot be broken."

  "Come here, Honey." Helen motioned to Ruby and then beckoned Sage, who still stood away. "Sage will lead you to the dressing cabin." She then turned to Mom. "We need to talk in private."

  When Sage led Ruby to the farthest end, Ruby expected a small compartment with mirrors and curtains; instead, she found it resembled nightclub VIP lounge.

  A sectional divan took center stage, a gold frame, covered with artfully stitched bck leather. One rge oval-shaped gss table adorned tasteful crystal mps. On the walls, pictures lined, obscured beneath frosted gss frames, providing a sensual ambiance. On Ruby's either side, two hallway length mirrors stood proudly. Then three cabins, though calling them that would be a misnomer. They were more spacious than mall fitting rooms, luxuriously crafted, even the curtains hanging before were expensive velvets.

  When Sage approached one cabin, Ruby halted her. "This?"

  Sage gestured her inside, polite smiles written all throughout her expression. "Only the best will satisfy Miss Spenard. I mean your Mom. Don't worry. I have a fairly good grasp of her taste. I will get you some clothes to try." Sage quickly scurried away, leaving Ruby alone.

  She removed the sweatshirt and gave it one affectionate squeeze before hanging it on the wall hook, and then the jogging pants came. Without nothing much to do apart from waiting, she thought of Sage. That girl's current smile had 'I want to be your stepmom' written all over it.

  When the rustling of curtains broke her thoughts, Ruby's first thought was Sage. She was ready to admonish the girl for barging in. Instead, Mom strode inside, all suggestive smirk and devilish grin. "My daughter deserves privacy." Mom brushed her cheek affectionately, sending warm ripples throughout her body.

  Then, Morgane lowered, till she knelt between Ruby's legs. "Now, darling, lift them. I need your feet."

  Ruby's lips stayed locked tight. Instead, she tried curling her toes inward.

  Mom smiled understandingly because Mom can read any vague gesture, wordless expressions, pensive silences and everything about her. "If you don't wish me kneeling between your legs, darling, how can I measure?" Mom cocked her brow, with a grin that carried multiple interpretations.

  Only then, Ruby noticed the Brannock scale in Mom's hands. Mom took the sole of her foot and held it tight.

  "Just a few seconds, okay?" Mom stood holding the device. "I will be back." Mom rushed, but not before delivering another small pat on her cheek.

  Something about Mom kneeling before her felt inherently disturbing. Probably, because, Ruby argued, she was not used to Mom being subservient or nurturing in any capacity. Easy to write off Mom as uncaring and insensitive, but this new aspect of her flummoxed Ruby.

  The Mom from before never came affectionate. She can drive fear, never inspire tenderness. Ruby exhaled deeply because she needed to steel herself.

  Then the curtain tossed and Mom barged in, again. She dragged a clothing line behind her. Closing the curtain, she adjusted the edges, checked for Ruby's privacy, and when satisfied, she turned.

  Mom first tossed a pair of panties to her.

  Ruby tried, as she shimmied to raise them up. They were light, like incredibly light, and their touch so silken that it made Ruby strangely aware of her own skin. When the cy hem settled on her waist, the fabric felt so sensitive and flimsy that she might as well be naked before Mom. Then, Mom's hand dug in, fingers slipping inside, between the waist-band and her skin, running along till she adjusted the cy pattern.

  "Turn around." Mom teased. "Let me see how they look."

  Ruby pivoted because Mom can command. Except for these panties, she found them useless because they bunched all wrong. Mom can probably feel her plump cheeks because they kept escaping through the cramped cloth.

  Mom's brows furrowed, and deemed them unacceptable. She took another pair, seamless and ultra stretch, and passed it.

  Removing the panties was a more difficult than wearing them. Especially with Mom in the same space because, removing mattered to stripping. Watching Ruby struggle, Mom dug her fingers in again and removed her in one practiced motion, like she a had lot of experience.

  The new pair fitted Ruby well, like a second skin. When she turned to Mom's command, Ruby felt a smack on her ass.

  "Sorry, but couldn't resist myself. Your plump butt is insanely cute." Mom stood awfully close, and her palm wrapped tight around her waist. Ruby could feel Mom's breath ghosting on her skin. "You should see." Mom took Ruby's cheek, the one on the face, in her other palm and slowly tilted them over her shoulder to look in the mirror behind.

  Ruby saw a reflection of a bare back with radiant skin, a small back and a slender waist, resting on top of a slightly wider hips covered in bck seamless panties. Her almost naked frame, with her butt pushed out, rested on Mom in her perfectly tailored suit. As much as Ruby liked what she saw -- and Mom was right; her butt, even covered in those panties was adorably pretty -- she also hated how weak she appeared in the almost naked pose. And Mom, in her double-breasted suit and sharp scks, supporting Ruby, looked so powerful, undeniable and imposing.

  Mom's hand slipped, reaching down to the curves of her butt cheeks. Her fingers drew lines along those curves, tracing doting circles. "Just imagine. One day, you are going to make some boy crazy with this."

  Then Morgane released her hold and went about selecting fabrics from the clothing line.

  Whatever she said triggered something undescribable. Ruby cannot deny that the notion of her adorable derriere driving someone crazy was enticing.

  But should it be a boy?

  Not that boys are unruly and stinky and all things dirty. Ruby had no right to that, considering her past. Besides, Dad and Uncle Craven, were both men. Reliable and trustworthy men. Ruby would give her life in a blink for them. No doubts there. Even when she considered boys with all those qualities, nothing stirred inside her.

  Vaguely, inside her mind, a memory stirred. A recall of something she once read. Girls marry their fathers. The notion came out incestuous then. Not anymore. Not in her current perspective. Hardly a day passed since the transformation, and she could sense the perspective shift. When girls choose a boy, they go for those with the same positive values embodied by their fathers.

  Dad had perfect looks, was prime in physical condition, and encapsuted all peak virtues. Still, Ruby could not answer why the fantasy of any boy with all those values that Dad represented could not trigger that proverbial butterfly in tummy feels.

  Technically, Ruby knew lesbians exist. Sage, who loitered outside, had the hots for her Mom.

  Any further thoughts were cut as Mom handed her a bra.

  "Put it on." Mom stood extremely close, invading her space, letting her presence dictate. "Darling, a word with bras, don't compromise on comfort. Very important."

  Ruby hesitated because she may need Mom's help. Bras remained confounding for Ruby. One simply needed deft fingers and opposable thumbs, both factors Ruby cked. "I can't."

  "Ruby, I am your mother." Mom reached close, running her palm along Ruby's shoulder. Then, Morgane flipped her finger along Ruby's bra csp. "Its natural. Every girl needs help wearing them at first. Helping you wear your bras, can I call it mom privilege?" Her fingers slid between Ruby's bra strap, pressing them firmly against her shoulder.

  Mom's palm rested firm against her colrbone. Then, slowly, Mom's touch shifted towards her breasts. Her fingers pressed lightly, soft and yet strong, till they softly cupped her. Ruby shuddered as she felt them coming alive.

  Morgane probably noticed because she teased, moving her fingers ever-so-slightly, spreading along, settling them one underneath each breast, one along both sides. "Stay still and stop squirming, darling." Mom whispered, her lips close enough to touch Ruby's earlobe.

  Then Mom shifted. Her fingers csped both hooks.

  "Ruby darling, can you breathe? Is it suffocating?" Morgane twisted Ruby, till her face came close, their noses almost nudged. She slipped two fingers beneath the padded lining and tugged. That came incredibly teasing. Mom's fingers roamed underneath her breasts, along the sides, brushing all sensitive spots.

  Ruby stood wordless and breathless. Mom's hands worked their magic from beneath. Her finger wiggled and tugged again. Ruby was close. So very close to releasing a moan.

  "Good." Mom retracted her finger. "There is enough gap for you to breathe. So, can I force you to wear something eye-catching. Just in case you found someone whose attention you want to hold for a while. I want my pretty daughter to come out confident in those situations."

  A thong came flying.

  Ruby reluctantly took it. "How can I wear them?"

  Morgane ushered Ruby, closer till they stood shoulder-to-shoulder, facing their reflection.

  Ruby eagerly shimmied out of her seamless bck panties. She would rather not have Mom do the act again.

  Then, Mom reached between Ruby's legs, holding her inner thighs. "You need to lift your leg, darling."

  Morgane grabbed Ruby's leg, tilting her pelvis, opening her stance wide. "Like this. So, can you hold yourself while I fit them?" Morgane leaned, whispering directly.

  Ruby gripped herself, trying to find her bance while Mom tugged her legs wide apart. Even when Mom fitted it, one end sliding through, pushing inside her, nestling firmly between her ass cheeks, while she tugged alongside her hips, adjusting the fit, Ruby stood stuck.

  Mom paused, mirth coloring her coral lips. "Can you imagine yourself sitting, wearing these." Her fingers worked her hips, tugging while she secured strap. "Now you know, why we sit elegantly."

  "But Mom..."

  Morgane silenced her. "One word darling. One. I can imagine you sitting next to your crush, during lunchtime, while he casually sips his co. You can casually nibble your sad, all shy. That tiny thong barely covering your naughty bits, you can just fsh, just a peek, and tease his imagination."

  "I can't imagine anyone liking girls wearing these."

  Mom pinched Ruby's butt cheeks hard. "Stop being daft. Your mother speaks out of experience. Nothing that Your dad, and I, did not try. It is how I kept Marcel hard all day long."

  "Ewww... Mom...Stop. I don't want to imagine you in thong or dad with a hard on."

  Mom chuckled. "In that case, how about making your mom, dress you instead. Better?"

  Ruby smirked. "Much better. That's sadistic, though."

  Morgane cpped enthusiastically. "Good girl. Now go ahead, sit. Choose." Then Mom gave her butt cheeks one hard sp, leaving tingles along her skin.

  When Ruby sat, her slit still tingled, craving stimution. She tried not to rub her thighs. Not when Mom was so close by.

  "Try these on." Mom passed a pair of jeans.

  That one refused to rise past her hips. Another Mom rejected as too sck around the back. Another was tossed aside too. Too much chaffing. The fourth one, Mom rejected for ck of push up effect. Eventually, the st one, a dark blue low hip, with fred legs made a perfect fit.

  "I will take this one I guess," said Ruby.

  "First lesson of jeans shopping for a girl, Ruby." Mom interjected. "If a jeans fits perfectly, buy four pairs."

  "Why?"

  "Because not all girls have the same measurement, and not every jeans, irrespective of size will match." Then, Mom added, mischievously. "Besides washing it can wear them sooner. That's why I am giving you seven pairs."

  Ruby immediately gave counter. "Four can work fine."

  Mom poked her tongue between her lips, pyfully. "Five pair it will remain." Then she cupped Ruby's cheeks. "Don't feel shame about wearing beautiful clothes. And don't ever dare feel ashamed about your body. If a sexy piece of lingerie accentuates your shape, then don't hold yourself back."

  Ruby noticed since Mom spoke, her breathing deepened. Her chest rose sharply, her stomach clenched.

  Morgane stood inches close. When she spoke, her coral lips whispered softly. "There is nothing shameful about you desiring people wanting you. It is perfectly natural. When you know someone finds you attractive, can't you feel your heart racing?"

  "But Mom, I don't want to feel attractive?"

  Morgane grasped her wrists. "Boys will always find you attractive. Trust me." Morgane's thumbs ran circles along Ruby's inner palms. Her lips came dangerously close, nearly touching Ruby's ears. "Trust me, you have a charm to entice anyone."

  Somehow, anyone felt better than boys.

  Then Morgane pointed her chin, gesturing Ruby towards their reflection. "Ruby darling, can you squeeze beside? Stand facing the mirror." Mom gestured. "I am showing you, exactly, how you can work your natural gmour."

  Mom tossed a pleated knee-length skirt and a delicate strap top to Ruby. "Wear those. It is easier to practice with a skirt."

  Ruby tried because she needed distraction. Her stomach churned, fluttering madly, threatening to churn contents. The knot inside her stomach tightened, stirring excruciating new feelings.

  As if Mom already knew her daughter well, the top and the skirt were a perfect match. The soft material of the skirt billowed out, but still caressed her outer thighs when she moved. The top, though, short and stopped before her navel, still made her worry.

  Ruby couldn't imagine herself wearing skirts, especially knee-length ones. She tried imagining herself sitting cross-legged while talking, while leaving her bare leg open.

  Can anyone find her pretty, much less attractive?

  "Come near." Mom beckoned.

  Her legs carried her gracefully, steps surefooted. Never stumbling, she reached Morgane.

  They stood shoulder-to-shoulder before the mirror, their reflection a fttering sight. One elegant mother, suit clinging perfectly, shaping her frame, accentuating her curves. Another, her daughter, standing slightly shorter, her exposed legs willowy, skin delicate. They matched, beautifully together.

  Morgane traced along Ruby's exposed shoulders. "How can I convince you, darling? Can't you feel your heart race, beating faster. Now can you imagine someone's gaze admiring you, especially someone special."

  Ruby could not avert her eyes. "Mom, if I ask you something, will you provide an answer?"

  "If this is about the first time, it does hurt a bit. Marcel went through much effort, making it painless. That can only happen, when you choose someone special." Mom voice dropped. "Your dad was an attentive lover."

  "Mom. No. Stop."

  Mom asked, a curious smirk tugging her expressions. "So, darling, whose attention you are trying to catch?"

  "It is not that kind of question, Mom." Ruby rested her head on Morgane's shoulders. Her gaze remained on the reflection, feeling conflicted.

  Questions brewed inside her, demanding answers.

  "Mom, do you love me only because I am girl? Did you ignore me before because I did not fit your image?" Ruby's words came sudden. The courage took time, slowly gathering until she found her voice. "Mom, does your love come with a conditional cuse?"

  Mom's attention snapped to the razor-sharp glint in her eyes. One glimpse, one gre, one warning stare, signified all Ruby needed to know. Mom's temper rose.

  Ruby never believed Morgane can react strong. Morgane always acted deceptive, omitting details while using gentle whispers. Mom always concealed her actions, subtle hints while always scheming. But this, Ruby was unprepared.

  "Darling, Sage might have something for you. Go try them." Her hands fell on a silk shirt with pointed long colr. "Even I am in need of a fresh wardrobe. Leave me alone for a while."

  Mom again proved that she can also dispy empathy, only when it suited her. She can feign affection. At least she can, till she gets confronted with reality.

  As much Ruby enjoyed Mom's comfort, she can't ignore, Mom killed someone. Only until recently, Mom ignored her. Yet, she can flip moods effortlessly, like closing an unwanted browser tab. From murderous intent towards anyone lewdly harassing her, she can become unapologetically loving. From donning the mask of a nurturing, comforting mother one minute, to the real beast hiding behind, a raging dragon, burning everyone while dispying pure malevolence.

  Ruby stumbled out, seeking a silent corner to process. She needed time, much time alone, till her thoughts reorganized themselves. But Sage found her.

  Worse.

  She engaged her. "Was your mom satisfied? I bet you really looked cute in those outfit she selected for you. I am so jealous."

  Ruby couldn't endure one second longer. She weighed her options. Hang around Sage, endure her infatuations with Mom, till Mom became all catty again. Or go back, and apologise to Mom for a mistake not her own.

  Helen's arrival robbed Ruby of both choices. "Here." She thrust a set of satin night gown in Ruby's hands. "Your mom requested those."

  Without much thought to spare, Ruby hid her sulking demeanour. She entered the fitting cabin, without announcing.

  A mistake.

  A grave one at that.

  Mom was discarding the st yer. Her expensively tailored suit, shirt and scks formed a discarded pile nearby. Now, only red balconette bra cupped her breasts. A pair of matching red seamless panties covered her hips, leaving ample exposed. They accentuated her creamy skin, along her shapely waist, incredibly delicate thighs, protruding hips, drawing sharp contours along her figure.

  The view can't compare; nothing can equal, Morgane's perfect features. She was a standing lingerie-cd perfection.

  Ruby pirouetted on her heels, to dart outside. But Mom reacted faster. She caught Ruby's wrist. Her lips cracked one devilish grin. Her hazel brown eyes fixed Ruby.

  Mom tugged Ruby hard, closing their distance. She dragged Ruby inside, her movements lethal and predatory.

  With an impossible to deny strength, she pinned Ruby against the opposite wall. Then, her lips ghosted against Ruby's cheeks, grazing them while she whispered. "Darling, stop squirming."

  Ruby struggled, her breathing uneven and strenuous.

  Mom remained maddeningly close. "Do you know why I love you, darling?" She began whispering. Her lips parted ever-so-slightly wide.

  Ruby kept her focus everywhere, except on mom's coral lips. If she looked at her lips, she couldn't help thinking of the warm affection. She couldn't help wondering if she would still feel the same softness on her forehead. If she would still feel the same tenderness that Mom showered her in the morning.

  Mom pressed Ruby closer, pinning with her hips. Her naked leg weaved between Ruby's thighs. Skin grazed skin. Her palms closed around Ruby's lips, suppressing moans.

  "Because you are perfect, darling. Inside." Mom pced her hand below her exposed navel. "And outside." Then her palm slid along the curves of her waist.

  Morgane positioned Ruby, pressing her front against Ruby's, breasts meeting chest, hips grinding together.

  Ruby tried taking shallow breaths. She hated how her pulse beat into Mom's palms.

  Mom continued, unrelenting. "Now listen to me, Ruby." Mom groaned into her ears. "Don't make it any weirder than it has to be." Mom's breath caressed her ears. Light gasps echoed with soft moans.

  Fingers danced along her exposed abdomen, teasing everywhere they could.

  Mom whispered. "Here's lesson two. Learn it, darling. You are my daughter. Remember it well in public." Those whispers nuzzled her earlobe.

  Ruby quivered. A sharp whine escaped her throat and was promptly suppressed by the clenching of Mom's palm on her lips.

  Mom had a strong grip in her fingers. They pressed hard. Their strength demanding, one Ruby couldn't resist. Her muscles rexed. Only slight pressure remained.

  "I am going to remove my hands, darling. Make no noise. Nod if you understand."

  Ruby gave a whimper-filled nod. She hated how it came out. She had witnessed Mom murder a man, just a few hours ago. She stood completely defenceless. Mom can force her, break her, hurt her. She can't move her muscles. She can't stop Mom. She can't call for help. She can't scream.

  "Do you understand, my darling Ruby?" Mom asked again, in her characteristic slow, deliberate speech. "Nod." She ordered.

  Ruby gave one emphatic nod. Her body tensed, held stiff. She trembled when Mom released her grip on her lips, but her weight still pinned her to the wall.

  Mom paused, making sure Ruby remained compliant.

  Then she ran her fingers along Ruby's cheeks. "My darling Ruby, do you realise how it would look, if a daughter ran away seeing her mother changing in a fitting room?"

  Ruby shifted. She squeezed her legs tighter, pressing them together. But her movement came constrained. She squirmed, fighting against it, trying to shift herself.

  Her effort failed miserably. Mom pressed closer. "Stop struggling, my darling Ruby." She ordered. Her palms grasped Ruby's wrists, held tight.

  Ruby sucked in quick, sharp breaths, willing herself to calm. She willed herself pliant, following Mom's words. She stood defeated. Completely helpless. A single sylble uttered can ignite Mom's rage. An interruption can send her flying through walls. A word can freeze her breath. Mom can break her easily. Nothing can stop her.

  Mom teased when her finger traced along Ruby's thighs, caressing skin. "You can't fight it. Accept and be still."

  Ruby surrendered. She rexed. The tight grip on her wrist remained. Every muscle went limp. Her strength slowly bled, leaving only shuddering remains. Tears rolled, trickling fast.

  Mom whispered softly. "Ruby, don't cry." Then her palm brushed, caressing Ruby's cheek. "It's okay. Mother will never hurt you." Then her wafting breath pooled into the contours of Ruby's ear, touching sensitive spots that she did not know existed. "Mommy won't try to hurt you. Mommy is not hurting you."

  Then, Morgane bent closer, her lips, warm and wet and all pinkish hue, was all Ruby could perceive. Then they pressed ft against her cheeks. They lingered on the exposed skin. "Don't cry, my darling Ruby. Please. Calm down."

  Ruby found herself unraveling. Not just her emotions building since morning Mom did that again. To her.

  Morgane Spenard does not plead. She can destroy anyone. She can control the space she steps into. She can command social gathering. She can rule everyone. Yet, she chose these words. Her affectionate lips stayed pressed along Ruby's cheek, liquid sunshine flowing through their shared contact.

  It became overwhelming. Ruby struggled to hold them inside, within her chest, behind her sternum, but they still surged forward.

  Morgane traced Ruby's cheeks. "Shhh. Ruby, rex. You need to rex." Mom hugged her tighter, her embrace all protective. "Darling, I am begging you. Let it go. Calm down now. I am sorry. I may go a little rough, sorry. I promise, I will be gentle."

  Ruby succumbed; her tensed muscles gave up. Her strength fled, leaving only mom's tight hold preventing her colpse. "I don't know." She stuttered, mumbling words. "I can't Mom. Let me go."

  "I can't let you go now. Ruby, my precious Ruby, you are all red in the face." Mom slid her leg between Ruby's thighs. Her hands were strong, her grasp firm. Even her legs that held her weight were extremely durable. But the breast, Ruby rested her cheeks on, were infinitely soft, as were the flesh of her waist, where Ruby's palm found purchase.

  Mom held her close. Her arms rose along her scalp, fingers tenderly combing her dark tresses. "Sage and Helen are outside. You cannot walk out looking like how you are. Your face is all scalded crimson." She massaged her fingers along Ruby's scalp. "Daughters do not walk out of their Mother's fitting room with that colour on their face. Shhh. My precious daughter. Helen already figured you are Marcel's child. You walking out, like this, will bring her suspicion on you."

  Ruby nudged her cheek against Mom's bosom. Her breath returned calmer.

  "Darling, my sweet little girl, trust me when I say this. Your mother only wants a calm and bliss-filled life for you." Morgane tightened her arms until their chests came together and squeezed. Her palm rubbed tender circles along Ruby's spine, dancing along her vertebrae. "Mother doesn't want to pce unwanted attention on you. I want you to lead a happy and quiet life. Now, will you rex? Compose yourself, darling."

  Ruby saw herself staring awkwardly, aimlessly, Mom's figure obscuring everything else. Then feather-light kisses fell along the crown of her head.

  Morgane sensed her daughter's unrest. She nudged Ruby, tucking her beneath her chin. "Trust me, Ruby, will you?"

  Ruby answered nothing further. Instead, she tightened her embrace. They stayed joined together, body against body, heart against heart. Mom's fingers continued gently stroking along Ruby's scalp, slow, tender movements.

  Morgane chuckled. Her body shook.

  Ruby looked up confused, her brows scrunched. She sought comfort within Mom's embrace. But instead, Morgan ran her fingers through Ruby's dark tresses; their grip tightened hard. Ruby jerked as Mom yanked her head back. Her body stiffened when Morgane lowered her gaze dangerously close.

  Mom whispered softly. "Rex." Her palm cupped Ruby's cheek, gripping her tight. Then, slowly, Mom pressed, forcing Ruby's lips to part, allowing entry to her exploring fingers to enter her mouth. They, gradually, ever so torturously and leisurely, slipped insider her mouth. She pushed deep, exploring Ruby's trembling tongue.

  Ruby quivered. Both overwhelmed and helplessly lost. Her legs weakened, threatening colpse. She gripped her fingers along Mom's waist, holding herself firm. Her limbs found strength against those perfectly sculpted curves.

  Mom's fingers inside Ruby's mouth slipped deep, invading deeper, stroking against Ruby's soft inner flesh. Then, suddenly, Mom began moving them, retreating slowly, taking her sweet time, her hands deliberately sensuous. Then, all tenderness gave way. Her fingers jammed forcefully, driving hard, crashing against Ruby's throat.

  Ruby gagged. She tried to whimper, but her gasp came muffled. Mom's fingers pressed against her tongue. They burned sharp, throbbing something deep inside her gut. Her stomach clenched tight. She kept her finger dug within Mom's soft skin. That action may protect her. Yet, nothing can stop Mom. She can push deeper. She can shove harder. Mom can control everything. And Ruby was at her mercy.

  Her gaze, bright hazel eyes, now became bck pools filled with malevolence. They fixed her. "Keep calm." She ordered and continued with penetrating her mouth. Her fingers moved slower than Mosses.

  Ruby tried to swallow spit. The salty taste of Mom slowly slithered down. When the fingers began their invading move towards her throat, Ruby coughed violently. Ruby choked. Her throat ached, agonisingly painful.

  Then those torturous fingers gained momentum, moving back and forth. With every thrust, Mom edged her fingers further, deeper. The pace quickened. Her fingers seemed keen on making her choke.

  Eventually, Ruby convulsed. Her mouth released. All the contents of her breakfast, the first real memory with Mom feeding her, were all cruelly snatched. Those moments, carefully crafted by Mom's hands were now shattered by her own volition.

  Ruby gagged. The undigested cinnamon rolls, and frozen yogurt spewed, coating mom's shoulder, till gravity beckoned them to leave a long line of retched mess that somehow found a resting pce above Mom's left breast.

  Mom stood infuriatingly calm. She wore Ruby's mess covering her, proudly, like a medal.

  Her tone shifted; all caring and devotion coalesced in a single instant. "Oh my poor darling, if you were feeling sick, you should have told your mother." Mom gathered Ruby in her arms. Palms found purchase on waist and hips. Then, in one effort-filled heave, Mom lifted Ruby in her arms. "Come, let Mom carry you."

  Stepping outside, Morgane barked at a perplexed Sage. "Hold the restroom door open quick. My daughter has a stomach flu."

  Darting past a suddenly blushing Sage -- rather very intentionally because that is how Mom got her thrills -- Ruby found herself carried, safe and comfortable in Mom's arms.

  As soon as Mom stepped inside, She dropped Ruby. The insides of her belly still did their pathetic resistance, threatening to force things up. Ruby could still taste the bitterness. The Marble tiles beneath her feet, all polished to perfection like the rest of the establishment, held no appeal. No cabins. Just an eborate room, with washbasin, fulllength mirror and naturally, the other two amenities of a restroom.

  Mom's hands still supported her by the back and shoulder, leading her towards the toilet. Her mouth, filled with bile, can't hold much longer. She doubled over, heaving violently.

  "My poor darling, you should feel better soon. Let it out all." Mom was there, behind Ruby, holding her hair. Her palm stroked the back, in tender and soothing motions.

  Ruby regurgitated more, till her stomach emptied.

  Mom knelt beside, gentle rubs ran along her shoulders. "Darling, are you feeling better now?"

  Ruby straightened herself. She sucked air deep. "Is this your pn?"

  "When you truly become my daughter, you will learn my pns never fail." She let her frame drop, just seamless, panty protected butt on the cold marble floor, as though decorum no longer mattered before Ruby. Her fingers combed through Ruby's dark tresses, gathering them behind her ears.

  When Mom leaned in for a comforting hug, Ruby shifted and extracted wipes from the stand nearby.

  "Here. Let me clean you up, Mom." Ruby volunteered. "After all, it is my fault you are covered in puke." She snapped the pstic open. From within, she fished three wet-wipes. They looked velvety yet sturdier than usual ones. After all, Helen catered to a rather specific clientele.

  "Darling, stay. Your stomach needs rest." Mom stretched her arm, denying access.

  Ruby wasn't backing. "Mom, it's only fair." She stretched forward, gently pushing Mom's arm away. "Besides, when in a pinch, it is expected that daughters help their Moms clean."

  "Alright darling. I can trust you." Mom gave up. Her smile held tenderness, threatening to crumble whatever barriers loomed between them.

  Ruby grasped one. She extended her arm, wipes inside her palm.

  Mom bent low to assist. Ruby's eye settled intently on her stain on Mom.

  After two swipes, Ruby realised, and shuffled in apology. "I am sorry. I didn't mean stare like that."

  Morgane raised her chin, sweet smiles filling her space. "No worries, my little darling." She toyed with failing curls from Ruby's forehead. "Just clean me." Then her voice dropped. "I owe you an apology. Your question before. I realise I had no right to act that way."

  "Don't feel bad." Ruby smiled, wiping Mom's chest clean. "It was my fault."

  "It's alright, darling. We can bme me. I may deserve it. Not you." Mom slid closer. Her usual sharp as knife glint in her eyes, was now veiled by a genuine and unguarded apology. "Let me make it up to you. Ask me a question, and I will answer."

  Ruby lifted one shoulder. "Don't worry about it, Mom. You can make it up ter." She resumed cleaning Mom.

  Then, Morgane cupped her daughter's cheeks, her fingers dancing along her jawline. There was something infinitely tender in those touches. "My darling Ruby, I am not used to begging, so please don't force me to do that."

  Their gazes locked, much longer than they should. Eventually, Ruby broke the contact. She changed wipes and continued cleaning.

  "So Mom." Ruby's eyes were still fixed on the task, but she knew Mom listened, intently, to every word. "Why did you give me Dad's sweatshirt and jogging pants instead of my own shirt and tuxedo from yesterday?"

  "You figured it out already, haven't you?"

  "I still want your expnation."

  Morgane curled one loose tress behind Ruby's ear. "When you fainted yesterday... When I held you in my arms, I was gazing at my daughter's face for the first time." She squeezed Ruby's cheeks gently. "I knew I had to make sacrifices. Look, Marcel and I are very different. Your father is very virtuous, the sort who goes to confession booth, and says, 'Bless me father, for I have sinned.' and he means those words. Your mom, on the contrary, I am more of a 'Spank me Daddy, I have been a bad, bad girl' kind of girl.'

  "Ewww.... Mom, can you please stop with sexual innuendo gone overload comments."

  "Darling, innuendo doesn't hurt. I may go all kinky-punishment dominatrix type, You will soon learn." Mom's lips did that suggestive pull to one-side. "You cannot remember, but when you were unconscious yesterday, when I carried you up the stairs, you were calling for your father. So, I felt providing Marcel's old clothes might leave you with a bit of familiar comfort."

  Ruby tossed the st of the wipes in the dispenser and stood up. "You know Mom, you could have told me that openly. Instead, you were pying house, while we were supposed to be a family."

  Those words made Mom snap with a decisive flutter of her eyelids. She stood, and sauntered closer. Her steps, business-like, carefully controlled, seemingly polite and hid a myriad of other emotions unreadable. She stood before the mirror, tilting her head this way and that way, as if rating Ruby's work.

  "Get ready. Now that Helen knows your measurements she would send a fresh wardrobe home." She wetted her fingertips in the faucet and dabbed them on spots around the shoulder and above the breast. "And Ruby darling, get yourself an expensive coat. As much as you look adorable in your current outfit, I don't want my daughter seen in public with her navel exposed." Then, her tone became more detached and impervious. "Orith would still be in her office. I want to catch her before she leaves."

  AnnouncementWell folks, this chapter had some spicy stuff.

  As some of you might have gleamed from my comments in the earlier chapters, genderbender is not one of genre I am too familiar with.The kinks here are new, the beats are still unknown and the nuances of executing them, I am still gathering. So if there is any particur scenario that you would explore, let me know in the comments.Also feel free to drop in the discord or follow me in bsky.

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