Prom date for hire (MTF)

At the dance

Paul took Ian's arm and he walked her into the dance. Her long earrings (which she'd also borrowed from Ian's friend) batted against her neck as Paul turned her head this way and that, mouth open in amazement. 

She couldn't believe she was in a party like this – there were strands of lights everywhere, glowing radiant across high-arched ceilings. The ballroom was tall enough to accommodate actual trees, which were strung with shimmering garland. Fine-suited waitstaff carried silver platters between the guests. Ian hadn't lied – the food looked amazing. Now that Paul's stomach had settled after the strange sensations of the transformation potion, she realized she was extremely hungry.

"We'll just be here for a little while," Ian said. His voice was still apologetic. "The potion only lasts a few hours, anyway. Then we can go back to the dorms and, like, play video games or something. Or you can never talk to me again. Either way."

Paul was still angry at Ian – she at least would've liked a warning before unexpectedly growing breasts in her dorm room. She was surprised by how easy it was to get used to this body; she liked how smooth her skin felt, and she liked the feeling of her hair curling demurely against her neck. Maybe she'd have to grow her hair out when she changed back. She caught Ian looking out of the corner of her eye; when he saw her notice, Ian blushed and looked away.

"Let's just go meet your friends," Paul said, smoothing her hands over her dress. "If I'm going to look this good, we might as well milk it."

"You're the best," Ian said breathlessly, then offered his arm again. He led her across the ballroom and Paul tried her best not to trip on her high heels. They made her feel powerful, in some strange way. The sharp click, click of the stilettos on the tile. Couples parted for them as they walked. Paul was a little surprised to notice that a few men were staring at her as she passed. It wasn't uncomfortable, because she wasn't herself – himself – herself. Paul turned to face forward again, trying to keep herself from laughing. This could be fun, if she let it be.

"You're supposed to be my date," Ian said jokingly, noticing her catching the eye of a tall brunette in a blue suit. 

"Jealous?" Paul asked, fluttering her lashes at him.

"Please don't do that," Ian said, closing his eyes. He was blushing again! Paul was delighting in this. Oh, she would torment him.

"Don't do what?" She breathed, biting her lip.

"Ugh, you dick," Ian said, looking away. "Stop making it weird."

"Making it weird?" Paul asked innocently. "What did you bring me here for if not to perform?"

"Perform for them," Ian said, gesturing at a group of people at a high-top. They were sharing appetizers on small plates, laughing as one of them – a short, stocky redheaded guy – told an animated story.

Paul ceased her flirting and stopped walking, suddenly afraid. She did know these people. She'd been bowling with them a few times. A quick terror fell over her and she wanted to run away, or at least power-walk away in these four-inch heels. Ian must've seen her nervousness, because he gave her a quick look, and then he grabbed her hand. Paul startled at the contact. Ian's hand was warm, and her fingers brushed against his rough skin. She was a little horrified to feel a tingle run through her. She resisted the urge to run her finger down his arm.

It's Ian, she thought. I'm not attracted to Ian.

And yet, there was a strange, undeniable warmth in her stomach that said yes, you are.

"It'll be alright," he said, finally looking at her again. "They love hanging out with you."

They do? Paul wondered. She felt a little more confident at the assurance.

"But I'm not me," Paul said, feeling hyper-aware of herself, how different she was, how good her body felt, but how much it was not her body.

"You're still you," Ian said, though he looked awkward about it. 

Charmingly awkward, Paul thought, as she looked up into his imploring face. Have his eyes always been so blue?

"Trust me," he said, and although Paul knew there was nothing Ian had done to earn her trust – she wouldn't be a she if Ian were trustworthy – she let him lead her into the group.