Into The Aether

Chapter Thirty-One: A Surprisingly Welcome Surprise

I squinted a little in disbelief before confirming that my eyes were not deceiving me. Sitting on one of the benches was a medium sized paper bag. The words were all in German but I made out the word "Berlin". I frowned and cocked my head to the side as I looked at it. What on earth? I retreated back to the shower and grabbed my towel. I slung my clothes back over the pipe which was swiftly warming up and wrapped myself in the towel.

I went to investigate the mysterious bag with my pistol still in hand. I cautiously tiptoed over and made sure I was alone before focusing my attention back on the bag. I pulled on one of the handles to open it - revealing toiletries and some kind of clothing. I then realised there was a small tag attached to the handle of the bag.

"Kiana,

I hope these items will meet your requirements. It must be so very difficult having to maintain yourself in this hellhole. Mind you, it must be very difficult being a woman in the first place. It baffles me how your kind find the energy for such things. I am exhausted simply thinking about it.

P.S - I also bought you something nice to wear. It is a crime allowing you to walk around in that military get up with those ugly boots and ill-fitting trousers... if you can even call them trousers! It is all so drab and masculine."

I looked up from the note and off into the distance as I tried to process what the heck I had just read. After a few seconds of trying to take all this in, all I could do was blink. The bastard came home early to sneak up on me whilst I finally felt safe enough to shower. I was torn between marching to his office and shouting at him and diving into the bag and appraising the items in it. The luxurious perfumes wafted out the bag like a siren to ships.

I chose the latter and rummaged through the contents of the bag. I pulled out a box of lavendar soap - a far cry from the chalky crap I had just tried to use. Next, I pulled out lavender shampoo and conditioner as well as a natural loofah sponge. There was also a bottle of pomegranate face cleanser and a linen cloth to go with it. But, the main spectacle had to be the assortment of razors waiting for me at the bottom of the bag.

I almost squealed with excitement as I hurriedly ran back to the shower - forgetting to check the items of clothing. I would have to keep that surprise for after my descaling! I happily exfoliated and slathered my hair for the next hour as I selfishly took my time - enjoying the newfound solitude. I did not even care where Richtofen was anymore; I was completely in the moment. And I doubted that he would hide away in one of the lockers like some horny schoolboy. Though, stranger things have happened.

Steam enveloped the room as I finally shut off the water. I wrapped myself in my towel and picked up my old clothes before skipping happily back to the lockers. I laid them down before taking out the wrapped parcel of clothes. I gently tore away the tissue paper to be met with the first folded item. I eagerly held it up as it unfurled to reveal a double-breasted longline wool coat. It was a deep bordeaux colour and fitted at the waist with a flare hem.

I was a bit surprised before I put it aside and pulled out the next item. As it unfurled, it revealed itself to be a dark emerald, A-line, wrap front dress. It clearly looked straight out of the 40's which was very surprising. I then pulled out a pair of leather brougue lace up shoes with a cut out on each side of the foot.

Inside one of the shoes was another note which read:

"I have long since observed your aversion to anything with a heel - despite your height. Hopefully these will be suitable enough.

And I know how you feel about the style of clothing. But please, do give them a chance! I can already imagine how beautiful they will look on you...

One more thing, check the next bag. There are some pairs of hosiery and underwear. I had to guess your brassiere size. I do wonder if I was correct..."

My eyes widened before I shook my head in disbelief. Wow, that was not creepy at all. I had completely flooded my clothes when Richtofen entered to leave the bag and even the warm pipe I left them on was not enough to fully dry them yet. So, sadly, I relented and dressed in my new clothes.

And yes, the underwear did fit perfectly - goodness knows how he so accurately guessed. In fact, I did not even want to know how he figured it out! As I rummaged deeper, I also found a hairbrush and a red chain pattern scarf which hid away at the bottom of the bag - as well as a rouge lipstick. A lip colour that in no way suits me, great!

Once I had finished dressing, I went over to one of the mirrors to look at myself. I grimaced as I looked like some cringey pin up before flipping my wet hair forward and covering it with the towel. My new shoes clicked across the tiled floor as I made my way back to the bag. I went back to the shower to gather my old clothes and new toiletries and placed them in the bag. I put on the wool coat and buttoned it up in a vain attempt to hide the dress.

I walked over to the door to leave before stopping and taking a deep breath. I braced myself for the reaction of the others before pushing the door open. I took my time making my way back as I tried to delay the inevitable. I imagined Dempsey's unbridled gawking, Nikolai's slurred attempts at a compliment and Primis' fit of blushing which would no doubt ensue.

Unfortunately, I did make my way back to the stage where the men were all still sleeping. I had gotten up very early as I had hoped to sneak back undetected. Just as I got to my sofa, Primis' eyes shot open as my heart sank.

"He is back by zhe vay--", he said matter-of-fact before being taken aback by my new attire.

"Aye, I know", I said sarcastically before pointing to my clothes.

Primis took in the new look before a blush enveloped his face. I rolled my eyes as my prediction had been completely spot on.

"Eyes here, please", I said trying to gain his attention again.

"Where is he now?" I asked once his eyes were back on my face.

Primis tried to gain some composure before pointing up to the projector room. As I looked up, I saw there was a faint glow from a light in his office.

"Right, I'm off to thank him and shout at him", I stated dryly before making my way to the teleporter.

"Jou cannot get up zhere. He has jammed zhe teleporter so no vone can enter", Primis said jumping up after me.

I realised this before stopping to think. After a moment, I walked out onto the floor below the projector room and shouted out.

"Oh, Money Bags! Come out", I yelled out.

Primis was back on the sofa as we both watched to see whether Richtofen would come to the window. After I was about to give up, a tall shadow danced across the ceiling and Richtofen poked his head out to see where the noise was coming from.

"Down here!" I called out again as Richtofen followed my voice.

His usual scowling demeanour was replaced by a smile when he saw I was wearing the new clothes.

"Oh, I shee jou decided to vear it! Jou look very feminine und ladylike for vonce", he said condescendingly with a triumphant smirk.

"Let me come up", I said ignoring his comments.

"Nein!" Richtofen shouted before narrowing his eyes.

He leaned out the window and glared down at me as I glared back up at him. We both stood there for what felt like ages before he finally relented.

"Fine zhen, I vill come get jou. Do not touch zhe teleporter or do anyzhing shtupid", he snapped.

I looked back over at Primis with a look of victory as I skipped over to the teleporter.

As I stood waiting for his arrival, a flash of blinding white light appeared before an arm reached out and pulled me in.

All that was left behind was the towel I had wrapped around my hair.

End of chapter thirty-one...