Chioriya Boutique
Luna was lounging on the sofa as usual, engrossed in a book. Chiori glanced at her, paused her needlework, and walked over to poke her stomach.
"Got a moment?"
"Nope, I'm busy reading my novel."
Chiori gave her belly a little pinch. "So you are free. I have a job for you."
"Alright. Who do I kill?"
"The weird ideas in your head."
Luna closed her book, set it aside, and grinned. "That might be a bit difficult. What if 99% of my thoughts are weird?"
"Then it's best to clean them out. Joking aside, it's a modeling job. You know the drill."
Luna casually lifted the hem of her shirt, letting Chiori run her hands over her stomach.
It wasn't like anyone else was around.
Chiori carefully felt the area. "Feels like you've gotten a bit chubbier."
"I'm tired of hearing that. How could I possibly gain weight when I exercise every day? Though the parts up top have gotten a size bigger. Want to feel?"
Luna smiled faintly.
Chiori shot her a sideways glance.
Then she moved her hand upward. The soft, yielding texture confirmed it—they really were a little bigger.
"A miracle."
"The result of my hard work. All that milk I drink every day wasn't for nothing," Luna said confidently.
Chiori huffed lightly. "Or it could be the result of someone else's hard work."
"Jealous?"
"Yes."
"Vinegar-Chi."
Chiori took a sharp breath, feeling a flicker of irritation. "Don't make lame puns right now."
"Alright, alright."
"...Back to business. A fashion magazine invited me to participate in a special series showcasing my designs. Naturally, I chose you as the model."
Luna beamed with satisfaction. "If you hadn't, I would have cried my eyes out."
"I've changed my mind. I'll pick someone else."
"No take-backs!"
Chiori pulled the lounging Luna to her feet. "Come on, let's look at the outfit you'll be wearing. It might need some adjustments."
"Carry me on your back."
"It's just a few steps. No way. Hurry up."
Chiori mercilessly refused, dragging Luna up and into the fitting room.
Then she brought out the prepared garment.
Luna's eyes widened with interest. "Oh? Isn't this a wedding dress?"
It was ethereal and white, but the skirt was shorter than a traditional gown and clearly incorporated elements from other nations—a signature Chiori-style wedding dress.
And asking her to wear a wedding dress meant...
"Your fashion series... it's a wedding special?"
"Yes," Chiori confirmed. "Ever since you dragged me onto the Fashion Show stage, the number of people ordering wedding dresses from me has inexplicably skyrocketed. I think it's probably because of you."
"Is it because you and I look so good together?"
Chiori offered a small smile. "It's probably because the outfit you made for me looked so much like a wedding dress, even though it was technically a formal gown. Anyway, just try this on first."
As she spoke, she began unbuttoning Luna's clothes, expertly changing her out of them.
Luna stroked Chiori's hair and pecked her cheek. Feeling her own heart race and seeing Luna's pale skin, Chiori felt a surge of desire, a craving she wanted to satisfy with real action.
"Stop messing around," she said, though.
Now's not the time. We have work to do.
"So cold, Vinegar-Chi," Luna murmured nonchalantly.
"Stop giving me weird nicknames."
"Or... are you waiting until I'm in the wedding dress to do something?"
"...We'll talk about that later."
She didn't deny it.
Seeing this, Luna chuckled. "Chiori, your mind is always filled with those kinds of thoughts, isn't it?"
"That's you, isn't it?"
Luna knew it was work time, so she obediently let Chiori dress her in the wedding gown. But without Luna's caresses and kisses, Chiori suddenly found her motivation draining away.
"Tsk."
She clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"A bad mood is bad for your skin, you know."
"And whose fault is it that I'm always like this?" Chiori retorted irritably. "I can't help it..."
She pinched Luna's chin and kissed her forcefully.
Absorbing Luna's essence...
After a moment, Chiori exhaled a hot breath, finally calming down a little.
Maybe this is what they call the honeymoon phase, she thought. The slightest touch can spark an inextinguishable flame.
Luna, unfazed, examined her reflection in the mirror.
"Ta-da! Phantom Thief White Cat: Bridal Version!"
"Are you planning to steal treasure in a wedding dress?" Chiori sighed.
"It's not out of the question."
"Don't turn this into performance art."
Chiori studied Luna, thinking that this type of wedding dress truly suited her. Paired with her brilliant golden hair and red eyes, the effect was exquisite.
This could definitely be a magazine cover!
"Alright, take it off. We're going to the photoshoot location tomorrow. It'll take up some of your time, so cancel all your plans with other women."
Luna feigned surprise. "Wow, you're not even asking? Just ordering me to cancel everything?"
Chiori narrowed her eyes.
"Hmph. So women are your whole world, huh?"
"You are too, you know," Luna said, drying the water from her fingertips.
Me too?
If Chiori hadn't held back for so long, there wouldn't have been any other women in Fontaine to begin with.
Chiori crossed her arms and let out a soft huff, offering no comment.
-
The next day, Luna and Chiori arrived at the photoshoot location. After changing into wedding dresses, Luna struck pose after pose before the camera, leaving behind a series of stunning photographs that brought tears to the photographer's eyes.
"What an incredible photogenic presence! And not a hint of pretension—she's completely different from everyone else..."
Chiori asked intently, "Can this be the cover?"
"That's not my call, but since it's Miss Luna, unless they've lost their minds, she's definitely getting the cover."
"Good."
"By the way, Miss Chiori, why aren't you joining in? You've already modeled at the Fashion Show before. Your elegant bearing and striking features—though your expression is a bit cold—would make you perfect for modeling too."
Chiori smiled faintly. "Thank you, but I have no interest."
"Really not interested?"
Back at Chioriya Boutique, Luna couldn't help but ask.
"What?"
"Modeling. When you walked the runway with me, happiness was written all over your face."
Chiori sighed. "I don't recall being 'written all over with happiness.' If I smiled, it wasn't because I was modeling. It was because of the clothes you made for me. It was because I love you."
Luna shivered.
"What are you shivering for?" Chiori raised an eyebrow.
"So cheesy."
"Ha? You, of all people—the one who flirts with everyone—have the nerve to say that?" Chiori wasn't embarrassed in the slightest. "If you think it's cheesy, it's because you're not used to hearing it. Well, you'd better get used to it. From now on, I'll only say it more, not less—unless you make me angry."
Chiori pretended to inspect her nails. "When that happens, what I'll be saying won't be 'I love you,' but..."
"You want to love me to death?" Luna interrupted, pulling Chiori's face close and whispering, "But I doubt little ChiChi can manage that on her own, can she?"
Chiori frowned. "Are you provoking me? Hmph. I'll make you regret it."
"I'm not convinced. It's always Chiori who breaks first."
"You..."
For once, Chiori's face flushed red. She bit her lip but refused to fall for Luna's bait. She knew Luna was just trying to provoke her into a "real fight" so she could pin her down.
Despicable and cunning. That's Luna for you.
"...I still have something to do," Chiori exhaled, changing the subject.
"What is it?"
"You'll see. Wait for me outside for a moment, then we'll go somewhere."
Outside? Why outside?
Though confused, Luna did as Chiori asked and waited outside for a short while.
"Alright."
Chiori emerged from the doorway, carrying a box.
"What's inside?"
"Nothing important," Chiori said casually.
"So secretive."
"Keeping things mysterious is the only way to keep a cat like you interested."
She flipped the "Open" sign on Chioriya Boutique's door to "Closed," locked up, and took Luna's hand, leading her away.
The place Chiori brought Luna to was the small church just outside the city—the same location where Luna had her photoshoot yesterday.
Luna smiled. "A church? Are you here to pray?"
"Does coming to a church automatically mean you have to pray? I don't think so." Chiori pushed the door open. "This place is outside the city, so almost no one ever comes here."
As expected, the interior was empty. There was no sign of anyone nearby.
Once Luna was inside, Chiori closed the door and locked it, clearly wanting no interruptions.
"So, Chiori," Luna asked, "why did you bring me all the way out here?"
She's playing dumb.
Chiori didn't answer. Instead, she opened the box and took out an outfit—the very wedding dress Luna had worn before.
"Put it on."
"And then?"
"And then," Chiori whispered, "comes the most important part."
She handed the wedding dress to Luna, then pulled another one from the box. Though identical in style, this one was clearly tailored for her, fitting her perfectly.
Luna understood Chiori's intentions immediately.
"Aren't you going to invite any guests?"
"Having you is enough for me."
Though, Chiori mused, it would be amusing to have other women watch them from the pews.
But Chiori knew very well—if she actually did that, a "wedding crashing" incident would be inevitable, and she had no desire to see that happen.
Since the dresses weren't traditional, they didn't need help putting them on. Still, Luna moved closer to Chiori.
"Let me help you change," she offered.
Chiori smiled faintly. "Alright."
After helping each other into their wedding dresses, they stood facing one another.
"Chiori," Luna asked, "how long have you been waiting for today?"
"I wasn't exactly counting the days. The only measure of time for me was the progress of the outfits. I poured my heart and soul into them, so—"
Chiori's lips curved into a smile. "—you go first with the vows."
Luna clasped her hands behind her back, grinning. "What kind of vows? 'In sickness and in health, never give you up, never let you down, never run around and desert you'?"
"That sounds like some kind of scam."
"That's just your prejudice."
Chiori shrugged. "Perhaps. I'm not interested in conventional, flowery promises. We don't even need vows, really."
She spoke with confidence. "Because I know you'll always come back to me in the end."
Even without vows.
It was a display of absolute trust. And there was only one way Luna could respond.
She took Chiori's hand, her lips pursed slightly. "But you still want me to say something, don't you, Chiori?"
"Yes."
Chiori's eyes narrowed into smiling crescents.
"I want to be in a good mood, so just say whatever you like, in your own words."
Whatever I like? In that case... Luna wrapped her arms around Chiori and whispered, "Then you'd better keep a tight grip on my collar. If I happen to slip free..."
"You'll just come back when you get hungry anyway."
Chiori returned the embrace.
Light streamed through the stained-glass windows, bathing the two women in their wedding dresses as they held each other.
Chiori took a small step back and produced a small box. She opened it to reveal a single ring.
"Only one?" Luna asked, puzzled.
"Yes. Don't bother looking for another; this one's for you. Think of it as another kind of collar. You must wear it at all times—even when we're doing that."
So I don't need to wear it on my ring finger during... that, but I have to wear it on my ring finger in daily life?
Well, I don't mind.
Luna extended her hand. "Then put it on for me."
"I thought you'd ask something like, 'What if this starts rumors?'"
"Do you think I'd care?"
"No."
Luna declared confidently, "And I trust you've already thought of that."
"That I have."
Chiori gave a faint smile.
She cupped Luna's palm with one hand, picked up the ring with the other, and slipped it onto Luna's ring finger.
Looking down, the first thing Luna saw was the exquisite pattern engraved on it—scissors and a moon... It looked as if the scissors were biting down on the moon.
Luna had a feeling. "You made this?"
"You can tell?"
"Just a feeling."
Chiori continued to hold Luna's hand, her voice filled with satisfaction. "As expected of my work. It suits you perfectly."
"If you'd told me earlier, I could have prepared one for you too," Luna sighed.
"If I'd told you, there would have been no surprise. For me, the best gift in return is your surprise and delight. Treasure it, understand?"
Luna caressed the ring, her voice soft. "Of course. It's a beautiful treasure."
[Moon and Scissors]
[Info: A ring personally crafted by Chiori. The intricate engraving depicts a pair of scissors biting down on the moon. The moon will not be severed, nor will the scissors' blades break; they will only hold on relentlessly—a manifestation of Chiori's intentions... in every sense.]
Seeing Luna so captivated by the ring, Chiori smiled with deep satisfaction.
Nothing could have made her happier.
"Normally, wear it on another finger," Chiori instructed. "But when we're doing that... wear it on your ring finger for me. It'll prevent trouble, and I want all the other women to see it."
Chiori shoved Luna down, pinning her body. "You belong to me."
But what if Luna, despite belonging to Chiori and wearing her ring, still got close to other women?
Chiori could only answer: As long as it messes with their heads, that's enough.
Even if it costs me dearly, I'll make sure you suffer more!
Besides, when Luna did that kind of thing with her, Chiori could watch too. Just seeing it brought her immense satisfaction.
The words had barely left her lips when Luna flipped the tables, pinning Chiori beneath her.
"No, Chiori. You belong to me."
She gently caressed Chiori's face.
She's so beautiful in her pure white wedding dress, Luna thought.
Chiori couldn't resist reaching out as well.
The same thought surfaced in both their minds simultaneously: I want to make her blush so hard she can't speak. I want to gently peel back this "skin," leave my mark... make her eyes see only me, saturate her with my scent, blur her consciousness until she's speechless and helpless, left with nothing but pure, raw desire.
"I want to devour you," Luna whispered, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
"No, this time it's my turn."
Chiori tried to reverse their positions, but she couldn't move an inch.
She's gotten stronger!
The next moment, her breath was sealed by a soft, yielding touch as their white wedding dresses pressed tightly together. Her racing heart could no longer calm itself. Resigned, Chiori slowly wrapped her arms around Luna.
"Tch... We'll take turns. You first, then me. Understand?"
Her eyes glazed over, a hint of haze clouding their depths.
"Of course. I'd be just as happy being pinned down by you, Chiori."
"...I wouldn't be—"
Luna intertwined their fingers, feeling the frantic, joyful drumming of Chiori's heart.
"Liar. You're clearly enjoying this, aren't you? Someone as stubborn as you, Chiori, just needs... to be melted, little by little."
Luna lowered her head again.
Chiori felt her body and soul slowly dissolving in this warmth. She clung desperately to her last shred of clarity, trying to maintain her final bit of stubborn resistance.
But the words whispered in her ear—"I love you, Chiori"—sent a shiver through her entire body.
"...I've known that for a long time."
Chiori closed her eyes, finally letting herself relax completely.
"You're impossible."
Though her words were sharp, a faint smile touched her lips. Luna mirrored it, then released their intertwined hands.
The glittering rings would surely be veiled by a sheen of moisture... but that was exactly what Chiori wanted.
Inside the church, the time shared by the two women in their wedding dresses continued to unfold.
-
Chiori woke up, unsure how much time had passed.
"Where... am I?"
A familiar room. This was her own home.
She sat up, a slight chill brushing against her skin. Luna was sitting by the bed, examining the ring in her hand.
"Awake? You passed out again. You still have a ways to go, Chiori."
Luna kissed Chiori, grinning.
In response, Chiori only took a deep breath.
Followed by a pillow flying at her face.
"Next time, I'll definitely make you pass out!" Chiori retorted, the tips of her ears burning.