"Like we both pitch in money and then you can have it Monday through Wednesday and I could have it Thursday through Saturday and we take turns driving it on Sunday, or whatever," he answered nonchalantly. He was somewhat joking anyways, but splitting the cost of the car did seem like a pretty good idea. And he was tired of taking the bus everywhere all the time. And if he had to share a car with anyone, Jess wasn't a bad person to share it with. She would probably always make sure that the car had gas and do a great job of keeping it clean too.

"That's a good idea. We need to look around before we know what's good anyways," he said with a nod. He then gave her a reassuring smile before taking her hand to lead her around. They looked like a couple of cute girl friends who were just having a good time at the mall. He had to admit, it was nice to be crossdressing and hanging out with a person that he knew and didn't have to hide his true identity from.

They walked past a great number of stores, to check if anything had caught their eyes. As they passed by a Sephora, Nathan remembered something. "Oh! I totally need to stock up on some foundation. Can we go in here to get some?" he asked with wide eyes. Before she could answer him, he had already dragged her into the medium-sized store. It was only once they were inside that he had let go of her hand, and began to search for the foundation he needed.

Before he had found it, he had already grabbed two lipsticks of different shades, the newly released Too Faced blush, and smoky eye shadow. "Ugh... why do I just have to have everything?" he groaned. Knowing that he could not afford all of it, he reluctantly put them all back except for the foundation and the blush.

Realizing that he had accidentally gotten carried away, he went to look for Jess. Once he found her, he rubbed the back of his head nervously, scratching the blonde wig. "...sorry... I got carried away... Did you find anything you liked?"

Jess listened to Nathan explaining how sharing the car would work. And it wasn't that bad an idea, despite not being what she expected. When Nathan agreed to looking around first, he began leading her through the mall clearly knowing what he was doing. They eventually stopped at Sephora when Nathan remembered that he needed to pick up some foundation. Jess followed him inside and started picking a few things up while Nathan went to find what he was looking for. She found some foundation that she liked as well as some eyeshadow that was similar to what Nathan used on her. She was looking over the lipsticks when Nathan decided to get back to her.

"Just some foundation and then something very similar to the eyeshadow you used. I'm trying to find some lipstick I like. And don't worry about it, you know what you're doing and it's not like I'm about to run off without you." Jess answered as she mused over the various shades of lipstick. She couldn't seem to find one that she liked well enough though, and ended up setting them down. You ready to check out?"

Nathan was relieved that Jess wasn't upset with him for running off. "Yeah, I'm ready!" he said cheerfully and he walked over towards the check out line. However, he froze as he saw a familiar pair of girls. One was a brunette and the other was a blonde. "I just feel like Nathan has been avoiding me lately..." the brunette whined.

"Shit... I totally forgot that Rachel said that she was going to go shopping today..." Nathan panicked for a moment. He did his best to calm down. He was wearing a wig and a decent amount of make up. She and Vanessa probably wouldn't be able to recognize him even if they did turn around and saw him. He had seen a dozen of people that he knew while crossdressing, but Rachel was probably the last person he would want to catch him. He took a deep breath and tried to act like nothing was strange or odd. But he did make a motion toward them for Jess so that she would know that they were here too.

And while he was there, he could not help but eavesdrop on their conversation either.

"Do you think I should talk to him about it?"

"I don't know, maybe? Guys hate talking about stuff like that though."

"It's just that I really like him... I really want it to work out between us."

"Maybe, he's just not the right guy for you."

Nathan was starting to feel bad for listening in on their conversation. He wanted to chime in and say that it wasn't her fault and that he was just being a jerk... But that was inappropriate. Instead, he bit his tongue and thought about his relationship with Rachel. Should he put more effort into it? She was a nice girl who really seemed to care about him, even if she was a bit air-headed. They were only together for a short while... so maybe he was judging her too quickly. Maybe they could learn to get along if they stayed together.

Jess kinda followed Nathan toward the check out line and saw Vanessa and Rachel and froze just like Nathan did. Listening in like they were wasn't right, but that didn't stop her. Noticing the Nathan was bothered, likely concerned that he would be caught by his girlfriend, Jess leaned over and whispered into his ear, "It's going to be okay, were just a couple of hot girls, remember? She won't recognise you." She was trying to reassure her best friend, but was actually just as nervous as he was. She had a lot to lose if they were recognised too. She, as calmly as she could, took the lead and guided Nathan into the line to check out. They managed to pay for their things and leave without any issue which finally allowed Jess to let out the breath she didn't realise she was holding. "Okay, where to next?"

Nathan allowed himself to be somewhat calmed down by Jess' whispers of reassurance. They continued down the line with no trouble, and Rachel and Vanessa soon walked away to some other stores or whatever they were going to do next. Nathan shakily paid for his things, but no one seemed to notice anything weird about him. When they finally left the store, Nathan stood there, not saying anything until Jess asked where they wanted to go next.

"... Oh... right... Sorry to cut this short, but I think I should go back home. Uh... I have a paper that's due in two days and you know me, I haven't started on it at all yet," he lied, looking up nervously at the mall ceiling.

All of a sudden, he felt like crumbling apart. He was a pervert, a freak. He needed to get out of here. He needed to text Rachel and try to work things out between her. He needed to be normal, not this. Whatever this was, was not normal.

He then made a run for it. Well, as fast as one could go in high heels and a long dress. He left the mall and sat at the bench of the bus stop. Once he sat down, he realized he hadn't even said goodbye to Jess. He put his face to his hands, feeling more frustrated with himself. How could he had abandoned her? This was her first outing as a girl and he just ran away? He really was the worst.

Jess was about to turn and respond to her friend when suddenly she heard him moving away quickly. As she went to turn around and follow Nathan someone bumped into her, forcing her to lose focus on him. By the time she turned back around Nathan was already gone. She inhaled sharply. She was alone, surrounded by an ocean of people. Suddenly everything was much too loud and people were much too close. She was starting to panic; she wasn't wasn't ready for THIS. She had to get out of there. She had to get away from everyone, somewhere she could breathe. She managed to get to the outer edge near the walls.

"Na... Nadia!? Nadia?" She managed to get out. "Nadia, where did you go?"

When her friend didn't show up to help calm her down, she quickly got outside before anyone got too close and everything got too loud again. She quickly made her way to an exit and pushed through the doors nearly running into someone. She pulled her phone out and sat down on a nearby bench. She quickly scrolled to Nathan's number and hit dial. She needed to get back to him at the very least to grab her... "other" clothes from his apartment. And give back the borrowed clothes... and take off the makeup. The rest of her day was going to be terrible.

Nathan was busy feeling like a jerk when his phone rang. It was James... Well Jess. He should really change the name on his contact, now that he thought about it. Knowing very well what was going to be said, he took a deep breath before picking up the phone. "Jess? I'm so sorry... I don't know what got over me. I'm at the bus stop in front of the mall. Let's just meet here and go back to my apartment, okay?"

Once he said what he needed to say, he hung up.

"Oh my god, I love your dress," a familiar voice was heard from behind him.

His stomach dropped once he realized who it was. "O-oh... thanks..." he stammered, trying to keep his falsetto and hoping that she would not figure out who he really was.

"I'm Rachel by the way! And this is my friend Vanessa," she continued with a cheerful yet oblivious smile on her face. "And you are?"

"Nadia..."

"Cool! I was just on my way to surprising my boyfriend. I bought some of his favorite snacks since he was 'bro-ing' it out with his best friend," she explained, holding up the Target bags filled with chips and other assorted goods.

"H-how... thoughtful of you..." he managed to say. Wait... she was going to surprise him... At his apartment... Where he is currently not at... because he is right there in front of her... Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

"Yeah, I'm hoping that this would help things between us. He's been so distant lately, and I just want him to really like me..."

"I think I'm going to pass out," he thought to himself.

Jess was relieved when Nathan answered his phone and quickly started over to the bus stop. What could have caused that reaction? Why did he think she was upset, it wasn't his fault she got separated from him... was it? She was just glad to hear that he didn't get too far yet. Fortunately the bus stop wasn't too far away from where she was, only a short distance around the corner from her. She walked as quickly as she could so they wouldn't have to wait for the next bus just to head back to the apartment. However when she rounded the corner and saw Nathan talking to Rachel and Vanessa she knew things weren't going to end well either way. By the way things looked they were heading to the apartment as well probably to surprise them. That would end worse for Nathan than it would for her. In fact just about any unless she diverted their attention onto her. But was she willing to sacrifice her anonymity to save her friend's anonymity. He owed her BIG TIME for what she was about to do.

"Nessa?" she shakily managed to get out, specifically using a nickname that 'James' used for her. It would distract her and hopefully Rachel as well from Nathan and hopefully buy him time to get back to the apartment and get changed back. She felt so scared, so anxious she felt like she was going to pass out. She barely made it to the bus stop on her feet. "I'm sorry, Nessa, for not being truthful." she said as she sat down on the ground. She was having trouble catching her breath she was so scared.

Vanessa didn't believe it at first even though she knew deep down that the girl talking to her was James. Except, he was dressed as a girl and begrudgingly she had to admit that he looked good. "James....?" she asked hesitantly. "Why are you dressed like that? What's going on? Is this a dare? Did Nathan make you do this?" she continued to barrage Jess with questions.

Rachel, who was talking to the girl that she did not know was Nathan yet, stopped in her tracks and focused her attention on her best friend and her...boyfriend? "What is it, Vanessa?"

Meanwhile, Nathan stared agape as Jess revealed herself to the girls. His stomach knotted and while he was grateful for what she had just did for him, he was also incredibly guilty. "I'm so sorry, Jess..." he thought, as if she would somehow be able to read his mind. The bus soon arrived, but since Rachel and Vanessa were distracted by Jess' "coming out", Nathan managed to slip on and the bus continued to go along its way without them.

As soon as he made it to his apartment, he ripped off the wig, not caring if it got ruined. He removed the make up and nail polish, and then changed into a normal pair of black sweatpants and a t-shirt. He threw his female clothes into his closet and locked it. After he was done, he sat still on his bed and buried his face into his hands. He hated himself. What kind of best friend was he? How could he let Jess take the fall like that by herself? He would understand if she never wanted to talk to him again... But... Ugh!

"I'm going to get rid of my weird habit once and for all," he decided at last. He would throw it all away or donate it if that was more practical. He reached for his phone, debating whether or not he should text Jess.... but couldn't find the will to do it so he put his phone back down and continued to wallow.

Jess managed to pull herself together for a moment to explain after she looked up briefly to see Nathan get on the bus. "I... No no. This, her mouth felt dry for a minute, as she breathed deeply to reinforce her momentary, and quickly fleeing, calmness. "This isn't a dare, and Nathan didn't force me to do this. She closed her eyes for a second and thought how she could pull a win out of this catastrophe. It came suddenly and it took everything she had not to grin, but she had it.

"I met up with him and he knew something was bothering me so I explained the basic stuff. Family and the diner and everyday stuff. But he kept asking knowing it wasn't everything. I..." she licked her lips quickly to moisten them before continuing "I was tired of lying to him. I mean he's my best friend, practically my brother and I have been lying to him for so long. I told him that I forgot about something back home and would explain when I got back. I'm trans, Nessa... I shouldn't have been born as a guy. I was heading back when I got nervous. I panicked and got off and wandered the mall for a bit. I had just worked up the nerve to head over to explain to him when I heard you and Rachel saying you were headed there to meet up with us and you'd have seen me there and I... I... I'm scared Nessa. I'm so scared of how he'll react. He's my best friend and I've known him for so long and I can't lose anymore of my family with Mom and Dad and Kylie."

Vanessa kinda look confused until the big reveal. "Oh. So you were scared of what others would think, what I would think, what even Nathan would think. I think I understand. It makes sense that things wouldn't work out between us. Ummm. Would you like us to go with you?"

"Hold on a moment! Rachel said glaring at Jess. "So you're trans, should have been a woman. Ok fine. You're friends with Nathan. Ok. You're going over without his girlfriend there. Not quite okay. We're going regardless if she is Vanessa." Rachel told them

'Did that really just work?' Jess thought to herself letting her surprise show through. "You're not mad, or freaked out or anything? And you want go with me to... To tell Nathan?"

"Yeah, I mean it is a little weird and entirely unexpected, but I do like you as a friend and what kind of friend would I be if I didn't try to get to know the real you. Come on, stand up. Vanessa said, offering Jess a hand which was promptly accepted.

"Thanks. I'll let him know that I'm still coming back and just had to stop for something to explain why it took so long. That way the two of you can still surprise him if you want." Jess pulls out her phone and texts Nathan. It would take plenty long enough to wait for the next bus that's on the same route to arrive to take them to Nathan's apartment for Nathan to have changed back into him clothes and cleaned off. "Nathan, It's Jess. I'm okay surprisingly and it's ok you got on the bus and left me. They know about me and not about you, but they don't know you know about me. We're on our way as soon as we get on the next bus that actually is on the right route comes by. Calm down. Get yourself fixed up. And pretend you don't recognize me at first and all that. We may just make it out of this in one piece after all." She sent to Nathan.

"Look we've got sometime before the next bus, let's go inside real quick so I can help fix your makeup." Vanessa suggested, as she guided Jess back into the mall and into a nearby women's room. It was so much cleaner than she had expected. Vanessa carefully washed off the smudged makeup off and expertly redid it as it had been before the near catastrophe had happened.

"You really are the best." Jess said to Vanessa as they left the women's room and went back out to the bus stop, just minutes before the next bus arrived. All she had to do was actually remember to breathe and hope that Nathan could act well enough and they might just pull this off.

Nathan wasn't too surprised when he got a text from Jess. He was surprised at what she had texted him though. He could not believe that she was okay with it... He definitely owed her big time. Bigger than smuggling her into the amusement park for free. Bigger than giving her all of the women clothing he had accumulated over the years. But he'll have to think of a way to make it up to her later. "Roger that, Miss Romanov," he texted her back quickly. Then he added, "I'm still really sorry." Even though Jess may have been okay with it, Nathan still didn't forgive himself for his behavior.

He had already taken off everything so he had some time to recompose himself and look like he was just sitting there... not crossdressing and running around in the mall. He turned on his PS4 after deciding that playing a video game would be the best alibi. He was too distracted to do well in the game, not that it really mattered to him. He was trying to figure out how he was going to act around them. And he needed to figure out a way to fix his relationship with Rachel. And how he was going to get rid of his crossdressing junk. Maybe he could pay his sister some money back if she took them and sold them for him.

He looked at the clock anxiously. Jess and the others should be here any minute now. When his eyes returned to the t.v. screen, he had already gotten killed with a head shot. "...I bet my teammates want to kill me right now..." he thought to himself, and the thought amused him for a moment. A split second of not thinking about Vanessa, Jess, and whatever. Which was nice while it lasted.

Jess was being as calm as she could as she sat next to Rachel and Vanessa, when she received Nathan's text. Nathan knew they were on their way. It was just a matter of passing the time until they actually arrived, and that made her nervous because she didn't know what to talk about. Fortunately Vanessa knew how to get the conversation started.

"You know you never did tell us your name. Have you decided on one yet?"

"Actually yes, I have. I'm planning on using Jessica Alice. Thanks again by the way for all the help you're giving me. Both of you. I don't know how much longer I would have been before making back without you two."

"Well it's nice to meet you Jess, I'm Rachel and this is Vanessa. So do you have any hobbies or are you just like James."

"Well I prefer to read a lot more, I don't mind chick flicks or Marvel movies, but for the most part I don't know. This is the first time I've been out as Jess. I... I..."

"Hey it's okay not to know what you like yet. You're more or less just getting started with your life."

"How about dating? Are you interested in anyone? What kind of people are you interested in?"

"I haven't really thought much about dating. I planned on waiting until I had finished with everything, but I'm mostly interested in women. There's been a couple of guys but things wouldn't work out yet anyway. They always seem to be dating someone else." 'Especially the one I currently have a crush on.' "No reason to knowingly break my heart. But they should ideally be reasonably intelligent, well built is always a plus, and I would like for them to enjoy cuddling."

The air was calm around her as a light flush crossed her face as she realized what she had said. She was surprised how easily she shared something that just hours, days, a couple weeks ago would have been kept hidden. It was scary. Yet she also couldn't imagine it being any other way at the moment. She was actually happy for a change and not just forcing it like she did far too often than could possibly be healthy for her. Looking next to her Vanessa was smirking and Rachel was grinning. 'If only she knew who I had feelings for she wouldn't be so happy.'

A short time later the bus arrived at the apartment building and the three girls stepped off the bus. Vanessa put a hand on Jessica's shoulder and Rachel put one around the small of her back. Even though she knew Nathan already knew, she was nervous. He just barely escaped an embarrassing situation a short time ago. And here she was bringing the three of them to his apartment when ultimately it was their fault, mostly her own, that caused it.

After a second the began walking up the stairs and in short order found themselves outside the door to Nathan's apartment. Rachel knocked on the door and they waited to see what would happen.

Nathan jumped when he heard a knock on the door. He immediately exited out of the game session and called out, "Coming!" He got up from the couch and opened the door. He wasn't surprise to see Rachel, Vanessa, and Jess there, but he could pretend.

"Oh hey girls, what are you guys doing here?" he asked with his perfected fake smile. "And who's your friend?" He made it a point to take a long look at Jess as if he was observing her for the first time. And to further sell it, he added, "Oh by the way, you guys just missed James. He stepped out for a minute..."

"Actually... babe..." Vanessa started, being the first one to speak after Nathan's rambling. "This is James... Well, obviously she's a girl and going by a girl name but... Yeah."

Nathan's eyes widened in feigned shock. "J-james? Is that really you? Wow... I couldn't even recognize you," he bit his lower lip. He wasn't that good at acting, but it seemed to convince Vanessa and Rachel who stood beside Jess awkwardly.

"I know it's a lot to take in but let us introduce you to Jessica Alice Reese."

"Nice to meet you, Jess," he said, mentally noting the sense of dejavu from earlier today.

"That's all you have to say? She was so freaking worried about how you were going to react!" Rachel scolded him.

"... I don't know... it's just kind of a shock. Jess, you know that I still care about you. It's just.. weird..." He knew that she would know that he didn't mean that. Hopefully? And he hoped that Rachel wasn't suspicious about how he was acting either.

"I think we should give them some space to talk, Nessa," Rachel said, dragging her friend back out of the apartment.

"But-"

"No buts, let's go. Hope you guys figure it out or whatever," Rachel said with a wave of her hand.

It was obvious that Vanessa wanted to stay, perhaps she was worried about Jess being alone with Nathan. "Text me tonight babe!" she called out before Rachel closed the door behind them.

Nathan stood there for a moment. He couldn't believe that it had worked. "....Thanks...." he said finally after what felt like an eternity. "... I'm the worst friend in the world."

Jess laughed and walked into the apartment and hugged Nathan lightly after Vanessa and Rachel walked away. It was so good to be safe. She rested her head against his shoulder. "Yeah you great big idiot, you are the absolute worst friend ever. Let's go back in and actually relax now. That was more than enough excitement for today." She felt safe in his arms but backed up and closed the door before walking to the couch.

She carefully sat down, resting her head on the back of the couch and closing her eyes. She let out a sigh and raised her head. "We've got to be more careful than that. I'm sorry I put you in that situation, Nate. I really am. I really wanted to actually be out as myself and not wear a mask like I always do. But I did enjoy being out with Nadia while it lasted." She said with a sad smile. She briefly closed her eyes and bit her lip slightly. What were they going to do now? She didn't want to go home just yet, nor did she want to change back.