A disgusted groan left Kahdreg's lips, the aroma making a small flash of panic rise up. They leaned closer to peer into the bags resting on Avicia's lap, silently taking solace in her body heat and scent so unlike the siren's manufactured aroma. "Are there any actual gifts in these things?"

"A few things. Some enamel pins, gift cards and vouchers, some cufflinks, a wristwatch, and a new trendy instant camera." Avicia pointed out the things as she said them. The camera was at least sixty dollars. She didn't even want to think about how expensive the watch was.

The goodies were a far cry from the plastic tiddlywinks and erasers she would get as a party favors. She glanced up to Kahdreg - trying to ignore how close they were - as an unimpressed look creased her face. "Grab bags for a charity event sounds super sus."

"Yeah, welcome to how the upper crust do philanthropy," the orc sighed, leaning back against the couch. They realized, as they shifted, their arm rested on the back of the couch, almost curling around Avicia's shoulders. Knowing they should move it, something else overpowered the urge, and their arm remained in place.

After all, Avicia had basically used them as a bed last night, hadn't she? It was all in the spirit of getting used to putting on a convincing show.

At the same time, the heat from Kahdreg's arm barely kissed at the back of Avicia's shoulders. Noticeable but not uncomfortable. It was still enough to make her stomach flip as she ignored the meaningless proximity. It was harder to ignore the urge to lean into their side or muse about brushing her fingertips along parts of their body.

Quickly, her thoughts turned toward the siren, trying to stymie the hormone-drenched thoughts. Faintly, Avicia wondered how Miss Virlee planned to excuse such a risque gift? Oops, I gave you the wrong bag? Well, care to see me model it for you? Hah. What poor taste, especially after her faux pas with outing Kahdreg.

"Oh, there's a receipt in he-" Grabbing the piece of paper, Avicia's eyes widened as she stared at printed numbers. "Holy shit."

"What?"

Avicia flashed the receipt to Kahdreg's questioning gaze, pointing at the total at the bottom. The orc's raised their eyebrows, leaning forward as if distance was the issue. It wasn't.

Judging from the stunned silence and the crease deepening between Avicia's eyebrows, Kahdreg could see where her thoughts were going. Kallinaera had, apparently, spent six hundred dollars on the flimsy set of designer fabric. After being a major player in a charity event.

"Well, it'd be a pity if it went to waste." Kahdreg said jokingly, wanting to distract her from the realities of business. Even as they said the words, a lump of old disgust sank further in their stomach; having learned the lesson long ago but not liking how it sat. But the negative feelings were easy to ignore as Avicia's attention shifted from the receipt to Kahdreg's face. For a quick second, there was a flash of embarrassment, a blush waiting to crest on Avicia's features. The orc's grin broadened.

But the sensation of catching her off-guard passed as her demeanor shifted. She dropped the receipt into the bag, hoisting out the lacy brasserie to her own chest. Kahdreg's attention flickered to the article of clothing, part of them quietly frustrated at how much their shirt hid Avicia's form.

Then she held the bra to Kahdreg's chest, her fingers plastering the fabric firmly across their front. "This is not going to fit either of us."

When Avicia backed away, the orc let out a breath they didn't even know they were holding. The lingering warm sensation of her fingers at their ribs taunting their thoughts.

She had noticed their reaction. An awkwardness that reminded her of friends in the past, who didn't know how to react when she grazed a little too close to them. A slow smile curled at Avicia's lips, delighted in their reaction. Riding on the high of that low-level bliss, mischief shot out a suggestion before Avicia could censor herself. "Why don't we return or exchange them, then?"

Almost at once, Kahdreg's embarrassment fizzled. They raised an eyebrow, lips quirked in a humorless smile. "You want the money?"

"This boutique is pretty high-end," admitted Avicia, as she picked up the receipt again. In reality, she was wondering what sort of goodies she could find for her streams. Some new sets, featuring luxury lingerie, would definitely sell for a pretty penny. "I might get a few things."

"Of course." Kahdreg rolled their eyes as they got to their feet.

Sensing the sudden change in the air, Avicia glanced up at the orc. Her brows furrowed and a slight frown dipped at the corners of her lips. "What?"

"Seems a bit hypocritical, don't you think?" Kahdreg crossed their arms, resting their weight on one foot. Some indescribable sense of disappointment poked through their thoughts. Perhaps it was just a reminder that Avicia's main goal in this ploy had been monetary. Not driven by kindness or understanding, but dollar signs. Which Kahdreg knew wasn't a fair assessment, but the feeling clung. They tried their best to keep the frustrated tone from their words as they went on. "Getting mad about Kalli spending so much on scraps of fabric, just to get something yourself?"

"I'm a thriftier shopper than Miss Virlee and I'm not going to blow it all on a single set," Avicia said indignantly as she got to her feet. There was a flash of her own displeasure in her eyes as she glared up at Kahdreg. For a beat, the two just stood, leering at one another. The heat churning between them was not born only of annoyance. Alarms flickered at the back of Avicia's head as she realized what was happening.

"Besides, maybe you can get something, too." She grinned, closing the distance between them. Her hand raised, fingers grazing lightly down the front of their chest. It was easier to fight one kind of frustration, so she may as well pick the fun one.

At her suggestion, color bled through Kahdreg's face. Their eyes followed her fingers as they mumbled, "What makes you think I want lingerie?"

Avicia grinned, leaning closer and planting her hand firmly against their pec. "Maybe I want to see you in lingerie."

That certainly took her boss aback. It was like a jolt shot through them, but they didn't step away from her. Their mouth opened, before snapping shut, lips bunched into an uncertain expression. The color in their cheeks deepened, edging closer to their ears. They stood there, completely at a loss of what to say.

Avicia drank in every ounce of their response. A delightful warmth swirled inside her. Before she did something she might regret, Avicia maneuvered around Kahdreg, returning to the guest bedroom. Though, even after pulling away, tingling sensations burned at her palm. Over her shoulder, she laughed, "Get dressed, we're going shopping."

As they watched Avicia disappear down the hall, Kahdreg pressed their lips tightly together. A shameful thrill thrummed in their chest, regardless of their expression. It'd be a lie if they said they weren't looking forward to more time spent with Avicia. Not that they had the chance to even think about it before their visitor. But the feeling was there. More time to get to know her, more time to solidify their impression and get a better idea of who Avicia was.