Sleepover

Mike and Linda entered the house through the garage entrance to the studio. Xiang Ling greeted them.

"Tadaima. I'll get the lunch going. I'll just go to the toilet first." Mike headed to the studio bathroom. Xiang Ling called out a warning but Mike wasn't listening. Mike opened the bathroom door to be confronted with Danielle clothed only in her panties, changing into a cosplay costume.

"I didn't know you were that desperate to catch a look!" Danielle exclaimed.

Mike rapidly turned away, deeply embarrassed.

"Sorry, I forgot you were here. Xiang Ling doesn't need the facilities and guests usually use the upstairs bathroom."

“Ha, ha, the look on your face. So what do you think?"

"You're a very beautiful woman, Danielle. You have the body of a model."

"It can be yours, if you agree to look after me."

"I'll use the upstairs bathroom. Linda's here. I'll get started with the lunch."

"Oh good, I've got her wig and costume. I can't wait to see her in it."

Mike beat a retreat from the scantily clad Danielle and headed upstairs.

"Sorry Mike, I tried to warn you," Xiang Ling apologised.

Danielle emerged from the bathroom dressed as Tamaki, the Rock Lady bass player.

"Oh, Hi Linda. I've got a costume for you to try on. Is that your new guitar?"

"Hi Danielle, yes it's the Strandberg Mike suggested. Your costume looks cool."

"Wait till you get a look at what Mike will be wearing."

Linda took the guitar out of the gig bag and plugged it in. It was still in tune from the store. She dialled up the correct preset on the BOSS multi effects pedal and played a bit of Rose.

"Wow, that sounds a lot beefier than the Strat!"

"I love the way it feels, it's so light too."

"For a keyboard player, the old Mike seems to know a bit about guitars."

"Do you want me to try the costume now?"

"No let's wait till after lunch, we can all try them on together. I'll change back. I don't want to get it dirty."

Danielle returned to the studio bathroom.

"I like the look of your guitar Linda," Xiang Ling informed her.

"Yeah it's so unique and futuristic. I can see what Mike was aiming for with the band image now. You're getting some kind of MIDI guitar right?"

"Yes, we've ordered a Starr Labs Ztar 7S. It's a custom order so it won't be here for a while. We also have a You Rock Guitar, YRG-1000 Gen. 2 coming soon from E-bay as a backup solution. In the meantime I've been practicing with the Rock Band 3 Mustang controller. You can plug a MIDI cable into it and use it as a real instrument. It's a bit tacky but it does actually work. I can give you a demo, let's play a bit of Rose together."

"Okay let's do it."

Danielle returned from changing. "Can I join in?"

"Of course Danielle. Let's get Robo Xiang Ling going on the drums too."

Xiang Ling set up the bot and configured her MIDI guitar VST setup. Danielle slung the bass around her neck and plugged it into the Roland GR-55. The bot counted them in by tapping her sticks together. Linda started off with the chugging intro. Xiang Ling joined in with the second guitar part. Her fingers flew around the fret board as if she'd been playing guitar her whole life.

"Hey impressive stuff Xiang Ling," Danielle called out. "I can't really tell it's not real guitar. You've picked up those guitar chords so quickly."

"The Mustang is a bit limiting, I'll be better with the Ztar when it comes."

Mike appeared at the foot of the spiral staircase. "Lunch is just about ready, you can come up now. Was that two guitars I'm hearing?"

"Yes, Xiang Ling was just demoing the MIDI guitar with Linda," Danielle replied.

"Good, good. Seems like she's got it all worked out."

The band went upstairs for lunch.

"So what are we having today?" Danielle asked.

"Well I thought I'd pay my forfeit for losing at Rock Band the other day now, so we are having a four course extravaganza. First up are some appetisers, savoury bacon scrolls made with vegan bacon." Mike served the hot bread with some tongs. "We have some margarine and some mustard if you like."

Danielle tucked in with gusto.

"I'm sorry Xiang Ling, watching us eat isn't much of a treat for you," Mike apologised.

"It's okay. It smells good."

"Why aren't you eating, Xiang Ling?" Linda asked.

"I'm on a strict diet and I already ate what I'm allowed to have before you arrived."

"That sounds tedious, I didn't take you for a fad dieter."

"I'm not, it's for medial reasons. I don't really want to go into it."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be so nosy."

Mike thought he had fucked up by bringing attention to the fact that Xiang Ling wasn't eating with them. Xiang Ling however had deflected the issue neatly. I guess we'll have to bring Linda on board eventually.

"I've got some news about our proposed gigs," Danielle started. "Animaga wants to see us play live before allowing us on the bill. I told them that we would likely be playing at the Anime Music Festival, so they will come see us there as our audition."

"That sounds fine," said Mike.

"There is a slight problem with that, the Anime Music Festival still hasn't agreed for us to play yet. They also want to see us play live."

"We could just book a slot at the Interface Night Club again," Xiang Ling suggested.

"I think a better idea would be to hold a private show for them here. We can cater and wow them with Mike's cooking."

"Here is fine. I don't want all the bother of setting up for an extra live gig at a venue right now."

"Okay, let's set a date and invite them, are well all agreed?"

Xiang Ling and Linda nodded.

"Next course," Mike announced. "Walnut and fennel soup."

"This is a pretty refined taste," Danielle commented.

Mike passed around some plain dinner rolls.

"Oh, I am remiss, I haven't offered you alcoholic drinks. I can offer you the house Shiraz, Linda. I think I still have the makings of GNTs if you would like that Danielle?"

"I'll take a GNT, thanks."

"Shiraz is fine, Mike."

Mike grabbed a wineglass for Linda, opened the bottle and poured her a glass. He grabbed a lime from the fruit basket and the gin from the pantry cupboard. He located some tonic water in the refrigerator.

"There you are. Go easy, we have some dessert wine for later. Ready for the main course?"

"Yes, please."

"I'll give you a hand serving up," Xiang Ling offered.

Xiang Ling donned her apron and Mike grabbed his chefs apron. The sight of the pair working side by side in the kitchen so naturally was not lost on Linda and Danielle. Mike carried Linda and Danielle's plates out first and Xiang Ling brought Mike's.

"This is mushroom thyme rice with grilled eggplant and humus, with a side serve of vegetables."

"I'm really impressed Mike. I haven't had as many chances to sample your cooking as Danielle and Xiang Ling, but this is restaurant grade."

"I'm glad you like it Linda. It's nothing special really. I've just gotten used to cooking for myself."

"I haven't had a bad meal here yet, Linda. Mike, are you sure you won't reconsider my offer? My body in exchange for meals and board?"

"I know you're not serious about me Danielle. I won't let you toy with my affections."

Xiang Ling was amused by the banter between Mike and Danielle. Linda was looking vexed. Xiang Ling tried to lighten the mood. "Don't let them get to you, Linda, those two are always messing about."

"Everyone alright for drinks?"

"I'll have another glass please."

"Ditto, another GNT for me."

"What are our plans for this afternoon?" Mike asked.

"Cosplay!" Danielle pronounced. "We can do a full dress rehearsal for Animaga. I've got everyone's costumes. I even have some fake boobs for Mike."

"Aren't we getting a little ahead of ourselves here? We haven't even got in to the Anime Music Festival yet."

"It doesn't hurt to assume it's going ahead. Less to worry about at the last minute this way."

"Yeah, that makes sense," Mike agreed.

"What's the long term plan here, after Animaga? Are we going to keep being a Japanese anime cover band? Will we be able to get some paying gigs?" queried Linda.

"As I see it, we're hoping to get some more followers from doing these gigs. Xiang Ling and I want to do more original songs. I plan to start releasing more music videos on YouTube. It's a hard grind to build up the numbers. Our sound is a bit niche, but I like the Japanese rock sound and I'm personally doing this just for fun. I don't want to chase a commercial sound. If we get enough numbers it might be worthwhile to do some more local gigs. We don't want to try to run before we can crawl."

"That sounds sensible."

"Xiang Ling and I can both write songs, do either of you want to contribute to the songwriting effort?"

"I have some experience writing bass lines, but I've never done whole arrangements," Danielle responded.

"I've only written ballads, I don't have any expertise writing rock songs. I'm happy to leave the writing up to you guys," Linda answered.

"I'd love have you do the bass parts, Danielle. Mike is strong on lyrics. Together I think we can write some great songs."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Xiang Ling."

"Who is ready for some dessert?"

Linda and Danielle raised their hands.

Mike and Xiang Ling got up. They returned from the kitchen with some bowls of pudding and ice cream. Mike fetched a bottle of noble Riesling from the refrigerator.

"Dessert is sticky date pudding with vegan ice cream, the wine is Brown Brothers Noble Riesling."

"Well I must say this is fine dining indeed," Danielle said.

"I hope I've met the requirements of my forfeit."

"Far exceeded them!" Linda exclaimed.

The group had a happy buzz going and quickly polished off the dessert wine.

"I'll just tidy up here, I'll be down to join you in the studio shortly."

***

Danielle passed out the costumes.

"We can get changed in the studio bathroom, so we don't frighten Mike. We won't do full cosplay make up today, but we can try the wigs. I'll show you how to fit the hairnet to get your own hair out of the way."

Xiang Ling and Danielle headed off to the bathroom together.

"Come on Linda."

"Won't it be crowded in there with all three of us?"

"You'll need a hand to get your costume fastened correctly, come on, don't be shy."

Danielle had already shed her clothes before Linda arrived and Xiang Ling was unbuttoning her top. Nothing to worry about on the breast size front with Danielle, Linda thought. Danielle was a C cup at most. Xiang Ling on the other hand, had quite the impressive rack and mysteriously, wasn't wearing a bra. Not to be thought a prude, Linda commenced removing her own garments.

"I'm not going to bother wearing a bra with mine, just a nuisance to hide the bra straps, you should be okay with your costume though, Linda. I thought Xiang Ling would need a strapless bra, but it looks like that won't be a problem."

Linda pulled on the black shorts and stockings that were part of the costume. She fastened the short skirt around her waist. As she donned the matching top she struggled to find the fastener.

"Here, let me help." Danielle slid round behind her and worked the zipper. As a parting gesture she gave Linda's breasts a playful squeeze. "You have a really nice figure Linda."

"Xiang Ling, who in band management do I report sexual harassment to?" Linda frowned.

"Well that would be me. I'm notionally the bandleader. Danielle, keep your hands to yourself. First and final warning, if you give Linda cause for complaint again, you're out. Is that a satisfactory response Linda?"

"Yes thank you Xiang Ling. I'm glad to see that you take it seriously."

"I'm sorry Linda, I'm in the wrong. I really don't want to mess up this band. I promise you it won't happen again."

"Apology accepted. I want the band to work smoothly too. I just wanted to make it clear to you that touching without consent is always unacceptable."

"Message received loud and clear. Do you need a hand with your top Xiang Ling?"

"Yes please."

Danielle proceeded to fasten the zipper and then reached around to give Xiang Ling's breasts a lingering fondle.

"They feel so real, yet they defy gravity. Congratulations on your engineering," Danielle whispered in Xiang Ling's ear.

Linda was perplexed by what she had just seen take place.

"Are you okay with that Xiang Ling?" Linda exclaimed.

"It's fine, Linda. Danielle and I are good friends, although doing that in front of Linda is really just more sexual harassment, isn't it Danielle?"

"Strictly speaking I guess it is. So I'm out of the band already?"

"Is it bothering you Linda?"

"I'll let it slide. You two are quite strange. You're not together are you?"

"Alas no, Xiang Ling declined me. Let's get our wigs on and then get Mike sorted."

"You have to be joking!" Linda exclaimed as she sighted her wig.

"Hang on that's not all of it. Xiang Ling can you fit the foam inserts into the twin tails for her?"

"How come I get the weird hair?"

"That's what your character, Lilisa's, hair is like."

"Okay done, let's go grab Mike."

Mike was already downstairs waiting in the studio control room.

"What was going on in there? There seemed to be a bit of a ruckus."

"Danielle was taking advantage of the situation to sexually assault us while we were changing," Xiang Ling reported.

"That doesn't exactly surprise me. Are you okay Linda?"

"Only my dignity was harmed, she just copped a feel. I'd like it not to happen again though."

"It should be okay Mike, she apologised and promised not to do it again."

"What a little snitch you are, Xiang Ling." Danielle laughed. "Okay Mike, it's your turn. I'll help you get changed."

"Is it safe go in there with her, without a chaperone?"

"I'll hold your hand if you like, Mike," Linda offered.

"I think that's a bit like the fox offering to guard the hen house, Linda," Xiang Ling joked.

"Can Xiang Ling help me instead?" Mike asked.

"I don't have Danielle's cosplay expertise, it would be better is she does it."

"How come you know so much about cosplay anyway?" Mike asked.

"I used to help a high school friend when she attended cosplay events."

"I didn't think you were such an enthusiast."

"I only wanted to get in her knickers. Just kidding. You know I used to read manga."

"Okay, let's get this over with."

Mike and Danielle disappeared into the bathroom.

"Have you done any research into the character you are playing, Linda?" Xiang Ling inquired.

"You mean we have to do more than wear the costumes?"

"Oh yes, we will have to pose for photographers."

"What was the show called again?"

"Rock is a Lady's Modesty. The band is called 'Rock Lady'."

Linda started looking it up on her phone.

"Let's watch some episodes together when Mike is ready."

"Geez, her hair really is that stupid."

***

"Okay Mike, get them off, down to your undies please."

Mike complied with Danielle's direction.

"It's lucky you don't have a hairy chest, it makes attaching your boobs easier."

Danielle affixed the prosthesis with double sided décolletage tape.

"We won't bother doing a tuck today, the dress will hide your junk well enough, if you don't go flashing your panties."

Danielle helped Mike slip on the top and arrange it over the boobs.

"Okay now the skirt, just step into it and pull it up."

Mike pulled the stiff tutu like skirt up to his waist.

Danielle pulled Mike's hair up and tucked it into the hairnet. "Finally the wig. All done, let's have a look at you."

Mike performed a quick twirl.

"You look beautiful."

"Why, thank you, I think."

Danielle wall slammed Mike and leant in for a kiss. "You know, looking like this I could really fall for you."

Mike evaded her lips. "What's got into you today? Too much dessert wine? You've been acting up all afternoon."

"I'm not sure Mike, I don't think I'm that drunk. I think it was seeing you together with Xiang Ling in the kitchen that set me off. I feel like if I don't do something now, it will be too late later."

"But what exactly are you planning on?"

"I don't know that either!"

"Yeah well, get back to me when you work it out. In the meantime let's get out there and have some practice with Linda and Xiang Ling."

"You won't hold it against me?"

"Nah, we're cool."

***

Mike and Danielle entered the studio.

"Let me introduce to you, our keyboard player, Tina! What do you think? He'll pass right?"

Xiang Ling and Linda were laughing.

"He looks gorgeous, I didn't realise his face was so feminine." Linda grinned.

"Can we watch some Rock is a Lady's Modesty with Linda?" Xiang Ling asked. "I know we just watched it recently with Danielle, but I wouldn't mind seeing it again."

"Are you okay with that too, Danielle?"

"Sure why not, those crazy bitches were cool. Let's play a few song's first and shoot a bit of video while we have the costumes on."

"Good idea."

Mike started setting up some cameras around the studio to capture the action.

"Let's do Rose and LOUDER, they are the two most rocking songs on our setlist," Danielle suggested.

"Okay the cameras are rolling, let's go."

Xiang Ling was whaling on her drum pads with increased gusto, emulating her character Otoha. Danielle was really putting her back into the bass playing with exaggerated dance steps. Mike was even doing a few constrained dance steps behind his keyboard rack as his artificial boobs jiggled. Linda however was just performing normally, concentrating on playing correctly.

They finished the two songs and huddled around Mike as he previewed the video that had been filmed.

"Geez Linda, could you be any stiffer? You're supposed to get into character for these performances," Danielle complained.

"Cut her some slack Danielle, she isn't familiar with the source material. Let's go upstairs and watch some now," Xiang Ling suggested.

"I'll edit this footage together later. We can put out a promotional video for the shows."

"Let's get changed," Danielle said.

***

They headed back upstairs to the living room and settled on the sofa and chairs. Mike fetched some snacks from the kitchen.

"Sorry I can't offer much in the way of drinks, we quaffed it all at lunch. I think I've got some apple cider in the fridge."

"Sweet or dry," Danielle asked.

"Dry."

"That's fine, I'll have some."

"What about you, Linda?"

"Yes, I'll have one too."

"I never really took it in properly before, but your house is quite nice, Mike."

"Thanks Linda. It was a bit run down when I got it. I mainly bought it for the opportunity to build a decent size studio underneath it. I didn't really need a whole ass house for myself."

"Let's get watching." Xiang Ling prompted.

***

"So the setting is a posh ladies academy, I get that. Why is my characters hair so freaking extreme?"

"I don't think that is ever explained, Linda," Xiang Ling said.

"I can see why Danielle likes this, all these girls seem to have lesbian BDSM erotic fantasies."

"You're fuckin' guitar is as lame as hell. You're a pile of soggy garbage! Quit playing the guitar cuz you're shit at it!" Xiang Ling quoted from the anime. "In other words Linda, move about a bit and play like you mean it."

"To be honest, I'm struggling a bit to keep up with you guys. Dancing and playing at the same time is a bit beyond me right now."

Linda and Danielle kept munching on the salty snacks and grabbed another cider each, as they watched the next episode.

"I hope you two have plans to get home safely. You're knocking back those ciders. They're not exactly light beer strength you know." Mike reminded them.

"Oh I didn't think," Linda spoke. "Can we stay for dinner and have a chance to sober up?"

"I'll go check if I have enough ingredients to make something."

"We could just order takeout," Danielle suggested.

"Looks like I have plenty of rice noodles and sufficient vegetables. I can whip something up no problem."

"Alright," Danielle enthused, as she opened another cider. "We'll keep watching then."

"Oh, her mother destroyed the guitar her father gave her."

"Yeah Linda, her mum is a complete psycho."

"I'm surprised at the writing quality of this. I've tended to write anime off as just being kiddie cartoons."

"Japanese manga and anime encompass a wide range of genres, Linda. People who say they don't like it based on something like Pokemon, it's as if they judged all cinema by that one spaghetti western they watched and didn't like."

"Oh no Linda, you've got Mike going now. We'll never hear the end of it." Xiang Ling expressed mock horror.

"This has been useful though. I couldn't really be in a J-Rock style band without getting a better understanding of this stuff."

The two characters on screen had just landed their first live gig, filling in on bass and drums for an amateur orchestra. Linda couldn't contain her mirth as the two girls abused the arrogant ageing pop singer who had insulted the bandleader before they took the stage.

"Well that was some colourful language. I love the supreme confidence of those girls, Otoha and Lilisa. No guy is ever going to put them down," said Linda.

"That's the vibe you should be trying to convey while we are cosplaying, Linda. You should focus on your rivalry with Otoha."

"Somehow I don't find it that hard to imagine Xiang Ling is my rival."

"You'd better believe it, you soggy trash." Xiang Ling smirked.

"Hey Mike, is there any more booze?" Danielle asked. "We've finished all the ciders."

"Fortunately that's all I have, unless there is something in the fridge down in the studio. You two never had any intention of sobering up did you?"

"Nah, let's keep the party going. Is there a bottle shop nearby? Can you go out and get some more?"

"No. Let's eat and get some water into you two."

"I'll help you with dinner Mike," Xiang Ling offered.

"I'm going to check out the fridge downstairs." Danielle got up.

Linda paused the video playback and moved to a kitchen bench stool to observe the cooking process.

"I hope we're not being too big a nuisance, Mike"

"No worries, you're fine Linda. I'm always happy to get more people watching anime."

Mike briefly boiled some rice noodles in a pot, rinsed them in cold water, oiled them with sesame oil and put them aside in a bowl. Xiang Ling was chopping up tofu, celery, carrots and broccoli. As Xiang Ling completed chopping, Mike commenced frying the vegetables in the pot previously used for cooking the noodles.

"What are we having," Linda enquired.

"Vegetable Lo Mien. It's easy, you can just throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand."

Danielle reappeared from downstairs. "Victory!" She exclaimed brandishing a six pack of mixed drinks. Bacardi and Coke in this case.

"Oh damn, one of my clients must have left them there." Mike groaned.

Danielle tossed Linda a can.

"Dinner won't be long." Mike added soy sauce to the vegetables, covered the pot and let it simmer.

Xiang Ling got out some chopsticks and bowls.

"I hope you two are planning on taking an Uber home and coming back to pick up your cars tomorrow?"

"Can't we stay the night, Mike? It's not safe for two beautiful women to be alone with an Uber driver late a night." Danielle pleaded.

"Fine, if you want. I've only got two beds though. When I renovated this place the laundry was under the house, I turned it into a bathroom for the studio when I built it in. The smallest bedroom became the laundry."

"That's okay, I'll share with you, and Linda can share with Xiang Ling."

"I have some futons for studio clients pulling all nighters. You can both crash on the tatami mats downstairs."

"I don't feel comfortable sleeping in the same room as Danielle," Linda objected.

"I'm not volunteering to share my bed." Xiang Ling glared.

"How come Xiang Ling gets her own room anyway? Isn't it time she found a place of her own, if she is staying in Melbourne long term?" asked Linda.

"Xiang Ling is a honoured guest from interstate, unlike you two local lushes."

"Let's play some Rock Band 3 after dinner. Winner get's to share Mike's bed," Danielle suggested.

"What's in it for me?" Mike objected.

"If you win you can sleep alone."

"I can do that anyway, if I refuse to play."

"I didn't think you were such a bad sport Mike."

"Dinner's ready. I'll serve up." Mike heaped the noodles into the three bowls.

"You're still not eating Xiang Ling?" Linda remarked.

"I'll have something later."

"This is remarkably tasty for something you only spent 15 minutes making," Danielle remarked.

"Xiang Ling did most of the prep."

"So are we on for Rock Band 3 later?"

"I want to play Mike," Xiang Ling requested.

"I'll take you on, Danielle. I won't lose to you again," said Linda.

"Mike?"

"Alright, but I'm setting some rules, I pick the song and I assign who performs what parts."

"I can agree to that, your keyboard playing is mediocre and your drumming is atrocious. You won't beat me whatever part I get." Danielle sounded confident.

"I think I can beat you too, Mike." Linda was showing some bravado.

"Are you okay with those conditions, Xiang Ling?"

Xiang Ling nodded silently.

"I'd bring the PS3 upstairs so we can play on the big screen, but it's too much hassle to move the drums up here."

"Do we get some dessert?"

"I've got some chocolate ice cream if that will suffice, Danielle?"

"Yum."

"Linda?"

"Yes please."

Mike brought the ice cream over as Xiang Ling cleared the table and stacked the dishwasher.

"You two seem like quite the domestic couple today," Danielle remarked.

"Not really. I don't feel like such a freeloader if I do some of the housework is all it is," Xiang Ling replied.

They finished their ice cream and headed down to the studio. Mike got out the other Mustang controller and set up the PS3.

"The song is 'How You Remind Me' by Nickleback."

"And, what an absolute trash band," Danielle complained.

"It's a good song though," Mike offered. "Part assignments: Danielle vocals, Linda Guitar, Xiang Ling drums, I'll play bass."

"Ha, think you can mess with me by making me sing. I sing great. You'll be sorry. Bass, don't make me laugh, you have no clue."

"Surely you have put yourself as a disadvantage by choosing bass, Mike? I'm happy I got guitar though."

"Xiang Ling must be favourite though, her drumming is amazing, I don't see what your strategy is here Mike? You'd prefer to sleep with her?"

"I've lulled you into a false sense of security by choosing bass, since you two are quite drunk. Xiang Ling is too much of a gentlewoman to insist on her prize, so I'm in the clear."

"We'll see about that."

"Here's your microphone."

What Mike had forgotten to mention was that he knew this song very well indeed and he regularly got five stars on expert mode. They commenced playing. Danielle was singing strongly, her voice even had enough lower register to sound good singing this song. Fortunately for Linda the chords were quite simple and she was scoring well. Xiang Ling was playing flawlessly as usual. Everyone got 5 stars. Xiang Ling placed first, with 100% accuracy and perfect timing on the overdrive activations. Mike was second with 100% accuracy, but he got so into playing that he had missed deploying overdrive one time. Danielle had scored well but hadn't activated overdrive optimally. Linda had missed a few chords but still scored well enough for 5 stars.

"The fuck! Mike, you played that bass part perfectly!"

"Looks like my virtue is intact tonight."

"Not so fast Mike. I'm going to claim my prize," Xiang Ling spoke up.

"Traitor. I was counting on you!"

"Danielle can have my bed. Linda can sleep in the studio. She should be safe from Danielle molesting her."

"Oh well at least I get a proper bed out of this and I can say I slept in Xiang Ling's bed. Better than nothing."

"Let's go back and finish watching the anime," Linda suggested.

***

Danielle and Linda finally went to bed. Mike had a quick shower and headed to bed. Xiang Ling joined him in the bedroom. She casually slipped out of her clothes and slid under the covers with Mike.

"So you were serious then?"

"Too good a chance to miss. You'll never hear the end of it from Danielle and Linda if you try to wriggle out of it."

"You got me good."

"Is it okay if we cuddle?"

"I guess. As long as that's as far as it goes."

Xiang Ling rolled on her side and spooned up behind Mike with her breasts pressing into his back. Her arm went around his waist.

"It's been mentally exhausting having the band here all day, but kinda fun. I feel we are getting closer now," Xiang Ling said.

"Linda was remarkably calm considering she confessed to me while we were out guitar shopping."

"Oh she did, did she?"

"Yes. Of course I politely rejected her."

"Poor Linda. What did she say?"

"She asked me to explain myself. I told her what happened with my ex and that I thought we weren't compatible. She was pissed that I had categorised her like that without really getting to know her. Told me if I didn't enjoy parties, that wasn't a problem for her."

"Oh."

"I feel bad now that I never gave her a chance."

"How did you leave things with her?"

"We agreed that it would have been better if we had talked honestly about things sooner. She said she wasn't giving up on me, now she knew what the issue was and that she wasn't going to meekly hand me over to Danielle."

"My goodness!"

"She also said that she was in the band for the long haul. So we'll have to keep dealing with this I'm afraid."

"Danielle was a bit frisky today too."

"No kidding, she pinned me to the wall and tried to kiss me while she was helping with my costume."

"It seems I was the big winner today though."

"Yes, well played."

"Can I have a driving lesson tomorrow?"

"Sure, I need to do some grocery shopping, you can drive us."

"Great, thanks Mike. Goodnight."

"Nite."

***

"Finally awake." Xiang Ling regarded Mike's sleepy face.

"It's okay for some." He grunted.

"True, I don't need much down time. I wonder how Linda and Danielle pulled up this morning?"

"They should be okay, there wasn't that much booze in the house."

Mike slid out of bed and Xiang Ling followed him. Mike was showing some morning wood. He grabbed a dressing gown from the wardrobe.

"Someone's pleased to see me," Xiang Ling commented. She slipped her arms around him and pressed her body against his.

"Don't get tickets on yourself, my bladder is full."

Xiang Ling released him and he headed to the bathroom. Mike encountered a bedraggled looking Danielle emerging from the spare bedroom.

"I'm bursting, out of the way please!" she exclaimed.

"Of course, ladies first."

Xiang Ling, who had finished dressing made for the kitchen, while Mike waited for the bathroom to be free. Mike grabbed some fresh towels from the hall cupboard.

Danielle exited the bathroom. Mike proffered the clean towels. "Fresh towels if you want to take a shower, give me a second to use the toilet."

"Thanks, I do feel a bit icky." Danielle waited outside till Mike finished relieving himself.

"All yours."

"Did you get up to anything with Xiang Ling last night?"

"Not really, she just snuggled up."

"I'm envious, her new body is hot."

"Can't say I disagree."

"You could do worse."

"I know, but, she'll always have limitations."

"Don't hurt her."

"I'm trying my best. You're all putting me in a difficult position. If the band is going to survive we need to be careful."

Danielle entered the bathroom, waved Mike off and closed the door. Mike went to the kitchen to discover Xiang Ling had already brewed some fresh coffee. Mike poured himself a bowl of muesli, added water and heated it in the microwave.

Linda appeared from downstairs, looking rather tidier than Danielle had, because she had already availed herself of the studio bathroom.

"Hi Linda, there isn't much on offer for breakfast. Just cereal, toast, and coffee."

"That's fine. I need to get going soon anyway. I have a job on this afternoon."

Danielle resurfaced from the bathroom looking more refreshed. "I'll have some of that."

Mike fixed them some muesli and Xiang Ling poured them coffee.

"Help yourself to some toast. There is jam, marmalade, or honey." Mike indicated the stack of bread and pointed to the toaster on the bench.

"I just used the towels in the studio bathroom, I hope that was okay."

"No problem Linda, they were fresh."

"Did everyone sleep well?"

"I'm not a big fan of futons, but it was okay."

"Xiang Ling's bed was very comfortable."

"So did Mike let you get any sleep, Xiang Ling?" Danielle asked mischievously.

"Unfortunately Mike was a perfect gentleman. He doesn't even snore."

Linda inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, she didn't think Xiang Ling was the type to lie about this.

"Do you have any plans for today, Danielle?" asked Xiang Ling.

"No, I've got nothing on."

"I'm going grocery shopping with Mike, we need to restock," said Xiang Ling.

"I'm working today, I have an agency client. I think we have done enough band stuff for now anyway," said Linda.

"I noticed you still don't have much stuff in the wardrobe, Xiang Ling. We could go clothes shopping together as well as getting the groceries."

"I didn't really pack much, I thought I'd only be in Melbourne a short time. I do need to buy some more things. I'd be happy to go shopping with you, Danielle. Is that okay Mike?"

"Why not." Mike sighed. "We just haven't seen enough of Danielle recently have we?"

"If you're going to be sarcastic about it, you can stay home and I'll just go with Danielle."

"Okay I'm off. Let me know when the audition with the Anime Music Festival people is confirmed." Linda rushed out still chewing on a slice of toast."

"I didn't mean that Danielle, of course you are welcome to tag along."

"I'll go in my own car and follow you. I'll go straight home afterwards, I've imposed on your hospitality enough."

"Ah don't worry, you can come to lunch. I'll just buy extra. You may as well come with us."

"Thanks for the offer, I really appreciate it. I'd just be getting Door Dash otherwise."

"I'll just update my shopping list and then we can get going."

***

Xiang Ling looked calm behind the wheel of the Ioniq. "I'll do a few laps of the block just to get the feel of the car."

"You didn't tell me Xiang Ling was driving, Mike."

"What's up, feeling nervous? She's going for her license soon, she needs some practice."

"I'm sure she's perfectly safe, in spite of what happened to you."

"Oy, I am here you know," Xiang Ling retorted.

They drove around the strange pocket of houses that Mike's home was located in. The area was mainly commercial and light industrial. But a large isolated hill erupted from the landscape rendering a small area unsuitable for commercial use. Lured by cheaper land some plucky home builders had constructed dwellings on the slopes.

"So why did you buy here, Mike?"

"It was dirt cheap and it had room for that studio underneath it. Worst house on the worst land."

"You've made it really nice and it's pretty close to lots of infrastructure too."

"The view of all those sheds is a bit meh, but I can live with that."

Once Xiang Ling was confident that she has mastered the basics of car control, she set off for the local shopping centre.

"That was fun. It's more enjoyable driving with this new body. I'll have to get my own car once I get my license."

"I'll get the groceries, you two ladies can do your clothes shopping. I'll meet you back at the car, okay?"

"Thanks, that will save some time."

Mike headed off to the supermarket. Danielle and Xiang Ling strolled towards the boutique clothing stores.

"I don't have clue what to buy, I didn't have much time when Mike last took me shopping for clothes."

"You don't need a clue, looking is most of the fun. You never know what you might find. You should get some specialty items, a little black dress, swim suit, sexy lingerie, that sort of thing."

"I'm not sure black is my colour, I've got a red china dress."

"We shouldn't have let Mike escape. It would have been fun making him watch us trying on bras and swimsuits."

"Yes, it would have been fun, but probably counter productive."

"Are we going to let Linda in on your little secret sometime?"

"I think it should be safe enough, but she might get mad that we kept it from her for so long."

"Might be a bit hard to convince her too, seeing as how realistic your new body is."

"I'll consult with Mike, I think I'd like to tell her before the audition."

Danielle was riffling through a display of oddment garments that were on special. "How about this." She fished up a yellow bikini.

"I like the colour, but it might be too small for me."

"Hang onto it, we can try it on later."

***

Mike was waiting in the car. Some time elapsed before Xiang Ling and Danielle returned, carrying dozens of bags from a variety of clothing stores.

"You two have certainly been busy. I was getting worried I'd have to go find you. I need to get the perishables home and into the fridge."

"I think we've been able to flesh out Xiang Ling's wardrobe a little. I bought some stuff for myself too."

They threw the bags into the boot and Xiang Ling got into the drivers seat.

"What's for lunch Mike?"

"Oh, I think I'll do Sichuan Egg Plant today. Honestly, I'm running out of recipes. I'm not as good a chef as you think, Danielle."

"Hurry it up, Xiang Ling, I'm staving."

"Hai Hai." Xiang Ling took off with a start, leaving a slight stench of burning rubber in their wake.

"Promise me you won't do that during your driving test, Xiang Ling."

"Sorry, I'm just messing with Danielle."

They arrived safely home without further incident. Xiang Ling deftly performed a two point turn in the minimal paved area in front of Mike's house and quickly reversed into the garage.

"Looks like you have car control down pat now." Mike commented.

"Yes I'm more comfortable with my body now, I'm not anticipating any problems on the practical test."

After storing the groceries, Mike and Xiang Ling got busy in the kitchen preparing the meal. Danielle took a seat at the kitchen bench.

"Just look at you two, quite the young married couple."

"Give it a rest, Danielle, it's getting old. I'm just earning my keep."

"I guess we'll only have one more practice before the first audition, right?" Danielle asked.

"Not sure, we're inviting them round for the audition next weekend right? I think we'll have at least one more maybe two. It depends on Linda's availability."

"Mike, what do you think about bringing Linda on board? I feel bad keeping the truth from her all this time," Xiang Ling asked.

"I think that will be fine, Linda is trustworthy, I'm sure."

"Okay can we all tell her at the next practice? She might need some convincing."

"That's fine," Mike agreed.

"I'll do what I can to convince her," Danielle offered.

"Thanks."

Mike fetched the rice from the microwave and started serving up.

"Smells good."

"Watch out this is very spicy."

"I love spicy food, it won't be a problem."

"It will be great not having to explain to Linda all the time why I'm not eating with you. Maybe I should have designed a food disposal system into my body. It makes me so socially awkward not being able to eat."

"Are we to expect a Xiang Ling body Mark Three at some stage?"

"No, I don't think I'll change it yet. I'm still getting used to this one. Tech needs to improve, I'm still chock full of batteries and processor boards, I would have had to compromise too much to fit in a fake digestive system."

"That was delicious as always, Mike. I'll head home now, even though I don't have anything to go home to. I've imposed on you enough. See you at the next practice."

"Later, Danielle."

Mike got up and saw her to the front door, while Xiang Ling tidied up the dishes.

"Thanks for today, it was fun." Danielle lent in, draped an arm around his waist and before he had a chance to protest gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. She was off and heading down the stairs, giving him no opportunity to remonstrate.