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The arch of Takeshita street is currently decorated in light purple flower stickers around its frame and the bubble art over the street name is displaying a colorful unicorn with rainbow hair. In a bold black font against a lilac background read out the word ‘HARAJUKU’.
Last time Nichol and Kei were here the old light blue decor with the ‘happy winter’ bubble art had been there. It's only been about two and half maybe three months since but the weather's already much kinder to them both but especially Nichol as she's able to wear less layers now that the warmth of spring is upon them.
Nichol is in a black pleated mini-skirt with light pink lace trim and a little matching pink bow on her left hip. A retro leather belt with a thick buckle hangs over her waist tucking her lace-y tank top into the skirt, the top is a pale pink color covered in black floral lace, there's a ribbon with a bow in the center separating the brake the section of the shirt from the rest of it, it pushes her chest up just a bit. Over the very lingerie-esk top is a pink and black leopard print hoodie, it's furlied around the hood part and partially zipped up—for now. Plus she's got a matching leopard print bandana wrapped around her head, her blonde curled bangs peek out around it and frame her face. She's got some silver necklaces with charms stacked around her neck and all the earrings on her lobes and cartilage match, she also has a tiny diamond on her nostril.
Kei, walking one step behind her with a steady hand at her waist, is in opposite aesthetic garments. She's got on a knee length navy/almost black pencil skirt which hugs her whips perfectly and a light blue pinstripe dress shirt on top, a vest which matches the skirt is layered over it cinching her waist. The top two buttons of her top are popped open revealing her color ones which are adorned with a single classy pearl necklace and her sleeves are rolled up the bed elbow showing off a fancy watch on one wrist and a couple dainty silver chain bracelets.
They both got heels and tights on but Nichol’s and arm chunky platforms whereas Kei is in her usual stilettos. They move with ease up the street, the farther they go the more color and unique architecture they see. Storefronts with bold arcs and intricate fonts sole buildings are the typical multistory rectangle while others have striped canopies over the entrance and display windows that match the storefront fonts colors, some are even shaped like little western homes with hot pink tiles roofs.
The crowds aren't too busy yet but there is still the usual array of all kinds of people here. It's what Kei and Nichol love about coming here, they're not the only odd ones. There's people from all different subcultures within their own cliques or mixed together and mingling of all ages and sizes. An amalgamation of color lines the street people on sweet Lolita, punk, decora, egl, and every other style cushion you could think of, this is where Nichol gets her inspiration: Harajuku the heart of Tokyo’s Street style. Today she and Kei are here to shop and have an overall good time, they haven't had overlapping days off in a while with Kei being busy with a project at work and Nichol with some clothing commissions but Nichol sent out the final piece last week and Kei's project just wrapped up so here they are.
Their first destination is a tradition at this point, the must stop -Crepe Haven- it's a crepe shop that's become a Harajuku staple, with a wide variety of flavors on the menus all good. Nichol and Kei are pleased to see there's only a couple people in line at this time of day and quickly shuffle in to reserve their spot.
“What are you feeling today, Nee-san?” no hold asks, turning in Kei's hold to face her. They both know that nichol will go with her usual strawberries and cheesecake but Kei has a tendency to change things up and try new things and ten out of ten times she gets to try it because her girlfriend will either offer her a bite or she'll steal one. Kei is looking past Nichol at the giant menu, there's bananas and choco, pistachio cream cheese, strawberry matcha, mango coconut and many more. Today feels like a good matcha day though, it'll have a kick of caffeine…maybe.
“I'll do matcha, I think.” Kei nods down at nichol who's looking up at her with a twinkle in her eye, her peachy pink lips pulled into a little smirk. Kei rolls her eyes and lets out an exaggerated sigh.
"Yes, you can have a bite.” She confirms to which Nichol beams up and squeals out a little, "Thank you~”
Thanks to the line being so short they don't have to wait long before they order and soon enough they're food is done. The crepes definitely have way too much sugar and toppings on them but that's what makes them so popular, there's drizzle on top and on the sides and little strawberry and cheesecake chunk skewers sticking out of Nichols crepe Kei's looks similar but instead has matcha powder dusted all over and a little matcha mochi skewer on it, when she takes a bite she she discovers a strawberry at the center of the mochi. The owners are always so creative with the desserts.
She offers Nichol a mochi and of course the younger happily scarfs it down making a cute satisfied little hum as she chews. Kei's eyes crinkle in fondness as she watches her girlfriend eat. Her hand reaching out to wipe a bit of cream off Nichol's cheeks, she likes the cream off her thumb earning a giggle from Nichol.
With both their tummies full and sweet tooth satisfied they move further down the street, with Nichol leading the way holding Kei's hand as she decides between Chanel and Vivienne Westwood for their first official stop. She decides on Vivienne, the mannequins that greet them as they enter are in the newest collections vibrant mixed plaids and the signature orb charm hangs from the necklaces.
Nichol, on a mission beelines to the accessory counter, the glass display cases are lit with bright lights and beautiful jewels, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more resting on plush velvet linings.
“Soo…” Nichol draws out tuning to look up at Kei now that they've stationed themselves in front of the earrings turntable displays which carry dangly earrings on one side, studs on the other and mirrors in between for customers to check appearances.
"I've been thinking of getting some new earrings.” Kei nods already figuring her girlfriend’s been holding back on splurging and buying multiple pairs online so she's asking for her help to pick one, maybe two pairs and not break the bank.
“Do you wanna try some on? You already have some picked out, don't you?” She teased because she can tell that Nichols eyes are already gravitating to a few specific pieces, she probably has been eyeing them online for a while but couldn't decide and waited until today instead.
“Well…” Nichol trails off as she picks up three different pairs, "This is choice one.” She brings up a pair to her ear, they're small silver hoops with the signature Vivienne Westwood orb charm dangling off in a pale pink color, it goes really well with the silver and the Pink would definitely match most of Nichols outfits.
"Those are really cute, they look good with your blonde hair too.” Kei praises getting a satisfied smile out of Nichol as she brings out the second pair. This pair is a more Barbie pink color, their heart shaped studs with a diamond saturn ring around the heart, they are cute too.
“Hmm those are good too, a little more edgy compared to the first pair but still chic."
“Yeah I like the overall shape, it's a little more flashy than your average studded earrings," says Nichol, admiring them in the little mirror that's next to the hearing display rack.
The third pair is the biggest for sure, a pair of Saturn earrings with a pearl as the Saturn and a matching teardrop shaped pearl bead dangling from the Saturn charm. They're pretty as well, more classy than Nichol's usual style, but still looks good because it's Nichol so everything looks good on her, Kei thinks.
“Sooo which pair is best?" Nichol says returning back to Kei after checking herself in the mirror. Kei crumbles on the inside, if this was in the past she'd suggest buying them all since they're all pretty different but their biggest fight has been about how Kei spends too much on Nichol and that makes Nichol feel pressured so now Kei has to restraint herself and not spoil her girlfriend too much, even if she can afford it.
“Hmm which one's your favorite?" She tries asking Nichol for a hint , Nichol deadpans her instead. Okay. . . time to choose wisely Kei.
“I like them all, that's why we're here, silly.” She nudges at Kei's shoulder as she says that then a little glint appears in her eye, her eyes widen a bit and go all doll-like as she peers up at Kei. "Which pair do you wanna see me in the most ?”
Kei’s ears turn a little red, but she quickly takes the reins by wrapping an arm around Nichols waist and pulling her in close so that Kei is looking over her shoulder and their eyes meet in the mirror that they're now both facing earrings still in Nichol's hands.
Kei gently slips her other hand into Nichol's palm and picks up one of the earrings, bringing it up to the side of Nichol's face, twisting the little pink orb charm with the tips of her fingers so that it faces the correct direction.
"I do think choice one suits you the best overall.” Kei explains. Nichols' smile lights up at that and her cheeks go a little pinker than her baby pink blush should be.
"Okay let's get those ones.” They put them in the little satchel and head towards the register. But as they pass a display case, Nichol stops and jerks Kei back just a bit. Kei looks back to see what's distracted her and sees a few pairs of glasses. The glasses are all very sleek, silvers, goods, and pinks. Delicate and intricate designs run along every frame making each one unique.
“Do you wanna try some on, love?” Kei asks, assuming her place a couple steps back so she can watch Nichols' little eyewear modeling show. Nichol reaches out and carefully picks up a sleek frameless pair from the bunch, but instead of sliding them into her face she turns with a grin and reaches up, pulling off Kei's own glasses and replacing them with the new pair.
“I wanna try them on you." Nichol giggles adjusting the frame just a bit more before she leans away to take it all in. The pair is similar to Kei's own pair in lens shape but the sides are black, the silver orb logo connects to the lenses through a little silver star screw. They're really cute, Kei could definitely see herself pairing them with other outfits. They are professional with a hint of playfulness in the star. They really do suit her.
"This one is pretty on you, but let's try a couple more.” Nichol decides and next thing Kei knows she's worn almost every pair of glasses on the display, and each looked good. Nichol's enjoying the whole process, giggling with Kei has to squint and blink rapidly as she refocuses her gaze with each pair, making little sound effects like "oooh”, "ah ha”, "hrmm” as she assesses each pair and bopping Kei's nose here and there. The older woman just lets it happen, thoroughly amused by Nichols strange little act. Happy wife, happy life and all that.
“Should I get a pair or did you just want me to become your personal mannequin?" Kei wonders, Nichol is now staring at two pairs, having neatly put the rest back into their places.
“I think the red and black ones are really hot. Honestly, you should get them." She says pushing back the other pair and holding up the thin pair, the deep red accents under the lens and on the side of the frame make it stand out. They're very classic office siren coded.
Kei looks at the price tag and shrugs; they both know that the glasses match a certain pair of stilettos that Kei rarely wears. Maybe Nichol's is trying to hint at something else with these but that'll get taken care of later for now they'll pay for their new accessories and head out to browse some more shops. Kei of course pulls out her card again, really if Nichol wanted to she could just leave her wallet and bag at home but she never does.
Etude house is across the street. The storefront is so cute with its old house aesthetic and pink accents, the lights inside aren't as blinding as your average beauty shop, which is nice and all the products are displayed beautifully. The girl at the counter welcomes them brightly ready to assist if needed. Nichol leads the way persuading through palettes from all sorts of brands. Some are colorful, some muted, some warm, some cool, she does a few swatches here and there, sometimes nodding, sometimes sighing.
Next is the lip section, one of the shimmery palettes she tried on earlier is tough to remove with the provided makeup wipes so Kei rolls up her sleeves to the elbow and casually gives up her own arm and hands for her girlfriend to use as a canvas. When the only other person in the aisle leaves, Nichol leans over to land a little smooch onto Kei's cheek, a soft “thanks" following after.
Now Kei's cheek has the faintest of lipstains, just another accessory to add to her look. A part of her really likes the subtle possessiveness of the mark, regardless of them being together for years now, Nichol still has to leave her mark somewhere on Kei as a silent claim, just like a cat marking her territory.
The next shop is Liz Lisa, even though it's late spring almost summer that doesn't stop nichol from letting her fingers pet the soft faux furs on the coats. The faint cheetah print is always calling out to her. "I need to get another one in fall, we need to come back okay."
“You never wear them fully zipped up anyway, we'll come back before summer ends." Kei promises.
“It's fashion! It's supposed to be halfway unzipped to show what's underneath." Nichol explains rolling her eyes playfully.
Kei raises her eyebrows. “Is it to show off just the top you're wearing or your cleavage too."
“I'm trying to attract you~ you don't like it ?" Nichol whines a little, their arms are linked again so she takes advantage of the position to push her chest against Kei's bicep, blinking up at her in faux innocence.
Now it's Kei's turn to roll her eyes. "You already have me boobs out or not, you're lucky you're so cute.” Kei reaches down to flick Nichol’s forehead and get them moving back onto the streets.
Next is MA*R’S probably Nichol's favorite store lately a lot of the prices from her outfit today are from this shop. It's an agejo gyaru staple. The store walls are a mix of fuchsia and magenta pink with black accents here and there and the racks are covered in garments of all the shades of pink.
Nichol skips to the skirt section, Kei following not far behind. Ninety-nine point nine percent of these skirts are mini but that's no surprise to Kei, at this point she's already used to the style and knows that the slightly scandalous pieces are a big part of it because of the history and origins of the style. Plus Nichol feels the most confident and comfortable in the style so she doesn't have any problem with it. She will tease Nichol about it from time to time but that's just to rile her up because an annoyed Nichol is ten times as cute as a cutesy clingy Nichol.
“Kei, look at this one, I love the pleats on it! And the super faint zebra print, the chains dangling from the waist. hmmm” Nichol's inspecting each detail of it seriously like she always does.
"Should we pick some stuff out and then go to the dressing room and decide what to get from there? You can get a whole pile to try on even if we don't get everything I know you wanna at least try some of it on." Kei decides for her because now Nichol is picking up another skirt, this time almond pink and pleated but obviously debating between the two heavily.
“Yeah, you should try some stuff on too so it's not just me though.” Nichol says because it wouldn't be fair if she's the only one having fun and doing a mini fashion show. Well Kei's obviously having fun too because she's been smiling the whole time and praising Nichols choices and being attentive to each of her concerns about this or that. Kei also loves just pampering her but Nichol also loves dressing her up so this'll be a win-win for both of them.
They break off to different sections each picking out a few skirts and tops, Kei grabs a couple times and a few cute hats too and Nichol finds a couple dresses that speak to her. They meet back up at the dressing rooms with sore arms and fill up their rack. The dressing rooms are near the back of the store where some of the intimate wear is located, a more deserted part of the shop this time of day. The thick black curtain drags across the ground covering everything so that no one can peep. And there's a little hook on the end to secure it shut as the folks within the booth change. Luckily the booth is pretty wide so they both fit in there just fine, Kei takes the side away from the mirror so that Nichol can be farther from the curtain just in case even though they've never had a bad experience if something were to happen she could more easily shield Nichol this way.
Nichol tries on her first outfit, the zebra mini skirt from earlier and a black velvet jacket with pink lace trim along the hood and pockets. It's cute and comfy looking. She does a little twirl in the mirror for Kei. Kei has changed into a fitted black button up with pink buttons and some subtle swirly designs along the ribs and waist and a black and magenta plaid mini pencil skirt. It's more subdued than Nichol's look but it's still more cutesy than Kei's usual style.
“Hmm you should get the skirt, it could work with some of your plain black button ups maybe the rubbed one you wore the other day?” Kei turns in the mirror, the skirt does fit her really well especially around the hips, it's not too short either, still covering her where she needs coverage despite her being a little taller than most. They look cute with her tights too.
Next, Nichol tries on a white short sleeved dress shirt and the almond pink mini with the lace ruffles on bottom the shirt cinches her waist and the added volume from the skirt ruffles accentuate the shape making her look extra snatched. The outfit is very school uniform esk, something you'd see in a movie or show because it's definitely never gonna actually be approved by a real school, it just mimics the Hollywood aesthetic of it. There's gotta be a tie that matches the skirt she might have to go look for it later. Speaking of ties and dress skirts, Kei's next pick is a pink pinstripe dress shirt very similar to the pale blue button up she originally wore. The shirt is a little tighter on her than her own one but it looks really good.
“Get it, get it!" Nichol cheers as Kei finishes buttoning it up.
"Maybe. It does work though I can style it with a gray pencil skirt and a blazer for work.” Kei decides, she picks out one of the ties now to see how it'll look on her as Nichol changes out of her ‘school uniform’ look.
Nichol hangs up the mini skirt pushing it to the ‘keep’ side of the rack. She sneaks a peek at Kei who is still fumbling with the tie, stuck between tucking it into her vest or letting it lay over the vest. A small grin makes its way onto Nichol's face as she grabs the black mini dress off the rack, it's practically lingerie, the fabric is so sheer as she slides it up her body the faint cheetah pattern comes to life against her skin. She gets her arms through the straps and it's just as she'd predicted, due to her height the dress barely covers her lower half, the trim barely hits the top of her thighs.
“Kei-san~ can you zip me?” Her tone is coy and as soon as Kei turns she watches as her girlfriends eyes turn a little darker. Her eyes rove all over her body and she sees Kei's jaw tighten as though she's grinding her teeth. Once they meet Nichol's eyes she smirks, she understands her perfectly.
“You little brat, when did you grab this hmm? I didn't even catch it.” Kei says finally stepping forward.
"It's a surprise." Nichol explains as Kei turns her so that they're both facing the mirror now, Kei meets her gaze from where she stands behind her. This point of view really reminds Nico of their height difference, something about it makes her cheeks warm, she wants to get swallowed while by the women behind her. It doesn't help that Kei looks like a hot ceo in her with her tight vest and button up and slacks meanwhile nicos just in her bra, panties, stockings and garter belt and the tiniest black dress known to man.
Fantasies start filing Nico's perverted mind, if only they weren't in here only closed off from prying eyes by a curtain not even a wall. If only she could be on her knees or bent over Kei's-
“Earth to Nicol~" Kei blows into her ear from behind, making her shiver.
"You're all zipped up now darling, you look so beautiful like this.” she praises warmly, Nichol's thighs flex instinctively from that familiar tone. She needs to get some air.
“Baby,” Kei tilts Nichols' chin up with her fingers. "Calm down, we still have to finish here and we have the rest for the date to finish, I can take care of you once we get back home okay."
Nichol swallows and takes a deep breath barely nodding. Then Kei is gently unzipping her and helping her change back into her original outfit. All slow, gentle move it's to help Nichol get back into the present.
Kei plants a little kiss on Nichols shoulder and fixes up her outfit too, and they gather their clothes from the ‘keep’ pile and go pay.
Now Kei is holding three bags, two big ones from MAR*S, she had slipped the little Vivienne Westwood bag into one of them to have less the worry about and then one medium sized Etude bag, but her arms aren't sore, and even though Nichol made grabby hands towards the Etude bag after they finished up at MAR*S Kei insisted on carrying them all; they really weren't that heavy. She could handle it.
Back on the street now there's a bit of a bigger crowd, the suns shifting more and more, getting closer to setting. An alcove appears after a little further down the street. Then the building Nichol's been looking for appears, they go up a few stars and through a curtain into the purikura station. There's rows after rows of purikura booths inside. Colorful pictures splayed outside each booth with cute catch phrases and girls posing in fun poses.
One of their traditions is to find a photo booth or even better a purikura booth on their dates and take life 4 cuts for memories to hang along their wall back at their apartment.
Nichols' feet are finally starting to ache and she's more than satisfied with her haul and ready for some real food so to wrap up their time at Harajuku the purikura station is their last stop.
They have to walk a little further in to find an unoccupied booth. It's now the time of day where students are out after class so many of them are hanging out in the booths talking loudly about the latest gossip and laughing together, holding hands, and enjoying snacks.
Once Nichol finds a booth she's happy with, Kei sets their bags down on the floor and stretches her arms. Nichol is already on it, sliding through the background choices.
“Wanna do Cherry blossoms or neon lights?" She asks.
"Cherry blossoms for spring.” Kei decides.
"Kay~” Nichol makes the selection and getting to position scooting closer to Kei who holds her waist and they hold out matching gyaru peace signs as the first camera shutter sounds. Nichol moves up onto her tippy toes and pushes Kei down a little in a " hehe I'm taller than you” way for the second photo. Kei then grabs Nichols arms and wrestles her into a back hug, keeping one arm around her waist to hold her still as using the other one to give Nichol a kitty ear with her hand. Nichol makes a little scowling face as the shutter sounds. When Kei lets go, Nichol twists to hug Kei and rests her head against the older woman's chest, Kei strokes her hair and leans down to give her a kiss on the head as the shutter sounds again.
Then Nichol leans up, they look at each other for a moment, sharing fond smiles. They are both looking a little messier now after hours of moving around and their hairs a little curled from the humidity in the air. But they're both so warm and happy, especially in this moment wrapped up in each other. Kei begins to lean in and Nichol responds on instinct when their lips meet the shutter sounds.
Kei lets out a soft chuckle and Nichol giggles into her. She leans in again, her strawberry scented lip tint melting against Kei’s lips. Kei's hand pulls her in even closer by the waist and she changes the angles to nip and Nichols bottom lip making Nichol whine softly. Nichol's hands flutter up to the back of Kei's neck to tug at her hair in retaliation to the nibble. Kei's arms pull up and lift Nichol up off the ground by an inch-
“Please design photos or press print." The robotic sound of the machine's voice pulls them back into the moment and Nichol’s feet meet the ground again. They're both laughing now still wrapped in each other's arms but the heat is subdued for now. They need to hurry up and go home already.
"Come one kitty, let's design these, print them and catch the subway. I'll order dinner tonight.” Kei loosens her grip on Nichol and opens up her delivery app ordering some pasta from their favorite Italian place and a bottle of red wine. While Kei's getting their food and a taxi, Nichol collects their photo strips. She had added little hearts around them and a crown over Kei's head on a couple of the pictures. Kei had added "cute kitty” in her fancy handwriting over Nichol in one of the pics. Nichol can't help her fond smile as she sees it. It's been years and somehow there's still days where she wonders how she ended up with her lovely partner, how she still gets so flustered, so absorbed in the moment forgetting about everything but Kei, how much love she continues to have for her and how it's only growing as time passes.
She neatly tucks the two photo strips into her clutch wallet that hasn't left her purse all day, they fit in there perfectly. She catches a glimpse at an older photo strip under her ID, she has black hair there, Kei's hair is still it's beautiful dark brown shade, Nichol's in her school uniform, a plain navy blue blazer and dress shirt, she's added pins to the tie for a bit of flare, Kei is in a graduation gown, and Nichol should be looking at the shutter but the photo captured her just as she was staring in awe at Kei, in love.
“Love, the driver's arrived." Kei calls phone in one hand the other outstretched and waiting for Nichol to take, which of course, she does.