"Well," you say, gently tugging on the sleeve of Stacy's top. "It looks like we're both feeling floral today, so how about the gardens? I hear they opened a new area this year, and I've been meaning to check it out."
"Perfect!" Stacy gushes. "Oh, I love the gardens. Let's get going!"
You smile silently as she dances on ahead of you towards the carpark, feeling satisfied with your choice. Stacy is unbelievably good to you, so you're glad to be able to give a little something back. Still, you make a note to get her something more substantial - once you're back in your own apartment with access to your bank account.
The botanical gardens are drenched in sunlight and heavy with perfume. Crickets chirp loudly, apparently tricked into thinking it's already summer.
"Horny little bastards," Stacy chuckles.
"Wha-?"
"The crickets. It's a mating thing. I learned that in high school and ever since, I can't hear crickets without thinking about it."
"You mean they're all just yelling at each other, trying to get laid all the time?" You're a little disbelieving, but Stacy seems serious.
"Uh-huh. We could stand to learn from them sometimes. The world might be a better place if people could be a little more open about things like that."
A sharp lance of guilt pierces you, but you brush it aside. Surely she wasn't talking about you, right?
The gardens are a soothing experience every time you visit, and today is no exception. Stacy takes you by the hand and together you stroll through the trellised pathways, stopping to smell roses and admire art installations. The entire riverside complex is infused with the heady, sweet scents of pollen and perfume, creating an idyllic, dreamlike experience as you saunter along. Despite the heat, you wish this afternoon would never end. You feel cute, for the first time in a while, in your yellow sundress. You feel needed, and you are immensely, deeply grateful to Stacy. Not only did she help you out of a tight spot, but she's been nothing but giving and generous and lovely today. You lace your fingers through hers a little more tightly and give a quick squeeze.
She glances over at you and smiles. "Having fun?"
"You have no idea," you say. You didn't even realise it, but time is rushing by. You've spent at least three hours wandering the botanical gardens hand in hand, and the sun has dipped well past its zenith. The two of you are standing on a terrace overlooking the river, which scrolls lazily by in soft green eddies. The sun filters softly through the trees, the pounding heat of noon replaced by a gentle evening warmth.
"Mindy," she says at length, turning away from the river to look you in the eye. "We need to talk."
Uh oh.
Stacy pauses for a moment, perhaps waiting for you to reply, but you say nothing. She sighs lightly. "I understand that everybody has some secrets, and I have to respect that. But sometimes those secrets eat you up inside, and you're only doing yourself a disservice by keeping them to yourself."
"Stacy..."
She holds up a hand. "I'm not finished. I like to think we're pretty close, Mindy. You slept in my bed last night, for God's sake. It's not as if we're strangers. If there's something bothering you . . . I want to help."
"I'm going to ask you one simple question, Mindy, and I think I already know the answer. What are you hiding from me?"
Your mind whirls. How did she figure it out? Did she even figure it out? She's looking right into your soul with those dark eyes of hers - oh fuck, she's beautiful. She could be mistaken, she could be talking about something else. But no, you've blown it. Somehow she's figured out your secret, you're sure of it.
Your mouth is dry and your heart pounds as you try to speak. "I... I, um." You clear your throat and make to speak again, but you're paralysed by indecision. What do you say? What
can
you say?
"I don't know what you're talking about." "I'm so sorry, Stacy. How did you figure it out?"
[[If she lies to her and she finds out later it would destroy her trust in Mindy but on the other hand if she tells the truth Stacy might not want to be her friend anymore. If that's even the secret that she's talking about! No. You know what? If Stacy is really her friend then she can handle knowing that Mindy is a futa. Plus it's 2017! Futas are cool now! Right? 🙃]]
"I'm so sorry, Stacy," you say, eyes downcast as you feel your cheeks burn with shame. "How did you figure it out?"
"So I was right, huh?" Stacy sounds almost surprised. "You really have a- you know... down there?" She gestures toward your crotch, suddenly deciding to be shy with her words.
"I... yes. I'm sorry I kept it from you, I just...didn't want to freak you out or anything."
Not that it was any of your business either,
you add silently. You feel more than a little outed right now. "How did you even...?"
"Well, a few things made me wonder. You see, when I went to have a shower last night, I found something on the wall-"
Mortified, you clap a hand over your mouth and groan, "Oh my fucking God, you *didn't!* Stacy, I'm so sorry, I thought I'd cleaned up after I... after I, uh..."
After I jerked off my giant futa cock in your bathroom. God, I'm a terrible friend.
"Don't worry, babe." Stacy squeezes the hand that she's still holding. "We all have needs. Anyway, that made me wonder. And I'm sorry, but I had to tease you a bit today with the Subway, and the lingerie shop, and the crickets. Just to see if you'd react. And girl, did you ever."
You hang your head, feeling your ears burn with embarrassment. Strangely, the dread you felt seems to be fading slightly. "Wait, so you don't hate me for it?"
