Twin Tails on the Express
I opened the door to our assigned passenger compartment. One might question the term "compartment," but that's exactly what it was. There was a faint noise coming from the room across the hall, suggesting it was already occupied. Of course, trains conjure up images of certain spaces—like the car near the back where our precious cargo was loaded. That might've been fine for a one-day trip, but since we had farther to go... I opted for a slightly pricier option with beds. ...Though sharing might've been awkward.
Anyway, no big deal. It was just a simple table for meals, some chairs, and beds. Sure, renting out an entire car would've been more luxurious with all the bells and whistles, but that felt like a waste no matter how I sliced it.
Cecil dropped her bag and dashed to the window, pressing her soft cheeks against the glass. She giggled merrily, peering out at the scenery, stamping her feet in excitement over whatever caught her eye. We'd arrived just in time; soon, the stationary train lurched into motion. Cecil let out an exhilarated squeal.
"Asha-nim! It's moving! And super fast!"
"Mm... yeah."
I wasn't all that impressed, so I gave a casual reply and sat on the bed. Veronica was already sprawled out on the one opposite. Moments later, the mattress dipped as Claudia plopped down right beside me. Her body heat—warmed by the sun—seared into me like a furnace.
"There's a bed right next to you, so why here...?"
"It's not bedtime yet, is it?"
"..."
Claudia stretched her arms overhead, maybe feeling stiff. Her tail stretched taut alongside, an impressive sight. Once loosened up, she glanced around the room.
"By the way, aren't we short one bed?"
Well... you showed up yesterday saying you were coming along? She gave me that look, then grinned sheepishly and fanned her collar, probably from the heat. Through the flapping fabric, I glimpsed her pale, creamy breasts—a stark contrast to her tanned skin elsewhere. Must've been from all that time in the sun... it was kinda... sexy. Like swimsuit tan lines.
I stole a glance without thinking, and our eyes met. Claudia smirked and scooted closer, her swishing tail tickling my waist.
"Like what you see?"
"N-no, it's not that."
"It's fine. Look all you want."
If only. But as she pressed in, a wave of her sweet, sweat-dampened scent hit my nose. I jolted up and fled to Cecil, who was eagerly watching the outside world. Laughter trailed behind me from Claudia. My face burned; I fanned it while joining Cecil at the window.
"Asha-nim, what's that?"
"Hm... a temple."
As I explained temples to Cecil, I noticed Veronica on the bed, breathing evenly in sleep. With her arms up, her smooth underarm was fully exposed, beads of sweat glistening... damn, why am I like this?
"Asha-nim?"
"Uh, yeah—where was I?"
"You said you know someone there!"
...When did I say that?
"You know someone at the temple?"
Claudia, polishing her dagger on her bed, perked up with genuine surprise.
...Get it together. "...Not really 'know'—more like someone I brushed past once? She probably wouldn't recognize me now anyway."
"Oh?"
Not a lie. No one would recognize me like this. I brushed it off with a vague wave, sighing in relief—until the heat hit harder. If breezy-dressed Veronica was sweating, it made sense. Heading to a new region after so long, with this changed body... I'd been tenser than I realized. Now that I was relaxing, the swelter crashed in.
No one's looking anyway. I decided to shed a layer. Undoing the clasp on my cape released a rush of hot air. Is this why she asked if I was hot? I folded it neatly onto an empty chair and unbuttoned my shirt a few times. Much better.
"Hot, huh?"
Claudia handed me a handkerchief with a grin.
"...Yeah."
As I wiped my sweat, I felt her gaze. Then she tilted her head, murmuring "Hmm..." before eyeing me suspiciously.
"Asha... are you not wearing underwear?"
...How'd she know? "...Too stuffy. And the cape covers it anyway, right? But how'd you spot it?"
"Sweat's making it all see-through."
"Ah."
I wiped up nonchalantly and handed back the handkerchief. Claudia sighed, but now my hair was bugging me—strands sticking to my skin where the cape had kept them away.
"Want me to tie it up?"
She noticed like a ghost. After a moment's thought, I nodded. Now that I was aware, it itched like crazy. She sat me in a chair and gathered my hair upward. My nape bared, and cool relief washed over me. Cecil wandered over from the window to watch. Claudia rummaged in her pocket.
"Asha."
"Yeah."
"Even if no one's looking... wear underwear. It's not just for covering up. I mentioned this before, remember...?"
Lecture incoming—I cut it off quick. "...I'll try."
"Good. Such a pretty shape—would be a shame to ruin it."
...Pointless once I'm back anyway. Oh, right—should I make Cecil wear some? Glancing at her chest, I spotted thin straps on her shoulders. Veronica must've handled it.
"There, all done."
"Ah, thanks."
Now twin weights tugged at either side. ...Twin?
"Asha-nim, so cute!"
"Suits you just like last time."
I glared at Claudia, chewing my lip.
"You didn't do what I think you did, right?"
"Spot on~?"
"Untie it right—"
Before I could finish, Cecil piped up sadly.
"Asha-nim... untying it? That's a shame..."
Her fidgeting fingers and wistful look... fine, leave it. Not a big deal. Feels cooler anyway. A single ponytail might've pissed off Veronica, so this works... sorta. I patted Cecil's head as she nuzzled in, thrilled. She eyed my hair enviously—wanted hers done too, probably.
"Claudia, got more ties?"
"Yeah. Do it yourself?"
"...Yes."
"Jealous?"
"...If you're jealous, grow your hair out."
She recoiled dramatically but handed one over. "Wouldn't suit me, and work's a hassle."
"Fair enough."
I sat Cecil down, tie in hand. Lifting her silver locks revealed her snowy nape, dotted with sweat.
"Cecil, were you hot?"
She tapped her lips, humming, then beamed.
"Seems like it! Lifting my hair feels nice, Asha-nim!"
"...Should've said something."
"Hehe... but you looked hotter. You endured, so Cecil did too!"
...Guilt trip. "No need to hold back. Next time, speak up right away if something's off."
"Got it!"
"Good."
With clumsy hands, I managed twin tails—pigtails—like mine. Adorably so. Cecil's perfect face pulled them off effortlessly. She spun in delight, dress and hairtails fluttering. ...Black panties peeked out. That tiny fabric holding that massive thing—nope. I shook my head. Cecil giggled and shook hers too. Not intentional, but her cuteness chased off the weird vibe—nice.
"Pfft—hahaha, what the hell's with your hair!"
Until Veronica woke up laughing. After smacking her down, Claudia returned with drinks and snacks—plenty, despite the price. She seemed unbothered. We chatted away over cool sips and munchies, time flying—until the train braked abruptly. Outside: open fields all around. Not a station. Something was wrong.