Kelvin asked, "Are you well enough to take a trip into the city? As long as you're here, you're going to need some clothes and I'll show you around."
Lyria couldn't wait but was losing her nerves over the chaos of it all. "I'd love to but I'm scared. It's so noisy! In the forest, all we heard were singing birds and chirping crickets."
Lyria sat up and clenched the comforter as she was rattling in the sheets.
Kelvin found her hand and her nerves settled. "Trust me. You'll love it."
She nodded. "Ok, I have to trust you, my love! I do trust you!"
Kelvin sat on the bed next to her without releasing the hold on his goblin lover. "Well, I wanted to talk to you about that 'trust.' This world can be beautiful with its sunsets, aqua blue oceans, and mountaintops capped with snow but could be dangerous for you, too. It's like that even for us humans. That's why it's important you stay out of trouble."
Lyria put her hands together as though she was making a promise. "I won't get into trouble!"
Kelvin snatched her hand again and tightened his grip while piercing her lavender eyes with his own. "I mean it! You do what I tell you at all times. If people find out who you are..."
Lyria leapt onto the floor with the covers flying through the air. Her heart was thumping at the idea of trouble despite her desire to please her human lover. Trouble and mischief was akin to a drug to a goblin but she hoped to control her nature...maybe.
"Okay! I got the message, sweetie!" Lyria stole a swift kiss from Kelvin who appeared to relax into a trusting state.
He rewarded her with a soft smile and she giggled. "Alright, baby. This trust thing goes both ways. I just have this feeling that your bad girl...um, bad goblin side is waiting to come out."
Lyria took a handful of his loins and he sucked in a sharp breath. "You mean bad like this?"
Kelvin was hardening as she held him and it was sparking her arousal as well.
He stammered, "Oh, ah, mmm. We shouldn't start something we can't finish yet."
Lyria took her hand away and whined. "I'll be good..."
An hour later, Lyria was having the time of her life in Kelvin's pickup though the engine was so loud it seemed like it was in pain and it coughed like it was going to choke out. Lyria had her face and palms pressed against the glass watching the people. The masses were more than could be counted on fingers and toes. People playing guitar on the street corners, Three Card Monte victims, disappearing rabbits, hot dog trucks, and the rock and rhythm and blues booming from the open restaurants had her so full of excitement!
Kelvin looked over and smiled at her happiness. Lyria returned the joy but as soon as she turned to look at the sights, he tapped her leg.
"Look!" Kelvin pointed out the skyscrapers on his side.
Those buildings of glass that stretched to the sky were even more breathtaking than what she read about! One was topped with a helipad and she was amazed by the flying machine with propellers that landed upon it. Her mouth was open so long, it was like she had to wipe the puddle she'd created.
"Wow...it flies!"
Kelvin said, "That's a helicopter up there."
"Where I come from, fairies can fly but I think machines that fly are much cooler!" Lyria turned her attention to Kelvin's hands. "Can
I
make this thing go?"
He looked at the steering wheel. "You mean drive? I don't think you're ready for that! I have a lot more birthdays I want to see!"
"That sucks..."
They pulled into the parking lot of Racy's Clothes and More. Kelvin ran over to open her door but she was already out. It was like a hundred rows of vehicles of blacks, reds, whites, and blues. The people of countless complexions and shapes had Lyria running her fingers through each other and rubbing her left foot against the opposite one.
Kelvin laid a hand upon both shoulders to silence her nerves again. "Honey, I'm here. It's okay."
Lyria nodded in agreement though there were still butterflies in her belly. "Yes, I'm fine."
"Remember, stay out of trouble. People will look at you strangely and maybe ask questions. You say you're wearing a costume for a party or there's a comic convention in town. You don't tell anyone who you really are. They'll think you're crazy and we don't need the attention."
"Yes, sir."
Kelvin pressed his lips to hers and Lyria was in flutters. He donned a black baseball cap and shades before they took off. She took his hand and they walked towards the store. He lived in that town but was as jumpy as the goblin. She kept shifting an eye towards him trying to feed her curiosity.
"Kelvin, are you okay?" the goblin asked.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Kelvin wiped the sweat from his brow. Sweating while ice crystals were forming on Lyria's bones was noteworthy as well.
"Am I making you nervous? Is there something you want to talk about?" Lyria asked as he halted his steps with hers.
"No...I mean not yet."
She was becoming at peace in a place she knew nothing about with him so close but she really wanted to know what was buried within him.
"Can I ask why you're wearing that hat and glasses over your face?"
"I...ah...I'll tell you later. I promise. Trust me, remember?"
Lyria shrugged.
They continued their trek to the automatic doors. As they slid aside without touching them, she was in amazement. Her awe only grew at the world of dresses, shirts, skirts, shoes, and accessories. Racks of clothes seemed to go on for an eternity in all directions. Add to that the lights as bright as stars and she couldn't decide which way to go. Like human women, the thrill of shopping came alive within her.
Kelvin appeared to share the same joy but not because he was fond of increasing the size of his wardrobe.
Lyria was attracted to some lime green dresses with leaves of spring colors arranged in different directions. One particular garment stretched to the knees with a split that rode up the side.
Oh, but then she saw a top with a strap on one shoulder that stopped above her belly button. It was mostly yellowish green with some solid green circles and squares scattered about. She rubbed the textures between her fingers. Cotton was familiar but the top was like nylon and polyester, which was the first time she held such materials.
Kelvin was moving with her through the racks and was taking pleasure in watching her reactions. "Those would look cute on you."
"You think so? I do! Back in the forest, our clothes were made from whatever we could findβgrass, hay, bark, cotton. They could get itchy but these feel so nice against my skin! How many can I get?"
Kelvin looked at how much of the store they still had to cover and looked down at the thickness of his wallet...or lack thereof. Through grit teeth and fake whimpers, he said, "Whatever you want, honey."