"Hey, can you stop for a minute?" said Andros.
"Not really," said Riza, still driving fast and weaving between slower cars. "It's getting late and I don't know when that store will close. Why do you ask?"
"I need to take a piss," said Andros.
"Well, you should have gone before we left. You'll just have to wait," said Riza.
Andros slowly lifted one leg.
"Don't you dare!" said Riza angrily.
Andros lowered his leg.
"Fine. But you better hurry. I don't know how long I can hold it in. I am just an animal after all, " said Andros.
Riza rolled his eyes. Thankfully, they arrived at the shop just a few minutes later. He closed the car door right in front of Andros face.
"Hey! What gives? Let me out!" he said quickly. It almost sounded like the whine of a dog.
"You already made your purchase. Now it's my turn. Besides, I don't think you are welcome," said Riza, pointing to a sign in the window that read 'No dogs allowed.'
"At least let me out to pee, " said Andros.
But Riza just ignored him and walked through the door. A bell jingled and a strange old man behind the counter greeted him.
"Hello, Riza. How are you doing this fine day? I see your friend Andros is enjoying his purchase. Maybe you would like something for yourself?" said the old man.
Riza's jaw dropped. How did the old man know his name, much less recognize Andros.
"Wha.. how...wha.... "
The old man smiled and pointed through the glass window of the store. Riza turned and saw his nude friend sitting on his front seat. He was crouched like a dog, but looked entirely human. Riza was even more confused.
"Just a little parlor trick to see through illusions. But relax. I assure you that your friend really has become a dog physically in the real world, just like he requested. Perhaps you would like to be one, too?"
Riza shook his head. "No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. I kind of like the idea, but I don't want to become a dog permanently. It seems like my friend is stuck as a dog. "
The old man clicked his tongue.
"No one ever reads the instructions. There is a salve in his bag. Just rub it along his back and the zipper will reappear. I'll give you another sample, just in case your irresponsible friend lost the one I gave him," said the old man.
The old man disappeared in the back, and Riza looked around the store. A strange leash attracted his attention. It looked like something that would be used to walk a dog, with a collar attached to a long string of leather. Riza was considering buying it as a joke, planning to use it on Andros as punishment.
"Ah, the Collar of Obedience. A good choice. Perhaps you would like that instead of a costume?"
The old man's sudden appearance startled Riza. He was about to protest that he was just looking, but something about the leash called to him. "What does it do?"
"Well, whoever wears the collar is bound to follow the commands of whoever holds the leash. It is very popular with customers who choose to become animal pets. As well as some humans who like to be pets, " said the old man with a wink.
"You know, the old 'master and slave' domination crowd."
Riza blushed. "Thanks, but I don't think that will interest me. I'll just take the salve for my friend ...."
The old man stared out the window and Riza followed his gaze to see Andros peeing all over his car. Riza fumed with anger. He grabbed the leash firmly and held it out to the old man.
"On second thought, I'll take it."