“Man, my thighs are on fire. How do women walk in these damn heels?”
“That’s the spirit, Mark! Embrace the struggle!”
Mark glared at his friend, Jason, who was doubled over with laughter. It was Halloween night, and against his better judgment, Mark had allowed Jason to convince him to dress up as a woman for the big costume contest.
“C’mon, it’s only one night,” Jason had insisted. “It’ll be fun. And this’ll be your chance to prove me wrong about you having a girl’s face.”
Mark had snorted. “You only say that because it pisses me off and because you’re jealous the girls tell me I have beautiful eyes.”
“Well, if you’re so sure I’m wrong, prove it,” Jason said. “Dress up as a chick for Halloween, and if anybody thinks you’re a dude, I’ll keep my mouth shut about your girly features. Besides, there’s a cash prize for the best costume. Five thousand bucks. You could win!”
Mark reluctantly agreed, but he really should’ve known better when Jason had suggested he visit ‘my friend who dabbles in special effects.’ He’d been expecting fake blood, perhaps a convincing scar or two. He hadn’t counted on coming out of the experience a full-fledged woman, complete with a cinched waist, fake hips that were blended seamlessly with his legs, and significant cleavage (thanks to makeup, padding, and scotch tape).
The final blow had been the clothes. Jason had gleefully made him try on several outfits before settling on a witch’s costume that was more sexy than scary. A short, black dress that showed off Mark’s new curves, thigh-high stockings, and a pair of killer heels.
“Where the hell did you even get this crap? It’s like something straight out of a trashy lingerie store.”
“Well, I have my sources,” Jason smirked. “Namely, a trashy lingerie store.”
Mark considered taking the shoes off and throwing them in the nearest garbage bin - or at Jason’s head - but the prize was too tempting to give on.
“Fine, let’s go,” he’d grumbled.
Now, as they walked onto the stage for the costume contest, Mark couldn’t help but feel self-conscious. The way people were staring, the wolf-whistles, the catcalls... It soon became apparent that Jason had been right about one thing - Mark did have a pretty face. And with the added enhancements, he looked stunning. 
They don’t realize I’m a guy cross-dressing as a sexy witch as a joke, Mark thought. They see a hot woman! 
Mark began to feel a little scared as the crowd cast their votes. He had no idea how these people would react if they found out the truth, so he put on his best performance, winking at the audience and blowing them kisses for good measure.
The moment of truth came when it was announced that Mark had won the grand prize: $5,000 in cold hard cash.
Mark grinned as he made his way off the stage, the hoots and hollers of the audience ringing in his ears. He’d actually won! He was ecstatic - until he felt a hand grip his arm tightly, pulling him aside. He turned to see a tall, muscular man with a stern expression.
“Hey baby, you really know how to work it up there. How about you and me go back to my place and celebrate your win?”
“I... Uh, thanks but I’m not interested,” Mark stammered, trying to pull away from the man’s grip.
“Come on, don’t be shy. I know how to treat a lady like you.”
Suddenly, Jason appeared at Mark’s side, placing a protective arm around his bare shoulders.
“Sorry buddy, but the lady is with me tonight,” Jason said with a suave smile, eyeing the man up and down.
The man sneered and let go of his arm. “Come find me when you want to be with a real man, sweetheart,” he said before walking off.
Mark let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks, man. I thought he was going to try and take me home with him.”
“He was,” Jason winked. “And so am I.”
Mark rolled his eyes. “We live together, idiot.”
“Yeah, so how about we grab a bottle of expensive champagne - and several cases of cheap beer - to celebrate your win in style.”
Mark grinned. “That sounds like a good idea. But first, I’m taking off these damn heels!”
“But keep the dress on, okay?” Jason said. “You look damn good in it.”
“I know,” Mark sighed. “And I don’t know how I feel about that.”
Jason laughed and clapped Mark on the back - well, his lower, lower back. “It’s okay to embrace the inner girl every once in a while, dude. Besides, Halloween isn’t over yet! There may be more tricks...or treats...in store for us tonight!”