closed.

[ex_adept136]

CHARACTERS: Haise Sasaki pursuit, Giovanni Rammsteiner ofobedience and Sonia Nevermind assent
DATE: 3/5
WARNINGS: Domestic nonsense.
SUMMARY: Going suit-shopping.


[Haise had been surprised to be invited out shopping, and all the more so that it was Giovanni's idea. Maybe the group outing part of it wasn't, but he knows what they're out to buy is. And when he'd heard about it, he finds himself surprised that the thought hadn't arisen sooner. Considering all the time that Sonia spends with them both, it only seems appropriate, and so he's eager to join this party in its most noble of quests.

Today, they're out to find Sonia a suit.

While the strip mall he and Giovanni had squared off against infected in is out of commission, the larger shopping mall is still operating. It's outside the main entrance that he waits for his associates, dressed in the apparel he prefers to wear. Corporate casual is in his blood, and there's really no denying that at this point. This is about the time they'd agreed to meet, so he expects he'll spot them any time now]

Comments

ok here i am

[assent]

[ Given everything going on at the hospital, the idea of stepping out for this seems ludicrous; yet, at the same time she can see why they're putting in this effort as well. She's hardly home anymore save for the few nights she goes back to eat something substantial, to sleep properly.

Her efforts for a vaccine or cure have only doubled since learning about her own infection too, like there's this indescribable race against time. It wouldn't be wrong to assume that either, and if there is anyone she feels safe with it would be either of them.

On top of that, it seems meaningful to follow through on any suggestion Giovanni may have, just for the proof it is of him adapting to them now. She doesn't want to cause any set backs to that. When the arrive she lifts her hand a little to wave, a small smile on her face now that they're somewhere a little more crowded with people that are at least not in the same state as those in the maternity ward. ]

Do you know where we need to go?

[ofobedience]

[He remains unaware, of course, at the level of importance his two companions place on the suggestion, the small indication that he's adjusted that little bit more to their presence, to their situation as a whole. It's a first for him, to be the one to suggest what amounts to a social outing, to initiate interaction. It's more his custom to keep out of the way - or, even, to avoid people entirely - unless they seek him out first, and even then it's frequently met with a distant kind of reluctance. Sometimes, complete indifference, as though the person in question doesn't exist at all. But this is something he wants, and whilst he remains unaware of any significance it might hold, vaguely there's the desire in him to get Sonia doing something besides work. Something to take her mind away from the increasing desperation around and within them.

And so they reach their rendezvous point with Haise, and on seeing him Giovanni - dressed to the nines, of course, suit and tie and fine Italian shoes (and a pair of bullet cufflinks that Haise may recognise...) - flashes one of his sharp-toothed smiles.]

There's a tailors based in here, just a small one. But far better than anything you'll find off the rack.

[Because here they can follow Giovanni's specifications, rather than the awful baggy suits that were popular in the nineties...]

[ex_adept136]

[When he sees the two, Haise lifts his hand just enough to wave, a sunny smile on his face. It's a far softer thing that Giovanni's, but that's something that seems intrinsic to their natures at this point and he's become accustomed to it. He takes a short time to notice the cuff links, but once he does, he's grateful that he was already smiling. He's simply glad to know that the gift was to his associate's liking.

From the way his associate dresses, it comes as no surprise that he's got something very specific in mind for Sonia. And there's something rather sweet about that, him wanting to do something for her and having such expectations for how it ought to be.

Haise knows better than to draw attention to it, of course, but it's a positive sign. The more Giovanni can connect with others, the easier it ought to be for him to feel grounded in the present. A process, he won't deny, but something like this is encouraging.

Besides, who could argue with getting Sonia out for something fun? She's pushed herself entirely too hard lately]

Since it sounds like you know where to go, we'll defer to your guidance.

[And in playful spirit, he'll gesture for the other man to lead the way]

[assent]

[ She isn't really sure if Giovanni is aware of it anyway, but like Haise she avoids bringing attention to it when it doesn't need to be noticed right now. Instead she just hums as she follows the direction that seems to be where they are going, though really she's fine with stepping back and letting herself be led along today. It's actually a rarity in itself as well, allowing others that kind of control.

After the effort it took to get them here, and the fact that they're here on Giovanni's suggestion, she feels he deserves that kind of blind trust anyway.

There are other reasons for it too, but that is one among many reasons. ]

Then I am in your hands.

[ She says it softly, in a way that definitely shows that trust too. Hopefully in a way that doesn't make him pause when he does actually start walking to where ever this tailors may be. ]

[ofobedience]

[Defer to his guidance. In his hands. Almost, such sentiments make him pause, an infinitesimal faltering in his step as he leads them through the mall and towards the place he has in mind. Because the words seem strange to him-- he's something that follows, a leashed dog, always acting under someone else's command, and to have that kind of faith placed in him, even in a small way, it's different. Not necessarily unpleasant.

But it's a tiny fluttering thing, barely a coherent thought, and one that passes almost as quickly as it arose. He says nothing of it, instead keeps moving in the direction he'd like for them to go.

And eventually they reach the tailors he'd mentioned, small and unassuming, tucked out of the way.But that's redolent of his own sense of style in and of itself-- subtle but sharp. So he likes to think. And so he pauses on the threshold, looks back at them.]

Don't be put off by initial appearances. I assure you, this is the best place in town.

[And he indicates briefly to his own attire with a vague motion of his hand-- the new suit he's wearing today, apparently it came from here.]

[ex_adept136]

[Following the gesture, Haise glances over Giovanni's apparel in mock-appraisal. He doesn't have to be reminded that the other man is a sharp dresser, having seen him in such suits nigh-daily since he'd first met him. Still, he hums thoughtfully as he then glances to the shop window]

Well, I trust you to have good taste in such things.

[If anyone knows a good suit, of course it would be a man for whom such apparel was typical to daily life. With familiarity came a more refined sense of preference and as such, Haise isn't at all surprised that his associate has found a place that caters to those tastes.

And quite the hunter too; he wouldn't have picked up on a little out-of-the-way shop like this among so many louder and larger outlets, unless coffee were involved]

If it's got your approval, I'm sure it's worth the visit.

[assent]

[ She follows a little more quietly than usual, curious to see where this adventure is going to take them. Really, part of her would rather just keep her mouth shut lately because she doesn't know when she'll snap at someone -- especially when it's levels of irritation that make no sense.

Looking at the small shop it does look rather strange and small compared to some others, but she knows enough of the fashions here to know they aren't exactly great. She, herself, looks like she's been pulled out of some grunge punk concert rather than anything delicate like she would normally go for. ]

As I said, I trust your judgement.

[ Though she isn't sure how a suit will feel to wear, it isn't like she's worn one before outside of traditional school uniforms. ]

[ofobedience]

[At their seeming approval - or at least, something like it - he'll flash a sharper, broader smile. Moves to push the door open, motions them inside.]

You'll find a few off-the-wrack items, worth pursing to give you an idea I suppose, but we'll be better off asking for something made to measure. I already have something in mind.

[Something subtle and sharp and perfectly refined-- his tastes, admittedly, not hers. But humour him, will you? Who doesn't look good in a nice suit.]

[ex_adept136]

I'm sure it should be a sight to see.

[Giovanni seems pleased. It's a detail Haise notes, but thinks better of commenting on as he follows the guidance of that gesture, stepping into the shop after Sonia does. Once inside, he reaches back to hold the door open for Giovanni, in some measure returning the favor even if he doesn't see it that way.

Manners are simply a part of who he is, and that much isn't likely to change anytime too soon]

[assent]

You do?

[ She glances back over her shoulder at that, blinking at him curiously. She has no idea what this may amount to, but she's willing to try it and attempt to wear something he would approve of on occassion. It isn't as though he's asked for much. ]

[ofobedience]

I do.

[he flashes a sharp-edged smile at Haise as he steps through the door, directing his words back to Sonia without turning. Once inside, he greets the tailor amicably enough, the man behind the counter looking visibly pleased to see him-- clearly, he's been getting some good custom from Giovanni ever since his arrival in this place.

He turns, then. Faces the two Audentes.]

Look around, why don't you? See if there's anything that particularly catches your eye, first. Then we can get you measured up.

[ex_adept136]

I'm not sure I've got your keen eye, but I'll do that.

[Haise says easily, the first to step away in case Giovanni might wish to discuss his ideas with Sonia. While he's glad for the opportunity to tag along, it's more about getting something for her, and his associate's inspiration to that effect, than it is about him. And frankly, he's glad to see that Giovanni is making connections with others.

The more he gets to know the people around him, the more real the present out to feel. And, in his experience, the more grounded the man ought to be as well. It's something he's quite familiar with]

[assent]

All right. [ She looks uncertainly between them both, because if this was a shop with dresses she would be running around throwing them over her arm already. This is like a whole new world--she feels utterly out of her own element here.

It's why she picks at the racks carefully, chewing at her lip as she goes through what seem to be the wrong sort for her anyway. She doesn't know if she's just looking for fabrics she likes, styles... shapes???

Have mercy. ]

[ofobedience]

[He spends a short amount of time discussing the specifics of what he's looking for with the proprietor, the man nodding with enthusiasm, happy to help with yet another purchase. He's had more custom from Giovanni in the short time he's been here than he usually gets, and as such he's eager to please.

After a while though, he stalks back to Sonia's side, can read the uncertainty in the lines of her body, and he takes a moment to observe the styles on display before selecting one and holding it out for her to see.]

Something along these lines, I was thinking. Although we'll have it made to measure, of course, so there's some room for personalisation.

[He seems at ease her, almost relaxed. Almost pleased.]

[assent]

[ She's getting better at actually paying attention to when he's near at least, given how well he can appear out of no where if she isn't listening out. She tilts her head towards the sample he holds out, looking down at herself. ]

Would they be able to shape it properly?

[ It's a pretty straight fit from what she can see, but hopefully the tailor can work their magic. ]

[ofobedience]

Oh, I'm sure they will. The fellow who owns this place is quite talented.

[He looks his selection over, tilts his head.]

But you'll also need a shirt, of course. And a tie.

[assent]

[ She glances back between him and the selection, frowns slightly when he goes on to say what else she'll need. She wears a shirt as part of her old school uniform anyway but-- ]

I want a ribbon.

[ofobedience]

[He arches a brow, looks more than a little dubious.]

A ribbon.

[assent]

[ It is very hard to not bristle when he seems to disagree. At least his tone and expression say that. ]

Yes, a ribbon. Not a tie.

[ofobedience]

[Well, that sure is a firm tone. Some of his certainty wavers, but he does try, in a softer tone, to press his opinion--]

...a tie would better compliment the lines of the suit.

[assent]

Giovanni. [ She frowns at him. ] I am already agreeing to the suit, to the shirt... I would like a ribbon. I am not asking for anything else.

[ It's one small thing!!! ]

[ofobedience]

[Her tone of voice, the frown, the fact that - despite appearances, despite what he is - he isn't exactly a very assertive individual to begin with-- they have him sighing softly. Backing down.]

All right. A ribbon it is, then.

[assent]

[ Immediately after, she seems to brighten up. Offers more for him agreeing to this much. She reaches to take the one in his hand currently. ]

Which others do you approve of?

[ Look, she's trying, all she wanted was the ribbon to add a little femininity to it. ]

[ofobedience]

[again, a little sigh, the slight rolling of his shoulders in a defeated shrug, but really he doesn't mind all that much. Her willingness to go along with him in all other respects at least makes up for it.

He begins searching through the rack again, holds up a couple of others, though currently still cut in the masculine style. Clearly in need of adjustment.]

Something like these, perhaps.

[assent]

[ She holds onto them as well, trusting his judgement on it because she has no idea about this sort of thing. ]

Do I need to try them on and have things pinned in place to see if it would work or...?

[ofobedience]

[He nods, just once. Flashes his crooked smile.]

Oh, you'll want to be measured up, certainly. It'd spoil the lines, otherwise, if something was out of place.

[assent]

Of course. [ Well she's used to that for dresses, but it's hard to imagine what pieces like this will look like. They aren't ball gowns, or other dresses she's had made over her years as a princess. ]

Shall I head inside, in that case?

[ofobedience]

[He makes a small, fluid motion with one hand that suggests she should go right ahead.]

I've already spoken with the tailor, he has a clear idea of my specifications. Never fear.

[assent]

As I have said, [ She smiles, ensures she has the pieces she needs. ] I have no fear about this, I am sure you will choose something flattering.

I will see you momentarily, in that case.

[ Meaning she'll head into the changing room at the back now, hanging up the items as she tries to start getting ready. It's strange to work with the parts she has, but she's getting by. ]