[There's definitely no accounting for taste. But there are a few things that even Ardyn will admit to not feeling particularly inclined to wear. Probably. (Because good heavens, what is that.)
And Grell, are you certain you want to open up a discussion about scarves with Ardyn........]
That depends. Would you cringe at the mention of floral patterns?
Because people always make snide remarks when I bring patterns into the conversation.
[A joking exaggeration. (They don't so much make snide remarks than just roll their eyes in exasperation.)
He idly watches as she continues to search, continuing.]
But to answer your question... going along with the idea of patterns, a floral damask seems appropriate for spring, doesn't it? Done up in a forest green... no. Kelly green. That's a scarf I would wear.
[imagining said scarf, she nods, thinking about it in the vague design that she has.]
It'd offset your hair well and be striking without being overwhelming. Suitable for both occasion and for you.
[eventually she pulls out two jackets, one a darker gray, one black. simple in style, but yes, more tailored than he usually would wear. not true choices, even as she's getting more thoughts.]
Try these on, I want to know which will fit better.
Grell... I didn't realize my hair was something that needed offsetting. [He's quick to tease her choice of words, but it's good humored as usual. At any rate, Ardyn will be obedient, shrugging off his current coat and exchanging it for the black one in her hands.] If you'd be so kind as to hold this for me.
[(Isn't it odd to actually see the implied lines and contours of his body when he's just wearing a regular dress shirt and not a hobo jacket, Grell?)
In any case, he slips the garment on with relative ease. Definitely a more tailored fit, but it lends to his image well.]
[offsetting. contrasting. she's not as precise with her words as a lawyer must be, and the quick twitch in her expression is enough to say that the teasing landed, not that she takes it personally. Grell knows enough to not do so. instead she takes the coat, watching him try on the other. (and it is a little odd to see him in something that actually lets on that he has a figure instead of it being hidden underneath his usual style, but not that she minds in the least. more the opposite.)
making herself look at the jacket with a critical eye, she takes stock. close enough to his size, she thinks, if he's able to put it on that easily. it gives a benchmark to look for an actual jacket, one that will feel...right, that's the only way to put it. it's easier to look for someone else rather than herself, she's finding.]
Well, that rules out any thoughts about gray. Black will be best.
[black and bright green. they'll look well together. now with size and color in mind, she goes to look again. though she's still holding Ardyn's actual coat, having absently folded it over her arm to carry it with her. hopefully he doesn't need it back for a little bit.]
[Ardyn is not unused to the feeling of more tailored clothing; he could hardly be expected to practice law without a properly fitted suit, all those years ago. Still, he can’t help but roll his shoulders a bit, adjusting to the way the material aligns closer to the curve of his back, to the broadness of said shoulders.
It’s an idle sort of motion, not indicative of annoyance.]
This might be a more expedient shopping trip than I expected. You’re more efficient than my niece.
That's because we have a goal in mind, instead of aimlessly wandering about. It takes longer when you have no ideas. Or if you're simply going for your own sake. Also, you said simple. But don't get too comfortable, whatever jacket works best we'll have to match with pants.
[color matching takes time and a careful eye. she wants it to be as close as they can manage. and keeping her eyes fixed on the clothing removes any temptation to look back at him to make sure the fit was right. yes. that's why she wants to look back. certainly not just to see.]
Of course, you could decide to overrule me at the last moment, if you were struck with a wave of inspiration.
When I said I was in your hands, I meant it fully. I’m determined to hold my tongue even if a wave of inspiration hits me. I assume you won’t so easily shatter the trust I’m placing in you.
[Said with nothing short of a teasing lilt, though the sentiment is true enough. He trusts Grell to make the right sort of decisions where fashion is concerned (since no one trusts him to do it himself).
He’s silent only long enough to allow of moment of consideration to pass, and then:]
Have you always had an eye for fashion, Grell?
[It’s worded very purposefully. “Have you always been interested in shopping for clothes” sounds rather mundane and an inane thing to say, and “are you having fun dressing me up” even more so.]
[she considers the question, half of her mind still in the clothes.]
Not always - there was a time when I didn't care very much for clothing at all. It was simply something to wear, I couldn't care if I matched or if I looked sensible or if my hair was neat. Though of course it was shorter, so it was easy to get away with...
[careless was a good word for it. a style she still has on days she doesn't need to leave the apartment at all.]
And one day, I simply realized what I was missing out on, and everything sort of fell into place from there. It became something to enjoy instead of so much effort.
[looking over her shoulder, she smiles a little.]
Do you dress the way you do because it's something you enjoy?
[an honest question, actually. for three seconds she'll suspend the judgement of his choices and whatever else, and simply ask.]
[Ardyn is exceedingly observant, enough to know an honest question when he hears it. And in return, he believes it deserves an honest answer.
Therefore there’s no teasing to his tone this time, no affectation of carefully chosen words. Just the truth in all its simplicity — at least only as much as the word can apply to a man like Ardyn Izunia.]
It’s easier. Comparatively speaking. [A pause.] Than what I was forced to wear day in and day out, years ago, when I practiced law. Suits, hair cut short. Tremendous dry-cleaning bills.
[The smallest twist of a grin. Speaking plainly didn’t last terribly long, it appears.]
Now I feel excessively free to wear whatever it is I please, to suit my own tastes and no one else’s. It’s freeing — even if others tend to disagree with my natural inclinations towards patterned scarves and “ill-fitting” [can you hear the scare quotes] coats.
[there it is, simplicity, peering out for just a moment before it conceals itself again. surprising enough to make the smile fade by a degree from her face as she listens before it comes back. it makes sense, really, when he puts it like that, and for a moment she might even feel slightly heartless for the critique she's had about his clothing. (it doesn't last too long, since it also comes to mind that she's free to still consider the hat impossible given that he'll never give it up of his own volition.)]
But you wear them anyway, so clearly the disagreement is nothing to be taken seriously.
[if he ever truly took the words to heart and changed, they'd need to check his house to make sure he wasn't somehow replaced.]
Besides, the scarves aren't bad.
[it's only....everything put together in that particular mishmash.]
[That's right, the flippancy has returned in spades, forever indicative of the fact that, no, Ardyn is not at all bothered by the criticisms tossed his way. He does better than merely take them in stride -- he finds them endlessly amusing, in any number of ways.
Scarves, though.]
Oh, I hope you didn't hurt yourself admitting to that. [He jokes, of course.] Perhaps we'll pick out a new one, while we're here?
[You can't expect for him to not give the scarf collection here a gander!]
There's no reason why not. That section of things I yield back up to your expertise, since you seem to be quite the discerning collector.
[if he finds something he'd prefer more, then what she has in mind should accommodate. turning back towards the clothes, she moves to a different section, not pleased by what they have there. maybe this one...]
For all your trust, there are some matters that simply aren't my area.
So discerning that I even keep a list, sorted by color.
[Another jest? Or is he being serious this time? He'll not say.
Ardyn follows, still wearing the jacket that belongs to the store, since his own is safely tucked around Grell's arm for now. Like a lost puppy following around a potential new owner, if only the metaphor didn't sound so ridiculous when applied to a man like Professor Izunia.]
Don't tell me you don't have your own collection of scarves for the cold winter months?
Then that means we don't have to search for a pair. Do remember to wear those with the jacket and scarf, that will give the exact look that I have in mind.
[shoes she'll leave to his discretion, actually, but that takes care of having to deal with the awkwardness that is pants shopping. the frown on her face is deepening as she rejects yet another rack and moves onto the next.]
I could have sworn I saw what I'm thinking of the last time I was here...and there's no way someone took it, because I refuse to accept that.
[Of course he'll take note of her instructions, fully intending to follow through. This may have been half an excuse to spend time with Grell, but the other half was indeed a sincere "cry" for help. He'd be remiss not to listen.
He can't help but sound curious when she mentions the missing article of clothing she's having trouble finding.]
You'll know when I find it! I will take it as a matter of honor if it doesn't appear-
[she says that, and she stops as she flips to another jacket. her eyes widen a little, and Grell pulls it out for them to look at. black as ink, with buttons that match. the cut is very similar to a suit jacket, and she looks it over to make sure there's no damage to the fabric. none at all, and only then does she offer out the jacket to him.]
This is the one. Try it.
[when Ardyn does, he should notice that despite its appearance, it's more comfortable than a suit jacket would be. tailored just enough to be flattering, while offering more mobility and freedom. also, there's pockets, because those are important to have in any piece of clothing.]
[And how is he to deny her this request, when she had appeared so adamant to unearth the article of clothing from its hiding spot? A gentle arch of his brow, the twist of an amused smile, but he agrees to it easily enough. A moment, then, while he shrugs off his current jacket, offering it to her to hold while he takes the new one from her.]
It sounds like you have high hopes for this one.
[-he says, even as begins to slip it on. This doesn't take long, of course, and Ardyn takes a moment to feel how it settles around his shoulders and arms, then the rest of him. He seems pleasantly surprised at how well he can move in it. It's comfortable, but still tailored to fit.
But, more importantly, he asks:] What do you think?
[the jacket he hands to her she puts on the hanger, putting it with the others and turning to look at him in the coat that had come to mind. that one she had remembered from it being on a mannequin not too long ago, and it came to memory at the right time.
mentally she blocks out the hat's existence, and reaching forward, Grell smooths down the front of the jacket he's wearing, then taking another step back to study how it hangs on him. it fits into the idea that she had perfectly.
That's it. That has to be it. It makes you look as striking as could be hoped.
[My, what a compliment! Enough to embarrass a lesser man, or to inflate the ego of a proud one. Ardyn's grin only widens, his own arms extended out in a dramatic gesture -- nothing new for him, at any rate.]
With words like that, how can this one immediately not be deemed the winner?
[He chuckles, and then gives his own opinion on the matter.] It's more comfortable than the last. Did you choose it specifically because of that?
The color's not likely to fade easily, the material's sturdy without being too stiff, and yes, it's comfortable. That's why it's right for you, with your talk of freedom.
[the perfect compromise, she thinks, between proper style and his personal comfort.]
Now, that with the gray pants and the scarf you mentioned - why, you'll make a picture.
And how thoughtful of you to take my preferences into consideration. [Even though she had basically been saying she'd been willing to do so this entire time. Ardyn knows this, but he teases nonetheless.] In that case, this is the one, isn't it?
[He'd prefer this one, anyway. Fashion aside, being able to move with considerable freedom seems to trump everything else.]
And as long as it's pleasing to your eye, well, I think that's reason enough to settle on it. [A pause, and then:] Speaking of scarves [oh no], why don't we take a look at what they have to offer here?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
And Grell, are you certain you want to open up a discussion about scarves with Ardyn........]
That depends. Would you cringe at the mention of floral patterns?
no subject
[she says this without even looking at him, having moved onto things that are not bizarrely metallic and thankfully just reliable solid colors.]
no subject
[A joking exaggeration. (They don't so much make snide remarks than just roll their eyes in exasperation.)
He idly watches as she continues to search, continuing.]
But to answer your question... going along with the idea of patterns, a floral damask seems appropriate for spring, doesn't it? Done up in a forest green... no. Kelly green. That's a scarf I would wear.
no subject
It'd offset your hair well and be striking without being overwhelming. Suitable for both occasion and for you.
[eventually she pulls out two jackets, one a darker gray, one black. simple in style, but yes, more tailored than he usually would wear. not true choices, even as she's getting more thoughts.]
Try these on, I want to know which will fit better.
no subject
[(Isn't it odd to actually see the implied lines and contours of his body when he's just wearing a regular dress shirt and not a hobo jacket, Grell?)
In any case, he slips the garment on with relative ease. Definitely a more tailored fit, but it lends to his image well.]
no subject
making herself look at the jacket with a critical eye, she takes stock. close enough to his size, she thinks, if he's able to put it on that easily. it gives a benchmark to look for an actual jacket, one that will feel...right, that's the only way to put it. it's easier to look for someone else rather than herself, she's finding.]
Well, that rules out any thoughts about gray. Black will be best.
[black and bright green. they'll look well together. now with size and color in mind, she goes to look again. though she's still holding Ardyn's actual coat, having absently folded it over her arm to carry it with her. hopefully he doesn't need it back for a little bit.]
no subject
[Ardyn is not unused to the feeling of more tailored clothing; he could hardly be expected to practice law without a properly fitted suit, all those years ago. Still, he can’t help but roll his shoulders a bit, adjusting to the way the material aligns closer to the curve of his back, to the broadness of said shoulders.
It’s an idle sort of motion, not indicative of annoyance.]
This might be a more expedient shopping trip than I expected. You’re more efficient than my niece.
[Sorry Iris…..]
no subject
[color matching takes time and a careful eye. she wants it to be as close as they can manage. and keeping her eyes fixed on the clothing removes any temptation to look back at him to make sure the fit was right. yes. that's why she wants to look back. certainly not just to see.]
Of course, you could decide to overrule me at the last moment, if you were struck with a wave of inspiration.
no subject
[Said with nothing short of a teasing lilt, though the sentiment is true enough. He trusts Grell to make the right sort of decisions where fashion is concerned (since no one trusts him to do it himself).
He’s silent only long enough to allow of moment of consideration to pass, and then:]
Have you always had an eye for fashion, Grell?
[It’s worded very purposefully. “Have you always been interested in shopping for clothes” sounds rather mundane and an inane thing to say, and “are you having fun dressing me up” even more so.]
no subject
[she considers the question, half of her mind still in the clothes.]
Not always - there was a time when I didn't care very much for clothing at all. It was simply something to wear, I couldn't care if I matched or if I looked sensible or if my hair was neat. Though of course it was shorter, so it was easy to get away with...
[careless was a good word for it. a style she still has on days she doesn't need to leave the apartment at all.]
And one day, I simply realized what I was missing out on, and everything sort of fell into place from there. It became something to enjoy instead of so much effort.
[looking over her shoulder, she smiles a little.]
Do you dress the way you do because it's something you enjoy?
[an honest question, actually. for three seconds she'll suspend the judgement of his choices and whatever else, and simply ask.]
no subject
Therefore there’s no teasing to his tone this time, no affectation of carefully chosen words. Just the truth in all its simplicity — at least only as much as the word can apply to a man like Ardyn Izunia.]
It’s easier. Comparatively speaking. [A pause.] Than what I was forced to wear day in and day out, years ago, when I practiced law. Suits, hair cut short. Tremendous dry-cleaning bills.
[The smallest twist of a grin. Speaking plainly didn’t last terribly long, it appears.]
Now I feel excessively free to wear whatever it is I please, to suit my own tastes and no one else’s. It’s freeing — even if others tend to disagree with my natural inclinations towards patterned scarves and “ill-fitting” [can you hear the scare quotes] coats.
no subject
But you wear them anyway, so clearly the disagreement is nothing to be taken seriously.
[if he ever truly took the words to heart and changed, they'd need to check his house to make sure he wasn't somehow replaced.]
Besides, the scarves aren't bad.
[it's only....everything put together in that particular mishmash.]
no subject
[That's right, the flippancy has returned in spades, forever indicative of the fact that, no, Ardyn is not at all bothered by the criticisms tossed his way. He does better than merely take them in stride -- he finds them endlessly amusing, in any number of ways.
Scarves, though.]
Oh, I hope you didn't hurt yourself admitting to that. [He jokes, of course.] Perhaps we'll pick out a new one, while we're here?
[You can't expect for him to not give the scarf collection here a gander!]
no subject
[if he finds something he'd prefer more, then what she has in mind should accommodate. turning back towards the clothes, she moves to a different section, not pleased by what they have there. maybe this one...]
For all your trust, there are some matters that simply aren't my area.
no subject
[Another jest? Or is he being serious this time? He'll not say.
Ardyn follows, still wearing the jacket that belongs to the store, since his own is safely tucked around Grell's arm for now. Like a lost puppy following around a potential new owner, if only the metaphor didn't sound so ridiculous when applied to a man like Professor Izunia.]
Don't tell me you don't have your own collection of scarves for the cold winter months?
no subject
[said in the most deadpan manner she can. the truth is that she doesn't mind the cold that much, but it sounded more dramatic to say it that way.]
Do you already own a pair of gray pants?
no subject
[Someone's getting a scarf for Christmas. Ardyn won't forget.]
And I do. More than one, actually.
[One of those pairs might have thin pinstripes but surely that's not inadvisable to wear?]
no subject
[shoes she'll leave to his discretion, actually, but that takes care of having to deal with the awkwardness that is pants shopping. the frown on her face is deepening as she rejects yet another rack and moves onto the next.]
I could have sworn I saw what I'm thinking of the last time I was here...and there's no way someone took it, because I refuse to accept that.
no subject
[Of course he'll take note of her instructions, fully intending to follow through. This may have been half an excuse to spend time with Grell, but the other half was indeed a sincere "cry" for help. He'd be remiss not to listen.
He can't help but sound curious when she mentions the missing article of clothing she's having trouble finding.]
And what is it that you're looking for?
[Maybe a second pair of eyes would help?]
no subject
[she says that, and she stops as she flips to another jacket. her eyes widen a little, and Grell pulls it out for them to look at. black as ink, with buttons that match. the cut is very similar to a suit jacket, and she looks it over to make sure there's no damage to the fabric. none at all, and only then does she offer out the jacket to him.]
This is the one. Try it.
[when Ardyn does, he should notice that despite its appearance, it's more comfortable than a suit jacket would be. tailored just enough to be flattering, while offering more mobility and freedom. also, there's pockets, because those are important to have in any piece of clothing.]
no subject
It sounds like you have high hopes for this one.
[-he says, even as begins to slip it on. This doesn't take long, of course, and Ardyn takes a moment to feel how it settles around his shoulders and arms, then the rest of him. He seems pleasantly surprised at how well he can move in it. It's comfortable, but still tailored to fit.
But, more importantly, he asks:] What do you think?
no subject
mentally she blocks out the hat's existence, and reaching forward, Grell smooths down the front of the jacket he's wearing, then taking another step back to study how it hangs on him. it fits into the idea that she had perfectly.
That's it. That has to be it. It makes you look as striking as could be hoped.
no subject
With words like that, how can this one immediately not be deemed the winner?
[He chuckles, and then gives his own opinion on the matter.] It's more comfortable than the last. Did you choose it specifically because of that?
no subject
[the perfect compromise, she thinks, between proper style and his personal comfort.]
Now, that with the gray pants and the scarf you mentioned - why, you'll make a picture.
no subject
[He'd prefer this one, anyway. Fashion aside, being able to move with considerable freedom seems to trump everything else.]
And as long as it's pleasing to your eye, well, I think that's reason enough to settle on it. [A pause, and then:] Speaking of scarves [oh no], why don't we take a look at what they have to offer here?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)