[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?
[she looks pleased enough for him to say that it was the one. her instinct hadn't failed her, and no matter the outcome of the pageant, he'd make a fine showing. plus, it would give him another option in his wardrobe.]
Why not? You may find something that captures your heart completely.
[she still has his coat, as she's ready to follow to where they keep said accessories here. it's not like she's going to lose it or anything, but at this point a sensible person would offer it back. not Grell.]
[Grell's left an opportunity open for a flirtatious comment, and Ardyn considers it only for a moment before... going for it. Potential to fluster or otherwise.]
What if something already has? And I'm not talking about clothing.
[And what if he just says it as casual as remarking about the weather, to boot? Even as it's his turn to take the lead, to wander off and find the section where they keep accessories.]
You don't have to carry my coat around, you know.
[And yes, he's been aware of the state of his absconded coat, he merely hasn't remarked on it until now.]
[thank god the mention of the coat means she can focus on that track instead of having to generate a witty enough reply to what he said. smooth, she has to admit, with it being so casual. but coat. coat before she gets too flustered and gives him yet more opportunity to tease her.]
Would you prefer I leave it somewhere?
[surely he's not in a rush? then why give it back freely?]
I figured you'd ask for it back when you wanted it.
[A statement like the one he had made is better left hanging in the air to be mulled over later. Besides, there's little point in flustering her too much.]
No. I simply hate for it to appear as if I'm inconveniencing you.
[But if she thinks that it's no issue, he'll not press the matter until he actually requires it back.]
Here we are. Which kind would you prefer, I wonder?
[The question comes after they locate the section with the scarves, displayed before them prominently in all patterns and colors.]
[her eye is drawn more toward, of course, red. it's practically a magnet when she's in its vicinity. though that doesn't mean she isn't looking at other colors - only that her favorite is obvious.]
Oh, you never truly know until you see it.
[she's content to be casual in looking at scarves, idly finding which ones are soft and which are more for looks than any real warmth. he had been so patient while she tore through the jackets, there's more than enough time to return the favor when it comes to this.]
[But he says it with a grin, as always. Plus, it's difficult not to notice how Grell immediately gravitates towards red. It's duly noted; much like the roses, he thinks to himself.
He picks up a two-toned scarlet scarf, one that looks much like this. Obviously he's humoring her rather than himself when it comes to shopping, now. Ardyn holds it out for her to see.]
[she looks up from where she's been examining a blue scarf to see the red, putting that one aside to take the red in her hands and study it. it's a good pair of colors, and without much further thought on it she loops it around her neck to test how it feels. hm. decently comfortable.]
What do you think now? Still suiting?
[there's probably a mirror somewhere, but she wants his opinion.]
[Ardyn steps forward, reaching out to fix the folds of the scarf that now hangs around her neck. Situating it so that it hangs in just the right way, pleasing to the eye -- certainly not an excuse just to stand closer, not at all.]
[excuse or not, she's not complaining, nor making much of a significant effort to move away. it only takes turning in place to pluck out a different scarf and then holding it so he can take a look.]
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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.
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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.]
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[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!]
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[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.
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[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?
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[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?
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[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?]
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[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.
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[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?]
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[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.]
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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?
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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.
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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?
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[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.
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[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?
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Why not? You may find something that captures your heart completely.
[she still has his coat, as she's ready to follow to where they keep said accessories here. it's not like she's going to lose it or anything, but at this point a sensible person would offer it back. not Grell.]
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What if something already has? And I'm not talking about clothing.
[And what if he just says it as casual as remarking about the weather, to boot? Even as it's his turn to take the lead, to wander off and find the section where they keep accessories.]
You don't have to carry my coat around, you know.
[And yes, he's been aware of the state of his absconded coat, he merely hasn't remarked on it until now.]
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Would you prefer I leave it somewhere?
[surely he's not in a rush? then why give it back freely?]
I figured you'd ask for it back when you wanted it.
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No. I simply hate for it to appear as if I'm inconveniencing you.
[But if she thinks that it's no issue, he'll not press the matter until he actually requires it back.]
Here we are. Which kind would you prefer, I wonder?
[The question comes after they locate the section with the scarves, displayed before them prominently in all patterns and colors.]
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Oh, you never truly know until you see it.
[she's content to be casual in looking at scarves, idly finding which ones are soft and which are more for looks than any real warmth. he had been so patient while she tore through the jackets, there's more than enough time to return the favor when it comes to this.]
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[But he says it with a grin, as always. Plus, it's difficult not to notice how Grell immediately gravitates towards red. It's duly noted; much like the roses, he thinks to himself.
He picks up a two-toned scarlet scarf, one that looks much like this. Obviously he's humoring her rather than himself when it comes to shopping, now. Ardyn holds it out for her to see.]
I think this one would suit you.
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What do you think now? Still suiting?
[there's probably a mirror somewhere, but she wants his opinion.]
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[Ardyn steps forward, reaching out to fix the folds of the scarf that now hangs around her neck. Situating it so that it hangs in just the right way, pleasing to the eye -- certainly not an excuse just to stand closer, not at all.]
I think it suits you perfectly.
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[excuse or not, she's not complaining, nor making much of a significant effort to move away. it only takes turning in place to pluck out a different scarf and then holding it so he can take a look.]
This one seems to be rather bold.
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There's something courageous in wearing bold patterns. A declaration that you adhere to your own tastes, and care little for anyone else's.
[That being said...]
I like it.
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