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Who: Vivienne (

kirkhammer) and Maki (

cutiepanther)
When: Several days after the dungeon!
Where: Around Caissa?
What: Discussions of dungeons, and then.. dress shopping! Not necessarily in that order. Also one thread serves as overflow from the ball log.
Rating: PG? I doubt this will escalate to anything beyond this.

["There's a first time for everything." is how the saying normally goes, and today marks the first time for many things for Vivienne. This is the first time she's agreed on a one-on-one social outing. This is the first time she's maybe looked forward to said social outing. This is likely to be the first time she's been able to feel... normal? Well, at least normal according to the standards of most other folk. By Yharnam's standards, she's as normal as can be, if not overly polite, but Yharnam's a very dank place.

Patting the pouch of colle at her side, Vivienne checks for at least the fifth time that it's still there. She isn't exactly jittery, she just isn't entirely sure what to expect. Despite her ample free time, shopping for a dress never crossed her mind, and would never have if Maki hadn't brought it up back during the ball. Why would it, after all, when she's so far removed from that sort of thing.

Anyway, it's nearly time to meet Maki at their arranged spot. Vivienne isn't late, but all the same, she does hope Maki didn't arrive early for any reason - somehow, the idea of having kept her waiting irks her. Strange, that.]

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[ooc: Continued from here!]

[Maybe it's the drinks-- okay, maybe not. Maybe it's the masks then, the certain level of anonymity that's somehow comforting enough that she doesn't simply retreat back to her table.]

Lead?

[Even in a dance, there's one who leads? But, being in no position to object - Maki is definitely the more informed between them tonight - she very hesitantly places her arm around Maki, but not before quickly glancing around her to see how everyone else is doing it. Even though nobody's paying them any mind, the idea that she's being judged harshly and even sneered at by someone somewhere lurks in the back of her mind.]

What now?

[ It's amazing in a way, given Maki's height, given her age, given her overall low intimidation score, that she's able to to actually convince Vivienne to do something she's afraid. But then, Maki's never been afraid to show off, not even her first time on stage for a piano recital. She always felt at home in the spotlight more than anyone else.

And while she'd like to remove their masks, she doesn't want to be the only one on the dance floor without hers.

...But it's not like she wants to see Vivienne's face or anything, it would just make it easier to see if she understood Maki's directions! That's all! ]

The lead is usually the boy b-but it's fine, I can lead, just follow my steps with your feet.

[ It's not that the shorter partner can't leader after all, Maki just felt like it made more sense for Vivienne to put her arm around her. ]

I step with my right leg back, and you step with your left forward. Then the same with your other. Then I step to my left and you follow with your right, and bring your left in. We just go around like we're dancing in a box, that's why it's called the box step.

[The box step, is it? Well, if they're moving in a set pattern, it's a logical enough name. And for what it's worth, it seems simple enough, too, but all the same, she finds herself mostly looking down at their feet. Left foot forward, right foot forward, step to the ...left?

Ah, no that was wrong evidently, and Vivienne makes an annoyed sound, and simply stops moving after that, partly discouraged, partly disappointed, but mostly embarrassed.]

I feel ridiculous.

[Seems someone's the type to want to give up when they don't get it right the first time. Odd though, how she'd be more persistent if this were a more pressing issue.]

[ For a few moments things seem like it's going well. Maki is watching Vivienne carefully, making sure she's following the steps (deciding to wait on adding the beat to the steps later). She's not even focusing on the arm around her.

Then a simple, correctable mistake rears it's head and Vivienne seems to want to give up? Maki won't allow it. ]

Have you ever done anything perfectly on your first time? Do you think anyone here hasn't had the same trouble before? You're no different from any other girl here.

[ Maki might be younger, but she sounds all too assured of herself. ]

So just take another step and try again. You can do it, I know you can.

[Things she honestly never thought would happen: being lectured by someone younger than her. It rattles her pride something fierce, and it shows in the way she frowns...

...but she stays.

And she tries again.

Because foolish as she feels, discouraged as she is, disappointing Maki is even more aggravating. But she at least gets that last part right this time. Now if only she'd relax a little; the arm around Maki is tense, and her posture is rigid. Not to mention she's still staring down at the floor...]

I believe I have it...

[ Maki is the youngest in her idol group, and the mot bossy one of them all. It's no surprise really, seeing her upbringing. But it's good in a way, without Maki they might not have all worked as hard as they could, and if Maki has to be seen as the bad guy who pushed people to do better, then so be it. Luckily she wasn't alone amongst the 9 girls in that role though.

So it doesn't phase her that Vivienne is taller, older, stronger. Right now she may be all those things but she's still failing at someone Maki has been able to do since she was little. And she won't let Vivienne just pout and give up.

She watches Vivienne's feet intently for a few moments, then looks back up at her face. Watching where she is watching. Staying silent as not to disturb her while she gets the rhythm, even though it's off beat. ]

Okay. Good. Now look up at me. [ Maki waits, though when their eyes meet she can't hide the way the tops of her cheeks start to glow ever slightly. ] You need to find the beat now, and move with that. And you can loosen your grip on my back.

[Honestly, she hadn't even taken the beat of the music into account - it's all just background noise for her at the moment. But one step at a time. When she does find the confidence to look up, to direct her gaze at Maki's face, the red tinge that soon settles across her cheeks isn't missed.

This is the first time she's had that effect on someone too, as far she can recall.]

I'm sorry, was I hurting you?

[The tension in her arm goes away shortly after, and she finds that the moment she relaxes, her movements stop feeling mechanical and forced, making finding the rhythm all the more simple. It's almost bizarre how smoothly things seem to go from there, despite a small number of missteps as she goes.

At least she doesn't stop after each one.]

You're a good teacher, Maki. [A rather pointed glance down now.] I'm glad you're here.

[Here right now, teaching her lame ass how to dance. Still here in Caissa, even after all this time. It works both ways.]

[ It's not surprising. Learning the steps was always the first part of choreography, after which making sure your timing was correct and in sync with everyone became more important. Maki might have been a piano prodigy, but she learned how to dance from an incredibly talented and strict ballerina.

But she's going at least slightly softer on Vivienne than she might have on someone else. She doesn't want to push her too hard, so she would just give up. ]

Huh? N-No, it's just... you want a little room between us..

[ It hadn't been painful at all no, but it had certainly pushed Maki ever closer to Vivienne than this dance needed them to be. Sure there are couples on the floor that close but... they likely had a different relationship than her and Vivienne.

Sighing, Maki tries to put those thoughts out of her head, looking down for a second again then back up to Vivienne's face. ]

What? U-Um, you don't have to thank me, it's--I just thought you seemed like you wanted to learn! I mean--you should learn, it's an important skill if you're going to come places like this! What if someone here like a rich prince asked you to dance or something?

[ She tries to hide her intense embarrassment by talking about just about anything else, even while she continues to keep in time with her box step. ]

[And should the fact that Maki was going easy on her even be brought to light, it's possible there'd be some measure of sulking--

But yes, a little room. Proximity is usually a point of contention for Vivienne, though how much is dependent on who's getting too close. This, she finds, she doesn't mind all that much. Still, if it isn't right, she'd better amend the distance, sparing a glance to another nearby couple to approximate the correct distance - a natural, casual sort of arm's length, she supposes?]

I'd have refused.

[That... that was rather blunt and readily answered...]

[ Then she'd sulk and then Maki would be proven right in her decision to go easy on her!

It's not that being close was a problem at all, but it does make learning to dance easier. Maybe when Vivienne learns more she could pull in in like that--

But now Maki looks up from Vivienne's feet (she's got the steps right now!) to tilt her head at that simple, confident answer. ]

Really?

[ Maki has to think herself about what she'd do... On principle though, she's pretty sure she'd accept, simply because it was the polite thing to do, and pretty much only for that reason. ]

Well--You're getting the hang of it a lot better. We could try the waltz steps now, it's just a little different since you step diagonally..

[Okay, that's actually a fair point.]

Would you not have? To dance with a complete stranger... [Funny that this comes from someone who occasionally engages in casual sex if the urge ever rises.] I can't imagine his intentions would be anything but malicious.

[Because nobles, etc. Can't trust 'em. But as easily as she makes such accusations, she addresses the next topic. And it's actually something she's vaguely aware of. The waltz has been referenced once or twice in a few novels here and there.]

Yes, I'm familiar. [A beat, and then:] It's rather strange that, of everything, our worlds have only the more... insignificant matters in common.

[Though maybe that's for the best.]

...Me? [ Maki seems to be surprised that that question would be pushed back on her. Which means she needs to look away, to hide her face. ]

I-I mean, I wouldn't like it, but I'd probably do it just to be polite. I'd rather dance with someone like you.

[ Wait... ] I just mean someone like you who I know! Not like, just because you're a girl...

[ Wait... ] N-Nevermind!

[ This is really turning out really poorly for Maki. So she focuses on their footwork instead, so that maybe Vivienne would forget she said anything at all. ]

Yeah... Did you listen to a lot of music back home?

Edited 2016-08-23 19:23 (UTC)

[Fortunately for Maki, a lot of the implications there whiz right over her head. At least something good's come of her being so far removed from all of this. All Vivienne really does in response is tilt her head rather curiously.]

Yes... I feel the same in that regard. Had anybody else asked, noble or fellow Hero, I wouldn't have obliged.

[Simply put: she's dancing Maki asked...... though also because she doesn't feel like she was given much of a choice. But mostly the first thing.]

But no, unless there was some special occasion, I preferred quieter methods of relaxation. A good book would suffice. I take this is all very familiar with you?

[ That's fortunate. But in another way, not all that fortunate. It's a difficult balancing act for a girl like Maki who can't just be upfront about her feelings. ]

I-I guess I can just take be happy with the fact that you didn't tell me no.

[ Maki laughs a little haughtily there... even though she clearly didn't give the other a chance. But things are fall into place now. Despite some mild missteps Vivienne is definitely learning. ]

I-uhm, yes, something like that... My parents would bring me to their fundraisers for their hospital. I really just liked it because I was able to listen to live music.

Mm, that's what I was getting at, yes - I'm doing this for you.

[Vivienne on the other hand, can evidently be a little too upfront about her feelings.]

Were you ever expected to dance like this? Perhaps not a rich prince, but I can imagine a number of suitors approaching you.

[ Upfront is one word. Maki can't pretend that she didn't hear that at all, her eyes opening wide as she looks up at her dance partner, a look of something between admiration and embarrassment in her bright purple eyes. ]

For... me?

[ How does she even respond to that? Did that mean...? No, of course it didn't, but it doesn't stop Maki from thinking it despite everything. ]

Suitors? [ Even in her embarrassment, Maki can't help but giggle to herself at Vivienne's archaic choice of words. ] The only suitors I think I've had is my friend Rin, she keeps telling me she wants to marry me when we graduate. Even though she already said she's going to marry Hanayo.

[Ah, but now it's Vivienne's turn to be a little embarrassed. This is why she tends to keep things to herself, honestly. It's just easier that way.]

Is that surprising? Even in the past, you've been nothing but kind to me. I would be remiss not to return the sentiment in some manner.

[""In some manner"", geez. She'll loosen up even...tually... Though speaking of archaic:]

She? Two of the same gender are able to wed?

[ With the dance flowing steadily, the sound of the pleasant waltz in her ear, Maki can't help but relax slightly. Even if she still manages to keep Vivienne on the beat by speeding up or slowing down her steps as needed, almost on instinct. ]

It's only natural, learning to dance is an important skill... It's not like I just wanted to dance with you or anything!

[ Wait, she definitely just admitted exactly why she pulled Vivienne out here, but she's also quick to push past it, almost pretending as if she didn't say it at all.

Actually, the next question makes her wish she could forget that too... ]

U-Um, w-well... I mean... n-no, no where I'm from anyway, not yet. Other places like in America where I've visited it's legal but-- I-I don't think Rin really means it like that... B-Besides I wouldn't want to get between her and Hanayo anyway!

[ Her face really is red now. ]

[ There was a first time Maki went dress shopping but she was about three, and she held her Papa's hand as she decided one a dozen or so she really wanted. Since then things have changed, her tastes more mature, her Papa's creditcard no longer on hand. But her love of shopping never went away, it's only gotten worse as she's gotten older.

She's dressed to shop, in a floral summery dress, with a number of bangles on her wrists, and lace up sandals that crisscross up her calf. With a designer looking bag over her shoulder and even a flower hairclip in, she looks every bit as cute and stylish as she purports to be. Almost as if she were dressing up specially for some reason.

And of course she's early. Because Maki is always early to everything, her parents taught her that. Not that she minds having to wait a few minutes, with her carrier Diva at her legs, laying against her heels. ]

Vivienne! [ She waves when she sees her friend, a smile on her face. ]

[Vivienne on the other hand is dressed in her uniform. It isn't that she's adverse to the idea of more casual clothing, she simply feels her limited funds are, for the moment, better put towards things she feels she needs. A firearm, more throwing knives, and of course, the illustrious Vivienne Wants To Buy Her Horsie Back fund. But, if the stars align just right, she can indulge for just one day. And hey, if she can find a dress she actually feels she can wear, then maybe she can put even put it on just for the sake of wearing it. In private, of course, being seen in it in public would be too embarrassing!!!

But there Maki is. It takes Vivienne a short moment to actually recognise her. Is that what she normally wears while off duty? Seems a bit... flashy? Is that the word? But at least her carrier seems to enjoy it - little things seems to be fond of anything pertaining to aesthetics - and to that end, it gurgles rather happily at her feet as it follows along.]

Maki. [A short nod.] Have you been waiting long?

[Yeah, gotta address that first.]

[ Maki probably should have expected Vivienne to simply come in her uniform, but upon seeing her, Maki makes the decision to make sure that her friend gets something casual to wear too. Like Maki's outfit. Totally casual and not flashy at all.

Well, it makes her look confident at least, something Maki's actually got a lot of when it comes to her looks.

She's just happy to see Vivienne though. Happy that she gets to spend a normal day together with a friend. ]

No, not long. I was just checking-- [ She stops. ]

Checking... [ She starts and then stops again. ]

[ Then opens her mouth. Her eyes are focused down by Vivienne's feet. ]

Iyaaaaaaaah! [ The sound that comes out of her mouth is a terrified scream, made all the worse as she tries to quickly turn to run, only to hit her foot on something as she turns, and winds up spinning, slowly, off balance... then falling over like an idiot. ]

[A short, relieved sigh.]

Good. I admit I-- [But she trails off as Maki screams and attempts to get away.] What is it?

[With a reaction like that, she can only assume there must've been a threat nearby, and her hand goes to her belt, reaching for one of her throwing knives. Until she follows Maki's gaze at any rate, and her eyes land on her carrier, now hiding behind one of her ankles. The sudden scuffle must have startled it.

Her hand falls back to her side, and she nudges her carrier away with a foot, to which it protests with a disappointed noise.]

I'm... sorry. That's my carrier.

[She's received a few strange looks from others about it before, but this is the first time someone's reacted like this. Taking a few steps forward, Vivienne holds a hand out to Maki.]

His appearance may be grotesque, but I promise you he's quite harmless.

[ Down Maki goes. She spins once, then ends up on her butt on the street, which unfortunately puts her about eye level with Vivienne's Carrier which... is actually not a better way for Maki to see eye to eye with it. It makes it worse. ]

I-I-I-It's.....

[ She stutters and stammers, unsure of what to even say. She stares wide eyed at it, then up to Vivienne, then back down as if making sure it didn't move. ]

W-What kind of Carrier is that?!

[ Maki looks at the offered hand and despite her clearly embarrassed and flustered face accepts the help. Even if she is quick to stagger back away from Vivienne and her Carrier. ]

[Oh, her Carrier's never been that close to someone's face before!! If it weren't as startled, it might have reached out to touch. In actual fact, it might just have been beginning to do so before Maki's lifted back up to her feet.]

I'm not certain, to be frank, but it held a sense of nostalgia about it when I saw it. [Almost as if she's seen one, or something like it, somewhere before.] Back when I chose it, perhaps I needed the familiarity...

But I'm sorry he startled you.

[ It shouldn't be close to anyone at all! It shouldn't even exist! Seriously, how could it exist, half through the floor like that?

Maki tries her best not to look down at it, but she's clearly still shaken up. Zombies and horror things really do not sit well with her. ]

Nostalgia?! [ As if to protect Maki from the other Carrier, her own comes to sit directly on her feet like a protective dog, staring the other carrier down. Diva is a good girl, and honestly... it helps Maki calm down a little. ]

What kind of place did you come from there things like that are nostalgic?!

[And what a lovely coat of fur this carrier has!! Gideon's rather pleased at such a sight, clapping once rather merrily, as if one second ago he hadn't been frightened. He'll just... slowly sidle closer to try to touch one paw...]

Nowhere pleasant. [A rather quiet admittance, that.] But I was told these creatures were helpful to people like me. Something of a good luck charm.

[ And like a cat, Diva simply lifts her leg, and then puts her paw down on top of Gideon's hand. Diva looks down at the other Carrier with mild disinterest (the only look a cat really has) then back up to Maki.

Maki herself though is trying to put the weird zombie out of her mind, and focus on Vivienne. ]

S-Sorry... [ She didn't mean to bring up bad memories! So she changes the subject: ]

We should, um, get going right? I know there's a nice shop just around the corner from here we should check out first. It's a little pricy but their dresses seem made to last, if you wanted something to wear more than once.

[With a soft splutter, Gideon tugs his hand free, retreating back behind Vivienne's ankle. He isn't in any pain, but he inspects his hand nonetheless.

But with a quiet nod, she looks up, casting her gaze down the street.]

To be frank, I'm not certain I'd have the courage to wear it out in public. [By that she means:] I've no need for anything too extravagant.

[ There's a bit of a huff from the cat, who seems to feel triumphant in fending off the zombie. Good job Diva. ]

Huh? You don't want to wear one out sometime? [ Maki tilts her head slightly, one hand twirling at her hair. ]

I'm sure you'll look good in anything we find though.

[There's a little hesitation on her part now - she's not used to revealing these sort of weaknesses to other people.

Yes, this counts as weakness.]

I'm not comfortable with... more revealing items of clothing.

[Plunging necklines, short skirts, that sort of thing. There's a reason why she requested trousers rather than bear with their uniform's skirt. Even with the shorts underneath.]

[ A weakness that Maki doesn't even notice. Or at least, there's no way she sees it as that. Vivienne is a friend, and someone she even looks up to in a way, she doesn't judge her for this. At least, not too much. ]

You get used to it. I never thought I'd be on stage in some of the outfits Kotori has made but being an idol you just get used to showing off your legs and midriff a lot.

[ Maki twirls at her hair. She doesn't mean to make it about herself, honestly she's just trying to make Vivienne at ease, even if she's not that good at it. ]

But we can find a full bodice dress, maybe something you can even wear a cardigan over or something if you don't want to expose your shoulders.

[Ah, that's right... Maki did once say she was an "idol". Of course, Vivienne's interpretation of the word is quite far off the mark, but she at least understands it's something that gets you a lot of publicity.]

Something with a full bodice would be quite... [Lovely, she wants to say.] ...Sufficient.

[When they reach the store, Vivienne pauses a moment to stare up at the sign board, still rather shocked she's even here. But eventually, she goes for the door, pulling it open and standing to the side - an unspoken "after you" gesture.]

[ Someday Maki will have to sing for her and she can see just what Maki means.

With that settled, Maki is more than happy to talk about last night's tomato salad with a balsamic reduction that she had, speaking so very excitedly when it came to tomatoes. She's so caught up in it that she doesn't even realize that Vivienne has opened the door for her right away. When she does though, there's no mistaking the slight blush. ]

Th-Thanks.

[ Of course inside, it's probably Vivienne's nightmare. Beautifully pastel dresses on mannequins line the walls, with a white plush carpet at their feet. Clothes everywhere, with a bubbly sort of female salesperson who approaches them, asking if she can help. ]

It's okay, we're just looking for now.

[ Maki is quick to step up for Vivienne's sake more than her own, she's used to having people wait on her and serve her, rich girl she is, but she imagines involving someone else in this would make it harder for her friend. ]

[When Vivienne steps in and actually gets to have a good look at what's before her... well, overwhelming is putting it mildly, and though it's rather unbecoming of a woman her age, she finds she keeps closer to Maki than is really necessary, subtly tensing when the salesperson approaches.

She just really has no idea where to even begin.]

I'd thought it rather ridiculous before, but I think I now understand how some people can lose their sense of time in these sorts of places.

I'm not sure how you would regularly manage.

["You" in a general sense, of course.]

[ How many boutiques of similar tastes has Maki seen in her own life? More than she could probably count, and she seems at home, declining the offer of help, before reaching back to take Vivienne's hand to pull her towards the nearest dress on a mannequin so they can look better. ]

Well, it's only natural, my mother used to take me shopping all the time when I was little, and let me pick what I wanted.

[ Maki sounds so proud of herself... ] Though I guess it is harder now, since I can't just buy whatever I want, I have to try to factor in how much I have to spend.

[ No more daddy's credit card. ]

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dress shopping~

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That dress is cute af omg HAHA

waah i know right?

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