estoria | come on barbie let's go party

Entry tags:

come on barbie let's go party

Who: Zara Skeens (

sewayaku), Kashuu Kiyomitsu (

adornmental), Mary Kozakura (

immobileyes
When: earlier this month
Where: kashuu's fashion palace
What: A butt dial from Kashuu has somehow led to Zara and Mary going to his store to become super cute.
Rating/Warning: None

[ As far as mystery texts in Cerealia go, Kashuu's is probably the nicest one he's gotten. No mean names. No vague threats. No weird sexual innuendos advertising who-knows-what. Just picking and choosing between some terribly cutesy phone charms. Now that he thinks about it, it might actually have been some sort of really clever advertising for the store.

Still, even realizing that, he's grown up with aristocrats; it would be bad form to promise a visit to someone and not follow up on it. It's not like the visit would be a pain, either. It's true that he's very busy lately. But that's all the more reason to take a break, even if it's just for a day, and relax - which is exactly what he's doing today. A trip into the city to break up the daily grind would be nice. Mary's been feeling a lot of stress over the loss of their home, too, and he's eager to do something to get her mind off of it.

If anything's going to lift a teen girl's spirits, it would have to be clothes shopping, right?

So, after informing Mary of his plans - that he'd spoken to a worker at this store by chance on the phone, and wanted to meet them there, and oh, maybe she could get something while they were there? all very subtle, of course - the two of them head out to a certain boutique. A boutique that he is very glad to see not selling anything scandalous. (In a place like this, he has to worry.) ]

-- Hello! Excuse me - is a miss Kashuu working here?

[ oh yeah, there's that too ]

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[Today is a pretty slow day, so Kashuu is entertaining himself by flipping through one of the store magazines and marking off all of the things that he'll definitely be nabbing for himself as soon as they switch the stocks out for the season... But oh- a customer! He looks up, but Zara speaks before he can do his usual welcoming spiel, and the question brings him to a pause.]

Miss Kashuu? [???? Well, there's only one person who's ever called him that in his time in Cerealia. And hey! This person's brought along a little kid, just like the person he's thinking of had said! In that case, he'll close the magazine, set it next to his sword (which is just sort of there on the counter because why wouldn't it be??) and step around it to properly face them.]

Ooh, I get it, I get it! You must be Zara, yeah? And Zara's friend! [A bright smile for both of them. What a cute duo!] Glad you guys could make it. We just got a fresh shipment of clothes and accessories in, y'know? Lots of brand-new stuff to try!

Edited 2015-09-28 10:52 (UTC)

[ Mary is still not all that courageous when it comes to visiting new places on her own. It's substantially easier to manage when Zara is there with her, but she lingers a bit behind him, so as not to draw attention to herself. Surely the man with the bunny ears is more interesting.

And when they finally meet this worker - who may look astonishingly beautiful but is definitely not a woman???? - she immediately ducks fully behind Zara. Instinct, oops. But-- ]

N-nice to meet... you...

[ GIVE HER A MINUTE. ]

[ Zara's thought process is pretty similar, actually. He's staring at Kashuu expectantly when he repeats what he said, waiting for him to go call the strange girl who'd been texting him about small plastic donuts... only it quickly becomes apparent that he is that girl. And that he's also not a girl.

He blanches, ears wilting - but only for a half second. He barely avoids cutting into Kashuu's words with his deep, apologetic bow. ]

M-my apologies! You're no lady at all... Forgive me for making assumptions, sir!

[ reassuring mary will have to wait until after he's reassured himself... ]

[POOR ZARA. Kashuu doesn't seem offended at all, at least... IN FACT, HE'S AMUSED and he's laughing like a brat.]

I said I'm no miss, yeah? But it's fine, it's fine! You don't need to bow or anything. [What a formal guy... He waves off the mistake with a flitting sweep of his hand before setting it on his hip.]

A-ny-way! S'nice to meet you properly - and it's good to meet you, too! [Smiling down at Mary! Even if she's kind of hiding at the moment?! MARY.] What's your name?

[ SHE'S WORKING ON GETTING LESS SHY BUT SHE HAS RELAPSE MOMENTS OKAY. Which is why she's practically vibrating in nervousness, but forcing herself to peek out a little more from Zara (because he's obviously distraught and can't help her anyway). ]

... M-Mary.

[ AND A SMALL BOB OF THE HEAD, oh geez, she's bad at this. ]

[ hngh even if kashuu is polite about it the shame is strong... what a faux pas. How can he call himself a servant of the Galland family if he can make such a grievous error when meeting a stranger?

Fortunately, Kashuu's quick pace keeps him from dwelling on it for too long. He straightens his spine, adjusting his necktie with some degree of discomposure, and steps aside slightly when the gentleman(!) addresses Mary. Right - he needs to introduce them. Zara clears his throat rather awkwardly. ]

Yes, right - of course. This is my friend, Mary... The pleasure is mine, sir.

[ did he say something about formality?? too bad, it's not going away. ]

I really am sorry...

[ZARA... SO FORMAL. TOO FORMAL!! The juxtaposition between Zara and Mary is honestly hilarious, though... He decides pretty much immediately that he likes the both of them.]

C'mon, worrying so much is gonna make you old and wrinkly before your time. [Waving a hand! It's fine, it's fine... Chill your bun, bun. Anyway, that teasing jab aside:]

Mary, huh? You have super pretty hair! [FIRST AND FOREMOST. She's like Rapunzel!] You should totally meet my friend Kogitsunemaru if you get the chance - he's got hair kinda like yours, too. [Really long and white, that is. AND BOWLING RIGHT ALONG--]

Since Zara helped me out a while back, I'll make sure our shop takes care of you real well, 'kay? You guys can look around for whatever you want! We got clothes, jewelry, hair accessories; basically anything you'd wanna wear. Some shoes too, but there are better places to find those.

[ A little disconcerted by the sudden compliment, and just how easily he delivers it, Mary shifts in place uncertainly. The longer strands of her hair will twitch, almost like it's acknowledging him. Someone with hair like hers? She wonders. ]

You... have pretty hair, too, [ she tells the floor, before she remembers to look up-- and presses closer to Zara again, SHE'S TRYING HER BEST OKAY--

In a minute or two, though, she'll start giving the shop a proper look-over. ]

[ the retort only makes him sigh, grimacing somewhat. He already acts like he's 50, haven't you noticed?! Don't make it seem even worse. But it seems like Kashuu's willing to leave the matter behind entirely, so he'll take the cue and do the same. It'll just be one of those embarrassing moments he remembers before he falls asleep every night now... ]

I don't know if I'd call what happened "helping you," [ responds Zara sheepishly - seriously, he just arbitrarily picked out some phone charms - but Mary's pressing into his side again. Raising an eyebrow, he chuckles, twisting around to put a hand on her head. ]

Come now. You're too old to be acting like this, you know.

Thanks!

[In response to Mary's compliment, even if it was directed at the floor... Did her hair just move, though?? WEIRD. Maybe it's... because of the static or something. Yes, something sensible (thought the talking sword).

He doesn't want to spook Mary even further though, especially since she seems shy, so he'll retreat back toward the counter a little.]

You should go check out our section of barrettes and stuff. They're super nice! [AND ZARA there's no escape--] We got some nice ties and handkerchiefs for pockets that you might like, too. You were a big help, so it's fine, it's fine. See? [HANG ON he disappears behind the counter where he keeps his CereVice, pulling it up to show off the case and strap that he'd bought with Zara's excellent wisdom.] It's cute, right?

[ 100+ YEARS IS HARD TO SHAKE, OKAY. Mary wrinkles her nose, though - because yes, she is plenty old enough, she knows and finally inches out further from Zara with a sigh. She's not alone here, and that helps.

Hey, she can even look at the CereVice directly, with an air of surprise. ]

It's cute...

[ ZARA HAS GOOD TASTE?? ]

[ listen he's just trying to help you develop into a normal... one-hundred-year-old lady...?! In any case, he offers an encouraging smile as she steps away, having shaken off his prior embarrassment, before glancing up to Kashuu and his phone.

Ah... somehow, that's kind of embarrassing, too. He reaches up, scratching at the base of one of his ears absently. ]

It is cute. But, really, you're the one who picked them out. That I was involved at all was random chance. [ really, really random. If he'd just asked Zara to buy him any case, he would have gotten a boring plain red one with nothing on it, honestly. ] Well? Would you like to look around, Mary?

Still! You picked the best and they work together really well.

[JUST ACCEPT THE COMPLIMENT, ZARA!!

Also, because Kashuu can't actually stand in one place and let people do their own browsing, he'll soon be bouncing his way from the counter over in the direction that they've got the hair accessories set up in.]

Hey Mary, what's your favorite color?

[ YOU'RE COMING WITH HER RIGHT ZARA RIGHT-- surely one of these days, she'll be better at this, but Mary sucks in a quick breath to apparently bolster her nerves and nods. It's a cute store, after all, and Kashuu seems nice. ]

Um, it's... pink. [ In case he couldn't tell from her ribbons. ] But we should find something for Zara, too.

[ HE WON'T IT'S A SILLY COMPLIMENT!! he could have just as easily picked a different one kashuu... then your whole life would be different... ]

Ah... I appreciate the sentiment, Mary, but I'm not sure this store would make anything for me.

[ and he doesn't even mean "the pants probably don't have holes for his tail" this time. ]

[It would still lead to the same eventual path okay, the path where bun and bunfriend come visit his super cute boutique...]

There's stuff for everyone here! I'm sure we could find you something, too.

[NEVER FEAR, ZARA. Kashuu is on the case... Or he will be soon because he wants to find something for Mary first!! He'll rummage around for a second before holding up a few different things.]

D'you like any of these?

[ See, she knew there'd be something, and Mary glows with the faint pride of being right... before she brightens, because oh, those are cute. ]

I really like that one... [ And moving a little closer to point out that second item, the little comb. ]

[ that is probably true. He looks clearly dubious at Kashuu's insistence, merely giving him a humoring smile as he goes to find some products to show off to them. At least he's a good salesman. However, he does pay attention to the items he offers to Mary.

He might not be interested in buying things for himself, but spoiling Mary a little bit might be fun. ]

Oh? It would look very cute on you, I think. Why not try it on?

[Don't think he's done with you yet, Zara... But for now, focusing on Mary-]

Good pick! That's a nice one.

[He'll put the other two on a shelf, not quite returning them to their spot just yet, and then holds the comb out.]

This kinda comb looks best with updos since it doesn't stick too well when your hair's down, but even a simple twist will be enough to hold it! There's a mirror over here if you wanna give it a try.

... Can you help me? [ It's not quite clear which one of them she's asking, but she's sure looking sort of bashful about it as she wanders towards the mirror and pulls her ribbon free. She's pulled her hair back in a ponytail before, but largely, she doesn't mess with intricate hairstyles.

... Intricate like SIMPLE TWISTS, yes. ]

[ super fancy. Zara is no expert, himself, but growing up alongside and taking care of a younger girl means he's gained some experience in doing hair. Still, maybe Kashuu knows better than he does - it certainly sounds like he does. He glances towards the other man (boy?), giving him a small nod. ]

Would you like to do the honors? You sound rather informed on this topic.

Hm? [Glancing over! If Zara doesn't want to do it, he certainly has no qualms.]

Sure, sure! I'm super good at doing hair!

[AND OVER HE GOES to where Mary is standing by the mirror.]

Gimme just a sec— [He'll need a little more time than that especially since Mary has so much hair, but he is quite quick... Especially since it isn't as complex as some of the braids he favors. He separates one section out, leaving the rest hanging down, and works quickly to do it up in a twist which he then pins into place. Does he carry bobby pins in his pocket? HE SURE DOES. He'll also hold a hand out for the comb so that he can settle it into the twist.]

There! Whatcha think? You can move the comb anywhere you think would look best.

[ Mary tilts her head this way and that, like any normal teenage girl would do when scrutinizing a new hair style. And-- ]

It's really pretty...

[ She is just as properly awed at that, before she turns to show Zara, RADIATING EXPECTANT HOPE. ]

[ if he spoils Mary too much, how will she ever branch out and make more friends? He's happy she was brave enough to let Kashuu touch her at all - and happy that Kashuu was pretty much exactly as skilled as he thought. Folding his hands in front of himself, he watches him work with amusement (and a careful eye. Don't make any wrong moves, buddy.)

Of course, nothing happens, other than Mary getting cuter. He claps once, nodding approvingly. ]

Now, isn't that adorable? I'd say Kashuu has a good eye for these things.

[WOW he's a good sword, okay. Only the best for the customers here!!

Anyway, he beams at the compliment like a nerd and then gives Mary a bright smile, too.]

Looks like you got a seal of approval, huh? Not bad, not bad... Y'know, if you ever want to try a more complicated style out, you can just come back here! I know like, fifty different types of braids. [FIFTY WHOLE DIFFERENT TYPES.

Also turning on Zara NO ESCAPE, NO ESCAPE.]

So! You ready to take a look around?

F-fifty... [ That's an overwhelming number. Not as much as those terrorists had once demanded, according to Kido, but that's... still a lot, isn't it? Were there really that many kinds of braids??

But-- ]

That's right, Zara! You have to get something, too!

[ Fifty types of braids. Yes, he made the right call in letting Kashuu do it. At the comment, he simply chuckles in his unobtrusive butlerly way, amused at his enthusiasm (and Mary's sheepishness.) Idly, he's also hoping that comb isn't that expensive, since getting their house and belongings destroyed hasn't been kind on his wallet...

But his monetary concerns are cut short. ]

Ah, that really won't be necessary... These sorts of things don't suit me at all, right?

[ pls don't put bows on his ears ]

[Wow Zara, as if Kashuu is a ruthless salesman waiting to pluck the money out of everyone's pockets...!]

Like I said, there's stuff here for everyone! We wouldn't be the top boutique if we were super niche, y'know? [And before Zara can protest further BECAUSE HE CLEARLY WILL, Kashuu is trotting off again, this time going to a corner of the store near the register. When he comes back, he's got a few very nice ties in his hands, along with some pretty but elegant lapel pins.]

See? This kinda stuff would be right at home in your closet, right? Ooh, Mary, you should pick out a color that you think would look good on him!

Oh... um. [ Hold on, she's staring at that very seriously. And then extending a hand to point to a dark burgundy tie. ]

I like that one. He'd look really good.

[ Bunmom is not escaping this. ]

[ he's a servant okay, he's used to being very frugal with his coin!! Or credit, as the case may be here. ]

Wait -- [ Zara does indeed protest, but it doesn't matter, because Kashuu has vanished into the wind. Ears drooping, he sighs silently. ] I don't need anything...

[ ugh this frivolous spending. It's okay if it's on Mary, but a grown man like himself doesn't need to buy extra frippery for the fun of it. Ignoring the fact that Mary is twenty times his age. That Kashuu doesn't return with a bundle of cutesy trinkets is a small relief, but he still looks reluctant, holding his hands up. ]

Well, I don't know...

[IT'S TOO LATE ZARA Kashuu has a partner in crime now...]

That's a super good pick! [To Mary, first, because it is a nice color. Kashuu will then continue to steamroll Zara, holding the burgundy one out.]

You should try it on to see how it looks, yeah?

Will you? You don't have to get it if you don't like it...

[ But she does think it'd look good on him, and Zara hardly ever does things for himself. Well, maybe if he likes it, she can buy it for him. ]

[ the puppy eyes from one and bratty insistence from the other. He suddenly feels like he's back home with Pearl and Richie. If he's not firm with them, they won't learn...

... but at the same time, they're not his employees, nor are they spunky preteens he's taken under his wing, and there's nothing to lose just by trying the damn thing on. Zara sighs, reluctant. ]

... If you insist.

[ plucking the tie from Kashuu's outstretched hands, he begins to undo the ribbon he's already wearing around his neck, affixing the new accessory in its place. He seems somewhat uncomfortable having his appearance scrutinized... ]

[Once he's got it on, Kashuu does indeed scrutinize his appearance... But it's only for a little, and then he's giving a thumbs up instead.]

Good pick, Mary! [And then, to Zara (with a smile, of course!):] You look great! But hey, what do you think? It's no good if you don't like it.

[Zara doesn't seem enthused about any of this, which is a dang tragedy, honestly! Who doesn't enjoy shopping?]

You really do look nice, Zara! [ Ah, the earnest and enthusiastic follow-up. He always looks so elegant, but the tie just adds an additional level of Sophisticated. But Kashuu brings up a good point, so she pauses, and then-- ]

... Is it uncomfortable, though? Or maybe you don't like the color?

N -- no, it's fine. Rather... Your compliments are very kind, but...

[ ugh. Is that a faint blush on his face? It might be. Take a picture, everyone. It seems like he doesn't like being stared at too much. If it was Nesso and Fiona, it would be one thing, but a near-stranger and Mary are another matter. As much self-confidence as Zara has, he's never been the type of person to take lots of pride in his appearance, beyond looking proper and acceptable as a face of the Galland household. And, honestly, he's never really dressed himself up to look handsome or anything, nor has he ever gone out anywhere to try things on. When he speaks, he sounds self-conscious. ]

... It's a little bit silly to worry over my appearance, isn't it? Really. I'm a grown man and a simple servant. There's no need to shop for me like this.

[Mary is the cutest, trying to help out...

And ZARA!! Gosh... He can detect that self-consciousness from a mile away and that's just no good, not a good attitude for any patron of his store to have. So he reaches out, pats Zara on his shoulder, and reassures:]

Hey, hey! I've been around for a looong time and I was like, literally made to serve someone else, but I still stop to think about stuff like that. It's not silly at all! Besides, it's really a waste to have a nice face and no interest in accentuating it. [WHO EVEN LETS KASHUU OUT OF THE HOUSE.]

So! Since you totally don't do this usually, I'll just say it like this - if you see something you like or find something that makes you feel good when you wear it, just go for it! Especially if it's here. Since you helped me out, I'll help you out every time, 'kay? [Both when it comes to picking things out and actually buying them... Kashuu is biased and gives shit away for free or at employee discount prices all the time but NEVER GETS FIRED because he keeps bringing business in... ANYWAY--] It really is a nice tie.

[ It's a bit confusing, having Zara look so uncomfortable and speaking of himself with that same simple self-deprecation that he'd once shown her when they'd first met. She's never thought of him as a "simple servant", and then there's Kashuu, who's talking about being made to serve?

She won't mention her own self-esteem here, not when so many people have insisted that she's not as much of a monster as she'd been claimed to be, but she also reaches out to touch Zara's hand. ]

I think if you like it... that should count, no matter how old you are, or what you are.

[ he hates being fretted over and being the center of attention - being the center of attention as just Zara the rabbit, rather than Zara the chamberlain or Zara the doctor. It's not something he's used to in the least. Not in any sort of positive context, anyway. Kashuu's patting him on the shoulder makes him look faintly displeased, but he doesn't vocalize it. ]

Well -- yes, of course. That's common sense. But I can take care of myself. [ a mild protest. This is turning into a bit more of a hassle than he'd like, and he doesn't want to draw it out. Shaking his head briefly, he moves to loosen the tie. ] Thank you for the kind words. I'll think about it.

[ looks like it's going to take more than that to crack this slightly self-loathing nut. ]

[HE NOTICED THAT. Good thing he didn't keep his hand there; he withdrew it pretty much right after the pat.

Either way, even though Kashuu doesn't really know what kind of negativity is behind this discomfort, he does know enough about self-consciousness in general to get that Zara wants out. So he steps his way back over to the counter, one hand waving through the air in a gesture of friendly dismissal.]

No need, no need! It's a first-time customer gift, y'know. We take good care of our clients here. [A wink - this toward Mary, like she's in on it too, and then:] And let's get yours wrapped up! Unless you wanna wear it out?

I-it's okay! I want to take care of it...

[ So yes, it should be wrapped up and carefully clutched, she means, even if she's still looking at Zara with more than a trace of concern. He really looked uncomfortable, and to her, that's no good. ]

[ such a bro, kashuu. kind of. Zara blinks, seeming perfectly baffled by the idea that he's going to be given something for free. It's not like they're friends or anything. Then again, this man did seem the type to make friends quickly. Still, his brief moment of feeling embarrassed is over, so there's that. ]

-- That's really not necessary, Mr. Kashuu. I'd not have you put your employment on the line for such a thing.

[ he's fishing out his wallet now, look out. ]

[He's here to help, okay!! He's also shaking his head at that. LOOK--]

It's fine, it's fine! As top employee, I can do this kinda stuff, see?

[Because he makes so many good sales that he gets away with murder, honestly... Like that whole "let's give away our old stock for Valentine's Day" plan. So many clothes, gone for $00.00! But the surge of business they got the next week more than made up for it. That's the kind of employee Kashuu is...

But he'll wrap Mary's new accessory up carefully so she can carry it around like a treasure, okay.]

Don't forget you can come back whenever you want, okay? I'll show you some super cute styles to go with that comb!

[ Come back... on her own? She's not sure Zara's going to want to come back if Kashuu keeps giving him free things, but... the hair accessories are cute. But--

She's going to have to work at this, she thinks, looking between the two of them. Or maybe she can ask Zara to come with her again. Mary manages a nod, though. ]

... Thank you.

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come on barbie let's go party

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I'M ALIVE

SIB RETURNED FROM THE DEAD AS PROPHECISED

THE MESSIAH!!!