Mallrat Discotheque (Akira)

[Ayakura Alisa]

I had been contemplating going out shopping at the mall for some stuff I suppose, I hadn't had an exact direction in mind, but I had a feeling I'd be seeing someone around here anyway. I just wasn't exactly sure who. Come to think of it... Well, anyway, it didn't really matter to me. I was starting to get hungry and it was clouding my thoughts. I made my way to the food court area of the mall and started looking around. Meh. Lots of junk here. Though, fortunately, there was a place that made relatively healthy bowls of food; you had your pick between the typical stuff or noodle bowls. And... Well, I guess I really liked noodles, as I'd always order those. The stock and soup almost never had excessive amounts of oil in it - you could see how clear the soup was, no suds or anything. Very clean. But today, I just wanted to snack on something. The noodles tended to be a bit heavy on the go.

I purchased myself some light dim sum from elsewhere and made my way to a table and sat alone, snacking on the food I got and... Well, trying to focus on the food. I hadn't really particuarly wanted to think about anything important right now either.

[Akira Nakajima]

Akira was one that enjoyed indulging in simple things. Simple things included clothes, at times, sure, but that was not why he was wandering about in the mall. No, he had plenty of other reasons to visit a place of commerce. Discs, pirate gear, accessories, and a number of other things had managed to find themselves in a bag that the boy was toting along with him. He hadn't done much, nor had he planned on really taking a break, but something interesting happened to catch his attention. It was something he caught, only on a slim chance. A coincidence on every level. It was something that he could have ignored and carried on his merry way. Go tease a horny teen or young adult, then head home. That could have been the crossdresser's day. But, no. Instead, he decided to take a step into the wild.

The boy in drag made his way over towards a certain table. Where a certain woman sat. Originally, the boy had no care for her besides taking responsibility for slipping up. Now, though? The woman was a capable ally. Oh, the irony, considering her weakness when they first met. Whatever the case, she was at least tolerable on a social level, now, as well. He doubted she would be as amusing as Amane or Luka, but she was, still, a girl. Or woman, rather. But she seemed off before. Probably still was. He could only imagine how much fun he could have if he played his cards right, and he had a full deck and all day to play.

The boy was dressed casually. Nothing special, since there hadn't been any real plans. Black tennis shoes and knee-high socks composed his lower attire. In the middle, a skirt of maroon and black reached down, nearly to his knees. The design was a simple criss-cross. His blouse, mostly hidden, was a simple white, button-up style. It was tucked into his skirt, and effectively hidden. Over it was a gray vest, zipped up until about an inch of his blouse remained visible. Over that, or, more correctly, serving as his “sleeves”, was a jacket of a similar gray. The sleeves had one strip of black going straight down, starting from the shoulder and stopping at the cuffs. It was lightweight, so it didn't appear bulky, despite effectively being on top of a vest and blouse.

”Staaaaare.” The boy announced his action in his mother tongue of Japanese after sitting down opposite of the woman. Rude? Probably. Did he care? Hell no. His tone was light. Definitely girly. His lips, still parted as they uttered that constant sound, were curled at the tips, into a very slight smile. His eyes? Well, they were, fortunately, protected from scrutiny thanks to a glare on the surface of his glasses.

[Ayakura Alisa]

I had been eating my food when a familiar face suddenly came up, sat at my table, and literally went じぃぃぃ. At my face. Uh. Okay. Well, hello there. I blinked back at the girl who sat across me, still absentmindedly eating my food. Her dress was quite casual and it seemed she went to great lengths in order to keep herself presentable. To some degree. I didn't know how much truth my own hypothesis held but I don't think I should be asking exactly. After all, I didn't really care too much about my own fashion sense. Ran had slipped into Japanese so I felt it was only right to respond back in the same language. "Oh, hello. What brings you here? Do I have something on my face?" I smiled weakly and responded in a joking tone.

To be honest, I thought it was a little rude to just walk up to someone, even if you knew them a little, and then literally stare and say that you were staring at them. Though, knowing Ran, she was probably just... I dunno, trying to be herself or something? Hell if I know, I didn't actually know the girl that well. Maybe now would be a good opportunity to try and know more about her? I had my apprehensions about her at first, but it seems she wasn't so bad after all.

[Akira Nakajima]

”Mm. Yeah, you've got something on your face. A look of confusion and a half-hearted smile.” The boy puffed his cheeks out a bit at that statement. ”I could make a number of theories based on those, but I'll pass for the time being.” He calmly declared in Japanese still before just smiling. One arm rose, elbow planting itself on the table before the back of the hand was used as a platform to support his chin. ”More seriously, even though it's entirely natural to see a person shopping, I hadn't expected to see you here.” He still stared, though his eyes were wandering elsewhere. Something that had been bugging the boy lately. Luka? Wore different clothes. Amane? Wore different clothes. The other girls? He was pretty sure every major player in their raid-battles wore a variety of clothes.

This woman did not.

”Ah, at the risk of sounding like an asshole, I'm gonna ask a question. Do you, you know, actually wear clothes other than your usual sets?” It was a solid question. Rude? Eh, probably. Did that stop him from sitting there and staring at her, though? Nope. Besides, what was the worst that could happen? Her hating him? Or rather, “her”? Been there, done that. Living in the fast lane was the best way to do this. All or nothing gambles were often the best in a game, after all. He hadn't gotten far with this woman, so, really, what did he have to lose?

”Just a bit curious, you see.” He concluded, not once heading back into English. It was a bit of a luxury to use Japanese, despite knowing a few solid Japanese people.

[Ayakura Alisa]

I blinked. Come to think of it, I don't really think I had the most expansive wardrobe, but why was she asking about that? "Hmm? Uh... Well, I mean, this sounds pretty weird, but I usually have extra sets of the same thing... So, uh, I guess I don't... really?" I answered as honestly as I could, but it probably came off as rather stilted... "I haven't really had the opportunity to go looking to expand my wardrobe, you see. It's a fair question to ask, really, and I'm surprised it took this long for anyone to notice or make a comment on it." I continued, wondering how Ran would respond to this. There was no reason to snap or be mad at a question like that, as it did make sense. I did keep multiple sets of the same pieces of clothing but again, that would sound rather strange and I'd probably come off across as unhinged...

Not that I wasn't already unhinged to begin with, anyways...

[Akira Nakajima]

So, not only had the boy managed to not hop onto a landmine, but he also managed to get some interesting information. Information and verification, that was. The boy in drag slowly nodded, smile growing, before he focused his eyes on the woman, staring once more. Oh, there was going to be so much fun for them. Well, mostly him. In fact, probably only him. But that was okay, in his opinion. He was going to help this woman grow, just like he helped Luka grow. Well, that was glorifying it a bit. He was just helping this person become socially-acceptable. While having plenty of fun in the meantime. So, how to best get her into it?

”Well, there's a small issue. You're an informant. Informants require a few things to stay alive. Among them is the ability to not-stick-out. You wear the same outfits,” He stood up and half-twirled around to the woman's side, ”and you stand out. It's how I picked you out of the crowd. Of course, as a woman, you need to be able to look your best, as well. It's a bit boring to wear the same thing over and over. And it's kinda depressing to see you so casual about it. So, I'm going to guide you.” The boy thrust his hand out. If Alisa didn't take it, he'd just drag her with him. Manners be damned, he wanted to play this game.

”Place your trust in me, and I'll take you to a magnificent and splendid world full of surprises.” He was still talking about clothes. Probably.

[Ayakura Alisa]

I just looked at Ran as she started to lecture me on my fashion habits. Well... Uh, okay? I found myself at a loss for words. I wasn't really sure how to respond to this. I hadn't really considered those points. I don't think I could argue against them at all. I didn't see any real problem with it either, but I don't think I'd need the help... But... If I told her I could do it myself... Well, that was a feeble response given what I just told her. Ah well, I don't think I have much of a choice here but to take the leap of faith... Though, something told me Ran was going to take advantage of this moment to have some of her own fun... Hoo boy. I hope this is going to be worth it.

Subconsciously fidgeting and flushing a little, I shook my hands. "Er, er, that's quite alright, I'll go along with you, err, uh... I mean, I could go out on my own, but, but..." I was actually stammering, something quite out of character for me, but I was literally unable to figure out how to process these statements. "Uh, would you mind telling me where we're going? You know some nice places to shop or something?" I realized I had not actually taken her hand as she thrust it out.

I'm pretty sure she'd drag me if I declined anyway!

[Akira Nakajima]

Well, that was certainly fun. Alisa, this woman that had been so fierce to begin with, was sitting before him and fidgeting. Ah, if it wasn't for the fact that she could probably knife him if he went too far, he wanted to mess her up good. The boy in drag retracted his hand, though that was only because she verbally agreed to accompany him. He stepped back, the index finger of that previously-offered hand reaching to his cheek, then to his lips as he developed an impish smile. Oh, yes. Nice places, indeed. Akira knew the best places, because he only wore good stuff. If he was going to go in drag, he was going to do it properly. If he was going to play dress-up with this woman, then it was going to be done right.

”Where are we going? Well, you're old enough, unlike other people, so we're gonna head to some imaginary places. Places where dreams are born.” In truth, this reference to “imaginary places” had nothing to do with the reference he had given to Luka. It just sounded good on paper and out of his mouth. Made things sound mystical. ”So, come on. I'll get you set up. You'll look like a right-proper lady with some fashion sense, have some new variety, and even a few special sets that'll help you get around certain other areas.” A warm expression was on his face. If not for the earlier imp-smile, one might have even gone so far as to consider it motherly.

Hell, they might have considered it that, even then.

[Ayakura Alisa]

I tilted my head as Ran failed to give me a direct answer, instead trying to give me something more cryptic and imaginary. Alright, if that's how you're going to play this game, I'll play along. Truth to be told, if she had managed to anger me enough with her mischief, I had ways to deal with it. So it was fine. By this time I had finished my little snack, so I was basically ready to go with her whenever she saw fit. Standing up properly and dusting myself off, I nodded in response. "Heh, alright. Let's see where you'll take me, then." I simply smiled softly, genuinely curious as to this girl's fashion sense. Was she that confident in herself? Well, regardless, this would be a good opportunity to get some sense out of what was going on in her head. After all, I was pretty curious. She had a level head on those shoulders. Though, 'special sets'? What did she mean by that? Hopefully nothing too risque or out of character for me. I wonder...

[Akira Nakajima]

And the woman did, in fact, concede and go along with him. With a light nod and twirl on his heel, the boy began to head off. Now, this was a game that he couldn't simply jump to the fun final levels yet. No, he needed to build the difficulty and score so that she'd trust him enough. That said, he also did need to popular that woman's wardrobe with more interesting things, either way. He didn't know her budget, but he had a few casual ideas that were wallet-friendly as well as comfortable and good-looking. Denim would likely fit her image. A few sets of pants, maybe a couple of skirts, and similar stuff would work. Mobility and flexibility would still be allowed, so the woman could go about on her jobs, too.

”There'll be plenty of stops, but I'm sure you'll be fine. You're used to walking around.” He shot her a grin. ”Just trust in me, and I'll guide you to paradise.” With that, the boy went silent and guided the woman towards a store that catered to women specifically. The selections were varied, but the boy hailed one of the attendants, whispering back and forth with her before looking back to Alisa with the biggest smile he could muster. Which, by the way, it was pretty damn big.

”Ah, by the way. Before we get to putting together some new outfits for you, we're gonna have to size you up first. To look good, your clothes need to fit exactly. Oversized works for sheer comfort, and it does have its charm, but we're not looking for that just yet.” Getting her sizes did help with measurement, but that was info some men would kill for. However, it was too “low-grade” for him to bother with. A body was just a body, after all. His fetishes were more mental than anything.

[Ayakura Alisa]

I scratched my head as I followed Ran to one of the stores; oh, it's one of those specialty boutiques? Well, that's not too bad. Unfortunately I don't think I had my size taken in ages. Uh... Actually, did I even bring enough money with me today? Huh, I did recall coming out here with the explicit purpose of shopping and eating out, so I suppose it would be alright to splurge once in a while. As if confirming my suspicions (and fears to some degree) Ran mentioned that we needed my sizes to be confirmed. Yeah, that sounds about right. And I wasn't about to give her my three values right off the bat. "Um, yes, of course," I said a bit awkwardly but forcing my politeness in there. "I don't suppose we'll be doing the sizing over where the fitting's done?" I asked a little dumbly. Damn, I hadn't gone clothes shopping in literally ages.

AND IT SHOWS. I feel so stupid right now! But mostly embarrassed.

[Akira Nakajima]

”Well, we're certainly not getting you sized in the opening of the store. Men would stare. And some might even hear the sizes. For some reason, guys love that kind of thing. It's kinda silly, since they just get sizes. They don't actually get to touch anything.” The boy in drag trailed off, looking to the side as he put a curled index finger to his lips. Finally, he just shrugged and dismissed the theories. He then smiled and looked to the attendant with a nod. The boy then half-danced, half-strode around and behind Alisa, gently gripping her shoulders. He hadn't let go of his bag, so it did lightly bounce on her shoulder blade, but he doubted it would damage the contents. And if she was hurt by something like that, then she had no reason to be out and fighting Shadows.

”Now, let's head over to the changing rooms. That lady will be coming over shortly with all the necessary things.” With a light giggle, the boy began pushing- not quite shoving, though, since shoving carried the implications of trying to push someone off balance- along towards the dressing rooms. ”Do you want to do it yourself? Or have assistance?” He asked as they neared the place in question. He was asking in regards to the attendant helping, but he didn't specify. After all, leaving a question open-ended like that would probably cause something weird to click a socially-afflicted person's head.

His pulse was picking up. He was just a little excited.

[Ayakura Alisa]

I sort of just stood there as Ran kept talking; I don't think I was paying too much attention, I was just sort of marvelling at the whole situation as it was? I mean, Ran was being a bit too excited for my tastes... I could soon feel her gently gripping my shoulders even as her bag whirled about with her and bumped on my shoulder... And at that she started to push me gently towards the dressing rooms. Finally she asked if I was fine on my own taking the measurements or if I needed some help. Well... "I'll probably need some help with that, 'specially if I'm going to check my waist..." I simply said, fidgeting. What, was she thinking I was gonna think she was going to be the one to help me? I almost had half a mind to retort back with a joke of my own but I figured that would be a little inappropriate.

Yep. Definitely very embarrassing.

[Akira Nakajima]

Well, at the very least, the woman was honest with herself. With a slight laugh and a shift away after they arrived at their destination, the boy just crossed his arms, pushing up his glasses. He just smiled and nodded to himself as the attendant finally made her way in and shared a few words with the boy. It seemed the girl also had similar means of entertaining herself.
Then the boy in drag and the attendant offered pleasant smiles at the woman. Akira remained where he stood, but the attendant closed in. The two spoke in synch, making an innocent matter entirely horrible and nightmarish in nature.

””Now strip~!”” The two demanded in unison.

”So,” The boy in drag started after whatever commotion occurred and the attendant began her work, ”I'm going to find stuff that will work, but I will be keeping your opinions in mind. Tight? Loose? Preferred fabric? Colors? If you have no opinion, that's fine, too. It just means I have a more open selection to choose from.” The crossdresser shrugged, casually gazing upon the scene.

[Ayakura Alisa]

Shoved into the fitting area, I soon found the attendant and Ran creeping up with smiles on their faces, and - Now, strip! - Well, uh, that was awkward! I don't think I needed any help with that, but I figured, well, I was in totally good company, right? And I was just going to get measured and try out some outfits, eh?! Haha!? I started to undress, and it seemed the attendant was trying to get me to do it a tad faster so she could get the measuring tools out... At the point; all I was in were my plain underwear and I had actually binded myself with a sarashi. Though for these purposes I doubt they would need my bust measurements! Just, the, uh, waist, hips, you know, that typical stuff?

So I was asked to raise my arms up to make it easier for the attendant to use her measuring tape, and I did as I was told, letting her take my measurements. She recited them out in plain hearing range of Ran; it turns out I don't think I'd actually gained that much weight since the last time I took my measurements because I was still hovering around the slender range... Actually, what were the sizes that they took in this establishment? I didn't even know if they were EU, US, or Japanese size, or what... Hmm. Anyway.

"Uh, well, I don't really have any particular wants or desires regarding clothing. I trust in your opinion," I soon told Ran after the attendant took my sizes. "I just hope it's going to be a getup I can actually move around well in, haha..."