Kyuu's Fitting Room

Riven ~ Kyuu — 12/15/2022 12:33 AM 11 o'clock sharp. That was the time that Kyuu had provided for the fitting. He has prepared a traditional black tea that is steeping. Tastey delicacies have been purchased from the nearby baker, from the grocer down the way. Kyuu is prepared for his guests. An ornate screen has been set up in the corner of the room, the couch freshened with a bit of magic. A short dais has been placed within the L of the furniture and all the various tools that will be needed to complete the fitting have been laid out like a torturers arsenal on a nearby table. Kyuu is prepared. (edited)

Aimee — 12/15/2022 1:19 PM Mercy was early, once again holding a stack of neatly folded tweed slacks, vests and crisp linen shirts in her arms. This time, though, she'd changed out of the school clothes for a loose tunic top over soft, loose pants and a pair of embroidered slippers. When she caught sight of Sang, she bobbed into one of those formal bows, straightening before she turned towards the kitsune's house. "I didn't bring a gift... I should have brought a gift," Mercy muttered mostly to herself as she wasn't sure where this fell on the spectrum of social call to service and now she was second guessing herself and the etiquette involved.

CAEL (helio5igma) — 12/15/2022 2:18 PM Akemi spent most of the walk over to Kyuu's tailor shop trying to be secretive. He had a small parcel, something wrapped in brown paper that he kept close to his chest. Once he got in view of the place though he straightened up, taking a deep breath and resolving to tuck all that embarrassment behind a brave face. Still red, though. Red as a beet. It didn't even occur to him that there might be someone else there too. The ghoul hadn't made an appointment. He paused briefly when he saw Mercy waiting in the street. He recognized her from the Academy - in passing more than anything else and mostly because he didn't spend too much time on the grounds. He barely spent time in his dorm room, an issue that certain truancy officers were in the process of resolving by stuffing him with an unfortunate much more responsible roommate. Not that it would change his habits. Akemi cleared his throat. Mercy wasn't his future roommate but he did know she seemed like a generally nice girl. He approached her with a smile, tucking his parcel under one arm so he had the other free to stick out a hand for a handshake. "Mornin!" he chirped up, heavily accented. "Ye waitin' on th'tailer shop aye? S'where I'm headed! I'm an Academy lad too - er, not that yer a lad," he looked her up and down, his hand twitching a bit. "More meanin' I'm a lad, just specifically sayin' - ye know - from up there yeah?" He was rambling. Akemi rambled often and the unnatural cotton-candy color of his hair likely made him recognizable from the Academy halls, however rarely he was seen there.

Lex (angrydurf) — 12/15/2022 3:56 PM Sangs casual wear was substantially more casual. The loose floral silk draped over his shoulders was somewhere between a shirt and light dressing gown left untied revealing the sculpted planes of his chest and the firm taper of his waist above the billowing black harem pants sitting low on his hips. Returning Mercy's bow he shook his head, "You're a customer not a guest." he assured her and raised a brow, "Unless you intend to get to know our handsome tailor much better I suppose?" he inquired cheekily as the awkward and exceptionally irish young man arrived to greet Mercy as well. "Well aren't we popular." he teased quietly and offered the gentleman a friendly smile, "Good day sir yes we're here for fittings." he replied and let his gaze flick to the package the boy carried with some curiosity, "I do hope he hasn't double booked I daresay it might be a tight fit." he suggested a hint of a flirty smile touching the corners of his lips, "Though I can think of far less comfortable company to get up close and personal with."

Riven ~ Kyuu — 12/15/2022 5:20 PM Kyuu has the tailor shop settled firmly in the middle side of the English part of town. It is very impersonal – but serves as a point of storage and is in a notable location that attracts many, many human clients. Across the river, near the dojo, and settled right next to the most decrepit looking home imaginable, Kyuu has another location. This is where he directs people to come for personnel fittings and if he is being sought out, the shop across the river will send clients here too. There is a courtyard before the home that feels rather bare and then a platform before the sliding doors that lead into a parlor set up to discuss projects and entertain. Incense burns to offset any odors that might make their way from next door, on occasion. Beyond that first area is a back room big enough for several people to lounge comfortably while he works on the fittings. A home can be accessed from a side hall – that is where Kyuu lives. It is completely separate from the public areas. Hearing voices on the street, Kyuu slides the gate open then bows to his guests and extends a hand out to invite them in. His eyes curiously take in Akemi but he is familiar with the man so he gets a bright smile in greeting. “Small world.” He murmurs, not terribly surprised that his client knows the man. At least, that is what he assumes. He had told her to bring guests, if she liked. “Right though here. Remove your shoes on the porch, if you would be so kind.” .

The fox wears a comfortable garment himself. Tattooed arms and golden bands are bared, a vest shirt hangs loosely about his frame, held in place with frog ties. Harem pants hug his hips, billowing gently as he steps and lending an air of femininity to his lithe frame. He has slipped on a pair of slippers to greet his guests, but these are left at the entrance when they step into the first parlor. He continues through this room. They are not discussing the particulars of an outfit – they are fitting Mercy’s clothing. This is a much simpler affair. “You wore the perfect garments for this.” He nods to her. “Let us start with the pants.” His hand extends to take up the clothing and then he gestures Sang and Akemi toward the low, L shaped couch in the corner. “There is tea and snacks if you would like?” (edited)

Aimee — 12/15/2022 10:20 PM "Oh, good morning!" Mercy offered brightly to Akemi with a wide smile and a cheerful bob of her head, pleased that he'd recognized her even though she'd cloaked her own bright colored hair and - more importantly - the horns to wander about town. Of course, Mercy's glamour hid little else - not even the style of her hair changed. Her grin widened as he fumbled about. "I am, indeed, not a lad though I feel like the men's floor seems much less fussy about curfews. Our dorm mother was droning on about curfews and chaperones and it seems more than a bit mad to me, honestly." She glanced up at Sang, and bobbed her head, "This is one of my fellow students. Mr. Rourke. Mister Rourke, this is Master Sang. He's an accomplished... well, he's accomplished."

Mercy amended quickly, since she couldn't exactly talk easily about what Sang was known as. Her lips twisted to the side as she tried to decide if she should fill in other words, less the other student think Sang was a mage but before she could settle on better word choices, Kyuu had arrived to show them in. "And good day to you, Master Tenno. Thank you for having me." Mercy offered, like it was more social call than business because she wasn't entirely sure what sort of greeting suited the setting. Mercy was already sliding off her slippers before being prompted, tucking them neatly where they belonged and padding barefoot into where she was bid with an easy grace that wasn't quite human. When she was older, it would likely be quite elegant but most supernaturals would probably peg her correctly as still growing into herself and her abilities. She came to a stop where she was bid, lifting her hands from her sides uncertainly as if she wasn't quite sure where to put them to not be in the way of whatever witchery Kyuu planned to do with his measuring tape. CAEL (helio5igma) — 12/15/2022 10:49 PM Akemi took the introductions with a smile and a facial twitch that said he was questioning why they were ‘Master’ and he was ‘Mister’ but he didn’t comment on it. Instead he pivoted to offer the handshake to Sang, the other man’s flirtatious demeanor putting a bright red blush on his freckled cheeks. “Well… well fittings’re the thing o’ th’day then aye? Same, though I think I didn’t make a proper appointment…” Before he could protest too much Kyuu was ushering them in and Mercy was going along with it, so Akemi just shrugged and said, “Pleased ta be sharin’ the space then,” to Sang and followed the cloaked woman inside. He remembered to remove his boots, continuing inward in socks that tucked up into black trousers more tightly fitted than most men wore around town. His shirt tucked into that in turn, billowing out a bit at the waist and at the elbows where he’d rolled them into straps to keep them off of his hands. He nodded enthusiastically to both tea and snacks, grinning ear to ear at Kyuu. “Yer a grand host I kin already tell,” he said before plopping his parcel in his lap. His gaze wandered to Mercy before he looked studiously away, endeavoring to focus on Sang or Kyuu or the floor - anything that didn’t involve impolite staring. Eventually he leaned sideways on the couch to speak to the former so as not to distract Kyuu or Mercy. “I dun remember ye from the Academy. Not a student, are ye?Or just a friend o’ the miss from elsewhere?”

Lex (angrydurf) — 12/15/2022 11:05 PM Taking Akemi's hand sang turned his wrist slightly in the grip and with a light pressure pulled the young mans hand up to offer the back of his hand as if for a kiss, "A pleasure Mr. Rourke." he intoned politely, "Gyeong Sang, Storyteller." he offered his own introduction as well.

The boy was saved for the moment from Sangs advances by the arrival of the tailor and he followed the group inside stepping out of his sandals at the door to pad quietly to the couch where he lounged languidly watching as Mercy moved across the floor for er measurements without a care for being caught staring. "Your generosity is appreciated and noted but I couldn't possibly." Sang replied to the offer of food and watched the fitting ongoing with curiosity as he replied to Akemis question, "Oh no not a student, I'm a purveyor of tall tales and other diversions. We met at Mr. Tennos shop and she had need of an escort for proprieties sake." He shrugged.

Riven ~ Kyuu — 12/15/2022 11:52 PM A mischievous smile is given to Mercy as she awkwardly stands where Kyuu directs. He begins to sort thorough her clothing and gestures for her to put her hands down. “I am going to give you these pants and you will put them on, behind that screen there. Take your other pants off.” His brow arches slightly. “Make sure that they are inside out – with the seams out toward me. We are working with a pre-crafted garment so I cannot cut it exactly to your lines, but I can pin it in and make some adjustments. When you are in need of new clothing, just make an appointment with me. I can style and match the school’s fabric – but what I make you will be far more comfortable.” He hands her a pair of pants then approaches his table of things that poke, cut, and prod. Sewing tools. A soft laugh is offered to Akemi’s enthusiasm for the tea and food. The man is sweet. “I prefer not to have hangry clients.” He shares. “Better than them ruining my work because they are not comfortable.” His attention shifts to the package that the other man has brought, and he questions, “What is that?” there is a real curiosity in the man, he likes surprises. All sorts, even the bad ones. Bad is really all based on perception after all. His home was purchased at a steep discount because of the ghostly neighbor and the .. things that happen next door. Frequently. But Kyuu just puts his wards up to keep the ghost on her side of the wall and isn’t too worried about who haunts the place otherwise. Might even leave little gifts for the man to find on occasion. >.> .

A glance is sent aside to the reclining Sang and he quirks a faint smile, “You might change your mind on that, an hour in on a real fitting.” This isn’t a real fitting? “I am not generous.” He notes to the man. “Purely selfish – happy clients mean that I am happy too.” He then turns to look toward Mercy, to check and see that she has come out from behind the screen with the pants on. One hand lifts a ball punctured everywhere with needles. “Ready?”

Aimee — 12/16/2022 12:11 AM Mercy was too focused on the directions to really clock the twitch at the difference though the reality was it was her efforts to track formality levels into English terms. Both Sang and Kyuu were afforded additional respect based on seniority and skill while she clocked Akemi as a peer at school. It didn’t occur to her that thinking didn’t translate directly. Fluency in a language did not translate fully into mastery of cultural differences and Mercy was already working to parse that lovely brogue of his. Mercy dutifully left the men to talk and went to trade out her soft pants for the stiffer tweed ones, pulling them on over her underclothes, seams out as instructed. They were well made and high quality fabric though Mercy found them stiff and coarse compared to what she was used to though the dragon was eager to fit in enough to ignore it. She came back out with the ao dai’s trailing skirt lifted above her trim waist, while the other hand held her pants up. Without a belt, it was easy to see where part of the problem lay as they had been cut for a man’s body. To fit the curve of her hips, the waist was way too wide and the fabric pulled a little too tight across her ass while leaving extra fabric in the front to accommodate parts that she did not have. Without being cuffed up, the inseam was too long, leaving her with extra fabric bunching along her ankles from pants that were for someone significantly taller. “Like this, Master Tenno?”

CAEL (helio5igma) — 12/16/2022 1:22 AM The kiss from Sang had been enough of an issue. Kyuu asking about the parcel while people were around settled the matter and the ghoul bolted upright, muttered something about forgetting the oven, and fled from the shop. His ears may or may not have been visibly steaming.

Lex (angrydurf) — 12/16/2022 2:22 AM "You may find yourself surprised by my stamina Mr. Tenno." Sang replied saucily as he observed the fitting in progress curiously as he admired the young dragons form despite the ill-fitting clothes. "It's basically vandalism." he murmured in distaste at covering the pretty young thing in such garments. "You really have come just in time." he joked lightly. Akemi's sudden departure drew a concerned frown for a fraction of a second as the young man left, "I daresay Mr. Tenno that the young man did not appreciate the attention you paid his package." He let out a light laugh, "The skittish nature of youth I suppose I'm sure a professional such as yourself is more than competent in handling a clients package when called for."

Riven ~ Kyuu — 12/16/2022 8:45 PM “That.” Kyuu states, giving Sang a sassy look, “Sounds like a challenge. Or a promise. Do you deliver on those?” his eyes dance with mischief and he tilts his head, pearly whites briefly flashing from between crimson lips. But then his attention is focused once again on Mercy. “And you have worn it like this already?” he sounds pained, like physically sickened that the woman had to. Kyuu explains to Mercy, in case she has never experienced this before, “I am going to pin it to your body shape. I will mark where it needs to be let out and will pin it tighter to your frame where it needs to be taken in.” He lifts a hand to twitch his long fingers at her, “My hands will be all over your pants. But that also means that they will be on you.” His brow lifts slightly and then waggles, “So do not punch me or this will be over before it has even started.” He then lifts a pin, the needle sharply pointed. “If you move too much, one or more of these will Jab you. So you need to remain very, very still. Can you handle that, my dear?”

Aimee — 12/17/2022 7:30 PM "Well, I mean... not inside out," Mercy murmured, holding the fabric of her top up a little higher. She nodded to show her understanding, and grinned showing even white teeth. "I am very good at sitting still, though I know it probably doesn't look like it. I shan't move." She was as good as her word and didn't seem flustered by the tailor's touch, nor tittilated by it. It was not the first time she'd stood to have things pulled and fussed with. A bastard child of the court was still a child of the court and she'd had to be dressed by handmaidens before and this was not so very dissimilar an experience. The flirtation between the foxes, however, was far more likely to make the young woman blush. "I imagine if I wore the dresses, they would likely fit better but trailing fabrics don't do well in the machinery shop. Half the students seem to have explosive failures on any given day and while I might be fireproof, my clothes are not, alas. Not unless I notice in time to protect them, at least, and usually my hands are buried in my own creation."

Lex (angrydurf) — 12/18/2022 1:48 AM "Why not both?" Sang replied with a challenging smile, "I deliver when the mood strikes but there is something to be said for leaving one in anticipation." He lazily retorts and watches the Tailor at his work and the blush touching Mercy's cheeks pleased with the fruits of his labor. "Well it would certainly make an impression on your classmates." He suggested at the mention of potential immolation of her clothes. "Possibly improve your grades if you have the right professors."

Riven ~ Kyuu — 12/18/2022 2:07 AM Kyuu is actually pleased with Sang’s reply. “Definitely both.” He agrees. “The tease is always exquisite when there is a promise of fulfillment.” His eyes roll up to take in Mercy’s expression, the blush on her cheeks. It pulls a laugh from him. “Wouldn’t you agree?” he asks her, the twinkle of mischief in his eyes dancing merrily. His hands begin to move about her pants, pinching fabric and gathering it between the pinch of his needles. Many, many needles. The woman is likely to be pricked at least once with a point, though the error will be with Kyuu if she remains still through the process. He cannot always be perfect. When that happens, he murmurs, “Apologies.” But continues on. Aside from this, the motion is deft and efficient. There is no uncertainty in what he is doing and soon he has the pants resting against her hips without the hands gripping the fabric to hold them up. “I have found some fabrics that have been treated with a flame-retardant chemical.” He shares, “It is not the most attractive fabric, but certainly such a fabric would be useful in that sort of environment? Perhaps the school would be open to the idea of a different sort of uniform for such areas where the danger of what you are working with is notably higher.” He shifts his attention down to the hem of the pants, rolling it up so that it just covers the tops of her feet. “Will you wear these over boots, or do you prefer them fitted?” his hands slip up under the hem to show what he means, then grips the outside of the fabric for a similar reason.

Aimee — 12/18/2022 9:52 AM Mercy made a slight face at Sang's suggestion, "I don't want to pass THAT way. It's bad enough that some of the upperclassman are all up on their high horse about women in the university. I want to pass because my designs are amazing and impress. Though... honestly, its harder than I thought it would be." She largely stayed still, even when poked with the occasional needle. Though she'd shifted to her human form, her body was still a dragon's body, regardless of what shape it took on and though soft, her hide was more durable than it might seem. It stung, but not enough to flinch or comment on more than a smile of reassurance as the tailor's clever finger moved on. "I wear them over my shoes. My other form is small enough that I can slip out of my clothes easily enough if they're on the looser side of things." When she was sure it wouldn't disturb his work, she shifted to show with her hands vaguely the size of her form - akin to that of a small dog, perhaps. She was, indeed, a very young dragon. "But fireproof smocks would probably be appreciated although the professors don't seem overly concerned. There are wards to keep people from getting... well, maimed, but they seem to think the humans getting singed is a learning experience. Most of the students would probably pay out of their own pockets for some additional protection, though."

Lex (angrydurf) — 12/18/2022 9:24 PM Sang let out a small laugh at Mercy's protest, "Never say never." he replied mirthfully and shook his head, "If visitors to the tea house is any indication they're mostly threatened by competition." he pointed out with a smile that suggested it was not merely academic competition they might be concerned with. His brows raised slightly at the indication of her size in her draconic form a rare show of surprise for the jaded Kumiho. "Well learning from mistakes does seem to be how humans learn best I can see the value." he acknowledged, "And such occurrences doubtless brighten an otherwise dull day."

Riven ~ Kyuu — 12/19/2022 9:16 PM Kyuu gently wrinkles his nose at the thought of the woman sleeping her way through class. It wasn't that he really cared if she did, if she wanted to. He just does not see the point when she clearly had to skills to avoid that path. "Perhaps a study partner woukd help." He suggests. Most of the fox's attention is focused on pulling the fabric together and pinning it though he does have a stick with a waxy kind I f chalk that he marks on the fabric in certain places to let out some of the seams. Mercy's assertion that she will wear the pants over boots had him leaving enough fabric to bell out over the boots. When he is done he leans back to examin the fit critically. "I could sew in some satin in the legs to relieve the itch of the fabric, if you want." So thoughtful. Standing, he circles about the woman whike critically examining her pants from every angle. "What do you think?" Said to Sang, though he is really pretty critical of his own work. A glance is given to Sang and he hums thoughtfully. "Or repetition. I found that people will learn if they have to repeat a task a thousand times." A quick smile is shared and then he is nodding back to the dragon lady, ""I will make you a coat. For free. If the school accepts it, and the other students are interested, that will be payment enough for it."

Aimee — 12/21/2022 2:33 PM Mercy shifted a little, twisting and turning slightly to take in the work, "That would be lovely. I can cope with the scrape of fabric against skin but I don't enjoy the sensation. This is so much better. Thank you," there was relief and excitement in her voice at having pants that fit and didn't pull or chafe in odd ways. She smiled at the suggestion, "I'm hoping to make some friends in the current class. I've tried greeting the upperclassman but some of them don't like women and others have some feels on not-really-humans and it's all very tiring. It's hard to find the nice one among the lot, it seems. It's all worth it though. I love learning."

Lex (angrydurf) — 12/31/2022 6:35 PM Sang ran a blatantly appraising eye over both the alterations and the form they accentuated when his opinion was called up. "Most excellent work." he replied with a lazy grin. "Accentuates the form beneath without forcing it to the fabrics whims a delicate balance of give and take." he elaborated as he watched the turn the girl gave in the altered outfit. "I heartily approved, and certainly imagine it will aid in making new friends little one." he remarked casually with a playful laugh. Riven ~ Kyuu — 12/31/2022 8:57 PM Nodding, Kyuu leaves Mercy's side to make some notes though he lifts his pencil and gestures in her direction with it. "Go ahead and put on the next pair. Be careful when you slip them off. I mean, unless you like being poked by pins." A cheeky smile is shared. Her comment on the lack of friendly welcome she has recieved pulls a frown to the pout if his lips. His words are somewhat derisive. He is siding with Mercy here. "You would think that a school supposedly filled with the brightest minds would have more intelligent people in it." A soft breath is taken and then released. Then, a devious look crosses his features. "If anyone actually messed with you, my dear? Give me their name and I will black list them. So will the cobbler. And the hatter.. we stick together, you know." A glance is given toward Sang and the fox curls a smile at the man's compliments. "When can I expect you to be stopping by for a fitting then?"