Style is Survival {Open}

[Sho's Sexy Pants ♥]

"Did you see that sign?"
"Is there a sale today?"
"Oh!!! I need those shoes!"
"Kyaaa! So cuuute!"
"I need that!"
"Back off bitch, it's mine!"
"Eeeei! This purse is perfect!"
"Oww, off my hair you witch!"

Haku smiled to himself, enjoying the (somewhat hostile) atmosphere. There was something about the mall that just filled his heart and soul. Something...other worldly, almost....magical! Was it the sales? The new shoes? The food court that reeked of greasy foods? No matter what it is, the brown-haired beauty entered into a trance-like state whenever he entered into this wondrous area. The smell of the new shoes, the crackling of the bags, the feeling he got when he saw a sale, the feel of the cashmere beneath his grasp: Nothing could top shopping. Not even the illegal drugs (which he wouldn't be able to even afford considering his monthly clothing bill is so high) could compare to the high he received when he shopped. "Ohhh, did you see those cute shoes?" The oh-so effeminate boy was off in his own world and loving every moment. The air conditioning, distant smell of delicate perfume, and huge-ass mirrors: It was all his.

Yeah, usually shopping was a girl's thang, though Haku found much more enjoyment out of this sort of outing than many other females he'd known (to the point where he'd sometimes exhaust others that he'd known). Back at one of his other schools, he'd been known as "the fashonista"
because of how fabulous he'd look after good outing at the mall.

Shop through shop the young man went to, picking out the rare gems one would find only after countless hours of searching. Though, he had a sort of gift when it came to finding just the right accessories. Almost like a radar went off in the young man's mind and brought him directly to the beautiful accents to that one ensemble that would always need it. Haku passed through the different racks of clothing, skimming over the different fabrics and styles, a smile plastered on his face. Was it illegal to have this much fun? For most teenagers it would be, though rarely could one get in trouble for loving clothing.

After passing through several different shops and sales the delicate boy had ended up with quite a stash of bags that, if one didn't know min better, would think he robbed several stores. His frail arms, worn out from holding the bags so long, begged for a small rest so he wandered to the food court, looking for a decent place to sit and watch other fabulous looking mall-goers. After a few minutes and a lot of maneuvering on his part, Haku found the perfect spot.

"Did you see her clothes?"
"Oh my gawd, I want that bag!"
"Where did she get that!?"

Gossip. The squeals of girls finding that perfect item. The roars of the girl who can't find the size she wants in that one shirt. Haku tapped his foot against the metal leg of the chair as he watched people of all creeds shopping in this small area. What did they need? He had no idea. Were they having fun? It sure seemed like it. A sigh escaped the young man's mouth as he watched the passerbyers. Him arms ached, though he wasn't even close to finished shopping. The mall would still be open another four hours. Plenty of time to find more clothing. ♥

[¡El Bandito!]

Haruka typically wasn't a big fan of malls. Not really the kind of person to freak out over current fashions and the cutest pair of shoes available, the only reason she ever came to the mall were for the occasional sales. Mall punks pissed her off, the kids who thought that shelling out the fifty dollars for those bondage pants and another twenty for the shirt of the band that broke up ten years ago that they've never actually listened to... was this really the kind of people carrying around this banner? How were these punk kids?

But of course, there was always the age-old saying: as soon as you label yourself, the label no longer applies. This was something that these dumb trend-chasers really needed to learn. It's an ideology, a state of mind, not a hairstyle or a fashion statement.

The green-eyed girl sighed, tapping her foot in wait while her food was being made. The holidays were coming up, so it made sense that the mall was so packed, but it didn't particularly make the young woman any less annoyed by it. Really though, it was her fault for coming but... She couldn't help it.

She needed new underwear, damn it.

Forget shoes; for being a supposed tomboy, it was rather strange: her favorite things to shop for were bras, nail polish, and cosmetics. Well, until she looked at the price-tags anyway.

She hadn't even gotten that far yet though; if the rest of the mall was as full as the food court she was tempted to just abort the mission entirely and come back later. But, she figured while she was here at least she could eat some food... even if she would have to share a table with some random stranger.

Ah, and there were her orders of sushi: two orders of inari and two orders of avocado rolls, all set perfectly on a tray for her. Sure, it wasn't her favorite place down on the waterfront, but it was certainly good enough for the moment, and it had been a while since she'd had sushi anyway. Shifting her previously-bought coffee to one hand, she grabbed the order with the other, not bothering to look at or thank the man behind the counter. If he wanted thanks, he should have made it a little faster; it really didn't matter what order the rolls were in once they were in her stomach.

Looking around for a place to sit, she finally decided that if she had to share a table with someone, the brunette chick over in the corner that wasn't running around screeching at the top of her lungs about stilettos was probably her best bet. She walked over to the girl - she seemed about her own age, and oddly familiar somehow - and tried to smile, though it probably came off as more of a smirk. "You waiting for anyone, or can I sit here?" Haruka felt the need to at least ask, considering. Of course there was always the chance that the chick didn't want any over-pierced girls in ripped up jeans and canvas jackets messing up her shopping feng shui or whatever. But if that was the case, she'd just find somewhere else to sit - not really that big of a deal.

[Sho's Sexy Pants ♥]

Bits and pieces of chatter passed through Haku’s ears as the dozens of females wandered by in a wide array of different outfits. How interesting that even though they were all humans, their tastes and styles varied so much. It was a wonder how everyone was so alike, and yet, so very different at the same time. And the way that a person decided to present themselves, as well, was so intriguing. From clothes, to accessories, to hair and make-up, everyone made a statement. Even he did, with his very female look. Though, he considered his fashion as more of an art form. Something he could change by will. One day he could wear a very regal-styled tux with his hair neatly pinned up, the next he could be in traditional kabuki garb, makeup included. Every day he became a living piece of art for all to see. And, just like with art in the form of a painting, there were those who loved it, and those who hated it. So was the way of life (even if it was quite saddening that others did not see eye to eye with him).

The rainbow of different colors had such a pleasing look as every person passing by added to the beauty. Haku couldn’t help but feel a great desire to continue shopping, if only his arms weren’t so weak. As wonderful as working out and becoming stronger sounded (as if), Haku had no desire of growing any unneeded muscle on any part of his body. As far as he was concerned, he looked fine…not to mention working out and sweating looked sooo hard. Physical education definitely wasn’t a class he could say he enjoyed, and he definitely couldn’t say he was any good at it (not to mention the pe clothes look atrocious).

“You waiting for anyone, or can I sit here?”

Haku’s body flinched out of habit, as he heard a somewhat familiar voice from his side. Turning, he saw a classmate he didn’t really pin as the “mall” type, though, then again, who could resist the call of sales and nail polish (and Hello Kitty merchandise and feather boas and earrings and…). The ever-so-familiar red hair and piercings warmed Haku’s face a slight bit (even if he barely knew his classmate) as an elegant smile happened upon his pale face. “Oh no…You can sit here if you’d care to…” The boy’s chocolate brown eyes wandered up to the girl’s green eyes for a moment before he turned his attention to the seat across from himself, lifting up his slightly-aching arms and gesturing for the girl to sit down. Haku internally prayed to the lord that Haruka was in a good mood.

It’s not that the boy had any problems with the very interesting girl, though he’d seen her in action in class and hoped she wasn’t as destructive. His bags of clothes were very close and he’d hate for this to become a bloodbath…Even if it was over clothing…

Speaking of clothing, the girl’s clothing was very fitting of the girl. Her tattered jeans and jacket seemed to almost fit her personality. Haku’s very electric pink dress, on the other hand, didn’t match him quite as well, though in the world of clothing, anything goes. His hair was neatly let loose today, falling just below his shoulders with a thin, white headband sporting a small, fake flower on one side. His eyes were lightly accented with some black liner and a hint of pink and purple shadow, as he did not care to look like an oversized bottle of pepto (he’d seen the look at its “finest” and couldn’t say he cared for it very much). His thin, pink dress was bettered suited for the hot summers, though he couldn’t help but wear the dress today with the nude shoes he’d bought only two days ago. He’d also brought a warm brown jacket, though it’s long gone in one of the many bags surrounding his feet and the table.

“Please pardon the bags.” He let out a small giggle, before leaning down to collect the bags from the floor, creating a bit more room for Haruka’s legs. Oh God, how rude. Maybe that’s why his was the only table that wasn’t completely filled up…his massive mountain of bags and lack of manners drove others away.

[¡El Bandito!]

She hadn't even seen the bags at first, so when the other girl had directed them, Haruka couldn't help but laugh. Someone had clearly been here all day already, and had way too much free time and money to spend. It wasn't a mean laugh though, more of an appreciative, if slightly disbelieving, snort.

"How the hell do you manage to even carry that much around?" she asked incredulously, sitting down across from the stylish brunette and being somewhat careful to avoid kicking any of the bags beneath the table. She snuck a peek at some of the labels and logos: nothing she was really interested in at all. Then again, Haruka didn't really believe in spending more than a few dollars on any one piece of clothing... unless the item in question happened to be a bra or a band t-shirt. Cheap bras were a no-go... flimsy, uncomfortable, and generally useless, and band tees, well... They were supporting the artist. It was her splurge item, and it really didn't help that her wardrobe was full of them. But, she made up for it by being a religious follower of the clearance rack - who gave a damn if it was last season's style? They were jeans and they would soon be splattered with bleach and filled with holes anyway.

The green-eyed girl mentally shrugged to herself, picking up the set of chopsticks from the tray and snapping them apart while mumbling "Itadakimasu" to herself. Carefully, she selected one of the glorious-looking avocado rolls - glorious not because of any sort of superior craftsmanship but because the fruit neatly tucked inside the rice and seaweed was her favorite color and one of her favorite foods - and popped it into her mouth. Yeah, it wasn't as good as the place on the waterfront, she redecided with a thoughtful chew, but it was definitely good enough for now.

She swallowed her food and took a sip of her coffee, while it slowly dawned on her that the girl across from her didn't have any food, just her spoils of the sale-battle going on deeper in the mall. There was something about eating in front of people who didn't have any that just bothered her, and before she really knew what she was doing, she had set her chopsticks back down and looked at the brown-haired girl in the eyes. She was rather gorgeous; her makeup was probably done a lot better than her own, with subtle hints of different colors accenting the shadow, when Haruka had just smeared some of that same avocado-colored powder on her eyelids and ran a thin line of kohl around her eyes.

It was a vanity thing, more than likely; eating in front of people that didn't have food of their own made her feel fat, like she was overeating when she shouldn't be. "Hey, if you want to go grab some food, I can watch your bags for you, if you'd like. You should probably eat if you've been here all day," she reasoned. Considering the number of bags and merchandise, she thought her guess was probably pretty accurate, and the last thing anyone needed was some overzealous news story about some girl passing out in a discount rack and telling everyone that shopping was a terrible activity for young girls to partake in or some bullshit. "The sushi's pretty good, but that's just me," she added, picking her chopsticks back up and poking one of the pieces of inari.

[Sho's Sexy Pants ♥]

An amused laugh escaped Haku's mouth as he heard Haruka's question. The number of bags at his feet were probably more than ten times as much as any other person hanging at the mall today. Why he hadn't brought them to his car: There wasn't enough room in the truck's front and he feared the items would be stolen or damaged if they were to hang in the bed of the truck for however many more hours he planned on staying here. "Will power...I suppose...Though maybe that's why I need to take a break." After already spending five hours at the mall already, it was a wonder his arms hadn’t snapped off as of yet. He wasn’t exactly built for excessive exercise, though he could never give up the pleasure of shopping.

Haku pulled his legs back a slight bit, allowing the girl enough room to sit down with her tray of food. He eyed the small tray, seeing the food neatly lined up according to the type. How cuuute~ Not too many people working here in the food court put that much attention to detail into the food. Usually it was just slapped together with excess rice lingering off to the side. Whoever had worked on Haruka’s food had really given much attention to even the finest of details.

“Hmmm…” Haku started, staring at one of the rolls, “…Perhaps I should eat a bit. Thanks for the suggestion, Haruka-san.” Haku pushed his chair back, creating a scratchy noise as the bottom of the chair collided with the linoleum flooring. Haku cringed a bit at the sound before standing up and excusing himself from the table, pushing the chair back in. He turned away, shimmying through the crowds in an attempt to make it to the sushi stall his classmate was speaking of.

Haruka!!! Did…did she realize it was him sitting there…? As he stood in the line behind a cute couple, two valley girls, a kid and his mother who was on her cell phone, and one annoyed looking teenage girl he pondered this over, looking back to where he was sitting. The two never really conversed much in class, and he wasn’t sure if anyone in that school actually knew of his…tendencies…He didn’t exactly tell everyone. It wasn’t a secret; he just didn’t feel the need to say anything. Would Haruka react in a friendly manner? A sigh escaped his mouth as he looked back to the couple standing directly in front of him. If his clothing was suddenly missing or shreds to pieces, he had a feeling the girl hadn’t taken it very well. Though then he’d have to “smack a bitch”. There’s no way he’d stand back if clothing got involved in anything.

During his inner monologue, the distance between him and the counter shrunk as the food was ordered. Haku snapped back into reality enough to realize he had to move up otherwise he may lose his space in line. His hand wandered down to a piece of pink fabric. His grasp tightened against the fabric as he watched the couple in front of him go back and forth, acting “cute” as they went back and forth between which rolls they should order. After going back and forth, the two finally decided on which they would order, proceeding to the pay area. Haku walked up to the counter, knowing exactly what he wanted. “I want that. Right there. Four rolls, please.” Haku pointed to some colorful gunkan maki. The person behind the counter nodded with a “Hai” as he collected a few rolls for Haku, who pulled out his coin purse from his pocket.

[¡El Bandito!]

Wait, wait, wait.

Haruka-san? What the hell?

Viridian eyes followed her fashionably-dressed table-mate, as the woman tried like hell to figure out just how they knew her name. Clearly, she knew who Haruka was, but didn't know her well enough to know that she hated both the (in her opinion) arbitrary use of suffixes, and her full name. Really, no one but her parents and the teachers she didn't bother to correct called her Haruka, so this was probably someone from one of her classes, since she didn't recognize her from the Paridiso... and she hardly ever wore her nametag at work anyway.

She knew the woman looked familiar, but she still couldn't place from where. There were plenty of girls in her class that she didn't actively antagonize but didn't really talk to much; perhaps she was one of them. Maybe when she got another look at the girl's face she could figure it out... She looked like she could almost be the sister or cousin of some of the guys she sat close to in homeroom, but that still didn't explain how she knew her name. She'd just have to ask about something school-related on the sly and see if that would help figure out why this person was so goddamn familiar.

In the meantime, sushi was calling her name. She ignored the funny looks she got from sitting with a bunch of designer clothes - stuff she wouldn't normally be caught dead around unless she was buying it three years out of season from a second-hand store to mutilate for some dubiously worthy cause. Whatever, man, people could be judgmental assholes all they wanted; the bags weren't hers and she did, in fact, have the capability to be nice, no matter what anyone said.

She took a bite of her inari pocket, washing it down with another long gulp of her coffee. She wasn't entirely sure what was taking the girl so long and she was getting antsy to figure out just who this person was... but then she realized that the other woman was in the same line she had just been in minutes ago. It made sense now - she had actually taken her advice on food, and was apparently a popular stall today. No matter, she'd be back soon, and hopefully Haruka would get a better crack at just who this mystery person was.

[Sho's Sexy Pants ♥]

After paying for the small meal, Haku took the small tray and scurried back to where his clothes and Haruka were waiting for him. Through the huge crowds of different conversations he went, trying his best not to let his four rolls and small tea he purchased at the last moment fly out of his grasp. "E-excuse me...pardon me...Coming through..." Why were there so many people at the mall today of all days? Haku held his food close, not wanting anything to end up on the floor. After a sea of heads, Haku could see his destination in sight. His clothes and Haruka were still there, which was always a good sign. Maneuvering his way around a rather loud blond and her pile of greasy food, Haku somehow found himself back to his table.

Oh my God, that took forever.

"Sorry it took so long..." Haku had started, pulling his chair out and taking a bow before taking his seat. He set his small tray of rolls and his small tea down on the table, breaking apart the chopsticks as he continued, "There was...quite a long line, though the food looks so good I think it was worth the wait. ♥"

Haku poked at one of the rolls on his plate a few times before picking up a roll and popping it into his mouth. The taste was decent enough, though he felt almost guilty for eating something as beautiful as this. The vivid orange eggs from the center of the roll was such a beautiful color and accented the dark green sea weed and white rice surrounding it ever so well. A delicate form of art that could never truly be appreciated for too long (lest the food get rotten and who wants that?). Though, that's how some art is, he supposed.

Haku's eyes wandered down to his insane amount of bags, making sure they were fine. As far as he could tell, there seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary, though he couldn't help but worry over them. A bad habit of his, really. Ah yes! His eyes perked back up to his classmate. After swallowing the roll in his mouth Haku smiled to the girl who watch his bags and seat. Sure, she had offered to and all, though she really didn't have to. Perhaps the Haruka in class and the Haruka outside the school grounds were different? Some people did have a different personality in class, after all. Even he was a bit guilty of different personalities, though that was mostly at work.

[¡El Bandito!]

The girl finally made her way back through the crowded food court and back to the bags Haruka had been safeguarding for her. To be honest, Haruka didn't really mind the deed all that much; sitting and eating her food quietly while deterring would-be thieves with deadpan stares was an easy way to fill her good-deed quota for the week. The green-eyed girl glanced down at her new 'friend' (in the loosest possible sense, of course)'s choice in cuisine and had to hold back a snort of derision; not every was a crazy tree-hugging animal lover like she was, and people were allowed to eat whatever they wanted no matter the amount of animal cruelty involved, she supposed. Fish eggs, at least, by nature of how they reproduced, weren't fertilized, but at the same time the fish had to be killed in order for the caviar to be harvested. But, no one was forcing her to eat it and no one was making a big deal about eating it (which was more than could be said about a lot of people, including people she considered friends), so she figured she could hold back the PETA lecture for the time being.

Swallowing her food and taking another coffee, she had found that while she was waiting for the brunette's return she had eaten almost all of her lunch already. Ah well, she had done her duty and didn't really have a reason to stick around, save curiosity and perhaps a few tips on what the rest of the mall looked like today. Not to mention the curiosity bubbling in her stomach as to just who this chick was.

She looked at the woman from the corner of her eye, pretending to be studying her transparent drink cup and the amount of coffee she had left, looking up and smiling when she gave her explanation for taking so long. "Nah, whatever. It's all good."

... Now that she had an excuse, she stared at the woman, narrowing her eyes slightly and leaning back in her seat. Why the hell did she seem so goddamn familiar?

The, finally, it hit her. She was flat; she had an adam's apple, her shoulders were too broad... she wasn't really a she at all. No, this was the cute little boy who had just recently transferred to her high school... and she meant cute as in pretty, not cute as in handsome. Like... prettier than her. No, this was definitely a dude. Granted, a dude that painted his nails and apparently wore dresses while shopping the latest styles at the mall...

"Not gonna lie, I didn't recognize you like that at first, Snowflake," she admitted, referring to his last name as she spoke and stifling an urge to laugh. Sure, if he liked chick clothes, that was his thing. Really, she liked pants, which until recently had been 'men's clothes' or whatever... Though really this whole 'prettier than her' thing was bugging her a little.

She popped an avocado roll into her mouth, tilting her head slightly as she chewed her food. Would she have still come over if she knew that this was one of her classmates? She wasn't really sure. Then again, she had never been in quite the position she was in now before, sitting across from a transvestite, eating sushi like it was no big deal. And, she supposed, it probably wasn't for him, judging by the makeup... and really the nails should have been a tip-off as well, but whatever. Again, his prerogative, and who was she to judge his choice? There were worse things to aspire to, she supposed. Plus, she couldn't help but find the whole thing rather hilarious.

"So, any good sales?" she asked, curious as to what the boy-in-a-dress would tell her about the ebb and flow of mall commerce.

[Sho's Sexy Pants ♥]

Haku blinked a few times, before laughing softly. "Fufufu. You've found out my secret so quickly, Haruka-chan?" Haku joked, wondering if his classmate had really not known it was him this whole time. He couldn't say he was offended, however. He was, after all, in very different clothing and looked quite different then when he was in school, though she hadn't noticed earlier? Okay, maybe you could say he was a bit offended, though he tried to shrug it off, at least a bit, keeping the thought in the back of his mind for now. After all, he was at the mall. no room for negativity here. He'd wait to wallow until he started that looooong drive home (and maybe even pour his soul out to Zabu-chan, the only of of his birds he was positive would answer back). Haku picked up another one of his rolls, playing with the poor thing. He stared down at it, unable to make eye-contact with the girl for the time being. "I figured no one would ever put two and two together, at least...not this quickly~"

A lie.

Did he not let off enough at school that he was a cross-dresser? Haku figured his love for painting his nails during class was a big hint. Though...many boys did paint their nails nowadays. Even if it wasn't an emo-black, perhaps it was thought of as too mainstream now to be looked at as anything else.

The young man's ears perked at the mention of good sales at the mall, breaking him from his inner monologue. The aura around him seemed to change as a small flush appeared upon his light cheeks. "You have no idea, Haruka-san!" His eyes seemed to shine as he continued, his voice filled with enthusiasm, "There are a few good sales, though you really have to look for them, y'know? Either that, or have some connections~" Unfortunately, he was new and still didn't quite have the connections he desired.

A roll found it's way into Haku's mouth as he pondered for a moment, thinking of the sales he had yet to go for during his mall experience. He slowly chewed the small little roll, as he remembered a few that may interest his...friend..."Ah yes, I haven't gone yet, though I do believe they're having a sale on women's underwear at Victoria's Secret today." He couldn't say he was a fan of the store, though that was because they didn't carry much he could wear. The lace, satin, and silk, however, were always fun to at least hold (and since he was dressed as a woman he didn't look like a total pervert while doing so). "There's also a sale going on right now with designer dresses I've yet to see. And although there isn't a sale, the prices are still relatively low for nail polish right now." He chuckled a bit to himself, wondering if Haruka would be interested in his next proposition, "If you'd care to....we can both...ummm, go shopping with one another. That is, if you're up to it and...aren't meeting anyone or something..." Haku smiled to the girl warmly, before picking up his tea and sipping from the cup.

Shopping always seemed more enjoyable when he was able to go with someone else. Haku was sure he'd enjoy shopping with his red-haired friend, even if she looked as though she wouldn't enjoy it quiiiite as much.

[Elena]

Errands were an unavoidable arrangement, and certain appliances requested of his benefactor had to be bought, and the mall was a good place to find such items. While most males around his age, and in general, would groan at the idea of spending the whole day with a shopping list trudging from store to store, up and down flights of stairs, Sai did it without complaint or any visible sign of distress. It was his duty. He was quite used to spending his free time as a personal butler for Danzou, and in truth he was only glad that he didn't have to take the old man around with him. Old, tired bodies would not make his work more efficient.

Yet, even he needed a break and something quick to eat. Normally he would ignore his own needs in order to finish a job, but he couldn't deny that he was becoming more, as Danzou put it, “selfish” and he couldn't bring himself to be far too concerned that the old war veteran had aching feet he wanted to put into the new foot-bath-massage thing. Sai's thoughts toward Danzou were treacherously unsympathetic. He flighted down the stairs from the third floor to the first, barely even looking at the signs or the shops around him to know where he was going. He had oriented himself around the mall well enough, and even if he were to get a little side-tracked it would be of no consequence to him, except for a growing hunger. Today he would try something different at the food court. Lately he was always trying something different. It was an attempt to be 'unpredictable' like Naruto-kun was.


While his taste in food was bland, his clothing style was, well... Flavourful? One might take it as a sorry attempt to stand out and be different, however, that was not Sai's objective. He remained ignorant of the double-takes and the whispers, and even if he did catch an expression he could not quite place it, or realize what the reason behind it was, so he paid no heed. His choices in food would not be the first thing people would notice about him.


He held onto the rather heavy bags, hands chaffing under his black gloves. His arms flexed, muscles however faint pushing against rather taut blue material. It was a soft blue, with a cloud design , but it was a few sizes too small therefore it was trying to squeeze against his body rather than rest. It was alright though, because all of his buttons were undone. He had a fishnet underneath, to preserve modesty. Sai's definition of modesty was not being entirely bare. This fishnet shirt went past the restraining cuts of the t-shirt and disappeared into his gloves. They also tucked away under the band of orange, slightly fuzzy sweatpants that completely overlapped his shoes with how long and baggy they were. Sai liked what he was wearing. He had his reasons which in his eyes were practical. He liked the shirt—it was the only one he had in the colour. The sweatpants were comfortable and orange. The fishnet was for modesty since apparently he showed off his torso too much. Where was the flaw in that?

In fact, some girls had approached him to approve of his clothing choice.

“Oh wow, where did you get that shirt?”
The other snickered. “Nevermind that, those pants are awesome. Did your mother pick it out for you?”


He smiled. His mother was dead, but he knew to say such a thing would shift the mood of the conversation. The mall was a place for socializing, and he needed to test out talking to strangers. They were being rather inquisitive, if not friendly, and there was no harm in indulging their curiosity.


“The shirt I have had since I was younger. The pants I got on sale at Kyon-yon's. I picked them out for myself.”

The girls were amused, as they started to laugh. Was he being funny? He continued to smile. He wasn't privy to the joke.

“Don't you think it's a little... ah, tight on you?”
“You should throw it out and get a new one.”

He looked down at himself. “My brother liked this shirt. I don't want to throw it out. It still fits.” He learned that when the subject was going toward a point which he didn't like, he should direct it elsewhere. The three girls, each possessing standard attractive qualities he's seen throughout magazines, were bold enough to approach him and start a conversation. He too should be bold and offer something in return. “Would you like to have lunch with me?” Surely he had made progress.

They burst out laughing again.

“Um, sorry but ah...”
“We gotta go eat over there”
The turned away, and he caught the third make a snide remark. “What a retard. He even asked if he'd sit with us...”

He watched their backs, his smile reducing to a straight line as he stared plainly at their retreating backs. Perhaps he had been wrong in his assessment. Actually, the expressions around him became more noticeable, and he cocked his head to the side as he stared back at some more obvious spectators. So, he was doing something unusual again. He let out a soft breath. There went his chance at normal socializing. He got an order of poutine at a fry place. He didn't eat french fries much, let alone topped with chunky, he could swear was frozen, bits and thick gravy of whatever flavour. He guess chicken because there was a saying that went like 'everything tastes like chicken' so that would be a safe assumption. He took the tray and scanned the court. Everything was full. No matter; he left the tray with the others on the waste bin and held the cup of poutine in his hand. He leaned against a pillar in the food court and ate one by one. He didn't realize how noticeable it made him look, nor how pathetic, but he ate the decidedly strange and soggy food with all the indifference in the world. The only thing he regretted was not telling that one girl who called him a retard that her ass crack was showing above her slut-jeans.

[¡El Bandito!]

"Oh god. That sounds so stuffy... Call me Ruka; only my parents and teachers call me my full name. Suffix optional, though everyone seems to insist on those anyway..."

Really, Haruka didn't pay attention to people in school unless she had to, much less the hands of random guys who were shorter and had longer hair than her. Though, as she looked at the boy across from her, sitting so primly in his dress, he couldn't help but steal a look at his painted nails and wonder if she had noticed before but never processed it in her head. It was entirely possible, after all, as she looked down at her own, compulsively rubbing the pad of her thumb against one of the nails, as though smoothing the polish down. Each nail was a different color, in no particular order as though she had just pulled a bottle out at random and used it. Which, really, wasn't far from what had happened. She liked it though; it was chaotic and somewhat messy, matching herself rather perfectly. Besides, ten colors were ten times as pretty, right?

She liked to think so, anyway.

But... Nails were one thing; clothes were another thing entirely. While never one to follow or really care about fashion, even Haruka knew that there were some things that just looked ridiculous, and some poor schmuck who hadn't even been able to find a seat was a walking example of when this was the case.

Another glance and the green-eyed girl recognized the boy as one of her neighbors from her apartment complex, and she couldn't help but shake her head to herself as she finished off the rolls on her tray. She didn't say anything about the guy and his awesomely bad color-coordination; knowing her luck he would recognize her and make his way over anyway.

Apparently asking about sales happened to be magical password of sorts, because Haku - that was his name, right? - lit up like Christmas had come early, rattling off sales like they were the sacred pillars of Shopaholicanity. Yes, it was always good to have connections, and clearly she had just found hers.

"We should. I wasn't planning on meeting anyone, actually... though I suppose I should have known better than to expect or assume I wouldn't see anyone I knew. It is the mall, after all..." It was true - it seemed like no matter when you went, it was the law of mallrats that you would inevitably see someone you knew at a mall. She sucked down the last of her coffee before continuing. "Turns out I was planning on going to Victoria's Secret in the first place," she explained with a growing grin. Lingerie shopping with boys happened to be one of her favorite activities, for no reason other than how awkward they always seemed to get over the notion of girls' underwear. Though... considering her new shopping companion, the effect might be a little diminished, but... still.

She ran a hand through her still in-dire-need-of-a-redying hair and stretched her other arm out to her side. This was turning into a rather interesting adventure, if she could say so herself.

[Sho's Sexy Pants ♥]

A sudden conflict arose in the man sitting across from Haruka: the need to stay formal without using any type of suffix and shortening up the girl’s name. (Does the term “DOES NOT COMPUTE” ring a bell?) Nevertheless, Haku nodded and made a mental note to keep from using the “stuffy” suffixes with his new friend. “Ah, very well then…err…Ruka.” he shifted in his seat a bit, unsure of how confident he sounded calling her name like that. It wasn’t common he shortened a name without a cute suffix at the end. And no matter how insanely cute he was positive “Ruka-chan” or “Ruka-chama” would sound, he wasn’t quite sure she would take too kindly to it (and he can’t jeopardize his pretty face, now can he?)

In any case, Haku was more than happy enough he had a nice friend to spend the rest of his time in the mall with. Regardless of the rumors he’d heard throughout the school, H-…Ruka seemed like a nice girl with about as much love for shopping in her heart as he did in his (BBFs, anyone?). And anyone who enjoys shopping Haku considered a very close friend. ♥

“The mall sure does seem to attract…people of all different kinds… Haku let a small laugh escape as he wondered if he’d meet anyone else here. Today had been rather slow (and it didn’t help he was still quite new in town) as far as the impromptu meetings went, though meeting even one friend was quite swell enough for the little fellow.

Victoria’s Secret? Not too many girls had the guts to ask the young shopaholic in, though he was never sure why. Sure he was a (technically) a boy, though it didn’t mean he didn’t love a good sale (and so what if he needed a few here and there for a few certain outfits he had?), even at everyone’s favorite lingerie store. He wasn’t quite sure what Haruka would need there, though he’d be on the hunt for a few decent push-up bras with the pretty lace. No one questions why a girl pretty boy like him needs bras, after all. “Oh yes, I’d love to go to Victoria’s Secret with you!” Haku’s face seemed to light up like a choco-addicted child who’d just been offered a room full of chocolate bars.

Haku opened his mouth to continue, when he caught sight of something he’d never dreamed of seeing at the mall. The color in his face could accurately be described as fading in an instant. The entire world seemed to move in slow motion as he looked his fellow mall-goer up and down. Fuzzy, orange pants. Fishnets. Shirt five sizes too small. Fingerless gloves. Either this person was much braver than Haku ever could be, or he had no eye for fashion whatsoever. Haku’s eyes kept fixed on this odd fellow, mouth agape, as he felt as though his world had melted away, leaving a hellish, warped version of what was once there to poke at him.

This person was in need. He needed help. He begged for it. It was it the gods of fashion were trying to tempt the poor lad with two extremely fabulous choices: shop with his new friend or help the poor soul who was reaching out for him. Wait is that…no! No way he could be that fashion-blind! It was another “friend” from school, though Haku knew the man more for his reputation than anything else. Oh dear fashion gods, save this poor, suffering soul.

Haku pointed weakly in his direction not able to move his face away, "Is...ummm, that Sai-kun from school...?" His voice was uncharacteristically flat for the mall. Yeah, that voice sounded about right when he was without his mirror and nail polish at school, but this...this was the MALL. Haku's vision stayed fixed on the fashion-disaster his beloved school-mate.

[Elena]

In the process of eating the soggy fries, he heard his name. A soft, feminine voice among the din of the food court, but he was certain that it was his name. His eyes fell upon a rather pretty female who was looking at him... He decided that it was nervousness he saw etched into that face, and one who had pins in her face. Ah, he recognized her. It was Ruka-chan, the unfortunate science accident who also happened to be a neighbour of his. It was good that there were kind people in the world willing to hang out with her, despite the abnormalities. Again she proved herself strong, acting as if nothing was out of place even when, so the books told him, she must be crying on the inside.

He was always willing to provide his moral support should it benefit him. Right now the benefit was a table. If he had to eat this, he wanted to eat it sitting down. He moved forward, and merely greeted the studded girl before inviting himself to sit down right beside her.

“Ruka-chan.” He didn't even know her name was Haruka; he assumed Ruka was her real name. It didn't matter much to Sai what her name was, he was sure to make up a few by the time he saw her again in the laundry. “I admire your courage, coming out in public like this. If you were a man, I would tell you that you had some very large balls.”

He thought this was a great compliment. He then looked over to the girl across, and for a moment his brows lowered in faint recognition, but thought he was mistaken. “Who is your kind friend? It is nice to meet you. I am Sai.” Normally people would ask if it was okay for them to intrude, if they could join, but Sai hadn't thought of such a thing. He did think of something else.

“Are you doing some shopping still? I could drive you home when you're done.” It wouldn't be a bother, and he could never predict when he may need something from the senior, like extra detergent or fabric softener maybe. It was best to accumulate favours so that they could be returned later.

[¡El Bandito!]

One upon a time, there was a boy, who found himself in the downstairs laundry room of a particular apartment folding clothes next to a girl with oddly-colored hair and what looked like pins through her face. Naturally curious, the boy asked her what had happened to her face that she would need pins through it. Perhaps if he had met another person he would have gotten a straight answer, that no, these were a personal choice, much like ear piercings. But that boy hadn't been so lucky.

Whereas a normal person might explain the situation, and an angry rebellious asshole might typically just deck someone for asking a question like that, Haruka had managed to stay her fist-to-the-face impulse just as a wicked little idea popped into her head. It was a freak accident in the science lab, she had told him. The 'pins' were the only things holding her face together. No, she hadn't gotten any compensation from the school for it. Yes, it hurt, but she wouldn't let herself give up on life that easily. It was enough to make Oprah retch.

And, as if right on cue, the clueless motherfucker moseyed on over, introducing himself before she could reply to Haku's inquiry and greeting Haruka with a statement that sounded almost ripped word-for-word from a shirt she had nearly bought on the internet last Tuesday. Her fingers curled down, digging her nails into her palm, and her eyebrow twitched ever so slightly, but she took a deep breath before she did Sai some facial damage that would require more than pins to fix and gestured over to Haku. "This? This is snowfl- Haku." She left out any gener-specific pronouns, just to see if Sai could put two and two together. Did they know each other outside of school, or even inside, for that matter? She had no idea but if Sai's reaction to him was anything like his reaction to her, it would be pretty priceless.

"We're going underwear shopping in a moment but a ride home would be nice, so I don't have to worry about the horrible people on public transportation." Yeah, she was going to milk this for all it was worth. If he was just going home, it hardly mattered anyway, since they were going to the same place.