Issue 1 Downtime

Talia picks up Veronica after dinner and heads along the Thames. She drives a sporty little Mini convertible with flashy red colours and makes some small talk on the way to the boutique. "So you mentioned vintage styles as an option. Is that because you like vintage clothing or is it more of a budgetary concern?"

Other than the backseat of a black cab Veronica had only seen London by either bus or walking so she was enjoying the ride in Talia's sporty little number. She stared out the windows at the sights, still fascinated like a tourist.

"Well, budget yeah. But also necessity. Shifters can't have a lotta nice clothes."

"Believe me, I understand wardrobe woes. Think of the bright side, it's always an excuse to buy more clothes!" Talia expertly slides through traffic and pulls up half-way onto the curb to park. She leans over Ronnie to get into the glove box, pulling out a large, folded parking permit which she sets up on the dashboard. There aren't any other cars parked along this section of street at all, oddly enough.

"As for the budget, Fiona owes me a favour, so don't worry about it for today. We'll find something nice for you." Half a block up is the boutique in question. It has an unassuming storefront, one large window with a single mannequin and a simple door. There is almost no signage, and the austerity continues inside. Apparently the store can't afford to keep a lot of stock in as each little area has relatively few garments on display; dresses, pants, shirts, skirts, scarves, gloves, and other accessories are all to be had and each style is represented by a single piece rather than a range.

Veronica laughed. "I'm trying to get my doctorate. I can barely make excuses to eat more than microwave ramen and corned beef!"

The petite girl didn't question Talia's parking job. After all the older girl knew the city better than she did. The store was a lot different than what she was used to. Dimly-lit shops that were crammed with so much used clothes one could barely move was what she had become accustomed to browsing through.

"So I guess I'll owe you a favor then if you cash this one in" she said softly.

Talia waves it off, "Don't be silly. Having company is more than enough."

There are two other women in the store, neither of whom show any physical signs of mutation. The older of the two, probably in her late twenties or early thirties, smiles and walks up to the newcomers. Her hair flows down her back in flaming red tresses and she speaks with a faint Scottish accent. "Talia! So good to see you again. Who is your friend?"

"Fiona, this is Veronica, or Ronnie. Ronnie, this is Fiona. Ronnie is in the market for a new party dress and naturally I thought of you. She's close enough to my height and I know you often have little treasures that fit me."

"It's nice to meet you Fiona." Veronica said politely, in a manner that seemed like it should come from a 6 year in a fluffy party dress rather than a young adult looking for something more slinky. "I really appreciate you going through all this trouble."

"There is no trouble my dear. Would you like some tea while we talk?" Fiona makes her way over to the dress section of the boutique. While there are not a huge number of garments on display, there is an eclectic collection of styles to be had. A few appear quite retro or even nouveau-vintage, while others are avante-garde, with assymetric hems and cutouts. There don't seem to be any tags on the clothing though, for brand or price.

Talia moves along with Fiona, nodding to the suggestion of tea. "Do you see anything you like?"

"Oh yes, that'd be lovely. Thanks." Veronica didn't actually drink a lot of tea but she knew it was pretty important to people in this country. Kind of like being offered a glass of lemonade in the summer.

Veronica looked over the various styles, able to take them in fully instead of having to try and pry them out of over-stuffed racks. "They all look amazin'. I don't really know what'd work best for me though. I was thinkin' something short. And slinky. Maybe strapless instead of showin' a ton of cleavage, you know?"

"Hmm.. I believe I have just the thing. It might need to be taken in a touch.. Gabrielle? Bring my measuring tape, would you?" The dark-haired woman by the counter nods, bringing out a small tray with teacups and carrying the aforementioned tape around her neck. "Please, step up to the fitting platform."

Talia lifts a cup of tea for herself and glances through some of the merchandise on display as well. "So, Ronnie, are you planning on bringing a guest to the party?"

Veronica looked a little nervous as she stood on the fitting platform. She wasn't used to being fussed over and definitely had a streak of a tomboy in her.

"Eh? Oh, maybe." She blushed softly at Talia's question. "If he asks me. I'm pretty sure he's invited too."

"Oh?" She arches a brow with curiosity, "Do tell, who is the lucky lad?"

Fiona chuckles, "Now Talia, don't give her too hard of a time." Between Fiona and Gabrielle, it doesn't take long for Ronnie's measurements to be taken. "Now Gabrielle, please fetch that little number on the dressmaker's dummy."

Veronica tried not to fidget, keeping her arms raised a little too long. "I dunno if you know him. His name is Niles. He was on one of the teams that night."

"Ah yes. Charming fellow. I'm certain he will be impressed."

Gabrielle returns a few moments later and hands a slinky little black number to Fiona. For her part, Fiona holds it up and then nods, "Yes, this will do. It is not quite finished so you have a few choices, depending on how daring you want to be and what colour you would like to coordinate it with." As it stands, the dress has gaps in the material, almost as though it is one long, wide band that criss-crosses over itself several times. "I can either finish the edges and leave skin showing through, or add an underlayer for an accent colour."

"I hope so. I hope he asks me, if it falls to me I'll just get tongue tied and make a fool of myself."

Veronica eeped at the idea of leaving the gaps bare. "Oh, I think some colour would be great. Without it people might see my undies." While she wasn't ashamed of her body it was clear that she didn't want to show off too much of it. "What kinda colours would go good with it? Is pink too girly?"

"Well, yes, it would require a thong at most," she chuckles, "I think pink is fine, but I would defer to the expert." Fiona laughs lightly and nods, "Pink is a hot colour this fall, it would do quite nicely. I believe I have something appropriate in the back. How soon will you be needing it?"

"I can't wear a thong!" Veronica protested from upon her pedestal. "That's just... eugh!" She rubbed her arms and tried to calm down, embarrassed of the specticle she was creating in front of Fiona and Gabrielle.

"Uh, I won't be needin' it for another week or so. It's for Talia's party. Is that enough time?"

"You won't, you mean. That is entirely different from can't," she grins playfully. Fiona rolls her eyes at Talia's ribbing, "Let the poor dear alone now. Not everyone shares your proclivities. Now Veronica, I can have it ready for you within a few days. Where should I have it delivered?"

"A friend gave me a pair for my birthday last year. It felt like I had a wedgie all the time."

Veronica lowered her arms and looked down at Fiona. "Oh, delivered? Well I'm livin' in Proudstar Hall on the Xavier University campus, suite 450. But you don't need to go through the trouble, I can come out and pick it up, honest."

"Well, it does take some getting used to, I suppose. It is one of the sacrifices to make for fashion."

"It's no bother, it's all part of the service. If there are any problems with the fit you can come by to have it altered, or of course if you simply want to visit and browse."

"Excellent! Now then, do you have suitable shoes and accouterments to complete the outfit?"

"I have some pink Chucks. Would they work?" Veronica asked innocently.

Talia, Fiona, and Gabrielle share a look for a moment. By unspoken agreement, Talia is chosen to respond. "Not really. When you're showing off that much leg it is a good idea to wear at least a modest heel. I'm certain we can find something for you."

"Well I don't want to be a bother." Veronica said softly, still standing atop the pedestal. It was becoming quite evident that the girl was very much out of her element when it came to fashion.

"Don't be silly, this is fun! Fiona, if you would do up a matching purse to go along with the dress, I will take Ronnie along and hunt down some shoes."

Veronica waited for an approval before hopping down from the pedestal. "Well I have a wallet, but I guess most dresses don't come with pockets."

"Indeed," she smiles and nods as Ronnie makes her way down from the measuring platform. "You will not need much for the party anyway, so that should help."

"Well that's always good." Veronica smiled. "Besides, if I'm in a dress and make up I should be havin' others spend money on me."

"Now you're getting the hang of it," she laughs. Fiona's shop doesn't have a lot of footwear, so Talia gives the proprietor a hug and kiss on the cheek farewell before leading the way back out to the streets.

Veronica forgoes the kiss and just waves, thanking the two girls profusely as she ran out after Talia.

"Wow, nice place. You do a lotta shoppin' there?"

"Quite a lot, yes. Particularly when I am looking for something special, but a good portion of my wardrobe comes from Fiona. She always seems to stay just ahead of the next big trends, it is remarkable."

"Huh, I'll have to remember her. You know, if anyone I know is lookin' for a dress.

"I really appreciate ya doin' this Talia. I know I probably ain't easy to shop for."

"It is good to be particular. After all, anyone can just pick something up off the rack," she chuckles, "And yes, spreading the word about Fiona would be a big favour for me. I do so wish to see her succeed." Just a little down the block is a modest shoe store, this one with a more conventional arrangement and some recognizable brand names. "You do know how to walk in heels, do you not?"

"Um, I kinda know. I think." Veronica mumbled. She had only worn them at the institute since heels weren't of much use on a far. Usually if she wanted to look taller she just... became taller.

"Something relatively low then," she nods, "That is better for dancing anyway, at least for most styles of dance. I think something strappy to go with that dress. Pink or black?"

"Yeah, that sounds pretty good. If I can't dance then it's not really a party, right?" Veronica smiled, looking over the selection and feeling pretty lost.

"Um... black. Because then I could wear 'em with other stuff too."

Talia nods and consults with one of the staff, who measure Ronnie's feet. After about a ten minute discussion of the pros and cons of various styles, three sets of shoes are brought out for Ronnie to try on for fit and fashion.

Veronica looked at the three styles of shoes, wiggling her toes in her socks.

"... I'm gonna need to get some nylons I guess." She mused, noticing how much foot and toe they all showed. "Do they sell them over here?"