We Can Make A Dress So Pretty

[papillion_de_resistance]

Who: Gabriel and anyone, but especially those who'll be participating in his fashion show (Open with one closed prompt)
Where: The Auradon prep Home Ec room
When: A few days after the holiday party
What: Taking final measurements for those in the fashion show, general socializing with the awkward fashion nerd for others
Warnings: Shouldn't be any besides maybe some feels? Will add more if need be.

Final Measurement Appointments

Most of those in Auradon would know Gabriel as being a bit awkward, but those who visited the Home Ec room today would find him in his element. A tantalizing glimpse of a rack of partly finished dresses- and one child-sized suit- could be seen peeking through the gaps of a curtained off area, while finalized design sketches of the same outfits decorated the bulletin board. Meanwhile Gabriel stood ready with measuring tape and notebook as well as a sturdy step stool for those who were on the shorter side as he awaited his prospective models.

Any knocks on the door during the expected timeframe would be met with a warm smile. "Ah, welcome," he said. "Please, come in and we'll get started."

Wonder Twins?- Closed to Nagihiko

Gabriel smiled down at Nagihiko. "I'm glad you were willing to help out," he said. "I understand why the situation would feel a bit awkward to your sister, but thankfully at this age there shouldn't be too much difference between the two of you." That would all change once puberty happened of course, but for now, one twin's measurements should suffice for both. He may have to do a few quick stitches for Nadeshiko on the day, but that would be a simple matter. "If you could take off your hoodie and any other bulky clothing, we'll begin."

General Socializing

Measurements taken, Gabriel could be found hard at work, finishing up the outfits for his new line. Whether tightening up the waistline just so, adjusting the length of a hem, or letting out the sleeves just a bit, he'd do his best to make certain every detail was perfect. Agreste originals demanded nothing less. But that didn't mean he would be especially averse to visitors. And honestly it may be a good idea for someone to poke in on him from time to time, lest he miss a meal or two.

Comments

[papillion_de_resistance]

He nodded. "I quite understand," he said. "It's something that happens to a lot of people around your age, regardless of gender, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. I know I was certainly awkward at that age."

[nadenagi]

"When... when did you stop being awkward?" he asked, shyly, glancing up at him.

[papillion_de_resistance]

Gabriel's smile shifted to one of wry amusement. "Truthfully? I don't think I ever quite grew out of it," he said. "Though I did get better at managing it when I needed to. And thankfully I grew into myself properly after spending most of my teenage years as what felt like an gawky tangle of overly-long limbs."

[nadenagi]

"But... you seem okay now... like a full adult and everything..." he said awkwardly.

[papillion_de_resistance]

"That's because you're seeing me in my element," he said. "Fashion is the area I'm most confident in. How I express myself. The rest of the time, well... let's just say that my wife was always much better when it came to socializing." His smile became softer, fonder, but with a touch of sadness.

He cleared his throat softly changing the subject a bit. "What about you, young man? Your sister has dance, but how do you express yourself? What is it that you enjoy doing?"

[nadenagi]

"Also dance..." he admitted. "We were both raised that way... so.." he shrugged.

And utterly did not mention sports. He loved sports, nearly as much as dancing. But sports had always been a thing he had to do privately, had to hide. So while his emotions spiked happily when he said dance, by the time he trailed off there was also fear and shame and desperation.

[papillion_de_resistance]

A complicated mix of emotions, and one he knew all too well from his younger days. How best to approach it? He nodded his understanding. "I wish I could say that my parents raised me with a love of fashion," he said, "but it was actually quite the opposite. They were rather... old fashioned, you see, and thought that things like sewing, aesthetics, and fashion were inappropriate interests for a young man. I always felt like I had to hide my design notebooks and fashion magazines under my bed, or behind some boxes in the back of the closet."

"But as I grew, I came to realize that there was nothing shameful about being passionate about something, even if it runs counter to the expectations of those around you. Whether it's a long held dream, a professional aspiration, or simply a much loved hobby, our passions are part of who we are. To deny them is to deny a part of oneself."

[nadenagi]

Something about that absolutely sparked something in the kid, but he forced himself to squash it before it ever showed on his face.

He gave a small shrug. "One of us will get to take over the dance studio after dad," he said. "We have to focus on that. Whichever one of us is better wins..."

And the other vanishes. He didn't say that, of course. Just like he didn't mention that Nadeshiko was already supposed to be gone; that he was sure something was wrong with him because she wasn't. And because the thought of her being gone scared him as much as the thought of her taking over and being the only one. Both thoughts terrified him. And while he wasn't showing anything more on his face or in his posture than the words and his shyness would account for, fear and sorrow were looming large within his heart. He slid his hands further into his pockets, clutching the two eggs that were hidden within desperately.

He wanted to run away. But there would be no way to explain that. So he just had to stay and play the role until he could leave without an issue.

But this wasn't supposed to be a role any more. This was just supposed to be him now.

But how could it be, when he was still so unsure who he was...?

[papillion_de_resistance]

That had definitely gotten a reaction, but it was one the boy mastered before it showed in his expression. An impressive feat for someone his age, but it worried him nonetheless. Both what the boy was feeling and that he felt the need to hide it. Still, he couldn't let on that he'd sensed it either, so he'd have to be a bit more subtle.

"Well if that's something that the both of you want," he said mildly. "I unfortunately haven't had the pleasure of seeing you dance, but if your skills match your sister's, I'm sure that either of you would more than do credit to such a position. But on the other hand, if the prize isn't something you truly want, I'm not sure I'd call it 'winning', even if you were to succeed."

Once again he cleared his throat softly. "But I digress. We're here for a fitting, not to wax philosophical. And for that, I'll need you to take off your hoodie and other bulky clothing so I can get accurate measurements. You can change behind the curtain if you like, though please don't touch the outfits on the rack; most of them still have a number of pins in them."

[nadenagi]

"I... I could show you, if you want..." he said, slowly, hesitantly. "My dancing, I mean." He clarified. There was hope mixed into his emotions with the offer. Whatever other issues he had with his situation, he genuinely did love to dance.

It just wasn't his only passion.

[papillion_de_resistance]

"We should get the fitting done first," Gabriel said. "Since there is a deadline to have these outfits done. But assuming there's time afterward, I'd be more than happy to see a demonstration before you leave."

[nadenagi]

"Oh, Okay. Right," he said, heading for the changing area, shoulders slumping.

He wasn't good enough. If he was his father people would be begging to see. They bought expensive tickets to see. But even Nadeshiko... people already loved to see her dancing. But Nagihiko dancing... was an afterthought. It came second if at all.

He came second.

If at all.

He closed the curtain and sat on the bench a moment. Rhythm's egg floated up and he nestled it against his face. Worry added to the mix. If Rhythm couldn't even come out of his egg... Panic was stopped short by the fact that at least the egg was moving and was warm. He gave himself a moment then carefully changed out of the hoodie, setting the eggs gently on top of it. He wasn't worried about anyone seeing the blue egg, almost no one actually could. But to be sure he tucked the pink egg under the hoodie. On the off chance someone like Mallia, who could see the charas, came in, they'd only see the blue one.

Taking a deep breath, he came out, leaving the curtain open. From those who could see the Charas, his egg wasn't exactly a secret. And anyone from whom it wasn't a secret, he was sure couldn't actually see the charas or the eggs, so it was fine.

"Where do you want me to stand?" he asked softly, looking down at his bare feet - his slippers tucjed under the bench in the changing area.

[papillion_de_resistance]

The sudden fizzling of the hope in the boy's heart took him by surprise, and he didn't bother to hid his mild confusion as the boy's shoulders slumped. Had he said something wrong? And if so, what?

He considered it while the boy was changing. Maybe it had to do with the competition with his sister? Did he think that he would have reacted differently, if Nadeshiko had been present instead of him? That was really the only thing he could think of. He'd just have to explain once the boy came out and hope that helped.

Though the boy's emotions had him concerned beyond that. Worry and a brief moment of fear bordering on panic... The depression was somewhat understandable, but what was he afraid of? His question was partly answered when the boy pulled the curtain open and he saw the egg sitting there on the little pile of folded clothes. It reminded him of his sister's and Utau's little kwami-like friends. Though why was this one in the shape of an egg? Still, as he'd decided to pretend not to notice the little creatures unless necessary, he said nothing for now.

"Please step up here," he said, indicating the step stool. "It'll make everything easier to reach." Once Nagihiko had stepped up, Gabriel pulled out his measuring tape and set to work.

After a moment, he spoke up again. "Just so you know, my decision to wait to see your dancing until after we were finished with the fitting isn't a reflection on you personally; I'd have told your sister the same thing. I made a commitment to see these outfits done by a certain time, and seeing to it that that commitment is fulfilled is a responsibility that I take seriously. And for better or worse, as an adult, seeing your responsibilities fulfilled tends to come before doing things purely for your own enjoyment. I do genuinely want to see you perform, but business before pleasure, as they say."

[nadenagi]

He went where he was told. But when Gabriel explained himself... it did ease some of the knot of tension in him. But only some.

"But dancing... is my responsibility..." he said softly. "And if it has to wait until you've finished all your work...."

It wouldn't be any time soon.

[papillion_de_resistance]

Oh, so that was it. Gabe smiled gently. "Not until after all of the fittings, just yours," he clarified. "Assuming that my next client doesn't arrive in the meantime, that is. And even if they did, you'd be welcome to stay, so we could have the demonstration as soon as I had a few moments free. My current responsibilities may be somewhat more urgent, as they have a deadline, but I didn't mean to imply that they were inherently more important than yours because I'm an adult."

"And speaking of the demonstration, would you need music? I have some on my phone, though I don't know if any of it would be suited to your style..."

[nadenagi]

"I can do any male dance, in any style, with or without music. That's... kind of the point."

[papillion_de_resistance]

He hadn't really ever thought of dancing as a particularly gendered activity in most cases, so he wasn't quite sure what constituted a 'male' dance. "Well how about this; what sort of dancing do you enjoy the most?", he said. "Or alternately, what style do you think best shows off your individual skill? This should be something enjoyable for you, after all. It's not really a formal show where there might be other factors to consider; it's simply art for its own sake."

[nadenagi]

He considered, then nodded. "Alright, I think I know which one, then. Though it is more fun with someone ton dance with."

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Well I can't make any promises as to my skill level," he said, "or how good a match I'd be given the rather significant height difference, but I'm willing to give it a try. What type of dance is it?"

Meanwhile though.... "Raise your arms, please, and hold them out straight to your sides in a cross pose."

Can you tell the paid ran out?

[nadenagi]

"Like a Yukata frame," he said nodding.

"It is a variant of a ballroom dance mixed with a salsa. I learned it overseas."

X3

[papillion_de_resistance]

He nodded as the boy complied, continuing with the measurements. "I have some jazz tunes that might work with that style," he said. "I've seldom done any kind of dancing as energetic as salsa, but I should at least be able to avoid stepping on your toes." Which given their respective sizes was probably a good thing.

Re: X3

[nadenagi]

"If I am not good enough to keep my feet clear without tripping you up then I deserve to lose," said point blank.

[papillion_de_resistance]

"It's not your skills I'm concerned about, it's my own big feet," he said a bit wryly. "The last time I properly danced was with my wife and even that was a few years ago. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up."

[nadenagi]

A weak attempt at a smile. "Exactly. I need to be able to lead anyone in such a way that they feel as though dancing is both easy and fun when we dance together."

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Then I'll endeavor to get through this as quickly as possible so we have more time for the demonstration," he said. "I did make certain to leave a bit of extra time for this session, since I'd need to fit you with two outfits instead of just one, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"And speaking of which, which would you rather I fitted first, your sister's outfit or your own?"