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

[nadenagi]

"She steals children's dreams and destroys them trying to get her hand on a wish," he said flatly.

To the offer to see himself he just nodded.

[papillion_de_resistance]

He frowned at that. He admittedly wasn't sure how the mechanics of such a thing would work, but given the nature of the Miraculous, it seemed well within the realm of possibility. His own powers largely centered on emotions, after all which were strongly tied to dreams. "Hmm... I wonder what sort of wish would be so important to someone that it would drive them to such terrible lengths to get it?", he said. "Assuming she was doing it for herself, of course, and not for someone else."

Despite the rather dramatic tone the conversation was taking, Gabe was nothing but professional as he worked on getting the necessary adjustments made to Nagihiko's suit.

[nadenagi]

"How can it matter what she wished if she is willing to do that much harm?" he asked, bitterly. "Her and her brother both."

[papillion_de_resistance]

He shook his head. "I agree that it doesn't excuse her actions," he said. "One way or another, she'll have to deal with the consequences of what she's done. But it's not my place to pass judgement on her when I only know part of her story. Nor, might I add, is it yours or your sister's, however much you personally dislike her." His expression shifted to a slight smile. "Which is to say, I'd best not hear of any schoolyard brawls or mean-spirited pranks from any of you, her included. Whatever else may be true, we're all living in somewhat close quarters and need to at least nominally get along."

[nadenagi]

"This isn't...." He closed his eyes. Nadeshiko would know how to explain this, what to say. "Nadeshiko and I and our friends... we're the Guardians. It is our job to protect children," he finally said, softly.

[papillion_de_resistance]

His first thought upon hearing that was that if children their age were acting as guardians, he didn't think much of the adults in their lives. He opted not to say that, however, deeming it counterproductive, instead he said, "I'm certain that if anyone here, child or otherwise, needs protection, they'll be glad to have your help, then. But it's best not to confuse guardianship with vengeance."

"The whole premise behind King Ben and Queen Mal's policy is that everyone has the potential to change and become a better person and deserves the chance to do so, even if what they've done was terrible. And while I realize that it's much more difficult to accept when she's likely hurt people who you know personally, Utau is no exception to that rule. So while you don't have to be her friends, I hope that you and your sister will at least try not to assume the worst of her at every turn. Change is never easy, but I can tell she's trying, and would rather not make it harder for her than it needs to be."

[nadenagi]

"She's trying alright," he muttered, then he shook his head. "And when she starts attacking people here?" he asked, softly. "I'm not... I can't...." He shook his head again, depressed. Feeling inadequate.

[papillion_de_resistance]

"If she, or anyone else, attacks someone, it will be dealt with appropriately," he said, somewhat emphasizing the first word. It was an important distinction. He rested a hand gently on Nagihiko's shoulder for a moment. "You're a strong and talented young man. But it's not you or your sister's responsibility to right all the world's wrongs. You're children, and it's perfectly aright for you to just be children, and to let the adults in your lives shoulder some of the burden you take upon yourselves. Accepting help doesn't make you weak."

"On the contrary, I've found that accepting help takes great courage and strength of character. And not just because it's often dangerous in my world. Accepting help means allowing a part of yourself to be vulnerable, and that can be a very frightening thing."

[nadenagi]

He shook his head. "For other things you may be right. But this is our responsibility as Guardians." Because most adults couldn't even see Charas or what was happening.

The blue egg started to shake a little on top of his clothes pile.

[papillion_de_resistance]

He frowned slightly. "How exactly did you become Guardians, if you don't mind my asking?", he said. "Did someone choose you for the role, or is it something you simply stepped into because you saw a need?"

[nadenagi]

"The chairman chose us," he said. He chose them because they had Charas. Which he... hadn't had when he was made a Guardian. Strong feelings of a lack of self worth, self disgust. The egg stopped moving.

And of course Nagihiko had been partially lying. He had been tapped personally. But he hadn't chosen Amu directly by the Chairman. Instead Amakawa-san had told them to watch for a child with three eggs....

[papillion_de_resistance]

The motion he'd noticed out of the corner of his eye abruptly stopped just as Nagihiko's mood shifted. Was that odd little egg reacting to his emotions somehow? He'd thought it was just a toy of some sort, but perhaps...

"The chairman of what?", Gabriel asked. "It sounds like a business-related title, and I'm not sure I trust any sort of company that would go around recruiting children, whatever the reason."

Meanwhile, one last pin and... "There, all done. Just a moment and I'll bring the mirror over."

[nadenagi]

"The Chairman of the school. He founded the Guardians when he was a student."

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Mmm," he said. "All I'll say is that he'd best be willing to take responsibility for your safety, if he's any kind of leader for you. Or even just any kind of responsible adult in the group."

The mirror was pulled over and Nagihiko would be able to get a look at himself standing there in a sharp looking suit, primarily white with floral details in black. The main pop of color was a vibrantly blue pocket square. And while the look wasn't complete- he wasn't wearing shoes, for one thing- the way it fit him made him look about as masculine as a 13 year old with long hair could.

[nadenagi]

"He just picked us. We are an independent group." He stared at the mirror though when it was brought over. "I...." He looked... he looked... like him but not.

The egg wiggled more as Nagihiko stepped closer to the mirror as if drawn by a siren. This was one of the first times, if not the first time, he looked in a mirror and couldn't find Nadeshiko at all.

[papillion_de_resistance]

To his mind that still counted, but he was distracted from further comment by Nagihiko's reaction. And the egg's, which matched up to his shift in mood. So it did respond to emotions. Could it be that that egg was somehow his little companion, like the ones his sister and Utau had?

But he only spared the tiniest glance for the egg for the moment. Instead he focused on his young client. "I take it from your reaction that you like it?", he said.

[nadenagi]

"I... don't look like my sister...." he whispered, awe growing.

And then there was a sound of a cracking as the egg started to crack open in half.

Even as it did, Nagihiko was starting to grin. "I look better than she ever could..." He sounded almost smug, but also triumphant.

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Just wait until you see the finished product," he said. "The right shoes and accessories can really make an outfit. People generally talk about it in terms of women and girls, but it's just as important for men's and boys. Maybe more so, as male accessories tend to be more understated."

Resisting the urge to glance at the egg again was difficult, especially when he heard cracking, but he managed. "I should probably put he outfit back on the rack for now. But after the show, you can feel free to let me know if you'd like any other clothes made; maybe something a bit less formal?"

[nadenagi]

"I... I don't want to change back yet..." he said, voice growing in strength rather than weakening and trailing off yet. More like he was building confidence. The egg finished cracking and Rhythm popped out. He rushed forward towards Nagihiko.

"Oh yeah, Rock it out!" Rhythm said.

Nagihiko froze for a moment, staring at the Chara's reflection in the mirror.

[papillion_de_resistance]

Gabriel was about to say that he could wear it a little longer so long as he was careful- there were a number of pins in it, after all-, when he was distracted by the egg cracking and a small creature zipping over to join them. A small creature that he shouldn't be able to see, but when an object came speeding through the air in his direction he instinctively moved aside to avoid it. A move which Nagihiko would have certainly seen, due to the mirror. Oops?

[nadenagi]

Nagihiko saw the motion and spun to face him, eyes wide, expression unsure. Had he... seen....

He studied the adult's face, carefully, worried. Very few good things have ever come from an adult who could see Charas... and this was someone Nagihiko had been starting to like, to almost trust...

[papillion_de_resistance]

Gabriel could have played it off. Could have lied and tried to hide it. But Nagihiko's suspicion was plain, and trying to cover it up now would likely make the situation worse.

So instead, Gabe smiled a bit awkwardly, and confessed, "Well I suppose the metaphorical cat is out of the bag now. Yes, I can see your little friend. Your sister's and Utau's as well."

"I'm not certain why, when it's clear that not everyone can. Honestly, I thought I was seeing things, at first; I slipped and fell when I arrived, and thought might have hit my head without realizing it. But when I kept seeing and hearing them, I realized that they were really there. But it was clear they weren't intended for most people to see, so I opted to keep quiet about it, trusting that if any of you thought I should know about them, you would introduce me. Well, that and I didn't want everyone else to think I was hallucinating. I hope you understand."

[nadenagi]

Nagihiko hesitated, but Rhythm flew closer to his child and nudged his face. He took a deep breath then nodded. "They.... They're called Shugo Charas, Guardian Characters. They're the who we want to be. Parts of us. This is Rhythm. My Chara."

[papillion_de_resistance]

"Pleased to meet you then, Rhythm," he said, giving Chara a polite nod. "And thank you, both of you, for trusting me." (And listening from inside a cabinet, Nooroo smiled fondly, though he stayed hidden, no matter how much he wanted to come out and meet the Chara. Some other time, hopefully. After they were ready to have Betterfly 'arrive'.)

"I noticed that Rhythm seems to respond to your emotions," he said to Nagihiko. "That is, when your mood improved and you seemed to feel more confident, he seemed to grow stronger, and hatch from his little egg. Is that true of all Charas?"

[nadenagi]

"We tend to react to the emotion that gave birth to us!" Rhythm said happily.

"Ah.. yeah," Nagihiko said. "I'm still not fully sure what awoke Rhythm, but my sister's Chara, Temari, generally shows up when my sister is at her most feminine. Our friend Yaya's Chara Pepe was born of her wish to still be a baby."