1152/A Sorceress, A Half-Fae, and A Blood Witch Are Walking Down The Street And ...

A Sorceress, A Half-Fae, and A Blood Witch Are Walking Down The Street And ...
Date of Scene:	25 June 2017
Location:	Metropolis
Synopsis:	Having secured a job sewing commissions at the local goth boutique, Nico is visited by Traci and Paisley. Nico develops a case of fangirl-itis when she also spies Claire Voyant in the same store.
Cast of Characters:	Traci 13, 267, 1022, Nico Minoru

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Traci 13 has posed:
    After meeting Vanya for lunch with Paisley and at least making the starting plans for their roadtrip, Traci had taken Paisley in tow towards the dress shop, where Nico had sold her prior commission too, knowing their newfound friend and fellow magic user was hanging out at to get some additional orders and ideas for what would bring the higher commissions. They'd planned to meet up this way, and then head back to her apartment and talk more about magic, and those sorts of things. Learn more about each other.
    "Let's go in and see if she's finished, yet. Also? I want to look around. I'll be if we see something we like, Nico will make it for us for a lot cheaper," she tells Paisley, wisely. Then, she's pulling open the door to the lovely little clothing shop, catering to the specality fashion shop, catering to gothic fashion, steampunk, and others.

Paisley (267) has posed:
    "SOunds right. We can't afford your taste in clothes." Paisely grins at that, standing close beside Traci as the two of them are entring itno the fashion shop. Those blue eyes dance about frentically, studying the various outfits in a wide-eyed way. They linger on the Steampunk outfits and some of the Gothic fashion.
    "What are we going to say about some of the stuff we were talking about...?" Paisley asks, tilting herh ead slightly. "Oh, it isn't a big deal. That stuff we can worry about anothr time. I can't wait to, err.
    "See what you picked for me."

Claire Voyant (1022) has posed:
    "... no, no, NO, no ruching, there's simply not a way to wear it without having it look as if you SLEPT in it," are the first words heard upon entering the boutique, in a voice that is dark and throaty - 'sultry' works, or works as well as anything else does. She stands at the counter, leaning over (her heels are preposterously tall) with her arms upon the glass, left hand rested against her cheek, right hand motioning as she speaks and occasionally flips through a book the seamstress has placed before her.
    "Would you prefer -" the owner begins to speak, but upon hearing the bell sounded by the opened door glances up to welcome new customers and, apologetically, offers "One moment," to Claire.
    Even out of costume, there's only one face like that. There might be more than one body, but they're certainly not common even in a world full of flying men and undersea kingdoms. You can buy t-shirts of her grainy image in black and white, just a few feet away from where she stands turning pages with her black-nailed fingers.
    The Black Widow.

Nico Minoru has posed:
    True to form, the young gothic seamstress Nico Minoru is indeed within the speciality shop, a notebook in one hand and a pencil in the other. Dressed in her usual ensemble, with the black patent leather gloves up to her elbows, corset, leather miniskirt, fishnet-covered legs and boots. As the two walk in, Nico is actually in mid conversation with a person that looks to be a possible customer. "...Oh sure, I can do steampunk. Have you seen some of the patterns? It is just gothic, with a different color palette. It really wouldn't be a problem at all." With the bell sounding, Nico glances up and flashes a smile at both Traci and Paisley coming in. Turning to the customer, Nico holds up a finger. "Just a moment. I will be right back."

    Of course, that was before Nico saw that the owner shifts to intercept her friends. Nico traces back her gaze to where the owner started the journey...and to the person standing there. In the middle of the store. The store Nico just happens to be in. A hand reaches out, to steady herself, as Nico turns back to her customer. "Do...do you know who that is?" When the customer shakes her head negatively, Nico just...stares...at her as if she just sprouted a third eye. "You...don't recognize C...Claire Voyant when you see her?"

    Of course Nico knows her name. One does not do goth fashion without knowing who the Black Widow is.

Traci 13 has posed:
    Of course, Traci knows the name 'Claire Voyant'. But, for different reasons than Nico. She is not nearly as much into fashion as her new friend is. For her, the name Claire Voyant, and Black Widow, have an entirely different connotation.
    She takes Paisley's arm, over hearing Nico, and looks over to where Claire is waiting for the store's owner. Briefly, she smiles at him, and then she does something that Nico probably wouldn't do right away herself. She walks over to Claire, and says, "Excuse me. But, my friend over there is a really awesome fashion designer, and seamstress. And, she wants to meet you. Her name is Nico. And my girlfriend over there is Paisley. Do you have a minute? Or are you busy?"
    Traci: Not afraid to break a few social taboos for her friends.

Paisley (267) has posed:
    Paisley watches all of this with a rapt fascination. She has a certain intensity to her, the feeling of energy just contained beneath the surface of her skin, waiting to explode with some violence into a frenzy of movement. Somehow she manages to contain it but it lurks beneath the surface even when she stands still. It's probably in how the girl holds herself, watching everything, ready to mvoe and act without an idea of what is going to actually come and push her to it.
    The blue-haired girl watches as Traci steps away from ehr, blinking as the girl approaches the apparent fashion model who is leaning against one of the nearby displays. Pais starts to reach after her but thinks better of it. Instead she returns to scanning over the shop and- her arm is snagged. The young woman is tugged after her gilfriend and follows in a surprisingly compliant way despite her surprise.
    Paisley smiles sheepishly hen they come to a stop, offering a quiet wave for Claire and then Nico. She nods, her left eyebrow lofting slightly as she scans the women gathered aroundher. The shop owner? Doesn't even get the time of day.

Claire Voyant (1022) has posed:
    There are things to which Claire has adjusted, and things to which she has not.
    The notion that she is - to any real degree, even in these peculiar subcultures that sprouted up around her and a handful of others - famous, is simply not one of them. Infamy, certainly; she was infamous for years, feared by all those who would dare to cheat Hell and by those who viewed her as a scourge of the underworld, feared even by most of those who worked alongside her during the War. But to have girls gush over her, run up to her - to find her image on clothing, on posters, on keychains, this ... this is alien indeed.
    "I... hello," Claire offers, the perfect cupid's bow of her lips curled ever so slightly down at one corner and a brow raised up. Her palms press against the glass top of the counter and she rises up, comfortably over six feet in those suicide heels; one hand rests against the curve of her hip, the other holding lightly at the black leather purse dangling from her shoulder.
    "Yes. I'm free. No, I'm not busy." She glances towards Nico. "And, yes, I'm ... me?"

Nico Minoru has posed:
    Being of the gothic persuasion, Nico isn't exactly rosy-cheeked. Even with her Japanese-American heritage, she would be considered pale. Of course, after witnessing what Traci just did...if it was possible for Nico to become even more paler, she just succeeded. Just walking up...to the Black Widow?! And just nonchalantly asking her for some of her time. Just what is Traci thinking?? The look of utter astonishment is plain upon Nico's face. And...that potential customer next to Nico? Forgotten, for the moment.

    The wave from Paisley is barely registered...and returned from Nico. Though the look she gives Paisley is one of disbelief. But then, even Paisley is temporarily placed to the side as Nico realizes two things. One....Traci just gave Claire her name. And two? Claire is talking to Nico. The sudden flood of adrenaline and nervous energy brightens those pale pale cheeks to a flushed red. "oh...hmm...hello! I'm...ahh...Nico. Nico Minoru. I...am a fan...." Then Nico cringes, thinking that she sounds so stupid right now. She pauses a moment, takes a couple of deep breaths, then starts again. "I mean, I adore your...fashion sense. A lot of my inspiration for my fashion...stems from you. I hope you don't mind!"

    Nico might seem calm on the outside, barely, but inside she is beating herself up. Stupid, stupid Nico! Pull yourself together!

Traci 13 has posed:
    Traci's hand moves to ensnare into Paisley's, warmly. She watches Nico stammer a little, and, ever helpful, Traci suggests, "I'm sure she'd love to make you something," towards Claire. "She's a -really- good seamstress. You would both win. You'd get -exacty- what you wanted, and, she'd get a lot of commissions in, for the store here. And, well, you can see how big of a fan of yours she is," Traci points out. She is most decidedly -not- blushing. But, looking just a touch mischevious, now.
    Traci adds, almost as an afterthought, "It is a real pleasure to meet you, though." This, she means sincerely. And she's watching Claire, curiously, almost as if she knew, or at the very least, suspected something more than she was saying. Still, she doesn't seem to think Claire's a threat, most likely. Otherwise she probably wouldn't be doing this to Nico.

Claire Voyant (1022) has posed:
    To Claire, in subjective time, the Japanese were at war with America mere weeks ago - but thankfully that doesn't matter in the slightest bit, nationalism not being an especially high priority once one has been transmuted into an otherworldly being.
    "Nico?"
    Her words, lost in the midst of the girl's outpouring, go unheard.
    "Nico?"
    Again, nothing.
    "Nico!"
    Claire's hand is upon Nico's cheek - not a slap, not at all, just resting there, a comforting (or, at least, meant to be comforting) touch.
    "Calm down, darling. It's really very nice to meet you. You're a terribly lovely girl, and you've a marvelous sense of style and I'm delighted to hear that I played some small role in helping you to formulate it."
    Her hand still on Nico's flushed cheek, Claire's attention is drawn by Traci.
    "A seamstress, you say? Why, if that's what you'd like I'd certainly be willing to play dressmakers' form for you. As you can imagine, it isn't as if I can buy off the rack so I'm quited accustomed to fittings."

Paisley (267) has posed:
    Paisley's eyes dar back and forth, mimicking a game of ping pong in the time honoured fashion of someone who has recused themselves to oberving. She tugs a little at Traci's hand as she murmurs, "Wait a second, I was staying over here before you get the bright idea to do what you're doing to Nic to me," she complains quietly. Then the girl freezes and flashes Claire a quick smile.
    Paisley shifts her weight from left to right then, working off some of that energy as subtle as possible, and then her gaze slowly drifts between Claire and Nico once again. Back, forth, back.. for- ah. There. 1-0. Claire is leading. new set is being put up.
    Paisley nods, as if to confirm the socre she's set. She does offer helpfuly, "Paisley Becker. Don't mind me. Someone should get Nico some water before she passes out, though."

Nico Minoru has posed:
    For future reference, if one ever wanted to see Nico go from highly animated to statue, just have one of her idols touch her cheek. Nico shifts from speaking (poorly) about inspirations to stone cold silence by just the merest touch of Claire's fingertips. Nico remains still, just frozen in place, but beneath those fingers Claire may sense a vibration within Nico. But...at least Nico has stopped talking.

    Traci gets the 'What the hell are you doing?!' look from Nico just long enough to make sure Traci sees. Create something for Claire Voyant? She must be crazy! The glare is given briefly, as the Widow's attention is drawn off of the stammering gothic seamstress. But then....an agreement? The thought is almost too much...and Nico reaches out to steady herself again. Probably not for the last time. When Nico does speak, it is soft and controlled. Each word measured. "I couldn't possibly provide something worthy of your caliber, Ms. Voyant."

Traci 13 has posed:
    Traci has done her part to get this particular train in motion. She turns to kiss Paisley's cheek, "Shhh," she ells the other girl, "I told you we'd get you something. We will," she assures Paisley.
    She sees Nico's glare, and she gives her friend an innocent-turned-to-mischevious smile in return, along with the mouthed words 'You're Welcome'. Then, still holding Paisley's hand, she pulls the girl with her just a few feet away to the legging rack, and pulling out a pair that's all black, save the section just above, and below the knee, the front and back only held together by the thin fabric of a pentagram, and the rest of the skin then left open. "These are really cute," she informs Paisley.
    She gives a sideways glance, briefly, to the exchange between Claire and Nico, letting it move on it's own, now that she's given that particular exchange the breath of life, so to speak.

Claire Voyant (1022) has posed:
    One of Claire's arms, clothed in the shockingly fine velvet of her bolero, is slid about Nico's shoulder with her hand cupping the girl's shoulder. Nico finds herself turned about to face her friends, as Claire's free hand flicks open the closure of her purse and slips inside, withdrawing a pack of imported French cigarettes and bringing them up to her mouth, darkened lips pulling one out in time for the owner to clear her throat, to say, "Excuse me, I hate to say it, but you - No one can smoke indoors here anymore."
    She drops the pack back into her purse; she takes the cigarette between her fore and middle fingers and holds it, unlit, as if she were posing for a publicity shot for a movie from 1939. "They're trying to offer you privacy so you can flirt with me," Claire tells the star-struck girl, with a playfully teasing little smirk, as she guides her down the aisle and towards where her companions have dashed. "I'm sorry, that was terribly cruel of me to say. I'm *sure* you're more than capable of making something beautiful for me, Nico, and if you're worried about the designing more than the sewing then perhaps we can arrive at a happy medium - I'll decide on something and you can construct it? But I'll admit, I'd be happier with leaving everything up to you. I think it would be incredibly interesting to see what such a bright young mind pictures me in."
    A few paces from Traci and Paisley, Claire pauses; she leans in close and, whispering into Nico's ear, she asks the girl, "Do they know what you carry inside you?"

Nico Minoru has posed:
    Nico is turned effortlessly around, just in time to see Traci and Paisley duck a little ways away. It is finally, at that point, with an arm around Nico, facing away from Claire, does Nico actually remember that, hey, she's in the middle of the store yet. The owner gets a glance as the reminder of public smoking laws is given...which is meant with a shrug. After all, Nico certainly doesn't care if Claire smokes.

    "I wouldn't know what to do, honestly. This...doesn't happen to me every day." At least Nico is being rather honest...and she seems to be loosening up a bit, too. "If...if you are sure you want something, though, Ms. Voyant...I do have some concepts that I have been kicking around. Something that on me would look good...and...on you, would look tremendous." Kicking around is an understatement. Nico probably have had those ideas ever since she discovered Claire in one of Nico's magazines. But, Nico isn't going to mention that. Seems that she recovers from fan-girling rather quickly. Also, it could be that Nico is driving her nails into the palms of her hands. Pain is a wonderful mind clearer.

    A warning of not to buy the leggings dies from Nico's lips as Claire leans in to whisper. The shocked expression is genuine. "How did you know?" There is a blink...then a slight nod. "They know. " Nico doesn't clarify what...but it is obvious.

Paisley (267) has posed:
    Paisley seems to be content to allow Nico and Clarie to speak privately, orienting herself more firmly on Traci as a result. Those blue eyes- too bright to be ignored, really- study Traci's face as she slowly shrugs her shoulders. "I'm sure. I was just saying, no grabbing one of my idols and doing that unless you're trying to set up for a home movie or something."
    That pronouncement gets Paisley to give a faint shrug of her shoulders before she twists slightly and glances toward Claire and Nico once more. Another breath follows and she holds it while wathcing them for a moment. Afterward, Paisley turns to Traci and whispers something of her own. That whsiper is ended by the shorter girl gently kissing her girlfriend's jaw.

Traci 13 has posed:
    "I'm -really- interested in meeting her too," confides Traci, to Paisley, admitting the secret to the other girl quietly. "But, if Nico can be worn by Claire, just think of how much that will do for her." Still, she grins sharply at Paisley's comments about home movies, and, for now, leaving the leggings on the rack right now, she draws Paisley along with her to Claire, and Nico having given them a little bit of time to come to terms.
    "I'm Traci," says the other asian girl, introducing herself at last. "So, Nico, you going to make a dress for the really awesome Claire Voyant?" She feigns perfect innocence. And this, of course, gives Paisley an opening to talk to Claire too, while Nico talks to her.
    Traci: Pretty clever. Or at least, she likes to think sometimes.

Claire Voyant (1022) has posed:
    "To be entirely honest I don't know *exactly*." Claire pauses for a moment, lips pursed. "But there's a certain ... feel, I suppose, that you never really forget. It doesn't scream out of you If you're worried about that, but when I touch you - when I touch you, I can feel it. Something very old. Not, I think, the sort of magic to which I'm linked, but ... ah ... 'adjacent,' perhaps? Bloody, I think. Very, very bloody."
    As if to reassure her young fan that she means her no ill will, Claire taps a little kiss to Nico's cheek.
    "We'll figure something out, I'm sure," Claire says aloud as she reaches Nico's friends, topic shifting back to couture.
    "A pleasure to meet you, Traci, and you as well Paisley," Claire says with the very smallest hint of a smile. "Nico will indeed be making me something wonderful, assuming of course she manages not to pass out while taking my measurements."