No need to stress, it keeps you down too much

[preybeforemeals]

Who: Tsukiyama, also possibly you if you're in the Goldenrod area because open logs are fun like that
Where: Goldenrod City
When: October 15
Summary: It seems being in a larger city is actually doing him some good (as is the lack of medical quarantine); today there is exploring, also attempts at shopping and alcohol, also possibly keeping appointments because why not tbh.
Rating: This is pretty much PG as hell, I think. (Possible exception for language. So it's more like 1980s-tier PG.)
Log:


If the fog is supposed to be serving as any sort of deterrent for going outside, it seems it's doing a poor job; there haven't been any tremors lately and as such Tsukiyama is out today. As usual, he's a little difficult to miss – it's one of those days where things would be perfectly fine if it weren't for the color, but if anyone wants to know (for some reason) where they can find a pea coat in a surprisingly loud shade of lavender, well, you seem to have found the guy to talk to. The jeans are a little painted-on but they're a surprisingly rational color and they don't appear to have anything legitimately wrong with them; whatever shirt he's got on underneath that coat, on the other hand, seems to be some shade of red that complements the coat but clashes splendidly with his hair, so it...might be best to encourage him to leave the offensively purple thing on.

Either way, he's seeming pretty content today; it seems that being in a larger city is doing him some good, actually. It's been a while since he could just relax, large city or otherwise; he'd spent most of his time in Cherrygrove being prodded by people who seemed very overinvested in his well-being for some reason, and before that had been Tokyo, which was...

Well, it was home, and that really manages to say everything that anyone needs to know about it. Form your own opinions.

But today seems to be dedicated to various activities, because Tsukiyama is apparently determined to slice-of-life it up while he's here and no one is going to stop him; he's got a Surskit just kind of chilling on his shoulder like it belongs there for some reason, but he doesn't seem to mind it, even if it does seem to have a bit of a habit of burying its face into his collar once in a while.

...She's shy.



A. In Which Someone Needs To Save This Man From Himself, Holy Shit
This being Goldenrod, there's no sense in being here unless you're going to hit up every shop you can possibly find. He's spending a lot of time around the flower shops for some reason, even though the weather is beginning to turn; he'll likely purchase a few things before he flits off, but for the time being he seems content to stay where he is and just look things over, and by the end of it he seems to have some of his selections – irises and rudbeckias, from the look of it – woven into the coat-fastenings at his wrist.

Clothes-wise, he's heard that Celadon is where he wants to go if he wants fashionable anything, but the department store here isn't half-bad; you just have to know what you're looking for...

...well, that and you have to get him away from the argyle. Oh my god. Someone get him away from the argyle. He has found the sweatervests, this is not a drill.


B. In Which There Are Bars
You know how sometimes somebody will walk into a bar and you just know they've never done this at any point in their short godforsaken life? They're doing that thing where they don't know what they expected but it probably wasn't this, and it takes them a moment to get used to the noise level in here but after a while they're not disoriented anymore and they're just kind of side-eyeing the actual bar and trying to act like they're not overly invested in the booze?

Yeah. Somebody's never been drinking before and is trying to figure out how good an idea it is to start...


C. In Which Appointments Are Kept
He has arranged to meet with a fair amount of people once he gets to this city; you're more than welcome to run into him, whether a specific meeting was arranged or not. If you're not catching him in one of the abovementioned areas, feel free to make up your own scenario – connect with him by chance, grab him in the street and demand to know why the hell he's so late/why didn't he call/DOESN'T HE LOVE YOU ANYMORE/whatever, orrrrr feel free to use this as a network option if you want one and ping him through that, since he is not the sort who's terribly opposed to checking his phone while sitting out in public.


D. I Know Somebody's Going To Want To Take A Fourth Option, So Consider This Your Permission To Do It
Exactly what this says on the tin.

Comments

A of course, what were you expecting

[sadisticwarfare]

[Well, don't expect any help here because guess who else is looking at those sweatervests?

...Admittedly, Archer is more disturbed by them than anything else because that is a loud shade of purple, dear lord. He's not here for the sweatervests right now, he's actually looking for hideous sweaters, big difference there. Shopping isn't something Archer does often, but it's oddly relaxing in its own way.

Or at least, it would be, if there wasn't some guy wearing... whatever the hell that outfit has chosen to be over there. Archer has never had this realization before, but it suddenly hits him that hideous sweaters and sweatervests can be found in normal stores because there's a market for them. People actually want to buy these hideous things.

He looks mildly more horrified after that realization, but at least he's not staring openly at Tsukiyama. At least there's that.]

[preybeforemeals]

[Well, why else would they be in stores? Of course there's a market for them.

...Self-expression, Archer. Learn some.

That said, Tsukiyama only glances over at the guy once before he...well, quite simply finds himself looking again, sweeping his fringe lightly away from his eyes as he does so; what is your damage here, sir.]

Everything all right, sir?

[He's smiling a bit, and his words are light, but you...are not exactly having a normal reaction to that clothing rack. Are you just really scared of patterns or something, goodness lord.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[...Yes, actually...]

Ah, yes, of course. I was merely surprised by how... purple this is.

[Though if your hair is any indication, you probably like purple.]

[preybeforemeals]

[He tips his head a little at that, clearly considering, before simply wandering over and - ]

As you should be! It's nowhere near your color, it's just going to make you look washed-out; you need something else, something like...

[oh god

he has decided to take it upon himself to assist you

this is going to go so well]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Oh god send help this can only end badly.]

Ah, I'm merely browsing, I'm not buying.

D - PARKER POPS UP BEHIND HIM

[nostabbing]

[So in full honesty, Parker has probably been quietly following this guy around the Department Store for a little while now — not that she has anything to really say with regards to the fashion thing, though her thiefy sensibilities are judging all those patterns pretty hard in terms of how impractical they are for stealthy movement and low visibility — and it's during a lull (somewhere near the sock section, probably) in surrounding chatter and presence that she chooses her moment to pop up with a very pressing question that she absolutely requires an answer to.]

...Does your hair taste like grapes?

[Sometimes you just gotta know these things.]

[preybeforemeals]

[...WELL, THAT WAS...A...question, wasn't it. He snaps around rather abruptly, because old habits die hard, but aside from the sudden reaction he seems...surprisingly okay with everything, even if the question is going to get her a bit of an odd look.]

That's certainly new, isn't it.

[And there's a light laugh behind the words when he says it, and it doesn't take him too long to relax, though he's still keeping his attention in her general direction because really, woman.]

I wouldn't know, actually, but I'd imagine it doesn't.

[nostabbing]

[Now that he's turned around, he'll be greeted with the sight of the young woman (relatively speaking) who's hailed him in such an unorthodox way: despite Parker's personal thoughts on Tsukiyama's own attire, she's largely bumming it herself today in a slouchy blue flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, close-fitting pants, and green boots with a careless ponytail to match.

...When the Mightyena and Ninetales at your feet are better dressed than you in perpetual fedora and diamond necklace, respectively, that's kind of saying something.

But naturally, Parker is undeterred.]

So you've never tried?

[...Undeterred at discussing with a complete stranger whether or not he's ever tasted his hair, apparently.]

[preybeforemeals]

[...You know, there are worse strangers to ask than this one, just saying.

That said, the outfit is...a bit messy, but whatever floats her boat, he supposes. Humans can wear whatever they want; he isn't going to tell them no if they're not soliciting the opinion somehow.]

I've never had reason to, actually. Why would I?

A

[codeforhope]

[Incidentally, Chihiro is here at the Department Store today for the same reason he usually is- looking around for TMs, and actually picking up some evolution stones for the future, this time around. It doesn't take him long to find what he's looking for, but he also promised his Leavanny that he would let her come along with him to look at the clothes. Not that she would ever be wearing any of them, more that she wants inspiration for new sewing projects. Chihiro certainly doesn't mind, even if it means he'll likely be the one she uses as her model...

And eventually, Chihiro finds himself being suddenly tugged away from the shoes by his very very excited Leavanny, who is trying to be subtle about what she's pointing at but she's really doing a rather poor job. And what is actually a who, Tsukiyama, in fact, and the object of her excitement seems to be that very vibrant peacoat he's wearing.]

W-wait! Shiruku, what is it?

[Chihiro stops when the Pokemon does, watching her as she peeks around the corner of one of the clothing racks to look at the man again, trying to...well, point to him without actually being rude about it.]

Leaa!

[Of course they aren't that far away, and if Tsukiyama has been looking around while he browses he may have noticed the Pokemon staring at him with rapt attention for some time before quickly darting off to collect her trainer.]

[preybeforemeals]

[He may not have noticed, simply because he doesn't register the Pokémon as really being threats here. However, just because he's been otherwise occupied doesn't mean that the Surskit at his collar didn't notice, and he's made rather aware of the Leavanny's presence via being suddenly headbutted in the neck because that was really kind of bizarre, wasn't it.

After a moment of kind of looking at her funny because oh my god, Léa, really, she manages to draw her trainer's attention to where the Pokémon has quickly darted away to go find...something. And then there's some really unsubtle gesturing from behind a clothes rack, and...well then.

He doesn't approach them right away, but he does shift his browsing a bit to keep himself in view of the Leavanny; hopefully he'll be able to see the trainer as well without confronting them any, just to see what they'll do with it -

And then all of those plans go out the window when he actually gets a look at the trainer.]

...Hinami-chan?

[There are a lot of thoughts that go through his mind, most ranging from thank fuck you're here to holy fuck why are you here in this particular city did you wake up underground to why didn't you call me I've been on the network you must have seen so why didn't you contact me to come get you, and he's taken a few steps toward her when he suddenly draws up short.

No. No. This isn't...the eyes are wrong and the hair's too short and he's never seen Hinami wearing anything like that and her scent is off and no, this is wrong, the entire thing is - ]

Ah, you'll have to forgive me - I seem to have mistaken you for someone else.

[His hand shifts upward to press against his chest as he says it; it's shaking a little but he's fine, just trying to get his bearings.]

Is everything all right, ma petite? I noticed your Pokémon earlier.

[codeforhope]

[It's often that Chihiro finds his Leavanny rather excited about something, but she seems less excited now and more...nervous and curious than anything else, watching Tsukiyama like he's some sort of really expensive thing that she'll get in trouble for standing too close to. So seeing her like this is a bit confusing, but it doesn't take him long to work out why...because dear Lord that coat is very bright. But she's also probably going to get noticed in the wrong way by keeping this up, so Chihiro reaches out to take her arm in his hand, shaking his head.

Before he can pull her away or say anything, however, he's startled into looking up when he hears the very same man calling out. For a moment he assumes that he's seen someone over his shoulder, but then he sees that he's looking right at him, and all of a sudden Shiruku is the one half hiding behind Chihiro's arm, and not the other way around.

He stands there for a moment, not sure what to say in response. Still feeling Shiruku weighing him down gets him to snap out of it, though.]

Oh...oh no, it's alright! Everything is fine...

[Chihiro looks over at Shiruku as he says that, who stands up a bit straighter now that he's...right there. Right there in front of her and a lot closer than he was before, close enough that she can get a good look at his coat without having to sneak behind things.]

She...I think she likes your coat.

[preybeforemeals]

[He seems to relax immediately at that, and before long he smiles; the expression is an easy one, much like the tone behind his words.]

Is that so? What a compliment, then!

[And he shifts his glance rather easily down toward the Leavanny after that, addressing her as well.]

I like it, too - you can come take a closer look if you'd like.

B

[fauxtographs]

[Emmy has felt quite reluctant to leave Goldenrod City ever since she'd arrived; even now that her Team Rocket training is over, she still can't bring herself to get on the road to Azalea Town. She knows that her Pokemon are still too weak to take on Falkner, so the whole thing just feels...pointless. Really, it's hard to find a direction at all.

She didn't exactly intend to end up in a bar, but her nightly wanderings led her here and...well, getting a drink couldn't hurt, right? It's not like she's had much chance to let her hair down.

...even if she's still sipping her first small beer at the counter, but. that isn't the point! Anyway...]

...Mr Tsukiyama?

[...that can't be him, can it? The brightly dressed man staring at the spirits? But...]

[preybeforemeals]

[And he laughs a bit, when he manages to visually locate her, and he tips his head as though he's been caught somewhere he shouldn't be, but he seems more amused than anything.]

Altava-san! I...admit I didn't expect to see you here - not that I'm complaining, of course!

[fauxtographs]

Well, this sort of place isn't exactly the type I frequent...but I suppose I should be thankful for all the new opportunities Johto is providing me with!

[So thankful. So very thankful.]

Anyway, I'm pleased to see you've made it to Goldenrod City! Care for a drink?

[Hopefully you'll be a bit more exciting than her and her fun-size beer, but you know...]

[preybeforemeals]

Oh, I couldn't...

[And yet here he is wandering over anyway, and he's more than content to join her, and his gaze is a bit too focused but he's smiling when he speaks.]

On the other hand, since neither of us frequent places like this, surely our meeting here can be chalked up to fate itself, n'est-ce pas?

Who am I to argue with fate?

A...nother episode of What Not To Wear

[the_end]

[One of these days, Anemone's going to get herself fired. It's another day of "should be working 9-5" and has become "I'm leaving on my lunch break because someone else can work the front desk, there's a sale at the department store" half-day for her as she juggles four hangers and a shopping bag. She really wishes Dominic was there. He was the perfect, complain-free male accessory used to carry her stuff for her.

But on her way towards the fitting room to try on yet another dress, she just spies the most pitiful human--for only a pitiful person would actually consider an argyle sweatervest. Anemone frowns for a moment, then decides to backtrack, leaning into his isle with a fairly unpleased expression.]

Oh please tell me you didn't plan on actually wearing that.

[Here, have some unwanted fashion advice.]

god bless

[preybeforemeals]

[It's a bit difficult to tell whether he's actually considering or the colors and patterns just amuse him; it's likely a bit of both, though what'll actually win out has yet to be seen. Either way, he's not exactly expecting company over here (most are avoiding this section, for some reason...) but he isn't seeming bothered by it, either.

The Surskit at his shoulder seems to have other ideas, since facefirst in the collar she goes, but he doesn't pay her any mind for the time being.]

And if I do, mademoiselle?

[He seems a bit amused when he says it, rather than truly off-put; let's see where this goes, then.]

/bows

[the_end]

[If he does?! Anemone just stares at him for a long moment, wondering if this is a serious question or if he's merely teasing her. But she ends up smirking after just a moment, shrugging her shoulders.]

Hah, I hope you didn't actually want a date to the ball wearing that in public, Cinderella.

[She puts the small stack of dresses she was carrying down on one rack, then just takes a step closer, pointing straight to the argyle design itself.]

For one, these two colors look like someone threw up half-eaten crayons. For two, it's a sweatervest. I don't think those were ever in style for anyone over the age of... well. Anyone at all, really. Probably better to go with something a little less... That.

[And with that, she smirks a bit more.] Or, if you get the vest, get some corduroy pants in olive green. That way you get the full I-can't-dress-myself effect.

[preybeforemeals]

[Okay, that will actually get him to stare blankly for a moment, as though he's trying to work out exactly what he thinks of all of that...

...before he just laughs because wow, well done. One of his hands abruptly buries itself in his fringe, swiping it back and away from his face, and...well, let's just say you have his attention now.]

Dolce! So you're that kind of girl, then...I enjoy women with spirit!

And who do I have to thank for such charming advice?

C

[whitehairedprettyboy]

[ It's a few days after their conversation, and Valmont is significantly less happy. Which is impressive, considering! But now, not only has he been made aware that he's somehow been recruited into another criminal organization, but he's also been thoroughly chewed out for his indiscretions by his new supervisors. The very idea!

Worse than all that is the bloody dress code, but at least they let him dress how he wants when he leaves the base. So that's why a familiar green suit is gracing one of Goldenrod's higher-end restaurants this evening, its owner scanning the place for a man in equally garish purple. His Snivy and Stunky keep watch near his feet, because Valmont still hasn't quite got the hang of Pokéballs.

This whole situation is incredibly ridiculous. But one thing is clear: Tsukiyama had better be paying. ]

[preybeforemeals]

[Well, Tsukiyama at least has the decorum to put that Surskit up before entering somewhere high-class like this; he hadn't been certain of exactly where he was going when the arrangement was made, due to being generally unfamiliar with the area, but he'd given the place the once-over early today, well before said arrangement was to be kept. Old habits died hard, apparently, and he's no stranger to what has potential to happen when you invite perfect strangers to places you know and they don't.

That said, he's actually pretty impressed with Valmont's taste here. Obviously he read that one correctly - after all, men like that tend to either like their dining establishments high-class or they secretly live on donuts and nothing but, and the odds had been greatly in his favor.

So he'll be there that evening, and he'll be punctual, and...at least the outfit has been changed out for black dress slacks and an equally black button-up; however, he's still got that lavender coat on, and it's no less bright than it was that afternoon. Those flowers are still present around his wrist as well.

...we can't have everything.]

Well, well, Monsieur Valmont - a pleasure to meet with you tonight.

[whitehairedprettyboy]

[ Hey man, you try to get that skunk to go anywhere without him. Besides, they clearly welcome the silly things in restaurants, just as they do everywhere else. He just hopes they don't let them anywhere near the food. Disgusting.

And Tsukiyama doesn't know how close he is to being right about the doughnut thing. Hopefully he never will.

Oh, there he is. Finally. At least he's not wearing quite as much awful purple as before? Thank goodness for small favors, Valmont supposes. He's... not really sure what to make of the flowers, though. ]

Mr. Tsukiyama. [ He inclines his head briefly. ] I trust you've been well.

[preybeforemeals]

[...He's going to have to have a conversation with you about that green one day, good sir.]

Between the establishment and the company, why wouldn't I be?

[His words are light, not quite teasing; sincere enough to be flattery, just insincere enough to be obvious flattery.

That said, however, he's keeping his gaze high, maintaining eye contact as opposed to averting it; he's not staring Valmont down, not by any means - if he felt the need to do that it would be obvious - but he sees no need to play the submissive route for now. Such things wouldn't go well with their previous discussion regarding his supposed profession, after all.

So for now he remains attentive, though not overly so. Let's see where this goes.]

And yourself...?