This Shouldn't be Awkward at All ((22))

[qualapec]

Vala emerged from the changing room...feeling oddly like a sheep walking on its hind legs. She noticed Sonya looking at a strand of pearls and coughed lightly to get his attention. "How does this one look?"

[victoriousscarf]

Sonya dropped the pearls like he had been shocked, turning and looking her over, tilting his head to one side. "The dress looks good," he said, giving it another look over. "Do you have shoes or any accessories to go with it?"

[qualapec]

She flushed. That was good. The dress looked good. However, she'd completely forgotten that she needed shoes to go with it. "What kinds of shoes should I wear?" She asked. "And what sorts of accessories do people wear?" After a long moment she ammended, "I mean, I know that people wear things like necklaces and bracelets and earrings I just don't know...you know, what's popular."

"I'm a little out of the loop," she added.

[victoriousscarf]

He nodded, frowning. "Sadly, I am as well. The last time I even looked at queen's fashion was... as a kit. My mother was... very fashionable. I picked up things for her but that was, years ago." He glanced around, taking a step away from where he was standing, before stepping back, picking up the pearls and slinging them across one arm, before walking down the jewelry display.

"You will probably not want something so flashy," he said. "So, probably something more like... this?" he asked, picking up a long string of beads that complimented her dress. "As for shoes... do you own any heels?"

[qualapec]

Vala nodded. "They're old and fraying. I haven't worn them in years. What color would go with this dress?"

[victoriousscarf]

"Hmmm," he said, handing her the beads and moving toward the other department, glancing over shoes. "What about this pair?" he asked, picking one up and showing them to her.

[qualapec]

The shoes were dark, grayish green. Stylish, but their color understated them and simultaneously highlighted the green. Looking down, Vala flipped off her shoes and grabbed one of the pair to try on.

It fit nicely. It was far more comfortable than she thought it would be. "They're made for dancing," she mused lightly. "I...like them. I didn't think heels could be comfortable."

[victoriousscarf]

Sonya nodded. "They try, on occasion, to make them comfortable," he said with a faint smile. "But only sometimes." He glanced over her, taking in the dress and the shoes and the beads. "I think you should be set in that."

[qualapec]

Vala nodded. "So...how should the price be divided up? I can manage at least half." She could eat nothing but bread next week and spring for more...but she wanted to contribute something.

[victoriousscarf]

He paused, trying to consider. "Do not worry about it," he said. "Since the point is to make the police force look good, it shall be on the police force." Or, himself depending on how the budget turned out. It was hardly like he could not afford it. "Just, change and I will take the dress and shoes and necklace up."

[qualapec]

"Are you sure?" Vala stammered. She was a little uncomfortable taking a dress from the force. She sighed, resolving to only use it for police business. "Thank you."

[victoriousscarf]

He nodded. "Yes, you are welcome." He waited for a moment for her to change.

[qualapec]

She went into the changing room and changed back into her plain skirt and jacket. As she did so, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.

Vala smiled. She did look pretty.

Then the moment was over, and she was changing back. She walked back out into the store proper, feeling like she'd gone about shopping in a very feminine and adult way.

[victoriousscarf]

Sonya was waiting outside with the shoes and the necklace for her and the pearls. He took the dress from her and headed for the front of the store, where he paid for all of the items.

[qualapec]

The clerk handed her the bag, and she made to leave. She...hadn't thought this could be fun. It had always been a chore that was supposed to be made fun in creative ways.