It was strange to find someone who seemed to understand her so well, and Alys peered at Hotaru sidelong as though expecting something weird or awkward to happen. But as Hotaru chattered on, with no sign of negativity or judgment, Alys began to relax. After all, she thought ruefully, if anyone was going to be weird or awkward, it was probably her. In any case, Hotaru had been nothing but bright and welcoming, and such ready acceptance did much to set Alys's mind at ease.
The young woman fidgeted impatiently under Hotaru's gaze, resisting the urge to cross her arms against such intense scrutiny. Despite her discomfort, she was genuinely curious as to what colors she might be able to get away with. She'd never liked shopping (of course, she'd never gone with someone like Hotaru before), but she'd always admired the bright colors and shiny accessories that other people wore. She'd just never wanted to draw that kind of attention to herself.
And she didn't think she'd be able to get away with it.
But Hotaru's reassurance brought a small, shy smile to Alys's face. "Do you really think I could pull those colors off?" she asked hopefully. It was just then that the old man from the stall reappeared with a variety of choices for the two women to pick through, and Hotaru sent Alys off to the mirror with instructions to try on a deep burgundy cloak. The young woman went hesitantly, pulling the cloak slowly around her shoulders and clasping it in the front. She was pleasantly surprised to find that it did, indeed, look nice against her dark curls.
With a delighted grin, she turned eagerly to her new friend. "What do you think?"
The young woman fidgeted impatiently under Hotaru's gaze, resisting the urge to cross her arms against such intense scrutiny. Despite her discomfort, she was genuinely curious as to what colors she might be able to get away with. She'd never liked shopping (of course, she'd never gone with someone like Hotaru before), but she'd always admired the bright colors and shiny accessories that other people wore. She'd just never wanted to draw that kind of attention to herself.
And she didn't think she'd be able to get away with it.
But Hotaru's reassurance brought a small, shy smile to Alys's face. "Do you really think I could pull those colors off?" she asked hopefully. It was just then that the old man from the stall reappeared with a variety of choices for the two women to pick through, and Hotaru sent Alys off to the mirror with instructions to try on a deep burgundy cloak. The young woman went hesitantly, pulling the cloak slowly around her shoulders and clasping it in the front. She was pleasantly surprised to find that it did, indeed, look nice against her dark curls.
With a delighted grin, she turned eagerly to her new friend. "What do you think?"
alys glasse
waiting for the right mind to drive insane
