Work Text:
Amber Mitchell fished out the phone to check the address he had given her. The Malkavian didn't really want to ask for help for something as unimportant (to most) as a Halloween costume. VV however, had really wanted to go to this party, where in attendance would be many of the Toreador clan. Amber didn't want to look sloppy or disappoint the cherry toned redhead.
But Beverly Hills, of all places, to do Halloween shopping? Amber didn't want to end up with something that was a piece of lace away from lingerie. The whole idea of being here sounded decidedly like a bad idea and she considered asking the cabbie to turn around. But Beckett had assured her that this acquaintance of his was an expert when it came to fashion and she also harbored a deep fascination for the All Hallows Eve festivities.
The boutique on the trendy Rodeo Drive looked fresh out of some romantic comedy movie, with clothes and accessories to suit everyone's taste and desires. It was impossible not to be dazzled.
The Malkavian's gaze wandered and her hands trailed through the clothes racks of hangers. So distracted, this caused her to be taken by surprise when a woman with a smooth voice approached her.
"This all seems a little too serious for Halloween, Ms. Mitchell." The woman spoke in an amused tone. "And besides, people who come here appreciate something with more personality than that."
Dropping the item she had had her fingers around Amber cleared her throat awkwardly. "You must be Evelyn Taylor."
She wasn't exactly tall, but the red pumps made her look, somehow, imposing. Her platinum blonde hair and amber eyes complemented her appearance and Mitchell could have sworn she knew her from somewhere.
According to Beckett, she had been embraced in Victorian England and, despite being aligned with the Camarilla, she was always busier with the profession she had carried since her days as Kine. He also had said that they had known each other for many years and that she was one of the friendliest people he had ever met. Someone that Cuthbert Beckett considered a dear friend was news.
That was the decisive factor as to why the young Kindred had decided to meet the Toreador fashionista.
"Evelyn alone is enough, Miss Mitchell." The blonde smiled and gestured towards another room. "Let's go to the studio so we can talk more freely and, depending on what draws your eye, take your measurements."
Still awestruck by the atmosphere of this environment, Amber followed the Toreador, wondering how she would pay for that service. Of course she wanted to dress to impress, but she hoped to rent a costume or something like that. What was for sale here to buy must cost a fortune!
"Miss Tay... Evelyn, I don't want to waste your time, ‘cause I don't know if I can afford all of this." She said awkwardly, reaching into the pocket of her oversized denim jacket. Amber had in her possession two crumpled ten dollar bills, a handful of change equivalent to sixty two cents, and the remnants of an old receipt. She wasn't even sure if she could afford a cliche vampire cape with this.
"Darling, there's nothing to worry about. I owe Beckett a few favors and since he's not exactly a fan of bespoke clothing, here we are. Consider his boon my payment" And saying that, the blonde took a clipboard and sat down in a chair. "Please make yourself comfortable. Do you have any idea what you want to wear? A style? Color motif?"
Mitchell pondered for a moment. Halloween used to be a fun date and she remembers when she dressed up as a zombie or one of her favorite cartoon characters when she was a kid. As an adult she didn't do too much of that anymore. "I don't have a solid idea, but I would really like to be dressed… properly if you know what I mean."
Evelyn smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Then we can cross out the entire category of 'Sexy' costumes. Of course, far from me to judge the ones who like that sort of thing. But I'm more adept at subtly scary costumes, Miss Mitchell."
"Just Mitchell is good." The Malkavian smiled. The woman in front of her was really nice and made her feel very comfortable. Maybe it was a Toreador's Presence or maybe she was just genuinely charismatic.
"Okay, Mitchell... So tell me, do you prefer something practical or elaborate?" A click of her pen made itself heard and the blonde woman was now taking notes.
"I definitely prefer something practical." The Malkavian involuntarily thought about how female fantasies, even when more 'compounded' used to be absurdly tight or extremely childish. "And no corsets please. Even if I don't need to breathe anymore, I like feeling free."
"I understand exactly what you mean. Consider yourself lucky you were born in a period where no one looks at you crookedly if you're not wearing one. Don't get me wrong, they're beautiful and were during such a time, but only when you wear them because you want to."
As she took notes, Mitchell involuntarily imagined herself wearing something Kate Beckinsale would have worn, and that earned her a grimace. But that gave her some direction. Maybe her childhood wasn't too far off for inspiration. But rather than cartoon characters, the Malkavian considered some of her favorite films.
"Actually, I kind of have something in mind."
Putting down the pen for a moment, the Toreador looked directly into the young woman's eyes, who seemed pretty eager to know more about it:
"I'm all ears."
"Beetlejuice."
"Beetlejuice?"
"Uh huh, it's an 80's character from a movie and there was also this tv show..."
"Yes, I know the character dear. Just don't say his name again, please!"
"What? Is he real???" Mitchell asked excitedly. "Like I heard ghosts are real?"
"Well I never called him three times to be sure. Best leave some old ghosts as such a mystery." Evelyn joked. "But to be real with you it sounds like a very good idea. The costume that is!"
And just as Mitchell blinked and the other woman sketched heartily. From the looks of it, Evelyn really loved what she did because a complete sketch quickly emerged. The neonate whistled in awe.
"Wow, you are really fast!" Impressed, the Malkavian looked at the paper and the way the Toreador had drawn her silhouette and details to perfection, without adding unnecessary curves.
Actually, looking deeper, without the makeup that the character required, the young girl thought she could even use the set on other occasions, without major problems.
"Understand I just really like what I do, Mitchell. For me it is but a drop in an ocean of what I have done and crafted thus far. But I appreciate the compliment." Evelyn chuckled, feigning modesty, and continued, "So, you like it then?"
"Are you kidding? I absolutely love it! I'm sure this is going to be awesome!"
It felt like being a kid again. Wearing a costume, the excitement to scare neighbors and be rewarded with candy... Too bad, as a kindred, the Malkavian couldn't enjoy any sweets. But she could already think of a suitable substitute.
"Then I believe the best way to proceed is to take your measurements, don't you think?" With a pink measuring tape already in hand, the amber-eyed woman approached, but when she was a few inches closer, she stopped. "That is of course, if you don't mind."
Mitchell bowed her head cautiously.
"Actually, I do." She admitted, embarrassed.
And then, what followed surprised the brunette in the most positive way possible.
The Toreador knelt in front of Mitchell and, without touching her, handed her the measuring tape. Clearing her throat and looking kindly, Evelyn comforted her:
"There's nothing to be ashamed of, you know? You're not the first and you certainly won't be the last not to feel comfortable with me touching you. I just need the measurements, so can you take them for me?" and saying that, she smiled.
Picking up the measuring tape, her hands slightly trembling, the Malkavian was grateful that she didn't have to explain or apologize. Many others would give her a rude glare for displaying such sheepish discomfort. At least this Toreador was thankfully one of the few exceptions. More than quickly, Amber measured herself while the other woman jotted down the data on the same paper as the sketch.
"Beckett is right. You really are very kind, Evelyn."
"It's the least I can do." With a short nod, she folded her hands in her lap as she kept her eyes still on the drawing. "I promise to do my best to make your Halloween a memorable one, Mitchell. Ah, I need you to come back here in a few nights to see if we need any adjustments before it's finalized. Is that okay with you? Let's save five evenings from now."
“Sure, that's no problem at all." She stuffed her hands in her pockets again. "It's really nice of you to be doing this."
"I appreciate your trust in me to allow me to do this. You've sparked inspiration in me and I'm already considering something for myself this Halloween."
"I'm sure no matter what you choose, it's going to make a lot of heads turn." Mitchell nodded as she said her goodbyes once a few more notes were jotted down. "See you then Evelyn, and thank you so much for now."
"Always a pleasure to help, darling."
As soon as she left the studio, Mitchell checked the time and called a cab. She wanted to tell VV in person that she already had a fantasy. Maybe she would like to join her as Lydia