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The market is, objectively speaking, a miserable place. Precious few of the merchandise are happy to be there, nude and bound and collared - sometimes even caged - free for every prospective customer to examine. Few of the customers are happy either. Prices are high, and the press of so many bodies create a stifling atmosphere.
All in all, it is exactly what Jade had expected. He strolls leisurely through the market, not particularly bothered by what is going on around him. It was one of the reasons he had been chosen for this assignment. Today is his first day at the market; he's meant to speak with the vendors, make connections, and walk away with a cheap but handy acquisition.
He's working on the last part now. It's surprisingly difficult to find someone useful and docile, but still with some spirit left - he does not trust the older slaves who are complacent with the system.
It's during his second time looping through the market that someone catches his eye - for all the wrong reasons. He stops, stares at the familiar figure in front of him, an uncharacteristically surprised expression flashing over his face.
Then he's smiling again. He's still unsure if this is a good turn of events, but perhaps he could use this to his advantage.
"My my, I didn't expect to see you here."
All in all, it is exactly what Jade had expected. He strolls leisurely through the market, not particularly bothered by what is going on around him. It was one of the reasons he had been chosen for this assignment. Today is his first day at the market; he's meant to speak with the vendors, make connections, and walk away with a cheap but handy acquisition.
He's working on the last part now. It's surprisingly difficult to find someone useful and docile, but still with some spirit left - he does not trust the older slaves who are complacent with the system.
It's during his second time looping through the market that someone catches his eye - for all the wrong reasons. He stops, stares at the familiar figure in front of him, an uncharacteristically surprised expression flashing over his face.
Then he's smiling again. He's still unsure if this is a good turn of events, but perhaps he could use this to his advantage.
"My my, I didn't expect to see you here."
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The mall is a big one, not exactly high-class, but there are quite a few brand name stores around nontheless. Jade steers clear of the more expensive ones.
"Would you prefer getting shoes first? Or clothes?"
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In a way getting shoes first means getting the possibly easiest part out of the way. He can't see Jade letting him wear anything too casual anywhere on his body, but with shoes that's not so bad. Start with something that isn't so bad, get used to whatever Jade's going to throw at him.
Somehow survive this trip without starting a fight.
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Jade walks past a few stores before he finds one he likes. A salesperson greets them as they enter, but Jade waves them off.
"Pick something appropriate." He's curious to see what Shinjirou thinks will satisfy him. "If you like it, that will be an added bonus."
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Shinjirou doesn't stray too far from Jade, checking if he's being followed from time to time. There's a pair of brown leather boots that aren't too different from the ones he used to own. A simple design, nothing flashy nor too elegant. He lifts them up, tilting his head.
"Something like that okay?"
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"Would you like try them on?" He's already leading the way over to a seat, looking at him expectantly.
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"Yeah, they're ... good, I think." They pretty much only need Jade's approval. Shinjirou doesn't expect picking clothes will be this easy, but for now he's thankful that Jade's taste isn't too different from his own when it comes to footgear.
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Jade hefts the bag onto his shoulder once they were done. "Would you rather wear them now, or later?"
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Apart from that fitting more into the picture of a slave he has, it just seems fair to him. Jade's paid for the boots, Shinjirou could at least -- literally -- take the weight off his shoulders. Shinjirou doesn't press the issue, though, just extends a hand should Jade want to put the bag into it.
"Next stop?"
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He had been planning to wait on Shinjirou hand and foot, not out of any real fondness, but just as a way to disturb him. Still, if Shinjirou is offering to carry it...
Jade shakes his head. "And thank you, but I'm fine."
This time, they pass even more shops before Jade finally finds one he's satisfied with. It's the largest one they've passed yet, with a good selection of both casual and semi-formal attire. Jade looks expectantly at Shinjirou once they're inside.
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It's obvious what Jade wants him to pick. Far too obvious. Shinjirou grimaces at him, hoping that he won't be forced to act like it's his decision. There's some sweaters he would be willing to wear, but all the shirts and jackets make his skin crawl. He's going to leave this shop and still look like he's wearing a uniform.
Groaning, he takes a forceful step forward and grabs a white shirt and dark blue cloth pants his size. Better to get this over with quickly. If he's really lucky, and behaves himself, maybe he'll get a comfy sweater for the colder months at some point.
"What about this?" He holds the clothes up for Jade, far away from his own body. "Perfect for a funeral?"
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The ceiling isn't all that pretty. One of the lights is flickering. They should change the bulb, he thinks, waiting to hear Jade's opinion. This won't be as easy as the shoes; hell, it already is far more annoying. He can't tell the difference between the different shirts, apart from their color.
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"Shinjirou." He's frowning slightly, a note of warning in his voice.
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"What do you think?"
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"The collar is a bit wide. I'm not very fond of the cut either, it might be too loosely-fitted for you."
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"Uh. This?" This time, he holds it up to his chest right away. "It's not the same, right?"
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"Uhm. Maybe ... maybe this one?" The fabric feels different, softer, and stretches more easily when he pulls it against his body. So it's probably not exactly the same -- he mentally crosses his fingers it isn't. He can't possibly be this dumb about something as simple as shirts. Hopefully.
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Finally, he nods in approval. "Let's try it on." A quick glance around, and he starts walking. "The changing rooms are this way. Bring the pants as well."
There's no staff attending the changing rooms when they arrive. Unconcerned (and secretly grateful; this makes things easier), Jade pushes ahead, nudging one of the doors open.
"After you."
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"Okay." Nodding, he gathers the pants and the shirt in his arms and follows Jade to the changing rooms. He's a little hesitant to actually enter. Trying this on means he'll have to undress and bare the chain. He can't quite place the feeling -- it's giving him goosebumps -- and forces himself to slip past Jade. "Thanks."
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He moves forward, giving Shinjirou no opportunity to step back. "Let me help you," he says, arms encircling Shinjirou's shoulders from behind. He doesn't linger there long, already starting to slide Shinjirou's jacket off his shoulders.
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"Are you seriously doing this in public?" The door may be locked, but that doesn't keep the voices of the other customers locked out. There's people chatting, women asking each other if this or that dress looks good on them.
He takes a deep breath and stares at the wall. Much better than seeing himself fidget in the mirror. "Whatever."
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Slowly, teasingly, he continues to work at the jacket, enjoying the way the fabric moves over Shinjirou's solid form. He finishes removing one side first - forcing Shinjirou's arm to bend awkwardly in the meantime - before moving onto the next.
Shinjirou is still avoiding the mirror, but Jade isn't too concerned. He'll look eventually.
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This, this is intimate and a part of him wants to lean back and enjoy it. The part that doesn't mind Jade doing everything on purpose.
When Shinjirou glances at the mirror, he can see just how stiff his muscles are. He's tense, visibly and tangibly. His breath leaves a white cloud behind which he immediately wipes away with his free hand. Jade's having fun, that much he can figure out. Shinjirou could change that, easily, by not caring about the situation ... but he's not ready for that level of difficulty.
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His gaze flicks away from the mirror for a brief moment, taking in the tension in Shinjirou's shoulders, the way they draw inwards as if he's trying to make himself smaller. Being able to observe someone from both the front and back at the same time is new to Jade. He takes full advantage of it, allowing his gaze to roam, until he finishes taking off the jacket and has no choice but to turn and hang it up on the wall.
Someone outside twists at the handle to their changing room and shoves on the door, only to stomp away when they find it locked, grumbling under their breath as they leave. Jade doesn't wait for their footsteps to fade before moving back to Shinjirou again - it's not as if they'll ever be completely alone here, with only a few flimsy walls between them and the public eye.
"We should get you a tie later," he remarks, a soft whisper into Shinjirou's ear. Jade's hands come to rest on Shinjirou again, settling on his hips, fingers bending against the subtle curve. He pulls at the fine fabric of the borrowed shirt, untucking it from his slacks.
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