Chereads / Ethyra / Chapter 5 - Runway

Chapter 5 - Runway

"Ba!" Camille place a hand on her tummy, "I'm stuffed! So where we off to next gang?"

 

"Didn't we say we were supposed to go looking for clothes?" Viviana then muttered under her breath, "I don't see the reason why we have to eat lunch together."

 

"Oh that's right!" Lilith said, "I completely forgot about that. Times sure does flies when I'm with you."

 

"I feel the same." Theodore answered.

 

Viviana just sighed, "Okay well I'm going to find a shop that sells clothes, join me if your done with your whole…staring." She turned away from the group, not really expecting anyone to follow her, at least she hoped no one would.

 

"Hey wait a sec Vee!" Camille catch up to her, "Don't leave alone with those two, I think they about to catch for each other if you know what I'm saying." She muttered to her.

 

Viviana almost scoffed, "It's only been a day, how can you group them into a couple so fast?"

 

Camille just shrugged, "Entertainment, duh! We got no phones or anything, so how else would I be getting sweet romance story?"

 

Viviana stared at her, "You could just read you know?" But Camille waved her off.

 

"Nah, this is way more entertaining." She giggled as Viviana palm her head.

 

Soon the duo (as well as the other two) manage to find a clothes store just (direction) of the town. It was (description of the shop)

 

They entered inside and were greeted by young woman behind the counter. The young woman inspected them from head to toe and raised her eyeglasses, "Ah new Chosens I see."

 

"How..never mind it's the clothes, right?" Viviana guessed.

 

The receptionist hummed, "You got that right. However you are in luck Chosens, I just got a new shipment of clothes, ones that will surely be your style. Come, come, follow me." She walked out of her little station and gestured them to the other room. In that room were an assortments of clothes in racks and displays. The clothes had a different feel from what was on earth, (describe the unique and fantastical features)

 

"Pick whatever you'd like." The receptionist said.

 

"Woah.." Camille skip across the room, looking at each clothes as if it were candy.

 

"So many.." Lilith said, "How are we supposed to choose from any of them?"

 

"Oh!" The receptionist clapped, "Are you saying what I think your saying?"

 

Lilith tilted her head, "What am I saying?"

 

"FASHION SHOWW!!" She screamed.

 

"Oh Christ no." Viviana backed away.

 

"Who?" The receptionist blinked before she shrugged it off, "Who's first of you Chosens? We have a runway just for this purpose."

 

Viviana raised her brow, "You just..have a runway in your shop?"

 

The receptionist nodded, "Mh-hm! Now for you.." She stepped closer, eyeing her like a tiger on its prey.

 

Viviana glanced around, a sign for help, perhaps, but Camille just gave a thump up, Lilith smiled and Theodore..he was no where to be found.

 

"Come on my dear!" Suddenly she was pulled and all was downhill in a snowball of clothes being thrown at her face.

 

"Hm..okay you have some fair skin though pimples and moles..Ah we cover them up."

 

"I don't want-"

 

"And as for your body..maybe an overalls would be best given your.." She stared at her chest, "..situation."

 

"Wha—what the fuck-"

 

"Don't worry my dear Alexa got you handle!"

 

And suddenly she was stripped down, now that was fucking fun. Struggles there, why it won't it fit there, more passive insults here and then she was pushed onto the stage.

 

Viviana glared at the woman, who just gestured her along, "Well come on now, after consideration and precious time I think your friends would be glad to finally see the brand new you!" She giggled.

 

"They're not my friends." She muttered, soon she sighed deeply then started to walk on the stage. Sweats suddenly appear on her hands, she wiped them down as best as she could. It wasn't like she was nervous or stage fright or anything but being put in the center like this.

 

As she stepped forward she ruminated why is she even there with these people. Then cheers and claps started to boom throughout the store, "Ooh! Vee you look so cute!" Camille cheered.

 

"Uh.." Viviana almost stumble, "..cute? Really?"

 

"Yes!" Lilith nodded, "That dress looked lovely on you."

 

Viviana raised her brow as she looked down at herself, her fingers tracing the intricate embroidery that adorned the dress overall. The bodice was adorned with delicate silver filigree, intertwining with vines and flowers.

 

The straps draped elegantly over her shoulders, leading down to a flowing skirt that billowed around her legs and floral patterns adorned the hem.

 

She smiled, "Yeah I guess it can be considered 'cute'"

 

"Yeah," Theodore said, the others turned their head, he was standing on the near corner of the room, with that slight grin on his face, "you look good Vee, especially with that smile of yours."

 

Immediately her smile dropped, "And where have you been?"

 

"Oh, me?" Theodore raised his hand which we're holding two sets of clothes, "Why, I was just picking out my own clothes, I didn't want to repeat the process you had, obviously."

 

"Well then," She raised her skirt slightly and jumped down from the stage, "I don't suppose you go first then while we.." She glance at Camille and Lilith, "..why don't I help you guys chose your clothes."

 

"Oh you would?"

 

"Yeah, why not? Better than watching this guy stunt and pose."

 

Theodore just laughed it off, "Oh! I know, why don't we all help each other pick clothes and reveal it at the same time."

 

"Woo..fun!" Camille exclaimed while Viviana groaned.

 

As they delved into the racks of vary attire, Camille couldn't resist grabbing a neon green jumpsuit adorned with sequins. "Ooh..what do you think about this Vee?"

 

Viviana looked to her side and with a deadpanned voice she said, "Go shot yourself while your at it."

 

"Ah.." Lilith then proceeded to pay Camille on the back, then something caught her eyes, a dress hanging delicately on a nearby rack. It was a soft pastel pink, with intricate lace detailing and a flowing skirt.

 

Theodore noticed her lingering stare, "You wanna get it?"

 

"Oh um," Lilith looked down, playing with the hem of her white shirt, "I don't know, each of these clothes are all so lovely and I..I don't think I have that much sense of style."

 

Camille then jumped at her, wrapping her arm around her shoulder with a big grin, "Aw don't you worry Lil! We'll help you find something."

 

"So, do you want this one?" Camille pulled out a dress, a flowing chiffon gown in a vibrant shade of blue, shimmering under the soft store lights.

 

"Oh um..Uh..maybe?" Lilith replied.

 

"Okay, what about this?" Viviana raised a rack that held up an outfit, a blue strapless dress.

 

"Oh, that's…nice,"

 

"Why did you pause at 'nice'? Did you secretly hate it?"

 

"I—"

 

"Okay, how about the one that you've been staring at? The pink dress?" Theodore suggested, pointing towards the delicate garment.

 

But Lilith remained silent, her gaze fixed on the dress.

 

The others let out a collective groan.

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Viviana leaned against the wall, her arms crossed, as she waited for the others to finish changing. She watched as Theodore emerged from the changing room.

 

Theodore was clad in a doublet of rich, burnt orange velvet, intricately embroidered with patterns of swirling black vines and golden thread. The doublet was tailored to perfection, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean frame.

 

Beneath the doublet, he wore a crisp white shirt with billowing sleeves, he sported fitted pants of the same burnt orange hue, the fabric sturdy yet supple, allowing for ease of movement as he strode across the room.

 

A leather belt cinched his waist, adorned with silver buckles and intricate etchings. His boots were polished to a gleaming shine, the leather supple and well-worn.

 

Theodore's only accessories were a pair of silver hoop earrings that glinted softly in the dim light of the changing room.

 

"Well?" Theodore asked.

 

"Well.." Viviana paused, "it's good. I don't know what you want me to say."

 

He chuckled as he stepped by her side, they stood there as silence crept in the room, Viviana hates to admit but miss the receptionist girl and hoped she was done helping the girls.

 

"So I see you stuck with the outfit Alexa chose." He commented.

 

"It would be a waste time picking another outfit if I already found I was content with." She then muttered, "I already have a busy day ahead of me."

 

"What do you have plans today-?"

 

"None of your concerns."

 

Theodore frowned, "I'm sorry but have I done something to offend you? Did I accidentally step on your toes or make a snide remark that made you treat me like a venomous serpent?"

 

"I haven't—"

 

"You have." He said, "I've seen the way you treated me, everyone noticed it. So what's up?"

 

"You…" She sighed, "Why did you lie? To Lilith?"

 

"Lilith..is that what this is about?"

 

"I don't see the reason why you'd have to lie unless it is for your own motive. I don't know about you but I find liars untrustworthy."

 

Theodore's gaze softened, "I understand your concerns, Viviana, and I assure you, my intentions were never to deceive anyone. In fact I lied for you."

 

"Excuse me?"

 

"I'm sure you noticed Lilith is a very kind, pure hearted girl. She believes everyone should do the right thing and nothing more. When you clearly decline on the offer I could tell she was hurt by it."

 

"Then let her, she's not a twelve years old she can handle it."

 

"Oh so, you would have like her thinking you only you're just a fair-weather friend, abandoning the everything when it's not convenient?

 

"What? I didn't..I don't.."

 

"Think Vee, it could not only damage your relationships with Lilith but also with her but also others. I couldn't bear to see that happen. So, I decided to make a little white lie."

 

Viviana scoffed, "That what? That *you* were the one who convinced to join and not because of my own goals? How noble, should I get down on my knees and express my thanks?"

 

"Oh I wouldn't dream of it." He said, "Look I only thought what was best to protect both you and Lilith's feelings. I didn't mean to cause any distress."

 

"I don't buy it. This 'I'm doing this for you' act. Just admit—"

 

"We're here!" Camille burst out of the changing room while Lilith walked behind. Camille dons a black, sleeveless top with a plunging neckline and a sharp, V-shaped design adorned with a vibrant, emerald green gem at the center. The top showcases her shoulders and extends into sleek, fingerless gloves that end in sheer, flowing fabric, shimmering with hints of purple and adorned with delicate, star-like accents.

 

Her shorts are high-waisted and tailored, cinching at the waist to accentuate her silhouette, and are similarly black, complementing the top. They are accessorized with chains, a small pouch, and more of the captivating green gems, echoing the design of her top. The shorts are paired with thigh-high, black stockings, held in place by garter-like straps.

 

Her accessories include large, dangling earrings and a pair of hair clips, all consistent with the jewel's geometric design and vibrant green hue. Her ash blonde hair, a soft cascade of curls.

 

"Da da da~!" She sang as she swirled, "What do you think? Pretty great, eh?"

 

Theodore's lips curved a smile, "It's suits you Camille and Lilith.." he turned to her.

 

Beside Camille was Lilith, her outfit a stark contrast to Camille's vibrant green. She wore a simple yet elegant white dress, the fabric ethereal and flowing like clouds in the sky. The bodice was adorned with delicate lace. Lilith's hair was pulled back in a loose braid, adorned with small blue flowers.

 

"You look great." He said as Lilith smiled.

 

"Thank you Theodore."

 

Viviana glanced at the two as she soon sighed, "I…I have to go." She said suddenly.

 

"Huh? Vee-" Camille was cut off.

 

"Sorry guys but I have a busy day I really need to go." With that, she turned her back to them, her gaze lingering on Theodore for a moment longer before she made her exit

Then she left.