[ Jacopo looks so cool right now. Like he's about to star in the rustic Italian movie, Call Me By My Name or whatever.
Claude's focus shifts out the window as soon as they're out of the parking lot, taking in the sights of the city, noting the traffic laws. The architecture and pretty much everything else. Paris is old enough that not all of it is completely foreign to him. He'd probably be extremely overwhelmed in like... New York. ]
Property, hm? So you're back in civil service.
[ He figures that there are no longer monarchies, but assumes that land is still managed by the government. Though it'd have to be an extremely impressive ruling system to manage all these people. Wow! ]
It's complicated. [ And then he catches sight of a bunch of kids in uniform. ] Ah, I heard that in times like these it's normal for all people to receive an education. It's fascinating to actually see it...
[ He isn't going to go down on explaining the ins and outs of property ownership and how government can and cannot play a role today, but maybe another time. ]
May the tide change for you soon. [ Politics is never easy and he is uneasy about the war, but... Claude is here for fun. Jacopo keeps his eyes on the road as he pulls up to a mall. ] It's standard for many countries to provide standard education to everyone. A lot of early years are compulsory and there are laws that punish people for not sending their child to school.
There's weak correlation between access to education and skill of student populations, but at least people can read and write.
[ Just the standards are different now to be educated, however the baseline is literacy he thinks. It's an important one to him, especially.
Once he parks, they can get out. The sunglasses are abandoned because this is going to be an indoor mall. Let's go with somewhere similar to the Le Bon Marché. Seems like the kids are heading there, too. This is their third place. ]
[ WHOA... FANCY... The lights and glamour are impressive (once they're out of the parking lot or the street parking or whatever), and Claude is taking in the crowds around them, their behaviour and interactions with one another and the scenery around them.
Once they get inside, he feels like he stepped into a castle, though it's much nicer than both his own manor and the castle in Fhirdiad. Maybe Edelgard has something like this down in Enbarr. ]
And average people just walk into a place like this?
[ He feels like he's going to lose his mind. How can there be so many riches... Available to so many people? ]
[ It's three floors!!! And they can see the three sets of escalators, too.
With the open ceiling, Claude can easily see people moseying on the upper levels. Shoppers are just walking around, some holding shopping bags. ]
This one is one of the most popular malls, though. One of the first department stores in Paris, too. It consists of three buildings, each with three levels. [ He wobbles his hand. ] The quality here is mid-luxury to high-end, so it's a splurge for most.
[ The kids and younger adults don't seem to have as many bags, or maybe they have very small ones. It can be pricey here. ]
Shall we?
[ Where does Claude want to go? Into a shop? They also have kiosks out in the open. He might get solicited by sales reps. ]
[ Okay, but this is way fancier than any market. This is fancier than any merchant or boutique that Claude has ever frequented, and he's only ever been surrounded by privilege.
Honestly, he feels a little claustrophobic. The only time Claude is ever in a large crowd like this is when he's on a battlefield, and he can feel his paranoia rising a little. Heaven was different; carefully curated and without large volumes of people. But here it becomes obvious that he's surrounded by waves of strangers, without understanding the layout of the land, or any social norms.
He's defenceless... Well, good thing he still has a dagger on him. ]
Right.
[ He's not going to let any of that show though. Jacopo doesn't need to think he's some kind of loser panicking at the mall, so he just keeps focused, fixing his gaze on a shop that seems like it sells clothing and marching toward it.
Time to get a sense of what the people of the time are wearing. ]
[ It's interesting how the mall is both crowded yet such a wide space. THREE buildings of this.
This is Jacopo's normal and he has visited this mall a couple of times, so he stands beside Claude... Maybe observing him, actually. He's the most interesting thing here, whether he likes it in this context or not.
At most, his eyebrows raise when Claude chooses a direction, but he falls into line and walks beside him. Conveniently and strategically on the side where a number of the kiosks and sales rep wait. He buffers and fends the few that approach, telling them that they're not interested in their gold-infused skincare. Even taking a sample is an opening for more badgering. ]
So you can gauge pricing, a kilogram of bananas costs about two point thirty euros.
[ Said quietly as they enter the shop.
There are a couple of people browsing the garments. Jacopo arms stay crossed as he filters to one wing of the shop which is the men's section. Considering he has to cross Claude to do that, he is subtly guiding him to go the same way, too. Kind of like a herding dog. ]
[ Jacopo, I regret to inform you that Claude doesn't know how much bananas cost in Leicester either. He does not purchase his own groceries.
That said, he can estimate that bananas are probably not expensive? So if a kilo of bananas are around £2, then a shirt would like be... £200? That makes sense.
He thinks.
Anyway, he eases up a little once they're in the shop, though he's still taking the time to understand the layout and his surroundings. Obviously, nothing will happen, but it puts his mind more at ease as he follows after Jacopo. ]
There's a lot of options.
[ So many cuts, and silhouettes, and fabrics. ]
I suppose people don't make use of tailors to customize their clothing much anymore.
[ HE HAS NEVER considered a denim jacket. But he would wear one if it fit well. Jacopo will soon learn that Claude prefers an oversized fit as he peers through the articles of clothing, and is not afraid of bold colours of patterns.
He just likes to be comfy. ]
That's not too surprising. Most people in Fódlan would mend their clothes themselves if they needed adjustments.
[ He is observing Claude and taking note on his budding fashion style... While he saw some of it in Heaven, this can supplement.
Blinking, he considers that Claude likes being cozy. Jacopo does, too, but he wore robes meant for status rather than personal taste. He's also looking at the same shirts as Claude, just from his side.
Then his attention flicks to Claude when he looks at him. ]
[ Claude has doesn't often have much liberty over what he wears. Either he's in something to train in, or he's in his Leadership fit, which granted he's customized to his preferences, but is still rather formal.
Tilts his head. ]
Would that make it more or less like you're my dad who's supervising me while I shop?
[ He's teasing. Though, the situation is still a little weird. Jacopo isn't particularly nurturing, but there's no denying that Claude is reliant on him at the moment. Which is not something he's used to being. It's almost be more natural if he was left alone to scout and gather his bearings so that he could return to this interaction with an action plan.
[ Though it might feel that Jacopo is coming around as his guardian. He is Claude's escort, though, but he is lingering out of curiosity than anything. Not like he has to shop... His closet is well supplied and manicured. ]
Shorts above the knees for a hint of sophistication, shorts below the knees for more casual and easy-going.
[ On top of a oversized white dress shirt, he picks a cream one out for Claude. This one is linen with a 3/4 sleeve. ]
[ Shorts seem juvenile to him, regardless of length. Claude isn't self-conscious about his body, only about looking stupid. But then, he does trust Jacopo's opinion, and it seems nice to take advantage of opportunities that he wouldn't get at home.
He accepts the shirt, thumbing over the material. He likes it, though it'd be only one of many layers back home. In fact, he still has a preference for layering, but he understands from his time in heaven that it's common to go out wearing a single shirt. ]
You got an eye for fashion, Jacopo?
[ He wonders what his interests are now in the modern age. Aside from his work. ]
Times have changed, though it depends on the occasion.
[ So, yes, shorts can be fashionable. Just putting on a single shirt is really nice, though. Jacopo also enjoys the simplicity of it when he isn't wearing a jacket, or a suit vest... Or a whole suit. ]
A bit. I'm not one to follow haute couture, but it's an art nevertheless. [ A shrug. ] I know enough to look presentable and when not that I dress for comfort.
[ And not looking stupid. That is important. We can be comfy and not make a fool out of ourselves when we go outside. ]
Sometimes I read or see trends, but I'm not looking to chase anything. You're young, so you're free to do as you please.
[ Sleeveless... His guns would be OUT? Again, Claude isn't shy about his body, but he is conscious of his scars. They'd be commonplace and nothing to even bat an eye at back in Fódlan, but he suspects that they're not as common in times like these.
[ You can wear them with a long sleeve under, which if he didn't have then Jacopop gives him one. ]
Aside from the years between, I am twenty-six now. Just like I was when we met.
[ He thinks that it's a weird coincidence? But he supposes many impactful events happened to him at this age in each life. There were key numbers, key ages, and it repeats.
Anything else Claude would like? What about these easy denim pants he can slip on with a drawstring. Here you go. ]
You're like what... Twenty? You'd still be in school in this era. Well, higher education if you pursued it.
[ Thank you, thank you. He will try all these on. Actually, he won't, because he doesn't know fitting rooms are a thing. Jacopo can inform him when he goes off to the counter to make the purchase.
Anyway, Claude isn't in need of an expansive wardrobe, so he's not going to pick up too many pieces. Just a few that he likes that have wide utility. He doesn't have too much issue with borrowing Jacopo's clothes if the need arises. ]
A student at this age? [ Well, he supposes there are some nerds in Fódlan that end up in long apprenticeships. ] I can't say I wouldn't mind the lack of responsibility.
[ Leadership kind of sucks? He's responsible for so many people's lives? He might be suited to politics, but really he just wants to nap and not have anything to do. ]
I can see you walking around campus with books in your bag. Too fitting, really.
[ Jacopo will herd Claude to the changing rooms then once he gets the sense that he's done looking or wanting to try them on.
It's manned and Jacopo doesn't go out of his way to tell the clerk how many articles Claude has. He's not here to suffocate him with coddling. When asked if he has anything, he politely explains he's here to be a judge for his friend's wardrobe.
Escorted to a changing room! There's a little couch where Jacopo can sit. ]
[ He doesn't mind being herded around. It's kind of like Jacopo is his attendant.
Into the changing stall he goes! ]
You're really going to judge how I look?
[ Well, he doesn't really mind, pulling off the borrowed clothes and slipping on the shorts and delicate cream blouse. He once again will not tuck in the shirt.
[ He would not be opposed to a cap, though it might make him look even younger. It wouldn't be good to look like jailbait... How will he attract ladies that way.
Glancing down at his shirt. ]
It adds a bit of mystery. [ Idly tugs at it. ] You wouldn't believe how many people think I'm scrawny just because I'm not as wide as a tank.
[ He is like a bird trying to puff up to look bigger. ]
Anyway, Claude looks contemplative for a moment, in a way that doesn't really suit the conversation. He glances down at the clothes that he's trying on, then at their surroundings, and then back at Jacopo. ]
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no subject
Claude's focus shifts out the window as soon as they're out of the parking lot, taking in the sights of the city, noting the traffic laws. The architecture and pretty much everything else. Paris is old enough that not all of it is completely foreign to him. He'd probably be extremely overwhelmed in like... New York. ]
Property, hm? So you're back in civil service.
[ He figures that there are no longer monarchies, but assumes that land is still managed by the government. Though it'd have to be an extremely impressive ruling system to manage all these people. Wow! ]
It's complicated. [ And then he catches sight of a bunch of kids in uniform. ] Ah, I heard that in times like these it's normal for all people to receive an education. It's fascinating to actually see it...
no subject
[ He isn't going to go down on explaining the ins and outs of property ownership and how government can and cannot play a role today, but maybe another time. ]
May the tide change for you soon. [ Politics is never easy and he is uneasy about the war, but... Claude is here for fun. Jacopo keeps his eyes on the road as he pulls up to a mall. ] It's standard for many countries to provide standard education to everyone. A lot of early years are compulsory and there are laws that punish people for not sending their child to school.
There's weak correlation between access to education and skill of student populations, but at least people can read and write.
[ Just the standards are different now to be educated, however the baseline is literacy he thinks. It's an important one to him, especially.
Once he parks, they can get out. The sunglasses are abandoned because this is going to be an indoor mall. Let's go with somewhere similar to the Le Bon Marché. Seems like the kids are heading there, too. This is their third place. ]
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Once they get inside, he feels like he stepped into a castle, though it's much nicer than both his own manor and the castle in Fhirdiad. Maybe Edelgard has something like this down in Enbarr. ]
And average people just walk into a place like this?
[ He feels like he's going to lose his mind. How can there be so many riches... Available to so many people? ]
no subject
[ It's three floors!!! And they can see the three sets of escalators, too.
With the open ceiling, Claude can easily see people moseying on the upper levels. Shoppers are just walking around, some holding shopping bags. ]
This one is one of the most popular malls, though. One of the first department stores in Paris, too. It consists of three buildings, each with three levels. [ He wobbles his hand. ] The quality here is mid-luxury to high-end, so it's a splurge for most.
[ The kids and younger adults don't seem to have as many bags, or maybe they have very small ones. It can be pricey here. ]
Shall we?
[ Where does Claude want to go? Into a shop? They also have kiosks out in the open. He might get solicited by sales reps. ]
no subject
Honestly, he feels a little claustrophobic. The only time Claude is ever in a large crowd like this is when he's on a battlefield, and he can feel his paranoia rising a little. Heaven was different; carefully curated and without large volumes of people. But here it becomes obvious that he's surrounded by waves of strangers, without understanding the layout of the land, or any social norms.
He's defenceless... Well, good thing he still has a dagger on him. ]
Right.
[ He's not going to let any of that show though. Jacopo doesn't need to think he's some kind of loser panicking at the mall, so he just keeps focused, fixing his gaze on a shop that seems like it sells clothing and marching toward it.
Time to get a sense of what the people of the time are wearing. ]
no subject
This is Jacopo's normal and he has visited this mall a couple of times, so he stands beside Claude... Maybe observing him, actually. He's the most interesting thing here, whether he likes it in this context or not.
At most, his eyebrows raise when Claude chooses a direction, but he falls into line and walks beside him. Conveniently and strategically on the side where a number of the kiosks and sales rep wait. He buffers and fends the few that approach, telling them that they're not interested in their gold-infused skincare. Even taking a sample is an opening for more badgering. ]
So you can gauge pricing, a kilogram of bananas costs about two point thirty euros.
[ Said quietly as they enter the shop.
There are a couple of people browsing the garments. Jacopo arms stay crossed as he filters to one wing of the shop which is the men's section. Considering he has to cross Claude to do that, he is subtly guiding him to go the same way, too. Kind of like a herding dog. ]
no subject
That said, he can estimate that bananas are probably not expensive? So if a kilo of bananas are around £2, then a shirt would like be... £200? That makes sense.
He thinks.
Anyway, he eases up a little once they're in the shop, though he's still taking the time to understand the layout and his surroundings. Obviously, nothing will happen, but it puts his mind more at ease as he follows after Jacopo. ]
There's a lot of options.
[ So many cuts, and silhouettes, and fabrics. ]
I suppose people don't make use of tailors to customize their clothing much anymore.
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Claude can see the shop is separated by gender, but also by articles (top, bottoms, etc.) and colors. He browses with his eyes, tilting his head. ]
They still do. Most get their formal wear tailored, but it's often costly. So not as accessible.
[ If this was Italy, he'd introduce Claude to some tailors, but they are in France. Ever considered a denim jacket before, Claude? ]
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He just likes to be comfy. ]
That's not too surprising. Most people in Fódlan would mend their clothes themselves if they needed adjustments.
[ Looking at shirts... Then at Jacopo. ]
Are you just going to watch me?
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Blinking, he considers that Claude likes being cozy. Jacopo does, too, but he wore robes meant for status rather than personal taste. He's also looking at the same shirts as Claude, just from his side.
Then his attention flicks to Claude when he looks at him. ]
What do you expect me to do? Dress you up?
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Tilts his head. ]
Would that make it more or less like you're my dad who's supervising me while I shop?
[ He's teasing. Though, the situation is still a little weird. Jacopo isn't particularly nurturing, but there's no denying that Claude is reliant on him at the moment. Which is not something he's used to being. It's almost be more natural if he was left alone to scout and gather his bearings so that he could return to this interaction with an action plan.
Anyway, pulls out these shorts. ]
What do you think? Too short?
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[ Though it might feel that Jacopo is coming around as his guardian. He is Claude's escort, though, but he is lingering out of curiosity than anything. Not like he has to shop... His closet is well supplied and manicured. ]
Shorts above the knees for a hint of sophistication, shorts below the knees for more casual and easy-going.
[ On top of a oversized white dress shirt, he picks a cream one out for Claude. This one is linen with a 3/4 sleeve. ]
I do think they suit you.
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[ Shorts seem juvenile to him, regardless of length. Claude isn't self-conscious about his body, only about looking stupid. But then, he does trust Jacopo's opinion, and it seems nice to take advantage of opportunities that he wouldn't get at home.
He accepts the shirt, thumbing over the material. He likes it, though it'd be only one of many layers back home. In fact, he still has a preference for layering, but he understands from his time in heaven that it's common to go out wearing a single shirt. ]
You got an eye for fashion, Jacopo?
[ He wonders what his interests are now in the modern age. Aside from his work. ]
no subject
[ So, yes, shorts can be fashionable. Just putting on a single shirt is really nice, though. Jacopo also enjoys the simplicity of it when he isn't wearing a jacket, or a suit vest... Or a whole suit. ]
A bit. I'm not one to follow haute couture, but it's an art nevertheless. [ A shrug. ] I know enough to look presentable and when not that I dress for comfort.
[ And not looking stupid. That is important. We can be comfy and not make a fool out of ourselves when we go outside. ]
Sometimes I read or see trends, but I'm not looking to chase anything. You're young, so you're free to do as you please.
[ Gives Claude a sleeveless hoodie. ]
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Settles the hoodie over his arm. ]
You're not that much older than me, Jacopo.
[ Actually, pauses. Looks over at him. ]
Are you even older than me?
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Aside from the years between, I am twenty-six now. Just like I was when we met.
[ He thinks that it's a weird coincidence? But he supposes many impactful events happened to him at this age in each life. There were key numbers, key ages, and it repeats.
Anything else Claude would like? What about these easy denim pants he can slip on with a drawstring. Here you go. ]
You're like what... Twenty? You'd still be in school in this era. Well, higher education if you pursued it.
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Anyway, Claude isn't in need of an expansive wardrobe, so he's not going to pick up too many pieces. Just a few that he likes that have wide utility. He doesn't have too much issue with borrowing Jacopo's clothes if the need arises. ]
A student at this age? [ Well, he supposes there are some nerds in Fódlan that end up in long apprenticeships. ] I can't say I wouldn't mind the lack of responsibility.
[ Leadership kind of sucks? He's responsible for so many people's lives? He might be suited to politics, but really he just wants to nap and not have anything to do. ]
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[ Jacopo will herd Claude to the changing rooms then once he gets the sense that he's done looking or wanting to try them on.
It's manned and Jacopo doesn't go out of his way to tell the clerk how many articles Claude has. He's not here to suffocate him with coddling. When asked if he has anything, he politely explains he's here to be a judge for his friend's wardrobe.
Escorted to a changing room! There's a little couch where Jacopo can sit. ]
You can come out to let me see when you're ready.
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Into the changing stall he goes! ]
You're really going to judge how I look?
[ Well, he doesn't really mind, pulling off the borrowed clothes and slipping on the shorts and delicate cream blouse. He once again will not tuck in the shirt.
Coming out and doing a little twirl. ]
What do you think?
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[ He can shut up if Claude asked, though the reality depends on his mood.
The twirl earns a snort, but he does take it in. Hmmm. ]
Not bad. It'll look cohesive with accessories. [ A belt, jewelry, a watch, maybe a cap? Depends. ] You like roomy, don't you...
[ Your untucked shirt. ]
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Glancing down at his shirt. ]
It adds a bit of mystery. [ Idly tugs at it. ] You wouldn't believe how many people think I'm scrawny just because I'm not as wide as a tank.
[ He is like a bird trying to puff up to look bigger. ]
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Both eyebrows raise while he tilts his head. ]
You're not scrawny at all by any means... People would need to be delusional to think otherwise.
[ He crosses his arms and legs while he sits at the waiting couch. ]
Clothes will always obscure physique—unless you're born with a large frame. Wide guys can still be twigs, though.
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Anyway, Claude looks contemplative for a moment, in a way that doesn't really suit the conversation. He glances down at the clothes that he's trying on, then at their surroundings, and then back at Jacopo. ]
Doesn't this all feel a little surreal?
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