[ 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. ]
[ Jacopo goes quiet as he watches Claude gather himself. He watches him gather the whole room, the situation, and more, and it sobers him to the strange reality laid before them. Ridiculous happenstances. Insane two-month marathons.
He had lived multiple lives in between then while people had only experienced a stretch of a day to months, all less than a millennia. When he blinks, he can picture his life as lord of the land in the middle ages, a criminal boss in the approaching end of the Victorian era, and... Then now. ]
It does. [ The look in his eyes show he's present yet somehow distant. ] Months back... Before I remembered anything, I didn't believe in the supernatural. In fate. Wasn't much of a believer, either.
[ Months back he was so disconnected. Between them, there was nothing. ]
Well, I suppose I'm still not much of a believer.
[ Jacopo still out here being like. Eh. I'm probably still non-religious. ]
[ That's fine. Claude isn't much of a believe either, and he certainly doesn't have any respect for Jonas or his heaven. He's done staring at the room, so he takes a moment to look at Jacopo, and the way his demeanour doesn't entirely fit into the space they're in for a moment.
He wonders what it's like to live multiple lives and carry those ghosts. Does he feel like he's the same as those people? Different? Claude hardly feels like the same person in and outside of Fódlan, though he knows it's not the same.
He hums, glancing around the room again. ]
Well, you should believe in the supernatural now, at least. [ They have been shown that literally anything is possible. ] It feels a little like a dream.
I mean, I'm supposed to be fighting a war, but I'm listening to you talk about fashion. It doesn't really make any sense.
[ Jonas is just a guy who happens to have a lot of power. That's what God is about, right? Someone with a lot of power.
After another blink, he seamlessly melds into their current circumstances, foot swaying back and forth as his leg is propped over the other. Suddenly, he fits perfectly into the scenery of a modern world, even though as Claude had said he better fits under supernatural happenings. ]
All of this while you're sporting some forest green shorts.
[ Claude is a king, but he is showing his calves instead. ]
War wages on, but is it really so strange for there to be spots of solace? No, more that it's necessary for them to exist. [ He tilts his head. ] You look your age here... If you were from this time period, I mean.
[ Jacopo can say that you Claude The God Hater and listen to him rant about it.
He huffs. He supposes there are moments if solace and reprieve. But at the same time, he can never really escape the spectre if responsibility that looms over him in Leicester. It lingers like an ever present shadow regardless of what he's doing.
It's easier to shed the weight when he's off-world, but it still feels a little wrong to do so.
Anyway, he can't wear these clothes forever, so he gets back up to start trying on the other pieces. ]
[ Oh, Claude. Jacopo would be for it if he didn't think that Jonas would bequeath them godhood if they asked, which he also thinks is a problem.
The weight of many futures once weighed upon them both, so he knows that it's still on Claude's mind as he whirls back into the changing room. Still, unlike war which can be within some of their control, moments and opportunities for joy and wonder can flit and blossom when least expected.
Or opportunities to murder for perks. ]
It means different things at different times. [ Different occasions, different sets of responsibilities. ] It looked like you could be a student, like I said before... With a bag of books slung over your shoulder. Maybe your biggest worry would be exams, while your choice of killing time is to get on my nerves.
[ Because being a politician does not make you look twenty. ]
[ That makes him laugh, relaxing and moving further past the short moment of disquiet that had settled earlier. It is weird that, even though Claude doesn't often get along with people who are rude to him, and Jacopo was clearly... haunted... to say the least when they met in heaven, it has always been easy to get along with him.
He supposes it's because while Jacopo might have secrets he keeps about himself, he's transparent when it comes to how he treats Claude. And he doesn't have any expectations to disappoint, so he doesn't need to play 5d chess to navigate their interactions.
It's nice to relax. ]
Why do you assume I'd get on your nerves?
[ Shuffles out of the outfit and into another, clothing rustling. ]
[ If they had met under different circumstances, their relationship could be fraught and tense. Jacopo tends to be frank about how he feels about other people, but they'd also be trying to scramble over the chessboard.
There's none of that here, though. Jacopo has nothing he wants from Claude aside from company and that won't be changing anytime soon.
Maybe. Considering when Claude comes out with a new outfit, Jacopo is giving him a stink face while his cheek rests on his knuckles, elbow propped over the backrest of this couch. ]
Considered dropping your day job as king and becoming a jester?
Or don't. Claude's demeanour is difficult to dampen, and he looks as bright as ever despite Jacopo's scathing expression. ]
Do you think I could get a laugh out of you?
[ It would be nice if he could. While Claude likes to keep the mood up in general, mostly because he's used to managing the morale of his army, he doesn't often concern himself individuals too often. He's not sure that he could live up to it, given the strict demands of his time, so he doesn't offer.
But it is nice to do things for your friends.
He'll continue trying on clothes until he's gone through them all, and they can move along to paying.
At some point, he's going to randomly remember, ] By the way, do you still play the lyre?
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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. ]
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[ 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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He had lived multiple lives in between then while people had only experienced a stretch of a day to months, all less than a millennia. When he blinks, he can picture his life as lord of the land in the middle ages, a criminal boss in the approaching end of the Victorian era, and... Then now. ]
It does. [ The look in his eyes show he's present yet somehow distant. ] Months back... Before I remembered anything, I didn't believe in the supernatural. In fate. Wasn't much of a believer, either.
[ Months back he was so disconnected. Between them, there was nothing. ]
Well, I suppose I'm still not much of a believer.
[ Jacopo still out here being like. Eh. I'm probably still non-religious. ]
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He wonders what it's like to live multiple lives and carry those ghosts. Does he feel like he's the same as those people? Different? Claude hardly feels like the same person in and outside of Fódlan, though he knows it's not the same.
He hums, glancing around the room again. ]
Well, you should believe in the supernatural now, at least. [ They have been shown that literally anything is possible. ] It feels a little like a dream.
I mean, I'm supposed to be fighting a war, but I'm listening to you talk about fashion. It doesn't really make any sense.
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After another blink, he seamlessly melds into their current circumstances, foot swaying back and forth as his leg is propped over the other. Suddenly, he fits perfectly into the scenery of a modern world, even though as Claude had said he better fits under supernatural happenings. ]
All of this while you're sporting some forest green shorts.
[ Claude is a king, but he is showing his calves instead. ]
War wages on, but is it really so strange for there to be spots of solace? No, more that it's necessary for them to exist. [ He tilts his head. ] You look your age here... If you were from this time period, I mean.
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He huffs. He supposes there are moments if solace and reprieve. But at the same time, he can never really escape the spectre if responsibility that looms over him in Leicester. It lingers like an ever present shadow regardless of what he's doing.
It's easier to shed the weight when he's off-world, but it still feels a little wrong to do so.
Anyway, he can't wear these clothes forever, so he gets back up to start trying on the other pieces. ]
You don't think I normally look my age?
[ He can still hear in the changing room. ]
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The weight of many futures once weighed upon them both, so he knows that it's still on Claude's mind as he whirls back into the changing room. Still, unlike war which can be within some of their control, moments and opportunities for joy and wonder can flit and blossom when least expected.
Or opportunities to murder for perks. ]
It means different things at different times. [ Different occasions, different sets of responsibilities. ] It looked like you could be a student, like I said before... With a bag of books slung over your shoulder. Maybe your biggest worry would be exams, while your choice of killing time is to get on my nerves.
[ Because being a politician does not make you look twenty. ]
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He supposes it's because while Jacopo might have secrets he keeps about himself, he's transparent when it comes to how he treats Claude. And he doesn't have any expectations to disappoint, so he doesn't need to play 5d chess to navigate their interactions.
It's nice to relax. ]
Why do you assume I'd get on your nerves?
[ Shuffles out of the outfit and into another, clothing rustling. ]
Jacopo... Do you secretly think I'm annoying?
[ Theatrical disbelief. ]
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There's none of that here, though. Jacopo has nothing he wants from Claude aside from company and that won't be changing anytime soon.
Maybe. Considering when Claude comes out with a new outfit, Jacopo is giving him a stink face while his cheek rests on his knuckles, elbow propped over the backrest of this couch. ]
Considered dropping your day job as king and becoming a jester?
[ In the tone: you're not funny. ]
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Or don't. Claude's demeanour is difficult to dampen, and he looks as bright as ever despite Jacopo's scathing expression. ]
Do you think I could get a laugh out of you?
[ It would be nice if he could. While Claude likes to keep the mood up in general, mostly because he's used to managing the morale of his army, he doesn't often concern himself individuals too often. He's not sure that he could live up to it, given the strict demands of his time, so he doesn't offer.
But it is nice to do things for your friends.
He'll continue trying on clothes until he's gone through them all, and they can move along to paying.
At some point, he's going to randomly remember, ] By the way, do you still play the lyre?
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