Chapter Three

One of the downsides when it comes to playing with water is that one has to change into dry threads. And by 'one' I mean me and me only.

Still, at least the new digs have a nice blend between stylish and rugged, though I don't really feel any sort of elation wearing it.

But that must be a 'me' problem.

"You know, I don't mind paying for these!" I call out from this little cozy dress room where it lacks in space it makes up for its vibrant autumn colors.

"You are paying for these!" Comes my partner's chirpy response. "With your time and poses!"

Well, that's one way to stir up the butterflies.

"I'm not one for striking poses for your catwalk." My poor choice of words causes me to descend into a little panic and my mouth desperately attempts to form words all on it’s own free will to rephrase what I mean to say. “I-I mean… posing isn’t really a suit that’s my strong… uh strong suit! Yeah, posing isn’t my strong suit!”

I am becoming aware of my shoulders threatening to tower over me over how idiotic I sound.

Thankfully, the sounds of Aurodha’s giggling greases the gears on my locked limbs.

“I will remember that darling!”

I can’t tell if I should be delighted by her sing-song tune or a little intimidated. But given the nature of this lady, I cannot be shocked if she intends a little bit of both just to toy with me.

With the second to top button knotted into place, I double check to see if every piece of this attire is in order. Satisfied enough with my looks, I depart the changing room with the creaking of the door signaling Aurodha that I am finished.

Now all I have to do is display her latest creation on her little walkway.

Stepping into studio is the perfect incarnation of organized chaos. Every sketch, every fabric of cloth, needle and thread, collection of ornaments, and wrapped packages looks cluttered but not in the nightmarish manner of it risked being lost or misplaced within this vivid establishment.

Not to mention it helps tremendously that I can walk across the floor without having to step on or trip over something.

As I make my way through a small corridor, the sound of melodic humming draws me in the right direction of what room I should enter.

As I peer through the opened door, I choose not to say a word as I see Aurodha indulging herself with what I assume is her latest project. One that she does not choose to disclose, which I completely understand given that client confidentiality is something drilled into my bones.

However, I sure wish that she can just drop little bits and hints on what she has exactly in store, but that’s just me complaining.

Much like the rest of the shop, the spruced mess adds charm to Aurodha’s room rather than diminishes it, but I like to think that the natural lighting and her aura also do wonders for its enhancement.

The sight of Aurodha leisurely tailoring to her work while the rapid clicking of the brass wooden sewing machine proves to be oddly therapeutic. I can only assume that it’s always a fulfilling sight to see someone enjoying the work they love.

Especially if that someone is precious.

My peripheral vision catches a miscellaneous item that is coated with a familiar cover resting atop of the her desk.

I didn’t need to devote my full attention to it to realize one of my favorite manga in Aurodha’s care, but I decide to bless my eyes with the front cover of Treasured Haven regardless.

A warm fluffy romance that has always brought me great comfort back in my old world, and my invaluable treasure when I came here.

“Something you wish to say?”

Of course, Aurodha would have to pull me back into the present. Not that I mind being greeted with her trademark warm smile.

“Nothing, just…” I point over to my manga. “…hoping you’re liking the manga I lent you.”

“Did I ever tell you that name closely resembles such a darling way of chewing?”

I snicker. “Well, you have now!”

She rises from her seat and takes me into her arms, which I welcome fully, sinking into her chest.

And, thankfully, Aurodha shows no signs of breaking away. In fact, her hold over me tightens allowing me to sink in further.

I permit my eyes to flutter close. After the embarrassing mishap of messing up my first chapter and this contest in general, to say that Aurodha’s hugs are a welcoming change of pace is not even giving it justice.

“Although I find the words they are saying a mystery” She murmurs in my ear. “That’s what makes it all the more of a thrill to read.”

Oh right… she can’t read my language…

“How so?”

“Well… I am sure you are aware of an old proverb: Pictures are worth a thousand words and such.”

I let out a low chuckle. “Hard to believe that both our worlds share the same line of thinking like that.”

“Mmmm small worlds?”

“I wouldn’t know.” I confess. “Gear Box is the only piece of civilization I’ve seen. Not that I’m not complaining.”

“I hope not.” She teases. “It is no easy feat making my favorite lover happy.”

“Oh c’mon…” I breathe, tingling from her fingers dancing around in my hair. “I can’t be that much a chore…”

“No. Not a chore.” She whispers. “An exploration. And you, of all people should know…” Our foreheads connect with our breath providing heartening warmth to our visages. “No one worth being is ever and easy path.”

Time has always been a tricky concept to understand, but I can always sense when it decides to slow itself down to a gradual stop.

Here and now, with the person dear to me, after my big leap across worlds, I can feel reality, or maybe Aurodha manipulating it herself, being halted for just this occasion.

A small piece of eternity that we can savior for a few moments.

I cannot ask for anything more perfect.

Sadly, neither of us have taken gravity into consideration as my wobbling legs begin to stagger my footing, letting time resume normally.

And allowing my idiotic self to ruin the moment.

“I’m sorry!” I cry out regaining my composure and balance. “I think I got a little tired there.”

Aurodha shakes her head and smiles. “You know I would have caught you, right?”

I can feel my cheeks heating up. “I… do now… I-I mean, I would’ve caught you- Nono I-I mean yes I would do that! Totally, but…” I growl at my stammering. “Thank you… and I would gladly return the favor.”

“Hmm… I’ll hold you to that then, darling.”

I strike a mediocre pose. “So… how do I look?”

She shakes her head. “Not here, come!” She takes my hand and leads me out of the room. “I need to see my creation at work!

I know better than to protest her plans for me. Still, even if she’s going to be my sole audience, I just hope that stage fright gets the better of me.

(*)

“Aww come on! At least give me something! A strut, a twirl! Something people will want to eat up!”

I roll my eyes know that Aurodha is demanding for the impossible.

“Madam, I am one of those people that makes things worse if they try too hard!”

That earns a pout from the only onlooker. “Wellll…. If that’s the case, I guess I’ll see you to the door with your fee.”

I grumble in defeat and decide to strike a pose with the cliché popping out of the hip before spinning around and giving what could be the most ridiculous strutting in the history of modeling.

Though Aurodha’s manic cackles serve as the perfect remedy to continue my stride without faltering halfway through.

With the private show over, I return to the edge of the walkway to get Aurodha’s verdict.

“Hmmm it is a good start, but something is missing…” She nods scanning me thoroughly before nodding her head. “Let us see if the cap and vest complete the puzzle!"

She throws up two pieces of unknown objects and matching ebony pigment up to me, which my clumsy fingers barely catch, and I can see that they are the additional clothes she mentions.

Both newcomers has this smooth felt sensation that feels like one can caress the surface for almost an eternity. I allow the cap to rest atop my head, like a king being adorned his crown, and I can feel it fitting atop nice and snug without that annoying sensation of wanting to squeeze me.

The vest, blessed with a simple yet charming style fits on like a glove and feeling light as a feather!

But glancing back at Aurodha, although she looks more satisfied, I can tell that she feels like something seems off. Though judging by her puzzled glare, it’s safe to say she can’t quite make out what the problem is.

I make a quick scan of my clothes to see if anything seems off, or if something can be added, or removed.

That’s when it hits me!

Maybe the sleeves hold the answer to our little problem.

Aurodha’s eyes brightening up with excitement offers hope that her project has been complete.

“Perfection!” She cries. “Oh, you just look so darling!"

Her praises do wonders for my ego and I decide to humor her with a few more over the top poses that reward me with amused giggles.

That is until she launches her surprise assault, capturing me in her arms and spinning me around the walkway. 

I'm completely baffled having being pushed into the role of the rescued princess, but after a few seconds, I didn't mind. 

To put it mildly.

Aurodha soon settles herself and chivalrously escorts me off stage.

“I take it you no longer need your guinea pig?”

She snickers. “I do not know what those are, darling. But, yes, we are done! But don’t try and pretend you had fun!”

“Okay, I admit! It was… entertaining.” I concede.

“Mmm hmm, merely… entertaining.” She crosses her arms. “Well… I will try to take comfort in the fact that I am merely ‘entertaining’.”

“H-Hey I didn’t mean it like-“ I quickly piece together that she’s teasing me. “ARGH YOU-“

Aurodha lets out a squeal as she races out of the room with me hot on her tail with her fits of laughter echoing across all corners of the shop.

I can’t help but be amazed we didn’t knock anything over.