13958/One Good Turn Deserves Another

One Good Turn Deserves Another
Date of Scene:	11 January 2023
Location:	Garment District
Synopsis:	Marie takes Millie out on a shopping trip, new looks for Spring are decided upon, and the girls indulge in some girl-talk and mutual encouragement.
Cast of Characters:	Marie-Ange Colbert, Millie Nusia

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Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Years ago, when Marie-Ange Colbert was a girl who'd been plucked from a convent in France with little more than the clothes on her back and brought to America, she had the advantage of a friendly face to take her under her wing and help her get adjusted. That was Jennifer Stavros. Marie's long-time BFF, the probability controlling mutant known as Roulette.

Over the years, things have improved for the redhead. She's gotten work that suits her talents and pays pretty decently, she's adjusted to the city and knows where to find things. There's also no Jenny around to help those in need anymore.

Not that Jenny would have ever admitted to such things.

Marie, however, is definitely the type to help people when she can, and it's a way that she can repay her friend's kindness -- by paying it forward to another soul in need. Millie's arrival definitely reminded her of her own; there were a lot of similarities between the girls, and now it was Marie's turn to try and be the one to help. Plus, she had Miss Frost's and the school's backing in this, which certainly helped out with any budgetory concerns!

With the weather still on the chillier side, Marie's dressed warmly. A black overcoat that stretches down to her knees with a light blue sweater and some fleece-lined leggings that tuck nicely into her snow boots. Her hair's pulled back into a ponytail today, with a yellow ribbon tying the red locks back and out of her face.

Looking to the other girl, she speaks up. "...and so this is the fashion district, Mademoiselle Millie. Just about anything you could wish to find, you will be able to find here... and not for an arm and a leg, either!" Although, with the school and Emma offering to fund the trip? It's unlikely to be too much of a problem either way.

Millie Nusia has posed:
Millie Nusia has been careful going out. She hasn't been out of the mansion too much. Though it's easier than she thought to control herself. Lots of people around her give her more energy to play with. It doesn't quite quell her growing need - hunger within her for life. But it does sate. And gives her abilities to play with. Faster. Or smarter. Agile. Or strength. There are lots of options. As long as she doesn't come close enough to touch then it's been a fairly freeing experience. And in New York. There's always someone, somewhere, close by.

Millie Nusia has posed:
Millie is wearing her hair pulled back with a white ribbon tied into a bow just above the neck tying it close before letting it fall free as it would. She has red applied to her lips, a little blush, and she's eyelined rather well. She's very good with her makeup. Her outfit is a warm white sweater - long sleeved and cotton it's form flattering while retaining the warmth of her body. Snug white jeans with a oversized black belt and black flats, and a black coat worn over but left open. The sweater helps to stave off enough of the chill. A small white purse is worn on her shoulder.

"It feels kind of nice to get out." She offers, taking a full look around them. "Gosh. There are so many people. It's like a football game everywhere you go in the city. Oh, right." Pulling out a black pair of thin strechy gloves she pulls them over her fingers, then opens and closes them a few times. "Better wear these. For safety. You know? Just in case."

"So we should get you something too. Something in your hair would look very cute. I could use some...well. Everything. Though it's not hard to come by comfy things in the mansion, there's not a lot of form fitting things. Unless your into strech-x. Something flattering to the form might be good to pick up. Some sleepwear. Intimates. And certainly something to wear that's cute, but also comfy to wear. You have some ideas where you want to stop first?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
"It does, does it not?" Marie replies with a warm smile. "I mean, when there are too many people around, it can be a little difficult for me, but... it is easier when I have a friend along." There's a nod to the gloves, and a soft giggle. "We will take care of one another out here, oui?" Millie's presence will make her an anchor for Marie, and Marie in turn can watch out for people getting too close. It's a solid partnership!

Then when she lists off all the things that she's looking for, there's a nod from the redhead. "I think I know just the place, and it one of my favorites!" she declares, starting to beeline her way towards one of the shops; it's a trendy outlet store. They have a little bit of everything, and in good quality. "We will find you so many lovely things." A giggle. "I believe they have delivery service, as well, which is good since we may not be able to carry it all." Of course, as for what to get for herself, Marie makes a thoughtful sound, reaching back to pull the scarlet locks over one shoulder to get a better look. "You think so? What would you recommend?"

Millie Nusia has posed:
"Oh, you do know some nice places hmm?" Millie steps through the door with the common 'whoa!' look that small town girl (in comparison to New York) does when they walk into these kind of shops.

"Well. Maybe a hat. But I don't know about a French hat. Actually something like a flower would look great. Red, black, or pink. But you'd have to have some nice earrings to accent it. They make flowers that clip in now. They aren't actually flowers, but sometimes they are scented. I've seen things like that at Macy's. It's the fragrance destination."

"What kind of look do you think would suit you? I would think..a dress. A long dress would suit you. Something with slim shoulder straps. Modest tasteful bustline. Maybe a splash of color on a ribbon around your wrist, matching earrings with it and something for your hair. And shoes. Gotta have the shoes. Maybe a white with black accents. Or a purple with red. What do you think your color is?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Marie can't help but grin a little when she hears that 'whoa'; she remembers very clearly what it was like go from a small town -- the convent counts! -- to the big city, so she's definitely been there, though it's not quite as stunning to her anymore, though doesn't take long for the girl to start looking around herself.

"Really?" Marie asks, about the scented flowers. She may be pretty trendy herself, but that's not by the basis of keeping after all the latest trends. It's just generally good taste on her part! "That sounds like if it would be a lovely decision."

Then she's agreeing with Millie's thoughts on a look for her, bobbing her head along as she listens. "That sounds magnifique! I think bringing you along will help me as much as it will help you." she teases gently. "I..." she trails off, pondering for a few moments. Normally she'd check her cards, but that's not entirely an option at the moment. "...my instinct says purple with red." A nod. "I wore something similar during the school's senior trip!"

Millie Nusia has posed:
Millie Nusia laughs "See, then it's a good color on you! Something two-tone. Maybe not something like with green. But. Let's see..." She pauses, looking her partner in crime up and down openly. "Brown and white for serious affairs. Pink and purple for something light, airy, flirty. Yellow and green would be a great spring look. White and purple for if your feeling adventurous. I guess. Are you? Feeling adventurous?"

"I guess a lot of people have signature colors. You wear your mood. Can also help how you feel for the day. Sexy. Professional. Repressed. Flirty. Silly. Happy-go-lucky. Seems like there's something to that doesn't it?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
As she's being examined, Marie's cheeks start to flush. She's never been comfortable with being the center of attention, but she definitely seems to be here. She listens to the other girl's advice, considering. /Is/ she feeling adventurous? ...well, normally the answer would be given by the cards, or no.

...but after that run-in in the park the other day?

"I think so." she replies with a little grin. "Pressing forward into the unknown is a time to feel such a way, non?" So for Marie's part, she's going to start walking towards the dress section -- unless Millie sees something for herself she'd rather grab, of course! "Do you think so? I... do not think I have tried that before. Wearing clothes to fit the mood I wish to be in, that is." Of course, she also suspects there's only so much clothing can do with someone like her!

Millie Nusia has posed:
Millie Nusia laughs "Well technically your familiar with this place, so in the adventure you have the advantage!" She considers "Let's try dressing for your mood now. How are you feeling? And how do you *want* to look? Flirty? Seductive? Comfy? Sexy? Sporty? Effortless? How do you want to look at first glance? Of course all looks take work. But you just have to have it all put together to make it work."

"I'm feeling flirty. I mean I'm *not* but. You know. I'd like to look that way. A little tickle and tease of the eyes and senses. Without really inviting a lot of attention or touch. Flirty is how I used to dress. Before. Well, you know."

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Unlike many girls, there's not a ton of thought put into Marie's attire. She knows her formal, semi-formal, and casual looks. Her style? Falls on the border of comfortable and effortless most days. That's most days, though.

"I feel... lost." she admits. "But I do not want to feel that way." But what does she want to feel like? She's not entirely sure. So she's going to try and refocus the attention.

"There is no reason you should not dress how you prefer. Looking... touchable... is not an excuse to be touched!" Jenny taught her that, along with where to kick people who try! "Although, I suspect you attracted quite a bit of attention, non?"

Millie Nusia has posed:
"Well. I was a cheerleader back home growing up. I was pretty popular in high school too. Maybe I peaked back then - I don't know. I didn't really look at the world in bigger picture I'll admit."

"Well, I could tell you what I think would look good. But. That wouldn't really help you in the long run. I think your not used to making choices yourself. Making those choices are uncomfortable for you. Nervous. You second guess. Will you make the wrong one? Everyone has those thoughts sometimes. I think you should pick some things out and try them on. Something that calls to you. And if nothing does - just try something on anyway. That you think would look good. And we'll see how you did after. How's that sound?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Marie shakes her head a bit in response, "I do not believe you have peaked... even without doing a reading, it is easy enough to see." Now it's Marie's turn to appraise, turning to face the Texan girl. "You are pretty, pleasant to be around, and come from a history of being popular." Being able to navigate those waters is important. "Someone like you seems well-positioned to go far, oui?" A comforting smile. "Though, once I can again, I would be happy to part the veil and simply /tell/ you."

Of course, then the topic shifts and, well, Millie has her pegged. "You are right." she admits. "I am accustomed to seeking outside guidance in such things," whether it be from her cards or friends. Silent for a moment or two, she considers... and then nods to herself. "I will. You do the same, and we will compare, oui?" she suggests.

Millie Nusia has posed:
There is a soft nod of agreement from Millie. "Yes. Okay. So divide and conquer. I'll grab an outfit, you grab an outfit. And we'll compare them together. Whole outfit. I'll tell you if the colors just really dont match or go - but other than that, pick things you think you would like. Not something you think me, or someone else would like."

When they break, she spends a few minutes browsing to put together a casual outfit. First the intimates. A black support bra with a matching trim cut set of panties. Something with a modest cut that's comfortable without being too showy. Then there's a pink dress. It's a dark pink with an open front that can be buttoned up. Sleeveless with moderate straps, it would fall to her knees on her. Next are black stockings. Hmm. She goes between stockings or leggings? Both cover the curve and contour. Leggings are thicker and warmer. Stockings have a sexier appeal - but aren't something that is worn for longevity. She decides to go with the leggings. Modesty and function over sexuality and attraction.

Looking over the more baubley area, she picks two earrings. One pink, one black set. Intending to mix them. And finally a couple of hair ribbons. One pink, one black twinning them together. Waiting for Marie, she slings her items over her shoulder. "Still need some time Marie?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Marie nods, "Oui. It's a plan, then!" she agrees, turning on her heels and disappearing into the tracks upon racks of clothing. Spring was the name of the game, but it wasn't the only parameter she was working with. 'Things she would like'. The urge to dress for someone else's tastes was strong as always, but especially so when she passed the mini-skirts. Stick to the plan, Marie. She sweeps up a basket and gets to work.

So she focuses on identifying some of her own tastes. Marie, Marie, always seeking to please others and put them first doesn't think about these things too often, but letting her eyes wander helps. Red, lacy underthings catch her eye and are demurely added to the basket. Time spent within the Hellfire Club have given her an appreciation for the finer things in life, and she'd be lying if she said she didn't like the feel. Next comes a dress -- because that's just her style. She ends up picking out a white, sleeveless number with a high neckline and a black floral print. Scandalously, though, it only extends just below her knees! She does decide to grab a breezy black silk, short-sleeve blouse to wear open atop it, though, Partially because she likes the material's feel, partially because it serves to cover a bit more skin and put her in her comfort zone. Thigh-high black stockings come next, and black flats accompany them; she's already a tall girl, and it's hard to run effectively in heels should the neeed arise.

Accessories come next; she opts for a assortment of colorful plastic bracelets to offset the monochrome of the outfit's majority, and a berette with a little checkered-print bow on it to stand out against her hair.

"Un minute!" comes the response in French; it took her longer to shop, and there's some hemming and hawing over her choices, but she's satisfied with her picks -- and once she is? Returns to Millie. "I am finished! Shall we compare?"

Millie Nusia has posed:
A smile from Millie as she nods "Take your time." When Marie was ready she makes her way over. "Yes, lets!". She shows off hers "Should we try them on? I went with a two-tone that can be practical and comfortable. Could wear it with stockings or leggings, but due to the season I chose to start with leggings. I went with a more conservative bra so I can leave things open and add a splash of color to my chest if I wanted to. So what called out to you?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
"Well, it was not an easy decision, but..." Marie's getting ready to show off her own choices, but Millie brings up a suggestion that seems a little more effective. "You're right! We should try them on; then we can see how they look as a whole, non?" she suggests, doing a slow turn to scan the store... and pointing towards the fitting rooms in the distance. "I cannot wait to see how great you will look!" she declares, already starting to move in that direction.

Millie Nusia has posed:
Millie Nusia follows along "I'm looking forward to see how you will look. Will you be cute? Seductive? Fashion-forward? Let's see how you look hmm? It's all worth it if you feel as stunning as you look."

A kiss to the air "Alright madamoiselle." About the equivalent of her french right there. "I shall see you momentarily." Zip! The curtain closes.

A soft humming coming from her as she disrobes, the clothes falling and pooling on the floor. Picked up. Her feet moving so often as she puts her own things on. The intimates as the first layer. Then the leggings. The dress after. The left earring is pink, the right is black. And the pink and black ribbons twinned together - they get tied after cropping her hair together at the neck. This leads her blonde locks to flow into that point in a tied off bow, and downward is a delayed ponytail. Leaving the top few buttons undone enough to give a splash of the black bra underneath the solid pink to go along with her cleavage, it's a dip enough to see the color with a hint without giving away the full show.

Zip, the curtain opens. Stepping out without shoes. "Okay, ready when you are Marie."

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
The use of French gets a delighted giggle from Marie, but she does her best not to spoil the surprise beyond before disappering into the sanctity of the dressing room. The usual sounds are present, the zips of zippers, the nearly inaudible thud of cloth hitting carpet. Dressing, at least, doesn't take nearly as long as making the decisions of what to wear -- or what to potentially buy, in this case.

When Marie-Ange slips back past the curtain, well, her style shows; She dresses pretty conservatively, with only a little skin showing, but given her own choice of clothing, the flowing skirts, the just-so layering of clothes? Once you add in the fact that she bothered to do her makeup today, and lacks those dark circles beneath her eyes... she looks every bit the fragile porcelain doll.

"You look stunning, Mademoiselle Millie!" she exclaims with glee, before doing a little spin which lets her dress flare out a little. "Perhaps we should look for a stick for you to keep away all your potential suitors as well, oui?" Focusing on someone else has made it much easier to keep her own blues at bay; without the blues, only the happiness remains, and despite often being downtrodden... Marie remains a certain ray of sunshine. "What do you think?" she asks.

Millie Nusia has posed:
Millie Nusia smiles at the twirl. "Look at you, all ready for the runway! Work it. Of course France is where they go for the best fashion shoots. So it's no wonder you take to it hmm?"

A blush and a shake of her head quickly "Oh no. Suitors is the last thing I need right now. I'm not sure how I'd have a relationship. It's not that I don't want one. But when you have trouble getting close. Well. How is that kind of time going to work?"

"So..should I go with bra like this?" She then buttons the dress up to not reveal the black of the bra. "Or like this?" A snap of her fingers "And I applaud you on the stockings. A very fashionable look. I wear stockings when I want to feel sexy. And they make me feel that way. Leggings when I'm trying to hide, or tone, or keep a little more modesty. There are great times and places for each. I did learn one day - you don't wear stockings to cheerleading practices."

"I'd ask you out." She says. "Are you uncomfortable with skin? Your own style is fine - but some people feel like too much skin is too showy. Or distracting maybe. Some people - they just dont care. And some people like to leeeeer. Those people suck. Oh. I like the colors by the way, of the bracelets. Nice add."

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Marie can't help but blush and giggle at the compliments, even bringing her hands up to her face to hide the warmth in her cheeks. "I think it is more those who I keep company with, how you say, rubbing off on me?" she asks, lowering her hands and offering a gentle smile. She knows her place in social hierarchy -- or at least the one she slots most neatly into.

As for Millie's own decisions? She considers for a moment. "I think... if you truly do wish to keep admirers away, buttoned up. The more you show, the more an eager lady or gentleman will be to see." A pause. "Though, I do not think you should let your... talents... stop you from having a relationship, if you desire one. Walking among your new circle," The superpowered sort, "you may find those who can handle you," and your abilities. "but even still. While it..." she blushes deeply here. "...is nice, touch is not a requirement for amour." Doubly so the skin-to-skin type!

A deeper blush at 'I'd ask you out', and Marie's eyes go downcast. "I... do not care for attention in the way that many people do. When I was growing up, attention meant I would be bullied, and while that has changed since coming here... I have not truly found a real level where I am comfortable with it." A little smile, here. "I am trying, though."

Millie Nusia has posed:
There is a nod from Millie. "Yeah. Buttoned up is probably the way to go there. And well. There is something to say for skin to skin. Holding hands, nuzzling up. I think I'd miss kissing the most. Or nuzzling into someone. There's a certain connection that comes with that contact. It's intimate, but it's not..overtly sexual. It's growing that intimate bond that has been something I've enjoyed in relationships. In my current state that would be more difficult. I have to re-learn how to enjoy relationships. How to connect with people. And how to handle interpersonal relationships in my life."

She reaches up to brush gloved fingertips across Marie's hairline to the side a touch. "Right about here. If we could find a bright red flower or such. I'd put that right here. It'd add a splash of delicateness to the look, and give you a sort of softly fiesty bit to you. Because you know. You are terribly fiesty." A wink and she twirls herself. "How does the double ribbon look on me? Is it too much?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
The talk of romance gets a little sigh from Marie, who looks over to her friend with a shade of sympathy. "I... oui." she starts, letting her voice dip. There's not many people around them right now which is good. But she's not trying to be overheard, either. "I miss kissing too." A frown. "My abilities have gotten in the way of my love life before... some time ago, but I think I may have gotten a second chance... and I intend to make the most of it." She hopes she can. That it's not too late. There's doubt in her tone. "...but I have faith that you will be able to establish that contact, Mademoiselle Millie. Whether it be through ctonrol, or creativity, oui?" Rogue, afterall, wore gloves around everyone for the longest time!

There's another demure downcast of her eyes at the touch, and a gentle smile. "Then we shall have to look for one, oui? Let the world know I am not to be trifled with." Marie suggests with a giggle, starting to regain her mirth. "I think the ribbons perfectly compliment your attire; one or the other would be too little, both is the right amount." A resolute nod to that.

Millie Nusia has posed:
"The whole fate thing when your close to someone?" She asks. Leaning closer, she whispers "Is there someone your interested in? If so, who are they? You can tell me, I won't tell."

"I suppose it's a bit early for me to tell much of anything. Still. It does make the time go by being into someone."

"How are you on shoes? Though that can be an entire day of shopping on it's own. And you've got to pick the right handbag. Shoe and handbag shopping day is going to be it's own shopping day." She leans towards Marie "You give off a different energy when your confident. Maybe it's happy. It's more energy. I can sense it." She lowers her voice to a whisper "I can taste it. It's far more filling. To be happy, satisfied. I like you especially when your showing the world who's boss. Not only is it cute, it's delectable. I mean..inspirational."

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
A somber nod, "When it was my fate to drift away from the ones I cared most about, I did." Her girlfriend, her best friend, everyone at the school. She's back now, though. She's been given another chance by those cosmic forces that oversee the universe. She doesn't intend to waste it.

"There is. Her name is Mary, she's... ah," A blush. "...I suppose one would call her my ex-girlfriend, though we did not part badly." Both of them led busy lives. She blamed herself, as she always does, but when a couple is being pulled in two directions to save the world and work on their futures, it's not really anyone's fault. "I... actually ran into her last night, after going out for a walk, and..." she trails. "I know my feelings have not changed. I hope hers have not."

As the conversation turns to shoes? She smiles a bit. "While one can never have too many, I may be testing my closet's limits." she giggles. "But you, I know, will certainly have a need!" ...as for the talk about energy and happiness? She nods, "I... I think when I am happy, I feel more alive. Perhaps that is why I. Ah..." Trying to decide on the word, she just borrows it. "Taste different?" A fond smile. "I will endeavour to remain that way, if only for your benefit, though."

Millie Nusia has posed:
Millie Nusia rubs her hands together "Well now. An ex girlfriend. You have two choices there then. From the sounds of it. We can either try to impress her to stir up feelings of either want, desire, or positive familiarity - sometimes one of those things leads to the others. Or you could go into a new direction. I don't think trying to make her jealous to notice you would really work for you. So. Do you want to make an impression anew and see if you can at least get a date, if not some time for you two to hang out somewhere and talk about things?"

"We start with the outfit of course. And the question is - do you know what her favorite colors are? Or things she would enjoy that would relate to colors?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Marie can't help but blush as they discuss strategies for her to work her way back into her former lover's good graces, though she listens intently. Millie reminded her of Jenny in a way, just with less of a Regina George vibe about her than the luck manipulator. The point about making Mary jealous gets a little shake of her head, "Mary... is a wonderful person. If I were with someone, she would be happy for me." Plus, Marie doesn't have that overtness about her that really makes that work! "Honestly... I have been thinking of just perhaps texting her, or calling her to ask if we can catch up." A pause, and she worries her lip for a moment, fretting. "I think she still considers me a friend, at least. I would hope if I asked she would be willing to meet me..."

As for her favorite colors? "I think I've most often seen her in reds and whites. Last I knew, she was trying to pursue work in journalism... and... ah... she likes card games! Like... the magic one." Magic: The Gathering, that is.

Millie Nusia has posed:
There's a thoughtful face on Millie as the gears are turning. "Texting her to start, and to meet. Yes. Yes, that could work. But you've gotta have the outfit ready, planned out for when you do meet. It's very important. You want to look good, but not *too* good. Like you went through a lot of effort. So meeting and talking. Oh, I know! Why don't you text her to say hi. Make sure to ask about her journalism and how it's going, and ask if you can get coffee somewhere and talk about it? You should have some good questions to ask to show your interested, but nothing too specific. That shows your showing an interest in her and her interests. And then who knows? Maybe feelings will grow. I'd say really - you don't as much fall in love, as grow in love. That's what I learned from married at first sight. You slowly build trust as well as attraction and if those things blossom together then you're more likely to stay together. That's if your married without meeting. I think it would also apply just fine if your not married."

"So red and white. Why not combine the looks? We'll find a rose for your hair, should red be the solid color or the accent? And I'm not sure about the magic thing. Mmmmn. That kind of thing wasn't in my kind of social circle. Maybe you could buy a deck and challenge her to a duel over coffee? Is that what they do with those? Catch 'em all or something like that?"

Marie-Ange Colbert has posed:
Marie nodded, more than willing to get advice for how she wanted to go about things. It was... a delicate situation. Fate wasn't something that gave people second chances very often. Marie wanted to make the best out of what looked like one to her. "I... you know what? I will text her now, just to see, and if she says yes we will go from there, oui? In the meantime, please feel free to find yourself more clothing!"

Marie steps away for a few moments, pulling her phone out as she walks. For the observer, there's not a ton of visible signs. Marie's expression is serious. Determined. She was navigating a mindfield of sorts; trying to operate without her cards to show her the results of her actions. No matter how far Millie got in the store, though... at one point? There's an undeniable squeal of glee that wouldn't be hard to deduce came from the redhead.

Apparently, someone said yes. There was planning to do!

Millie Nusia has posed:
Millie Nusia continues shopping and after the connect again about a successful response Millie makes sure to give one final piece of advice "So the way I can taste your difference in being fiesty. Happy. Outgoing. Positive. So can other people. In different ways. I can taste the extra energy you have. Feel it. In a room full of people? No way. But just us. I can. And so can other people too. They pick up on body language, attitude, if your fearful, forward, open, or closed. If you go in with too much of a plan - you'll jumble it all up and feel bad. Go in - feeling hopeful, optimistic, and friendly. Listen to your friend, and if more blossoms that's great. But if you go in wanting to rekindle but shy about it, reserved. Repressed. She can sense that kind of energy and it's less likely to happen. Just go in there. And be you. Be open. Be honest. And that honesty will come across." A soft thumbs up "I'll be rooting for you!"