2374/Mall Not-A-Date

Mall Not-A-Date
Date of Scene:	02 March 2025
Location:	Clover Tower
Synopsis:	The long overdue shopping trip for Minako's new bow occurs... After the incident with Hearstealer Rifles. The awkwardness between Minako and Izou is certainly there, but they soon find a few commonalities as they work through apologies to one another. Somehow, miraculously, they don't kill each other and even have a good time!
Cast of Characters:	Zoisite, Minako Aino
Tinyplot:	The Demise of Bow-chan

---

Zoisite has posed:
Minako had texted him the evening prior to the unfortunate Shed event. Early afternoon at two o'clock, on the dot. And Izou was there, waiting near the foodcourt of the mall.

There was a wonder if she would show up at all. He wouldn't blame her if she didn't and only forgot to text him back that plans changed, considering what recently happened yesterday--to think she would be foolish enough to even doubt herself in having a pure heart at all... That was something that only-- No. Stop. Another deep breath. He left so he wouldn't have to think about it. Didn't want to know the details, even if his insides itched to know every detail.

Another glance down to his phone, brows furrowed. If she would be coming, she'd be considered rather late. And he could've been studying or doing research, or practicing either of his instruments. Sighs.

At least he looked very good. Caramel curls freshly washed and expertly tied back with his faithful ribbon. Black jeans that had extra decorative silver buttons on the side for flare, black converse, a stylish white button up shirt with only the two top buttons were undone to show a hint of green tank top underneath, matching his bow and the color of his earrings. Izou did not want to be caught slacking any efforts around Minako. Her having a sense of style would not be his downfall to whatever game she had in her head.

Today would just be about the bow and that's that.

Minako Aino has posed:
Minako Aino was running a bit late but she had a very good reason! Very good. Actually, she was already in the mall having hit one particular store because... Of reasons. While he looks to his watch she's already hurrying in his direction having spotted the now-familiar head of ginger curls.

It may not be immediately easy to recognize HER though. How often had she been seen with her hair completely down? Probably never. Even when she hadn't worn her bow she had her hair back with a scrunchy to keep it in the same style. Today there was none. The long blonde hair hung freely around her shoulders, down the length of her back, and a bit subtly curved in against her cheeks where the longer edges of her bangs weren't swept back with the rest of her hair for once.

A black scoop next dress is worn with laces on each side of her waist cinching it up. It's black and the skirt flares in an A-line around her hips. Beneath the haltertop dress is a red loose neck sweater that slips low enough to show her off her shoulders. A pair of black ankle boots with a slim heel adds just a bit to her height but really she was still only a hair above Usagi's height.

And perhaps the reason for her lateness is held in hand: A box of luxury chocolates. It's this that she presents out toward Zoisite with a glance to the side so as to not meet his gaze for the moment.

"Here. To make up for the bad Valentine candy. Sorry I'm late." A pause for a little breath and she adds, "And sorry for accusing you the other day." He knew what she meant. "Sorry I'm late."

Zoisite has posed:
Hurried footsteps caught his attention, perking up from his seat from having leaned into the table with head proper up by a hand, elbow on the glassy surface. Phone in hand, waiting for any news before he'd eventually give up and move on for the day. But, hurried steps. And he looked only to catch a blond someone approaching him at haste.

Paused, puzzled, it took him a second to not recognize her, but take her in. She looked different. Lovely, but different from her usual get up from the Academy. The red sweater and black skirt bring out the lighter and more vibrant hues she wore, the shine of her hair, and the way she looked when the box was thrusted towards him.

A blink. Then he looked at the box. Salts of the World: Collection. Yes, that was considered a luxury, and not one he was expecting at all at this point. The nougat incident was so, so small in his mind, overshadowed by the rest. Yet... His demeanor of furrowed brows due to disappointment started to melt away at the considerable gift.

Izou got up from his chair then, accepting the gift so he could look at it, quietly marvel, before his greens were back on her. "You didn't have to get me anything, Aino-san." It was genuine, the tone of his voice. "We've been even so far, sans the bow of course." But he knew what she meant. She'd actually offended him twice, but decided to drop it when it was obvious she was not okay.

"Thank you. This is... very thoughtful of you." Gentle, much more sincere. No lilt of irony or sarcasm. Just, quiet wonder. "How have you been feeling? Better?"

Minako Aino has posed:
Blue eyes finally risk glancing back to him when he stands to accept the gift of the chocolates. It was rather different seeing him in something that wasn't the Shittenou uniform or ... She actually couldn't remember what he was wearing when she was at the cat cafe giving out candy. At the time her attention really had been mostly on Kazuo after all. It's his assurance that she didn't need to get anything that earns a quick shake of her head sending her loose hair swaying.

"I wanted to, to make it up in some small way. I really wasn't trying to cause trouble the other day." She just had some very serious doubts she had to confirm for herself, and unfortunately it got out of hand quite literally. She almost says more. Almost explains entirely before catching herself from dumping on him.

Instead she gives a quick nod and flash of grin in an attempt to be reassuring. "Yeah. I think spending a few months working by myself just has had me recalling when I was younger, working alone. And then with Rei, I've been kind of giving her space after we didn't work out, and anyway!" It's rattled off quickly. An explanation that perhaps grew a bit too much. "I'll be fine. Today's good."

Quick change of subject! "You look good today. If I didn't know you, I might have mistaken you for some new idol. It's very much a look."

Zoisite has posed:
Her replies were in earnest, and he could see it clearly. An attempt was being made, and it wasn't something entirely unpleasant. In fact, it's catching him by surprise how differently this meeting felt in comparison the last few. Uncomfortable, like sticks and needles wanting to poke each other and provoke more and more. Similar to him and Nephrite, but also so much more hurtful instead.

No, this was much more gentle, and vulnerable. They both saw sides of themselves that were not the best. Might continue to do so, due to forced proximity. "I wasn't either. It's okay." With a nod, watching her. "I will definitely enjoy these." He'll take pictures of it, send them to her.

Oh, she's been working alone then? That explains some of it to him. Sympathy wanted to bloom then, and part of him was very much horrified by this. He could tell her about how he was henshi'd for several weeks because of Mamoru's heart being stolen, but it got swallowed down. Instead, his mind decided to focus on the latter detail. "I had no idea you and Rei were together at some point. I'm sorry that did not work out for you both." Broken heart. That sucks.

And as she started to compliment how he looked, a little smirk finally popped up, him almost wanting to preen himself a little. Flattery was a drug he truly enjoyed. "Thank you," Izou does a swiftly twirl around so Minako could see the entire outfit. "You look quite an eye catcher today as well, Aino-san. Your hair ready to try on some hair accessories with me?"

Minako Aino has posed:
"We tried, a bit. It just kind of fell apart on it's own," Minako remarks in regards to Rei-chan. They were maybe too much alike in some ways, both tied to their work. Even in casual down time though Rei was still tied to her work while Minako had other interests. "Paris." It fell apart after Paris. Or during it? Around that time certainly.

"Artemis and I stayed behind for a few months to make sure there weren't any portals left to the Dark Kingdom that could cause trouble later. So it wasn't really a bad break or anything." A simple shrug follows as if the reason were obvious. Just. Distance. Different duties. Missing out on so much and finally nothing left to come back to. Of course this also explains that 'working alone' she had breifly mentioned if she was the one to remain behind after the destruction of Beryl and Metallia.

For the breifest moment the shrug turns into more of a shudder with a genuine declaration of, "I honestly do not want to be underground again any time soon." It wasn't a phobia so much as just lack of sunlight, lack of people, lack of anything that would have kept her happy.

Such thoughts are easily moved on from when he twirls around. An old hobby was stalking idols, she was a pro-fan after all, so when he twirls she lifts her hands with fingers jutting apart to create a 'square' that she peers through him at as if she were taking pictures from his posing. Immediately after she laughs warmly to draw a hand back to her hair.

"Ready as ever! I didn't wear one today so it'd be easier. Lead the way, Saitou-kun." Sorry, she already had a Saitou-san and it wasn't him.

Zoisite has posed:
Ah, the underground. The all consuming darkness and bones and loneliness that in many ways, suited Izou rather well. He did not need people around him all the time to be happy, only a handful of those he truly trusts. That's what made him comfortable, happy. A constant. So, he also understood why she would not have felt at home in the Catacombs of Paris.

"You two drifted apart. It happens." Quiet, small nod from him. "You also don't seem like someone that could survive long term without sun. Too much of a busybody too. You obviously need people and to touch grass." Waves a hand dismissively like he could already tell. "Just remain top side next time, don't tire yourself."

And he puts the chocolate box back in the little bag it came in, hanging it off his arm as he got ready to walk. He was beaming a little bit with how Minako humored him and his outfit.

"Some of the boutiques here have some precious hair accessories I think you might enjoy. Don't worry about the price, alright? Just pick one out that you feel suits you the most." And he offers his free arm to her to hang on.

Minako Aino has posed:
"It wasn't all bad at least. The desserts there were really good! But yeah, yuck, underground is not good for my hair," Mina agrees solemnly. He was right on the other parts. VERY right, more right than she herself had even realized until her little issue the other day and the subsequent 'talk' she had with Usagi.

When the arm is offered she steps closer looping her arm through his to walk mlock step with him. There was a bit of a height difference, but no where near as much as Kazuo. Or Mamoru. Or Nephrite, not that she would ever walk along with that weirdo.

"It's okay," comes her smooth, almost habitual reassurance about her love life--Or lack thereof in this case. "Someone once told me my love fortune was to never realize real love, and to forever be left to my battles. At least she didn't die like my other crushes did!"

Wait what? Barely are the words out of her mouth when a sudden energetic bounce comes to her step, and she hugs his arm just a bit tighter. "Really? Any cost? Oh I'm going to get *the prettiest* accessory I can find, then! Come on!" At least this seems to have cheered her up a great deal! Her gaze is already sweeping around the boutiques they were starting by trying to find one or two that looks good to start at. "Oh let's go there! All the manequins have long hair so they must have good accessories! Oh there's even a guy's side if you see something cute!"

Zoisite has posed:
Oh he had to agree with her about French desserts. They were indeed good if not exceptional--enough that he missed them when he was afforded time to get them topside. Not that he wouldn't have if he was expected to stay put either. A boy has needs, and those needs were sometimes a fueling of sugar and fruits.

Feeling her weight on his arm, he started on walking, letting her drag him to whatever boutique she wanted to visit first. He did hear her comment about her crushes dying, and there was a nervous twitch in his heart in regards to Kazuo. The man was still alive but... No. Nothing bad would happen.

Nervousness was hidden by a chuckle as they entered a rathe fancy looking boutique. "Bold of you to assume I wouldn't incorporate lady clothes into my fashion send. One must be flexible, after all."

Minako Aino has posed:
One thing Minako actually was good at, when she was paying attention, is getting the feel of how others are feeling. That little twitch of concern at mentioning her prior crushes dying... Perhaps she felt it through the shared contact of their arms, or perhaps she just assumes he would be concerned knowing how she felt about Kazuo. Whatever the reason it does occur to her. Lightly she pats his arm as they veer toward the boutique.

"Most of them were working for the Dark Company under Obsidian. Pretty sure some weren't human. I had to fight them and well the Dark Company doesn't exist anymore so it's easy to guess how that went." Kazuo, definitely not evil or youma.

Oh. Oh oh, but then he makes a remark about ladies clothes. She halfway leans away from him with eyebrows raised to give a sweeping down-and-up again look over him. "Wait. Wait wait wait!" Oh no. Is she going to turn mean? Tease him? Insult him?

"Were you the hottie in the dress with Takashi at prom year before last?!" The hair. The face. It was there just without makeup, without heels, without the killer dress that 'woman' had worn. It was before they'd rescued the Shittenou but now that she had the thought of 'Zoisite in dresses' that memory had been pinged.

Zoisite has posed:
Another sigh, one that felt his heart and the stress that slowly began to leave him with Minako's comment. If he could, he would have squeezed her arm in return, signify that he appreciated it. Izou would never forgive himself if anything were to happen to Kazuo, being his fault of not...

He'd continue the subject, but a moment was required so his heart wouldn't run off with him. Instead, focusing on her sudden fascination and discovery of how he attended a dance two years ago. "Hottie? Really?" There was a grin to his rhetorical question, then gave a one shoulder shrug.

"Yes, that was me. I don't always cross dress fully, but I can when the feeling takes me. And that was a special occasion." It was good practice too on his end. "Like I said, I just borrow what I think will fit with other outfits I have. Jewelry, shoes, accessories." As they pass through the threshold of the store, the smell of rosy perfume greeted them. There were quite a bit of customers inside.

"Go on, lead the way. It's your day."

Minako Aino has posed:
"Well." Oops. She'd just accidentally called Izou a hottie. Minako looks away to the interior of the store with a slightly flustered expression, just the hint of a blush. Not an uber embarassed one! Not a 'oh no he's not' realization! Just embarassed at blurting out such a remark without really thinking how it might be taken. "No one really knew who you were at the time, at least not on our end, so there was some talk." No wonder no one could put their finger on who it was though!

As for the crossdressing matter, that just earns the most dismissive shrug from Minako. "I've actually traveled more than most of the other senshi. Clothes is such a varied thing all around, and what might be a 'dress' one place is a 'robe' in another. So long as you look and feel good."

Her chin raises to sniff lightly at the air taking in that floral perfume. "Oh that's not too bad... Ah, accessories! This way!" The wall with such had quite a lot. Jewelry, hairbands, scarves, pins, barettes, and yes even bows. Some were pre-tied, others were just shaped ribbon that would help make a very bouncy bow once tied. She reaches habitually for the red of one of the shaped ones testing the feel of it. "Kind of slippery but that would keep it from gathering lint."

Zoisite has posed:
Her reaction stole a chuckle from him then, noting the look on her face at realizing what she had just said. A mixture of pride and satisfaction, as though he could peacock around knowing that Sailor Venus considered him a hottie during one of the dances. She definitely has good taste. "That was the idea. I didn't want anyone to recognize me. Glad I made an impression on your mind."

Well, at least she wasn't judgmental about clothes and who wore them. A nod was his reply to her added commentary, agreeing with it. "Not everyone agrees with your sentiments, but they are the ones that need to be ignored the most." Or receive a payback, but he didn't utter that. Be nice, Izou. Be kind, Izou. Damn it.

Suddenly he was pulled along up to the wall where a plethora of twinkling gems and smooth ribbons and adorable hats were hug for display. His own eyes glittered like that of magpies before observing Minako's thought process. Ah, the red one again. It had been the one he burned, so it would make sense to replace it.

"You're right." Gaze returns to that particular bow, reaching over to touch the other side of it. It was made of good fabric, long lasting. Just too simple in mind--missing something if she picked it. "It would be a long lasting accessory if you picked it."

Minako Aino has posed:
"No lace though," Minako observes as she recalls very well what her bow had looked like. Breifly she considers if the lace was the reason it had caught fire so easily. Then again given his fire was magical it probably would have gone up just as much if it were one of her standard plain bows.

There's a full length mirror nearby for those who wanted to check themselves, so she peers at her own attire in consideration. Her hand wavers over the red bow which had become her signature style for so long. Even in spite of her assurance to him that she had plenty, it wasn't different *colors* really.

Maybe a slight adjustment.

Her hand moves to a nearby one which was still red but not the bright red of before. It was a deeper burgundy like the top she was wearing at the moment. It's plucked off the rack to be drawn between her fingers. "Let's try this one!"

Now came the awkwardness of sweeping one side of her hair back and clenching the length in hand only to pause, eyes narrowing, as she realizes the horrible truth of not putting her hair up prior: "... I didn't bring a hairbrush."

Zoisite has posed:
Burgundy? Hm. It did match her current outfit and would be the cherry on top of her look, so to speak. The color was also very rich, deeper than the prior red that seemed to be a beacon of vividness.

Unfortunately, he saw her eyes narrow and the gears turn in her head in the mirror. Izou approached then, looking at her through the reflection. "May I?" He asks, offering to help.

Minako Aino has posed:
The reflection of Minako in the mirror shifts her gaze over her shoulder toward Izou at the offer. When was the last time she had someone else put her hair up? In this case it was necessary though. "If you don't mind," she agrees with a slight forward dip of her chin.

The ribbon is held out to the side for him to take the lead with while her hair ... Well there was a lot of it.

"It doesn't have to be perfect. I know my hair is challenging. Although yours is curly so it might be just as troublesome."

Zoisite has posed:
"Hm." He was careful as fingers brushed against her temple, sweeping up the first few locks carefully. Touch delicate, mindful of how sensitive the scalp was closer to the ears. Sure, the styling didn't need to be perfect, but he wouldn't have been Zoisite if he left it at that, would he? Already used to his own wild curls, Minako's hair seemed like a silky dream. He could tell why such locks didn't keep their shape as well.

"Tsk." A small twitch of his lips then, realizing he didn't bring anything extra to help him with hair. So he reached behind his back and undid the green ribbon on his hair. Caramel curls cascaded around his shoulders, the satin fabric being tied around the prepared bunch of hair before focusing on the other side. It didn't take as long this time, now knowing what to expect, despite being just as careful.

Once he plucked the burgundy ribbon from Minako's fingers, it was clipped onto her hair just so. "There." The satisfied smile reached his eyes then as he looked back at her reflection, green ribbon in his hand now.

"What do you think?"

Minako Aino has posed:
That light touch that brushes through her hair draws the slightest of shivers from her. With it being Winter time she expected the touch to be chilly like her own. Instead it was warm. That wasn't something she was expecting at all so it felt... Nice? An experience she was *not* expecting to have from Izou of all people.

The progress on her hair is watched with bright blue eyes in the mirror. Over her shoulder. It was almost disassociating as she watched an admittedly cute guy work on the hair of a cute girl that just happened to be her.

Hands snap up to cover her mouth with fingers pressed tight watching. Watching as his hair spills loose so that he can use his own ribbon to help gather her hair in preparation for the one she was considering buying. That little warm touch, the focused attention, the usage of what he had already hinted was an important object to him, it all causes her heart to skip a quick beat.

"Oh." OH. Oh no.

Resolutely her attention shifts back to JUST her reflection as she seems to critically examine the darker red bow in her hair. It did finish the outfit off nicely. "This. Yes. This works."

"Your hands are warm."

"I mean! Thank you!"

Zoisite has posed:
Mirth. It bubbled from his chest, the sweet amusement of her comment. "I run a bit hot in more ways then just looks." A tease, eyes twinkling as he was in some form of his element. Someone that reveled in beauty, self care.

Izou offered his hand to her, waiting until she accepts before he guides her into a slow twirl so he could have a better look at the bow and outfit once more. "It does work. Very autumn. Mature for the summer as well." Letting go of her hand. "It suits you like a glove, bringing out the rest of your colors."

The vivid blues of her eyes, the yellow of her hair, and if she ever wore it during battles, the orange of her uniform.

"Do you think you found the one?"

Minako Aino has posed:
Exhale Minako. After her flirtations with Tamaki had proven unwanted she had quit. It was just idle flirting in that case with no real emotion behind it so it was easy enough to do. As for Izou, well, she hadn't *flirted* yet to begin with. There was nothing to be embarassed about given she was pretty sure he was just into guys! He'd certainly staked his attempt at a claim on Kazuo after all. All she had to do was breathe through it.

The smirk is returned with a grin of her own, and the offered hand is taken to twirl indulgently for the moment. The flare of her skirt swishing from the motion, the way the tails of the ribbon fluttered, her hair fanning out at the end. It really did work well!

Laughing she remarks, "It's different than my usual but in a good way. I like it!"

The last question though earns an eyebrow arching. Oh she would totally remark on that! Still grasping his hand she leans in closer to smile smugly at him. "That's a loaded question that could give the wrong idea, you know," she teases lightly only to stand back again. There's no further pressing of teasing or flirting past that because--He liked guuuys, Mina. Instead her free hand reaches up to gingerly pat the bow though. "I think I have in this case though. Unless there's anything you want to try, I'm good with this."

Zoisite has posed:
An arching of brow was returned with a smirk. "I am aware." He knew how to flirt back when he wanted to, and this was meant to be playful. The Goddess of Love was the type, wasn't she? She shine under these attentions. "But I was speaking about the bow. Accessories have meaning and importance. This one will remind you of many things, I'm sure. It's your choice on how it should look." Just like the one he burned. It held meaning.

Just like the green ribbon in his hand.

Everything had it's meaning, whether they wanted it to or not.

"There is one thing I would like to try." A grace for the bow itself. Letting go of her hand, he approaches the wall of accessories again and eyes the pins of various colored gems, shapes and sizes. And there was one that was oval, bright orange. It shined like the sun itself, surrounded in gold metal. That's the one. Detaching it from the wall, something else caught his eye. Marquise cut, icy blue.

His heart skipped as he discreetly took that one for himself.

"Turn around." Returning, he stands behind her to clip the pin of oval orange gem to the center of her bow, where the color radiated beautifully. "There. Now, you're complete."

Minako Aino has posed:
Oh. Oh he knew he was then huh? At least this didn't seem so awkward then. If anything Minako relaxes a bit more with another stolen look to the mirror regarding the new bow in her hair. "That bow didn't really mean much to me. I just thought it was more feminine with the lace." Not rough and tumble like her volleyball bashing self.

"Hmm? Try something? Sure." At least it's easy enough to figure out what he might be doing when he goes to the wall with pins. Which one he chose though? That was definitely unexpected.

The blue one goes unmentioned.

Obediently she turns around so the pin can be placed turning THIS bow into something more feminine, and pretty in general. It's hard not to smile warmly over it all.

"This is perfect. Thank you," she murmers again feeling as if she's getting a bit repetitive. "You know. You're kind of easy to get along with when we're not fighting over things."

Zoisite has posed:
"Things? I don't fight over things." Oh he was such a little liar, pointing his pointy nose upwards in an exaggerated huff. "I'm protective of what is mine, and what I consider near and dear to me." A clarification he much preferred. "I am a knight after all. I have my duties. Just like you do."

Aggression was at a minimum, good humor still visible in the twinkle of his eyes as he returned his gaze to Minako, watching her marvel at the added sparkle to her new bow. "You're welcome, Aino-san."

Izou wondered for how long they would get along for.

"I'll go ahead and pay for it. I'll be right back." He plucks the little tags from both the bow and pin before making his was way to the check out desk in the back of the middle of the store.

Zoisite has posed:
Once paid, he was tying his curls back with his green ribbon, stopping at the mirror to make sure the bow was correctly tied. And quietly, he slips on the icy blue pin in the middle of it, just like he did for Minako. But this one had a very special meaning to it as it took it's new place.

It sparkled just as brightly, a soft pink blush on his cheeks as it reminds him of the glimmer of his broken crystal heart, the glow of transformations around him as he quickly faded into darkness, of the embers and ashes as a result. ...of the kiss he gave Kazuo's cheek.

Another heart skip.

He turns to Minako and offers his arm to her once more. "Ready?" When they were, they left the store together. Perhaps chatted a little more. Perhaps they got coffee on their way out.

But he did send her the pictures of the chocolates she gave her, and a small little text below.

Izou TXT: Thank you Mina-chan.