"I'll be right back!" Minako called, running across Paulownia, leaving behind a bewildered Fuuka and Yukari. She hated to ditch them in the middle of the mall, but she recalled receiving a somewhat interesting phone call from Theo, the charming young assistant who worked in the Velvet Room with Igor. He had said it was a request she would quite thoroughly enjoy. She hurried down into the alley and quickly turned the Velvet Key in the deep blue door that only she could see.
Before she knew it, Minako was thrust once again into the Velvet Room, a materialization of one of the deepest corners of her mind. There she saw Igor, sitting ever patiently, watching her every move. If it had been anyone other than him, she would have been beyond creeped out. But Igor seemed as natural that way as a bird in the trees or water in a river. At first, she thought of greeting the older man, but thought against it since he seemed so deep in thought. Instead, she turned her gaze to Igor's assistant, Theo.
Theo was the definition of stunning. Minako couldn't help but wonder if the shape that Theo had taken on hadn't been because that's what she had secretly wished for in a man all her life. After all, this was part of her mind. Though, that brought her to the question of Igor, which she really didn't want to know the answer to. Regardless of origins, Minako had always had a slight crush on him and couldn't help turning a slight shade of red when he spoke.
"Master Minako, it's such a pleasure to see you again," Theo greeted with his usual half-bow. Minako giggled and nodded.
"Hi, Theo. It's nice to see you again, too," she replied with a slight bow this time. "Any new requests?" Theo's eyes lit up and a smile spread across his face.
"Ah, I'm assuming you got my message, then?" he asked. Minako nodded eagerly. Theo turned his back to her, suddenly turning very serious. "I've heard that there's something in your world that is capable of covering one's head without any real shape. I wanted to see this shapeless hat with my own eyes, but," Theo sighed, "it would be wisest to send one with more knowledge of your world. Which is why I have come to you with this request." Theo looked Minako directly in the eyes, sincerity seeming to pour from every ounce of his being. Minako didn't understand what was so special about this hat, since there were so many out in her world, but she nodded.
"Sure, I'll get one for you," she answered with a grin. "Say, did you want any one in particular?" This confused Theo for a moment, but then he shook his head.
"I merely wish to see it with my own eyes," he replied, ever sincere. Minako could swear he had winked, though. But Theo wouldn't do that. Right? As she stared into his eyes, all she saw was that polite, sweet smile. Thanks, Theo, she thought sarcastically. You never say exactly what you mean, do you?
"Is that all, then?" Minako asked, ready to head back. She didn't want to keep Yukari and Fuuka waiting. Theo nodded. "Alright. I have to get going, then." Minako turned away but then paused. How on earth was this supposed to be something she would enjoy doing? She thought about asking Theo directly, but that would only make things more difficult, knowing Theo.
"Farewell until next time."