Eventually, Yuuri settled on a plain lavender-colored button-down shirt paired with a dark silver vest that had light silver roses embroidered onto it. For his bottoms, he grabbed a pair of light gray, straight-legged trousers. He aso got out drawers and an undershirt, as well as a pair of white socks and black boots.
Yuuri stripped quickly, his back to the mirror. He was feeling to strangely optimistic to be brought down by seeing the imperfections of his body. Quickly, he pulled on his top layers, then adjusted his collar and did up all the buttons. He was glad that the sleeves were sufficiently long; there were things that he would be embarrassed if Viktor saw. Finally, he tied a dark purple, satin cravat around his neck.
Next came the drawers, trousers, socks, and boots; he pulled the laces tight. Just like Viktor's room, his room had an adjacent bathroom. Yuuri entered it before taking off his glasses and splashing water on his face. Carefully, he wetted a comb and pushed his hair back. Without his spectacles, his reflection was a blur. (Which he was grateful for, he supposed.)
He left the bathroom and traversed the fine carpet over to the bedroom door. Before he turned the knob, he remembered how frigid it had been outside last time he left the house, and fetched an iris-hued cloak from his wardrobe. He draped it over one arm and left the room.
Viktor's door was still closed, and he rapped his knuckles on it softly.
"Are you nearly finished?"
"I'm almost, I'm so sorry, I'll hurry!"
"No, no, there's no rush." Yuuri briefly considered waiting in the hall and leaning against the wall, but he could feel the painted eyes of his ancestor's portraits boring into him. With a shiver, he called to Viktor, "I'll be in the dining room, alright?"
"Alright." Viktor's cheerful voice made Yuuri smile without him even being conscious of it. He was such a sweet fairy. Yuuri entered the dining hall and sat down at the table. He rested his chin on his hand and looked up at the crystal chandelier above him. The extravagant shards and beads moved slightly when large trucks drove past the house. The candles on it weren't lit, and had a layer of dust coating them. The light was coming in through the window, and was caught in the prisms of the chandelier, casting shadows with rainbows within them.
Yuuri's leg shook, but he stopped once he became aware that he was doing it. He sighed and stared off into space, eyes unfocused. When he heard Viktor enter, he nearly jumped out of his own skin in surprise. He whipped around, glasses getting knocked askew in the process. He adjusted them, and his eyes widened..
Viktor beamed at him. His hair was done into a long, long, plait that was tied with a violet ribbon. He wore a silk, lilac dress that had darker purple, delicate embroidery of lavender flowers and leaves. The bodice was laced up in the front, with a layer of white lace underneath. The skirt was open in the front, with many frilly, lacy pleated skirts peeking out.
The shades of purple were stunning complements to Viktor's aquamarine eyes and wings. He was as lovely as a doll, and Yuuri found himself awestruck. The spell was broken, however, when he noticed something. A sick feeling churned the porridge in his stomach.
"Viktor, are you… Wearing your corset?" Viktor blinked, then lowered his head in shame. "No, no, I'm not mad at you, it's just… You know it's hurting you." Yuuri could hear his voice breaking. "You want to heal, don't you?"
"I'm sorry," Viktor apologized quietly.
"It's alright, just- please take it off." Viktor nodded sadly, and Yuuri's heart felt pinched. Wings drooping, Viktor left the room. Yuuri felt awful. Had he handled that situation poorly?
He worried while he waited, and Viktor returned after a few minutes. To Yuuri's relief, he didn't seem to have the corset on any longer. Viktor still appeared to be a little upset, but his spirits were quickly returning.
"Ready to go?" Yuuri asked, tugging his cloak on and grabbing his wallet. Swallowing down anxiety, Yuuri opened the door and the two of them left. He closed and locked it behind them. He walked down the steps to try and hail a cab. Viktor stayed close behind him, hands folded.
Eventually, Yuuri managed to hail down a taxi coach. Many passed by, but must have seen Viktor and ignored them. A lot of drivers weren't willing to have a fairy as a passenger, due to the common belief that they were thieves.
"Where to?" the driver asked.
"The shopping district, please." The driver nodded, and looked down at the two of them with judging eyes. His stare felt hot and uncomfortable of Yuuri's skin, and he quickly helped Viktor up into the carriage. The coachman shouted a command to his horses, and they jolted forward.
To Yuuri's relief, this carriage didn't feel like it could collapse at any second like the last one had. The roof was tall enough that he didn't have to worry about Viktor hitting his head. Yuuri watched him hum softly, tapping his boots against each other. The silence between them wasn't really awkward, but he felt like he had to fill it somehow. However, he didn't know what to say, and stayed quiet instead.
Outside the window, the city was bustling with life. Ladies with big hats and parasols swayed down the streets, servants trailing behind and carrying their bags. Street urchins begged passersby for food, and Yuuri's heart hurt for them. He vowed to give them money if he walked by any. Vendors on the sidewalks sold various fruits and trinkets.
Yuuri, however, wasn't really looking at any of that. Watching Viktor's expression of unchecked wonder was much more interesting. His wide eyes and slightly opened mouth were so adorable that Yuuri's heart threatened to melt like chocolate. The coach pulled over and rolled to a halt. He got up to leave, and had to tap Viktor's shoulder to get his attention. Viktor stood and followed him out the door and into the bright sunlight.
Yuuri paid, while his companion took in his surroundings. The driver smirked, tipped his hat, and was on his way.
Viktor was looking a little overwhelmed, and so Yuuri guided him to a less-crowded street. Yuuri noticed how many people openly stared at them as they passed by. Well, they stared at Viktor anyway. The looks in their eyes lingered anywhere from curiosity to spite to barely concealed lust. Protectiveness clenched inside of Yuuri, and he wanted to shield Viktor away from their gazes. Viktor was absolutely radiant in the sunlight, almost as if he was glowing.
Yuuri opened up the door to a shoe shop for Viktor. A bell chimed, and he closed it behind them. Viktor walked in slowly, like he was in a daze. The ceiling-to-floor shelves were stocked with thousands of boxes. There were benches set around to try on footwear, and round tables bearing featured shoes. Viktor's face morphed from shock to a huge grin.
"Wow!" he exclaimed excitedly, and Yuuri couldn't help but smile. But then Viktor caught himself and reigned his emotions in. He lowered his head and lessened his smile. Yuuri watched him stroll around the store, staring at the displays like a child in a candy shop.
"Would you like to try some on?" Yuuri asked him. Viktor's mouth dropped open.
"What? You can put them on?"
Yuuri nodded, smiling. Viktor pressed his hands to his cheeks, his mouth in an "o" shape. He was so adorable that Yuuri thought he might die.
"It's to see if the pair fits you and if you like them." He followed Viktor's line of sight to a pair of shiny boots with little blue rose embellishments stitched onto them.
"Can I…?" Viktor asked, with a waver of hope.
"Yes, of course you can," Yuuri replied. Viktor walked over to the display, and Yuuri helped him find a pair that was in his size. (There was only one box; Viktor's feet were rather large.) Viktor sat down at one of the benches, and unlaced his shoes. Without thinking, Yuuri knelt and helped Viktor slide his feet into the new boots. He laced them up, becoming self-aware halfway up and flushing slightly.
Yuuri then offered his hand to Viktor to help him stand, but was given that familiar confused look. But then… Viktor cautiously reached forward and grasped Yuuri's hand. Yuuri's heart leapt in joy. This was such an important step. Viktor was starting to open up to him more, if only a little.
He stood, and did a twirl. His braid flew out behind him.
"How are they?" Yuuri asked, although Viktor's facial expression was enough to know the answer. His aquamarine eyes were filled with light, he was beaming. But then some of that light faded.
"They're very nice…" he answered wistfully.
"I could buy them for you, if you like," Yuuri offered. They made eye contact; Viktor looked startled.
"Really?" He looked like he was about to cry from happiness. Yuuri nodded and smiled. Viktor's mood was infectious. "Oh, thank you so much Yuuri!" he cried, then covered his mouth in alarm once he realized what he had done. "I'm so sorry," he quickly apologized, bowing his head. His wings drooped.
"Oh no, Viktor!" Yuuri placed his hands on Viktor's arms. They went stiff in fear under his touch, and he immediately let go. "Viktor…" Viktor wouldn't meet his eyes. "It's okay." Yuuri swallowed. "In fact, I actually… I prefer 'Yuuri' to 'master.'" Yuuri gave what he hoped was a comforting smile. "So it's alright."
Viktor's shoulders sagged in relief, and his lips moved into a tiny, hopeful smile.
"I'm so glad," he whispered, grateful.
"Now, how about we buy those boots?"