Daniel and Killua, alongside Leo, go searching for the location Ashton gave them.
At the same time, Ashton continues her conversation with Alluka.
"Alright, so this is my…" Ashton pointed to the unfortunate trash pit, known as her quilt room. Clearly, she had forgotten to clean up, since the last time she used the room. It, respectfully, looked like a tornado waltzed through the room. There we quite a few rolls of quilts strewn across the floor, lying haphazardly on the floor, while some of the others were neatly tucked away into their respective shelves "So, ignoring the trash pit… this is my quilt room."
The woman started to clean up the mess, picking up any of the quilts to put away in their respective spots "Sorry for the terrible mess."
"This is nothing when compared to my brother after he goes on a chocolate binge eating session…" The young girl complained, remembering all those times there were piles of licked clean aluminium foil which she, unfortunately, discovered the hard way. How her brother's teeth hadn't rotten away after how much he'd normally go through…
She wasn't too sure…
But if chocolate or Daniel's words couldn't make them rot away, nothing could.
Rather than waiting for Ashton to clean up all by herself, the young girl decided to take it upon herself to help pick up some of the rolls.
"You don't have to help, just take a seat…" Looking around, she spotted one of the chairs. Moving over, Ashton cleaned up the section, "Have a seat over here… I'll clean the rest."
Alluka handed over the rolls she gathered before taking a seat.
"So, do you have a general idea of what you would like? The fancier it is… the longer it will take… so do keep that in mind."
"How long does one normally take to make?"
"A week at the shortest, up to… the longest time ever spent on a single piece o clothing, was half a year."
Alluka's jaw dropped, "Half… a year."
"Well, not consistently… I would work on average two to six hours per day on the clothing, while also balancing the rest of my tasks during my work hours. My free time, was when I usually worked on designer clothing."
"By us being here… does it ruin your free time?"
The woman shook her head, "Not at all, I'm keeping up with my work. Provided I continue to do that… I don't run the risk of overworking myself. At least with the four of you being here, I have other things I could do to help balance my sanity, with my work."
Having finally packed away everything, Ashton leaned against the table, a warm smile being directed at the young girl. She always leaves time for her hobbies, to assist others, whether it's to help get them out of a terrible situation… like it was with Leo, or, because it involves her hobbies, it's things she enjoys doing for others.
"Well, I enjoy making clothing, so I see absolutely, nothing wrong with taking time out of my free time, to assist you. So, let's talk… what's something you'd like. Nothing is too big… or too small. But if you want something more on the casual wear, I would advise against it…"
"Why…?" Alluka was genuinely curious, why nothing she could see herself wearing more often than not?
"The simple answer… is because casual can be worn all the time. You'll want to think of something outside of the box… something that draws the attention of others, not in a lewd, kind of way. You'll want a show stopper, so to speak… Formal wear, that can accentuate one's beauty…"
"So, kind of like that dress, I saw earlier?"
"Certainly, but with your take. I can do the measurements and colour designing, but in terms of design, it's something that needs to come from you… You can know what you want, I can weave it…"
"Something I want…" Gears slowly turned in Alluka's mind.
"What about that dress do you like?"
"I like the way it flows… the colours."
"Uh-huh… keep going."
"I'd like it to be like my mother's dress… it flows like multiple layers. Hmm…" The girl thought about it, "You have the main layer, then there's another layer over it, that stops at a certain length, with the pattern following up to the top…"
Ashton thought about it, "Is it kinda like… La Chapolera?"
"I don't know what it is…"
Ashton pulled the tablet off her desk, searching for the right design she believed Alluka was talking about "Like this?" Showing an example to the girl, Alluka smiled brightly.
"Yes, something like that…"
"You want the design like that or the type of pattern?"
"The pattern… I think it's beautiful."
Ashton's eyes focused on the design, looking it over "I won't replicate it per se… but I think I might have an idea of what you may like. It adds a twist to the original dress… to give you that flowy look. Rather than straight down, I'll go at a diagonal angle, making the colours flow like an ocean wave… sound good?"
"Yes!"
"Wonderful, now the top half… do you want to have the same flowy approach, or something else?"
"Can I think about it?"
"Certainly, now if you don't mind…" Ashton pulled a tape out of the desk, extending it out, in preparation for the young girl, "I'll take your measurements."
"~"
Leo felt perplexed, unsure how to react. On one hand, Killua was acting as his personal, ride… each step probably feeling like they were going on a casual jog, while to the slightly older boy, it felt more like he was riding an actual, horse.
He felt the breeze soar past him, each boy possibly running faster than a car at this point.
"How fast can you guys even run… is my weight even slowing you down?"
"The weapons weigh more than you, to be honest…"
"How much?"
"It's a secret…"
When the boy pouted, Daniel continued "I'd say we could probably get close to… possible one-hundred kilometres an hour, although we've never properly tested our speed. Killua on the other hand… could probably hit Mach 1."
"I don't think I'm that fast…" Killua shrugged, a light blush betraying his internal feelings, "At best, I could probably hit around two-hundred kilometres per hour, two-forty, at best… Could I go faster? most definitely… with proper training of course. But don't expect me to beat my current skill any time soon."
"Two hundred… that's insane. That's faster than most cars." Leo gushed.
Killua held up a finger, pushing the others away from the conversation "I'm not planning on going that fast, nor do I plan to test that theory…" Maybe if I was running away with Speed of Lightning at max output… I could pull it off. I did travel around 40km, in around ten-ish minutes. But, at the same time… I was carrying two people, so it was difficult to gauge my top speed.
Daniel, however, wasn't planning on letting the conversation go "No, let's be serious…"
"I rather not…"
"If I timed you, without limitations… how fast could you get to the destination?"
"As in… if I knew where the place was and could run straight there from the office?"
"Sure!"
Killua thought it over, "Assuming that the direct path is shorter than the route we're taking… we'll estimate… that it's close to sixteen kilometres away. Assuming my guess is correct and that I'm also, on favourable terrain… I could run there, in about… maybe, under three minutes, possibly two…"
"That's insane…"
"It's an estimated guess, not a proper test. Again, I don't plan on testing it. Even if it's just myself and Daniel. It's a waste of strength, and puts me in an unfavourable position, when it comes to training… as I'll have to exert my strength, just to prove a point."
Daniel smiled at his partner. Even though he knew what his partner said was true… that, exerting one's strength just to prove a point, was considered minuscule, in the grand scheme of theories.
Killua was specifically, talking about releasing a huge surge of aura in a quick burst to figure out his max limitation. Considering right now, he needed his full strength, if they planned on training together… testing that limitation wasn't a feasible goal.
However, considering Killua didn't know the full limits of his charging capacity, it was a good test to at least attempt once.
If he never tests that, when it comes to being in a life-or-death battle, he may hit the limit, way before the fight has concluded. Knowing this fact, was also good for Killua to be aware of.
Maybe his partner was already aware of that issue, it's just that he doesn't feel the need to bring it up while Leo was in the vicinity.
"Are you at least aware of your top limitation, with your ability? How long you can last…?"
Killua raised an eyebrow, "How long I'll last…? You may have a high endurance… but I'll still be able to take you down before I run out of juice."
Daniel offered a smirk, "Is that a challenge…?"
Killua returned the smirk, "It is, if, you think you can outlast me…"
"Ladies… Ladies…" Leo chided from above Killua, "keep that to the bedroom."
While Killua turned into a sputtering mess, Daniel was quick to retort in defence of his hypersexual partner, who, definitely… wasn't talking about any of that right now "We're talking about his ability, which you'll see… not his bedroom technique. That is for us to know, and you… to never find out."
"Well, when you two are flirting with each other-"
"FLIRTING?!" Killua gawked in surprise. He never once intended for their conversation to come off as flirting. But now that he replays the conversation in his head, he could see why Leo saw it that way.
"Yes, flirting.… I was half expecting you to lock lips with each other at some point. Considering you're able to run this fast, I wouldn't be surprised if you'll be able to kiss and run at the same time."
"As flattering as that compliment is…" Daniel scoffed at the slightly older boy, "We're not that good. I highly doubt… you'll be able to feint boredom, once you see our Nen abilities in full effect."
Leo let out a long sigh, eyes focused on the surroundings blitzing past him, "Look… I came along because Ashton was right… I have been cooped up in there. Just seeing you running faster than a car, is enough to prove your point… however, can you tone back on the affection, or friendship… whatever it is that makes you sound so close to understanding each other."
Killua and Daniel looked at each other, both boys raising an eyebrow mainly in concern. The boy holding the offended already knew an aspect of this, considering their conversation earlier.
But now, it just sounded like he was uncomfortable with the idea of exactly, how close they were.
It couldn't be homophobia seeping in, considering he didn't care that they were in a relationship from the beginning of meeting him.
It was more about them being so comfortably close to each other, that was the upsetting aspect.
He didn't have a connection with something he got along with unconditionally.
Daniel addressed the major concern, "It sounds like you don't like being the third wheel…"
"It's not that… it's just…"
Killua gestured to Daniel to drop the conversation because he knew what was up.
With a silent nod, Daniel once more faced the other… feeling a little left out of the conversation. But, if Killua was telling him to drop the conversation, there must be something his partner was aware of… that he wasn't "We'll calm down our conversation while you're in the vicinity. But, Killua and I will still banter with each other during our fight."
"Considering how fast you are now; I probably wouldn't see or hear a thing anyways…" How, any of them could hear each other and still understand, with all the screeching of the wind, Leo wasn't too certain. But there was one thing was for sure about, both boys spoke with double entendre, whether they were accidental or on purpose… he wasn't too sure, "Although… Thank you… for at least listening to my request, even though it sounds disrespectful… if I'm being honest."
Drawing their attention forward, both boys decided to not pursue the argument, instead, focusing on getting to their location so they could discuss it in a semi-private setting.
"~"
With measurements taken, Ashton had led Alluka into an overpacked wardrobe, some clothing was strewn across the floor, while others were packed on racks with zero rhyme or reason as to why glim was with the glam.
Stylish, was beside, the casual wear…
The older woman approached a clothing rack, moving articles of clothing left and right, mentally sorting through her mess.
Pulling one out, she looked it over, then back to Alluka "Nah, too stylish… wouldn't go with your aesthetic."
Alluka looked on in confusion "What are you trying…?"
Grabbing another article of clothing, she looked it over "People have a type of style… everyone is specific when it comes to what they like to wear. No one would wear the same two shirts, even if the colour scheme is the same."
"I'm pretty sure Gon had the same attire throughout his travel…"
"No, what I'm talking about is a little different. Let's say… this Gon likes to wear leather jackets. He has this one black leather jacket that goes with the rest of his style. Now, he finds a similar type of jacket, same style, and everything… but this comes in… we'll say green."
"He REALLY, likes green though…"
Ashton hummed at the fact, "Okay… Let's say blue then. Even though this blue jacket would work with his aesthetic, he'd never get it. Why? He just refuses to wear blue… some people have those outliers of clothing that go against the rest of their wardrobe, but for this particular instance… it could be anything, from the colour to… having a picture. Like…"
Thinking it over the woman grabbed another piece of clothing "Oh, like this one time I dealt with a young boy. He sees tigers as cool, but he saw this shirt, palish white, the material quite… thin. It had a tiger, but it was made with glitter and diamantes. He said he wouldn't wear it… but his mother seemed to think otherwise, and liked it."
"Would he wear it now?"
"Dunno… I can't say I've met the young man again to ask. The point is, some people don't like certain things, even if it's things they could see themselves wearing under the right setting. Plus, if I grab the wrong clothing…"
The older woman put the clothing back on the shelf, continuing to look once more "It'll bring out your more feminine features when we want to try making you look more masculine." Grabbing a button-up shirt, she turned to Alluka, "I think this could work with…"
Ashton moved further down the aisle, grabbing a pair of jeans "No…" She put it back, fingers dancing over every pair of pants, "Here." She grabbed a pair of khakis, "Wait not this colour." She put that back, grabbing the brown ones instead, "This one. Now to find a matching jacket… or a vest perhaps… No, a long sleeve jacket."
While Ashton was looking through the jackets, Alluka decided to ask something "I noticed that Leo was upset with my brother briefly…"
"He doesn't like having his life pried into. So, I'd imagine it's something he said."
"Is there anything you could think of… that would make him upset? Something that would make my brother want to pry the information out of him…?"
"Hmm…" Ashton thought it over. There was one thing, but she supposes she shouldn't say anything to the young girl as it's something Leo should say on his own. Then again, it wouldn't be much of a secret to talk about… at least what it is, not the context behind it "Yes. He doesn't like having his emotions being pressed. He's emotionally stunted. That's all I can say… You can try asking him, but I'd advise trying to force it out of him."
"Oh, okay…"
Finally finding a jacket, the older lady pulled it off the rack "Here. Head into one of the changing rooms to try it on. I'll fix up your hair and put a tiny bit of make-up, more as a touch-up."
"Alright!" Alluka grabbed the clothing, before leaving for one of the rooms. She got changed, finding the clothing to fit her body, even though Ashton never once asked her, what size she was. Then again… she did measure her earlier.
She wouldn't be surprised if Ashton knew the sizing of all of her clothes, off by heart.
It also felt comfortable to wear.
Leaving the changing room, the other was putting a couple of items on the racks, "I'm dressed… very comfortable by the way."
"It better be! I worked my tush off making sure the clothing feels nice and comfortably on the person. Turn around, let's see how it looks overall."
Alluka awkwardly turned around, unsure if that was what she wanted.
"It'll work." The older woman smiled, gesturing for the young girl to sit down in the chair she had set up "Take a seat, while I do up your hair…"
Having a seat, Ashton got to work, the two in silent as the woman tried to fold the girl's hair so it looked natural, and not like she had a thick and puffy afro. It may take a while, but the woman was dedicated to seeing it through, to give the young girl a result that would match her desired request.
The tiger diamantes shirt was a real thing… I was there, when my mother though it'd look cool on me. I did not… going as far to say, if a gay guy saw me wearing it, they'll be embarrassed or offended to see me in it. I guess the jokes on me now, cause I've worn a pink glitter unicorn shirt…
Anyways, if that thing got wet, it would've been see-through.
The tiger was made with, if memory serves me… it was black glitter and pinkish-purple diamantes…
If you were to ask me now if I would wear it now… a hundred percent, yes… I would totally wear it.