Alluka picks out a wig just in time for her brother and his partner to try. Ashton reveals her ability.
Alluka had been looking through the wigs, trying to mix and match, figure out which colour would work best in this situation. Ideally, she wouldn't want to switch their hair colour around, giving Killua black and also doing the same for Daniel, by giving him white.
It wouldn't work, for many reasons… for one, her family, mainly, her parents… along with whom Killua dubs their 2nd oldest brother as piggy, would immediately figure out it was them, hiding in plain sight.
They needed to be tactful, to not be hiding in plain sight… but rather, in a way so that if Milluki goes searching for them, he'd gloss over their photo. So, she needed to give them a natural hair colour, one which would work with their complexion.
After seeing so many colours, so many different shades and tones, she was at a complete loss. There were far too many choices to choose from.
The young girl let out a defeated sigh.
"What's wrong… nothing you like?"
"I like a lot of them, but there's far too many to choose from… what will work and what won't work?" The young girl looked to her fashion mentor, "How do you do it?"
"Practice helps… it doesn't make perfect, because let's be honest fashion changes on a whim. One minute you're wearing jeans… the next second, you're paying hundreds of dollars for a pair of ripped jeans. You're paying more… for less."
"I see…"
"Alright, let us pull out what you picked for the boys, and find something that weaves into the style. Let's start with your brother first."
Alluka left, grabbing the pair of clothes. She slipped them onto the mannequin Ashton graciously prepared for her. First, she slid the camo pants on, then she put the button-up shirt on before slipping on the final piece, the military bomber jacket over the shirt.
Ashton looked over the choices as a whole piece.
"Dark green with green, dark blackish-green with dark brown…" The older woman tapped a finger against an invisible wall, thinking about a combination that would work. Ideally, she wouldn't want to supply a pair of contacts, keeping the boy's eye colours natural. She didn't really, want to change that to hide their identity.
But the teen, Killua requested it…
Sure, both boys had distinct pupils, but eyes were windows into one's soul. Contacts would cover the one thing that made them unique.
Sure, Killua, including Alluka, said their family is not only secretive… But the fact that their family will hunt down any photos of them, to get them removed was not only something concerning… it was a breach of privacy. They should be allowed to do whatever the hell they want, not searching for any photos of them that were to pop up.
The woman sighed, "Okay…" Ashton grabbed another mannequin, setting it up for the young girl "Let's put Daniel's clothes on here."
Alluka grabbed the pile of clothing, slipping it onto the mannequin. First came the skinny jeans, then the short sleeve shirt with eventually the jacket.
The two looked at them together.
Maybe Ashton had to look at it from another angle. Not literary, but rather metaphorically. Daniel looked like a younger version of Vastorie… there was no hiding those features. But what he didn't carry resemblances of, was his other father figure.
While the hair colour wouldn't work with Daniel's complexion, the eye colour certainly would "Let's start simple… I'd say… Forest green colour contacts, like his father's, which I have, for Daniel… As for hair colour… not blond like his father. I'd say… either auburn… dark brown or…"
The woman hummed over the choices, "Maybe even a type of blonde… like dirty blonde, with a tiny tint of orange." She left to search the wigs, eventually finding one that matched her description. She returned with three colours, showing them off to Alluka.
"I like this type of blonde… I think it'll work on Daniel. His father has blond hair, but this is somewhere in the middle while also being different from Nathan."
The woman gave a nod, "Now comes the more difficult one…"
"Dark brown, easily for Killua. I think it'll work better if Killua keeps his natural eye colour."
"He's got slight sharp slits for his pupils, he'll be easily pinned… I think I can find a type of natural blue contact to cover them up. So, you think blue eyes… Dark brown hair for your brother?"
"Yeah!"
"Hairstyle?"
Alluka hummed as she thought about it, wondering what would work best for her brother. At the end of the day, she prefers her brother's current style. She likes the messy approach "Messy for my brother. It works."
The woman giggled, "As for Daniel?"
"Combed?"
"For his hairstyle…? No…" The woman shook her head, "He'll look stiff. Like a young royal forced to pretend they have a more… natural, life schedule." Shifting her attention, the older woman looked at the mannequin, trying to mentally picture Daniel in its place "It'll have to be a shorter hairstyle. Moulding his hairstyle within the wig will be quite… difficult. So, I'll have to hide it in either the shirt or between, the shirt and jacket."
"What about Nathaniel's hairstyle?"
"Isn't it like… slicked back? Combed from the front, back off to one side? I guess it could work. Nah, I think wavey. Messy, like Killua, but a more controlled and refined sense of combing."
"I think so too… I guess I didn't get to choose Daniel and Killua's wigs after all."
The woman chuckled, "You can re-choose them. Mine is more of a suggestion…"
"Actually…" Alluka held out a palm, smiling widely, "Is it possible, to do a dual-tone hairstyle?"
"As in…?"
"The hair colour you picked, and a ponytail… a very long ponytail."
"May I ask why…?" Ashton raised an eyebrow, a little concerned at the suggestion.
"Well, when we had to disguise ourselves when we went to that school… Killua gave Daniel a ponytail. I think that would suit him."
"Well… I can't weave both hairstyles through these wigs without ruining them… but I could still give him a ponytail. I just need to find the exact, same wig in the same or similar colour, only longer…" Smiling, the woman continued "I think that's a good idea."
Alluka's smile widened, happy to hear the praise. But Ashton still made valid points along the way and she did attend to agree with them "But, you do make valid points… working with the style should be considered, as well. But I do like the colour choices, and Killua shouldn't have any complaints… at least, he shouldn't."
"Well, if he wants to see my ability, he can't really, complain. The photoshoot is the only way to see it."
"What exactly is your ability…?"
Ashton looked at the young girl, smiling slightly "I'll tell you what… only if you promise not to say a thing to your brother… or his boyfriend. Seeing as they're open to each other about secrets…"
"I promise!"
Snorting, the woman shifted her gaze, gesturing to the girl to follow her as she tries to hunt down the perfect length for the final wig. Considering the brown wig was the right colour and length for Killua, she wouldn't need to find another one for the boy.
What she did need to find, however, was a long wig in a similar shade of colour.
Moving along the rows of wigs, the woman explained her ability "Long story short, my ability allows me to sort of… peer into the future. Not in a way where I can be like on the 17th of November, at two thirty-six you'll eat the most delicious Krispy Crème doughnut you've ever had. What it will do, however, is a little like clairvoyance, it'll take a snapshot of a seemingly random moment in time…"
There was a mix of sincerity, along with a sense of what looked to be, longing "It'll be an important turning point in history for them… something that would help build their relationship, maybe even their bond…"
Shifting her gaze, her tone and expression returned to a neutral one "I can do it for groups of people, a single person, or a duo… the date and area of the photo are unknown, unless, by some miracle there happens to be a calendar behind them at the moment of that snap. Oh, and I can't cheat by putting a calendar up behind them as I said… the area is unknown. Unless… by some miracle, you also, happen to know the area."
"What does the photo portray exactly?"
The woman shrugs "It's random… It could be a happy moment, a milestone… a break-up."
"You think they'll break up?"
"Young lady… I am not a seer." The older woman pouted, stopping to look at Alluka. She was right to assume by breaking up, she meant them parting away from each other forever. But the type of break-up she was thinking about, was the two of them having time away from each other, to do their own thing.
As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. There are several reasons why the two of them could split up… she just couldn't think of one that would apply to them.
Still… she needed to explain her ability to the young girl "It's a snapshot that holds great relevance in their relationship. I will take one of each, as well as one of them as a duo. I could also take a photo of the three of you but the photo could get… complex."
"Complex…?"
"Easiest explanation… The photo I take of them… could be when they're, we'll say in their 20s. Whereas… if you were to join, it might be a photo of when they're in their 30s. Unless the two of them disappear completely from the photo, it's not a complete break-up. It means they'll part away from each other for a time…"
"Oh, that makes sense. They might break up in their twenties, but in their 30s, they're magically back together, giving off this sense of confusion."
"Exactly!" The woman found herself smiling, arms now crossed "So, I'll focus on those three photos, mainly. I think it'll be important for them to see, not so they could prepare themselves as it's impossible to, most of the time… but it'll give them a thing to think about."
"I trust you… but I'll be upset if they disappear from the photo."
Ashton shook her head, "I don't see it happening… not cause I'm a seer or anything like that. I've seen many relationships. Those who build a relationship of trust from both sides, tend to have the strongest relationship. It might not be perfect, or rocky from time to time… but I can see them being in it for the long run."
"Now…" The older lady turned slightly, noticing one of the wigs she was looking for "Let's get back to playing dress-up with your brother and his partner." She plucked the golden hair with an orange tint from the shelf, showing it to Alluka "Voilà, Daniel's new hair. Come with me, let's style these up as we continue to talk."
"~"
The boys returned with a groan, Killua's hands on his hips. He felt so, sore… raw, after their training. Next time, he needs to adjust his hand movements so he isn't trying to grab the yo-yos right after they smack the rubber on return. There's a second or two after the delay, which means until the weapons have been perfected with Rosalia Servedio's help, he's going to have a glaring issue he found by happenstance.
Daniel's weapons seem to be much easier to get used to. From the spins to how he weaves it in his stance. His main issue is not only getting used to the weight difference from his old weapon to the new ones but learning to implement them in an actual fight.
Maybe it would be better if he calls Mikkel. He's sure the man could make basic replicas of the weapons that are softer on the outside and can be used in training.
He's going to do that the first thing in the morning.
For now, he had barely stepped onto the penthouse floor, not even able to move in the direction towards the shower before he was being stopped by a calm voice.
"How did training go?"
"Fan…tastic. I'm sore, Daniel's sore… and we're in desperate need of a shower."
"I know…" Leo smirked, "I can smell it from here."
"Okay…" Killua crossed his arms, "it's not that bad. What's up?"
"Ashton asked me to stop you, provided, I heard you come back. I haven't been waiting, here… the whole time."
"Uh, huh…" The boy raised an eyebrow "Did she tell you why?"
"No, I'd suggest you go to her… after you've showered. She's waiting in the model room, where she meets her clients for a photo shoot. So… I assume it's for that. Then again, I'm not so sure. Go past the main ballroom, take the second left, and head down the hall. They're in the third room on the right. Other than that, I'll let her know you're here."
Daniel gave a nod, "Guess that means we're having a shower for two."
"Eww…"
"We're saving on water…" Killua yelled out, followed by Daniel "And time, considering she wanted to see us as soon as we got back."
Leo couldn't fault the boys for that argument. However, he rather not be aware of the fact, that they're both going to be in there… showering together. Leaving, he returned to Ashton, letting her and Alluka know the two had arrived.
"~"
The two found Ashton in the room, the woman standing in front of a mannequin. She was working on a new piece, one that involved casual wear. Off to the side, Alluka was waiting, watching as Ashton worked.
That, was until the young girl heard the door close after her brother had entered, "Killua, you're here!"
She ran up to her brother, pulling him into a hug. The boy hugged his sister back, smiling at the situation "Oh, you're going to try on a new style of boy's clothing? I thought you already tested that theory…"
"No, silly." Alluka poked her older brother, "You'll be wearing it…"
"Huh?!" The boy's eyes followed his sister's finger, seeing what she was pointing at. It wasn't one mannequin, like, he could see when he entered the room. The boy realised there was a second one hidden behind the older lady, hidden due to the angle of their entry.
There were, clearly, two different styles. One for Daniel… and one for him.
One consisted of dark green skinny jeans, a black fill-down vest, the puffy kind, and a lumberjack style, black, white, and green stripes short sleeve shirt.
The other, was a pair of green and dark green patches camo pants, a dark blackish-green button-up shirt and a Dark brown bomber jacket, one that looked like it had a military design. That one was clearly, for Daniel; he could picture his partner wearing it.
However, he couldn't see the other working with him… it wasn't a style he would wear.
"Alluka, you know I'd dress more… stylish than this."
The young girl pouted, "they're-"
"Disguises…" Ashton interrupted.
"That would explain the wigs…"
"Disguises your sister helped pick out. It's strange… I distinctly remember…" The older woman looked at Killua, "her saying her brother wouldn't complain."
Killua looked at his sister, then the older woman "That's a low blow. It's not a complaint… I said I dress more stylish. Daniel's choice is definitely, way more stylish than mind…"
"Which one do you think is the stylish one…"
"The bomber jacket…"
Alluka smiled brightly "That's the one we picked for you."
"Huh?!" He gawked at his sister, unsure how he should be taking the information. On one hand, his original assumption was wrong. On the other, ideally, those clothes fit Daniel's aesthetic, way better than they would for him. He prefers more casual clothes. Yes, they tend to have a style or aesthetic, but the ones they picked… wouldn't work with his current wardrobe. Except for the pants… he has a few shirts that would work with them. But that's a separate issue "that's something I can see Daniel wearing… as in, it's his aesthetic."
"But you told me and your sister… that your family would be scouring the internet for any possible chance of you being in the photo. By mixing it up and throwing on a wig and some contacts, we'll be making it harder for your family to notice it's you…"
"Hiding in plain sight, huh…"
"Well, with style in plain sight… but I'm not going to get pedantic with you. So, move your tush over here, grab the clothes and head into the changing room…" Ashton pointed at the line of cubicles the boys could get changed in, "and get dressed."
Killua stood there, stunned, still trying to compartmentalize the idea, of having to get dressed in a style he could see his partner wearing.
Seeing neither boy moving, the older woman clapped her hands together "Chop-chop. If you want to see my ability, I'm going to need to have you dressed and ready in the next thirty minutes."
Killua snapped out of his trance, moving to grab the clothes.
His partner did the same, the two moving into their own, cubicle to get changed. While the two dressed, Daniel spoke "So what do you think it is, considering it involves a photoshoot?"
"Your guess is as good as mine…" Killua took off his shirt, throwing it onto the small seat. One setup is there to possibly help you when putting socks on, rather than standing on one foot trying to balance as you put them on.
As Killua removed his pants, Daniel spoke "Considering it involves a photoshoot, I would assume it involves possibly, memories?"
"Oh, like a Kodak moment?"
"Yeah…"
"Maybe her ability is a bit like divining?"
"Clairvoyance? Or you're strictly speaking of taking a snapshot of your happiest moment…?"
"As opposed to your saddest moment…" Killua's mouth opened slightly, a chuckle escaping his lips.
"Of course…"
"Well, the only way we're going to find out is if we ask. If she's reluctant, or if it's a prerequisite to the ability working, I suppose we won't know until after she's fired off her ability."
"I guess your right…"
The two continued to get dressed in silence, eventually coming out to see each other's opinions.
Daniel looked at his partner, a look of longing gracing his features. Killua managed to look beautiful, no matter what he wears, "Wow… you look stunning."
"Thanks…" Killua awkwardly ran his fingers through his hair, "You look cool, too…"
"Alright, boys chop, chop. We're not done yet, Killua first as you'll be the easiest to do. Take a seat here." She pointed at the chair in front of her.
As Killua sat down, Daniel stood off to the side, the woman getting to work. She pulled out a small make-up box, putting it on top of a small footstool before taming Killua's hair. She weaved it until the edges were smoothed out.
Next, she grabbed the brown wig, sliding it on top of the boy's head. She moved it around so it was seated correctly until barely any white shined through. Grabbing a comb, she manipulated the brown wig, creating a messy mop that was similar, to the boy's original hairstyle, while still being distinct enough to not match it.
She looked over her work, smiling once the hairstyle was fixed, "Okay, here comes the fun part…" She grabs the brush from the makeup kit along with a small tray of different tones, "Let's bring some life to those ghostly cheeks of yours."
Killua pouted, only to be told off "No pouting. Neutral expression and eyes closed."
Daniel chuckled at his partner.
"You can't laugh… because you're next."
Killua held back his laughter as his partner frowned.