Author's Note: I do not own any of the characters/locations mentioned; that honor goes to Level 5, Studio Ghibli and Bandai. Just putting that out there in case anybody is hunting the site for copyright infringements...

I don't know how long it took for me to realize that Swaine actually had a kinda sorta swimsuit. I guess it was when I realized there was a second green chest in Castaway Cove, and I will not deny that I was pretty excited about it... ;) When I looked at the 3D model, I thought to myself "Hey, this isn't really a swimsuit, this is like his regular clothes, just fewer layers". As modestly as he is dressed, I don't imagine it was something he was keen on doing, so what would it have taken for him to follow the Castaway Cove mandatory dress code? Voila, the sketch was born. Enjoy!

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Sketch 2: Mandatory Dress Code

Before heading to Autumnia, Oliver had decided to take on a bounty hunt on Castaway Cove's outlying islands. The experience working as a new team of three would be useful, and the guilders wouldn't hurt either before a long trip.

In regards to the first purpose, the newest member of the team, Swaine, had jumped right in, as if eager to prove he wasn't dead weight as he accompanied them to Hamelin. Then again, maybe he simply wasn't about to be outdone by some kids... It was hard to tell what his motives were, and as Esther pointed out, that was not surprising for someone of his "background".

Though she was not impressed, Oliver noticed how much easier it was with a third fighter. He was especially good at setting Oliver up with openings by distracting enemies. He had also managed to snag some great items for alchemy from beasties using his Pickpocket's Pistol. Esther wouldn't handle the items, muttering to Oliver under her breath that even if they were stolen from beasties, they were still stolen, and once a thief, always a thief. Oliver took them gratefully, and always made sure to thank him. The (ex?)thief would just scratch his head and mumble something in response while looking away.

They were now reentering Castaway Cove to cash in on the bounty. One look around, and Oliver remembered that they needed to change into the proper attire, even if it was just for a little bit. Esther agreed, always eager to frolic in her swimsuit. Mr. Drippy, of course, thought his swimsuit was quite dashing, and had no qualms about donning it. The only one who did not head to the dressing rooms was Swaine. He just rolled his eyes and folded his arms, tapping his foot impatiently while they changed.

Oliver finished first, popping out of the dressing room. He noticed Swaine had made no move to dress appropriately. "Hey Swaine, aren't you going to change?"

He scoffed. "Change into what? I haven't exactly got another set of clothes. Besides, we'll be in and out of the city; there's no point in going through all that work for five minutes, tops."

"Really, now?" a voice came from behind him, making him jump. It was the governor of the town, and he looked...unamused.

"Oh, hello Sir. We were just talking, and it seems my friend needs a swimsuit. Would you have any extras?"

"Your...friend?" the Governor asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow while looking at the wiry, disheveled drifter standing next to Oliver. Swaine scowled and averted his gaze, knowing full well he was not on the governor's good side after his rampant thieving in the town. Clearly, Oliver's association with someone like him was pretty unbelievable.

"Yes, sir," Oliver affirmed, completely oblivious to the look. "Would you have anything?"

"It's fine, Oliver. I don't need a swimsuit," he frowned severely, again tapping his foot in agitation.

The Governor was starting to look rather cross, but before he could say something, Oliver interrupted. "I know it's not your favorite, but the Governor has been really nice. Besides..." he looked to the sky, "You kind of owe him."

"I what?" he said incredulously.

"That's right!" a female voice chirped in. They turned to see Esther, who had finished putting on her swimsuit. She pointed an accusing finger at him as she walked over. "Even if you were heartbroken, you were causing him quite a lot of grief by stealing all kinds of things in his town!"

Mr. Drippy followed right behind her. "No denying that, mun!" he added, folding his arms and shaking his head, sending his lantern swinging.

Swaine clenched his fists and looked down. It was true, but damn, they couldn't let him forget it for a moment! Suddenly, he felt a hand on his arm.

"Actually, I was going to say that you were missing Restraint in your heart. The Governor had extra, and he was the one that gave you the piece that was missing. He helped you become better, so maybe wearing a swimsuit for him would be a good way to say thanks for what he did."

Hearing the boy's words, the tension he was holding melted away. That kid was something else...not the brightest, but for some reason he had a way with words. He sighed, hoping he was not becoming soft. "All right. When you put it that way, fair enough. I don't want your bathing suit, but I'll do this..." Shrugging his shoulders, he shed his green trench coat. Continuing, he slipped out of his shoes and knee-high socks. He apparently did not go without these articles of clothing often; his skin was a far cry from tan, to put it nicely. "Better?"

"It is," the governor admitted, nodding. "But you could still be concealing something under the shirt."

He inhaled through his gritted teeth, and in a bit of a temper, he grabbed the collar of his shirt and ripped downwards. The fabric was quite worn, and tore easily until the shirt flapped open in the breeze. If his limbs had been a bit on the pale side, well, this was a couple shades lighter. Drippy felt like making a comment about his pasty complexion, but thought better of it when the miffed man growled "You owe me a new shirt..."

"Really, Swaine?" Esther shook her head disapprovingly.

"All right. I'll get you a new shirt..."

"An orange one!" he interjected.

The governor took a deep breath and exercised his incredible restraint. "I'll get you a new ORANGE shirt, on the condition that you put that pistol in Oliver's bag."

This was the most vexing thing of all. "Now look, I don't go anywhere without this. Period. It is an extension of myself, if you will, the most valuable thing I own. I realize I don't exactly own much of anything, but that makes it even more important!"

"You've got to give it to the governor, mun, that thing IS a weapon and a proper handy tool for some thievery, en't it?" Drippy pointed out, squinting. It made Swaine seriously think about shooting him right then and there.

Again, Oliver played the mediator. "I'll put it in my bag and protect it with my life. Trust me?" The man squirmed. Dammit, dammit, dammit, anyone else and he would have ran off before the conversation even reached this point...

Inhaling deeply, he pulled the gun out of his pocket. Then, in the blink of an eye, he twirled it, closed his right eye, and fired at a green chest right over Drippy's head. The fairy nearly had a heart attack as he went flailing to the ground. However, the shot was successful, and the grappling hook brought back a carnation cake. "Okay, that was the only other chest in town. I'm done now." The Governor and Oliver just stared as he smirked and handed his precious firearm along with the treat to his young companion for safe keeping. He then folded his arms. "Satisfied?"

Oliver leaned over to the Governor. "Say yes!" he whispered. "I think this is a good deal..."

The Governor thought for a moment. Yes, considering the man's history, he was shocked that he had complied (albeit with attitude) to this extent. "That is fine. Thank you for your cooperation." As a gesture of good will, he reached out his hand to shake. Swaine stared at it, but all eyes on him were telling him to DO IT, so he begrudgingly did. The Governor smiled. "I welcome you as a citizen of Castaway Cove!"

"All right!" Oliver cheered.

Esther touched her forehead and closed her eyes. "That was painful."

"You don't have to tell me that!" he frowned. "And my biggest regret is that I only have ONE grappling hook; I would have loved to fire two at once, one for the fairy and one for you!"

Drippy and Esther glared, but Oliver giggled. "The look on Mr. Drippy's face was priceless!"

"Ollie-boy, I would have thought better of you..." he shook his head grumpily, dusting himself off.

"Anyway, come on. We still need to collect our bounty! Thanks a lot Mr. Governor, Sir!" Oliver beamed brightly. "Let's go, guys!

As they sauntered off in the direction of Swift Solutions, the Governor could only shake his head and smile. Was there anyone that kid couldn't reform?