Sorry about the length of this chatper... I went a little overboard, alright? I know very little about fashion, but I did indeed go to each of the mentioned labels' webites to make sure my descriptions of their locations and their wares were at least semi-accurate. This chapter is basically pure fluff, and I had more planned for it... but I got a little carried away as it is, and I'd probably put you all to sleep if I continued, so I stopped it where I did. :)
10: The Valley of Malls (Fountains of Wayne)
Ryan had chosen his usual shopping outfit, dark skinny jeans that were surprisingly easy to get out of in order to try things on, and a black silk dress shirt. He thought about wearing his black newsboy cap with it, but found that the whole outfit would then look depressing, and opted for a baby-blue fedora instead. Besides the fact that he needed a haircut, he looked completely presentable.
He was unsure of what Kurt was to him at this point; friend, crush, possible-future-boyfriend? He couldn't name it. There was something unique about Kurt that he just adored, right down to his Gucci-clad feet. He wondered vaguely if they were the same shoe size and could share shoes, but thought better of asking about it. The fact that Kurt was undeniably short for his age meant that his shoes size was probably under average as well. Ryan sighed. Those had been some pretty nice shoes.
Ryan gave himself a final once over, deciding he was perfect, but that it would look better to tip his hat the other direction. Once had had done so, he gave the mirror an exaggerated wink, and then grabbed his phone and wallet off the vanity. His wallet was quickly shoved in his back pocket, and the he was already texting before the door had closed behind him.
Kurt, on the other hand, had much more trepidation over what to wear. Would Ryan prefer his Louis Vuitton leather boots or his Gucci loafers? Which watch should he wear? What if their outfits clashed, what would he do then?
Kurt was still fretting over the many choices of his attire when he received Ryan's text. It was a simple question, "When & where are we meeting?" but it sent chills down Kurt's spine. He wasn't ready! He'd never be ready! Instead of saying this, however, his reply was simply, "Courtyard in twenty?" though his heart was pounding in his chest. Ryan sent an affirmative reply, and Kurt swore he was going to throw up.
He ended up dressing simple: black skinny jeans, a knee-length navy sweater and his Louis Vuitton boots. He tossed a red scarf around his neck last-minute, hoping that he wouldn't be too warm. He tucked his wallet into his pocket then bolted out the door, hoping that if he rushed, he could make it to the courtyard before Ryan and look nonchalant.
No such luck seemed to exist, however, as Ryan was already standing by the fountain when he arrived. When they saw each other, Ryan waved and Kurt raised his hand in greeting, feeling more nervous than he should. It was only shopping, after all. What could go wrong?
Kurt had never been shopping in New York City before. Since the start of classes, he hadn't had much time, and no one to go with; he wasn't so stupid as to try and go on his own and get hopelessly lost. The taxi ride along set him on edge, and he did have a companion this time; if he hadn't had Ryan there, all the sights and sounds and street names and stores would have been even more overwhelming. Luckily, Ryan had been shopping in New York before, several times, in fact.
Ryan had been to New York for several vacations with his family, most of the time to see Broadway plays (he claimed to have seen 'only twenty or so', but to Kurt, that was an amazing feat in itself), and sometimes strictly for shopping trips.
"Most of my sister's performance costumes are from New York," he explained, "She's a performer too— and a wonderful one at that, but don't tell her I said so." Kurt was sworn to secrecy, though he had no idea why Ryan's love of his sister's performances had to be kept secret. If Kurt had had a talented sibling, he figured he'd tell them how talented they are; he figured that there must be a reason, though, and promised to keep quiet.
The first place they went was Fifth Avenue, starting their search for good taste at Louis Vuitton. Kurt pointed out to Ryan that he was already wearing a pair of their boots— which Ryan approved of happily.
"Very in this season," he complimented, before looking at the shoes they had on display. "I like those, don't you?" A pair of white leather loafers with the LV buckle on the front had caught Ryan's eye, and Kurt agreed that they were stunning; though perhaps a little too upscale for a student?
"I wouldn't wear them to school," Ryan said distractedly, taking down the pair and examining them, "I do have other engagements, you know. My father's business parties and such. He always insists I attend... these would go perfectly with the jacket I've already bought..."
Ryan seemed to know even more about fashion than Kurt did, and that was saying a lot. Usually, on shopping excursions, it was Kurt who took control, telling his shopping partner (which was usually either Mercedes or, on occasion, Tina) where they were going and what should or should not be bought. Ryan, however, was a whole other ball game. He knew the city inside and out, and he had impeccable taste; after purchasing the shoes, he insisted that they pop into Prada and see what was new... just because they were in the area.
Kurt found himself highly enjoying the experience of not being in the lead. He let himself be dragged around the Prada store by Ryan, and then into Hugo Boss. There was no pressure for him to do any more than watch Ryan scurry around stores and squeal over new items— which was enjoyable, in itself.
"Are you having fun?" Ryan asked after their exploration of Hugo Boss's new collection was finished. They stood outside the store, the wind strong enough to nearly swipe the hat from Ryan's head. Kurt nodded enthusiastically.
"Oh, absolutely! I love shopping. And it's nice to have a knowledgeable partner-in-crime," Kurt joked, and Ryan seemed to visibly relax.
"Oh, good, I thought I was boring you. Most people hate shopping with an Evans. We are all pretty heavy power-shoppers, and I didn't want to... I don't know, be a horrible person and drag you to all my favourite stores just so I don't have to go alone."
"That's alright; you have great taste, by the way."
"Thank you. You seem to have an eye as well, I see." Kurt smiled, and began hailing for a taxi. "If you don't mind me asking," Ryan continued, "What do your parents do?" Kurt raised an eyebrow.
"What d'you mean?" Kurt asked curiously, intrigued by Ryan's strange question.
"I meant, you know, where do they work? My father owns a bunch of resorts in New Mexico and Colorado. Your family has money, obviously, for you to be able to afford your good taste— where does it come from?" Kurt snickered.
"My dad's a mechanic, actually." That caused Ryan to look at him curiously.
"Really? How fascinating. You don't seem the type to be a mechanic's son... no offence."
"None taken. We own the most popular repair shops in Lima," Kurt said conversationally, still trying (unsuccessfully) to hail one of the yellow cabs that continuously streaked by them. Ryan nodded, deep in thought.
"Sometimes I wish my dad did something that required actual work," he confided in Kurt seriously, his tone an odd mix of sadness and wonder, "It might've made an honest man out of him."
Kurt said nothing on the matter; who was he to get involved in Ryan's family affairs? He simply nodded instead, and then gave an almighty sigh.
"Seriously, how do you hail a cab in this city? I still haven't gotten the hang of it."
Ryan shrugged. "I honestly have no idea. Last time I went shopping in New York, our driver just waited for us out front." He paused. "I suppose if we keep walking, we'll be more likely to catch one than just standing here."
Kurt agreed, and the pair walked slowly down the crowded street together, peeking into the store windows as they passed by. Ryan seemed more excited than most teenagers would about The Disney Store, which he had forgotten was here. He tugged on Kurt's arm with a pleading expression on his face that was just too cute to ignore, and they ended up visiting the huge, cartoon-filled emporium.
Ryan was instantly reminded of his fleeting childhood, and the joy on his face made Kurt stop and rethink everything he knew about the guy. He was dragged around the store, Ryan cooing over all of the littlest (though admittedly cute) things.
"I used to love Disney when I was little," he told Kurt, examining a display of Cinderella merchandise as if it were a Godsend, "I wanted to be Prince Charming in our school play in middle school, but they gave the part to someone else."
"That sucks," Kurt concluded, though he found he was enjoying his little trip into the World of Disney more than he had expected to. The whole place demanded smiles; there were children and families everywhere, and the excited shouts of small kids always made Kurt grin. Ryan grinned right back at him, the disappointment from not being Prince Charming in middle school disappearing. There was a moment of hesitation, but Ryan slowly reached down and took Kurt's hand.
Kurt was ecstatic, especially when Ryan didn't let go after they left the store. They did, eventually, manage to get a cab, and Ryan immediately asked for the driver to take them to Bloomingdale's.
Bloomingdale's was the biggest department store Kurt had ever stepped into. The whole place was practically dripping class— it was so much different from the department stores in Lima, he almost fainted with joy. The multi-story establishment was filled with quality merchandise from floor to ceiling, and it left Kurt entranced.
He felt Ryan once again entwine their fingers, and he snapped back to reality to listen to what he was saying. "—upper floors are so much less crowded," Ryan announced, pulling Kurt gently in the direction of the elevator, "Don't worry, you'll get to look at everything." He smirked at Kurt's still amazed expression. "It's a lot to take in, I know."
The boys explored the store slowly, taking in the sights and sounds like it was air to breathe. Ryan liked to people-watch, pointing out certain people and making up a fake back-story on them based on how they were dressed, or how they moved, or what they said.
"And him, right there, in the red coat," Ryan whispered, and Kurt had to stop himself from giggling at their secret game. "He's hiding a dove up his sleeve, because he's really a famous but washed-up magician who he loves doing tricks for all the children he comes across."
Kurt did giggle then, and the man in question glanced their way, his eyes looking disapprovingly towards their entwined fingers. Don't people know it's rude to stare? Kurt thought, his brain suddenly turned angry. "And he's homophobic," Kurt added under his breath, glaring at the guy, who turned away when they made eye-contact.
"You get used to the 'phobics when you live in Albuquerque," Ryan said, also glaring at the guy's retreating form, "I've gotten pretty tough skin about it."
"I got thrown in a dumpster every morning in high school for it," Kurt told him, and Ryan's eyes widened a little. "Believe me, tough skin is useful in Lima as well."
It was then that Kurt spotted the bomber jacket— it was blue, his favourite colour, and had a gorgeous cut that was just made for him. Ryan saw it too and smiled. "That would look amazing on you," he told Kurt, pointing to the jacket on display. "You want to try it on?"
Kurt took the bomber jacket off its hanger, took a glance at the price tag and winced. "Uh, no." Ryan frowned.
"Why not? It looks like it'd fit you." Kurt shrugged and put it back on its hanger.
"Yeah, but I don't want to fall in love with something I can't afford. I'd have to cut my food budget down to nothing this month just to maybe buy it."
Ryan reached around Kurt and snatched the jacket, peering for himself at the price tag. "Oh, is that all? If you want it, I'll get it for you," Ryan said seriously. "Here, try it on." He offered it to Kurt, which he quickly refused.
"That's alright. I really don't feel comfortable with you spending that much money on—"
"Shut up and put on the jacket," Ryan growled, cutting off Kurt mid-sentence. "I like buying things for people. It's not like I don't have the money. Honest, it's nothing. Now put it on."
Kurt meekly took it from Ryan, who seemed to relax the moment he did so. He was a little nervous, and ended up having a little trouble locating the arm-holes. Ryan smiled smugly when he did finally manage to pull it on over the form-fitting sweater he was wearing; it fit him like a glove, and the colour really brought out his eyes.
"You look wonderful, Kurt! C'mon, just think of it like a make-up for not getting you a Christmas present last year."
Kurt had to agree that the jacket was stunning, and it did suit him well. He let himself be persuaded quite easily to let Ryan pay for it— he even didn't bother to tell Ryan his argument of it being a belated Christmas gift was invalid because they hadn't even known each other last Christmas.
Their shopping trip lasted for several more hours, until even Ryan was worn out, the sun setting behind the tallest buildings. Kurt had long since gotten over his expensive gift, deciding that if Ryan wanted to spend cash on him, he wasn't going to complain. The final taxi ride back to campus was a comfortable quiet, the silence only broken by the sounds of the city that never sleeps and the sound of their combined breathing. Kurt was well on his way to falling asleep on Ryan's shoulder.
"Get up, sleepy head, for as little as you are, I don't think I can carry you and our purchases back to our dorm rooms," Ryan whispered in his ear, and Kurt rubbed his eyes sleepily. His feet were numb from walking, and his whole body felt as if it were encased in molasses. "Seriously, get out of the cab before the driver pushes you out."
Ryan sent an apologetic smile to the cabbie as he pulled Kurt from the vehicle, and made sure to pay him a hefty tip for staying parked for as long as he had. Kurt managed to (barely) stay conscious even to left Ryan lead him back to the residence building, where they said their good-byes for the evening.
"Get some sleep," Ryan warned, "You have classes in the morning, don't you?"
Kurt groaned. "Why did I let you keep me out so late?" he asked, his eyes blinking to try and ward of the sleepiness.
"Because I'm pretty?" Ryan guessed, and bent to place a brief, warm kiss on Kurt's cheek. "Goodnight, Sweetheart."
"G'night," Kurt grumbled back, a secret part inside of him screaming YES! with excitement over the caring gesture. They parted ways, and once Kurt had securely locked himself in his room, he allowed himself to put a hand to the cheek Ryan had brushed his lips against. This was definitely going better than he expected.