Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: The post celebration part at Casa Woodcomb where there were 2 surprises in store for Chuck. The first surprise was the one on one conversation with Alex Forrest in which she laid into him straight that he and Sarah love each other. Essentially, the head nurse of Westside Medical Center knocked some sense into the lovelorn nerd much to his amazement. The 2nd surprise was Vinnie Jones showing up at Casa Woodcomb that unfortunately ruined the moment between Chuck and Sarah. So what happens in this chapter? Why is Chuck a bit hesitant in cutting his hair? Who does Chuck think Vivian's hair stylist friend look like? What song does Chuck nearly get his ear clipped as he's getting his hair styled? Where did Hartley's friend leave from in order to style Chuck with a new suit? Why does Chuck think of a particular Friends episode while being styled? When will Chuck and Sarah share they're feeling for one another? Read and find out! Anyways, hope you enjoy the read and leave a comment to share your own thoughts on this particular chapters. As always, reviews are awesome.
Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment I truly appreciate it. Please continue to do so as it gives me the incentive to write more chapters.
I don't own Chuck.
Aces, Charles
XXX
The following Saturday morning would be considered an absolute unknown for Chuck. As he's walking up the sidewalk of Rodeo Drive in the ritzy part of Beverly Hills, so many thoughts are swirling in his head one of them being that he's never really had a reason to be in this particular part of Los Angeles. Personally, that is. Professionally, is a whole other story. In any case, one of the main thoughts swirling in his head as he's walking up the sidewalk and rubbing his hands together is that he's wondering what he's gotten himself into agreeing to a makeover. Unfortunately, his efforts in being able to dodge or avoid it were successful knowing one day that his time would come when it came to coming face to face with having to deal with it. Today is that day. No way around it or any plausible excuse to keep it from happening.
As his thoughts continue to swirl on whether this were a makeover like the one on television but more nerdy related. Extreme Makeover: Nerd Edition. Instead of yelling the well-known catch phrase of "MOVE THAT BUS!" it would quite possibly be "REVEAL THE NERD!", he thinks to himself. Chuck shakes his head expressing a bit of chuckle with amused disbelief at that particular thought knowing how truly unbelievable and totally absurd that is even to actually think about. His thoughts continue swirling as it focuses on a city like Los Angeles where there are countless makeover shows ranging from plastic surgery like The Swan to a show that he actually enjoyed from time to time Beauty and The Geek. A show that premiered in 2005 and had its moments with some but not all of the beauties weren't necessarily superficial even though there were a few he suspected were there for exposure, in more ways than one.
It's also a show he nearly signed up for at the urging or in this particular case prodding of his bearded best friend Morgan Grimes. When it came to some compelling pros to actually signing on and going on the show, Morgan's #1 selling point was always the beauties and how he'll be able to be around them 24/7. To his bearded sidekick, there were never any cons whatsoever. In Chuck's mind, that was considered both a pro and con because of the close proximity that he'd be when it came living with the beauties. Thankfully, he came to his senses and backed out of it knowing if he had ended up going he probably wouldn't end up where he is now. Of course, back then he was just getting out of a relationship at the time and he wanted to live through him instead of signing up himself because he believed Chuck had more of a chance than he did. Now, he's in a relationship of sorts with Casey's daughter Alex.
Adding to that line of thinking, in some ways he also feels like he's somehow in his own teen movie like the one starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachel Leigh Cook called She's All That. However, the roles are quite different where Sarah is in Freddie's role as Zack Siler and he's playing Rachel's role of Laney Boggs. Granted, it's oddly weird and insanely crazy concept to even imagine, but at the same time it's considered to be a concept that somehow is actually coming true. Thinking about it further, he didn't consider himself popular or even an outcast for that matter being that he for the most part got along with everybody from the jocks to the goth kids. True, even though he proudly calls himself a gamer who would much rather enjoy his time staying in, he would from time to time go out spending time with his fellow classmates going to high school parties.
Sure, there were moments of him being bullied but they were squashed because he was considered a likeable guy. Morgan, on the other hand, would be bullied relentlessly, especially by most the girls who would turn him down after straight up asking them out without fear of rejection. That was his self proclaimed hetero life partner for you, he thinks to himself. He's then suddenly snapped out of his thoughts when he hears his name being called out causing him to come out of his focused state of mind to where he sees not only Vivian happily waving over at him, but Hartley doing a quick wave and nod over to him as well.
"Splendid that you made it." smiled Vivian, crossing her arms as he finally stands in front of her.
"Excellent to see you, lad." stated Hartley, reaching over to happily slap him on the side of his upper left arm.
Chuck shrugs his shoulders. "I'm here. So what's up first?" he wondered, scan the location they're presently in. This includes the building on his left all 3 individuals are standing next to.
In that instance, Vivian steps forward and reaches up to rustle and briefly run her fingers through his hair. "Taming this beast, Chuck. That's first and foremost on the agenda right now."
"Awesome." he answered back, giving a sarcastic two thumbs up back.
It's at that point, Hartley speaks up expressing reassurance and some fatherly advice to his unofficial foster son. "Look at it this way Charles..." he said, giving a smile of proud amusement towards the son of his best friend. "...you'll feel like a whole new man after this." In that moment, Hartley notices he's a bit reluctant and not to mention nervous concerning the situation he's now in. "No need to worry. Consider this a new beginning for you."
"Father's right. You know, this had to happen eventually."
"It's not that." Chuck replied, shaking his head.
"What is it then?" Vivian wondered, noticing the conflict going on in his overall body language. "Come on. Out with it, Chuck Bartowski." she added, in a stern tone of voice.
"It's gonna sound stupid..." he briefly pauses, then reaches up to rub the back of his neck with his left hand. "...and I gotta be honest, it actually does." added Chuck, giving a half shrug of his shoulders.
"Go on, Charles." urged Hartley, expressing a mixture of curious concern in his voice. "You're amongst family here."
There is a brief moment of silence as Chuck stands there in front of Vivian and Hartley. After seeing a nod of encouragement coming from Vivian, he takes a deep breath then shares what he believes will sound stupid to the both of them. "Okay, I've always viewed my hair as a protective shield. Something I was able to hide behind, if that makes any sense. Like with Superman simply putting on glasses to become Clark Kent." He shakes his head then continues on. "If it's cut off, I'll suddenly be out in the open."
"So, the funny animal shapes your hair does makes you feel like you're Superman..." mused Vivian, glancing over to her father who expresses a chuckle. "...and because of that you have some kind of super power?" questioned the daughter of Hartley Winterbottom.
"See..." responded Chuck, throwing up his hands in disbelief. "...I knew it sounded stupid. Even in my own head. I'm out. This was a mistake." he added, shaking head, backing up and then turning around to leave.
Instantly, Vivian jumps forward making her way around and in front of Chuck stopping Chuck from going any further. "I apologize. It was wrong of me to laugh, but you're wrong about that you know.
"About what?"
"How you see your hair as having a super power. That's not what gives you your super power. Look at me." she insisted holding him at bay with both arms by his shoulders. At the same time, she trying to lock eyes with her childhood friend. After a few failed attempts, Chuck finally lock eyes with her, leading Vivian to continue on. "This..." It's at that point, she reaches up to rustle his hair. "...is not your super power Chuck Bartowski."
"Listen to her, son. She isn't considered my best attorney in my law firm for nothing."
"Our law firm, Father." grinned Vivian briefly turning her attention to Hartley.
Hartley simply gives a proud grin towards his daughter who focuses her attention back to Chuck. "This..." she firmly said, touching his chest with her right finger to his heart. "...this is your super power. It's what shines forth when you think you're hiding behind what you call a head of hair." she shared with a sense of real honesty in her tone of voice. "You may not see it, but others do and that is why you're seen as a hero and a Rockstar in not just the kid's eyes, but in the eyes of anybody who knows you, Chuck Bartowski. It's the power of your heart that can make you faster than a speeding bullet. Be more powerful than a locomotive and allows you to leap tall buildings in a single bound." She pauses briefly then resumes speaking. "See, I can speak nerd when I need to." Vivian grinned.
Chuck expresses a toothy grin in return while letting what Vivian said sink in for a bit then gives his response. "You're not saying that just because you've known me since childhood."
Vivian expresses a faint grin in response. "Every word I've said is true."
"I concur with my daughter, Charles..." Hartley takes a moment to clear his throat and begins talking like a father instead of a close family friend to him. "...you've come a long way and have turned into a truly remarkable young man with such a tremendous, giving heart. After talking with Eleanor, I know you've unselfishly looked out for others at the expense of your own well-being at times, especially those extraordinary children at the hospital. That's very commendable of you, my boy." he said, stepping forward and reaching up to place a firm hand on Chuck's left shoulders. After giving a firm squeeze, he once again expresses a proud, fatherly smile towards him. "Your father would be most proud of you..." he added, sounding clearly emotional in the tone of his voice. "...and so am I."
"Wow." breathed out Chuck in astonished disbelief. "I don't know what to say, really."
In that instance, Vivian releases her hold on Chuck then turns him around to where she's now standing side by side with him. In doing so she hooks her left arm around his right leading him forward. "Nothing. All you really need to do is give me...us a chance and we can continue on with your long overdue makeover."
Chuck glances back and forth from Hartley to Vivian. After a few seconds, he shrugs his shoulders then gives them both a nod causing father and daughter to react with considerable elation on their part. In any case, a few moments later Chuck would find himself standing a seemingly large upscale hair salon then staring at the door with the following words in front: VINCENT'S
From Chuck's viewpoint, the "V" is shaped like scissors cutting the "S" that's made to look like a long strand of hair. In his mind, it's considered smart marketing strategy in regards to a business logo in which he can't help but be somewhat impressed. Yet, when it comes to the owner of Vincent's, his nerd radar would go off than anything else after entering and heading inside. It's within the confines of the Vincent's that he would see Vivian being greeted by kisses on either side of her cheek by a man who is sporting long, dark flowing hair that's tied back into a ponytail and in a way, eerily resembles the actor of Arnold Vosloo from Darkman and The Mummy movie fame. The character Imhotep to be exact. To him, his style of clothing is a cross between the singer Prince and the character Rex Manning from the movie Empire Records. In any case, after pleasantries with Vivian are over, the man he presumes is Vincent suddenly turns his focus to him causing Chuck to faintly breath out the following two words: Oh boy.
XXX
"So..." said Vivian, introducing the owner to her childhood friend. "...I would you to introduce you to my good friend, Vincent. A master and a genius at what he does."
"Hi Vincent..." hesitantly greeted the nerd with a nervous wave. He's trying to be gracious while at the same time considerably uncomfortable in his surroundings. "...you can call me Chuck."
It's at that point, Vincent suddenly lifts his right hand and places his right finger in front of his lips. "Shhhh. I must get a sense of what I'm working with." he said, suddenly circling the nerd like a lion preying and about to pounce on its intended target. While doing so, his eyes momentarily close, leading him to reach out with his right hand towards Chuck's hair but doesn't touch it. Instead, he hovers over it causing the nerd to quirk his right brow at what is happening right now. "Your hair is speaking to me."
After what seems like a long, awkward silence Chuck speaks up. "Ummm...what's it saying?"
Once again Vincent responds by placing his right index finger in front of Chuck's lips now making the already awkward situation even more awkward. "No talking." he stated, shaking his head. "I must get in the mood and right mindset first. Please..." motioning towards his salon chair in a flamboyant manner. "...have a seat." Vincent added, with a courteous nod and a brief wave of both hands.
For Chuck, this is a totally different experience and not to mention atmosphere than going to his regular barber. In the usual place he goes to in Santa Monica that's right next to the beach, the tv has sports on and there's the usual talk of politics or sports, but he doesn't get involved in it. If it's not nerd related then it doesn't necessarily interest him, he thinks to himself. After sitting there for a moment taking in the aroma of some kind of oils wafting in the air being sprayed out from a humidifier, he suddenly finds himself hearing a familiar tune.
"Hey, I know this song." Chuck pointed out, with a somewhat excited tone to his voice.
"Really? I pegged you wrong then. A man of culture and refined musical taste, I see. I take it you're a fan of Jane Zhang then." Vincent retorted, while visually assessing the task that sits before him.
"Jane Zhang? No. Cultured and refined taste. Also no." Chuck answered back, receiving an astonished expression from the hairstylist. While doing so, he leans back a bit placing his fingertips against the top of his chest as his newest client continues on. "That sounds like Diva Plavalaguna from the opera scene in the movie The 5th Element starring Bruce Willis and Mila Jovavich." nodded Chuck, briefly turning his head to glance behind him. "Mul-ti-pass. That one word being said in the movie gets me every time."
"I see." Vincent replied, turning his attention over to Vivian. He expresses a look over to her causing Chuck's childhood friend to snicker by the mere look on Vincent's face. The song continues on as the experienced hair stylists working his magic raking his fingers through the untamed mane that does funny animal shapes. Afterwards, he removes his fingers from his hair and starts slowly circling the chair in a counter-clockwise way with his arms crossed. As he makes his way in front of him, Vincent momentarily stops and lefts his right arm placing his right and his chin. He then just stares at Chuck causing him to be somewhat uncomfortable while sitting there. He's about to say something, but Vivian's friend simply lifts his right finger in order to silence him. A few seconds later, he moves his way around and eventually ends up behind Chuck once again. This would lead both men to face forward staring at their reflections in the salon mirror. "When I'm done with you Chuck..." Vincent said, expressing a serious look on his face. "...you won't even recognize yourself. So just sit back, relax and enjoy the song."
Chuck simply nods and focuses on the song as it begins to the point where he clearly imagines the opera scene in his head. This would lead him to close his eyes to drown out where he's currently at right now.
Il dolce suono mi colpì di sua voce!
Ah, quella voce m'è qui nel cor discesa!
Edgardo! io ti son resa.
Ah! Edgardo, mio!
Si, ti son resa
fuggita io son da' tuoi nemici.
Ah nemici!
Un gelo mi serpeggia nel sen!
Trema ogni fibra!
Vacilla il piè!
Presso la fonte meco t'assidi alquanto.
Si, presso la fonte
meco t'assidi.
It's at this small break part of the song, the beat gets more lively causing Chuck to react. "Oh! This is the good part." Chuck suddenly announced, perking up in his seat. His eyes popping open immediately at the same time saying that.
In doing so, Vincent nearly clipped Chuck's right ear causing the uniquely extravagant and experienced hairstylist to Grab Chuck's head on both sides in order for him to stop moving. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Let's not do that, shall we. You don't want to lose part of ear because you're enjoying the song."
"Yeah..." responded Chuck in embarrassment. "...that wouldn't be awesome to become another Van Gogh."
"Not awesome indeed." nodded Vincent, directing his attention towards the mirrored reflection of Chuck. His lips pursed together expressing disappointment. "Just close your eyes and put your untamed hair in my hands. Before you know it, you'll be transformed into a whole new man." he proclaimed with a smile, placing his hands on his shoulders. "Listen to the song, but no moving. Got me?" he added, giving light pat on the right side of Chuck's face.
Chuck gives a slight nod acknowledging what Vincent said then begins to close his eyes with a bit of hesitance on his part. However, before doing so the nerd glances over to the waiting area where he sees Vivian giving two thumbs towards him while Hartley is sitting down behind her noticeably preoccupied with a phone call he's engaged in. In return, he exchanges a smile of uncertainty towards her. Afterwards, he feels considerably unsure with the entire setting and not to mention getting his hair cut by someone who is not his usual barber, he thinks to himself. Yet, Vivian asked him to place his trust in her knowing that his childhood friend has always looked out for his own best interests. This particular situation is no different. So, even though he feels uncomfortable he settles into his unfamiliar surroundings and slowly relaxes into the salon chair he's sitting in making sure not to fall asleep. As he does, can hear the sound of clippers continue to cut hair but does his best to focus on more of the song that he found himself excited about.
ah ah ah... ah ah ah ah ah...
ah ah ah ah ah... ah ah...
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...
(ha ha ha ha...)
ha ha ha ha ha ha
(ha ha ha ha ha ha)
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha
ahhhhhhh...ha
While continuing to sit there in a relaxed state of mind and tapping his foot to the song instead of moving his head, his thoughts drift off concerning the Hospital Gala that will be going on tonight. In his mind, he doesn't know how people will react to his new look. More specifically, he doesn't know how one person will react. Sarah. To him, she has always referred to him as her nerd and the type of guy who should never change in order to impress her, which begs an underlying question. Will Sarah like the change or if she doesn't will it actually end up changing their entire relationship? It's considered to be one of the main questions that has been haunting him ever since being roped into participating in this makeover, he thinks to himself. However, instead of dwelling on it, Chuck set that thought aside in order to enjoy the last remaining moments of the song.
ah ah ha ha ah ah ah
ah ha ha ha ah ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
ha ha ha ha...
"Magnifique! I'm Done!"
The sudden announcement that Chuck hears causes him to pop his eyes open and blinks his repeatedly due to the fact that he's had them closed for quite a bit. For Chuck, it felt like he just closed his eyes for only a few moments but after refocusing his attention towards the mirror in front of him he finds himself being rendered speechless. As he does, Vincent removes the sheet covering Chuck and then twirls it around in his right hand like a magician ending his spectacular magic trick with Chuck as his nerdy volunteer. Speaking of the aforementioned nerdy volunteer, he slowly rises from his seat and pushes himself forward towards the salon mirror. Vincent was right. I hardly recognize myself. The focused attention on himself is suddenly averted to his right.
"Brilliant. Vincent, you are bloody brilliant."
"Vivian, my darling. It's what I do..." Vincent replied back, giving a slight bow in recognition of his efforts. "...and I do it so well." he added, with a snap of his left finger.
"You could pass for James Bond, Charles." proudly smiled Hartley.
High praise Chuck thinks to himself. Afterwards, he can't help but express a toothy smile towards his extended family. "Awesome. Maybe the nerdy American version, but I'll take the compliment nonetheless." His attention on his unofficial foster father is averted over to his unofficial foster sister. "So, what do you think Vi?" he asked, doing a slowly 360 degree turn.
Vivian is briefly silent as she takes in all that she sees pertaining to this whole new version of Chuck evident by the smile on her face. "If it wasn't for the fact, I have fully and happily embraced who I am, I would nick you up in a heartbeat, Chuck Bartowski."
It's at that point, a glass of campaign comes into his line of sight causing him to break attention from Vivian to the man responsible for his new look. "A cause for celebration." he happily announced, handing the glass to Chuck then the other glass to Vivian making sure to pour another for himself and Vivian's father. "To new looks and new beginnings. And to moi..." he added, in a braggadocios manner. "...because I'm that damn good."
To new looks and new beginning indeed, Chuck thinks to himself. Although, he is not the type to drink during this time of the day he makes an exception knowing this could quite be the turning point from "old Chuck" to "new Chuck". It's a thought that is intriguing, but at the same time very scary knowing there are so many uncertainties. However, he sets those uncertainties aside and just lives in the moment for now as he takes another look at his fresh new hairstyle in the salon mirror then takes another celebratory sip of champagne.
XXX
After taking their leave from Vincent's, it would Hartley taking the lead this time as they would hitch a ride in his car in order to head to their intended location. It was a nice 10 minute ride. 20 minutes if you took into account traffic. Regardless, all 3 individuals reached their intended destination and would find themselves standing in front of the business where Chuck is reading the name of the business along with the catchphrase underneath.
"House of Hayes. Suit Up In Style?" Chuck said out loud, standing in front of the seemingly lavish storefront located in area of Rodeo Drive.
"Von Hayes. He's an old friend of mine. House of Hayes is located all through the United States and not to mention overseas as well." shared Hartley.
"In other words, he's stinkin' rich." retorted Chuck, shaking his head.
Vivian instantly interjects her 2 cents in the mix. "And a self-proclaimed playboy with a giant sized ego. He's also an annoyingly arrogant, brash bastard."
"And those are his most likeable qualities." chimed in Hartley, expressing amusement in his tone of voice.
"If you say so father." responded Vivian, rolling her eyes in a mixture of disgust, disdain and utter contempt for the man.
"I take it you and Von Hayes have history." questioned Chuck, quirking his right brow towards Vivian.
"Not between us, but rather a number of female friends of mine he dated. I warned them, but they didn't listen to me." she seethed, briefly reflecting back on those particular moments involving her friends.
Chuck clearly senses some considerable hostility towards this Von Hayes guy. So he tries to change the subject and speaks up. "I guess we should go in and get me a new suit then."
"Hold on, lad. Not just yet." Hartley stated, stopping Chuck in his tracks from reaching the handle of the door. "We're waiting for someone." he added, peering down at his watch.
"Who?" questioned Chuck.
After saying that, Chuck suddenly hears a faint, clearly audible growl of what sounds like a car engine. The sound is seemingly off in the distance at first but it grows increasingly louder to the point where it's getting closer and closer to their location. Before he knows it, the car in question is seen and it's a yellow Lamborghini heading towards them from their left, pass them, then makes a quick right turn to the street. However, instead of driving down it the yellow Lamborghini quickly pulls into the parking space marked owner right next to the business itself. The individual driving it emerges dressed in a what seems to be a white tuxedo button down shirt and jacket minus the tie, black tuxedo pants, and shoes to match those pants.
From his viewpoint, he's an older gentleman with somewhat long, dark brown hair, and expressing a smile that can interpreted as charming and arrogant. Added to that, an air of confidence oozing out of him that can be viewed as annoying, arrogant, and most definitely brash, he thinks to himself. A description in which he now understands as to why Vivian dislikes him so much. His thoughts concerning who he presumes is Von Hayes is interrupted by Hartley standing beside him then stepping forward expressing a grin towards the man who is walking towards them with his arms open out to his sides. A wide smile expressed as well.
"You always need to make a grand entrance, don't you?"
"It's how I roll, mate. You know that." retorted Hayes, stepping up onto the sidewalk.
"I take it you were at another bloody party last night..." Hartley said, eyeing his attire up and down. "...and you woke up in that tux. Again." he added, shaking his head in disbelief.
"What makes you think I slept at all? My friend..." Hayes replied back expressing a mischievous smile. "...the party never ends when it's thrown by Sir Richard Branson. The Victoria Secret Models were even there. Giselle, Tyra, Heidi, Adriana, and the list goes on. As a matter of fact, the party is still going on. I just stepped out for a bit to help out an old friend. You called and I came personally just for you."
I guess that's who Hartley was speaking with on the phone in Vincent's Salon. In Chuck's mind, Los Angeles is known for having party girls but very rarely has he encountered the party guy who personifies having the energy to be on all the time and have absolutely no off switch to speak of. Of course, it's clearly evident by the way Hayes is constantly moving or in this case dancing in front of not only Hartley, but Vivian as well, which she isn't having any of it by the look that's being expressed at him. Yet, despite his failed attempt at flirting with his old friend's beautiful daughter he saunters on dancing towards him, which is a kind of confidence he would kill to have. Unfortunately, he doesn't as he finds himself suddenly face to face with the aforementioned Von Hayes himself.
"Jorge." Hayes said, expressing the same mischievous but seemingly charming smile.
"Chuck..." the nerd stammered out. "...my name is Chuck." he added, wondering where the name Jorge came from.
In that instance, Hayes puts up his left finger and then taps the right side of his ear. A blue tooth that Chuck didn't initially see or notice for that matter as the eccentric and rich men's suit mogul focuses his attention on him. "I was talking to my man Jorge. The manager of this location. He's inside and prepping..." Hayes steps back and visually sizes up Chuck. "...well, for you mate. So, are you ready?" he added, expressing a wide, toothy smile of his own towards him.
It's those 4 words that have most definitely become the question for him, especially today of all days. As he stands there, looking at the face of a man who could quite possibly be the either spokesman of or actually the face of Red Bull, he's once again reluctantly putting his trust in a complete stranger in deciding what suit best looks good, as well as fits him. However, it's a stranger that his unofficial foster father knows and he trusts him so hopefully the suit that he'll end up wearing for tonight will have him feel the way Von Hayes looks right now.
XXX
Once Chuck entered into the House of Hayes, the owner and proprietor of men's well tailored suits along with the aforementioned Jorge whisked him off to get him fitted for his suit. A suit that when combined with his newly styled haircut will make a tremendously significant impact in every sense of the word. Essentially, it's going to be an awesome double whammy that nobody, not even Sarah, will certainly be prepared for, he thinks to himself. While sitting on the small circular platform in front of and facing away from the 3 mirrors, he can't help but think about the Friends episode where Chandler goes to a tailor that Joey recommended. As the well known sarcastic character of the group, he suddenly finds himself or in this particular case his groin area being cupped by the man and would inform not only Joey about it, but end up informing Ross too.
Fortunately for him, it didn't come to that as he's in the safe and not to mention not being inappropriately touched by a professional tailor with years of experience on his belt named Jorge. Plus, if need be any alterations would be done in a matter of an hour or so he, along with Vivian and Hartley could go have lunch while they're being made then come back to pick the suit up. Speaking of Hartley and Vivian, they are seated in chairs across from him observing all that's been going on thus far while Von Hayes is standing by a rack of suits placed there by Jorge. Suits that the owner chose to have him try on in order to do a proverbial test run in order to see not only how they fit, but see how comfortable it feels for him wearing it, taking into account the length of time the Hospital Gala will run. After several test and feel runs of different colors/designs that didn't really speak to any of them, Hayes would carefully pick out a blue suit that he felt would best reflect him.
"Here..." stated the owner of House of Hayes. "...try this on." he added, motioning to the changing room off to his left. Chuck stands up and takes the blue suit handed to him then makes his way to the changing room once again. As he's in there changing, Hayes gives the 411 of the suit he's provided Chuck to try on making sure that he hears what he's about to share with Hartley and Vivian. "What I've given Chuck is a single breasted suit designed to a modern fit. It's a rich-wool blend. The blazer features peak lapels, a single button fastening, mock flap pockets to each hip, and a double vent to the reverse, which is fully lined. As for the button down shirt, it's standard white that come with cuff links. The tie. It's a Yellow Houndstooth that has an abstract four-point check design elegantly finessed in lustrous yellow and navy blue hue.
"Awesome. I guess."
"I'm not finished." Hayes retorted, briefly glancing back towards the changing room where Chuck is currently changing in. "He will also be wearing a vested waistcoat that is styled with a six button fastening. It contrasts the back panel that has an adjuster on the reverse. Finally, the slim fit trousers complete the look. It has a slash pocket to each hip and has a button side adjuster as well. As for the dress shoes, they're high shine brown leather monk-straps. Double buckle fastening with a silver tone bucket. Almond toe." she shared, taking a moment to briefly kiss the tips of his right fingers. "Made in Italy."
"How much does it all cost?"
"Don't you worry, son." responded Hartley. "I'll foot the bill on this."
"We got this, Chuck. All you have to do is focus on tonight." firmly stated Vivian.
After Vivian says that, the changing room curtain opens with Chuck stepping out revealing the aforementioned suit that Hayes just described in detail. "Seriously? It just sounds so expensive." In that instance, he suddenly finds himself being stared at in what appears to be a mixture of shocked amazement and surprised disbelief at what they see standing before them. More so for Vivian and Hartley than Hayes. "What? Is it bad?" This would lead Chuck to turn towards then slide over to the 3 sided full length mirror where he would see for himself as to why they were rendered speechless. What he sees before him quite literally blows his mind because the man that's being reflected back isn't the same one who showed up. Ultimately, one word could be best summed right now in the immortal words of Keanu Reeves' character Neo in the movie The Matrix after witnessing Morpheus leap from one building to another."
"Whoa." he breathed out.
"Whoa indeed, lad." nodded Hartley, standing up in absolute amazement. "Vivian, what do you think?" he asked, briefly turning his attention to his only daughter.
After some momentary silence on her part, she finally forces herself to speak after standing up at the same time as her father did. " That haircut combined with that suit. Sarah, won't know what hit her." she stated, expressing a devilish smile.
In that instance, Chuck turns around and when he does Hayes appears in front of him. "Something's missing." Hayes said, shaking his head and stepping back and taking in Chuck's entire look to figure it out.
"What is it?" wondered Chuck turning around to look in the 3 sided full length mirror once again.
Hayes doesn't say a word as he stands there in front of Chuck with his arms crossed. He then raises his right arm in order to tap the bottom of his chin with his right finger. A few seconds later it suddenly dawns on him to the point where he calls out his for the man who runs his store. "Jorge!" When he turns around Jorge appears causing Hayes to nearly bump into him, but doesn't, leading the owner to take a few steps back.
"Yes boss!"
"Oh, ah...there you are. I need..." He stops mid-sentence when he notices the white pocket square sticking out of Jorge's outer left front suit pocket. He instantly snatches it out much to Jorge's dismay and is neatly tucked into the outer left suit pocket of Chuck's single breasted blazer. Afterwards, Hayes steps back to where he is now standing with Hartley and Vivian on either side of him. "And voilà." he announced, expressing a satisfyingly accomplished smile.
As for Chuck, he turns around in order to take another in the mirror and is still awe inspired of who is being reflected at. Yet, he can truly feel his confidence grow considerably stronger because of his new look to the point of making a face. A face that all 4 individuals notice so much so Chuck is suddenly keenly aware of it, leading Vivian to speak up on behalf of Hayes and Hartley.
"Chuck, what was that? That face you were doing?"
"It was blue..." he said, turning around and clearing his throat. "...blue steel. You know Derek Zoolander's signature look from the movie Zoolander." added Chuck, standing there awkwardly embarrassed.
All 4 individuals just stare at Chuck in awkward silence but it would be abruptly broken by Von Hayes speaking up. "Anyways..." he stated, stepping forward and doing a physical, as well as visual assessment of Chuck's new suit. "...I see a few minor alterations that can be done within the hour by my man Jorge."
"I'll call when it's ready, Mr. Winterbottom." Jorge stated.
"Brilliant. Lunch then?" Hartley suggested turning to his daughter, then patting his stomach.
Vivian nods her head. "Excellent idea, Father."
"And I..." announced Hayes, spinning on the back of his left heel to turn around." "...have Victoria Secret models to get back to." he added, expressing a mischievous grin and clapping his hands together then does a quick celebratory dance. "Oh, and Sir Richard Branson, as well."
Once again, Vivian can't help but express another eye roll after hearing that. Meanwhile, Chuck has turned out to look at himself in the 3 sided full length mirror. While standing there, he still can't completely wrap his head around his new look to the point where he suddenly hearkens back to the following 2 words that his father used to say to him. It somehow best sums up the end result to his makeover all thanks to the efforts of Hartley, Vivian, Vincent, Von Hayes, and Jorge.
"Aces, Charles." he faintly breathes out, feeling absolutely awesome for tonight's Hospital Gala.
XXX
NOTE: So, what do you think of my version of Vincent and Von Hayes? Chuck has his new hair and new suit after his long overdue makeover. What's left is for him to show it off at the Hospital Gala. Yes, the long awaited shared of feeling between Chuck and Sarah will happen. Anyways, leave a comment and share your thoughts on this chapter because they're very much appreciated showing how much support you have for this story. As always, tip of the hat to NEVR for doing the beta. On to the next chapter which is the hospital gala.
