Diamonds and Rags (AU)
Nodding, Yukiko followed the other girl into the alley. She watched with wide eyes as Hisoka made her way to the roof of the building, trying to take in enough information for when she’d need to do that. It seems easy enough, but, she contemplated. The redhead wasn’t very skilled in this field, but she didn’t have the courage to back out. There’s no way she’d make herself—and her family through association—look bad in front of anyone. My parents probably wouldn’t care if it’s just Hisoka, they’ll scold me anyway!
In the end, the fear of her parents overpowered the fear of embarrassment. “I t-think I’ll be able to do this with out a rope,” she mumbled, barely loud enough for the other to hear. Standing before the low quality cardboard boxes that made up the stairway, she took a deep breath. Thankful that she chose to wear the most practical shoes in her possession today, she easily made it to the top of the large garbage can. Turning to the board, she placed a foot in the first hold. It took longer than when Hisoka climbed it, but Yukiko made it up. On the roof of the building, she plopped down on her rear, looking up at the blonde, and smiled.
Hisoka smiled down at Yukiko, grabbing her hand and pulling her to her feet. "It's not ladylike to sit so improperly in a dress of that manner." She scolded jokingly, adding a indignant expression and a theatrical sniff to punctuate the statement.
Turning sharply around, she gestured out to their surroundings- a modest makeshift hut, built low to the ground, with a small collection of belongings settled inside. The roof was made of planks of wood, which squeaked as she walked across them. "Home sweet home." She paused, turning back to Yuki.
"This isn't all, though. The building is abandoned, so I keep some stuff in the crawlspace between the roof and the rooms. I also squeeze in there if it gets too cold- otherwise it's too crowded." She pulled up a loose board, and took out one of her less-worn out sets of clothing- a simple green tunic and pants.
"Here, catch." She said, tossing the bundle at Yuki. "You might have a little trouble getting around in your dress. Plus you'll blend in a whole lot better.
