let's go with - Tailor/seamstress for firstprince plz 💚
Read on Ao3 🪡
Alex knew he shouldn’t have favourite customers. He prided himself on everyone paying a fair price for a good service. But maybe he let Mrs Babbit stick around longer to chat about her girls at cheerleading camp, even gave her an extra cup of coffee. He might have opened the scotch for when Zahra came by like clockwork with her suits to adjust. And then there was Henry.
Alex still remembered their first appointment. He’d been referred by Percy, an entrepreneur who’d been seeing Alex for years at this point. They were best friends, so Henry came up in conversation a lot. But when they finally met, he was not what Alex was expecting.
‘You’re the famous Henry then?’
Henry’s cheeks pinkened, but he nodded. He held out a hand, Alex shook it with a coy smile.
‘You’re the famous Alex, Percy recommends you highly. I apologise for the last minute appointment.’
Alex shook his head, finally dropping Henry’s hand. Part of him wanted to hold on.
‘Don’t worry about it, that’s kind of my speciality. Last minute fixes for the suits of NYC.’
Henry smiled at that, looking directly at Alex before back down at the floor. Alex led him to the changing room to their left.
‘Let me know if you need any help.’
‘You want to help me out of my clothes?’
Henry looked up at Alex, eyes stretched wide. Alex’s throat felt stiff.
‘I am so sorry, that was so inappropriate.’
Alex bit his lip as he smiled.
‘Don’t worry about it. I’ll be out here when you’re ready.’
Henry cleared his throat and swiftly shut the door. Alex let out a deep breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding. He grabbed his chalk and measuring tape, strapped on his pin cushion on his wrist. He smoothed down his pants, despite steaming them immaculately only hours ago. He rubbed his hands together, restless energy fizzing in his veins.
Henry came out in a charcoal grey suit, that Alex believed was doing nothing for his complexion. But that wasn’t his place to say. Henry faced the mirror, his chin lifted. His shoulders were as stiff as a good quality shirt collar. This was a different Henry being presented.
‘So remind me what you’d like adjusted?’
Henry began pointing out areas around the suit. Alex quickly got to work, pinning, marking and noting Henry’s posture as they agreed on each adjustment. The man could have been a statue. Alex got on his knees and Henry stepped up on the small podium. When he looked up and met Henry’s gaze, he was the one looking away now. Those blue eyes were intoxicating. Alex wondered what they'd be like rolling to the back of his head.
‘Ouch!’
Alex’s pin strayed in the wrong direction. He immediately pulled it away, and stood up.
‘I am so sorry- are you alright?’
His hands have placed themselves on Henry's arms. There was a pull there, he needed to be touching him. Henry’s eyes softened. His hands came up and pulled Alex’s down slowly.
‘No harm done. No need to fuss over me.’
Alex opened his mouth to speak but nothing came. He looked down to see his and Henry's hands, together. He felt calmer.
‘What if- and please tell me if I've read this wron-’
Henry shook his head, eyes pleading with Alex.
‘You haven't. You really haven't.’
Alex couldn’t help but chuckle.
‘You going to let me finish?’
Henry pressed his lips together, then mouthed sorry.
‘I’d like to make a fuss over you sometime. Would you like to get a drink tonight?’
Henry beamed, his blush was back but he was less sheepish about it. Alex wanted to see that blush all over him.
‘I’d love to.’
I've been waiting for requests for my International Spy Event, and I got a few requests for a part two, so I figured why not. I surprised myself with how much I knew about sewing (even though it was the family trade), so I think I can continue to lean into that world more. The first part was going to be more about modeling, and that didn't happen so I think it might here.
Thanks for reading! Part One
You were so well-suited into being a behind-the-scenes person, so all of this was out of your comfort zone. However, you would do anything for your beloved boss, so there was no reason to say no. Just save the day, and no one would know. Right?
The opportunity came that your boss and mentor would be featured in a magazine praising his work and legacy of the shop. You were ecstatic for him and knew that it was well-deserved. He kindly downplayed it all but asked you to come for the photoshoots and assist with the models. He would be bringing out some archived looks as well as those that blended the vintage styles with modern trends. (That is why he's a pro at all of this)
The day of the shoot started with you loading boxes and bags of clothes into a car and going over a detailed checklist. Your boss sat behind the counter drinking coffee and enjoying the Sun. You could only hope to be so relaxed in your future.
Soon, the two of you were in the studio setting up the clothes while photographers ran around checking for equipment and models. There seemed to be multiple designers in the building at once. You assumed that the organizer wanted to get everything done as soon as possible, so there wouldn't be a hold-up when editing.
You pressed ascots, ties, lined up vests and jackets, and paired cotton socks with shoes. Models came and dressed and you boss helped direct them to the sets.
For now your work was done, so you decided to peak to another set that was showing off women's formal gowns. It wasn't your sector, but the familiarity of dresses and heels brought back memories of your family elders. You checked the schedule and noted that there would be a collab shoot between this designer and your boss. You thought that the styles complimented each other.
You continued to stand in the corner watching when a few people frantically ran passed you before talking to a woman sitting in a director's chair. She was gorgeous with tanned skin, black hair, and bright blue eyes. She listened intently but didn't seem too affected by the urgency. For a moment, the two of you locked eyes and she smiled brightly.
You turned away to zone out but that didn't last when your heard heels and saw the woman in front. "Excuse me, are you one of the models for the other designers?"
You gawked for a moment and mentally ran through your outfit: slacks, loafers, messy hair, measuring tape around the shoulders. You shook your head. "Eh not at all. I'm one of the men's fashion assistants." you explained.
"Ah well, I'm sorry to bother you. I'm Robin. I'm doing one of the shoots for the women's line as you can see, and I'm in need of a model that would fit your dimensions." you starred blankly at her. "Do you think you could step in?"
"Me? Model?"
She laughed at your reaction before glancing at her notes. "Ah yes, the photos would be for our collab with Mr. Lewis." Shit, that was your boss. "I would really appreciate it." she beamed kindly at you.
You fidgeted with your fingers a little and nibbled a cheek. "Eh, I wouldn't say I'm model material-,"
"Nonsense. You'd be beautiful on the camera."
The deep timbre made you aware of the others in the room--however too late to notice one specifically. Your face warmed up at the compliment, and you turned slowly at the newcomer.
"You're already stunning in the flesh."
Oh earth come get me now! Your eyes found his, and Sir Crocodile looked down at you with those intimidating gold orbs that were highlighted with mischief.
You hadn't seen the man in awhile, but it was if your body knew the protocol, and your hand reached out gently for him to take--greeting you with a kiss as always.
"You haven't called me."
The air in your lungs rushed out. "I've uh- my apologies." you replied quickly trying to replenish your breath.
Even though the man brought it up, he didn't seem troubled by the fact.
"Well if you're willing to help Robin, I'm sure the matter can be forgiven." you pouted before you could stop yourself. He chuckled.
"Ah you two know each other?" Robin perked.
"I'm a tailor." you simply provided at that.
"A talented one at that. I'm sure she helped produced the clothing that's being featured." Crocodile didn't allow you to downplay yourself at all. "However, it would do her well to step into the light. No need to keep hiding a treasure." he went on but focused on your eyes.
You couldn't find an excuse if you wanted to. The two in front of you seemed like a business power duo and quick to resolve things too. You pinched the bridge of your nose before you sighed. "Okay fine. Some pictures won't hurt."
...
Crocodile waited anxiously for you to step back into the shooting space from the dressing rooms.
He attended to many businesses and trades, but certain things in life he wanted to keep simple. He enjoyed a good outfiIt that fit well and stuck to the same shop that always got it right. He appreciated your attention to detail and care for your craft.
Admittedly, he was also excited to see you in something other than a dress shirt and slacks. He was appreciative all the same, but seeing you in a formal dress would fuel the dreams of taking you out to nice places and enjoying special evenings.
He heard the heels before he saw you, and your entrance into the room seemed to make everyone pause.
It was a dark green dress with a halter neckline, a tasteful slit on the side, and was backless to help fit where your body curved and dipped. It sparkled and was pleasing to the eye.
Crocodile could feel your nervousness, but your stride never faltered. You had done this before, he figured. Everyone turned away from you, and he could see you physically exhale. He watched as you were quickly shuffled into place for some solo shots while assistants gleamed over the hair and makeup of the models already present. Your boss stood by him, and the two men enjoyed the vision of two different brands coming together.
A gentleman stood by you in a black-n-beige suit that definitely made the scene feel like a gala of a Bond movie. Crocodile kept his eyes intently on you. It was like you got into character and followed the instructions on how to express and emote for what was needed. It was captivating.
More photos were taken, and just when you thought things would be wrapping up, Robin clapped her hands and said, "Now, let's have Crocodile join us." You both quickly turned to the woman.
"This isn't an inclusivity issue." Crocodile argued referring to his prosthetic.
Robin only hummed. "It wouldn't be inclusive if we only showed differences on special occasions." she was ready for his retort.
Crocodile grumbled. "I need a suit."
"Actually, that suit is one of mine; I'm sure of it. The color scheme goes well with what's already here." your boss quipped in.
The man reached into his coat and sighed. "Fine, but I'm enjoying myself while I do this." he brought out a cigar.
"I wouldn't want it any other way." Robin went on.
You fidgeted slightly as the man puffed his smoke before joining you. You met his eyes and smiled. Assistants moved props and posed your hands and positioned bodies. Unknowingly, you drifted away from your companion.
Crocodile chuckled as he wrapped his arm around your waist and pulled you closer. He turned away from the camera and whispered into your ear. "Don't run away. You're the star of the show." the gruffness made you gasp. Neither of you even noticed the cameras flashing.
You got a hold of yourself and leaned into the man's touch. "I'm staying." was all you could get out before placing your hand back on his chest.
Robin only wanted a few shots, and with that, the day was finally over. The set-up lamps began to shut off, and you sighed to yourself. It was a fun experience, and you weren't uncomfortable. You were just ready to not have so many eyes on you.
"It was a pleasure seeing you." Crocodile offered while others shuffled around you two.
You nodded and smiled. "Likewise. I'm sure we'll see each other sooner next time."
"How about dinner now?"
You blinked for a moment. "Oh sure, let me just change, and then we-,"
"Why wait? Let's go like this."
You gaped a little. "Huh?"
Crocodile grinned. "Well my dear, the last time I let you go; you hid. You said you wouldn't be running away this time."
You swayed a little. "Ah well, I'm sure I have to return the dress."
"Consider it paid for. It'll be a great addition to your wardrobe." There was never a problem he couldn't solve. "Don't be so nervous around me, love." He brought your hand back to his lips. You expected a kiss but felt a rush through you when the skin was lightly nibbled on, and he winked. "I only bite if you want me to."
~~~
I like this~ I hope Crocodile doesn't seem pushy. I figured he'd be more direct with his intentions since he didn't see you after some subtlety.
Requests are open! And I also have an event going on, so feel free to check that out.
Audacity to Hope Day & Global Running Day & National Clean Beauty Day & National SAFE Day & National Tailors’ Day & Shopping Cart Day
Person A makes clothes that have some magic infused in them for various perks to the appearance or for utilitarian purposes (enhanced speed/strength/endurance/balance/etc.), but the magic is temporary and when interacting with other spells can have dire consequences, but they sell their clothes to normal people and assume they’ll never notice the wearing off of the spell or get hit with magic that reacts with it before it wears off. Until Person B comes storming into their establishment demanding they fix the damage they’ve caused, since Person B’s friend/family member got cursed and the curse is acting in strange ways due to the enchanted clothes they were wearing at the time. Person C is the witch who cast the curse, and is horrified at what it turned into and now feels guilty, so Person B has gotten Person C to help lift it, but they need Person A’s help to figure out what exactly it reacted with.
