Making friends with makeovers

[clothes_make_the_man]

Who: Forrest and Yona
What: Yona comes over for a fancy makeover
Where: Lakshmi's temple
When: July 7th, afternoon
Warnings: Cutie alert

[When Yona told Forrest it had been a while since she'd had the chance to indulge herself, he'd honestly wanted to offer her a relaxing makeover at his temple right away. Unfortunately, at the time he still had a lot of work to do preparing for the party and Tanabata a few days after, but now that he's finished working and everything turned out spectacularly at the festival, he's got some free time on his hands. Not one to forget his promises, he sends Yona a message in the morning asking if she's free in the afternoon. That gives him a few hours to get everything prepared - his hair care products, various colors of nail polish, and of course making sure the garden looks nice in case she wants to relax in the pools. All that's left is to wait for his guest to arrive.]

Comments

[darkestbefore]

[ Her eyes widen a little at that. ]

My toenails? Truly? But no one sees those!

[ Isn't that a little scandalous, Forrest? ]

[clothes_make_the_man]

Even if that's the case, having them neatly groomed and painted can help you feel beautiful and confident!

[And that's really what he's all about. Helping people feel good through fashion.]

[darkestbefore]

Really? [ She sounds faintly dubious about that but ultimately decides that she might as well jump in with both feet, as it were. ] Alright. If you're certain! I'll be adventurous!

[clothes_make_the_man]

[Forrest can't help but giggle just a bit at her reaction.]

That's the spirit! I'm sure it'll help you relax, too.

[He's done filing her fingernails now, and starts in with the base coat of nail polish.]

[darkestbefore]

How did you learn to do all this? [ She asks this as she watches him bend over her nails to work, her expression fascinated. ] Are these skills you learned in your own world?

[clothes_make_the_man]

Yes, I've always been interested in fashion and beauty treatments. My mother and I used to do each others' nails.

[He smiles fondly at the memory as he works.]

[darkestbefore]

Your mother?

[ Yona asks this with hesitant curiosity because she's careful about treading on potentially painful topics for anyone. ]

[clothes_make_the_man]

Mm, that's right.

[He's still smiling, at least, so that's a good sign. And he's finishing up the base coat on her first hand, going now for the red polish.]

I learned how before then, though, from the family who raised me. I didn't live together with my real parents until later because I was born during a war.

[darkestbefore]

I'm sorry. [ Her voice is soft as she listens to him explain. ]

My mother died when I was very young. I don't remember much about her, other than she was warm and her voice was kind, and she used to help me sleep, when I was frightened. [ This is a topic she doesn't normally discuss, but he sounds as if he would understand. ] Were you close, with the family who raised you?

[clothes_make_the_man]

It's all right. They did what was best for me. I know they must have had their share of difficulties as well.

[Forrest shakes his head to signal that it's nothing she really needs to worry about.]

The family that raised me was quite kind, and always nurtured my interests. It sounds like your mother was very kind and gentle as well. I'm sure she must have loved you very much.

[darkestbefore]

[ That has her smile softening. ]

I'm glad you found yourself among such a caring family, then. You seem fond of them. And yes, I'd like to think so. Everyone always spoke well of her.

[clothes_make_the_man]

Well, not every family would encourage a boy who developed interests like mine. I'm thankful that they let me be my own person, and that my parents came to accept it as well.

[He laughs a little at that, knowing how things could have gone.]

I'm sorry you never got to know your mother, but it sounds like she left you a good example to live up to, at least.

[And he's just finishing up the last nail on the first hand.]

Ah, there! What do you think of the color?

[darkestbefore]

[ She leans forward to peer at it, a smile on her lips. ]

It's very pretty! Does it stay like this for long?

[clothes_make_the_man]

[Forrest smiles too, clearly happy with her reaction.]

Well, that depends on how well you take care of it, but it should last at least a week or so.

[darkestbefore]

Do I have to do anything special for it?

[ She's clueless when it comes to this sort of thing, after all. ]

[clothes_make_the_man]

Just make sure your nails stay hydrated and apply a new base coat every few days.

[He reaches over to hold up the clear bottle - the one he'd started with before applying the color.]

That's what this is. It helps the polish to stick, and also provides a bit of a barrier against wear and tear. You can take the rest of this bottle with you if you'd like.

[Since she'll probably have trouble finding a place to buy some on her own, considering she's just learning about it now.]

I'll start on your other hand now, and then I'll do your toes to match.

[darkestbefore]

Are you certain? [ She looks surprised at the offer, but quickly smiles at him. ] Thank you for the gift, Forrest. And for all this work. It was truly kind of you.

[clothes_make_the_man]

Of course. I'll pick up a new bottle the next time I'm out shopping.

[And he's already busily working on her other hand.]

I'm glad you're enjoying it. I hope I was able to help you relax a little.