[I/OOC] Incidental Bits

[robkelk]

A little something, because Ben isn't the only one who needs to come up with not-a-Barrier-Jacket. Maybe we can tie my immediately-preceding snippet in with this one and turn this into an actual story.

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Blossom Apartments, Ottawa, ON, Canada
January 7, 2017
2:18 pm


"Trenchcoat, fedora, and mask?"

"If you want to look like that guy from the Kato show, sure," Mamoru replied. It took Rob a moment to realize he meant the title character from The Green Hornet. "Personally, I've found you can't go wrong with a tuxedo, top hat, and mask."

"You're the only one here who can make that look work. Remember the Halloween party?"

Mamoru grimaced. "I still say I'm not that campy."

At this point, Hyoga walked into the common room, noticed the two men, and headed over to them. "What're you talking about?"

"Costumes," Rob replied.

"Specifically, something for Rob to wear now that he can join us on the front lines."

Hyoga hummed in thought as she sat down beside Rob. "A nice, tight, spandex bodysuit. Mmmmm..."

"I do not have the figure for a tight bodysuit, no matter what you think."

"Hat, jacket, pants and boots in a camouflage pattern?"

Rob shook his head at Mamoru's suggestion. "Make the camouflage pattern CADPAT and you just described the current Canadian Army uniform. I don't want to go to jail for impersonating an officer."

"Who's impersonating an officer?" asked Mii from the common room's doorway. "You can end up in jail for five years for that."

"Nobody," Rob replied. "And we were talking about military officers, not police officers."

"We were talking about something for you to wear when you're on the front lines with us," Mamoru interrupted. "Don't change the subject."

"That's easy enough," Mii replied as she walked over to the group. "Wear what you always wear. If you can't fight in your usual clothes, you can't fight."

"Mii has a point," Hyoga agreed.

"We were hoping for something that we could add some armour to," Mamoru replied.

Mii smiled. "That's easy enough, too. Ballistic nylon has been around since World War II."

"As long as you don't mind wearing black," Hyoga interjected.

Everybody turned to look at Rob, who was wearing shirt, slacks, socks, and shoes all in black. "Well, I'd have to think about that," he said with a grin.

"Riiiiight." Mamoru thought for a moment. "If you get a black evening jacket and pants, you're halfway to a tuxedo."

"That's your look." Hyoga turned to Rob. "What would you think about a black trenchcoat?"

"That's what he suggested just before the two of you came in," Mamoru replied.

"Rob's the one who'll be wearing it," Mii pointed out. "And it's easy to add Twaron or Kevlar inserts to a trenchcoat."

"Add a fedora and a mask -"

Mii interrupted Rob. "No. None of the rest of us wear masks."

"Except for Mamoru," Hyoga countered.

Mii ignored her. "If you want people to trust you, don't hide behind a mask."

Rob sighed. "You're right. Can I at least have the fedora? I've been told that I look dapper in a fedora."

"It's a bit old-fashioned, but you're a bit old-fashioned sometimes," Hyoga answered. "You may as well."

Rob nodded as he stood up. "Anybody else want some tea? I'm going to make some Earl Grey."

"I'll have some," Hyoga replied. The others just shook their heads.

"Okay, I'll use the small teapot. While I'm doing that, does anybody know where to get an armoured trenchcoat and fedora?" Rob walked into the kitchen, leaving the door open.

"Washuu-chan could make them," Mii offered.

"I owe her too many favours as it is."

"Could Tomoyo do it?"

"That's a possibility - maybe I should ask when she's here next weekend, assuming the canal's open for skating by then and she decides to visit." Rob had no way of knowing just how hectic the next weekend was going to become.

Just then, Ruiko walked into the common room. "Hi! What're you talking about?"

"Where to get custom clothing," Mii replied.

"The people in New Jersey might be interested in a commission," commented Ruiko immediately. "There's at least four people there who make their own cosplay outfits."

"Right - Reiko and her friends," Rob replied. "I'll have to ask them. After my cup of tea."