Window Shopping (Akhtar)

[Mugen Takamori]

Mugen frowned as he looked over the price of one of the suits that he had picked off of the rack. When one of his associates had told him that Rio’s clothing was expensive he wasn’t kidding. The prices here were pretty high for someone with his kind of salary. The man sighed and put the suit back and moved on to look over some more clothes. He could remember the days when money wasn’t a problem for him. While he had been nothing more than an innocent child, money had never been an issue for him. While his upbringing had been strict his family, or rather his clan had been financially well off. It was the only perk of growing up in a big and important family; you tended to be rich and spoiled. But he had given up that wealth to escape the burdens that his family held down on him. Thanks to that he grew up a bit, he learned how to work for a living so he wouldn’t need to depend on others for a change. It was kind of funny if he thought about it. Mugen had ran away from home to avoid taking on the responsibilities laid out for him, and in the end learned how to become a responsible adult in other ways.

Sadly responsibility wouldn’t help him buy a damn suit in this store. While Mugen did make a decent amount of money as a private investigator to live a comfortable new life it was not enough to buy himself a new suit from Rio’s. This place just didn’t tailor to men like him, as good as everything looked (an no doubt would look even better on him) it just didn’t fit his budget. The young man could never afford to shop in a place like this on a daily basis. Good thing he had no intentions of doing that. He was only here to buy one suit and leave. Why did he need a suit from here when he could just get something not as fancy but decent from somewhere cheaper? Well, because it was for a job. One of the men he had to look into was a wealthy man who was going to a big party that was going to be held in a few days, and he needed to go and follow him there.

But he couldn’t do that without getting something to fit the occasion. If Mugen planned to keep an eye on the man he needed to look like he belonged there. It made sense for him to find something good in a place that he knew was good. And this place was good. Mugen had worked with enough rich people to know that the two best clothing stores in town was Rio and Luna. Mugen pulled out another suit, which thankfully was a little cheaper but not by much. This shopping trip was going to be much harder than he thought it was going to be. “I wonder if they’ll let me pay in installments.” He wondered out loud. He could try to pay for it all at once but he really didn’t want to. Maybe he would just add the cost of this suit to his employer later?

[Deleted]

Akhtar was working the store for the day. He had decided he needed to give his employees over in Rio the day off. He decided that for all of their hard work he would give them all the weekend off. Of course this didn't include his two store managers. They volunteered to remain on schedule and help run the store. One was working the register while the other was helping Akhtar take inventory. It was a typical afternoon in the store. There was a rather handsome man browsing about while the employees and the store owner were busy at work. Akhtar happened to pass him when he questioned if he could pay in installments. Akhtar wasn't able to hold in his laughter. He turned to the guy who, although he appeared to be able to afford the clothing, couldn't, Akhtar turned to him and said, "Unfortunately we don't offer that option here...Perhaps I could offer you some form of a discount?"

Akhtar looked at the guy and decided it best to introduce himself before the guy wondered why he was talking to him. He extended his hand and said in his thick Egyptian accent, "I am Akhtar Zuelma, the owner of the store. I hope you're finding everything alright?" He gave a warm genuine smile. Akhtar was always welcoming and inviting to his customers. He didn't want them to feel any pressure to purchase things from his store. He was all about making them feel as part of the Rio and Luna family.

[Mugen Takamori]

Even as Mugen had pondered that idea he already figured out the answer. Places like this didn't really have those kinds of options. Paying in installments was more pleasant than having to pay the full price right off the bat, it was probably out of the question. Oh well, he would just have to pay for it or maybe find something a little cheaper. He had a full store to check out, and even the cheaper articles of clothing in this store were pretty damn good looking. It wasn't like he couldn't add his own little flare to one of the cheaper outfits. A man with his looks could make anything look good if he put his mind to it. He could easily pull off the flashy look, he had done it well enough as a teenager so why would he fail now?

Just as he considered fitting the bill on his current employer someone answered his random pondering. Mugen looked over at the speaker. He was surprised to see the other man there, he hadn't noticed anyone else around him at the time or else he wouldn't have said what he was thinking out loud. But he didn't take it badly, the man's presence wasn't unwelcome and at least now his thoughts on the matter were confirmed. Mugen shook the man's hand and returned his smile as the other man introduced himself.

"The name's Christopher.You can call me Chris if you want." He replied with ease. Christopher wasn't his birth name but it was the name that he had been using ever since he had came to America. It was the one he used for work and he had grown to like it over time. "This is a nice place that you've got here. It's a shame that can't come to this place often." he laughed. "I don't have the money to afford most of the stuff I see here. But I really needed to get a good outfit for this party I got invited to, do you mind helping me out?"

[Deleted]

Akhtar shook the man's hand. "It's very nice to meet you." Akhtar listened as the man explained to him what the problem was. Akhtar nodded his head. "Are you talking about the Richardson Gala on Thursday night? If so I have heard it is to be quite the event...It is my first year attending. Well...I was invited last year but not able to attend due to other duties." Akhtar wasn't lying about that, he had to return to Zahirah for princely obligations. The Richardson Gala was apparently some big shindig thrown every year by a very powerful family in New Orlands. Akhtar had met them at other events but he didn't know them very well. He had of course invited them them to things because that was the "thing" to do. If you wanted to be viewed as important you MUST invite them.

The politics of the upper echelon were quite strange. One had to do things in order to remain in the "in crowd." If one wanted to be successful and remain so they had to follow the rules carefully. If you were going to miss an event one had to send a formal decline, and typically that was accompanied by some large gift basket. Akhtar learned to follow these rules and followed them closely. He attended every event he was invited to for the most part. He was happy Chris was here saying he could possibly be attending the same gala. They were so boring and most of the people were rather stuffy including the people in Akhtar's age range. He was a PRINCE and he wasn't as stuck up as most of these people. He shook his head thinking about the thoughts. He looked at Chris and thought for a moment about his suit situation.

Akhtar had the perfect solution. A few of the really high end designers had sent over some suits for the boutique. They weren't to be sold though. They were more so for celebrities or the uber-rich to borrow and be photographed in. That was the perfect solution. Chris was a handsome man and would easily be photographed wearing the suit so why not allow him to borrow one? Turning his attention back to Chris Akhtar said, "I think I have a solution for your situation...Some of the designers sent me a few loaner suits for people to be photographed in. Perhaps you would like to wear one? These are all brand new so no one has worn them yet..and you don't have to spend any money."

[Mugen Takamori]

“Yeah, that’s the event that I am going to be going to.” Mugen replied earnestly. So the owner of this store was big enough to be invited to the Richardson’s gala. It wasn’t much of a shock if he thought about it. Rio was well known by the wealthy; a successful place like this meant that its owner would be just as wealthy as those he tailored too. It made perfect sense that Akhtar would be invited to such an event. Mugen wondered if he should find it fortunate or not that he had ran into one of the guests for the event he was going to attend. On one hand Akhtar could provide him with some valuable information on Mr. Richardson, the man he was suppose to be looking into. The man seemed friendly and helpful enough to do so. But on the other hand he could easily turn against him if he happened to be his target’s friend, or thought he was up to something. “I got an invite from one of my business associate of mine. We are not that close though, so it would be nice to have someone else to talk to there.”

It was a bit of a stretch but it was the truth. It was his current employer that had given him the invite. It had to be a good enough cover to explain his presence. Besides, it really would be nice to have some companionship. Having a new friend at the gala would make him blend in better, and he could keep an eye on his target while making a new friend. It would be the best of both worlds. But first he had to deal with the issue on what to wear to the party. If there was one thing that Mugen couldn’t do today it was leave this store without getting something. His normal dress attire would not do for this. He needed something better looking than what he had now. He could only hope that Akhtar could help him out. It turned out that he could. When Mugen dropped the question the other man made him an interesting offer. Mugen thought the deal over. It really wasn’t bad considering, he would get a good suit for the party without paying for anything. There were some risks to that of course, putting his face out there for the world to see when he was suppose to be on the down low had its risks. What if his family found the photos?Nah, they won’t find out he thought. It wasn’t like he was going to become a full time model. Besides, his old man didn’t have much of an interest in American fashion to have the chance to stumble on his photograph.

“A free suit and a chance to model? That sounds like the perfect deal to me.” He replied. “You will be doing me a favor for the night, and I will be helping you out in turn…I’ll do it.”

((Sorry if the ending there was lame, I am a little side tracked x.x))

[Deleted]

Akhtar smiled at the man. "Well you really wouldn't have to model. It's like when you walk the red carpet make sure to get photographed and then when they ask you who you are wearing just tell them, Oh Dolce, or Gucci...you know whatever suit you end up picking out. Of course we're going to have to make sure your suit is tailored correctly so after you pick one out we will go and get you measured and fitted. You could actually leave with the suit before the afternoon is up if you have the time." Akhtar looked at him waiting on a response.

The Egyptian looked the male over. Not only was he reading his aura but he was sizing the man. He also noted that the clothing he had on wasn't the cheapest. He sold a few of the pieces in the store. The man said he couldn't afford the suits but he had on a pair of $300 dress slacks? Hm...maybe he was going through a rough patch. Akhtar wasn't one to judge or go into others business. He was simply taking note. His hands were all maintained. It was obvious he just had a manicure. Akhtar would know as he often went to get a manicure and pedicure. It was nothing wrong with it. For him it was apart of his hygiene.

Akhtar didn't know what it was but he felt a connection with Mugen. Perhaps a connection he hadn't shared with really one except Markus and Desmond. It was now that he felt that connection once more. Maybe this Chris guy would prove to be a good friend? He mentioned not having anyone to talk to at the gala. Akhtar couldn't help but laugh. He said to Chris, "You know I agree with you...I really don't know people in the elite society. They all know me but none can I call friend. It is all appearances around here. It would be good to have someone in my same age range there. Perhaps we can share a limo?"

[Mugen Takamori]

Mugen listened intently to what the other man had to say about what he would have to do for his temporary modeling job. “That sounds easy enough to do.” He remarked. Mugen, being the former pampered rich kid he had been back in the day had some knowledge of the fashion world, even the western ones despite his father’s displeasure in that. Maybe it was because of his old man’s dislike for fashion that drove Mugen to take such a keen interest in it. He already knew a bit of the most popular clothing brands by the time he moved to the states. After living here for a few years he picked up on what little he didn’t know. While he did have to be careful during his first year free of his clan to not waste what he did have on old habits, he still found it important to take care of his appearance. After all it would be a waste to let his appearance fall just because he wasn’t rich anymore. And hell, the way he saw it too if he was cheap all the time his clients would lose faith in him, and he couldn’t let that happen.

Indulge when you can, and cut back when you needed to. That was Mugen’s philosophy now. Mugen was happy to spend his bonuses on expensive goods when he had the chance. Sadly he hadn’t gotten any bonuses in awhile. This job would give him a handsome profit if he could get it done, but he wasn’t willing to spend money that he didn’t have in hand even if it was for an assignment. That’s what made this arrangement perfect for him. He would get to some suitable attire for this party without having to pay a dime for it, and a good alibi for why he was there. No one would really think to question why he was there at the party if he said he was modeling. He would have an outfit, an alibi, and some company while he worked to boot. It really was the best situation he could get.

It was strange for him to feel excited by the prospect of having someone else to hang out with at this party. Mugen wasn’t the loner type, but he normally didn’t like to have distractions when he was on a mission. Work was more important than having fun if the pay off was well, and for this mission the pay off would be extremely high. But there was something about Akhtar that interested him. He was a pretty nice guy, he wasn’t so high and mighty acting as others of his status would be, and some part of the man reminded him of himself back in the day. It was strange but welcome. Mugen chuckled when Akhtar said that he didn’t really have anyone he would call a friend in the elite circles. He knew exactly what Akhtar was talking about, but would it be too risky for him to share that? After a quick debate he decided it was safe to let a little of his past slip. With the way he carried himself, and the place they were discussing going to it would be clear to anyone in this man’s position that he at least was used to dealing with richer folks. “I know how that feels.” He replied. “The elites tend to focus more on making friends with those that are important like them, just to help themselves later on. They tend to forget that there is more to friendships than just financial gain.”Mugen smiled again when Akhtar mentioned that they go in the same limo together. Man, how long had it been since he drove in a limo? “That would be great. If we are going to be hanging out together it makes sense to drive together right?”

[Deleted]

Akhtar chuckled as he listened to Mugen. Everything he was saying was accurate. People within the city only looked for those who could help them climb the ladder. Akhtar was in a unique position because he was automatically placed at the top of the social ladder because he was the "son of a very important foreign dignitary." Well...that was the story that was told. In reality he was a foreign Prince who happened to be a wizard but that was to be kept a secret. He was given diplomatic immunity while in the country. He was also held to a much higher standard so he curbed his "playboy" behavior.

Akhtar said to Mugen, "You know....it's as if people do not value personal relationships anymore. They only want to know if you can do something for them or give them something. I need true friends. If I can't tell you my deepest secret without worrying if you will go and sell it to the tabloids then what is the point of calling one another friend? Some people only want to see you fail either way so I am always selective of who I associate myself with...I must admit though, Chris, I like you...You have a good aura about you and I feel I can trust you...I definitely can call you a "bro." I know that is weird considering we just met but there is something very inviting about your personality. "

Akhtar moved towards the stairs that led them to the lower level of the store that housed the most expensive suits and the items that were on consignment. Mugen would be getting his clothing for the evening from there. Akhtar knew of a perfect suit to fit Mugen's frame. He went to the tailor's office and knocked on the tailor's office. The older Italian male came out of his office and nodded curtly to Akhtar and Mugen. He took his job very seriously. He considered himself to be one of a dying breed of tailors. He was a nice guy but when he was at work he focused on his craft. Not even giving Akhtar much time to speak he said in his thick Italian accent, "He is perfect for the Jean Paul Gaultier suit...The navy blue one. Give him the Christian Louboutin loafers a size 10.5 or 11?" As he gave Akhtar instructions he held his chin and looked Mugen over.

The man took command over all things and he was already able to size a person without laying a finger on them. He came from a long family of tailors so he was confident in his skills. He could measure anyone with just a look. Akhtar chuckled and went over to the rack and pulled out the garment bag that housed the suit and passed it to Chris before walking over to the wall made of glass that housed hundreds of shoes. He pulled two pairs of shoes out and handed them to Mugen as well.

[Mugen Takamori]

“Tell me about it.” Mugen replied when Akhtar told him about his frustrations over the wealthy society’s power games. It was a game that Mugen was very familiar with himself, maybe more familiar than the people in this city were. Mugen didn’t just come from a wealthy family after all; his family were nobles from a time when emperors ruled. They still considered themselves nobles long after the last emperor lived. Wealth was secondary to their pride his father had always told him. Just because you had wealth didn’t make your blood pure. His old man would spit on the so called powerful Americans here for not sticking to their ‘true place’. God he was glad to be out of that hell hole. “When I was younger I couldn’t stand to be around people like that. So I went out of my way to make friends with the normal kids. It pissed my father off big time.”

It was amazing that he could be this open with a man he just met. The young man didn’t even feel worried at all mentioning a bit of his past like this. Any other time he would beat himself up for mentioning even less than that about the kind of person he was before he came to this country. But there was something about Akhtar that made him feel safe enough to do so. It was funny if he thought about it, usually it was him that could make people open up to him about anything in their life that they normally wouldn’t tell others. It was so rare for him to be the one to open up like this, since unlike the people that opened up to him he had far much more to lose by doing so. At least unlike most of those incidents the feeling was mutual. Akhtar confessed that he felt really comfortable around him which made the man smile.

“I feel the same way.” He replied honestly. “I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.” Friend…how long had it been since Mugen had someone that he could really call a friend? While there were plenty of people that he associated with here in New Orlands none of them he would truly call his friends. The closest to a friend he had since he moved was Hideo, his familiar. It would be nice to have someone that he could relax around like this because he liked them, not because he would need them for something. Though in this moment he did need help from his new friend, but there was no shame in accepting help from someone he liked right?

Akhtar led him down to the lower level of the store where he kept the more expensive merchandise. The duo made their way into an office where Mugen was introduced to an old man. The old man took one look at him before telling Akhtar what he should give to him. Akhtar chuckled as he followed the other man’s instructions and handed him the suit. Mugen whistled when he looked over the suit given to him. “Your man has great taste.” He commented. The suit looked even better than he expected it to. He could hardly believe that he was going to get something this good for free. Sure he wouldn’t be keeping it for good but still, talk about spoiling him. “You sure you want me to wear this?” he couldn’t keep the disbelief out of his voice, this was really just too good to be true.

[Deleted]

Akhtar looked to Mugen as if he were crazy. Did he just ask him if he were sure he wanted him to wear the outfit? Akhtar had just met the guy and he felt as if he had known him forever. Akhtar could honestly see he and the guy growing up in Zahirah and being best friends. The guy really reminded him of Markus and Desmond. Gosh he missed his best friends. The tailor continued busying about with Mugen's suit. He turned to him and said, "Okay enough with the talky talky go...you...try on suit so we can see how it falls. I I will fix it perfect for you. Like it come fresh from Italia." The tailor chuckled as he spoke to the two younger males. He hoped that Mugen wouldn't take his jokes seriously.

Akhtar said to Mugen in mock seriousness, "You better go before father comes and punishes you." The Egyptian laughed as he joked with his new friend. He knew the dinner would go in a much better fashion now that he would have some company. The two could make fun of all of the stuffy people who would be walking around doing the air hugs and kisses and pretending to like one another for a few moments until one walked away and the group would go on making snide remarks about the other. Akhtar had his share and was not interested in doing it again any time soon.

((sorry this post is so bleh!!))