Chef, Lala, and Miia are shopping for Lala. They had talked about clothes for every occasion and swimsuit. What else can there be?

Enjoy.

~~~~~

This wasn't going to be an in and out stop at all. Since Lala really only owned under garments and her gowns that she used to be Death herself, she needed a real wardrobe. Something legitimate to sit down for a dinner, go to the beach, and even sitting at home a few pairs of comfortable clothes. For stuff around the house which included pajamas (which is a very open category if everyone is honest) was first up. Just to get a feel for it.

"I see shirt and pants, I see gowns, is there no type?" Asked Lala.

"I heard about this German girl wearing a white dress shirt and panties to bed. That's all on you." Replied Chef. (If you guessed Julie {pronounced Yu-lee-eh} from Absolute Duo, you are a winner) 

"Well that doesn't help." Huffed Lala.

"Miia is middle snake. She knows what to do. And besides, she's got good taste. Knows the struggle too I can imagine."

"Considering I can't wear shorts or pants. With some things too small for my chest. I do. Thank you." Miia acknowledged his information.

Lala found an olive nightgown with a medium sweetheart neckline. Thinking that it can lead to something promising. "This looks comfy."

"Go for it." Said Chef.

"I'm surprised it's nothing pervy." She snarled.

"For the love of-" Chef turned to see a nun shopping for sleepwear as well. "Gracious have decency in your thoughts. Have you no shame woman?"

"My name is not woman." Lala headed to the curtain as Miia went to join Chef as they waited.

"She tough?" Pondered Miia.

"Only to me. It's complicated."

"She brushes back everything you say." Miia shook her head.

"You get used to it, honestly. And you can easily see that she's trying to hide the fact. She's not used to compliments at all. Say it looks good and she assumes I'm going too far."

"You say beautiful and she thinks you're gawking at her?" Asked Miia.

"Exactly."

"My..."

Lala came from the curtain. "Hey Pervert. How's this?" She asked.

"Great. Pick your color and style and you got a few of them to go. What's next?"

"I could use some new boots." Retorted Lala.

"Those are easy. Trust me. We can save those last. Keep shopping around. Go for something comfy and stylish. Then something for when you go to a decent place. You will thank us later." Called Chef.

"Sure thing."

Chef thought was the best thing said to him all day. She was starting to get it. "Now we're cooking with gas. Alright Miia, I guess do your thing. You have good taste."

"Thank you. Hope Darling agrees." Miia slithered over to the clothing racks. 

"He does. Should at least. He's actually got a brain." A smirk went across his face. "Hito knows Miia. Although," Sighing and sitting down. "Smith isn't making it easy for him at all. Eventually if he does want a girlfriend I can't exactly say no pressure. For me, it's yes or no. For him he will hurt plenty of hearts."

From that point and onward Miia was able to help Lala get out of her crabby mood and try on some nice clothes. A few dresses, blouses with modest pants, casually t-shirts with yoga pants (hoo-boy) as thank goodness the agency was paying for this one. A small price compared to damage a monster girl can do raging havoc. 

Lala looked at the huge, folded pile of clothes on the counter along with a pair of slides and some casual shoes. Chef was surprised that there were no boots by the cashier. 

"No boots?" He asked.

"The ones I have on are nice. I'll be back. Right now going to try these out. They say they're cute." Lala felt a little out of tone saying it. The term cute was new in her vocabulary. 

"I understand." He nodded. "Feeling better about yourself?" 

"It feels, off. I feel like I'm a weak civilian." She shook her head.

"Not weak at all. A few women I know could cook like the heavens, could make a fire with wet wood, and kick out someone's teeth while blindfolded."

"I guess I just don't see it in blouse." Lala pondered.

"No matter the height, look, or attitude, it goes by the individual and the work they put in. This is all to help you during the daylight and less of Death's limelight." Chef put it clearly. No one was trying to 'change' her per say. Just to help her adjust and make her comfortable. 

"It won't happen overnight." She assured.

"I thought a month. Maybe we meet in the middle. Let's try and keep this nice for everyone here. And maybe I'll take a reasonable dinner request for you."

"Wellington you mortal."

"How'd I know..." He glared at her. "I guess I'll go to the market. I have to get some vegetables while I'm out as well."

"Good. Baked potatoes too while you're at it."

"I know my side dishes Death. Easy does it. Baked not mashed, right?"

"Baked please." Lala nodded.

"Got it. Got it."

I know I'm shopping, preparing, and cooking a difficult dish tonight but I'm glad to start to see the transformation from an extreme to what we in Japan would call 'normal' per say. A regular member of society. To our culture there is a certain mold and that is probably why the monster species exchange was frowned upon. The stories or not being able to simply walk to the park, grab items at a market, or go get the milk without negative attention is gut-wrenching to me. But if Lala can blend in, anyone can. It's not the color of your skin, the animal like features you have, or the clothes you wear. It's one's intentions and how they go about their business. 

Although, am I really thinking about trying something slow with a chick I put her head in a box with? Yeah, I kinda am. That, that's the hard part. 

~~~~~

Clothes set a tone, but not always a mindset.

-Relly