Martin Baum (magic_hands) wrote in marvel_nextgen,
@ 2014-02-28 23:52:00

Entry tags:

You need to maintain your wardrobe if you're going to dress to impress... (Frances)
Martin might've not really understood why people where so against teleporting in, but at least he was learning to respect it. Which is why the young mage appeared at the door of the West Coast Avengers HQ instead of right in their living room. He'd even sent those blue magic lights as messengers ahead of him. Okay, those things weren't patient, they were nagging little things really, but they counted as giving a heads up! And much easier than dealing with knocking. It got people to the door much better anyway.

Plus, not like this was too out of the blue. Annoying squeaking lights should've gotten the message across. There needed to be dapper suit shopping! He couldn't do it on his own. In fact, he'd even dressed up a little more, with a blazer and pocket square to go with his usual vest, hat and gloves ensemble.

While he waited for the slow people on the other side of the door, Martin occupied his time by examining the door itself, tapping it with his hat and looking to see what sort of magical protection, if any, the building had.

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-03-16 01:47 am UTC (link)

"We'll see, it takes a certain style and atmosphere to pull off cloaks with a modern cut," she compromised, flashes of Kaga-san in her mind. With that, she put the bell peppers away, just in case. She sat down and picked up the loaded toast to start eating. "Oh? So you picked out stores already to run through? Did you remember to get cash or a card? Last time with the doubloon and then the museum direction was enough of that fun for me. And are we looking at just day-wear? " As just day wear as you can in a suit.

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magic_hands
2014-03-16 05:26 am UTC (link)

He grinned and held up a finger, indicating to give him a second as he took his hat, and shook it out above the table. By some odd magic miracle the mason jar from before didn't fall out, but a few things did. Namely, part of a Rolo wrapper, a mint, what looked like a little jar of green powder, and finally a small navy felt pouch. He puffed up proudly and the pouch slid towards her. "I had help from the people on my team who know that money stuff. They said I already have a bank account, because apparently they pay you for being a TBolt, but I can't use it because..." He did a little jazz hands movement to indicate the obvious. "But you can use it for me? Don't worry, the pouch is magic proof so it should maybe work. I think."

Martin shook his head to get his thoughts off that and moved on to her next question as he used TK to slide the powder jar and mint back into his hat. "Hmm, mostly day stuff but I guess night stuff is okay? I wouldn't have anywhere to wear it though...and don't worry! It's an easy teleport there. They have the big clock as a landmark thing, and then I can teleport us closer once I get there. Then we'll be back by the time it's like afternoon here."

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-03-19 11:43 am UTC (link)

She eyed the falling debris carefully, in case something affronted and quick fell out of the hat. Taking the money pouch from his rather pleased self, she peeked inside to check what was inside. Ah, normal Earther cash, this was very promising. She smiled at him and nodded, pocketing it with care so he knew where it went. "No problem. And they'll blow a gasket when you pay in cash, so even more fun. Normally nice suits are so much, people just charge it on their cards," she explained for him.

Big clock landmark. She could already think of half a dozen famous clock faces and most were not stateside. "I'm going to need a coat, and my passport, just in case of shenanigans," she announced while squinting at him in thought. Drinking the last of her drink, she headed for her rooms. "I'll be right back. Ruarc, if he leaves the kitchen, sit on him."

The war hound looked mournfully with his big eyes and long face at the boy in hopes of food.

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magic_hands
2014-03-19 01:54 pm UTC (link)

He absolutely grinned at hearing that there'd be more fun to have via salesperson reactions. Who knew paper money could be so fun?

"You don't need a passport for teleporting places," he told her as she heading for her room. "I don't have one." Why ever would he need one, not like he took a plane. And passports were for planes. At least in his limited experience. Normal people had so much paperwork to do...he didn't seem to have any!

Once the archer was gone, he swivelled in the seat and gave Ruarc a slightly mischievous smile. The leftover bits of Frances' breakfast and extra piece of bread floated over to the giant dog and Martin smiled and put his index finger to his lips. Keep it a secret giant dog.

Martin swivelled back and returned to his most innocent face. After all, he hadn't even left his seat! So clearly he could've done nothing to be blamed for. Obviously.

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-03-23 07:34 pm UTC (link)

She might not need a passport for teleporting, but she also had seen enough magical hiccups to ATW (assume the worst) at all times. Jacket she grabbed, with her other papers and came back to the room. But a shopping run sounded just what the week needed and Martin'd end up looking completely adorable when she was done.

Coming back, she noted the loss of her snack and Martin looking extra innocent. Looking at Ruarc, she received a "well at least some people have decent manners about sharing food" look from the hound and was properly ignored for a sun nap. "Alright Pip, let's go."

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magic_hands
2014-03-23 11:10 pm UTC (link)

Martin smiled and hopped off the stool. He gave her his best sweeping hat bow, with just the right dramatic flair, as his classic blue disc appeared under him. It was more than big enough to fit two, and certainly gave enough personal space.

He waited for her to hop on before blue flames came up and they were teleported off. They arrived in the corner of what looked like a small park behind an old looking building. Though the old churches around and the towering clock nearby made it clear Martin didn't seem to be an advocate of domestic suit shopping. Luckily it was a weekday and not the height of tourist season, so there weren't many people to notice their entrance.

"I brought a map because there's this row that's supposed to have fancy suits. And it's right beside this game place that they have people in hats and vests patrolling! Apparently they're called beetles. I wanted to see that." As he spoke he took off his hat and a map flew out. "Can you help me find it?"

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-03-26 08:26 pm UTC (link)

Brr, definitely not San Fran anymore. She waited for the transport flames to die down before stepping out and looking around for any recognizable landmarks.It was old looking, like Europe and really industrial, but hat's all she could glean. Walking back, she had ot laugh at Martin actually having a map. "Look at you being practical," she teased and looked over her shoulder. "Instead of sending out some spell to find our way and freak out the locals."

Fancy suits, rows and beetles. "Are you talking about Savile Row? And Abbey Road?!" she exclaimed in surprise when enough puzzle pieces were put together. "We're going shopping there?!"

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magic_hands
2014-03-26 09:08 pm UTC (link)

"I used maps before!" He huffed a little defensively before smiling happily and bobbing his head in confirmation, taking any form of surprise as excitement of course. "Yes! That one, I forgot the name. They're supposed to have fancy suits I heard. I like it here so far though, I don't need a watch." He walked a little to see past a large park tree blocking his view and excitedly pointed at Big Ben not far off. "See? They took care of it, they were very nice."

The map floated in front of him and turned on its own in every which way as he tried to squint and find this row. But soon he huffed and sent it floating over to Frances, figuring the ranger archer would be better with where things in London were. Because she remembered the names after all. "So you heard about their suits too? I want a nice one because it has to last. Dr. Strange said I could long as someone went with me," he nodded as he walked over to her so he could look at the map over her shoulder now.

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-04-02 11:28 am UTC (link)

"I am so not dressed well enough for those shops," she muttered and looked over her coat critically. Well, she could always pick something up and wear it out of the store, she supposed. "Pretty close actually," she admitted and looked at Big Ben. "That's old enough that clocks were too heavy to be on arms, so just one public one had to do. And the bell's are what named in there, too."

"The suits around here are hand made and tailored, nothing really is off the rack. If some bad guy singes your suit, you can roast his head for ruining it. No one'd blame you. Come on, I want to be in arms' reach of these guys' swatches alone." She headed in right direction, knowing the little magician would follow. "We do have to pretend to be snooty and upper-class. They'll be judgey over us being Americans as it is."

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magic_hands
2014-04-03 10:08 pm UTC (link)

"Really? That's pretty cool. How come you know all this stuff?" Maybe she was an expert on British things for all he knew.

"Good! Then nobody can complain when I do that, there are a lot of bad guys but I only have so many suits." It made perfect mathematical sense to him. Martin followed after her as she took off in what he assumed was the right direction, letting her walk on the side where more people passed by. "That doesn't seem fair," he frowned at the potential judgeyness, and made a dignified sniff and put on his best 'dignified goatee gentleman better than you' expression before something occurred to him. "Oh, but I was told that people ignored that if you had money. So they'll feel really stupid when they act like that and it turns out we have plenty of money to pay."

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-04-06 11:45 am UTC (link)

She shrugged at the question. "We sometimes do exchanges between teams, keep connections fresh and get a feel for what other groups are doing. Got to come to London for a bit."

"They're used to dealing with customer with money, who usually like to show off they have money by acting superior to everyone," she tried to reason." Take Tony Stark: he likes to pretend he's a bad boy and doesn't play by the rules but all he has is fancy cars in his garage. Sure he wore band t-shirts and jeans most days, but the cost of those jeans could by a week's worth of clothes for others." She shrugged a little and grinned at him. "Means these guys will be all kind of apologetic and butt kissy when we flash the cash. "

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magic_hands
2014-04-07 03:29 pm UTC (link)

As they walked, Martin chattered away. "That's pretty cool. Hey, did you know there's this awesome magic guy in London? He's actually a Dr. Strange apprentice from a different universe! So kinda like a big me but not really. Since he's not me. But I'll get to learn all the cool spells he knows that Dr. Strange taught him! But maybe a few different ones, and time ones, I like time spells. Anyway, he says he doesn't have a favourite spell, which is silly, everyone should have some favourites. You should meet him, I think you'd like him. Oh, but he can't be your new magic adventure friend right? That's my job."

Anyway, talking was a good distractor since he didn't actually like walking on the streets, too many people in close proximity. But he was a lot better about it than he used to be, he was working hard on that, and he knew Frances could handle problematic people. As he walked he considered her last comment about kissing butt and grinned. "Surprising people like that is fun." Definitely a gleeful mischievous glint in his eye there.

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-04-11 06:14 pm UTC (link)

"I thought all magicky types trained with the Doc, or at least had a summer internship," she reasoned out loud. "I dunno, does he rock a hat too? I mean, there are somethings that have to stay true for a proper alternate universe doppleganger trope." She scoffed and flip her hair over her shoulder. "Please, I have standards for magical adventure partners. He'd have to like milkshakes, make me awesome arrows, wear only snazzy threads and have good taste in movies." Looking down (up, she had to look up), she winked at him in good humor.

She opened the door for him for the first shop and she could feel the pretentious oozing out with the air. There was half a dozen well dressed assistants ready for tailoring and sales and they looked to the two, debating who was here for the clothes. "Can we assist you?"

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magic_hands
2014-04-12 02:33 am UTC (link)

"Nope! Not everyone gets to, just the special ones." He puffed up proudly at that. "Hmm, no I didn't see a hat, I'd remember that." There was no way Martin would've forgotten a Strange apprentice with a hat. It just wasn't possible.

But he absolutely beamed at her magic adventure partner standards as she opened the door and they stepped in. Added height had done nothing to change the too-boyish expressions on his face clearly.

There was definite pretentiousness in the air but wow this place was like suit heaven. Old school classy building and decorations (he always argued the sanctum was just a magic version of that) meets every young mage's suit dream shop. Okay, maybe just this mage, because his eyes were shining with anticipation and awe. But he took the time to take his hat off to the shopkeepers politely while he waited for Frances to address them. Sure he was just a bit taller than her now, but she was still the adult in his mind. And the adult was supposed to be the responsible (don't laugh) one who talked for these things while he was polite and youthful and pleasant. That's how things worked!

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-04-12 11:31 am UTC (link)

It only made him even more like an overgrown puppy who liked digging where he shouldn't.

Frances smiled pretentiously back after seeming to eye the suits critically. (She was having Victor Victoria cravings, but one must never look excited in these places.) "I hope so, my ward is in need of enough suits to finish his European tour," she explained in a clipped tone. "Barring any more inconvenient growth spurts. I will need a formal set to match, as well." She gave Martin a little smirk before looking back at the tailors.

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	magic_hands 2014-04-14 11:29 pm UTC (link)
	The excited looking around was soon replaced by a straight face and earnest nod to confirm his guardian's mention of his european tour he needed to be dressed for. Though of course he snuck a small impish smile her way once the tailors looked away to each other for a moment to decide on how to deal with the new customers. Oooh this would be fun. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

hotshot_hawkeye
2014-04-14 11:49 pm UTC (link)

Gotta show some cards. Frances sighed in irritation. "This is what I get, listening to Percival about who to go to. Unbelievable. Come along, we're try the Brothers. I was hoping to pay cash and all, but they're such sticklers on credit. So old world." She flashed the money roll to Martin and turned on her heel to go back out the way they came.

Well that got the assistants moving. Suddenly, without ever touching the two, a blur of bodies steered them towards the three way mirrors, swatches appearing and disappearing after consultation with Martin's eyes, skin and hair color.

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magic_hands
2014-04-16 05:00 am UTC (link)

He managed to keep down any giggling and pretend to sigh at the assistants and dutifully follow after, this was way more fun than when people tried to do stupid things and Dr. Strange would walk out.

Though all at once the whirlwind of assistants herding them off, pulling swatches out of nowhere (did they do magic too?), surprised him. But he managed to keep it together and in control to handle the sudden rush of people too close to him. If there was one thing that could make him handle lack of personal space, it was the incentive of classy suits right around the corner. Though he did shoot Frances a slightly wide-eyed 'what do I do?' look.

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-04-18 11:23 am UTC (link)

She nodded at him to reassure him through being crowded by strangers. "Please, no asymmetrical modern cuts. Classic English-style tailoring has endured the years for a reason," she instructed casually and eyes two colors swatches. "I wouldn't say the green Martin. Too much red in your skin for it, wouldn't you say?" She began sorting through swatches, a smaller pile of flattering colors towards him while the eyesores were put back. An assistant brought them serious English tea in china cups and she nearly wept. She took the cup and savored the smell of tea that didn't need sugar to taste good.

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magic_hands
2014-04-23 07:35 am UTC (link)

It was a little difficult to distract himself from the strangers crowding him, but he focused on playing along with the game of being snooty, turn the experience back to fun adventure type rather than nervous personal space invasion type. He even threw in a dignified sniff before responding. "Yes, blues, and some indigos, but not those sorts of purples." Quick, fancy people didn't use normal words for colours, he had to think of one to throw in. "They're too...cerise." He gave her a tiny smile that was both a 'am I doing it right' and a clear indication he was trying not to laugh again before he was back to his 'totally serious suit person' face. "But put them for the accents or the jacket. I want classic colours. Classic and classy go together. " Ooh a shop that gave snacks? This was new, maybe he could one day have a magical suit and hat shop that served milkshakes and Frances potions. Hmm, ideas to put away for another time.

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-04-23 01:13 pm UTC (link)

Frances lifted an eyebrow over her dainty teacup, reply back he was doing fine. Once measurements were taken, the workers would fall back a little and just lay swatches over his shoulder for inspection. She found a wild citrusy-colored paisley selection, bright and wild, and pictured it with a cool gray suit. "You might as well give him a little breathing room, I'm sure he's waiting until next trip to have another growth spurt," she added with a put upon sigh, like his growing was annoying to her.

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magic_hands
2014-04-23 01:23 pm UTC (link)

He considered the wild citrusy swatch, with those warmer colours and that pattern it was very Eye of Agamatto. Hmm, perhaps it could look good. At the very least he'd like to try a pocket square of it.

"Well I'm only allowed one growth spurt per trip. And I have to pace myself," he retorted with just the right childishness and implication that yes, he could totally plan his growth spurts so they could be at their maximum inconvenience and get him the most suits. "Can we try the one she picked, and a darker gray one with that lighter blue though. It'll match." What it'd match was maybe unclear considering the boy was wearing a rather classic monochrome palate with zero blue. But hey, he wanted his suits to match or go well with his magic. That nice bright blue could clash otherwise!

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-04-24 12:23 am UTC (link)

"Well time your next one for when you're on the Doctor's card," she replied back, smirking at their snooty game. Martin seemed to be handling the slower pace better and Frances sat back and daintily sipped her tea as the colors began to be whittled down. A wingtip collar for his black and whites, she insisted would invoke the high collars that matched the era of top hats. She wrinkled her nose at a very busy striped pattern, never one for contrasting patterns as much as colors. "Is that an intentional pattern or did some madras wander into the wrong pile?"

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magic_hands
2014-04-24 12:57 am UTC (link)

Martin was about to throw back a 'I'm always on the Doctor's card! He has all the dubloons' but that wouldn't fit their game or story. "He doesn't have as good taste for suits," Martin sniffed before going back to looking like a smiling quokka with how pleased he was with the wingtips. When the shop people turned away to get something he even made the tips flap a little and his smile just grew even more pleased. Yes, he really liked this sort of collar, perfect for fancy events to go with the hat.

It was only when they left to go get rid of all offending patterns did he actually touch the jacket he was trying on to adjust it, then froze and gave Frances a wide eyed look. Maaaybe it hadn't been the best idea to try touching something after being crowded for that long. He gave her a tiny 'help!' look and opened the jacket to show that the silk lining inside, which had been a lovely almost silver to go with the very dark blue-grey of the jacket was now...not silver grey. Instead it was, a very nice actually, lighter shade of blue.

Oops.

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hotshot_hawkeye
2014-04-26 01:05 am UTC (link)

She snickered, the Good Doctor was still rocking the Renn Faire Shirt tucked into Leggings look. Clearly it wasn't style that landed that man the ladies. "That's why I'm considered a good influence for you," she replied as if this was completely reasonable and tehy didn't have milk shakes with their all night movie marathons. Martin's joy with the wingtips (which even flapped about and now she was comparing shirts to Namor) made her smile.

Spoke too soon. Martin was looking panicky and at the inside of his new jacket and what was wrong it was a lovely color of light- That had supposed to be grey. The inside of the jacket was previously grey. She raised her eyebrows high and looked back at him, waiting for the next shoe to drop.