demonicmiracle: (inkonic-gomens-s2-crowley-36)
anthony crowley ([personal profile] demonicmiracle) wrote in [community profile] nightlogs2023-12-21 09:47 pm
Entry tags:

(closed)

Who: crowley + jaskier
What: two idiots are let loose in london
Where: london
When: some nebulous time before christmas
Warnings/Notes: inadvisable flirting probably



[This has, quite frankly, been a long time coming, but there was the whole thing with the witches, and Crowley's mostly been spending time hovering around Aziraphale in the aftermath, since it makes the both of them feel better. He'd promised Jaskier a trip into the city, though, to discover all the highs and lows of modern fashion.

It hadn't really taken much convincing to get Jaskier to come along, and we're going to skip over the internal narration aspect of actually traveling to the location, because that's not fun for anyone.

The priority is a London high street; Crowley decides on Brick Lane, figuring that Jaskier will appreciate the hipster vibe of the place, and he knows from experience that it ought to have a good mix of designer fashion along with smaller vintage boutiques. There's a lot of fashion history to cover, considering Jaskier thinks doublets are the height of fashion.]


Let's start with a few of the vintage places. I'll ease you in before we head to a proper shop.

[Not that vintage stores aren't proper, but they tend to be a lot more casual than walking into like, a Gucci store.]
composinghistory: (Talk- Happy)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-22 05:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jaskier is already having the time of his life. The North Pole is charming, but he was meant to be among the people! And, oh, what people there are here! Everyone is dressed so strangely in various, unfamiliar styles. Each new person he spots makes him want to stop and admire. What variety! What wonderful combinations of shape, color, and texture!

Very few of these thoughts are kept to himself as they make their way down the street.
]

-And look at the buildings themselves! There's so much art in such a public place. It's such a bounteous form of expression-- painted on the walls for all to admire. This is what I've been saying, Anthony, beauty should be freely offered. No king or noble should be able to hoard it for themselves, art is meant for the people.

[He has perhaps gotten a bit distracted.]
composinghistory: (Talk- Neutral)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-22 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[If Jaskier knew it was a considered vandalism, he would appreciate it all the more.]

Oh, can we?

[He bounces up and down on his toes, practically skipping with excitement.]

I've been looking up what I can on your [fruity little hand wave] internet, but I've found myself quite at odds with her about what she considers to be proper records. I would relish the opportunity to see this world's masterpieces in person.

[He's so happy to be out in the world! He's always been a modern man, and feeling so disconnected from the modern culture has been rather upsetting.

Jaskier's also happy to be in a proper city again. On the streets he can feel the beating heart of the people-- hear their voices and songs. He isn't supposed to be hidden away from the world, he's supposed to be a part of it!
]
composinghistory: (Exp- Fruity)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-24 03:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, the dangers of public forum. The price of free access to information is often the amplification of ignorant voices-- progress never comes without cost, I'm afraid.

[Jaskier whips around to face Anthony.]

Of course! I was a promised a new, suitably fashionable wardrobe, Anthony, and I will accept nothing less. I've been forced to hide myself away from society for too long-- the embarrassment of having nothing fitting to wear has been too much to face. I refuse to languish in it any longer!

[Jaskier has been living in festive holiday sweaters for the past month once he realized his spring attire was going to do him no favors in his new environment, which is a shame because it is remarkably well-tailored and really suits his complexion. As much as he appreciates the colors and tinsel and sparkly bits, the jumpers aren't particularly flattering or versatile. He also needs more pairs of trousers.

(He tried to steal some of Anthony's, since they're of the same height, but they didn't make it past his thighs. He's unsure if his friend is aware of the attempted theft.)
]
Edited 2023-12-24 15:25 (UTC)
composinghistory: (Default)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-26 10:42 am (UTC)(link)
Those poor things always seem incredibly busy, especially as of late. I would hate to bother them for a problem I could easily remedy on my own.

[Jaskier forget that they could do that.

The compliment stops him in his tracks for a moment, before he rushes to catch up with his companion.
]

Of course they're charming! I picked them out, didn't I? You should know by now that I have impeccable taste, present company included.

[Take that! He sees Anthony's compliment and raises him another compliment!]
Edited 2023-12-26 10:43 (UTC)
composinghistory: (Exp- Wink)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-26 09:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[Anthony! That was smooth!]

I'm sorry I didn't make it more explicit, if you're still unsure.

[Unfortunately for Jaskier, he likes that Anthony's an insufferably smug bastard about it.

He dutifully takes the clothes and steps into an open dressing room. The sweater comes off, leaving only his linen undershirt.
]

This wool is just divine. Do you think the sheep here are different from back home? It seems odd that two completely separate places have the same flora and fauna, with some exceptions of course.

[He starts with the looser trousers. The waist isn't as high as he's used to, and they're a bit tight all around. Jaskier tends to wear breeches that are tight around the waist but looser around the crotch and thighs, tapering down to his ankles. It hides the muscles in his legs and lets the eye be drawn to his more decorative doublets.]

I might need a larger pair.

[He steps out of the changing room. Though the length is right, the trousers cling and pinch in ways that show they're slightly too small. That combined with the thin linen shirt revealing a more than a flash of defined pecs and dark chest hair, Jaskier is a bit on display.

He spreads his arm and slowly turns so Anthony can get a proper view.
]

What do you think?

[Plot twist: this supposed twink is actually a solid twunk!]
composinghistory: (Talk- Happy)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-26 10:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[Jaskier laughs in delight at his friend's reaction.]

When I say I've walked across the Continent, I do mean it literally, you know.

[There's teasing happening now, all at Anthony's expense.]

You've fallen for the oldest trick in the book, my friend. It's bad enough I've some height-- no one wants to feel intimidated by the bard singing and dancing around the room. The less of a threat I look, the more an audience likes me. I get far more tips that way.

[He's revealing trade secrets, now, and exposing himself to be a far more shrewd strategist than he presents.

He turns around to check out his own ass in the mirror and makes a face. There's some rather unflattering folds going on back there.
]

Should I even bother trying on the other pair?

[He isn't sure they'll even make it up his legs.]
composinghistory: (Exp- Wink)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-26 11:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Leon is a miracle worker.

[Jaskier sighs dramatically. He really does miss his tailor, and his shoemaker. And, well, his whole life really. But this place isn't all bad. He has Anthony, for one.]

Why Anthony, if you wanted me out of my clothes you only ever had to ask.

[He winks because he can't help himself, then twirls around and goes to change his pants. He starts with the tartan, because he loves color and pattern.]

A bit low-waisted for my tastes, but I do enjoy the pattern. There are some holes, but I'm not above darning when necessary.

[He doesn't know that the holes are for Fashion.]
Edited 2023-12-26 23:01 (UTC)
composinghistory: (Talk- Smirk)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-27 03:10 am (UTC)(link)
So you're saying that if you were a millium younger, you'd take me up on the offer?

[Jaskier adores flirting-- the ebb and flow of charm, the double entendre, the teasing-- it's like a dance that's constantly shifting leads. In order to play the game well you have to be anticipate the next step and be able to adapt near instantaneously to your partner's moves when they surprise you. You must be willing to take charge and to be swept away in equal turn. He simply loves dancing-- it's no surprise that he loves courting as well.

He turns to, again, check out his bum in the mirror. This pair is much more flattering than the last.
]

I don't think I can tolerate it. Holes for fashion-- it's absurd, is what it is! And wasteful! These wouldn't last me a year in my travels, so what's the point?

[He just can't do it. Some lines shouldn't be crossed-- this is apparently one of them.

He goes to change into a different pair.
]
Edited 2023-12-27 03:11 (UTC)
composinghistory: (Talk- Happy)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-27 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
[All it takes is one word with that teasing tone and Jaskier can feel his cheeks and the tips of his ears growing warm.

He sticks his head out of the dressing room to respond.
]

My dear Anthony, love makes us young again.

[He ducks back in to finish changing. This pair is dark blue with no holes, so he's already a fan. The waist band isn't as high as he's used to, but it sits higher than the ones before. The fit is just right too-- loose and tight in the right places, de-emphasizing his hips and leading the eye down his figure.

He steps out with a grin on his face, holding his arms out to present himself.
]

I think I quite like this one.

[He does a little twirl for good measure.]
composinghistory: (Talk- Neutral)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-27 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
With you, darling? Never.

[He lets Anthony snake (ha!) his way out of that dealing with real emotions and doesn't push further.]

They do, don't they?

[Jaskier is the fanciest of birds, strutting about and showing off his pretty feathers. He knows a compliment when he hears one and preens appropriately.]

Well, these are keepers for sure. Let's try the third pair, shall we?

[He's practically skipping back into the changing room.]
composinghistory: (Default)

every day, but usually only after someone's replied

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-28 03:04 am (UTC)(link)
[If Anthony ever admits that Jaskier's his favorite human, he will be extremely obnoxious about it.

The third pair is tight, but it seems to be purposeful. He isn't sure how he'll be able to do literally anything in them, but the effect may well be worth it. The dark gray trousers sit low on the hips in an attractive sort of way, and the fabric has a bit of a sheen. It's almost like something Anthony would wear.

He looks fantastic.

He struts out of the changing room. He didn't even bother putting his shirt on for this pair, so Anthony gets a full show.
]

What do you think?
composinghistory: (Talk- Down)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-28 03:33 am (UTC)(link)
[Jaskier can't see it, but he can feel the his friend's gaze. He may not be able to know that he's being checked out, but he knows Anthony's looking. The attention makes his skin buzz.

He pouts as if Anthony said he looks terrible. There is so much pouting.
]

Are you sure? I thought they look alright...

[He moves like he's going to go and change.]
composinghistory: (Talk- Neutral)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-28 03:57 am (UTC)(link)
A man does like to hear the words said aloud.

[This man in particular.]

I do think I'll take these, and the other pair. How much coin do you have on you? I still need some shirts, perhaps a jacket?

[This man also still thinks that currency is made up exclusively of coins.]

I do like the one you picked out. It suits you.
composinghistory: (Exp- Fruity)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-28 04:09 am (UTC)(link)
That would be obnoxious, dear.

[He cocks his head, trying to decide how much more to reveal.]

Besides, peacocks are just pretty. Buttercups are poisonous.

Oh, a proper coat would be divine. It's so cold up there, I swear one of these days my cock is going to freeze and snap right off.

[This time he actually goes into the dressing room to put back on his holiday sweater and breeches. He comes holding the two pairs pants they've chosen.]
composinghistory: (Talk- Dramatic)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-28 04:34 am (UTC)(link)
You- I don't go around poisoning people! It's a metaphor!

[He throws his hand up into the air dramatically.]

I try to keep my bits attached, when possible. It's not always in my control, but I do what I can.

[It really would be a tragedy. That being said, it's not entirely true that no one (beside Jaskier) has gotten to enjoy it. He and Dan hit it off very well at Puss' welcoming party.]

I'll make sure to take advantage of your indulgence.

[Is he joking? He probably should be, but he's not. He will take your inch and run several miles.

What follows is a shopping montage 90s movies could only dream of, complete with Jaskier stepping out of a changing room in complete outfits for Anthony to nod approvingly or shake his head at. Please imagine the era-appropriate girly-pop song of your choice playing as the shenanigans ensure. There are so many shenanigans.

At one point he comes out of the changing room in an outfit perfect for clubbing. He's donned a holographic mesh crop top over a black harness, which frames his pecs quite nicely, and a pair of sinfully tight shorts.
]

This one seems a tad indecent.

[He doesn't say it like it's a bad thing. In fact, he's got a stupid little grin on his face.]
composinghistory: (Exp- Wink)

cw: canon-typical mention of sex workers

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-28 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
[Jaskier keeps trying to put a hat with a fancy feather into their cart. Anthony puts it back. This goes on until Anthony finally burns the thing in his hand as Jaskier watches with a comically horrified look on his face.

He has no idea what "events at Pride month" means, but he does know the wordy "kinky", so he's going to assume that means he looks as sexy as he thinks he does.

He twists to check out his barely-covered backside in the mirror, which has the added benefit of giving Anthony a bit of a show.
]

I'm not sure even the whores of Novigrad would be daring enough to go out in this.

[Once again, this does not seem to be a negative.]
composinghistory: (Talk- Smirk)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-28 01:27 pm (UTC)(link)
I think I could be persuaded.

[Vanity's a hell of a drug.]

I will say that I have no idea what the appropriate venue for such an outfit would be.

[A lesser man would make an on-your-bedroom-floor joke, but Jaskier holds himself to a higher standard than that.]
composinghistory: (Talk- Neutral)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-30 05:26 am (UTC)(link)
I think I'd shred this-- I'm not really sure if this can be considered a shirt, to be honest-- with my nipples first before they fell off.

[The concept of a gay night club is intriguing. He wants to know more.]

Tell me more about this "appropriate venue".

[He saunters over to Anthony and sits next to him, a bit (read: a lot) closer than necessary. He is an eager student, please learn him the ways of the modern gays.]
composinghistory: (Exp- Fruity)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-31 04:43 am (UTC)(link)
[Anthony not moving away is a victory in Jaskier's book. He stops before their thighs touch, but only just.]

Bathhouses have fallen out of style, then.

[This is mostly a joke, but it's coming from the real sensation of being overwhelmed and slightly lost. This place is so different-- amazing, but different. He's not sure what he would do with Anthony to help him muddle through.]
composinghistory: (Exp- Smile)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2023-12-31 05:11 am (UTC)(link)
The club does sound more my style, then.

[Music, dancing, drinking, and the opportunity to leave with a partner (or partners) for a more private venue. If his encounter with Dan is any indication, the process of finding company for a night is the same as ever. He can always explore his other options in the future.]

You really have been a gods-send, Anthony. I'm afraid I might have been somewhat lost in all this mess without you.

[He is, of course, talking specific about the "procuring an appropriate wardrobe" process they're going through. If it could also be applicable to the rest of their current situation, that's just a convenient coincidence.

Reader, you must remember that this tender moment of emotional vulnerability is being had in the middle of a thrift store, while Jaskier is wearing something that can only be considered actual clothing by the loosest of definitions. The pleather of his short-shorts creaks every time he shifts his weight.
]

I'd be getting drunk on far worse wines, at least.
composinghistory: (Talk- Happy)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2024-01-01 10:46 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I'm sorry, what was that? 'You're most welcome, Jaskier, I'm happy to do it for my devoted and handsome friend' you say? I humbly accept your compliments.

[A touch! Skin on skin contact! He is truly thriving.

The dark hairs on his leg stand up as Anthony pulls away. It's like his body is trying to cling on for as long as possible.

He stands and walks away, pausing before entering the changing room.
]

So, the outfit's a keeper, right?

[He's might as well fish for one last compliment for the metaphorical road.]
composinghistory: (Talk- Neutral)

[personal profile] composinghistory 2024-01-01 09:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[He slips past the curtain and changes into a more appropriate outfit they had picked out earlier.]

Well, I'm getting it, so I suppose you'll just have to.

[He comes out in a slightly muted, multi-colored button-up with vertical stripes of varying widths. It's tucked into a pair of light purple trousers. On top he wears a brown leather jacket. He's wearing the same leather boots he arrived in, they're perfectly function, but his socks are blue with a pattern of little yellow flowers.

Jaskier tosses the garments he just doffed into their cart, tousles his hair, and sends a rakish grin Anthony's way.
]

Shall we?