New Clothes? Aren't these ones fine? [PRIVATE | Tsubine]

Tsubaki Koezuka

"Sure. We can look at those too." Tsubaki also would use a new kimono or two. So it was a win-win. Even though Tsubaki herself was finding the clothes shopping a bit droll, the time she was spending with Erika was making up for it. Erika, however, was her usual not-quite-dull self. So Tsubaki was going to try to find something that might excite her daughter. Upon entering the second store, the idea of them wearing a matching outfit struck her. It would be cute—mother and daughter walking around like that. They both were young enough (looking at least) to pull it off. However, they needed something that would fit the both of them.

That's why the comfortable sweater-and-legging combo was an instant-success. It offered the feminine fashion Tsubaki was striving for, while it looked loose enough for Erika to move freely in. Out of all of Erika's clothing choices, it was something her mother noticed. She liked the freedom of movement, so something simple would end up being best. After rushing Erika into a separate fitting room, Tsubaki had to try on two of the sweaters before she found one in her size. She was asked in by Erika, and her smile faded for a second as she saw something that she wished Erika didn't do—binding. However, she immediately returned to her chipper attitude as she asked Erika to turn around, nodding along. "I think it looks great on you."

"Erika... I forgot you did that." Tsubaki pointed to the bit of bandage showing. There was a hint of disappointment in her voice. "That's a habit you're going to need to get out of. Or if you must do it—let's get you a proper binder. Bandages might be easy to replace, but it's not healthy. Bandages don't breathe. Trust me, I know this from experience. I used to do it too. I get that maybe you don't like bras or the way they feel, but please trust me when I say they do end up being better for you." Tsubaki left off her desire of wanting to go bra-less most of the time because she knew Erika would probably copy her.

Changing the subject, Tsubaki pointed to the sweater again. "So do you like it? Well, besides the airy-ness. If you like it, I think some dark leggings like the mannequin had would work best." Whether or not Erika liked it, Tsubaki was going to buy herself that sweater+legging combination. So they spent a little more time picking out outfits. All of the ones Tsubaki picked out for Erika were denied—which was saddening. Tsubaki was still shopping for herself too. Most of what she found for herself was already displayed on a mannequin. The first outfit she put together herself she kept a secret until she dragged Erika back to the fitting room. A moment later, she returned—dressed in a very office-like outfit. It was a white sweater and a short, black skirt. Tsubaki held up a pair of fancy leggings to show that she'd wear them underneath. The leggings were a dark brown with thick, swirling lines creating an intricate pattern. "So, what do you think?"