of course he would.[break][break]

"it is a bit small..."[break][break]

but isn't that half the appeal of it? to a man like niko, anyway. regardless, he steps closer, using his massive frame to shield her from any peeping eyes.[break][break]

"maybe try a size bigger?"

[attr="class","ooc"]luka chêne[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

if only he had the power to take away all her problems, to rid her of the issues caused by her family. he hasn't met the blacks nor does he even know of their relation, but once he does, he'll be sure to do his best to protect her.[break][break]

until then, all he can do is to return the hug, holding her close.[break][break]

"don't be sorry. i got you, alright? you're amazing, jessie."[break][break]

the water turns off, and he pulls away.[break][break]

"come on."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

it's hard not to miss the shift in her demeanor. he sees her gaze lower along with her confidence, and though she may smile, he sees right past that, too.[break][break]

"jessie..."[break][break]

he reaches out for her hand.[break][break]

"i like you, okay? it's just me i have to work on. it has nothing to do with you."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

whether influenced by the alcohol or otherwise, niko leans just that much closer, approaching her space with something akin to arrogance. or indifference. either way, he's there.[break][break]

"you stay home? really?"[break][break]

a scoff.[break][break]

"what do you do at home?"

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"take your time."[break][break]

they have all day together, after all.[break][break]

three minutes pass and whatever disgruntled shopper is quickly dismissed when niko steps back into frame. the door opens, and out comes miss luka.[break][break]

"sometimes?"[break][break]

he chuckles, letting his eyes roam.[break][break]

"wow. luka...i like it. you look amazing."

[attr="class","ooc"]luka chêne[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"oh! that one's cute."[break][break]

with a heavy step, he approaches the santa dress, picking it out for her. then, after a quick glance at the other options, he picks out a more risque option as well, then with his arm still looped through hers, he smiles, leading them to the makeshift changing room.[break][break]

he opens the door for her, then hands her the clothes.[break][break]

"here you go, miss."

[attr="class","ooc"]luka chêne[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

"yeah i can tell."[break][break]

not that there's anything wrong with that. he could be a slow drinker on some occasions, too.[break][break]

when his glass settles back down on the counter, it's already half empty.[break][break]

"this the type of place you usually go to?"

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

at her response, he breaks into a grin, leaning over to bump his shoulder into hers.[break][break]

"good shit."[break][break]

he picks up his drink, sipping.[break][break]

"we're off the clock now. relax, have another drink."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

his shrug is lazy.[break][break]

"what we do isn't pretty."[break][break]

his eyes left her finally, shifting to his second glass of negroni.[break][break]

"i just wanted to know where you stand on it. and, in the future, what you'd be willing to do for me."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]

he leans into her touch.[break][break]

"i'm sure, but..."[break][break]

there's always a but.[break][break]

he sighs, peering into her eyes.[break][break]

"i've never been good at...being exclusive. i'll need some time."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-ditto"]