>>5164880Too bad for Marcela, but you spent most of the trip getting her up to speed about the case, you couldn’t go in depth about anything else. Truth to his word, Ulrich paid for the trip in advance. You’re all back inside your apartment.
“It’s been such a while since I’ve been part of a case, you’ve my entire cooperation at your disposal if you need it, Kobashi.” van Zullekom yearns for anything to do that isn’t part of a desk job. You don’t recall her being part of the investigation side of things. “Just like you’re going to have it here!” Vanessa pumps her first like she used to do when serious, which happens rarely, and it usually doesn’t include her mouthwatering. “Oh, oopsies! We left so promptly; it thoroughly flew over that I’m still wearing this ridiculous costume!”
“I thought it’s one of your casual outfits.” Marcela giggles. “You have that kind of vibe.”
“What do you mean by that?” You don’t think it fits her anymore.
“Enlighten me with your reasoning, please!” Vanessa doesn’t know if she should feel offended or not.
“Ms. van Zullekom, I’ve known you for 30 minutes, and you’re... unorthodox?” Marcela grabs the tip of Vanessa’s skirt and raises an eyebrow.
“I’ve been called like that multiple times.” The good ol’ days when you got in trouble for being reckless. Thank god it doesn’t happen anymore! Marcela thinks you’re joking and chuckles, how naive.
“I assure you I’m a fairly ordinary individual! This outfit must’ve given you the wrong impression!” Vanessa believes she’s not one of a kind. “D-Do you happen to have a spare change of clothes? This dress isn’t as comfortable as I’d like.”
“Eh? You’re asking me? I don’t think we have the same size.” Marcela uses her hands to show the height difference between the two.
“Kobashi, you must’ve some spare clothes you can share with me, correct? Preferably something loose like exercise clothes. Either way, I’ve used prison garbs, anything you can lend me won’t be a bother.” Vanessa clasps her hands and looks at you with a smile.
“M-Mine?!” You think Vanessa has lost all shame! Wearing a man’s clothing?! Unthinkable!
“…I’m so out of focus! How unlady-like of me!” Vanessa just realized it too.
“You’re not sharing underwear, what’s the big deal?” Marcela doesn’t get it. You swear, young people don’t know about manners and… You feel old… You’re in your early 30s, you’re not supposed to be this ungroovy!
“I’ve maintained a proper lady’s appearance for years. And I’ve shattered that illusion…” van Zullekom is ashamed of herself.
“No, Marcela is right. It’s not a big deal. Here.” You grab some clothes from your wardrobe and hand it to Vanessa.
