Scene #9032: Actual Friend time?!

Owner	Pose
Sarracenia	Life sometimes keeps you busy, and Sarra realized she and her long time friend Alexis had not had actual friend time in quite a while! So, she has invited Alexis to her favorite dress shop in the Sundew Kingdom. While it can make custom fitted dresses (and has made dozens for Sarra over the years) it also has plenty clothing racks fill with dresses of various styles for one to grab and go. Of course, Sarra knows that Alexis does not care for dresses much. So, she has sweetened the deal with...sweets! Sarra's favorite ice cream cart is standing outside the door, and Sarra awaits eagerly to share another favorite of hers. Rainbow Bob-omb ice cream! It is rainbow vanilla with pop rocks in it! Of course, Alexis is free to order whatever ice cream she wants, but Sarra is really pushing the Rainbow Bob-omb. "It is my favorite because not only is it whimsical, it is sweet, smooth, tangy, and explosive! You simply must try it!" the princess explains once Alexis has arrived.
Alexis	Life keeps you busy, especially when you're working to get actually certification in certain research fields and not just poking your nose into random nonsese because that's what wandering trainers do. Those studies are part of what has kept Alexis busy and away, as she's been putting a lot of time on what's essentially the other side of the Pokemon world in Galar and Paldea. But not enough to keep her away from spending time with her friend. Even if it does involve shopping. The signs that she's been away in other regions is readily apparent when she does arrive. It's her usual Flygon that she arrives on, but when Mirage hovers to the ground for her to drop off her back, there's also a small green cat-like critter sitting on her shoulder. "Because it's whimsical and not because it's named after your favorite time of bomb?" she teases back, even as she gives the princess a quick but firm hug. "But worth a try." Something sweet to prepare to endure whatever else the wily princess has planned.
Sarracenia	Sarra hees and smirks at Lex's question. "Well...it miiiight be called that because I commissioned a local ice cream maker to make it after finding a similar ice cream offworld." she says, then giggles. She has a generous couple of scoops in a bowl herself, and after every couple of spoonfuls she opens her mouth to hear the crackling of the pop rocks. She doesn't spot the cat right away, since she is busy talking to Alexis and eating ice cream, but eventually...Sarra blinks in surprise. Her eyes widen. She lets out a delighted cry and...the cat critter finds itself scooped up! "Oh! Alexis! Where did you get this cutie? Heehee~ It is just as cute as those Vulpix creatures!" she says, holding it up and trying to nuzzle her cheek against its cheek. "Hello there~ What is your name, hmm?"
Alexis	"Yeah that sounds about right." Alexis accepts her ice cream. Which could just as well been a diversion as Sarracina goes to scoop the feline off her shoulder. Which gets a yelp of surprise out of it. "Oh, that's Catnip. He's a Sprigarito, one of the starting pokemon from Paldea. I was given one to help my studies without lugging too many of my 'foreign' Pokemon around." She licks at her ice cream in idle amusement. The cat-mon is... well, being a cat. That is Catnip kind of side-eyes the princess. But as long as you're appreciating his presence human you're safe.
Sarracenia	Sarra shrugs lightly and giggles again at Alexis's comment about the ice cream. Then, she is snuggling Catnip some more. "Catnip~ You are just too cute!" She fuzzles him on the head, then smiles happily. "Would you care for some ice cream, Catnip?" she asks, then blinks and looks to the Flygon. "And what about you? It would be quite rude to leave you out~" The pokemon are provided with ice cream if they so wish. Sarra holds an ice cream cup for Catnip to lick at, but after a moment she blinks in surprise. "Wait, did you say studies? I thought you were a rancher, not a researcher." she says with a giggle. "What are you studying? Just pokemon in general or...?"
Alexis	Mirage politely shakes her head and takes a step back when Sarracina offers ice cream in her direction. "Dragons and cold don't really mix well," Alexis explains. "Especially one accustomed to hot humid deserts." Catnip on the other hand licks at the cup like any cat with dairy would. "He's young yet, don't give him too much." Which is followed by a bit of a shrug. "You know me Sarra, I get wanderlust now and then. Besides, a bit of ecological study helps me better understand how pokemon and the environment interact with each other. Spikes and Stormfront have the ranch well in hand when I... meander for a bit." Alexis leans back and digs more into her own ice cream.
Sarracenia	Sarra looks a bit disappointed as Mirage declines. "Aww. How horrible! Being allergic to ice cream must surely be the worst!" She reaches to offer a headpat to Mirage. "Well, we will simply have to find you a different treat." she says with a smile. "Wanderlust, huh? So...it is just an convenient excuse to go on an adventure, hm?" Sarra says with a slight smirk. While it was a good distraction, Sarra won't be distracted forever! She sets Catnip and his ice cream down on a nearby bench, then hees. "Now! Are you ready to find out just how lovely you will look in an amazing dress? One worthy of a lady-in-waiting?" Sarra is so looking forward to torturing her friend by making her dress up in pretty things!
Alexis	Alexis can't help but chuckle a bit. "That's one way of looking at it. Not that I got poking my nose into every bit of trouble I can find anymore, but... eh. I'm not a static person. The ranch output helps fund my impulses to meander if nothing else." She eats the end of her ice cream.. though almost chokes on the last bite when Sarracenia gets into dressing up and all that. "Oi. I should of known you'd have an ulterior motive." Maybe she didn't notice what kind of shop they were meeting in front of. Catnip puts a paw over his mouth to stifle down what was probably the feline equivilent to snickering. In the end Alexis just wags a finger at Sarra. "... As long as you're not gonna go dolling me over then trying to hook me up with some stuffy upper crust with more sparkles in his smile than brain sells in his noggin."
Sarracenia	Sarra heehees and gets a devilish grin as she is called out on her ulterior motive. "Oh no~ My plan is revealed~" she says, feigning dramatic disappointment. But, at the idea of a sparkling upper crust Sarra gets a 'blech' expression. "I would not even do that to me, much less you!" she says, giggling and shaking her head. Then, she takes Alexis by the hand and drags her into the shop. "Here we go~" Inside the shop it is exactly as one might expect from Sarracenia. The shop itself is overly extravagant, with plenty of excessively elegant decor and architecture. The walls are painted with various scenes such as a sunny meadow, a misty waterfall, a starry night, and other such things. Likely for taking pictures in front of. And the dresses are all of the highest quality, coming in most every type and color one could imagine. Of course...Sarra has already scouted the shop for a dress that might be good for Alexis and has picked a flowy dress of white, light-weight material. The kind with a long skirt, a tight-fitting torso, and long sleeves that are tight around the upper arm and flowy around the lower making the ends of the sleeves looks sort of like large flowers. The dress shop owner, a pinkette like Alexis and of similar age, smiles cheerfully as she hands the pre-prepared dress to Sarra. "Here you are, your highness!" she says, and Sarra twirls toward Alexis with the dress. "I was not sure of what colors compliment your complexion, so we are starting at the basics. White! And a design like this should be free-flowing enough to allow you to move properly for adventuring."
Alexis	"I knew you had -some- common sense," Alexis teases her friend a bit when she replies that even she doesn't want to flaunt with that sort of high socialite. But the moment of witisms comes to an end as Sarra grabs her by the arm and drags her inside. Princess or not that girl has a good grip. Though suppose you would need one to swing that redonkulous hammer around. Once inside she looks around, and makes a bit of a face. If it wasn't for her friend's insistance this is hardly the type of clothing shop she'd be looking around in... But it would seem that Sarra has also taken care of the looking around. Which is probably for the better, Alexis wouldn't know a thing about such flashy dress. At least not without Spikes around and he had other fashion obligations today. (Smash cut to the ranch where it happens to be sheering day. And being part Ground type the Nidoking was the one that could use his claws to cut wool without getting repeatedly shock... which doesn't stop him from trimming each Mareep in a different style.) Back at the shop Alexis takes the dress, holding it up for a moment. "... I'm not going to go adventuring in a dress, but I appreciate the consideration towards comfort." She wanders off to the changing room. Totally unfamiliar with dresses it takes several minutes before she finally manages to get it on properly and steps back out... Though rather than look at Sarracenia her glare is at the window where Mirage and Catnip have taken to watching from outside. "Not a word you two!" They're probably snickering but it's difficult to hear inside.
Sarracenia	Sarra's grip is definitely no joke! She pouts a bit and lets out a quiet 'aw' as Alexis says she will not adventure in a dress. That pout is a smile again when Alexis emerges in the dress. "Oh! It looks...!" she starts, then hmms. "Actually, while it looks fine on you I do not think it matches your 'vibe'." she says. She blinks as Alexis speaks to the pokemon outside. She looks that way then giggles before looking back to Alexis. "Okay, wait here. Oh! What are your favorite and/or usual clothing colors?" she says before disappearing into the forest of racks.
Alexis	"Anything that's not pink!" Alexis retorts. "The hair is enough." Pause. "Though I guess you probably want to compliment that? I dunno. Was probably mostly red or orange back when I was primarily training Fire types." She looks to the also pink-haired shopkeeper with a bit of a hapless shrug. "Usually I gotta worry more about standing up to wear and tear more than colors. Fashion isn't my thing, but she insists." A thumb is jabbed in the direction Sarra disappeared amongst the racks. To most of the people of Sundew is probably enough of an explaination.
Sarracenia	The shopkeeper giggles at the thumb jabbing. "Our princess is quite insistent, it is true. But, I think it is all in the hopes that people will have fun." she says. Somewhere in the forest of fashion, Sarra gasps! "I have an idea!" There is a lot of rusting and running and huffing and mumbles as the princess searches. Eventually, she lets out a happy squeal! "You do have one, Emilia!" she calls out. The pinkette seems confused. "One what?" Sarra comes running with a blue dress...made of jean material. This one is definitely not as light as the previous one, but it is also very likely to stand up to wear and tear. The skirt is still quite long and flowy and once again a form-fitting torso. It is sleeveless and zips up in back and has a bit of a low chest. Not really enough to show anything when worn, but enough to hint at it. It also includes a set of jean bracers. "Here! This one is surely perfect for you!" Despite its material it looks almost elegant enough to be a ballroom gown.
Alexis	Alexis folds her hands behind her head. "Yeah," she agrees with Emilia. "No harm meant. And friends don't have to enjoy every single same thin--" She stops at the joyous squeal from amongst the racks and looks over as Sarracenia comes running out with her prize. "I... huh... would of never expected one made out of that material, yet still looking fancy. I don't think anyone other than you could of found something like that Sarra." Unspoken but appreciation towards her own tastes is there. She takes the new dress over one arm. "But now I can get out of this one. I think it's a little tight." Back to the changing room she goes. The time taken is mainly in getting the first dress off. The second one isn't nearly as awkward, though when she steps out Alexis first turns her back to the other girls. "Can one of you zip this up?"
Sarracenia	Sarra gets a smug grin at the compliment to her dress finding abilities. "Well, I cannot take all the credit. Emilia was smart enough to stock such a lovely dress! I actually like it myself. Perhaps I will add one to my dress rotation. I may be able to pass it off as my 'adventuring dress'." Sarra waits (im)patiently as Alexis gets changed, then practically leaps forward to help with the zipper. "Of course~!" she says happily to the request. She is getting to have an actual friend moment of zipping up someone else's dress! Then, she steps back to look Alexis over. "I must say, I think this might be the perfect dress for you. Now, we just need one in pink..." she says, grinning a devilish smile at the last part before giggling. "What do you think of it? Would you adventure in -this- dress?" Apparently it is a point of pride to find a dress Alexis would adventure in now, and judging by Sarra's expression she thinks this is checkmate in only two moves.
Alexis	"Mmm." Alexis turns to look in a mirror once Sarra has the zipper up, amused at how delighted it made her to do so. "This one would probably stand up to some rougher activity at least." Smooths her hands down the skirt. "Might need to raise the hem a little so it doesn't get tripped over." Aha! She does know some small bit of clothing related stuff at least. Followed by turning back to Sarracenia to give her a mock flat expression. "I don't think you'd find a pink one. Denim is not an easy material to dye."
Sarracenia	Sarra hees. "Find one? I would commission one~" she says with that teasing grin. She giggles after that and smiles. "But, I would not do that to you. Pink clothes are the domain of that prissy Princess Peach. If anything it would be red." she says. Sarra nods at the note on the skirt. "Yes, it might be easier to move in if it is shorter. I am sure we can find some proper leggings and boots. I actually wore a similar outfit recently to a world that was more 'country' than my kingdom. I am sure you would have enjoyed it! We went drinking in celebration of a new world joining the Concord. After that, Sarra hees. "So, you will be taking that one. But, only one dress is no good. We should find another!" She goes off searching again.
Alexis	"Red would be better," Alexis agrees. Doesn't comment on the new world business, she's happily kept her nose out of factional matters. And before she can do so much as object Sarra disappears back amongst the racks. Alexis sighs softly and just shakes her head, before shrugging haplessly once more. "Once she's going there's no stopping her." Then gives the top portion a little adjustment tug. "At least this one doesn't fit so tight."
Sarracenia	Emilia nods in agreement with Alexis again as she comments on the princess, then watches as Alexis fiddles with the dress. "If you would like I can tailor it to your size so it fits better." Sarra returns a short time later with another dress. And this one looks much more like Sarra's own dress, but in pastel purple. Likely with the idea that it will compliment Alexis's hair. "Ever wondered what you would look like as a princess?" Sarra asks with a smile. She even pulls out a second (obviously non-royal) crown.
Alexis	"Just needs some minor adjustment is all. That's probably a normal thing." Alexis replies, not the most well-versed in such things. "And I half suspect she brought out the least fitting one first just to make sure the others made a better impression." Case to point, Sarracenia returns with another dress in a not terrible choice of color. The question of princesses gets a flat "No" from her in response, even as she holds out an arm for the dress. "But you're not going to let me live it down until I try it on so I won't bother arguing the matter."
Sarracenia	Emilia hmms as she checks the fit of the denim dress on Alexis. "Well, a dress that needs minor adjustment now will need minor adjustment all the time. A minor adjustment in its tailoring would mean no more minor adjustements." Sarra's cheeks puff at the flat out 'No', but she grins as Alexis relents and takes the dress. "Exactly~" she agrees. She then waits patiently as Alexis goes to change into the dress.
Alexis	"Why would I need to worry about being a princess when I have you?" Alexis replies with a wink over her shoulder to show she's teasing more than anything before disappearing into the changing room once more. After a few minutes she walks back out in the fancier purple pastels dress. This time she does stop and give a little twirl in it so the fanciful skirt can flitter a bit. "Not necessarily my personal style, but I suppose this does match the 'lady-in-waiting' needs more." She will give Sarra that much.
Sarracenia	Sarra blinks at that question. "Oh! I suppose that is true." she says with a smile. When Alexis emerges in the pastel purple dress Sarra lets out an impressed 'oooh' and claps lightly when Alexis twirls. "Indeed! If we ever have to go to a gala together, you will now be prepared~" Sarra ponders a moment, then hmms. "Yes, two dresses is enough to start out I think." she says, then looks to Emilia. "My friend will be taking those two. Add it to my dress tab." she says, then looks to Alexis and hees. "Do you want to wear that one out? Or the denim one?" she asks, full well knowing what the answer likely is.
Alexis	"Oh, I would hate to have something happen to such a fanciful outfit so soon," Alexis teases as she takes the denim dress and heads back into the dressing room. Really she would put her normal clothes back on, but then Sarracenia would keep nagging her about it so she stuffs the t-shirt and shorts into the seemingly bottomless travel bag (it's not, Trainers just learn to be THAT good at inventory management) after changing and walking back out. Hands the purple dress over so it can be packaged up. " 'Sides, it wouldn't still feel fancy if I wear it like every other piece of clothing."
Sarracenia	Sarra giggles at the teasing, and is pleasantly surprised to see that Alexis actually does wear one of the dresses out! She was actually expecting the normal clothes! At the point about wearing it making it feel less fancy, Sarra sighs softly. "Yes...I do sometimes wonder if I could get away with wearing something other than my royal gown more often." she says, then smiles. "I suppose that concludes our shopping trip for today! Thank you so much for letting me do this~" she says, then heads toward the door carrying the other dress. "We really should do things like this more often! I feel like I see my enemies more often than my friends!" she says, obviously meant to be a joke.
Alexis	Alexis laughs a bit herself. "I remember feeling like that on occasion. But it's kinda hard to stay away from the less savory people all the time." Once they step outside she pauses to pick Catnip up. "Thanks for waiting outside guys. Though you probably don't want to sit on my shoulder at the moment." Which the Sprigarito takes as a reason to wiggle out of her hands and jump up to perch atop her head instead. "... Yeah, fine, that works. You're not very heavy yet."
Sarracenia	Sarra hands the dress box to Mirage once they are outside, then giggles as the Sprigatito hops up on Alexis's head. "How rude! Implying he will get too heavy to ride atop your head." she says, still giggling. Sarra hmms and looks around, then at Alexis. "It has gotten quite late. Will you be staying in the castle tonight or heading back to your studies?"
Alexis	Alexis snorts softly. "No, but he's going to be a bit big for it whenever he eventually evolves." She looks up, then looks to Mirage who also looked up for a moment, and then the Flygon shakes her head. "Yeah, nah, you're right. Flying over the jungles ain't all that safe at night. Guess we're crashing at the castle." At least the weed cat should cause less worries about the animate plantlife that makes up much of the castle staff to have around than one of her various fire types.
Sarracenia	Sarra's eyes practically sparkle as Alexis says they will stay. "Oh my! Does that mean...we are having a sleepover?!" she says excitedly. "Oh! I will have to have a second bed brought into my room and have the bath prepared and..." The princess heads off toward the castle, listing off all the things she needs to prepare and things they will have to do for it to be a proper sleepover. She might even have a book on the subject somewhere.