"Shachi? Penguin?" Lexi called, moving between the racks of shirts and pants with price tags much higher than was reasonable. They'd wandered into a California Republic. The lighting inside was a little darker than out in the main walkway. She blinked to adjust to the change. Passing by the mannequins of male models, she spotted them taking jackets off hangers and putting them on.
"This one is super tight, but it's got so many pockets!" Penguin looked through a thick cargo jacket, stuffing his hands in the various pockets adorning the front. "I could fit all my tools in it!"
"Look at this shirt." He held up a t-shirt, showing his friend. "Cali For Nia? Who's Nia? What's a Cali?" Penguin rubbed at his chin.
"Hmm..." He snapped, pointing at the shirt. "Maybe it's that bear? But why would you give someone a bear?"
"Uh...guys?" Lexi said, approaching the two. They looked up, smiling in excitement.
"Lexi-chan, what is a Cali? And who is Nia?" Shachi held up the shirt for reference, and she laughed beside herself. They looked concerned for a moment, but she recovered quickly.
"It's not Cali For Nia, it's California. California is a state."
"Oooohhhh..." They said in unison, and Shachi put the shirt back. Law appeared at her side, inspecting the clothing around him with interest and slight alarm.
"The attire in your world is rather...diverse." He stated, looking at a red crop top with white sequined letters spelling 'BACON.' Lexi snorted at the sight of it, appalled that such a shirt even existed.
"Can we get something?" Penguin asked, putting the jacket away as well. Getting over her fit of laughter, Lexi sighed, giving an apologetic little smile.
"Sorry, guys, but money is pretty tight nowadays. I let you binge with the food but that's the last time." Their shoulders fell a little, but there wasn't much Lexi could do. With a tiny chuckle, she gestured out the door. "Let's go."
"Awww..." They muttered, putting everything back where it went. Law smirked, leaning in closer to whisper in her ear.
"There's nothing to stop me from simply taking what I want." She gave him a deadpan look before pointing towards the security sensors on either side of the door.
"See those?" His gaze followed her finger, and he nodded. "If anything is taken past that and it hasn't been bought, loud alarms will go off and the security will come and arrest you. How are you gonna get past that?"
His eyes narrowed, grin still in place as he rubbed his chin. "Hmm...Everything has a solution." She huffed, grabbing his elbow forcefully.
"Let's go before you get us all thrown out and in jail." He chuckled, following after her and his two crew men.
~~~
Outside the store, people milled about with shopping bags as they clutched crying children or talking into their cellphones. Lexi looked around in an attempt to find the nearest exit, but it quickly became apparent that there wasn't one. The cheerful tracks of the newest pop hit played on the speakers overhead, though no one appeared to be listening.
Suddenly, she heard her own cellphone buzz in the front pocket of her bag. Grabbing it out, she checked the screen. It was a message from Brittany, complete with multiple smiley faces and exclamation points.
Lex, I've found the perfect sweater for my date with the hottie!1! :D It's blue and it says 'I Support Sweatshirts and Messy Hair! XP You gotta see it! :P I'll send the pic! :)
Rolling her eyes, she moved to put it away, but Law had unfortunately seen her pull it out.
"I've seen many people with the same devices. What is it?" He questioned, going so far as to take it out of her hand.
YOU ARE READING
Where You Belong
FanfictionGoing through college while living with a senile old grandmother wasn't Lexi's fairytale life she'd been hoping for. No boyfriend, enough friends to count on one finger, and-she swears, she didn't mean to almost run him over! I mean, what would some...
