Snippets and Stories: (WtI) Clover

Silas stared at the turtleneck his flatmate was sporting.

"Well? What do you think? It's going to be out on shelves come fall." Neiro grinned, giving a twirl to show off the back as well.

It was a rather elegant piece, one that hugged his form loosely. Tight enough for one to cast their appreciative gaze upon the wearer, but not without the typical and casual ruffle of slack that turtlenecks were known for. At the same Time it gave one the feeling of being proper while not coming off as uptight. At the hem, embroidered in silver thread, was the embroidered outline of a single four leaf clover--the signature mark of the albino's line. Inconspicuous, crisp, and elegant. A single leaflet had been filled in, unlike the others to form a more evident heart.

"An elegant design as always, though it could do without the childish accent." There was a low huff, which he promptly ignored, carrying on as if he hadn't heard, "I've not been swayed in the belief that your mark is better improved upon. Such shapes as the one your brand sports, is better fitting for younger demographics."

"Again with that. What about stars and hearts?" his companion scoffed. "Still see that in top line names. And I'll have you know I'm rather fond of it, besides there's nothing wrong with a little whimsy. By the Time I'm done no one'll think clovers are childish."

Silas said nothing, instead eyeing the black knit cloth, taking a bit of the hem between his fingers to feel the fabric. No imperfections and it felt smooth. A common problem with knit cloth was how abrasive it could be, the most common complaint of consumers being the "scratchy feel" and resultant dry skin that sometimes formed from the irritation.

It was indeed well made.

"Rayon.. and cotton? An odd blend to be sure, but such a delightful textile to the tactile sense."

Another blinding grin, "I know right? One can have the best of both worlds. Breathable, quick to dry, cool on a hot day, but warm all the same."

"Neiro, why are you so fond of clovers. A mere shape, nothing more. A good mark is a crucial first impression that can be the success, and likewise failure."

A careless roll of the shoulders, the oddity of a man held up the hem to get a good look at the innocent symbol, silvery border glinting in the sunlight. Still the same carefree man that walked into the Tea Shop during the autumnal downpour, "Clovers are special."

"And..." but he trailed off and with a grin and a wave, was waltzing down the hall to change out of the prototype.

Out of view and earshot, Neiro held up the hem again, tracing the pattern fondly, eyes aglow with a warmth that though oft seen on his features, were strangely adrift. As if his mind was absent and elsewhere, "They were his favorite."

Though it was rather unfair to them, and he himself bore no small amount of discomfort at the thought, Neiro would go visit Esti later.

Not for the company, though it was with genuine enjoyment that he took pleasure in their Time together--he enjoyed it much, mind--but for their fiery autumnal red hair and gold flecked eyes that were so much like his. The nostalgic aether that was so much like his, and yet distinctively, and frustratingly oh so slightly off.