Women gossip at the salon
Characters: Anthony Goldstein and Terence Higgs
Rating: PG
Summary: Suit shopping brings two men together to talk.
For Higgs the most tedious part about picking out a new suit was the fittings. They always seemed to be never ending but such was the cost of having something made specifically for you. Thankfully though, that afternoon it wasn't just him being tortured with inseams and pins being jabbed in his shoulders. On the other side of the full length mirror he could hear another wizard going through the gauntlet of Diagon's best tailor as well.
"So, I bet they had no clue how fashionable Muggle clothing ware would become after the war, eh?" he spoke firmly so the other bloke could hear him. For the last twenty minutes or so the two men had been tossing random conversation back and forth - anything to cut through the tedium.
"Too bad I didn't think of it," Anthony replied wryly. "I could've added clothing shops to my list of businesses."
"Oh? You've a list of them, then?" Higgs asked in interest, holding his arms out for the tailor once more. "I'm something of a businessman myself. Nothing as lucrative as men's wear though, that's for sure."
"I do, though I have to admit I'm not one to really pay attention to what it is I'm wearing so long as it covers me. That's likely why I didn't think of it." Anthony chuckled, thinking of how he was led around by his sisters when it came to clothing and shoes.
"I prefer footwear," Higgs said with a raised eyebrow at the fabric one of the assistants brought to him, shaking his head a the dark blue and picking rather the think pinstripe. "I have quite the boot collection - enough that I own stock in the company."
"Boots?" Anthony said, nodding at the assistant that he approved of the fabric and cut. "It so happens I have a sister that would hex me if I don't get more information."
Higgs chuckled. "I'm a minor shareholder in Dr. Martens though I'm sure I owned a dozen pairs before I bought in. It's one of the few things I don't mind being called a girl about. My girlfriend is quite the boot connoisseur as well."
"Is she now?" Anthony asked, a brow rising. Very few women in their world - assuming the man on the other side of the mirrors was of the same social class (and given the shop that was a fair bet) - that actually wore boots. "My sister has a pair- okay many a pair- but her favourites are black with red roses. I was the best brother for months after finding them for her."
What were the odds that Morag's little brother was on the other side of the glass? Higgs frowned, noting there'd been no hint of a Scottish accent that was prevalent among all the MacDougals - even when they weren't drinking and cavorting with other young men of the same social set. Yet those were her boots. He was certain there weren't two witches with the same taste in Muggle apparel. That meant that the voice could only belong to one man. "Goldstein?"
Anthony laughed aloud. "Indeed. I was beginning to suspect that was you, Higgs. The boots cinched it for me. She likes pinstripes if you were wondering," he added teasingly, just to see how the other man would take to teasing.
"Well, of course she does. She's got impeccable taste," Higgs replied with a smirk, pleased with himself for already having picked the fabric.
"We're about done here, yeah?" he asked the little man hemming his wrists.
At his quick nod, he let the man pull the jacket from his shoulders and stepped off the riser he'd been standing on, striding casually into the shared selection room with a wide smile on his face as Anthony joined him.
Grinning, he held his arm out to shake the other man's hand. "Nice to see other blokes with proper taste in clothes."
Anthony shook his hand with a laugh. "I was taught very well, starting very young. You have excellent taste in women too. Can't do better than one of my sisters."
Snorting, Higgs nodded his head. "Well, it's nice to have at least one of you in my corner. I don't expect the twins will be overly thrilled their little sister is cavorting with the likes of me."
Anthony shrugged. "It's more Lil and myself, well Tal and Miles too, but yes Lil and I are the closest to her. You treat her right and we won't complain. Simple really."
"Sounds simple enough," he answered, not believing a word of what he'd just said. There was nothing about falling for Morag MacDougal that was simple. "Care to grab something to eat? You can fill me in on all these entrepreneur opportunities I've missed out on while I was out of the country."
"Sure. VIP lounge at Sláinte all right with you?" Anthony liked routines and lunch at Goyle's place was part of his suit fitting day routine.
"Fine with me. I've been meaning to stop in for weeks," Higgs agreed. "Meet you there then? As there's no reason to be walking around in a business suit today I'd like to get back into my boots," he said with a grin.
"Thirty minutes enough time?"
"It is indeed," Higgs said with a nod. "I'll see you there."
Anthony nodded, Apparating to Belfast. When he appeared on the roof of the pub he retrieved his book from his coat pocket, reading as he walked to the VIP lounge. Well used to him, Murph just brought over a pint and left him to his reading.
Higgs pulled his dark grey Nirvana t-shirt over his head and made sure his black denims were on the outside of his boots. Muggle clothing was interesting on the best of days but he'd grown quite fond of it when he'd lived in America after being released from Azkaban.
Once he got everything sorted with the tailor, he Apparated to the roof of the club and nodded at one of the McManus brothers before walking through the big doors into the lounge. His eyes scanned the room, finding Anthony sitting at a table on the far side and it was but a moment before he lowered himself into the chair opposite the other wizard.
"Is it a good book then?" he asked, tilting his head to read the title from the cover.
"The majority of books are good books and the rest make me wonder who the author shagged to get it published." Anthony motioned for Murphy and didn't look up until he'd finished the page. "I waited for you to order, by the way."
"Thank you," Higgs replied, pleased that his drink of choice was remembered as a glass of scotch was placed in front of him. "I'm hungry enough to eat all of my chips and most of yours so be prepared."
Anthony's brow shot up though he was chuckling. "I don't share any better than my sister does."
"Is that right?" Higgs answered with a laugh. "Then I should probably get a double order."
Anthony just laughed, putting his book away and then sipping his drink. "Probably a good idea."
"Come now, you were going to tell me all about all the business opportunities I missed while trying to convince old women to sell me their family heirlooms for Borgin & Burke's. You've set yourself up quite nicely anyway. Remind me, which of the shops was inherited? Circe's right?"
"Belladona's as well, the rest were my ideas." Anthony shrugged. "I'm good at it."
"I was always far too interested in playing I think. Probably from years of being the perfect little soldier," Higgs said dryly. "You've done quite well though."
"I have indeed but if my information is correct you have as well."
"I scarcely believe than any of your information is incorrect. The way people talk- it's scandalous," Higgs said with a grin. "Though it's also useful. I hear you're not seeing anyone then, eh? Didn't want Morag to set you up with one of her friends?"
"She does like to meddle." Anthony popped a chip in his mouth and shrugged as he chewed and swallowed. "Not dating is far easier than dating though."
"I think I may have to enlist her help in meddling for a friend of mine," Higgs said with a nod, frowning as he thought of how Kirley and Marietta seemed content to just dance around the issue. "As for dating... Until Morag I don't think I'd ever actually been on a date so I can understand what you're saying."
"I have to admit it's nice seeing that you know her worth. That goes a long way. As for the meddling, no one does it better unless she and Lil conspire."
"That doesn't surprise me in the least." Higgs smirked, dipping one of his chips in the pot of gravy on the side of his plate. "How is it that you've escaped their meddling then?"
"Oh please, that would be giving up a trade secret," Anthony said, with a mock look of outrage. "They'd skin me alive if I told you."
"Oh, I see how it is," He laughed. He hadn't really expected to find an ally in one of Morag's closest friends but to hear it so plainly from the other bloke's mouth was more than amusing. "Well, I don't expect there'll be much meddling when it comes to me so I suppose I don't mind the suspense. Though I might put a few words in suggesting you might need some help in the romance department... just to see if they bite."
Amused, Anthony sat back, grinning like the Cheshire cat. "Oh, as if that would work," he teased, "One pout and wibble from me and they'd back off straight away. A trick that doesn't even work for the twins."
"You admit to wibbling in front of witches? You're hilarious, mate." Higgs gave him a goofy grin from where he sat across the table. "I never pout so I suppose I'll never have the upper hand."
"Sure you don't. You know as well as I do that a well-placed pout can be necessary in certain situations."
Laughing, Higgs just nodded. "Perhaps. I just like to think of them as glares rather than pouts. It's hard to remain very manly with a pout. Besides, I don't have a lot of women friends. I don't think pouting would work very well on my mates."
"I wouldn't attempt it if I were you. It only leads to questions about birds or blokes being your preference."
Higgs snorted. "I'm pretty sure my preferences are pretty clear to more than just my mates. I'm well aware of my own reputation. Though clearly your sister doesn't know or she doesn't care, which I suppose it fortunate for me."
Anthony sat back and tipped his head and considered for a moment. "Or she could be giving you a chance despite it. But yes, I'd say very fortunate. Sor is unique and should be treated as such. So long as you do that you'll remain fortunate."
Nodding thoughtfully, Higgs set his jaw and looked down, pushing the feelings that threatened to surface by picking up another chip off his plate and popping it into his mouth without much ceremony. He didn't need the other man to tell him just exactly how lucky he was that a witch like Morag would even look at him. Sometimes it was easier not caring about what people thought of you. Clearly that time was long gone and the idea of not being master of his own emotions made him want to throw things.
He pushed his plate away and forced a smile. "I think I'm done for. My head is always bigger than my stomach. Remind me of this next time I threaten to steal your chips, yeah?"
"Noted. It was nice running into you, Higgs," Anthony said, being as friendly as he could given that this man was important to one of his sisters.
"It was," Higgs agreed with a nod, looking around for Murphy to put the bill on his tab. "I'm sure I'll see more of you. I'm not planning on going anywhere anytime soon."
"Lunch is on me," Anthony told him genially, not quite ready to leave as of yet- he still had a few chapters left and if he sat here and finished then he could swing by Eolas and pick up something new.
"You sure? Double chips and all?" Higgs smiled. "All right, I'll grab it next time. Oh, and McCormack had those tickets you wanted for the concert in Helsinki. I'll owl them to you this afternoon."
"Double chips and all," he agreed, grinning widely. "Thanks for the tickets. I'll keep an eye out for them. You taking Sor?"
Higgs nodded. "I haven't asked her yet, but I'd be surprised if she'd pass it up. Maybe I'll have to mention to her that you want her help finding a date and we can go together." A broad smile spread across his face as he stood. "You think? I'll just be sure to say you're too embarrassed to ask yourself."
Anthony got out his book and set it on the table. "Owl or Floo before you do that. I always did like to have a front seat for a show."
"Well don't you worry. I'm sure I'll be cause for your amusement more than once. Keep your popcorn at the ready." Higgs said with a chuckle. "Catch you later, Goldstein."
Anthony watched Higgs walk away, their conversation tucked away to be gone over in minute detail soon. For now, he was going to concentrate on the plot of his book and resume his brotherly worry later.
Rating: PG
Summary: Suit shopping brings two men together to talk.
For Higgs the most tedious part about picking out a new suit was the fittings. They always seemed to be never ending but such was the cost of having something made specifically for you. Thankfully though, that afternoon it wasn't just him being tortured with inseams and pins being jabbed in his shoulders. On the other side of the full length mirror he could hear another wizard going through the gauntlet of Diagon's best tailor as well.
"So, I bet they had no clue how fashionable Muggle clothing ware would become after the war, eh?" he spoke firmly so the other bloke could hear him. For the last twenty minutes or so the two men had been tossing random conversation back and forth - anything to cut through the tedium.
"Too bad I didn't think of it," Anthony replied wryly. "I could've added clothing shops to my list of businesses."
"Oh? You've a list of them, then?" Higgs asked in interest, holding his arms out for the tailor once more. "I'm something of a businessman myself. Nothing as lucrative as men's wear though, that's for sure."
"I do, though I have to admit I'm not one to really pay attention to what it is I'm wearing so long as it covers me. That's likely why I didn't think of it." Anthony chuckled, thinking of how he was led around by his sisters when it came to clothing and shoes.
"I prefer footwear," Higgs said with a raised eyebrow at the fabric one of the assistants brought to him, shaking his head a the dark blue and picking rather the think pinstripe. "I have quite the boot collection - enough that I own stock in the company."
"Boots?" Anthony said, nodding at the assistant that he approved of the fabric and cut. "It so happens I have a sister that would hex me if I don't get more information."
Higgs chuckled. "I'm a minor shareholder in Dr. Martens though I'm sure I owned a dozen pairs before I bought in. It's one of the few things I don't mind being called a girl about. My girlfriend is quite the boot connoisseur as well."
"Is she now?" Anthony asked, a brow rising. Very few women in their world - assuming the man on the other side of the mirrors was of the same social class (and given the shop that was a fair bet) - that actually wore boots. "My sister has a pair- okay many a pair- but her favourites are black with red roses. I was the best brother for months after finding them for her."
What were the odds that Morag's little brother was on the other side of the glass? Higgs frowned, noting there'd been no hint of a Scottish accent that was prevalent among all the MacDougals - even when they weren't drinking and cavorting with other young men of the same social set. Yet those were her boots. He was certain there weren't two witches with the same taste in Muggle apparel. That meant that the voice could only belong to one man. "Goldstein?"
Anthony laughed aloud. "Indeed. I was beginning to suspect that was you, Higgs. The boots cinched it for me. She likes pinstripes if you were wondering," he added teasingly, just to see how the other man would take to teasing.
"Well, of course she does. She's got impeccable taste," Higgs replied with a smirk, pleased with himself for already having picked the fabric.
"We're about done here, yeah?" he asked the little man hemming his wrists.
At his quick nod, he let the man pull the jacket from his shoulders and stepped off the riser he'd been standing on, striding casually into the shared selection room with a wide smile on his face as Anthony joined him.
Grinning, he held his arm out to shake the other man's hand. "Nice to see other blokes with proper taste in clothes."
Anthony shook his hand with a laugh. "I was taught very well, starting very young. You have excellent taste in women too. Can't do better than one of my sisters."
Snorting, Higgs nodded his head. "Well, it's nice to have at least one of you in my corner. I don't expect the twins will be overly thrilled their little sister is cavorting with the likes of me."
Anthony shrugged. "It's more Lil and myself, well Tal and Miles too, but yes Lil and I are the closest to her. You treat her right and we won't complain. Simple really."
"Sounds simple enough," he answered, not believing a word of what he'd just said. There was nothing about falling for Morag MacDougal that was simple. "Care to grab something to eat? You can fill me in on all these entrepreneur opportunities I've missed out on while I was out of the country."
"Sure. VIP lounge at Sláinte all right with you?" Anthony liked routines and lunch at Goyle's place was part of his suit fitting day routine.
"Fine with me. I've been meaning to stop in for weeks," Higgs agreed. "Meet you there then? As there's no reason to be walking around in a business suit today I'd like to get back into my boots," he said with a grin.
"Thirty minutes enough time?"
"It is indeed," Higgs said with a nod. "I'll see you there."
Anthony nodded, Apparating to Belfast. When he appeared on the roof of the pub he retrieved his book from his coat pocket, reading as he walked to the VIP lounge. Well used to him, Murph just brought over a pint and left him to his reading.
Higgs pulled his dark grey Nirvana t-shirt over his head and made sure his black denims were on the outside of his boots. Muggle clothing was interesting on the best of days but he'd grown quite fond of it when he'd lived in America after being released from Azkaban.
Once he got everything sorted with the tailor, he Apparated to the roof of the club and nodded at one of the McManus brothers before walking through the big doors into the lounge. His eyes scanned the room, finding Anthony sitting at a table on the far side and it was but a moment before he lowered himself into the chair opposite the other wizard.
"Is it a good book then?" he asked, tilting his head to read the title from the cover.
"The majority of books are good books and the rest make me wonder who the author shagged to get it published." Anthony motioned for Murphy and didn't look up until he'd finished the page. "I waited for you to order, by the way."
"Thank you," Higgs replied, pleased that his drink of choice was remembered as a glass of scotch was placed in front of him. "I'm hungry enough to eat all of my chips and most of yours so be prepared."
Anthony's brow shot up though he was chuckling. "I don't share any better than my sister does."
"Is that right?" Higgs answered with a laugh. "Then I should probably get a double order."
Anthony just laughed, putting his book away and then sipping his drink. "Probably a good idea."
"Come now, you were going to tell me all about all the business opportunities I missed while trying to convince old women to sell me their family heirlooms for Borgin & Burke's. You've set yourself up quite nicely anyway. Remind me, which of the shops was inherited? Circe's right?"
"Belladona's as well, the rest were my ideas." Anthony shrugged. "I'm good at it."
"I was always far too interested in playing I think. Probably from years of being the perfect little soldier," Higgs said dryly. "You've done quite well though."
"I have indeed but if my information is correct you have as well."
"I scarcely believe than any of your information is incorrect. The way people talk- it's scandalous," Higgs said with a grin. "Though it's also useful. I hear you're not seeing anyone then, eh? Didn't want Morag to set you up with one of her friends?"
"She does like to meddle." Anthony popped a chip in his mouth and shrugged as he chewed and swallowed. "Not dating is far easier than dating though."
"I think I may have to enlist her help in meddling for a friend of mine," Higgs said with a nod, frowning as he thought of how Kirley and Marietta seemed content to just dance around the issue. "As for dating... Until Morag I don't think I'd ever actually been on a date so I can understand what you're saying."
"I have to admit it's nice seeing that you know her worth. That goes a long way. As for the meddling, no one does it better unless she and Lil conspire."
"That doesn't surprise me in the least." Higgs smirked, dipping one of his chips in the pot of gravy on the side of his plate. "How is it that you've escaped their meddling then?"
"Oh please, that would be giving up a trade secret," Anthony said, with a mock look of outrage. "They'd skin me alive if I told you."
"Oh, I see how it is," He laughed. He hadn't really expected to find an ally in one of Morag's closest friends but to hear it so plainly from the other bloke's mouth was more than amusing. "Well, I don't expect there'll be much meddling when it comes to me so I suppose I don't mind the suspense. Though I might put a few words in suggesting you might need some help in the romance department... just to see if they bite."
Amused, Anthony sat back, grinning like the Cheshire cat. "Oh, as if that would work," he teased, "One pout and wibble from me and they'd back off straight away. A trick that doesn't even work for the twins."
"You admit to wibbling in front of witches? You're hilarious, mate." Higgs gave him a goofy grin from where he sat across the table. "I never pout so I suppose I'll never have the upper hand."
"Sure you don't. You know as well as I do that a well-placed pout can be necessary in certain situations."
Laughing, Higgs just nodded. "Perhaps. I just like to think of them as glares rather than pouts. It's hard to remain very manly with a pout. Besides, I don't have a lot of women friends. I don't think pouting would work very well on my mates."
"I wouldn't attempt it if I were you. It only leads to questions about birds or blokes being your preference."
Higgs snorted. "I'm pretty sure my preferences are pretty clear to more than just my mates. I'm well aware of my own reputation. Though clearly your sister doesn't know or she doesn't care, which I suppose it fortunate for me."
Anthony sat back and tipped his head and considered for a moment. "Or she could be giving you a chance despite it. But yes, I'd say very fortunate. Sor is unique and should be treated as such. So long as you do that you'll remain fortunate."
Nodding thoughtfully, Higgs set his jaw and looked down, pushing the feelings that threatened to surface by picking up another chip off his plate and popping it into his mouth without much ceremony. He didn't need the other man to tell him just exactly how lucky he was that a witch like Morag would even look at him. Sometimes it was easier not caring about what people thought of you. Clearly that time was long gone and the idea of not being master of his own emotions made him want to throw things.
He pushed his plate away and forced a smile. "I think I'm done for. My head is always bigger than my stomach. Remind me of this next time I threaten to steal your chips, yeah?"
"Noted. It was nice running into you, Higgs," Anthony said, being as friendly as he could given that this man was important to one of his sisters.
"It was," Higgs agreed with a nod, looking around for Murphy to put the bill on his tab. "I'm sure I'll see more of you. I'm not planning on going anywhere anytime soon."
"Lunch is on me," Anthony told him genially, not quite ready to leave as of yet- he still had a few chapters left and if he sat here and finished then he could swing by Eolas and pick up something new.
"You sure? Double chips and all?" Higgs smiled. "All right, I'll grab it next time. Oh, and McCormack had those tickets you wanted for the concert in Helsinki. I'll owl them to you this afternoon."
"Double chips and all," he agreed, grinning widely. "Thanks for the tickets. I'll keep an eye out for them. You taking Sor?"
Higgs nodded. "I haven't asked her yet, but I'd be surprised if she'd pass it up. Maybe I'll have to mention to her that you want her help finding a date and we can go together." A broad smile spread across his face as he stood. "You think? I'll just be sure to say you're too embarrassed to ask yourself."
Anthony got out his book and set it on the table. "Owl or Floo before you do that. I always did like to have a front seat for a show."
"Well don't you worry. I'm sure I'll be cause for your amusement more than once. Keep your popcorn at the ready." Higgs said with a chuckle. "Catch you later, Goldstein."
Anthony watched Higgs walk away, their conversation tucked away to be gone over in minute detail soon. For now, he was going to concentrate on the plot of his book and resume his brotherly worry later.