ㅤㅤNeo had entered his room after making sure Quilliene was absolutely nowhere in sight, locking it behind him with a soft click - the first time he had locked the damn door since he had arrived. He placed the piles of cloth on the bed, sitting down and sighing. Daileth fluttered up in front of him, and Neo managed a small smile.
ㅤㅤ"Well," He hummed. "They've been soaked in rose water and charcoal all night. Ready to get started?"
ㅤㅤ"Ready to go!" Daileth gave a wild grin and a thumbs up. "Though, I have to ask - why didn't you order a suit and all like Christopher did instead of, y'know, having me help you make yours?" He examined the materials before an audible gasp escaped his lips. "Is this another presentation of looove?"
ㅤㅤNeo rolled his eyes, hushing him. "No, of course not. I just don't like people always knowing what works with my shit and what doesn't. Yeah, I could have someone make it - but I'd rather make it myself. Besides..." He smiled a little bit. "It's kind of a throwback."
ㅤㅤDaileth giggled, clapping his hands excitedly. "Wonderful, I knew it!" He said, like Neo had just agreed with him. "So, uh, where do we start?"
ㅤㅤ"Well," Neo huffed, pulling out one piece of fabric that was already made to be part of the outfit. "The pieces are already cut per request, and Raemith was kind enough to transport a sewing machine to my room." He waved to the tall and almost antique machine in the corner. "So this should be easier than usual."
ㅤㅤ"Well, what do you need me to do?" Daileth hummed, raising a tiny eyebrow. "It seems like you have everything under control."
ㅤㅤ"Basically," Neo said, placing down the pant leg. "I just need you to take care of the smaller details - embroidery, buttons, collar, things like that."
ㅤㅤDaileth nodded in understanding, and they went on sewing. Daileth mostly stood off to the side, staring at Neo in what could have been admiration or awe, but he wasn't sure. Neo didn't understand thinking he was good at sewing, but Daileth seemed to admire him anyway.
ㅤㅤWhen the pair were halfway through on the second day, Daileth sewing a button on the top of what looked like the hem of a pant buckle, a knock came at the door. Neo glanced up, narrowing his eyebrows. The familiar scent of strong mint filled his nostrils, and his nose scrunched. Was he really bothering him at this time?
ㅤㅤ"One sec'!" He called out.
ㅤㅤHe turned off the sewing machine, holding up a finger to Daileth as he stood up and walked over to the door. He cracked it open, a silent order to his pixie friend to remain quiet. As expected, Christopher was waiting patiently at the door, looking at each hall before he looked at Neo. For a moment he could have sworn he was scowling, but then his expression softened.
ㅤㅤ"Neo." He hummed. "I see you have recovered since last time and you are healing up well. However, I was hoping you would reconsider my offer for a doctor."
ㅤㅤ"Uh," Neo glanced behind him, taking a sharp breath through his teeth. "Yeah, I'm kinda... busy? At the moment?"
ㅤㅤChristopher was squinting at him when he turned back to look at him. "It will only take a few minutes." He promised. "Nothing you need to worry about. I swear, it won't be long."
ㅤㅤ"Yeah, um..." Neo muttered, closing the door a little further. "Look, I kinda need to get this thing done before tomorrow, so can we talk about this... later? Never?"
ㅤㅤChristopher's mouth hung open as he glared. "What? No, Neo, we need to-"
ㅤㅤ"Yeah, 'kay, thanks, bye!"
ㅤㅤNeo shut the door, quickly locking it and placing his back against it. Daileth stared at him before covering his mouth and stifling a light laugh, making Neo chuckle too. He heard Christopher, who could easily get in if he really wanted to, sigh and walk away. Neo relaxed, sitting back down in his desk chair with a huff.
ㅤㅤ"Neo!" Daileth scolded, his tone half playful but also half serious. "Don't you realise he could have helped? That was rude!"
ㅤㅤ"Look," Neo said. "I need to get this done before tomorrow. It's her birthday. This..." He took a deep breath. "This might be the last time... she gets to see me like this."
ㅤㅤDaileth's expression faded into a solemn one as he seemed to understand. "I... I'm sorry, Neo." He said slowly, his shoulders slumping.
ㅤㅤNeo smiled, but he knew he wasn't doing much good by putting on a mask. "It's fine - don't worry about it. Anyway," He started up the sewing machine. "We have twelve hours to do sixteen hours of work. Let's just get this done, yeah?"