Another reaction that’s not what Eliot expected, which further cements the impression that Jack is just...rather odd. Eliot’s instinct is to insist that the compliment’s not flattery, which it isn’t, but there’s the overpowering sense that Jack might not understand because of some cultural difference, and so he only nods pleasantly and says nothing.
Eliot follows along at a short distance, conducting what feels like an anthropological observation as Jack browses. He can’t quite picture the coat Jack’s describing; the mention of tassels is disruptive enough that he can only imagine some monstrosity like a fringed-sleeved rodeo costume. But the fondness in Jack’s tone is endearing and conveys a sense that he likes nice things and has a rather adventurous sense of style, which Eliot can certainly appreciate.
The coat Jack seems to have landed on looks fine on him, and Eliot smiles to himself at the way he fusses with the cuffs of his shirt. He looks, Eliot realizes, like a vampire. Or a punk. Or a punk vampire. Which is not at all what Eliot had initially expected, but it does seem to work. “It’s nice,” he agrees, looking Jack over. “You’re not going to freeze to death, anyway.”
Eliot’s quiet for a moment, thinking about what Jack had said. “Urca de...Lima? Is that some sort of a ship?” It’s a guess, but a reasonable one based on the article and the way Jack had spoken of taking a prize back in the fitting rooms. The name doesn’t ring any bells but there’s no reason it should. Still, it would be interesting to hear about some actual pirating exploits. Eliot smiles and tilts his head, curious. “It sounds impressive.”
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Eliot follows along at a short distance, conducting what feels like an anthropological observation as Jack browses. He can’t quite picture the coat Jack’s describing; the mention of tassels is disruptive enough that he can only imagine some monstrosity like a fringed-sleeved rodeo costume. But the fondness in Jack’s tone is endearing and conveys a sense that he likes nice things and has a rather adventurous sense of style, which Eliot can certainly appreciate.
The coat Jack seems to have landed on looks fine on him, and Eliot smiles to himself at the way he fusses with the cuffs of his shirt. He looks, Eliot realizes, like a vampire. Or a punk. Or a punk vampire. Which is not at all what Eliot had initially expected, but it does seem to work. “It’s nice,” he agrees, looking Jack over. “You’re not going to freeze to death, anyway.”
Eliot’s quiet for a moment, thinking about what Jack had said. “Urca de...Lima? Is that some sort of a ship?” It’s a guess, but a reasonable one based on the article and the way Jack had spoken of taking a prize back in the fitting rooms. The name doesn’t ring any bells but there’s no reason it should. Still, it would be interesting to hear about some actual pirating exploits. Eliot smiles and tilts his head, curious. “It sounds impressive.”