who_contest | (Appropriate Attire) Fic: Threadbare

Title: Threadbare
Author: LickleSoxy
Rating: G
Word Count: 513
Character: The Doctor
Genre: General, slight angst
Warning: None
Summary: "It's a nice piece."

-o-

There is a tiny string of cotton hanging loosely on the sleeve of the jacket. Its dark blue colour makes a stark contrast against the white of the fabric it is currently using as a life line. Stretching to about two centimetres in length, he can't be sure as to where it would have come from originally. Perhaps it once belonged to a shirt, or maybe a new pair of jeans, but it doesn't matter now. Its purpose has been destroyed, taken away the moment it was lost to the piece of clothing it was once attached to.

Reaching out to touch it with the tip of his finger, the Doctor lets a sad smile rise on his lips. Though the cotton thread is pretty, it isn't needed, and makes the jacket look untidy. Picking it up, making sure to get a firm grip so it doesn't accidentally fall to the floor, he twirls it in his fingers for a moment. It feels rough and fragile, as though merely pulling the two ends would break it apart.

Pocketing the thread, the Doctor turns his attention back to the jacket that it had been marring. Smooth and beautiful, the sleeves are perfectly cut, and the buttons are plain to ensure a tidy and sophisticated look. Adorning the collar is a white rose, pinned with a silver needle. Nodding in approval, he takes a step back to admire the shirt and trousers that make up the rest of the suit. Made from materials of the same colour white as the jacket, both items of clothing match wonderfully, and the Doctor knows that the cut would fit his current form extremely well.

There is a box by his feet that hold a pair of white shoes; he knows that anyone would be a fool to buy the suit and not the footwear too. To finish the complete piece, a bow tie lies neatly over the hanger, and its white seems to shine the brightest of all.

"It's a nice piece."

Turning to the customer advisor, the Doctor lets his smile become slightly more friendly.

"It is."

"Are you buying?"

Moving his gaze back to the crisp white suit, the Doctor's smile vanishes. He wants to buy it; wishes that he could. It's beautiful. There is one simple problem, though. He made a promise.

"I'm afraid not," he says, regret in his voice. "She wants us to both go in the traditional colour."

Glancing at the woman, he isn't quite able to hide the sadness in his eyes, and she doesn't ask the question that he can see she wants to speak. He's grateful. Drawing in a deep breath, the Doctor lowers his head and fights the desire to look back at the suit behind him. It takes him no more than a second to regain his composure, and he allows his smile to return when he lifts his gaze back up once more.

Giving the woman a nod, he proceeds to step around her, and begins his search for the suits coloured in nothing but black.

-o-