Work Text:
JONAH
Now, before we go out, I have a little gift for you. I couldn’t help but notice that you don’t really have anything suitable for the evening, and I shan’t be seen with you dressed in your Sunday clothes. Don’t look at me like that, I’ve seen them tucked away—you must be practically swimming in them with how broad they are. I’ll not have you looking like a boy playing dress-up. You deserve better things. Here.
They are nice, aren’t they. And not a word about being unable to accept them. You will. Now take this shift and undress. No, I’m not going to leave the room—use the changing screen. I’m going to sit right here and wait. Go on.
I do intend to help you into everything, actually. I don’t trust you to know how to sort out all of this.
There, that’s better. Hush, you don’t look so bad. I know it’s been years since you’ve worn one, but you’re not going to wear the stays on your bare chest—yes, I did say stays, but they’re different, look. It’s all just one piece, and the cording keeps it rigid. This is what I wear day-to-day. It’s healthier than mummifying yourself, trust me. I haven’t had half the breathing problems I used to since I began wearing these. Slip this on and I can handle the laces.
Good, now try to hold your breasts out to the sides and down, towards your—yes, you’ve got it.
Did you have to lace these up yourself, when you were younger? Or did you have sisters around to help? God, I hated doing it. Putting everything on display like that. Why the fashion of the day has to be ‘tits up to the chin’ I’ll never know. I wasn’t in a place to run off to the army to enlist like you did, but I cannot blame you for doing so. That must have been such a relief.
Although... [Short laugh] I imagine some interesting questions might have been raised, about a boy so used to the sight of blood, with such a deft hand on the needle! And everyone gets moody out on the battlefield, do they not? Good on you for going into surgery. If they’d have put a rifle in your hands, you would get to die a man at least, but I doubt you would be standing here with me today.
That’s not too loose, is it? The waistcoat is cut to allow a little bit of room, but I can lace it tighter. All right, give me a moment.
There, how is that? [Pause] Excellent.
Here’s your shirt, there you go... Yes, I know you’re perfectly capable of handling the fastenings, but indulge me.
Please, sit down. I have some new stockings for you as well. Don’t look at me like that—enjoy the chance to be attended to for once. You work so hard—you deserve this.
Now, the cravat... this may take a minute, my apologies. [Pause] Hmmm... no, that’s not quite right. Sit still, stop fussing. I’ll get it. This is important to get right.
There, see? That’s perfect. If you could stand up for a moment for the breeches... Wonderful, thank you. I know, I know, before you say anything, your hips aren’t even going to be noticeable once you’ve got the waistcoat on. It’s a lot more elaborate than what you’re used to wearing, but it’s for special occasions, dear. Not everything in your wardrobe has to be for practicality.
Oh, that colour is lovely on you. It will look even better with the jacket, I’m sure. But first, let’s get you into your shoes—yes, I did have new shoes made for you—I told you, this is a special occasion. You deserve to look your best, and who knows—you might get to experience all that lovely attention from all the other gentlemen, unable to take their eyes off of you.
Especially in that jacket, my God. Here, come in front of the mirror, don’t be scared. Just look at yourself. No hiding under loose, dull clothing to escape notice. This is you. This is what a real gentleman looks like. You’re more deserving of that title than most of them I’ve met—that’s the honest truth.
[Fond, approving hum] Here, take this handkerchief. And your gloves. There’s a hat for you too, once you’ve composed yourself.
There you are. That’s the man I wanted to see. Now, shall we?
