"So......." Mr. Garrison asked, tapping his fingers on his counter, looking at the tanned boy in front of him. Business was going really slow for him lately, so he should've been accepting customers as quickly as they came. But it was rare that he'd get a kid as young as 16 coming in. "You're saying that you want to buy one of my costumes?"
"Yes, please!" Edwin Dias answered rather quickly, nodding his head profusely, showing the adult how much money he had, pulling out crumpled bills from his pocket.
"Hold on to that money..." Mr. Garrison said, to Edwin's relief, the older man holding up a hand to signal for Edwin to stop. "As the owner of this shop, I declare everything is free... as long as I decide so."
"Decide so?" Edwin asked, his relief now replaced with confusion, as he stiffed the money back into his pocket. "How will you decide with me then?"
"Well, tell me your story." Mr. Garrison said, lighting a cigarette and putting it to his mouth as he looked into the young man's eyes. "Why did you come here to begin with? I've been itching for a good story lately."
*Flashback*
"Whoa, you're inviting me to your costume party?" Edwin asked, nearly falling backwards into his locker, at the surprising request, his eyes wide. "Are you serious?"
Jim Steele, the most popular guy in Edwin's grade, scoffed, already regretting asking the Latino to his part. "Ugh, yes. Just bring your sister along, all right? If you don't have her, it's a no deal."
Dawn Dias, Edwin's adopted sister, grinned, leaning on Edwin's shoulder, having heard the initial request. She was a cute girl overall, just one year younger than Edwin. Sky blue hair fell down from her face to her rear, and B-Cup breasts were currently leaning against Edwin's arm. She herself was opposed to her freckles, but any boy would tell her they looked adorable. "I'd love to be there!"
Jim smirked, before walking off, obviously proud of himself for scoring Dawn for his party. Thinking about how he'd keep Edwin away from Dawn for the night, he called back to them. "Well, see you two dweebs there...."
Dawn watched him go with a smile on her face, while Edwin sighed, putting his books away into his locker.
"Hey, big bro?" She asked, noticing his mood. "What's the matter?"
Edwin looked at her, biting his lip. "It kinda hurts, you know? The fact that the only reason I was invited was you....."
Dawn frowned, giving her brother a hug. "So you're not going to the party?"
Edwin sighed, returning the hug. "I don't know.... if I go, I'll just keep this sense of not belonging there."
"Then how about you try to stand out?" Dawn said, getting a plan. "It's a costume party, so get the best costume you can muster!"
"And where would I find that?" Edwin asked, intrigued as to what his sister was thinking about.
"Heh, I know just the place!"
*Flashback End*
"So, you want to stand out, do you?" Mr. Garrison asked, somewhat amused by the story, putting out his cigarette for now, leaning forward in his chair. "Well, I guess I'll allow you to have one of my costumes out of the goodness of my heart."
"Really?" Edwin asked, excited, eyes shining in gratitude, as well as darting around the place, taking in the sight of the hundreds of costumes Mr. Gaison had in stock.
"Yes, but..." The adult said, holding up his hand. "You are aware of what my costumes do, yes?"
"Yeah...." Edwin said, nodding quickly to affirm his answer. "Dawn and I like that kind of stuff..."
"Very well, then." Mr. Garrison said, chuckling. "Go ahead and choose a costume."
Edwin grinned, looking at the costumes around him. He decided on a....