Welcome to Gaia! ::

Hearing that the woman, now known as Victoria, wouldn't min such informality was pleasing for Benjamin, more so when the gesture for the introduction was done. "Very well, Victoria, considering that we only know each other for the first time, at least for now, it's vital that you tell me a bit about your hobbies. Maybe we can find something we both have in common, the possible reason why we become co-workers," Benjamin adjusted the rolled-up end of his buttoned-up shirt since it had become a bit askew. After all, it was natural for him to see what she could be capable of as he may see her more often than usual outside their workplace. But sadly, it was cut short with the arrival of a customer asking for his help about cookbooks, and he had to excuse himself. "Shall we start the conversation once we have the lunch break later in the afternoon? I may have more people coming by to ask for my assistance." He wouldn't mind if the casual conversation would wait till later, as it would be rude to keep the customers waiting.

It turned out that the poor client was confused on which cookbook to buy for French cuisine, and he simply mentioned that they should go for whichever fits the needs and budget. And then, he was later called by an old lady to ask if there were historical novels related to World War 2 in stock, and he had to check at the back to see if there were any. Sadly, there was none, and the half-demon mentioned that she was free to come back for another time if she would like to do so. There was the little grumble as the elderly lady left the store in disappointment.

•·················•·················•


Austin sighed in relief when he walked through the cooling doors of the bookstore. As per usual, he was covered head to toe, in some way, to cover the scars that littered his body. During the summer this was bad because there had been times where he pushed himself too much and suffered heat strokes. It wasn't often enough to be considered a health problem, but it was known to happen. Wiping the sweat that currently dripped from his brow, he peered around the store from behind his sunglasses. Today was one of the few days a hat wasn't accompanying the sunglasses, allowing his messy blonde locks to stick to his head. Cut short, his hair was naturally a mess; no styling products needed. Rubbing his fingers wildly through the sweating hair, the evidence of his natural mess was visible as it moved in whatever direction it pleased. Taking a look around after messing with his hair, he picked a direction and began his march. Each bookstore was setup differently and thus he didn't know where the art section was located. The number of places it could be set up in this store were a lot; not that he minded spending his time in the bookstore. It was away from the masses. People wouldn't be staring at him as much, save for maybe the staff because of his imposing appearance. It's not like he would cause any harm to anyone, he just looked the part of the crook.

History. Mystery. Poetry. Self-Help. Where was the-..."Finally..." he breathed in exasperation when he finally found the art section. He needed a new sketchbook since he filled his last one with art from the museum. Looking through the shelves of art books on different techniques and styles, he couldn't seem to find the sketchbooks. Maybe they were placed somewhere else? Some stores he had been in put them with the journals and planners. Grunting at the idea of them being placed somewhere other than with the art stuff, Austin made his way over to at least check. He could just very well be blind; which wouldn't be far from reality. He was missing a working eye after all. The depth perception he had was so poor because of it, he may as well be completely blind. Where were the stupid sketchbooks!? Austin glared at the shelves in front of him when he once again couldn't find what he was looking for. Would he have to order online? This was so dumb! Practically stomping his way back to the art section, he was glaring the whole way behind his sunglasses. When he came back to the art books, he really concentrated on what was sitting on the shelves. Focusing with his one good eye, Austin felt like a complete moron when he saw the sketchbooks in front of his face. His expression deadpanned and he was mentally slapping himself for not seeing them the first time. Now that they were in front of him though, he began thumbing through the selection.



•·················•·················•
Money: $1000 // Mood: Frustrated // Outfit: Dying For You // OOC:

____________________


A reminder for later: Never, ever, buy sketchbooks with a spine! Spiral notebooks only! Lottie must've only had the book for about a week and it just started falling apart! The glue in those things is awful! So, here she was now, in the art section after returning that faulty book to get a new one. She needs a bigger one since she heard there were events this weekend, she wanted to practice drawing crowds in her landscape sketches. She had her Nikon slung around her side, ready to take lots of nice photos today. And since she was here, she might as well get some new fantasy books. And maybe a romance or two...

Lottie was thumbing through the sketchbooks, looking for a larger book, when her hand brushed against someone else's. "Oh, sorry." She needs to pay attention more! She was so focused on the books, she didn't notice the other person in this aisle. How could she not see such a large person? He looks like a foot taller than her! She took another quick peek at him and wondered why he was wearing sunglasses indoors. Is he one of those people who thinks that's cool? Just like socks and sandals. She can't understand most fashion choices nowadays. Then again, someone could question her why she was wearing a bit of a heavy shirt on a hot summer day like this, but that's because she's always cold, she can't help it! But maybe she should try and strike up a conversation with him? She's not much conversation starter, though... She wouldn't know what to say! And what if this guy isn't much of a talking type either? Not to mention that he looks pretty imposing... But she met another tall, rough-looking guy here, too, and he was nice! She hasn't seen him again, but she kind of remembers him. Aw, what the heck! "Umm, sorry, but, uh, could you hand me that sketchbook at the top right there?" Lottie couldn't think of anything, she's not much of a conversationist!


____________________

♦ with ❝ big sunglasses man ❞

♦ outfit ❝ floral skirt ❞

♦ status ❝ single as ever ❞

♦ monies ❝ $1000 ❞

OOC:


show spoilerhide spoiler
AnnoyedPanda

____________________


Lottie noticed how the man did his best to not face her, and as she guessed, he wasn't much of a talker either. There was a bit of confusion on her face when he missed, was it those sunglasses or did he have bad eyesight? Nevertheless, she was grateful that he got it for her, unaware of the embarrassment he was radiating. "Thank you." She inspected the book she asked for, a spiral-bound 100 sheet sketchbook. But she would probably need more than this wouldn't she? She picked up a much larger one, that was literally titled, "Very Big Sketchbook", which elicited a tiny giggle from her. It definitely was really big, it was a few pounds and looked like a brick of a book. But hey, she could use 300 sheets! But it would be really hard to carry around... She could just buy both, the big one for home and the smaller one for when she goes out! Problem solved! Lottie took a glance towards the large man again, noticing how he seemed to keep his distance. Does he feel awkward or something? He probably just likes his personal space. The big sketchbook he picked up got her thinking, he must like drawing too! But he could be buying it as a gift for a friend or something. "Umm... Do you like art, too?"

Why she wanted to strike up a conversation with this guy, she wasn't really sure herself. But he seemed to like art, they were both standing here right at this moment, so why not? The opportunity presented itself. It was certainly much better than try to converse somewhere she was completely out of her element, like at a bar or something. Plus, considering that she's been in this town for a bit, she could really start talking to people. Lottie placed her free hand gently on her camera, one of her fingers rubbing the lens of it, and with sketchbooks in hand, she really hoped this guy could tell that she liked art too. And she hoped he could tell she wasn't good with talking and would throw her a bone and help her out a little. "My name's Lottie.." Jeez, she'd be real embarrassed if he just ignored her or something!


____________________

♦ with ❝ big sunglasses man ❞

♦ outfit ❝ floral skirt ❞

♦ status ❝ single as ever ❞

♦ monies ❝ $1000 ❞

OOC:


show spoilerhide spoiler
AnnoyedPanda

____________________


Now, this guy was pretty peculiar. He was so big and intimidating, yet he was drinking from such a tiny juice box. In Lottie's mind, it was pretty funny. She did catch a glimpse of the scar underneath his eye but never really thought much of it. To be honest, it kinda just fits his rough... look? Considering how much larger he was than her, it wasn't the biggest thing on her mind. However, despite him talking about something she thought was rather interesting, he sounded like he didn't want to talk at all. Now she feels kinda awkward. She's never been in a situation where she was the talkative one. "That's really cool, I'm just a bit of a photographer and sketcher, myself." It was said in an awkward fashion because she didn't know how to say it! How do you talk to someone who seems pretty uninterested? Why is she still trying?

Her thoughts went back to her mission of procuring art supplies, wondering if she could use any more charcoal pencils. She doesn't think she can find them here, but she could probably look around later. Should she even get the smaller spiral sketchbook? Its sheets are thinner than what she'd normally use, she can't count how many times something's been ruined by supplies bleeding through. Some of them were ones she really liked, too! Lottie ended up discreetly putting back the sketch pad she asked for the guy to grab, wondering if it would make him angry if he saw that she ended up not wanting it. She just changed her mind is all! With her chosen book now in her hands, it ended up being completely different than what she planned on buying when she first came in. Her feet shuffled a little as he introduced himself as Austin and started to think that she might be annoying to him. "Um, it's nice to meet you... But, sorry for bothering you, I guess." Lottie apologized in a bit of a defeated tone, as she suddenly felt the need to do so. Ah, maybe she should just go to the checkout counter now? But, wouldn't that be awkward? Urgh, she thinks everything she does is awkward! But, she continued to look around at the different sketchbooks, despite already having decided, in the hopes that he would suddenly become easier to talk to.


____________________

♦ with ❝ Austin ❞

♦ outfit ❝ floral skirt ❞

♦ status ❝ single as ever ❞

♦ monies ❝ $1000 ❞

OOC:


show spoilerhide spoiler
AnnoyedPanda

━━━━━━┫ ✥ ┣━━━━━━
Akira Lilybaeum
Place: Bookshelves
Company: Stranger
Appearance: Human, cloth pants and shirt (no shoes)
OOC: Apologies for the wait!
━━━━━━┫ ✥ ┣━━━━━━

This city was amazing! Already he passed by a centaur and snake-thingy with no one batting an eye! Akira had no regrets walking on land to get to this city, nor to visit it despite the aches his feet got. He just kept walking, getting every site and view he could while he was here. The only reason he stopped was when he passed a window containing books, which he took a backstep for. Something he couldn't read on the currents because water and paper didn't mix. On dry land, why not check it out? Even more curious was once he stepped inside, the scent of saltwater. It was a way from the ocean, who came in straight from the waters? He sniffed about, not that it helped much but he did eventually bring his nose incredibly close to the source, a girl. "Oh. Hello!" He said before pulling himself back and smiling.

____________________


Lottie picked at the corners of the large book in her hand, cringing a little when she heard the sigh that came from the large man. Was this it? Is this where he's going to tell her off? However, one could clearly see by her face that she was surprised by his statement that she wasn't annoying him. With the way he was acting, it certainly didn't seem like it. "O-Oh, that's good," She said, genuinely relieved. Now much more relaxed, she turned to him as well, noticing the other scars on his face. Did something happen to him? She wondered about it vaguely for a second before shoving it in the back of her mind, as something more pressing in her opinion came up. "Huh? Oh, uhm, sure," Lottie began to say, pressing her index figures together in nervousness as if she had just been asked out on a date, "Which event...?"

She hoped, truly, truly hoped, that he wasn't going to suggest going to that bar event, for the fact that no one would be able to hear her in there. She gets nervous when she's surrounded by people! Is she the only young adult in the world who doesn't really like bars all that much? But then again, if she doesn't get used to being around people, she'll always be a wallflower for the rest of her life. At least Austin seemed to be more of a quiet type as well. She can't keep up with those energetic and peppy types at all! "I just have to pay for my stuff really quick..." She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear, before heading over to the cash register in a slightly hurried manner, glad there wasn't a line at the register. Lottie paid for the book, not taking the plastic bag since she preferred to carry her stuff. "Ready when you are..." Lottie said, some noticeable happiness could be found in the way she spoke.


____________________

♦ with ❝ Austin ❞

♦ outfit ❝ floral skirt ❞

♦ status ❝ single as ever ❞

♦ monies ❝ $1000 ❞

OOC:


show spoilerhide spoiler
AnnoyedPanda