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 Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 9:42 am
There was not enough coffee on this green and blue planet that could keep Richard Moreau bright and sunny, but he was at least going to try his absolutely best. It had taken a little extra for him to force himself out of bed this morning, and by heavens he was not going to squander it! He took the coldest shower possible and swore that he had changed gender as a result, and he managed to shave and get some food in his stomach before darting off to Sugar Shanty- the fact that he remembered to eat AND put on some pants before flying out the door was nothing short of a miracle.
Of course, with school back in session for most of the city, it meant that mornings were painfully slow, and he was on maybe his fifth, sixth cup of coffee and STILL felt his eyes wanting to droop shut meant that the after-school rush would be killer for him.
But he forced himself to pull through, and when there wasn't someone in his store, eyeing his wares or eager to talk, the confectioner retreated beneath his counter and would wait until he heard the chime before popping his head up, smile ever pleasant and hyper like a squirrel that just found the jackpot of all crack. With only Lucca in the shop, stocking the gummi bears against the wall, that's exactly what Richard was doing now. Using the counter as part fort, part bed, and he allowed his eyes to droop and mind to wander to the night before. Yes, some of that event was pleasant enough, and it made him smile, even as the pull to sleep beckoned. Soon, nothing but sweet snores would be heard, and any notion of listening for the warning chimes was simply gone from his mind...
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Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 2:08 pm
The chimes resounded as Ruthie stepped into the shop. The owner of this store knew Buddy, but who could it be? Was it possible he was even here? Her heart pounded with the thought. He could have watched her that instant. He could be any passerby--a cab driver, a waiter, a police officer. She glanced at the man asleep on the counter. No. Certainly not Buddy. They didn't look alike at all. She glanced at the employee stacking gummi bears. She squinted and tilted her head. Her heart swelled with joy! She grinned. Yes! That was DEFINITELY him. Maybe he looked a little feminine than she remembered, but it just had to be her protector/mentor/friend!
"You," she whispered, resting a hand on Lucca's arm. "I can't believe you're here. Is it safe? You've done so much for me, you don't even know..."
The employee raised an eyebrow and pulled away. Clearly Lucca didn't know. Ruthie blushed. How embarrassing. She coughed.
"Could you, um, point me in the direction of the shop owner, please?"
With a quick jab of the finger in the sleeper's direction, Ruthie smiled and went on her way.
"Hello?" She shook his arm. "...Sir?"
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Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 6:47 pm
The sweet siren's call to sleep could not be ignored, no matter how much he tried to resist, it had him firmly by the shoulders, and just about every other part of his body for that matter. He didn't hear the chime to warn him of the incoming visitor as he was too lost in the wonderful thing called sleep.
Would he dream? If so, what would he dream of? Would he dream of the candy he surrounded himself with, or be plagued with nightmares? A reminder of the terrible mess he had gotten himself into and could find no way out.
It seemed that would be left to debate, as something grabbed his arm. His eyes shot open but didn't immediately take in the surroundings, and without thinking or warning, he leapt to his feet, like a round up Richard-in-the-Box, and his shout was overly enthusiastic, to hide the fact that he was caught sleeping at all.
"HAPPY HALLOWEEN!" He didn't once think of what he'd say or why he said it, and it seemed that if he hadn't frightened the customer that was brave enough to wake him, he had certainly startled Lucca, as the box of gummi bears flung from her hands and rained onto the ground. That definitely woke him up, and in his sleep depravation, he gave a lamenting sigh. "No, Lucca, not the gummi bears!"
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Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 7:07 pm
AH SO SCARY. Ruthie pulled away, covering her mouth in terror. Why did Buddy befriend this man? The owner seemed tired and jumpy--not at all like him, for Buddy seemed alert and calm and smooth. She coughed and brushed back her hair. "Um." Faintly smiling, she slowly returned to the counter. "Hi. A friend sent me?"
It almost sounded ominous.
Maybe how they met or became friends didn't matter, and was another tie to him--another chance to grow close through his companions. She wondered how much Buddy disclosed about their encounter--if he enjoyed seeing her or feigned enjoyment for a greater scheme.
A scheme for her Corruption, perhaps.
No. He said he'd protect her, and she believed him. He seemed so earnest. He would never betray her, right?
She leaned against the counter. Maybe Buddy didn't mention her at all...
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Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 7:22 pm
'Ah, real smooth move there, Richard...' Richard thought to himself when he forced himself to look away from the massacre of perfectly good batch of gummi bears and the sorry disgrace of an employee his cousin made. Instead, he turned his attention to the more important matter, which was the customer that had braved the feat of waking him from his slumber, and his brain was still trying to catch the rest of him up to speed. 'This one's a ninja... need to be careful with her.'
Very pretty young girl, one that made it all too easy to forgive the little scare she gave him, and hopefully vice versa. Beautiful golden eyes, much similar to Krishna's but more vivacious, full of life, and less 'keep looking at me like that and I'll strangle you', and her hair was absolutely gorgeous.
This was a keeper, a customer that he wanted to have as a regular, and that, as well as her statement, made him quick to consider how best to keep this young lady's interest. His smile became more natural and his expression more awake than it had been moments ago, and paying no attention to the disgruntled Lucca that retrieved the fallen multicolored, bear-shaped delights, he gave her his full and undivided attention. "Well then your friend has good taste, though I must apologize for my behavior. I've been catering and pulling a few all nighters, but that's no excuse for allowing you to catch me sleeping on the job. I'm terribly sorry for the scare- name's Richard Moreau and this is the Sugar Shanty. How may I assist you?"
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Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 8:02 pm
Oh. He didn't know. Ruthie frowned. Why didn't Buddy tell him about her? Did he find nothing enjoyable or interesting about their encounter? Surely, the owner knew something of her because Buddy brought her the candy from the shop, but he didn't notify the owner of her coming? She laughed nervously. Oh this felt embarrassing, but maybe he didn't mention her to protect her? Yes...that seemed like a strong possibility. He couldn't mention her to his colleagues, and maybe this friend would leak her name, give them cause to investigate into his affairs. She couldn't have that--not if she wanted to protect him too.
Now to think of an excuse. She smiled and extended her hand. "My name's Ruthie." He seemed so...together, suddenly--completely changed from moments ago when he slept upon the counter. His eyes sparkled like wine, and his grin widened hers. He seemed so glad...
The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem
for that sweet odour which doth in it live.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm just looking for a few things for a friend..."
Might as well buy candy in a candy store. She pulled away from the counter to study the boxes lined along the wall.
"And I understand your sleep deprivation. As a student, I've pulled all-nighters myself." She glanced at him from over her shoulder. "But you're not a student, I think, so what keeps you up?"
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Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 9:07 am
He accepted the hand that was offered to him, uncertain of the young girl's age but treating her with respect nevertheless. He fancied himself a gentleman and she had showed that she was a respectable little lady, so he was willing to treat her as one. On the outside, anyway. In his mind, he was wondering if she was still a teenage or perhaps just a really short and graced with the genes of looking forever young woman.
He couldn't help his thoughts. Richard would be Richard, no matter what else was going on in his life. It kept him anchored to reality, as strange and perverted as it might have been.
"No, the pleasure is all mine, Ruthie," Richard said with a sweet smile, and when she was eager to talk business, it was as if the final bulb had flickered on, as he was fully awake and alert once more. Here, in the Sugar Shanty he was nothing more than Richard Moreau, confectioner and slightly bit naughty, and there was nothing more important than assisting a customer. "Now, what can I do for your friend? What does she, or he, the lucky fellow, like? As you can see I do have some gummi bears left."
'Student? Too young then... or not. Maybe she's in college. There's hope yet!' Richard thought with a smile, and it slightly faded as she recounted her tales of sleep deprivation, and he came up with a fairly boring lie when she turned her question onto him. "Oh, you now, boring adult things. Bills, relationships, sometimes work related issues that I can't help but bring home with me. Trust me, one as young and vibrant as yourself wouldn't want to be bothered by such pesky problems."
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Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 6:32 pm
"You're very sweet for thinking that!" Facing him, she laughed. Who would she give the box to? This seemed so spontaneous. Maybe Buddy so he would know she visited? Maybe to Thraen for taking care of her? Adonis? James? Cybele? All her companions could use a box of candy for they all seemed wounded, lost, broken... "I'm not exactly sure, to be honest! But those gummi bears, are they good? What are some of your favorites?"
Certainly the man in charge of the candy knew the flavors best of all, and hopefully they wouldn't be the most expensive. Though her parents funded her "groovy college lifestyle", they certainly wouldn't enjoy the bill of an expensive box of chocolates or sour candies or peppermint bark.
"And thank you!" She drew near. "But I'm really not so different. Bills, relationships...work...that follows me home."
Work being fighting bloodthirsty monsters and dodging whips, that was.
Senshi life sucked sometimes.
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Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 7:25 pm
"Everything in this store is good and sweet... well, except the sour candies, but those are suppose to be that way," Richard said with a twisted smile, and waving his hand as though to try and motion to everything within his store, bringing himself back around and joining her side as he left the counter. By this time, Lucca had managed to pick up the last of gummi bears and retreated towards the back, knowing better than to be present while her cousin was in the middle of a sale, and this gave Richard full run of the store once again. Whatever troubles he once had were gone, as the only thing that would matter to him how is the happiness of his customer, and given that she was the only one there, Ruthie would receive it in full.
"The gummi bears are popular among the younger audience- something about biting off the heads of poor, defenseless, teddy bear shaped creatures just get them all in a tizzy, and it makes for great building jaw muscles," Richard replied, giving them a wave off before pointing towards the taffy section. "My favorite is taffy, however, and I can account that every single piece was made with tender loving care. After all, I pulled them all myself!"
He may have sounded a little too proud of this feat, and as self-absorbed as he was, he couldn't ignore Ruthie's confession, especially when she drew so close to him. "Sounds like the both of us have it rough. You sure this candy should be for your friend? Why not treat yourself while you're here? After all, there's few things that a few pieces of chocolate can't solve..."
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Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2013 6:46 am
Ruthie laughed and drifted to the taffy. Well! What a charming salesman. Certainly he knew how to run a business. Never had she seen such bold and vibrant reds and blues and yellows. She would have to collect some for her sampler. At the mention of chocolate, she grinned and faced Richard. Chocolate could only be her most absolute favorite treat in the entire world--especially sea-salt caramel chocolate. She wondered if he had any.
"Chocolate you say?" PLEASE LET THERE BE CHOCOLATE KIND SIR SHE ONLY WANTED TO NOM. "I love chocolate."
"Chocolate can solve every problem!" she laughed. "Maybe a few pieces for myself wouldn't hurt..."
She smirked. "But you're very sneaky! This was supposed to be a trip for my friend..."
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Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2013 9:55 am
"I've never met a soul that didn't!" Richard said with a teethy grin, leaning closer to her as if to be telling her a secret. "Everyone likes chocolate, and those that don't are simply lying... to everyone and themselves. Why, even vegans are willing to put aside their dietary lifestyle with chocolate of their own..."
He withdrew for a moment, as if to consider such a thing, disturbed and maybe even disgusted at first, but gradually becoming accepting towards the notion in due time. "Which is weird how much they work on maintaining such a 'superior' lifestyle choice, yet find ways around their own rules. But then again, it -is- chocolate... and everyone loves chocolate."
Richard had to cut himself short. He wasn't here to discuss vegans and their grueling diet, as he knew them to be human too. Passionate humans with the willpower to stick to their hardcore diet. He was hear to help Ruthie, and he gave her a playful wink when she called him sneaky. "Perhaps, but it's always good to make time for yourself. Indulge yourself from time to time, otherwise people will keep taking and taking until there's nothing but the coconut filled piece left... and no amount of chocolate can make people want that piece."
Not that he hated coconut, but he knew many people despised it. Maybe if he filled himself up with coconut, he could salvage himself before the world devoured him?
He forced such strange thoughts to the back of his head, as he motioned to the chocolate section of the store. "Was there any particular flavor you wanted, Ruthie?"
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Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2013 12:13 am
Oh.
He winked. He leaned in.
Was he flirting?
She laughed. No. Well. Maybe. "Of course, so superior..." His tone warmed her. Maybe she could spend on a sampler...She didn't visit these stores regularly, and he seemed so charming, but would he make a move? Of course not. Shop owners couldn't risk disrespecting their customers, though his warmth eased her in, brought her nearer.
Then he gestured to the other side of the store.
Did he not want her attention? She smiled.
"Yes!" Drifting toward the chocolate--sloooowly enough for him to keep up with her if he desired--and looking over her shoulder, she said, "I love sea-salt caramel."
She clasped her hands behind her as she browsed the selection, feigning interest, but analyzing his game, if it was a game, if they were players, if this is how they ticked, these back and forths between "I like you maybe" and "Oh it's just business".
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Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:18 am
Who was Richard if he wasn't flirting? A terrible bore, for starters. To him, it was all harmless flirting, meant to keep his customer's spirit up and entice her into a sale, though there were a few times that he'd take it to the next level. But only if they were interested.
For now, he'd worry a little more about getting money into his register, and the mention of sea-salt caramel was both uplifting, yet painful for him. Hafwen enjoyed her sea-salt caramel chocolates, and even think about her and what he'd have to do... his smile faltered, and he walked briskly towards the chocolate, ushering her over as he moved towards the cannister that held one of his most prized chocolates. His little game wasn't entirely over, but he had forced to call a time out, trying to keep her from seeing his inner turmoil and doing so by discussing the product in question instead. "That's a popular one among my customers, actually! I always keep them in stock. People can't get enough of them!"
He threw on a disposable glove and pulled a piece for her, waiting for her to hold out her hand. "Care for a sample? On the house..."
Richard said that last part with a purr, hoping to be enticing and distracting her from his momentary dismay. He had to get his head back in the game, had had to start winning again! And what better way than through chocolate?!
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Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2013 7:02 pm
"Certanly! Thank you." Their fingers touched when she took the chocolate, and as she ate, she smiled. She couldn't ignore that tone. What if she just asked him? At worst, he would reject her, and then she would just see him for errands or to grow closer to Buddy. They'd avoid drama. Just business. Friendship, even, if they grew close from her little visits. "Richard. Are you hitting on me?"
When she realized how forward that seemed, her smile froze. Could they recover? Maybe she just hallucinated asking it! Yes! If she pretended like nothing happened, the terror would disappear. She laughed. Everything would be alright! Yes! They were simply shop owner and customer. Nooo tension there. What did hitting on someone even mean? Silly words. She always confused their definitions. She just...She didn't know what she was talking about! Richard would understand, right?
"SOOOO candy." She rushed back to the taffy. "That chocolate was GREAT..." Distractions! Distractions! Anything to recover from what she said. "I'll take a of box of chocolate and your favorite taffies maybe. Boxes are nice."
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Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 9:30 am
It worked like a charm, as the brief moment their hands touched was exactly what he needed to get his mind off of the dreadful matters and right where it belonged. The gutter. Her age was still in question, but she wore no uniform, and there was a certain feel about her that he felt comfortable with. Of course, he could have easily been wrong and this could have ended tragically, but he was always certain that there was a way out if one looked hard enough. Her question was sudden, but not too unexpected, and Richard wore a rather smug grin, as if to say 'wouldn't you love to know'.
However, he gave her an answer, not wanting to get the poor girl's hopes up but not wanting to completely expose himself either, as he replied, "It's a possibility. Forgive me if I seem forward, but I can't help myself when it comes to beautiful women... I can stop, if you'd like?"
Then she rushed back to the taffy, and only when her back was turned did Richard made a scrunched up face, hoping she couldn't see his slight disappointment, nor hear how he mentally berated himself. Perhaps he was losing his touch? Or maybe she was just shy? He held none of this contempt to himself in his voice, as he followed along with her requests. "I can have both of those ready for you in a snap. I'll even wrap a little bow on it."
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