Welcome to Gaia! ::

And as endearing at that boy was at the beginning, Richard was beginning to grow a little weary of him. Maybe it was the bouncing? Or his excited shrieks? Either way, his smile faded slightly at the young boy's antics, but he didn't let any of that seep into his voice. "Yes, yes, I think I got that message."

When he asked for a jelly bean, he was eager to oblige. Prior to Winston's confession, he knew nothing of the boy's mother and her disapproval of the jelly beans, but if he did, he'd likely have double stuffed the boy's bag with it just in spite of her. Assuming he liked it. He placed on a clear, disposable glove and made a quick selection, going for a few various flavors so see what would tickle the young boy's fancy.

He held his hand out and allowed for Winston to pick the ones he wanted to try, and he wore a rather devilish grin when Winston told him about his mother. Nothing got to him more than overprotective mothers, and he knew just the way to combat that! "Oh well, she may be right, but you know what else rots the teeth? Oranges. Tomatoes. Fruits that have a high acidic level! Fruits that we're told are healthy rot the teeth just as much as any candy could... however, the best way to combat that is to brush every day. And floss too. You're a good flosser- I'm sure you'll remove the evidence of your little endeavor well enough."

It was hard not to allow his chest swell with pride when Winston complimented his hard work, and it was enough to make any negative feelings he might have held disappear within a matter of seconds. How wishy-washy his mind was! It didn't matter, as he accepted the compliment in kind. "Why, thank you. Jelly beans and taffy are my favorites to make and it's also good to see a fan."

When he asked for a full bag, Richard was willing. He did the quick math in his head, which resulted in him rolling his red eyes upwards for a moment before bobbing his head. A little quirk he had, and he nodded. "Ten dollars should definitely cut it. You'll even get some change to bring back to your mother."

He prepared an assortment of jelly beans for the young boy, even throwing in a few extra before twisting the bag close and motioning him to follow him back to the counter for the final transaction. All the while, he soaked in the boy's praise and admired his sense of wonder, as he complimented the youth on his cleaning habits. "And you are absolutely right, Winston. There's nothing more important than cleanliness, and a true gentleman never goes a day without brushing and flossing! I brush every day, even when I've had a busy night of fu... fun! Yes, fun. The total will be $9.25."

Winston had no idea what kind of catastrophe he was helping to brew, and nor could he see the ego swelling at an alarming rate, but Richard could feel it. It was as if there was a baked potato in his chest that was getting nice and big and warm, and the butter was just oozing out all over the place in a glorious mess. Richard tried to hide this from seeping out into the open, but it might have reflected in his cheshire cat-like grin. "Why, thank you, Winston... it does my beating heart good to see someone who truly appreciates my work."

He accepted the ten dollar bill and made quick work with the register after handing the neatly and tightly tied bag of jelly beans to his favorite customer. With a few quick taps on the register, it flung open and Richard was quick to place the bill neatly in its assigned spot, before snatching the change and closing the drawer with his hip. Not very gentleman-like, but he figured he could let the ruse fall for just a moment...

"Very well then, good sir! Wouldn't want to keep your mother waiting, then. Here is your change, and I hope to see you again. You are always welcomed here," Richard said, his voice sugar sweet, far sweeter than any of his treats.