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Tal noted the ear-twitch and smiled, giving a soft little 'hmm' of laughter.

"Does it matter? I think not." He reached out and touched the side of Riot's face. A nice, strong jaw...

"I am still not very up-to-date on the modern customs, but...I would like to tell you that I am quite interested in...pursuing a relationship?" Oh, and it was such a nice, beautiful jaw...

Tal nodded and removed his hand. He often forgot the laws of social interaction. It really was quite strange, the lack of physical contact these people enjoyed.

He chuckled, realizing how awkward he must have made the poor man feel.

"I don't mean courting I just mean...what do I mean?" The stray hair fell out from behind his ear and he placed it back.

"Hm. I guess I mean I'm attracted to you, and look forward to seeing you again. Some time." God damnit, did that come out right?

Tal's smile brightened.

"Indeed not! Well, what ever you'd like."

Soft music played from a small, antique looking phonograph. It wasn't anything particularly fancy or upbeat, just a bit of a background to make the atmosphere a bit more comfortable. Two floors were clearly visible, each with tons of neatly filled shelves. An ornate spiral staircase led one from the first to second levels and towards the back, another small staircase seemed to lead to what was probably a third floor - though not part of the store.

The building was well lit for reading but not too bright on the eyes - tables with lamps and comfy chairs were placed around a large open room so that one could go in and just investigate a few novels they could not bring home with them. It was actually a rather welcoming place and most who were actually inside seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The neko owner stood halfway up a ladder on the first floor, taking down a book for a small girl who stood at the bottom. It was a reasonably sized volume that he handled with care as he removed it and led the child over to a large easy-chair that she could curl up in with the volume. He was careful to warn her about being very careful with the book and she eagerly agered.

The warm smile that played across his face as he spoke to her grew wider and warmer when he spotted Tal on his way back to whatever he'd previously been in the middle of. Today, Riot's hair was neatly pulled back into a small, curly ponytail at the nape of his neck, and a minute pair of rectangular, gold framed spectacles sat upon his nose. His also wore a vest over his tucked in white shirt today, but apart from that he looked almost the same.

Ears twitching lightly and tail loosely swinging around, the young man approached the elf. "Hello there Talhaver. How have you been?" the inquired cheerfully. "It is good to see you again."

The man's smile widened amazingly, that jaw looking so very nice when he did so - mm, and so good with his hair back like that, so one could really see it. "That's quite sweet of you." he commented. "Come this way, I'll show you upstairs and we can take a look at them. We could stay down here but given the number of people looking about, accidents are more likely to happen." he explained.

They mounted the spiral staircase and walked towards the second one at the back. Riot had left a neat little bell on the desk where one could ring for assistance - plus he had a few helpers around who'd be able to deal with visitors while he was busy.

The upstairs, through the trapdoor was actually rather nice looking. A small, neat little room with a few large, soft chairs and a little table at the center where one could put on tea or whatever. The window was carefully draped to allow a good amount of sunlight in for reading, as well as a nice view of the outside. There were a few shelves along the walls with many, it seemed, older books than his wares on the first two floors. This was probably Riot's private sitting and reading room.

"Please, take a seat." he offered kindly.

"They do sound fascinating." the neko said, walking over to investigate the volumes, his hands moving gently and with great care.

It was then that one might notice something odd about Riot McAvery's hands in comparison to his build. His hands were not particularly hard or calloused, indeed his fingers were quite smooth and soft. He worked hard to keep in shape, but he also worked with care and it showed in his soft hands, with their slightly long, but carefully trimmed and cared for nails. But one may not always notice such things, it all depends on their perspective really.

With great care, he let the volumes rest upon the small table, opening the cover and admiring the writing as he gently turned the pages. "Remarkable..." he breathed, his voice barely a whisper as he looked over them, seeming entranced.