Welcome to Gaia! ::

Even though Micah bitched and groaned about being dragged out of the house when she had bigger problems, she was the first of the twins through the front doors. Misha wasn’t that far behind, to be totally fair, and pretty much the only reason he wasn’t before his sister or at least in a tie with her was because she pushed him out of her way. Later one Micah would thank Misha for dragging her out. Much later on. When they were both home and tired and had bag loads of s**t they probably didn’t even need. Then she’d thank him. But right now there were things to see and booths to raid and god this was going to be fun.

As soon as she walked through the front doors, her eyes lit up and her heart swelled. This. This was going to be great. This was an opportunity for her and her brother to be unashamedly enthusiastic about things they liked with other people who wanted to be unashamedly enthusiastic about the things that they liked. No one would look at her funny, no one would laugh at her. Everyone was of the same mind set. And it was awesome. She was awesome, in her Aperture Labs tank and orange jumpsuit that Misha got from she-didn’t-want-to-know-where. Misha was awesome in his think rimmed glasses and white suit accented in electric blue. Everyone was awesome.

Misha’s wrist still in a death grip, Micah made a bee-line for the hunger games booth. She hadn’t read the book, but Misha devoured them when they grew in popularity. Grinning like a mad woman, she plucked a little gold pin from the top and fastened it to her brother’s lapel.

“May the odds always be on your side,” she sung, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Misha made a face and shook his head.

“Is that not right,” she asked him. Misha shook his head again with a slight chuckle.

“What’s the right thing,” she asked, this time of the boy behind the booth.

A place with access to plenty of light. Qiuyue was pretty sure that she could find such a spot in her dorm room back at DCU if she looked hard enough. Certainly this would be the very first plant that she was going to be responsible for since she had not the time or chance to engage in such a pastime prior to her coming to Destiny City, but she had faith that things should work out fine so long as she got all the information that she needed from Krisna. After all, he didn't seem like the type who was more interested in making a quick buck off her at the expense of his flowers.

"That all don't seem too complicated for a newbie like me to handle." She dropped that line off for his benefit in case he hadn't been astute enough to pick up on that already, peering at the set up that he had before sweeping her gaze over the other potted plants that he had at his booth. "Unless you'd like to recommend something else for my consideration instead?" She proposed with a tentative smile, still not quite keen on ruling out the kiku just yet."How much and how often should I water it and what about fertilizers..?"



"That makes the two of us. Good to know that you managed to find your way here without any trouble. Let's go check out that booth first then." It was the very first time that Boaz had a girl's hand in his and he had no intention of letting go as evident by the firm and strong grip with which he held on as he followed Mel's lead through the crowd to the Hunger Games booth that she had told him about with a smile on his face.

"I'll rather not since it may be rather difficult to locate you later on when this place becomes packed and that is provided that I manage to get some time to myself since these incidents can be rather unpredictable. But let's just play by ear for now." He countered her proposal gently, not really keen or comfortable with the idea of letting her explore the booths all by herself lest she got herself one of the enchanted items just because he wasn't there to help screen her purchase. Of course he was well aware that a little energy draining wouldn't harm her adversely in any way. But he would rather spare her the unpleasant experience given that this was their very first date.

"Really now? I didn't know that you were into this that much. How about we get one of these?" With an amused look on his face, he chuckled at her comment, looking over the merchandise that were on display before picking out the mockingjay pin and the real or not real keychain for her consideration. "Or both?"

It was, while bagging some t-shirt for a customer, that Alexandre spotted that odd Beauty and the Beast costume. It wasn't odd so much as it was stand out, though he supposed the two could be used interchangeably here. The costume stuck out and was odd because it was not anime, and at these conventions he did think anime and those other Japanese styles were the norm and common thing. Although his own costume also was odd and stuck out; not that he cared one bit in all honesty. Handing the bag over to the person he thanked them, flashing a smile even, and went on to trying to get more sales, wondering if the two cosplaying Beauty and the Beast would come by.

Laughing from where he stood, watching what appeared to be siblings, he moved over to them as he spoke up. "May the odds be ever in your favor - that would the correct words." He spoke up, not rude or correcting in any manner, he was simply giving her the answer she sought. "I take it your not familiar with the books or the movie?" He questioned of the female before slate eyes went to the male.

As a couple approached he nodded his head in greeting. "Anything I can help you with?" There had been a good reason he'd picked that particular keychain out, for couples or for people to get their better/other half. He was trying, perhaps in some way, to sell something to a specific group. It just seemed like a good item for that sort of thing. "I'd suggest getting her both - they are very nice items and sure to sell." And while he had a good supply in the back he wanted to move things, even the unenchanted items. Alex was taking this serious, as if it were a real job and not a Negaverse job, and thus was looking to sell as much merchandise as he could and make what money he could. He did wonder, as he had earlier before coming out onto the floor, what would be done with all the money they'd make. Did the Negaverse have some sort of need for money to pay for things like this? Or would it be divided up amongst those involved in the end? Or maybe you kept what your booth made?

Maybe he'd go back later, leave the little Lieutenant with him to cover for a bit, and seek out Bischofite and ask. He was honestly curious about this. Since this was all really just some cover for a Negaverse plan. But real money was being made.

The more she talked, the more it seemed she was interested in purchasing one of the plants he had to sell and not the cursed bloom he had offered. Both were acceptable to Krishna in terms of profit...but if the mission was to succeed, then he would have to find a way to give her both. There was time, if he proceeded in his usual patient manner. Her interest and trust in his expertise would be rewarded.

"For an indoor plant such as this, no fertilizer is needed. For watering, press your fingers to the soil--" here he paused to demonstrate by touching the moist soil himself, and leaving her the opportunity to do so as well if she wished--"like so. If it is dry, add water. Do not let it puddle; do not water if it is not dry to preserve the roots. It is simple."

When he removed his fingers, the florist wiped them on a towel that he had brought with him, just in case a spill occurred. With his now clean hand, he reached into his pocket for a business card and handed it to the girl. "I will show you more, if you come to my shop - the kiku plants are the only live ones I have today. There are a few that require even less care, but which may not be to your liking."



===

She did not know why Mr. Moreau seemed as distracted as he was... but at least there seemed to be no ill feelings lingering around from their last meeting. That in itself made her visit at the booth a little easier. Then the blond with the cute hat began to speak, so she gave him her full attention. Penelope was not much of a kaiju fan, so when Scott told her the name of his hat... it was her turn to go red in the face. "I'm sorry... I don't know him. I've only seen a couple of Godzilla movies. Monster wise, from what I've seen... I really liked Mothra."

A genuine smile crossed her face when he asked about her friend. Given that they had met only briefly, the fact that he remembered to ask about her struck her as sweet. So many had been harmed... she swallowed back her negative emotions as she tried to answer, "Yes, she--"

Their conversation was cut off by their ginger companion's interference. Penelope did not care for the manner in which Mr. Moreau manhandled the boy, and it showed in her frown. "I don't mind telling him that Harper's fine. It's... polite of him to ask, and nice of him to be worried , don't you think?" Her voice lowered into a whisper as she spoke directly to Scott now. The discrete girl was not a gossip, and she did not want to cause any old feelings to come clawing to the surface, but maybe it would help Scott to understand. "He and Harper don't get along... it's a long story. But she's okay, really. She's actually the one I'm looking to get a shirt for..."

Looking out over the crowd, Stroud's mouth split at last into a wide grin. There was a face and form she wouldn't readily forget, even if it had been a long time since she'd had the good fortune to be introduced to his couch: Caleb. The Raffle-babe moved down to the floor, picking her way along the booths to ridiculous godzilla-business where the corrupted-c**-cosplayer had been interacting with some of the planted negaversian snake oil salesmen and came up along side him. She wasn't certain just what the red head or kid in the dragon hat were doing, all over each other in front of guests, and she didn't feel like giving it her attention just yet. She had an important civil service to perform.

"Caleb, it is far, far to cold in here for me. You'd save a lady from freezing, yes?"

Penelope's objection took Richard by surprise, as well as her logic, and his expression melted into a more sickenly sweet one, slowly releasing his grip on Scott and hoping that he didn't use too much force against the young man. It certainly wasn't his intention to HURT the poor fellow, but if the two wanted to bring up rotten feelings and events, then they were welcomed to it. He wiped his hand against his coat, addressing the young lady in a respectful but almost listless tone as he made his apology. "Right you are. Forgive me, I did not see it from your perspective. Glad to know your little friend is doing well for herself."

Not that Richard cared. Of all the victims that day, it would figure that Harper would survive. She was a rather feisty one, and he forced back his smile, not one allowing Penelope to think he had forgiven such an assault. Besides, why worry about her when he noticed the rather dreamy expression in Scott's green eyes? It was almost enough for him to hold his tongue, but then he remembered just how petty and bitter a person he truly was.

"Oh, well, then I'm sure she'll love a Godzilla shirt. Someone that matches her ferosity and prowess, and feiry temperment? That'd be the perfect gift!" Richard said, looking down at Scott and demanding his attention with a harmless nudge. "Be sure to give her a good discount on that shirt too. To show that there's no hard feelings between us."

And with that, he ventured away from the booth, leaving the sell in Scott's reliable hands as he searched the crowd for Ruthie. Anything to get his mind off of the world of awkwardness going on at that booth.

While grateful for Penelope speaking up for him, Scott didn't necessarily want Richard to go. Sure, he was being rude to him and his grip was pretty painful, but if he let him go, that meant having to talk to her, and Scott wasn't quite sure if he was ready for that just yet. Hearing the bad blood between Richard and Harper only made matters worse when Richard released him and dropped the sales booth off to him, but what could Scott do? He was his superior, and he had his orders, already reaching for a bag.

The moment the red-head was gone, his shoulders relaxed a little, but Scott was still nervous. "Um, I'm glad to hear about your friend, then. That's all I wanted to know, we don't have to talk about it if you don't want. I'm sorry."

His mind shifted to what she had said earlier, and it distracted him from placing the cursed shirt in the bag for a little while longer. "You like Mothra? She's cool too. So was Leo Mothra, but... you said you didn't watch a lot of them, so that's cool if you don't know him. He was different but he got better too. Like Godzilla, he could be convinced to fight for the Earth too. Um, sorry, I'm rambling. Was there anything else besides this shirt you wanted for your friend? Or... you?"




---

Gwenston was browsing through the items on the Hunger Games booth, remaining as close as possible to her girlfriend and using her small stature to her advantage to get a closer look at the items he had to offer. She herself wasn't that big of a fan of the movies and she hadn't read the books, but she had to admit that she has a small adoration for Jennifer Lawrence. She gave Anandi a playful nudge, flashing her girlfriend a wink as she said, "I think Katniss stole your hairstyle. If we sued, we'd be rolling in the riches you think?"

It was nothing more than a joke, and she looked back at the table, just as she felt her cellphone vibrate. If it was in her pants, it would have been impossible to hear or feel it, but thankfully, she kept it in her shirt, and she dug into the padding, pulling it out from where it was nuzzled between her pathetically small chest. One glance over the message and her eyes lit up, and she feverishly texted back.

Yep-yep. At Hunger Games booth with Anandi. Wanna meet here or someplace else?'

Ali kept his hand on Lance's, which was probably a really awful decision as far as his heart was concerned, but seemed like an amazing one considering how crowded the con was. "See any booths you want to stop at?" He asked lightly.

“Unfamiliar would be one way of putting it – ”

“She’s Hunger-Games-stupid,” Misha finished putting down payment for the pin Micah had essentially stolen. Micah could see a looming lecture in his eyes, and so quickly changed the subject, smoothing out his white lapel once she’d finished adjusting the new adornment.

“Well, we can’t all read at the speed of light, you know,” she defended lightly, patting his chest a little harder than necessary, eliciting a small wince from her brother.

“He finished the series in a weekend,” she clarified to the booth attendant, smiling vaguely at her brother’s achievement. So caught up was she, in fact, in bragging about her brother, that she hadn’t even noticed the other’s join the booth. Hand still curled neatly into his lapel, she went on, “he does that frequently. He devours books so fast. He’s always been a lexile or three higher than he should be. Not that he’d ever brag about it. Misha’s hella humble, or maybe just disinterested in his own achievements, I never can tell.”

“Micah.”

“That’s the way he’s always been,” she continued, either ignoring or not hearing her brother’s cautioning. “sort of like… um… Phineus from A Separate Peace. I think he thinks that his achievements are his alone, and why bother others with them? Does that make him humble?”

“Micah.” Misha’s voice was firmer now, though Micah still went on.

“You know, but that’s why I love him. He’s got me to vouch for him anyway.” She ran her fingers lightly over the merchandise before Misha finally grabbed her wrist and pulled it away.

“Don’t touch things that don’t belong to you Little Bird,” he scolded firmly, close to her ear to keep the discipline private. He kept Micah’s hand up and away from whatever it was she was touching for a long moment while she registered what happened with wide eyed surprise. “Furthermore, he continued when her muscles relaxed, “don’t bore people with things that don’t matter. Finally it’s getting crowded here.” He motioned with her head to the gathering of people. “We should probably leave and let this gentleman to his business.”

Micha blushed deeply at her oversights and ducked her head.

“Ah… yeah. Sorry about that. Sometimes I get on a strain and I forget myself.” She smiled at the attendant and pulled her hand free with ease, gesticulating around her head as she spoke. “I’d lose my head if Misha wasn’t here to screw it back on. Anyway, thanks so much! Everything looks really great.”

As they departed, Misha winked offhandedly. Later on, along with thanking Misha for dragging her out, she’d accuse him of flirting, which, of course he would deny. And she’d know that he wasn’t, that he was just indulging in an impulse, something she knew a thing or two about. But it wouldn’t stop her from tormenting him out of some filial sense of duty or misplaced affection.

"Where to next, Little Bird," Misha sighed as Micah returned to gripping his wrist to lead him around. for a long while, Micah meandered, as she was wont to do, and tapped her chin thoughtfully. It was only when she stopped dead that she made her choice.

"You could buy me a flower," she offered, pulling her brother in that direction regardless of his answer.

"Just one," he confirmed.

"Cheapskate"

"No, I just don't want to hold a potted plant because you sure as hell aren't going to carry it yourself."

It was true, and Micah giggled in response. She lined up behind the current patron, keeping her hold on Misha as thought he were the one in danger of wandering off and not her.