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 Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 1:53 pm
"Good luck with the hamster - and we hope to see you soon!" Shanuh recited to the departing couple, trying hard to sound more enthused than he truly felt.
The day felt incredibly . . . normal.
Customers coming in, customers going out. An obnoxious, smelly child here, a uppity-yuppy-mother there, and every sort of human in between. Some had tails, some had paws, some had tenticles - but at the end of the da, no matter how 'freakish' the people appeared - they were nothing more than part of humanity that littered the world.
It made Shanuh sick, sometimes. To compare them to roaches would do nothing more than offend the insects (and Shanuh had more respect for insects then that!). As it was, the shop keep was stuck holding his tongue and biting back words.
Humanity was good for something, he had to remember. They weren't all disposable. At least not right away.
Running his fingers through his hair, the man flopped heavily down upon the stool behind the counter. "What a day," he murmured, glancing blankly down at the papers littered across the cash-wraps counter. Dog biscuits, cat treats, and $0.50 toys. What was that over there. . . lib balm? Since when did they get lip balm?
Everyday, the shop was turning more and more in to a place of business. Fake licences, fake signatures, fake schedules and permits - funny how the business he wanted was being overwhelmed by actual customers.
Well, at least with the children growing, more . . . . super-natural appearances would finally stop by for visits and audits. At least Shanuh could look forward to that.
Picking up a nail file (Nikel made sure there were a few stuck in with the pens) Shanuh heaved a heavy sigh and waited.
That's what a lot of this job entailed, really. Nothing but a lot of patience.
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Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 2:31 pm
He had always believed that his knowledge of the neighborhoods in his district was an extensive one, but now he wasn't quite so sure. How long had it been since he'd wandered these streets? Not for a while, it seemed; he'd never had a reason to up until now. Now he swept his eyes judgmentally over the street before him, taking in and making brief notes on the buildings. Since when had there been a cafe on that corner? Or that pet-store farther down the sidewalk? Everything else seemed familiar enough, if not a bit remodeled. It certainly didn't look like a place for punks to hang out, but then again, he wasn't paid to assume- he was paid to know. Ah, well. Taking a stroll around the block should do him some good even if he didn't find anything of interest to bring home.
Finesse soothed down the fabric of his black attire as he walked, idly plucking off a piece of lent here and perhaps a stray fingernail left over from a previous job there. Humans were expendable- always, and he made no real attempt to set himself visibly apart from the rest of them, nor did he seem to mind ridding the world of a few. If someone got in the way of the organization within which he worked, they were killed one way or another- simple as that. He was here to see if the supposed new gang gathering would be any annoyance to the territory that the mafia had already claimed as their own and, if they were, they would be snuffed out before they grew. It was a dangerous job, but it was a risk he was completely willing to take. He was expendable- he knew it and came to terms with it some time ago. Why should it matter when he died if he did it by his own choice?
Not that he really thought that this current assignment was anything to worry about, because he didn't. As he neared the pet-store, the Italian began to consider. A pet-shop could harbor illegal business if it wasn't already- perhaps the punks had based themselves here. He slowed his pace near the shop front, turning his head to cast a cool, apathetic gaze over the window. Hm... Pale fingers pulled up the right sleeve of his suit, revealing for a brief moment the silver watch adorning his wrist. Well, he had the time, but was it really worth the effort? Finesse remained outside the shop debating, but made no sort of move to enter just yet.
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Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 7:44 pm
Tsunake had a lot of things that needed to be done today. She needed to ship her problem child off to Finesse's house. She needed to tidy up her living space. She needed to find some damn food to feed that damn dragon so they wouldn't lose anymore mailmen. Tsunake so needed to get out of that house. Arms folded tightly across her chest, the silver-haired woman strode impatiently down the street, not pleased that she had gotten out the door with only a black tank top on. She absolutely loathed tank tops, or anything that revealed a bit too much skin for her liking. With a pair of jeans slung on her hips, and a black bow tied efficiently behind her ears to keep her long hair out of her face, anyone who didn't know the woman better might have said she looked cute. Said person would have been promptly nailed in the crotch, and stabbed in the face.
Huffing irritably to herself, Tsunake shoved one hand in her pocket to make sure she had some money with her before altering her course to whatever pet store was nearby. She'd buy Alena a damn rabbit, and hopefully the bones would content the dragon to the point where she'd leave people alone for a few days...The reincarnated demoness shot daggers at the one blocking the way to the store--and realized with a jolt that it was none other than her...friend with benefits. Boyfriend? Pshaw. That was far too strong of a word, and much more of a risk than she was willing to take.
"Hello, stranger." She spoke calmly, her arms still folded across her chest, a dangerous sort of scowl resting upon her face. She could have been pretty, she really could have. "I didn't know you had animals." Her tone was clipped, and Tsunake casually slid her gaze up, to where the name of the store was portrayed brightly. Without another word, she slipped past him, pulling open the door and stepping inside. The musky scent of animals informed her that the creatures here were well cared for. Good. Glancing boredly at the one seated behind the counter, Tsunake said nothing, though did offer a polite little nod of her head. She wasn't one for small talk. Now, where were those damn rabbits...
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Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 7:41 am
Shanuh cast a glance over to the door, the jingling bells announcing the entrances of another patron. Fantastic. He studied the woman, briefly, taking not of gender and potential personality before stepping out from behind the counter.
His clothes were wild and atypical. Nothing surprising when it came to Shanuh, really. Today the violet haired man was donned in black leather pants that were purposely frayed in various places. His shoes were boots covered in black lace and fringe, rising up to his calf and hugging tight to his body. His shirt was a black button up, fully open, with what appeared to be a simple, crimson hued corset underneath. Unusual? Yes. But Shanuh never looked ordinary, despite always trying so hard to "fit in". The idea that his wardrobe could very well be considered "freakish" never once occured to the man.
"Welcome to the Birdcage, can I help you find anything today?" His voice was pleasant enough, and his painted lips held a genuine small smile. He was polite, as ever, and treated her like he did every customer - as potential.
Potential companion? Perhaps.
Potential meal? Perhaps.
Potential aggrivation? . . . . always.
But that was merely the way of the things.
The ambiance in the shop was as ordinary as ever. Birds screamed for attention in their plastic cages, rodents skittered throughout their cages while others napped. Kittens mewled and a few puppies barked in excitement. Tsunake was greeted by a chorus of animals all begging to be the lucky one for her home! Any place was better than this place, they wanted to scream. Only the lucky would escape.
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Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 3:59 pm
The feminine voice so close to him made him turn, features cold and nonchalant. He didn't like the Habits, and it wasn't his place to deal with them, but his clothes weren't that different than the ones his associates who were responsible for that sort of business and perhaps... His dark eyes caught on a familiar face, the voice also suddenly gaining its recognition. She was scowling, but so what? The hardened look melted visibly, about to shape into a smile when she made her next statement.
s**t. She didn't know about what he did, and he didn't want to explain any time soon. Pretty odd, considering they had a kid to raise between them. Speaking of which, it was his day to come get the boy.... Oh. Well, it was business time now- it wasn't as if he hadn't been planning to pick up the boy after he called in his report. He knew Ithai wouldn't stay in a car for long even under supervision. Finesse was about to make an excuse, but by then Tsunake had simply walked off into the store, leaving him to mouth silently for a moment. Was it something he didn't say?
Knowing he might get s**t for it later if he didn't, Finesse followed his earlier idea and entered the shop after Tsunake, quick to catch the door with his foot before it closed. The bell sounded again as he slid in and the man was quick to cast his trained eye across the interior, getting a good feel of his surroundings and potential items of use should a fight break out, scouting for holes that a gun might be able to shove itself through and shoot at him. Not that it would- it was just a second nature for him to be prepared for surprise attacks. Those that had been in this business as long had developed it, were extremely lucky, or dead. Now his eyes would rest on Shanuh- Damn! Maybe there was a gang of punks making itself cozy somewhere in this shop!
Clearing his throat, Finesse drew up next to Tsunake, announcing himself as her companion whether she shoved him through a display of pet products or not. His eyes stayed on Shanuh, not missing one detail the other male had to offer even when it came to the sincerity of his smile. The expression he himself had assumed was a friendly smile made in an attempt to disguise the calculative glint in his eye to one of warmness. It wasn't as if he'd automatically pinned suspicion on Shanuh, but he was watching for reasons to. As far as the noise around him went, he could block out most of it, but allowed his gaze to flicker to more distinct ones every now and then so as not to be just staring.
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Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 2:13 am
For a moment, she nearly listened to the ruckus of the caged animals, and had she not been in such a bad mood, she might have shivered at the overwhelming demand for attention. However, feeble human emotions were shoved aside for now--the young woman was not fully human at the moment. A voice made her slowly glance up, confirming idly that yes, the gender-bender was a man. Tsunake coolly took him in with nothing but an icy glance of her eyes, her gaze holding no hints on what she thought of his attire. She wasn't exactly in a position to judge, not when she felt like ripping this damn tank top right off her chest. When her eyes finally locked onto Shanuh's, something flickered beneath the azure irises of her gaze, something vicious--something reptilian.
As the dark-haired man appeared at her side, her eyes seemed to flicker once more, whatever it was fading back into her subconscious. As though unaware that something besides herself had been giving Shanuh a once-over, the silver-haired woman offered a strained, but genuine smile. She obviously didn't feel comfortable with the expression, for it quickly faded into a calm, thoughtful expression. "That depends if I'll get thrown out for asking." Tsunake replied dryly, long, but unpainted nails drumming idly at her sides as she gave the place another glance with her arms folded firmly across her chest. "Do you have live food for animals? Big animals." She obviously wasn't going to elaborate unless he asked, shifting a silent look upon Finesse. So he had followed? Damn right, he had. Now he wouldn't get a live rabbit thrown at his face.
Not wanting to seem rude, she resisted the urge to take a closer look around, waiting a tad impatiently for the man's response. Even if she couldn't haggle a couple of rabbits out of him, she didn't feel compelled to leave just yet. Despite herself, she liked to look at animals, if not care for them. Dogs were nice, cats she could strangle, but birds...Tsunake couldn't say she had ever met a pet bird. "You planning on getting anything?" The question was shot at Finesse out of the blue, her eyes narrowed slightly as she waited for a response. Couldn't come get the damn kid, but had enough time to come in a pet store, did you...? Better be quick with a response, Nessy, less she started getting even more aggressive.
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Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 5:46 pm
Shanuh allowed his gaze to drift over Finesse, giving him the slightest nod in acknowledgement. Not one, but two - that was just as well. Families sometimes wandered into the store, and Shanuh treated them no different then he did a cage of mice. As it was, he would treat both Tsunake and Finesse as one organism, until time dictated otherwise.
Shanuh was little intimidated by either, and didn' expect the favor to be returned. Not that he purposely tried to scare people, he just had ecclectic taste and a knack for sticking out like a sore thumb. Ther was something inhuman about him, something that went beyond predator, monster and alien. There was something . . .off . . .about him, that caused even the most trusting a moments hesitation. Shanuh didn't try to be that way, but he didn't exactly try to pretend to be what he wasn't. He was human, all right, but that humanity ran only skin-deep.
"We don't discriminate here," he responded casually, smile twitching into an almost feral grin. "We sell animals for every sort of need, both pets and food."
If only they knew. Oh sure, they had feeder fish, feeder mice, and feeder rabbits - but they also had kittens, and puppies, and chinchilla's and iguana's and the occassional alligator and crocodile. There was nothing this store wouldn't sell, and very few whom they'd turn away. "Exactly what sort were you looking for? We carry a large selection of . . . more exotic beasts in back, depending on what you're looking to feed."
Ordinary pet store?
Almost.
Shanuh wasn't going to lie to Tsunake or her partner. If she wanted fresh meat from the kill, she could get it. She surely wasn't the only customer who had a demand for "big game" for "big pets".
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Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 3:59 pm
A family, huh! Well, that was a funny way of putting it, but close enough to the truth. The nod was returned, but Shanuh was certainly not dismissed yet. Not until he acknowledged what the silver-haired woman had said. Dark brows lifted themselves silently, already beginning to question just what the category 'big animals' entailed. See? If he had ever been allowed into the house once in a while, maybe he'd know about the pet dragon their dear little boy kept trying to incorporate into his collection of hides. It'd explain some of the pictures scratched into the walls a little more.
Finesse almost cringed as he was questioned, but managed to keep his face cool. Damn, he had to answer this one, huh? If he didn't want a bombardment of questions as to his motives, that was. Sorry Mister Metrosexual, but at the chick in the tank-top had you beat at the moment. The Italian rolled his shoulders easily, allowing his gaze to drift over the store as if thoughtfully. "Well, I was thinkin' 'bout it." Did he have anything that would make up for not coming to pick up Ithai as soon as possible? No. He'd have to sit in the doghouse for that one even though, you know, Tsunake didn't happen to be home to drag him out, either. "Really, I'm still on the clock, babe. Lunchtime. The supervisor had asked me to drop by the store and pick up somethin' for the cat... There's a cat the morgue keeps in the office." A morgue. That's what he'd told her when it came to his ensemble. Consequently, there was a morgue run by the organization he'd chosen to associate himself with, but he certainly didn't base his work there.
A rude sound was restrained at Shanuh's response- just like that? Dark eyes narrowed towards the smile, not quite sure he liked it. Of course, he was in no place to judge about just how sick the current store manager might be. Sometimes the truth got a lot less praise than a lie did, didn't it? And really, it only made Finesse more suspicious. The back. The back was hardly ever a good term, and might not be all that it was being made out to be. Maybe it was a bunch of shady animals... maybe it was a bunch of thugs trained to knock out anyone who stuck their head through that door. This wasn't the time to let on that he was suspicious, though, especially not in front of Tsu. If he was ever going to figure out whether or not this place was harboring a supposedly developing gang, he needed to go in the back. Really, now he had an excuse, didn't he? The brunette waited patiently, keeping his ears perked for an answer from the female. Yes, Tsu, just what were you planning on feeding a rabbit?
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Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:05 am
One hand yanked idly at the strap of her tank top, and Tsunake idly mused over just what could make this man seem so...well, strange. There was something about him that she just couldn't put her finger on. Maybe it was the cool detachment he treated them with, as though they were no better than the dumb animals locked up in this place. Whatever it was, it was making her bristle, forcing her to shift positions every few moments, her upper lip curled slightly. Yet she refused to leave, gripped with a sick sort of amused curiosity--and besides. That damn dragon needed to be fed.
"Bigger than rabbits, huh?" She drawled lazily, then promptly ignored the question to snap her head around in Finesse's direction. Wow, rude much? The question could wait. She needed to hear her useless excuse for a man's response. "The cat. In a morgue." Tsunake repeated, not bothering to hide the way her sharp teeth ground together. Calm down, he said he was on the clock, right? Like she gave half a s**t. "Did you inform your supervisor that you had a child who was going to get strangled and disemboweled unless you-went-home-and-rescued-him?" Well Finesse, looks like your lady wasn't going to deal with any of those lies today. But, offering a silent snarl in his general direction, Tsunake promptly ignored the man and fixed an unruly glower on the poor employee. Well, if they had exotic animals, they had to be good, right? She snorted softly at the thought. Right, good enough for her to shell out big bucks.
"I want something with horns and hooves." Good for digestion--Tsunake happened to be a sort of...well, 'expert' on the diet of winged reptilians. Since Shanuh hadn't technically asked what she would be feeding, the silver-haired woman felt no obligation to answer the unspoken question. "Cows, deer, rams, moose...Wildebeest. Or something more aggressive." A dismissive wave of her hand. Alena could use a challenge, right? Work for your food, you scaly sack of pudding. "You got anything?" Or was she just wasting her time? Absently, her eyes drifted to the cages on the wall again, the ridiculous thought that she could get something for her daughter flashing through her mind before she firmly squashed it. No. No more animals.
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Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 9:49 am
((And while I'm rendering . . . ))
Had anyone walked in to the place, the atmosphere could almost be described as tense. It wasn't the sort of feeling that sprung out of nervous anxiety, but it was the sort that was present during the calm before the storm. In meteorlogical terms, it would be the dropping of atmospheric pressure, the raging storm lurking upon the horizon. Like three predators, each with their own snares and talons, quietly bristling at each other, each as mistrustful as the next.
An interesting brew of people, to say the least. Each some sort of destroyer, but all hiding behind a friendlier facade.
Strange the way Fate works. Finesse wasn't far off in thinking there may be gang activity brewing. Shanuh and his contemporaries were of a select species, a select group. Their wards, the Birds, were also unique and no doubtedly seemed to stick with kin. A gang could be one way to describe those that lurked at the Birdcage. . . But Finesse would be sadly mistaken if he thought his men and his money would be able to stop it.
His eyes drifted cooly over the pair. A lovers spat? Perhaps. But that too could be dismissed. As the woman described the animals, he quirked a delicate eyebrow, but it was more out of politeness than curiousity. What did he care where the animals were sent? They'd meet their end one way or another.
"Well which one. . .? Cows are much more tame and generic than the african wildebeast." The wheels in the back of his mind worked hard as he contemplated her inquiery. Aggressive? She wanted something to fight? Well, he could fix her up. "If you want something really mean, you may have to wait until this evenign to recieve it. This shop specializes in caged animals, not so much those that roam. But if it's a nasty-tempered bull and something large, may I suggest a Gaur? They're quite large, and when threatened do not yeild easily. I can tell you right now, though, our larger exotic animals are kept elsewhere and not in the shop. But if interested, I would be able to ship you one this evening."
Nikel could fetch such an animal. It would be little problem for any of them. And if she wanted nasty, well, they could surely find that too. Shanuh didn't often let his customers down.
Throughout the discussion, Tsunake and Finesse were being watched. Two pairs of eyes had fallen upon them, had been investigating them, contemplating their actions. Who were they? What would they be good for? Were they right? Maybe.
Maybe not.
They surely were different, they surely weren't like some of the others to enter the shop.
Would they be worth more of their time?
Perhaps.
Perhaps not.
A hop, a skip, a flurry to the next tier. One landed softly on top of the snakes cage while another scurried underneath CatYum Cat Food Brand display.
They'd watch one more time.
Since the two had come together, wouldn't it make sense if they all left as one?
A soft chirp, completely covered and unheard thanks to the other animal noises in the shop.
They would wait and see if these two were truly worth their time.
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Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 4:53 pm
Oooh, she didn't like that one. His face didn't falter, however, taking the snarky little comments with no hint of offense. Really now, you'd think he'd at least bristle at being talked down (or up, rather, he was taller) to with all those underlying threats. Not at all. The only expression laid within his dark eyes, sparking silently. Amusement- her anger was exquisite, and probably thrilled him a lot more than this uncomfortable chitter-chatter. Not that he'd like it if she reached over and yanked out his spleen, mind you. That was why he needed to be careful. The mafia man lifted his shoulders somewhat in a shrug, attempting a coaxing tone. "Yes, and he said--"
Oh, she was ignoring him. Off the hook for the moment, sweet. Gave him time to scan the shop for some cat food. If he wanted to leave in one piece, he'd have to buy some of the crap. The suggested animal, however, had him willing to go plunging right back into conversation.
"A gaur?" Finesse echoed incredulously, brows raising in unison. The man took an almost unconscious step forward, but halted himself. Just what had he been planning to do in the first place? He looked back at Tsu, who he had taken the step around with invisible concern. Alright, now, take the step back before she hands you your a** right in front of the tranny, 'nesse. The only action he could perform, however, was turning more towards the silver-haired woman and placing his back to Shanuh. As if that was going to block the other man or something. "Now waita minute, doll, that thing's half the size of an elephant. You don't need one a those chargin' around your house." Now, he had given her the credit of having good judgment up until now, and perhaps he was overreacting, but she had been the one suggesting hooves and horns in the first place. And sure, maybe fighting a bull-thing would be fun... but think of the furniture! The walls! Did she really think it was a good idea?
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Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 8:29 pm
Fate did seem to work in strange and unpredictable ways. Why, if she had chose to believe in Fate, Tsunake might have found this meeting almost uncanny. Oh, she knew something strange was going on here, and she didn't like it at all. "Not a cow, then." She responded sharply, lips curling upward slightly to bare tiny fangs in a not-so friendly smile. "I have plenty of time...If you're willing to provide, of course." So, they'd deliver it? Damn right they would--She certainly didn't want to haul a bad-tempered animal, an exotic one at that, up the streets and risk getting confronted by the cops for it. Musing idly, Tsunake drummed her fingers against one arm, considering. A Gaur.
"Fine." A brisk nod and a wave of one hand. She wasn't looking for nasty today--just something to give that dragon a good romp. There were plenty of forests in the backyard--if they released the thing there, it'd probably keep Alena amused for hours. Assuming that wild brat of a boy didn't try to go after it himself, that is..."I assume you want to be paid now?" Her voice held a bit of a sneer--of course he did. She made no move to draw out any money just yet however--her eyes had flickered at the sound of something moving. Nothing? Perhaps...Or maybe it had just been Finesse.
Narrowing her eyes at him, Tsunake visibly bristled until he backed off. "Why else do you think I'm getting it?" She snapped impatiently. "It won't be in the house, it'll be running around in the back." What, did he think she was stupid? Letting something like that run around the house, ha! They already had a dragon, they didn't need another aggressive beastie. "If you're finished, go get your food for the cat." The light stress on the word was unmistakable. "I'm sure it's hungry, don't you think?" Scoffing, the silver-haired woman stepped towards Shanuh, apparently ready to do business. She didn't need Finesse hanging off her when she was going to start negotiating payment for something illegal, now did she?
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Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 8:53 pm
Shanuh shifted his weight from one foot to the other, watching with reptilian disinterest as the pairs conversation weaved in and out with his own. Strange pair, certainly, but that was about as much consideration as Shanuh felt they deserved. Nothing more than dirt, then the miniscule residue of something that (at one time) was much, much greater.
Strange how they were the alleged "chosen" people - strange how they were the ones that ruled. . . .
Arrogant brats, really. But Life always did have strange taste when it played favorites. . .
All the while, the two little birds had seen enough. Look at how she dared bristle at their favorite. . . Look at how bold she appeared. And a gaur too~! How exciting!
But the other had his eye on Finesse. Unlike the female, who wore her power, arrogance and confidence like a coat of armor . . the other had power subdued. The way he walked, the way he reacted, the way he kept control. He'd protect him, wouldn't he? He'd keep him safe forever. . .
A final chirp and a delicate flap of wings, and a very small grey and black bird landed politely on Shanuh's head. A little cheap, a little friendly nestle, and it stared curiously at Tsunake.
The other bird, larger but still delicate, had ever so shyly stuck himself to Finesses' pant leg. He didn't want to be too bold. . . . but enough to know that his decision was final. A look at Shanuh, as if gaining some sort of approval.
We'll take them! In unison, two chirps, and Shanuh couldn't help but smile.
The guardian and shop keep looked Tsunake in the eye. "There is but one payment due me, but it isn't in cash. All I request, for the gaurs pickup, delivery and . . .future service, is that you and him," a dismissive jerk of his head towards Finesse, "Care for these Birds. You look after this pyrrhuloxia, and he the waxwing. They seem to be rather . . . smitten with you."
Shanuh wasn't surprised that Finesse and Tsunake were chosen - strong, independant souls such as them were in demand. There were some personality traits that seemed to demand a Bird pick them out. . . But what did surprise him, were the Birds themselves.
He would have suspected the Osprey, or the Peregrin Falcon - perhaps even some of the more foul-mouthed Gulls and Loons! But the pyrrhuloxia and cedar waxwing?
. . . . . strange, but the Birds were stubborn and their choices weren't made lightly.
If they wanted Finesse and Tsunke, then they would have them.
No matter what.
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Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 8:48 am
Well, outside? What about the neighbors? Someone was going to call the cops and he'd have to come take care of it if he wanted to-- wait, what? Oh yeah, the cat... Dark eyes searched the woman's face for a moment, trying to pick out any hint that she could be convinced otherwise on the matter and found nothing. He wasn't going to win this one unless he used some type of intimidation, and that just wasn't going to happen. As much as he may have liked to be, he wasn't much of an influence in this woman's life aside from the fact they were sharing custody of a brat. Silently accepting that fact for perhaps the upteenth time and reasoning with himself, he prepared to move aside for her and go glare at Shanuh from a distance.
That was when the birds chose to reveal themselves, alighting on the other male's shoulder and one... Well, he hadn't noticed it was there until it pipped up, obviously in chorus with its fellow. It was a good thing he had a good enough control of his reactions or said bird might not have gotten such a nice reaction as a glimmer of surprise in his one visible eye. "Take care of 'em, eh?" It wasn't right to say that to an Italian- it meant something entirely different. Of course, that was only a passing thought. "... I dunno how to take care of a.. eh, bird. 'ey, is this supposed to be some ploy into buying a cage or somethin'? Sure, take the gaur or whatever for free but pay practical equivalent in... cages and bird whatevers."
Now he was suspicious, ready to just push past the guy, check the back real quick, then report back. But then there was Tsunake. He hadn't told Tsunake yet. Now he glanced over at the woman, questioning. Sure, he could cover the charge for the bird's cage if it really was some sort of scam (how oblivious he was). The bird actually... looked pretty nice. He really wouldn't mind a pet that his friends wouldn't try and shave when drunk. Absently, he clucked his tongue lightly, pale fingers twitching over the bird. He didn't bend, though, not willing to scare it off quite yet. "...Tsu?" He'd leave it up to her.
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Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 6:06 pm
A delicate flutter of wings and feathers--and then that damn bird landed on the guy's head. Her eyes narrowed sharply, if curiously, having never had any encouters with avians before. Her barbed gaze droppped sharply, fixing upon Shanuh with an air of suspicion. This was too easy. Something certainly wasn't right. "Pyrrhuloxia," The woman's tongue rolled over the word for a moment, glancing behind her to eye the slightly larger bird that had latched onto Nessy's pants. Birds didn't eat much, and she sure as hell wasn't going to buy a cage for it. If the creature flew off, then she was by no means responsible any longer--and she'd have a free meal for Alena. Her frosty gaze turned sly, evaluating the shopkeeper for a moment more.
Finesse spoke up, and a hostile glare was shot in his directions, bristling visibly. "It's a bird. You feed it, you give it fresh water--read a book." She snarled, not willing to let the man dash her chances of getting off easy, payment-wise. "I've got cages at home, Nessy." Her voice suddenly alterted, soothingly soft and threateningly sweet. "I'll give you one." And if that didn't make him shut up, she'd break his teeth. No, she didn't have any cages, but Shanuh didn't have to know that. Ever. Tsunake's hard stare seemed to soften slightly at his minstrations with the bird, and she scoffed, turning her attention back to the manager.
"Fine." One hand was brazenly extended towards the top of the man's head, though the silver-haired woman had to rise up on the balls of her feet to do so. "C'mere." Though the words themselves might have been harsh, she had murmured them almost demurely, her index and middlefinger pressed closely together to make a suitable perch--until she could hopefully draw the thing back to shoulder level. Maybe she'd like birds. Who knew? If it decided to ravage her fingers though, God help it...
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