Books! In every cranny and all the nooks.

[animated]

[ Bookstores are always interesting places, though this one is perhaps a bit moreso than most. Large, towering bookshelves stuffed with well-worn paperbacks, stacks of books in corners when they simply won't fit anywhere else. The forefront of the store actually features a pretty decent comic book section, making it an ideal place for crowds of teenage boys after school lets out. (The wouldn't dare visit during school hours if they were ditching, since the owner's been known to rat them out.)

Speaking of the owner, he's a little on the scrawny side, but not uneasy on the eyes. Making this a spot for teenaged girls as well, if only so they can giggle amongst each other and steal glances at the blond behind the counter.

But, being as it's the middle of the day on a weekday no less, said blond is tidying things up. He's got a rag and some Windex, and he's cleaning a large glass case in one corner of the shop. ]

Comments

[deceitfulness]

[Well.

Her grey eyes give him a quick once over and she tilts her head at him. There is... something about this girl. It's hard to pinpoint exactly. There's something like a subtle pull...

In any case she shrugs and replies.]

Mm. Is it okay if I look around for myself a bit?

[animated]

[ Well indeed.

That's really freaking weird actually, because Charlie himself is not attracted to women. At all.

He arches an eyebrow, but nods. ]

Sure. If you need a hand, just give me a holler.

[deceitfulness]

[She flashes him a bright smile (a smile that would send the weaker willed tripping)]

Thanks hon. I'll put you up to that!

[animated]

[ It just weirds Charlie out more than anything.

He goes back to cleaning the glass case- inside is an immaculately polished suit of armor with two blades strapped across its back, though it's clear it's largely just for show.

But, being as close to a high school as he is, he has a decent security system as well. With quick, small movements, he sketches out a little rune, ice blue lines trailing from his fingers, and the shop's various cameras begin to track her. ]

[deceitfulness]

[Ella's back tingles again. She felt that, but it was different from the magic she was used to. She doesn't bother to acknowledge the cameras though. She wasn't here to cause trouble!

Maybe. Even she couldn't guarantee it.]

Shake your groove thing, shake your groove thing!

[She sings to herself in a playful manner, not caring whether she's heard or not as her fingers trace over the spines of the books.]

[animated]

[ Pfft. He snorts a little at that. Weird though she was, at least she was having a good time?

It is then that a trio of boys walk in- high school seniors, apparently. Charlie gives them a look, but two of them scatter before he can ask them why they're not at school ]

[deceitfulness]

[At that she raises a brow and leans backwards to call out]

Ever the vigilant watcher of our youth hm?

[Of course it doesn't help that she looks like she's barely in college]

[animated]

[ Another snort ] Should I be asking you why you're not at school, too?

[deceitfulness]

Oh, please. I've been over school since forever.

[Seriously, after a century, school days seem so far away. At least she's educated to certain extent and she does keep adding to what she already knows. If only to make things convenient for herself of course.]

[animated]

Well, excuuuuuse me for asking.

[ He leaves the rag and the Windex on the counter, and wanders over to where she is. ]

This is the first time I've seen you around. New in town?

[deceitfulness]

Fairly new. I'm trying to meet up with someone.

But I don't mind making new friends either.

[animated]

[ He extends a hand, then! ] I'm Charlie. Charlie Maxwell.

[deceitfulness]

[She returns it (are her nails just long or are they kind of sharp??) and shakes]

Ella.

[animated]

[ One does prick him a but, and he frowns, but only for a second. ] Just "Ella"?

[deceitfulness]

[She shrugs as she pulls back her hand and inspects her nails]

What's wrong with just one name?

[animated]

Nothing. I was just wondering.

[deceitfulness]

Mm. Sometimes one name is enough to create a mystery worth pursuing.

[animated]

If you say so.

[deceitfulness]

How long have you had this book shop for?

[animated]

Eh, a few years. I inherited it from my folks.

[deceitfulness]

Interesting.

[She walks past him her eyes darting around and finally settling on one of the cameras]

Got any adult romances? My sisters need some reading material to keep themselves occupied.

[When they're not busy looking for a new meal of course]

[animated]

[ Again, he quirks a brow ]

Interesting family dynamic you have there. [ But regardless, he jerks a thumb towards a corner of the shop, in easy eyesight of the register. Yup, he like to keep an eye on those high school kids. ]

[deceitfulness]

[Gliding on over to the register and picking up a book or two, skimming some of the pages.]

Tell me, are you always so protective of this place?

[Might as well set things out on the table]

[animated]

... Pardon?

[deceitfulness]

That's some unique magic you have there. I mean, I literally felt my spine tingle once you got those cameras moving. I may be photogenic, but I'm a shy girl you know.

[Nope.]