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

[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.]

[animated]

[ WELL. Since they're dropping pretenses, the goofy twenty-something in him just vanishes, and he raises his eyebrows. ] You felt that? Interesting, though I suppose that was careless of me now that I think about it.

You have an interesting feel about you yourself.

[deceitfulness]

[She cocks her head and gives another disarming smile. She walks up to him, uncomfortably close]

I'm supposed to hon. I wouldn't be very good at what I am if I wasn't.

[And just for kicks she blows a puff of air on his ear before passing him]

[animated]

[ He bears this surprisingly straight-faced. ]

That doesn't tell me what you are.

[ he could close and lock the door with a thought if he had to, but he'd rather not ]

[deceitfulness]

[She turns around curious] Wow, you seriously can't tell?

[animated]

Call me dense if you want.

[deceitfulness]

Don't mind if I do. Usually I don't have to try... oh well.

I'm a succubus. Guess you haven't met many in your lifetime?

[animated]

Not really, but they tend to go for easier prey than me.

[deceitfulness]

[Laughs.] I can see that. You're still standing up pretty straight after all..

[animated]

You said my magic was different than what you're used to, correct? Maybe it's that.

Or maybe it's because I'm not, you know, straight.