Christian raised his eyebrows at the idea of improving on Jane Austen's work. "I think the author might take exception to that."
Reading the summary on the back of the book in Rowan's hand. It was a bizarre mix of the original story with the addition of gratuitous violence and fantasy monsters. He supposed it had appeal to the modern palette. Violence or sex seemed necessary for a story and perhaps adding sea monsters was the only way to get children to read a classic.
Raising his eyes to the redhead, he said.
"You'll have to tell me how it is when you are done reading it."
Stepping back out of the way, he moved to the side so he was not blocking their exit from the aisle. Christian returned his thoughtful gaze back to Pakpao who had not answered him earlier about the clocks.
This Is Literature?
The bookstore always felt like home to Pak, probably one too many years as a librarian. Some days she wished for that life again, it was quiet, more solitary, fewer emergencies. But then again the field was changing fast, look at how many libraries were closing how much was electronic. Apparently she was doomed to wind up living her life through a computer one way or another. At least she was a head of the curve this way.
But she wouldn't give up turning pages. Yes Kindles and the like were amazing and handy and useful and even kind of cute but they couldn't make her get one. She liked turning pages, the sound, the smell the feel of a book. Besides, what did you do if you dropped your Kindle in the bath?
As per usual Pak didn't know exactly what she was looking for when she started in, but she got it in her head to re-read Wuthering Heights. Picking that up she moved along a bit to Jane Austin. Pak was a closet Austin fan, it was just so pretentious and yuppy to read Austin these days, even if you did read it when it was first published. She was trying to remember which one she'd read most recently, probably Pride and Prejudice. Well, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, but it was close enough.
She was trying to peer around a red head without getting in the way or being obnoxious, hey she could do nice some times, when some one brushed passed her. Someone much bigger. Pak should have been prepared, Bao was trying to teach her that. But since she hadn't learned yet Pak wound up stumbling into the shelves, which wobbled just a bit. Just enough for a large heavy book to shake loose and start falling. Self preservation kicked in and Pak mentally grabbed it and stopped it. Shit she was going to do some fast talking if the red head saw it.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Pakpao
13 years ago
"Different is good?"
There was a clear question in her voice as Pak eyed Rowan curiously, he didn't look like a Sense and Sensibility sort of guy, a little rough around the edges for Austen. But it was never easy getting a feel for a vampire, you lived long enough and you tended to have layers. And layers and layers.
"I think she'd be all for it. She was very forward thinking and hardly her fault that in her time knowledge of zombies was rarely discussed and sea monsters certainly weren't polite conversation."
Of course, she noticed that Christian hadn't offered to read the book. She mentally shook her head. This was the first sign of getting old and stodgy. Maybe she could reprogram the elevators, that might perk him up a bit. And really it would be for his own good. A public service. And just for a night.
Catching Christian's subtle movement Pak wondered if he expected them to move on. She, however, had no intention of being the first person out and leaving her back vulnerable. She'd seen enough cop shows to know about that. Today it might be best if she was the last one out.
There was a clear question in her voice as Pak eyed Rowan curiously, he didn't look like a Sense and Sensibility sort of guy, a little rough around the edges for Austen. But it was never easy getting a feel for a vampire, you lived long enough and you tended to have layers. And layers and layers.
"I think she'd be all for it. She was very forward thinking and hardly her fault that in her time knowledge of zombies was rarely discussed and sea monsters certainly weren't polite conversation."
Of course, she noticed that Christian hadn't offered to read the book. She mentally shook her head. This was the first sign of getting old and stodgy. Maybe she could reprogram the elevators, that might perk him up a bit. And really it would be for his own good. A public service. And just for a night.
Catching Christian's subtle movement Pak wondered if he expected them to move on. She, however, had no intention of being the first person out and leaving her back vulnerable. She'd seen enough cop shows to know about that. Today it might be best if she was the last one out.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
"Both plausible reactions," Rowan said with a smile. "It's a shame we'll never know exactly what she would have thought."
He looked down at the two books. "For my part, I'll just take it for what it is and enjoy one of my favorite classics," he raised the original Austen, "and hopefully find some amusement from the fake Austen as well." He lifted the parody.
It was almost an unconscious effort for him to mediate, or at least choose neutral territory when in the face of potential conflict. It wasn't that Rowan had issues with taking sides but he didn't know either Christian or Pakpao very well. There could be some dynamic between them he was unaware of and he didn't want to shake the beehive, as it were.
He did nod at Christian. "I will." Rowan wasn't expecting to be blown away by the novel but he was highly amused at the idea of randomly sticking sea monsters into Austen's work. "I guess as far as imagination goes taking someone else's story and mucking it up isn't the most imaginative way to express yourself but," he shrugged. "Creativity is as creativity does."
Rowan did pause there, looking down at the parody, and said hopefully, "Maybe Willoughby gets eaten by the loch Ness monster."
As if that were the decision making factor Rowan nodded to himself and tucked the books together in one hand. Looking at Pakpao he said, "What were you trying to get before our unfortunate shelf-quake? Maybe I can retrieve it for you sans mishap."
He looked down at the two books. "For my part, I'll just take it for what it is and enjoy one of my favorite classics," he raised the original Austen, "and hopefully find some amusement from the fake Austen as well." He lifted the parody.
It was almost an unconscious effort for him to mediate, or at least choose neutral territory when in the face of potential conflict. It wasn't that Rowan had issues with taking sides but he didn't know either Christian or Pakpao very well. There could be some dynamic between them he was unaware of and he didn't want to shake the beehive, as it were.
He did nod at Christian. "I will." Rowan wasn't expecting to be blown away by the novel but he was highly amused at the idea of randomly sticking sea monsters into Austen's work. "I guess as far as imagination goes taking someone else's story and mucking it up isn't the most imaginative way to express yourself but," he shrugged. "Creativity is as creativity does."
Rowan did pause there, looking down at the parody, and said hopefully, "Maybe Willoughby gets eaten by the loch Ness monster."
As if that were the decision making factor Rowan nodded to himself and tucked the books together in one hand. Looking at Pakpao he said, "What were you trying to get before our unfortunate shelf-quake? Maybe I can retrieve it for you sans mishap."
Christian Bern
13 years ago
It would seem neither of them intended to leave the aisle that he had cleared. Perhaps he was disturbing a more intimate discussion than he had realized and they wanted him to move on so they could finish it without his company. Fainting as flirting? It certainly wouldn't be the first attempt to garner affection through the tugging on someone's nurturing instincts. He didn't think that had been Rowan's intention but Christian would admit that he had only met the man once before.
Pak seemed contrary to everything he said and Christian was beginning to wonder if she had problems with authority figures. Perhaps it was just her nature to counter every opinion or suggestion made by someone else or maybe she just didn't like him for some personal reason. He had not spoken to her often though so he wasn't sure how that was possible. He had asked her about the clocks but that was hardly a crime worth being upset over.
He nodded to Rowan. "I will be interested to hear your opinion. Perhaps we can read it for the book club if you deem it worthy."
They had not decided what they wanted to do with an outing, but the book club had been Rowan's suggestion. Christian did not take the idea terribly seriously but it was certainly preferred over bull riding.
"I will leave you both to your further perusal of literature and hope that no more books find their way off the shelf without assistance."
Casting one last look at Pakpao, Christian tapped the face of his watch, gestured towards his eyes and then pointed in her direction with the raise of his eyebrows. Turning on his heel, he moved away and headed to the counter and his Creator, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
((OOC: Christian out ))
Pak seemed contrary to everything he said and Christian was beginning to wonder if she had problems with authority figures. Perhaps it was just her nature to counter every opinion or suggestion made by someone else or maybe she just didn't like him for some personal reason. He had not spoken to her often though so he wasn't sure how that was possible. He had asked her about the clocks but that was hardly a crime worth being upset over.
He nodded to Rowan. "I will be interested to hear your opinion. Perhaps we can read it for the book club if you deem it worthy."
They had not decided what they wanted to do with an outing, but the book club had been Rowan's suggestion. Christian did not take the idea terribly seriously but it was certainly preferred over bull riding.
"I will leave you both to your further perusal of literature and hope that no more books find their way off the shelf without assistance."
Casting one last look at Pakpao, Christian tapped the face of his watch, gestured towards his eyes and then pointed in her direction with the raise of his eyebrows. Turning on his heel, he moved away and headed to the counter and his Creator, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
((OOC: Christian out ))
Pakpao
13 years ago
Thoughts of Mr. Peabody and his Way Back Machine floated through Pak's mind, but she kept them to herself uncertain if any one would appreciate them.
"It is more of an Austen collaboration."
She chimed in helpfully instead.
It seemed like a perfectly legitimate creative endeavor to her, although it seemed like Nessy didn't qualify as a sea monster, she did live in a lake after all. She'd think about that a bit, it might keep her from reprogramming the elevators or switching MARI's language interface to pig Latin
Hmmmm... did MARI know pig Latin? Pak would check on that later.
Book club? What book club? Not that she would be a very good participant but it might be more fun to read a book when the other people shared the same historical frame of reference you did. She frowned, it hadn't been her intention to chase Christian off.
She did her best not to look guilty when he mentioned things falling off the shelves, and that was a good thing because he was back to the clocks. Letting her eyes go wide she shook her head and shrugged in a universal, "I have -no- idea what you are talking about" way. She didn't know if he bought it or not though.
"I was thinking about re-reading Pride and Prejudice actually. Or trying Dracula or Wuthering Heights. I hadn't quite made up my mind."
"It is more of an Austen collaboration."
She chimed in helpfully instead.
It seemed like a perfectly legitimate creative endeavor to her, although it seemed like Nessy didn't qualify as a sea monster, she did live in a lake after all. She'd think about that a bit, it might keep her from reprogramming the elevators or switching MARI's language interface to pig Latin
Hmmmm... did MARI know pig Latin? Pak would check on that later.
Book club? What book club? Not that she would be a very good participant but it might be more fun to read a book when the other people shared the same historical frame of reference you did. She frowned, it hadn't been her intention to chase Christian off.
She did her best not to look guilty when he mentioned things falling off the shelves, and that was a good thing because he was back to the clocks. Letting her eyes go wide she shook her head and shrugged in a universal, "I have -no- idea what you are talking about" way. She didn't know if he bought it or not though.
"I was thinking about re-reading Pride and Prejudice actually. Or trying Dracula or Wuthering Heights. I hadn't quite made up my mind."
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan nodded at Pak's compromise. Sure, he could call it a collaboration. He wasn't the argumentative sort. He laughed softly at Christian's reference to the book club; he'd been joking at the time it had come up and Christian didn't seem the gullible sort. He decided it was yet another taste of the dry humor he'd observed already. However, if the blond was actually interested in Rowan's opinion, Rowan would give it.
"Well, I think I have enough to tide me over," he said, bidding farewell to Christian as he turned to go. "I'm going to root for Nessie."
Pakpao mentioned Pride and Prejudice so Rowan turned back to Austen's section and reached up for the book she had indicated; it was up on the top shelf. He retrieved it and handed it to her.
"Just in case it did have the urge to... fall." He said it with a smile, his sparkling eyes showing that he knew full well who had been responsible for their earlier 'accident.'
"Well, I think I have enough to tide me over," he said, bidding farewell to Christian as he turned to go. "I'm going to root for Nessie."
Pakpao mentioned Pride and Prejudice so Rowan turned back to Austen's section and reached up for the book she had indicated; it was up on the top shelf. He retrieved it and handed it to her.
"Just in case it did have the urge to... fall." He said it with a smile, his sparkling eyes showing that he knew full well who had been responsible for their earlier 'accident.'
Pakpao
13 years ago
You should always root for the underdog, or undermonster as the case may be. But Pak didn't think they'd change the ending quite that much.
Lord she was going to wear out her innocent look at this rate, at least it might work on Rowan, he didn't know her. Probably not even by reputation and that was a good thing.
"I suppose a joke about earth quakes is in bad taste just now."
Pak figured it would be at least six months before it would be an acceptable topic again.
But he was smiling so she took that as a positive.
"Glad you recovered from your... concussion was it?"
She asked with an arched eyebrow. Pak wasn't at all sure what to make of this guy. He seemed like a good egg though, reminded her of some of her programers actually.
"New in town? Or just antisocial?"
Actually, she was the antisocial one but there was no need to point that out just yet. He could take responsibility, she'd let him.
Lord she was going to wear out her innocent look at this rate, at least it might work on Rowan, he didn't know her. Probably not even by reputation and that was a good thing.
"I suppose a joke about earth quakes is in bad taste just now."
Pak figured it would be at least six months before it would be an acceptable topic again.
But he was smiling so she took that as a positive.
"Glad you recovered from your... concussion was it?"
She asked with an arched eyebrow. Pak wasn't at all sure what to make of this guy. He seemed like a good egg though, reminded her of some of her programers actually.
"New in town? Or just antisocial?"
Actually, she was the antisocial one but there was no need to point that out just yet. He could take responsibility, she'd let him.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
"Very bad," Rowan agreed, nodding at Pak. "Might need to give that one a year or so."
He felt around on his head when she asked after his health. "It seems like the swelling may have gone down," he said with a grin at the double meaning. "Your kind consideration warms my cold undead heart, though."
The idea that he might be considered antisocial made him laugh, and explained the source of his amusement to Pakpao. "That's one thing I've never been accused of. I'm new here. I've been here a couple weeks."
He looked at the much shorter woman, tucking his somewhat disheveled hair behind his ears. "How about yourself? You seem to have some interesting friends. Are you the tower troublemaker?"
It was a reasonable guess based on her interaction with Christian. He didn't know what Christian did either, but as he'd noted before it was clearly something with authority.
He felt around on his head when she asked after his health. "It seems like the swelling may have gone down," he said with a grin at the double meaning. "Your kind consideration warms my cold undead heart, though."
The idea that he might be considered antisocial made him laugh, and explained the source of his amusement to Pakpao. "That's one thing I've never been accused of. I'm new here. I've been here a couple weeks."
He looked at the much shorter woman, tucking his somewhat disheveled hair behind his ears. "How about yourself? You seem to have some interesting friends. Are you the tower troublemaker?"
It was a reasonable guess based on her interaction with Christian. He didn't know what Christian did either, but as he'd noted before it was clearly something with authority.
Pakpao
13 years ago
Pak raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly at his word games. But she played straight, mostly.
"Good, cause I don't have any ice. And the food court... is a bit far."
She didn't think any one really remembered the squirt gun incident and it wasn't like she had been ban or anything. After all she hadn't hurt anything, just stirred things up a little.
Impulsively she stuck her tongue out at Rowan. It was a gesture she usually reserved for very close friends.
Ah, fresh meat, that could be fun. It had been a long time since she'd moved had to start over. In a wired sort of way Pak missed that.
"Well... welcome then. Er.... no, not really."
There was more than one trouble maker, but she didn't feel the need to enlighten Rowan on that point, he could learn like everyone else.
"Christian?" Pak gave a very surprised blink. Truthfully he scared her just a little, maybe not scared, but intimidated at the very least. "I mean... he... I might have... well we've run into each other a few times."
"Good, cause I don't have any ice. And the food court... is a bit far."
She didn't think any one really remembered the squirt gun incident and it wasn't like she had been ban or anything. After all she hadn't hurt anything, just stirred things up a little.
Impulsively she stuck her tongue out at Rowan. It was a gesture she usually reserved for very close friends.
Ah, fresh meat, that could be fun. It had been a long time since she'd moved had to start over. In a wired sort of way Pak missed that.
"Well... welcome then. Er.... no, not really."
There was more than one trouble maker, but she didn't feel the need to enlighten Rowan on that point, he could learn like everyone else.
"Christian?" Pak gave a very surprised blink. Truthfully he scared her just a little, maybe not scared, but intimidated at the very least. "I mean... he... I might have... well we've run into each other a few times."
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan nodded in agreement, playing along. "I'm not sure I could walk that far anyway. I'm still very weak."
He looked anything but, standing there casually with his books. He was fine with that. When Pakpao stuck her tongue out at him he was a little taken aback by the gesture, not sure how exactly it was meant. He chuckled though, because Rowan generally didn't take offense when laughter would suffice, in any situation.
Pakpao claimed not to be the troublemaker and then appeared very surprised when Rowan called Christian her friend. Rowan didn't understand why that should upset her so.
"He seems like a nice guy," Rowan said, looking over in the direction the man in question had gone. "Hardly the fear-inspiring type. He works here?"
Meridian was full of people who both lived there and worked at Liefde. "You too? Do you work at Meridian as well?"
Rowan was genuinely curious. Both of his new neighbors worked here as well. Nice people. One was a fellow vampire; the other was a familiar. Rowan wasn't used to having so many clanmates in one place. Granted, they weren't exactly a dime a dozen even in Nachton but the places he'd been recently, Rowan had been the only one around. It was nice to have company.
He looked anything but, standing there casually with his books. He was fine with that. When Pakpao stuck her tongue out at him he was a little taken aback by the gesture, not sure how exactly it was meant. He chuckled though, because Rowan generally didn't take offense when laughter would suffice, in any situation.
Pakpao claimed not to be the troublemaker and then appeared very surprised when Rowan called Christian her friend. Rowan didn't understand why that should upset her so.
"He seems like a nice guy," Rowan said, looking over in the direction the man in question had gone. "Hardly the fear-inspiring type. He works here?"
Meridian was full of people who both lived there and worked at Liefde. "You too? Do you work at Meridian as well?"
Rowan was genuinely curious. Both of his new neighbors worked here as well. Nice people. One was a fellow vampire; the other was a familiar. Rowan wasn't used to having so many clanmates in one place. Granted, they weren't exactly a dime a dozen even in Nachton but the places he'd been recently, Rowan had been the only one around. It was nice to have company.
Pakpao
13 years ago
"As far as I know him he is good."
Good, of course, was differant than nice Pak did't know him well enough to judge nice.
"He's in security."
Let Rowan dwell on that for a while, she thought. Maybe that was why Christian was so intimidating, while he didn't look it he was undoubtedly good at his job, and Pak didn't think he just watched video monitors all day.
She nodded an affermative to his question.
"Yup I'm in IT."
Both living and working in the towers, if it wasn't for having to hunt Pak could spend days without seeing the outside world. She should work on that.
"And you don't work here. So what do you do."
She would have seen the user set up if he did. Well if he was high level, she didn't see them all. OK she was mostly bluffing with that stament but it seemed like a good bluff.
((OOC... please forgive speling and format this is a phone post...))
Good, of course, was differant than nice Pak did't know him well enough to judge nice.
"He's in security."
Let Rowan dwell on that for a while, she thought. Maybe that was why Christian was so intimidating, while he didn't look it he was undoubtedly good at his job, and Pak didn't think he just watched video monitors all day.
She nodded an affermative to his question.
"Yup I'm in IT."
Both living and working in the towers, if it wasn't for having to hunt Pak could spend days without seeing the outside world. She should work on that.
"And you don't work here. So what do you do."
She would have seen the user set up if he did. Well if he was high level, she didn't see them all. OK she was mostly bluffing with that stament but it seemed like a good bluff.
((OOC... please forgive speling and format this is a phone post...))
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
"Mmm." Rowan nodded, making a soft noise of affirmation. Well, that explained the suit and the earpiece. And, the way Pakpao said it, Rowan didn't think Christian was Mall security. He filed the information away and resolved not to break any rules. Not that he tended to do so, in spite of his rebel-like appearance. Rowan wasn't a particularly disorderly sort.
He raised his eyebrows at Pakpao. "IT, that sounds interesting. So you get to play computer games all night?" He grinned at her, fairly certain that wouldn't be the case.
She so quickly pegged his as a non-Tower employee that he regarded her once again in surprise. "You sure you aren't security too?"
What did she do, read his profile or something? He had a profile right? Didn't all of them? Shrugging to himself he simply answered her question.
"I'm a doctor. A pediatrician. I have a job working nights at the hospital clinic. It's a little hectic some nights. Most nights, I guess. But it keeps me out of trouble."
He raised his eyebrows at Pakpao. "IT, that sounds interesting. So you get to play computer games all night?" He grinned at her, fairly certain that wouldn't be the case.
She so quickly pegged his as a non-Tower employee that he regarded her once again in surprise. "You sure you aren't security too?"
What did she do, read his profile or something? He had a profile right? Didn't all of them? Shrugging to himself he simply answered her question.
"I'm a doctor. A pediatrician. I have a job working nights at the hospital clinic. It's a little hectic some nights. Most nights, I guess. But it keeps me out of trouble."
Pakpao
13 years ago
"That depends on your definition of game I suppose."
Pak thought she played games, just on a pretty high level and that most people wouldn't understand or think was fun. But everyone had their quirks.
She grinned at his surprise, it sort of made her feel .... good. Like the Great and Powerful Oz or some shit.
"I could tell you or I could invite you to a poker game... your call really."
It hadn't been fancy, a little bit of luck and a little but of guess and a little bit of knowing how many people were coming into the company. That was all.
Pak took in the longish red hair and the piercings and raised an eyebrow. This was a pediatrician? Well he certainly wasn't playing to the stereotype. Good for him?
It was a good idea though, maybe she should have thought about it, but as the years went by her feelings toward children became more mixed. Although, finding out hers had survived made Pak warm and fuzzy and oddly enough less leery of other kids. She didn't feel like such a failure as a mother, even if she hadn't been the one to raise them.
"Impressive. I wouldn't have thought about doing anything like that."
Pak thought she played games, just on a pretty high level and that most people wouldn't understand or think was fun. But everyone had their quirks.
She grinned at his surprise, it sort of made her feel .... good. Like the Great and Powerful Oz or some shit.
"I could tell you or I could invite you to a poker game... your call really."
It hadn't been fancy, a little bit of luck and a little but of guess and a little bit of knowing how many people were coming into the company. That was all.
Pak took in the longish red hair and the piercings and raised an eyebrow. This was a pediatrician? Well he certainly wasn't playing to the stereotype. Good for him?
It was a good idea though, maybe she should have thought about it, but as the years went by her feelings toward children became more mixed. Although, finding out hers had survived made Pak warm and fuzzy and oddly enough less leery of other kids. She didn't feel like such a failure as a mother, even if she hadn't been the one to raise them.
"Impressive. I wouldn't have thought about doing anything like that."
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan shrugged. "Why define it?"
A game could be anything to anyone. Rowan wasn't going to redefine the word here and now.
He did smile at the idea of poker. "Poker sounds great," he said. It was a good game. Rowan wasn't horribly interested in gambling, himself, but he had a rather extensive background when it came to hustling, card tricks, and particularly games that required bluffing and confidence. Given his abilities and skills in that area, he rarely lost.
The look on Pakpao's face as she took in his appearance was not an uncommon reaction. He returned her curious stare with a bemused one of his own, which turned into a puzzled one.
"I did it because I like it," he said with a shrug and a smile. "I get along with kids. They're not as scary as most people seem to think."
A game could be anything to anyone. Rowan wasn't going to redefine the word here and now.
He did smile at the idea of poker. "Poker sounds great," he said. It was a good game. Rowan wasn't horribly interested in gambling, himself, but he had a rather extensive background when it came to hustling, card tricks, and particularly games that required bluffing and confidence. Given his abilities and skills in that area, he rarely lost.
The look on Pakpao's face as she took in his appearance was not an uncommon reaction. He returned her curious stare with a bemused one of his own, which turned into a puzzled one.
"I did it because I like it," he said with a shrug and a smile. "I get along with kids. They're not as scary as most people seem to think."
Pakpao
13 years ago
Huh, now she was going to have to find a game, because damned if she was going to let this pirate out bluff her. Pak wondered who she knew that played poker, it had never really come up. She'd ask around.
"I'll keep you posted then."
Although, she figured that he would forget her and her offer fairly soon. That, however, was just fine with her. Pak was happiest semi invisible, fewer people to expect things from you.
Apparently a lot of people gave him the once over after finding out his occupation, but Pak didn't apologize. She just gave a shrug, acknowledging what she'd done yet at the same time dismissing it.
No, she wasn't going to mention her own children. That was a tightly held secret. Kem knew about them, probably Aishe by default, and her maker that was is. Her son's voice popped into her head and said something about her being ashamed of them. She only shook her head.
"I'll explain later."
Usually she managed to answer her children non-verbally, but occasionally, she forgot and spoke aloud. Tonight, she didn't even notice she'd done it.
"Some how I think once they get over your appearance they might think you were cool."
She said with a small grin. Of course, he might scare some of them too. But no one was perfect.
"I'll keep you posted then."
Although, she figured that he would forget her and her offer fairly soon. That, however, was just fine with her. Pak was happiest semi invisible, fewer people to expect things from you.
Apparently a lot of people gave him the once over after finding out his occupation, but Pak didn't apologize. She just gave a shrug, acknowledging what she'd done yet at the same time dismissing it.
No, she wasn't going to mention her own children. That was a tightly held secret. Kem knew about them, probably Aishe by default, and her maker that was is. Her son's voice popped into her head and said something about her being ashamed of them. She only shook her head.
"I'll explain later."
Usually she managed to answer her children non-verbally, but occasionally, she forgot and spoke aloud. Tonight, she didn't even notice she'd done it.
"Some how I think once they get over your appearance they might think you were cool."
She said with a small grin. Of course, he might scare some of them too. But no one was perfect.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
"Please do," Rowan said with a smile. He would look forward to a friendly poker game. So long as it was friendly. Rowan had particular views on gambling. Sure, he'd do it. And he'd win, often. But given how he'd met his own Creator Henri, he couldn't think particularly well of it as a hobby. As an amusement however, he was all for it.
Pakpao shrugged and muttered something in a foreign language Rowan didn't recognize. It didn't worry him. Her next words made him laugh though. He grinned back and shook his head, red hair fanning about his face. "It's not the kids who seem to care," he said. "Mostly it's the parents who do a double take. You'd be surprised at how few prejudices children have. They don't pick those up until later in life."
He shrugged. He wasn't a child psychiatrist but he'd seen plenty of interesting things and made his own observations over the decades. His appearance didn't bother him any; if it did, he could easily remove his piercings. As it was he had used a tiny bit of suggestion at work to ensure he received no criticism for his blatant disregard for the dress code. While he was at it he'd bent the rules a little for the rest of the dress code. Seemed the clinic board expected their doctors to wear suits and ties and white coats. The coat, Rowan didn't so much mind. But he refused to wear a dress shirt and slacks when scrubs were far more practical. He was a doctor to be a doctor, not to look like a lawyer.
While he was thinking on that he gestured to Pakpao, allowing her to move out of the aisle if she wanted. Rowan had his books; he was going to pay for them and, hopefully, enjoy a little reading time before he turned into a pumpkin.
Pakpao shrugged and muttered something in a foreign language Rowan didn't recognize. It didn't worry him. Her next words made him laugh though. He grinned back and shook his head, red hair fanning about his face. "It's not the kids who seem to care," he said. "Mostly it's the parents who do a double take. You'd be surprised at how few prejudices children have. They don't pick those up until later in life."
He shrugged. He wasn't a child psychiatrist but he'd seen plenty of interesting things and made his own observations over the decades. His appearance didn't bother him any; if it did, he could easily remove his piercings. As it was he had used a tiny bit of suggestion at work to ensure he received no criticism for his blatant disregard for the dress code. While he was at it he'd bent the rules a little for the rest of the dress code. Seemed the clinic board expected their doctors to wear suits and ties and white coats. The coat, Rowan didn't so much mind. But he refused to wear a dress shirt and slacks when scrubs were far more practical. He was a doctor to be a doctor, not to look like a lawyer.
While he was thinking on that he gestured to Pakpao, allowing her to move out of the aisle if she wanted. Rowan had his books; he was going to pay for them and, hopefully, enjoy a little reading time before he turned into a pumpkin.
Pakpao
13 years ago
She really hoped that Rowan forgot, especially as she had no idea who to ask to such a game. Maybe she'd be better of with a book club, it had been some years since she'd played poker.
She grinned, it was hard not to he had such an open cheerful smile. It sort of reminded her of Eiryk in an odd sort of way.
"Good, I mean that is a positive thing. I wish they could stay so open minded."
Taking his gesture as more or less the end of the conversation Pak slipped by him with her books in hand. She really hadn't meant to slow him up, just throw a book at his head. And even that had only been meant as a quick lesson.
"I suppose I should get going... it was nice meeting you."
Pak offered her hand, rather pleased to have run into him.
(OOC... out pending response))
She grinned, it was hard not to he had such an open cheerful smile. It sort of reminded her of Eiryk in an odd sort of way.
"Good, I mean that is a positive thing. I wish they could stay so open minded."
Taking his gesture as more or less the end of the conversation Pak slipped by him with her books in hand. She really hadn't meant to slow him up, just throw a book at his head. And even that had only been meant as a quick lesson.
"I suppose I should get going... it was nice meeting you."
Pak offered her hand, rather pleased to have run into him.
(OOC... out pending response))
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan lifted one shoulder noncommittally. "Sometimes they do. Sometimes, mom and dad inflict their prejudices and there's no turning back. Nothing to be done for it."
Rowan's somewhat neutral personality came through there; how he would raise a child was of no relevance since he could not have one. So it was hardly right for him to criticize how people did so themselves.
He shook Pakpao's hand, waiting behind her as she paid for her book, and then did the same with a friendly smile to Grisha, the man who apparently might or might not want some more excitement in his bookstore.
That done, Rowan headed back to his apartment to find out if Willoughby did, indeed, meet his maker through Nessie.
((ooc: Rowan out))
Rowan's somewhat neutral personality came through there; how he would raise a child was of no relevance since he could not have one. So it was hardly right for him to criticize how people did so themselves.
He shook Pakpao's hand, waiting behind her as she paid for her book, and then did the same with a friendly smile to Grisha, the man who apparently might or might not want some more excitement in his bookstore.
That done, Rowan headed back to his apartment to find out if Willoughby did, indeed, meet his maker through Nessie.
((ooc: Rowan out))