Cameron had been walking for quite some time, feet almost dragging behind them as they try to scan for a shop. Rune had asked him to stop by for a copy of 'Good Omens' — They've heard of such a title, and Rune had been on a spree of finding every demon-related piece of media to make sure of its accuracy. So, he had disguised himself as a human and headed to downtown San Dimas in search for any shops that could have it in stock.
That's how she finds herself standing next to a bookshop, avoiding its windows, and heart about to beat out of zyr chest. Xe had caught a glimpse of the shopkeeper, and it felt like it was about to pass out.
[ @a-human-bookkeeper ]
Az, on the other hand, was having a completely normal day. Well, as normal as running a bookshop that opened fairly recently as a literal angel can be. Cam would not have any trouble spotting the shopkeeper, even if they were trying to hide from the decorated windows. They stood behind the counter currently, speaking cheerfully to a patron about whatever books they had selected. As the person pays and leaves, Az waves and wishes them a good day. As usual--it made vois so happy to help someone, especially when finding someone a new book to read.
Also as usual, once there was nobody there, Az had a quiet moment. They looked around (Cameron's Stealth of 22 > Az's Passive Perception of 21), and didn't spot anyone--so they conjured a cup of warm tea from under the table and set it down on the counter.
Cameron watches as the patron leaves the store, forcing his own racing heart still. It gives itself a moment, before taking a deep breath, and walking in.
She regrets it almost immediately, as the door shuts behind him. They sort of just.. stand there, completely lost on what to do in this shopkeeper's presence. The only thing going through their mind at that moment was; "Holy fucking shit theyre so pretty." and he did not want to make that thought known, nope nope nope nooo nope.
When the new patron enters the building, an almost angelic ringing comes from a bell above their head. It attracts the attention of Az Real, the shopkeeper, who had just taken a sip of the magically procured tea. They set it down and look over at the newcomer, who seemed awfully lost.
“Welcome in! Can I help you find anything?”
Az calls, walking around the counter to stand closer to the demon. With their natural True Sight, voi could tell that this person was disguised—but wouldn’t it be awfully rude to comment on that fact? They’d hate to pry.
"Uhh.."
Damnit! Curse their inability to speak normally in front of pretty people! He tries his best to not make it obvious that she was having the worst internal battle of xyr life.
"I-I'm looking for 'Good Omens', it's for a friend of mine. Do you happen to have that here?"
"Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch--by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman? Of course! Come with me."
They chirp, reciting the name of the book--a rather fun one--and then turning on their heel and walking further into the depths of the bookshop. Az doesn't walk very quickly, carefully looking around the bookshelves for the labeled section they were looking for. Despite, of course, the fact that Az knew this building like the back of vois hand--magically and physically.
"Although," they remark, "I wouldn't find it to be very realistic. Heaven and Hell couldn't operate like that." Az turns a corner, winking at Cameron.
"Oh-!"
Cameron quickly rushes to follow Az — despite vois' slow pace. They pretend to join in Az's search, looking at shelves and books as if they knew what the fuck she was doing. The way vois recited the name of the book was impressive, he'd decided.
As they speak again, her head turns to look back at vois, and he catches a glimpse of their wink. Xe almost misses the implication of their question.
She suddenly forgets how to breathe.
".. Yeah, I— uh.. Thanks for the warning, much appreciated. I'll let her know."
"Of course! Is this a gift for a friend?" Az remarks, entering the 'Urban Fantasy' section of the bookshop.
They scan through the G section of the shelves, and quickly find what voi was looking for. A copy of Good Omens by the two English writers--Misters Gaiman and Pratchett. Az carefully pulls it off the shelf and offers it to Cameron with both hands, like it was a sacred item.
"I'm sure they'll enjoy it, my friend. It's an exciting book, despite it's...impracticality. But you must pardon me for admitting that it's not my favorite of Mr. Gaiman's books," they add with a light shrug.
"It is! I'm sure they will."
They tentatively take the book from the Bookkeeper's hands, looking at the cover intently. It ponders over Az's comment, and they look up from their examination.
"Oh? Well, do you have any recommendations for me? I've been trying to read more of Gaiman's works, I just couldn't find any at my convenience. I'm already here, so.."
Az's face lights up--they were hoping Cameron would ask.
"Of course! Did you know that he also wrote Coraline? If you're looking for a longer read, there's the American Gods trilogy. His works are right here--" they reply, gesturing to Gaiman's section of the G shelf.
"He wrote Coraline?! I really need to pay attention to authors.."
He takes a glance over at the shelves and moves to take a few books with "Neil Gaiman" on the cover — From the 'American Gods' trilogy, to 'The Sleeper and the Spindle.' by the time he's done, they walk up to Az with an alarming amount of books.
".. I like reading. And your fact was more of an encouragement."
