Secret Lives (Taken)

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This was a strange turn of events for him, usually Brandon ate dinner alone at this very table. Whatever he'd decided to make for himself or brought home from the store. It had been a rather lonely thing for him, his friends had lives and families of their own which meant that unless he wanted to impose he would sit here alone. What had he done during the night? Reading or tinkering with this or that, it all seemed a distant memory because of the fact that she was here.

"Now that sound like a great day," emphasis reflected in his voice as he thought about times when he'd taken the day off to just go enjoy time with some of his close friends. He nodded as she talked about helping around the store and talking, getting to know one another. It seemed Aeroa was quickly making a few friends in town. That was good and something that everyone needed to do sometimes.

She asked him about engagement rings, he nodded and smiled, "Yes there were a few engagement rings," he then stopped for a moment a serious look taking over as he stared across the table. "You've been interested in engagement rings, hmm? Do you have someone in mind?" He tried to keep it up but failed miserably and just began to laugh. Taking another few bites he looked across at her, "A couple of buyers came by today and one of my jewelers brought in a special piece. Quite an expensive one but it will find a good home I'm sure of it." His thoughts were on the pendant he'd gotten for her, he felt like it fit her. It wasn't overly dramatic but simple, elegant, he was sure he knew what she'd say. That she didn't deserve such a thing but all the girls at the festival would be wearing one.
 
It was simple, having dinner at Brandon's house. At her house. That was what it was, wasn't it? Had he invited her into his home, for it to remain as such? Or was she actually making this her home as well? She lived there, but, did that mean it was hers as well? Aeroa couldn't figure out the mystery it seemed to be for her. It was a puzzle a complex one, one that she wasn't really sure how it worked. The laws for it, the manners, the normal ways of life for the normal people. And upon pondering all of this, Aeroa remembered just how different she was. She was beginning to miss the great outdoors, the sounds of the birds, the animals that scampered by. The talk of the tree, the hum of the plants, the whispers of the clouds. She was missing out on in in this habitat.

Aeroa was surprised, "Oh, no. I didn't mean it as so." She began, "I just. That was what you mentioned yesterday.. and.." But before she could finished Brandon burst into laughter. Apparently he was just teasing her again. "Oh." She said, a small smile and blush crossing her face, and she began to laugh too. She laughed at how she reacted, how he tried to tease but failed, and the whole situation. It was a light laugh, hearty and yet soft.

"A special piece? How so?" She asked, "You're good at finding home for stray things." She added, smiling, looking at Brandon, trying to catch a peak into those eyes of his. They were always so full of life around her, she enjoyed it. But she enjoyed Brandon's presence altogether, how he smiled, his laugh, his comments, his grace. How he handled and carried himself. How he dealt with people. Everything about him was peculiar. But, Aeroa believed she was probably the most peculiar, there was no doubt in that. It was obvious.
 
She seemed genuinely curious about this little pendant piece but he wanted to keep it a secret, especially from her, he'd surprise her right before they went to the festival. It didn't take much for him to imagine it on her, it matched her eyes beautifully and yet. He'd choose her eyes over that sapphire anyway. They had a heart, a glow, all their own. "It's for a special person, simple and yet beautiful. It was done at a special request so it will find it's way to a good home." With that he finished his dinner and smiled, nodding satisfactorily as he patted his stomach. "Excellent, thank you so much Aeroa."

She had said something about being able to find a home for stray things, perhaps she meant herself as well as the jewelry or artwork. "I don't find homes for these things." He waited for her to finish the meal and then stood up, gathering his plate and then hers he smiled. "You see, I don't find a home for them because I can't force them to stay or go. I just help people to see what's actually there, right in front of them..." looking at her he chose his next words carefully because they applied to both the art and Aeroa. "They are beautiful in their own right." Of course he sold art but it was beautiful and made it's own impression on people's souls. His job was simply to help people see the beauty that lay within.

Carrying the dishes into the kitchen he began to wash them off, they should probably head to bed soon. It would be a very long day, the festival usually lasted well after midnight. Dancing and music would fill the air. He was anxious and nervous to go with Aeroa and yet he felt calm about it as well. Like it was the right thing to do he just hoped he didn't mess it up somehow.
 
"Well, it is my job." Aeroa commented as Brandon stood up. Her response was a tad delayed, but it was still fitting. And when Brandon took her plate, "Isn't that my job too?" She asked, laughing. "Thank you."

Aeroa thought about the things that Brandon had said about finding homes for things. But it was true you couldn't give something a home, sometimes it was unwanted. Sometimes the humble abode, or delicate dwelling would be refused. How odd, she thought to refuse such a lovely little place. A home after-all, seemed to be quite a wonderful thing. She thought about how he described that it was for a special person, simple and yet beautiful. She tried to imagine what it looked like in her head, but nothing seemed accurate enough. How his job must have been full of such beautiful pieces of art an jewelry, elegant, and exquisite. She followed Brandon in as he washed off the dishes, she felt like she should be doing that instead, but she let him.

"Well," Aeroa began with a yawn. "I want to go in to your work with you.." She hesitated, "One day, that is. To see what you do first-hand, to see the beautiful pieces that you do. To walk in your shoes for a day." She said, smiling. It had been a long day, working and visiting Karon, it seemed like such a simple day, but it was exhausting, because the thought that lingered in her subconscious was the festival tomorrow. And each time she let it venture into her consciousness she began to feel nervous, and anxious. It was going to be an experience.
 
Looking over at her she seemed as tired as he felt and yet she still found it in her to come into the kitchen with him and keep him company while he did the dishes. He smiled and nodded, "Yes, well your job or not I'm used to doing it. I've lived by myself for so long I'm not sure what a servant is supposed to do anymore." It was true, Brandon didn't have much experience with having a servant, he'd observed them in other's homes and knew roughly what they accomplished but he'd never had one himself. And to be truthful, Aeroa wasn't much of a servant either, more of a friend which helped out around the house while he was away at work.

"How about tomorrow?" He said in response to her asking to come to work with him, "It will be a short day with everyone wanting to get to the festival in the evening. We can go by Karon's on our way home, come back get changed, and then head to the festival." The idea was completely off the top of his head but as he quickly realized, subconsciously he couldn't be away from her for very long it seemed. "You'll get to see my little store and all of the fine art of the city. Besides, I could use the help. The shop tends to get pretty busy before the festival, last minute gifts and things."

Once he'd finished the dishes he turned around to face her and leaned against the counter just looking at her for a moment. "Of course, I'll need to know what you know about art if you're going to sell it. Or if you'd be more comfortable selling jewelry I'll need to know if you can tell silver from gold and the rarity of gems." He waited for another moment, where had this all come from? "I'm sorry, I can't help myself sometimes... I'll try to stop teasing you so much."
 
Aeroa was a tad surprised, she wasn't expecting him to suggest tomorrow. It seemed so close, "Okay. Sounds like fun." She said, and when he continued on about having to know things about his work she hesitated, almost a deer in the headlights look flashed across her face. And she shook her head, when he confessed he was just teasing, she gave a small smile. "You tend to do that a lot, it's okay. I don't mind."

It was fine, Aeroa was used to being teased, she knew it was from a feeling of affection, and thinking about it made her smile. Maybe Karon was right, maybe Brandon liked her. Maybe that's why he spent so much money on her, was constantly fixing himself and seemed to be so happy around her. It was interesting thinking about it. Someone liking her. Not just someone. Him. Brandon. Aeroa shook her head once again, he was wealthy, he was of a whole different world, he was just being friendly. People like that didn't like each other. They fought, that's what wars were over, right? Differences. But Brandon wasn't like them.. He was different.

Aeroa yawned once again, feeling the tiredness tug at her eyes. The day had been long, simple but long. And tomorrow seemed like a giant plan that just towered over her, and that itself was tiring. She would need to be well rested for the day that approached. "I'm sorry. I'm going to go ahead and head up to bed? If that's okay?" She asked as she moved toward her room. "Oh, will you please wake me when we need to leave?" She asked, she knew she usually slept a little later than him, so she wasn't sure when to be up. She didn't want to be rude, but if he didn't want her to go she figured, he would say something, and she would just stop and return to him. It was going to be straight face-first into the bed once she got up to her room. Sleep would be inviting. She didn't have time to worry about those men, and hopefully with all the plans for tomorrow she would dream about it instead of a nightmare.
 
Brandon watched as she began to go and then realized something, "Hold on," he said before stepping forward. He waited for her to stop before he walked forward and smiled. "I'll head up with you. I'm pretty tired as well and we have a long day tomorrow." Looking over at her he stuck his arm out so that she could take hold once more. It wasn't just the wanting to take her or that he was tired, it was her. She seemed to be the reason he was doing a lot these days. "Also I forgot to say goodnight."

With that they headed upstairs and Brandon dropped her off at her room once more, this time he didn't wait awkwardly at her door because he knew that they both needed and wanted some sleep. "Goodnight Aeroa, pleasant dream." He said with a smile and then disappeared into his room. Looking down at his arm where she had been he realized that he felt a little strange. Alone almost. It was an odd feeling because he felt like he hadn't been alone in awhile. Normally he liked to be alone in the evenings but there was a whole world of things to do with Aeroa around. It would also be nice to have someone at the shop with him to help with the gifts. She'd need to be taught a few things but with a smile like hers he figured she'd do fine. Though there was the issue of her being shy, that wasn't the best sales tactic. He laughed a moment as he walked to his bed and tucked in for the night.

Waking up the next morning right on time he slipped out of his bed and walked over to his closet once more. Taking his normal business suit down he began to dress. Taking his cane he checked himself in the mirror hoping that he looked alright so early in the morning. He'd never really cared before now but he needed to go wake Aeroa up. Walking across to her room he knocked softly on the door. "Aeroa? Aeroa? You wanted me to wake you up. We have plenty of time so get dressed and come downstairs, I'll wait for you."
 
Aeroa had waited when Brandon said hold on. "Okay." She said softly. She glanced back and he was walking up towards her. Brandon looked at her and stuck his arm out to escort her. She smiled and took it, she put her other hand on his shoulder. Tempted to rest her head there as they walked, but she knew taking the sitars like that would be difficult. Once at the door Aeroa released his arm and stepped into her room.

"Good night Brandon." She said with a smile,and closed the door after he walked away. She walked over to the balcony and looked out over the city. It was buzzing with the same light and joy that it usually was, it was such a quaint little place, she would be there tomorrow. Aeroa walked back inside and slipped into Brandon's old shirt to sleep in. She laid down in bed and waited until she was greeted with sleep. It would be pleasant. It would take her from this tiring day to a hopeful, eventful and fun day tomorrow. She would have to remember that she needed to be up a little earlier.

Aeroa was awoken by a soft pat on the door, and her name. When she opened her eyes the sun seemed to just be waking up as well. Aeroa walked over to her closet, seeing the clothing that was there. She decided what to wear, a simple dark blue blouse and a dark grey pair of pants. It seemed to be the most professional looking clothing she had. She slipped it on and yawned before walking over to the balcony. There was the smell of fresh air, the birds chirping. It made AEroa want to go on a really long walk, spend a whole day walking. She almost felt home-sick, but there was no home to want to be at. Instead she wanted the usual welcoming of the animals, the air, the insects, the smells, the textures. She wanted the forest, or an open plain. Aeroa shook her head. Being around Brandon seemed to change that. Make her appreciate being in the city. Make her want to stay.

Aeroa walked downstairs, Brandon had said that he would be waiting for her there. But she first slipped into the kitchen to grab two apples, one for herself, and one for Brandon. And then walked into the main-room that she expected Brandon to be at.
 
Brandon stood in the front entrance of his home waiting for Aeroa to make her way down for the day. Wondering what she'd be wearing to go to work that day, it was an interesting thought for him. He laughed a little as he imagined her coming down in one of his shirts. In a way it had been rather cute to see her in one of his old shirt, the way it hung on her petite frame. At the same time her other choices in clothing were great as well. When he finally saw her she was wearing a blue blouse and a pair of pants, it was a good look for her. The blue definitely brought out the fact that her hair was silver and as she made her way down the stair.

Before he could say anything she had turned and gone into the kitchen, for a moment he was curious and then he remembered that he hadn't grabbed any breakfast that morning either. Before he could make his way over to the kitchen however it seemed that Aeroa had already thought about his needs and had brought an apple for him. He took it, "Thank you Aeroa, I almost forgot my breakfast." With that he took a bite of the apple and they left for the day. He escorted her down the streets towards the center of town taking his normal route when out of the corner of his eye he noticed an old woman.

She came out of her store and crossed the street in front of them, her eyes met Brandon's and he just smiled as the woman approached. "So this is the young beauty that my grandson talks so highly of." Brandon stopped in his tracks and blushed lightly wondering why Granny Sophie was going to spill the secrets of their conversation a day earlier. "I can see why my dear..."

"Aeroa, this is Granny Sophie, Granny this is Aeroa," he announced so that both of them would have been introduced. Granny Sophie came forward and laughed lightly.

"I hope you don't mind my girl, grannies are ones for hugging not simple introductions." With that she warmly wrapped her arms around Aeroa as if she'd known her all of her life. "Come inside both of you, I see your apples but that just won't do for a day like today. I think I have a pair of fresh honey rolls for you." With that Granny Sophie led the way into her cozy little bakery where it was toasty and warm. It smelled of freshly baked bread and was very homey.
 
Aeroa smiled as he took the apple. "No problem." She said taking his arm and walking out of the house. It was an interesting route, and before Aeroa knew it there was someone walking towards them. She looked old and full of wisdom. Aeroa smiled, guessing at who that could be. And Aeroa's guess had been right, she called him grandson and that simply meant that she was his Granny, and more specifically Granny Sophie which she was very anxious to meet. Granny Sophie began to speak about how Brandon spoke highly of her and she smiled, looking at him, a small pink flushed into his face, and Aeroa gave a small laugh.

"Hello, Granny Sophie." She said, thinking it might have been weird to call her Granny, "Or should I call you Ms. Sophie?" Aeroa asked, thinking it may have been more polite. She had heard many people say Ms over the course of her time around normal people. Though before Aeroa could offer any form of greeting Granny Sophie had wrapped her arms around her in a warm embrace. It surprised Aeroa, but she carefully did the same. "Oh, I don't mind." Aeroa said with a small, almost relaxed, laugh.

It was nice to finally meet Granny Sophie, to have heard how wonderful the elderly lady was, didn't seem to suffice how amazing she actually seemed in person. While walking in Aeroa couldn't help but to think back to when Brandon was explaining who Granny Sophie really was to him. She remembered how she wanted to thank her for taking care of him. It seemed like it would be strange to bring it up now, but at the same time it seemed fitting. "Oh, uhm, Granny Sophie, I heard so much about you as well. It was very nice of you to take care of Brandon back then. Thank you for it. He's really helped to share the kindness." It felt odd talking about Brandon with him right there, but it was okay. She felt like Granny should know that she too appreciated the help she gave him.

They were invited inside, it was a warm, cozy little place. It smelled of bread and sweet treats. and Aeroa heard honey rolls. She was used to rolls, and she was used to honey, but the combination of the two wasn't something Aeroa had had before. So she glanced over at Brandon giving a questioning look, "Rolls with honey?" She asked to anyone who would answer, but hoped that Brandon would. The smell of all the delicious baked goods made Aeroa's mouth water.
 
It was a little ways inside when Granny Sophie heard the kind words of the young girl at Brandon's side. Yes, Aeroa was definitely someone that she could approve of seeing Brandon. In moments of looking at her, the hug, the kind consideration, and then her thankfulness that she'd helped Brandon out. It was very clear to Sophie that this girl was far different from the others she had seen young Brandon with. It made her smile as she busied herself in the kitchen with this or that. "Granny Sophie suits me just fine and you're very welcome. But Brandon did a lot for me when he was younger. Without him I don't know how well my business would have faired." She looked at the girl, she was beautiful there was no question there. But she knew what had caught Brandon's eye had only been the start of the beauty which Granny Sophie saw inside of her.

"Come now Granny, there was no reason your store wouldn't have done just as well had I not been there. Your bread is amazing..." he stopped when he realized that she was waving her hand in the air to dismiss him. He knew better than to argue.

"I know, I know, you'll say that my bread practically flew off the shelves... but you were the one to introduce me to Chef Ralph, weren't you? Without him the whole town wouldn't be hooked on my little breads." She bustled over with a pan and began transferring the large rolls onto a board for cooling. She picked up a small fan and began waving to cool them down faster so they'd be edible.

"Sophie's Specialties," Brandon said to answer Aeroa's question about what the honey rolls were. "Despite what Granny Sophie will tell you they are what really caused Chef Ralph to fall in love with her bread." Brandon took Aeroa's hand and led her behind the counter so that she could watch a little more closely as Granny Sophie took a stick, thick with fresh honey, from a jar and began to lather it over the top of the large rolls. It seemed to liquefy and sink into the bread as it rolled down the hot surface like golden water.

With calloused hands used to the heat Granny Sophie picked the rolls up and held them out for the two of them, "Be very careful they're quite hot."
 
Aeroa found Granny Sophie and Brandon relationship amusing. It was like she had raised him. She did basically, as the story said, but Aeroa couldn't tell the difference between them and a real family. It almost reminded her of her own. It was nice, thinking about family. Maybe Granny Sophie would like her enough too, and treat her like a grandmother, that would be nice. To have someone like that in her life. She only smiled at the thought.

"Well, I'm sure Ralph isn't the only one in love with the rolls." Aeroa said as she was led into the back by Brandon. He had grabbed her hand, which surprised her. But she followed him into the back to watch Granny. It was odd, but she enjoyed it. Brandon felt warm, and she liked his warmth, she was almost tempted to just give him a hug for a moment, Oddly, and it seemed quite random, but the warmth from the last hug hadn't faded from her memory. It was pleasant.

It was interesting to watch her put fresh honey down on a hot roll. It seemed to roll down it, like water on a duck's back. It was the water over rocks. It looked delicious, just watching the honey roll down the bread. Then she was offered one, and warned that it was hot. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to take it or not... seeing as Granny Sophie was holding them out to them, but warning them that it was hot.. She hesitated for a moment, not sure how to handle something that was that hot. If it was too hot to hold, what would she do with it?

She wasn't sure exactly what to do but, she grabbed it from Granny carefully, and thanked her, and upon doing so, realized it really was hot. She almost ended up setting it down, but she dealt with the heat. It wasn't too much, but it was hot. Granny Sophie obviously hadn't felt how hot, but Aeroa almost ended up doing the hot potato with it. Though Aeroa quickly took a bite from it, as if to give her hands a few seconds to cool down. It was good, the honey seemed to travel throughout her mouth, and the softness of the bread made Aeroa want to take another bite. Fresh bread was always delicious, but with honey on top, it seemed to be even better.
 
Watching Aeroa for a moment he almost laughed at her reaction to the hot roll. He could tell that she wasn't used to such heat and then after she'd taken a bite she seemed to calm down a moment. "Granny, you know you can't give rolls that warm to people..." with a smiled he looked over at Aeroa and then gently took the roll from her hands. Brandon was used to the heat from the rolls from back when he'd worked at her store with her. Taking his roll he smiled before blowing gently on it.

Sophie just laughed before looking at her hands and then smiled, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to give you such hot rolls. Years of doing this has numbed my fingers to where I don't feel the heat anymore." With that she continued her busy work and looked at the two of them. "Well, either way it's getting late in the morning and you two probably have a lot to do." With that she shooed them out of the store and back onto the street. She smiled at their thanks and waved to them as they went.

Once Brandon had deemed the rolls sufficiently cool he handed it back to Aeroa. As he did so he noticed that there was now a small amount of honey on his fingertips. Systematically he began to lick the honey off of his fingers and then he ate the roll. Enjoying every last bit until he was done. Taking a moment he went to a small fountain and washed the crumbs and remaining honey from his hands and let Aeroa do the same. His little shop was just around the corner and he knew that they'd need clean hands to deal with the artwork.

Opening his shop he let her go in first, it was slightly crowded due to the amount of artwork, and a bit musty from all the paper and canvas. Tables had been arranged to show off the many glimmering pieces of jewelry and the best pieces of art hung on the wall. There was a clear path through the store which could be followed to have access to any artwork in the store. "Welcome to my store Aeroa." There were portraits of everything from the woods to various buildings and abstracts. Anything which the artist had deemed worthy was here. The jewelry glowed in the early morning sun, showing off the precious metals and the time and care which had been put into every piece.
 
Aeroa was grateful to have the hot roll out of her hands, but when Brandon took it it seemed as if he too, wasn't bothered by the heat of it. Honey was on her fingertips but she did not want to seem impolite by liking them, though it was quite tempting. Aeroa had guessed that it was from working with the heat with Granny. Before long Granny had shooed them out of the bakery. She was pleasant, but she knew they had things to do today. Which was true, and made Aeroa almost nervous. She would spend some time at Brandon's shop with him, then they were going to have a nice long day. Sure there was time to walk home and do such activities as well, but they weren't what made her nervous. The festival was.

Brandon handed the roll back to Aeroa, and she thanked him, taking a few more bites of hers, and finishing it off. When she looked over Brandon was liking his fingertips, she began to laugh and put a hand over her mouth as she did so. It was funny because when he had taken the rolls, that was what she wanted to do, so after finishing hers, she liked her own fingertips. Brandon letd them over to a fountain, where he washed his hands, and so Aeroa did the same.

Brandon opened the shop, and when she entered, it wasn't like how she predicted it to be at all, and yet the way it actually was, was far more fitting. Aeroa had pictured a big fancy place, almost like his home, with art placed around with extravagant displays. This way was far better, it showed off the true beauty, there was nothing artificial about any of the pieces of art. They were all natural how they were, they didn't need an extravagant display. The jewels in the jewelry shined in the morning light, each piece beautiful.

It was nice to finally see the place that Brandon worked. Aeroa walked away for a moment, examining each piece carefully, some of the art that hung on the walls. She admired some, and pointed out some of the qualities of each in her head. Observing a piece of art, was almost like observing a person, but the art was inanimate. She slowly made her way down the walls, but the portrait of the woods stood out, it had a quality to it unlike the rest. The abstracts, and buildings were full of colors, vibrant, eye-catching; but this picture, it was full of darker colors. It captured the mystery and beauty of the woods. Aeroa felt almost certain that she would be able to match people with paintings that they may not usually look at. She walked back over to Brandon and gave a confident little smile.
 
Making a mental note of the things that he'd like to get done today in the store he began to move about, because of the tradition of the necklace giving he knew that they would be one of the quickest things that he could sell. Most people were pretty good about getting them before hand but he knew that there would be a select few who would procrastinate this for their sweetheart. The tradition had been a part of the festival since Brandon could remember, a necklace for the girls was given. The festival was for the new spark that they hoped to arrive in the new year, and it was a popular time for couples to get together, bundling up for the few cold months ahead. Men would come to the festival with a necklace and offer it to the girl, if she took the necklace and put it on she was interested in him. So he knew that he would sell more than a few necklaces, while the one he hoped Aeroa would wear was at home in his drawer.

Because of this he began to take the necklaces he had and look through them, he had silver ones, gold ones, and ones made of leather with ornate pendants hanging down. All were permitted, it wasn't the necklace that was important, it was the act of giving it to them. Alighting the spark of love between two people by a simple gesture of acceptance and affection. Girl that were taken already, or married, would come to the festival with their necklace on. Smiling he continued to sort through the necklaces that he had, looking at each piece carefully before he noticed just how quiet the store was. There was no sound of another's footsteps and he cold barely hear himself breathing. Looking up he began to wonder where Aeroa was. His eyes rested upon her form, completely enveloped in the mysticism of the art in the store. It was a common occurrence but the picture she seemed so enthralled with was not.

She had chosen a piece done by a lesser known artist who preferred the natural world for his pieces, Rupert, Brandon remembered his name. And looked at the picture itself. It was very much his style, focusing on the dark beauty of the natural world. It was rich in color and drew your eyes to the entirety of the forest in the picture. Showing that it wasn't just a single tree but the forest that was important. Her wandering days drew her to that picture he surmised. She turned around and smiled at him, "That's a piece by a man named Rupert... he's a quiet individual who prefers to draw natures beauty. People looking for that type of style are unfortunately few... I find them appealing and mysterious. There are a few more over there," his index finger raised and pointed to a corner behind his counter.

The door opened and a man walked through looking across the counter he smiled at the site of a woman in the store, "Brandon, since when have you hired such a lovely lady to man your store for you." The man was tall and he carried a large bag which seemed to clack with wood as he moved.

Walking behind the counter he laughed and shook Brandon's hand. "James, it's good to see you, but I thought you and your wife were taking the day off to prepare for the festival?" Brandon shook his hand warmly as he invited him into the back of the store.

"Well, I realized that neither of us had spent much time preparing and she wants to surprise me tonight, so here I am out of her way." He laughed deeply as he set his bag, which was full of brushes and artists tools.

Brandon stepped to the side to allow James a better look of Aeroa, "James, this is Aeroa. Aeroa, this is the man who inspired me to start this business and remains the top artist of Gratanis, James Morris." James smiled and walked forward holding his hand out to Aeroa.

"Don't tell me that you're courting this man, I've never seen such a beautiful girl, are you sure you can't do better than this man?" He indicated to Brandon before laughing when Brandon hit him as if he were an older brother. He waited a few moments before finally seeing the pictures she was looking at. "Ah Rupert's work, are you interested in the forest?"
 
Aeroa looked over at Brandon when he mentioned the name of the artist, "Yes, I can tell he's a quiet individual," She commented, "I didn't realize how much art could say about a person.." She admitted. To her it was just like reading a person. Each stroke seemed to tell a story of its own. Brandon had pointed her to more art that was like that one, but she didn't bother looking through them, Aeroa's attention fell on the man that walked into the store.

His name was James, as told by Brandon when Brandon shook the man's hand. Aeroa only laughed to herself, it was not surprising that this was yet another person that had worked with Brandon. Yet another person Brandon was good friends with. Apparently James was married, that was interesting. Brandon turned to let James see her, and introduced them, "Hello." Aeroa looked at the Man's hand, and shook it, supposing that was what he meant. Isn't that what he had down with Brandon?

Aeroa remained quiet, as James asked if she was courting Brandon it was an odd question, but it seemed to be what everyone was thinking. Aeroa gave a small laugh, "Haven't met one better, yet." She joked. "He's amazing though." She admitted..

"Well, the forest is a very interesting place. Gives a new perspective to life...."

And a thought came to Aeroa, she wanted to pinpoint at least one of James' pieces of art, and if there was a signature, well it would do her no good to cheat. She figured at the least, one of his pieces were around in the store, probably even on display. So she gave a quick walk around. She glanced at each one, carefully taking in the details. She walked passed, slowly, going by maybe four or five pictures before stopping. She looked at a picture on the wall, then looked at the tall man named James. He was an artist.. His introduction, his first impression. Aeroa stood for a minute, and looked at the picture, it had a similar first impression. It also seemed to be of his quality, sinc ehe was one of the best in the town. But Aeroa knew beauty was a thing of perspective. She didn't bother to look for a signature. "Is this, by any chance your picture? Mr. James?" She asked. Pointing to the one she was standing in front of. It would seem similar for her to ask, if there were a signature, but she didn't mind. Aeroa's voice grew quiet, "It's just a guess. I'm probably wrong.. art isn't my thing"
 
Looking over at her when she admitted he was amazing and that she hadn't found one better, Brandon began to wonder if she was just going along with the joke or if she actually thought that. Was she interested in him? Surely a girl as beautiful as Aeroa wasn't interested in a guy like him. And yet, the way she was around him, the way she looked at him. Laughed and opened up. It seemed a bigger and bigger possibility by the moment.

James was a bit surprised at the answer he'd received back on Rupert's pictures, it seemed this girl knew a little about perspective and art. Where did this girl come from? He'd never seen hair or eyes quite like hers before. Brandon's had always seemed odd as well but with her hair it gave her an added sense of strangeness. "Yes, they are... there is a lot that can happen in the forest. It's like an entire new world." Walking across the store he started to pull the tools out of his bag, there was a small studio in the back of the store where he did most of his work. It seemed Aeroa had something of different in mind as she casually asked him if a particular piece of art was his.

Walking over he placed his hands behind him, it was a picture of a street corner. The store was the forefront of the picture, it was this little art shop. The street was darkened by a setting sun and the lamps lit the pathways through town in a dim glow. It framed the store perfectly. The detail of the picture was amazing, the buildings were tall and precise. As well as the people, not a single one seemed to just be standing, they were all a part of the whole picture enjoying life and living as part of the picture.

"Where did you find this girl, Brandon? She's quite good." He smiled as he nodded to her, "Yes you're right... this is my work." He pointed to the small and illegible name in the bottom right corner. She couldn't have read that even if she'd wanted to. Her ability to read a picture was strange and usually came with years of practice. "This is actually the corner where I met my wife, it was at the Lueur Nouveau festival that is happening tonight. I met her here and was so enthralled by her beauty that I couldn't help but nervously offer my necklace to her. To my surprise she took it and the rest is history."

Brandon was taking care of a customer which had come into the store looking for a necklace, keeping the customer occupied while the others talked. He didn't mind but he had to say that he was quite impressed with her ability to read into the art like she was. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to have her on at the shop more often. He smiled as the man chose a simple silver necklace with a star shaped piece of metal hanging down. They worked a deal and the man walked out of the store happily.
 
"Well, it was a pretty easy process.." She admitted as she looked at the picture yet again, taking in each detail closely. Just the first impression was enough, but now it was almost obvious. "It's just like reading people." She said, almost laughing. She really was only able to match up person with piece because he was there, standing in front of her.. The best she could do was describe a little bit of observations from a picture that may relate to the person who had painted it. Very simple and easy she believed. "Hardly good," Aeroa paused, "Anyone could probably do that... I just like to observe." She said with a little smile.

Aeroa thought about the story the man had produced of the festival and the necklace. It was interesting, to have painted a picture of a place he had met his wife, it was sweet. And yet, it was up in a shop, not hanging in his house... Surely he would want to keep it for himself? But upon thinking about it, it seemed natural to be here. Someone else could see the beauty of the setting sun, the setting. It was something to be shared, to bring joy not only to two people but others as well..

"It seems sweet, offering her your necklace." Aeroa pictured it in her head, it seemed like such a simple gesture, but yet so meaningful, Aeroa could tell that these necklaces weren't just anything, that wasn't hard to figure out. Brandon had specifically put necklaces on display, she had noticed that, this man, bringing up the story of his necklace. It was a way of courting a girl. Obviously. Aeroa laughed a bit to herself. It was odd what people did, but she figured it would be important information to know. Anything about society she didn't know was interesting.

"Well, I'm glad she made you a happy man." Aeroa said genuinely. There was so much going on in her head, but yet when speaking to someone other than Brandon, she only found few words.. and maybe only a few words were needed. But why, when she was speaking to Brandon were more necessary? Either way, she was glad to know that people found happiness. It seemed like such a difficult thing to obtain at times. When people were happy, things were good, and that made Aeroa believe things could be good for her too, and that's when she realized, that after stepping into a whole new world, things couldn't have been better for her.

A costumer and Brandon happily attended to them, Aeroa laughed, it was a man, coming in to buy a necklace. Aeroa thought herself crazy, or maybe that these people were. 'Necklaces...' she thought, but they were fitting, they were perfect. There was so much in such a little gesture. It intrigued Aeroa. She was going to be going to the festival with Brandon though. He mind stopped there.

She shook her head. "James.. Your work is really well done." She complimented as she walked over towards Brandon, standing by his side. "Make someone happy?" She asked, it was unusual of him to do that. "Is there anything I should do? I don't want to be a waste of space." She said, looking at him.
 
James shook his head, she might not think her ability was anything special but he knew only a few people would could tell the artist simply by looking at the picture without having studied the person intently. James had barely met her and she could already tell his art from the others. She complimented him on how his work was done, "Thank you Aeroa, it's always a pleasure hearing praise for my work." With that he took his art supplies to the back of the store and began to work a little bit on his art. Then he stopped and grabbed his sketchbook as he looked out from behind the corner.

Brandon was leaning on the counter in front of him, looking at Aeroa, who was standing so beautifully. He only overheard that she wanted to know what she could do. It was so innocent, so beautiful that it struck him. The look in Brandon's eyes seemed strangely focused on Aeroa and James got a very strong feeling that Brandon liked Aeroa. In that moment the light show through one of the windows just right and bathed their figures in glowing radiance. While the scene itself was simple, James felt inspired to draw the piece. It was a quick sketch, working fast because he knew a moment like that could only last for so long. Of Brandon just leaning forward and looking into her eyes, she coming to him, standing patiently, and looking back into his. It was perfect. Once the sketch was done he began to paint, taking the colors he began quickly mixing them wanting to make sure that the colors were perfect.

Brandon didn't eve notice James almost frantic movements, he was looking at Aeroa. "Well, you seem to have a knack for seeing potential matches for pictures and people. I think I'll give you something to do in organization." Standing up straight he walked over to a stack of pictures which had been brought in over a few days. They hadn't quite made it out onto the floor yet but they needed to be. "Clear our a small area over in that corner, maybe clean it up a bit, and see if you can display a few of these. If anyone asks for help, suggest some artwork for them." He knew that it seemed like a lot but it would be a short day, and with the amazing job that she'd done with James he couldn't help but trust her.

"You're more amazing by the day Aeroa, I didn't know you were interested in art?" Brandon began to take out different pieces of jewelry and beginning to polish and clean them with a small vial of clear liquid.
 
Aeroa seemed to be locked in time. It felt as though nothing moved. No one seemed to be breathing, time seemed to have stopped. Aeroa looking at Brandon, Brandon looking back. She didn't know what he was thinking about, and maybe she never would, but she wondered., Maybe it was one of those moments where he got distracted. By what? By her, of course. That was the only logical explanation she tried to tell herself. That he was so entangled in thoughts about her. By why would he be thinking about her? What did she do?

Time slowly came back to normal as Brandon finally stood straight and walked over to a stack of pictures. They were unorganized, she listened as Brandon told her to cear out an area, clean it up and display a few of them. It was a simple task, but Aeroa was grateful for being put to use. She began to look through them, picking out the ones she thought should be displayed, ones that complimented each others, ones that clashed but in just the right way. Then she set those to the side, and walked over to the corner. It was a little crowded but after moving a few things there was space. She organized as best as she could.

Aeroa soon realized, his house, just like his shop was missing something. Aeroa hadn't really thought about it before. It was funny to think about. His house and his shop, both lacked a female touch. It was fine without it, but things seemed more complete, better off with it tidied up, touched up by a female's hand. She laughed to herself. She had been the female touch to infuse into his home and to his shop. The thought was odd to Aeroa, because why didn't really ever think about female touches. She never really witnessed them herself. Things just always were the way they were, there was no altercations. But looking, and seeing how Brandon's house was kept, with her around it was tidy, and clean and well-kept. His shop, could use a feminine touch up, nothing major, just a few modifications that would really brighten the place, bring more light to it, make it seem just a tad better. Though Aeroa had to admit it was hard to better something that was already great. People came for the art, not the display.

Brandon then complimented, was she really that amazing? "Thank you. And well.." She stopped for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts, "Interested in art... interested in almost anything." She admitted, "I just like to look at things, and observe, and such." She admitted.
 
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