Day 56: Callahan's Grocer (Early Afternoon)

[melodists]

Confirming Natalia's presence came as an overwhelming relief, and every part of Tear was glad that their fears had been disproven. Their group would have to catch up on the facts as soon as possible, but for now, the young woman could relax. In fact, as soon as she moved away from the sweet-smelling store, she decided she was hungry enough to eat

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[terriblehaiku]

Hijikata hadn't been too impressed by anything he'd encountered thus far in his day. The trip into town had been unpleasant (whatever it was that drove the strange contraption was loud and the ride had been utterly uncomfortable), the weather was cold and damp, and the town itself was small and alternately boring and confusing. That, combined with the fact that he hadn't had a smoke now in days was conspiring to make him flat-out cranky.

And this store wasn't helping matters. It was a market of some sort, shoved into a building and stuffed with various supplies, most of which he couldn't even begin to fathom. The produce was ordinary enough, although some of it he didn't recognize in the least, but from there on in it was a confusing array of things in shiny packaging. All of this was for the residents of this single town? The thought baffled him.

Given the sheer quantity of things, however, he decided it was worth his time to look around for awhile, just in case he found something useful.

[Open]

[gargantuanlaugh]

[Hope you don't mind? If so, I can have him mosey away...]

Wandering out in the cold wasn't endearing the town towards the chief at all. He thought he might go check out the book selection after his meal, but he had only made it as far as Callahan's groceries before the snow had driven him inside. He'd never felt so old before today. In L.A. the temperature was constantly balmy. He'd never had to deal with nasty stuff like snow cutting him to the bone like this

[terriblehaiku]

[Nope, not at all.]

His instincts had served him well, it seemed, in his decision to start inspecting everything in the store. He'd already stumbled upon an entire section in the store devoted to nothing but various medicines--none of which he actually recognized--which might come in handy in the future. It wasn't a future he wanted to contemplate, but this way, at least it was one he could plan for, if need be

[gargantuanlaugh]

[o/]

Gant was taken aback by the man's sincere question of an answer. Now, that's what he got for second-guessing himself. Gant chuckled, a little unsteadily. "Erm, yeah. A grocer provides food items in their store, so 'grocery store.'" Not that the man seemed particularly interested but Gant thought he'd give a thorough answer, at least.

Gant observed the man closely examine the cereal boxes with an intense gaze. Was a box of Kellogg's really that intriguing? But the man hadn't know what a grocery store was, so perhaps it was!

"I'm more of a Captain Crunch fan, myself," Gant admitted, grabbing the nearest box of the beloved starchy treat. Not that he indulged in eating sugary cereals that often. He mainly just liked the Captain's handsome, full beard.

He glanced over at the other man, unable to hide his curiosity. "You haven't been here long, have you, sonny?"

[terriblehaiku]

What he hated the most, Hijikata had concluded, was that while he understood everything he read or heard around this place, so little of it actually made sense. And he disliked having people explain it to him. In this case, at least, he didn't have to, as the explanation was provided for him, but it was still grating. "I'm not used to everything being in one shop," he muttered, more to himself than the person who'd approached him. He didn't want to come off as some sort of total idiot. He knew what markets were, and of course there were shops in Edo and Kyoto, but merchants tended to specialize in one or two items in particular. This place hand hundreds. He put the box he was looking at back, and didn't reach for another, instead turning his attention to Gant.

"Today makes three days," he admitted a little grudgingly. Apparently, he stuck out rather obviously. That didn't make him any happier. He needed to get his feet under him and stop being surprised by every new thing he came across.

[gargantuanlaugh]

Gant nodded slowly. So this fellow wasn't from a world of modern convenience, it seemed. Well, there were places in the world that remained third world and dirt poor, so it wasn't completely difficult for Gant to accept. He replaced the box on the shelf. "It's very convenient, having a place like this. Cuts down on shopping time

[terriblehaiku]

Hijikata eyed the long span of shelves critically. "I imagine it would." Not that he did any shopping anyway, but there was probably some merit to the system, as ridiculous as it all seemed to him.

"A week? It doesn't seem to have gotten your spirits down at all." He honestly couldn't tell if the man's good humor was genuine, or a front. His natural paranoia made him consider the latter, but truthfully, it hardly mattered in an encounter like this one.

"We're in a similar line of work, then." He'd understood just enough of that to conclude as much, anyway, even if he had no idea what Los Angeles was besides, presumably, a city. "Hijikata," he added by way of introduction.

wow and here I am a week late orz

[gargantuanlaugh]

Gant laughed a bit at the assessment. "Oh, when you get as old as me, time takes on a whole new meaning

I was gone for most of it, so no worries. ;)

[terriblehaiku]

It was almost--if not quite--like talking with Kondou, Hijikata decided. Of course, he knew nothing about this man, so none of the brotherly affection he felt towards the Shinsengumi commander was there to buffer the annoyance of that persistently upbeat attitude. But it did serve to remind him that he could suffer it without resorting to obvious hostility.

He really needed a smoke.

Instead, he just quirked an eyebrow, and after a moment's pause replied "something like that, yes." They were the law insomuch as they did what the Lord of Aizu told them to, as well as whatever it took to keep the rebel forces in the city from obtaining any of their objectives, but he didn't know how close to the law that ran in this man's opinion. Nor did Hijikata care to tip his hand when it came to the specifics of his work. Instead, he finally abandoned his perusal of boxes and gave Gant his full attention.

"Do they sell tobacco in these places?"

It was worth a shot, even if he didn't currently have a pipe.

^_^ I will try to be faster, but thanks for understanding!

[gargantuanlaugh]

Another half-hearted answer. Gant didn't have much luck running into the more eloquent patients, did he? Well, at least he wasn't openly hostile. Or a vigilante with a sassy attitude. Gant had dealt with Manny for years, so he could handle another sourpuss or two that came his way. And maybe someday Jiji here would be useful and his acquaintance with the man would come in handy

Ug. I appologize for Hijikata's lack of talkativeness, in advance.

[terriblehaiku]

Hijikata glanced down in the direction indicated, catching sight of the... register? in question, as well as its array of boxes. The chances he was going to understand those boxes any more than he understood any of these seemed unlikely, but he supposed he'd get through the transaction somehow. Despite the difference in setting and technology, it couldn't be too different from making purchases back home. Not unless this place was significantly stranger than he already suspected.

After a pause, he nodded. "Thank you." The words weren't easy to say--he wasn't used to thanking anyone for anything, really, but he was smart enough to realize he couldn't get away with acting like he didn't owe anyone anything. Not here, not when he really did have to ask others for their help, as much as it grated on his nerves.

It's cool XD Some characters are more aloof than others

[gargantuanlaugh]

"No problem there, buddy!" Gant grinned and clasped his hands in front of him. It was nice to feel appreciated now and then, even if the words weren't filled with awed gratitude. It was something!

"Need a hand, just ask." He added after a moment. There really was no shame in asking for help, but Gant had a feeling this guy was the lone wolf type. He certainly seemed that way. Little Worthy was the same, the kind that didn't ask for anything unless under the worst duress, and even then it was difficult to get him to stoop. Gant understood pride, but there was a fine line between that and stubborn foolishness.

"Anyway..." Gant glanced about the small grocery store, wondering if they would have anything of use. Probably not. Hmm... perhaps he should try his luck elsewhere. Or else just go get something he knew he would miss back at the institute--food. "I have a mind to grab some dessert before we're carted off again. I wish you luck with your tabacco shopping."

Insanely late, but I thought I'd at least wrap it up. -.-

[terriblehaiku]

Hijikata arched an eyebrow slightly, but held off on any less-than-charitable remarks he might have had in mind. He was crankier than usual, and that wasn't Gant's fault, no matter how much the idea that he might need help with something as simple as making a purchase grated on him.

"I'm sure I'll manage," he replied instead, doing his best to keep his tone neutral. It wouldn't do him any good to alienate everyone he came across simply because he'd had to go without his pipe for a few days. After another moment of hesitation, he added, "Enjoy the rest of your day," in a tone rather devoid of any actually well-wishes and turned to walk towards the register Gant had indicated earlier.