He had apparently drawn the short straw tonight, but it was his own fault, honestly. It was hard to say no when Joelle asked him so nicely for 'favors'. Show her friend around some, she had asked of him this time. After some back and forth, he had agreed, which is what landed him quietly pushing a shopping cart through the aisles of the local Walmart with Jaelyn in tow. He had likely already shown her everything between here and the apartment complex, but it was clear she would need groceries to stock her fridge with as well, especially if Jojo was correct in her assumption that the woman had 'just moved in today'.
Charlie was naturally friendly but it was hard to carry on conversations with people he didn't quite know yet. "So.. what next?" he mused softly, after tossing a box of ramen into the buggy carefully. "I think we got most of the basics, but uh... are there any snacks or anything you wanna add?" He paused, his face lighting up after a thought hit him, "Oh! Have you ever tried the Mexican Lasagna stuff they have? It's like regular lasagna but instead of sauce and stuff it has taco meat, sour cream, and- just.. Dude. You should try it sometime." There it was. He'd finally started just talking to her like he did Jojo instead of continuing to treat this whole thing like some sort of professional 'mission'. He realized he'd been rambling and raked a hand through his hair roughly with a light shrug, "If you're into tacos, I mean." The male was dressed more casually during this escort mission to Walmart, having traded his scrubs for jeans and a black t-shirt, still wearing his usual Converse, however.
Charlie was naturally friendly but it was hard to carry on conversations with people he didn't quite know yet. "So.. what next?" he mused softly, after tossing a box of ramen into the buggy carefully. "I think we got most of the basics, but uh... are there any snacks or anything you wanna add?" He paused, his face lighting up after a thought hit him, "Oh! Have you ever tried the Mexican Lasagna stuff they have? It's like regular lasagna but instead of sauce and stuff it has taco meat, sour cream, and- just.. Dude. You should try it sometime." There it was. He'd finally started just talking to her like he did Jojo instead of continuing to treat this whole thing like some sort of professional 'mission'. He realized he'd been rambling and raked a hand through his hair roughly with a light shrug, "If you're into tacos, I mean." The male was dressed more casually during this escort mission to Walmart, having traded his scrubs for jeans and a black t-shirt, still wearing his usual Converse, however.
Jaelyn had been packing clothes as well as other necessities once all went through with the apartment. She'd even been saying her goodbyes with one of her friends, hence why her arrival was so late. The poor girl was warned about how people could be in the world since she'd been beyond innocent and sheltered until now. This was her way of getting new experiences as well as new possible friends. Joelle had told her that Charlie would be showing her around today and she wasn't sure what to really talk about. The area was taken to a mental note however, blinking as the information came. She may mix up a name or two while getting used to things, but that could bring forth a laugh or two later on. She was so grateful consideration was taken when it came to food supply inside her new home.
Finally silence was broken between the two after the basic tour again, "Uhm.." Jae blinked, trying to think since most of it was covered. Snacks! Her own face lit up, "Does this one have pocky? I like the strawberry ones. Its this chocolate covered cookie and you can keep them in your pocket. It has this super cute packaging. If not, regular cookies will do." Mexican Lasagna..? Oh boy.. she never really used the stove before, but she couldnt tell him that could she? A protective mom always told her she'd get burned and cooked for her. "I cant say Ive had it specifically, but Im not against trying it. Is it self made or..?" Her hand began to fidget a bit with the locket around her neck. "Who doesnt like tacos?" That she's had before and there were so many different ways one can make them. Her hips sported a pair of light blue denim shorts, which were worn with a white backless halter top covered in lace with eyelet embroidery. Over those hardly perceptible socks, a plain pair of white and blue ASICS sneakers cradled her feet.
Finally silence was broken between the two after the basic tour again, "Uhm.." Jae blinked, trying to think since most of it was covered. Snacks! Her own face lit up, "Does this one have pocky? I like the strawberry ones. Its this chocolate covered cookie and you can keep them in your pocket. It has this super cute packaging. If not, regular cookies will do." Mexican Lasagna..? Oh boy.. she never really used the stove before, but she couldnt tell him that could she? A protective mom always told her she'd get burned and cooked for her. "I cant say Ive had it specifically, but Im not against trying it. Is it self made or..?" Her hand began to fidget a bit with the locket around her neck. "Who doesnt like tacos?" That she's had before and there were so many different ways one can make them. Her hips sported a pair of light blue denim shorts, which were worn with a white backless halter top covered in lace with eyelet embroidery. Over those hardly perceptible socks, a plain pair of white and blue ASICS sneakers cradled her feet.
The cringy music playing over the speakers in the store hadn't helped things either, but at least he wasn't the only one in silent mode up until the conversation started regarding food. She wasn't much of a talker thus far, but maybe she was in the same boat, not that great with strangers. Joelle owed him for this one, but maybe by the end of the tour, he and Jae would even be friends. Who could say?
Pocky? He gave her a slightly confused look at first, trying to rack his brain to recall where he'd heard the word before. A cookie? "Pocky..." he murmured thoughtfully, "Wait.. Those stick things?" He had never tried them before but he had heard of them now that he thought about it. "I dunno. Maybe. We can look and see," he offered lightly. Self-made? He considered that, "Nah, not really. I mean.. Not like from scratch or anything. It's in a tin pan basically and you pop it in the oven for two hours. Easy peasy. Pairs pretty good with garlic bread too honestly if you wanna get fancy." He laughed playfully, glancing at her fidgeting hands quietly before another smile tugged at his lips when she asked who didn't like tacos. "Uh, losers, that's who," he joked, slowly starting to push the cart forward again towards where he assumed the Pocky might be, "So that Pocky stuff... What aisle do you usually find it in? Cookie aisle or...?" Gods he was clueless, but at least he was trying. He knew exactly where to find the lasagna if she ended up wanting to for sure snag a box of it as well. Truth be told, he was considering trying the snack she mentioned too, just to see what it was all about. Maybe he'd throw one at Joelle later also since she loved sweets. "So if you don't mind me asking... why Paradise?" he mused as they walked, "I mean, it's not the prettiest place, but personally I can't beat the cheap rent myself. Plus, the neighbors aren't too bad." He didn't want to mention the police raid that happened recently, not interested in possibly scaring her off so soon after arrival. Besides, those didn't really happen that often, that he could recall, at least.
Pocky? He gave her a slightly confused look at first, trying to rack his brain to recall where he'd heard the word before. A cookie? "Pocky..." he murmured thoughtfully, "Wait.. Those stick things?" He had never tried them before but he had heard of them now that he thought about it. "I dunno. Maybe. We can look and see," he offered lightly. Self-made? He considered that, "Nah, not really. I mean.. Not like from scratch or anything. It's in a tin pan basically and you pop it in the oven for two hours. Easy peasy. Pairs pretty good with garlic bread too honestly if you wanna get fancy." He laughed playfully, glancing at her fidgeting hands quietly before another smile tugged at his lips when she asked who didn't like tacos. "Uh, losers, that's who," he joked, slowly starting to push the cart forward again towards where he assumed the Pocky might be, "So that Pocky stuff... What aisle do you usually find it in? Cookie aisle or...?" Gods he was clueless, but at least he was trying. He knew exactly where to find the lasagna if she ended up wanting to for sure snag a box of it as well. Truth be told, he was considering trying the snack she mentioned too, just to see what it was all about. Maybe he'd throw one at Joelle later also since she loved sweets. "So if you don't mind me asking... why Paradise?" he mused as they walked, "I mean, it's not the prettiest place, but personally I can't beat the cheap rent myself. Plus, the neighbors aren't too bad." He didn't want to mention the police raid that happened recently, not interested in possibly scaring her off so soon after arrival. Besides, those didn't really happen that often, that he could recall, at least.
If ever voiced that was one thing the two could agree on. Store music was always cringy or something you'd hear on an elevator. She was terrible with new people untik the right vibes clicked. Jae could be down right crazy, goofy or serious. She was an ambivert. Jojo was gonna have a good laugh later when they did talk again. Two people that werent great at starting conversations with strangers put together in a Walmart was.. awkward. Maybe they would be friends, maybe not? Depends on how things flowed, food chatter seemed to be a good start though.
That confused look earned a slight tilt of the head and her brows furrow. Perhaps the store didnt have it? Those stick things? "Mhm! Those. Theyre about.. thumb to pinky in length." Jae confirmed with a nod. A big smile crossed her lips when he said they could check, its the thought that counts! As the topic swapped to the food he'd mentioned, she took it mind. Not self made, oh thank god. How could she possibly mess that up? Well.... "I'll give it a shot, we can stop by for it as well. And some garlic bread because you have me curious." Seafoam blinked slowly while chewing on the inside of her jaw. Why was he laughing? Was it at her? Oh how she wanted to call it out but she didnt know him like those back at Pulse. It was going to take some time, but she was gonna study each person she meets at the apartments for awhile. Losers didnt like tacos, a snicker busted through those internal thoughts. Good thing too since she was now being asked a question, "Usually in the foriegn foods aisle." She was slowly following along as he'd pushed the cart through the aisle and in the direction of their next goal. If he grabbed a box too while there, she would take a note of that and urge him to try it soon as he was able. Unless Jo decided to take the whole box later after trying one. The next question had her go silent a few seconds. She couldnt possibly tell him that she'd been breaking those chains. That she never left her family's home before.. Instead? "Exactly that. The rent is cheap so I dont mind the looks. Back at my parent's the town was so.. eventful. But, Id rather see new faces as well and what all the world has to offer." She then added, "Of course the new change is going to take some adjusting to. It's my first home alone." The neighbors werent too bad? But they could be? Perhaps she was just overthinking it, that said she shook her head as those thoughts were butchered. She'd learn about Paradise as time goes on, Ben's words of being careful just had her brain overanalyzing. He meant well and all the advice would was appreciated and helpful. "What about you and Joelle? What drew you both here? She's how I found out about the place."
That confused look earned a slight tilt of the head and her brows furrow. Perhaps the store didnt have it? Those stick things? "Mhm! Those. Theyre about.. thumb to pinky in length." Jae confirmed with a nod. A big smile crossed her lips when he said they could check, its the thought that counts! As the topic swapped to the food he'd mentioned, she took it mind. Not self made, oh thank god. How could she possibly mess that up? Well.... "I'll give it a shot, we can stop by for it as well. And some garlic bread because you have me curious." Seafoam blinked slowly while chewing on the inside of her jaw. Why was he laughing? Was it at her? Oh how she wanted to call it out but she didnt know him like those back at Pulse. It was going to take some time, but she was gonna study each person she meets at the apartments for awhile. Losers didnt like tacos, a snicker busted through those internal thoughts. Good thing too since she was now being asked a question, "Usually in the foriegn foods aisle." She was slowly following along as he'd pushed the cart through the aisle and in the direction of their next goal. If he grabbed a box too while there, she would take a note of that and urge him to try it soon as he was able. Unless Jo decided to take the whole box later after trying one. The next question had her go silent a few seconds. She couldnt possibly tell him that she'd been breaking those chains. That she never left her family's home before.. Instead? "Exactly that. The rent is cheap so I dont mind the looks. Back at my parent's the town was so.. eventful. But, Id rather see new faces as well and what all the world has to offer." She then added, "Of course the new change is going to take some adjusting to. It's my first home alone." The neighbors werent too bad? But they could be? Perhaps she was just overthinking it, that said she shook her head as those thoughts were butchered. She'd learn about Paradise as time goes on, Ben's words of being careful just had her brain overanalyzing. He meant well and all the advice would was appreciated and helpful. "What about you and Joelle? What drew you both here? She's how I found out about the place."
Definitely, but it was unlikely he'd ever voice the complaint out loud himself. Charlie tended to try to match the energy of those around him, not very much outspoken, but not exactly a full-blown introvert either. He was somewhere comfortably in the middle as well. Food chatter was turning out to be a heck of an icebreaker, ironically enough.
Ah, so it was the 'stick things'. He felt less confused now, opening his hand to splay his fingers and look them over curiously as she explained thumb to pinky length. "Huh. Noted," he shrugged, dropping his hand back to the handle of the cart. He smiled brightly when she said she'd try the lasagna too, feeling proud of himself for potentially introducing her to new awesome food. "Nice, sounds good," he nodded, "I'll try the Pocky things too I guess, got me curious as well." He hadn't been laughing at her specifically, but the fact that he'd seriously just called adding garlic bread 'fancy', and the fact that her fidgeting reminded him of himself. He couldn't sit still to save his life and his own thumb idly tapped the handle of the cart, drumming along to whatever song was currently on repeat inside his subconscious. He paused when she said it was the foreign food aisle rather than the cookie one, making a sharp turn down said aisle with an apologetic smile if she struggled to follow suit. "Hmm..." he murmured as he scanned the boxes on the shelves, grinning when he spotted their first goal, "Aha. Right there, yeah? This one?" He picked up a box of Strawberry Pocky and if she confirmed it was correct he'd plop it into the buggy, followed by a Cookies and Cream one for himself. He nodded warmly when she had urged him to try it as soon as able, promising to do just that. If Joelle took the whole box later, they would probably throw hands. Alright, maybe not, but hopefully it didn't come down to a brawl over snacks.
He nodded again slowly as she explained that she also came for the cheap rent. "Paradise has its eventful moments too," he told her lightly, touching on it vaguely, "But overall it's relatively peaceful if you ignore some of the weirdos. The woman in the robe, for instance. Watch out for her, she's incredibly nosy." He paused, "Yeah, that's never a bad thing either, exploring the world and whatnot. Hey, don't even worry about all that too much, adjusting always takes time so don't rush yourself." Her first home alone? "No kiddin'?" he mused, considering how daunting that must be, "Well, if you ever need anything, let me or Jojo know. I'm sure she's got you covered herself, but if she's at work or something I make an okay backup plan." He gave a light shrug, considering her question when she fired it back at him. "I can't really say for Jo, but I got a job at a nearby pharmacy and Paradise was the closest thing to work that didn't cost an arm and leg to rent," he told her casually, plucking a box of that lasagna he mentioned from the freezer and moving onward toward the garlic bread, "I met Jo by accident, honestly. Kinda crashed into one another in the parking lot at the apartments because we both had our arms full and couldn't quite see. We hit it off pretty quickly though. Nothing like bonding over splattered ice cream on the pavement." He grinned as the memory played in his mind as if it were only yesterday. "Really? So you two are close too then I'm guessing?" he smiled warmly, only making such an assumption due to the fact that Joelle didn't really seem like the type to go out of her way like that for just anyone. From forcing him to play escort, to having helped her find her first apartment, it was obvious to him that the vamp cared about Jae. He couldn't help but wonder if Jae knew what Jo was, however, or if she had kept that tidbit secret.
Ah, so it was the 'stick things'. He felt less confused now, opening his hand to splay his fingers and look them over curiously as she explained thumb to pinky length. "Huh. Noted," he shrugged, dropping his hand back to the handle of the cart. He smiled brightly when she said she'd try the lasagna too, feeling proud of himself for potentially introducing her to new awesome food. "Nice, sounds good," he nodded, "I'll try the Pocky things too I guess, got me curious as well." He hadn't been laughing at her specifically, but the fact that he'd seriously just called adding garlic bread 'fancy', and the fact that her fidgeting reminded him of himself. He couldn't sit still to save his life and his own thumb idly tapped the handle of the cart, drumming along to whatever song was currently on repeat inside his subconscious. He paused when she said it was the foreign food aisle rather than the cookie one, making a sharp turn down said aisle with an apologetic smile if she struggled to follow suit. "Hmm..." he murmured as he scanned the boxes on the shelves, grinning when he spotted their first goal, "Aha. Right there, yeah? This one?" He picked up a box of Strawberry Pocky and if she confirmed it was correct he'd plop it into the buggy, followed by a Cookies and Cream one for himself. He nodded warmly when she had urged him to try it as soon as able, promising to do just that. If Joelle took the whole box later, they would probably throw hands. Alright, maybe not, but hopefully it didn't come down to a brawl over snacks.
He nodded again slowly as she explained that she also came for the cheap rent. "Paradise has its eventful moments too," he told her lightly, touching on it vaguely, "But overall it's relatively peaceful if you ignore some of the weirdos. The woman in the robe, for instance. Watch out for her, she's incredibly nosy." He paused, "Yeah, that's never a bad thing either, exploring the world and whatnot. Hey, don't even worry about all that too much, adjusting always takes time so don't rush yourself." Her first home alone? "No kiddin'?" he mused, considering how daunting that must be, "Well, if you ever need anything, let me or Jojo know. I'm sure she's got you covered herself, but if she's at work or something I make an okay backup plan." He gave a light shrug, considering her question when she fired it back at him. "I can't really say for Jo, but I got a job at a nearby pharmacy and Paradise was the closest thing to work that didn't cost an arm and leg to rent," he told her casually, plucking a box of that lasagna he mentioned from the freezer and moving onward toward the garlic bread, "I met Jo by accident, honestly. Kinda crashed into one another in the parking lot at the apartments because we both had our arms full and couldn't quite see. We hit it off pretty quickly though. Nothing like bonding over splattered ice cream on the pavement." He grinned as the memory played in his mind as if it were only yesterday. "Really? So you two are close too then I'm guessing?" he smiled warmly, only making such an assumption due to the fact that Joelle didn't really seem like the type to go out of her way like that for just anyone. From forcing him to play escort, to having helped her find her first apartment, it was obvious to him that the vamp cared about Jae. He couldn't help but wonder if Jae knew what Jo was, however, or if she had kept that tidbit secret.
Jae blinked a few times before, glancing at his hand then to hers. Uhm.. "I guess.. By my hand theyre that size, I never really thought of different hand sizes." Close enough though right? The femme would try anything at least once to see if its something she enjoys or doesnt. Perhaps that was the adventure side in her or maybe part of those genes she inherited. Who knows. Had she struggled? Yep, She almost tripped on her feet at the sudden turn. A scowl was given at the back of his head with a scrunch of her nose. However, it faded fast once that apologetic smile was given. That gaze went to the box and she squealed, "Thats the one! They do have it!" The cookies and cream one she hadnt personally tried yet, "When you try that flavor later, let me know how they taste."
Paradise has eventful moments too, noted. It had her curious if they were similar to Pulse, you never knew what was gonna happen there. Wait.. "Weirdos are everywhere you go. Woman in the robe is nosy. Got it." Whoever wears a robe near her oh boy, they were probably gonna be given some sarcastic off the wall replies. Depends how things go! A simple nod was given in terms of seeing the world not being a bad thing, "Yeah.. I tend to push myself quite a bit. Thank you for the offer. I'd for sure come to either of you since she thinks youre cool enough to be around." Ouch? Jae didnt mean that to sound so harsh but her mouth said it before thinking. Her face heated from embarrassment as she went to try and save it, "I mean.. you seem pretty chill! I didnt mean that as a bad way- people's vibes are different." Thankfully the conversation went on and she managed to get a breather from that.. awkward moment. More food was added to the cart and she was trying to think of anything else needed while listening. That should do for now. "My father is a doctor, one day I wanna be like him. For now- I'll stick to trying out a waitress position. Is the pharmacist life something youve dreamed of?" There she was digging deep and being a bit nosy herself, "Sorry.. I tend to ask a lot of questions to get to know someone better. Sounds like you two had a great meeting though!" She would definitely tease Jo about it later during some girl talk. "We are pretty close, I met her a few months back. Not nearly as exciting as the way you two had." Joelle was the first friend she had outside of her normal home, and the two managed to hit it off pretty well despite the differences. She was so friendly and Jae could be quiet some times. Had she know about what Jo was? The player couldnt recall right off due to how wacky life has been slowing her on things. If Jae had, it wasnt something she would mention to anyone, no matter the amount of time she'd or Jo had known them. How would one even start that conversation?
Paradise has eventful moments too, noted. It had her curious if they were similar to Pulse, you never knew what was gonna happen there. Wait.. "Weirdos are everywhere you go. Woman in the robe is nosy. Got it." Whoever wears a robe near her oh boy, they were probably gonna be given some sarcastic off the wall replies. Depends how things go! A simple nod was given in terms of seeing the world not being a bad thing, "Yeah.. I tend to push myself quite a bit. Thank you for the offer. I'd for sure come to either of you since she thinks youre cool enough to be around." Ouch? Jae didnt mean that to sound so harsh but her mouth said it before thinking. Her face heated from embarrassment as she went to try and save it, "I mean.. you seem pretty chill! I didnt mean that as a bad way- people's vibes are different." Thankfully the conversation went on and she managed to get a breather from that.. awkward moment. More food was added to the cart and she was trying to think of anything else needed while listening. That should do for now. "My father is a doctor, one day I wanna be like him. For now- I'll stick to trying out a waitress position. Is the pharmacist life something youve dreamed of?" There she was digging deep and being a bit nosy herself, "Sorry.. I tend to ask a lot of questions to get to know someone better. Sounds like you two had a great meeting though!" She would definitely tease Jo about it later during some girl talk. "We are pretty close, I met her a few months back. Not nearly as exciting as the way you two had." Joelle was the first friend she had outside of her normal home, and the two managed to hit it off pretty well despite the differences. She was so friendly and Jae could be quiet some times. Had she know about what Jo was? The player couldnt recall right off due to how wacky life has been slowing her on things. If Jae had, it wasnt something she would mention to anyone, no matter the amount of time she'd or Jo had known them. How would one even start that conversation?