FOR: supernaturalwealth

[cruxial]

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[cruxial]

[A pleasant surprise for Aoba is that she never got an unexpected visit from Vincent at her apartment. A real boon to her opinion of him, truly, but it also meant it was easier to keep Ryan from finding out about him. Needless to say the man (demon) is overprotective. Who wouldn't be so with their one and only chance at saving their eternal soul, after all?

As it so happens, though, Ryan has to leave for quite a while with little to no contact. Tracking down a lead that will hopefully prevent the entity attached to her from causing problems. However that does mean that Aoba is a bit more on edge than normal, and when a large figure looms next to her she all but jumps out of the way — almost knocking aside a whole display of drugstore cosmetics (she's cheap).

Though, once she sees his face the tension leaves her body a little.]

O-oh, it's you.

[supernaturalwealth]

[Vincent gives an expression as if he's offended by her reaction to him.]

"Oh, it's you"? Is that any way to greet your good friend?

[He's considered dropping by her apartment to visit her, but ultimately decided against it. He truthfully didn't know how her demon might react to him showing up. He doesn't even know if she's told the demon about him.

So he just spent some time in the area. It isn't a bad area, honestly. There are some nice sights and he's learning the layout of it better. Today is the day that he spots her in the vicinity, so he decided to follow her come and say hello!]

[cruxial]

Oh, get over it! You startled me. It's not like you greeted me and said "hi" politely.

[Hmph! She grabs some bargain brand mascara and moves down the aisle.]

[supernaturalwealth]

You didn't give me a chance to. I was just about to say "Hello!".

[He follows along behind her.]

Though I didn't really expect to bump into you here. Doing a little shopping?

[cruxial]

Yeah. I've run low on some makeup and a few of my things have expired. It's time to restock.

[She can only get away with playing The Asshole(tm) character at work by being visually flawless. After all, no one wants someone boring looking being mean to them.

Aoba stops for a moment to start holding bottles of foundation next to her skin to see if they match.]

[supernaturalwealth]

[He watches her as she tests the bottles against her skin. When he saw her come in here, he wouldn't have thought this was what she was entering the store for.]

I see. You don't go to a makeup store to buy your things?

[It would definitely be higher quality than drugstore stuff.]

[cruxial]

Oh yeah, definitely. But I don't need much, so I'd rather go cheaper on makeup than food or leisurely activities.

[She makes enough money from her job to support both herself and her little demon friend, but she just got so used to being cheap that she simply plops most of her budget into other categories and continues to skip out on this one.]

[supernaturalwealth]

[Once she has settled on a bottle, he'll pluck it from her hands and hold it up by the cap as he examines it.]

You can stand to buy something of higher quality, Aoba. People should see you looking as good as possible when they meet you. Though, you do seem to have natural beauty. You probably don't need much makeup as it is.

[cruxial]

That's exactly why I go for the cheap stuff! I don't need much of it. Just a little to smooth the texture of my face and highlight my eyes.

[Oh, and gloss for the lips.]

[supernaturalwealth]

Well, if this is what you always use, then it works for you. You have always looked lovely when I have seen you.

[Though he still thinks she could be a little less frugal.]

Where are we going after this?

[cruxial]

Look, if you want me to wear expensive makeup, buy it.

[Actually, don't. She'll feel obligated to doll up for him if he does.]

When did this become a group adventure?

[supernaturalwealth]

I'll have some delivered to your apartment.

[Don't challenge him to do something money related.]

Once I bumped into you! Shopping trips are more fun with someone else.

[cruxial]

—What?! Don't actually do that! You know know what colors I'd need, or what my skin type is.

[Now she's actually panicking a little because — well, yeah. She probably shouldn't have been stupid enough to challenge him to buy her something.]

[supernaturalwealth]

You told me to buy you some if I want you to wear it.

[Why would she think he wouldn't actually do it?]

You can just tell me what you need.

[cruxial]

I'll think about it.

[Typically one could assume that's a lie, but she does put her makeup back. Even taking the time to put everything back right where she found it so that a store employee won't have to.]

What are you doing in this part of town?

[supernaturalwealth]

[He'll be sure to remind her before they part ways.]

I've never spent a lot of time in this part, so I thought I would come and have a look around. Just checking things out and seeing if there is anything interesting around here.

[cruxial]

[Oh. So maybe he was just innocently poking around until he saw her?]

Well... since you're here maybe we could grab lunch?

[She was planning on hitting the mall anyway, and there are a few nice food carts after you hop off the train.]

[supernaturalwealth]

[He's sure she isn't offering his preferred lunch, but that is fine.]

I could go for a bite. I thought for sure you would try to ditch me, though.

[Or perhaps make him pester her into letting him join her.]

[cruxial]

[With Ryan gone she feels vulnerable. Aoba had become comfortable returning to 'normal' life despite the risks because Ryan would always be there if she needed him. However where he is now? She can't contact him. She'll simply have to be patient for his return, and try not to fall straight into any trap.

Which is why she welcomes Vincent, now. He seems... reliable, in his own way.]

I promised you lunch, didn't I? We can hit up a food cart or sit down somewhere casual.

[supernaturalwealth]

That sounds delightful. I could really go for a bite to eat.

[Though he's sure she isn't offering up herself for that bite. Vincent wouldn't allow any harm to befall her while she is under his care. What kind of friend would he be if he did that?]

What are you in the mood for? You can pick the place.

[cruxial]

[Fucking vampire puns. She hates that she secretly finds it funny.]

There's a small spot near the mall that does good teppanyaki style food.

[She remembers how he mentioned some of his favorite foods, and... well don't look into it too much!

Since she'll not be grabbing anything at the drugstore she'll lead them out so they can head toward the station.]

[supernaturalwealth]

[Part of him wonders if she's choosing it just because its conveniently close or because she's aware of his likes. Either way, he's more than happy to go and have some.]

Did you demon friend come out with you today?

[He asks as he walks beside her. He hadn't seen or even felt him nearby. He wouldn't know him even if he saw him, to be honest.]

[cruxial]

No, he... he's going to be busy for a while.

[Her voice is small. Quiet. As if worried that by speaking such a fact aloud would invite trouble.]

[supernaturalwealth]

[He quirks an eyebrow, both at the quiet tone she's using as well as rhe fact that he's going to be 'busy' for a while.]

Busy with what?

[He can't help but be a little curious.]

[cruxial]

It's not really my place to spill his business to people he doesn't know.

[Mostly, though, she's paranoid. Afraid someone may be watching. Hearing Ryan may be gone for a while, or hearing where he is, might invite trouble.]

Why are you so interested in him? Want me to give you his number?