2025-02-04 - A New Purpose

Aaron was out and about had some time off from work and so decided to head over to Ruby's, he's dressed in relaxed clothing, jeans, and sneaks a hoodie with a leather jacket over it. His hair is down and a pair of sunglasses holds it out of his face that sits on top of his head, rubbing his hands together he starts to work from the right side of the store looking around. He doesn't have anything specific in mind that he is looking for, but he loves finding little treasures who can in places like this.

Robin's mainstay is often Ruby's because one never knows what's been turned over to find another life. Relatable for many of them truly. Today is 'mild which means shirt, flannel, hoodie, leather jacket - today with a skeleton painted in place of where all the bones should be.

Coming into the shop he flicks a hand up to the clerk <<hi>> signing briefly as the tall, lanky painter strides in. Over his shoulder 2 vibrant pink ears stick out over the top of his shoulder as the tiny furry creature hangs out in his hood right now chirping away entertaining itself.

He takes a look for the 'what's new' and passes by Aaron Pointing to him he curiously mimes to him in recognition; pointing to Aaron then like he's snapping a picture with a proper camera.

Aaron looks over when Robin comes past him, there is a blink when he hears that chirping sound, and if his ears were showing right now they'd be perked up. Looking around to see if he can spot where the chirping is coming from, "Hey." he up nods to Robin looking at him.

He seems to follow after him if he doesn't stop, his curiosity has the best of him at the moment, and he can't help it, "Hey is that chirping coming from you?" he asks while he starts to follow Robin forgetting about the store for the moment.

Turning to Aaron he upnods and signs back to him <<yes, rabbit>> He does the little bunny foo foo gesture and then turns to the side where Aaron can see it hanging out in there. Curious, and maybe eager to help the rabbit out he points and makes the gesture again wondering if Aaron's got the same.

He looks Aaron over perhaps for the rabbit and pulls out his phone to text to him then showing the screen 'You find one? I think they are missing their family. idk' He pulls his phone back before texting another message giving that to Aaron, 'sorry can't speak. can hear u tho. u sign?' He doesn't looks like he's expecting an answer on that as he takes a look to the back <<This new winter gear back here?>> He's asking the lady at the counter that signs back while she speaks.

"Yeah, uhhhh, new jackets, shirts, and ummm oh! shoes. There's shoes too." She's clearly practicing which gets a lopsided smile and sone gestures of encouragement from Robin. He motions for Aaron to wander with him, a general invite, while pulling the rabbit out of a hoodie. It looks sleepy right now but this place is new and it chirps its little 5-note song trying to get a callback. It looks at Aaron.

Aaron nods his head as he moves to walk with Robin, he does know how to sign and so starts to do so, he seems to know it well enough. << Yeah, I think I seen you about. >> he looks to the rabbit in the hoodie, his eyes get all anime sized and big a smile coming to his lips.

He shakes his head << I do not have one, but helped someone get one the other day. >> he would make grabby hand gestures, but it wasn't polite and not his rabbit. << It made the same sounds and everything.>> he tells Robin as he looks the small critter over. << So Cute! >>

Arron looks at the clothing as Robin speaks to the woman then the rabbit is pulled out and he grins. << They seem gentle, I know Josh was worried it was going to eat him in the night. >> he laughs.

The relief on Robin's face is obvious and grateful, though just as quickly becomes apologetic. <<Sorry. Thank you. Long long day. Tired.>> there is a smile though and in spite of most of his dress code broadcasting 'go away' he takes some care to attempt some politeness here.

His fingers, that look like they've been dipped in vanta black to the first knuckle answer the curiosity first. <<Portals. Usually in costume and make up then. Painting Worlds street show near where you take pictures of the people coming in>> He pauses and gestures to Aaron's hair. He's recognizable a bit.

He looks surprised and signs back <<Didn't know he found one too. There seems to be, many of em. This one made a huge mess. Good thing for drop cloths. Robin>> He also provides his name sign as he moves the small, small bun to tuck inside his jacket for now. <<Don't think I caught your name>>

Aaron smiles at Robin, << It's alright I understand all too well about long days and being tired. >> Aaron works all day and then heads back home to care for his parents and can be a lot at times and very tiring. His eyes watch Robins's fingers as he signs nodding his head.

<< Oh right on bro. >> he signs in return as he moves a little closer to watch him hold the small rabbit critter, << I've seen some of those paintings you're really good. >> he looks at his hair and grins, fingers moving through it. << Yeah my hair is a bit of a giveaway. >> he chuckles.

<< The one Josh found ran across him while he was jogging and all but tripped him. >> he winces a little remembering watching John kiss the sidewalk << Was my first time seeing one of them, they are adorable. >> Aaron moves to tuck his hands in his jacket pocket << Nice to meet u Robin, I'm Aaron.>>

Robin says, "Robin grins, <<Hope so for what they been charging for them>> There's a flash of colour to his ears trying to be modest about that. <<Not that a lot of that directly affects me but I do appreciate it. I remember you and Fin. Good with people. You work on other projects outside of 'congratulations travel you are here'?>> The question of the photography gets a curious look from him.

In the end he looks to Aaron for the curious answer giving him the same courtesy as he needs in that conversation. The rabbit pokes his head out sniffing at the air but his little ears droop a bit. He is gravitating to where the vintage clothing waits to find a new home flipping through quite a few options here but pausing as something that might have been a golden age of cinema house robe. There's a deep hrmmm on his face.

<<Costume club night Friday. Trying to get something together. You going?>> He moved that to the end of the rack to keep going. <<Last time plants were coming out of the ceiling.>> He pauses to admit with a wry smile <<I was told I was not the only one to see them this time>>

Aaron slips his hands out of his pockets nodding his head, << Yeah I went to school for photography, so when I am not greeting people I get paid for taking photos for local business and such. >> he looks to Robin with his curious look, << How about you? Do you do your art just for the park? >>

walking along with Robin and his little critter he grins when the things head peeks out but then his eyes blink as he looks to the vintage clothing a bit of a oh comes from him as he starts to look at the articles of clothing himself. Head tilting to the side a bit much like a animal might when they are listening to something.

<< There is a costume club? >> He has not gotten too involved in things with the park, he is usually spending most of his time at home caring for his parents. << I didn't know there was a club, it sounds interesting. >> he signs in a little bit of excitement watching Robin, << Plants? >>

Robin listens finding the actual act of photography pretty interesting. <<I'll have to save up. Shoot some of my stuff some time better than my phone so I stop losing it>> His projections sometimes being actually filmable; the problems with the various forms of Illusion- not always reliable.

As for the confusion of the club he shakes his head no and emanates a small 'Hmm' which the rabbit picks up, ears perking, making a much louder hum than their human's. There's a chuff of a chuckle as Robin boggles at it and gives it a scritch. He links an ad for the Paradise Beach Club costume night.

Signing he elaborates <<There's a costume theme night this Friday. here. Alan is spinning. last time it was 70's flower power and stuff and big alien flowers appeared and had these vines that were dancing with us and stealing people's plants. We dances. Plant was cool. Was kinda on my own planet that night though but there people's stories check out with this.>>

Aaron nods his head, << I love to shoot some of your stuff Robin I've been a fan for a bit. >> There is a smile as his eyes roam over the clothing again checking out a pair of pants. But then continues looking at the other things.

There is a chuckle that comes from Aaron as the small rabbit mimics him, << They are adorable. >> But then Aaron is looking at what Robin shows him, << Oh, that looks very cool. >> he looks over the ad, << Are you going with anyone or just going on your own? >> he asks with a curious look on his face, << I used to cosplay a lot when I had the time was a lot of fun. >>

Still not certain about compliments there's an awkward <<* Thanks. Appreciate that honestly. We can't take pics of the illusions that are done, but I was thinking if it is a mural then we can get some good pics. Something to remember it by if I'm ever no here.*>>

He considers and squints with one eye tilting his head <<Don't know yet. Friend of mine might go but might get sucked into a project. Usually, me, solo. Lots of people to meet there. Some of them talk to ya too>> With more energy he shares, <<Alan, the DJ, he signs so very easy to get requests in.*>> All of these things conveyed with a positive.

<<Oh no shit? I used to live at a theatre. Aloooot of that on a budget. What kind of characters you into?>> He finds another bit that's come in which looks like a black turtleneck slip dress. He squints at it and shakes his head putting it with the other <<If my roommate doesn't steal that it's going to be a dope tunic. So what kind of things you into?>>

<< Oh yeah, if you like I can blow some of them up and maybe you can hang them on a wall or something if it's one you like. >> he smiles as he spots a pair of black slacks that interest him.

Arron nods his head. << I haven't made any friends yet, I guess I don't spend much time in the park. >> It always works then go home, << I should try to go out once in a while. >> he smiles, << Oh it's always nice when you have a DJ willing to play songs you like. >>

<< Yeah I do a lot of Fantasy, Elves, and sometimes Vikings. >> he grins watching Robin, << I have some photos of me I can show you sometime if you are interested.>> he puts the black slacks over the arm as he continues to look through the clothing himself. << I love playing card games like Magic or Gurps, Munchkin. I like tabletop RPGS, Video games, and all kinds of music. >> he chuckles, << I am Geek.>>

Robin considers this and a slow nod follows with his expression shifting to one of mild surprise <<Yeah we can totally talk about it. You can help give me ideas. I'm sure Marketing will be thrilled.>> As Robin's done a bit for the promotional materials by creating paintings and images of the park for them to use in printed materials.

He considers Aaron's statement of still getting used to people. <<Happy to introduce you to some of the people I know. Sometimes we do painting days and whatever and hang out. Should meet Rook- cool guy. Fin's a sweetheart too.>> His hands make a hand-heart sign he pulls back to his jacket. There's the assurance <<We're all fucking weird here so don't worry. Lot of cosplay too.>> He gives a reassuring smile to this.

<<Would love to see that. Did Motor City Comic Con as Fiddsticks from League few years ago.>> He pauses and thinks about the games and signs three letters <<T-i-g. Her name. Does board game nights. Was thinking of going. I think there's one coming up.>> Robin might not be an extrovert but he's doing a decent job as a directory and seems happy to do so. The small rabbit sneezes which brings him pause to look at it. There's a blink before he signs <<excuse you>>

Aaron nods, <<Oh yeah I am sure they would be. >> There are times that Aaron wanders from the main gate to take pictures of the park and those who visit and work there. With all the images he has, you think he knows more people who work within the park but he seems to keep to himself mostly.

A smile comes to his lips looking at Robin and his small friend. << Thanks, go easy on me. >> he looks like he wants to get shy all of a sudden, << I get overwhelmed at times easily. >> Aaron starts to take mental notes of names that Robin is giving him, << I think other than you, I talked with Josh some and think that's it.>> Oh good to hear everyone is fucking weird on the island turns his smile into a smirk.

<< OH Bro! I would have loved to get some snapshots of you dressed up! >> he nods as he signs, << I was supposed to go to one of them but something had come up and I didn't get to go. >> There is a startled look as he blinks when the rabbit sneezes and he lets out a soft squeak of a laugh at the small animal.

<<Me too>> Robin promises of being overwhelmed. There's a pause of small annoyance before he gets frank with Aaron <<Not a fan of loud rooms for a few reasons. Fin on Photo team- very sweet, very patient. Funny. Lot of performers? big, loud! most really cool. Artemisia- excellent company. Piano and cosplay also I think. I heard this. Need to find out.>> there's some social goals to get up to here.

<<I might have a few pics. Be kind of fun to do a trip out but 8 hours. For now we have dreams and nightmares costume night. I think it's adults- don't actually want to scare people though.>> This is a look of concern for something he doesn't have words for. Curious he asks <<You're local then?>>

<< Looks like we have a few things in common. >> he is truly happy about that, he never really grew up with friends was always a bit of a loner didn't have siblings, and was always out and about with one of his parents usually. He watches Robin as he signs to him nodding his head and pulls his phone out to start to search for something.

<< Here I think I have a few random images of me dressed up. >> he flips through and ahs and hands his phone over to Robin so he can take a look, << These were all at different events a couple were for a LARP. >> he nods his head, << Not hard to fo a dreams or nightmares look that's not scary." he smiles then nods, answering. << Yeah I am local, I did go away for a bit for school but came back as soon as I could, my parents were in a bad accident and I care for them now. >>

Robin Gestures back with wry amusement <<A little bit yeah.>> He takes the phone taking care to scroll the picture to keep in the gallery of only those meant to be shred. An eyebrow goes up and he looks to Aaron and points to the phone and then him in a this you? sort of expectation. He keeps scrolling and enlarging some of the details.

<<LARP like elves, woods, hit with sticks? Couple friends go out to Saline and did that for a long time.>> He pulls out his phone and pulls out his own phone and pulls up some pics with one hand, signing withthe other <<We used to hit up Wasteland. Think Mad Max. Usually I'll go as Warboy. I need very little makeup for that.>> Which he wasn't drawing attention to but there is scaring from his right ear all down his neck, and the back of his right hand to where the black ink on the fingers start.

<<sometimes this. This was fun.>> He shows the pic of them at the dunes in post apocalyptic attire adorned in draping fabric, hood, goggles, gears, replica crow skull cap mask.

Aaron smirks as Robin points to the phone and his reaction to him dressed as the different elves, he nods his head a bit of a blush coming to his cheeks. << Yeah, that's me, they look ok? >> he asks in sign. His head tilts looking at Robin watching as he looks through the photos on the phone.

<< Yeah, elves, woods, hit with sticks, and toss magic seed bags at one another. >> he grins as Robin pulls his phone out looking a curious expression on his face. Aaron was being respectful and did not let the scars on Robin capture his attention, he looked at the photon that he shared with Aaron. A brow raises, << Whoa that's you Robin? >> he does the same as Robin making it larger and wows << That's great! >>

Robin boggles And brings his fingers to his temple and with a Pssssh! makes the gesture for 'mind blown'. <<makeup park so hard to stay on when it gets hot out. Wasteland mine ran all over as a warboy. Lot of talc. Found this alcohol>> he spells that one out, <<based stuff. Stays on. I think they use here too. Very even.>>

He looks at the picture that gets the exclaim and there's a small smile, <<Miss them. different things here. If you have the other get up, not too hot for the club you should wear it come with. I know like 2 maybe 3 people going. We'll meet some people. Maybe the sky will dance with us again?>>

Aaron chuckles as he watches Robin make the mind-blown gesture, there is a chuckle. << There is a hairstyle I did once I have been thinking of doing again. >> he moves to flip through some images and stops on one, << Could go as a dream Elf, what do you think? >> he holds the phone back to Robin to show him the photo

There is a nod, << Yeah a lot of my stuff happened while I was away at school, I haven't done a lot since getting back home. >> There is a bit of a twinkle in Aarons's eyes, << Heck yeah, I'll meet up with you to go. Do you enjoy dancing? >> It's something he never thought he be good at but learned otherwise when at school.

<<It's very cool. Reminds me of Shinara but good>> Robin has some things to say about what happened to those books when MTv got them. He decides on a few of the drape pieces and then holds up a long sleeve stripey shirt with thumbholes in the sleeves. He takes a pic of that one sending it to someone that reads only [@rubys y/n?] as the whole message.

<<Love dancing and anything that just lets me let go. I don't clock out after house like most people so some weeks? Loooooooooooong. Making new pieces takes time. Sometimes I get to use clock hours tho. Dancing is a nice holiday in teh music.>>

<< Shinara, wow I have not heard that in a while. >> he smiles watching Robin pick out some of the clothing and then send his text. He puts his phone back in his pocket, looking at the clothes again. he pulls off a cool pair of black slacks and folds them over his arm.

<< Yeah I learned I liked it when I got to my first party at school. >> he chuckles, << I like the freedom of it if you dance and someone joins you it's just an incredible feeling. >> he nods his head agreeing with Robin. << Yeah it is. >>

Robin considers <<I'd say watch the show sometime but you seem nice. Be shame to do that to you>> His hand wobbles. Little bit. Taking his clothes he curiously asks <<Where you learn sign?>> His head tilts to the side, fingers combing his hair back out of his face making the scars more visible, but they seem an old old story. <<You CODA?>> It's a guess with the fluency, but also that Aaron was speaking and having a conversation earlier.

Aaron smiles, << That bad huh? >> he shakes his head looking at what Robin picked up and moves to follow him. << I learned when I was in school, away at college. >> he has a pair of pants dropped over his arm, and his eyes get sight of those old scars again. << I had a lab partner who needed to sign and we kept getting put together cause no one else wanted to pair with him so he taught me how so we could communicate better. >> he tilts his head, << What is CODA? >>

Robin answers with his fingers half spelling and half signing the answer. <<CODA is Child of Deaf Adult. Very common way for hearing people to sign fluently. Where college?*>> This part he remains curious about Aaron's story in this. The bell on the door dings and his attention swivels there and there is a small look of disappointment. not who he thought. As well. His eyes go back to Aaron for his answer.

<<Always best to learn from signing first speaker. I got started with a friend too. I was not in college then. This photo lab stuff?>>

Aaron nods, << No my parents can still hear, though the sign does help with my father. >> he moves to run fingers through his hair as his dad is brought up, << He suffered a stroke so he is slow and can't speak sometimes. >> he gives Robin a small smile. << But I started learning before that and I went away to New York for school. >>

<< Yeah, he is a very talented photographer I feel better than me. >> he smiles watching Robin. << He was not letting the fact he could not hear stop him, I respect that. >>

Robin listens to the explanation and signs with a chuff of air in what might be a laugh looking confused <<Well his sight was unaffected. I'd assume yeah>> His free hand waves in a circle Getting the ding back on his phone he checks it and leaves the other find on the rack.

He pockets the phone in his back pocket signing <<Not today on that one. On we go. You want to meet people they're all over. It's not that bad to do. Just get nosy or have people keep showing up to borrow your shit. Joys of living floor 1.>> Putting the two items on the counter the lady greets him not by name but by recognition. He points to the pile and holds up two fingers. Yup, both of these.

The card is ready but he signs back to Aaron <<So we'll see you Friday? Try a new thing with us. We don't know what will happen.>> He's got no earthly clue.

Aaron nods his head turning to follow Robin, << No his eye sight is not affected. >> he spots something off to the side, << One moment. >> while Robin deals with tehe ding on his phone. Aaron grins as he picks up a cool looking back pack and nods. << This will come in handy. >>

Moving over to the counter again he stands near Robin, << I am sure I will get to that point, still getting to know people around the park and get settled in. >> he signs, looking to the lady smiling politely at her. Then he pulls his phone out and slips his card free from the slot it was tucked away into as he waits.

Aaron nods his head, <<Yes! I will be there Friday, I am looking forward to see what will happen. >> he grins, once Robin is done he puts both his items up on the counter and hands his card over.

Robin pulls out his phone, a few years old but in good condition. The screen is a spray paint graffiti art Miles Morales backdrop as he pulls up his contacts and types into it AARON and a camera emoji and hands it to Aaron to put his info in. <<If something comes up I'll have to let you know then.>> While not always the one putting himself out there the tall, gangly painter is chatty enough on this.

He finishes up his purchase there with a <<Thank you>> to the cashier. taking his phone back he sends a text out to Aaron so the circle is complete.

[TXT to Aaron] Robin: 😀