(Open) Hardworking Businessman

[geckoman]

WHO: Iwai and OPEN
WHERE: Unstoppable
WHEN: Throughout the month
WHAT: Just some open prompts for people wanting to tag Iwai at his shop!
WARNINGS: If anything just language and hints of past crimes

1. Sweet thoughts

One could usually fine Iwai at the counter reading a magazine. He had things in cases and such which meant that the likelihood of anything valuable being stolen wasn't very high. It also meant he could relax and wait for questions to come to him in case he happened to be the only one working in the shop that day. Long as the questions weren't stupid, of course. He didn't have a high tolerance for stupidity on the best of days. Considering he sold things that could hurt others that only made sense though.

Moving around the lollipop in his mouth, he flipped a page of his magazine as a thought bubble formed above his head without him realizing. Nothing life altering honestly. Really it was just an image of candy, a lollipop, with the words This is pretty good... written under it. Yep. Just a tough looking man in a shop full of airsoft and paintball stuff, reading a gun magazine, thinking about how delicious candy was.

2. Keeping things in line

Whether you were looking around the shop or whether you just walked in, it was pretty clear there were some stern words happening at the counter. A frustrated customer who wanted something and the owner who was having none of it. Eventually the customer just stormed on out and Iwai gave a snort as he crossed his arms while leaning in his chair, putting his feet up.

It was then he would look your way. "Need something?"

Nothing to see here okay. Just a pissed off customer over...something.

3. Wildcard

Feel free to make up your own prompt at Iwai's airsoft/paintball shop! If you have questions just shoot me a message or plurk!

Comments

2.

[bitemefightme]

Considering he had come into two new(ish?) guns from his run in the catacombs, Orion curiously is heading into this shop. He's starting to figure out that guns are his deal - even if it's just sports guns. He figures that's better to use for practice than his actual ones. Not to mention he feels extremely hesitant to shoot the white one he has... for some... unknown reason. It was really weird.

But Orion's not going to question that Retrospec bullshit right now. He wants nothing to do with it after his last hallucino-memory.

Though he wasn't expecting... some sort of argument when he walked in. As the customer was storming out, Orion's finding it extremely tempting to trip the asshole and make him apologise to the guy behind the counter - he knows what it's like being the cashier. Customer service is bullshit.

But before he can go through with the action, Iwai throws a question his way, and he flicks his head back up toward the other man.

"...Yea, I was wanting a practice gun. Something that won't get me weird looks for shooting at things in public."

Not that he'd shot his actual guns in public. But that doesn't stop the weird looks when he aims his guns at nothing.

"And maybe some target boards."

[geckoman]

He wanted a practice gun, huh? He leaned back some more as he studied the guy. Obviously this was a serious customer so he was willing to work with him, figure out what he wanted. Moving the stick around in his mouth some, he clacked the candy against his teeth a couple times before speaking.

"You're probably still going to get a lot of weird looks for shooting things in public, kid. That stuff is usually best kept to ranges or play areas but I could still get you some targets. The real question is are you trying to practice for a real gun or for something else?"

Honestly it probably sounded like he was suspicious of him but Iwai needed to know so he could actually tell this guy where to look and what to get. The advice could change depending on the answer and all that.

[bitemefightme]

Orion observes Iwai for a moment. He doesn't want to freak out people any further, but... maybe he's just being overly cautious with Iwai. He seems to be asking the right questions. Alright, he'll bite.

"A real gun. Two of them. A Mauser C96 and a Luger P08." He'd done his research on the guns as soon as he got home after last month. Between heavy amounts of drinking, but he did his research nonetheless. And, honestly, he has the guns on him, tucked under his shirt and in his beltline with a hoodie tied around his waist. He knows concealed weapon carrying is frowned upon, but he didn't need the bullshit out in the open either.

He's also not going to tell Iwai that he's Schizophrenic or an alcoholic. As he's pretty sure that'll put him on the disqualify list for anything.

[geckoman]

One brow lifted as he heard the names of the guns. Those were pretty outdated guns to be sure. They were usually considered collectors items these days. Enthusiasts liked to have them around some would fire them at ranges and stuff. But for the most part they just weren't used a lot. It did tell him a lot though, even if it didn't tell him why this guy wanted to fire that outdated stuff in the first place.

Another move of his lollipop and he finally put his feet down. "Alright how much are you able to spend? That's what is really going to change how I answer questions for you."

Because his fake guns were never going to be the same as anything real but he might be able to figure out something. Besides, he wasn't here to ask questions about why this guy wanted to use this stuff. He didn't seem the type to go around hurting innocent people. And he could always figure out more of that as he kept talking to him too.

[bitemefightme]

Orion's not deterred by the eyebrow raise in the slightest. He already knows he looks weird.

"I can push a hundred fifty if it comes down to that much." And it really is pushing it. He'd be bumming the money off of his parents this month just so he could stay in his apartment. Honestly, he should be looking for a solid job, not playtoys. "Though, that should be with the tax included and all. I can't afford more than that."

Is it sounding too cheap? He'll find out. He hopes these are cheaper than the real deal, honestly.

1.

[gamblingaddict]

The man behind the counter may or may not have noticed her enter the shop or while she absentmindedly browsed the selections on its walls and shelves. However, what he undoubtedly will notice is the sound of her giggling.

Looking up, he'll see Yumeko standing at the opposite side of the counter with a sweet, polite smile on her lips. She looks at him expectantly, apparently waiting for him to initiate conversation.

[geckoman]

The candy turned into a question mark before the bubble popped. He didn't even notice it had been there. Instead, he lifted a brow her way, not at all sure of what was funny but hey a paying customer was a paying customer. Least he hoped she was or this was going to be tiring conversation.

"You need something?" Aside from standing there smiling and stuff?

[gamblingaddict]

"Yes, please." She nods her head, still smiling sweetly. "I'm going to be starting school soon at Recolle U, and, well, a girl could always use a little protection for when she has to walk around campus by herself at night. Do you have anything you'd recommend?"

She tilts her head a little, an inquisitive look in her eyes.

"Oh! Also, where do you buy your lollipops? If it's that good, I wouldn't mind picking up a few for myself."

[geckoman]

Huh. Wasn't often he was asked things like that. Still, he figured this was probably a safer and more legal way. He was about to start figuring out how to help her when she...

...asked about his lollipops?

"How do you know I like them that much?" Never mind that he had one in his mouth as they spoke.

1

[flowrite]

A shop selling guns, even paintball guns, was probably the last place on Earth that anyone who knew him would ever expect to see Fai. Yet here he was, pushing through the door with a smile on his face as if he was really looking forward to this.

Which he was, just not for the guns. It had been far too long since he'd had a chance to chat with Iwai, even for work. And now that his friend was on Retrospec--aside from the obvious, although someone like Iwai could definitely take care of himself--at least they could talk about what was going on without Fai having to dance around certain subjects.

Not that Fai was always inclined to shy away from subjects, of course.

"If it's that good, maybe you should sha~are," he called out in a sing-song voice, grinning from ear to ear at the thought bubble above Iwai's head.

[geckoman]

He had no idea what he was talking about at first. So he frowned before looking up and then sighing heavily. Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a lollipop and tossed it over to Fai. It wasn't like he had a problem sharing sweets with the guy but the thought bubble thing was annoying for sure.

Stupid bubble...

"Thing shows up when I least expect it." Closing his magazine, he leaned back in his chair so he could relax while he talked with the guy. "So you here about a kid or is this one a social visit? Can't say I mind either way."

Fai was alright after all. Smart. Talented. Hell he might even enjoy the teasing a bit if he were to be honest about things.

[flowrite]

Fai's face lit up (...even more....) at the sight of the lollipop, although his eyes widened briefly in alarm at the sight of Iwai throwing said lollipop. Fai's reflexes weren't awful, but he wasn't moving as well as usual and he missed the mark by mere inches, the lollipop clattering to the floor at his feet. Damn.

"Just a social visit this time~" he replied with a smile. "I've got some time off from work so I thought I'd drop by and check on my favorite old grump! Wouldn't want you to get lonely without me~"

okay you can do this
just go slow
keep talking, maybe he won't notice
Fai braced one hand on the counter next to him and slowly dropped to one knee, still smiling up at where Iwai was sitting. "Anything new in the world of paintball guns these days?"

[geckoman]

Iwai's brow lifted when Fai didn't catch the candy and it rose further up when Fai's thought bubble showed up. Standing up, he went around the counter to gently but firmly take his arm. "Oi. Don't push it. Go ahead and go to the back and sit your ass down. I got this."

He was not taking no for an answer either. Already he was moving fast to get that candy and was even helping to get Fai back to his feet.

"Go on. I just need to go close up for a lunch break."

And he didn't bother to wait for Fai to fight him on that because he went straight to the door to flip the sign and even locked it so no one would bother to try and get business when he wasn't free.

2

[yamagishi]

Fuuka had been a little curious about this store. While it wasn't something she would venture frequently, it did peak her interests a little. So when she decided to come on over, that's when she heard Iwai yelling at someone. Before she could say anything, that's when the customer stormed off.

As she looked back at him, she wasn't sure if she should say something but...

"Is everything okay?"

[geckoman]

"Guy expected me to give him a discount just because he's friends of a regular."

Yeah right. Like hell he was going to do that. Even his regulars had to work hard to earn their discounts. He wasn't about to hand those out like candy. Iwai had a business to run here. A good and honest one, damn it.

With that he sighed and let go of the tension to look at the girl. "You need any help?"

[yamagishi]

"I see. I hope that he doesn't try to do that again."

She mumbled to herself before looking around the area. So far, from what she could tell, this definitely doesn't seem like the type of place she would look into. However, there was something she was rather curious about.

"But yes, I wondering about paintball. Mind if I ask how do you play it?"

[geckoman]

"If he does I'll just kick him out again."

Iwai wasn't about to put up with that kind of crap in his shop. No way. But for now he let it go because she was wanting to know about paintball. That was a topic he liked better anyway.

"Honestly I guess it depends on what you're wanting to do. Some like to shoot targets for points. I know some people make like mini-game things. Most of the time though you'll find a versus thing where each side has a gun and they shoot at each other. The one covered in the most paint loses."

He opened a drawer and pulled out a small container. Popping it open, he dropped a paintball into his hand so she could see it.

"They're about this size."

I

[blondferret]

[Derek casually walks into Iwai's shop like he has many times before. He notices the thought bubble above Iwai's head. A thought bubble forms above Derek's head that read, What the hell is that?. Derek was still getting use to strange things happening in the city since he got the app. But how was he suppose to react to visible thought bubbles. He clearly had no idea there was one above his head at that moment. He decided he was going to try to ignore it.

Walking over to the counter Derek smiled.]

How have you been Iwai?

[geckoman]

[He glances over when he hears the door. Oh hey. One of his regulars. That's more than enough to get him to close up the magazine and turn to face the front. And frown at that bubble over Derek's head but whatever. He's been seeing those on a number of people now so it's just weird but easy enough to get over.]

Aside from the fact that I guess we both have that weird app now, things are alright. Least I still have my shop going strong.

[He leans back in his chair with a shrug because hey this might not be his dream job but it sure pays well. Especially if he keeps his nose clean so no one bothers to look to see it's owned by someone who isn't here legally. You know. Details.]

You looking for something new or just for some restocks?

[blondferret]

[Derek places his paintball helmet on the counter. It is clearly cracked in multiple places.]

My roommate decided that the best way to get back at me for my satanic cat puking on his bed was to throw my helmet out the widow. So, I need a new helmet.

And how did you know I have the Retrospec app? I assume that is what you were implying.

[geckoman]

Seems only people who have it are weirded out by the thought bubbles.

[His own pops suddenly and he looks over the helmet a bit. Definitely should be replaced rather than repaired, that's for sure. He messes around with the candy in his mouth a second before setting the helmet down.]

Don't sell this one anymore so I'll pull some others. You wanna stay in the same price range?

2 iwai plz.....

[mercurio]

[prompto doesn't come here often. he's more of a laser tag kind of guy, but recent developments and memories have piqued his interest for guns and shooting things. laser tag doesn't really hold the same sense of real as the weight and accuracy as paintball does. the guns are slightly heavier and the 'bullets' are a physical thing, rather than the sometimes flimsy battery-powered lasers.]

[if practicing with a real gun is dangerous (it is, prompto knows that), he wants to see what his alternatives are. this is perhaps his third time in the store, but the other two times he's been too nervous by the shop keeper's face that he never did more than just look around foolishly for a couple of minutes before going back out the door.]

[what's with that?]

[in any case, he feels his ears burn after the exchange between the owner and the costumer, many times considering just leaving, but not wanting to draw attention to himself due to how angry the two sounded. his ears burn especially hot now that the owner has fixed his attention onto prompto]

[prompto hedges on what he wants to say, before zeroing onto a point...] For what it's worth, your prices are incredibly fair for the quality you sell. A-and it's a policy in every store to bring a receipt for an exchange or whatever...

[it was hard not to listen in]

I also work at a store, and there's people wanting to take advantage of "the customer is always right" all the time. ...the customer isn't always right, though.

[awkwardly stands here by a shelf with gloves and masks]

Prompto stop being cute

[geckoman]

[Iwai is aware that the conversation was a loud one. So he's not bothered that he kid listened in. Hard not to really. Still, it's what the kid says that holds his attention and he eyes him.

That's actually pretty intelligent. Apparently he knows enough about his products to know that this stuff ain't cheap but he ain't marking it up either.

A smirk ends up coming to his lips as he finally stands and goes around to move up to the front to see what this kid is actually here for. If he remembers right he's already come in a couple times before just leaving. But he keeps coming back so he must actually want his merchandise.]

That's right. They ain't.

[He gives him a nod as he stops in front of him.]

What are you looking for? Might as well see if we can get you leave with stuff this time.

[He gives a snort but he's not going to hide that he pays attention to who the hell comes and goes in his shop.]

this cr is going to kick my ass isn't it

[mercurio]

[prompto feels himself getting nervous the second the older man goes around to stand in front of him. that nervousness turns into embarrassment when he gets called out on. he's probably not the only person window-shopping, right?!]

[he sputters out:]

U-uh...

[coherent]

I dunno, I thought the gloves looked really cool... Haven't really done a lot of paintballing... [his face is flushed out of how little he actually knows about this in specific, regardless of his reading up online on the stuff (but retail hell, he knows about that)]

be ready for it

[geckoman]

You got a gun, kid?

[He beckons with his finger and walks away from this section on over to where there's the display of paintball guns. The really good ones are in the back but he still has plenty out here on display.]

The gloves may look cool but having a good gun is what'll make or break a game.

[Honestly a good gun in general will make or break any situation but hey that's another story.]