2020-02-26 - Pawn Shop Talk

Pawn shops were full of old stuff right? Sometimes, that stuff could be haunted! Which is why Kip was (discretely) trying to use her EMF meter on this brisk afternoon to see if anything gave off electromagnetic energies that shouldn't be. So far, she was unsuccessful in it, but she had found a few things she might buy just because. Her hair was left down, a sparkly, silver hair clip pinning back her hair on the left side and she wore a pair of dark jeans with a long sleeved white shirt that was dotted with little gray flowers .

Stefhan had just been shopping the other day but now he may continue to venture out to see what other stores could offer. There's always things that need to be bought for businesses, so a pawn shop is a place that might be of some use to him. He comes in with a short list and looks around for what might be of interest. There he spots Kip and offers a wave, "Hello." he says politely, "Fancy meeting you here."

Kip was rather intently focused on her 'mission' and so the other voice startled her. For a self proclaimed paranormal investigator she definitely seemed to startle easily. The EMF meter gets dropped back into the pocket her jean jacket that she is definitely also wearing, as she looks over towards the voice and offers and bright smile. "Afternoon, Stefhan. How are you doing today?"

Stefhan takes a step back and tells her, "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. With your line of work I didn't think anyone like me would ever worry you. I'm doing fine. Just following through with some potential shopping trips. I wouldn't think this would be the best supply shop, but you never know."

Kim wanders into the the local pawn shop. You do never what you'll find in these places to complete outfits and maybe look for a gun. Doesn't seem like the type of shop that has the last though as she glaces about the place. Spotting Stefhan she gives him a wave "Hi there. How are things going?" oh and he's talking to someone she hasn't meet yet. A wave for Kip as well as she starts to head in their direction.

"No need to be sorry, you are totally fine. I had just zoned out some is all." Kip assured the man. "Have you spotted anything you might find useful yet?" Her smile is turned to Kim then as she approached and seemed to know Stefhan. "Hello there." Extending a hand to her when Kim was closer. "Kaptisa - Kip for short." The Russian accent evident. "Are you a friend of Stefhan's?"

Stefhan offers a pleasant smile in Kim's direction and waves, "Oh hello, I didn't imagine you would come to such a place for computer parts. It seems to be a bit, well, cozy. How have you been? Hopefully none the worse for wear."

Kim offers her hand as well to Kip to give a gentle handshake "Kim Nakamura. It's nice to meet you Kaptisa, I know you offered a shortened name is that the one you prefer?" eye darting between Stefhan and Kip as she processes the Russian accent "I wouldn't say a friend we've only recently met. We work in similar businesses though, at least related. Stefhan did speak very highly of you." she shakes her head at Stefhan's words "No I came to browse jewelry and maybe get something for self-defense. I've been good mostly." just leaving the last comment alone, not a subject she really wants to go into.

"Pleasure to meet you Kim." Kip shrugged a little. "I am fine with either one, truly! Which ever you prefer." Kip assured the woman. She looked between the pair, tilting her head ever so slightly. "Oh did he?" Smiling a touch to Stefhan. "I'm happy to hear that." She shifted slightly, "Anything specific as far as the jewelry? I know very little about guns so I would not be help there. Knives I know a bit more about but I am not sure if there are any for sale here." She mused.

Stefhan looks over at some of the guns under glass. "I know a bit about them. It wouldn't hurt to have one in case something goes awry in my business. Rumor has it that the waiting period for firearms may go up, but politics always make things complicated." He gives Kim a curious look and asks, "Do you really think they would have good jewelry here?"

"Kip it is then. I don't want to take the chance on messing up your name." Kim says with a smile on her lips. "He did indeed. He certainly missed mentioning how charming you are though. So shame on him." she offers a wink to Kip. Raising her finger to tap her cheek at the question. "Nothing too specific. Cute things, likely a necklace and maybe silver plated if you've seen of those here. I was more looking for a gun, something high caliber. Though I'm sure shooters have lied to me and there is that kick back thing." tilting her head to Stefhan "Oh that would be great if you do. I need something for eh mo...home defense. Well waiting periods aren't any trouble and there should be longer periods. Good jewelry no. Jewelry that goes with my outfits yep, even if they are fixer uppers."

Kip laughed softly at that but didn't comment further on it. "I did see some cute things in the jewelry case. Are you trying to pair with a specific outfit or just something that can be used generally?" A brow was quirked, deferring to Stefhan on the gun information. "Sometimes you can find good or even rare jewelry in pawn shops. People pawning off wedding rings or engagement rings. Or even things that don't realize have significant value." She mused as she moved back to the case with the jewelry in it to see if she spotted anything that stood out as 'cute'

Stefhan begins to head over to the glass counter where the guns are. The idea of jewelry shopping doesn't appeal much to him but he does mutter at the notion of pawning off engagement rings as, "Such a shame." But guys and their guns, yes, that's of interest to him, "A piece of advice, never underestimate a .22. The serial killer Eileen Wurnos, that's what she used to kill all those men in Florida. A bullet goes in, it'll richochet and leave you in the worse pain you can feel in your entire life. Now a 357 should take a drug dealer down but." he grins, "Like the classic rock group I prefer a .38 special, better than the .38 because you can put just a little bit extra gunpowder for those shells. Also, go for hollow points, that's my advice." He looks like he would fall apart in a physical fight but the man knows his guns.

Kim ohs "Great! No just general ones for my wardrobe. Better to just show you what I mean." pulling out her phone and flipping through screens to her selfies of her all dressed up in her going out wear. Pics showing Kim in various gothic loitia outfits that she shows to kip "Basically stuff that fits with these. I'm not too picky about jewelry." moving along with Kip to the jewelry cases. With Stefhan offering a staggering amount of info and general knowledge about guns "Ah I'm not exactly looking to become a serial killer. And wow that's a lot. I know about point, click, and boom." she quickly thinks of a way to phrase what she wants without seeming insane. "What about stuff that will pierce kelvar? Not looking to use on police. I just need a lot of stopping power." because it's better than saying she needs something to kill weird things. Just barely.

Kip eyed Kim again for a beat. She had many questions, but none that were really suitable for public consumption. So she just made a mental note to try and exchange numbers with the woman before they parted ways. Looking at the pictures, "Very cute! I am sure some things can be found." She listens to the information about the guns as she browses the case. "Have you had to use a gun before?" She asks, curious, looking over to Stefhan and then back to the case. "I'm with Kim - I know point, click, trigger and that is about it." Kip points towards a necklace in the case. "Ohh this looks cute! What do you think?" It could definitely use a little TLC but the potential was there.

Stefhan blinks for a moment at the question. Wow, the Asian woman wants powa!!!! Don't mess with her. "Kevlar?" he asks, "You want a gun that kill pierce kevlar?" he coughs a little and looks around for an employee, "Well, not many handguns can go through that. You really want to talk to someone here and see what they would say." He knows guns but to that level, wow, that surprises him. As far as the necklace he offers a bit of a smile, "If you like it, get it. You only live once right?"

Kim looks over the pointed out necklace "Oh yes! That would definitely work. And it will need some work, but I can already imagine what it can go with. Maybe even a special dress I could be wearing soon." she does a little shake of her head and lets out a giggle. "You have a great eye Kip. I may need to drag you shopping another time." and well she did phrase things wrong to Stefhan. It doesn't help she has no idea what she is looking for in the gun department. She sighs turning her head more in his direction "I think that came out wrong. Something similar to kevlar, like a rhino hide." sure that's so much better because lots of rogue rhinos in Washington. "I guess I should ask a employee though judging from your reaction it probably wouldn't go any better." she shrugs "True only live once. I probably will, get it that is."

"I do enjoy shopping - I would be happy to go with you some time." Kip agreed, offering another smile. "Oh what sort of special dress?" She looks between the pair at the attempt of clearing up the Kevlar thing and looks just a touch amused. "...Perhaps there is a gun shop in town or in a neighboring town too that could provide more information. Though...I can't help but wonder why you would need so much....firepower as they say. To feel extra safe?" Mildly curious, "Yes, you should definitely get it." giving the case another look to double check if anything else caught her eye.

Stefhan comments, "I don't think I have heard of a gun shop here, but I could be wrong. Someone at the hardware store might know. There was a lovely and helpful crowd there the other day. Though, as Kip says, why would you want that much firepower? Even a simple .22 would take care of most of your problems."

Kim smiles in return "That would be so wonderful. We'll have to set up a time. Oh I should give you my number. It will make getting together another time a lot easier huh?" since her phone was out easy enough to offer. "Ah well don't want to jinx anything by really talking about that dress yet. She could always say no." Then they are both asking why she would need such a weapon. "My dad has always been bugging me to get one. 'You never know what sort of crazies are out there. Get the biggest one you can Kim-chan.' " she does a impression of a stern voice when repeating what dad always bugged her about "And now I'm thinking he was right. So like you said to feel extra safe." it's technically true.

Kip digs her phone out of her other pocket and pulls up a new contact screen. Of course - everything is actually in Russian but it's still self explanatory. She offers the phone to Kim with a quick run down of what goes where - just in case. Then would do the same on Kim's phone if allowed- putting in her information. "My schedule is currently rather flexible so feel free to just poke me whenever." She offers to the woman, eyes widening briefly at the elaboration of the special dress. "Ohhh..well. After the risk of jinxing is over- I will be happy to hear about it." She nods. Once number swapping is done, her phone gets put away again.

"I suppose that makes sense...but, well yes. I definitely recommend finding some sort of shop - maybe in Seattle even. Also a gun range? If you are eager to get the biggest thing you can find then you definitely want to be able to use it properly."

Stefhan replies, "That is true. There are certainly quite crazy people out there." He then steps to the side to let the ladies chat. Being a bit of a neat freak, he has his lists so he takes it out of his pocket and begins to try to find something that might be needed. It's simply a short list but who knows where shopping will take someone.

Kim nods to Kip "That is actually a great idea. Sure I might have go to Seattle and I do want to know how to use it properly. Better than having no idea. Oh I'm being so rude. What did you come here looking for, maybe I can help you find it? Also are you new to town?" glancing to Stefhan "You have no idea Stefhan...truly. But ahem yeah. You know you join us in looking around. Browsing is half the fun of places like this." she does ask whatever employee is about to set the necklace aside for her while they still look around.

"Oh, me?" Kip looked a little sheepish then, apparently not wanting divulge the primary reason for her coming to the pawn shop. So she offers up the secondary, "Nothing specific really. Just browsing for any neat little trinkets or something. I am only renting a room right now so I don't have a lot of room to purchase many extra things." Kip explained. "Yes, walk with us Stefhan, perhaps we will find some things on your list. What is on your list?"

Stefhan looks to the list again and says, "Oh, nothing too unusual. Mainly interested in what tools this place can offer. Sometimes you could find tools at a very good price here. Nothing too exotic though. Unique screwdrivers might turn up, you never really know. I'm afraid that might be, a bit boring for you ladies."

Kim nods to Kip's explanation for her visit. "I am sure there more than a few nick-knacks here. I'll have to keep the small space in mind when we shop. Any things in particular you like so I can keep my out for them?" of course she's all full of questions about new people when she isn't so distracted "If you don't mind me asking Kip what do you do for a living?" glancing back to Stefhan "No I like looking for a good tool. I don't usually do hardware, but taking things apart is fun...at least for me. And I know my why around screwdrivers."

"Oh and I am new. I've only been here a couple weeks now." Kip offered to Kim, realizing she hadn't answered. "I'm a paranormal investigator. Though I am keeping my eye out for a side gig in between jobs with the team I am working with now that is in Seattle." She explained. "I like owls, and rabbits. Woodland creature type things...and anything related to ghosts or Halloween I am also a fan of." Kip chuckled. "Tools are important. I tinker with my equipment quite a bit to make sure the settings are accurate. I'm sure they have some tools around." She was browsing a particular shelf when her phone went off. Digging it out, "Oh, excuse me I need to take this." And she moved off to another part of the shop, speaking in Russian as she answered the call.

Stefhan waves a bit to Kip as she goes off to answer a phone call. "Nice lady isn't she?" He asks of Kim, "And screwdrivers, that's always something I need for my computer work. Nice and durable ones that are small are always in demand though. Needing to manipulate tiny wires can always be complicated. If they have smaller pliers, that would be helpful too."

"Oh welcome to town. I just got here about geez it's been over two months already." Kim gives a chipper reply. Eyebrow going up at her job. "That is interesting job. I've had a few people who were interested in that as hobby. Not a job and at some point I'd like to talk to you about." before hearing what she could be interested she nods having a better idea what to look for "I like some Halloween stuff myself." still looks like she'll be busy for awhile with the phone call. Shrugging her shoulders to show it's no problem. Back to Stefhan as she is off "That she is. Best of luck and did you take my advice?" she asks with a grin "Sure things. Might not anything unique, but it's worth a look. Anything else? Only PC I've ever worked on is my own girl. Excuse her motherboard after a very sad encounter that fried her...poor girl needed so much work."

Kip returned a bit later, pocketing her phone. "Sorry about that, and yes, of course. I am always happy to talk shop, as they say. Any time you would like, as I said before my schedule is still fairly open." She offers, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. "Also maybe am looking for something that could decorate a car? Like one of those little...bobble head things or hula girls?...I am not sure what exactly they are called. I am in the process of trying to secure a car and have been talking with a few people, hoping to get it today or tomorrow.

Stefhan whispers something very briefly to Kim and says, "I did. As far as Halloween well, we need to get through winter first. It's been exceptionally chilly." A smile is offered to Kip though and he says, "Oh? Well that's lovely news. You seem to be getting yourself setup well."

Kim nods with vigor to Kip as she returns and answers "Then we certainly will. I'm usually a little busy during the day with work. Are evenings open for you? Oh my girlfriend and I are having a house warming party next week if you'd like to come. We chat outside of a pawn shop. "Just bobble heads I think. I do hope you are able to get a car. Makes life so much easier." she does listen to have Stefhan has to say to her "Good." not adding anymore "Halloween decorations wait for no one. As well off season is the best time to get them and places like this have some of the best at a discount."

"Thankfully it has not been close to Russian winter. I'm quite enjoying the weather but Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons." Kip agreed. "That sounds fun! I will come, maybe I can bring a friend along too? And possibly his sister? If they want and if you don't mind some extra people." She offered. "My evenings are free mostly too. And yes, I hope so too." She looks between the pair. "The next step, once my income is more settled and stable, will be getting a proper place and not just room renting." There's a soft chuckle at Kim's proclamation about decorations. "Decorations are fun - always best to get off season. Perhaps we will find some cute ones."

Stefhan looks off at something in the distance as it seems to catch his attention but he doesn't ignore the pleasant conversation either. "I guess I'm not all that well versed in decor." He says, "And there are many lovely places for rent in the area. Being a small town, all types of word travels round and such. Shouldn't take too long to fit in nicely."

"Just how bad are Russian winters? And of course. The more the merrier I say. If they want to of course and we'll have more than enough food and drinks for a lot of people. Probably more than is necessary but I'd rather have too much than not enough." Kim replies to Kip "Wonderful then I'm sure we can make it out. I'm also curious have your investigates ever involved telekinesis? I'm very interested in that subject. Oh well probably for later." going back to the more joint talk "With any luck I am sure you'll get a more stable income and a bigger place." nodding again "I hope so and it's okay Stefhan. Sure we can teach you some stuff about decorating. I do agree with him there are plenty of great rentals. Some pretty well priced I can't speak to the neighborhoods though.

Kip's eyes widened and she nodded emphatically to Kim. "They are awful. It feels like almost constant night and the temperatures are often below zero. So there's always multiple thermal layers of clothing and fur-lined boots and jackets and things. This is like spring to me right now. I do not recommend visiting in Winter times." Another smile then. "Yes, Decorating is easy! Well. It is as easy or as difficult as you make it." Her phone chimes again and she pulls it out to check. "I will let you know if my friends will come with me, Kim. Thank you both for the vouches of support! I am sure things will fall in to place. It seems like one of them might be! One of the car people said I could come by and look now so I am going to do that before someone else swoops in to take it." She send a text back quickly and then grinned to them both. "I will see you two around. It was nice to meet you Kim and see you again Stefhan. Have a good day." And then she would leave!

Stefhan offers her a bit of a wave and finally finds some tools that he likes. "Well, I think that these will do." He says, "Not nearly the same thing as the basket full of stuff I got last night. Maybe I shouldn't spend as much but, who knows? Getting things up and going can be quite the challenge."

Kim listens to Kip "Hope you can make it and best of luck with the car." giving a wave as she heads out. Gathering up some small items that caught her eye and the necklace that was set aside to head to the counter. "You do things for your shop. And you'll it back, plus this shouldn't be too much. Oh right you mentioned the hardware store. I bet they had much more of what you needed. Your place doing any better? I know it hasn't been that long."

Stefhan shakes his head and says, "No, but, it's ok, it really is. I think I am going to contact my mother and update her. If I'm too much in the red I'm sure she will send money. Doesn't matter if I'm in the red, black, blue, there's always green. I admit that part of me would like to have my business ventures be successful. I guess that just means I will need to work harder."

Kim ahs as she pays for her things. "Let's hope you don't have to. Who knows what is right around the corner?" good old optimist Kim. "You'll get there and no time you'll be telling her all about how successful you are. Well it was great seeing you. I have to get going." stuff in hand she heads out with a wave for him.