2021-01-26 - At the Library

A frequent visitor to Gray Harbor's library is one Ravn Abildgaard who inevitably bee-lines for the history and archeology section, sometimes for finances and occasionally for social studies. The tall Dane with his trademark penchant for wearing black, always and nothing but, all the way down to the everpresent kidskin gloves, tends to span a somewhat wide field of interests; likely because his students pick what historical era they are writing about, and he often needs to cross-reference times, dates, events, and cultural phenomena.

He's not one to bug the librarians much. An academic nature such as he does know how to read the indexing system.

Today, though, the copper blond pauses and nods to Kyle as he strolls in, armful of books on Bronze Age migrations in Central Europe tucked under one arm to be returned. "Hey there. Hiding from Mac?"

Said friend is up in the research section at the moment, organizing books that someone returned earlier. Why they needed so many books on various types of murder and also poison plants is anyone's guess, but Turner is at least vaguely hopeful they're a writer... or a true crime addict. At the moment, however, he's re-shelving books in the archaeology section. His long hair is pulled back in a neat bun and he's currently wearing a blue knit jumper layered over a white dress shirt with small pale blue flowers, and a pair of black slacks. Finishing with the books in the archaeology section, he moves back to his wheeled cart. Spotting Kyle and Ravn, he brightens slightly and pushes the cart toward them, instead.

Kyle already has a few books on Japanese culture under one arm, as well as a Manga in Japanese and yet another book on conversational japanese. There might be a trend there. He smiles a little shyly at Ravn, "Hey Sorry about having to run out on Pizza yesterday. I was having fun." It seems sort of sincere then his voice squeaking as he says with mild indignance, "I was just coming to see a friend about a room for rent. My whole life doesn't revolve around my fear of my boss..." Okay maybe that last part was a lie, but Kyle didn't THINK anyone could prove it. "Hey Turner!" not the smoothest way to respond to an ad.

"Your boss does have a sharp tongue," Ravn states with some amusement. "I've been pretty much locked in a prank war with her since... About five minutes after we met, I think. She's one up on me at the moment, after finding and posting incriminating pictures from my wild youth, but don't worry. I 'll get her back when she least suspects it."

Turner gets a lazy wave too -- and the Dane certainly takes the opportunity to return his books by dumping them on the cart, the lazy sod. "I know there's a number of leases up for grabs in the trailer park but... Well, I live there at the moment, but honestly, it's not the greatest place. Neighbours aren't particularly bad but I'm told it floods easy in storms, and there's the occasional mugging. Not entirely sure I'd recommend it."

Look, Turner can smile! He favors Kyle with one, including Ravn in it, as well. "If I had your boss, mine would. She's terrifying, Kyle." Turner glances at the pile of books with a raised eyebrow, but doesn't otherwise comment, absently beginning to sort them as he speaks. "I... Kenzi's old room is up for rent. Someone pointed out that I should get a roommate, since Juniper, while sweet, isn't the best conversationalist."

"I don't... think I'd be good living on my own. Though I don't think I'd get mugged. I'm pretty sure my boss would just like appear and beat them up for trying to hurt me... Then like do it herself or something?" He was confused by his relationship with his boss then says, "Maybe not right now though. She... Hasn't left the store since she got out of the hospital. I'm starting to get worried. She hasn't even gone for a drink." He nods, "Yeah My ferrets aren't the best conversationalists either... Um but I thought... maybe moving out of my parents house might be a good idea?" He sounded super sure about this idea.

"Heaven knows I moved out of my parents' house first chance I got," Ravn murmurs with a hint of sympathy; parental situations can be difficult, and while he's older than the other two, he's not as old as to have forgotten what it was like to escape the family yoke to stand on his own two feet in the world.

He glances at Kyle. "Mac took it badly. Did she tell you what happened at the precinct? I was there -- it wasn't pretty. I was lucky -- I only got my nose broken, didn't have to stay in hospital like her. Not surprised if she needs some downtime to sort herself out, nevermind the massive concussion."

The librarian doesn't really have the issues a lot of young adults have, regarding parental stuff, but he tries his best to look sympathetic. Things weren't always perfect with Grams, after all. "What happened to Mac?" Turner asks, expression growing concerned. He doesn't know her well, but he's met her a few times at least, and friends of friends warrant at least minor concern.

The young geek shakes his head, "No... She doesn't really... Talk to me. Just kinda tells me what to do, but I'm worried about her. " He pushes his glasses up on his nose a little and says, "I was worried it was more of the... weird stuff." Kyle had after all found Mac on the floor bleeding before when he came in for a shift. But he didn't usually talk about that stuff. He looks at Turner, "I don't really know other than I've been taking the groceries she orders up to her room. " He does look at Rav for details since apparently the Dane knows more details than he does.

Ravn winces; Mac could at least have told her employee what's gone down, he figures -- but then, last time he saw the green-haired gamer girl she wasn't really in a condition to tell anyone anything. He rests a gloved hand on the cart and says, "Well -- the short version is, there was a shoot-out at the police precinct. A very literal one, not in any way a euphemism. I happened to be there myself to fill out some paperwork for my application for permanent residence -- and Mac does some consulting work for the GHPD in her capacity as the resident tech nerd, I think."

"Turns out somebody paid or coerced a police lieutenant and a couple of other officers to -- well, start shooting up the place. The receptionist got her head blown off. I got punched in the face -- and an officer tried to brain Mac with a desk drawer. She was smart enough to hide under the desk but, that guy really was trying to bash her skull in. Then he blew his own head off right in front of her, so frankly, it's no bloody wonder if she's having a bit of a melt-down. I know how I felt when the receptionist fell over and the lieutenant gave me that you're next look. It was -- pretty bloody awful, to be honest."

Turner's mouth kind of falls open, and he just stares at Ravn for several seconds. "I... didn't know either of you were involved in that, I'm so sorry... If there's anything I can do..." he reaches out, a little hesitantly, gently resting his hand over Ravn's gloved one on the cart for just a second, before withdrawing it. You'd think for someone so used to dealing with grief that he'd, you know... be better at consoling others when they've gone through horrible circumstances.

For just a moment it looks like Kyle might faint at the sound of it, after all even in this town that was a LITTLE much. And Kyle despite his apparent NPC status according to Mac, was in the know. So that meant he didn't randomly forget or rationalize this stuff away. He takes a breath his books having fallen out from under his arm and says, "I'm gonna have to like Make her breakfast in bead. Or .. Get her her favorite drink." He seems a little shaky. After all, people didn't usually talk about people you knew if only distantly casually getting killed or almost killed every day.

The Dane quickly retracts his hand as if he'd burned it somehow -- and then looks sheepish. "Sorry -- uh. I have neuropathy. Unexpected physical contact can feel a bit like sticking my hands in an electrical outlet. But, yeah. Mac's got cause to be having a bit of a meltdown, not to mention the headache of the century. From what I picked up at hospital, she's lucky she didn't have a fractured skull."

"I am so sorry, I didn't think... Apologies, I should have asked, first." Turner murmurs, ducking his head. He looks like he's about to go fling himself on his ceremonial librarian paper cutter or something to atone. "I... should I attempt a casserole? Grams would have made her a casserole. But Grams could actually cook."

"I can't actually cook either... I mean except eggs. Um Maybe you could get her a Pizza and I could bring the Booze? And we could let her beat us at Smash Brothers?" After all the local pizza place was amazing not like a franchise place. "Um okay okay?" HE looks over at Ravn in concerned "I thought Revan like threw lightning at people, not shocked himself." Yep. He's super smooth at social stuff.

Ravn sticks his hands in his jeans pockets and half-smiles at the Star Wars line. "Well, for one, my name is Ravn, not Revan. It's a Danish name, and it means exactly what you're thinking it probably means. But more importantly, I don't do the lightning thing. I don't really do any of the things. Pretty average guy, me, no big fireworks."

He pronounces his name with a decidedly Scandinavian sound that doesn't come easy to anglophones. Raown, maybe -- or round, but with the d chopped off hard. Roun'! "I don't know Mac well enough to know whether she'd appreciate someone turning up at her place with food. She seems pretty private to me?" He glances to Kyle. "She looked like she considered throwing things at me that one time I offered her a date, but maybe that's because I wrapped it in aluminum foil first."

Conner is certainly no stranger to the library. It's one of the few places in town where he's seen quite regularly. He enters with two small bags, already bulging with books. One he stops to unload in the 'gently used books' bin. Then it's on to the returns bin. He feeds them in one by one, with the care of someone who enjoys books and who cares about taking care of them. In all of the years, every last one, since he first got his library card, he has never once been late about returning them, and when the librarians find this stack and stash they'll find that's the case today, too. They're always returned on time to the day, which is also the case today. As usual, he's slightly rumpled, as if he might have taken a nap in his denim shirt and jeans rather than bothering to do anything about it.

The sound of an unrecognized foreign name and accent does briefly draw his attention and curiosity. He looks up from his task, glancing about for the source.

On the second floor, amongst the research materials, stand Ravn, the owner of said interesting name, Kyle, and the new assistant librarian, Turner, who is conversing with the two men quietly, his expression looking decidedly contrite. Mournful, even. "If you offered her a date, you're lucky she didn't throw something at you. Or murder you. Or both." He keeps his voice soft. He wouldn't want to hush himself, after all.

Xavier has been listless since he romed into town a few weeks ago. While he has gainful employment, his Aunt is encouraging him to leave the house and get out of her hair. The library seemed as good of a place as any, as it is quiet and isn’t likely to have to converse with others. He’s been roaming the stacks for a while, but nothing is catching his attention. Having wandered up to the research material area, she comes out of the stacks just in time to catch the name, and the worried look on Turner’s face. Looking between the men he clears his throat and holds up his hands. “Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop.” His voice is loud enough to be heard, but not loud enough to be hushed. He’s dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a warm sweater and he carries a few books in his arms that at the very least have interesting covers.

"Well She lives above the shop... And I work at the shop. So its not THAT much of a stretch." He says tentatively starting to be sure of the whole idea. He wasn't exactly mister confidence. He look towards the new arrivals and gives an equally tentative smile like he was possibly considering bolting.

"That's what makes offering her dates fun," Ravn notes with a small smile. "Don't worry, she got even -- posted old semi-nude pictures of me all over Friendzone, at that. Half the town still asks me about the horse every time they see me."

The tall copper blond upnods at the two men wandering over. He doesn't know either of them but as they say in his home country, courtesy is duty free. He doesn't really look like someone who belongs in a library; unruly hair, black leather jacket with a slashed sleeve, jeans and an overall scruffy look -- though one could get the impression that apart from the damaged sleeve, it might be a deliberate affectation. Maybe he fancies himself some Seattle art director or Steve Jobs impersonator. "Don't think we were talking about anything that hasn't been in the Gray Harbor Gazette already, so there's not a lot to eavesdrop on," he adds.

The topic of the conversation widens Conner's eyes just a little bit. Or rather, what little he's gleaned about it, which so far apparently involves semi-nude photographs. He gives a quick, embarrassed half-smile and then an awkward rise of his hand (courtesy is most certainly free) and then walks too quickly to be not awkward about it towards the stacks. "Excuse me. Pardon me," he says, even though he's not passing exactly past them to require this sort of nonsense.

Oh, look, Turner can blush, too. Heavily freckled skin tinges pink across his nose, the tips of his ears and down beneath the buttoned collar of his dress shirt. He looks directly at, then immediately away from Revn, and begins sorting the books the man had placed in his returns cart a few moments ago. How does one survive college and not be at least a little more comfortable with the basics of human sexuality?

Xavier looks between the gathered group and raises his brow. “Well, that’s.. Very interesting.” He clears his throat and shifts his books from one arm to the other. “Sadly I deleted my Friendzone so I will unfortunately not have the honor of seeing those pictures.” He looks between everyone gathered, who are all strangers to him. “I’m sorry, do you know who I talk to to get a card? It’s my first time here.” If that was painfully obvious, and a hint of a Canadian accent slips out in his words.

"Um ... its getting. I've got... Uh ... Look .. My boss just texted I've got to get to work for a shift." The wiry boy's phone hadn't beeped or vibrated at all. "Um Turner I'll give you a call later about moving in?" Yep that wasn't awkward. Kyle wasn't awkward at ALL. He then bolts, leaving the books he was going to check out lying on the floor. Apparently it was just a little too much for him.

"Unless you fancy seeing a horse cry you're not missing out," Ravn murmurs drily and nods towards the redhead out of the two younger men present. "I think Turner here is the assistant librarian?" He in turn speaks with a European accent that clearly wants to fancy itself suited for a BBC speaker -- but which doesn't quite make the cut.

Looking after to Kyle the Dane adds, "His boss doesn't pull her punches in a prank war. If you ever had anyone put anything even mildly embarrassing with your name on on the internet anywhere, I suggest you go find it, take it down, and burn the server it resided on, before you ever decide to argue with her. The GHPD consults her on background checks for a reason."

The books that Turner finds run the gamut. There are four mystery novels there: two who-dunits, one thriller, one legal-style. There's one book on the history of Grey Harbor, one about UFOs, one about ghosts. There's a weird one on the Mayans. There's a self-help book: How to Build a Better Social Life.

Conner's tastes are really eclectic.

He doesn't entirely look disappointed that the strange conversation has ended, and he shoots, if anything, a grateful look to Xavier for finding a way to steer the conversation to safer ground. He has gravitated to the new release section, where he pulls one of the fiction novels (another mystery) and flips it open to read the jacket copy.

Apparently, he hasn't figured out how to implement a single takeaway from that self-help book of his.

"Well, oh. Um. Welcome to the library. I... can help you with getting a card. I'm happy to." Turner kneels, picking up Kyle's discarded books and watching him run off with only a vaguely bemused expression. "People come and go so quickly." he tells no one in particular, placing the books on a lower shelf of the cart to be sorted in a little bit. Standing back up, he manages a warmer, if slightly customer service, smile. Yes, he's still blushing, yes, he looks like he might consider flinging himself off the roof later from embarrassment. He's fine. He often looks like this.

Xavier smiles at Ravn even if he has no idea who he is talking about. He hasn’t even gone out with his coworkers yet, but it’s Tax season and no one really has time to do anything but other people’s taxes. When Kyle drops his things and bolts out of the Library he blinks his eyes a few times. “Is everyone here peculiar?” He asks looking between Ravn and Connor. “Sorry I’ve only been here a few weeks.” Turning to Turner after the introduction, Xavier smiles. “Oh excellent. My aunt would be angry with me if I were to return a late book and ruin her good record. Do I need to fill out a form? Or is that all online now?” He pauses for a moment and shuffles his books around extending his hand to Turner. “Where are my manners, my name is Xavier.”

"That particular fellow has a boss who gets a kick out of pranking people hard. He's got reason to be jumpy." Ravn hitches a shoulder and strolls on towards the stacks as not to interrupt the librarian in actually doing a librarian's work. Why he takes an interest in the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime is anyone's guess -- but considering that he skips the books on the subject that are in actual Spanish, he presumably doesn't speak the language.

"Just about," Conner said, flipping the book closed and putting into his bag for check out. This, of course, in response to 'is everyone here peculiar,' not to anyone's reason to be jumpy. He moves on to another on the new arrivals shelf, a paperback, and flips it over to read the back. "Conner Hawthorne."

He isn't sure if Xavier meant the introduction for him, for Turner, or for both, but giving his name has got to be a basic step on at least one of his presumed goals. And then, as if pushing even a little harder on that, drifts into the general circle of Xavier and Turner while continuing his unassuming perusal of the back of the next selection. "Is your aunt from around here, then? You don't sound like you're from around here. Which makes..."

Here, a quick, apologetic smile to Ravn, "Two for the day that I've run into, I guess."

"Kyle is a little jumpy." Turner offers by way of explanation, sounding only mildly defensive of his friend. "If you'd like to fill it out on paper, you certainly can, but I can type it in for you, quicker, and have it printed out with your name on it pretty quickly. I'm Turner." he accepts Xavier's hand, looking only a little awkward as he does. "Welcome to the city." Conner gets a smile, too. He's seen the man about, but doesn't seem to know him well.

“Ah, well that makes sense then.” Xavier says thoughtfully. “I have a cousin like that, he went through a de-pantsing phase when he was a teenager. He’s a lawyer now oddly enough. I don’t know why I mentioned that.” He laughs before shaking Turner’s hand. “Pleasure to meet you. I can easily tell you the information no need to waste paper if we don’t need to.” Looking to Connor he smiles and offers his hand too. “Xavier Rousseau, and no, she isn’t either. She moved from Quebec to here a few years ago. I’m crashing in her spare room for a few months.”

Never one to impose himself on other people's conversations, Ravn finds the books he's looking for -- one of them discusses the restoration of the Spanish monarchy in 1976 -- and wanders off towards the stairs, presumably to check them out at the counter.

Conner takes Xavier's hand and shakes it. "Nice to meet you. Welcome to town," he says. The smile is easygoing, friendly enough, if tinged with a natural reserve. He smiles at Turner as well, saying, "Sorry, I'm getting in the way here."

A self-depricating grin, and he adds, "Nice to meet you too, Turner. I guess this is the first time we've really exchanged names."

There's another smile and a nod from Turner to Conner. "It's fine, you're hardly what I'd call in the way." Turner makes a vague gesture indicating a lack of concern. "We can set it up once you've got the books you'd like to check out, if you want to browse first." Turner offers, still a little flushed from Ravn's earlier comments. Does he ever stop staying red, or is this just how he is now?

"Thank you." Xavier replies as he lets Connor's hand go and shakes his head. "Oh no you're fine." It seems there is end to the amount of politeness the man exudes and he turns back to Turner. "Oh let's get that out of the way now, I still have a few books to read on my Kindle and it will take me a moment before I can get to these." He notices that the young man is still a little flushed but doesn't want to make it worse by calling attention to it. "How long have you been in town?" He asks Conner.

Given sort of tacit leave to hang around and socialize, Conner leans against the counter. "I've lived here all my life," he says with a quick smile. "I've barely even travelled outside of it."

He, too, chooses to call no attention to the Turner's apparently flustered state, adding, "Turner too, right? At least, I feel like I've seen you around for awhile, but I haven't been paying close enough attention to know for sure."

"Born and raised." Turner confirms. "I've only been out from it a little... not many people born here leave, near as I can tell. I went abroad for a little bit a few months ago, but other than that I've never even left the state." he shrugs a little as he moves to the computer, bringing up the portal to fill out the library card, typing in Xavier's name, pausing as he does, before moving on and asking for the man's address and phone number.

"I'm from the east coast myself, and my father is from Canada, I've bounced between the two countries a lot, and I did a semester abroad in France during universty, but I feel less traveled than most. This is my first time on the west cost." He sets his books down, one is an autobiography on a former president, the other is a book about writing and the third is a fantasy novel. He quickly gives out his address and pauses at his phone number. He actually brings out the phone to look up the number. "Sorry I changed it when I moved out here and I"m not used to the new one yet."

"Now you're going to get mobbed for travel stories," Conner observes with some humor. "I think you'll find Turner and I are not the only ones around here who haven't done much of that. That's a fairly sophisticated list, all things considered. Do you like it here so far?" He seems to be relaxing into the conversation. Clearly very rusty with the whole small talk thing, but easing in all the same, glancing between the two of them.

It's all typed efficiently and easily, without Turner needing to look down at the keys. Many of the locals are borderline Luddites, but not Turner... though, like many, he doesn't really do much in the way of social media. "It's just fine. I don't remember any numbers unless I have to dial them a lot... and then they get put in my phone's contacts." He nods to Conner, "Expect grannies to mob you at the coffee shop when they find out you've been to the exotic land of Canada."

"They're not all that exciting. Canada isn't exotic in the least bit. Maybe if you're really into snow and go very north, but beaches are nicer than snow." Xavier provides them with a weak smile. He watches Turner work with ease and nods his head. "I rarely know a phone number anymore. Maybe my parents but that's about it." When warned about the grannies he shakes his head. "My aunt's friends have already been over. They keep giving me baked goods, and threatenting to knit me sweaters." He shrugs when Connor asks. "It's quieter here, that's enough for me right now. Everyone is at the very least friendly."

Conner flashes a quick grin, and says, "Come find me when you're ready to move out of your aunt's. I might know a place or two for rent." He leaves it at that though, and drops the book he's been holding onto all along into his bag. If he's held on to it this long, he's probably going to check the thing out. That's the prevailing theory, anyway. To Turner he says, "I'm the same way. They're stored in my phone so I don't have to remember, a la the Grail Diary."

"You don't ride moose everywhere and have Mounties go to jail for eating peas with a knife?" Turner asks, with just a hint of mischief in his tone. He glances up from his screen, from beneath dark lashes. He may not realize it, but he's accidentally giving flirty vibes toward Xavier, now. "There. Now we just have to wait for it to print. I'd forget my own name if it wasn't on my phone case." he tells Conner, looking up fully now, back to his innocent look.

"Oh uh, thank you. I don't know if I'll be here long enough to move out anywhere. Just sorta, getting my head on straght or something. I appricate the offer though." He smiles politely before he looks back to Turner. "Sadly no, but if you prick us we do bleed maple syrup." If he notices the flirting he doesn't say anything about it. "I mostly grew up in New York, but my father has a lot of pride for his country and wanted to share that with his kids." Xavier looks toward the printer and nods his head. "That is fast.

'Just trying to get my head on straight.' "This might be the wrong town for that," Conner murmurs, but it's mostly under his breath. Yet even if Xavier is ignoring the flirting, he sees it happening. He smiles politely and puts a slight distance between them all again, giving Turner space to take his shot, such as it is. Besides, he's spotted another book he wants to read the flap of.

For his part, Turner is apparently unaware he even wants to take a shot, bless his little 'closeted' heart. "We stole the printer from the DOL. It laminates." He's... probably joking about the theft. Probably. Then again, with government agencies, who knows? He absently ducks his head a little, brushing at a small loose strand of hair, tucking it behind his ear. "It's good to have a healthy level of pride in your home."

Xavier furrows his brows at Connor. "It's.. not? My aunt had me believing otherwise. Granted she might of said anything to get me out here." Still he shakes his head and huffs out a laugh. "Well, we can't have unlaminated library cards because they would never survive the coffee stains." He peers at the book Connor is looking at to try and spy the ccover before he nods to Turner. "Yes I suppose it is. I'd be there if my Aunt didn't have a wild hair and move out here."

The next one on Connor's list is some sort of weird book from the 001s to the 099s that talks about lucid dreaming. He hasn't decided on it yet...he's still reading the cover...but he's considering it. He hesitates when it appears his comment has been caught. He glances at Turner for some reason, as if gauging his opinion. He opens his mouth as if he's trying to figure out what to say to explain himself, closes it, gives a faint, uneasy smile, and says, "Don't mind me. I'm sure it'll be fine. That you'll be fine. I mean."

"Gray Harbor is normally fairly quiet, but there've been some... bumps... lately." Bumps. Like police receptionists getting offed by crooked cops and poor citizens apparently having to defend themselves with scissors and gaming stores burning to the ground and... "There's been a rash of bad luck going around, is all... for... about twelve years... at least." the last bit gets softer and softer, and Turner rubs at the back of his neck, embarrassed.

Xavier blinks a few times at the exchange between Turner and Connor. "You've all said many words and none of theim have reassured me in anyway." Though he smiles either way as he puts his hands in his pockets. "Like I said I'm only here for a few months, I'm just taking a break from everything back east and then I'll go back. Maybe this spring, probably before summer." He doesn't sound confident in that timeline. "I'm sorry to hear about the bad luck, but maybe things will turn around for everyone soon?"

"Maybe." Conner doesn't elaborate more than that. He just frowns faintly at some point just above Xavier's head, looks a little more concerned, and then drops the latest book into his bag with a definitive thump.

"Just...watch yourself while you're here," he suggests, after a moment more, as if some sense of duty has prompted him to offer that much.

With the library card printed and still hot, Turner removes it, bouncing it back in his hands once or twice before firmly gripping it and waving it in the air a few times, offering it to Xavier. "There. Now everything in the library is available at your fingertips... And... yeah, be careful..." His expression turns faintly worried, now.

Xavier stares at the both of them as if they've both grown horns on their heads. "I will consider myself warned." He says as he takes the warm library card and then kind of awkwardly hands it back to check out his small stack of books. "Thank you, that was very prompt and now I have a place to go and people to talk to and my aunt will stop giving me that look." Running his fingers through his wavey hair he looks between the two men. "Ehm, since I know no one else in town, is there a good place to get coffee?" He says, trying to turn the conversation away from dangerous things.

"I like the Waffle Shop's," Conner says. "Most days. Sometimes they have an off day. It's not fancy. It's diner coffee. But you can go and get one and sit as long as you like. Though if you're like most you'll cave and have some waffles or something eventually."

He seems all too ready to get off the subject, looking more than a little embarrassed that he himself was the reason the conversation took such a weird turn.

"Espresso Yourself is nice, too." Turner offers, equally excited to get off that topic. He begins scanning out Xavier's books... but he definitely hasn't grown any horns. "Though I mostly go there for hot chocolate or tea, if I'm honest. I don't have much of a taste for coffee. Waffle Shop is good, too, though!"

Xavier nods his head at both of the suggestions. "Both have their appeals. My family are full of coffee snobs so it's hard to find what I really like out here. I'm assuming both of these places do not mind if you sit and pretend to write on your laptop while you drink?" He smiles shyly before he clears his throat. His aunt told him to make friends, and he should probably do more than hide in his room and read books like an angsty teenager. "If either of you would like to go have coffee some time I'm usually free." Yeah that sounded twice as awkward as it did in his head.

"Neither of them mind. For my part I'd be happy to," Conner says, shooting Xavier a smile. He doesn't seem to notice the awkwardness, or maybe he doesn't mind. After all, he'd be one to talk. He hesitates, and then pulls out his phone. He just heards Xavier rattle his number off, and his memory is apparently keen. He texts over his number. Then he shoots Turner a quick, questioning look, apparently willing to do the same for him if he has an interest and to let it go if he doesn't.

"Honestly, as long as you don't dance on the table, I think they're happy. Though... I'm fairly certain it's happened before." Not that Turner would, but... well, some of his classmates were wild children. "Um... sure, I'd love to get coffee sometime... Well. I'd get tea, but... yes, I would like that..." Oh, look, he's blushing again. It'd JUST worn off. He tells Conner and Xavier his number, smiling shyly.

Xavier takes his phone out again and quickly adds the numbers of both men into his phone. He nods when a tentative plan for coffee is made and he can go home with books to ignore people with and numbers to show his aunt. He does intend on calling them when he starts clawing at the walls but that might be a few days. "Oh well of course, whatever beverage you wish to consume of course." He shakes his head at the dancing comment. "I need to be very drunk for me to even consider dancing, that way I can forget the embarrasment in the morning.

Which is when Joe comes ambling in. The sailor's in his heavy gray greatcoat, with the pins in the shape of the Little Prince and his Rose gleaming on the lapel. Old jeans, dark green t-shirt, and fingerless gloves in a shading of oceanic blues. He's got a whole heap of books to return - old SF novels, Russian history, books on Buddhism. "Hey, Turner,"
he says, amiably, as he heads up to the main desk.

Conner gets them programmed in. They're all sort of hovering around the main desk of course, and he steps aside to let Joseph get where he needs to go. He is the sort who will eye a man's book pile before he eyes the man himself, and he spends a moment perusing the returns just to see if the other patron brought in anything good he can snag. It looks like he might just do so, when they're actually in the return area. He raises a hand in greeting to the guy himself though, after a moment.

Dressed in a smart blue jumper with a dress shirt beneath it and a pair of slacks, Turner is currently at the desk either helping or flirting with Xavier. He's blushing, so who knows. "Hi, Joe." Turner responds, cheerfully... though he, of course, keeps quiet still. With Xavier's books checked out, Turner goes ahead and checks Joe's in... then ever so casually stacks them on the desk so Conner can look them over, since he's already eyeing them. "Well, you don't have to worry about that with me, I don't drink."

Xavier tilts his head at Connor as he dives right in for the books and is a little surprised to find someone who is as thristy for books as he is. He gathers his books in his arms as he pockets his new library card and nods to Turner. "To each their own. I have a glass with dinner but other than that my drinking is done socially." It sounds like social isn't something he's done a lot of recently. He makes room for Joe, nodding his head as he steps away from the desk and looks awkwardly between everyone.

Roadside Picnic by the Strugatskys. Mona Lisa Overdrive by Gibson. Foreigner by Cherryh. A history of Soviet spaceflight. A couple of books on Zen Buddhism. Joe steps aside a little to let Conner look, and then says, "I think I gotta couple holds that came in." Only then does he turn that guileless blue stare on the others, before smiling at them. "Hey," he says, lifting a tattooed hand. His accent's a lazy Georgia drawl, utterly out of place in the PNW. "How y'all doin'? Friends of Turner here?"

After a moment's thought, Conner goes for the Buddhism books. A micro-expression of surprise for the drawl, quickly replaced by a quick, easygoing smile. He says, "Just acquaintances, for the moment. I'm Conner. Nice to meet you, Joe."

Clearly having expected the book dive, Turner smiles at Conner, then at Joe. "He's a regular, but we've not really spoken much..." Turner shrugs a little. How does someone who's lived in this town their whole life have such few friends? "Xavier just moved to town, but I expect he'll be a regular, too." And... there's another of those shy looks toward Xavier, followed by a faint increase of redness. Sheesh.

It's apparently excuse enough for Joe to tug off the blue mitts and stuff them in a pocket, all the better to offer a handshake. Funnily enough, the gloves prove to match the tattoos they reveal, in terms of shading. He's got the phrase HOLD FAST inked across his knuckles in an old-fashion tattooist's font, shading from pale aqua to a deep ocean blue. "Pleasure," he says. "Don't think I've run into you before. Joe Cavanaugh." Then he's turning to Xavier and proffering a hand.

"Yeah, I haven't been getting out as much as I should," Conner admits to Joe. He has a warm, friendly shake despite his self-professed introversion. "Trying to change that, in fact."

His eyes flick to the tattoo, but he doesn't make any particular comment on it. "How long have you been in town, Joe? Forgive me if you moved here years ago and yet still get that question all the time."

With the books Conner has chosen removed, Turner sets the others to be returned to the shelves in the proper place, and begins sorting through some others that have arrived while he was out in the library itself, listening to the conversation quietly, smiling.

Xavier's phone buzzed and he took a moment to look at it, but he quickly silences it an puts it back in his pocket. "Oh sorry, Xavier Rousseau." He says as he shakes Joe's hand. "I will likely spend a lot of time here, it's quiet and who can say no to a good book?" He looks at the pile Joe brought in and smiles happy to have found another bookworm, three in one day is rare. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well. Who would have thought to meeet so many people in such a quiet place." He looks at the gentlmen as he holds the books to his chest.

"I sometimes come here an' work, when I can't face another day just starin' at my laptop in my apartment," Joe confesses. "I hear that. Coffeeshop can be too noisy, and I never yet have got any real work done in a bar. Been here just over a year - live up at Bayside."

Then he grins at Xavier. "Well, it's a small town. And they got plenty goin' on here. Classes, meetings, things like that. Real good catalogue, considerin' this isn't a system that benefts from Seattle's money." To Turner, he gently reminds, "I gotta notice about some of my holds comin' in. Two, I think, under Cavanaugh?"

"Wait, you've tried to bust out a laptop and work in a bar?" Conner says, with some amusment. "That's kind of a rare choice. And it's true, we do. We do alright." That last is said with a local's pride, only increased a notch for doing without Seattle's money.

"I'm so sorry, you just said that a moment ago." The librarian ducks his head a little, blushing all over again, in a way that has nothing to do with the doe eyes he'd been sneaking at Xavier a few seconds prior. The computer gets a few taps, with Turner reading the screen, then moving to the 'HOLD' section behind the desk, bringing up two books for Joe. "Sorry, I guess I can't multitask today." The books are held together with a strip of white paper bound around them and the name 'CAVANAUGH' printed on them in neat handwriting.

"That takes some skill, I know I would be too distracted people watching if I attempted to work in a bar." Xavier says as he nods to Joe. "I've been getting myself settled, but I am sure I will find some things to entertain myself with quickly. I already have to open invitations for consuming hot beverages at a shared table." He doesn't say coffee this time.

"Well, it was an airport bar, I was stuck in a layover," Joe says, easily. "Used'a travel a lot for work." Then he's getting his holds with thanks, removing the label. More of the series by Cherryh, The Left Hand Of Darkness, a book on Zen in the martial arts. "Yeah, even in winter plenty to do in town. Be careful of the woods at night, though." He doesn't deliver the warning with any particular foreboding in his tone. Just matter of fact about it.

"Airport bar makes more sense."

Joe issues his warning, and Conner can't help but shoot Xavier a sympathetic and apologetic look. At this rate Xavier's going to pack his car and head out back east tonight, given all the vague and not very particular warnings he's received today. Yet he doesn't say a thing to counteract or even to expand upon Joe's comment.

"We're going to scare him out of town at this rate." Turner says, softly... and in a tone that seems to imply it might be a good idea for the man to leave, but that Turner might be sad to see him go. "I don't think Mr. Rousseau is going to be running around the woods at night, in any case."

Xavier looks at Joe as he issues the warning and raises both of his brows. "Oh, that is the third warning I've received in less than thirty minutes." He says looking between all of them. He looks like he wants to say something more but instead shrugs his shoulders. "I'm not really a night person, so as long as the things in the woods are done by the time I go for my morning run I'll be fine." He says brightly. Looking to Turner he shakes his head. "No need to be so formal."

"It's a weird place," Joe says, still mildly. "I mean, I gotta lotta warnings when I first showed up here, and they didn't work. Been here that long, done okay. But.....well, I guess you'll find out for yourselves."

Conner hesitates. This is a good opening. A great opening. For everything he's resolved to do. And yet it's hard to just...overcome his natural reticience and secretive nature to say something. Still, he plows ahead. "Did you encounter something in the woods directly, Joe? Or was it something you heard about secondhand?"

There's a look from Turner to Conner that seems to be saying 'Not in front of the outsiders', but also 'Don't talk about this at all!' "If you just keep to yourself, it's a lovely town." says the young man who's the only surviving member of his entire family.

Xavier is occasionally clueless when someone is flirting with him, however he is picking up the looks between Turner and Connor, the people who've lived here their whoe lives and is now beyond curious to what they're up to. "I see." He says back to Joe. "Are there any other places I should avoid at certain times of day? I'd hate to stumble upon the wrong alleyway during lunch." He laughs.

Joe gives Turner a dry look, like that was something too silly to say. "You know better'n that," he says, before looking back at Conner. "Yeah, there's a few things on the Other Side that come through, 'specially in the forest . You got the Shine, you'll see how weird things get, if you haven't yet." A shake of his head for Xavier. He seems fairly serious.

And just like that, it's there, right out in the open, far faster than Conner would have expected. He nearly fumbles the next book he'd picked up (without even looking at it), and then he nods slowly. "I've kept to myself. Trying to understand with...these." He indicates the book.

He flushes as he glances at Turner, having been warned off, and yet...Joe took it next level.

"Most of what I know is secondhand. Most. But I want to understand. You know?"

A hesitant look for Xavier. Who does indeed have a way about him which says he's all too likely to step right into the weird.

Joe gets a look back from Turner, who now has one corner of his lower lip caught between his teeth for a second before he speaks up. "You've got to stop springing it on people, Joe. Ease folks into it... He might not even know what he can do, yet... Or be in denial... like other people." meaning himself.

Xavier looks between everyone and their hushed but obvious discussions. Joe seems the most straight forward, while Connor looks eager and Turner seems worried. With a sigh he raises his hand and uses telekenesis to lift a book off of a stack and start a new pile, carefully moving each one from the first stack to the second. "I've knownw hat I can do for a long time, but aside from my aunt I haven't met others." He stops using his powers so obviously and it's clear that it isn't something he does to show off. "Tabarnak that's why she dragged me out here." He sighs as he once again folds his arms over the books he is holding.

The sailor's poise doesn't falter, not in the least. "Books ain't gonna help you," he says, with utter assurance. "That knowledge protects itself, and it don't get recorded. I was like you when I showed up, thinkin' I'd research it, codify it. Don't work that way. Folks here can, though. August Roen at Branch and Bole. Guy named Itzhak Rosencrantz, runs Steelhead Garage. They know more'n me, and they're good folks."

Then he turns that level blue stare on Turner. "This place and what's here don't wait on someone to dip their toe in and decide the water's fine." His tone isn't scolding - there's just that pragmatism there. "We recognize one another, we know our own kind. Denial gets you killed here." Xavier gets an approving nod. "Well, you come to the right place, because this is the wellspring of all that stuff."

Conner seems to appreciate the direction, and to know that he's not alone. As embarrassed as he is that he's basically lived her all his life and managed somehow to keep his head sort of half in and out of the sand. "Thanks," he says. He watches what Xavier does and he lifts his eyebrows a little. Joe's pragmatism and straightforward head on treatment of the weird seems to be earning more of his respect by the minute.

Worried, uncomfortable, deeply concerned, all seem to fit Turner equally at the moment. When Xavier moves the books, Turner looks down at his hands. His left hand is winding around the hem of his jumper, something of a nervous tic. "I'm sorry. Talking about it is new to me. You're right, Joe."

Xavier watches the reactions on their faces which ranges to obvious to mostly uncomfortable and frowns. "I am sorry I should have said something before doing that. I don't really show off to others, but I am able to handle my own." To an extent at the very least. "But thank you for being honest where my own family was not. I'll be watchful." He looks toward the door then back at the men as he shifts the weight on his feet. "Any other places I need to avoid?"

"No worries, man, payin' it forward, you know? I had a lot of folks be real good to me when I first showed up here, tryin'a kinna.....do my part," He waves a long hand vaguely. "It's like...once you realize you not crazy and not alone, it's a lot easier. Mine manifested first long ways from here when I was inna hospital after a wreck. I thought I was losin' my mind."

To Turner he says, "Nothin' to be sorry for. You just learnin' a new way of dealin' with all that. Baby steps, you know?"

Conner shakes his head, seeing no reason for Xavier to apologize either. He looks thoughtful more than anything else, and nods slowly to what Joseph has to say. Having holed himself up at the Broadleaf while thinking he was mostly alone despite the odd draw he felt to some members of the town, he's as wet behind the ears, really, as Xavier is. Which means he has little to offer in terms of specific places.

"Just... be careful in general." Turner says softly, biting his lower lip again. "I need to get back to putting away the returns, but I'll be in the research section if you need me, just hit the bell." He smiles at the assembled group, strained though it may be, and hurries off back to his cart of waiting books to be restocked, carrying the new returns along with him.

"Of course, again thank you, for the card as well." Xavier says with a small smile as Turner heads to restock his books. "I should head home as well, it's been a very enlightening day and I would like some time to think on it." He bows his head to Joe and Connor before taking a step toward the door. "I'll be in touch, for coffee of course." With that he waves his free hand and walks out the door so he can also return to being a hermit.