Bookshop.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

It's week two, and there is a steady rhythm to the people that come and go from the bookshop where Inara has found herself so recently. Sometimes Ivy has her behind the register. That isn't the part that entertains her though.

Watching people. Seeing what books they go for, what stationary supplies they need, what quills and inkpots and everything else they might be looking for appeals to them before they even realize what it is they want. That is why, among other things, Inara can be a very convincing salesperson.

While Ivy is in the stockroom behind the counter wrangling their copies of The Book of Flying Creatures from taking off out the window, Inara is balancing the ledger from the morning in an otherwise empty storefront.

Comments

[scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com]

Were he privy to inner dialogue, Sokka would be offended by 'lascivious' and quite pleased with 'cute.'

Besides, she started the wand commentary.

"Well, I'm pleased to have been a shining beacon of light in your day, then!"

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"If you are always this entertaining, I might have to request a repeat."

[scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com]

"I am, actually, always this entertaining," Sokka confides seriously, nodding with great dignity. "I'll check my schedule, see where I can pencil you in.

"Oh!" It's easy to switch from somber to grinning when you're faking the prior emotion. "You should join us at the pub sometime this week. Jo runs it and Leah will go, a few other professors show up. It'll be like a reunion, only with more interesting refreshments."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"Brilliant."

Jo runs it? That's enough to trigger Inara's interest, even if she weren't genuinely intrigued to see Sokka again.

"I'll be there with bells on."

[scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com]

"Literally, I hope. Should keep the conversation going steady."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"Sonnarius comincia?" Like a question, though it's a charm instead - unseen bells chime seemingly above their heads for a moment.

"I'll manage something."

[scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com]

Sokka shakes his head, failing completely at hiding his grin. "Too easy. Literal bells would be far more attention-grabbing.

"Inara." It's the start of a goodbye, though grand as he can make it, hand extended for hers and beaming. "Always a pleasure."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"Professor Sokka, Potions Master," she returns, bringing her hand up to his. "Likewise. Until the Three Broomsticks?"

[scientiaeaquam.livejournal.com]

Her hand gets bowed over - quite grandly, professor robes coming in handy for the billow-y. "Until!"

And grinning as he straightens. "Glad you're back."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"Thank you."

Inara doesn't stop beaming until Sokka leaves the shop.