OPEN LOG;

[stressbaking]

WHO: Ned, Digby and YOU
WHERE: Roaming the streets.
WHEN: June the 22nd, early to midday.
WARNINGS: extreme cuteness
SUMMARY: Ned is looking for the perfect place to open his new pie shop. Also to live.
FORMAT: prose but if you commentspam I'll follow along.

Comments

[tattleina]

"Oh, it's no problem. He's such a nice little dog!" Shirley cooed, stooping over to scratch Digby under the chin. "I think my neighbour used to have this sort of dog when I was a kid."

She straightens herself up again to look up at Ned. And by "up", this means pratically craning her neck to speak to him.

"My name is Shirley, by the way. It's very nice to meet you and your dog."

[stressbaking]

"I had this sort of dog when I was a kid too," Ned says, smiling down at Shirley and hunching his shoulders even more to bridge the gap. He bends to pick up Digby's leash, shrugging a bit as he comes back up. "Actually, just this sort. As in, the same one."

Oh, right. Introductions. He takes a breath, smile slipping just a little even as his hand tightens around the leash.

"I'm Ned, and this is Digby."

[tattleina]

"Oh, what a cute name!" Shirley trills, pulling her handbag up her shoulders a bit more in a self concious manner. "...I meant the dog by the way. But your name is very nice too."

She gives Digby another large stroke down one of his ears, cooing softly at him.

[stressbaking]

"Thank you. On both counts." He smiles despite himself, letting up a bit on Digby's leash. "I think Digby likes you, too."

[tattleina]

Shirley gives an appreciative smile towards Ned, before launching into full investigation mode.

"So, uh, are you going to the park?"

[stressbaking]

"We weren't, no. We were actually looking for a place to open a pie shop. You didn't see any 'For Rent' signs that way, did you?" He gestures back the way Shirley had come, shrugging a bit.

[tattleina]

"A pie shop?" Shirley questioned. "Oh, are you a baker?"

[stressbaking]

"Yes, I am," he answers immediately, quirking half a smile. "A Pie Maker in trade. Who doesn't love pie?"

[tattleina]

"Oh, that's nice! I'm hoping to start a business baking brownies." she said. "It must be exciting to be a business person."

[stressbaking]

"You've never done it?" He hopes Shirley doesn't intend to steal his customers, but otherwise, he thinks they can get along famously. "Been in business? Not...bake brownies."

[tattleina]

"Not exactly. I was trying to obtain a business degree, but then uh-" Shirley begins, before gesturing to the surroundings. "I got pulled here instead. It would be nice to start an independent business."

[stressbaking]

"Well, I hope to see you around. There are more than enough customers for the both of us here." He thinks about offering to help her, but that might be a bit too much of an olive branch for someone he's just met, and he's working on this not trusting too easily thing.

[tattleina]

"Yes, I suppose there is. For starting a business. On your own." Shirley mused, the actual meaning behind those words being as clear as possible. She had never started a business before, and someone helping her out would be a good deal. "I'm sure I can just start my own business with no help from anybody else."

[stressbaking]

Ned has the resolve of a tiny kitten, and when he hears the uncertainty in Shirley's voice, he's quick to offer his help. "I'd be more than happy to show you the ropes. It's always difficult starting a new business, especially on your own, and without factoring in... our unique situation."

[tattleina]

Shirley's resolve is one of a mighty dragon, so she's pleased when Ned offers her help out of the kindness of his heart.

"Oh, thank you! That would be very kind of you!"

[stressbaking]

He stumbles over a smile, nodding. "It's no trouble, really."