[Closed]

[lightsoflife]

Who: Naomi Kaufman (Naomi Kimishima), Karl Aurion/Richard Locke (Kratos Aurion)
When: October 5, evening
Where: The mall, at a bookstore
What: A chemist and a chemistry teacher walk into a bookstore...


[It's a night at the mall since Anna needs some new clothes, and Naomi can't help but check in at the bookstore. Naomi takes a little time to ensure that Anna's settled in the kids' section and promises to get her something if she wants, then looks around for new novels and whatnot, along with a few glances at some books on parenting because - well, it shouldn't hurt.

Eventually she ends up gravitating towards the section on science and browsing some chemistry texts. Catching her interest right now is a book on spectroscopy techniques, which she soon starts browsing through out of interest.]

Hm. I think I recall reading an article or two by this author before...

Comments

[flamberge]

[A trip to the mall had become a necessity within the last 24 hours. Why? One word: earplugs. Spending a single night within his apartment complex while in possession of these increased senses had proven horrid. Suffice to say, he learned more about his neighbors sexual habits than should ever be necessary to know. Truly an unpleasant experience.

The only solution had been the purchase of something to block out noise, if only somewhat. With earplugs in place and the loudness now more tolerable (though the increased eyesight was still a nuisance), Richard decided to make a stop at the bookstore. It's been a while since he'd purchased some new reading material and the reason he'd gone to the mall rather than a convenience store was so he might do precisely that.

Hmm... what type of books did he feel like purchasing? Early Germanic history? Or something dealing with sciences perhaps? Browsing around might help clear up any indecisiveness. In his search, Richard stops right beside a woman. Little mind gets paid to her, that is, until she makes commentary on the book within her hands. A glance down the cover revealed a title within his own collection.]

He's one of the leading experts in the field.

[lightsoflife]

Hm?

[Naomi hadn't noticed Richard there until he spoke up, but once she did she turned around to see who was there. She didn't recognize who it was, but the fact that he was commenting on the author told her enough.]

Oh, I know that. I wasn't aware he'd published this, however. I do recall...ah.

[She does remember being interested in checking out more of his work, but that had been when Alyssa started first grade. No wonder Naomi had missed the publication since then.]

[flamberge]

[Oh, she heard of the author? Impressive. Richard instantly develops a small amount of respect for this woman, said respect shining through ever so lightly on his face. Few people are interested in the subject and even fewer actually know those involved with it.]

It's a more recent publishing, from around 2011. This book truly showcases his expertise on the subject and one anyone interested in the field would enjoy.

[He had found it fascinating so perhaps she might, as well.]

[lightsoflife]

Is that so? Well...

[Naomi stops to think for a second, and...yes, she has enough to purchase this and something else for Anna if she wants it. Good.]

Yes, that settles it then. I've been needing some new reading material anyway.

[flamberge]

This should more than satisfy the reading needs of anyone with an interest in the sciences.

[Which she appears to be. Granted, not every shares the same taste, but the book does present solid information and research, if nothing else.]

[lightsoflife]

I'll say. This will be enough for me for a while now.

[From the sound of it, Naomi's pretty pleased.]

I assume you have an interest in the same?

[flamberge]

A correct assumption. It's been an interest of mine since childhood.

[Granted setting ants on fire with a magnifying glass and wondering why that happened might not sound too sciency, but it did get him to want to learn about it.]

[lightsoflife]

Oh, is that so? I can't claim that, unfortunately - I owe most of my interest to high school and a few of the right friends. Still, it did me well. I don't have many complaints about it.

[flamberge]

In what way has it done you well?

[lightsoflife]

Work, mostly. A job, a passion.

[flamberge]

What might this passion of yours be?

[lightsoflife]

Analytical chemistry, particularly its use in forensic science. Are you familiar with it?

[She's not sure what she's expecting, but it'd be a nice plus if he was.]

[flamberge]

I've a good bookshelf or so dedicated to it.

[Granted, he has A LOT of bookshelves, but still. Although, his knowledge probably isn't up to par with someone involved in the field, a fact that doesn't particularly bother him.]

[lightsoflife]

Do you now?

[Naomi gives him an approving look.]

That's impressive. I wish I had that many myself.

[flamberge]

A wish can become reality easily enough and a collection can grow to an impressive size within a few years.

[The approving look is mutual, rest assured. Finding a kindred spirit of sorts in the bookstore? Well, it's nice.]

[lightsoflife]

I'm working on that, but unfortunately living in the city has its costs. I have less time on my hands than I used to, as well.

[flamberge]

Time becomes plentiful when one least expects, though the same can rarely be said of money. There's a far more likely of a chance of having a stranger purchase a book for you to help expand your collection.

[HINT HINT. He really will if she wants.]

[lightsoflife]

[She gets that hint, but she's not taking it.]

I believe I'll be fine on my own.

[flamberge]

Then I wish you the best of expanding your collection by your own hand.

[He means that, too, and adds a small smile to emphasize that.]

[lightsoflife]

Thank you. I'll probably be satisfied with this one for now, however.

[She looks down at the book and smiles.]

It's good to find someone outside of work who's interested in the subject.

[flamberge]

A shared sentiment on my end, as well. Those interested in the sciences appear a rare breed outside a work setting.

[lightsoflife]

Yes. It's a pity, isn't it? It makes me miss being back in college, occasionally. You didn't have to go far to find someone with your interests there.

[flamberge]

[A small hmm of agreement comes at the first part.]

Plentiful in like minds, however equally plentiful in homework and needlessly long papers.

[lightsoflife]

[Naomi laughs in agreement.]

Yes, I do remember having plenty of those. I suppose it's easier to talk about it fondly once you're out.

[flamberge]

Absence makes the hearts grow fonder, as the saying goes. Students loathe school while in it and then desire to return as soon as they leave.

[lightsoflife]

Or as soon as you start looking for jobs, for that matter. But it had to come to an end someday.

[flamberge]

As all good things must.

[It's right then that his phone vibrates in his pocket. A quick glance at it gains a frown. Great, looks like going to the station is now on his to-do list.]

This conversation included, it seems.

[The phone gets shoved back into his pocket.]

It had been an enjoyable one, however.

[lightsoflife]

Duty calls?

[Such a disappointment. But that is how things go.]

I agree. It was nice meeting you.

[flamberge]

Unfortunately so.

[He wouldn't mind chatting a while longer, but best to get work stuff over and done with asap.]

And you, as well. I hope you find that book an enjoyable read.

[lightsoflife]

Thank you. I'm expecting good things out of it. Have a good day, then.

[flamberge]

You too.

[And with a nod of his head, Richard takes off.]