Save-A-Lot[Open]

[Melissa Hashaway]

Melissa had a job to do a very important job. She was the stocking girl at Save-A-Lot. Many didn't see the value of such a role, but many seemed to forget two hours of work equated to one bottle of vodka. Even better was three hours of work equaled a good bottle of vodka. Obviously her size and metabolism required little vodka to get her drunk, but she also needed a place to drink said vodka.

Melissa couldn't and wouldn't dare tempt the math required in order to figure out how many hours of work equaled rent. Instead she'd swiftly do her job as to keep a good reputation. This was one of her two jobs since neither wanted her working over 40 hours. Something about overtime seemed to scare people more than mutants. Besides that it was nice to change things up, but personally she enjoyed her third job the most.

Unofficially Melissa had a third 'job', hooked by bad habits Melissa often finds herself in the middle of deals. Something about mutant abilities made her perfect candidate for 'task' handling. She was able to dodge the police and make a delivery all by foot. People she worked with would sometimes advertise deals like, "will even deliver in less than..." It was all very unique to every customer. The best part was it challenged Melissa in an exciting way.

At Save-A-Lot she was lucky to find someone to talk to and blow away the time. In her third job, she was never lucky, just professional. No one could do what she did like she did.

[Le Fox]

This was just yet another evening in the great New York City... Hnh, "great". Yeah right. What so great about a conglomerate of houses, besides their quantity anyway? Nothing, really. Gleaming sky scrapers contrasting with slums where less fortunate make their homes, and struggle for survival every day. Basically, a whole lot of garbage hidden under a fancy blanket. And not the best place to live if you're at the bottom. Especially at night.

Uncas did not like the city. At all. It was full of humans.He knew the reaction they had when seeing him. And yet, he refused to stay locked up in his mansion all the time too. He was not going to allow his home become a prison because of a bunch of bigots. he was, officially, a respected gentleman. A suave official suit, when on public, and everything. A brownish cloak on his back, he did not look like a hobo at all, like most saw mutants. But people did tend to cross the street when seeing him. His face was just too much inhuman. They probably were afraid to make an insult, even if they wanted to. How many important-looking mutants can you see these days?

-Hey. watch it. - the fox said as a tall guy suddenly brushed against him. That one ignored the complaint. Oh well, showed the education of a man. Well, and the fox was not exactly looking for trouble. He was just ... having a walk, that's all. Breathing fresh air and whatnot. Speaking of which, he was hanging around for enough, and was quite thirsty. There weren't any tiny shops around to buy a bottle of water... 'cept for that grocery store perhaps? An apple would do just as well, he figured, making his way there.

*DILING-DELING!* - the tiny bell rang as he opened the door and looked inside. Well, this was peculiar. The place was empty, or looked so. There were all kinds of groceries around for customers to pick, but he did not see any customers... Nor a shop-keeper. Were they on a break? Didn't seem that way, the door was opened... Probably would show up soon. He picked a big, juicy apple from a stand, and looked around.

- Hello? Anybody here?

[Melissa Hashaway]

It was almost time for clean-up. Someone entered the building though, Melissa heard the door ring in a new customer. She didn't have anything to restock presently, but still she'd be rude to simply run over and expect some sort of conversation. Yet he'd call out for her, well not her, but an anybody. She was an anybody, as a poorly paid anybody, she dropped rushed to the customers cry for help.

"I'm here."

Melissa spoke from right next to the fox man person mutant. She was very quick on her feet and would seem to almost appear from nowhere. She obviously couldn't teleport, but she was faster than anyone she knew. Surprised by the mans appearance she had to pause for a second and stare. It probably looked socially unacceptable but she was a little high still from break. Also he wore the most fancy of clothes it was so odd.

"You look like, totally snazzy."

Melissa stated as she felt her stares deserved justification. Her large fluffy tail staying near still behind her. Her name tag was tilted and said Melly across it in red text. Below the inserted name was the lines quoted, "I'm your stalker", written in red permanent marker.

[Le Fox]

- Le gasp! - the fox sighed out as he suddenly heard a voice from his side, seemingly out of nowhere - since, well, a moment ago there was no one there! And he did not hear anyone coming either. He turned around to see who it was, And it was ... a girl? Well, the fact that it was a girl weren't that shocking really, but what was was that it was a mutant girl. The bushy tail behind kinda gave it all away instantly. If she'd hide the tail, she could have a chance of passing for a normal girl... Except if it wasn't pretty much her size, that is... Not that it mattered of course. However, before he could say anything else, she made a comment about the suit. Being blunt about it too. Okay...

- ... Yes, yes I am. - he confirmed the awareness of the fact, and not without a bit of pride. His suit was indeed worth attracting attention. He looked like an upper-class citizen, despite being a mutant. Though, he'd rather not spread out on how exactly he managed to get money for it, or his money in general. He was a businessman, of course, only a different type of. The type of businessman that can often get shot. But they did not need to know that, did they?

- And who is the beautiful lady I have the pleasure of speaking with? - he returned the compliment, if only out of politeness, before his glare fell on the name tag pinned on her chest. It said Melly, and some weird sign he did not make out. Still, it was enough to know. - Melissa, isn't it? - it was not that hard to figure that Melly was short for, and he did answer his own question. - Frankly, I did not expect one of our kind to be found working in a shop, or anywhere, considering the attitude folks have these days... Tis refreshing to see. - he said, slowly walking to the counter, the apple going up and back into his hand as he went.
And indeed, he meant what he meant. Humans had hard time finding employ themselves, what could be said about mutants, who were hated by pretty much everyone? Though, he wondered if it paid much. But he will get to that later.

- How much is for the apple, miss? - he asked, relying with one hand on the table on which there was the counter, the other hand holding the apple. He would talk more, but first things first, he wanted a bite of that thing before his throat gets sore.

[Melissa Hashaway]

Melissa smiled at the le gasp, she'd never heard someone say gasp allowed. He was quiet the interesting customer that was for sure. It was late though and you expect the strangers during late hours. She glanced over to register, Tiffany wasn't at post. Again. Too that Melissa rolled her eye returning gaze just in time to get a surprise.

It wasn't a surprise like a gift, but the stranger had complimented her in such a kind gentlemen type way. She was rarely remarked as having positive looks, nor would be call her a lady ever. The respect of some people. Her tail flicked behind her as she smiled with a little giggle. She didn't even have time to state her name before the intellect before her had deduced it. It wasn't impressive deducting, but more or less proved more so his value and class.

"Hehe, wow, you're too kind. I'll help you get checked out."

Melissa was kind of glad to take this customer away from Tiffany. She turned on a register swiped her card and plugged her numbers into the register. She noted he mentioned being surprised about 'our' kind working here. She wasn't exactly sure what he meant, by that, she could assume mutants, but also animal people. They had a few things in common, kind of, but he had far more class.

"You'd be surprised how different everyone is, like some people totally rude, others are like 'oh my god', but some are nicer than they first let on. That's why I don't judge. I do assume though."

She took the apple scanned the small sticker on the side. The register beeped and she turned to the man with a smile. She'd hand him the apple and reply as politely as she could.

"That'll be fifty-four cents."

She'd pause and wait with her cheesy grin. She honestly liked the kind fellow so far, but she was too use to forcing the smile. It was something grown accustom to the job.

[Le Fox]

- Of course, there are kind people... - the vulpine said as he waited for the girl to type numbers in - - ... but they are few and far between. If it wouldn't be so, there wouldn't be frenzied crowds throwing manifestations everywhere about "mutants being a blight on humanity, plague on the earth whatever". But that would be too much to wish for, wouldn't it? -he finished as soon as she passed the apple and named the prise. 54 cents were nothing to him really. He passed a dollar to her and took the apple.

- Keep the change. - he said and took a bite. The apple was pretty hard, but yet, the animal he was a "variation" of were carnivores. Their bite, as well as teeth, were much stronger, so he did not even notice the hardness of the fruit. It was a good way of quenching thirst, as well as cleaning teeth. Apples are good for you!

- It just seems that people these days never saw cartoons in their entire lives. I mean, if I were a child and saw a person who could levitate, I'd pay to get an autograph, not run away screaming monster... Tch, people these days. - he said and sighed again. All what he said was, well, a heavily suppressed version of what he actually felt for humans. And what he did would be censored. But he was used to keep a facade just as the squirrel lady was used to give that hello-goodbye smile.

- You seem like a nice an friendly person to customers. Surely that should earn you some bonuses here, yes? Do they pay you well? - he asked, the apple gone already. It was only for a few bites to him. Though, the answer for his question he expected as a negative one. His view on the world was jaded, especially on human world. There was no way she'd be fairly treated, being a mutant and all. They probably hired her because she accepted the most meager payment ever, and not because of her working skills. That was a shame really, any decent employer would rather hire a person who is more skillful, rather than judging by the presence, or lack of a tail...

[Melissa Hashaway]

Wow, this guy really didn't like humans. He seemed to be straight forward about it, but she was sure he had a good reason. She kind of lost interest in the topic quick. This was a problem she faced quiet frequently. A problem she frequently fell into, but she'd keep her eyes drawn on him.

"Cartoons aren't real though, people are more insecure than characters. I mean like people even judge each other. You know?"

She took her time putting the dollar away, removing the change and counting it out was too difficult a task. She didn't really like handling change anyways. She was sort of surprised he stayed around after making his purchase. She enjoyed the fact that he was willing to take a second and talk. Few had that power and that was a power no mutant was granted at birth.

"I'm a stocker. I get paid minimum wages plus the yearly raises company policy provide. I'm at like eight thirty now. I make more than most here, but we get mostly new people."

She didn't get a lot of money, but she didn't expect a lot of money. She was an easily content person. Even though he'd probably done something more valuable, she still felt she'd been happier. She went from complete shit though so this was a step up. This poor guy probably didn't have an easy step up from where he was.

"I work two jobs anyways. It's you know whatever."

She said with a shrug and nodded.

[Le Fox]

- They do judge each other. In retrospect, it is hard to blame them for not being nice to us, if they seem to be unable to be nice even to each other. - Uncas said and shrugged. Indeed, humans had trouble to preserve peace even among each other - their whole history was plagued by wars and genocides on scales big and small, which only proved his belief that hoping that humans would eventually start tolerating them was a farce - they couldn't even tolerate each other. But that was a topic for other time and other people, the girl did not seem much interested in continuing it, so he gladly changed the subject.

He only shook his head in a bit of disappointment when he heard about the salary. It was little. Too little to make any sort of normal living, so he was not surprised that the girl had to work on two shifts. But, despite all that, she didn't seem saddened about it, not one bit. She was ... happy? Maybe she simply wasn't as ambitious as him, and such a ... meager living was enough?

- Melly, are you done there? We're almost closing already! - suddenly a voice from behind the door "For employees only" was heard. He looked at the time, then outside. It was a bit late indeed, the sun was setting down and the streetlights were slowly switching on to replace it. Then he looked at the girl again.

- Already? Tis a bit unfortunate... - he said, mulling something over in his head for a little while, before continuing - - Melissa, I hope you won't mind if I walk you home, and we continue our little conversation on the way? - he proposed, but he had a sneak feeling that he missed out something. When he got what exactly, he felt embarrassed a little bit...

- Oi, and I think I forgot introducing myself. I apologize. My name is Renard. - he said, and inclined his head a bit. It was not his real name, but he did not like his real one, and Le Fox he was called in more ... shady circles...

[Melissa Hashaway]

She lost almost all attention as he finished his words. It wasn't him or what he was speaking of just her inability to stand still. The sound of the assistant manager calling back told her to rush things into close. It was probably for the best anyways, since only crooks were out this late.

"Yeah, I'll start lock up."

She turned to the man again. He proposed talking to her more and walking her home. It was simply odd to her, but she didn't give a fuck he was practically royalty compared to her. If he wanted to walk her home, well then dammit he would. She turned off her register and she yelled back quickly one more time.

"Tiff-Tiff~! I'm gonna rush, Kay!"

She then responded as kindly as she could to the man before her. She spoke at a level tone with a cheery smile. She wasn't sure how much longer she could run around smiling, but it was her job sort of. She wasn't a sad person though anyways. Troubled yes, but not sad per say.

"Yeah, I'll be out in less than fifteen. Meet me out back okay? The alleyways are a less crowded route."

She spoke sincerely and nodded back to him after he gave his name. She looked around double checking mentally how long it'd take her.

"Well I'll meet you out back Renard."

[Le Fox]

- Very well, I'll be waiting then. - the fox shrugged as the squirrel went to finish her business with locking up the place and whatnot.He himself turned around, and left through the main entrance, the bells ringing again as the door closed. It was not too hard to find the back door - only circle the shop a little bit. And 15 minutes was not long, not that he had anywhere to hurry any time soon. And he was not exactly expecting to find company when coming to the shop for an apple.

He questioned if the alleyway path was the best road to go though. Unlike main streets, alleyways were poorly maintained, were often badly lit, and while they certainly were less crowded, the chance of meeting certain shady individuals there was a lot higher. And who knows what might happen. This was partially the reason why he offered Melly to walk her home in the first place. Probably nothing would happen anyway, but one can never be too sure.

As he waited, he pondered a few things, both which were said, seen, and which were going to be asked. And on stuff he had to do tomorrow, and other random thoughts that kept coming into his head for the sole sake of killing time. 15 mins were a little time, but they could go very long when you didn't have anything to do, Eventually, it came down to two things, the Brotherhood, as always, and ... this girl, Melissa, was it? And mutants in general. Brotherhood was a group that promoted mutant dominance, through whatever means they had, to push their own forward. And this girl, despite being almost at the bottom, seemed ... content with the situation? She didn't even joined him in a little banter about humans, something he thought all mutants liked to do... This was a bit hard for him to understand...

She was not made for Brotherhood. That was a band of mutants with one goal in mind. And yet, many mutants seemed to have adapted to harsh reality. Did they deserved Brotherhood's support if they were so passive? They ... probably did. Brothers all. He looked at the wristwatch on his hand. She should be here soon...

[Melissa Hashaway]

The door was fairly loud as it opened. The squirrel girl from earlier exiting in slightly different attire. She'd switched from pants to a skirt, and over every thing she now wore a large zip up hoodie. The Hoodie was zipped open most of the way and it was obvious she'd lost the vest from earlier.

"Hey, sorry if it smells back here, but you know city living."

She said as she casually flipped open her phone and checked for messages or anything else. She placed it into her hoodie pocket upon finding nothing to prudent. She was also now carrying a large satchel type bag to her left side. She looked down the alleyway both ways. Normally she'd run down this and be home in a minute or two but now wasn't the time to run.

"Thanks for the offer to walk me home, it was nice, and I give it much props. I'm not used to such civil-ness. Its this way..."

Melissa said as she walked down the steps and onto the concrete of the alleyway. She pointed out the way she was heading and began walking down that way. She hoped he'd simply follow and didn't really expect much else. She was a street rodent and new these parts to well to be worried about much.

[Le Fox]

- Tis alright. Cities may differ one from another, be big or small, but backalleys smell the same everywhere. I got used to it. - he replied to that comment on smell of hers, as she finally came down to him. He noticed the change of attire, but it was not too surprising. A lot of people wore these, when they were not on job or anywhere, these clothes were comfy, cheap and not too flashy. Made perfect sense.


- I am happy to oblige. Though, why you're not used to it? I thought walking a lady home is a common courtesy everywhere. - he said, a bit curiously. But, again, he probably knew the answer, and was feigning to be clueless for the sake of conversation. Plus , the explanation that would surely follow, would tell him a little bit, or a large bit, depending on her talkativeness, about her, without using the brunt "tell me about yourself" question.

As they went down the alleyway, lit by dim light of the lamp poles that were few and far between, he noticed that the squirrel's walking pace was fast. Well, not running exactly, but considerable. He started walking with a faster pace as well, not to fall behind, it wasn't too hard - he was usually quick on his feet, being a foxman and all that. And that continued until suddenly the light of the pole they were walking under suddenly went down with a spark -the lightbulb must have burned out.

- Ugh, they never ever put normal lamps in there... - he grunted with a bit of annoyance as the dark enveloped both. He had no flashlight or anything, but he could see fairly well in the dark. Nocturnal predator, after all. Which he wasn't sure the squirrel girl had, being a rodent. For convenience, he switched his cellphone on, so that its glow would be a beacon just in case.

- You here?

[Melissa Hashaway]

Melissa laughed and slowed down her pace. She found it very entertaining that he'd even believe someone walked people home. Whether she was a female or not didn't coin much in her mind. She was still a tailed freak and on that note obviously held somewhat repulsive to most. To others though she was a wonder. Something about her could almost be explained as angelic, not in her power, but in her heart and mind.

"Haha, If they do that everywhere, well welcome to nowhere city."

She said semi sarcastically as she walked with him. She figured he expected more out of her than she was providing none the less. She'd have to think for a moment what she'd say next. A lot could be said, but most shouldn't so she'd kind of find silence. Vibrate. She'd check her phone respond to a text and reply.

"Yeah for a place crammed with people most people stick to themselves. The ones who don't kind of form their own individual families. Most don't like the ones they're stuck with."

She was simply trying to keep the conversation some what lively. It'd be hard to converse with a stranger, but still it'd be rude not to try. The light went off. Melissa was fast enough to vanish with it out of naturally spook factor. When Renard would turn on his phone light he'd find no one there, but upon questioning her where abouts hear from directly behind him.

"Yeap. Just gotta stay on the real side. You dig?"

She again spoke into a lingering laugh as she hopped into the next street lamps light. She'd stop as a window opened and a man stuck his head out to yell at her. Yet it wasn't anything rude or mean quite the opposite.

"Squirt! Custom order was made today, but then got cancelled so we had to throw it out. I kept it in the delivery box. Beats stale? Don't get caught."

"Thanks baker man." She was quick to reply and quickly ran over to the trash can behind the building. The man closing his window after giving a don't get into trouble reminder.

She mostly ignored the comment as she'd never had a full length conversation with the man. Yet his bakery always threw out food and stuff that was barely stale or at least still good. She half felt ashamed for what she was about to do in front of royalty, but she had a horrid metabolism and drug habit neither she could afford simply on two jobs.

"I'm sorry, if this disgusts you... Beggars can't be choosers."

She said with a shamed face almost as she opened the trash and pulled out a pink box. Inside was a collection of custom pastries and an odd loaf off bread. It was all stuff not normally sold so hence not worth display to expensive for the average and too picky for the rich. Being poor neither the quality or quantity really mattered as the term free was added.

[Le Fox]

What the squirrel girl replied to his quarry told Renard more than she thought it would. Sometimes you just have to listen to other factors aside from combinations of letters that formed words. Only ten percent of information is sent verbally, the rest was non-verbal communication, aka the ones that was aside from actual words. And he knew very well to read people. Behind that hint of sarcasm there was bitterness, and like that smile in the shop, it was a bit of a mask. Her life was probably harder and less happy than she let known. And yet,he had no idea on how much true his assumptions were...

He rose an eyebrow as she followed the discussion between her and the suddenly appearing baker. No less she was surprised when him pointing her towards ... a trash bag? And she took it with gratitude? He was not sure what to think, until seeing it opened and getting a brief explanation. This had an impact alright, pride certainly took a blow. His pride for the mutants that is. It was painful to see another living off scrubs like that. His own pride wanted to say something among the lines of "Don't be a beggar then!", but he silenced it. He was where he was because of luck, and not because of personal aptitude. If it wasn't for that luckily failed robbery, he would be still in England living in the forest like an animal. He was lucky. She ... not so much.

- I've seen worse stuff. - he said lightheartedly. Like guts spilled all over the floor, and brains splattered across the wall. - he added in his mind, as there was no reason to stay there, and they went on their way again. And he kept thinking. He was lucky because he met a semi-generous person. She wasn't because she didn't. Yet. But can he change that? Renard looked at himself again. The answer was obvious.

- Things can be different though... - he said slowly - - That job at a petty minimarket doesn't earn you enough, does it? I can help you find a better one though. I have a few connections, as well as friends free of prejudice towards us. And which will earn you more than that mockery of a pay. Hell, I heard in McDonalds they make twice as much! - he offered, with a bit of annoyance at the cheapskates at that Saves-A-Lot. Hnh, more like Slaves-A-Lot.

[Melissa Hashaway]

Coincidentally this was it the end of the road, but the start of his proposition. She pressed her hand against the building she lived in. It was a shot old three story apartment complex. What was he? Who was he? Why'd he care anything about her. Why did she earn his pity or kindness. Did he really find her that attractive? Were there some unseen forces at work.

"I'm making it out alright. I got two jobs while some don't even have one."

She wrapped herself in her own tail as if it protected her from the unseen force. She looked innocent almost, but it was a subtle deceit. Her life had many trails and she'd seen many things, but she wasn't yet close to ready to simply subside. She had her friends and life neither that good, but she did make the best of both of them.

"This is my place... but thanks really for the walking me here, and I'm not sure about accepting help. I don't mean any disrespect, but I'm not really sure I know you... or understand why you're offering me such assistance. Minimum wage is 7.50 so I'm gonna say that the pay is okay."