Things happened in a blur that Zaid had a hard time pinpointing. One moment he was hiding at the mansion, the next Jude and him had made plans to get an apartment together. It should have felt fast, but Zaid was more than comfortable with situation. The location was good, the price was great, and he got to be with his boyfriend even more. It felt, very adult. 

There were some things he needed to take care of, however, and it forced him to venture to a nearby shopping center on his own. The location was public enough he didn't stress running into danger, but he was armed with his phone just in case.

After his parents died he made the most of what belongings they left behind. That included pots, pans, and general cooking utensils, some furniture, and a few family heirlooms. Zaid felt other things needed to be updated though. He had already picked out a couple towels for dishes and the bathroom, a container of hand soap, and an aloe Vera plant. He would wait for bathroom towels when he could drag Jude along so it didn't feel like he wasn't included. The plant would be useful since he wanted to do more cooking at home, and that always ran the risk of burns. The soap was, well, self-explanatory. There was no use dragging a half-full bottle along when you could start fresh and get the cute little container to hold the bottle anyway. 

He was looking down at his phone for a moment to check the time when he bumped into someone, and quickly stuttered out an apology. 

"Sorry! I should have been more careful. I got used to how empty some of the other walkways were," he commented quickly. His ears did a little dance of nervousness as his nose took in the stranger in front of him. He couldn't pinpoint what, but something felt different about whoever he had hit. 

Rayne needed to hit the store today, she couldn't put it off any more.   Doing laundry every two days would be expensive and she needed things too.   Towels and some clothing, maybe some hardware too.  Her microwave is dying slowly and old, though new to her.  Found at a garage sale, so not very reliable but very cheap. So far, looking at things here, its not cheap. 


Letting out a sigh, Rayne pushes her cart and goes to grab some towels, a deep purple and a darker red color too.  Before moving on Rayne also grabs some hand cloths and dry towels, also the same color.  Moving a bit down the row she finds some rugs.  That might be helpful, no more cold feet at night or the morning.  Rayne grabs one in each of her red and purple color before moving on to the soap isle so she can grab that as well as some holders.   Gotta stick with the color scheme.  


Turning the corner, Rayne moves towards the side of the isle since there are other people and blocking others isn't very nice.  Pausing to take a look at everything there, the contraptions to put her soap bottle in, Rayne gets bumped into by someone.  Luckily she was able to stable herself fairly quickly before looking over at the person who ran into her. 


The first thing she sees is the bunny ears and Rayne has to tilt her head slightly at this before looking the phone in his hand.   That explains why he wasn't paying much attention.   Glancing back at him and not the phone Rayne shakes her head and has to hold back her eyes from flashing her cat eyes at the bunny ears.  Instinct rises with more forms and she has all predatory forms right now and she is learning another so while its not hard to push it back, more like a nudge, it will be harder with many more.  "No harm no foul. You ok?"

Zaid had encountered quite a few mutants lately, and was learning the rabbit side of him responded differently to each. To some, there was an almost automatic recoil, like the way he had the urge to run when he first faced Andrea's snakes. The woman in front of him inspired a similar sensation, which confused him. Her scent was hard to place, a mingling of different animals he found strange. Did she work at a zoo? Was there a lot of animals in her home? Often, he would pick up on scents of things like that. Jude carried the dog's scents with him after visiting, and he could recognize cats on people all the time.

Forcing himself to shake off those feelings, he shifted his basket and looked around. "I have just been a bit lost in the store and was wondering how long it was taking me to find things. I shouldn't have been walking and looking at my phone at the same time." he pocketed it and politely dipped his head, an old habit from his younger years. Then, he paused, noticing she had been shopping as well. Actually, it seemed like maybe they had been on similar missions.

"You uh, wouldn't happen to have seen cleaning products nearby, would you?" The store had a lot of general home supplies like linens and decorations, but he was fairly certain there were other basic necessities in this place. His nose twitched once and he resisted the urge to facepalm. Seriously, why wouldn't his bunny brain just stay calm. It wasn't like he was sitting in front of a tiger or anything.

Rayne hasn't met that many mutants yet.  Just ones that are easily noticeable.  A metal man, green guy, a girl that has changing color hair, and now bunny guy.   Then again, Rayne goes from work to home usually if she doesn't need to hit the store or anything else.  Well that and the library.  Not all information is correct on the internet and she needs all the correct information she can get.  

"This store does get people lost from time to time, especially when you aren't used to it.   Took me a while to figure out the areas too."  Her first time here, she wandered for over an hour to find things.  Back and forth from each side to make sure she picked everything up she needed for her apartment.   This place should label their isles better or at the least put them in the same places as other same items.  House hold in one area, bathrooms in another, kitchen in their own...so on and so forth.  Nope, this place is everywhere. 


When he asks about cleaning products Rayne nods.  "Yeah cleaning stuff is about 2 or 3 isles down from here. I'm heading that way after this one."  Rayne notices the small twitch of the nose and the ears moving from time to time.  Her predatory instincts push forward a bit but Rayne just nudges them back.  There is no need to attack this human bunny.  He isn't prey and this is a mall.  Besides, he hasn't done anything wrong besides bump into her which she isn't taking offense too. 

The stranger seemed normal enough. If it weren't for the danger signals his body was sending he would have found her friendly, even. It was hard to completely be at ease when there were so many unknowns, however. He didn't feel the need to run yet, so that was a plus. He had made decent progress spending a week at the mansion, so he wasn't terrified by small talk at least.

"You are? It looks like you may be on a similar shopping mission." Zaid glanced at her cart and noted the towels and rugs. She also was collecting soap. It felt like an unusual coincidence. "I'm moving to a new apartment and it's surprising how much you discover you're missing. Heck, even something as basic as a curtain rod seems to be gone when you make the transition. Are you new to the area?" He asked politely.

Working at the coffee shop for so many years gave him the necessary skills to shove down all his introvert discomfort and bring out the friendlier side to him. He wasn't bubbly, or energetic like some people, but he was kind and genuine. That was enough. Today he was dressed in basic jeans and a t-shirt, with a jacket long enough to hide his tail. It was warmer inside with it on, but worth avoiding a few stares. He never minded people looking at his head, but it felt a little personal when everyone was staring at your butt.

Rayne glances at the bunnies shopping cart and also sees that he is grabbing things like her.  Interesting but also not seeing as they are both down the same isle.   Kind of figures that he would be getting the same things.  Someone moving in or changing things up always needs new things and colors to match whatever they are doing.   "Yeah looks like it."  Says this when she looks at him. 


Rayne goes to ask him if hes just redecorating or just moving into a new place when he offers up that information before she can ask.   "That very true.  I moved in not too long ago and only went to buy things when I found out I needed it or it was missing.  Now I just want a change."  That and she kind of destroyed a few other stuff so instead of the same colors, time to switch it up.  


Even if he had his tail on display, Rayne would probably just glance at it, not stare.  Then again...bunny.   For Rayne though she was dressed in dark tight jeans with some rips in it along with a Brantley Gilbert t-shirt that she modified to have the neck hole a bit wider to hang off a shoulder along with a leather jacket.  Its still cool outside.   "Though my shower curtain wasn't missing."

Zaid could understand the desire for change. Part of having a new apartment was embracing that transition. It was almost hard to resist getting carried away updating everything now. He needed to make sure this was a team effort after all. He wondered if he should have waited on soap even. What if his taste was too girly? His mind spun gears like crazy over stupid things. ”I am going to be making a trip back here soon, I’m fairly certain. Today it’s just necessities but I need to update a lot of things. Pretty sure I still have a set of horrible orange towels my parents left me I need to lose in the move.”

Was he being too friendly? He was horrible at these types of things, even worse since he was kidnapped. His mind over-processed and overcompensated whether he was acting normal or not.

”I don’t want to get in your way, though. I can find the aisle if you point me...I don’t want to intrude on your shopping either.” if she didn’t mind he could walk with her, but sometimes it was polite to give someone an escape if needed.

Rayne nods.  "Its always good to buy at different times and not all at once.  That way you don't over buy or get what you don't need.  Plus you get other opinions too and can see what you already got looks like around you."   Rayne made the mistake of buying everything all at once when she first got here and things didn't really fit together and she did get multiple of things too.   Its a waste when you have to drive back to return the items you already have. 


"The extra towels you have, use them as rags perhaps?"  Rayne offers this as a option for him.   Muddy shoes or whatever you want, that way he doesn't use the new stuff on dirty floors or shoes or whatever.   Even if they have a pet or whatever, wipe the paws off with the older towels.   


Rayne shakes her head slightly.  "You aren't in my way.  I would let you know if you were.  I can point you too the isle if you want, or if you give me a minute I can take you there since I am going there as well."   Glances at him when she offers so she can see the reaction from him.   Reactions give everything away for people, even if they try to hide something.  The first moment usually gives something away before they can hide it if they choose.  

Zaid finally felt his instincts settle down. The small talk put him at ease, and honestly, having someone to shop with made it a bit more fun. He was not brave enough to invite himself along, but she was keeping the opportunity open and he soils not fight it.

”The place we are taking over is a bit of a renovation project anyway, so I can definitely see the benefit to waiting to buy things. Actually, keeping the towels as rag is a smart idea for that, I never considered. As far as domestic abilities go I have a lot of work left.” he double checked there was nothing needed in this aisle, taking a moment to second guess himself and swap scent of soap. The first one was probably too feminine. He didn’t want his boyfriend smelling like flowers at work and getting crap for it. Leaving with bunny ears almost every time he saw Zaid was probably enough of a struggle.

Zaid decided to wait and go with her. When she seemed ready he took a second and introduced himself. ”I’m Zaid, by the way. Thanks for the help and your patience.” there was a little dip to his head he couldn’t stop. Sometimes old habits died hard and 16 years of Japanese culture was in his veins as much as his rabbit genes.

Seems like he just moved into his new place and wanted to change things up right away.  Which is what Rayne did when she first moved here, after getting a job though.   She didn't want to buy things she needed and then run out of money first before finding a job.   "Renovating a place is always fun, though having someone to do it with and help you pick things out...that's even better.  Two minds are better than one."  Though she lives alone and is perfectly ok with it.


"If you end up painting, the towels will come in handy so you don't have to ruin the new ones you just got."  Rayne shrugs, grabs what she needs since she was looking around while they were taking some then looks back at him when he switches the scents of the soap he originally grabbed.  


When he offers up his name and then dips his head, Rayne gives a dip of hers since she understands it from her anime nerdiness.  "Zaid, I'm Rayne.  Nice to meet you and you are welcome."  

Zaid felt himself nod at her comment, agreeing. "Having the extra input is nice. Although, there are cultural differences we are still figuring out. I was born in Japan and it's been a challenge deciding what traditions to keep. Jude has been a good sport though." he smiled.

Zaid felt his nose twitch at the mention of painting and made a face. "I assume we will have to paint eventually but ugh, makes my head hurt a little thinking about it. There are certain smells that are a bit much for me, that's one of them. I would put it off until summer if it needed to happen. At least then all the windows can be open and no one is smoked out of the house."

Rayne returned his greeting and he committed the name to memory. When she was ready, he followed toward the next spot. "Have you lived in the city long? I know a lot of people just move from building to building, not necessarily just into the area."

Rayne pushes her cart down the isle and towards the next one she just a few rows down.  "Japan huh?  What part if you don't mind me asking?"  Being from Australia Rayne doesn't have that kind of traditions.  Only the ones she made for herself.  


When she mentions painting, Rayne glances at him and notices his scrunched up face.  She has to agree with him.  Paint is a strong smell and it isn't nice either.  "The paint color has to match everything you buy, or you get to go out shopping again."  She almost had to do that but then got paint first in the summer where she could open all the windows and everything.  Made it easier to tolerate.  


Rayne shakes her head when he asks if she has lived here long.  "Not long.  I came from Australia a few years ago."  Rayne works hard on using her American accent and not her Australia one much.  Some people can't understand it or just ask her to say certain words over and over so she usually forces her American one, though she does talk a bit slower with it.   

"I grew up in Tokyo. My parents were English teachers so we were pretty much in the middle of things there. It was also easier to blend in when you're in a lot of crowds. Someone is always dressed up, a pair of bunny ears aren't out of place," he admitted. He shifted his basket, making sure not to bump into any other customers as they walked to the next stop.

"There is a bit of work to do before we get to the point of matching things honestly. Like, the living room needs reflooring if I remember correctly. I'm taking over the lease a friend had. The trade of cheap rent for a bit more work. You learn to trade things to save money in this city."

Once Jude and he assessed the situation they could come up with a better plan. He hoped painting wasn't immediate though. Layne said the bedroom and kitchen were finished at least. Those were two projects that would have been a nightmare to live through. It probably seemed a bit crazy they were agreeing to this so easily but Jude didn't seem to second guess much. Zaid also trusted Layne. She wouldn't let him take over the project if she felt it would be too much to handle.

"I've never been to Australia. Did you like it there?" He asked. He always wanted to travel but the chance had never presented itself unfortunately.

"Always wanted to go to Tokyo, though I need to learn the language a bit so I don't look or sound like a tourist."  Shes had a thing for anime since she was little and still does to this day, though she works most of the time.  Every once in a while she will just binge a new series she finds.  The last one she watched was Sword Art Online.   

So he knew someone who was moving and give him a good price on it since it needed work.  He got lucky.  Rayne had to pay for hers and it still needed work.  She didn't know anyone here when she first moved so shes been doing this on her own.  

"I lived there for almost 20 years before I moved here.  I would go back, probably will one day.  Depends on how things turn out here."   She keeps track of the news over there and after she left, a few months later, the people gave up on the snow leopard sightings.   Most say it was captured and relocated, some say it died, and some still claim it was a mutant who ran off. 

It was not usual that she wanted to visit Tokyo. Like New York, it had a strong appeal to people who had never been there. There were advantages and disadvantages to being any place, really. "If you ever visit, there are a lot of people that speak English so you won't be entirely in the dark. It is flattering when people try to speak the language, but you would be surprised how many people would volunteer to show you around. It is an incredibly welcoming culture. Heck, standing out as a tourist isn't always the worst thing there." Zaid felt a bit of pride talking about it even now. When he was younger it felt like someone was always trying to improve their language skills and helping out a tourist was a great way to try it. Being a tourist hub meant having a lot of bilingual individuals in one place.

"The US and Japan have always had a strange sort of obsession with one another over the years. You can see it in the art and the culture. It helped make the transition here easier. If you visited, is there somewhere in particular you are wanting to go? I miss a lot of our little shopping centers the most I think," Zaid considered. The stationary in particular was hard to let go of.

"As much as I liked Japan, I don't know if I could ever move back. Now that I've met people here I've grown attached to, this has become home and that feels like a place to visit... I am surprised the transition happened as easily as it did."

They were in the right aisle now and Zaid picked out the supplies he needed, adding them to his basket. He made sure nothing chemical touched his plant though.

"If you ever wanted to learn a phrase or two of Japanese, I would be happy to help. Like I said, my parents spent years teaching. I think some of those habits got passed on."