Not that Unusual

@Crystal

Some pathetic attempt at music lulled in a monotonous tempo, from age old speakers shoddily bolted to the wall in every upper corner of the Corner Shop. A rusty bell went off as the door opened, and a shrill wind blew by the door outside, as a slightly grizzled man entered the shop. A young puffed up lady behind the counter, smacked her lips while halfheartedly chewing gum; and turned a nonchalant gaze up from her phone, probably to inspect the new guest. It was 00:45 after all, on a Friday night, all kinds of drunk people could be wandering in. Ulric shook his hands while dragging his feet on the carpet no one ever used, then wrapped his coat around him, and went straight for the small aisle with candy bars. Walking calmly while sending a polite nod toward the young lady behind the counter. He knew exactly was he was going for, two delicious chocolate bars in a bright red packaging. As he found it, the bell went off again, and a small group - two guys and two girls - came in giggling about some bad joke probably. They went straight for the counter, and the young lady behind it suddenly had her hands full. Though, she had already gotten rid of the gum, and made sure to pull a bit in her tight-fitting top. Ulric ended up patiently fiddling with the candy bar, while waiting for his turn at the counter. The youngsters each wanted an entirely different array of items from the wall, and the poor young lady definitely hadn't signed up for this kinda nonsense. It wasn't uncommon for drunk customers at this hour. Usually younger people on their way home from party town, wanting to grab a few snacks on their way home. Ulric certainly wasn't drunk, and certainly wasn't from this part of Churchill. At least not if judging by appearance. The dark woolly trench coat around a long-sleeved shirt, wrapped around his torso like a comfortable warm blanket. Complete with a pair of dark jeans, a belt, and a pair of slightly worn hiking boots. His hat, of course, hung comfortably on the rack back home.

Crystal didn't like night shifts, and had been more than thrilled when her co-worker had been a real sweetheart to take the swift. On the order hand, she was filled up with guilt from leaving the poor woman to deal with the drunks that sometimes came in. Especially at nights like this. Friday nights were always the worst. Abi was new at the job, and most likely didn't even know that yet. Crystal had been on her way out, just to do something - anything really. However, the guilt and dreams of something bad happening to her new found friend - it got her to turn around and walk into the shop. It wasn't because Crystal worked her often anymore, she wanted to do something more with her life. It just seemed like she was unable to get away from this part of town. Crystal saw a couple of young drunks walk in, and just wanted to be sure that they weren't going to be trouble. So she grabbed the door handle and pushed the door open - just as if she was any other costumer of the night. Her movement was slow yet graceful. She was wearing a black pair of jeans and an old coat. Her dark brown hair was slightly curled over her shoulders. Crystal just wanted to make sure that the young drunkies wasn't going to be a problem. She didn't really have a lot of friends, or a family - but she had the heart to care about what happened to others. Crystal looked over at the taller guy.
"Seriously guys," she rolled her eyes a little in hopes to make them hurry a bit up, "just pick what you want, pay and go," she lifted her brow slightly as one of them looked at her. It didn't matter what age people began drinking, she just simply didn't like being around them before or after. She made eye contact with the girl behind the counter shortly after. Clearly they knew each other. Crystal took a random chocolate bar as if she was standing in the cue to buy it later on. She stayed behind the taller guy who clearly also just waited for the youngers to make a decision.

When the door went up, the bell rang, and the cold and windy weather outside could be heard; Ulric noticed the young woman entering the shop. She didn't seem much older than the youngsters. But in a City of immortal beings and an apparently endless horde of gorgeous women, one could never be sure. Ulric, however, kept a cold air about him. He was expected, but not in a hurry. Slightly irritated by the 'kids' drunkenly trying to point out the correct assortment of smokes and hot snacks, but still quite relaxed. He wholeheartedly supported their endeavor for fun and merrymaking, and didn't really mind having to wait a few more minutes to buy his candy bar. As long as they didn't bother him, or cause the other young ladies distress; Ulric only occupied his own thoughts, while slowly twisting and turning the red bar of candy between his fingers. However, when the young lady behind him urged the drunkards so hurry up, Ulric let a discreet smile paint his lips, while remaining perfectly still. This girl had spunk, and a lack of patience, apparently. The drunkards started shushing each other in a comical symphony of mock-behavior, and one turned his eyes towards the lady behind Ulric. Ulric didn't move, even though his black woolly silhouette blocked most of the young mans view of the girl who had just called them out.

It still took a few drawn out moments, but the poor young lady behind the counter finally got rid of the small group of drunkards. And Ulric saw his chance to get this purchase over with. But as soon as he took the few steps forward, and stood squarely in front of the counter; one of the young guys returned. The drunkard leaned in in front of Ulric, slightly pushing him, while rudely asking for a pack of cigarettes he of course had forgotten to buy earlier. Ulric, however, wouldn't have any of it. Ulric placed the back of his hand against the young guys chest, and slowly pushed the guy back away. All while keeping his grayish flaming eyes locked at the young man. "Let's turn it down a notch, shall we?" For a short moment, a clear and distinctive challenge laid in his tone. A hard suggestion at least. But not for long before being replaced by Ulric's almost trademark relaxed smile and calm expression. And he even broke their eye-contact by giving the young guy a hearty but gentle slap on the shoulder. The young guy had not the slightest idea how to react, it seemed. He felt threatened, and yet... in perhaps the most polite way he had ever experienced. And what could only have been his girlfriend of the evening tugged the guy's sleeve before the drunkard could figure out an approach to handle this situation, which resulted in them leaving with awkward laughs. All while leaving the shop, the 'kids' kept a mocking and provocative tone to their giggles and cartoon-ish hushes at each other. All together rather harmless and joyous, and Ulric couldn't help but follow them a bit with his gaze. All while his initially discreet smile grew a bit wider, and he finally shook his head slowly in a rather overbearing manner, before turning to face the young lady behind the counter. "Good evening." As always, he was sure to greet her politely. A bit formally, maybe, but he was certain she would rather he left instead of trying to strike up a casual conversation. Ulric handed her the chocolate bar, and immediately fished out his wallet from the inner pocket of the coat he had just unbuttoned. A few coins were dropped into the young lady's palm, and Ulric got his chocolate bar back in exchange. As soon as all business was taken care off, Ulric made it a point to send both of these young ladies a polite nod. "You two have a good night now." A bit old-fashioned perhaps but, none the less, how Ulric preferred it. Small acts of good and kindness went a long way if practiced regularly. And besides; he had noticed the looks the two of them had given each other earlier, and assumed they knew each other. He smiled, put the chocolate bar in his pocket, and went straight for the door. Cedric could arrive any moment now. He should wait for him outside.