Neil A.

Why dont you meet me in the Whirling-In-Rags today? About an hour?

————————————————————————

-Neil Anderson

Soft footfalls padded across the hard floor as Neil made his way into the Whirling-In-Rags. He looked around slowly, taking in a slow deep breath. Toxicology, biohazard, all that was new to him in a way, but it seemed potentially familiar. The recluse’s hands grew clammy, causing him to wipe them off on his pants, sitting down on one of the empty tables. It was mostly silent, a few patrons wandered around. Neil interlocked his fingers, swallowing softly.

How did this person find out about him? He kept everything a secret, he’s kept to himself..mostly. But even when he did interact with others, he kept his personal life behind hushed whispers and easy excuses. So where did she find him from? What did she know? His mind ran wild with anxiety, near enough to make him bolt out of here. But he made himself sit still, skin clammy and pale as his hands shook nervously.

His leg bounced wildly as his mind wandered. The sudden voice made Neil jump softly. He looked up in surprise and nodded softly with a nervous smile.

Neil sat down across from her, looking towards the dog. He smiled softly at the dog, finding it funny how “human” the dog acted. Sitting at the table. He then looked towards Stasia again, crossing his hands over each other.

Neil nodded along, eyes flicking to the dog for a second before back to the woman in front of him. A friend huh? Must be Trant, right? His turtleneck suddenly felt like it tightened around him, constricting around his throat as sweat bubbled atop his skin. What if it was..other friends? The recluse thickly swallowed, trying his best to seem composed, an insistent throb beginning to sink deep within his skull.

“You mean Trant..Heidelstam right? I believe thats the last name,” Neil stammered, mouth suddenly dry. It nearly hurt to talk, fear digging into his skin. What was he getting himself into? He swallowed again, looking towards the dog.

The name didn’t ring any bells, and that didn’t quell any of the anxiety clinging to his skin like a vice. Neil doubted this person knew everything about him, everything he’d done had been manufactured to hide his identity, not for his safety, but theirs. He swallowed, head bobbing lamely. Slowly, with trembling fingers the recluse extended his hand to Ezra.

“Is the..dog friendly?” he mumbled, eyes flicking to Stasia. Right..this was an interview. Maybe this “Abraham” knew one of Neil’s old teachers or maybe his professor? He was good at science, this was just in interview. Neil cleared his throat, sitting up softly with the hand still extended to the dog.

Without hesitation Neil began to pet Ezra, scratching behind his ear gently. That was until she asked that. He stopped, processing the question that had been asked of him. Like a fish out of water he fumbled for the right words to say. What did she know about him?

“Uh..no unfortunately I’ve never really had a real job other than some volunteer work,” Neil cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. His hand kept scratching behind the dog’s ear, awaiting her next question.

“A local Daycare. I was a Teacher’s Aide. I also technically was a..”volunteer” teacher’s aide for my chemistry teacher. Which mostly included doing experiments with him before or after school so I could bring my younger brother too and from school,” Neil explained, that tremble in his voice slowly easing as he explained his teen years. His arm outstretched towards the dog had begun to whisper a dull ache, but he didn’t dare let it drop.

Neil quickly nodded, dropping his arm a tad to rest on his elbow as he kept scratching the dogs chin.

“Yes ma’am, I would greatly appreciate that. Thank you,” he nodded softly. “What other questions do you have for this interview?” he hummed softly, slowly relaxing more.

He blinked, surprise written completely on his expression. He..got the job? This didn’t seem right. He was more qualified? How? He’s not even a college graduate. What did she know?

His skin grew clammy again as he nervously swallowed thickly, lips trembling in fear as he spoke.

Neil’s eyes flicked down to her hand as he reluctantly pulled hiss off the dog’s head, wiping it clean on his pants then shaking her hand.

Why dont you meet me in the Whirling-In-Rags today? About an hour?

————————————————————————

-Neil Anderson

Soft footfalls padded across the hard floor as Neil made his way into the Whirling-In-Rags. He looked around slowly, taking in a slow deep breath. Toxicology, biohazard, all that was new to him in a way, but it seemed potentially familiar. The recluse’s hands grew clammy, causing him to wipe them off on his pants, sitting down on one of the empty tables. It was mostly silent, a few patrons wandered around. Neil interlocked his fingers, swallowing softly.

How did this person find out about him? He kept everything a secret, he’s kept to himself..mostly. But even when he did interact with others, he kept his personal life behind hushed whispers and easy excuses. So where did she find him from? What did she know? His mind ran wild with anxiety, near enough to make him bolt out of here. But he made himself sit still, skin clammy and pale as his hands shook nervously.

His leg bounced wildly as his mind wandered. The sudden voice made Neil jump softly. He looked up in surprise and nodded softly with a nervous smile.

Neil sat down across from her, looking towards the dog. He smiled softly at the dog, finding it funny how “human” the dog acted. Sitting at the table. He then looked towards Stasia again, crossing his hands over each other.

Neil nodded along, eyes flicking to the dog for a second before back to the woman in front of him. A friend huh? Must be Trant, right? His turtleneck suddenly felt like it tightened around him, constricting around his throat as sweat bubbled atop his skin. What if it was..other friends? The recluse thickly swallowed, trying his best to seem composed, an insistent throb beginning to sink deep within his skull.

“You mean Trant..Heidelstam right? I believe thats the last name,” Neil stammered, mouth suddenly dry. It nearly hurt to talk, fear digging into his skin. What was he getting himself into? He swallowed again, looking towards the dog.

The name didn’t ring any bells, and that didn’t quell any of the anxiety clinging to his skin like a vice. Neil doubted this person knew everything about him, everything he’d done had been manufactured to hide his identity, not for his safety, but theirs. He swallowed, head bobbing lamely. Slowly, with trembling fingers the recluse extended his hand to Ezra.

“Is the..dog friendly?” he mumbled, eyes flicking to Stasia. Right..this was an interview. Maybe this “Abraham” knew one of Neil’s old teachers or maybe his professor? He was good at science, this was just in interview. Neil cleared his throat, sitting up softly with the hand still extended to the dog.

Without hesitation Neil began to pet Ezra, scratching behind his ear gently. That was until she asked that. He stopped, processing the question that had been asked of him. Like a fish out of water he fumbled for the right words to say. What did she know about him?

“Uh..no unfortunately I’ve never really had a real job other than some volunteer work,” Neil cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. His hand kept scratching behind the dog’s ear, awaiting her next question.

“A local Daycare. I was a Teacher’s Aide. I also technically was a..”volunteer” teacher’s aide for my chemistry teacher. Which mostly included doing experiments with him before or after school so I could bring my younger brother too and from school,” Neil explained, that tremble in his voice slowly easing as he explained his teen years. His arm outstretched towards the dog had begun to whisper a dull ache, but he didn’t dare let it drop.

Neil quickly nodded, dropping his arm a tad to rest on his elbow as he kept scratching the dogs chin.

“Yes ma’am, I would greatly appreciate that. Thank you,” he nodded softly. “What other questions do you have for this interview?” he hummed softly, slowly relaxing more.

He blinked, surprise written completely on his expression. He..got the job? This didn’t seem right. He was more qualified? How? He’s not even a college graduate. What did she know?

His skin grew clammy again as he nervously swallowed thickly, lips trembling in fear as he spoke.

Why dont you meet me in the Whirling-In-Rags today? About an hour?

————————————————————————

-Neil Anderson

Soft footfalls padded across the hard floor as Neil made his way into the Whirling-In-Rags. He looked around slowly, taking in a slow deep breath. Toxicology, biohazard, all that was new to him in a way, but it seemed potentially familiar. The recluse’s hands grew clammy, causing him to wipe them off on his pants, sitting down on one of the empty tables. It was mostly silent, a few patrons wandered around. Neil interlocked his fingers, swallowing softly.

How did this person find out about him? He kept everything a secret, he’s kept to himself..mostly. But even when he did interact with others, he kept his personal life behind hushed whispers and easy excuses. So where did she find him from? What did she know? His mind ran wild with anxiety, near enough to make him bolt out of here. But he made himself sit still, skin clammy and pale as his hands shook nervously.

His leg bounced wildly as his mind wandered. The sudden voice made Neil jump softly. He looked up in surprise and nodded softly with a nervous smile.

Neil sat down across from her, looking towards the dog. He smiled softly at the dog, finding it funny how “human” the dog acted. Sitting at the table. He then looked towards Stasia again, crossing his hands over each other.

Neil nodded along, eyes flicking to the dog for a second before back to the woman in front of him. A friend huh? Must be Trant, right? His turtleneck suddenly felt like it tightened around him, constricting around his throat as sweat bubbled atop his skin. What if it was..other friends? The recluse thickly swallowed, trying his best to seem composed, an insistent throb beginning to sink deep within his skull.

“You mean Trant..Heidelstam right? I believe thats the last name,” Neil stammered, mouth suddenly dry. It nearly hurt to talk, fear digging into his skin. What was he getting himself into? He swallowed again, looking towards the dog.

The name didn’t ring any bells, and that didn’t quell any of the anxiety clinging to his skin like a vice. Neil doubted this person knew everything about him, everything he’d done had been manufactured to hide his identity, not for his safety, but theirs. He swallowed, head bobbing lamely. Slowly, with trembling fingers the recluse extended his hand to Ezra.

“Is the..dog friendly?” he mumbled, eyes flicking to Stasia. Right..this was an interview. Maybe this “Abraham” knew one of Neil’s old teachers or maybe his professor? He was good at science, this was just in interview. Neil cleared his throat, sitting up softly with the hand still extended to the dog.

Without hesitation Neil began to pet Ezra, scratching behind his ear gently. That was until she asked that. He stopped, processing the question that had been asked of him. Like a fish out of water he fumbled for the right words to say. What did she know about him?

“Uh..no unfortunately I’ve never really had a real job other than some volunteer work,” Neil cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. His hand kept scratching behind the dog’s ear, awaiting her next question.

“A local Daycare. I was a Teacher’s Aide. I also technically was a..”volunteer” teacher’s aide for my chemistry teacher. Which mostly included doing experiments with him before or after school so I could bring my younger brother too and from school,” Neil explained, that tremble in his voice slowly easing as he explained his teen years. His arm outstretched towards the dog had begun to whisper a dull ache, but he didn’t dare let it drop.

Neil quickly nodded, dropping his arm a tad to rest on his elbow as he kept scratching the dogs chin.

“Yes ma’am, I would greatly appreciate that. Thank you,” he nodded softly. “What other questions do you have for this interview?” he hummed softly, slowly relaxing more.

Why dont you meet me in the Whirling-In-Rags today? About an hour?

————————————————————————

-Neil Anderson

Soft footfalls padded across the hard floor as Neil made his way into the Whirling-In-Rags. He looked around slowly, taking in a slow deep breath. Toxicology, biohazard, all that was new to him in a way, but it seemed potentially familiar. The recluse’s hands grew clammy, causing him to wipe them off on his pants, sitting down on one of the empty tables. It was mostly silent, a few patrons wandered around. Neil interlocked his fingers, swallowing softly.

How did this person find out about him? He kept everything a secret, he’s kept to himself..mostly. But even when he did interact with others, he kept his personal life behind hushed whispers and easy excuses. So where did she find him from? What did she know? His mind ran wild with anxiety, near enough to make him bolt out of here. But he made himself sit still, skin clammy and pale as his hands shook nervously.

His leg bounced wildly as his mind wandered. The sudden voice made Neil jump softly. He looked up in surprise and nodded softly with a nervous smile.

Neil sat down across from her, looking towards the dog. He smiled softly at the dog, finding it funny how “human” the dog acted. Sitting at the table. He then looked towards Stasia again, crossing his hands over each other.

Neil nodded along, eyes flicking to the dog for a second before back to the woman in front of him. A friend huh? Must be Trant, right? His turtleneck suddenly felt like it tightened around him, constricting around his throat as sweat bubbled atop his skin. What if it was..other friends? The recluse thickly swallowed, trying his best to seem composed, an insistent throb beginning to sink deep within his skull.

“You mean Trant..Heidelstam right? I believe thats the last name,” Neil stammered, mouth suddenly dry. It nearly hurt to talk, fear digging into his skin. What was he getting himself into? He swallowed again, looking towards the dog.

The name didn’t ring any bells, and that didn’t quell any of the anxiety clinging to his skin like a vice. Neil doubted this person knew everything about him, everything he’d done had been manufactured to hide his identity, not for his safety, but theirs. He swallowed, head bobbing lamely. Slowly, with trembling fingers the recluse extended his hand to Ezra.

“Is the..dog friendly?” he mumbled, eyes flicking to Stasia. Right..this was an interview. Maybe this “Abraham” knew one of Neil’s old teachers or maybe his professor? He was good at science, this was just in interview. Neil cleared his throat, sitting up softly with the hand still extended to the dog.

Without hesitation Neil began to pet Ezra, scratching behind his ear gently. That was until she asked that. He stopped, processing the question that had been asked of him. Like a fish out of water he fumbled for the right words to say. What did she know about him?

“Uh..no unfortunately I’ve never really had a real job other than some volunteer work,” Neil cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. His hand kept scratching behind the dog’s ear, awaiting her next question.

“A local Daycare. I was a Teacher’s Aide. I also technically was a..”volunteer” teacher’s aide for my chemistry teacher. Which mostly included doing experiments with him before or after school so I could bring my younger brother too and from school,” Neil explained, that tremble in his voice slowly easing as he explained his teen years. His arm outstretched towards the dog had begun to whisper a dull ache, but he didn’t dare let it drop.

Why dont you meet me in the Whirling-In-Rags today? About an hour?

————————————————————————

-Neil Anderson

Soft footfalls padded across the hard floor as Neil made his way into the Whirling-In-Rags. He looked around slowly, taking in a slow deep breath. Toxicology, biohazard, all that was new to him in a way, but it seemed potentially familiar. The recluse’s hands grew clammy, causing him to wipe them off on his pants, sitting down on one of the empty tables. It was mostly silent, a few patrons wandered around. Neil interlocked his fingers, swallowing softly.

How did this person find out about him? He kept everything a secret, he’s kept to himself..mostly. But even when he did interact with others, he kept his personal life behind hushed whispers and easy excuses. So where did she find him from? What did she know? His mind ran wild with anxiety, near enough to make him bolt out of here. But he made himself sit still, skin clammy and pale as his hands shook nervously.

His leg bounced wildly as his mind wandered. The sudden voice made Neil jump softly. He looked up in surprise and nodded softly with a nervous smile.

Neil sat down across from her, looking towards the dog. He smiled softly at the dog, finding it funny how “human” the dog acted. Sitting at the table. He then looked towards Stasia again, crossing his hands over each other.

Neil nodded along, eyes flicking to the dog for a second before back to the woman in front of him. A friend huh? Must be Trant, right? His turtleneck suddenly felt like it tightened around him, constricting around his throat as sweat bubbled atop his skin. What if it was..other friends? The recluse thickly swallowed, trying his best to seem composed, an insistent throb beginning to sink deep within his skull.

“You mean Trant..Heidelstam right? I believe thats the last name,” Neil stammered, mouth suddenly dry. It nearly hurt to talk, fear digging into his skin. What was he getting himself into? He swallowed again, looking towards the dog.

The name didn’t ring any bells, and that didn’t quell any of the anxiety clinging to his skin like a vice. Neil doubted this person knew everything about him, everything he’d done had been manufactured to hide his identity, not for his safety, but theirs. He swallowed, head bobbing lamely. Slowly, with trembling fingers the recluse extended his hand to Ezra.

“Is the..dog friendly?” he mumbled, eyes flicking to Stasia. Right..this was an interview. Maybe this “Abraham” knew one of Neil’s old teachers or maybe his professor? He was good at science, this was just in interview. Neil cleared his throat, sitting up softly with the hand still extended to the dog.

Without hesitation Neil began to pet Ezra, scratching behind his ear gently. That was until she asked that. He stopped, processing the question that had been asked of him. Like a fish out of water he fumbled for the right words to say. What did she know about him?

“Uh..no unfortunately I’ve never really had a real job other than some volunteer work,” Neil cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. His hand kept scratching behind the dog’s ear, awaiting her next question.

Why dont you meet me in the Whirling-In-Rags today? About an hour?

————————————————————————

-Neil Anderson

Soft footfalls padded across the hard floor as Neil made his way into the Whirling-In-Rags. He looked around slowly, taking in a slow deep breath. Toxicology, biohazard, all that was new to him in a way, but it seemed potentially familiar. The recluse’s hands grew clammy, causing him to wipe them off on his pants, sitting down on one of the empty tables. It was mostly silent, a few patrons wandered around. Neil interlocked his fingers, swallowing softly.

How did this person find out about him? He kept everything a secret, he’s kept to himself..mostly. But even when he did interact with others, he kept his personal life behind hushed whispers and easy excuses. So where did she find him from? What did she know? His mind ran wild with anxiety, near enough to make him bolt out of here. But he made himself sit still, skin clammy and pale as his hands shook nervously.

His leg bounced wildly as his mind wandered. The sudden voice made Neil jump softly. He looked up in surprise and nodded softly with a nervous smile.

Neil sat down across from her, looking towards the dog. He smiled softly at the dog, finding it funny how “human” the dog acted. Sitting at the table. He then looked towards Stasia again, crossing his hands over each other.

Neil nodded along, eyes flicking to the dog for a second before back to the woman in front of him. A friend huh? Must be Trant, right? His turtleneck suddenly felt like it tightened around him, constricting around his throat as sweat bubbled atop his skin. What if it was..other friends? The recluse thickly swallowed, trying his best to seem composed, an insistent throb beginning to sink deep within his skull.

“You mean Trant..Heidelstam right? I believe thats the last name,” Neil stammered, mouth suddenly dry. It nearly hurt to talk, fear digging into his skin. What was he getting himself into? He swallowed again, looking towards the dog.

The name didn’t ring any bells, and that didn’t quell any of the anxiety clinging to his skin like a vice. Neil doubted this person knew everything about him, everything he’d done had been manufactured to hide his identity, not for his safety, but theirs. He swallowed, head bobbing lamely. Slowly, with trembling fingers the recluse extended his hand to Ezra.

“Is the..dog friendly?” he mumbled, eyes flicking to Stasia. Right..this was an interview. Maybe this “Abraham” knew one of Neil’s old teachers or maybe his professor? He was good at science, this was just in interview. Neil cleared his throat, sitting up softly with the hand still extended to the dog.

Without hesitation Neil began to pet Ezra, scratching behind his ear gently. That was until she asked that. He stopped, processing the question that had been asked of him. Like a fish out of water he fumbled for the right words to say. What did she know about him?

Heavy footsteps padded across the sidewalk as a newcomer wandered into Jamrock's public library. Head tilted to the floor, the unfamiliar face wandered to the shelves lining the walls. Neil Anderson, Martinaise's newest inhabitant had taken a trip up to Jamrock, likely for the day, to visit the library he had heard about. This was like a dream come true, a public library for him to dig into. It was just what he needed.

With little regard for which books he was grabbing, Neil snatched books within each aisle, slipping between them all with reckless abandon. His muffled footsteps stopped in front of the Non-fiction aisle. Standing in the aisle was a..familiar face? He couldn't put a name to it, but there was something recognizable about the blonde man standing in the aisle.

After staring for far to long, Neil shuffled into the same aisle nervously, scanning the shelves for something that caught his eye. He couldn't help the sidelong glances towards the other man though, quick and as subtle as he could manage. Hopefully the other hadn't noticed yet, he seemed pretty engrossed within the aisles as well.

Where had Neil seen him before?

( @neil-anderson

Neil adjusted the books in his hands, shifting them to one arm as best as he could. He held them close to his chest as his free hand ran across the spines of the books. He slipped one off the shelf, tucking it close. The air along his arms began to raise, someone was staring at him. He had a feeling who it was, so he took a peak. As the recluse looked over his shoulder he caught the end of Trant looking away. He took a soft breath and walked over, tapping the other’s shoulder softly.

“Hi um..Im sorry to bother you like this but..do I know you? Sorry this is a weird question um but you look very familiar,” Neil muttered, stammering over his words shyly. He pulled the books closer to his chest, a sudden rush of humiliation crawled up the back of his neck and up to his face. He swallowed, looking away a bit.

The younger man seemed to visibly relax, sighing softly in relief. Thank god Trant didn’t freak out on him. Neil listened to the other man speak, nodding along softly. He held the books closer to his chest, adjusting them to his right hand as his left reached up to adjust his glasses. He smiled softly, chuckling softly with Trant. When Trant held his hand out, offering his name as an introduction. He stopped a bit, swallowing softly. He adjusted the books again, taking Trant’s outstretched hand.

“Neil Anderson. The name doesn’t unfortunately ring any bells. We must have just had one conversation,” he mumbled, letting go of the other’s hand as he held the books closer to his chest. He looked around at the library, then back to Trant. Neil wanted to keep talking, so he cleared his throat softly.

Neil’s own handshake was not as firm as Trant’s, it was loose, just as nervous as his outward appearance. He pulled his hand back, holding his books closer as they slipped from his hands slightly. He nodded softly in acknowledgment, a soft hum escaped the back of his throat. Though how…oddly amicable Trant was despite a random stranger going up to him. A tingle of distrust creeped its way up the younger man’s back, the hair at the back of his neck slowly raised.

“Ah well..no not exactly. I just moved here, but I dont need a tour. And..hah yeah I just recognized you. Sorry I know this is probably very odd,” Neil slowly deflated, mumbling nervously. His ears grew hot in embarrassment, making him swallow softly.

The offer of books made Neil laugh softly. He shook his head softly, gesturing towards the pile of books in his arms. “No I think I have enough books for now, but thank you that is a very kind offer. I just wanted to..stop over as I had recognized you. Im glad I had,” Neil hummed. He smiled softly, adjusting his glasses again. He cleared his throat softly.

He nodded softly, adjusting the books in his arms. Neil looked down softly, still a tad embarrassed. This was way out of his comfort zone, he didn’t just talk to people like that. Like this. It made his hands grow clammy, his mouth dry. Though listening to Trant speak, that helped.

He looked back up, not quite reaching the other’s gaze, nodding softly. It was nice to listen to another speak and just listen. The information dug into his brain, melting smoothly into his subconscious. Something to note on for later.

“I haven’t heard of that, sounds interesting. So does the other, if I may ask about that other book? The one on rabies, did you find out anything particularly interesting?” Neil murmured, then readjusted the books in his arms at Trant’s other question.

Neil nodded softly, clearly engrossed in what Trant was saying, before stopping. He hadn’t expected the question to be turned around on him, so for a few seconds he stammered, unable to form the correct words. As if he didn’t know anything about Botany. But after a second, he cleared his throat.

“Yes um..Ive done some basic research since high school on Botany and a bit of Chemistry. Um, I just like plants I guess,” his voice softened at the end, head dropping to look at his feet in embarrassment. After a second he cleared his throat again, looking back up at Trant.

Neil nodded in agreement, reading into something you’re interested in is a good reason to read. And nonetheless you can further your knowledge, which can help you pursue more advanced interests. The endless pursuit of knowledge and understanding was the very reason why he was here. There was always something new to be discovered.

Neil recognized the glint in Trant’s eyes, he liked talking about this. He nodded softly, adjusting the books once more. This slowly begun to pan out like their first conversation, a lot of back and forth geeky rambling, mostly done by Trant, until they parted ways. If Neil had never hid in the Wompty Dompty Dom that day, this interaction would never have happened.

Why dont you meet me in the Whirling-In-Rags today? About an hour?

————————————————————————

-Neil Anderson

Soft footfalls padded across the hard floor as Neil made his way into the Whirling-In-Rags. He looked around slowly, taking in a slow deep breath. Toxicology, biohazard, all that was new to him in a way, but it seemed potentially familiar. The recluse’s hands grew clammy, causing him to wipe them off on his pants, sitting down on one of the empty tables. It was mostly silent, a few patrons wandered around. Neil interlocked his fingers, swallowing softly.

How did this person find out about him? He kept everything a secret, he’s kept to himself..mostly. But even when he did interact with others, he kept his personal life behind hushed whispers and easy excuses. So where did she find him from? What did she know? His mind ran wild with anxiety, near enough to make him bolt out of here. But he made himself sit still, skin clammy and pale as his hands shook nervously.

His leg bounced wildly as his mind wandered. The sudden voice made Neil jump softly. He looked up in surprise and nodded softly with a nervous smile.

Neil sat down across from her, looking towards the dog. He smiled softly at the dog, finding it funny how “human” the dog acted. Sitting at the table. He then looked towards Stasia again, crossing his hands over each other.

Neil nodded along, eyes flicking to the dog for a second before back to the woman in front of him. A friend huh? Must be Trant, right? His turtleneck suddenly felt like it tightened around him, constricting around his throat as sweat bubbled atop his skin. What if it was..other friends? The recluse thickly swallowed, trying his best to seem composed, an insistent throb beginning to sink deep within his skull.

“You mean Trant..Heidelstam right? I believe thats the last name,” Neil stammered, mouth suddenly dry. It nearly hurt to talk, fear digging into his skin. What was he getting himself into? He swallowed again, looking towards the dog.

The name didn’t ring any bells, and that didn’t quell any of the anxiety clinging to his skin like a vice. Neil doubted this person knew everything about him, everything he’d done had been manufactured to hide his identity, not for his safety, but theirs. He swallowed, head bobbing lamely. Slowly, with trembling fingers the recluse extended his hand to Ezra.

“Is the..dog friendly?” he mumbled, eyes flicking to Stasia. Right..this was an interview. Maybe this “Abraham” knew one of Neil’s old teachers or maybe his professor? He was good at science, this was just in interview. Neil cleared his throat, sitting up softly with the hand still extended to the dog.

Heavy footsteps padded across the sidewalk as a newcomer wandered into Jamrock's public library. Head tilted to the floor, the unfamiliar face wandered to the shelves lining the walls. Neil Anderson, Martinaise's newest inhabitant had taken a trip up to Jamrock, likely for the day, to visit the library he had heard about. This was like a dream come true, a public library for him to dig into. It was just what he needed.

With little regard for which books he was grabbing, Neil snatched books within each aisle, slipping between them all with reckless abandon. His muffled footsteps stopped in front of the Non-fiction aisle. Standing in the aisle was a..familiar face? He couldn't put a name to it, but there was something recognizable about the blonde man standing in the aisle.

After staring for far to long, Neil shuffled into the same aisle nervously, scanning the shelves for something that caught his eye. He couldn't help the sidelong glances towards the other man though, quick and as subtle as he could manage. Hopefully the other hadn't noticed yet, he seemed pretty engrossed within the aisles as well.

Where had Neil seen him before?

( @neil-anderson

Neil adjusted the books in his hands, shifting them to one arm as best as he could. He held them close to his chest as his free hand ran across the spines of the books. He slipped one off the shelf, tucking it close. The air along his arms began to raise, someone was staring at him. He had a feeling who it was, so he took a peak. As the recluse looked over his shoulder he caught the end of Trant looking away. He took a soft breath and walked over, tapping the other’s shoulder softly.

“Hi um..Im sorry to bother you like this but..do I know you? Sorry this is a weird question um but you look very familiar,” Neil muttered, stammering over his words shyly. He pulled the books closer to his chest, a sudden rush of humiliation crawled up the back of his neck and up to his face. He swallowed, looking away a bit.

The younger man seemed to visibly relax, sighing softly in relief. Thank god Trant didn’t freak out on him. Neil listened to the other man speak, nodding along softly. He held the books closer to his chest, adjusting them to his right hand as his left reached up to adjust his glasses. He smiled softly, chuckling softly with Trant. When Trant held his hand out, offering his name as an introduction. He stopped a bit, swallowing softly. He adjusted the books again, taking Trant’s outstretched hand.

“Neil Anderson. The name doesn’t unfortunately ring any bells. We must have just had one conversation,” he mumbled, letting go of the other’s hand as he held the books closer to his chest. He looked around at the library, then back to Trant. Neil wanted to keep talking, so he cleared his throat softly.

Neil’s own handshake was not as firm as Trant’s, it was loose, just as nervous as his outward appearance. He pulled his hand back, holding his books closer as they slipped from his hands slightly. He nodded softly in acknowledgment, a soft hum escaped the back of his throat. Though how…oddly amicable Trant was despite a random stranger going up to him. A tingle of distrust creeped its way up the younger man’s back, the hair at the back of his neck slowly raised.

“Ah well..no not exactly. I just moved here, but I dont need a tour. And..hah yeah I just recognized you. Sorry I know this is probably very odd,” Neil slowly deflated, mumbling nervously. His ears grew hot in embarrassment, making him swallow softly.

The offer of books made Neil laugh softly. He shook his head softly, gesturing towards the pile of books in his arms. “No I think I have enough books for now, but thank you that is a very kind offer. I just wanted to..stop over as I had recognized you. Im glad I had,” Neil hummed. He smiled softly, adjusting his glasses again. He cleared his throat softly.

He nodded softly, adjusting the books in his arms. Neil looked down softly, still a tad embarrassed. This was way out of his comfort zone, he didn’t just talk to people like that. Like this. It made his hands grow clammy, his mouth dry. Though listening to Trant speak, that helped.

He looked back up, not quite reaching the other’s gaze, nodding softly. It was nice to listen to another speak and just listen. The information dug into his brain, melting smoothly into his subconscious. Something to note on for later.

“I haven’t heard of that, sounds interesting. So does the other, if I may ask about that other book? The one on rabies, did you find out anything particularly interesting?” Neil murmured, then readjusted the books in his arms at Trant’s other question.

Neil nodded softly, clearly engrossed in what Trant was saying, before stopping. He hadn’t expected the question to be turned around on him, so for a few seconds he stammered, unable to form the correct words. As if he didn’t know anything about Botany. But after a second, he cleared his throat.

“Yes um..Ive done some basic research since high school on Botany and a bit of Chemistry. Um, I just like plants I guess,” his voice softened at the end, head dropping to look at his feet in embarrassment. After a second he cleared his throat again, looking back up at Trant.

Why dont you meet me in the Whirling-In-Rags today? About an hour?

————————————————————————

-Neil Anderson

Soft footfalls padded across the hard floor as Neil made his way into the Whirling-In-Rags. He looked around slowly, taking in a slow deep breath. Toxicology, biohazard, all that was new to him in a way, but it seemed potentially familiar. The recluse’s hands grew clammy, causing him to wipe them off on his pants, sitting down on one of the empty tables. It was mostly silent, a few patrons wandered around. Neil interlocked his fingers, swallowing softly.

How did this person find out about him? He kept everything a secret, he’s kept to himself..mostly. But even when he did interact with others, he kept his personal life behind hushed whispers and easy excuses. So where did she find him from? What did she know? His mind ran wild with anxiety, near enough to make him bolt out of here. But he made himself sit still, skin clammy and pale as his hands shook nervously.

His leg bounced wildly as his mind wandered. The sudden voice made Neil jump softly. He looked up in surprise and nodded softly with a nervous smile.

Neil sat down across from her, looking towards the dog. He smiled softly at the dog, finding it funny how “human” the dog acted. Sitting at the table. He then looked towards Stasia again, crossing his hands over each other.

Neil nodded along, eyes flicking to the dog for a second before back to the woman in front of him. A friend huh? Must be Trant, right? His turtleneck suddenly felt like it tightened around him, constricting around his throat as sweat bubbled atop his skin. What if it was..other friends? The recluse thickly swallowed, trying his best to seem composed, an insistent throb beginning to sink deep within his skull.

“You mean Trant..Heidelstam right? I believe thats the last name,” Neil stammered, mouth suddenly dry. It nearly hurt to talk, fear digging into his skin. What was he getting himself into? He swallowed again, looking towards the dog.

Why dont you meet me in the Whirling-In-Rags today? About an hour?

————————————————————————

-Neil Anderson

Soft footfalls padded across the hard floor as Neil made his way into the Whirling-In-Rags. He looked around slowly, taking in a slow deep breath. Toxicology, biohazard, all that was new to him in a way, but it seemed potentially familiar. The recluse’s hands grew clammy, causing him to wipe them off on his pants, sitting down on one of the empty tables. It was mostly silent, a few patrons wandered around. Neil interlocked his fingers, swallowing softly.

How did this person find out about him? He kept everything a secret, he’s kept to himself..mostly. But even when he did interact with others, he kept his personal life behind hushed whispers and easy excuses. So where did she find him from? What did she know? His mind ran wild with anxiety, near enough to make him bolt out of here. But he made himself sit still, skin clammy and pale as his hands shook nervously.

His leg bounced wildly as his mind wandered. The sudden voice made Neil jump softly. He looked up in surprise and nodded softly with a nervous smile.

Neil sat down across from her, looking towards the dog. He smiled softly at the dog, finding it funny how “human” the dog acted. Sitting at the table. He then looked towards Stasia again, crossing his hands over each other.

Why dont you meet me in the Whirling-In-Rags today? About an hour?

————————————————————————

-Neil Anderson

Soft footfalls padded across the hard floor as Neil made his way into the Whirling-In-Rags. He looked around slowly, taking in a slow deep breath. Toxicology, biohazard, all that was new to him in a way, but it seemed potentially familiar. The recluse’s hands grew clammy, causing him to wipe them off on his pants, sitting down on one of the empty tables. It was mostly silent, a few patrons wandered around. Neil interlocked his fingers, swallowing softly.

How did this person find out about him? He kept everything a secret, he’s kept to himself..mostly. But even when he did interact with others, he kept his personal life behind hushed whispers and easy excuses. So where did she find him from? What did she know? His mind ran wild with anxiety, near enough to make him bolt out of here. But he made himself sit still, skin clammy and pale as his hands shook nervously.

His leg bounced wildly as his mind wandered. The sudden voice made Neil jump softly. He looked up in surprise and nodded softly with a nervous smile.