And that could still be considered abuse. Maybe he had some time to reflect and really look into things. Who knows. Jade didn't let it get him down, and that's all that matters. The man did mention that he liked to keep his own teams varied, and always using type match ups to his advantage. "I mean, I can see some logic behind type specialists. Maintenance mostly. But some people just like certain types too. Much like music, some people just like certain types more." And everyone had their own tastes. In the end, the promising lad agreed. PUtting away his guitar, chair, and umbrella, the blond started to walk slowly, Sol following behind him. He wasn't in too much of a hurry about getting back, but better before the weather took a turn again.


jade rivers

"I got spares if you want any." This was amusing. The blond really did have spare little pride flags. The number of morons still against it was still astronomical, but always hilarious when the book was thrown at them for destruction of property. Which this album wasn't anymore. He did hear a whisper, but was so low that he didn't quite catch it. Smiling in amusement, he did make a comment. "And enjoy it too. Nothing wrong with that." And if those thought so differently, then they can go fuck themselves. Ezra showed just how long he had the prosthetic with how well he moved it to take the reciept.

The counter wasn't completely solid. There was just enough space under it for a small trashcan to shuffle through. As soon as he heard the snap, he slid the metal trashcan underneath just in time to catch the remnents of the album that fell. Interesting that the man didn't just throw them in there. His Fabio the Popplio showed up to give a toned down version of a Hydro Pump to put out the flames. "I don't do refunds on lost or damaged product." Especially when it's obvious that the customer was the one that destroyed it. Who knew Ezra had a beef with this particular album.


Ezra Settentrione

Niky rose an eyebrow, but maintained his smile. "I have. Karens are either extremely annoying to deal with or extremely fun. For the record, some people claim dealing with a gay man is similar to talking to a woman. And I am very happily gay." His own voice was rather amusing. While not the worst customer he's ever had, Ezra had certainly been interesting. Though he didn't quite expected a complaint about the price. "It is a rarer album, no matter the ties you have with it. Though let's be honest, we're all vampires here." Granted, the blond might not bite that hard, but his Pokemon sure would. The rocker may have whined about it, but he still paid up. Counting it quickly and efficiently, the amount accounted for tax, so he got to finishing up the transaction.

Printing off the reciept, Niky also handed the guy his change. "Thank you for shopping with us, Mr. Settentrione. Please have a nice day!" With a light hearted smile plastored on his face, Niky gave the guy the brightest, twinkest star of a smile he could. Despite the frantic look in the rocker's eyes. While curious, it was not his place to comment or dig. Just give the best customer service he could.


Ezra Settentrione

Mrs. Burns's smile was a bit more sincere. That was encouraging, both in his questions and the fact that she appreciated the anonimity. With a decisive answer, she mentioned that it was for her partner, and often listen to classical music or pop ballads. But was also more open to something different, with a preferance to a romantic record. Well...that was a job and a half. And it answered a question he was going to ask anyways. Still a wide selection. "That is quite a wide selection. Would you like a normal record or a more personal touch? I do have a way to make a personal record with songs you select. Most albums would have a mix. It is slightly more, cost wise, but is an option. For a normal record that might fit all three genres...let's try this one..." Niky hobbled nimbly towards a section.

Reaching it, Niky went to a machine that allowed him to pick a record. With rental headphones/earbuds to listen to it before buying, though only a few hits per record, the blond offered the lady a pair. They were wiped down after each person for sanitation's sake. Though if she had her own, there was space to plug them in as well, or if bluetooth could connect with manager permission. Which Niky would give via inputting his code, if that was her preference. The album was actually from him, inspired by one of last year's celebrity events where he and his sister played classical versions of popular songs. While there was a few in this one, it did have some romantic classics that were not classical in nature, but the "orchestra" instruments made it so. There were no vocals in them, but the tune would unmistakable. The record was more recent, but only released a few months ago. But the industry also moved lightning fast as well, so who knows if she'd already had heard of this or not.


Allegra Burns

It was a little busier today than normal. Though not so rushed that they were overwhelmed. Metang was at one of the two registers, and Niky was at the other one. There was one customer that brought his eyes to her though. Not because she was doing anything shady, but because she was a bit more nicely dressed than most of his customers. It took him a while to figure out where he'd seen her from. It didn't really click until she came up to him and politely asked for some recommendations. Allegra Burns, classical music. He'd seen her in concert, both in operas and orchestras. She was part of why he still kept up with most of his string instruments. Hopefully she wouldn't be like one of his precious celebrity interactions.

With a customer service smile, the blond started to move around, with a click of his cane. He was talking all the while. "Absolutely! I will have some questions however." He didn't say her name...more to gauge her reaction first to the questions. Of course he also wouldn't advertise that she was here. She was a person, and had a right to some time off. "Is it for yourself or a friend? Any idea on a genre?" Of course, he had more questions. The more Niky knew about the purpose and preference of the request, the better he could fulfill it and get a happy customer.



Allegra Burns

The rocker followed silently. And after swiftly and nearly soundlessly unlocking the case and letting the guy peer in. Not a lot of people go for these locked cases of albums...they were too expensive. The specific one that Ezra wanted Niky found sad in its cover. All in the eyes. And he didn't even know why. Maybe he was too empathetic. "Don't underestimate me. If you wanted to test me, you should have used a more vague clue." Irritating as the man was, he wasn't anything he hadn't dealt with before. Hardly the worst either. Then came the question of price, even though it was clearly stated on the sticker underneath the album. Oh well, there's a surprising amount of people who don't read signs. "It's 10,000 PD." Now to wait if the guy was going to go full on karen over the price, even though he could easily afford it. Which means this could get super annoying or super entertaining.


Ezra Settentrione

Niky hoped he was good at reading people. Ezra didn't much care for him. Lee even bristled and was ready for action at a moment's glance. He noticed Ezra pause just for a moment at one of his own album covers. Yep, a little ego stroking. Or admiring the cover, he couldn't tell which. Either way, the man rudely said no to the selection shown. Leaning closer, and in a teasing voice, he mentioned something more soulful...Circa Say 98. "Now, Mr. Settentrione, if there's something specific, it saves everyone trouble and frustion to just be out with it the first time. This way please." Niky led the man a little bit further down, and then just around the corner, pointing out the exact album. Lee the Lucario following the duo.

Niky just watched the man intently, wondering what else he was going to do or say. The blond couldn't tell if the rocker was trying to push his buttons or what. There was always more to a person than meets the eye. But there are also times where you get as advertised too.


Ezra Settentrione

The man recognized Niky. It'd been years since he'd been in any real spotlight...it was sort of surprising. But maybe this could make it easier? Nope, what the guy "whispered" axed that idea pretty quickly. Well, he better not be too belligerent when he actually got there. Well, depending on what the guy wanted, all he would have needed to do was take a few steps toward the idol. The rock part of the S section started there. But nope, Niky stood just past it in front of the guy. The rocker said he was looking for a record. That...opened up a lot of options. "Well, you've come to the right place. If pop music isn't your jam, let's step a bit over here..." The blond took a few steps back and pointed at the more rock section.

Which if the rocker was looking for some ego stroking, he'd see that his latest album was sold out, and only a few of his other ones in stock. "Or is there a more specific record you're after?" Niky hoped this guy would simmer down. Or maybe the blond could have some fun with this guy. The way the rocker's lips had twisted into an almost sadistic grin, Niky was thinking the guy might be going full Karen. Which Sol the Larvesta would be happy to "correct" that behavior.


Ezra Settentrione

Niky was at his shop, as usual. No gigs yet, but things have been...stressful. He didn't know what it was, but everyone could feel it. It's been a while since Team Rocket had tried something, so maybe it was because of anxiety of them finally making a move. Whatever the case, business had been slow. Even Sol was borderline sleeping on the job as is. Records of all kinds were inventoried, questions answered, special orders picked up. There was comically nothing to do. With a heavy sigh, the blond went to the back to start cleaning a violin that was dropped off earlier in the day. As he was doing so, he noticed something on the cameras. A...certain individual. But he couldn't figure out why. Lee the Lucario was watching him, and looked to be about to approach the person to see if maybe the Pokemon could help.

Niky grabbed his cane and walked out. Seemed like an interesting customer at the least. Walking out onto the floor, he saw the man. Again limping towards the man, the blond got a better look at him. Oh...he might recognize the guy. More due to the prosthetic arm and...heterochromia, though he wouldn't see that till the guy turned his head towards the blond. "Good afternoon, looking for something in particular?" He gave the rocker his most sinceriest customer service smile. A former idol meeting a rockstar...who would have thought.

"I don't know about that. You survived a crappy parent and worked your way up with your blood, sweat, and tears. Pursuing your dream, a profession that can change in a heartbeat. With literally no support. That takes its own kind of guts and grit that I'm not sure I could have managed to pull before the accident." Maybe both of them were strong in thier own ways. "But I suppose there is different kinds of strength, and it takes many different forms." He still sang, he just didn't do much of anything else. The blonde's current life was a satisfying one.

Then came the question about his sister. Shrugging, Niky answered. "Not sure. I've seen her with a Jolteon and a Pikachu before. It's been a mild interest, just never really dove right in. If she's an electric-type specialist, she might be in a world of hurt." He had a few Pokemon that could deal with them easily enough. Like Gojira the Larvitar. Maybe the two of them should practice with each other. The blonde had a pretty good variety of rarer Pokemon. Though rarity didn't necessarily equate to power.

Jade had his own way of cheering himself up. Namely working on dance routines. That's not a bad idea. Cheer yourself up and practice at the same time. The cheesy grin did make Niky smile a bit. The sun also started to come out a little. "Looks like the sun is coming out. Wanna return to the city?" The talk had been good to him. Even if they did make their way back, continuing their conversation wouldn't be a bad thing in his mind.



jade rivers

He did sigh at the point. Jade was right. About it all. "I know she's not doing it maliciously. She wants me to supposedly stop moping around and do something. I've had my fun, however short lived it was." Niky gave a small, if genuine smile at the beach and waters in front of them. "I had severe depression afterwards. A few songs came to mind during it. Some of which were best hitters. Including the first one you listened to. Getting Pokemon did help with that, and I was able to work through it." It was tough, but he didn't feel like a superhero or anything like that. He was lucky to have caring friends and family that helped him through it. Gave him a starter team more or less of rare pokemon that he liked. Not everyone was that lucky...not everyone accepts and moves on. Some...give up completely.

"But enough about depressing things. I survived, and I moved on, working with my own limits. She'll simmer down, I may challenge her to a Pokemon battle, just to see what happens. Maybe making a bet about it. I don't know. Moving on..." He checked his cell phone for the time. It'd already been a while. But he also didn't want to go back yet. "When you're down, do you have a song or routine to cheer yourself up?" Ugh...he did not just ask that. So much for wanting to move on to happier times.


jade rivers

"The kids get a slap on the wrist, as do first time offenders. If they're repeat offenders, maybe get to go to juvie to try to straighten them out. So don't feel too bad for them. They're not ruining their lives yet." He could see the wheels turning at that comment. Kids are protected to an extent. Depending on the kid, Niky would be open to having them work at his shop. They got to learn that actions have consequences. And the sooner they learn that, the better off in life they might be.

From the sounds of it, Jade's extended family was as toxic as his dad. Or maybe his dad got toxic because of them. Whatever the case, Jade had left that life, and was on his way on making it.

Jade then mentioned about wishing he had a sibling of his own. "It's not all good news. Like I said, she was a bit much recently. And is part of why I was out here. She wants to go back to being a full time artist with her. Like, I can do small sprints on performances, but the schedule wouldn't allow me to recover after each one. She doesn't understand just how badly my injury got me. Even after the surgeries. I know she cares, but I'm doing quite fine the way things are at the moment. I don't need her harrassment and BS..." He loved his sister, he really did, but sometimes it was like talking to some Karens.


jade rivers

Niky gave the man a mischievious grin. "Oh, I have. I should show you some of my do not serve list faces. There's a good amount of them that are hilarious." And it either kills the so called conversation or cause them to go absolutely berserk. It's great. Until they bring up him being a cripple. Then he gets pissed. But Jade didn't need to know that. "No. Stealing is stealing. I'd think differently if they were stealing food, but a record or CD? Or trying to con and pirate a digital download? Any more, music is relatively cheap to buy. And people aren't willing to pay all that much for it. Especially when digital downloads allows you to choose which songs from an album to pay for. If you're that desperate, you can earn that paycheck legitimately by stocking my shelves, cleaning, or any other task that needs doing. I've yet to have one that's legitimately stealing records to resell and earn money due to hard times." Why take such a risk? You're no good to anyone behind bars. It was a little bit of a tangent.

"Sounds like they don't care. You're a part of their family, surely they can include you in. Your father notwithstanding." The blonde had heard enough of that boomer. Guy's not going to have anyone to look after him when he's old. Jade, on the other hand, needed someone. Niky couldn't help but chuckle a little at the comment about Nebula. The man didn't mind. And once he was done, Jade was again enamored. "It was more often when we were younger. That one was more recent. Most of our collabs are instrumentals. There was an event where we did something like that. Did covers of popular songs utilizing orchestra instruments. That was a blast." He had great fun with it. Shame he couldn't grab a high end date out of that event...



jade rivers