[IC] ~Not to Hear, But to See~

[Zordon]

Astrid rode silently on the public bus, sitting close to the window in her seat. She wore a teal flirty dress that was cute high in the front and low in the back, giving the back of her legs extra protection between her and the seat itself. She watched out the window with her blue green eyes and held onto her hat as she stood for her stop. She stumbled a bit onto the elderly women beside her and mouthed the word "Sorry" as the bus came to a complete stop. She stepped carefully down the bus stairs and onto the side walk in front of a massive library. Smiling to herself, she pushed open the doors and was warmly greeted by the smell of books; old and new books, the smell of the ink on the pages. It was truly wonderful.

She walked up to the woman behind the main desk and planted a smile on her face. Astrid wasn't a normal person. Due to the syndrome she was born with, she'd had severe hearing loss in both her ears and it cause her hair to grey prematurely. However, Astrid dyed her hair bright, titanium white to make it look intentional and she was overall cheerful. As the woman looked to her, Astrid placed a finger over her mouth playfully gesturing to remain quiet with a wink. Then, she motioned with her fingers on the desk the act of playing a piano and then a pause, followed by the motion of her opening a book and reading it. With a smile, the women pointed her near the back of the library where the piano compositions could be found. Just to the left of it was a comic book and manga section, another one of Astrids interests. Bowing her head in thanks to the women, she strode quietly through the library, looking around her from aisle to aisle as to who else was there.

[TheFlyingScotsman]

James sat on a beanbag, knees pulled up to rest his sketchbook against his legs. He was quietly drawing in it, content where he was. Glancing up as he spotted Eve coming towards him out of the corner of his eye, James pushed his glasses up his nose, giving her a smile. Oh. Hello, Eve. How are you doing? James smiled as he pulled on the sleeve of his worn, blue hoodie to adjust it slightly. His eyes were tired, bags under them. Smiling softly at her, he awaited her response to his question.

I'm okay, thank you. There is someone you might want to meet, over by the music section. I think she's deaf too. Go on, strike up a conversation. What's the worst that can happen to you? The older woman shot a kind smile at James, motioning to the area in question. Shrugging, James packed up his stuff and wandered away to the music section, spotting the girl after moving between aisles. Walking over, he tapped her gently on the shoulder.

Hello. Sorry to bother you, but the librarian sent me over. My name is James. What is yours? He pushed his glasses up his nose, shooting her a shy, but sweet smile.

[Zordon]

Astrid spun on her heel to look at the man behind her, her dress twirling with her movement. She smiled slowly as she watched his hands sign to her his words. She looked confused from this man to the elderly librarian and back again.

Her delay would cause most people to wonder if she'd understood him at all but, she lifted her hands from her sides and hesitantly began to sign back. My name is Astrid. Pleasure to meet you, James. Nice hoodie. She stood still for a moment still smiling. How did she know? I don't think she saw my hearing aid.. Astrid couldn't stop from beaming a grin at the man, especially given he was like her! She was so amazed and just generally happy that she was sure she looked like a grinning fool.

[TheFlyingScotsman]

Smiling, James shook her hand politely. I wish I knew. It's rare to meet a woman so pretty as you in a place like this. Can I help you find anything? There's lots of good books around this building. Hamlet, Macbeth, The Tempest! Books on art, fashion, music, theatre, mechanics. There's lots of comic books. I usually get to keep the back issues for helping tidy up, so you can borrow them, if you're into that kind of book. He blushed. But, I am babbling. What do you like? He leant on the shelf, ensuring not all his weight was on it.

The young man was genuinely polite and kind, seemingly happy in her company. Giving her a wink, he adjusted his glasses. Allow me to carry your books, if I may.

[Zordon]

Astrid tried desperately to hide the blush on her cheeks as he complimented her. She noticed how he seemed to blush in turn as he continued to speak to her so fluidly. He leaned so casually onto a shelf and looked at her, offering to carry her books. Nodding lightly, she handed him the two books she had in hand. In truth, she did not need him to carry them for her but, it was a kind gesture that had never been offered to her before. I don't know nearly as much as I should about comics but, I love them all the same. Just, don't quiz me. she confessed, lifting her hand and pointing to the sign on the bookcase she was by that read 'Classical Music Compositions'. I play piano. I was looking for some new sheet music, as I lost most of mine when I moved here. Do you know of a mall or anything that has public access to a piano? I used to play the piano in the mall back where I grew up. That's actually how I made most of my friends. She paused for a minute giving the boy another once over. None of them like you though. She ended the statement with a sincere smile, letting him know that she meant it purely as compliment.