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[Otto doesn't really mind carrying Peter around like this. On the one hand, certainly, it's a bit odd to consider that this little animal on his shoulder is a shapeshifted teenager. On the other hand, it signifies that Peter trusts him and is comfortable in his presence. They've been here in Ryslig for almost half a year now, forming their odd little family, but it's still a pleasant surprise to Otto even after all that time.

His stride through the store is a slow one, as he doesn't want to jostle Peter too much, and he's careful to keep his posture straight. While he's noticed the shopkeeper shooting them a dirty look from behind the register, he's opted to ignore that. Monsters tend to get those sorts of looks wherever they go, if not worse.]

Oh? Are we planning for another taco night?

I mean, we should. We haven't had one in a while.

[He yawns just a little, trying to shake it off as he leans forward slightly, whiskers wiggling.

The teenager wants to wake up, but is still drifting between the urge to doze and the urge to focus on their surroundings. He's comfortable with Otto.] I'll try to not eat the cheese before hand-?

[Is that a promise he can keep, maybe not.]

[A brief little guffaw escapes Otto in response to that remark. They're never going to be free of this Great Cheese Debate, are they?]

Then, you weren't trying before? That certainly explains a lot.

Hey- I was trying! Like- for a while. There was an attempt! [Is he defensive, just a little? Maybe. Otto can likely feel the shift of Peter's tail wiggling to some degree. His focus is more on Otto than the shopkeeper glowering at them.] It's not like I ate all the cheese or anything!

[Otto's just trying very hard not to laugh again at how ruffled Peter's reaction is. Honestly, the teenager's the one who brought up the cheese. He should've known better.]

Indeed, not all of it. Though perhaps we can buy extra, this time. Twice the usual amount, perhaps?

[Peter set himself up for this, but alas. His fate is sealed.]

Like a solid 10% at most! [That is an underestimate and both of them know it.] Two bags wouldn't be a bad idea though...

[Peter shifts to lean forward pointing at the reason the topic came up.] I think we got those taco shells last time?

[The sight of the rat seemingly getting even slightly near food is enough for the shopkeeper to start towards them. Not that Peter notices yet.]

[It is absolutely an underestimate. Two bags it is. One can never go wrong with too much cheese, anyway. It's the sort of thing they can sprinkle onto just about anything if there's left over.]

Yes, I think so. Were they good enough, do you think, or should we experiment with something else?

[Otto has noticed the shopkeeper's approach from the corner of his eye. However, he won't acknowledge it. Not until he's certain the man really wants something from them.]

We could always try a different kind, I mean- I haven't seen a lot of options. So far its like two different options at most. [Peter seems to twig onto the fact the shopkeeper is coming their way. He shifts on Otto's shoulder to watch the man's approach. He aims to greet the man but is cut off.

"Sir. We do not allow vermin in here." The shopkeeper's voice is clipped, openly irritated. "You need to get rid of that."

Peter opens and closes his mouth, awkwardly folding his hands together. Being called vermin is a new one and it does a fair job of making Peter shrink into himself awkwardly.] Oh, I- I can leave if you want?

[Otto looks towards the shopkeeper just as Peter does, and while his expression is passive at first, it quickly turns sour at the man's words. He stands up even straighter, his wings doing that typical vibrating thing that dragonflies like to do, just for a few seconds. Peter shrinking in on himself only feeds Otto's indignation.]

'That' [he repeats in a very spiteful tone.] is not vermin. He's a teenage boy, and I expect you to treat him as such.

["I don't care how old it is! It's a rat in my grocery store!"

Peter cringes a little, just holding onto the collar of Otto's shirt as the man shifts stance. Otto's reaction makes Peter feel better to some degree. Even if the teenager feels uncomfortable about the whole exchange. He's so used to what he's turned into, Peter has forgotten the fact most places probably don't want him.]

I can- change back to my normal form, if that's better-?

[The shopkeeper presses a hand against his face, releasing a frustrated noise. He finally seems to look at Peter, reluctantly acknowledging him. "I'd rather you leave. Your... friend can continue his shopping."]

[Every so often, Otto forgets how rude people can get around this place. And perhaps that's their right, as unwilling 'prey' to the monsters who are dragged into this peninsula. Even so, he doesn't take kindly to it.]

Do you truly expect me to spend any money here after such disrespect? If Peter has to go, then I go, and I'm taking our business with me. [He expects the shopkeeper will be fine with that, but at least Otto will have stuck with his own principles. He's not about to send Peter out the door unaccompanied.]

Otto, it's... not great, but I can always wait outside. [They had gotten pretty far with shopping. Peter doesn't want to cause any more of a scene. He's not happy about the name calling, but he's not mad, just embarrassed.

"I don't care, I just want the rat out." The shopkeeper says a bit sharply, irritated by the whole situation.]

[Alas, Peter's remark falls on deaf ears and Otto's not-really-a-bluff is being called by the shopkeeper. It's on now.]

If you want him out, I'll take him out. But I won't be coming back in.

[And just to make his point clearer, he holds out the basket that's already full of groceries they'd selected. Go on, shopkeep. Take this stuff back and return it to the shelves if you're allergic to money. Otto dares you.]

[The shopkeeper throws his hands in the air, releasing a frustrated sound. "You're making this harder than it needs to be!" The shopkeeper refuses to take the basket, just pushing it back at Otto.

Peter winces, moving to gently hop of Otto's shoulder and land on the floor. Between breathes he's back to his full size pooka form. It's not particularly tall at 4'10, but he holds up his hands in a placating gesture. He tries to get between the men the best he can.] Hey, look- I'm not actually a rat, rat, okay?

We're gonna leave, its fine.

[Too late, Peter, the situation's already escalated. Otto's already frustrated. There's only one thing to do now.

He's just going to... lean forward and set the basket with groceries down on the floor, not breaking eye contact with the shopkeep even once. He's not even blinking. There it is, buddy, all that abandoned income right at your feet.]

Let's go, Peter.

[Peter releases a sigh, nodding somewhat as he moves to Otto's side. There is no point in sticking around and shopping here.

The shopkeeper just smacks a hand against his face. "Fine! Get out of here! I don't want you freaks anyway!"

Peter winces a little. Not exactly thrilled by any of this.] Look, we're leaving, okay-? Just drop it. We didn't ask to be this.

["Cry me a river! I don't care!" The shopkeeper is apparently at the end of his rope as he grabs the basket from the floor angrily.

[There's a hundred comebacks coming to Otto's mind, which he'd utter if he were a lesser man. But he's choosing the high ground as much as possible. No point in proving the shopkeep right by caving to anger.

So he takes Peter by the arm and begins to walk away, out of the store. There's other places that sell food, it's not a big loss.]

[Peter falls into step with the tug, glancing back at the Shopkeeper who is just angrily slamming things back onto shelves. Peter's ears tuck against his head as he winces at the sound.

Peter oscillates between hurt, offense, and embarrassment over the whole thing. Sure, he's had people react badly to him being a rat pooka before, but... usually, they tend to accept it.

Once they're actually outside, he releases a breath. An apology feels easier than being angry. He was literally just a rat on Otto's shoulder in a grocery store.] Sorry, I guess... I shouldn't have just been lazy today.

[Otto fumes all the way to the door and out into the street. He can take it if someone's rude to him, that's no skin off his back. But being rude to Peter? It's inexcusable. Once he hears that apology, though, he's quick to draw in a calming breath. He's still holding onto Peter's arm, so he'll give it a reassuring squeeze.]

You needn't apologize for something like that. He's the one with the irrational problem.

I guess- [He glances back at the store, brows furrowing together as his tail droops and lashes across the sidewalk as well. The inclination to wait outside is a strong one, but he doesn't voice it in the moment.] We've been here before, I just...

[He shakes his head with a sigh. Trying to vaguely salvage the morning.]

There are other places we can go at least.

There are more than enough other places. [One last squeeze, then he releases Peter's arm.] To be honest, I didn't prefer this store anyway. There was a funny smell near the frozen food aisle.

[The comment about the funny smell does make Peter laugh somewhat. He lights up somewhat.] It kinda just smelled like that one bodega May banned Ned and I from going to when we were 12. Almost nostalgic in a gross way.

Hah, it did reek of New York, didn't it? [He shakes his head, grinning.] Though, if we ever get that homesick, I'm sure there are better ways to stir nostalgia.

It was just... so close, but still not New York either.

Honestly, the easier option is a bodega with a bodega cat. [He's honest about that much, cheering up a bit more visibly now.]

An even easier option is to stop by OsCorp and ask Norman for one of those foyer hotdogs. I'm sure Mana made certain that they're as accurate to New York's junkfood as can be.

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, OCTAVIUS. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 015.03.020.15 * OCTAVIUS has joined 015.03.020.15 <OCTAVIUS>** You've reached Dr. Otto Octavius. Please leave a message.

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