[hider=Manny and Aurora]Manny’s ears perked up a little at the mention of the music store. He was always happy to be in the company of another music lover. He could see, though, that the girl was frustrated, possibly with herself, for getting lost. She was apparently blind, judging by the cane, and was probably used to independence. He tried to sound as if he was helping someone who wasn't blind, not wanting to add to her frustration.

[color=a0410d][b]“Well, you picked the right person to ask. I actually grew up around here, so I know this town like the back of my hand...and actually, you're right. The music store just back this way. You probably got sidetracked and walked past it. Happens to me all the time.”[/b][/color] 

Manny paused a second and smiled. [color=a0410d][b]“You look like you're by yourself. This might be a little forward, but would you like some company? I was planning on hitting up the music store myself.”[/b][/color]

  “Must be nice growing up here, much calmer indeed.” The voice at her side offered assistance, some that she was reluctant to take, yet she still gave a smile. The same one that many told her was either soothing or unnerving. He seemed nice, his breathing was even, no ebbing patterns or biting lips. He wasn’t hiding something, though he seemed to change his demeanor a bit. Not by much, but enough to notice. 
   “Is it really? Oh dear, seems the commotion got my ears mixed up.”
Her own voice showing disappointment in herself, Aurora ran a hand through her hair. Least luck was on her side, whoever this was, was heading there himself. Another music enthusiast, on the same street as herself? Bit too convenient for her liking. Though if something happened she could fix it.
   Tilting her head in a bird like fashion, Aurora ran through a list of ideas in moments. Well if she got lost again, it would be an even harsher blow to her pride than gaining a companion who was heading the same way. “So long as it's not troubling you, than I would actually enjoy the company.” Hopefully whoever this was, was not someone who needed to help with every little thing. Who knows, maybe he was someone who she could put up with for the next hour or so.

Listening to his shoes hit the sidewalk she began to follow. Her cane resting just above the surface of her path, moving side to side like a metronome. “I’m sorry I forgot to ask your name. My own’s Aurora.” 

[color=a0410d][b]“I'm Manhattan...but everyone calls me Manny. That's a pretty name...Aurora.”[/b][/color]

He was glad she accepted his company. He didn't usually impose upon people like this, but he was kind of on a high at the moment, having just seen his family, and felt like passing on the feeling. He continued on until they got to the corner.

“Manny? Sounds like a book I read just a few months ago.” Smile on her features at the idea of a good book, she began to ease into the same walk pattern as her companion. Her head tilted slightly down as she listened to her surroundings.

[color=a0410d][b]“We're gonna have to cross the street so, hold on a sec.”[/b][/color]

Manny pushed the button to change the ‘WALK’ light and waited. He noticed there was a small crowd waiting on the other side to cross. Nosey onlookers still making their way to the alley scene. He couldn't blame them though. It was very rare to hear gunshots go off in the middle of town during broad daylight hours, and since there was a police presence, people figured it was safe to check things out.

[color=a0410d][b]“Just so you know, there are good bit of people about to cross coming this way. If you need to hold onto to me or something, you can go ahead.”[/b][/color]

He hoped he didn't sound too patronizing. He had never really helped a blind person before and he wasn't really sure how much he should intervene.

“Yeah, about nine of them in total,” least she thought it was about nine, when Manny spoke of the group on the other side of the street. The words began to mull together like paint in water, footsteps blending far too harshly to figure out their age or gender. 
   
“No thats okay” biting the inside of her cheek at the offer she brushed it of. He offered, he didn’t insist. No reason to get annoyed from a kind gesture. 
Her cane in hand she tapped it on the street to find how large the drop from the sidewalk was. The sound of movement causing her to follow. Steps from the others and mulling voices acting likes waves and throwing her off ever so slightly. She kept her pace near Manny. A white figure standing out like a beacon. 

One of the people tripping over her cane caused Aurora to fall forward a bit. Catching herself last minute, continuing on her way and waving off the male who began to apologize. Though she was sure to catch the mumble of her needing sunglasses. 
Climbing to the sidewalk she gave a sigh, as she began to smell pizza once more. “Starting to figure out where I am, crossed this place, or near here.”

Manny lifted his chin slightly as the delightful smell of pizza wafted through the air. They were about to head past one of his favorite pizzerias, and the scents of tomato sauce, fresh baked cheesy crust, sizzling sausage, and basil made Manny’s mouth water. He hadn't eaten lunch yet - in fact, it where was going before the he heard the gunshots - and he was pretty much starving, but food would have to come after music.

[color=a0410d][b]“The store's straight ahead almost to the end of the block. By the way, you were pretty accurate in your count back there, with the nine people. That's an amazing talent to be able to tell all that by sound.”[/b][/color]

Manny really was impressed, almost wishing he possessed such an acute alertness. At that moment, his thoughts quickly flashed back to last night to Raven Tale. It was quite the coincidence that he'd meet two blind girls in less than 24 hours, though he didn't 100% confirm that Raven was blind. He really only used the clues there to assume so. This girl, though, was definitely visually impaired. And, plus, Raven, spoke like she was in Macbeth.

Following the instructions, Aurora kept walking, tilting her head when she heard Manny’s comment, how she was actually correct. “Really? Thought I would be off, more sounds the less accurate on an area.” The tips of her ears turning pink at the compliment, she began to listen to Manny. His breathing changed, yet muscles tensed and stride becoming more jumpy.

You could feel the music oozing from the shop as they arrived, and Manny couldn't help but beam in excitement. Still on his music high, he was almost giggly when he spoke.

[color=a0410d][b]“Here we are, Miss Aurora...after you,”[/b][/color] he said as he opened the door to let her through. 

“Excited are you?”

It was actually quite funny hearing the change. It was like a yearling that was about to be let out into some open space. 
The door opening before her, Aurora was engulfed in waves of music. She could smell the sweet aroma of a worn out record case, the pages of sheet music.  A local band had their album playing, and she had to admit, they were actually good. “Oh, thank you” dipping her head in thanks she began to move inside. The smaller space causing her to be a bit more careful with her movements. 
“What can I help you with today?” Seeing the albino, one of the workers greeted her on the girl's right. Head up to try and pinpoint him, “umm, just here to find some records is all.” She was always looking to extend her collection. Ever since she gotten it in her best friends will, Aurora was determined to continue the hobby in her name. Though it only took a year for her to become slightly obsessed with the oversized music disk. 
“Take a left, right next to the window, you can’t miss it.” Nodding her thanks, she pinpointed Manny, wondering where he was going as she used her casted arm to feel for anything sticking out in the path. She could feel the three fingers uncovered, brushing Cds, old and worn with much love. Stopping only when they passed the familiar, almost fabric like texture of a record case. Her face lighting up when she began to realize how many boxes were here. “I knew I made the right choice in coming, oh wow this is awesome.”
Manny wasn’t the only one affected. She began sounding like, a high schooler swooning over a football star. 

Manny smiled at Aurora’s delight in the records. She seemed to love music as much as he did. This place was pretty much melomaniac heaven.  

[color=a0410d][b]“These kinds of places are a rare find these days. Everything's digital and computerized. I mean I have an iPod with tons of music on it, but nothing really beats vintage.”[/b][/color]

Manny picked up a record case and spun in on his finger.

[color=a0410d][b]“What I really came for, though, is a guitar. This is actually two stores in one. They have instruments, too. Been awhile since I got a new one, and this place usually has a great selection.”[/b][/color]

“You play?” Interest grabbed, Aurora listened as Manny grabbed one of the records. Trying to focus on what he was doing with it yet she could not pinpoint it. Guess it was too light to make a distinguished sound. “Thats amazing, I’m kind of terrible when it comes to playing anything really.”

Running her hand over one of the records, she made a mental note to figure out what title it was. Listening and collecting music was one thing, but to be able to create it? Now that was a gift that was truly something.

Manny slid the record back into place. He cruised his way further into the store to where the instruments were. Guitars of all shapes and sizes lined the walls. Some amps and a few keyboards were placed here and there. He set to work making his selection. 

Making a small stack of records based on touch, Aurora began to move about the store. Aware of the set of eyes from the employee at her back. There was so much here, it had such a welcoming scant, aged knowledge. 
Her hand brushing a set of bongos, cases and more, she found a pair of headphones. Smile on her features the woman set her stack down, feeling down the wire to unhook the device and enjoy it’s secrets. A small laugh escaping her at the realization that it was the same band that played around the store. 
A few moments of listing though had caused her to take off the headphones. Her body becoming still, finding Manny in moments as she began to make her way over. “Guitars?” Her records held close she collapsed her cane, reaching out with her good hand to feel the instruments before her one by one. 
“Huh?” Tilting her head at one of the creations she began to try and figure out what she was touching. It was a guitar, hung lower to the ground than the others. Yet it felt different for some reason. “I wonder if there’s something wrong with it.”

As Manny was perusing, he watched Aurora as she browsed the store, carefully and playfully taking everything in. She was like a kid in a candy store and her expressions made Manny smile. 

[color=a0410d][b]“It's just unfinished wood. Nothing wrong.”[/b][/color]

Manny was grabbing guitars giving them a once-over before returning them to their racks until he found one that he liked.

[color=a0410d][b]“Y’know you could get good if you practiced enough. That's really all it takes...dedication and a love for what you're doing. My dad taught me how to play when I was young. I like to play while my mom sings. She has a beautiful voice. Well, I think I found one.”[/b][/color]

“Oh, guess not really used to actually instruments.” The tips of her ears turning red Aurora listened quietly, eventually showing her records at the counter. The man behind it happily reading the titles as she picked through them. 
“I’d love to learn, though my current passion kinda keeps everything else back. Practice every day, just like you.” A smile on her features, the thought of riding on her mind. 

Yeah, no way she could squeeze in learning how to play, now that Ditch is on her hide and a team she has to hold up.
 “Well, least I could keep collecting, trying to finish my third wall.” Picking up her bag she moved out of Manny’s way. Waiting for him to finish his business before following him out.

Manny patted the guitar and held it at arm's length examine it once more. He brought the guitar to the counter and paid for it; then he had it held behind the counter. 

[color=a0410d][b]“I'm just gonna grab a bite at the pizza place a few doors down and I'll swing back by to pick this up. No need to take it into the restaurant.”[/b][/color]

As he walked out with Aurora, he turned to her with a genuine smile on his face. [color=a0410d][b]“It was nice to meet you, Aurora. Glad I could help you find this place. Maybe I'll see you around.”[/b][/color]

Manny held out his hand, even though she couldn't see it. But somehow, he figured, she knew what he was doing.

The paper bag in hand she used her cane once more. “It was nice meeting you as well, I’m always around the city, if you see me don’t be a stranger.”
Quickly moving her cane to her casted hand she took his own. Her senses figuring out a few new pieces of information. He was known for work, palms harsh and grip strong. Physically fit, nodding her head she began to part ways. Moving down the street to find an abandoned section. 

Moving quick she summoned the Dullahan, putting her records in it’s saddlebags while retrieving a full helmet and coat. Her features covered she climbed on, the bray of a horse yet the roar of an engine she road away, the beast knowing where home was. Contacting her family to make sure they knew she was okay. 

Manny watched as Aurora made her way down the sidewalk and around the corner. Their little acquaintance had made his day even better than it was before. Since the better part of his time was spent either taking out bad guys or preparing to do so, it was nice to meet someone good every once in awhile. He went over to the pizzeria for lunch, then dropped back by the shop to grab his newly purchased gift to himself. He walked back to the hospital where he left his bike, hopped on with the guitar slung over his shoulder, and made his way back into the city and back home.[/hider]