Tweak

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Tweak says, "banana banana banana!"

Sam Pepperhorn (pepperhorn) wrote in heureuxlake,
@ 2024-04-19 20:09:00

Entry tags:

Δ complete, Δ threads, → giulia de sanctis, → sam pepperhorn, ∞ 2000: 04, ◦ hollow hill tavern, ◦ sleepy hollow

RP: Is this town big enough for another Pepperhorn?
Who: Sam Pepperhorn, Giulia de Sanctis
What: Arriving in town
When: April 18, 2000
Where: Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow (near Hollow Hill Tavern)
Warnings: Cuteness
Completion status: Complete

Sam switched off the ignition, reaching for the map that he'd tossed onto the passenger seat. This was the right street, wasn't it? Things looked different. How long was it since he'd been in town? He squinted at the map. Maybe the map was a few decades old too.

He opened the door and unfolded himself from the car. After spending most of the day driving with only a brief stop, the better option might have been to go straight to his sister's house to surprise her, but he wanted to take a moment to check out his new investment before it got dark.

Though he had been hoping to open his new shop in Tarrytown, but this unit on Beekman Avenue in Sleepy Hollow had caught his interest and Sam had taken the risk and signed the lease based solely on photos. The Hollow Hill Tavern was just a few doors down and, now that he had orientated himself, he recognised a few of the other businesses, so it felt like a good area.

He peered through the darkened window. It had been a pet supply shop and it had been closed for a while, but the shop had good potential. There would be some work to do before he could open the doors though he had been prepared for that. Since the first time he had expanded Pepperhorn's Spice and Tea Shop, he had worked slowly to create something that would last. So far, every branch was doing well and he hoped that this new venture would be the same.

Checking his watch, Sam weighed up his choices. He could grab dinner at the tavern or he could go and ambush Iris...

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giuliasings
2024-04-23 08:46 pm UTC (link)

That was such a passive way of accepting her offer to join him, but Giulia didn't want to be one to quibble over such things. "Giulia," she introduced herself in turn, fully anticipating that he would hear it as Julia. She'd considered changing her name so many times over the years, and yet a part of her couldn't seem to part with it no matter how much she despised her human roots.

At his motion, she started past him down the walk toward the tavern, glancing over to see if he would fall in step next to her. "Do you think you'll settle here for a bit, then? At least while you're getting the shop up and running?" she asked as they walked. She had to assume he had an excellent management team for his other three shops if he were confident enough to open a fourth location.

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pepperhorn
2024-04-23 11:10 pm UTC (link)

"Nice to meet you, Giulia," Sam said warmly, meaning it. He didn’t necessarily pass as human as easily as his sisters or niece thanks to his height, so he appreciated it when a new acquaintance didn’t openly try to figure out what he was. Sam suspected that she knew he wasn’t human and he was grateful that she had the grace to keep her thoughts to herself for now.

Sam kept pace with Giulia, a comfortable stroll toward the tavern. "I think I'll be here for a while," he said, though his lack of plans for accommodation beyond hoping Iris might not suggest as much. "Maybe a year? Could be longer." He gave a small shrug. "I like to be hands on but I like to travel between locations too." Hiring dependable local staff to work in the shop helped, but he was the only one who could do the healing work and there was always enough of that to keep him busy. "Just have to find the right balance."

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giuliasings
2024-04-24 01:06 am UTC (link)

"And you as well, Sam," she replied, both politely and sincerely. Now that she was knew his name, she rather thought he looked like a Sam, though she wondered if it was short for something.

She was beginning to get the impression that he was a flexible sort of fellow, the sort that rolled with the punches and took life as it came, while still having his feet on the ground enough for structured success. She liked that quality in people. "Isn't that what life's all about? Finding that balance? I'm not always the best at that, but I do try as well," she admitted, her lips twitching in amusement at herself.

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pepperhorn
2024-04-24 06:42 pm UTC (link)

Sam made a noise of agreement, reaching the door of the Hollow Hill Tavern and holding it open for Giulia. "Yeah, took me a long time to figure that out, but I have to agree." He hadn't found any kind of purpose for his life until he was in his 40s, then he had been so engrossed in becoming a healer that another 40 or 50 years had passed before he looked up to actually pay attention to the world around him. Only then, he thought, had he become his own person who had any kind of balance. "All we can do is try."

She looked pleased, he thought, and that smile was a good look on her. "Can I buy you a drink?" Sam asked, a little more straightforward this time.

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giuliasings
2024-04-24 07:58 pm UTC (link)

There was that casual reference to his extended life, again, and it made her smile even as it made her wonder again what he might be. That sort of thing didn't matter to her, much like any other characteristic did, but she couldn't help a sliver of curiosity. "Touché," she agreed lightly.

That he held the door for her had her smile growing just a touch. She knew she could be a bit old fashioned at times, for all she'd been independent for so long. She nodded at the offer. "Yes, certainly, though only one," she insisted. Alcohol... was not a good idea for her in anything but small doses, and they'd been having a pleasant enough conversation that she didn't want to jeopardize that. "Though I'm tempted to counter with only if you'll let me buy you dinner," she added, her lips twitching again as she fought to keep her smile from going too wide.

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pepperhorn
2024-04-24 09:00 pm UTC (link)

"Just the one," Sam promised, never one to push someone beyond their limits intentionally. Sometimes the fae influence might take down someone's inhibitions but it wasn't something he ever actively sought to do.

At her suggestion, his eyebrows lifted in amusement, her expression making him wonder whether she was testing him to see how much of a chivalrous gentleman he might be. Now, what was the right answer to that? The warm wood and brass decor of the tavern certainly harkened back to when men paid for everything by default. "See," he teased, "if that happens, then I might have to suggest I pay the next time and we get ourselves tangled up in a cycle."

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giuliasings
2024-04-24 09:08 pm UTC (link)

Her lips stretched in a wider smile at that, enjoying the light teasing. "I'm not sure I see the problem," she said, a light note of flirtation to her tone now. "Unless you're already tangled up in a cycle?" Her eyebrows rose pointedly, as if she were entirely confident that he was unencumbered by a romantic entanglement at the moment. She did have a sense for those sorts of things, after all.

"No pressure, of course. It's just been a long time since I've found myself in such good company to consider such a thing. We did just meet, and quite randomly at that, so I'll understand and graciously accept it if all you're after is a drink and a bit of friendly conversation before you're on your way," she told him, giving him the out should he want it.

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pepperhorn
2024-04-24 10:06 pm UTC (link)

Sam chuckled, flashing her a smile. "Not necessarily a problem. And no tangles, no cycles." He rarely allowed himself to get entangled with anyone for very long, heartbreak still dogging him after all these decades. It just made life feel a little easier that way - he doubted he would ever be one for an epic love match like his niece Azalea.

"Like I said," Sam told her as they approached the bar, "I'm going to be in town for a while. So if I'm here and you make a habit of coming into town... I wouldn't be opposed to meeting up again." He'd already told her that he was sticking around in Sleepy Hollow for a while and he knew that he wasn't accidentally lulling her into a relaxed state, so that hint of flirtatiousness he was picking up was the real deal. "I might even like that idea a lot," he added with a slyer smile before asking what she was drinking tonight.

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giuliasings
2024-04-24 10:31 pm UTC (link)

He had a great smile, even though--or maybe because--it got partially lost in the beard. She listened as he elaborated, feeling that light giddiness that came with the potential of something new, even if she was damaged enough to approach any such feelings with caution. There were a million reasons relationships never seemed to work for her, and she wasn't deluded to them.

"Oh good. Let's hope you still feel that way after sharing a meal," she teased him lightly.

She told him her drink of choice--a simple white wine, tonight--and then waited until they had their drinks to claim a table. The tavern wasn't fancy by any means, but it wasn't a trashy joint either. There was something comfortable about it, like a little piece of home could be found in it by nearly everyone. "Can I ask how you got interest in teas and such? Tea isn't the most popular on this side of the world," she commented. No, the Americas were much more fond of their coffee, though she'd always enjoyed tea more than coffee personally.

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pepperhorn
2024-04-24 11:50 pm UTC (link)

Sam automatically used his free hand to pull out Giulia's chair before taking his seat opposite her. It was partially an instinctive gesture, partially a chance to formulate a response. He saw no sense in hiding his nature in this day and age, but he was less inclined to share insights into his healing gift.

"I guess a lot of people look at my shops and just see stuff to season your food or stuff you pour hot water on and drink. And that’s fine." There were more than enough customers who were humans that thought the shop was a little exotic or a little bit supernatural and their dollars were just as good as anyone else’s. "But I’m more interested in the medicinal properties of the ingredients. It’s something I’ve studied for a long time."

He smiled a little bashfully. "I had a certain customer base in mind. There’s a lot of supernaturals who can’t really find what they need at a regular pharmacy."

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giuliasings
2024-04-25 12:19 am UTC (link)

It would seem he was a true gentleman, or at least knew how to behave as one, and she could enjoy that. Sure, in some men, it could be a ploy to gain a woman's trust, but she didn't get that sort of sense off him. And so, she was simply going to enjoy those little gestures as they came, she thought as she slipped into the seat he'd pulled out for her.

"Medicinal?" she echoed, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. Pleasant surprise, but surprise nonetheless. "Ooh, that's wonderful." She couldn't say she was impervious to the weapons of man, but she was certainly sturdier than most humans, and she did have an accelerated healing process. Even so, she could respect that not all supernaturals were so blessed. Or cursed. It had taken her a long time to look at her nature as more than a curse, though. "I thought I could sense that innate goodness in you," she admitted.

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pepperhorn
2024-04-26 09:17 pm UTC (link)

"Indeed." His years spent travelling the world had garnered him a number of friends who had been willing to share their own healing knowledge and who had since become suppliers of some of the spices and blends of teas and infusions that he sold.

Sam chuckled, taking a sip of his beer. "Innate goodness? Thank you." It was a touching, if unexpected compliment, especially coming from someone that he had just met. "I don't think anyone has ever said that to me before."

He set down his drink. "So, you know a little about me. Tell me something about you. What do you do?"

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giuliasings
2024-04-28 12:03 am UTC (link)

Perhaps she was being naïve; perhaps she was trusting that goodness in him more than she should; perhaps she should be more jaded after all her years sensing the evil or deceitful in others. Giulia couldn't seem to help it, though. "Well, I just tell it like I see it," she said lightly, not wanting to come right out and tell him that she could literally sense the goodness in him.

"I... am actually a singer, songwriter," she admitted, though she held back elaborating, wanting to see his reaction first.

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pepperhorn
2024-04-28 12:47 am UTC (link)

She was sweet and pretty ever so good at complimenting him, so thus far Sam was not regretting the suggestion that they might see each other again.

Sam hadn't pegged her as a performer, but with the knowledge he could see the confidence in her. Plus, she'd focussed more on the tea that he would be selling and he had certainly sold teas to singers in the past to soothe their throats or promote healing.

"That sounds a lot more interesting that running a shop. What sort of stuff do you sing?"

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giuliasings
2024-04-28 02:09 am UTC (link)

That probably should have been an easy question to answer, but for some reason, her mind sort of short-circuited, and she had to chuckle at herself, shaking her head. "A little bit of everything, really. My original stuff tends to fall in the sort of confessional acoustic arena, though," she admitted. "Music is... intrinsic to who I am, so it's been a good fit."

She knew she was opening herself up to being asked about her answer, and though that made her a little nervous, she was trusting her instincts with him.

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pepperhorn
2024-04-28 02:05 pm UTC (link)

Intrinsic to who I am. Although Sam didn’t read any into deeper what that might mean, that statement resonated with him all on its own. For that early part of his life, his attempts to harness the same plant-based magic as his sisters had only resulted in withered flora so fragile that it would crumble in the slightest breeze. Finding healing had made the rest of his life make sense and now it was just who he was, right down to the effect he could have on a person simply by being in close proximity.

"Like your life wouldn’t make sense if you didn’t have music in it?" he guessed, fingers sliding through the condensation on his glass. "I get that." He smiled reassuringly at her, feeling a ripple of apprehension in her that his magic wanted to soothe. "So, acoustic?" he prompted. "I’m picturing guitar or piano?"

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giuliasings
2024-04-28 03:33 pm UTC (link)

"Definitely," she agreed, appreciating that he seemed to get it. Giulia had a feeling that not many people had that sort of single-minded purpose to their lives. She was also grateful that he didn't push at what she assumed were the obvious implications of her statement.

"Both, actually, with a slight preference for guitar, if only because it's more mobile." She didn't have it with her now, of course, but that was mostly because she'd taken the train into town. "I do open mic nights at Sunny's sometimes," she said, the invitation clear in her tone. She'd always enjoyed having someone to sing for, even if it was rarely a romantic interest.

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pepperhorn
2024-04-28 04:46 pm UTC (link)

Sam had to make the assumption that Sunny's might be here in Sleepy Hollow, though he would have to check that with Iris. She’d want to know why he wanted to know, he was sure, and probably take great delight in this story.

He could hear the invitation clear as day, bringing with it a happy buzz that had nothing to do with the beer he was drinking. "In that case," he said, leaning forward a little, the cuffs of his shirt riding up just enough to provide a glimpse of some of his tattoos, "you’re going to have to let me know when the next open mic night is."

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giuliasings
2024-04-28 05:28 pm UTC (link)

Her smile was warm and pleased at his response, and she took a sip of her wine as she mentally cautioned herself not to let the giddiness overwhelm her. "I will. I'll be traveling the next couple weeks. I came to town to stock up on a few of my favorite things I like to have with me on the road," she admitted, patting her bag fondly. "But, I should be slotted the first weekend of May, probably that Saturday."

She did catch a glimpse of his tattoos, her eyes drawn to them and curiosity lighting in them, but she had no intention of asking. That was the sort of thing better put off for more intimate settings, should they get to such a point. Instead, she asked, "So, what do you enjoy doing in your off time?"

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pepperhorn
2024-04-28 06:57 pm UTC (link)

The first weekend of May. That wasn't too far away. Sam knew he would have to get her number before they parted ways, wishing he hadn't left his cellphone tucked away in the glovebox of his car.

He grinned at her question, already sure how he would respond. "I'll tell you what, let me scare us up a couple of menus and then I'll bore you to death with why I think the camera might be my favourite invention of all time." Rising to his feet, his smile a little cheeky after that declaration. "I'll be right back."

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