[ i'm fine, the man says — and it takes all that he possesses not to act on the gut-punch of a laugh that threatens to make a hasty exit. instead, he glances back at the shop, scrutinizing it, the layers of dust that seem prevalent even from beyond its four walls. ( part of him can't look away — there's something about it, something, dare he say, nefarious as it seems to watch him back ) he settles on a distant, cynical grin when bright eyes find the man again, the corners of his mouth quirking, before he pries a spider's web away that dangles from the stranger's elbow. ]

Of course you are. Silly of me.

[ it won't do any real good; the man's clearly been through an ordeal. he reaches without touching, putting one foot to the sidewalk. neil doesn't dare to move any further, should his new companion decide to grow somehow irritable, and exhibit that aforementioned fight in real-time. ]

I'm not so sure there's a just anything here.

[ he can feel the shop staring, peering into their conversation. it listens with unseen ears and he finds it in his field of vision again. he swallows, thoughtful. a faint sound happens, but it doesn't fit right in his ears. it's as though it works on a side of glass he isn't situated on. the chill finds him and he shivers into the lining of his coat. ]

Has something —

[ neil frowns; has something — what? ]

Here, sit a moment. You're making me nervous now.