Chapter Text
The rush hour was calming down, leaving only a handful of people still roaming around the artist alley. The blanket of noise caused by the crowds has turned into something more like a ambient hum, finally giving everyone in the hall some room to breathe.
“Guess everyone’s probably off to get dinner...”
Sitting behind her table, Ragatha took the lack of clients as an opportunity to finally let herself breathe and unwind. As much as she loved being around others, even kind of craved it in a way, it also proved itself to be incredibly, well... exhausting. Constantly smiling and greeting, encouraging, chatting with anyone with a shared interest - she could only do that for so long.
She loved it, she really did, but boy did it drain her. Especially lately it seemed as if most of her days were devoid of any meaningful human interactions. An more insecure part of herself almost felt like she was putting on a show in front of all those people, not just customers, but fellow artists as well, and that it wasn’t really her.
Resulting to mindlessly scrolling through her phone, which she found to be the most effective way to recharge in this moment, It didn’t take long for her to come across posts made all the other amazingly talented people who were selling their work in the very same building. Seeing the faces behind artworks, people she admired, or knew in passing only...
...and oh, right. Gangle.
Gangle was the only person around here that she actually knew personally, even if they haven’t seen each other for a good while. And it warmed her heart seeing the picture of her booth, and how much the setup has expanded since back in the day, when the girl was just starting out.
I should drop by her table and say hi once the crowd loosens even more.
Checking Gangle’s profile, to see where she was located at the event, instead had Ragatha stop in her tracks at the most recent post.
„I have my fiancé help me at my booth today, so everyone be nice! <3”
The description was attached to a picture of the two of them posing dramatically in front of Gangle’s stall.
...
Why is it that I could be having a perfectly fine day, only to find out that someone younger than me is engaged...?
It wasn’t a thought that she was proud of, far from it really, but at the same time she couldn’t deny it. And maybe that was what made her feel even more bad and pathetic about herself. Because it wasn’t personal or anything, she wasn’t mad at her. Only at herself, if anything.
Looking at the photo again, even though she probably shouldn’t, Ragatha couldn’t help but think... how absolutely cool Gangle’s partner looked. Well, maybe in a way that had the redhead a little intimidated, but still cool either way. And they looked so happy together. Oh, how lucky her friend was...
Well, maybe after all now it would be a good time to leave her booth for a moment, and go look around the artist alley hall. Might as well try to distract herself, and clear her thoughts before they fester and go into a place she’d rather keep her mind away from.
“Hey, is it ok if you kept an eye on my table for a moment? I’ll be right back”
Turning to the person behind the neighboring stand, had the owner warmly smile in return. It was a man older than herself, selling all different kinds of handmade crafts with an overall bug theme going on. She had a little chat with him while unpacking, and he even ended up buying two of the crocheted plushies that she made. For his girls, he said. And it really made her heart melt.
“You go ahead and take a break dear, I’ll look after everything” He assured, as she passed by to leave her spot.
***
Looking at the works displayed by her fellow creators, Ragatha couldn’t help but feel a mix of admiration, intimidation and self-consciousness.
She stopped and stood for a moment, taking all of it in. The now more bearable crowd passing by, the wonderfully decorated stands that her own couldn’t even hold a candle to, the groups of friends in matching cosplays, enjoying their time. And as she did, an unexpected feeling washed over her. She was surrounded by so many talented artists and people who were likely very kind and welcoming to no end.
Then why was she overcome with an urge to cry? Why right now? When surrounded by what is supposed to be her people. All things considered, she really loved this community, even if she couldn’t help but compare herself. If only she were able to make any actual friends within it.
But she never cried in public spaces. For all she knew, she will have to address those feelings later, when she’s by herself. Whether she wanted to or not.
Right now, a distraction was in order. Maybe buying something nice would lift her spirits. While not having made any plans on spending too much money for herself, she usually allowed it, if something really caught her eye. Besides, it was nice to support all those independent creators.
Eventually, after almost making it to the other end of the hall, a colorful display of pins caught her attention. Especially one of them, that pictured a character from a series, that hardly anyone made any merch for anymore, even if it still stayed dear to her heart. Well, this might as well be her only chance to get something from it.
Looking up, the stand was decorated with a colorful, hand crafted logo.
The Amazing Digital Art Store.
For all she could tell, she has never come across this booth before, but she’ll definitely keep this one in mind. The artstyle was right up her alley, and a lot of the works on display came from franchises she recognized.
Making a mental note follow their social media later, she grabbed a business card. Still, she really did feel the need to buy something as well from whoever the artist was. Maybe that pin would do after all.
Or alternatively...oh right, trading was also an option. It wasn’t something she did often, usually out of concern that the other person, after seeing what she had to offer in exchange, would straight up refuse. But it was worth a shot, wasn’t it?
"Hey there! Would you be up for a trade?"
Hearing that, the girl looked up curiously from behind the booth, a forkful of food right by her mouth.
Shoot, she came at a bad time.
And that was all it took for her to lose any sort of composure, she might have built up to not be awkward, while conversing with her fellow vendors. Her mind quickly jumping to a conclusion, that she shouldn't brother her too much.
"O-oh, sorry! It's perfectly fine if you don't want to though! I'm fine with just paying too!" She nervously fiddled with her hands, her voice jumping just an octave too high.
But the girl just placed the lunch box away without a second thought, and smiled sincerely. "Nah, it's fine. And I’m always happy to trade!"
Stealing a glance at her badge, Ragatha made a note of her name, or at least the one she used to represent herself with.
Pomni.
And putting up a jokingly serious, business tone, Pomni added "Just show me what you have to offer, and I’m sure we can make a deal."
“Right I... should have brought something with me. You’re um, welcome to come by my table and see if there is something you like! I mostly have plushies and some stickers though.” She fiddled with her hands, already second guessing herself and the quality of the things she was selling. “I’m right at the other end of the hall. The purple-ish stand with a big yarn ball at the top. You’ll probably notice it”
“Alright, will do!” she grinned back at her. “And what did you want to get? You can take it by the way”
Allowing her to walk off with something without paying, was a surprising display of trust. But what if when she came later to her and didn’t find anything of like? Would she want her to return it?
“H-huh? Are you sure?”
“Yeah, go ahead. Knowing myself I might forget it later, so it’s probably for the best” Pomni chuckled.
“O-Oh ok, thank you so much then” hesitantly she grabbed the pin. “I’ll see you later then?”
“Definetly! I’ll be sure to drop by!”
***
“Ragatha! Hey!”
A sweet and cheerful voice had her attention snap back to what was going on in front of the table. The area was staring to become crowded once more, as people were coming back after dinner, but at the same time, there wasn’t that much commotion happening by her booth.
“Oh hi Gangle, it’s so nice to see you!” She smiled warmly in return at the sight of her friend, followed by her fiancé not too far behind. Seeing them now, up close, in real life instead of a picture…yeah wow, they really did look super cool. “How are you two holding up, how’s business going?”
She felt the need to ask, as all things considered those events usually end up being draining in many ways for most people.
“Going great! We just stepped away for a moment. And- oh right! I don’t believe you’ve met my partner Zooble?” They gave a little wave in response.
“It’s nice to meet you! And oh right, I’ve seen your post from today and well, congratulations you two!”
Wait, do people congratulate on engagements, is that weird to say? Do they even know what I’m talking abour? She was quick to second guess herself, while only giving an awkward smile on the outside.
“Hey, it’s nice meeting you too. And thanks. I like your plushies by the way.”
“O-oh thank you! I um, really like your tattoos!”
“Thanks, designed them myself”
Oh my gosh they are so cool.
“So we’re actually here because-” Gangle chimed in, while pulling something out of her bag. “-I’ve made a few gifts for a handful of people here, so...here you go!” She handed her a drawing secured in a plastic sleeve.
It was a picture of herself…
...as a pony?
...
She has never seen anything more beautiful in her life.
“I recall you like horses, right? I just thought you might like this.” Gangle bashfully added. And Ragatha looked back at her, with almost tearful eyes, so moved by the fact that she took the time to make her a gift, much less remembered such a little thing about her. And here she was doubting if the younger girl even considered her a friend in the first place.
“...I... I love this so much, thank you Gangle. I will hang it on my wall and cherish forever”
That earned a giggle out of her.
“Well, I’m glad you like it! Well, we have some more gifts to deliver so we’re gonna get going. Have a nice rest of the con!”
Zooble threw her a peace sign, as the two began walking away. “See ya. I might come back later to get a sticker from you, if I don’t forget.”
“Oh of course, I’ll see you around then! Have a nice con as well!”
Looking at the gift again left her with the biggest smile, and that warm and giddy feeling inside, that she didn’t even think to filter, like she usually did with the larger, more externally visible emotions.
“Hi again, I’m back for that trade.” Another voice snapped her back to reality.
“Oh! Welcome back, I-I’m glad you were able to find me!” She swiftly put the drawing away, feeling herself blush at the fact that the other probably just witnessed her standing there with that big stupid smile on her face.
“Oh wow, you made those yourself? They are adorable!”
Seeing her enthusiasm quickly replaced any embarrassment she might have had, with bashfulness. “Um yeah, thank you.”
“I always admire people who sew, it’s like black magic for me. I’m not that great at handmade stuff. Oh wait, or is that crocheting? I’m not too well versed with those things hah” she continued to lightly chat, while taking a closer look at the few of her creations, until her eyes lit up at a particular one.
“This one. I love this one. So so much” she declared in an overly emotional tone, while pointing towards a plushie of a yellow-green alligator. “Can I hold him? Please?”
“Of course, go ahead!” she couldn’t recall the last time someone was this moved over anything she made, and that was quick to lift her spirits even more. Seeing her happily hug the alligator was all that she needed, to feel like going to this event and getting herself to awkwardly talk to her earlier, has been worth it after all.
There was also another feeling that she quickly became aware of. The one that found herself experiencing more often than she’d like to admit, usually after any display of above surface-level kindness, or a positive interaction.
She really, really wanted Pomni to be her friend, to like her.
“Well, it is for a trade so he can be yours”
Pomni looked up, surprised. “Wait, hang on, this is in no way comparable to that pin you got from me. I will pay back the remaining price”
And before Ragatha could argue, Pomni lifted the plushie, jokingly dead serious again. “No buts! This little guy is worth it. Your hard work on him is worth it” her expression turned into a warm smile “Let’s just say that this is so you can create more amazing things like him, ok?”
The redhead lightly chuckled under her breath, the heat finding its way to her cheeks once more. “I suppose you leave me no choice...”
Seeing her walk off with the alligator plushie in hand, left her with a feeling that carried both warmth and uncertainty.
Oh well... there is a good chance I will never see her again, is there?
But a more positive, and just as probable thought quickly followed.
There is also a good chance that we will run into each other during the next event.