Stacie
Marcus strolled through the towering shelves of the local library, his eyes scanning the titles for his next literary adventure. He was an unassuming man, with a passion for fantasy novels that transported him to worlds far beyond this mundane existence. The musty smell of books filled the air, and he relished in discovering a new tale to get himself lost in.

Today, Marcus had a particular craving for a classic fantasy epic. His fingers traced along the spines, the names of renowned authors passing beneath his touch. And then, his eyes landed on a book that seemed to call out to him. It was a tattered volume with golden lettering on the cover, titled "The Chronicles of Aegis."

He carefully reached up for the book from its resting place, a sense of excitement coursing through him. He tried reaching further, but then he remembered he wasn't in his Cape identity at the moment, he was just Marcus Crown. An average college student trying to get into med school.

The thought made him gaze at his oddly colored hand, to the perceptive observers they would see that it was slightly discolored compared to the rest of his skin. Marcus sighed, looking for a ladder to climb with.
Andrew
As if on cue, one came rolling his way. It's wheels creaked and whined as they came to an abrupt halt at his feet, bouncing back just a bit as it collided with him gently. Trotting a long where it came from was a shorter fellow about a foot shorter to be exact. They were formal looking, their slightly familiar face peering out from behind the small stack of books they were carrying. Their black hair fell over their glasses, crystal blue eyes piercing between the glass and hair, focused in their gaze. It'd likely have been a little intense if it weren't for the disarming charm of a smile they were giving him.

Esther, as his name tag clipped to his shirt would state, se the books down on a near by table, and started to sign towards Marcus, first in ASL, then in BSL. 

`Sorry. Hello.'

The apology seemed to be for the bump of the ladder, as if they'd intended the kick to be a bit more gentle. The themself seemed gentle, rounded out features, bright smiley expression, and idle sway about them as they waited to see if Marcus could understand what they'd just signed to him.
Stacie
Startled, Marcus looked over to see the person beside him.
The sudden intrusion jolted Marcus, his reflexes and senses weren't exactly honed to a razor's edge in this form but he was still on guard. Instinctively, his body tensed, ready to defend himself against any potential threat. But just as quickly as his defensive instincts took hold, Marcus recognized the setting and caught himself from making a grave mistake.

Realizing that he was in the library, surrounded by fellow book lovers, Marcus took a deep breath, forcing his muscles to relax. Hopefully the person was oblivious to the internal turmoil he had just experienced.

Managing a faint smile, Marcus adjusted his grip on the book and closed it gently. He straightened himself, composing his thoughts and reading the signs carefully.

Marcus took classes in the language to prepare for his career, but he never thought he'd actually use it. He signed to them, but his signs were clunky and unrefined much to his annoyance.

'Its fine. Startled me.' Marcus thought on his next words then shrugged. It was best to know so he knew how to proceed. 'Deaf or mute?'
Andrew
With that same warm smile, they signed off 'E S T H E R Mute', his name, and why he wasn't just speaking. Quickly they pulled their phone from their inner suit pocket and started to tap away on it quickly. A shitty text to speech vocie played from the weak speaker.

```"I think this may be easier. Your signage is a bit rusty it seems. Is there anything I can help you with? I visit this library often for research materials."```
Stacie
Marcus would be lying if he said that having his ASL called rusty didn't embarrass him a tad bit. He was tempted to continue signing for practice, but he thought better of it.

Clearing his throat, he smiled broadly and crosses his arm in front of his chest. "I'm Marcus, please to meet you and right now I'm looking for books with a good fantasy setting. I'll take any recommendations too, it's been too quiet in my dorm room lately so I need something to keep me occupied."
Andrew
Almost excitedly, Esther seemed to eager to guide marcus, clapping both his hands together with a warm, wide shut eyed grin. Ushering Marcus to follow him. Somethings began to come to light as the little guy trotted along, his hands folded behind his back. Were they... Familiar?

Those glasses, blue eyes, warm skin complexion. Appearance sure was one thing to jostle the memory, but what might have sealed the deal was... Being mute. Esther... Didn't that name also ring a bell?

Back then, he seemed a lot less happy, they were certainly a lot smaller, but they had to have been the same still... Right? This was the same dual major prodigy who went to the same university as Marcus... But something was wrong. They didn't have their right arm back then. A prosthetic, sure, but it looked.. Almost replaced here, and he was using it to pull a couple manga free from the shelves they'd led Marcus to, joyously handing the titles over to the taller man.

_tip tip tip, tap tap, tip_

```"These are some of my favorites, A series called 'Wanderers of Sunbleached Wastes'. It's about an alien world thrust into medieval and magical times after an ancient nuclear war nearly destroyed their planet. The main character has to settle a rising dispute between old kingdoms based on recently discovered history dating back to the war, which reignites the conflict between the people of the planet."```
Stacie
Marcus stood there momentarily lost in thought as he observed Esther. Memories flashed through his mind like flickering images, each one bringing him closer to recalling this student. He couldn't shake the feeling that he knew this person from somewhere, but the pieces of the puzzle refused to align.

Finally, after a few moments of silence, Marcus broke the stillness with a question, his voice tinged with lingering curiosity. Couldn't hurt to ask.

"Its certainly sounds exotic and far more fantastical than what I am used to. As long as the protagonist draws my interest, I can give it a try." He began, his words measured and delivered with a smile. "On a side note, have we met somewhere on campus before? You look vaguely familiar." His inquiry hung in the air, the uncertainty palpable as he awaited a response. The prosthetic arm was not loss on Marcus, but he found it rude to address it. Besides, considering the nature of his own body being 80 percent *His*.
Andrew
The question gave Esther pause, their fingers hovering cautiously over the keypad of their phone. They werent entirely sure if they should delve into it at first, staring at the keypad with a moment's hesitation before nodding ever so slightly to himself._tip tap tip tip tap tip_

```"University of New London. I finished my masters in software engineering just last year, and I'm still studying for my medical degree, but I've slowed down to work at the local hospital, helping my sister pay bills. I don't quite recognize you, but I'm not surprised you recognize me, I'm quite the prolific student in my classes. Do we share any perhaps?"```
Stacie
Marcus shifted slightly, contemplating his response to Esther's inquiry. He thought back on it for a while, checking his memory. "I am working towards my medical degree, albeit at a slower pace than I had initially planned." He paused, his eyes momentarily flickering to Esther's before continuing, "But I've recently got fascinated by biology and genetics, my brother was diagnosed with a condition that causes odd tremors in his body. May sound selfish, but as someone practicing to become a surgeon I wanted to see if that disease would infect me as well."


 He had seen Esther around campus before, often in their mutual classes, but had never saw the need to get into a conversation until now. 


"I don't think we've ever formally met," Marcus admitted with a sheepish smile, "But I've definitely seen you around campus. I must say It's impressive how you manage to juggle multiple responsibilities and excel in your studies. I'm envious."
Andrew
```I am flattered. I do my best to keep a balance, but it is just as difficult as it seems. I slack in some areas when I focus on others but I am enthralled by the challenge and opportunities."```

The bright smile on their face lit up a little with a flush of blood through their cheeks, those blue eyes curiously eyeing down Marcus. He admired Marcus, and it showed in the small smirk that formed as Esther onced him over. 

_Tip tip tip tap tip tap_

```If you are determined to continue on that path, I not only commend you, but I would go as far as to offer my support should you ever require or desire it. I've been making advancements of my own in a similar respect, so I can truly respect the grind.```
Stacie
Marcus's smile widened, feeling a comforting sense of warmth in his chest at her offer of support. "Thanks," He replied, his voice reflecting genuine gratitude. "It means a lot truly... I can't recall the last time someone support my efforts."

Appreciating their understanding, Marcus would continue. "It's a long road, for sure, but just having friends makes it all the more rewarding. I like to think theres great things ahead of us... That we can't see at first glance but its there."
Andrew
Esther continued to tap away at their phone. It wasn't exactly a smart phone, but it wasn't some cheap junk either, the phone looked to be a half way point between a smartphone and a keypad phone, the thing sliding out to reveal the keyboard, and still having some dodgy touch screen capabilities. When they finished, Esther turned the phone around to show Marcus his PHO handle.



Once he was sure Marcus had time to note it down, he returned to typing, and the tiny electronic speaker spoke in its dull text to speach voice.

```"Message me incase you ever could use some insight or help studying, I'm more than willing to lend a hand. For now I have to return to my own research. It was a pleasure meeting you Marcus"```
Stacie
Marcus noted the name down and ingrained it to memory, it was kind of them to do so. Marcus hummed for a while then withdrew a notebook from his bookbag along with a pencil.


He wrote down his PHO in the center of his notebook, then tore out the page. He handed it to Esther waiting for them to accept it.



"Same with you, thanks for the help again with the book." Marcus nodded in appreciation.
Andrew
The little studious nurse graciously took the note and stuffed it into his jacket pocket. The cute smile on his face was bright and determined, giving Marcus a thumbs up in solidarity for their goals and ambitions. 

He signed his final message to Marcus before taking his books he'd set down. 

'Work hard, talk soon'

He gave Marcus a final wave, took his materials, and started to trot off.