War-era weapons the likes of which Hangetsu was looking for were a popular item among collectors, fences as well as legitimate. The proprietor of the pawn shop seemed all too eager to unload something expensive that took up valuable real estate in his shop.
While getting the hard sell on a pair of dao allegedly made by Piandao Hangetsu shot a discreet but bright smile in Ren's direction only to find her smiling back. That, in turn, brought his own smile to a degree that must have made him look insane...or some kind of fetishist for old weapons.

"Um...three sectional staff...about seventy years old. Metal. Got anything like that?"
Hangetsu received a look he recognized as "No, but I will go in the back for a few minutes to humor you." accompanied with a slight sigh.
In order to keep the man in the back, presumably rolling his eyes and sighing even more, Hangetsu relayed a story about finding a gift for his dying grandfather. Awkwardly personal and boring stories seemed like just the thing to keep the man in another room a little longer.

Clues were hardly forthcoming. Hangetsu bet that had he been assisting his grandmother or Tae-yeon he would be hearing about the many clues apparent to a discerning eye while he made their coffee.
"What are you missing?" he mumbled to himself.

Times that like the mumbling policeman wished he had his Chief's seismic sense. He imagined Chief Bei Fong could not only sense any hidden areas but also if the items contained therein were stolen.
Even at his most arrogant Hangetsu would only consider his metal detection skills to be passable. Surely, not something that would tell him if the owner of the shop was dealing in stolen goods.

Hangetsu started to get flustered. Something free to do and a slight chance of impressing Ren. He didn't think it too much to ask. Once more he thought about this infernal mix of his personal and professional lives and decided he was a failure at both.
During times of such self doubt he wished that his earthbending sifu was still alive to poke him in the head and tell him to concentrate.

What? What part of this situation could he hold onto to expand into an investigation rather than an awkward shopping trip? He stole another look at Ren and it dawned on him that the best thing in his life could be the best thing for his investigation.
Silently, but frantically, he waved his arms in the air to get Ren's attention.

Tracing the Air Nomad insignia in the air as best he could, though to himself he seemed to be merely twirling his finger around, Hangetsu mouthed the words: "Air Symbol."
Instant recall was not one of the young metalbender's features but he remembered things eventually. Things like how Air Nomad artifacts fetched higher prices due to their rarity. Rare was just another word for "frequently stolen or about to be" as far as Hangetsu was concerned.

It would take a stupid mistake to miss such a mark on a pawned item but as his grandmother Han had told him, stupidity was a nearly infinite resource.

In hopes of buying Ren some more time Hangetsu smiled like a fool and placed his cigarette lighter on the counter.
"So...will you trade me those dao for this lighter?"
There was a look of frustration, anger and disgust on the proprietor's face that Hangetsu knew was focused solely on him and not Ren.
Sufficiently embarrassed, Hangetsu slunk out of the store hanging his head but gave Ren a sly smile and softly brushed his hand against hers while passing. Whether he had just been kicked out of a legitimate pawn shop or a fence's Hangetsu was proud of himself. It was awkward and weird and possibly inconclusive but it was a start of an important investigation. More importantly, it was a brief glimpse for Ren into a part of himself...dull as it was.

He waited impatiently for Ren to exit. Finding the symbol wasn't important, not then. Once she did Hangetsu tugged onto the long sleeve of her robe.
"Thank you. I know it's a weird dating activity but I wanted to share this with you. Finding my grandfather's weapon is important and I thought an important activity should involve an important person."