lobcorp/ruina AU catchall

[spelleton]

[ I'd have something witty here but i'm very tired today so you just get a placeholder ]

Comments

pre-everything stuff

[spelleton]

[ It's been another long day at work. Retaining so much information on procedures is exhausting; learning to do those things correctly will take time. As he weaves his way home through the gleaming spires of a Nest (they blur together in their unfamiliarity, not like the Backstreets that he knows so well), it takes him some time to realise that he's taken a wrong turn somewhere and is in a place he doesn't quite recognise.

He knows when he needs a rest, however. He sits down for a bit, to take a breather and get his bearings. ]

[subconmodo]

[And in his long workday haze, it seems Ekkehardt hasn't even realized that the table he's decided to sit at is occupied.]

Um. Hi.

[Avery looks over the top of his textbook to stare at the stranger near him, occasionally glancing around to check and see whether or not this is some sort of prank or game being played.

What reason anyone would have to do so, he doesn't know, but it isn't often a stranger suddenly decides to sit at your table for nothing.]

[spelleton]

Ah. [ He blinks once, twice, looks around. ]

Am I disturbing something? [ If not...he really doesn't want to move right now. He's too tired. ]

[subconmodo]

I wouldn't say you're disturbing anything. It's just...

[He marks his place in the book and sets it down]

You're not trying to sell me something, are you?

[spelleton]

[ He stares for a moment, blankly, as he tries to process what's just been said. ]

...Um. No. [ He rubs his eyes, careful to do it on a sleeve and not his hands. He washed them several times before he left, especially after the work he did today, but still.... ] That's not my job.

[subconmodo]

Oh thank goodness.

[He heaves a sigh of relief. He's never had to deal with solicitors himself, thank goodness, but it's nice to know he doesn't have to carry a sign on him at all times to keep them away.]

So... just wanting some conversation after a job, then? What is your job, if I may ask? Do you work with an Association? Or maybe one of the Wings?

[spelleton]

[ Outside and inside, it's all work talk either way. He supposes there's no harm in it, though; he cracks a rueful smile. ]

Actually, I just needed a break before going home. I took a wrong turn...I'm not used to the Nests. And I got a little lost.

[ He sighs. ] I work in L Corp. You know - the energy company.

[subconmodo]

[After that first meeting, Avery had trouble imagining that they'd end up seeing one another again--much less become roommates.

Ekke would drop by the park he liked to study at fairly often on his way back from work, and every time the two would chat for awhile, little things about their day and how Avery's classes were going (and only vague things about Ekke's job which, Avery imagined, probably had something to do with company secrets).

And as Avery's studies began to draw closer to their end and Ekkehardt continued hid daily grind, it eventually seemed natural for them to room together.

In the Nest, of course, per Avery's insistence. He claimed it was to be closer to family, but truth be told, he didn't like the idea of Ekke living in the Backstreets any longer than he had to, and Avery didn't much fancy the idea of living there either.

And though the living situation worked well for quite awhile, after a year or two, it was to come to an end.

He only hoped Ekke wouldn't be too upset about the bad news.]

Hey.

[He knocks on the door to Ekkehardt's room]

You up? Need to tell you something.

[spelleton]

I'm up. [ He's more used to things now, but that doesn't mean it makes sleep much easier. Dwelling too long on what he's seen is never pleasant, so he finds other ways to occupy his time.

He opens the door, peering out at his friend. ] What is it? You look unusually serious, so that doesn't bode so well. [ It's half teasing and half sincere. Avery doesn't usually look serious, so this is likely important. ]

[subconmodo]

Well...

[He sighs softly and flashes Ekkehardt a helpless little smile.]

I wouldn't say that. Basically, there's good and bad news.

The good news is that my girlfriend wants us to get serious--and I feel the same way. The bad news is... that means we're going to be moving in together sometime soon.

[spelleton]

So I'll have to make preparations to move out myself? I see.

[ He cracks a smile of his own, moving forward to wrap an arm around his shoulders and squeeze him in a light hug. ] Congratulations! I'm happy for you, you know.

[ You had to take happiness where you could get it, especially here. He's moved before, but this sort of thing was once in a lifetime. ]

[subconmodo]

Ha!

[Avery grins from ear to ear, lifting up a hand to rub the back of his head, cheeks faintly flushed]

Thanks. I still can't believe it myself. I'll have to go and find a ring someday.

[He pauses a moment, smile fading a little as he cocks his head.]

You going to be all right?

[spelleton]

Oh, Avery, you're planning ahead? I never thought I'd see it happen! [ He flashes a grin, his tone teasing. ] She must be truly special.

Ah, there's a lot you don't know about me. [ His smile fades into something more serious. ] I'll be fine. Finding somewhere to live won't be a problem.

I hope you won't be a stranger, though. Even if the Backstreets are too rough for you, maybe you'll have time to spare now and again for us to meet like we did before?

SOME TIME LATER.........

[spelleton]

[ He navigates his way through the Backstreets like he's meant to be there. Most of the time, he tries to remain unobtrusive, but today he doesn't have the patience for it, and people flow out of his way in their hurry to avoid him.

Before he reaches the Office he's decided to apply at - new and small, unobtrusive; exactly what he wants - he slows down, composing himself. He's supposed to be a low-grade Fixer, one of many, rather than someone so distinguished he gained a Color.

He's jostled by people, once again, going about their daily lives. He reaches the Office's door, flyer in hand, and knocks politely. ]

[subconmodo]

[On the other side of the door, a couple of bangs and curses can be heard, then silence, and finally the door opens, revealing a somewhat familiar (if more tired) face, wearing a grin as wide as it is fake--

--until it falls from his face entirely.]

Holy shit. Ekke?

[spelleton]

[ Once, younger, he might have sputtered and smiled and been tearfully glad to see him.

The man who's been a Fixer for long and bloody years, the only mark of it on his face the scar that slashes down his left eye, stares back at his old friend with a look of genuine surprise. ]

Avery. [ You've gotten taller, he almost says, before he stifles it. ] You look...well.

[ Better than expected, he means. ]

[subconmodo]

[Avery lets out a noise somewhere between a snort and a scoff]

Wow, no need to flatter me so much. You're bringing out the big compliments today.

[He shakes his head and steps to the side, gesturing for Ekkehardt to enter.]

Anyway... What can I do for you today? Got a deal you need notarized? A contract or two that needs looking over?

[He waves a hand dismissively.]

Can't say I know all the ins and outs of what Colors deal with, but I can assure you I always strive for top quality service!

[spelleton]

[ He waves a hand, flyer fluttering. He'd half forgotten it was there, crumpled in his hand by the sudden force of a clenched fist. (Surprise was a precursor to other, more unpleasant things, usually. Instincts that never had the time or peace to get old, not here.)

Avery's caustic spiel brings a dry smile to his face. ]

I'm not here for any of that. And I'm hardly a Color any more - not these days. [ Technically he still is, when it comes to skill and history but he'd asked for a demotion. They'd asked him several times to confirm it. He's still not certain it's gone through properly; they'd probably keep him on file, even so. He's too valuable an asset to just let slip away. ]

Your Office is looking for Fixers, yes? [ He makes an expansive gesture. ] Well, here I am, finding myself wanting work. Can you find it within yourself to hire me?

[subconmodo]

[Avery stops halfway to his desk and stares blankly at Ekkehardt.]

What.

[He holds up his hands]

No. Seriously. What? I mean, I guess I'd get it if you knew I was here, [He might even be flattered, even] but from that reaction of yours, you obviously didn't. Is this a sting? Am I being investigated for something? Because I can tell you right now, I bought this place fair and square, crossed my "T"s and dotted my "i"s. I'm just looking to make a living like anyone else in the City.

Hell, if you feel like it, you could even put in a good word or two for me when you get back to whoever hired you!

[subconmodo]

[Avery was surprised when Ekkehardt actually came in the next day. Sure, the man had agreed and all the paperwork had been filled out, but given the way the man had left the Office at the end of it all, Avery wouldn't have been surprised if Ekkehardt had decided not to bother.

And yet, despite his doubt, in a fit of sentimentality that Avery was sure must be pitiful, he'd popped a bag of popcorn and left it on the desk that would be Ekkehardt's if he came in.

And he did.

The past month was tense--it still is, really. It's like getting to know a different person, after all, what with how much the two of them have changed since the last time they saw one another. But the two of them are nothing if not professionals, and for that Avery is thankful.

What he isn't thankful for is the fact that Ekkehardt is late, and he glares daggers at the door to the Office, steaming cup of coffee hovering near his lips without a single drop drained.]

[spelleton]

[ He has a different weapon these days, though it's presumably still one from (the now nonfunctional) L Corp. It's hidden from view in a black case most of the time, but when he actually has reason to use it, it's an odd thing; a large, black sword, bandaged and heavy, with a chain jangling on the grip and feathers crowning its hilt.

And that's not even beginning to touch on the living bandages he seems to have winding around his body, some other power he's never elaborated on.

He doesn't knock this time, and the reason becomes obvious, as he leans against the doorframe to regain his balance. One of them had managed to wound his leg, which was annoying even with his ability to heal such damage, and it had made him late for work.

He's splattered with blood. To his credit, it seems as if he'd cleaned up a little before coming in, to avoid tracking it all over Avery's office. ]

My apologies. This morning's commute presented some [ pause ] little problems. Nothing I couldn't deal with, but they did slow me down.

[ The sword is still halfway out of its sheath, the gold hilt poking out like a gaudy little accessory. It, too, is stained with drying blood. ]

[subconmodo]

[Avery curses under his breath and sets the mug to the side, going to rummage through a few cupboards as he mutters to himself]

Right. Medicine. Of course that's the one thing I forget about this whole time. What kind of Fixer forgets about that?

[He manages to pull out a first-aid kit and hurries over to guide Ekkehardt over to one of the seats, setting the kit behind him and opening it, hands hovering over the various tools within.]

Going to need a little more elaboration than that if you want to be patched up right, Ekke.

[He tries to sound unbothered, but his lips are thin and a faint worried glimmer in his eye manages to betray his true thoughts.]

[spelleton]

Apart from a decent dry cleaner? [ He says, like he doesn't just wash his clothes himself, and like there's not blood all over him (but, to his credit, mostly other people's). ]

You're more interested in contracts, not combat. [ He winces as he settles into the chair and his body makes it very clear, in no uncertain terms, how he feels about this treatment. ] It's not as if medicine is going to see much use.

I can treat my own leg, but I suppose my back could probably use a little first aid. [ He shrugs off his tattered coat and leans forward, lifting his shirt to reveal a crisscrossing series of bloodied knife wounds marring his back. ]

I can't say much for their skill, or else they'd have been able to wound me more deeply, but their enthusiasm is unparalleled. [ He shifts a little and hisses. ] I suppose numbers does even the odds a little.

[ And, of course, the uniform is a wash. He'll have to get new clothes. ]

[subconmodo]

[Avery tuts and shakes his head, already beginning to work at disinfecting the cuts.]

Sounds about right. They're bold here, that's for sure. A high-profile target like you must have seemed like the perfect opportunity for glory.

[For a bunch of fools, anyway. Colors handled worse than them practically as part of a regular routine.]

I'm ordering you a uniform from my contact. You're going to need something made of better fabric than that going forward.

[spelleton]

And here I thought voluntarily demoting myself would get me less targeted. A fool's hope, it seems. [ Well, they left him alone for a month. Hopefully the rampant bloodshed and injury he's left in his wake today will buy him a few more months of peace. Word gets around quickly in the Backstreets.

He bites his lip once and makes a small noise of discomfort as Avery begins treating his cuts, but other than that, it seems like even this amount of injury is well below his pain threshold. ]

Well. You're my superior. I won't argue with it. [ His Color gear had been special quality, but he doesn't want to wear it any more. All he can think about when he shrugs it on was the blood of a Distortion splattered across it, stained chaotic (childish) colours. ] It'll make me less likely to be late, if these things do happen again.

[ He awkwardly draws the sword from its concealing case, beginning to work on cleaning off the blood. ]