Home again, home again

[markofkaine]

[In the end, it wasn't that hard at all. One of those lanterns, like the ones Acedia had - its light could open up a portal home. Everyone made their plans, relieved to be free of the Midwestern hellhole that had kept them in its clutches for all these long days.

How strange. For once, Kaine was glad to have been proved foolish - optimism was never his strong suit, same with nursing such convenient daydreams - but now he felt unprepared for what lay ahead. A chapter was closing. What does he do with himself now?]

Comments

[markofkaine]

Can I beat them within an inch of their life?

[eudaimoniac]

[:0

frames his face. hands on cheeks]

Of course.

[markofkaine]

[huffs. he can accept this compromise.]

I'll settle for that, then.

[eudaimoniac]

Thank you.

I just don't want anything to get in the way of you settling in here. You should be enjoying the Gardens, not worrying about the military . . . it took us this long to get some privacy. We earned a rest.

[markofkaine]

Yeah, but I wanna stretch my legs when I can. Feel the wind in my hair.

And there's still the question of money.

[eudaimoniac]

What kind of job do you think you'd enjoy?

[markofkaine]

You know I've never had a normal job in my life, right.

[technically he's only ever had the one. and that was being a hitman.]

[eudaimoniac]

But you might still know what you'd like? Or what you could stand.

There are plenty of jobs you'd be amazing at that require strength . . .

[markofkaine]

Wouldn't it just raise questions 'bout how I got that strength? It's not normal here, I'm pretty sure.

[eudaimoniac]

You can just downplay it. Make it seem like it's not so easy for you. A little playacting.

[markofkaine]

This feels like a lot of faith t’place in my ability to act normal.

[eudaimoniac]

Normal doesn't need to factor into it; you just need to conceal that you have powers. There are jobs where people do not care how you're acting. They care if you accomplish the task well enough to not fire you. Trust me.

[markofkaine]

Which means showing up on time and not mysteriously disappearing for hours. Right.

[He seems to recall this being of particular difficulty for Peter at times…]

[eudaimoniac]

[waves a hand]

Not necessarily. I worked at a mekhanic shop for a year and a half once, and I wouldn't say I kept a reliable schedule. But I got all the repairs done, so . . .

[markofkaine]

So I just need something that involves lifting things or breaking shit and doesn't require any other qualifications.

[eudaimoniac]

Maybe. Probably. It's worth a try. You can't possibly do worse than I did at that shop, so there's plenty of hope.

[markofkaine]

That sounds like a bet.

[eudaimoniac]

[snorts, pats his arm]

Hm. It's not. Or at least, not a winnable bet. Those were the years right after Philidor.

[markofkaine]

[Hrmgh. Leans against Adrien.]

Well... whatever. That's a tomorrow problem.

[eudaimoniac]

[he shakes off a passing gloom and smiles]

It is.

So what's today's problem? We have hours before Malise will be free for dinner. I'm sure I have plenty of logistics to deal with from disappearing, but not now. We could spend that time doing anything you like.

[markofkaine]

[Kaine considers it for a scant second. Sure, there were still needs to be addressed - like clothes, groceries, boring stuff. And even though he was itching to explore the rooftops, that was something best left as a nighttime activity.

No, his priorities right now are definitely focused on indulging now that they were finally free.]

Forget dealing with problems. I think we’re due a lil’ celebrating.

[eudaimoniac]

Let's have a glass of wine, then.

[sneaks an arm around his waist :>]

[markofkaine]

[leans in~]

Sounds perfect. Where's your stash?

[eudaimoniac]

Kitchen. None of it is very fine, but I'm sure you'll forgive me?

[markofkaine]

I'll survive, somehow.

[buuut instead of getting up to get the wine, he drapes his arm across the back of the couch to kiss adrien]