SAD SOULMATE AU

[crimeson]

[So hey, Kaine is being released from prison! But first he's gotta meet his parole officer. Of course, Kaine is in a pretty high security class, so they probably assigned him some hardass who'd shove him back in prison at the drop of a hat...

But when he's brought to the meeting room, the door opens on a handsome redhead balancing his chair on two legs, hands folded behind his head. He's in uniform for now, looks pretty nice all buttoned up, but his vibes are still so casual when he brings the chair back down on all four legs and raises a hand in a wave.]

Heya!

Comments

[markofkaine]

[The restraints come off and he's shoved into the chair across from this insufferably friendly-looking man, who quite frankly shouldn't be working this job? Does he get off on this power play or something? Whatever.

Kaine. Is just going to cross his arms and glower at him. He's expecting a spiel, might as well get it over with.]

[crimeson]

I'm Randolph Orlando, your new parole officer. I already know your name obviously, but have you got any preferences in what I call you? Can't say the paperwork deals in nicknames.

[leaning across the table to offer him a handshake.]

[markofkaine]

[He does not take the hand.

Brusquely,]

Just Kaine.

[crimeson]

[okay, withdraws hand.]

Gotcha. Nice to meet you, Kaine. I'm gonna be honest, I'm not normally a parole officer, but they pulled me on for you specifically. So be patient with me, 'kay?

[markofkaine]

[Deadpan,]

On account of how 'dangerous and unstable' I am?

[crimeson]

Yep. At least, that's what they tell me.

[markofkaine]

[He sneers,]

And you're still letting me loose onto the world.

[crimeson]

[shrugs]

Supervised. That's the point o' me, after all. I'm supposed to check in and make sure you aren't dangerous to anyone.

[markofkaine]

[not with any particular heat to his voice,]

And if you're too late to stop me?

[crimeson]

That's on both our heads.

[markofkaine]

[He leans back in his chair and huffs, grumpily.]

Can't believe they saddled me with a rookie. You just 'that good' or something?

[crimeson]

Hah. Well, partially that, and partially my bein' expendable.

[markofkaine]

[HE RAISES A BROW,]

'Expendable'?

[crimeson]

[flaps a hand]

Nothing for you to worry about. Just don't give me too much trouble, 'kay? Or we're both fucked.

[markofkaine]

[Snorts.]

Whatever you say, 'Officer'.

[crimeson]

...You know, I'll take it. Looks like that's introductions done, though, so I'll be seeing you once you're properly released.

[markofkaine]

[Kaine doesn't reply. His thoughts were entirely far away.

It was hard to look forward to so-called 'freedom' when he had nothing and no one waiting out there for him. Nowhere to stay, not a cent to his name. Idly, he wondered how Peter was doing...

But there was no way Kaine could just crash into his life like this. This wasn't his problem.]

[crimeson]

[of course, as his parole officer Randy is privy to this kind of information. there are systems in place to help a little with people in Kaine's situation, but... Randy doesn't know how to use them effectively, and no one is keen on helping someone so dangerous be out there in the world. so ultimately, Randy starts apartment-hunting for a bigger place himself-- he can afford one, just barely, and he can't afford two places, so this is pretty much the best he can do.

when Kaine is finally set loose on the world, Randy is there waiting for him, waving again.]

Congrats!

[markofkaine]

[Here he is. Standing outside of maximum security prison with nothing but the clothes he walked in with (and longer hair). Kaine figured he had a long walk back to civilization in ahead of him, but instead... it was that officer again.

He stares, incredulous.]

I'm not checking in 'til next week.

[crimeson]

Sure, but you're broke and homeless. I'm not gonna make you walk to the nearest town. We got stuff to talk about, lemme give you a ride?

[it's... not a police car. it's a hideous orange jeep.]

[markofkaine]

[MORE STARING

INCREDULITY GROWING]

This is literally not your problem.

[crimeson]

The hell kinda person you take me for? Of course it is.

[markofkaine]

I'm pretty sure the only thing in your job description is hunting me down if I don't turn up every month?

[crimeson]

Okay, but like, as a person?

[markofkaine]

Decent people don't associate with criminals!