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]

How?

I don't have any education. No experience. Nothing but a criminal record. I basically don't exist.

[crimeson]

[holds a finger up to his own lips.]

Neither do I.

[markofkaine]

[Raise eyebrow like. Explain?]

[crimeson]

You ever heard of the Red Constellation?

[if he has any knowledge of criminal underworld mercenary troupes, he probably has! they're kind of a big deal. widely regarded in certain circles as one of the two best options out there for large or small scale mercenary operations, and boasting such individuals as Bloody Shirley, the Crimson Reaper, and of course, their former leader, the War God.

if not, F]

[markofkaine]

'Course I have.

[Who do you take him for, NOT a criminal? Kaine did some mercenary work himself, but never with any organization, or on such a large scale. He'd certainly never had to face them, either - of which he could feel at least a little fortunate.

Why is Randy bringing them up, unless--]

--Don't tell me...??

[crimeson]

I'm something of a runaway, so don't tattle.

[markofkaine]

[He can't help it.

Kaine just starts laughing. And not like, the nice kind either. It's halfway to unhinged, crowing at the cosmic irony of it all.]

Ha... I can't believe it. You've got more blood on your hands than I do.

[crimeson]

Okay, I think we're officially past "chat about it in a diner" territory. Shall we?

[waving for the check]

[markofkaine]

Phft. In this city? They don't care.

[Kaine slorps down the last of his milkshake while polishing off an apple turnover - remarkably more relaxed now.]

[crimeson]

That's part of why I'm here but I'm still not used to it.

[markofkaine]

Well that's why you don't look like a local.

C'mon, 'roomie' - I need a shower.

[crimeson]

All right.

[pays the bill and off to the car they go! doot doot driving to Randy's apartment.]

[markofkaine]

[Kaine spends most of the drive staring out the window some more. This time, taking in the city. Everything looks so different, and yet the same. He knew this neighbourhood, once upon a time. He knew that sewer. All the dirty cracks that people could get lost in, the painful and bad times... but at least they were his.]

[crimeson]

[Randy lets him have his quiet contemplation until they're pulling into a decent (at best) sort of apartment complex.]

Home sweet home.

[markofkaine]

This is the place...?

[He wasn't sure what he was expecting. It was certainly nicer than anywhere he'd ever lived.]

[crimeson]

Yeah. It's not fancy, but it's got a second bedroom and I managed to snag a bedframe earlier today. We can put it together for ya now I don't have to worry about returning it.

[markofkaine]

You bought it... BEFORE you knew if I'd agree?

[Every day my incredulity reaches new levels]

[crimeson]

Returnably!

[markofkaine]

[Drags a hand down his face]

Okay... Y'know what, as long as there's hot running water, I don't care if I have to sleep on the floor.

[crimeson]

I realize that and I know how that is, but I am building that bed.

[markofkaine]

Shower first.

[Heading inside]

[crimeson]

Have at.

[it's not decorated very personally yet because uhhh Randy is also just moving in.]

[markofkaine]

[He slams the door behind him, though that might just be Kaine not knowing his own strength.

Excuse me as I just take a full hour in the bathroom, using up all the hot water. Nonstop.

I live here now.

...

At some point Randy might smell burning hair?]

[crimeson]

[randy takes this time to build some fucking ikea furniture.

except uhhhhh

UHHHH

knocks on the bathroom door]

Kaine?

[markofkaine]

What?

[SO much burning hair]