(no subject)

[animatedsmoke]

Who: Ky Kiske, Potemkin
What: New York New York
When: AU (Carvaka + Fables/The Wolf Among Us)
Where: New York

After so much struggle and work to force change on the universe, to have it show some acknowledgement to their efforts or make the barest turn toward their survival, it was change that came on them instead. Like an interstellar probe finding a star among millions, without any foreshadowing or warning a single dimension made itself known to discovery, and that was the moment when the inhabitants of Between found a world that had survived the death of the universe. At last there was some place that didn't resist life to exist on it, or resent it. The planet was alive, populated, growing, and distinctively Earth. But it was still not their Earth, and one could feel the difference with every moment taken in it. It was palpable in the air breathed, the sunlight felt, the mood of the sky. That was before even including interacting with the inhabitants, who turned out to be separate down to the physical definition of humanity.

It's not what anyone wanted. It's not what anyone asked or wished or dreamed for. But it is new chance, a fresh start, and in its purity of experience it is unfamiliar to everyone, which is both terrifying and equalizing.

Ultimately the tantalizing possibilities outweigh the undesirables. No one could bring themselves to refuse the hand. After years of waiting, the confidence had been instilled that nothing better would come, and that this escape was truly the chance of a lifetime. With the deal made, now they must deal with it.

________________

Potemkin throws a bus schedule or four on the nearest flat surface in front of Ky, the folded paper making a slap on the speckled plastic table that is audible even among the incessant sound of traffic outside. Potemkin doesn't add any words to his offering, expecting that the noise will get Ky to look up from whatever he's doing, and makes his way to the refrigerator. He had gone through a bureaucratic ordeal today, and these pieces from a Take One bin are the most significant fruits of his labor. Potemkin has a deep well of patience, but he seeks to refill it when it's drunk from.

It would be a miracle if Potemkin could fit in any form of public transportation (that isn't airship), but as shown by his flippancy he didn't pick those up for himself. Ky Kiske looks normal, at least, he will be able to pick up work, and look through both Fable and Mundie employers to do it (and maybe even someday hold a political position in Fabletown). A job anywhere in this city means some sort of commute. As for Potemkin, who stood out even in the world he was born in, he'll figure it out on his own.

Not that he has all the time in the world to do that, rent comes in a month.

Comments

[gearsexual]

Ky's head snaps up in surprise, staring at the pamphlets for a moment before reaching out to thumb through one. He had been engrossed in reviewing documents, studying dutifully about the laws that now govern them. It was strange having to think he was now part of a community that considered itself separate from other people — 'Mundanes' as they're known — but he's determined to try to understand. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking one, and it is far from his intention to go against the law here.

He was so focused on his reading that the contents of the maps don't quite register to him until he reads a sentence or two. Even then, it still takes him a moment to realize what they are. Routes. Schedules. Public transportation. It hits him. Of course. There are no private airships or carriages he can use. It shouldn't be something to get used to again, especially after coming from an environment that had extremely limited resources, but it is. In the Fortress, everything was generally within walking distance. Here, he's starting to realize, that might not be the case.

He looks over to his roommate, the hulking Potemkin, quietly sulking away. Ky can only imagine what the man has been through today. It was already very fortunate for them to remain in the city together. He was very afraid the Fable government would try to send Potemkin away because he wasn't 'normal' enough in size.

"Potemkin..."

[dreadnaughtfist]

Potemkin opens the refrigerator door to peer at a selection of canned beans. ("Why did they put canned food in the refrigerator?" Potemkin thinks. Oh, so the beer wouldn't get lonely.)

On one hand it's nice to return to a world where food is freely available, on the other hand, now it costs money each time. They literally can't afford to be choosy, so Potemkin voices no complaints. These taste better than rations anyway.

Although Potemkin could have torn the thin metal like the peel to a fruit, he uses the pull top as intended. He then looks around the sink area for a fork. While walking around he starts to recount the events of his day to Ky.

"Most of everything that one would ask from the local government requires fees. I brought up all the questions you gave, but that was the end to all of it." He leaves out how he had received some glares while waiting in line, an activity where he could try to be as undisruptive as possible. "At least information is free."

[gearsexual]

Ky sighs, looking downcast. He rests his forehead on his hand, brow furrowing as he thinks of their situation. Basic shelter and food supplies were both things Ky was incredibly grateful for — and thank God for running water — but they were being forced to adjust so quickly to this new land with such little assistance. It was almost dizzying to try to comprehend.

"I understand even the government requires funds, but—" He interrupts himself, shaking his head. "I don't mean to speak ill of those who have allowed us to live here, but this can't be right. It feels like taking advantage of those who need the government's help the most."

Ky could go on, but he shakes his head again, killing that line of thought. It must be set aside. They've quite literally just started their lives here. He shouldn't say such things just yet. (Yet.) Not until he understands how everything works.

"Were you able to receive more information about your situation as well, then?"

[dreadnaughtfist]

Potemkin listens to Ky's disbelief as he finds a clean piece of silverware, draws back from the counter, and digs into his meal (which is cold. Maybe he should have left the cans out anyway.) Potemkin doesn't disagree with what he hears; in fact he had been filing away his own observations too. For one thing, he's pretty sure that honking outside qualifies as a noise complaint and a violation of the use of traffic signals. But even if he cast aside restraint unlike Ky, he wouldn't be able to make any official reports. That would be considered inviting mundies to stick their noses in further than they should.

Which leads into the next thing.

"My situation is that I can stay in the Woodlands, but am not allowed to leave the building until I purchase a glamor. It's some form of tradable spell."

Which is another cost to pile upon others, before he could even start to think of ways to pay them. Potemkin holds his fork, thoughts weighing on him too much for him to take the next bite.

"Ky, if I need to spend my half of rent, just for this one month..."

[gearsexual]

"Think nothing of it," he interjects. Ky turns in his seat to face Potemkin, the sincerity in his eyes on full display. "Take as many months as you need. You are already at a disadvantage due to this additional purchase, and I will not ask you to push yourself further with what little we're starting with. I am here to support you."

Ky shows clear distaste towards Potemkin's requirement — the fact that this man must be treated as if he were some beast that needed to be hidden from view. He understands the Mundanes might find Potemkin suspect, but the least the government could do is provide a glamour just to start.

[dreadnaughtfist]

Potemkin had listened to the whole glamor spiel less than enthused, but he remembered that they were providing everything he had and kept quiet about the principle of it. The implication that he could be listed as 'less human' for an aspect of his body. But considering how it took years of his life for Zepp to give him respect, only for Zepp itself to end and Potemkin having to start anew with the inhabitants of Between, and now this, Potemkin is starting to accept that having the slate wiped clean and repeatedly earning the right to be acknowledged is just his lot in life. He'll do it again. It's nothing he isn't capable of.

Potemkin turns to look at Ky's face, which simultaneously causes his spirits to lift and be crushed, since his patience feels like too much. "It will just be the first month, I swear," Potemkin says firmly. The thought of Ky having to work to support two people already is a shadow over his conscience.

[gearsexual]

Ky cannot be challenged in the stubbornness department. Just ask Sol. He shakes his head, refusing Potemkin's pledge.

"Don't. We are here to support each other, Potemkin. If circumstances prevent us from being able to afford a glamour within the first month, I don't want you to hold it against yourself." Because he knows that's something that might happen.

Speaking of affordability, however... Ky gives him a questioning look. "How are you expected to purchase this if you cannot leave the building? Is there a merchant here to speak with?"

It would be cruelty to expect someone forbidden from leaving a building to find a glamour seller (or whoever they are) somewhere else. The mere thought makes Ky's temper rise a bit.

[dreadnaughtfist]

Ky's stubbornness matched against the resistance of a proud Zeppian is a stalemate that could last forever. Potemkin holds off for now, but only because he expects to have this fight again in a few weeks.

"There is. Magic practioners specialized in that issue live in this complex too," Potemkin says while running through his mind the address he had been given: the 13th floor. "The witches are displaced souls, just like the rest of us."

So in as much need and want as everyone trying to make a living in this city. Potemkin is still struck with an eerie feeling everytime he recognizes something that is only a historical note in the 22nd century, but is real and intact before his eyes. It's been a very long time since New York City had a skyline.

[gearsexual]

Ky gives a little sigh in relief, although he still looks rather downcast. At least Potemkin doesn't have to worry about that sort of problem.

"If they are displaced like the rest of us, then perhaps they will also be sympathetic to our financial circumstances as well." But that's Ky's characteristic, wide-eyed optimism speaking again. Many peers and world leaders have scolded him for it, but he can't let it go. Not even different worlds can change that. He always hopes for the best.

And at least this is a step towards progress. It's a goal to work towards; he can appreciate having that, at least. "If you need anything else in support, please let me know."

[dreadnaughtfist]

Things are settling into a new sort of normalcy. Or they should have been. Potemkin no longer wore the glamor spell like a bad itch, so as soon as he was able he claimed any job that would take him and that would keep him on the fringes of the Mundie world, as per Fabletown regulation. He found a place in a loosely organized landscaping job where the locations and coworkers were never the same twice. It is work that keeps him out for long and under the mercy of New York weather, but it bothered him as much as a breeze. He just welcomed the organization in his life. Meanwhile Ky continued on his existing schedule, so a rhythm of people moving in and out of the apartment was set.

Except it's not working that way. Potemkin awaits for Ky with a frown that must have set on his face considerable earlier, predicting him to be where he shouldn't be, the back doors of the building. Potemkin doesn't think this is being nosy. He is only being attentive to irregularities. Shouldn't he be, in case it's a sign of worse things? He hopes not.

[gearsexual]

Potemkin's instincts are spot on, to Ky's dismay. His head whirls around when the doors open, revealing the larger man at the entrance. Ky had hoped he would be able to spend a little more time cleaning himself up from the scuffle he was in. (It certainly didn't take long for him to find himself in a fight.) A roughed up shirt can be easily blamed on snagging it on a corner, but a scraped mouth is far too obvious a sign of fighting.

"Potemkin." At least Ky looks a little ashamed to be hiding back here. "What— what brings you here?"

[dreadnaughtfist]

"I wasn't sleeping, if that's what you were relying on," Potemkin says without moving his brow. He was right to be suspicious. He doubts that Ky has secretly picked up a new hobby and that's what is keeping Ky from returning when he used to. His gaze scans over Ky, notices the cuts on his clothing and skin, and though Potemkin stands intimidatingly as if he's doing a shakedown, his priorities are obvious.

"...You've been hurt."

[gearsexual]

"It doesn't hurt," he's quick to correct. That isn't the point of Potemkin's statement, though, and he knows it.

He scowls to himself. It isn't clear whether he's scowling because he was found or because he was so obviously roughed up. "I was caught by surprise. I didn't think this would happen, or I might have taken more precautions earlier. I didn't even consider how limited my options were for self-defense."

A swordsman without a sword. The lightning king barred from using his lightning near the Mundanes. Ky wasn't defenseless — he knew enough hand-to-hand techniques to protect himself — but this scuffle proved he didn't give enough thought to the matter. Not the best idea when going forward with an investigation.

[dreadnaughtfist]

"By who?!" Potemkin almost yells with worry. He only raises his voice so much, because he doesn't actually want to wake up anyone around (or, as a real possibility in this case, let any listeners know that they're here). A hoarse whisper gets the point across that Ky's explanation only raises more questions on how he spends his free time.

"It would be better to start from the beginning," Potemkin makes a quick return to his stern face. He's caught him, so he's not letting him go free this time.

[gearsexual]

Ky doesn't even flinch from Potemkin's urging. Unfortunately for Potemkin, Ky is very used to being yelled at for being reckless. Granted, it's been a while since that has happened. His actions were usually seen as downright reasonable compared to other citizens in the Fortress. (Except the one time he died from the scorpion-woman, but no one needs to remember that.) Potemkin getting stern with him is almost nostalgic, really.

He shakes his head. "Not out here. Let's go inside the apartment to talk."

He doesn't think he's being followed, but their conversation still isn't one for anyone to overhear.

[dreadnaughtfist]

Potemkin squeezes his eyes shut and breathes out, before relenting. It is true that whispering this entire conversation is not going to be very effective. It's just that for once though he thought he had him.

"Very well," he says while finally stepping aside to give Ky some space to move into the hallway. The walk back to their apartment would be completely uneventful, but Potemkin keeps making glances at the marks from Ky's fight, regretting that he's trying to be quiet.

[gearsexual]

Going by the way Ky's walking, one might think there was nothing urgent to worry about. He walks steadily, with an even pace, head held high like a king. Visible signs of injury meant nothing. But as soon as they reach the apartment, Ky steps inside and heads straight to the bathroom to grab a face towel. Wetting it, he gently dabs at his scrape.

"I heard rumors of attacks on some residents," he says as he tends to himself, knowing Potemkin is nearby. "Multiple attacks in different locations, usually at the same time. I suspected it was coordinated that way due to the lack of organized law enforcement amongst Fables. Three attacks at once is enough to allow at least one to get away."

Finishing with his face, Ky straightens up to unbutton his torn shirt. There's a small scrape on his side that he intends to clean. "I spoke with other residents. The attacks are swift and violent. None have ended in deaths, but they have thoroughly shaken the trust of neighbors. I decided to investigate the locations to learn more about the attacks."

[dreadnaughtfist]

Even with all the lights on, the age and quality of the wiring in the complex means Potemkin and Ky couldn't light all the odd corners of their apartment perfectly, and a unavoidable dinginess came indoors after the sun has set. It comes with the territory. It wouldn't be an issue if everyone was sleep at this time, but neither of them are.

Potemkin peaks around the corner, knowing that somewhere Ky is keeping himself up, regardless of how little noise he makes and how hard he tries to avoid disturbing him. He'll respect his attempts by avoiding calling out for him.

[gearsexual]

Potemkin is getting too good at knowing Ky's habits. It's just as he assumed; Ky is seated in a rather dim area, relying on a lamp in the far corner for light. It's not the brightest, but it's enough to make out the words on his newspaper. He won't complain.

He will tilt his head and squint a little at the words, though.

Ky isn't blind by any means, but when he's tired enough or if it's late enough, he does know his vision tends to falter a bit. Not that he's going to get back up to grab his glasses. He'd rather not make unnecessary noise.

[dreadnaughtfist]

Ah, he's found Ky's spot. Potemkin isn't surprised that Ky sticks to keeping current with the newspaper than deal with the television he never got fond or trusting of. Potemkin doesn't announce his presence. Normally the space he took up or his shadow would do it on their own, but Potemkin's kept his glamor on even at this hour. It causes his now oversized nightwear to hang over him like a baggy nightie, but it makes it easier to hold something.

Without speaking up, Potemkin walks straight up to where Ky sits and first tries to reach him through his peripheral vision, by waving around the glasses in his hand.

[gearsexual]

Ky looks up in surprise, spotting the glasses waving in the air. There go his attempts to remain unnoticed, he supposes. His first thought is that perhaps Potemkin has a question for him. It takes him a moment to recognize the item in Potemkin's hand.

The blond doesn't reach out for them yet. He blinks at them instead.

"Oh."

[dreadnaughtfist]

Potemkin stops waving and stares down Ky like he's caught him. He's very good at giving off that look, but it doesn't come attached to any scolding. He looks down and lowers his hand so that it's over Ky's own, so all Ky has to do is open his fingers.

"Don't strain your eyes, if you persist on reading this late," Potemkin doesn't raise his voice past what's appropriate for the time.

[gearsexual]

Ky takes his cue like a good man, turning his palm up and opening his hand to receive the glasses. His fighters just briefly brush against Potemkin's.

"You are far too attentive," he says with amusement. "I won't be reading for long."

So he claims, but Potemkin will know that Ky's focus knows no hour.

[dreadnaughtfist]

Indeed Potemkin doesn't believe his word for a second, but he's comforted just by Ky accepting the glasses. That's all he cared about, Ky not putting himself through discomfort when Potemkin could just pick up what was needed from his desk. Potemkin was already hushed, but he's quiet as an owl when he feels Ky pick out of his hand.

And feeling Ky's fingers provides even more comfort, but Potemkin stays quiet, letting only his closed mouth twitch a little and his heart rise alone in his chest.

[gearsexual]

Ky takes the glasses and slips them on, settling the center comfortably against the bridge of his nose. The area is instantly clearer with the edges of furniture and small letters of print becoming more defined. It's funny how one doesn't realize their own vision is a little blurry until it's corrected.

He looks up to Potemkin. "Thank you. This helps me quite a bit."