animatedsmoke | (no subject)

(no subject)

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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..."

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."

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?"

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..."

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

"Hmmm, we'll see," Potemkin puts down Ky's optimism, but he does so gently at least. He would like to see mercy and generosity from others while they are all in an unstable position, but he could never believe the way Ky can, and he might have hesitated even if those words had come from the mouth of his President. He remembers the sting of other humans' coldness toward him too well.

Ultimately it did take Potemkin's rent for a month (or two), but there came the day when he could pay a visit to the 13th floor. Along with him came one of his fingernails, a strand of hair, and a button of his shirt. Potemkin raised an eyebrow at the requested items, since this didn't seem in line with any sort of magical law or theory he is familiar with. But he came to eat his words at the results.

Some of those around (who had far more experience, a century or two's worth, with what he was feeling at that moment) got amusement from the sight of Potemkin looking up from his own shirt, and they told him with half a laugh in their voices that it is better to dress to stretch than expect anything of his to shrink. He made a mental note to try to keep that in mind later as he made his public half-naked walk down the halls, back to the apartment, to his meager room and bed.

He had been moving quickly, for reasons he couldn't identify yet, so he didn't take notice if anyone else was home.

Edited (tenses/typos) 2016-11-17 03:42 (UTC)

Ky caught a blur moving through the apartment, just barely registering the sound of the door opening and closing. At first, he thought it might be some intruder who managed to get past their locked door. He stood instantly, defensive instincts kicking in before he could clamp down on them. Just because he's supposed to be like a regular citizen of the city doesn't mean he can't still fight for his safety.

Then, he realizes the intruder went straight into Potemkin's room. That's right, he slowly recalls, didn't his housemate go out earlier? Was that him returning? Why the urgent secrecy?

Time to investigate. Ky takes a few steps towards Potemkin's room and calls out.

"Potemkin? Have you returned?"

It's only when he hears Ky call out to him that he realizes he had been avoiding people. Potemkin is conflicted, as a part of him wanted to be alone for this, now that he managed to escape from sight of the other Woodsland residents. But turning down Ky seems like would only make things more awkward. And although this is rare for him, maybe he'll prefer to have someone to talk to than deal with his feelings in silence.

"Yes," Potemkin responds. He doesn't elaborate; simply peeking in the room will show his reasons for leaving and hiding very soon. For one thing, normally it is obvious when Potemkin is in his room because he takes up large fraction of it. But now Ky might actually have to step in and look around to see the man by the side of the room with the closet, simultaneously taking peeks at the mirror in the back of it and being uncomfortable at the sight.

That's not getting into how it feels. Potemkin has his arms crossed, usually a pose of confidence but now seeming protective of some fragility, but it's a world of a difference without arms that cover his entire upper body.

"What are you d—?"

His voice cuts off once he arrives at the door to Potemkin's room, freezing up at the sight before him. Ky's brain has practically shut down once it connects Potemkin with the figure of this man, and he's at a complete loss of words. Or coherent thought. Or... anything, really. He can't even move; he's stuck staring at Potemkin with eyes wide in surprise.

What does one even say to this?

"Potem... kin?"

Potemkin turns to face Ky only to get smacked with shock that leaves him staring straight back at Ky. This...wrongness is only made more clear when it's with someone he's familiar with. Potemkin never made particular note of Ky's height; he is too close to the vast majority of people out there compared to him. Small enough to fit in his hands, short enough to feel like half of him.

That he can just, look at him without bending his neck feels like looking through some kind of freak perspective.

"Mmmmuh..."

Potemkin huddles his arms around himself tighter. Potemkin's sense of modesty normally wouldn't be kicking in over a lack of a shirt, but these bizarre feelings are making him feel more acutely exposed. More naked. "I'm...testing this."

Ky can't imagine how Potemkin is feeling right now. He never truly considered how different Potemkin naturally is from the rest of them, although perhaps he isn't a good benchmark for that kind of thing. (He hangs around Gears too much, perhaps.) All individuals are unique in some way, whether it shows physically or not. At least Potemkin's uniqueness isn't a twisted or cruel personality.

Potemkin's vulnerable posture urges Ky to move closer. Although the other man is still taller than Ky, he certainly seems smaller as they stand close together. Ky doesn't have to look as high up as before. "Is this because of the glamour?"

He isn't usually so forward, but he lifts his hand as if he wants to touch Potemkin's forearm. He stops just short, unsure if that would be too much for the man right now.

"How do you feel?"

"Yes, I just had it made." This is how he is supposed to spend his time in the outside world, it's useless for that purpose if he feels this bothered by it. How could he not though, when a basic part of what he's felt his entire life has been flipped.

Potemkin notices how close Ky is getting. Very close. Ky's presence seems even larger and more significant when Potemkin doesn't physically dwarf him. Potemkin momentarily is filled with panic and his heart fumbles a few beats in his chest, but he takes his arm off his body and extends it fully toward Ky. Holding it in the air shows how different it is now; his arm is still covered with volumes of muscle, but doesn't look like it'll be lifting cars any time soon.

"I haven't felt this weak since I was a child," Potemkin complains. That might sound like an exaggeration, but no, it's right that he hasn't been nearly in the same ballpark of size since when his mutation was less visible.

Trying to imagine Potemkin as a child is too much for Ky's mind right now. (A mini-sized Potemkin is all he can manage to picture, which is a mental image he will politely keep to himself.) He reaches out to place his hand on Potemkin's arm, watching his fingers curl around the muscles there. Usually, his hand would be too small to do anything but merely rest on top of the forearm. Trying to curl his hand around it was out of the question.

Not only can Ky's hand curl gently around the curve of Potemkin's forearm here, the arm also feels solid. Firm and warm. This is no illusion.

"You still seem to have some strength to me," Ky reassures Potemkin. "At least they haven't depleted you completely."

Potemkin's physique is still larger and more muscular than Ky's, at least. Although, perhaps Ky isn't the best person to compare oneself to. He's well aware he tends to be more on the lean side when it comes to body structures.

Potemkin stares at Ky longer and harder than what comes off as entirely natural and swallows. He tries to be discreet about it even when Ky is right next to him.

Why does it have to come up now, always over the most inconsequential of things. From his perspective everything feels real to him too, all of Ky's hand on his arm and the warmth of his touch. Which are things that are much more distracting than what they should be.

Potemkin turns his head and tries to keep his thoughts to the actual words being said. Which, honestly, are not as influential as Ky simply being there. "You're right, it's not completely different from myself. This is probably how I could have been," Potemkin indirectly refers to the hypothetical scenario of being born differently. He doesn't stay on the idea for long; that is its own rather terrifying line of thought. "But I still feel what's missing."

"As do I," Ky says, lightly squeezing Potemkin's arm both to comfort and emphasize his response before dropping his hand. He's oblivious to the other man's feelings, too focused on the effects of the glamour, to notice the lingering gaze. The newness of the glamour is too distracting. He still can't believe how this spell could have made such a large man into a (comparatively) smaller one.

"I don't blame you for feeling that way. This is quite a change. It may take some time to get used to it." He takes a small step back to address Potemkin better. "I would offer to spar with you to help you get used to the changes, but I think we may be fined for causing a disturbance. If there is anything else I can do to assist you, however..."

Potemkin silently thanks his luck that Ky apparently paid no attention to his little moment. Though his comforting words (and that squeeze) leave him with lingering thoughts. What he really wants is to walk up to Ky and embrace him, in thanks for all his understanding and repeated kindness.

It takes a moment for Potemkin to realize that he would not be imagining this quite the same way if he was still his true height.

Potemkin breaks out of his daydreaming, and he feels like he has to double-check himself now. How odd. He turns and rests his face against his fist. "Hmm, I can't believe they don't have the proper facilities," Potemkin laments that he can't take Ky's offer, as he would do so in a heartbeat; no, a complimentary gym does not count.

"I can't thank you enough for everything. But I have nothing specific in mind. Time will be the best practice." A beat. "Except for maybe, if you can buy some shirts the next time you pass through downtown."

"You don't need to thank me for anything. I wish I could do more."

It's all too easy to wave off the thanks. Ky is only doing what's natural to him, which is to do the right thing and dedicate himself to helping a good friend. Potemkin isn't simply a fellow survivor to him. Not only are they from the same reality — world, actually — but they have also helped each other during their time in the Fortress Between. Taking care of their apartment for the month and comforting Potemkin during such a drastic change is the least he can do.

He brings a hand to his chin, contemplating Potemkin's appearance at the mention of clothing.

"You certainly will need new clothes, won't you?" He pauses to think. "Will you allow me to guess your size?"

Oh. Potemkin takes his hand off his face and awkwardly uncrosses his arms, to make any examination easier.

"I've never thought of it much," Potemkin says, referring both to the act of buying clothes for others and thinking of his clothing size in terms of numbers. In all other cases those would not intersect. "Your input will be very useful. I think I would be a larger size than you?"

What a helpful observation.

Edited (I blame phone posting) 2016-11-24 20:38 (UTC)

The most helpful.

"I would be surprised if you weren't," Ky responds with a small smile. "How much larger is the question. I don't have anything to measure with, but perhaps... wait here."

With little pause, Ky turns to quickly walk out of the room and back to his own. After a quick skim to grab one of his few articles of clothing within reach — a button-down shirt — he returns with it in hand, looking quite inspired and eager to help.

"Allow me to compare your size to this shirt," is the blond's only warning before he's already approaching Potemkin to size the shirt against the man's body. It's a very hands-on process, to say the least, as he runs his hands along Potemkin's shoulders to memorize how much larger the shirt will need to be.

"I can try to estimate your size like this," he explains. "Hopefully, I won't accidentally purchase anything too small."

Potemkin waits with only a confused squint aimed in the direction Ky left, but that's all thrown out when Ky compares the shirt to his chest. That could have come with a bit more warning! Not that he's doing anything that deserves a warning, really, he's not, but it's Ky (who has exceptional ability to surprise him), and Potemkin was just feeling proud of himself for staying composed when he was only slowly moving along his arm. This is shocking in comparison, and Potemkin fumbles just a bit. A twitch of his lip, an underbreath gasp, small things that might be able to pass off as just surprise.

"Mmmn. It looks like I am still significantly larger."

Potemkin becomes extremely quiet during Ky's measuring; if he moves less, he's less likely to do something embarrassing. But after a while, he speaks up for something he must say.

"Thank you."

Ky looks up from his measuring-by-sight, looking at Potemkin with an open and kind expression. His desire to help and care for Potemkin is written plainly on his face, although is determination is causing him to unintentionally cause the still-larger man some discomfort. Whoops. If he was more careful and aware, he would apologize.

He's about to wave off Potemkin's thanks, but he's well aware he's done that already. No need to repeat himself lest he start to come across as pushy. (Even though he can be, at times.)

"You're welcome," he says instead. Ky smooths out the fabric along the crook of Potemkin's neck, taking note of the thickness of the other man's throat. "It's difficult to believe how different our environment has become, compared to where we used to be. But, even if we're still trying to adjust here, at least the challenge of finding the right-sized clothing is preferable to facing mind-altering illusions."