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

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."

Looking at Ky's face, it's hard for Potemkin to not feel spoiled, especially as Ky literally fusses and primps over the shirt. Potemkin always felt he should be treated with only what was deserved. Receiving so much individual attention with the sole purpose of improving his comfort in a tiny way just feels off. Not that he's going to turn any of this down, not at all.

"Or worrying about our very existence running out," Potemkin agrees.

No matter what problems they ran into while trying to live in this city, it all seems like a worthy trade for a world where life and death are more or less normal. No memory eating fog, no crippling fear, and no uncertainty on whether anything will still be around when he woke up.

Ky pauses, glancing away, before nodding. Yes, there's no longer a need to worry about fading out of existence. The relief of that burdensome fear is liberating. Ky was nervous during the first month of their stay. He couldn't help anticipating the moment when food would begin to crumble in his hands again. He braced himself for the feeling of slipping away. Paranoid, perhaps. But that land could've left its mark in more ways than one.

What a relief to realize that wasn't the case. The worst he's had to deal with were their missing friends. (And maybe one or two inappropriate dreams. But that will disappear with time, he'll make sure of it.)

With a slight shake of his head, he pulls himself out of his thoughts. Leaning to the side to compare the length of Potemkin's arm to the sleeve, he continues his task.

"We've left a lot behind us, including our friends and allies." His tone is somber. "But I hope this change will lead to progress for us... and I hope we will be able to see our companions again."

Potemkin turned around his wrist under Ky's inspection, assistance a faint thought on the back of his mind but mostly he twists and looks at his hand out of his own contemplative thoughts. It's so strange to think of himself having hands like anyone else. It feels more disorienting to actually fit in, than to constantly adjust for being out of scale with the rest of the world, in everything from picking something up to how threatening he appeared.

"Like you I have no doubts. Just being alive is to keep up hope," Potemkin says his belief. There is more than one meaning to that, because while on one hand you do need to be alive to hope, they also exist as proof that people could make it despite the extensive journey. Potemkin is ready to wait for as long as it takes to witness this truth.

"Indeed, it is."

Finally finished with his sizing, Ky straightens up and pulls the shirt away from Potemkin's body. He folds it in half over his arm and takes a step back, regarding the man before him for a moment. Despite this drastic change, it is only a physical one. Potemkin is still the man Ky is familiar with. This conversation has assured that much, at least.

"Thank you for your patience," he finally says. "This will help me find something suitable for you. I'll go to the store tomorrow, after work. Will you be here?"

"Yes. I won't waste your time."

Potemkin speaks like he will absolutely hold himself to that. Indeed, he does consider Ky's time and energy a precious resource. The thought of him tired and exhausted afterwards his workday is a major part of why he wanted to get right into contributing with a job, discomfort with being able to walk under doorways aside. It may seem like a massive shift now, but it's negligible compared to the goal of no longer feeling the ineffectual yearning to help every time he saw him.

The next day Potemkin awaits for Ky in the living room, having spent the day housekeeping. He is actually holds some talent at it. For what he has to work with, the place looks neat and prim, being brought to his exacting standards. And a meal sits at ready, staying warm on the stovetop. Some effort and care can make even canned beans more appetizing.

Potemkin might be too good at it. Now it's Ky's turn to be spoiled, coming home to warm food and a tidy apartment. He's rather fortunate in the sense that he's had a butler during his time with the police force and attendants while he was king. And, now, here's his housemate doing the same for him. It's a gesture he really appreciates, especially after coming home from a somewhat aggravating day at work.

Ky brightens at the sight of Potemkin (and with only the smallest hint of doing another mental double-take), greeting him with a smile. He lifts to show off a bag of clothes.

"Potemkin. I've returned with some gifts for you."

Inside the bag, Potemkin will find no less than three shirts. A blue long-sleeve, a green short-sleeve, and a white, button-down shirt. It cut into Ky's wallet quite a bit to get all three, but he didn't think twice about purchasing them all at once. Better to make sure Potemkin has a small variety now than to realize he needs something too late.

In turn, Potemkin looks like the day just started for him when he sees Ky. Potemkin believes chores can be rewarding in a way, but it can't be denied that having someone around to talk to is more interesting.

His attention is immediately dragged to the bag however. He takes it from Ky's hand (more forcefully than normal for him, like his reflexes are trying to advantage of not currently having a powerful body that inherently worked within restraint, and not entirely getting it right), and looks straight downwards while rooting through it.

"Thank you," he says, his voice affected by far he went for him just for a favor. He remains oblivious to how he wasn't idle either, but if pointed out, Potemkin would only say it's not like he doesn't need to eat too.

He picks one item out, to look at it curiously. It's the white shirt. "Like yours."

Edited (missing word) 2016-12-23 06:54 (UTC)

Ky gives him a sheepish smile. "I apologize if it isn't to your taste. I'm far too used to having a very uniform wardrobe."

He tilts his head a bit. "I don't think it would look bad on you, however. You would make a fine impression."

Because of course he took that into consideration. Ky wouldn't grab just anything.

Ah, of course. That uniform must be inescapable from Ky's subconscious, even if he doesn't don it much in this city. But that last comment, despite only being a compliment, causes Potemkin to grip the shirt closer and tighter to him.

Would a specific clothing choice make him more like Ky? Give him an idea of what Ky likes for himself?

Potemkin is interested in following this line of logic because he trusts Ky's judgement, of course. He always has, and this is not out of the ordinary. As for why, it's not because Potemkin is waiting to impress strangers. In fact, the only judgement on Potemkin's mind is Ky. Potemkin can't shake off the idea that, with close adherence to his taste, Ky might like him more.

Especially in appearance. Potemkin realizes he's been slow to reply, and half-mumbles. "I'll try it on."

Ky nods. "At your leisure."

There's no hurry, and Ky doesn't take the hesitation to respond as an affront to his choice of clothing. He assumes this is yet another moment of adjustment for Potemkin. There's probably plenty of those moments now, even when doing the most mundane of tasks. All things considered, Ky has no room to complain about anything.

Saved again, with no thanks to his smooth moving. Potemkin will take what he can get.

"Dinner should be ready by now," Potemkin says behind him as he's shuffling to his room, hunched over and legs crossing over themselves. It could easily be blamed on self-consciousness over his body, but mostly Potemkin is just desperate to move to his room before he can embarrass himself further.

Potemkin walks much more like his usual proud posture when he returns to the dinner table after a change in clothes. It's a way of carrying himsekf so well practiced by him, he pulls off almost the same amount of gravitas with several less feet in height. But in the details are small gestures of what's in his thoughts, how he clenches his hands together behind his back, the quick turns trying to catch Ky's expression.

At Potemkin's prompting, Ky prepares two bowls of their warm meal and sets them at the table while waiting for his housemate to return. He's finished rearranging the utensils and napkins — just because their meal isn't the most gourmet doesn't mean they deserve to eat sloppily — and is about to take a seat when Potemkin reappears.

Ky's eyes brighten as a smile crosses his lips. "You look excellent," he says, pleased. Potemkin's stature, even when altered, is still firmly military and sturdy in appearance. The clothes only emphasize the effect by keeping Potemkin looking clean and sharp. Ky is, admittedly, quite fond of the look.

"How does it feel? Does it fit well?"

"It's a fine fit. Your measurements were well taken," he answers. The replies are short but not curt, since he doesn't seem to be ending his sentences out of discomfort or coldness. In fact, it's one of the signs of Potemkin's signature quietly expressed happiness, along with the faint upward tug on his mouth. He's happy at having found something that suits him and at being complimented, especially by someone who is very nice looking when he smiles...

Potemkin is very quick to sit down at his seat. There he has an excuse to look at the food. Which he does so while picking up the fork Ky laid out. He briefly stares at his own hand holding it between his fingers, like both the hand and the fork are now new oddities to him.

He takes a seat, watching Potemkin move and noting whether the shirt looks too small or big in places, when he realizes Potemkin is staring at his own hand. The giant warrior's hands were enormous before, capable of gripping his opponents like a mere stick before slamming them to the ground. Now, those hands are the perfect size for a regular fork. Ky can only imagine the difference is unnerving.

He holds his own fork in his hand, but doesn't eat yet. "How are you feeling today? Is it... easier?"

Potemkin couldn't hide everything. It is a presumptuous thought to think that could even be possible when Potemkin knows Ky to be sharp-eyed and thoughtful. And nosy.

He sighed and pushed his hand a little into the table, like he's stepping back for now. "Yes. I think I'm getting used to this," he answers tentatively. It's an ongoing process. There's still a disconcerting feeling that crops up often enough to make him feel like he's moving under a fever or not full-awakened dream, but already it's just an irritation rather than a paralyzing sensation. It's never going to get as silly as avoiding eating in public for this.

"Do not worry. I should ask you how your day went," Potemkin says as he picks up his fork again. Due to not being able to freely move around yet, he's curious on what immersing oneself in the full brunt of the city is like on Ky.

Edited (tenses) 2016-12-29 03:35 (UTC)

"My day isn't particularly important," Ky gently deflects. "I'm more concerned with your well-being. I don't want you to push yourself too far."

It's both the truth and also a very obvious change in subject. He cares about how Potemkin is doing, but he's also trying his best to avoid complaining. Of course he's struggling to adjust in this environment. No matter how much this city has given them, they've still lost everything from before. But what Potemkin is dealing with is far greater than whatever Ky is dealing with, which means he's placing his own problems below Potemkin's.

Potemkin recognizes the avoidance, which one part of him is pulled to respect, but the rest doesn't sit still with that. He has seen Ky when at his most vulnerable (due to the nightmares of Between), and knows that he's not as limitless as he pretends to be. And Potemkin does have his pride, so he doesn't want Ky to expect that he can get him to do whatever he says just like that. He's a tested military agent and a grown man, not a puppy dog.

Potemkin's method of fighting that impression is by following it exactly. He would not call it pouting, but his lips hitch slightly.

"I can handle more than this," he resists weakly. He'll need to call on a lot more stubbornness than that to match Ky. Where did all of it go?

Edited (oops unfinished sentence) 2016-12-30 02:46 (UTC)

And Ky has actually seen Potemkin as a puppy dog, or at least with the ears and tail of one, which honestly makes this current impression even less effective. But Ky's goal isn't to prove his rank to Potemkin, and there is no lording of authority here. He gives Potemkin an empathetic look, dinner forgotten for the moment.

"I know," he says. "I don't doubt your capabilities. Even with your current change, I know you are still capable of many great things."

He frowns slightly as he continues. "However, I don't want you to overwhelm yourself with too many changes at once. The environment of this world is also very different from what we're used to. I would like to see you become more familiar with your body before challenging the city."

The actual act of eating has become very forgotten. Potemkin gets frustrated by listening, but at nothing Ky is saying. In fact he's not sure if even wants to keep up with this argument, but it's like his mind is making one last stand resisting a change that is happening to him. It's because of what he really is driven towards, how he wants to relent in a way that he would not have allowed himself to just a few months ago. All because he wants to continue receiving attention from Ky.

It makes him feel like how he hasn't felt since he was back in Zepp.

"So it is," Potemkin says calmly, feeling like he's having entirely different conversations between the outer and inner world. So the one that Ky is witness to drops off suddenly.

Ky pauses, going quiet for a moment. He's not sure how to take the response. It effectively cuts the conversation short, which can be both a good and bad sign. Was Potemkin upset? Was Ky too condescending with his concern? He knows he can be too overbearing for others at times, prompting them to suggest he control his emotions better. Is this another one of those moments? Or is Potemkin simply accepting his explanation, understanding how he feels?

Moments like these still manage to confound him at times, but at least he's mature enough to wait and contemplate before speaking again.

"I'm sorry if my words offended you," he says softly. "I don't mean to imply you cannot care for yourself."

Now he just appears randomly temperamental. Which he is being, but that's beside the point. "Ky!" Potemkin says, a little alarmed to hear him apologizing. "It isn't that at all, I mean - " Potemkin pauses before answering, before he gets ahead of himself. I think I'm in love with you is not what he wants to get into right now.

"I understand now! It's the most clever plan to take on and master things one at a time!" Potemkin wags his fork in the air like he's excited to get to exercising. Not that Potemkin doesn't put his full effort into goals, but it seems a little forced.

The quick swing in mood startles him, causing him to jump a bit in his seat. Ky blinks at Potemkin enthusiastically waving his fork around. Now what has caused this? What did he say this time? He's starting to become terribly confused.

"I— yes, that is what I am suggesting..." He trails off, still unsure. Handling changes one step at a time was his point, but it's not the most clever plan and it's not something that really warrants such praise. He doesn't think, at least.

But does he really want to argue that? No, the diplomat in him says, it's probably best to let that one be.

Potemkin takes Ky's polite silence (and a mouthful of beans) in stride. Internally he sighs relief as he chews. Since he can't talk with his mouth full, there is no chance of making things more awkward tonight. In front of Ky it seals the point that he's willing to stay inside just a little longer, until he's more used to the glamor.

He has a lot to think about by himself anyway.