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 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.

Potemkin will have plenty of time for that, at least. They can't live off canned beans forever, which means they need money for better food. That means Ky's days center around work, for the most part. Work and slowly getting used to moving around the city. Very slowly. Slower than he would like, but it can't be helped. He's surrounded by technology that's supposed to be ancient history to him. Technology that's damaging to the living world, that's supposed to be illegal. It's unnerving.

Not to mention there's something about the sound of electronics that bothers him a bit.

He's ignoring that as he walks outside, however. Ky is out and about, walking around the neighborhood again. This time, he's joined by Potemkin, who sorely needs an opportunity to get used to their new home. Ky sneaks glances at Potemkin's face, trying to see how the other man is handling everything.

Potemkin has always had an ability at exuding great peace, and the effect still comes out despite his plainer appearance. He walks, hands in his pockets, looking like he isn't bothered at all by this being anything but normal for him.

He is still glad to have Ky around for this, even if looking at him makes Potemkin question what is wrong with him half the time. When Potemkin realized that he had developed feelings for Ky, it was just relieving to know. After all, that wasn't a scary or unpleasant answer to come to. And he did decide very soon that it was the answer. It would explain a lot. The way he thought of him, stretched to look at him, how Ky could make his mind freeze up with no effort.

All there's left is managing the issue. Potemkin can't start to comprehend what Ky would think of a man who started as a diplomatic relation confessing love to him, but he owes him transparency at least.

Potemkin never thought he would stoop to procrastination, but it's been a while since he made that vow. This time he has the excuse of having another priority in front of him. Potemkin grinds the tip of his shoe into the sidewalk. "I can't believe this pavement is over a hundred years younger and still looks worn."

Edited (messed up grammar) 2016-12-31 07:55 (UTC)

"It certainly isn't holding up well," Ky comments in agreement. "One would assume a city of this size could maintain its walkways, but I suppose there are other pressing concerns taking priority."

Especially with so many residents coming in and out, Mundane or not. Trying to keep them relatively sheltered and safe is likely a time consuming task on its own. He sorely wishes he could learn exactly how the local government is managing it, though. Any co-workers he's asked have only given him vague, cynical responses. It's not a good sign, but he still wants more details.

A car passes them by, interrupting Ky's thoughts with a puff of exhaust. He winces at the smell, turning his head away. "The same could be said for some of these vehicles, as well."

Ky is trying to be forgiving out of gratitude for their new start, but Potemkin has less qualms about comparing the management to past governments. Certain past governments. In fact Potemkin could even use Illyria as a contrasting standard, since he's certain that Ky would not be satisfied with conditions like this in his country.

When that car passes by surprisingly close to the sidewalk, the only thing in Potemkin's mind at that moment is pity. It's the first time he's had the chance to notice how Ky is dealing with the unfamiliar too. "I can assure you that combustion engines are reliable at least, despite the noise. It's up to the user to secure good performance," Potemkin says, at the same time putting blame on the dubious driving practices he's just seen.

Edited (missing word) 2017-01-01 03:55 (UTC)

Ky's frown doesn't quite leave his mouth, even as he returns his attention to the footpath before them. "They seem far more inefficient than any magic-based engine."

And noisy. And dirty. He understands not all of them are so poorly maintained — he's walked these sidewalks before, and has seen plenty of street-parked cars depart with far less fanfare than that one — but they still don't seem quite right to him. Maybe it's due to the part of him that still recognizes this dated technology as illegal and damaging. Perhaps his biases are just too much. Still, though. It isn't as if any of it is easy to ignore. It's the complete opposite of the environment in Between, and different still from the bustling capital of Illyria. He's still in the process of getting used to it.

Potemkin's perspective is completely flipped from Ky's, where to him magic is the uncertain and potentially unstable one. Potemkin sees this as his duty to guide and explain to Ky, who now is the one in need of a comforting resource when everything else has changed.

"The difference is that in this world they are favored for mass-production. For that purpose not every one needs to be the most advanced. I can't argue about the fumes," Potemkin concedes. It's not exactly to his aesthetic, either.

Potemkin turns toward Ky to try and change the subject to Ky's favorites. Partly because he would rather start his exploration of the city with something interesting himself, partly because it hurts him continue to see Ky grimacing.

"Would you say you've found any places you like to visit?"

Ky has to take a moment to think about that. He's been primarily focused on going from home to work, getting used to riding an ancient bus and familiarizing himself with the neighborhood. It's nothing unusual for him. Even as king, he was always working, managing the kingdom and her armies, trying to sidestep manipulative politics and plans. It was always business; there was no traveling for pleasure. Although, he and Dizzy did have thoughts of visiting some vacation spots. They were mostly her suggestions, fun to think about, but none of them ever came to fruition. And now the chance was lost.

Oh. He really shouldn't be thinking about that right now.

"Visit?" Ky has to wrestle himself away from his thoughts. "I... did hear there are parks in the neighborhood. I haven't tried to find them, but I overheard my co-worker speaking about plans to take their pet to a 'dog park' after work."

That...didn't work. Potemkin grabs onto what lead he has though and runs with it. Hopefully changing the subject promptly will help distract him from what's lowering his spirits.

"A public park would be a worthwhile trip," Potemkin says optimistically. It sounds like parks are a fixture that can be trusted to be in large cities regardless of which world one is in. Both of them could stand to gain a sense of footing from some community curated nature, even if the specific park is completely new to them. It isn't like trees can be much different. (Or dogs, for that matter.)

"At your lead," Potemkin bends his head, remembering at last that he's supposed to be the follower here. But it's primarily a concession out of politeness, since in his boredom at their apartment he may have stared at some maps too much.

Edited (one letter typo) 2017-01-03 08:29 (UTC)

Ky blinks. "My lead?"

The pause is brief, but it says everything before he even speaks.

"...ah, I—" He gives Potemkin a sheepish look. "Unfortunately, I didn't think to ask where this 'dog park' was located. I wasn't involved in the conversation, merely listening nearby."