test drive meme

[titansno]

Test Drive Meme!

Scenarios:
> The Park. Man, what a nice day out. Why not enjoy it? I'm sure -- shit, yep, there's some echo monsters.
> The Mall. Exactly what it says on the tin! Dodge the hordes of teenage mallrats or take part, whichever suits your tastes.
> Rainy Day. Agh, it's fucking awful out. And is it raining those vermilion things?? Now you've got an Echo to contend with on top of everything else. Find some shelter, quick!
> PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. HOW FUN
> Arts and Crafts Fair. All the kitschy fun you can imagine.
> Wild Card! Make up your own.

Comments

[somethingprecious]

[He whips back fast enough to almost put a strain in his neck, eyes wide and a cold weight settling in the pit of his stomach.

Against all odds, truly, he can never escape his family. Or- Or whatever offshot this one was.]

Excuse me? [Basil actually looks at Kilian now, some kind of familiarity niggling at the back of his mind. Had he met him before and where? Even if it had been a long time (too long) since he'd seen any of his family surely he'd remember this one a bit more clearly.]

I'm- I'm sorry but I'm not quite... sure... [Who you are yet.]

[youngestone]

Killian, Catherine Ryan's kid. I was probably, like, eight or something when we met? If I've got the right guy, anyway.

[somethingprecious]

[A light bulb clicks on in his head and his surprise is visible.]

Killian! My... My goodness you have grown... [Basil blinks, still quietly reeling over this new surprise.] It's been awhile hasn't it? How is she- Your mother, I mean?

[youngestone]

[Killian smiles a bit when he's recognized....and then he asks about Mom. His face falls]

She uh, she was shot by a gang in December.

[somethingprecious]

[His own beginning smile completely falls away at the news. He swallows carefully.]

I... I'm sorry, Killian. Truly, I am. [Glancing away.] My mother- They were good friends, I remember that.

[youngestone]

If I'd known you were in town--unless you just moved here? But, yeah, if I'd known I'd've asked you to the funeral.

[Not looking at him, nope. This still hurts]

[somethingprecious]

[He shakes his head.]

I've been here for... a while now, but not many know that. Keeping to myself and all, you know... ah.

[It feels awkward to have this conversation out in the open.]

Would you like to sit down and... talk? Unless you're in a hurry which I completely understand--

[youngestone]

No, yeah, sure, we can sit. I'm just killing time for now.

[He gestures to the food court]

Lunch? I can buy.

[somethingprecious]

[Another short nod. The idea of lunch doesn't sound bad, although he wavers on the idea of letting Killian pay for him.]

Yes, please. That would be lovely.

[He manages a smile at Killian as they head over to the seating area.]

So, ah, how long have you been living here?

[youngestone]

Since April. Mom broke off from the rest of the family and settled here.

[And he knows why, now, his dad was from here and the family still lives here. He doesn't say that, though, as they take a seat for a moment]

I don't think Mom knew you'd lived here.

[somethingprecious]

[Good for her, he thinks quietly to himself.

Basil folds his hands in front of him on the table, worrying his lower lip out of habit.]

I would be surprised if she did. I have a bad habit of not keeping anyone updated on my current... life and all that. [A sigh.]

Who are you living with now? Certainly not on your own... [He's unfortunately reminded of the first years he spent here alone and they do not bring happy memories.]

[youngestone]

No, a friend for now.

[This is probably going to change soon but it's the truth right now]

I'm hoping to find my own place soon, though, or another friend to live with since Shou is kinda nuts. A great guy, but totally off his rocker.

[somethingprecious]

Nuts? [He raises an eyebrow, frowning.]

Killian I certainly hope you aren't putting yourself in danger. The city does a fine job of being dangerous all on its own, you know!

[youngestone]

Wha--

[Oh.]

No, no, not like actually insane. Just really weird and super rich. He's got a fountain in his penthouse.

[Killian just won't mention the network. Yeah. No need to worry anyone, yeah?]

We're different as night and day, basically.

[somethingprecious]

A penthouse? Well... [He shakes his head, a small smile pulling at his lips.] I suppose my concerns of you living in little less than a hole in the ground with nothing to eat are a little silly now, hm?

[Certainly better off than he was, thankfully.]

So how do you spend your time here? Are you in school?

[youngestone]

Nah, I've got two jobs. One's a stable and one's at my uncle's smithy.

[...shit. He tries to backtrack]

Uh, I meant the Thorsson hardware store.

[somethingprecious]

Smithy? [He toys with the word, looking off to the side like his mind was elsewhere for a small moment.] Like a metalsmith?

[The look is gone when he returns his attention to Killian again.]

Ah... Your uncle, then? Which side? That is if you don't mind my curiosity.

[youngestone]

[Dammit, he's been caught]

No, a blacksmith. On, uh, my dad's side.

[Please don't tell the rest of the family, Basil. Please? He'll make the eyes if you do]

[somethingprecious]

[Another curious look. He had heard stories of course, but Basil knew better than to base his first impressions of someone through stories told through his family's grapevine.]

Well... They sound like good people if they've provided you with a job. And in a very practical field no less! [There's a smile, as sincere as it can be.]

I'm glad to see you're doing well here, Killian. Truly.

[youngestone]

[There's a moment of absolute shock as Killian processes that yes, a family member doesn't care that he knows about his dad and everything. Legitimate, absolutely shock, and it's clear on his face.

And then he smiles because wow, that's nice to hear]

Yeah, well, I make jewelery so I dunno how practical it really is but...

[He shrugs]

You should probably call and tell someone you're here, by the way. They'll nag more if you put it off.

[somethingprecious]

[Well if we want to keep the record clean Basil isn't actually related to Killian--

But that didn't make him any less family. If Killian considered him such Basil would be more than happy to take up the title of 'least nosy family member'.]

Oh really? I would love to see some of your work, you know. Are you selling anything yet?

[At that his smile drops and he looks a little less exasperated at the idea.] One day I shall get around to it. I've gone almost seventeen years unnoticed here and I had been hoping for an even twenty before you came and ruined that record.

[youngestone]

Sorry?

[He manages a sheepish grin before laughing]

I can, uh, not tell anyone I noticed you? And yeah, I'm selling stuff both through the shop and my own Etsy. Want a card?

[somethingprecious]

Yes, I'm sure you are. [Dryly, with only a hint of teasing.]

I would love that, to both, yes. [Another slight smile. This was... enjoyable.]

So your uncle is a blacksmith and your father is... What does he do?

[youngestone]

[Killian grabs his wallet and digs out his card, hesitating just a little when Basil asks about his dad. There's no way that he knows about Hjalti just coming back into town, but still]

Mechanic, I think. He's not working at the shop right now.

[somethingprecious]

Another fine career. Certainly very useful here in the city I would think... [He looks down at his hands, thumb brushing over his knuckles.

Why does he feel like he's missing something?]