Feb 24 12:30:49 107 PA - A New Place to Live

From Chronicles

A small apartment that's showing its age. It has a fresh coat of white paint for the walls and ceiling, but what can be seen of the wooden floor is clean, but scuffed and a little scared in places. There are two rooms beside the small bathroom.

The main room is nicely sized, centered around an old, but clean sofa that's missing the short, stubby feet to keep it off the ground. But otherwise it's in good condition with worn, but clean, black upholstery. A slightly bent, but stable set of industrial metal shelves are set against the wall in front of it, with a well worn PDD audio player set with a pack of discs by it. A scratched video unit is next to it with a few old books, tools and trinkets scattered about to add to the casual mix of items. There's a table in an alcove formed by the counter enclosed kitchen space. It's a narrow space, but has enough room for some cabinets, a small fridge, stove and single sink. All are old and weathered, but clean and show signs of heavy use.

The bedroom is simple. A king sized mattress in good condition is shoved into one corner, lacking a box to rest on and is scatted with blankets and pillows, none of which match. The closer is closed and a scarred, but serviceable wooden dresser takes up another wall. An bent metal work table takes up much of another wall, a few crates of junk pushed underneath and some coffee cans with smaller bits of junk in the half broken hutch shelving over it.

One day, a load of stuff will appear in the apartment. Nothing that Sofi has ever seen before in Zero's truck. Not the least of which is a suit of new, seemingly never used light NTI armor, some possessions and a stack of thirty soup cans. Though not really soup cans because they all have little hodgepodge devices and wires sticking out of them. Though they seem to be set in a cluster of twenty and another ten separated from the rest. Zero himself is busy in the little half cordoned off kitchen area where he's crouched in front of the ancient gas stove that is set there. Cleaning it took a while and now he's working on it, fingers a bit black dusted and a portable tool kit close to hand. He's turned the heat on already and has his looser work pants on, jacket and shirt tossed aside with his gear as he works on the stove. And a nice, soft red outline of a handprint on his left cheek. Open handed slap, likely.

Sofiya is late to the party, but she arrives, dragging a large bag of stuff with her. But just one bag, and she lets herself in, stopping abruptly at the doorway to stare at the stuff. "Zee...Someone has broken into our apartment and turned it into a weird soup kitchen." She drops the bag at the doorway, shutting the door behind her. "Zee, what... what happened to your cheek?" The question changes part of the way between the start and the end, and she steps forward to look at it.

Zero pops up when he hears Sofi come in, leaning carefully against the scarred counter to grin at her as she considers the many soup cans. "Those are my explosive canisters. And some homemade flashbangs." He then glances to the side a little, towards the side that his injury is on. "Oh.. that was the price of getting my stuff," he replies. "I think the girl I had holding on to it thought it meant something. But I never said I was moving in with her, I just asked her to hold on to my stuff for a bit." He shrugs, giving Sofi a casual grin. "We never even did it. some girls are just a little too crazy."

Sofiya's eyes narrow, giving him a steady stare. "Oh yeah? Think I need to watch my back for the hoardes of girls you just rejected?" She gives the apartment another look, frowning. "You have a lot of rubbish." The firm statement makes it clear her single bag is it, all the possessions Sofiya is bringing with her. She finds a clear corner, unzipping it and bringing out an odd assortment of hand sewn clothes, blankets and a single wooden box. Apparently the latter is a treasure, and she puts it safely to the side.

Zero laughs lightly and shakes his head. "I wouldn't say horde. Maybe.. six?" He pauses a moment, considering then shakes his head. "Hard for me to tell. I do flirt a lot, I must admit. Usually its casual stuff, but you know. Some take me too seriously, I guess. I think I almost have the stove working. Not that I can use it well, still don't know much about how to cook."

"I can cook." Sofiya's comment is soft as she settles down to sort out the few clothes she bought. None of them hold the gang colours, none of them are Dregs gang style. All of them show signs of her mother's needlework. "I'll get some body armour." She shoots him a look that is half laughing, half serious.

"I'd offer to let you use mine, but I don't think it would fit,' Zero says with a casual grin. "The most expensive item I have, that. I think. Never know when you might need it, right? Don't have a good sidearm, though. Might have to save up for that." He considers Sofia moment then says, "You're looking quite proper." His grin a casual one as he considers her. Not displeased with her look. Then he pops down and starts on the oven again. "They really fucked this thing up. Didn't' clean it, just used it until it stopped working."

Sofiya is done unpacking, her clothes sorted into piles, and she settles back to watch him work, her back against the wall, her arms resting on bent knees. "I thought a change might help. If I'm working at the deli with Rasputin, I can't wear my old clothes. And Zee, that man recognised me. I have to do something." She hesitates, adding casually, "At least until he clears me of wanting to do that."

Zero listens as he works, his head nodding casually. And when she mentions changing herself he pauses and looks back towards her. Thoughtful for a few moments before he says, "How about.. a new do and some fake glasses?" He grins idly and adds, "I think you'd look good with glasses. I'd say dye your hair brown.. not too drastic or objectionable. Though your mom might still make a stink."

Sofiya laughs, resting her head back against the wall as she watches him. "You want to know something? My ma has cut my hair all my life. She's cry if I got anyone else to do it." She points at him, grinning broadly. "The first time I turned up in jeans, she had tears in her eyes. I'll buy a hat. What are you going to do?"

"Yeah, I think a hat is good. You can get something that you can get all your hair into, I bet." Zero grins and he says, "I wasn't thinking cut, though. Just style. I like longer hair and I know what a pain it is to cut it, cause it takes so damn long to grow it back." As she asks him what he'll do, he shrugs and sighs a little. "Not really sure. I was never much for fashions and such. Those leather pants were my big change before."

"Leather pants are harder to take off. I could ask my ma to sew you some decent trousers..." The laugh that shakes her voice, warms her eyes and lights up her face. "I'll buy hats, tuck my hair up. Maybe get some of those large sunglasses." Sofiya scrambles to her feet, moving over to the little kitchen separation to watch him. "I would not be jealous of her measuring your inside leg." The murmur is a joke.

Zero chuckles as he tightens a few more spots inside the oven before he glances up towards her, thoughtful. "Alright, if she wants to. Some dark pants would be nice. Light colors don't fit me that well, I think." He rises up and says, "I think it's done. Just don't spread it around too much that I'm handy or all the housewives might be looking to have me fix up their appliances," he cautions her with a playful grin." He moves over to the sink, turning it on to get his hands washed up after the work.

A flicker of surprise crosses Sofiya's face before she covers it up. "I'll ask her. Watch out for the pins." She is teasing him lightly, and she moves behind him, curling arms around him. "If you don't treat me well, I will tell every housewife in the city that you can fix ovens." The threat is murmured against his back, laughter in her voice.

Zero chuckles lowly and lowers a wet hand to stroke her hand lightly. "You sure? You know what lonely housewives do with the handsome young handymen, don't you? Well, in the stories, anyway." He chuckles lowly and his other hand dips back to stroke her hip. "I suppose it wouldn't be the same as with you, though. After all, they couldn't be as vigorous as you are."

The hug turns into a tickling attack a moment after his comment, and a mock, outraged gasp from Sofiya. Her hands draw back, seeking his ribs, poking hard. "Either that or I charge them extra for the services, and make a lot of money to run away with my own handyman, who I hire to do the jobs you are too busy to do."

Zero laughs, only half from being tickled, he squirming a bit before he turns and his hands slip down to lift her up by her backside. Nice, firm grips before he turns to settle her on the counter. "Don't worry, Chipmunk. I'll always have the time and energy for you." He leans in to give her a light kiss. "I suppose I might make us a little extra doing odd jobs now and then. Though I think I can restrain myself from offering extra services."

Sofiya rests her arms around his shoulders, returning the kiss as she is settled on the counter. "Extra would be useful, Zee." A flicker of her worry over the credits they have shows before she grins, shaking her head. "I bought the blankets so we have somewhere to sleep." She leans her cheek against his shoulder, talking softly. "My ma can give us some cooking things, and plates, and things..."

Zero lifts a hand to lightly stroke her hair as he says, "Won't turn away that sort of help if she's feeling generous. How about once we get everything set up we invite Mik over for a housewarming or something. Don't figure he'd be that much a stranger over here, since you two are friends. And I suppose he and I are too." He tilts his head a little. "Anyone else you might want to invite?"

Sofiya's smile can be felt against his skin but he does get a kiss pressed against his neck. "Rasputin, perhaps. He won't tell ma we're living together." She hesitates, adding cautiously, "Probably. Is there someone you'd invite?" She uses her legs to curl around his waist, hugging him tighter to her.

Zero considers that as he strokes her hips slowly. "Well.. I don't know, really. Don't know if its really appropriate to invite Erica.. I've run into a few other people, but none of them a really friends yet. Don't know much about them." He looks to her then and smiles. "Might as well keep it small and simple, I think. You going to want to give Mik a key? I think I'd leave that choice up to you.. if you think its alright, I won't have much problem with it."

Sofiya presses several small kisses against his neck, before she lifts her head to look at him, her forehead creased. "Why not Erica? I didn't think there was anything...?" She doesn't finish the sentence, moving on to his next question quickly, brushing over that with a slight blush. "I don't think Mik needs a key but he can come here if he wants." She grins, shaking her head.

Zero grins a little. "Well, might be a good idea to keep the door locked around here. At least until we get a sense for the people. The shower's not great, I still have to change the head on it, but I figure he might like to dip in and use it from time to time. Or something." He pauses then and considers. "No, nothing between us, really. But I don't much know her well. If you want to invite her, though, I don't mind. Just not sure if she'd be comfortable. Or if you would,"

"That is really sweet of you, Zero..." Her voice is low, as she gives him a warm smile, and moves to press a kiss against his mouth. "I don't know her at all." Sofiya shrugs, moving her hands to rest lightly against his sides, her face thoughtful. "Rasputin and Mik then. I'll cook for us, and make us something good and hot." She glances across the flat, her mind clearly on lists.

Zero nods before he kisses her back gently. "Well, not sure about sweet. Seems about common sense more, but I'll take what you say." He grins broadly and breathes out lightly. "Sounds alright to me. Pick up some vodka for you guys.. some brews for Mik and me? I think that might work. And you can drink up as much as you can, since you'll be where you can sleep it off." He grins a little. "I was tempted to play with you a little when you were out before, but I still like it better when you're awake."

Sofiya returns the grin, nodding slowly. "That should work. And I do not get drunk." She tosses her head, affronted at the suggestion but his comment brings a flash of colour to her cheeks and she moves her hands to poke at his ribs. "You are a corrupting influence, you know this?" Her voice is light, teasing.

Zero laughs lightly, squirming a little at the poke. "I'm a healthy young man with the interests of a healthy young man," he replies, the defense casual. "You were pretty loose that night with the twins. If you'd have stayed awake, I bet I could have convinced you to flash a few people from the truck."

"Healthy..." Sofiya challenges the assertion, softly, teasing him. "I had reason to be a little drunk, Zero. I blew up a bunch of people." Sofiya shakes her head, pushing forward to slide down from her perch, her smile vanished. "I am going over my ma's."

Zero eases back a little to let her slip down. "Alright, Sofi." His voice lighter, the play paused for now. "I'm going to be working on some other stuff.. the plumbing is a little off, but I think I can get that fixed up decent. And the showerhead. We can go look for furniture later. You can go get my pants made." He grins at her lightly. "maybe when you get back, I'll have the blankets set up. Won't have to burrow all the time now. Though it is kinda fun fumbling with you in the dark."

"I cannot make your trousers without her measuring you." Sofiya's mood is subdued, the pleasure in the new apartment vanishing into the memory of the bomb blast and she pauses before she heads towards the door. "If you put a blanket over the window, you can fumble. In the dark." Sofiya hesitates, the habit of grabbing her bag and coat ingrained and she shoves her hands into her pockets instead.

Zero follows her and before the door he'll reach out to put a hand on her hip. "Sofi, don't let what happened hang on you. You were a victim, like everyone else. If anything, you should be pissed, not sad." He leans forward and places a light kiss on her forehead. "Let her know I'm interested in the pants, I can drop over later after some working to get measured. And tonight I'll see if I can't make you forget about everything but being sweaty, exhausted and boneless." A bit of bravado there, but its light bravado, delivered with his boyish grin.

Sofiya allows herself a tight hug of him before her bravado slides into place. "I'll tell my ma you want her pants." The cocky reply is given with a grin and a tilt of her chin. "I'll meet you over there. And we will see who is it that ends the night boneless..." She tiptoes, pressing a kiss against his lips, and then turns to head out of the door.

Zero grins and gives her a close hug, then kisses her firmly in response to her own. "It's a win/win for me, that much is for sure." He grins slyly at her before he lets her get on her way out of the door. Lingering to see her on her way a moment before he closes the door and turns back to his tasks. Still a bit of work to get the place into shape. Some painting to do as well. He sighs and advances to the next challenge.