hatesthefood | (no subject)

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4th wall go!

(no subject)

Either the deities have been working overtime, or the sudden influx of new people is something many of us have seen before. That means visitors. Now, I just got off patrol and really don't want to have to work for another twelve hours, so play nice, huh?

[ooc: 4th Wall friendly!]

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I don't care what you're wearing, Ken.

(Always.)

I've been on working for the last twelve hours, part of that Underground. You might care what I smell like.
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Closer to twenty minutes later, a sharp, clean black motorcycle purrs up close to Mamoru, skidding to a stop just a few feet away as Ken lets the bike lean while he glances over at his old lover. Thankfully, he's got enough time to calm his expression thanks to having to take the helmet off and shake his getting too long hair out.

"Sorry. Bandit hid my keys."

Ken has a bike now? Mamoru raised an eyebrow in what could almost be approval.

"Sure. Blame the dog." And that could almost be a joke. He really was glad to be back, to see Ken. That might last an entire ten minutes.

The subtle poke made a slow smile bloom on Ken's face. Chuckling softly, he shrugged and shook his head, then motioned for Mamoru to join him.

"I blamed Gent for it yesterday. They trade off."

He slid easily onto the bike, hands settling at Ken's hips.

"It's never the cat's fault."

Ken was still for a brief instant before he pulled the helmet back over his head and steadied the bike. A moment later, he gunned it, then curled low along the leans lines of the bike, taking off and knowing Mamoru would follow his lead.

It hadn't been so long that Mamoru'd forgotten how to stay on a bike. He wrapped his arms around Ken's hips and leaned low on his back, to keep the wind out of his eyes and reduce the drag on his body.

It was such a taste of familiarity that Ken almost groaned in appreciation. He'd missed this. He'd missed Mamoru, even after all the strife between them. It just went to show that, no matter what happened, he would always love the other man, even if things never could work out with them.

Ken, having a penchant for riding fast, got them back to the building far too quickly for his taste, but once the bike stilled, Ken straightened and pulled the helmet free once more, shaking his hair out before he waited for Mamoru to move away.

Mamoru wasn't staying put against him, either. He slid away as soon as they were steady, smoothing down his sweater as though he hadn't just been curled against his old lover. Despite the many fights, they'd parted on at least decent terms, and he liked to remember that.

"Thank you."

Ken smiled at that and swung his leg over the bike, letting his fingers slide fondly along the chrome inlaid into the black before he turned to head into the building.

"Sure thing. I don't I've had the bike for a little while now, and I have to admit, it beats walking everywhere. Anthony built it for me, custom."

"Anthony did a good job."

He kept his tone neutral and everything. See, Ken could even have lovers!

"He's kinda amazing with this kind of stuff."

Keys in hand, he opened the door to his apartment and was greeted by a happy bark before Bandit fairly tackled his legs. After shoving her head away from his knees, he ushered Mamoru in, closing the door behind them.

"Well. Make yourself at home."

"You're letting her go wild."

Omi had never cared, but Mamoru had been strict with training. He didn't try to approach her now -- he knew she'd never liked him, since he came back changed.

"Just like her owner, I guess."

The dig against the dog stung a little, since it was a bit backhanded at Ken as well. Still, he was determined to try and keep things calm between them. There might not be enough time and he didn't want them to part on bad terms.

"She's fine. I have to leave her and Gent along for long periods of time while I'm working."

He hadn't meant it that way -- well, he had, but he hadn't wanted it to sting. He sighed, offering the dog a hand to see if she'd sniff him, at least. Bandit was a sore spot, since she'd never forgiven him for coming back as Mamoru, any more than Ken had.

The dog approached him, as calm as could be, but after the sniff, she just looked up at him before trotting off to the second bedroom, Ken watching the whole process in silence.

"See?"

Mamoru watched her go with unreadable eyes.

"I'll go to Umi's soon and get out of your hair."

"Sounds like you're the one wanting out of my hair."

Ken looked back to Mamoru, hands held loose at his side.

"I told her I'd stop by, but I'm not great in crowds right now and she's got a metric shitton of Aya's over there. I'm going to head over there, say my hellos and make some small talk, then head right back over. You're more than welcome to come with me. Or stay here, if you end up here more than just today."

Mamoru looked away, then nodded.

"Whatever you wish, Ken."

In truth, he didn't really want to see Umi. Not after the fight they'd had. And a "Metric shitton" of Ayas didn't sound fantastic, either.

Ken opened his mouth to say something, but a quick flurry of notes from his pocket interrupted him. There was no hesitation as he pulled his phone from his pocket, frowning as he noticed the paging number. Glancing over at Mamoru, he dialed into his private mailbox, his grumpy face stilling into something that Mamoru had seen many times in the past. Business was business.

"I've got to gear up and head out in a few."

Mamoru watched it all with unreadable eyes, nodding.

"I understand."

"... someone kidnapped a child. They found her and we're going after the bastard that did it. I can't call this one off, but... please. Be here when I get back, if you can. I've really missed you and I want to be able to see you again before you leave."

"I'll stay here." It was the most he could offer.

Already in mission mode, Ken nodded briskly before stepping towards the bedroom, already working to get what he needed for work. The next time Mamoru saw him, he was in his full gear, all dark and ominous. He spared a quick glance at Mamoru before he was out the door.

[ooc: Timeskip until after the mission?]

Ken would find Mamoru on the couch, a book in his hand and a cat curled up on his lap when he got home. True to his word, he hadn't left, merely chilled with Bandit and Gent while Ken was off rescuing kidnapped girls.