maskormenacelogs | FEB CATCH-ALL

Entry tags:

FEB CATCH-ALL

WHO: Kenzi & YOU
WHERE: Maurtia Falls (mostly)
WHEN: FEB
WHAT: Kenzi doing Kenzi things post CnC2020
WARNINGS: Alcohol, language, possibly some violence.

[A] THE RED BRANCH
[ Work on the Branch hasn’t made any progress due to spending most of the last month in an alternate version of the City. Was it alternate? Kenzi couldn’t be sure, the way events played out it could have been how things would have ended up if not for Atropos. All she knew was that she wasn’t herself -- she was herself but she wasn’t, it’s confusing.

In any case, Kenzi can be found in and around the Red Branch during the day and maybe during the evening. If it’s too cold or snowing outside she’s inside continuing cleanup. If it’s a clear day she can be found outside -- somewhere on the grounds -- cleaning up any trash she finds or working on getting the old sandpit back in serviceable order after Xellos blew it up. Thanks, Xellos.

Though she may not be cleaning, instead she might be working through a routine with a pair of truncheon either indoors or out. Or working on creating some smoke bombs fill with various colors.

Mostly she’s just trying to keep busy and not let her mind wander to thoughts of the City or a certain someone she may or may not have feelings for. ]

[B] GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN (OPEN; ANY CITY THAT ISN’T JEOPARDY)
[ Kenzi can be found in the bars and clubs in any of the cities; flirting, drinking, hustling some guys at pool if there happens to be a table, and dancing. She back from vacation and not letting the fun train come to a stop. Not yet, anyway.

She might also be found in a cafe or diner, window shopping, or just chilling on a bench. She likely has Sir Apple, the cat-sized green and pink fairy dragon, with her. Having him around garners a bit of a crowd, usually children, so she can’t be too hard to miss. ]

[C] IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES…
[ The funny thing about suddenly have ten years’ worth of new experiences in her head is that she’s a much better fighter now. Sure, she no longer has telekinesis to fall back on but her physical skills have been honed. And while her body isn’t used to the movements, her mind knows what to do so it’s just a matter of training.

After a few days, she decides to see what she can do out on the streets at night. Her plan is to locate any drug dealers, knock them out, take any money they have on them, and then leave them for the cops. She’s dressed from head to toe in black, with a loose hooded jacket made from the material Oliver had given her, goggles and a facemask covering most of her face, and her hair braided and pinned back beneath her hood. She initially intended to make herself a full outfit from the material Oliver had given her but then she was ‘ported out and her powers changed making it impossible for her to create the outfit.

Maybe she’s up on a roof keeping a lookout for the activity she’s after. Or maybe she’s in the middle of kicking some butt and looks like she might need a bit of help. Either way, drop in? ]

WILDCARD
[ If you’re looking for something else feel free to drop it here or HMU at

rubberspaceducky. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Shit.

Kenzi shoots a little glare at Violet. She'd managed to forget about that critter after it, along with Gabriel, have been around so much as of late.

"Yeah," she responds, doing her best to try to turn her face away so he can't see the bruising along her jawline. Her lips are a little harder to hide, though to swelling has had time to go down.

"Oh, thanks." She's not about tell him he doesn't need to worry about cleaning since he is staying there. "I'm fine, just tired. I didn't get much sleep."

Now she almost regrets not staying at Joker's hideout. At least if she had she could have gotten more sleep and, at a decent time, stopped by a shop and grabbed some make-up to cover up with before returning.

"Mn."

He stares at her blearily, "...You want something to eat? Is it too late for humans to eat?" He has nowhere else to go to ease that pain but...

Well. Lucifer was right to talk about trying to get out more, trying to get out and be kind to people. Trying to be less about his own pain.

His eyes open wider and he stares at her.

"What in heaven's name happened?"

"Do we actually have anything around that isn't left over pizza?" She tries to keep her tone light.

They might have electricity and all that good stuff now, but the kitchen is still not seeing much use because Kenzi isn't a cook. It's easier to just order some takeout or buy premade meals that can be popped into the microwave or oven.

"Huh? What?" Despite her trying to act clueless one hand slips away from Sir Apple so she can make an attempt at covering her face.

"I bought some vegetables and put them in your fridge. I also brought waffles. I discovered them the other day and they may be...one of the greatest things human beings have created."

And he stops, and stares at her hand. It's not about your feelings. It's not about your feelings. Put it aside, put your worry aside...

His throat works.

"...Let me make you some waffles."

Speaking of vegetables. "Did Sir Apple get his dinner?" And it's probably about time for his breakfast.

When he doesn't push about what happened she lets her hand drop, though still tries to keep that side of her face hidden.

"Waffles sound great. I need to change out of this dress and do something about my hair though." She's still wearing the dress she left in and her curly hair, which had been well maintained before she left, is not a somewhat tangled poofy mess. She doesn't plan to straighten it, that's too much work, but she'd like to do something about it. Not to mention she can take a moment to cover up the evidence of the Joker's more violent impulses.

She starts for the den, making sure to pass by Gabriel with her unbruised side in view.

He can see it and his common sense - fucking heaven his angelic side kicks into gear before he sighs.

"...Kenzi."

He inhales. Don't ask. Don't ask. Do not. ask.

"...What do you want on your waffles?" There's no way that he's not going to ask. He just has to broach it at the right moment because his chest hurts looking at the poor girl. And it's not his corporation being defective. He's lost too many people for it to not be...well. Not to recognize it. It's concern.

So he moves to the kitchen and starts up the waffle maker and - to get creative - takes some of the fruits and vegetables he brought - and then meat. Could I have ever imagined cooking?

It might be terrible.

Waffles at least are easy. He puts them in the toaster oven and then gets out the syrup, setting them on dishes for when she arrives.

"What do you want for Sir Apple?"

She knows he's going to ask but she's going to do her best to hide it. It's not that she's ashamed, well maybe a little, rather she just doesn't want to talk about it. It stirs some complicated emotions in her that she'd rather just ignore.

"The standard of syrup and butter will be fine. But if we got any strawberries or blueberries those would be nice."

Sir Apple chases after Gabriel while Kenzi escapes to the bedroom to locate something comfortable to change into before slipping off to the bathroom. The little dragon hops up onto the counter and sits watching him, tilting his head in response to the question.

For the second time in so many hours, she takes a moment to assess the damage done to her. Now that the bruising has had time, it looks even worse. She sighs and cleans up, taking the time to make sure the bruising on her face is covered before joining Gabriel in the kitchen.

"Everything ready?" It's been nearly thirty minutes since went into the bathroom.

"Waffles and blueberries. Waffles and strawberries for me." His voice is quiet as he hands her a plate. It's well dressed but the waffles are frozen.

He looks pleased and offers Sir Apple food.

"...So."

He pauses, "How did your evening go?"

"Thanks!" Her response is cheerful until she takes a fork to the waffles. "Um, not to be ungrateful or anything but you're supposed to heat the waffles up first."

She's bad at cooking but this is taking things to a whole new level. She does her best to get everything she can off the waffles before putting them in the toaster oven and turning it on. "You gotta turn the dial like so and let it go until it dings. Though, sometimes it helps to keep an eye on 'em so they don't burn." She's surprising patient as she explains this, like she's done this more than once with others.

Sir Apple sniffs at the offered food before taking it and eating.

"It was good. Better than I expected actually." She didn't tell him that her date was with the Joker, just that she was going on a date.

Oh.

"You mean they'll taste even better?"

Wow okay yeah. This is why he likes you Kenzi. This is why he likes people and humans as he sits.

"...Yes how was that? I only went on dates in the other place." He doesn't like to think about it but, "I once took...my...wife to a very nice restaurant. They served these little...things? Salmon things."

He paused, "Were they supposed to punch you in the eye when that happened?"

"Most things taste better when cooked." She takes his plate so she can heat his up too once hers are done. She leans against the counter, turning to face him while she waits on the toaster over. He might notice a bit of light bruising around the base of her wings, but it's not nearly as dark as the bruise on her face (or hip).

"Haven't found anyone here to go on dates with, yet?" She tilts her head as he describes the food that he was served. "That's a little vague."

Without thinking about it she gently touches her jaw where the bruising is now hidden by her make-up, frowning. "Did someone punch you in the face? 'Cuz that's not, like, standard practice from a date."

He stares at her with a look that clearly says I know. Before it dissolves.

He wants to try.

"I haven't found anyone to go on a date with, no. I'm-" He swallows hard, "I...I am having a hard time deciding what I want. And what I want to be to others." His features soften, "As for being punched it the face, I was a very important person. I normally had a bodyguard though.

Thank Her will for Luther and Allison being okay with me however. It's - it's brought us closer. you three are probably my closest friends."

"Well, that's kind of part of dating. You just kinda go on a bunch of first dates, get to know other people, and from there you can figure it out." She shrugs. "Like, you don't have to only go on a date with someone you're already with."

Her date had certainly been a good example of that. She never would have thought of going out anywhere with the Joker if he hadn't asked. And oddly enough it'd been enjoyable.

She nods slowly, right, he would have had a bodyguard or two in the other world. "They're two of the Hargreeves, right? I've only met Diego." She frowns. Their date, thanks to the charity auction, had been fun but then he disappeared shortly after. Just her luck.

Edited 2020-03-06 22:41 (UTC)

"They worked for me. They love each other very much." His look was conspiratorial as he leaned in close, smirking, "Though they won't admit it to each other I think. Or it's family love. I'm..."

He stares at his hands.

"I'm unsure."

He rubs a hand on the back of his head, "...I haven't been on any dates. I've just made lists. Of what I didn't like - and how badly I was hurt by my-by Lilith." He looks away for a moment before spooning waffle into his mouth, "...It's a big decision. I want someone I can take care of and who will take care of me. Who will be fine with it...not being forever."

Kenzi turns back to check on her waffles, scowling at how long the toaster oven is taking.

"I wouldn't know, not knowing them after all." But if she ever met them she'd be able to figure it out pretty good, she's usually good at picking up on stuff about other people.

She remains turned away in order to hide her expression when he talks about what he wants. The familiar tight constriction of her chest and the lump in her throat begin to form. She quickly swallows it down and tries to keep her tone light when she responds.

"That's all anyone wants. But," she turns back to him, "it's only a big decision if you're looking for someone to spend a long time on or settle down with. Dating doesn't have to be serious, it can be fun. I mean, look at me, I've gone on..." She trails off to count off on her finds, "at least seven dates since I returned back in October and they were all fun but nothing serious."

They weren't serious because you wouldn't let them be, she reminds herself. Because she's not looking to replace Hale and doesn't want to deal with the pain of loss again.

Edited (*words*) 2020-03-06 22:55 (UTC)

"...And you were on a date tonight."

His voice is quiet, watching her watching the toaster oven looking a little like a dog watching an owner cry, that concern wells up in his chest again.

"...I had fun. With my-with Lilith. I just...I don't know I'd like someone I could talk to or tell stories to or-"

He hesitates.

"Kenzi are you okay?" He can't hold it in anymore, "I'm trying to respect your privacy here, but I can tell something happened."

He swallows, "You can tell me. I won't tell anyone."

"I was." She responds in an even tone like the fact that it is.

"Well, then, you gotta talk to people. Ask someone out to coffee or tea, it doesn't have to be a dinner or lunch. Just some kind of activity you can talk with them and get to know them a little." Dinner is a good chance for that too but sometimes people feel like meeting in a cafe is more casual.

Is she okay? She almost laughs in response to the question, she hasn't been okay for a long time. She almost responds with her usually 'I'm fine' but he says he can tell something happened. He probably won't accept the lie.

She sighs, "The evening took an...ineresting turn. That's all."

The toaster oven finally dings, causing Kenzi to startle, her wings flaring up a tiny bit. She quickly turns around and busies herself with fixing up her food.

An interesting turn. His nostrils perk up at the waffles and he smiles softly - but then lowers his gaze.

"...And you're okay."

He pauses, staring at his hands, "As long as you tell me that, I'll believe it. Because I trust you. I just-"

His chest hurts and he thinks. Ask someone out to coffee or tea. Dinner or Lunch.

He stares at the waffles and his own plate, looking at Sir Apple with a smile, and then back at her."

"I know things are tough right now, but I just want you to know...I care about you a lot. And not just because I'm an angel. But you and-I care."

There. That seems to work.

"Just a few bruises." He already saw that much so she might as well tell him the truth but how does she word it? "Before you get upset they're from a bit of fun. Not, like, 'cuz he was trying to hurt me." Which isn't entirely true. He was certainly aiming to cause some pain, just not necessarily to her.

She doesn't move to join him once everything is replated, she slips up onto the counter and digs in.

"I know." She smiles softly at him. "I care about you too."

"I'm not upset! Am I upset? Do-" He holds up a hand to calm himself, "I'm sorry. It's not my business. I just..."

He sighs, "I know I just sort of fell into your life, and I've been sleeping here so much but after getting sucked into that dimension...You're the first person who hasn't made me feel like I've made a huge mistake with...like my whole existence hasn't been a huge mistake. I want to make sure you keep feeling that way but..."

He breathes, slowly. Very slowly.

"Nothing is certain for humans in this world or any world. You deserve better then you're getting. From everyone.

So many people do here. Jane and Allison and Luther and Kenzi.

He comes to a decision at that.

"Let me do something nice for you."

"I just didn't want you to get upset over it." He might not have seemed upset before but now he kind of does.

"It's fine, I'm not used to living alone anyway." Though that does make her wonder about her time before. She'd been living in an apartment in this same city but for the life of her can't remember living with someone else, which is strange for her.

"Speaking of, did you decide which room you want upstairs?" Just so he's off her couch so she can have it back.

She can't help the snort in response to her deserving better. If she deserved better wouldn't her boyfriend still be alive? Wouldn't she still be alive?

"What do you have in mind?" She likes people doing things for her so she's not going to try to talk him out of doing something nice.

"...I'll take the one at the top of the stairs." He relaxes, "...Better then being in government housing. And it's still in Maurita and I..."

His lips press together, trying to think, "...Let's - have lunch tomorrow. I mean it's already tomorrow but let's...let's get a TV and you can show me those movies. Or I'll tell you stories."

He hesitates, "I like telling stories. But I found this great place that makes really good ...tubes. With meat. And sauces and onions. And cheese. And sometimes beans." He smiles, "I'll get some. Because you deserve the best."

She nods, "A'ight. We'll have to get you some furniture to fill the space, bed first." Maybe they could do that too while they're out.

"Lunch on you, okay." And then he describes what he has in mind and her brow furrows. "Do you mean hotdogs?"

She doesn't have anything to say about getting a TV, that's been on the list of things to get. One to set up in the bar area and another for the den.

"I'll buy the TV. Or at least, one of them. Two of them. I keep most of my salary for clothing and for Violet." he pauses, "...It's the least I can do for you hosting me."

The jackalope, reminding everyone of his presence. Hopping up on the counter, Gabriel moves to take a bite of his waffle and scratch the creature.

"No. There's a coating on the outside...you know what I'll just bring you one. Trust me. You'll like them."

She grins when he offers to buy the TV. "Oh, I'm gonna pick the biggest bestest one out then." And TVs in this world are so much better than the ones back home.

"Ooooh, corny dogs." She can't help but be amused that he doesn't know what certain foods are called.

"So lunch and shopping, sounds like a great date." She grins as she continues to dig into her breakfast.

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