CATCH-ALL FOR MAY

[khajidont]

WHO: Jaime Reyes & company - and maybe YOU!
WHERE: All over!
WHEN: All month!
WHAT: Doing stuff! Which is to say - domestic bullshit for Jaime (shopping, taking care of the dog, mechanic work), superhero bullshit for Blue Beetle (patrolling, fighting baddies, probably eating on rooftops!)
WARNINGS: None anticipated. Do you want something? I'd be delighted to write your a starter! Either make your own starter here, PM me, or contact me on plurk @ WISDOMBITCH.

Comments

TERRA

[khajidont]

[ The Blue Beetle knows what his job is. He doesn't care much about petty criminals, those who are breaking laws without really hurting people - people crossing the border, kids stealing a toy here or there, druggies hurting nobody but themselves. There's no point to it. All it does is make him look like an enemy, and frankly, it feels like preying on the weak. He'll stick to the big crimes, the accidents, the people who just need a little hand here and there.

But understanding that people who are stealing are doing so out of necessity doesn't change the fact that it's the small business owner or the minimum wage worker that suffers. It means that while he won't descend upon a thief as the Blue Beetle - that sends the entirely wrong message - blue-collar born and bred Jaime Reyes is well within his rights to look askance at a shoplifter. When he spots Tara swiping something at the grocery store - he didn't catch what, specifically, but it wasn't something frivolous as far as he could tell - he's quick to stride up to her with his buggy and a smile. ] Hey! We met at that whole techno-rodeo Swear-In, didn't we? Nice to see you again.

shit it's th cops

[taraincognita]

[she's only just slipped the granola bar into her backpack pocket when jaime walks up to her, and tara jolts a little bit, startled. she looks up at jaime, defiant and just a little bit anxious.]

Yeah, uh. Yo.

[she looks at his eyes, intensely. what do you know???]

Didn't know you lived around here.

BETTER RUN

[khajidont]

Yup. I mean, all of us only live in one in four places, so we run into each other like this pretty often, [ Jaime points out with a chuckle, as if they're having a nice, friendly conversation. While they talk, he cards through the granola boxes on the shelf, reaching into the back until he comes across one that's been torn open a little bit on the side.

That must be the one. Wordlessly, he grabs the box and drops it into his basket. ] Is this where you were assigned, or did you move in with some friends?

[taraincognita]

[she notices him take the box of granola bars. her expression doesn't change, but her face goes pink. fuck.]

I dunno. I move around a lot. You know. No reason to settle down.

DIABLO

[khajidont]

[ Jaime had talked a big game about moving out, but one thing led to another - including one big sleep that he'd rather not talk about to anyone, thank you very much - and he wound up sticking around, for at least a little bit longer. And then Diablo messaged him about the possibility of moving in, and... well, Jaime decided that in the end, Diablo was the sort of guy who was worth keeping an eye on. He doesn't think that Diablo's up to anything fishy, frankly, but he's never quite sure what he's up to, or where the two of them stand.

If nothing else, it'll be an interesting experience. He's done just about everything in this house, from rooming with complete strangers to best friends, and now it's time for an odd space in-between. While he waits for Diablo to arrive (he's offered to help move some of his stuff; however little there may be, he's going to stick around just in case), he putters around the house, tidying things up a little and wondering exactly how this is going to go. ]

[arsiento]

[ It had been somewhat impulsive, mentioning the idea of moving to Jaime, but-- frankly, even when Diablo thought it over again afterward, it still didn't seem like the worst solution to both their respective problems. Jaime's alone now for missing his family, and Deadshot's gone, too... the latter Diablo can mostly handle, but he's grown to like Jaime enough by now to be vaguely concerned about how he'll cope with having his parents here for as long as he did before losing them again.

Thankfully, the move itself is pretty easy for Diablo; he shows up at Jaime's house with his snake Malina draped over his shoulders and carrying a duffle bag under one arm.

After knocking: ]

Qué pasa, Jaime. [ He'll just linger in the doorway rather than entering yet, though. ] You sure it's cool if I stay here?

[khajidont]

I'd let you know if it wasn't. If it wasn't you, some other person would just move in instead, right?

[ And Diablo's a known entity, at the very least. He might be up to some shady stuff every now and then - though he's shown no indication of doing so, beyond his appearance and demeanor; he doesn't seem to have any reason to re-engage with a lifestyle he's left behind - but at least Jaime knows him. He's gotten lucky with roommates thus far, but he's known those who have been roomed with people who are wildly erratic, or worse: able to appear completely normal while engaging in horrible crimes behind closed doors.

No. Living with Diablo will probably be pretty decent, for the best of them. He can't, however, help eyeing Malina. ]

I, uh, didn't know you were bringing a snake with you though. Is it... safe? I got a dog kicking around here.

[arsiento]

Yeah, maybe. I don't really know that much about all that.

[ That seems to be the way it goes, but if he's being honest... Diablo even now hasn't really met his own (now former) housemates more than a handful of times, because he so adamantly prefers to spend his time sitting alone -- usually in darkness -- or outside taking advantage of his freedom.

So to say he doesn't have the most nuanced or accurate grasp on the matter would be fair.

Still, he understands Jaime's point enough to nod; it is why Diablo's here in the first place, after all. He's casting a neutral-though-vaguely-dubious glance around what of the house he can see over (and behind) Jaime from right there in the doorway, but then looks back down at Jaime when he inquires further about Malina. She eyes Jaime back, tongue darting inquisitively. ]

It's cool, I'll get a tank set up. [ He has one, but he'll probably just get one here rather than lug the whole thing down from Nonah ] And she don't go nowhere without me anyway. You ain't scared of snakes though, right?

don't mind if i do

[siriusly]

[there's quite a great deal of domestic bullshit for Manabu to deal with, starting from square one the way he is. this go-around, though, he has the experience and know-how to avoid the kitschy tourist shirts here in Heropa.

it...............................................dramatically decreases clothing options. so...so maybe he'll just worry about that back in Nonah. there's plenty else on the list to tackle.

like Heropa itself. how much can change in two years? considering he first came to this world right on the cusp of HIVE's rise and mayhem, he figures things play a bit faster and looser than planets he's seen before.]

Haah? [he stops in the middle of the sidewalk, whipping his head in the direction he caught a shadow blaze by his peripheral. shielding his eyes from the sun, he squints up to spot the source and sees a familiar black-and-blue shape whizzing by.

his mouth quirks. it's nice to see some familiWHUMPH] GYAH!!

[there are consequences to stopping in the middle of a busy sidewalk.]

EXCELLENT >) also lmk if you had jaime hitting him in mind or someone else; I went w the latter!

[khajidont]

Ohmigod.

[ All Jaime sees from below is someone just whaling on some poor sap below. Jaime's seen a lot of crime in his day, but normally it makes more sense than a fight seeming to break out spontaneously beneath him, but there's a first for everything. He changed direction in mid-air and zips down, landing with his arms crossed as he begins: ] Hey, break it up! What do you think you're --

[ And then he sees who was hit. He looks Manabu up and down slowly. It's been a long time, and many imPorts have come and gone since Manabu was here, but he doesn't forget hitting someone by accident that easily. Is that really him...?

Then, of course, all he can say is, ] Oh.

THAT IS PERFECTLY FINE punch him whenever u want the power is urs

[siriusly]

[sweet, blessed freedom from manhandling. while his accidental attacker, freed from the spell, recoils and begins babbling hysterically to Jaime and the crowd and literally anyone around them, Manabu starts gets up, hand covering his nose.

there's a wincing look exchanged with the guy in blue before Manabu's ducked his head and shouldered past him and the confused collection of people, his shoulders shrugged up against shouted apologies and half-baked accusations while he quickly hoofs it between buildings for some space.

first of all: this is insanely humiliating. second: he doesn't want gawkers watch him pinch his nose back into place to let it heal. third: he was onl--] Aaaugh, no...

[he grimaces at all the blood on his gloves.] Come on...

I WILL, HAPPILY

[khajidont]

[ Jaime stays behind for a couple of minutes, reassuring the poor man who punched Manabu (who looks, to be frank, like he's been more traumatized by this than Manabu) before getting past the now tittering crowd over to where Manabu is. ]

Hey! Are you okay? If that's broken, we probably need to get you to a, uh... hm.

[ How would someone clean him up without hurting him more? ]

Well, this is a pickle.

some supermarket in some city

[itssacrifice]

[Andrew pushes his shopping cart down an aisle stocked with refrigerated goods kept in cooling shelves, stopping every couple of steps to inspect the merchandise and toss yogurt, lunch meat, and a carton of eggs into the cart. Over the last two months he's fallen into a routine and has more or less gotten used to his surroundings. He's even managed to meet a few people he tentatively considers friends.

He's gotten a semblance of a life going, but still it wasn't so long ago that he had just arrived here, which is why he doesn't take him long to recognize Jaime when he sees him crossing into a different aisle ahead. He follows after him, glad to see one of the first people he ever spoke to as a new arrival.]

Jaime! Fancy running into you again. [Andrew pushes his cart up besides Jaime so they're standing next to each other.] How have you been? Not ravaged by children from the looks of it.

sounds good!!

[khajidont]

Oh, hey! Uh, no, not today - not yet, anyway. They're usually kept a little better in line in the grocery store, [ Jaime says, looking Andrew over and then, of course, looking over his cart. It's filled with all the sorts of healthy foods he tells other people to eat, good, fresh ingredients that require some transformative effort in the kitchen.

He then turns his attention to his own cart which is, put frankly, filled with crap. Good, instant meals for nights where you're too lazy to cook which, for Jaime, is starting to be every night. He has to laugh a little at himself, mostly to keep other people from laughing at him first, and rubs at the back of his neck. ] I'm doing okay, but your cart's making mine look bad! It looks like you've settled in here okay, huh?

sorry for the lateness!

[itssacrifice]

That's only when their mothers are watching, I'm sure. Keep on your guard. [He chuckles. It had been nice getting to play with the kids and he hopes that maybe he can do it again one of these days when he has some free time.

He notices Jaime eyeing his cart and follows his gaze from one cart to the next. The state of the other man's cart makes Andrew feel physical pain as he takes in all the instant meals.] Please tell me that's not all you eat on a daily basis.

[And then he'll lean over and begin taking a handful of instant meals out of Jaime's cart and setting them aside.] You'll thank me later. Dinner's on me tonight and I'll teach you some things. Follow me.

[And he begins pushing his cart down the aisle.

If Jaime is tempted to grab his instant meals back while Andrew isn't looking he'll receive a very stern "Don't even think about it" from the blond man who is still facing away.]

no worries! I'm slow too

[khajidont]

Hey! It's not on a daily basis, it's just - sometimes!

[ Lately. He goes in spurts; when there are plenty of people around, he cooks. He knows how to now, better than he did before. But when there aren't as many people around... well, instant noodles and boxed mac and cheese and Hungry Man it is. And hey, canned chili is good for you, right? It's got beans. Beans have all that good protein in it.

Totally legit, which is to say, he gives up after Andrew scolds him. Technically, he's an adult, and he should do whatever the hell he wants, but acquiesence to a firm voice provided it doesn't go against his morality has always been one of Jaime's weaknesses. ]

Don't tell me you never pig out sometimes!

Heropa #15, 5/6

[lempereur]

[ A soldier dropped him at the door of his new home, wished him luck, and walked off.

As if this was all so everyday and simple.

Yusuke stands outside the door for a few minutes, his hands rubbing against his forehead as if trying to massage away a thousand nasty thoughts. Why him? Why this world? What cruel gods would strand him in a world he couldn't escape from with only a pencil and paper?

After an aggressive, heavy sigh, he opens the door, not sure what to expect. He just knows he wasn't expecting someone to already be there. ]

Uh...hello.

[khajidont]

[ It's been a while since anyone new had moved in, and frankly, Jaime had himself half-convinced that the government had forgotten about his place and was just leaving him well enough alone. When Yusuke steps in, he's treated to the sounds of the television playing in the background - some space opera, it seems - that suddenly comes to a halt as soon as Jaime realizes that he's not alone.

He pads around the corner, peering curiously at the guy standing in the doorway. ] Uh, hi! Man, I wish that we at least got a letter when someone new gets assigned here.

[ He steps further into the hallway, looking Yusuke over with an easy smile. ] I'm assuming that you got assigned here, anyway. Most robbers aren't so polite.

[lempereur]

Yes.

[ Yusuke is looking around, absorbing the details of the house. It looks normal, more normal than anywhere he'd lived, even. It was just overwhelming, being so complete with confusion for the first time since...well, it was worse that the pact with his Persona, at least then, he knew for sure what needed to be done.

But now that he was here, he had no way of knowing what was next. ]

I'm sorry, I'm being rude. [ Yusuke tucks a strand of hair behind his ear and bows slightly. ] My name is Yusuke Kitagawa. I am told I am to stay here.

[deadkord]

[ When Jaime gets home one afternoon, he'll find he has a surprise guest. Ted is loitering in his backyard, tossing a ball for B.B. to chase. Unlike most of the times that Ted brings their dog by, there was no text or phone call predating his just showing up uninvited. Hope you weren't busy today, Jaime! ]

[khajidont]

Oh! Hi, Ted!

[ Jaime is, predictably, just coming home from work when he sees Ted in his yard. He's finished school, so that's really all he does now, he's found - he's officially graduated to the life of an adult, and while he doesn't feel there's too much to recommend it, he enjoys not having to be in school anymore.

He drops his toolbox by the fence, unclipping the top of his worksuit to loop the arms around his waist (he's wearing a t-shirt underneath it, but it gets hot) and bends over to greet BB, grinning as he sprints towards him. ]

You should have said you wanted some BB time in. I would've dropped him off for you!

[deadkord]

Hey Jaime. Sorry for letting myself in, but I figured you'd be home soon, anyway.

[ He chucks the ball for the dog again, who tears off after it, barking enthusiastically as he runs. ]

Oh, don't worry about it. I needed to get out of the house before Bruce forcibly removed me, at batarang-point.

[ Someone is enjoying his new digs almost as much as he's enjoying some casual, friendly Batman tormenting. ]

[khajidont]

[ Hey, do you know what's fun? If you said literally nothing, you'd be right! People keep leaving, and stuff keeps happening, and Jaime isn't really sure what he's doing anymore, or why, which leaves only one last option: work it off with someone who knows how this crap goes.

In other news, making new art is highly overdue. Not long after Jaime texted him to ask if he's free, Will will see a battered old Volkswagon (blue, of course) putter up to his door, dragging a damaged looking Segway behind it. He hops out of his car, drags the Segway onto the sidewalk, then, cupping his hands around his mouth, yells, ] Hey, Will!

[ He then digs his hand into the bucket of glitter he brought out with him, and tosses it into the air. ]

Art!

[ The glitter falls directly on top of him, sticking to his eyelashes and his unruly mop of hair, because nothing goes as planned for Jaime, but Will probably won't make it out in time to hear Jaime mutter, ] oh my god, it's in my eyes, why does it always get in my eyes.

[infomodder]

[A few raccoon faces appear at the window to watch Jaime Reyes deal with his glitter catastrophe. A hamster in a running ball is even lifted up to see what the big fuss is about. He has an audience, and that audience remains even after Will comes around the corner from the back yard, dressed down in muddied khaki shorts and an undershirt. He stops to take in the sight, cracks a smile, and then walks over with, of course, Gunther in tow.]

Are you the canvas this time?

[Because if so then he's definitely going to just be glittery and sweet and not, like, horribly mangled and put on display like Will's human art usually tends to be. He can CHANGE HIS STYLE OK!]

[khajidont]

I don't think I'd make a very good model! Also, I don't know how, like, human art works.

[ Which is to say, he's bad at standing still, hates being stared at, and would have absolutely no idea how to pose. No, that sounds like an avant garde nightmare. A segway on the other hand... that he can desecrate, quite happily. He gestures towards it. ] Ta-daaaa. You wanna wreck this with me? I brought a crowbar!

[ Then, more quietly as he crouches, ] Hi Guntherwhosagoodboyyesyouareit'syou.