savetheearth | 02

[Killian's at home today, on his laptop yet again. He's in the living room, and the observant might notice that the apartment is clean if obviously in a poor part of town.]

Okay so. I've....got a problem.

[It's very obvious that he doesn't want to ask for help but dammit, those statues are worrisome and so are all those damn cops.]

There are funny pink snake things about four blocks south of where we live, which that one guy already mentioned but, like I said, I live near them. This puts my mother in danger, and as far as I know she's perfectly normal. She's done nothing to be put in danger except, apparently, have me and I need to get her out of this part of town. Problem is...[he sighs] We're flat ass broke. She's got an okay job that could get her a place in a safer part of town, but only a one bedroom.

[He sighs again, scrubbing a hand over his face]

I need a job. And a place to live that I can afford. I was going to hit up the mall or something but thinking about it...that might be risky if this dangerous shit keeps happening. So...if anyone's hiring--for anything at all, I don't have a degree yet but I just need to take a test or something since I was homeschooled--or if anyone has a place they're willing to rent, please let me know. I don't care where it is, just so long as it's cheap. I turn eighteen next Friday, if that's a problem.

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[Xander sounds pretty stuffy, as if he was suffering from a cold.]

I... can offer temporary place [Sniff.] of residence until you get yourself situated. ...That is if you don't mind dealing with two cats.

[...now that's a familiar face. It takes Nick a minute to place it, especially since he wasn't expecting to see him on the network, but once he does, he can't help but reply.]

The only jobs I could suggest would probably just put you in more danger. But I've got an apartment I'm almost never at, if you need a place until you find something more permanent.

I've never dealt with--hey, are you okay? You sound like shit.

I might. I'm a bit "eh" about not having a solid place if I want to get Mom to leave but I can't be too picky I think.

Yeah, I'm fine. [Another sniff.] Just dealing with a cold.

[It was his own fault though for letting himself get hit by a monster's attack several times. He's also trying not to cough while on the network.]

Well, one of them tends to be [Slight cough, but it's muffled.] rather affectionate and the other one won't bother you.

As far as I know I'm not allergic to cats, so cats aren't a problem. Where do you live?

That's good to know. [There's another sniff.] I can give you the street intersections and meet you there, if you want.

[Sorry Killian, he's being kind of cautious with letting out personal information on the network. Better safe than sorry.]

Sure. Someone else has offered their place, too, and I want to weigh what other options come in. If any other options come in. I can't be too picky.

All right. [He'll be listing the street intersections by his apartment.]

I guess I'll see you in a bit.

Yeah. Assuming I don't get eaten by those snake things.

[He won't, obviously. But still]

Be careful.

[Those are his only words of advice before he's outside, waiting for Killian. He's bundled up quite a bit and has a scarf covering the lower half of his face. He doesn't want to get his guest sick.]

[Killian's there, bundled up though not quite as much.]

Xander?

[He can't remember if he's seen the man's face before or not. He's bad with faces either way]

Hi.

[There's a unlikely chance that he has, since the only video footage he put on the network was when he was showing off his shadow mimicry ability and he made sure not to show his face in that.

He raises a hand in greeting before gesturing him to follow him. He stifles a cough and keeps moving.]

...We're not very far from the apartment.

[Killian follows, looking around as he tries to figure out what sort of area this part of town is.]

Cool. It's just you and your cats?

[It's a decent area with a few stores scattered about.]

Yes.

[He even nods, before clearing his throat. Might as well get some details out of the way.]

There's only one bedroom, but I have a sofa that can double for a bed.

Hey, I'm not picky. It's probably better than some of the hotel beds I slept in as a kid. Are any of the places that are hiring around here safe?

[For numbered people, he means]

I can assure you [Sniffle.] that it probably is.

[He digs out his keys to get the front door open to the apartment complex and pauses briefly.]

...It's a little hard to answer that question right now. We can discuss when we get inside.

[He gets the door open and holds it out for Killian, motioning with his head to go ahead.]

Did you want to take the elevator or the stairs?

Elevator. I'm not sure you could breath if we took the stairs.

[That gets a brief laugh out of him before it turns to a few coughs. Once he manages to compose himself, he speaks.]

...All right then.

[He's not going to argue and presses the button to summon the elevator.]

Have any plans for your birthday?

[He shrugs, shoving his hands in his pockets and looking down]

Not really. Can't afford it.

[His mom would probably splurge on a pizza or something, though. She usually did, despite being broke. Some kids might be bothered by that, but it was just a fact of life for Killian.]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[He was quite genuine with that. When the elevator arrives, he moves to step inside and hold the door for Killian. He presses the button for his floor.]

If you want, I could make something for the occasion. [Another sniffle.] That is if I'm feeling better by then.

theres someone who has a safe house on here if it helps.

Maybe, but Mom won't go if I don't have an actual place to stay. Safe house probably won't cut it.

[As he heads into the elevator, Killian sort of becomes more guarded. He doesn't like charity like that.]

It's fine. It's not like it's my twenty-first, anyway. Then I might take you up on it, if it was free booze.

[He pulls back his hand and gives a nod, not commenting further on the subject. But, he does cross his arms together, just trying to keep himself warm a bit more.]

When we get to my apartment, watch out for a black Siamese cat. He might try to sneak out.

[The elevator comes to a stop and the doors open. Xander steps out and holds the door with his foot.]

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