[it would figure that cloud would get exactly zero heads up on whether the other rooms in the townhouse would get filled up by others. granted, he doesn't particularly care, nor has he been around too often to make an assessment of the situation; perhaps he should, but at this point it's too late to do anything but accept it happening.]
[this all stems from cloud having stepped out of his room and down the stairs into the kitchen, expecting to find the old rocker taking ownership of the couch—not a stranger, standing about, causing the blond to stiffen and halt his steps.]
[it takes a moment for him to force words out, past his usual awkwardness.]
...Johnny didn't mention any visitors.
[where the hell is he, anyway? cloud hesitates a moment before walking past the doorway, hugging the wall opposite the man who is now here. for once, he doesn't have a sword strapped to his back and is wearing something other than his uniform, but looks tense nonetheless—shoulders tight and back straight, eyeing v warily.]
[ Hearing footsteps on the stairs clues V in, gives him a brief heads up that his slice of quiet time without either of the old rockerboys around is tailing off into something else. Never know what the something else is going to be and maybe that's half the fun, but he's not going to tell them that. He's already turned about, one hand clutched around a cup destined for the coffee maker. ]
Uh--
[ The newcomer's not either of the people he'd been expecting, and maybe the fact his name hadn't featured every other step on the stairs should have been a big enough hint. Least the man seems to know who Johnny is, and for a second V's uselessly grappling with his admittedly unreliable brain to try work out if he knows what's going on here.
It's not a leap to arrive at two conclusions: either this is Johnny's night out spilling over to morning, or... ]
'm V. Guessin' Johnny forgot to mention me and Ker took one've the rooms upstairs?
[cloud should have figured, but at the same time, a heads up would have been welcome. this man, at least, seems a lot less boisterous than johnny. however cloud avoided the signs that showcased new housemates is beyond him—but, then again, his own perception of events isn't entirely the most reliable at times, and he's had other things to worry about.]
Cloud. [he offers by way of introduction.] My room's down the hall.
[lest there be any confusion as to what he's about... he stays where he is, though, watching the other.]
[ Muttered but audible enough to be heard, V's tone is a messy mix of strangely fond frustration. Like in some ways he's beyond glad of the fact Johnny's still around to irritate him. Doesn't make it any less annoying, but at least it's better than the black void he's been carrying around inside of him. ]
Yeah. Could say that. My input's--
[ He's had enough questions about what an input is now that he course corrects himself, cleaving his explanation in two in order to put it in more generic terms even if they don't roll off his tongue quite as naturally. ]
--boyfriend's been friends with Johnny for a long time. I've know 'im a shorter time but-- yeah, we're friends.
[ Trying to explain why they're so close isn't exactly first meeting material, so instead V lifts the cup he's been idly holding. ]
Coffee? Thought you were Johnny or Ker. Marginally better with caffeine at this time, both of 'em.
[of course they would be friends. johnny silverhand seems like the kind of man that does not like to surround himself with people—it feels like he's putting up with cloud, after he had been appointed to the very same townhouse, and he probably figured he might as well get some friends in to make up for it.]
[one could say that cloud has An Impression of johnny.]
Sounds good.
[it's a non-commital response to every other bit of information, agreeing, too, to the coffee. what people do and who they are to one another is none of his business, but there is a definite brunt of bashfulness in his voice.]
[cloud's not great at meeting new people.]
[he takes a seat at the counter, a careful glance at v.]
I get the impression mornings might not exist for them.
[ Huffing out an amused breath, V turns aside to fill the cup, careful to leave enough space for Cloud to top up with anything else. He's a black coffee kind of guy. Trying to add organic, real cream, it turns out, is a quick path to a stomachache. Probably because he's not used to it and he's not really thinking about where it came from. ]
Wouldn't be wrong. If they do, don't think they like 'em.
[ Sliding the cup across the breakfast bar towards the other man, V plucks up his own and takes a sip. Tastes like real coffee, not a synth version, and it's fast becoming one of his favorite things about this place. Fortunate since he's not been sleeping all that well since he arrived. ]
Where'ya from? Guessin' you worked out me, Johnny 'n Ker are from the same place.
[ Loosely speaking now that they're talking on a world scale instead of a state scale. Still blows his mind. ]
[cloud reaches for the cup, looking down at the dark liquid and doing nothing with it, waiting to catch his reflection past the ripples of movement. he can't remember having coffee before. for as old as he is, cloud strife is still pretty young, and some things he was left without the past few years.]
Gaia.
[it's easier to focus on speaking about things adjacent to himself, and only then does he look up at the other—hands around the cup.]
Most of the people I've run into are from a planet called Earth. [so he just assumes most everyone is from there—] Though not every Earth seems to be the same.
[by all means, it's not cloud's first time world-hopping. he brings the cup up to his lips to drink the coffee, but ultimately ends up sputtering at the taste. quickly, he tries to conceal as much by setting it down again and covering his mouth, looking away.]
[ Had he known to warn, V'd have done just that but assuming Cloud knows coffee's hot turns out to be the wrong place to land. It's the rapid change of subject that draws out a smile. He's not so bad at getting the measure of people and so far he's seen Cloud cling to the walls and offer up clumsy segues. Honestly, it's kinda refreshing. ]
A merc? Huh. Me too, how's that for coincidence?
[ He doesn't bother confirming that he's from Earth; seems like a moot point now. One that's wholly uninteresting in comparison to somebody who's not from Earth. ]
What's Gaia like? Merc biz make decent scratch?
[ Leaning casually up against a counter, V's body language is a decent enough summary if Cloud's any good at reading it; relaxed and open. Maybe it's on purpose; if this choom is on the flighty side, V doesn't want to make him uncomfortable in his own kitchen. ]
[cloud tries too hard to be cool, and it's good that people don't take him too seriously. either way, more than one merc in the scene is not unheard of (cloud thinks), but he's never really run into one.]
[well, whatever.]
It's decent enough. Don't really got anything tying me down, so any gig just helps me through to the next day.
[confident as he may speak about his experience, cloud has barely been a mercenary for more than a week, back in gaia. he thinks he knows what's up, what the business is about, but—really?—he's just figuring it out as he goes.]
[a hard stare at his coffee cup, and maybe he'll give it another try in a minute.]
Dunno what's something worth saying about Gaia. [that sounds like he hates it—] We got cities and towns all over, but the biggest of all is Midgar, where technology and opportunity abound.
[—and he tries the coffee again, this time more cautiously.]
[ The ultimate goal, in V's mind. It's not that he feels tied down by his people at all. In fact, he can't think of anything worse than being alone; without family, without friends. But they're like gravity. Keep his feet on the ground as the world spins so he doesn't get flung right off. ]
What kinda gigs d'you usually work?
[ V's own merc bow is strung with variety, but there are just some jobs he won't do. He's got no illusions about what and who he is; edgerunning pays well when you get to a certain level of reputation, but needless violence? He doesn't see the point in it. Easier said than done when you're stealthy, and that's exactly what he's been working on for years. Killing really is the last option in most cases. And those other cases? They had it coming. ]
Kinda sounds like Night City. 'cept Night City's a shithole.
[the word strikes a chord in cloud, has him frowning and pausing, thinking hard—he hadn't linked his work as a merc with it, but it sounds like it should be; like there's an intrinsic part of what he does that goes along with it. he opens his mouth to say something about it, but finds himself unable to, unsure of what exactly he would say.]
[—and so, instead, closes his mouth, a thin tight line and jaw tight as if trying to undo something he doesn't quite understand.]
[the taste of the bitter coffee is distracting enough, anyway. people willingly drink this?]
Hunting monsters, lost and founds. Bodyguard. [he thinks how it wouldn't be too cool to mention he's also rounded up orphans, or looked for a young girl's cats.] The occasional bombing gig.
Whatever has the right price.
[he isn't exceptionally picky. like v, killing hasn't been on cloud's repertoire, but he sure has come close to it. nevertheless—]
That's until you realize Midgar is not only what the eye can see. [leaning back, he decides he'll leave the coffee be.] The slums get the scraps of those who live above the plate. It isn't so great.
[—and then, a glance at the other man.]
Night City where you and Johnny [and the other friend] are from?
[ Later down the line, Cloud may learn that V isn't anywhere close to the epitome of cool. He's not trying to be, and though he's surrounded himself with people whose image is important to them for one reason or another, his own sense of image falls short.
He's just never valued it over and above getting a job done well, and maybe that's because he's never really had to. If he'd taken to heart what society said about the image of his people - of nomads - he'd be a lot angrier by default on any given day. Doesn't mean it's not a topic that gets him fired up though.
While Cloud explains the type of jobs he takes, V's doing a good job of downing the rest of his coffee and going back for more. Real, organic coffee beans over a synth imitation tastes incredible, and maybe that's a more physiological reason as to why he's been trying and failing to catch much sleep since he arrived. ]
Sounds like Night City all right. Corps got their claws sunk in so deep nobody was thinkin' there's a way out of it. People fight over the scraps that're left.
[ What V doesn't remember is that between him and Johnny, they had a hand in taking down one of the biggest corporations in Night City. ]
But nah. Not originally from there. Johnny's from Texas which is uh... different state. Guess you could say I'm from a little bit've everywhere. Born on the road and home was wherever my clan was.
Night City was where I ended up after that all fell apart. Could say I met Johnny there.
Don't know if I should feel better knowing it's the same crap in every dimension.
[but with the way humans are, is it ever really a wonder that there are those trying to execute power over others, in whatever flavor suits their own means best?]
[texas, huh. sure is a name for a place.]
[for all that v shares about the experience, cloud feels some amount of similarities with his own.]
...I'm from a mountain town called Nibelheim. Moved to Midgar when I was sixteen to join the military. [and holds a huge gap of warped memories since—] Started my merc gig and ran into a guy that reminds me of Johnny. His arm's a gun, though. Likes to wear sunglasses even at night.
[no shade on barret—cloud's come to appreciate him.]
Guess nobody either of us've met so far's got it all worked out.
[ It's not all that surprising, but V's a glass half full kind of guy and while he's got some strong opinions on corps not least because of what they've done to his people, he's not sorry that the world's full of all different kinds of people. Variety's the spice of life, or something. ]
You served?
[ V doesn't have the first clue about being in the military and he's not sure he wants to. War doesn't jive with his own personal philosophy, but all manner of nomads had a big hand in helping to rebuild afterwards. Maybe that's part of the reason it stung so much that they had their land taken from them by the corps and are still systematically discriminated against. Guess that's fucking gratitude for ya. ]
Never understood the shades all the time to be anythin' but a statement of image. 'cept with Johnny it's probably got somethin' to do with hangovers too.
[ And then, because he can't help but ask: ]
Whatdya think of 'im? [ There's a brief, almost knowing pause and then he adds: ] Uh, he prob'ly wouldn't disagree with anythin' you're thinkin' 'bout 'im either.
—by the time I made it there, the war had ended. There wasn't a need for heroes anymore. [the same old story he told tifa, his childhood friend, easily glossing past more truthful details.] The jobs we did were mostly to protect the company's interests.
[mako reactors, spread around the world to make the most of a natural resource that was to become privatized to make a few rich.]
[so, yeah, he worked for the guys he got hired to bring down with a few bombing missions. he won't really get into that, as the conversation shifts towards johnny and—boy—does cloud have an opinion of the man.
He acted like he didn't care about holding a conversation. Sounded like he hated it.
[leaning back on the stool, he holds on by the edge of the counter.]
Sure had many questions to ask. —he's making me hold his hand once a day, too. [ok, now it's starting to sound like he's bitching a little.] He doesn't trust I can manage on my own, but I'm not a loser.
[ It's a strange way to phrase things and maybe it's a misunderstanding of different cultures, but if anything V can think of a lot more examples of heroes specifically not involved in military combat.
He's never got any problem talking about subjects that might be a little more involved than something casual, but for now he's smirking a little at the other man's assessment of Johnny. ]
Mm-hmm. Sounds like 'im. Makes ya feel any better, he's like that with everybody. 'cept then he does shit like look out for ya by holdin' your hand.
[ The change V saw in Johnny in the time they'd known each other was admittedly huge. Trying to compare who he knows now to who he first met is difficult. But V's at least glad to hear that Johnny's making the effort to think about people other than himself. Warms his little merc heart. ]
[a monopoly on heroes...? who knows. cloud had a pretty specific idea of what a hero would be like, growing up. he can't imagine—hasn't envisioned yet—that being a hero is a card on the table for him at this rate.]
[one day at a time, after all. one merc gig leads to the other and so on, that way he'll ensure he'll survive, even if now the reason he keeps on is because he wants to chase after a man who is supposed to be dead. his thoughts would stray and linger on sephiroth, were it not for the conversation shifting indubitably into johnny territory—and cloud's expression pinches, as he considers something that is slightly less worrisome for his well-being than the greatest SOLDIER of all time.]
I got the picture.
[for all that cloud bitches about it, he's not entirely against the idea of johnny's stranger antics.]
Were you doing anything important before you got swept into this world?
[ The question's innocent enough and V thinks he knows that, but it's complicated in ways he's barely gotten his head around himself. Doesn't help that he doesn't remember things that he's been told he should.
His last memory is from a rooftop, fighting for his life. Other people's? From after that. After Mikoshi. The Crystal Palace, or just before.
Being open and honest isn't something he usually finds all that hard, but this feels raw still. And he doesn't want to see pity. ]
Uh, yeah. 'bout to take down a megacorp. 'pparently it worked though.
[ Those memories have just failed to resurface again. ]
["apparently it worked", which clues cloud in to the very real possibility that v has some friends that might just be from the future in reference to himself. he simply nods, not wanting to step on any toes unnecessarily.]
Stepping away from my world's megacorp.
[leaning back, he holds on to the edge of the counter for balance.]
Off to find someone.
[all of this information that might be a little too much to unload in one sitting of coffee that cloud can't exactly stomach. he tilts his head to the side, trying to feign disinterest.]
—you thinking of picking up gigs here as a merc?
[ V's good enough at reading social cues that as curious as he is, that avenue of conversation isn't one Cloud wants to explore. He can respect that. More than that; he gets it.
So without batting an eyelid he allows himself to be guided away from it, inhales deeply and raises his eyebrows. ]
'bout all I know how to do. I uh... been tryin' to get a rough idea of what this place is all about. Diggin' into parts of the city other gembonded aren't. Hard to know what's goin' on when the locals are this suspicious of us.
[ Not that it's in any way unfamiliar. In fact, the locals just seem a bit jumpy. Least they're not trying to drive him out because of what he is. ]
[it sounds like v has been doing more than cloud has bothered to, at this point. he frowns slightly, and wonders how much more exploring he needs to do for something like gathering intel—but at the same time, wasn't there enough to be done in what was available to them?]
[he never was the type to work in the shadows. it just gives him something to think about.]
Been busy handling some personal business. [like sephiroth, and co.] Though I'm sure there's plenty to work with in a city like this. Always is.
[ Oof. Personal biz. V thinks he needs a medal for not letting his curiosity get the better of him.
Nodding like he understands - personal biz has been pretty high up on his list too - he carries his empty cup over to the sink to wash it up. Let it never be said he doesn't clean up after himself... unlike their older housemates. ]
Some other people from my world... uh, or versions of my world are here that're mercs too. Might know more.
[it sounds like an odd thing to hear, but v doesn't seem all too frazzled by it other than having to clarify. figures maybe there is a lot more weirder stuff taking place in different universes than he gives it credit for.]
[anyway, too bad his own coffee will grow cold. cloud knows better for next time.]
Anyway, it's not like we're opening a business. Just gotta get our names out there. Wouldn't want to steal jobs from you or anything, though.
[ He still doesn't fully understand how it's possible, and while he seems chill about it on the exterior, internally he's still trying to find a foothold that feels stable enough to rest on. Not that he's floating in all this weird alone. Either way he doesn't expand on it, just turns to lean against the counter with wet hands and shrugs. ]
Never know; might end up workin' together one day.
[ V knows all about solos, about the people who prefer working alone. He's done it himself, but his preference is working with a partner. Jackie fits the bill for that but he's never one to close off options, ideas or opportunities for no reason. ]
[cloud doesn't think he would like that. the time difference shenanigans between himself and his friends (and not-friends) is already difficult enough to wade through at times.]
—yeah, somethin' like that. It's a big enough city anyway.
[he frowns and lingers on a thought for a moment, but then shakes his head, as if backing away from it altogether.]
You three know each other. [—v, kerry, johnny—] If you're sharing stuff here, like food and the like... [erm] I've never done this before [being a roommate] but I don't want to freeload.
[ He's accused of being soft way too much for it not to be true, and maybe it'd bother somebody else. But V's not the kind of man who gives a fuck about being macho. Maybe it's just how Cloud's trying to explain he's new to this whole housemate thing, but V's expression softens and his lips quirk into a smile. ]
'course. This ain't my usual style of livin' either but... we'll make it work.
[ He pauses briefly, tries to figure out for a moment whether he should give the other man some kind of warning, but he doesn't want to fuck up whatever dynamic their little household will foster. ]
Johnny 'n Ker... don't get along always. Actually, way they are with each other now's prob'ly the best they've gotten along for a while. [ Give or take 50 years. ] Both of 'em got big personalities. But both of 'em are... they got heart. Couple'a old passionate rockerboys.
Guess what I'm sayin' is don't pay 'em any mind if they got beef with each other. And if you ever wanna go get a drink to get outta here... take me the fuck with ya.
[not having interacted with kerry, cloud can only figure what v says about johnny is true. and if they both are the way they are... then, it only makes sense that things would get loud and stupid at some point.]
I'm used to stuff like that. Guys in the barracks have all sorts of personalities.
[and they all just had to put up with whatever came up. but this isn't the military, and cloud doesn't have to put up with it. walking away is a possibility, and it's good to know that he can abscond were he to need it—and he wouldn't be alone.]
I'll take you up on that.
[he stands from the stool, a light tap on the counter with the flat of his hand.]
We don't have to put up with them if we don't wanna. [it's not said harshly, as it is definitely cloud feeling more comfortable—more at ease—around his housemate.] I'm sure we'll figure it out.
[ Grinning at the agreement, V nods and watches as Cloud rises from the stool. Giving the man fair warning about the half of Samurai that's here having historic issues only feels right. He loves both Kerry and Johnny more than he could ever put into words, but sometimes they need space to hash out their own shit. ]
Hold ya to that.
[ Grateful that he got the chance to meet Cloud properly and talk to him, V's smile doesn't fade as he dumps the coffee dregs down the drain and cleans up after himself. Assuming the other man's got other things to be doing, he nods again, but this time in farewell. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[this all stems from cloud having stepped out of his room and down the stairs into the kitchen, expecting to find the old rocker taking ownership of the couch—not a stranger, standing about, causing the blond to stiffen and halt his steps.]
[it takes a moment for him to force words out, past his usual awkwardness.]
...Johnny didn't mention any visitors.
[where the hell is he, anyway? cloud hesitates a moment before walking past the doorway, hugging the wall opposite the man who is now here. for once, he doesn't have a sword strapped to his back and is wearing something other than his uniform, but looks tense nonetheless—shoulders tight and back straight, eyeing v warily.]
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Uh--
[ The newcomer's not either of the people he'd been expecting, and maybe the fact his name hadn't featured every other step on the stairs should have been a big enough hint. Least the man seems to know who Johnny is, and for a second V's uselessly grappling with his admittedly unreliable brain to try work out if he knows what's going on here.
It's not a leap to arrive at two conclusions: either this is Johnny's night out spilling over to morning, or... ]
'm V. Guessin' Johnny forgot to mention me and Ker took one've the rooms upstairs?
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[cloud should have figured, but at the same time, a heads up would have been welcome. this man, at least, seems a lot less boisterous than johnny. however cloud avoided the signs that showcased new housemates is beyond him—but, then again, his own perception of events isn't entirely the most reliable at times, and he's had other things to worry about.]
Cloud. [he offers by way of introduction.] My room's down the hall.
[lest there be any confusion as to what he's about... he stays where he is, though, watching the other.]
You friends with him?
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[ Muttered but audible enough to be heard, V's tone is a messy mix of strangely fond frustration. Like in some ways he's beyond glad of the fact Johnny's still around to irritate him. Doesn't make it any less annoying, but at least it's better than the black void he's been carrying around inside of him. ]
Yeah. Could say that. My input's--
[ He's had enough questions about what an input is now that he course corrects himself, cleaving his explanation in two in order to put it in more generic terms even if they don't roll off his tongue quite as naturally. ]
--boyfriend's been friends with Johnny for a long time. I've know 'im a shorter time but-- yeah, we're friends.
[ Trying to explain why they're so close isn't exactly first meeting material, so instead V lifts the cup he's been idly holding. ]
Coffee? Thought you were Johnny or Ker. Marginally better with caffeine at this time, both of 'em.
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[one could say that cloud has An Impression of johnny.]
Sounds good.
[it's a non-commital response to every other bit of information, agreeing, too, to the coffee. what people do and who they are to one another is none of his business, but there is a definite brunt of bashfulness in his voice.]
[cloud's not great at meeting new people.]
[he takes a seat at the counter, a careful glance at v.]
I get the impression mornings might not exist for them.
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Wouldn't be wrong. If they do, don't think they like 'em.
[ Sliding the cup across the breakfast bar towards the other man, V plucks up his own and takes a sip. Tastes like real coffee, not a synth version, and it's fast becoming one of his favorite things about this place. Fortunate since he's not been sleeping all that well since he arrived. ]
Where'ya from? Guessin' you worked out me, Johnny 'n Ker are from the same place.
[ Loosely speaking now that they're talking on a world scale instead of a state scale. Still blows his mind. ]
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Gaia.
[it's easier to focus on speaking about things adjacent to himself, and only then does he look up at the other—hands around the cup.]
Most of the people I've run into are from a planet called Earth. [so he just assumes most everyone is from there—] Though not every Earth seems to be the same.
[by all means, it's not cloud's first time world-hopping. he brings the cup up to his lips to drink the coffee, but ultimately ends up sputtering at the taste. quickly, he tries to conceal as much by setting it down again and covering his mouth, looking away.]
[so much for being cool.]
—ex-military. I'm a mercenary now.
[distract! distract with interesting trivia!]
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A merc? Huh. Me too, how's that for coincidence?
[ He doesn't bother confirming that he's from Earth; seems like a moot point now. One that's wholly uninteresting in comparison to somebody who's not from Earth. ]
What's Gaia like? Merc biz make decent scratch?
[ Leaning casually up against a counter, V's body language is a decent enough summary if Cloud's any good at reading it; relaxed and open. Maybe it's on purpose; if this choom is on the flighty side, V doesn't want to make him uncomfortable in his own kitchen. ]
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[cloud tries too hard to be cool, and it's good that people don't take him too seriously. either way, more than one merc in the scene is not unheard of (cloud thinks), but he's never really run into one.]
[well, whatever.]
It's decent enough. Don't really got anything tying me down, so any gig just helps me through to the next day.
[confident as he may speak about his experience, cloud has barely been a mercenary for more than a week, back in gaia. he thinks he knows what's up, what the business is about, but—really?—he's just figuring it out as he goes.]
[a hard stare at his coffee cup, and maybe he'll give it another try in a minute.]
Dunno what's something worth saying about Gaia. [that sounds like he hates it—] We got cities and towns all over, but the biggest of all is Midgar, where technology and opportunity abound.
[—and he tries the coffee again, this time more cautiously.]
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[ The ultimate goal, in V's mind. It's not that he feels tied down by his people at all. In fact, he can't think of anything worse than being alone; without family, without friends. But they're like gravity. Keep his feet on the ground as the world spins so he doesn't get flung right off. ]
What kinda gigs d'you usually work?
[ V's own merc bow is strung with variety, but there are just some jobs he won't do. He's got no illusions about what and who he is; edgerunning pays well when you get to a certain level of reputation, but needless violence? He doesn't see the point in it. Easier said than done when you're stealthy, and that's exactly what he's been working on for years. Killing really is the last option in most cases. And those other cases? They had it coming. ]
Kinda sounds like Night City. 'cept Night City's a shithole.
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[the word strikes a chord in cloud, has him frowning and pausing, thinking hard—he hadn't linked his work as a merc with it, but it sounds like it should be; like there's an intrinsic part of what he does that goes along with it. he opens his mouth to say something about it, but finds himself unable to, unsure of what exactly he would say.]
[—and so, instead, closes his mouth, a thin tight line and jaw tight as if trying to undo something he doesn't quite understand.]
[the taste of the bitter coffee is distracting enough, anyway. people willingly drink this?]
Hunting monsters, lost and founds. Bodyguard. [he thinks how it wouldn't be too cool to mention he's also rounded up orphans, or looked for a young girl's cats.] The occasional bombing gig.
Whatever has the right price.
[he isn't exceptionally picky. like v, killing hasn't been on cloud's repertoire, but he sure has come close to it. nevertheless—]
That's until you realize Midgar is not only what the eye can see. [leaning back, he decides he'll leave the coffee be.] The slums get the scraps of those who live above the plate. It isn't so great.
[—and then, a glance at the other man.]
Night City where you and Johnny [and the other friend] are from?
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He's just never valued it over and above getting a job done well, and maybe that's because he's never really had to. If he'd taken to heart what society said about the image of his people - of nomads - he'd be a lot angrier by default on any given day. Doesn't mean it's not a topic that gets him fired up though.
While Cloud explains the type of jobs he takes, V's doing a good job of downing the rest of his coffee and going back for more. Real, organic coffee beans over a synth imitation tastes incredible, and maybe that's a more physiological reason as to why he's been trying and failing to catch much sleep since he arrived. ]
Sounds like Night City all right. Corps got their claws sunk in so deep nobody was thinkin' there's a way out of it. People fight over the scraps that're left.
[ What V doesn't remember is that between him and Johnny, they had a hand in taking down one of the biggest corporations in Night City. ]
But nah. Not originally from there. Johnny's from Texas which is uh... different state. Guess you could say I'm from a little bit've everywhere. Born on the road and home was wherever my clan was.
Night City was where I ended up after that all fell apart. Could say I met Johnny there.
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[but with the way humans are, is it ever really a wonder that there are those trying to execute power over others, in whatever flavor suits their own means best?]
[texas, huh. sure is a name for a place.]
[for all that v shares about the experience, cloud feels some amount of similarities with his own.]
...I'm from a mountain town called Nibelheim. Moved to Midgar when I was sixteen to join the military. [and holds a huge gap of warped memories since—] Started my merc gig and ran into a guy that reminds me of Johnny. His arm's a gun, though. Likes to wear sunglasses even at night.
[no shade on barret—cloud's come to appreciate him.]
Funny.
[funny, how similar some things are.]
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[ It's not all that surprising, but V's a glass half full kind of guy and while he's got some strong opinions on corps not least because of what they've done to his people, he's not sorry that the world's full of all different kinds of people. Variety's the spice of life, or something. ]
You served?
[ V doesn't have the first clue about being in the military and he's not sure he wants to. War doesn't jive with his own personal philosophy, but all manner of nomads had a big hand in helping to rebuild afterwards. Maybe that's part of the reason it stung so much that they had their land taken from them by the corps and are still systematically discriminated against. Guess that's fucking gratitude for ya. ]
Never understood the shades all the time to be anythin' but a statement of image. 'cept with Johnny it's probably got somethin' to do with hangovers too.
[ And then, because he can't help but ask: ]
Whatdya think of 'im? [ There's a brief, almost knowing pause and then he adds: ] Uh, he prob'ly wouldn't disagree with anythin' you're thinkin' 'bout 'im either.
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[mako reactors, spread around the world to make the most of a natural resource that was to become privatized to make a few rich.]
[so, yeah, he worked for the guys he got hired to bring down with a few bombing missions. he won't really get into that, as the conversation shifts towards johnny and—boy—does cloud have an opinion of the man.
He acted like he didn't care about holding a conversation. Sounded like he hated it.
[leaning back on the stool, he holds on by the edge of the counter.]
Sure had many questions to ask. —he's making me hold his hand once a day, too. [ok, now it's starting to sound like he's bitching a little.] He doesn't trust I can manage on my own, but I'm not a loser.
[nice one cloud]
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[ It's a strange way to phrase things and maybe it's a misunderstanding of different cultures, but if anything V can think of a lot more examples of heroes specifically not involved in military combat.
He's never got any problem talking about subjects that might be a little more involved than something casual, but for now he's smirking a little at the other man's assessment of Johnny. ]
Mm-hmm. Sounds like 'im. Makes ya feel any better, he's like that with everybody. 'cept then he does shit like look out for ya by holdin' your hand.
[ The change V saw in Johnny in the time they'd known each other was admittedly huge. Trying to compare who he knows now to who he first met is difficult. But V's at least glad to hear that Johnny's making the effort to think about people other than himself. Warms his little merc heart. ]
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[one day at a time, after all. one merc gig leads to the other and so on, that way he'll ensure he'll survive, even if now the reason he keeps on is because he wants to chase after a man who is supposed to be dead. his thoughts would stray and linger on sephiroth, were it not for the conversation shifting indubitably into johnny territory—and cloud's expression pinches, as he considers something that is slightly less worrisome for his well-being than the greatest SOLDIER of all time.]
I got the picture.
[for all that cloud bitches about it, he's not entirely against the idea of johnny's stranger antics.]
Were you doing anything important before you got swept into this world?
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His last memory is from a rooftop, fighting for his life. Other people's? From after that. After Mikoshi. The Crystal Palace, or just before.
Being open and honest isn't something he usually finds all that hard, but this feels raw still. And he doesn't want to see pity. ]
Uh, yeah. 'bout to take down a megacorp. 'pparently it worked though.
[ Those memories have just failed to resurface again. ]
You?
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Stepping away from my world's megacorp.
[leaning back, he holds on to the edge of the counter for balance.]
Off to find someone.
[all of this information that might be a little too much to unload in one sitting of coffee that cloud can't exactly stomach. he tilts his head to the side, trying to feign disinterest.]
—you thinking of picking up gigs here as a merc?
[perhaps it's been stumbling about in his head.]
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So without batting an eyelid he allows himself to be guided away from it, inhales deeply and raises his eyebrows. ]
'bout all I know how to do. I uh... been tryin' to get a rough idea of what this place is all about. Diggin' into parts of the city other gembonded aren't. Hard to know what's goin' on when the locals are this suspicious of us.
[ Not that it's in any way unfamiliar. In fact, the locals just seem a bit jumpy. Least they're not trying to drive him out because of what he is. ]
You looked into the merc scene here yet?
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[it sounds like v has been doing more than cloud has bothered to, at this point. he frowns slightly, and wonders how much more exploring he needs to do for something like gathering intel—but at the same time, wasn't there enough to be done in what was available to them?]
[he never was the type to work in the shadows. it just gives him something to think about.]
Been busy handling some personal business. [like sephiroth, and co.] Though I'm sure there's plenty to work with in a city like this. Always is.
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Nodding like he understands - personal biz has been pretty high up on his list too - he carries his empty cup over to the sink to wash it up. Let it never be said he doesn't clean up after himself... unlike their older housemates. ]
Some other people from my world... uh, or versions of my world are here that're mercs too. Might know more.
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[it sounds like an odd thing to hear, but v doesn't seem all too frazzled by it other than having to clarify. figures maybe there is a lot more weirder stuff taking place in different universes than he gives it credit for.]
[anyway, too bad his own coffee will grow cold. cloud knows better for next time.]
Anyway, it's not like we're opening a business. Just gotta get our names out there. Wouldn't want to steal jobs from you or anything, though.
[some amount of .. etiquette here, at least.]
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[ He still doesn't fully understand how it's possible, and while he seems chill about it on the exterior, internally he's still trying to find a foothold that feels stable enough to rest on. Not that he's floating in all this weird alone. Either way he doesn't expand on it, just turns to lean against the counter with wet hands and shrugs. ]
Never know; might end up workin' together one day.
[ V knows all about solos, about the people who prefer working alone. He's done it himself, but his preference is working with a partner. Jackie fits the bill for that but he's never one to close off options, ideas or opportunities for no reason. ]
But 'preciate it. Honor among thieves.
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—yeah, somethin' like that. It's a big enough city anyway.
[he frowns and lingers on a thought for a moment, but then shakes his head, as if backing away from it altogether.]
You three know each other. [—v, kerry, johnny—] If you're sharing stuff here, like food and the like... [erm] I've never done this before [being a roommate] but I don't want to freeload.
Let me know how I can help.
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'course. This ain't my usual style of livin' either but... we'll make it work.
[ He pauses briefly, tries to figure out for a moment whether he should give the other man some kind of warning, but he doesn't want to fuck up whatever dynamic their little household will foster. ]
Johnny 'n Ker... don't get along always. Actually, way they are with each other now's prob'ly the best they've gotten along for a while. [ Give or take 50 years. ] Both of 'em got big personalities. But both of 'em are... they got heart. Couple'a old passionate rockerboys.
Guess what I'm sayin' is don't pay 'em any mind if they got beef with each other. And if you ever wanna go get a drink to get outta here... take me the fuck with ya.
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I'm used to stuff like that. Guys in the barracks have all sorts of personalities.
[and they all just had to put up with whatever came up. but this isn't the military, and cloud doesn't have to put up with it. walking away is a possibility, and it's good to know that he can abscond were he to need it—and he wouldn't be alone.]
I'll take you up on that.
[he stands from the stool, a light tap on the counter with the flat of his hand.]
We don't have to put up with them if we don't wanna. [it's not said harshly, as it is definitely cloud feeling more comfortable—more at ease—around his housemate.] I'm sure we'll figure it out.
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Hold ya to that.
[ Grateful that he got the chance to meet Cloud properly and talk to him, V's smile doesn't fade as he dumps the coffee dregs down the drain and cleans up after himself. Assuming the other man's got other things to be doing, he nods again, but this time in farewell. ]
Nice to meet ya finally, too.