heavymetals | ( psl ) what comes after

[ It's a day like any other, as close to normal as one can get to a place like this. Living in Duplicity has become strangely so, as one gets used to the machinations of the city, the plots and twists they often find themselves dragged into. Even with the occasional struggles Erik's dealt with, he's had one rock here, a point of stability that's always kept him grounded, and kept him from doing something truly stupid and reckless.

Life with Bobby has been just that. Not just stability or routine, but safety, and in a way, happiness. So much so that Erik hasn't quite thought of leaving, going back to his own world, even when he knows the likelihood of that happening. He has certainly never thought of how that might happen, not until he's sitting in the living room of their house, and the door that should lead to the bathroom simply starts to glow. ]

Robert? [ He calls out to where his boyfriend's getting dinner ready, glancing over when he comes over. He gestures to the door, frowning. ] Do you see that?

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[ The vegetable roast left behind is indeed a waste, but being freed from the city far surpasses that. Even if it might be a while before they manage to live that comfortably again, but Erik has a reason to work towards that goal, too. Even if he'll likely need to hide his identity for a while. Maybe even the rest of his life. ]

Alright. I still have some money on me, enough for us to eat something.

[ He gets that and hands it to Bobby, then kisses him before he goes. ]

Please be careful.

I will.

[ Receiving the money and that soft, reassuring kiss, Bobby leaves the room with a renewed focus to get them some food from the vending machine, as well as scan the area for anyone who would be suspicious about their stay. So far, so good. Deeming the coast is clear, he quietly receives their food from the machine and snags some newspapers on his way back to their room.

As soon as he's back, he makes sure to lock their door behind him, immediately setting down their food on the nearby table along with the newspapers. ]

Not much but they'll do for now. I also grabbed a few newspapers for us to know what's happening. [ A smile graces his lips. ] And well, I'll need the classified ads, too.

[ So he can get started on finding a job he can go to the following day. ]

[ This is the sort of place where people tend to look away, so as long as Erik is careful not to show his face, he doubts they'll have any issues. They'll just need to start planning already on their next steps so they don't linger here too long.

It will do for now, Bobby can make up some story about looking for work after moving into town, and he would hardly be the first young adult to leave home and get by on a cheap motel for a few weeks. They will be alright.

He looks over the newspapers with a hum, clearly impressed. Not that he should be surprised that Bobby would be smart enough to think of that. ]

You will, that's true. Ah, [ He smiles as he picks up one of the packaged foods. ] Pastrami sandwich. My favorite.

[ Bobby did clock how this place is a bit seedy enough that people won't really scrutinize them a whole bunch. He supposes he's just extra careful because he doesn't want to ruin this second chance they've been given. The last thing he wants is for both of them to be on the run because of a misstep he makes. Not that he's irresponsible enough to do this accidentally, of course, but the fear's still there. Bobby just doesn't want to be separated with Erik.

The impressed hum Erik does elicits a small, proud smile from him, as he works to unwrap his food. This smile only widens when Erik compliments his choice. ]

Thought you'd like it when I saw it in the machine. [ His is a simple tuna, but Bobby has never been the picky sort. Taking a bite, he nods at the newspapers he grabbed. ] Do you see anything interesting?

[ They won't be separated. They're both smart and cautious enough, and Erik has done this for long enough even before knowing Bobby that he knows just what to do to keep them both safe. It won't be easy at first, but they'll eventually find somewhere to settle, somewhere that people won't recognize him as easily as they would here. ]

Well... you're probably going to see a few of these, so you might as well.

[ He slides the newspaper to Bobby so he can see a piece of news with an accompanying picture. It's blurry and low quality but Bobby would recognize the helmet at least. It's clearly Erik, and the headline reads "Mutant Terrorist On The Run". ]

We're likely to find more news like this, on TV as well. We'll need to find somewhere more remote, and I'll have to go by a different name too. Maybe somewhere in Europe would be safer.

[ Bobby receives the newspaper from Erik and he frowns as soon as he reads that headline and sees both the article and Erik's helmet. He immediately puts it down, his eyes a palpable show of concern and worry. But he surmises this must be affecting Erik, too, so he attempts a smile to lighten the mood. ]

How about I pick your name? [ He replies in a slightly chipper tone, the edge of his lips curving up into a teasing smile. There's a bit of a pause on his end as he feigns mulling this over, taking a bite of his sandwich while he's at it. ]

Maybe Henryk? How'd you like that? A little too close to Erik, but I think it's nice.

( psl ) what comes after

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