expiationnet | video; un: shades

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video; un: shades

[The video feed opens to a viewing of a motorcycle, before it turns around to focus on a grinning teenager in red sunglasses.]

Guess this places like me after all.

[He's not sure why he was suddenly granted a motorcycle, but he's not complaining. Also, should a teenager that has slightly impaired vision even be driving? Don't worry about it. Also don't worry about the fact that he definitely does not have a motorcycle license. Or a helmet.]

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[Yep, someone definitely suggested that... although it was sort of a bluff, a bluff made by a youkai and so Scott wasn't completely sure how full of shit he was. Nonetheless, Altius is the second adult now that seems to actually care about this sort of thing, and Scott is slowly adjusting to it. Like it made sense for Douman to cause a stink because he's his mentee and whatever, but... why should this old fart care?

Well, probably because he doesn't want to see any teenager splattered across the pavement. That's easy enough to assume.]

I'll get a helmet geez. [He folds his arms across his chest, petulant even though he's clearly relented.] You're like the second person that's fully on my case about this.

[Altius takes a slow breath in his nose as he considers the implications. Sure, he's grateful Scott is relenting so quickly, but—]

I admit to some concern that I'm only the second, [he replies.] But you'll be wearing leather or something like it as well, won't you?

[Prove to him that his judgment of you was correct, Scott. He doesn't want to have to reassess; he just wants to pester you a little bit, as is his duty as a Responsible Adult.]

[It's just that everyone clearly trusts Scott's judgment so much... no need to call him out on anything. Uh-huh, that's totally it. But leather, right, he was suggested that earlier as well, but he got sidetracked by all those lectures about getting a helmet and everything, he sort of forgot about that until now. Sure, fine, might as well complete the look.

Scott stares at Altius for a few seconds and it's a kind of hard to read him, but then it looks like an idea suddenly rattles in that little noggin and--]

Are you offering to buy? [Because Nurarihyon offered to get him a helmet and everything...]

[Rather than respond immediately, Altius tilts his head at the idea and then openly looks Scott up and down. Hum.]

You're a small, aren't you? 32 by... 30, perhaps? [He turns his head to look down the street, trying to remember an appropriate shop.]

I'm sure I must have seen a jacket, at the very least. The city is small enough that it shouldn't take terribly long to find...

[Wow, who are you calling small???

Scott lets his hands rest on his hips, giving Altius some of that famous teenage attitude because wow. Although, his reaction is also showing how comfortable the mutant is getting with the older man, letting himself be a little more open like this. While a small part of him wants to bitch at Altius for 100% tricking him during the Dark Hour, it was also sort of nice to be looked after like that.

...It's something Scott doesn't know what to do with right now, so he's just going to act like this.

Although, he blinks a little behind his shades when it appears that Altius actually seems rather serious about buying him a leather jacket. He was just sort of joking around.]

Wait... you're really going to buy it?

[Altius's gaze returns to Scott's face, eyebrows raised slightly in question. Get it together, lad, do you want him to buy you something or not??]

Is that not what you asked for?

[Also, blame the clothing industry if you want to complain about sizing, Scott. He's just the messenger. He'd bought Ferran enough recently, and they're similar in size, so he's decently sure of it.]

[His hands slowly slide into the pockets of his jacket, suddenly a little more withdrawn, shy, perhaps. It's not like he's unused to people being nice to him and everything, but usually people don't meet his more shitty behavior in this sort of manner. This is when adults usually roll their eyes at him or tell him to knock it off, especially since Scott can technically afford it on his own.]

...I thought you were just going to tell me to screw off.

[Altius is a pretty serious guy... well, him being serious about his safety is probably a big factor in offering to buy him this jacket in the first place.]

You don't have to feel obligated or anything.

I sincerely hope I haven't given you the impression I'm that type...

[First meeting aside. And sure, Scott's being a little shit about it—but so are most teenagers. You have to meet them where they are, to some extent.

As far as feeling obligated... sure, he could bring up the idea of still feeling bad for that first time, and also owing Scott for his help during the Dark Hour. He thinks that would only be met with an argument, though, so instead:]

I have the money, and I'd feel reassured to know you have what you need. That's all there is to it.

[Even when he was poor as dirt, being generous was his inclination. He's only gained more reasons to continue that behavior as he's gotten older.]

[Maybe not as blunt as that, but still something that carries the same connotation. Like 'Mr. Summers, we all have to pay our way' or 'People don't simply get stuff for free.' But no, Altius really is serious about buying him a leather jacket. The easiest thing to do is just turn him down, avoid all these weird feelings in the first place, but the mutant doesn't take that path.

For one, that might also result in mixed feelings. And two, he won't have a free leather jacket. Well, if he insists... he can always save up his money to buy Kotone something later. That's a bonus to him, no matter what.]

Well, okay. [Scott finally manages, still a little more quiet and hinging on being just a bit awkward, but he's accepted the older man's explanation.] I'll be sure to pick out the most expensive one.

[He's joking this time, but maybe that's a good sign.]

[With some humor and some resignation in his shrug:]

I'm sure you will.

[Sure, there's no such thing as a free lunch, but Altius can come up with any number of reasons as to why he's willing to offer one. He can't say he's not intrigued by the reaction he's getting to this particular offer, though—perhaps he's struck a chord somewhere?

Sadly, he doesn't have the time to ponder over that right now. He turns his wrist to glance at his watch and lets out a brief breath. No vehicles for him... just more walking.]

I'm afraid I'll have to get back to you for that. I assume you're free this evening?

[With your endless free time.]

[Not that's he relieved that Altius is leaving, but it at least gives Scott some time to himself and think about everything that just transpired between them. ...Not like this is some big life changing event, but whatever!! He still wants some time to sort of get his feelings in order, so the mutant just nods when the older man makes his departure known.]

Yeah, I'm free. [Look at Scott, answering Altius for once without any level of sass or anything.] Should I meet you back here then?

[Ah, a normal answer. He always welcomes those.]

It's as good a place as any, [he agrees, taking a glance at the nearest building to solidify it in his memory.] Seven or so? I should be finished with my appointments by then.

[Here he is, busy all over again. It's the only way he knows how to be, really.]

Sure.

[He's about to just leave it at that, especially since it's clear that Altius has somewhere to be, but Scott has to make one last observation.]

Already have appointments? It really didn't take you long to get busy around here. [As expected of a CEO... this old man really doesn't know how to rest, huh?]

[There's some mild humor in his tone:]

I had to find something worthwhile to accomplish, [he answers, stepping past Scott with a simple wave goodbye.] Not all of us can shoot beams from our eyes, Mr. Summers.

[For those without innate powers, one has to acquire power in a different way. Even though he's not one of those, he's fully dedicated to the role.]

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