[tyblackthorn]

the dark artifices + ao3 tags

[kaihartx]

jxnxstvrsmvr​:

“Sounds like someone’s been drinkin’ too much of tha Kool-Aid,” Jono remarked with slight amusement; there were plenty of fellow mutants who followed the same idea, and they could be terrifying in their own right. Dangerous and deadly - he should know, he was related to one of them. Zealots of their kind, it was usually them to initiate the conflict - them and the humans. It was exhausting.

“No, but the Avengers are mostly cunts, so’s not like it really makes a diff.” Some of the X-Men, too, but he wasn’t about to completely bad mouth the team in front of a new student. He really shouldn’t have cursed, either, but oh well. That cat was already out of the bag. “They used to. Keep me up at night, I mean.” Jono ran a hand through his curtain of mousey brown hair and swept it away from his thick brow. “You get used to it… that ain’t a good thing, though. Not even for a ‘business’.”

Jono nodded approvingly and drummed his fingertips against the underside of his desk. “Killjoy - got a nice ring to it. I like the meanin’, too. Really gives it substance, not like some o’these other wack jobs with names like Arm-Fall-Off-Guy. Tell me ya don’t wanna fuckin’ end it all wit a name like that.” He joked, but it was true - what kind of fucking name is that? “That’s good. Hold onto that feelin’. You gotta keep what little good’s left in ya. It’s easy to lose that along the way, doin’ what we do, seein’ what we see…” Jono gripped the desk a little harder. “You’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

With that, the class settled into their seats. This was a new group - with the lifting of the ban came new faces, more confident and unique people. Jono was happy to welcome them all, even if their struggle was far from over. He wondered if it would ever end. Probably not, so the least he could do was make it less confusing for some, and if that meant answering awkward questions about sexual endeavors with gelatinous students then he supposed that was what the job called for.

A good hour passed before the class was finally over with. If he had to answer one more question with ‘it’s fine as long as it’s not harming yourself or others’ he was going to lose it, but at least he had a tour around the sanctuary would help him to blow off some steam. Plus, he was still helping. Suck on that, Summers.

“Hope that didn’t turn ya off on attending the joint,” Jono started once the last student left the classroom and all that remained were him and Kai. “Still want that tour?”

“College frat boy party with a degree in philosophy Kool-Aid at that. So you know kinda gross and extremely pretentious,” Kai giggled, almost making fun of the remark of the quote from earlier and how it all seemed nonsensical. As the youngest of his family he just wished his brothers wouldn’t feed into the bullshit and think for themselves for once, but they all feared their father too much, except his older brother, who was the most like him. Brutal, power hungry, almost maniacal in the way he approached things.

“Fair,” he shrugged, not really feeling as if he had any reason to defend the avengers or any other superhero team for that matter. In the grand scheme of things, mutants had always been unimportant to the name brand heroes. “Kind of hard to not get used to something that’s bound to happen whether or not I’m a factor.” he mused. 

“You’re kidding,” Kai laughed, not believing that to be an actual name, but then again he had heard some really odd names thrown out there that made no sense to him. “Hope that guy doesn’t expect people to take him seriously. Let me guess his powers involved him being able to take off his arms and use them as weapons?” he sighed. “Look at you Teach, trying to keep me pure and innocent while there’s still some shred of it inside me. How honorable, but it’ll probably be gone by the time the school blows up for the hundred time again.” he paused. “Is it wrong that I’m expecting it to blow up? Feels like a rite of passage at this point. Might as well give me the authentic experience.” Kai smiled.

Kai wasn’t expecting sex ed to be one of the topics they touched upon, but he figured it was either this or have some horrific accident happen when two students just tried something without the know how. After the class was over he still had a smile glued to his face before Jono walked up. “Sure thing, and no if anything it’s making me want to sneak into your classes more often. Who knows when a gelatinous mutant wants to have a ravishing night with me?” he teased, before stopping at the door. “Lead the way.”

[kaihartx]

illusorybutterfly​:

Chou let out a quiet breath and ducked his head, the perfect, slightly bashful response, “You are far too generous. Though if such things do help people think a little bit more and change their ways to make a better world I would be grateful either way.” And charming people only brought them further onto his side; a win on both counts.

“Ahh yes, it was a somewhat last minute announcement but in these weeks following the awful attack on the city and the repeal of the so-called ‘Hero Ban’ I felt it was important to try and foster good relations between the heroes guarding this city and the civilians living within it.”

“I’m pleased you’ll want to attend but there is no need for nerves. There will be others like yourself who are new to them but in all it’s just a party with food, drink and productive conversation. My only hope is the invitation gets around to said heroes and some are willing to attend, in costume or in disguise.”      

Kai tilted his head to the side, drinking in the sight of him as he came forward. “I’m nothing of the sort, just honest. Besides, I do agree with what they’re saying,” he mused, clearing his throat before the blush could take over his cheeks. “As someone who doesn’t really fall in with either civilians or heroes, I’m kind of walking the line here but I’ve got money to donate and that’s what matters right?”

“Hopefully this helps the outlook on mutants and everybody else with powers.” History had not been kind to mutants, let alone anybody different from the norm. So things like this were crucial even if it was only to make it assuage their hatred just a little bit. “Don’t think I might be the best to engage in conversation. But I will be there, I want to see more of you,”

[kaihartx]

noh-vxrr​:

“Ah, yes. Those same politics that frowned upon my declaration of war - despite the validity of my reasoning. Humankind - particularly, Midas - had taken everything and everyone from me and left me stranded in this universe. Humanity did not see it the same way.” He remarked, shaking his head. From war to being the weapon of a deranged prison warden, to being the ruler of his own ‘civilization’ after taking control of the Cube. Noh-Varr had been through a lot in a relatively short amount of time in this universe. Following the decimation of his ‘home’ in the Cube and subsequent ventures with both the Dark Avengers and Young Avengers, he had still not come to find anything particularly redeemable about humankind. They were still flawed and hopeless in his eyes.

“Your explanation is not flawed,” Noh admitted. “Even if I do not agree with your people’s decision to sit by and work idly through everything.” 

The Kree listened as Kai spoke about his feelings towards the changeling and the state of his relationship with the magician; paying particular focus to his stance on loving someone without having it be returned. “You have a kind soul, Kai of the Mutants. When you do find someone to reciprocate those feelings, I am certain it will be divine.” Noh nodded and looked ahead as they made their way towards the store they would be shopping at.

“Just cause you’ve been struck a bad hand doesn’t mean it’s right to take it out on the entirety of humanity. Being hurt isn’t a justifiable reason to hurt others, especially those who have nothing to do with it.” Kai felt himself shrug, offering the man a little smile. “Even though humanity has been mostly against mutants throughout history, there’s been times where people have shown kindness, love and solidarity for mutants. So it might take a while, but I’m sure there will come a time when we can live as equals. Hopefully,” It was a far off dream in his eyes, and he might jot even be in the generation that gets to see it come to fruition. But he hopes that it happens, that the aching in his heart can finally find some respite in knowing that there might be a chance.

“Our hands are tied most times.”

A faint blush spread across his cheeks as Noh spoke, and Kai didn’t really see anybody reciprocating those feelings. “Thanks, but I don’t really see any man looking at me in such ways, and that’s ok.” was all he could reply in the moment as they neared the store. It was of course one of the more expensive shops, with intricate designs of gold in their lettering. The very signs of affluence all around, and he smiled knowing one of the few things he was extremely good at, was shopping. “So, here’s the thing, get anything you want, from clothes to colognes, beauty products, doesn’t matter. Anything goes. Even if you find something else that doesn’t exactly fit into the category of clothing, it’s fine. I don’t mind you finding something to treat yourself with.”

[kaihartx]

noh-vxrr​:

“I do not fully understand you mutants either.” Noh made sure to point out as Kai sighed and agreed with his notion about humanity. “You possess such vast abilities among your people - and yet, you let other organizations and groups walk all over you. As someone that has waged war against humanity once before - outside of calling in heroes to aid them, they are.. incredibly fragile.” He stated.

“Why did your people not fight back against NOVA when they had the cities morale turned against their own saviors?” He questioned before chuckling at Kai’s reasoning of familiarity. “You hold attraction for the man.” He stated the obvious with amusement. “Teddy Altman is a lot of things, but something tells me that being one to move on from his relationship with Billy Kaplan is not one of them.” He remarked. “I believe that would take some sort of twist of fate. You would be wiser to accept your friendship to the man instead and put your efforts into others, in this Kree’s opinion that is.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“At least… that’s what I believe people would say.” He added meekly. What did he really know about relationships, after all?

At that he raised a curious brow, creasing his features as confusion began to cover them. It wasn’t until he was done that his face relaxed, and before he knew it laughter bubbled up, cascading from him as he shook his head at the alien man. “That’s because you don’t really get our human politics yet. If we wanted to wrestle power from the world and take it we definitely could, but that would make us no better than the villains, heroes so desperately fight. The world most people envision is one of co-existence, and equal rights, to not be treated different for things that are out of your control. Otherwise we’d just give rise to a new wave of reasons for humanity to hate us even more. That would only lead to someone creating yet another weapon that could destroy us all.”

“The more I live in this city the more I realize that in life you kind of have to pick and choose your battles, not every single one is going to be beneficial in the end for all of mutant kind. The actions of one mutant will cost everybody.” Kai shrugged, a weight on his shoulders that reminded him that the path towards mutant rights was a long and hard one, but one definitely worth taking. “I know that, I’ve met Billy myself and I know that Teddy will never look at me that way. He’s found a love like no other and I don’t think he’s ready to move on, don’t know if he ever will if I’m being honest. That’s his choice though.” Kai sighed. “Still, I can’t really make myself not love him, it’s just the way things panned out. I know he’ll never love me and that’s okay, just because you love someone doesn’t always mean they have to love you back. As long as Teddy’s happy, or even if he finds happiness in someone else, then I’ll be happy as well. That’s just the way my kind of love works.” he smiled.

[kaihartx]

jxnxstvrsmvr​:

“Yeah, fuckin’ tell me about it. Pretty sure all of our, ah, upbringin’s overlap.” Shitty parents, no parents, embarrassing power reveal, deadly power reveal — it all was the same, no matter how it was sliced or broken down. Every mutant had some sort of shit that trailed behind them, just some had it worse. He made friends with those people, found a comfort in kinship. It was why Jono spent most of his time in the Morlock tunnels than he did on the surface. They understood his plight to the ‘t’.

“PR?” Jono had to laugh at that. “Who d’ya think the X-Men are, kid, the fuckin’ Avengers? We swap out so much ‘cause people die or they get fuckin’ lost in some weird time bullshit. Or an alien got to ‘em.” Or worse. Jono had to chuckle to himself after finding the humor in the X-Men needing PR. Maybe they could use it.

The mouth vomit that came out of the kid was unwarranted, but not entirely surprising — what was surprising was the information so willingly given. Jono had met all sorts, from royalty to zombies to gods, so a raging zealot mutant family wasn’t entirely unheard of. Still was fucking wack, though.

“Complicated sounds like an understatement.” While his immediate family wasn’t a bunch of wankers too fucked off their rocker, Jono did have a certain homicidal maniac as part of his bloodline: En Sabah Nur, or as those so affectionately called him, Apocalypse. It was quite the shock to find the relation, but the mutant god wasn’t family, nor would he ever be, even though his blood alone altered Jono’s physiology, effectively giving him his face back for a moment. Still, it wasn’t enough to be friendly. “Well, we’ll protect ya if it does come to that. We take care of our own. That, at least, is somethin’ we know how to do.” Keeping them alive, however, was a different story.

Jono searched the kid’s face for a moment before he nodded to accept the compliment. No, it didn’t change his feelings about the situation, but it did make him feel a little better. “Thanks,” he returned as a couple of students walked into the room, chittering as they went and found their seats. Jono watched them sit before he gestured wordlessly for Kai to find an open seat. More kids would pile in soon and he was glad for the distraction.

“We are but the children of the atom, both cursed and blessed to walk the earth with the children of adam and eve, and the children of Lilith.” Kai almost recited, remembering the words his eldest brother had once whispered to him as he was being tucked into bed. Kai knew of the issues that sometimes carried with the x-gene, and the unfathomable ways in which the world treated all that they viewed as different. No matter the time or place, it seemed history was always the same, as those in power always seemed to use the power of fear, to single out a group and make them the pariahs they needed to hunt down so all would flock and heed their words.

“There’s been X-men who have been avengers, so it’s not like everything is isolated. Somehow all this superpowered bullshit intersect. Stuck in time, kidnapped to a hell dimension, or swap bodies, I’ve heard the stories. Certainly something that’ll keep you up at night. But even heroism is a business, and that’s the only language the world universally understands.”

“Which is why I chose the moniker, Killjoy. I am the bane of my family’s fun and joy, and everything that brings them happiness in their oh so bigoted way of life.” At that Kai smiled, and as he first walked into the school, arms wound tight around himself, as if to keep a barrier from and all others, had started to slowly ease. This had been the first time he was explicit with his family history, never before had he revealed the details of his family to someone, only bits and pieces, half truths that were enough to keep their satisfaction and ear. Somehow this man was able to crack the code, and be able to stop Kai from putting on the mask he’d trained himself to wear, to see it crack and crumble so his real self could escape the abysmal dark. Funny, how Kai wore a mask yet, the man whose face was like cracked porcelain, beautiful, yet breaking at the seams, was the first to let him be himself. “It’s not me I’m worried about, I could take care of them all myself easily, I just don’t know if I have the strength to do what needs to be done when the time comes.” he sighed.

As Kai sat, he let the man begin his class, taking residence in one of the seats in the far back, a little smile still on display. Jono, he was definitely more than meets the eye. Kai, gave all of the students who came in a welcoming smile, but his eyes were mostly glued to the man in front of him, wanting to see how exactly his class would follow through. This place was bustling with life, the sound of footsteps on wood, and the soft whispers and giggles of budding adulthood all around. It was was what missing from his life all those years in his house, where everywhere he looked it felt empty and cold, devoid of life. A king of broken hearts and shattered souls, solitary on his granite throne, the image of his past, now subsiding to the depths of his mind.

[kaihartx]

noh-vxrr​:

“Humans are nothing but walking contradictions most days.” He fired back, but moving on in topic as Kai continued to speak about his friendship with Teddy. Noh nodded his head after the young man explained how their little shopping venture would work. “If you insist on spending your money on a complete stranger, then by all means let us carry on.” He finally remarked. It seemed foolish, but he knew people to do much more foolish things for far less. At least this mutant’s heart seemed to be in the right place with the notion.

“You’re telling me,” Kai sighed, dark circles under his eyes from the sleepless nights he’s had. Recently he’d been worrisome about the quietness of his family, as usually clamor would always follow suit wherever they stood. These past few weeks it had been dead silence, and a freezing shiver ran up and down his spine thinking of what they could be plotting. This was a good distraction, and a gesture that he could always see himself doing regardless of circumstance. “You’re not a complete stranger, Teddy knows you, and that’s good enough for me. I love that man more than he knows, or maybe he does know and just sees me as a friend. Either way, that’s just the way it is. So for now, let’s just get you some clothes before people come with pitch forks and torches demanding you cover your alien junk.”

[kaihartx]

jxnxstvrsmvr​:

“Kid, you’re preachin’ to the choir,” Jono returned with a lifted brow. “An’ you got a shit ton of other kids who also can’t make friends, so ‘ave at it.” Mutants didn’t have it easy, especially if they were down on their luck sad sods who grew up with a stinking childhood and shit parents. Jono had neither of that, but the way his mutation manifested certainly put a halt on the friendship making. That and his piss poor attitude.

Jono snorted and had to actually roll his eyes at that. “Hate to break it to ya, but so do we. The X-Men get shit on just for existin’.” Not that they ever didn’t deserve it, but the general hatred for mutants was what really grinded his gears. The X-Men could choke for all he cared. “They think you’re unsightly?” He asked, absolutely confused because the kid looked passing. He looked fine. It sort of pissed Jono off. He shook his head. “Wonder what’d they think of me, then, fuckin’ hell.” Not that he really cared - he didn’t care what anyone thought, really.

He nodded in agreement and gestured to himself. “Case in point. Think it’s why they thought I’d be good in the position. Guess they were right.” He still wished he didn’t look the way he did, or feel the pain he felt, but it was what it was.

Jono’s expression softened for a moment before he waved Kai’s compliment off with a hand. “Thanks, but, I’m just ‘ere to help. Most people wouldn’t agree with tha’ anyway.”

“guess it comes with the territory of dysfunctional families and the x-gene. plus being a teen is hard enough without adding superpowers into the mix, let alone super powers that make your body glue or something along those lines.” kai sighed, looking over the man with a smile. Seems like they could understand each other, and had somewhat similar almost cynical views of what all this meant. Kai could appreciate someone like Jono, he was a good guy.

“Oh I know, but at least some people do view you as heroes. Although the lineup of the x-men teams probably make it hard for the public to keep up with. Since some aspect of heroics does involve PR, sadly.” Kai knew that some heroes were just better suited for the spotlight, and that the public just ate them up like they would any other celebrities. Mutants didn’t really get that treatment, not often at least. “Yup, only because I disagree with their views. You see my family is...weird. We come from a long line of mutants who all have elemental powers, what each do varies from mutant to mutant in our family. Basically my family built a patriarchal society that worships elemental deities, and used their power in past wars. Most of my family history is covered in blood and conquest, although there were some who didn’t really adhere to that mindset. For a long time all they care about is power and feeling superior to other mutants. They have an army pretty much, mystical sages and the like who train and teach all the off spring of the current ruler to make sure they become worthy of the family name. Through worship and combat the children are to prove themselves worthy of being royalty. Problem is with each new generation they become more power hungry. Now that my brother is probably going to ascend to the throne, I’m worried of what will happen when he comes for me himself. Technically they can’t have the ascension ceremony without me there, so it’s another reason as to why I left. So you know complicated family history.”

That explanation was a lot for Kai to reveal, but it would at least give some insight into his past. “I agree with them on that choice. There’s no one better suited than someone who lives and breathes that same reality on the daily. but for what it’s worth, I’m really happy you’re doing this, even if you might wish you weren’t suited for this job.” he shrugged.

“most people don’t got common sense, so I’ll say it again, you’re pretty cool.”

[kaihartx]

illusorybutterfly​:

When: Present Day Where: Star City - City Park With: Open to all! :D 

“And that is why I hope this planned charitable event will help to foster relations between vigilantes, heroes and the everyday citizens of this city that has been so welcoming to me and my cause. Thank you.” Chou nodded softly as the assembled crowd applauded. 

He didn’t usually try and book out such large spaces as the city park, but the turnout had been decent and announcing he planned on throwing a charity gala deserved as wide an audience as possible.  

Stepping down from the podium he walked towards the crowd, happy to speak to all. “I do hope you don’t think my adding that small gala announcement to my usual speech was somewhat crass.” he chuckled quietly, “But it does seem to have got people talking.” 

Money, a word that in today’s society would equate to someone’s social standing, their power, and their worth in the eyes of those who truly ran the world. If you were lucky, you’d be born into a family that was well off and wouldn’t have to worry about the plights that about 99% of the world struggled with. Kai sometimes disliked the fact that his family lineage was basically an empire build around the idea of perfection and power. With it all came money

Never knowing what to do with it, he would usually just spoil his friends, or throw it at whatever needed it the most at the time. Right now, he was attending his first charity event and he felt entirely out of place.

“Please, as if anybody in the audience would complain to see you on the podium a bit more. You should’ve heard the people around me, they couldn’t stop talking about you. About your looks, how generous and kind you are. Clearly they believe you’re the whole package,” kai giggled.

“People have been talking ever since they set foot at this event, but to be honest this is my first time at one of these things. I don’t really know what I should be doing, and I don’t really know anybody here as well.”

[kaihartx]

noh-vxrr​:

Noh-Varr pursed his lips for a moment. “People fill out their clothing in different manners. I think it is stupid how humans expend so much energy worrying about seeing too much or too little of someone’s body.” He remarked sharply but let out a huffing sigh. 

An eyebrow rose as the mutant mentioned his former shapeshifting companion. “Teddy Altman? Yes, I am familiar with the man. You two are roommates? Interesting. Perhaps it is for the best, given his recent detachment from his fiancé.” Noh remarked before his brows knit in suspicion and curiosity. “Why?”

He didn’t have to wait for an actual response to his question however, as the man offered both an reprieve from the current situation and some sort of shopping adventure in the process. “I…” For once he didn’t have some sort of remark - sharp or otherwise. “Alright. I suppose it would do me some good to have a little more variety in civilian attire.”

“There’s a problem about people thinking they have any say on other people’s bodies, but that’s a story for another day. It’s aggravating, but we live in a world full of contradictions.” Kai shrugged, feeling for the man but knowing that there was no other way around the matter.

“Yup, that’s my roommate and best friend.” Not that he had many other friends to begin with, but he didn’t have to let the man know that much. “Yeah...I know it’s a rough time for him considering he still has his heart yearning for someone, but that’s why he has friends, to help ease these times for him.” he smiled. “Well, I haven’t met many of his old teammates aside from Billy that is.”

“Variety is always good, and as someone with an eye for fashion I’ll make sure you look good. You’ve got the white-silver hair thing going for you, so matching you in outfits won’t be too hard. How’s about this I pick a few things out of for you, and you pick somethings for yourself, doesn’t matter how much or how little. Money’s not really an issue with me.”

[kaihartx]

noh-vxrr​:

“Mutant, huh?” Noh-Varr remarked and looked the stranger over for a moment as he committed his name and face to memory. He pondered for a brief moment on the other’s words before glancing over his outfit one more time. “I ensure that this uniform is properly cleaned and sanitized periodically for continued wear.” Noh stated. “I… suppose it is a little too much for most people though.” He frowned, slightly pursing his lips.

“I am Noh-Varr of the Kree and formerly of the Young Avengers.” He introduced himself with a small straightening of his posture and almost immediate relaxing back into a more casual stance.

“Most people don’t venture off into space and fight intergalactic war, so what’s normal to some people is completely bizarre to them. They live mundane and boring lives, but it’s better to keep it that way,” Kai explained before offering the man a smile. “And yes I’m a mutant, I got the x-gene to prove it and the annoying giant robots trying to chase me down to prove it.” he joked, giving the other a once over to make sure he was right about the suit being cleaned. At the mention of young avengers he perked up. “Wait, young avengers? So you’re one of Teddy’s old friends? He’s my roommate, kind of.” Kai guessed the correct term for that would be weird since he owned the building so roommate would have to suffice.

“Noh-Varr, pleasure’s all mine. So why don’t we get out of here before one of the Karen’s decided to make sure you have to explain your suit to the police. It’s nothing to fuss over, but they might say it’s public indecency.” he mused. “So let me take you shopping or something since you are Teddy’s old teammate, if anything.”

[kaihartx]

jxnxstvrsmvr​:

Jono nodded along to the kid’s words. Good, at least he wasn’t completely alone and had people to talk to. While he certainly had been that kid to be an utter loner, and weird, and distant, he didn’t feel like dealing with that as an adult. Especially not now, not before a class. “That’s good. Always better ta have some friends, especially early on. Makes it easier.” 

He snorted. “Pre’y much, yeah. I knock on all major landmarks an’ throw ya into th’ deep end.” It was a joke, especially considering it was pretty much what was done to this kid here. “Sometimes no one really knows what Summer’s plans are ‘til the last possible moment. Don’t let that discourage ya, though. You’re in decent hands.”

Jono set the guitar down and walked up to the whiteboard. He pulled out a dry erase marker and wrote out the words in big, black lettering: YOUR BODY AND YOU.

“I pre’y much teach how to be comfortable with whatever fucked up shit your x-gene decided to hand ya. Like, take me for example. I got no face, no chest, no nothin’. I had to come to terms with that ‘cause, let’s face it, it ain’t gonna change.”

Kai was glad that he didn’t find himself alone anymore, this place could certainly be quite overwhelming so getting lost was a no brainer. “Easier said than done though, I’m not really know to be good at makin friends. So the ones I do have I either believe that they’re totally crazy or maybe they’re just that good as people,” he shrugged, but then remembered how shady Josh was and how fiery Julian and couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought. Those two were definitely people he was glad he could call friends.

“Sounds fun, I’m in,” Kai snickered at the joke glad that this wasn’t such a bad place after all. “I still don’t know what they are since I warned him that I pretty much get attacked 24/7,” but he guessed considering how much the x-men have had to rebuild their school it didn’t phase him. “My family and I aren’t on the best of terms cause I don’t really agree with their politics, they’re very much in the line of only strong mutants should survive and all that. They also don’t believe in mutations they believe to me unsightly, so I butt heads with them a lot. But I agree I am in decent hands now,”

“Ah, makes sense, and that’s really nice actually. Pretty sure this is one of the more important classes to have since I know a lot of kids end up hating their x-gene and themselves cause of it.” he sighed. “I think I’m gonna like this class,” he mused.

“You’re pretty cool,” Kai stated, smiling at the other man. 

[kaihartx]

noh-vxrr​:

“Why are you staring at me in such a manner? This happens to be the most comfortable attire that I have access to. The fibers are perfectly breathable and the form-fitting cling keeps the suit from shifting unnecessarily.” Noh remarked to a group of ogling young teens. One young man in particular seemed to have a terrible relationship between his eyes and gravity - his gaze continuing to fall along Noh’s figure each time he tried to raise it back up.

“It’s just… revealing.” One young woman remarked. “Yeah, most people try to cover themselves up a little better. It’s like you’re running around in that athletic spandex or something.” Another remarked shortly after.

“Yes, I am well aware that you people tend to be far more conservative in your appearance - hiding your bodies as if revealing them would be some sort of shame; and subsequently shaming those among you that are accepting of the fact that their bodies are attractive, but refuse to let that dictate their choice of appearance.” Noh-Varr fired back. “This suit is combat-tested and standard issue for a Kree warrior. There is nothing wrong with it.” He remarked, watching as the group whispered among themselves and shuffled along their way. 

The snow-haired man watched them go for a few moments before looking down at himself - the sharp black and white of the almost reflective material catching the sunlight and its striking green lines. “This is fine.” He mumbled. Besides, he had practically nothing when it came to the paper currency used in these ‘United States’. He had a few outfits he had acquired over the years with his team, but they had developed some wear and tear in some spots and were not as comfortable as his combat suit most days.

Kai was out and about in the city finding that the chaos had all but died down, and he could continue on with his menial nothings like a regular citizen. What he didn’t expect was overhearing a conversation between some young adults and an obvious alien. It was amusing to say the least hearing how he countered each and every word the man said, bringing a smile on Kai’s face the more he listened. When the people finally left he stepped out of the shadows, literally materializing from the shadow he used to hide himself.

“It is,” he spoke up, crossing his arms before offering the man a smile. “Sorry humans don’t really have manners when it comes to this sort of thing. I think the outfit is amazing on you, but I do agree that you might want to expand on your outfit choices. Keep this for special occasions cause the design is phenomenal, but I don’t think it’s for everyday since you wouldn’t want it to tear or dirty too much.” he suggested.

“The name’s Kai, and I’m a mutant. Nice to meet you,”

[kaihartx]

maximoff-kaplan​:

“I want the cookies,” he said immediately, having forgotten they existed until that very moment. He’d looked once and the store was all out of stock, then it fell off his radar entirely given that the city kept trying to turn inside out and all. It was beyond bizarre of Kai to be there, but he’d done nothing to merit Billy feeling any negativity toward him. If it was there, it was just borne of something irrational and jealous and unfair, which at least he could admit to. He didn’t have room in his heart for it right then when it was already so full of too much else so he said the simple thing, instead. “Thanks.”

He sat down next to him and pulled open the top of the package to take out one of the cookies. “Advice?” Billy was probably the last person who should be giving advice about anything right then, given how much he seemed to consistently make the wrong calls in his own life. Still, he’d listen. He could try. 

“Okay then,” Kai laughed handing over the box to the man, hopefully this would be a much better step to their already rocky start. “Don’t mention it.” Exasperated and tired, he sighed as he heard the voice of the elements speak to him, talking about the great power this one had. It was amusing, not until recently had he begun to experience the elements feel more alive and be their own unique being. “Yup, on many things actually. I know it’s weird of me to be here, but I didn’t have anybody else to turn to. So here I am.” clearing his throat he began. “One of my friends, lost someone dear to them recently, and I’ve no idea on how to comfort them at all. They’ve done a great deal for me to get situated in the city, and I have no clue how to repay all that kindness. Second, how does one even go about getting guys to notice you? It sounds stupid, I know, but I have no idea on what it would take to get a guy to notice me. Recent events have made me...not want to be so lonely all the time. So I thought about you, someone who has a lot of people who loves them so earnestly.”

[kaihartx]

jxnxstvrsmvr​:

Jono shrugged and pushed off the desk with his hands still idly strumming the guitar. It hung around his shoulders by way of a thick, leather strap. He’d burnt through so many he lost count. “I’ve just seen it. I know the look,” he returned casually, “No’ta mention I’ve been there before. Lost in a place you’ve only barely been introduced to.”

His brows raised at the mention of no tour, something he just couldn’t believe Summers would be okay with. “Well. I’d give ya the discount tour, but I’m about to start class ‘ere in a mo’. If ya wanna stick around, I’d be happy to give ya a walk. No obligation, tho, if ya gotta be somewhere else.”

“Well, I do know some people here. I know Julian and Josh, sort of. Exchanged words at the very least,” Kai shrugged, feeling a bit unsure and insecure about the whole ordeal. “Still, this place is certainly bustling and full of life, pretty loud too.” he commented before looking over the other man. “Discount tour? Sounds like the kind that just gets to all the important places without the need to know the history of every wood plank in the building.”

“I can wait.” Kai said. “Think the only thing they wanted to know about me was about my powers, and how much I can actually do. Other than that I’m not really all that sure about Scott’s plans for me around here. So what’s your class about though, so I know what I’m getting myself into,” he mused with a smile.

[propertyofjoker]

@kaihartx LIKED for a starter! 🍭

"'Scuse me!" Harley waved the unfamiliar person over, her bright hair peeking out from underneath a handkerchief. She was one of the most wanted people in Star City right now, but her disguises always left little to the imagination. Maybe she wasn't as instantly recognizable as Joker, but the manic grin and ice white skin always gave her away. It was too much like his. "Have ya seen a cute little kitty? About yea big -" She held her hands up to demonstrate. "Orange an' white? I've been lookin' all in the alleyway, but..."

There was a whole gang of kittens she came out to feed, but the orange and white one actually let Harley pet her. This time she'd come armed with treats. Bud and Lou were good company, but sometimes it was nice to have something small to snuggle with.

[kaihartx]

propertyofjoker​:

@kaihartx

LIKED for a starter! 🍭

“‘Scuse me!” Harley waved the unfamiliar person over, her bright hair peeking out from underneath a handkerchief. She was one of the most wanted people in Star City right now, but her disguises always left little to the imagination. Maybe she wasn’t as instantly recognizable as Joker, but the manic grin and ice white skin always gave her away. It was too much like his. “Have ya seen a cute little kitty? About yea big -” She held her hands up to demonstrate. “Orange an’ white? I’ve been lookin’ all in the alleyway, but…”

There was a whole gang of kittens she came out to feed, but the orange and white one actually let Harley pet her. This time she’d come armed with treats. Bud and Lou were good company, but sometimes it was nice to have something small to snuggle with.

“Did you give it a name?” Kai asked as soon as he heard the request not really looking in Harley’s direction and his eyes were trained on the alleyway. “Hmm, that’ll be pretty easy, I think I could search for the cat in this entire city in a second and find it.” he said mostly to himself before stepping up to the area. With his hands still in his pockets he tried to remember to look only for feline signatures, calling upon the earth beneath him to track down the specific cat. The earth’s scan was initiated and within a second he found the cat. He used earth to coax the cat into the alleyway, guiding it along before it hopped over a nearby wall. “That your cat?” he mused before stepping out. 

[kaihartx]

jxnxstvrsmvr​:

[ @kaihartx ]

Of course Jono wanted to step back into his position as a professor for the school. While he didn’t agree with the whole ‘child army’ thing that Xavier had going on, and he and Summers liked to knock horns every now and then for old time’s sake, Jono figured he’d at least do it for the kids. They needed to understand that their mutations weren’t a death sentence and that they could become comfortable with their bodies - with whatever the hell the x-gene decided to do with them. For him, the x-gene destroyed about seventy percent of his body. Just a shell and some eyes, and maybe half a brain on a good day, Jono was dealt a shitty hand. A little ironic that he had to pretend to be okay with it for the young ones.

Class didn’t start yet, and though Jono was finished setting up and having a lesson plan in order - most of the lessons just involved Jono standing at the head of the classroom and talking their ears off. Since a lot it was open discussion, there wasn’t a lot of paperwork or the like. He stood, instead, leaned against the front of his desk with guitar in lap and strummed lazily.

He noted someone pass by once - then twice - and finally, a third time before Jono ushered out a telepathic whistle in the kid’s direction. “You lost or somethin’, kid?”

Being part of the district was just one of the many hurdles he’d have to cross to actually be able to contribute anything to the mutant population. As a whole it was phase one, but as he wandered across the mansion that house the many mutant students and teachers of the district he came upon a stunning realization. He was fucking lost. Kai didn’t want to damage his pride to he tried his best to retrace his steps, but the more he tried the worse it got and even when he didn’t have any sense of direction, his own damn pride would not allow him to ask for help, so he just masked it all.

“I...no of course not, I know this place like the back of my hand,” he chuckled, trying to use laughter to hide the fact that it was the truth. He sighed. “Was it that obvious that I don’t have a clue as to where I’m going. I was supposed to get the grand tour but...that never happened. Thought I’d be able to figure out the layout myself, but this place is definitely bigger than I originally imagined.”